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We report a case of eosinophilic cystitis (EC) in a 65-year-old man with urethral stricture disease from blunt pelvic traumatic event. EC is a rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the bladder wall, that usually presents with irritative voiding symptoms, suprapubic pain and hematuria. Etiology is still not clear although a review of the literature suggests that pathogenetic mechanisms probably engage an altered immune response in the bladder, with the inflammatory reaction caused by factors such as exogenous allergens and previous bladder injury or surgery to the bladder or the prostate. The diagnosis of EC has to be confirmed by biopsy, since in some cases it may manifest as other inflammatory and malignant bladder disorders. A conservative medical management is indicated initially, since this disease may be self-limited, with a benign course especially in children and young patients. In adults EC is more often a chronic recurrent condition that requires close follow-up since it may lead to serious progressive bladder and/or upper urinary tract disease. More invasive therapies (including transurethral resection, partial or total cystectomy) may also be required when conservative therapy fails.

The Authors report on a case of blind-ending ureter. A young woman (29 years old) underwent surgery because of recurrent urinary tract infections and left loin pain. The operation consisted in a radical resection of the blind branch together with Coen's operation for the coexistence of vesicoureteral reflux. Authors' goal was to review the international Literature on this rare pathology pointing out their opinion on the existing terminology which is still far from being clear and definite.

Historically, carcinoids have long been known as a morphologically distinct class of rare intestinal tumors which behave less aggressively than the more common intestinal adenocarcinomas. In recent decades refined methods in pathology improved our knowledge on the diffuse neuroendocrine system, leading to some confusion in classification and nomenclature of carcinoids. The World Health Organization (WHO) classification of endocrine tumors has cleared the definition of carcinoids. The Authors report on 7 cases of midgut carcinoid tumors and 1 case of carcinoid syndrome focusing on the newer approaches to the diagnosis, localization, and role of surgery and peptide therapy.

According to the possibility of an early diagnosis, related to diagnostic imaging and predictive indexes such as DNA and vascular permeability, in the presence of a low grade-low stage tumor, and with the support of the Literature, the Authors hypothesize an increasing applicability of conservative surgery in the management of small renal carcinomas.

The Authors report their experience of out-patient phlebectomy. Over a period of 5 years they have examined 186 patients (156 females, 30 males): 166 had micro- and extra-saphenic varicosities, while 20 had recurrent varices. Patients with ostium failure were excluded. Muller's out-patient phlebectomy implies an accurate mapping of varicosities, local anaesthesia, microincisions which are only exceptionally sutured. The Authors consider that an accurate elastic pressure bandage is indispensable and useful in order to improve the dynamics of the PVC and to avoid haemorrhages. Such a surgical technique bears aesthetic, economic and haemodynamic advantages.

The Authors have examined, over a period of two years, 110 patients presenting with varicocele and infertility. Varicocele has an incidence of 40% in male sterility, causing oligozoospermia and asthenospermia. Patients first underwent non-invasive tests such as Doppler and echo-Doppler tests. According to the Authors experience, Doppler speedometry is decisive for the diagnosis of both idiopathic and subclinical varicocele, for the post-operative control of microsurgical anastomosis, and for the intra-operative detection of accessory spermatic veins. The surgical technique used by the Authors is the modified Palomo technique, but other techniques are investigated as well. Post-operative results, concerning both spermiogram and relapses are also evaluated.

A case of renal infarction presenting with acute abdomen is reported. Due to the extended renal damage nephrectomy was performed. Macroscopic appearance of the kidney (prevalent cortical vascular infarction) and of the surrounding tissues (retroperitoneal edema and abdominal ascites) suggested a comparison with epidemic haemorrhagic fever. Vascular supply to the kidney, in such cases, depends on the perforating arteries which may increase in number and size.

The Authors retrospectively analyzed 733 hepatic U.S. involving non symptomatic urologic patients. The study detected 23 renal cysts, 3 lithiasis (with associated hydronephrosis in two) and 3 kidney neoplasms. It is concluded that U.S. represents a reliable and useful screening method for renal carcinoma, therefore it should be routinely adopted.

A case of lithiasis due to indwelling double J ureteral stent is described. Pathogenesis and possibilities of prevention are discussed.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is one of the latest and more promising modality of cancer treatment within the multidisciplinary approach to neoplasms. This paper illustrates the biological rationale as well as preliminary evaluation of its effectiveness for bladder carcinoma.

The authors report their experience with 453 cases of thyroid nodules observed over a period of 5 years. The intention was to determine the incidence of malignant lesions. A female prevalence of the nodular pathology was clearly evident (7.2%), with a maximum incidence between the 3rd and 6th decade. Among malignant tumors (14.2%) the following histologic types were most frequently found: papillary adenocarcinoma (5.7%), follicular adenocarcinoma (2.7%), occult cancer (2.7%), anaplastic cancer (2.3%). Up to the 4th decade female prevalence was clearly evident (Max in the 3rd decade; F/M ratio = 6.5); then an increased male incidence was registered bringing to a reduction of the F/M ratio (1.5 in the 5th and 6th decade) and to its inversion in the 7th decade (M/F = 1.25).

The authors suggest to treat the stenosis of the posterior urethra with a technique able to prevent relapses as much as possible. For this reason they recommend the improved technique of Sachse as the more suitable, avoiding, though, irritative stimuli (resections and indwelling catheters).

A case of benign prostatic hyperplasia with lateral lobes large involvement is reported. On the basis of their own experience and a review of the literature the role of hormonal synergism in the development of the condition is outlined.

The Authors evaluate cystourethrography with and without chain as a method to study urethral diseases. Indications and complications are considered positively, because they allow an easy and safe control of the cases operated.