This study provides a unique genome-wide molecular signature of CD133+ and CD133- human prostate epithelial cells. This will provide a valuable resource for prostate stem cell biology research and the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 74 adult patients with a diagnosis of ARM confirmed by review of paediatric medical records completed a series of validated questionnaires on urinary and bowel function, body esteem, sexual well being, fertility and overall quality of life. RESULTSThere were high levels of urinary and bowel incontinence for both men and women. A high ARM was associated with a greater degree of incontinence. Both men and women scored more poorly than controls on the body esteem, sexual well-being and quality-of-life assessments. Urinary and bowel incontinence was associated with poorer sexual well-being. CONCLUSIONSBowel and urinary outcomes in adults appear to be worse than suggested in paediatric reports, with high levels of both urinary and fecal incontinence. Poorer outcomes appeared to affect sexual wellbeing adversely. To date, attention to issues during transition from childhood to adulthood, particularly concerns about sexual function and well-being, has been conspicuous by its absence. Patient-focused multidisciplinary care during this transition must address these issues, which are central to an acceptable quality of life.

Vaginal dilation treatment should be the first choice of treatment. If unsuccessful, laparoscopic techniques offer good outcomes and quick recovery. Additional research into the long-term outcomes of sexual satisfaction, orgasm and patient body image is essential, however, to allow a comparison of newer and traditional procedures.

In all, 15 patients fulfilled the criteria (mean age 22.2 years, range 17-36) and the mean follow-up was 4.75 (0.75-7) years. RESULTSFourteen patients had complex congenital anomalies of the lower genital tract and 11 of these had associated anomalies of the urinary and gastrointestinal system; four were XY females. The 15 patients had had 31 vaginal procedures, including ileal vaginoplasty, mobilization of perineal skin flaps and splitskin grafting. Three patients required osteotomies to increase pelvic outlet diameter. The commonest complications were stenosis (six patients) and fistula formation (four). Eight patients are now sexually active; the remaining seven have not attempted sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONSComplications are common and can be major; most patients require many repeat operations to achieve a patent vagina. Unfortunately at present, this is the only option for this group of young women to achieve a functional vagina. Patients with complex congenital anomalies of the reproductive and genital tracts are increasingly surviving into adulthood, and the numbers of these patients is likely to increase in the future.