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Biomedical subjects

Alan M Nieder

Publications and source records attributed to Alan M Nieder.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A pelvic drain can often be avoided after radical retropubic prostatectomy--an update in 552 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The routine placement of a pelvic drain following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) may not be required. We describe our experience in 552 consecutive RRPs to emphasise the safety of this approach and explain our rationale for avoiding a drain when possible. METHODS: RRP was performed in 552 consecutive patients with clinically localised adenocarcinoma of the prostate between January 2002 and June 2005. Clinical and pathologic information was documented for each patient. After the prostate was removed and the anastomotic sutures tied, the bladder was gently filled with approximately 50 ml of saline through the urethral catheter. If there was no leak, a drain was not placed. RESULTS: A drain was not placed in 419 (76%) of the 552 patients. We compared the postoperative complication rates in those with (D+) and without (D-) a drain. There were 27 (5%) immediate postoperative complications and no significant difference between the two groups (D+, 6%; D-, 5%; p=0.629): three (1%) patients who did not have a drain had a urinoma, one (1%) who had a drain had a lymphocele, and two (2%) who had a drain had a small pelvic haematoma. CONCLUSIONS: If the bladder neck is preserved or meticulously reconstructed, there may be little extravasation and, thus, routine drainage is unnecessary. Our 4-year experience indicates that morbidity is not increased by omitting a drain from the pelvic cavity after RRP in properly selected cases.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Are patients aware of the association between smoking and bladder cancer?

PURPOSE: Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for bladder cancer. Since few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of screening for bladder cancer, primary prevention by decreasing the modifiable risk factors is the best defense. An aspect of modifying a behavioral risk factor is awareness of the association between behavior and disease. While many anti-smoking campaigns specifically focus on lung cancer, few mention bladder cancer. We evaluated the awareness of smoking as a risk factor for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February and May 2005 we prospectively surveyed patients presenting to a urology clinic regarding their knowledge of risk factors for bladder cancer and other cancers. The questionnaire also captured data regarding patient smoking habits. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients completed the survey, including 34% who were younger than 50 years, 63% who were male, 89% who were white and 57% who were college graduates. Only 36% vs 98% of the sample reported that smoking was a risk factor for bladder vs lung cancer. Patients with a higher level of education and females were statistically more likely to be aware of the association between smoking and bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Patients at a urology clinic had low overall knowledge regarding bladder cancer risk factors. Most patients queried had no idea regarding the relationship between bladder cancer and tobacco use regardless of smoking status. Our study suggests the need for the American public to be better educated to help combat smoking related cancers.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Transitional cell carcinoma associated with marijuana: case report and review of the literature.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder tends to occur in older patients with a history of tobacco use. We recently evaluated and treated a 45-year-old man with a history of heavy marijuana use. The patient's only risk factor for transitional cell carcinoma was the inhalation of up to five marijuana cigarettes daily for more than 30 years. We present our case and review the literature.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗
PubMed2006

Radical cystectomy after bacillus Calmette-Guérin for high-risk Ta, T1, and carcinoma in situ: defining the risk of initial bladder preservation.

OBJECTIVES: To critically evaluate the survival of patients with high-grade Ta or T1 urothelial cancer (UC) or carcinoma in situ of the bladder who have received bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and who have undergone radical cystectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our single-surgeon database of those patients who underwent cystectomy and previously received BCG. We evaluated the baseline characteristics, pathologic outcomes, and survival data. RESULTS: Of 313 patients who underwent cystectomy between January 1992 and March 2004, 90 (29%) received BCG before bladder removal. The mean time from the first BCG course to the date of cystectomy was 27.9 months. The mean duration of follow-up from cystectomy was 32.1 months. The risk of progression to muscle invasion for those who underwent cystectomy less than or more than 1 year from the time of their first BCG dose was 59% and 36%, respectively (P = 0.05). The disease-specific survival rate was 81% versus 80% for those who underwent early versus delayed cystectomy (P = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high-grade UC are at risk of dying from this cancer, even if they ultimately undergo cystectomy. Patients who receive BCG should be appropriately counseled that they remain at risk for disease progression and death from UC. It is difficult to ascertain the proper time to proceed with cystectomy if an initial bladder conservation approach is used.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2006

Concurrent radical retropubic prostatectomy and Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair through a single modified Pfannenstiel incision: a 3-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of a 3-year experience of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) through a modified Pfannenstiel incision and concomitant repair of an inguinal hernia at the time of RRP, using a tension-free technique with a mesh, as described by Lichtenstein, with no additional incision(s), as 5-10% of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer have a detectable inguinal hernia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had RRP between October 2002 and July 2005 were included; we used a standard open RRP, in all cases using a modified Pfannenstiel incision. If the patient had an inguinal hernia, we approached the inguinal canal through the same incision and performed a Lichtenstein mesh repair, through the inguinal canal and avoiding placing mesh within the pelvis. Patients were followed at 1 and 6 weeks, 3-monthly for 1 year and 6-monthly thereafter. All clinical variables were entered into a database and analysed. RESULTS: In all, 450 men underwent RRP; 44 (10%) had inguinal hernia and in all, 56 hernias were repaired (32 unilateral and 12 bilateral; 16 indirect, 22 direct, six both) The mean (sd) age of the patients was 60 (7) years. Most patients were discharged within 36 h. The mean (sd) follow-up was 9 (8) months. Two patients had a superficial inguinal haematoma and one had a scrotal haematoma. They were treated conservatively with no sequelae. There were no wound infections. One patient developed a recurrent inguinal hernia. None had any clinical evidence of testicular atrophy or chronic pain. CONCLUSION: Concurrent formal mesh repair of the inguinal hernia and RRP through a single modified Pfannenstiel incision is safe and effective. The complications were minimal and recurrence rates were low. This procedure eliminates the risks involved with the preperitoneal mesh repair and avoids multiple incisions.

Hernia, Inguinal↗
PubMed2005

Bladder wall abscess following midurethral sling procedure.

Midurethal sling procedures are gaining popularity as the treatment of choice for stress urinary incontinence. Complications that were described include bladder perforation, urinary retention, pelvic hematoma and suprapubic wound infection. Sling erosion and pelvic abscess are rare complications of midurethral slings. We report the first case of an abscess formed within the wall of the urinary bladder, 7 months following a midurethral sling procedure.

Abscess↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of analgesic requirements and postoperative recovery after radical retropubic prostatectomy using long-acting spinal anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the postoperative pain, analgesic requirements, and convalescence of patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) under spinal anesthesia using long-acting morphine sulfate as preemptive analgesia. METHODS: A total of 103 consecutive men underwent RRP by a single surgeon. The time to tolerate oral fluids, time to unassisted ambulation, postoperative pain levels (visual analog pain score of 0 to 10), and analgesic requirements expressed in morphine equivalents were evaluated. Baseline patient characteristics and intraoperative factors (operating room time, blood loss) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean time to tolerate oral fluids and unassisted ambulation was 11.3 +/- 7.6 hours and 20 +/- 6 hours, respectively. The mean narcotic requirements were 7.4 +/- 6.1 morphine equivalents before discharge and 28.5 +/- 25.9 morphine equivalents in the first week after discharge. The mean visual analog pain score was 4.5 +/- 2.1 at discharge and fell significantly to 1.5 +/- 1.0 by the time of Foley catheter removal on postoperative day 7 or 8. The analgesic requirements after discharge correlated with the pain score at discharge (P = 0.016). The mean time to resumption of normal preoperative activities was 19.4 +/- 9.4 days. Two patients developed postspinal anesthesia headache. No other complications attributable to the anesthetic occurred. CONCLUSIONS: RRP may be performed through a small modified Pfannenstiel incision under spinal anesthesia containing long-acting morphine with little postoperative pain, low narcotic requirements, and a short convalescence. A prospective, randomized study is needed to compare the early postoperative outcomes of RRP performed using general versus spinal anesthesia.

Analgesia↗
PubMed2005

Intraoperative cell salvage during radical prostatectomy is not associated with greater biochemical recurrence rate.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of long-term biochemical recurrence for patients who receive cell-salvaged blood. Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) is historically associated with the potential for significant blood loss. Different blood management strategies include blood donation, hemodilution, preoperative erythropoietin, and intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS). Oncologic surgeons have been reluctant to use IOCS because of the potential risk of tumor dissemination. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed an RRP database and compared those who did and did not receive cell-salvaged blood by baseline parameters, pathologic outcomes, and biochemical recurrence. We also stratified our patients according to the risk of recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 1038 patients underwent RRP between 1992 and 2003. Of these, 265 (25.5%) received cell-salvaged blood and 773 (74.5%) did not. The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. No differences were found between the two groups when compared by risk of seminal vesicle invasion or positive surgical margins. Those who received cell-salvaged blood had a lower risk of extraprostatic extension. The median follow-up for all patients was 40.2 months. The overall risk of biochemical recurrence at 5 years for those who did and did not receive cell-salvaged blood was 15% and 18%, respectively (P = 0.76). No significant differences were found in the risk of biochemical recurrence when patients were stratified according to low, intermediate, and high risk. CONCLUSIONS: IOCS is a safe and effective blood management strategy for patients undergoing RRP. The risk of biochemical recurrence was not increased for those who received cell-salvaged blood. Concerns about spreading tumor cells by way of IOCS would seem unwarranted.

Blood Transfusion, Autologous↗
PubMed2005

Cystoprostatectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction for management of bacille Calmette Guérin-induced bladder contractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-contracted bladders and attempt to ascertain the potential risk factors for this severe complication. BCG is the most effective intravesical agent for the treatment of high-grade, noninvasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. Widely used by urologists for the management of superficial TCC, adverse effects are not uncommon. These adverse effects are most commonly limited to irritative voiding symptoms, hematuria, and fever; however, severe adverse effects may occur. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed two cystectomy databases (University of Southern California/Norris Cancer Center and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine) and identified patients who underwent cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction for BCG-induced bladder contracture. RESULTS: We identified 1 case each in the two institutions' cystectomy databases of severely contracted bladders. The overall incidence of this complication leading to cystectomy was 0.05% and 0.3% at each institution. Both patients were salvaged with cystoprostatectomy and orthotopic reconstruction with an ileal neobladder. Neither patient had residual cancer at pathologic analysis of the cystectomy specimen, and both patients' severe lower urinary tract symptoms were alleviated postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A contracted bladder due to extravasation of BCG, although rare, is a serious complication. Cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction may be the optimal solution to alleviate severe lower urinary tract symptoms and remove the risk of subsequent urothelial malignancy.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed2005

Management of stage T1 tumors of the bladder: International Consensus Panel.

The International Consensus Panel on T1 bladder tumors markers reviewed the subject from a clinical perspective. From diagnosis to treatment decisions, what are the important issues in the management of a new patient? The assessment of prognostic factors for progression requires optimal resection and documentation. The role of immediate adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy after resection remains controversial. How often should the upper tract be assessed for tumor recurrence? The decision on whether to attempt bladder conservation with intravesical therapy or to perform a cystectomy is the most difficult issue in the management of superficial bladder cancer today. Finally, what therapies exist if initial intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin fails to eradicate the disease or prevent recurrence? The panel thoroughly explored all these subjects and has made recommendations with supporting evidence.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Transurethral bladder tumor resection: intraoperative and postoperative complications in a residency setting.

PURPOSE: We established a database on the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT) in an academic teaching setting, and we prospectively recorded all TURBTs performed by residents and fellows in our urology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: : We prospectively evaluated all TURBTs performed between November 2003 and October 2004. All cases were performed at least in part by residents and fellows under direct attending supervision at a single academic medical center with 3 different teaching hospitals. Intraoperative complications were recorded by the resident and attending surgeon at the completion of the operative procedure. At patient discharge from the hospital the data sheet was reviewed, and length of stay, postoperative transfusions and any other complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 173 consecutive TURBTs were performed by residents and fellows at 3 different teaching hospitals. There were 10 (5.8%) complications, including 4 (2.3%) cases of hematuria that required blood transfusion and 6 (3.5%) cases of bladder perforation. Of these 6 perforations 4 were small extraperitoneal perforations requiring only prolonged catheter drainage. These perforations were caused by residents in their first or third year of urology training. Two perforations were intraperitoneal, caused by a senior resident or a fellow, 1 of which required abdominal exploration to control bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: TURBT is a reasonably safe procedure when performed by urologists in training under direct attending supervision. The complication rate was 5.8%, however only 1 case required surgical intervention. Contrary to expected findings, more senior residents were involved in the complications, likely secondary to their disproportionate roles in more difficult resections.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed2005

Neither alpha-blocker therapy nor cystography is required before early catheter removal after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of early catheter removal from men after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) without using either cystography or giving an alpha-blocker. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 156 consecutive patients who had RRPs between June 2003 and May 2004 to determine the incidence of urinary retention after early catheter removal, with no cystogram or using an alpha-blocker. RESULTS: The mean age of the men was 60 years and 99% were clinical stage T1 or T2; 74% had their catheters removed 8 days after RRP. The incidence of urinary retention was 1.3%, and of haematuria requiring catheter replacement 2.6%. Two patients (1.3%) developed a bladder neck contracture. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study removing an indwelling catheter 1 week after RRP was safe, with a minimal risk of urinary retention or bladder neck contracture. The addition of an alpha-blocker is unlikely to reduce the already low incidence of urinary retention.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed2004

Urethral recurrence after cystoprostatectomy: implications for urinary diversion and monitoring.

OBJECTIVES: To review our cystoprostatectomy (CP) database to determine the urethral recurrence rate. Urethral recurrence after CP has been reported to occur in up to 10% of patients. Recent data have suggested a much lower incidence. This has important implications when considering the type of urinary diversion and postoperative monitoring. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our single-surgeon, consecutive CP series and determined the urethral recurrence rate and prognostic factors for recurrence. Urethrectomy was performed at CP if the prostatic apical margin was positive for carcinoma. All patients were followed up quarterly for 2 years and then semiannually. Urethral wash cytology was obtained if the patient had an ileal conduit. Cytology and cystoscopy were performed if they had an orthotopic neobladder. RESULTS: A total of 226 men had undergone radical CP. The mean age for all patients was 69 years. Eight (3.5%) had undergone urethrectomy at CP. The mean follow-up was 42 months for the remaining 218 patients, of whom 108 had an orthotopic neobladder and 110 had supravesical diversion. Of the 218 patients, 8 (3.7%) developed urethral recurrence, 7 (6.4%) in the 110 who had undergone supravesical diversion and 1 in the 108 (0.9%) who had an orthotopic neobladder. Seven patients underwent urethrectomy for the recurrence and had no evidence of disease at last follow-up. One patient died of metastatic transitional cell carcinoma at 61 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the risk of urethral recurrence after radical CP was low. The risk was substantially lower for patients who had an orthotopic neobladder. Our results show that urethrectomy at CP is rarely necessary because the proximal urethral margin is usually free of cancer. An orthotopic neobladder can therefore be safely considered in most patients. Delayed urethrectomy can be safely performed in those few patients with isolated urethral recurrence without compromising their survival.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Upper tract tumour after radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: incidence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To review the incidence, pattern and outcome of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) after radical cystectomy for carcinoma of the bladder, and identify risk factors for its development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 235 consecutive patients who had a radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for TCC at the authors' institution by one surgeon between January 1992 and August 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Five (2%) of 235 patients developed an upper tract urothelial tumour. The mean follow-up for all patients was 42 months, and was 52.2 months for those with an upper tract tumour. Four of the five patients presented with haematuria and one was diagnosed on routine follow-up intravenous urography. The mean time to the diagnosis of an upper tract tumour was 39.6 months. Of the potential risk factors, only the presence of TCC of the prostatic urethra had a statistically significant association with eventual upper tract tumour (P < 0.01). At the last follow-up, four patients died from urothelial cancer and one was disease-free. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of upper tract tumour after cystectomy for TCC is low; most patients present with symptoms (haematuria) and have advanced disease at diagnosis. Patients with prostatic urethral involvement at cystectomy are at greater risk of developing upper tract tumour.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

How strong is the association between CAG and GGN repeat length polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene and prostate cancer risk?

OBJECTIVE: Although narrative reviews have suggested an association between (CAG)n and (GGN)n polymorphisms in the AR gene and prostate cancer, it has never been quantified systematically. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide relative and absolute quantitative summary estimates with sufficient power. METHOD: Publications were identified through database searches for epidemiologic studies published until February 2004. For each study, mean differences in repeat length between cases and controls were calculated as well as continuous odds ratios (OR) per one CAG or GGN repeat decrement and discrete ORs to compare prostate cancer risk in men with short CAG repeats (</=21 repeats) versus long CAG repeats (>21 repeats) and short GGN repeats (</=16 repeats) versus long GGN repeats (>16 repeats). The study-specific estimates were combined by random effects metaregression analyses. RESULTS: Nineteen case-control studies were included in this review comprising a total of 4,274 cases and 5,275 controls. Prostate cancer cases had on average 0.26 fewer CAG repeats and 0.09 fewer GGN repeats than controls. The continuous ORs of prostate cancer per one repeat decrement were 1.02 and 1.01 for CAG and GGN repeats, respectively. The summary discrete OR (95% confidence interval) were 1.19 (1.07-1.31) and 1.31 (1.06-1.61) for CAG and GGN repeat polymorphisms, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the presence of shorter repeats seemed to be modestly associated with prostate cancer risk, the absolute difference in number of repeats between cases and controls is <1 repeat. We question whether such a small difference is enough to yield measurable biological impact in prostate carcinogenesis.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Hand-assisted laparoscopy for large renal specimens: a multi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with hand-assisted laparoscopy (HAL) for larger renal specimens. One of the theoretical benefits of HAL is the ability to manage large renal specimens, which we defined as tumors greater than 7 cm, and tumors in obese patients. METHODS: Between March 1998 and October 2000, 106 HAL radical nephrectomies were performed for enhancing renal masses, for which 95 patients had complete preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data. Of the 95 patients, 32 underwent HAL for large tumors (7 cm or greater) and 41 had a body mass index of 31 or greater. The demographic and outcome data of these two groups were compared with 63 patients who underwent HAL for tumors less than 7 cm and 54 patients with a body mass index of less than 31. RESULTS: When comparing cohorts by tumor size, the only statistically significant differences were in convalescence and specimen weight. Patients with lesions 7 cm or greater required 21 days to recover compared with 18 days for patients with lesions less than 7 cm. Obese patients had statistically significantly higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classifications, longer operative times (214 versus 176 minutes), and longer convalescences (21 versus 17.5 days) compared with nonobese patients. The estimated blood loss and conversion rate was not different between the groups. Furthermore, no difference was noted between the groups in the incidence of positive margins, local recurrence, or metastatic recurrence at a mean follow-up of 12.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: HAL provides a safe, reproducible, and minimally invasive technique to remove large renal tumors and renal tumors in the obese.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗
PubMed2003

The role of partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in contemporary practice.

Partial nephrectomy has proved to be a safe and effective treatment modality, even for patients with normal contralateral kidneys. The indications for elective partial nephrectomy continue to evolve as contemporary series demonstrate low morbidity approaching that of radical nephrectomy. Furthermore, patients who undergo partial nephrectomy have a significantly decreased risk of future renal insufficiency. As such, a rationale exists for expanding indications in an era of excellent technical outcomes and increased patient longevity. Characterization of newer diagnostic (three-dimensional imaging) and treatment (laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryosurgery) modalities will allow continued evolution of nephron-sparing techniques.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗