Five-year data from the Oxford Laser Prostatectomy Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural history of a group of patients who underwent contact laser prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were followed up at 5 years after enrolling in a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial of TURP vs contact laser prostatectomy. RESULTS: Of the initial trial patients, 11.5% had died (seven in the laser and 10 in the TURP arm) and eight (5.4%) were too incapacitated by coexistent medical disease to respond to the questionnaires. Thirty-eight patients were not available for follow-up, despite numerous invitations. Thirteen of the laser patients (18%) and 11 of the TURP patients (14.5%) had undergone re-operation. Two patients from each arm had received alpha-blockers for worsening symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Five years after prostatic surgery, a significant number of patients were dead or disabled by coexistent medical disease. The re-operation rate after TURP and contact laser prostatectomy were similar

Characterization of the Aspergillus nidulans nmrA Gene Involved in Nitrogen Metabolite Repression

The gene nmrA of Aspergillus nidulans has been isolated and found to be a homolog of the Neurospora crassa gene nmr-1, involved in nitrogen metabolite repression. Deletion of nmrA results in partial derepression of activities subject to nitrogen repression similar to phenotypes observed for certain mutations in the positively acting areA gene

Update On Minimally Invasive Management of Ureteral Strictures

Purpose: To review the role of minimally invasive management in ureteral stricture disease. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed on the MEDLINE database through 2002 concerning endoscopic treatment of patients with ureteral strictures. Results: Many endourologic methods are available for ureteral strictures. Ureteral dilation may be accomplished in most cases, with various rates of success depending on stricture etiology, location, and length. Endoureterotomy also leads to long-term patency in properly selected cases and appears to be superior to dilation alone. Conclusions: Significant advances in technique and technology have improved our ability to treat ureteral strictures without the need for open surgery in most patients.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/63306/1/089277903769013586.pd