Despite differences in location and multifocality, pathological and biochemical features of cancer detected on biopsies 1 and 2 were similar, suggesting comparable biological behaviors. Cancer detected on biopsies 3 and 4 had a lower grade, stage and volume compared with that on biopsies 1 and 2. Morbidity on biopsies 1 and 2 was similar, whereas biopsies 3 and 4 had a slightly higher complication rate. Therefore, biopsy 2 in all cases of a negative finding on biopsy 1 appears justified. However, biopsies 3 and 4 should only be obtained in select patients with a high suspicion of cancer and/or poor prognostic factors on biopsy 1 or 2.

BACKGROUND Recent studies show that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors Flt‐1 and KDR, and a series of other angiogenic molecules, are upregulated in advanced but not low stage human neuroblastoma. Neuropilin‐1 and 2 (NRP) are novel specific receptors of VEGF165, whose role is unknown in human neuroblastoma. METHODS Tissue biopsies of 37 children with Stage I‐IV neuroblastoma were obtained, as well as biopsies of 7 normal adrenals as controls. The mRNA expression of VEGF165 and its receptors Flt‐1, KDR, NRP1, and NRP2 was evaluated by real‐time reverse transcripton polymerase chain reaction. NRP protein expression was detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS VEGF165 mRNA was upregulated in Stage III and IV and Flt‐1 and KDR gene expression was increased in Stage III, while NRP1 and 2 mRNA and protein levels were higher in Stages I‐IV vs. controls (P < 0.05). NRP was expressed in vascular endothelial but not tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS These results show for the first time that human neuroblastoma expresses NRP, and that NRP co‐regulates VEGF angiogenic effect in human neuroblastoma. NRP might be a sensitive angiogenic measure of VEGF systems in neuroblastoma, particularly in its early stages. Cancer 2002;94:258–63. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

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Meticulous suturing of all layers (particularly the peritoneum) even in small incisions (2 mm) is recommended to prevent omental protrusion at trocar site in children up to 5 years of age.

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Prostatic bridge catheter placement provides an effective and well tolerated option for preventing prostatic obstruction in the acute period after transurethral microwave therapy. This approach avoids the inconvenience and infection risk of standard indwelling catheters or intermittent self-catheterization. Prostatic bridge catheter insertion and removal are rapid, facile, nontraumatic procedures. Prostatic bridge catheter may potentially be used in an array of minimally invasive procedures involving thermal treatment of the prostate gland.

Prostatic bridge catheter placement provides an effective and well tolerated option for preventing prostatic obstruction in the acute period after transurethral microwave therapy. This approach avoids the inconvenience and infection risk of standard indwelling catheters or intermittent self-catheterization. Prostatic bridge catheter insertion and removal are rapid, facile, nontraumatic procedures. Prostatic bridge catheter may potentially be used in an array of minimally invasive procedures involving thermal treatment of the prostate gland.