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Biomedical subjects

Anthony R Mundy

Publications and source records attributed to Anthony R Mundy.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

A new artificial urinary sphincter with conditional occlusion for stress urinary incontinence: preliminary clinical results.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a preliminary clinical investigation to determine the safety and efficacy of a novel artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) with conditional occlusion for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: Male patients with urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence after a prostatectomy were implanted with the novel AUS. They were followed up over a period of 12 months and the device tested for efficacy by using objective measurements of urinary leakage and continence. We derived a new measure for continence called the Continence Index. RESULTS: We have demonstrated that the patients receiving the new AUS showed a reduction of greater than 10-fold in mean daily leakage volume from 770.6 ml to 55.1 ml. There was an overall improvement in the Continence Index from 54% to 97%. CONCLUSIONS: The new AUS with conditional occlusion provides good continence rates and enables adjustment of regulating pressure in situ.

Aged↗

Tissue microarrays and their relevance to the urologist.

PURPOSE: We review important aspects of TMA methodology and discuss its wide range of clinical applications with particular emphasis on key clinical studies. We also provide an update on recent and projected uses of this technology to help the urologist improve care in oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A directed MEDLINE literature review of TMAs was performed. Important publications that have shaped our understanding of TMAs were selected for review. They were augmented by manual searches and our personal bibliographic collections. RESULTS: The TMA is a high throughput molecular biology technique that can significantly accelerate the processing of a large number of tissue specimens with excellent quality, good reliability and the preservation of original tissue. TMA studies demonstrate their accuracy and reliability compared to those of standard histological techniques and correlate with clinicopathological information to determine disease progression and prediction of the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This review represents an overview and update for the urologist on TMAs and their clinical applications in urological oncology. In the future it is anticipated that the outcomes of this method will be used to assist in the diagnosis, prognosis and development of novel therapies in individual patients.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

An analysis of the Research Fellowship Scheme of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

BACKGROUND: The Research Fellowship Scheme of the Royal College of Surgeons of England commenced in 1993 with the aim of exposing selected surgical trainees to research techniques and methodology, with the hope of having an impact on surgical research and increasing the cadre of young surgeons who might decide to pursue an academic career in surgery. Over 11 million pounds sterling (approximately US 20 million dollars) has been invested in 264 fellowships. The College wished to evaluate the impact of the Scheme on the careers of research fellows, surgical research, and patient care. As the 10th anniversary of the Scheme approached. STUDY DESIGN: Two-hundred and sixty research fellows whose current addresses were available were sent a questionnaire. Two-hundred and thirty-eight (91.5%) responded. RESULTS: Three-quarters of the research fellows conducted laboratory-based research, with most of the remainder conducting patient-based clinical research. One-third of the fellows who have reached consultant status have an academic component to their post. The total number of publications based on fellowship projects was 531, with a median impact factor of 3.5. Almost all fellows had been awarded a higher degree or were working toward this. Half of the fellows received subsequent funding for research, mostly awarded by national or international funding bodies. CONCLUSIONS: The Research Fellowship Scheme of the Royal College of Surgeons of England has successfully supported many trainee surgeons in the initial phase of their research career. It has helped surgical research by increasing the pool of surgeons willing to embark on an academic career. Indirectly, patient care has benefited by promoting an evidence-based culture among young surgeons. Such schemes are relevant to surgical training programs elsewhere if more young surgeons are to be attracted into academic surgery.

Biomedical Research↗

The current role of the artificial urinary sphincter for the treatment of urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: The introduction of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in 1972 was heralded as a revolution for the treatment of genuine stress incontinence. Initial enthusiasm was tempered by disappointment as complications occurred. The device has now been in routine clinical use for more than 30 years, and the indications and surgical principles involved in its use along with short-term and long-term outcomes are more clearly defined. Hence, we reviewed the literature to clarify the role of the AUS and offer a possible solution to its problems in the guise of a new sphincter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE search was performed and all articles relating to the role of the AUS for the treatment of urinary incontinence were reviewed. RESULTS: The AMS 800 (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, Minnesota) provides urinary continence in 73% of cases (range 61% to 96%) and it has a complication rate of 12% (range 3% to 33%) for mechanical failure, 4.5% to 67% for early infection/erosion, 15% for late erosion and 7% for delayed recurrent incontinence. The literature supports the role of the AUS as an important and reliable treatment modality for stress urinary incontinence and intrinsic sphincter deficiency. However, it is not suitable in all patients and its use for the management of hypermobility is controversial. Hence, careful patient selection according to indication is required with full preoperative counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its reliability for achieving urinary continence the AMS 800 is not perfect. Newer devices, such as that being developed at our institution, may offer improved outcomes and decreased complication rates.

Contraindications↗

Treatment of pelvic fracture-related urethral trauma: a survey of current practice in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify experience of pelvic fracture-related urethral trauma (PFUT), a condition not often encountered and managed by urologists. METHODS: The consultant urologists of the UK and Ireland were contacted informally to establish their experience with PFUT and its management, both immediate and delayed. In addition, particular individuals thought to have a specific interest in PFUT were targeted for more data. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 49% (235 responders), representing 78% of urological departments, including all the targeted individuals. Of the responders, 129 (55%) had never seen PFUT in 1-25 years of consultant practice. Only four urologists (2% of responders) saw three or more cases a year. Another four (2%) saw one or two cases per year and the remaining 98 (41%) saw PFUT less frequently. Acutely, 69% of urologists who treated PFUT did so by placing a urethral catheter. Subsequent strictures were treated endoscopically for as long as this was possible. The other 31% inserted a suprapubic catheter and referred the patient for reconstructive surgery if needed. Those who used urethroplasty for strictures after PFUT were identified and targeted; half used urethral mobilization and spatulated anastomosis alone. Only three surgeons performed more than five procedures a year. CONCLUSION: Whatever a specialist reconstructive unit might do, practice in the wider urological community is different. Even within specialized units, PFUT is rare and the surgical management is often significantly different from published 'expert' opinion.

Consultants↗

Defining the components of a self-management programme for men with uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms: a consensus approach.

OBJECTIVE: To define the components of a self-management programme of lifestyle and behavioural interventions for symptom control in men with uncomplicated LUTS. The use of lifestyle and behavioural interventions for symptom control in men with uncomplicated LUTS is widespread in the UK, however the effectiveness of these interventions has never been formally evaluated. Defining the components of a self-management programme will allow effectiveness studies to take place. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An eight member multidisciplinary panel rated 94 items for their appropriateness to be incorporated into the self-management programme using The Research and Development Appropriateness Method--RAM (UCLA). The item list was developed using semi-structured interviews with health care professionals and a national UK practice survey. RAM is a formal consensus process where an expert panel rate items over two rounds. The first round is conducted by post and in the second round the panel meets to discuss their initial ratings chaired by an independent moderator, then a second and final vote is made. RESULTS: The panel agreed that 57 of the original 94 items were appropriate to be incorporated in the self-management programme. These interventions were contained within the following categories: patient assessment prior to starting a self-management programme (6), education and reassurance (4), fluid management (6), caffeine (4), alcohol (2), concurrent medication (2), types of toileting (2), bladder re-training (15), miscellaneous (1), and implementation of a self-management programme (15). CONCLUSIONS: The components of a self-management programme of lifestyle and behavioural interventions for men with uncomplicated LUTS has been defined using the RAM consensus process. Now this problem of definition has been overcome, the effectiveness of self-management can be formally explored.

Consensus↗

Photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy: a phase I study.

PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy, using a photosensitizing drug activated by red light, can destroy localized areas of cancer with safe healing and without the cumulative toxicity associated with ionizing radiation. We used photodynamic therapy in a phase I-II study to treat patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with an increasing prostate specific antigen (PSA) and biopsy proven local recurrence after radiotherapy were offered photodynamic therapy. Three days after intravenous administration of the photosensitizer meso-tetrahydroxyphenyl chlorin, light was applied using optical fibers inserted percutaneously through perineal needles positioned in the prostate with imaging guidance. Patients were followed with PSA measurements, prostate biopsies, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and questionnaires on urinary and sexual function. RESULTS: Photodynamic therapy was given to 14 men using high light doses in 13. Treatment was well tolerated. PSA decreased in 9 patients (to undetectable levels in 2) and 5 had no viable tumor on posttreatment biopsies. After photodynamic therapy, contrast enhanced computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging showed necrosis involving up to 91% of the prostate cross section. In 4 men stress incontinence developed (troublesome in 2 and mild in 2) which is slowly improving. Sexual potency was impaired in 4 of the 7 men able to have intercourse before photodynamic therapy, which did not improve. There were no rectal complications directly related to photodynamic therapy, but in 1 patient a urethrorectal fistula developed following an ill-advised rectal biopsy 1 month after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy is a new option that could be suitable for organ confined prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy. With more precise light dosimetry, it may be possible to destroy essentially all glandular tissue within the prostate with few complications. These results suggest that photodynamic therapy merits further investigation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Current concepts in the pharmacotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major men's health issue, with approximately 80% of all men developing this condition within their lifetime. A variety of oral treatments is available, including alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists (alpha-blockers), 5alpha reductase inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors and phytotherapy. A large number of alpha-blockers can be administered, but no single agent has demonstrated a clear superiority over the other drugs. 5alpha Reductase inhibitors have demonstrated similar efficacy in larger volume prostates but most evidence suggests that there is no benefit in combining them with alpha-blockers. The use of phytotherapy is not entirely novel but requires further long-term evaluation before it can be endorsed for clinical use in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Urethroplasty for refractory anterior urethral stricture.

PURPOSE: We present our results managing anterior urethral strictures previously treated with urethroplasty and/or urethrotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 32-month period 69 males 10 to 76 years old (mean age 36) underwent treatment for anterior urethral stricture, including 32 (46%) and 26 (38%) previously treated with urethroplasty and urethrotomy, respectively. In 11 patients (16%) no previous procedures had been done. Anastomotic and dorsal patch urethroplasty was performed for bulbar stricture in 13 and 14 cases, respectively, while in 4 a penile skin flap was placed for penile stricture and in 38 a 2-stage procedure was done with urethral substitution using buccal mucosa or post-auricular skin grafts. Patients were followed with ascending urethrography at 3 weeks, and 12 and 18 months as well as with uroflowmetry. Symptoms were assessed for 6 months to 4 years. RESULTS: Only 1 stricture recurred in patients treated with anastomotic or patch urethroplasty, or a skin flap. Of the patients scheduled for a 2-stage procedure stage 1 revision was required due to graft scarring or stenosis at the urethrostomy site in 21% and stage 2 revision was required in 23%. Other complications in this series included fistula in 3% of cases, wound infection in 3% and post-void dribbling in 12%. CONCLUSIONS: Overall early results are good in our urethroplasty series in patients with a previously instrumented urethra. Patients should be advised of the possible need for multiple revisions of planned staged procedures. The increased rate of revision in these staged procedures compared with the excellent outcome of 1-stage procedures appears to be inherent in this operation in patients with multiple previous procedures rather than due to surgeon experience.

Adolescent↗