Growth factors are a class of proteins, which bind to specific receptors located on the cell surface. This growth factor-receptor combination induces a variety of intra-cellular events, resulting in variable responses such as growth promotion (mitogenic effect), differentiation or growth suppression in susceptible target cells. This review describes the structure of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha and their receptors; their tissue distribution in experimental animals and humans, and their actions observed in various in vitro and in vivo studies. The clinical significance of these growth factors in urological conditions is highlighted. The continued research concerning the mechanisms, at the cellular and molecular levels,involved in various physiological and pathological conditions such as oncogenesis has generated tremendous enthusiasm regarding the possible application of newer methods in the management of urological conditions. One such example is the use of epidermalgrowth factor antagonists such as suramin in the management of hormone-resistant prostate cancer. The potential for clinical use of EGF/TGF-alpha in urological disorders is under evaluation.

400 calculi from 400 patients between the age group of 13-86 years were analysed by polarizing microscopy. Whewellite was found in 302 calculi. Apatite, weddelite land struvite were found in 124, 120 and 51 calculi respectively. Amongst monomineralcalculi, whewellite was the most commonly found component. Whewellite was seen in its compact form in 68 calculi. In 79 calculi, it was found in its microcrystalline form. Amongst mixed calculi, whewellite plus weddelite was found in 52, whewellite plus apatite in 36; while whewellite plus apatite plus struvite was present in 31 calculi. Almost all commonly occurring components of urinary calculi were easily identified by this method of calculus analysis. The nucleus as well as peripheral layers could be studied simultaneously by thin section polarizing microscopy, rendering it an ideal method to study the structure of urinary calculi. Polarizing microscopy is not only accurate and cost effective but also is rapid and easily standardizable, thus makingit one of the most useful methods of urinary calculus analysis. Minute details resolved by other methods like X-ray diffraction, Infrared Spectroscopy etc. are of little clinical value.

We herein report our initial experience of 12 radical prostatectomies for organ confined (OC) disease. Age range was 50-70 years. Preoperative PSA levels were raised in 3. Clinical staging was A2, B1 and B2 in 2, 4 and 6 patients respectively. Operative blood loss ranged from 800-1200 cc with mean post-operative stay of 15 days. Among the complications, 2 patients had urine leak because of spontaneous rupture of Foley balloon and subsequent expulsion of urethral catheter and were managed with reinsertion of catheter endoscopically. Pathological analysis of the specimen showed capsular penetration (positive CP) and involvement of seminal vesicles (positive SV) in 3; 1 of which had positive urethral cut margin (positive UCM) and pelvic nodes (positive LN) in addition. One patient had only positive LN. Remaining 8 patients had disease limited to prostate. All are continent at 3 to 18 months follow up although I required endoscopic bladder neck incision at 3 months post-operatively.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy was used in four cases. The technique is described in detail and its advantages are discussed.

Renal calculi are a well documented, although, uncommon complication in a pelvic kidney. Management of these stones continues to be therapeutic dilemma. Since the successful initial application of the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the management of upper tract calculi, further potential applications have now been explored. We report the successful use of ESWL therapy for the management of calculi in two pelvic kidneys. Surgery or endourological procedures can be technically difficult and potentially hazardous in these patients. The possibility of producing satisfactory results with low morbidity suggests that ESWL may be considered as an attractive alternative for calculi in pelvic kidneys.

Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare bladder lesion, which usually presents with irritative lower urinary tract symptoms, suprapubic pain or haematuria. We report such a case in a middle aged man who presented with life threatening severe haematuria andsynchronous right renal cell carcinoma.

Intensive monitoring and availability of reliable, specific and highly purified factor VIII have made surgery in haemophilia safe. We report successful nephrectomy in a severe haemophiliac with use of highly purified factor VIII without any complication. However, it is very costly.