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A Villers

Publications and source records attributed to A Villers.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and multiple vesical hemangiomas: treatment with Neodymium:YAG laser].

The authors report the case of a patient presenting with bladder haemangiomas in the context of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome treated by Neodymium:YAG laser. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome consists of a combination of hypertrophy of a limb, cutaneous angiomas and varicose veins. Bladder haemangioma is a benign congenital vascular tumour associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome in 3 to 6% of cases, especially affecting children and young adults. Its most frequent clinical manifestation is haematuria. The diagnosis is based on endoscopy. Endoscopic treatment by Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser photocoagulation appears to be a satisfactory treatment option.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Modified extrafascial radical retropubic prostatectomy technique decreases frequency of positive surgical margins in T2 cancers <2 cm(3).

OBJECTIVES: In an effort to decrease the frequency of postoperative positive surgical margins (+SM), a modified extrafascial radical prostatectomy technique was developed and evaluated. METHODS: 402 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens removed for clinical stage T2 cancers from 1987 to 1994 were histologically examined prospectively for tumor volume, extraprostatic extension and +SM. Surgical technique modification was introduced in 1990. We compared the histologic status and biological outcome of the prostatectomy cases in 1987-1989 (n = 166) to those treated from 1990 to 1994 (n = 236). RESULTS: The two series were comparable in (1) clinical stage and preoperative (PSA, (2) tumor volume, grade and location, and (3) capsular penetration, seminal vesicle and lymph node status. +SM fell from 32 to 25% overall, but for 146 (36%) prostates with a tumor volume <2 cm(3), +SM fell from 21 to 6% which was statistically significant. Outcome measured by biological progression showed a decrease from 33% for +SM to 13% for -SM for cases with a tumor volume <2 cm(3). For cancer volumes >2 cm(3), the incidence of +SM did not vary significantly. We describe the anatomic details necessary for exposure of periprostatic fascias and extrafascial dissection at (1) the prostatourethral junction which ensures wide excision of the anterior and apical aspect of the prostate, (2) the posterior and apical area (development of the prerectal space), lateral and posterior areas at the base of the prostate which ensures wide excision of the rectoprostatic fascia (Denonvilliers's fascia) and lateral prostatic fascia. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in surgical technique probably accounted for the significant decrease in +SM for those T2 cancers with volumes < or =2 cm(3) which represents 36% of the T2 cancers in our series. Recent screening with PSA (T1c cancers) increases the incidence of these cancers < or =2cm(3). This modified uni- or bilateral anatomic extrafascial prostatectomy with improved +SM and biological progression rates for T2 cases should be evaluated for T1c cases.

Fascia↗
PubMed2000

Role of preoperative positive apical biopsies in the prediction of specimen-confined prostate cancer after radical retropubic prostatectomy: a multi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVES: A multi-institutional study of 280 radical prostatectomy specimens obtained from three independent academic hospitals was undertaken to validate a nomogram developed for the prediction of specimenconfined protstate cancer after prostatectomy. METHODS: Three preoperative factors - the Gleason score, prostatespecific antigen (PSA) and apical location of positive biopsies - that were identified with a previous logistic regression formula were collected. Links between margin status and preoperative criteria were confirmed by univariate methods. Subsequently, the predictive indexes of positive margins were calculated and compared to the actual margin status in terms of predictive characteristics. RESULTS: This control series, independent of the initial series that was used to identify the relevant preoperative factors, confirmed that positive apical biopsies(p<0.001), PSA (p<0.005) and the Gleason score (p<0.005) were strongly linked to the occurrence of positive margins. Different cutoff values for the predictive index were compared in a receiver operating characteristic curve. A value of 0.5, similar to the one described in the original series, gave an adequate compromise between sensitivity and specificity with respective values of 68 and 73% and a test accuracy of 72%. In practical terms, it was possible to predict 85% of negative margins, and to delineate two groups with different rates of positive margins (14.5 vs. 50%). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that PSA, the Gleason score and apical biopsy status are cumulative risk factors for positive margins. Risk of positive margins increases when it is not possible to obtain a wide excision of periprostatic fascia, as at the apex. This study substantiates the independent prognostic value of positive preoperative apical biopsies for predicting positive surgical margins.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Free PSA: its routine use is premature in the screening of prostatic cancer].

The free form of PSA represents an average of 30% of total PSA. The free PSA level, in relation to total PSA, is expressed as a percentage (of free PSA). The percentage of free PSA appears to be relatively independent of benign prostatic hypertrophy, but it is markedly and significantly decreased in the case of prostate cancer and acute prostatitis. A cut-off value for the percentage of free PSA combined with a cut-off value for total PSA can decrease the number of biopsies indicated for the detection of prostate cancer. This approach avoids 20 to 30% of useless biopsies (specificity), but is accompanied by a 5 to 10% reduction of the number of cancers detected (sensitivity of 90 to 95%) compared to the use of total PSA alone. This 5 to 10% risk of missing a cancer of significant volume in a man under the age of 65 years explains why the use of free PSA to guide prostatic biopsies is not routinely recommended. Despite the promising performance of the percentage of free PSA to improve the indication for prostatic biopsies, the methodology of the studies performed to evaluate this test is not sufficient to validate their conclusions. The percentage of free PSA can be prescribed as a second-line test by the urologist, following a first series of negative biopsies in a man with a high clinical and laboratory suspicion of prostatic cancer, in order to propose a second series of biopsies after three months or to define the frequency of clinical and laboratory surveillance. While waiting for the results of prospective studies in the screening setting, recommendations concerning the use of PSA by general practitioners, who are the first to order this test in the context of screening, can be formulated as follows: The value of free PSA assay for first-line cancer screening has not been validated. A consensus has not been reached concerning the use of free PSA as an indication for biopsies and the frequency of assays. Total PSA assay (cut-off value: 4 ng/ml) remains the reference laboratory test for screening and indication of biopsies. A lower normal cut-off value (between 2 and 4 ng/ml) is currently under evaluation.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

[Indication and strategy for further biopsies following the diagnosis of prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia].

Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) lesions are characterized by proliferation of the epithelial cells lining prostatic ducts and acini. Only high grade PIN lesions (grades 2 and 3) should be reported on biopsy histology reports. The authors present a review of the literature. The clinical importance of demonstration of isolated PIN lesions on prostatic biopsies is based on the high risk of associated invasive cancer present in the prostatic gland in 22% to 100% of cases, usually adjacent to the zone presenting PIN lesions. This risk increases as the grade of the PIN lesion increases, when there is a clinical (abnormal digital rectal examination) or laboratory suspicion (elevation PSA > 10 ng/ml), or in elderly patients. Identification of a high grade PIN does not require any immediate treatment decision. PSA assays do not need to be repeated. A new series of biopsies is recommended after three months. The optimal strategy for the choice of the new biopsy sites has not been defined. In the case of a first series of sextant biopsies, a new series of biopsies is recommended, combining biopsies directed towards the site of PIN lesions (3 biopsies in the site of PIN lesions, 2 biopsies adjacent to this site) and systematized biopsies of the same side. In the case of a first series of non-systematized biopsies, a new series of systematized biopsies is recommended.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2000

[Prostatic biopsies: technical modalities and conditions of the test].

UNLABELLED: Histological examination of prostate biopsies is necessary for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The technical modalities and examination conditions of prostate biopsies were evaluated in the light of a review of the literature and the conclusions are presented in the form of standards, options and recommendations. STANDARDS: The standard or modified protocol of 6 sextant biopsies, applied as first-line investigation in all cases of stage T1c or T2 prostate cancer is a standard procedure and remains a reproducible, effective and well tolerated method for diagnosis and staging. Rectal preparation by enema and prophylactic antibiotics before the examination decrease the risk of infectious complications. In its usual modality used for the majority of patients, biopsies are performed as an outpatient procedure, with or without local anaesthesia, with ultrasound guidance via a transrectal approach using an 18 Gauge needle (pink colour code), mounted on an automatic biopsy gun and especially sampling the posterior and lateral zone. The patient must be given written information explaining the risks and management of possible complications following this examination. OPTIONS: Local, regional or general anaesthesia may be necessary in a minority of cases, either in the context of a protocol of extensive systematized biopsies (more than 10 biopsies), or in the case of repeated examination, or when preferred by the patient. Modified extensive protocols (sextant plus posterolateral zones or sextant plus anterior zones) applied to all cases as first-line procedure is a useful option, particularly when: 1) a first series of biopsies was negative 2) PSA is < or = 10 ng/ml and digital rectal examination is normal (sextant plus posterolateral zones) 3) the prostate is larger than 50 cm3 (sextant plus anterior zones). The transperineal approach is less reliable for detection and staging, and is used when the transrectal approach is contraindicated. When curative treatment is not considered (life expectancy < 10 years, patient's choice, stage T3, T4), the number of biopsies can be decreased. Transurethral resection of the prostate is not recommended as first-line procedure for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. RECOMMENDATIONS: Written information given to the patient during the visit prior to biopsy to explain the objectives, practical modalities and risks of prostate biopsies facilitates the patient's cooperation during the examination and increases its tolerance.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1999

Bladder cancer arising in a spina bifida patient.

We report the case of a 52-year-old patient with spina bifida, neurologic bladder, and a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in whom a bladder cancer was incidentally discovered. Cytology, cystoscopy, and cystography showed nonspecific, extensive inflammatory lesions. Cystography demonstrated a complex of diverticulae and cellules. Pathologic examination of a diverticulectomy specimen revealed a grade III pT3b transitional and squamous cell carcinoma. Because of the similar disease causation (recurrent UTIs, stones, and indwelling catheterization), we suggest extension of the guidelines proposed for patients with spinal cord injuries (ie, annual serial bladder biopsies) to patients with nontraumatic neurogenic bladder.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗
PubMed1999

[Recommendations for reforming prostatic specimens. Les Membres du Sous-Comité Prostate du Comité de Cancerologie de l'Association Française d'Urologie].

The purpose of these recommendations proposed by the members of the < >, is to provide an informative report for the clinician and the pathologist, in the management of patients with prostate cancer. These recommendations are common to the ADSAP and UICC recommendations on prostate cancer. Standardized forms are recommended to be included in every report.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1998

[Screening of cancer of the prostate (IV). Economic approach: the costs of screening tests and treatment. Members of the Sub-Committee of the Prostate of CCAFU].

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the unit and global costs of prostatic cancer screening and the resulting treatments, based on a theoretical screening protocol and the epidemiological data available in France. METHODS: The screening protocol consisted of digital rectal examination (DRE) performed by the general practitioner and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) assay, with confirmation of the diagnosis by systematized ultrasound-guided biopsies performed by a specialist. Costs were calculated on the basis of the French National Health rating. Treatment costs were estimated on the basis of real public and private establishment case files. Extrapolations to the general population were based on two estimations of the screening yield. RESULTS: The theoretical cost of screening was estimated to be 501 French Francs (FF) per person screened and 16,700 or 91,000 FF per cancer detected, depending on the detection rate adopted. The mean cost of curative treatment was estimated to be 44,000 FF per cancer. The theoretical global cost of screening and treatment was estimated to be between 4 and more than 10 billion French Francs. CONCLUSION: Unit costs per individual of screening and treatment of prostatic cancer may appear acceptable. The biases of economic calculations related to extrapolations to the general population and uncertainties concerning the public health benefits of organized screening compared to the current situation of individual screening explain the current predominant attitude of non-recommendation of organized screening.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Diagnosis of cancer of the prostate (I): Advancements in knowledge and practice since the consensus conference of 1989. The "Cancer of the Prostate" subcommittee of the Committee of Oncology of the French Association of Urology].

The prostatic cancer screening policy in France is defined by recommendations established at the 1989 consensus conference. Mass or individual screening by serum specific prostatic antigen (PSA) assay is not recommended. The Oncology Committee of the Association Française d'Urologie has up-dated the knowledge concerning prostatic cancer screening since 1989. The results are published in the form of a series of articles referring to the criteria used as prerequisites for cancer screening programmes. This article describes: 1) Current screening and treatment recommendations in France and in other countries. 2) The progress in our understanding of the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of prostatic cancer, justifying revision of the screening policy. 3) The methodology and results of prospective screening studies and the projections of these results on the basis of the French population. Despite the 1989 recommendations, individual screening by serum PSA assay is widely performed both due to the characteristics of the test (simple blood test, low cost, high positive predictive value) and information of the public by the media concerning the morbidity and mortality related to prostatic cancer. The current data of the literature are unable to define the impact of PSA screening on the morbidity and mortality of prostatic cancer. Randomized prospective studies are currently underway. The absence of proof of a favourable impact of PSA screening is only one of the causes of the controversy concerning this screening technique, as another source of controversy is the magnitude of iatrogenic disorders induced by screening. In patients with raised PSA, the diagnostic examinations (biopsy) and curative treatments (surgery or radiotherapy) proposed are invasive, responsible for considerable morbidity and non-negligible mortality. Finally, the cost of screening remains unknown. Future recommendations must adapt their conclusions to changes in the current situation, in which prostatic cancer is simultaneously considered to be a non-serious disease which does not justify screening and a serious disease, as soon as the diagnosis is made, justifying, for 95% of urologists, an invasive and mutilating treatment in men with a life expectancy of more than 10 years.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1997

[Prostate cancer screening (II): is prostate cancer a public health problem? Update of incidence and mortality figures in France from 1982 to 1990].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological situation of prostatic cancer in France on the basis on a large population sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study uses incidence data derived from French cancer registers, and mortality data obtained from death certificates. Crude rates and rates standardized for the world population are calculated. The variation of these rates is analysed by a log-linear model (adjusted for age, department and period). RESULTS: The incidence of prostatic cancer in France in 1990 was 200 to 300/100,000 between the ages of 60 and 70 years and more than 600/100,000 after the age of 70 years. 73% of cases were diagnosed after the age of 70 years. The incidence increased annually by 8.76% between 1982 and 1990. An estimated 22,600 cases were diagnosed in France in 1990. The increased incidence of localized or local stages is due to the use of diagnostic tests (PSA and ultrasound-guided biopsies), as this increase accelerated after 1987. The crude mortality rate was 33.4/100,000 (384/100,000 between the ages of 75 and 85 years). It increased by 2.56% per annum from 1982 to 1990, but essentially for men over the age of 75 years. CONCLUSION: These findings tend to make prostatic cancer a public health priority, but this affirmation must be moderated by the fact that this disease has a low impact on loss of life expectancy.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1997

[Prostate cancer screening (III): risk factors, natural history, course without treatment. Characteristics of detected cancers].

The Oncology Committee of the Association Française d'Urologie has up-dated the knowledge concerning prostatic cancer screening since the 1989 Consensus Conference. The results are published in the form of a series of articles referring to the criteria used as prerequisites for cancer screening programmes. This article reports the data of the literature concerning risk factors, natural history, course without treatment and histological characteristics of the cancer detected. 1) Certain populations have an increased risk due to genetic factors. A family history (first degree relative) is associated with a 2- to 3-fold higher risk of prostatic cancer. This familial aggregation can be used to define a high-risk group constituting a primary target for screening. 2) The natural history of the disease, especially the progression from the asymptomatic stage to the clinical stage and the natural history of the disease at the clinical stage are now sufficiently well known. The concept of latent cancer has not been confirmed as the disease inevitably progresses. Cancers of insignificant volume, less than 0.5 cc (discovered at autopsy) are classically distinguished from cancers of significant volume, greater than 0.5 cc, but asymptomatic (risk of progression with mortality within 15 years), and local and/or metastatic symptomatic cancers. The histological prevalence of prostatic cancer is 43% in a group of men with a mean age of 64 years and increases with age. 92% of histological cancers have a volume less than 0.5 cc. It takes an estimated 12 years (3 doubling times) for a 0.5 cc cancer to reach a volume of 4 cc, the volume beyond which there is a risk of distant metastases. In the absence of curative treatment, a cancer diagnosed at the localized stage before the age of 65 years is associated with a specific survival of less than 30%. The median survival of metastatic prostatic cancer is 2 to 3 years. 3) The disease can be detected at an early stage. Cancers diagnosed by an isolated elevation of PSA in a screening setting have a significant volume in more than 3 out of 4 cases, can be entirely removed by prostatectomy in more than 3 out of 4 cases and have a less advanced pathological stage than cancers diagnosed on the basis of classical criteria.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1994

Prostate-specific antigen density: a means to enhance detection of prostate cancer.

The ability of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA density (PSAD) to distinguish patients with prostate cancer from those with benign diseases of the prostate was assessed in 495 men. All men were evaluated with PSA determination, digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsies. PSA was analysed by the polyclonal (Yang) assay. Prostate volume was estimated from TRUS. PSAD was determined by dividing the serum PSA by the volume of the prostate. Prostatic biopsies identified cancer in 246 of the 495 patients (49.7%). The entire group was divided into 6 subgroups according to PSA level at presentation. Cancer and noncancer patients were compared in each subgroup with respect to the values of PSA, prostate volume and PSAD. For the entire group of patients, there was no statistically significant advantage, for PSAD over serum PSA alone, in distinguishing between benign and malignant prostatic conditions. However, when patients were stratified according to PSA level, PSAD was statistically significantly superior to serum PSA alone in the detection of prostate cancer for PSA values in the intermediate range (2.6-30 ng/ml). This analysis with respect to the DRE and TRUS results showed PSAD to be superior to PSA when both examinations are normal. Our results demonstrate that the influence of PSAD level on cancer detection proportionally increases as the PSAD value increases. Curves constructed from the incidence of prostate cancer according to PSAD values may be useful to select patients with intermediate levels of serum PSA, and normal DRE and TRUS for prostatic biopsies.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Can we improve the selection of patients for curative radical prostatectomy?].

The indication for curative radical prostatectomy in a patient with prostatic cancer clinically confined to the prostate (stage T1, T2) and the absence of any detectable metastases, is associated with a postoperative recurrence rate of 24 to 51% after a mean follow-up of 3 years. Certain preoperative criteria allow the selection of patient groups in which the risk of postoperative tumour recurrence is higher: presence of more than 4 positive biopsies out of 6 systematized biopsies associated with a Gleason score greater than or equal to 7 and a PSA higher than 15 ng/ml (normal value for monoclonal test < 4 ng/ml). The indication for curative radical prostatectomy is doubtful in this group of patients.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

Invasion of Denonvilliers' fascia in radical prostatectomy specimens.

Denonvilliers' fascia consists of a single fibromuscular structure covering the posterior aspect of the prostate and surrounding the seminal vesicles. This structure has multiple layers that are fused together, and to the stroma of the prostate and seminal vesicles. A separate posterior layer of Denonvilliers' fascia was not seen during radical prostatectomy. The cleavable interprostatorectal plane extends posteriorly throughout the thickness of Denonvilliers' fascia and anteriorly to the muscular wall of the rectum. Medially this fascia is fused with the prostatic capsule into a single sheath and contains thick smooth muscle bundles in continuity with the prostatic stroma. In a series of 243 radical prostatectomy specimens for prostate cancer, we studied the morphological relationship of Denonvilliers' fascia with the prostatic capsule and stroma, and traced the progression of prostatic cancer in relation to the anatomical landmarks. In 19% of the cases tumor was found progressing within Denonvilliers' fascia, in the medial posterior area of the prostate, unrelated to perineural space invasion. For specimens with an intracapsular cancer volume of less than 12 cc, which may be cured by radical prostatectomy alone, the frequency of invasion of Denonvilliers' fascia was 13%. In these cases cephalad progression of cancer was seen almost exclusively in Denonvilliers' fascia overlying the central zone at the prostate base and surrounding the seminal vesicles. Invasion of Denonvilliers' fascia can lead to positive surgical margins if complete excision of this fascia is not performed during radical prostatectomy. Even among large tumors in our series there were no cases of tumor invasion completely through the full thickness of Denonvilliers' fascia at the posterior medial area and, therefore, rectal wall invasion was never suspected at this level.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1993

Extraperitoneal endosurgical lymphadenectomy with insufflation in the staging of bladder and prostate cancer.

A new technique of endosurgical pelvic lymph node dissection was performed for the staging of 10 prostate and 8 bladder cancers. The technique, involving an exclusive extraperitoneal space development with CO2 insufflation, is described in detail. Using the standard endosurgical (laparoscopic) equipment, we performed a complete bilateral ilio-obturator lymph node dissection in 15 patients (83%). In the remaining three patients, because of technical difficulties, only unilateral dissection was performed. The average operating time was 84 minutes. Morbidity was low (one instance of sepsis). Prospective assessment of CO2 homeostasis showed that arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) increased significantly but could be controlled by increasing minute ventilation output. Our results show that perioperative assessment of end-tidal CO2 partial pressure is necessary and sufficient for the adaptation of minute ventilation output. Two patients with prostate cancer had positive nodes. No intraoperative or postoperative morbidity related to the procedure was observed in patients submitted to radical surgery. Extraperitoneal endosurgical pelvic lymphadenectomy with CO2 insufflation is a rapid, safe, and effective method in the staging of urologic pelvic malignancies and represents an alternative to traditional open surgery as well as to conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic lymphadenectomy.

Carbon Dioxide↗