Association of coffee and caffeine intake with the risk of Parkinson disease

CONTEXT

The projected expansion in the next several decades of the elderly population at highest risk for Parkinson disease (PD) makes identification of factors that promote or prevent the disease an important goal.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of coffee and dietary caffeine intake with risk of PD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data were analyzed from 30 years of follow-up of 8004 Japanese-American men (aged 45-68 years) enrolled in the prospective longitudinal Honolulu Heart Program between 1965 and 1968.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Incident PD, by amount of coffee intake (measured at study enrollment and 6-year follow-up) and by total dietary caffeine intake (measured at enrollment).

RESULTS

During follow-up, 102 men were identified as having PD. Age-adjusted incidence of PD declined consistently with increased amounts of coffee intake, from 10.4 per 10,000 person-years in men who drank no coffee to 1.9 per 10,000 person-years in men who drank at least 28 oz/d (P<.001 for trend). Similar relationships were observed with total caffeine intake (P<.001 for trend) and caffeine from non-coffee sources (P=.03 for trend). Consumption of increasing amounts of coffee was also associated with lower risk of PD in men who were never, past, and current smokers at baseline (P=.049, P=.22, and P=.02, respectively, for trend). Other nutrients in coffee, including niacin, were unrelated to PD incidence. The relationship between caffeine and PD was unaltered by intake of milk and sugar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that higher coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of PD. This effect appears to be independent of smoking. The data suggest that the mechanism is related to caffeine intake and not to other nutrients contained in coffee. JAMA. 2000;283:2674-2679.

Role of PSA testing in multiphasic health screening

BACKGROUND

Although mass screening for prostate cancer does not meet the criteria for an effective screening programme, multiphasic screening which includes PSA testing is still being carried out.

AIM

We decided to study and evaluate the usefulness of PSA testing in multiphasic health screening and at the same time establish age-specific ranges of normal PSA values in our local population.

RESULTS

Six hundred and ninety five male patients who had their PSA levels tested during a multiphasic health screening from October 1992 to August 1995 were evaluated. Abnormal PSA levels were repeated and subjected to a DRE and TRUS biopsy if they were persistently high using age-specific PSA ranges. Our results showed 14 (4.1%) out of 695 patients who had an abnormal PSA of > 4 ng/mL. compared to 19 who had abnormal PSA levels using the age-specific PSA ranges. Of the patients who were < 40 yrs of age, no further investigations were done. Amongst those 80 years and older, none had abnormal age-specific PSA rates. No prostate cancers were picked up amongst all the patients investigated. Median age specific PSA values at the 95th percentile was calculated for each age group. A rise in the median PSA values with age was also noted.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that in patients less than 40 years of age, PSA should not be carried out as the probability of prostate cancer is almost zero. Similarly, in patients who are 80 years and above and asymptomatic, such screening may not be indicated given the limited options available. Age-specific rates are a better way to reduce the negative biopsy rates in the age-groups that are amenable to curative treatment. With a local set of age-specific PSA ranges, we hope to increase the positive predictive value of PSA for prostate cancers in our local population until more specific and equally sensitive tests are made available.

Microchip implants on the anterior sacral roots in patients with spinal trauma: does it improve bowel function?

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effect of anterior sacral roots stimulator implants on bowel function of patients with spinal cord trauma.

METHOD

Eight patients with spinal cord injury and constipation had anterior sacral roots stimulator implants inserted for concomitant bladder dysfunction. Questionnaires on bowel function and anorectal manometry tests were given before and after insertion of the implants.

RESULTS

Six patients achieved improvement in bowel function. Four of these patients could defecate spontaneously following stimulation. Two patients had no improvement in bowel function. Anorectal manometry studies showed a negative rectoanal pressure difference at the time of stimulation. All patients were unable to defecate during stimulation. Positive rectoanal pressure difference was recorded in the six patients who had improved bowel function. This may be attributable to the slower relaxation of the smooth rectal muscle compared with the easily fatigable striated external anal sphincter.

CONCLUSION

Anterior sacral roots stimulator implants can improve bowel function in patients with spinal cord trauma.

Extramammary Paget's disease: a report of three cases and review of the literature

Extramammary Paget's disease (FMPD) is a rare skin disease with a tendency to recur even in the face of adequate excision. It was first suggested by Weiner in 1937 to be a carcinoma of the apocrine sweat gland with intraepithelial excision. Thus, most cases of EMPD occur in the perianal, perigenital and axilla regions where sweat glands abound, with scrotal EMPD being the commonest. EMPD can occur in both benign or malignant form and is often confused with chronic dermatitis. Diagnosis can only be confirmed by an excision biopsy. The long-term survival in patients without an underlying carcinoma is good. However, EMPD associated with an underlying adnexal carcinoma tends to be more aggressive and the prognosis is poor in such cases. EMPD is also associated with other malignancies such as prostatic, rectal, cervical, breast, bladder and skin carcinomas. Incidences of up to 40% have been reported. Thus, patients with EMPD should be thoroughly screened for associated primary growths. The treatment of EMPD is essentially by surgical excision with clear margins. The options available for a clear margin include intraoperative frozen section,Moh's surgery and paraffin section with delayed re-excision. In this report, we present three cases of EMPD with markedly different outcomes and a review of the literature.

Haemospermia due to urethral haemangiomas--a report of two cases

Haemospermia is an extremely alarming symptom and patients with this condition often seek medical advice early. Classically, haemospermia can be divided into 2 types: those associated with genitourinary tract infection and those not associated with infection. In the latter group however, the cause is not often found and hence, it is considered as idiopathic. In this paper, we present 2 cases of haemospermia in which haemangiomas were found on urethrocystoscopy. These lesions were located at or just distal to the verumontanum and were easily diathermised with good results.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in the treatment of superficial bladder cancer

We evaluated the efficacy of immune and scarification Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in the treatment of carcinoma in situ and prophylaxis against recurrence in patients with superficial transitional carcinoma of the bladder. A single-blind, randomised, comparative trial involving 43 patients with a median follow-up of 39 months was analysed. The end points were progression to muscle invasive disease or recurrence. The overall response rate was 93% after one to two courses. There was no difference between the two preparations and no statistically significant difference between the response or progression rates of the carcinoma in-situ or prophylactic groups. However, the response to BCG was found to be a significant prognostic indicator in a multivariate analysis.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy monotherapy for selected staghorn stones

OBJECTIVE

To define a subgroup of staghorn stones that is amenable to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) monotherapy and review the need for prophylactic ureteric stents.

METHODS

Fifty-eight renal units with staghorn calculi in 56 patients (30 males and 26 females) were treated by ESWL monotherapy on the EDAP LT-01 lithotripter. The stones were grouped as complete staghorn (11, 19%), partial staghorn (34, 59%) and borderline staghorn (13, 22%). Results of treatment were analysed in relation to subgroup and calyceal dilatation. Post-treatment complications were studied and the influence of prophylactic ureteric stents examined.

RESULTS

The average number of ESWL sessions was 3.1 (range: 1 to 8). The mean follow-up period was 13 months. Stone-free rate at 10 months was 52%. When clinically insignificant residual fragments less than 4mm were included, the overall clearance rate was 75%. Favourable factors influencing treatment outcome included smaller stone burden, peripheral distribution of stone mass and absence of pelvicalyceal dilatation. The overall complication rate was 39% with urosepsis being the commonest. Complications were related to stone burden. More than half of the renal units with complete staghorn stones developed one or more complications. Auxiliary procedures were required in 18% of the renal units. Twenty of 39 renal units with a stone burden (sum of length and width) greater than 50mm had pretreatment ureteric stenting using the double-J (DJ) siliastic stent. A urosepsis rate of 50% was noted in those with ureteric stents compared to 26% in those not stented. The stents did not offer any advantage in preventing post-treatment obstruction by fragments. Six of 7 renal units with post-treatment obstruction had in-situ stents.

CONCLUSIONS

ESWL monotherapy is suitable for selected staghorn stones. Prophylactic ureteric stents do not offer any advantage and may predispose to urosepsis.

Re-evaluation of indications for percutaneous nephrostomy and interventional uroradiological procedures in pelvic malignancy

Twenty-two patients with advanced cancer involving the pelvis were treated by percutaneous uroradiological techniques. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed for renal failure or urosepsis or before chemotherapy. In 8 patients, ureteric stents were also placed by the antegrade route, across malignant ureteric strictures, following nephrostomy. In another 8 patients, the ureteric obstruction could not be crossed and permanent nephrostomies were required. Fifteen patients were able to achieve a useful life but in the other 7 patients there was no improvement in their quality of life and they all died 1 month after intervention. Percutaneous nephrostomy also contributed to the death of 1 patient. Not all obstructed kidneys require drainage and in patients with disseminated or advanced disease involving the pelvis, the indications for intervention need to be individually assessed. An improvement in laboratory criteria of renal function following intervention does not necessarily result in improvement in quality of life. This retrospective study highlights the difficulty in selection of patients with advanced disease for intervention and previously suggested guidelines for intervention are reviewed.

Does Transurethral Laser Ureterolithotripsy Justify its Cost?

A prospective consecutive series of 64 patients who underwent transurethral laser ureterolithotripsy using a 7.2F semirigid ureteroscope was compared to the immediately preceding consecutive series of 98 patients who had undergone ultrasound lithotripsy using rigid 9.5F or 12.5F ureteroscopes. The distribution of the calculi by size and composition in both series was similar. There was a higher proportion of upper ureteral calculi in the laser lithotripsy series. The success rate for a first attempt at laser lithotripsy was 92.2% versus 71.4% for the ultrasound series (p less than 0.01). When the stone could be reached ultrasound and laser lithotripsy had a fragmentation rate of 97%. The principal reason for the difference in results was the poorer ability to reach calculi when using the larger rigid ureteroscopes. One patient who had failed ultrasound lithotripsy was successfully treated with laser lithotripsy a year later. The overall morbidity was less for laser lithotripsy. The 3-year cost-benefit analysis revealed a smaller difference in cost than expected and the 5-year analysis was advantageous for laser lithotripsy because of its higher success rate. Savings were also realized in the laser series because of the higher proportion of subjects treated as outpatients, and a lower mean duration of hospitalization and time missed from work. For our center with an annual work load of approximately 100 cases laser lithotripsy achieved a superior cost-benefit ratio.

Intravesical chemotherapy for superficial carcinoma of the bladder

Intravesical chemotherapy has been shown to be of value in the treatment of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, not only in the prevention of recurrence but possibly progression of the disease to higher stage as well. At the Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore from 1980 to 1986 we had used intravesical chemotherapy for multiple or recurrent superficial carcinoma of bladder in 45 patients. Of these, 21 patients had associated carcinoma in situ. Initially, thiotepa was used as the main intravesical chemotherapeutic agent. Since 1984, mitomycin C was introduced. The schedule used is 30 mg in 30 mg of water, and left in the bladder for 2 hours weekly for 4 weeks. Intermittent courses were given when deemed necessary on follow-up cystoscopy at 3 to 6 months. Patients were deemed to have good response if there was no evidence of tumour on cytology and biopsy at follow-up cystoscopy. Eleven patients had thiotepa only, of these 4 had good response, 4 were stable and 3 had progression of disease to higher stage. Thirty-four patients had mitomycin therapy. Thirteen of them following thiotepa treatment. Twenty-one patients (64%) had good response to therapy. Three patients (9%) had progression of disease, requiring cystectomy. Of those who responded to therapy, none had developed muscle invasive disease so far with mean follow-up of 43 months. Of the group of patients treated with mitomycin, no patient developed myelosuppression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stones in horseshoe kidneys: results of treatment by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endourology

We report the results of 7 patients with calculi in a horseshoe kidney treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL, 9 renal units) and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (3 renal units) during a 3-year period. In the ESWL only group complete stone clearance was achieved in only 3 patients (50%) after an average of 3 sessions of therapy. On the other hand, complete stone clearance was achieved by percutaneous nephrolithotripsy with minimal complications. The poorer results with ESWL were due to difficulty in ultrasonographic localization of stones as well as poor drainage in these abnormal kidneys. Our experience with the Edap LT01 and the Sonolith 2000 lithotriptors suggests that while reasonable results are possible, treatment probably will require multiple sessions and the eventual outcome is less predictable than in normal kidneys. In contrast, the treatment of complicated stones in a horseshoe kidney presents no additional difficulty.

Use of the optical urethrotome knife in the treatment of a benign low rectal anastomotic stricture

Several methods of treatment for benign anastomotic strictures following anterior resection have been described. Surgical intervention in terms of re-exploration and excision of the stricture or the formation of a permanent colostomy will be accompanied by substantial morbidity. The dilatation of these strictures without direct vision may not be safe. We describe a simple method of treating benign rectal anastomotic stricture using an optical urethrotome knife under direct vision. This technique affords an accurate incision of the stricture to increase the size of the lumen, thereby relieving obstruction.

Comparative studies of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy by Dornier HM3, EDAP LT 01 and Sonolith 2000 devices

During a 2-year period extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was done at our institution in 70 patients with the Dornier HM3, 113 with the EDAP LT 01 and 104 with the Sonolith 2000 lithotriptors. The size and location of stones were comparable in all 3 series, and all treatments were done by the same team of urologists. Complete fragmentation occurred in 79% of the patients treated by the Dornier, 82% treated by the EDAP and 79% treated by the Sonolith devices, with 3-month stone-free rates of 66, 67 and 58%, respectively. Auxiliary procedures were needed in 12% of the patients in the Dornier, 13% in the EDAP and 9% in the Sonolith groups. Repeat treatment was necessary in 4% of the Dornier group, 42% of the EDAP group and 26% of the Sonolith group. Therefore, all 3 lithotriptors are effective in stone disintegration and produce satisfactory results when selection criteria for ESWL are observed. The most significant difference among the 3 lithotriptors is the number of repeat treatments, which reflects the power and energy output of the lithotriptors. In conclusion, the Dornier HM3 device has the advantage of low repeat treatment rate and easier stone localization. The EDAP LT 01 unit has the advantage of lower treatment costs and anesthesia-free treatment with no irradiation. The Sonolith 2000 device has features of the other 2 lithotriptors with a superior ultrasound image.

Bladder endometriosis: three case reports and a review

Endometriotic involvement of the bladder, although uncommon, is being reported in the literature with increasing frequency. Three cases are presented which will serve to highlight the main features of the disease and its management.

In situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for upper ureteral stones using the EDAP LT-01 lithotriptor

We reviewed 64 cases of upper ureteral stones treated between December 1986 and June 1988. Upper ureteral stones were defined as stones in the ureter distal to the ureteropelvic junction and proximal to the S1 vertebra. All stones were treated in situ with no invasive procedures done before treatment. The over-all success rate in rendering patients free of stones by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy monotherapy was 75%. Of the patients 25% required auxiliary procedures, such as percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy. The average duration of treatment for each stone was 88 minutes and the average storage energy used was 208 units.

Piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy by EDAP LT-01: the Singapore experience

One hundred and eighty patients with stones in the calyces, renal pelvis, upper, middle, and lower ureter were treated by piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy using the EDAP LT-01 lithotripter. The size of the stones treated ranged from 0.5 cm to 6.5 cm with the vast majority (94%) measuring less than 3.0 cm. Forty-eight patients (27%) had multiple stones in the renal collecting system. Successful fragmentation occurred in 79%, partial fragmentation in an additional 17%, and no fragmentation in 4%. Forty percent of patients required repeated treatment with an average of 2.3 sessions. Of those patients treated, none required general anesthesia, however, analgesia was needed in 121 patients (67%). Urosepsis occurred in 4% and 0.5% developed intrarenal hematoma. There was no mortality or loss of renal units in this series. The auxiliary procedure rate was 15% (percutaneous nephrolithotripsy 5%, ureteroscopic manipulation 9%, and open surgery 1%). The 3-month stone-free rate was 64%.

Percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy--its role in the management of renal and upper ureteric stones

Percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy (PUL), a new technique used in the treatment of renal stones has been shown to be safe and effective with low morbidity. 54 of the 57 patients (95%) were successfully treated by this method and all were done as a single stage procedure. 39 patients (68%) in this series were either unsuitable or had failed extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). No mortality occurred in this series and one patient with staghorn stone required a nephrectomy due to severe secondary haemorrhage. Though PUL is technically more difficult to perform, it is a better alternative than open renal surgery and is complementary to ESWL especially in the treatment of the more complicated renal stones.

Antegrade ureteroscopy and ultrasonic lithotripsy in the treatment of difficult upper and middle ureteric stones

34 patients with difficult upper and middle ureteric stones were treated by antegrade ureteroscopy with ultrasonic lithotripsy over a 2-year period. 14 patients (41 percent) had failed extracorporeal wave lithotripsy and another 20 patients (59 percent) were considered unsuitable for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy due either to obstruction associated with urosepsis or renal failure. Thirty patients (88 percent) had large stones with a transverse diameter from 10 to 20mm in size. Thirty-three of the 34 patients (97 percent) were successfully treated by this method with minimal morbidity. Of the 7 patients with residual stones, only one needed transurethral ureteroscopic removal and another by piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. This technique is a safe and effective method in removing impacted upper and middle ureteric stones for patients who have failed or are unsuitable for extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment.

Carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder--the Singapore experience

Carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder has been described since 1952. However, it was not well recognised as a clinical entity until recently when we are more aware of its clinical significance, that a large proportion progresses to muscle invasive cancer and becomes life threatening, and therefore more aggressive management is needed. From 1980 to 1984 over a period of 5 years, we studied the records of 130 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Eighty-two (63%) were staged as superficial carcinoma while 48 (37%) were diagnosed as muscle invasive cancer (Tables II, III & IV). Out of the 82 cases of superficial carcinoma, 12 (11%) were found to have associated carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion, urinary cytology and biopsies of not only the obvious papillary or solid tumours but also any abnormal bladder mucosa and random bladder biopsy. Management is a problem and controversial. We have been using intensive intravesical chemotherapy with thiotepa and mitomycin, and if there is evidence of deep muscle invasion, then more aggressive therapy such as cystectomy would be advised. Management of these 12 cases and the problems we encountered are discussed.

Transurethral ultrasonic lithotripsy for ureteric stones under direct vision

With the development of the operating uretero-renoscope, and high frequency ultrasound generator, ureteric stones which otherwise would require open operative procedure can now be removed transurethrally with minimum morbidity and rapid recovery of patient. After preliminary cystoscopy, the ureteric orifice is dilated with flexible metal dilator or ureteric balloon dilator to size 15F. The rigid operating uretero-renoscope of 11F is then introduced and passed up to the stone. A 5F ultrasound probe is then passed through the uretero-renoscope to make contact with the stone. Stone disintegration with ultrasound is done under direct vision, and the fragments aspirated or removed with the help of forceps or Dormia basket. Of the first 70 patients done within 2 years from July 1984 to August 1986, 66 (94%) had their stones successfully removed by this procedure. It can be performed without radiological control and routine stenting of the ureter is not necessary. Serious complications included two perforation of the ureter and late development of ureteric strictures in another two patients. One patient had occlusion of the lower ureter requiring reimplantation.

Genito-urinary tuberculosis--a local experience on its diagnosis and management

Though the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis has been on the decline, the incidence of genito-urinary tuberculosis has not decreased proportionately as the majority of patients have no associated pulmonary tuberculosis. Genito-urinary tuberculosis affects male and female equally and is commonest in the 4th decade of life. The most frequent presentation is that of persistent urinary tract infection in 2/3 of patients and gross haematuria in about 1/3 of our patients. A few may be relatively asymptomatic with loin ache. Though urine culture for acid-fast bacilli is important, diagnosis in most patients was established on histopathology and typical radiological features. The main stay of treatment is medical. The role of surgery is mainly reconstructive, to overcome strictures causing obstruction so as to preserve renal function. Close cooperation between physician and surgeon is important in the management of this disease.

Endoscopic surgery of the lower urinary tract

Endoscopic Surgery of the lower urinary tract was popularised in Singapore about a decade ago. Since then it has been established as the treatment of choice not only for obstructing prostates, but also for stones, carcinoma of the urinary bladder and management of neurogenic bladder, haemorrhagic chronic radiation cystitis, ureteric obstruction and urethral strictures. The main advantages of endoscopic surgery are lack of post-operative pain and minimum morbidity and mortality. Patients' recovery is rapid thus saving much needed hospital beds. However, endoscopic surgery requires special training and special equipment to get good results. If not properly done serious complications including the death of patients can occur. A plea is made for the setting up of a special division or department of Urology in Singapore to carry out this work and to train our young surgeons in this field.

Chemolysis of uric acid stones

This paper illustrates one of the more satisfying aspects of the treatment of urinary calculous disease. A small series of 8 patients is presented to emphasize the possibility of dissolving uric acid stones by conservative measures thereby saving the patients extensive and often destructive surgical procedures. Patient selection is important for successful therapy. The stone must not be calcified and there must be sufficient function in the kidney. The regime consists of allopurinol 100 mg and sodium bicarbonate 2 to 4 grams given orally three times a day. Treatment period lasted up to six months, with dissolution of stones.

Stone composition and metabolic study in urinary calculous disease

A series of 178 urinary stones is analysed qualitatively during a three year period from 1980 to 1982. The majority (96%) of stones orginate from the upper tract. Calcium oxalate stones are the commonest entity seen in the western countries but less than 20% of such stones occur locally. A large proportion consists of mixed stones and one third are infective as triple phosphate is present. 20% contain urate as a constituent whereas relatively pure urate stones constitute 4%. The true incidence of pure urate stones is higher (about 10%) as we have been dissolving them with alkalinisation of urine without surgery. Idiopathic hypercalciura occurs in 11.8% and none has persistent hypercalcaemia. Hyperuricosuria which is commoner, occurs in 24% of patients. It is important to identify this group as it results in the formation of metabolically active stones, and they can be treated with allopurinol to prevent recurrence of stones.

Haemorrhagic chronic radiation cystitis--following treatment of pelvic malignancies

Haemorrhagic chronic radiation cystitis is not an uncommon clinical entity, and should be suspected in patients with painless gross haematuria who have a past history of radiotherapy to the pelvic region. A series of 29 patients with haemorrhagic chronic radiation cystitis were managed in the University Department of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital over a 5 years period from 1979 to 1983. Cystodiathermy was the mainstay of treatment and was successful in controlling haematuria in 27 patients. Two patients developed uncontrolled haematuria, urinary tract infection, septicaemia and died giving mortality of 6.9%. Excellent control of haemorrhage can be obtained with cystodiathermy in the majority of patients. Intravesical instillation of steroid or silver nitrate is used for the more intractable cases, after cystodiathermy. Urinary diversion with or without cystectomy are desperate measures to salvage the severe case and mortality is high.

Transurethral resection of large obstructing prostates above the weight of 40 grams

A series of 62 cases of transurethral resection of large obstructing prostates above 40 grams is presented. The weight of resected prostates ranged from 41 to 84 grams with an average of 54.5 grams. The average rate of resection was 0.7 gm/min. Though 74.2% of patients were in clinical grade II and III categories, no mortality occurred and serious complications were minimum. 71% of patients were discharged within a week. On the whole, the results were satisfactory although clot retention (11.3%) was a more common complication following transurethral resection of large prostate. Transurethral resection is a safe and acceptable alternative to open prostatectomy even for large prostates.

Optical urethrotomy for urethral strictures--a preliminary report

24 patients with urethral strictures which were managed with the optical urethrotome are studied. These patients had developed strictures due to previous transurethral reaction of the prostate, and trauma or inflammation of the urethra. In some cases we have not been able to determine the aetiology of the problem. 58% of the patients responded satisfactorily to this mode of therapy. Although a high percentage develop recurrent stenosis, these can be treated by repeated urethrotomy under vision without much morbidity. Resistant cases would need urethroplasty.

Renal cell carcinoma - a local experience

A review of 23 cases of renal cell carcinoma was undertaken. The sex distribution was 3.6 males to 1 female, the male preponderance being higher than in most reported series. The tumour was most common in the 6th and 7th decades of life. Haematuria was the commonest presenting symptom (52.2%); however, all the features of the classical triad of haematuria, loin pain and swelling were not present in any of our patients; 26% of patients presented with non-urological symptoms. At the time of diagnosis, four patients (17.3%) had evidence of metastasis. Another four developed secondaries after nephrectomy. Our approach to renal cell carcinoma has been aggressive and all 23 patients including those with metastasis were treated by nephrectomy.

Neurilemmoma of the vagus nerve

A case of neurilemmoma of the cervical portion of the vagus nerve is reported to illustrate its common presentation as a lateral neck swelling often mistaken for more common neck lesions. Recognition of its vagal origin, followed by careful meticulous surgery is imperative for preservation of ipsilateral vocal cord mobility.