Biomedical subjects

Anastasios Athanasopoulos

Publications and source records attributed to Anastasios Athanasopoulos.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The impact of long-term conventional treatment for overlap syndrome (obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) on concurrent erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To assess the improvement of concurrent erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with overlap syndrome (obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bronchodilators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated 48 men of a mean age of 52.8+/-10 years suffering from both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and concurrent ED. They were treated with conventional for pulmonary obstruction therapy (CPAP and bronchodilators) for 6 months and then their erectile function (EF) status was reassessed. ED was considered as improved, if ED intensity score increased for at least five points compared to that of baseline. The determinants for improvement of ED were also evaluated, as well as patient's personal degree of satisfaction with the treatment they received as far as the disorder was concerned. RESULTS: EF was improved in 12 patients (25%), but only two thirds of them were satisfied with the grade of improvement after treatment. ED improvement was related positively with age and apnea/hypopnea index and negatively with ED duration. ED intensity score, O(2) saturation at night and BMI were not significantly related to the outcome of EF improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional treatment for OSA and COPD, has a positive effect on concurrent ED on the minority of patients. This effect is possibly due to the improvement of respiration during sleep with CPAP and of oxygenation with bronchodilators continuously. Of the improved men, one third was not satisfied with the impact of this treatment modality on their EF. It is likely that specific for ED treatment is needed in these individuals.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

Case report: laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a patient with primary adrenal malignant melanoma.

We report a case of laparoscopic management of a primary malignant melanoma of the left adrenal gland. A 42-year-old male presented a 55 x 60-mm round, inhomogeneous, noninvasive mass of the left adrenal gland. Hormone-activity values were within normal range. The mass was removed laparoscopically en bloc along with the left adrenal gland, and its histopathologic evaluation was consistent with the features of a malignant melanocytic tumor. Postoperatively, the patient presented no signs of fever or remarkable blood loss and was discharged on the third day in good clinical condition. He is free of disease 1 year later.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

PubMed2006

Cost implications of antimuscarinic drugs in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.

Overactive bladder syndrome is highly prevalent, particularly among the elderly. As well as the consequent morbidity, such as urinary infections, skin irritation and bone fractures, almost all aspects of quality of life, personal and social, are influenced. Therefore, the associated cost is substantial. Pharmacotherapy with antimuscarinics is the mainstay of treatment. Because of the good balance between efficacy, safety and tolerability, these drugs seem to be cost-effective therapeutic modalities for overactive bladder. In the milieu of a constantly ageing population, rising demand for the treatment of health conditions and the need for rational use of healthcare resources, further studies with long-term antimuscarinic drug treatment and follow-up are needed to redefine their therapeutic value.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

PubMed2005

Retroperitoneal seminoma with 'burned out' phenomenon in the testis.

The rare 'burned out' phenomenon in germ cell tumors is known as the presence of an extragonadal germ cell tumor without traces of neoplasm in the testis. This condition is different and less common from the primary extragonadal germ cell malignancies. These malignancies are treated surgically with or without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy and their prognosis is better than that of other types of primary extragonadal tumors.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Efficacy of the combination of an alpha1-blocker with an anticholinergic agent in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with bladder outlet obstruction.

The combination of an alpha1-blocker with an anticholinergic is a new and promising therapeutic approach for bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor overactivity. Both placebo-controlled and comparative studies have demonstrated that the addition of an anticholinergic in the conventional treatment of patients with bladder outlet obstruction is safe, as the likelihood of acute urinary retention is low. Although the pathophysiology of detrusor overactivity is unknown and most probably multifactorial, it is not expected that the voiding phase is influenced by regular doses of anticholinergics, although high doses may affect detrusor contraction. However, safety issues must be studied further. The combination of tamsulosin with propiverine or tolterodine, and of doxasosin with tolterodine has been shown to cause a significant improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms when compared with alpha1-blocker monotherapy. Indisputably, the existing literature provides clear evidence that the combination of an alpha1-blocker with an anticholinergic extends physicians ability to manage lower urinary tract symptoms caused by bladder outlet obstruction and overactive bladder syndrome.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

PubMed2003

Carcinosarcoma of the ureter: a rare, pleomorphic, aggressive malignancy.

AIM: To examine histological nature and clinical process of ureteral carcinosarcomas. METHODS: We report on a new case of carcinosarcoma of the ureter. The literature was reviewed and histological and clinical features were elucidated. RESULTS: Fourteen cases of ureteral carcinosarcomas have been reported. The nomenclature used for these tumors either in the pathology reports or in literature is confusing. In contrary to obscure tumor biology, prognosis was clearly bad as the majority of the patients died within 2 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Terminology confusion is due to the rarity of this entity and lack of its biology knowledge. Patients present after the age of 60 with hematuria and obstruction. Nephroureterectomy is the only hope of cure but, due to tumor aggressiveness, recurrences occur almost always and prognosis is poor.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Externally coated ureteral metallic stents: an unfavorable clinical experience.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of externally coated stents in patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have prospectively evaluated 16 patients, 10 men and 6 women, with malignant ureteral obstruction treated successfully by placement of Passager metal stents (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) bypassing the stricture. Mean patient age was 65.6 years (range 62-78 years). Ureteral patency was confirmed 24 and 48 hours by injection of contrast material through the nephrostomy tube, and after patency confirmation the nephrostomy catheter was removed. RESULTS: All stents were positioned successfully, and the postoperative course was uneventful. In 13 cases (81.2%) the prostheses finally migrated into the bladder hindering overall ureteral patency (mean time of migration: 1.5 months). Patency was achieved in the remaining ureters (n=3), during the follow-up period (mean: 8 months, range 6-16 months), without any need for further intervention. CONCLUSION: The inappropriate anchorage and the increased ureteral peristalsis are the main causes of migration towards the bladder, thus, minimizing the usefulness of this stent for the treatment of ureteral strictures.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Retrocaval ureter and associated abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of retrocaval ureter with other congenital abnormalities. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Two new cases of retrocaval ureter are discussed and a detailed electronic search of the literature was mainly focused on the concomitant abnormalities. The first of our patients had also a glandular hypospadias and a supernumerary lumbar vertebra, while the second one had syndactylia (fixed toes) in both feet. Results. The review of the literature revealed that 21% of the cases of retrocaval ureter present with concomitant abnormalities mainly from the cardiovascular system and the genitourinary tract. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of retrocaval ureter should increase the awareness of the responsible physician on the possibility of concomitant malformations where treatment could prevent future symptoms.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed2002

Delayed suture intravesical migration as a complication of a Stamey endoscopic bladder neck suspension.

We report our experience with two cases of late migration of the suture and bolster occurring 2 years after a modified Stamey endoscopic bladder neck suspension. Delayed migration of the suture and bolster after an endoscopic bladder neck suspension across tissue planes, with subsequent erosion into the bladder, is uncommon. Recurrent urinary tract infection and mild suprapubic discomfort were the only symptoms. Cystoscopy was the only helpful diagnostic tool and should be considered early in the evaluation of this kind of patients. The mechanism of migration of the cuff and the operative technique are discussed.

Cystoscopy↗