Abstract: A method to diagnose, stage and predict prognosis of bladder cancer patients is provided, e.g., using TGF-&bgr;1, IL-6, IL-6sR, uPA, uPAR and IGFBP-3. These markers, and potentially others, in combination with standard clinical and pathologic features, may be used to create a nomogram that would be useful for managing bladder cancer patients.

Abstract: The instrument for skin surgery of the present invention comprises forceps having a pair of oppositely positioned legs. One of the legs has a hook positioned adjacent its distal end and the other of the legs has an opening therein for receiving the hook so that the two legs of the forceps may be brought together into facing engagement. The method of the present invention comprises gripping the skin adjacent the edge of an incision between the two leg members with the hook retentively engaging the subcutaneous tissue inside the wound, and with the distal end of the other leg member engaging the outer surface of the exterior skin layer. The skin is then everted adjacent the incision and a surgical needle is inserted into the subcutaneous tissue until the point of the needle has passed through a portion of the subcutaneous tissue and has exited therefrom.