Biomedical subjects

Alexander Tsivian

Publications and source records attributed to Alexander Tsivian.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for tumour excision in a horseshoe kidney.

A 62-yr-old woman with a 2-cm enhancing renal mass in the right moiety of a horseshoe kidney was treated via a four-port transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. The tumour was excised by cold scissors, and the parenchyma was sutured with Vicryl 1 sutures with Surgicel bolster and by using pledgets of Hem-o-lok((R)) clips. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a partial nephrectomy for tumour excision on a horseshoe kidney by a transperitoneal laparoscopic approach.

Female↗

PubMed2006

A sealed laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: a new technique.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a purely laparoscopic nephroureterectomy approach that avoids the disadvantages of transurethral bladder cuff excision and open/laparoscopic distal ureterectomy using the EndoGIA. METHODS: A standard transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy is carried out through three or four ports in the flank. The ureter is dissected caudally into the pelvis. Two additional (5- and 10-mm) trocars are placed in the ipsilateral lower abdomen. Caudal ureteral dissection continues until the detrusor muscle fibers at the ureterovesical junction are identified. A 1-cm area of bladder adventitia around the ureterovesical junction is cleared. The ureter is retracted upward and laterally, tenting up the bladder wall. The bladder cuff is excised using a 10-mm LigaSure Atlas and detached from the bladder. A 6-cm lower-quadrant incision is used to remove the specimen in an Endocatch bag. An indwelling 16F Foley catheter is then placed. RESULTS: Thirteen adult patients with suspected upper-tract transitional cell carcinoma underwent this surgical technique (operative time: 170-270 min): none had local recurrence, and two had recurrence remote from the bladder cuff scar (follow-up: 1-23 months). CONCLUSIONS: The described procedure adheres strictly to oncologic principles (removal of the affected renal unit without opening the urinary tract), and circumvents the need for transurethral/intraureteral instrumentation and patient repositioning.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Redo midurethral synthetic sling for female stress urinary incontinence.

Tension-free transvaginal tape (TVT) placement has recently become the preferred therapeutic approach for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in some centers. There are, however, no clearcut guidelines of how to treat patients in whom the procedure has failed. We describe our experience with repeat midurethral synthetic sling (MUS) implantation after a failed similar procedure. Twelve women (mean age 64.3 years) who had undergone a MUS procedure [TVT-9, intravaginal sling (IVS)-2, transobturator tape (TOT)-1] for SUI underwent a repeat MUS (TVT-5, IVS-4, TOT-3) due to persistent or recurrent SUI. The time from the first to the second procedure was 1-48 months. Eleven out of 12 patients (91.7%) achieved full continence (mean follow-up of 23.2 months, range 14-44). We conclude that a repeat MUS for persistent or recurrent SUI is a viable option for patients after an unsuccessful MUS procedure.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Comparison of hemodynamic profiles in transurethral resection of prostate vs transurethral resection of urinary bladder tumors during spinal anesthesia: a bioimpedance study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is more frequently associated with perioperative fluid and electrolyte disturbances than transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURT) because of irrigating fluid absorption. Because fluid overload may cause hypertension, we compared the patients' intraoperative hemodynamic profiles (including the incidence of hypertension) during TURP vs TURT, both performed during spinal anesthesia, by using the bioimpedance method. DESIGN: Prospective single-blind study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 80 (40 in each group) men, ASA physical status I and II. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent TURP or TURT surgery with spinal anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS: Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance were compared between the 2 groups. A mean arterial pressure greater than 30% from the baseline value was considered as hypertension. Plasma sodium was measured preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. MAIN RESULTS: Transurethral resection of prostate patients received more irrigating fluid (7900 +/- 2310 vs 5650 +/- 21560, P < 0.05) and had a higher calculated volume of fluid absorbed: 638 +/- 60 vs 303 +/- 40 mL for the TURT patients (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressures were higher with TURP, 30 minutes after the onset of surgery and at the end of the procedure (111 +/- 15 vs 100 +/- 10 and 109 +/- 14 vs 99 +/- 14 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). However, there was no hypertension in either group. There were no differences in hemodynamic measurements of hyponatremic vs normonatremic patients. Plasma sodium decreased postoperatively more in the TURP group (140.4 +/- 2.6 mEq/L baseline to 134.1 +/- 3.5 mEq/L, P < 0.05) and was lower postoperatively in the TURP group compared with TURT (134.1 +/- 3.5 vs 137.2 +/- 2.9 mEq/L, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Although more irrigating fluid was absorbed in the TURP group, there were no episodes of hypertension in either group.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Dorsal graft urethroplasty for female urethral stricture.

PURPOSE: Urethral strictures in females are uncommon, and treatment options and outcome are not well-defined with scanty reports. We describe a new method of urethroplasty for the repair of female urethral stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three 60-year-old females, each with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections and obstructive voiding symptoms due to urethral stricture, underwent urethroplasty with a dorsal vaginal or buccal mucosal graft. The dorsal aspect of the distal urethra was dissected from the surrounding tissue through a suprameatal incision and the urethral wall was incised through the stricture at the 12 o'clock position. A 1.5 cm wide free graft was harvested from the vaginal wall or buccal mucosa in 1 case, and the mucosal surface was placed upon the urethral lumen and sutured with a running 5-zero polyglactin suture to the open urethra. Indwelling 18Fr urethral and 16Fr suprapubic catheters were left in place for 2 and 3 weeks, respectively. RESULTS: No additional treatment was required during the 1, 8 and 27 months of followup. All patients had normal micturition following catheter removal. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal graft urethroplasty is feasible and effective for the correction of persistent female urethral stricture.

Female↗

PubMed2006

Laparoscopic treatment of colovesical fistulas: technique and review of the literature.

Colovesical fistula is an uncommon complication of diverticulitis. We present our technique of a laparoscopic approach for treatment of vesicosigmoid fistulas and review the available published literature. We believe that a laparoscopic approach is a feasible and advantageous alternative for the treatment of colovesical fistulas, with low morbidity and short hospital stay.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

A simple and reliable hemostatic technique during partial nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To report our experience with a refined technique for hemostasis that obviates the need for vascular control and closure of the collecting system in partial nephrectomy. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Four to five sutures, 2 cm apart, are placed 0.5 cm from the anticipated parenchymal incision border, using a specially designed, blunt-tip, straight needle with folded 2-0 Vicryl thread. The needle is removed, leaving the Vicryl thread with the loop on one side of the kidney and two free ends on the other side. A 1.0-cm-wide Vicryl mesh strip is passed circumferentially through the loops and between the free ends on each side, tension is applied on the strip during knotting of the free ends of the thread, and the tissue is incised. No additional hemostatic sutures are necessary. No attempt is made to identify and close the open collecting system. Vascular clamping and surface cooling are avoided. Sixty-one patients have undergone this technique since 1987: initially, for complicated nephrolithiasis (n = 15), localized purulent kidney disease (n = 4), trauma (n = 3), congenital anomalies (n = 2), and resection of horseshoe kidney (n = 6) and, recently, for peripherally located renal tumor (n = 31). Upper pole resection was performed in 11 patients, lower pole resection in 45, and middle segment resection in 5. The blood loss was minimal, with only 1 patient developing gross hematuria that resolved after conservative treatment. No other complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: A simple and easily performed hemostatic method suitable for peripherally located and, particularly, polar renal tumors is described. The Vicryl mesh strip prevents tears of the parenchymal sutures and ensures good hemostasis without closing the collecting system separately.

Hemostasis, Surgical↗

PubMed2004

Reconstruction of extensive upper ureteral damage.

PURPOSE: Injuries of the ureter are associated with serious surgical complications. Injury to the lumbar (upper) part of the ureter is rare, and reconstruction may pose considerable surgical challenges. A technique is described that proved useful reconstruction of upper ureteral damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reconstruction surgery for a ureterocutaneous fistula was required as a result of earlier removal of a retroperitoneal tumor. The Heineke-Mikulicz maneuver was used to bridge a gap between the ureteral edges. RESULTS: Ureteral continuity was achieved and the need for other more morbid measures was avoided. CONCLUSIONS: This maneuver is recommended for ureteral reconstruction as a valid additional technique in the urological armamentarium.

Female↗

PubMed2004

Tape related complications of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure.

PURPOSE: The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure is a recent modality for managing female stress urinary incontinence. While this procedure is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, little has been written about its complications. We describe our experience with diagnosing and treating tape related complications following the TVT procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the last 4 years 12 patients underwent and 1 is scheduled for additional surgery for complications resulting from the TVT. Another patient is only being observed. Their records were reviewed to retrieve data on presenting symptoms and signs, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures and outcomes. RESULTS: One patient had tape erosion into the bladder, 5 had vaginal tape erosion (concomitant urethral obstruction in 1) and another 8 had an obstructed urethra. The more common presenting symptoms were persistent urethral pain, recurrent urinary tract infection, urgency, urge incontinence and vaginal discharge. A total of 12 patients required partial tape removal or tape incision, which was done transvaginally in 11. The remaining patient underwent cystotomy and excision of the intravesical part of an eroded tape. One patient is awaiting corrective surgery and 1 with asymptomatic vaginal erosion is only being observed. No formal urethrolysis was performed in any case. Mean followup after corrective surgery in 12 patients was 4.8 months (range 1 to 30), during which 10 remained continent and all 12 were symptom-free. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists should be aware of the nature and symptoms of tape related complications associated with a TVT procedure for prompt diagnosis and appropriate postoperative management.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Tension-free vaginal tape procedure for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: long-term results.

PURPOSE: The tension-free transvaginal tape (TVT) procedure has apparently become the most popular technique for genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSUI). Long-term followup data on the outcome of the procedure are sparse. We evaluated the long-term results of TVT for treating women with GSUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of 55 patients 37 to 83 years old (mean age 63.4) with GSUI, for which they underwent the TVT procedure at our department as of December 1999. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients who were followed a mean of 55 months (range 48 to 65) 41 (78.9%) were dry. There were 4 intraoperative complication (7.3%), including bladder injury in 3 patients and urethral injury in 1. None required surgical re-intervention. Urgency was reported in 6 women (11.5%). There were 5 postoperative tape related complications (9.6%), consisting of bladder erosion in 1 woman, vaginal erosion in 2 and an obstructed urethra in 2. Four of these 5 women underwent corrective surgery, after which all remained dry. CONCLUSIONS: TVT is a safe and effective procedure for female stress urinary incontinence with an enduring, high success rate. There is a significant rate of intraoperative complications, which do not cause further problems when identified and treated during surgery. One must be alert to the significant rate of postoperative complications that usually require repeat surgery, which is relatively simple and causes practically no long-term morbidity. It also does not influence the continence rate in most cases.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Port site metastases in urological laparoscopic surgery.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery is rapidly gaining widespread acceptance among urologists, including extensive application in malignant conditions. However, untoward occurrences of port site metastases have not eluded to urological applications. This up-to-date review on port site metastases in urology delineates possible contributing factors and describes techniques to prevent it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We comprehensively reviewed published experimental and clinical studies with special emphasis on the incidence, pathophysiology and prevention of port site metastases. RESULTS: Nine cases of port site metastases after urological laparoscopy have been described in clinical and experimental studies. Etiological factors include natural malignant disease behavior, host immune status, local wound factors, laparoscopy related factors such as aerosolization of tumor cells (the use of gas, type of gas, insufflation and desufflation, and pneumoperitoneum) and sufficient technical experience of the surgeons and operating team (adequate laparoscopic equipment, skill, minimal handling of the tumor, surgical manipulation and wound contamination during instruments change, organ morcellation and specimen removal). CONCLUSIONS: Port site metastases is a multifactorial phenomenon with an as yet undetermined incidence. The problem is influenced to some extent by surgeon and operating team experience and, therefore, it could be partially prevented. The suggested preventive steps are avoiding laparoscopic surgery when there are ascites, trocar fixation to prevent dislodgment, avoiding gas leakage along and around the trocar, sufficient technical readiness of the operating team (adequate laparoscopic equipment and technique, minimal handling and avoiding tumor boundary violation of the tumor), using a bag for specimen removal, placing drainage when needed before desufflation, povidone-iodine irrigation of instruments, trocars and port site wounds, and suturing 10 mm. and larger trocar wounds.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed2003

Oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery for urological malignancy: experience with more than 1,000 operations.

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopy is being increasingly used to treat urological malignancies, there is still concern regarding the induction of local recurrence and port site metastasis. To our knowledge no major clinical study with long-term followup has been presented in the field of urological laparoscopy. We assessed the oncological safety of laparoscopy with emphasis on incidence of local recurrence and port site metastasis, analyzing the risk factors for such events based on a 10-year experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1992 to May 2002 we performed 1,098 laparoscopic procedures for urological malignancies, including 450 radical prostatectomies, 478 pelvic and 80 retroperitoneal lymph node dissections, 45 radical nephrectomies, 22 radical nephroureterectomies, 12 partial nephrectomies and 11 adrenalectomies. In 418 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy pelvic lymphadenectomy was done simultaneously. Of the procedures 917 were performed transperitoneally, including 181 via retroperitoneal or extraperitoneal access. A total of 567 procedures were performed in case of histologically proven cancer, whereas 531 represented only staging operations. RESULTS: Median followup was 58 months (range 4 to 127). Eight local recurrences were observed (0.73% overall, 1.41% of histologically proven cases). There were recurrences after nephroureterectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter in 1 patient, after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in 1, growing teratoma after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in 2, local recurrence of prostate cancer in 3 and after removal of an adrenal metastasis of melanoma in 1. Two port site metastases (0.18% overall, 0.35% of histologically proved cases) occurred, including metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma after adrenalectomy and a residual mass following 2 cycles of chemotherapy after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience the incidence of local recurrence and the risk of port site metastases is low and seems to be mainly related to the aggressiveness of the tumor and immunosuppression status of the patient, respectively rather than to technical aspects of the laparoscopic approach.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed2003

Bone anchor 4-corner cystourethropexy: long-term results.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the long-term results of incision less transvaginal bone anchor cystourethropexy to treat genuine urinary stress incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 1995 and January 1997, 31 women 36 to 81 years old (mean age 58) with types I and II genuine urinary stress incontinence were treated. Four miniature bone anchors (2 on each side of the urethra) attached to a suture were fired transvaginally into the retropubic bone using a bone anchor stapler. The ipsilateral sutures were tied, thus creating a Marshall-Marchetti colposuspension. RESULTS: Of the patients 3 were lost to followup and the remaining 28 were followed for at least 60 months. Only 6 patients (21.4%) are continent. In 5 patients 11 sutures passed through the bladder 5 of which were removed intraoperatively and the other 6 were detected and removed during followup. Incontinence recurred in 1 patient because the sutures cut through the vaginal tissue and were found loose in the retropubic space. In 8 patients 12 anchors had become detached from the bone of which 7 were detected on x-ray in the retropubic area, 2 were removed cystoscopically 1 year later and 3 were spontaneously expulsed through the vagina 10 months to 5 years postoperatively. In 1 patient with intravesical sutures a vesicovaginal fistula developed which was successfully repaired, and in another pubic osteomyelitis developed. CONCLUSIONS: We regard 4-corner bone anchor cystourethropexy as unsuitable for genuine urinary stress incontinence based on the unfavorable outcome of incontinence and high rate of complications, including a relatively high incidence of confirmed anchor detachment.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Simultaneous transurethral resection of bladder tumor and benign prostatic hyperplasia: hazardous or a safe timesaver?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of simultaneous transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (TURP) on recurrences at the bladder neck and prostatic urethra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the 10-year study period 51 patients fulfilled the entry criteria of past simultaneous TURBT and TURP, histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and benign prostatic hyperplasia, a preserved bladder and a minimal followup of 12 months. Their records were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 28 with single (group 1) and 23 with multiple (group 2) bladder tumors. RESULTS: During the 12 to 120 months of followup (mean 37.3) the average tumor recurrence rate was 68.6%, that is 53.6% in group 1 and 86.9% in group 2. Recurrences appeared within an average of 14.9 months, that is within 18 (range 4 to 36) in group 1 and 13.5 (range 3 to 36) in group 2. Tumor recurrence was at the bladder neck and/or prostatic urethra in 11 of the 51 cases (21.5%). Average time to recurrence at the prostatic fossa was 23.8 months, that is 27 (range 13 to 46) in group 1 and 21.6 (range 4 to 60) in group 2. Only 1 patient had a single recurrence in the prostatic fossa, while the others also had synchronous and metachronous recurrences at other bladder sites. Tumor progression to invasiveness was diagnosed in 3 of the 51 patients (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that simultaneous TURBT and TURP do not negatively affect tumor recurrence at the bladder neck and prostatic urethra.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Aggressive resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma is superior to simple excision: an animal study using a novel model for retroperitoneal sarcoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retroperitoneal sarcomas constitute a difficult management problem. The need for, and extent of, aggressive surgery continues to be debated. The aim of our study was to compare the impact of radical en bloc resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma with complete resection of the tumor alone in a rat model. METHODS: Under laparoscopic guidance, a fibrosarcoma cell line suspension was injected into the left paranephric space of a rat, resulting in the development of a macroscopic retroperitoneal tumor. Ten days after inoculation, 50 rats were randomized into three groups: (1) local resection, (2) radical resection, and (3) follow-up only. Groups 1 and 2 were further randomized for sacrifice 1 month after surgery or were followed up for 2 months. RESULTS: Local recurrence: 46% of group 1, while none in group 2 developed local recurrence during the same follow-up period (P = 0.02). Survival: 33% of group 1 were alive after 2 months, as compared with 54.5% of group 2. (P = 0.04). All rats in the control group died within <25 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that aggressive en bloc resection of retroperitoneal sarcomas with adjacent viscera, even when macroscopically uninvolved with disease, has an advantage over complete local resection alone.

Animals↗