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Biomedical subjects

Arie Lindner

Publications and source records attributed to Arie Lindner.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Pelvis architecture and urinary incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVES: To examine anatomic features in the pelvic bones and muscles in women with urinary incontinence (UI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2005 and January 2006, 212 consecutive women underwent pelvic computerized tomography in our center. Preceding the examination, all women completed a clinical and demographic questionnaire including detailed questions about UI. Several anatomic parameters using multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional techniques (volume rendering) were examined. We specifically evaluated different bony parameters, pelvic floor muscle angles, densities, and cross-sectional areas. Ninety-three women (46.5%) had UI; the remaining women served as the control group. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate risk factors for UI. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.5 yr (range: 19-90). Women who suffered from UI were older (60.97 vs. 50.77 yr, p<0.0001), had higher body mass index (27.65 vs. 25.49, p<0.01), had more previous hysterectomies (21.5% vs. 6.5%, p<0.005), underwent more pelvic irradiation (9.7% vs. 1.8%, p<0.05), and had more diabetes mellitus (31.2% vs. 13.1%, p<0.005). Patient's age and previous hysterectomy were found to be the major clinical risk factors for UI (OR: 1.029, p=0.002; OR: 2.94, p=0.024, respectively). Logistic regression analysis on all clinical and morphologic variables yielded the following risk factors: pelvic-inlet diameter (OR: 1.216, p<0.0001), pelvic-inlet anterior-posterior diameter (OR: 1.109, p=0.003), pelvic-outlet diameter (OR: 1.077, p=0.011) and transverse perineal muscle cross-section diameter (OR: 0.773, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic inlet and outlet dimensions are major risk factors for developing UI in women. These findings may lead to a better comprehension of the pathophysiology of UI in women.

Adult↗

[Multivariate analysis on radical retropubic prostatectomy associated blood loss: importance of prostate size, pelvic lymph-node dissection and percentage of carcinoma].

BACKGROUND: Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has been associated with blood loss requiring blood transfusion. AIM: To define risk factors for blood transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The charts of 303 patients who underwent RRP between the years 1992 and 2002 were prospectively reviewed. Blood loss, blood requirements and correlative clinical data were recorded and a multivariate analysis model was applied. RESULTS: Data was available in 293 cases (97%). A total of 122 patients were transfused (42%) with a median of 2 units of packed cells. Median estimated blood loss was 766 ml (range 150-2800). Blood loss declined progressively during the study period (1220 ml in 1992 to 826 ml in 2002). Multivariate analysis reveals that estimated blood loss and transfusion rate are related to performance of pelvic lymph node dissection, prostate size and percentage of cancer in the prostatectomy specimen. CONCLUSION: Our series indicates that blood preparation may be spared in patients who are not candidates for pelvic lymph node dissection with prostate smaller than 57 gr. and with less than 77% in the biopsy specimen (equivalent to < 66% of cancer in the prostatectomy specimen).

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

[Comparative morbidity for different accesses in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy].

BACKGROUND: Over the last decades percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) has been developed as an alternative for open renal operations in the treatment of complex renal stones. Currently, different approaches are used for the collecting system. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the overall morbidity of different approaches to the collecting system during PCNL; to compare the complication rates for PCNL through the upper pole of the kidney with lower pole access and multiple access approaches. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 174 patients (178 renal units) who underwent PCNL. They formed three groups according to surgical access: upper pole (n = 107), lower pole (n = 51) and multiple (n = 20). Inter-group data on procedure related complications were compared. RESULTS: Postoperative fever was more frequent in the upper pole group (34%) compared to the other two groups (25% each, p < 0.49). There was a higher rate of pulmonary complications in the upper pole and multiple access groups (21% and 20%, respectively) compared with the lower pole group (2%, p=0.007). The rate of bleeding and need for blood transfusion was significantly higher in the multiple access group than in the other groups (20% vs 5% and 6%, respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The upper and multiple access approaches were associated with a higher overall incidence of pleural effusion compared with the lower pole access. The incidence of bleeding and transfusion rates were similar using the upper and lower pole accesses but higher in the multiple access group. Provision of an enhanced surgical field and greater maneuverability together with 'the treatable nature of the associated complications favor an upper pole access, especially for removing a large stone burden.

Fever↗

[Percutaneous diagnostic biopsy of solid renal masses in adults].

Most solid renal masses are presumed to represent renal cell carcinoma. Percutaneous biopsies of renal cell carcinoma have been discouraged because traditionally it was believed that surgery provides tissue diagnosis, staging, and grading as well as definitive treatment. Percutaneous renal mass biopsy was shown to be inaccurate and finally, beside rare complications such as bleeding and pneumothorax, biopsy may facilitate tumor seeding along the needle tract. In recent years, due to an increased use of cross-sectional imaging, more renal masses are being detected. The size of renal masses in contemporary series is smaller than in historical cohorts. On the basis of our findings and according to reports by others, approximately 20% of small renal masses are benign. We reviewed the indications, techniques, success rates, accuracy and complications of percutaneous biopsy of solid renal masses in adults in order to debate whether it is currently indicated to reconsider the role of renal mass biopsy in the diagnostic flowchart of small renal masses workup. Such a modification, if proven to be justified, may spare a substantial number of patients the risk and morbidity of nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy.

Adult↗

[Management of prostate cancer with indolent biological potential: from watchful waiting to active surveillance].

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among elderly men. Due to its indolent course and the fact that the majority of contemporary patients are diagnosed early, disease progression to metastasis often occurs many years after the initial diagnosis. Elderly men who have concurrent severe illnesses may not experience progression to metastasis during their lifetime. Therefore, it is reasonable to withhold active therapy in some patients avoiding the associated risks, and impact on patient quality of life. Watchful waiting (WW) is an adequate approach in such cases, and has been shown to be associated with a similar overall survival when compared with radical prostatectomy. However, the disease-specific survival was better in patients who had undergone surgery. Prostate cancer patients often find it hard to persist on a WW policy. This is due to their expectation to be treated, to fight, and win the battle over cancer. Consequently, many patients who start on WW drop out and seek active treatment within several years, mostly when PSA elevation is noted. Active surveillance for prostate cancer is a novel approach consisting of avoiding the risks of therapy, while allowing the early detection of those who are prone to progress. In these high-risk individuals delayed active treatment is offered. Active surveillance consists of periodic monitoring of the PSA serum level, digital rectal exam and repeated prostate biopsies. Threshold values for these parameters are pre-defined and active therapy is instituted when such threshold values are met. Preliminary results of active surveillance show that more patients remain on a surveillance regimen as compared with the traditional WW; it is possible to offer curative treatment to individuals who were defined as having high risk by active surveillance parameters, and the disease-specific mortality is similar to that with WW. Active surveillance for prostate cancer is a novel and fascinating approach that may improve our ability to distinguish between patients who have a higher risk and need active therapy, and others in whom the risk for progression remains low and avoiding the risks of therapy is warranted.

Aged↗

Retropubic radical prostatectomy: associated blood loss and transfusion requirements--a two-decade perspective review.

Bleeding during retropubic radical prostatectomy arises from venous structures in the majority of cases. Since its introduction two decades ago, the nerve-sparing procedure with surgical control of the dorsal venous complex has led to a reduction in blood loss and blood transfusion rate. The reducton in blood loss is a result of better understanding of the prostatic blood vessel anatomy, extensive surgical experience over time, and reduction in transfusion triggers with an acceptance of lower postoperative hemoglobin values. Increased blood loss during RRP is associated with poorer outcomes most probably due to surgical difficulties. But as for now, there are no decisive risk factors for clinically significant bleeding during RRP although newer technologies for hemostasis of the dorsal vein complex are being utilized.

Blood Transfusion↗

Ureteral stents: morbidity and impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Stents offer a simple and effective drainage method for the upper urinary tract. However, ureteral stents are associated with frequent side effects, including irritative voiding symptoms and hematuria. OBJECTIVES: To determine the side effects associated with ureteral stents and their impact on sexual function and quality of life. METHODS: Symptom questionnaires were administered to 135 consecutive patients with unilateral ureteral stents. The questionnaire addressed irritative voiding symptoms, flank pain, hematuria, fever, loss of labor days, anxiety, sleep impairment, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, painful ejaculation, and a subjective overall impact on quality of life. The items were graded from 1 (minimal or no symptoms) to 5 (maximal symptoms). The patients were seen and questionnaires filled at 2 weekly intervals following stent insertion until stent extraction. Following removal of the stent, stent patency, impaction and migration rates were determined. Admissions to hospital and ancillary procedures to retreive stents were noted. RESULTS: The findings presented refer to questionnaire items scoring 3 or more. Dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency were reported by 40%, 50% and 55% of the patients, respectively. Flank pain, gross hematuria or fever was reported by 32%, 42% and 15% respectively. Among working patients, 45% lost at least 2 labor days during the first 14 days, and 32% were still absent from work by day 30. A total of 435 labor days were lost in the first month. Anxiety and sleep disturbance were reported by 24% and 20% respectively, and 45% of patients reported impairment in their quality of life. Decreased libido was reported by 45%, and sexual dysfunction by 42% of men and 86% of women. Stent removal necessitated ureteroscpoy in 14 patients (10.5%), due to upward migration in 11 (8.2%) and incrustration and impaction in 3. Spontaneous stent expulsion occurred in one patient. Forty-six stents (34%) were obstructed at the time of removal. Obstructed stents were associated with a longer mean dwell time as compared to the whole population, 75 versus 62 days respectively (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral stents are associated with frequent side effects and significant impact on patient quality of life. Our findings should be considered when deciding on ureteral stent insertion and dwell time.

Adult↗

[Long-term follow-up of radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer in 400 consecutive patients].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes following radical retropubic prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The charts of 401 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between 1992 and 2004 were reviewed. RESULTS: The average age was 63 years with a median PSA of 8.5 and median Gleason score of 5. Ninety one percent of the cases were diagnosed by a single prostate biopsy set (average 7 cores, range 3-16). Pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in 84 patients (21.7%). Nodal involvement was noted in 5 (6%). Capsular invasion was found in 91 patients (24%), positive surgical margin in 78 (20.1%) and seminal vesicle involvement in 37 (9.5%). The average admission stay was 5.2 days (3-22). Fever (11.4%), urine leakage (8%), wound infection (4%) and pulmonary embolism (1.5%) were the most common early complications. One year after the operation 72% of the patients were fully continent. Of the 172 patients who underwent nerve-sparing procedure, 80 patients (46.5%) regained their sexual potency one year after the operation and did not require pharmacological assistance. Median follow-up time was 84 months. The five and eight years overall survival rates were 85% and 73%, respectively. Ten years survival of 136 patients (35%) with clinical stage T1C was 95%. Biochemical failure was observed in 68 patients (18%). The average time to biochemical failure was 12.5 months (range 0-76. median 12). Forty five patients (12%) died, twenty one (5.4%) due to metastatic disease. Mortality correlated to pre-operative PSA, clinical stage and Gleason score. CONCLUSION: At one year follow up, most of the patients are continent and 46.5% have spontaneous erection following nerve-sparing procedure. The overall survival and the long-term outcomes of radical retropubic prostatectomy are equal to those reported in the current literature.

Follow-Up Studies↗

[Endourological treatment of ureteropelvic obstruction using holmium YAG laser].

BACKGROUND: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is defined as an impairment of urine outflow from the pelvis to the ureter. Several treatment approaches are in use. OBJECTIVES: To present the different endo-urological approaches--retrograde and antegrade techniques --for UPJO using the holmium: YAG laser. METHODS: We followed 67 patients who underwent endopyelotomy between 1994 - 1997 and compared the different approaches for the treatment of UPJO. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were operated, 52 patients using retrograde approach and 15 using antegrade approach. In the retrograde approach success was achieved in 48 patients (93%) and in 14 patients (94%) in the antegrade approach. Complications rate was 10% and 40%, respectively. Hospital stay was 2.2 days in the retrograde approach and 4.6 in the antegrade approach. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate in the different endourologic approaches was high and no difference between the two approaches was identified. From our experience, lower complication rate and shorter hospital stay make the retrograde approach more advantageous.

Endoscopy↗

[Tissue microarray--an infrastructure for prostate cancer outcome research].

UNLABELLED: In tissue microarray (TMA) approximately 500 clinical formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissue cores are reorganized into a new recipient block. Each recipient block may be sectioned up to 200 times. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radical prostatectomy specimens of 405 patients operated for prostate cancer (CaP) between 1992 and 2004 were considered. A large database was created incorporating clinical and pathological data. Median follow-up time was 84 months. A full pathological revision was performed. We allocated and marked sites of interest on patients' slides: CaP, normal prostate, capsular or seminal vesicles invasion and the appropriate controls. The corresponding paraffin blocks served as donor blocks for harvesting tissue cores sequentially incorporated into the TMA recipient block. RESULTS: The specimens of 264 patients out of 405 qualified for inclusion into the TMA (yield 65%). Two TMA copies were prepared containing 4 blocks each. Each copy includes approximately 2000 tissue cores. CONCLUSIONS: We have constructed a large scale TMA associated with a detailed clinical database. This TMA will serve for prostate cancer outcome studies by using immunohistochemical as well as other molecular staining. Our TMA is unique because it contains sites of interest for CaP local invasiveness and metastasis.

Biopsy↗

Adverse effects of cystoscopy and its impact on patients' quality of life and sexual performance.

BACKGROUND: Cystoscopy, the principal means of diagnosis and surveillance of bladder tumors, is invasive and associated with unpleasant side effects. OBJECTIVES: To determine the early complications of rigid cystoscopy and the impact on patients' quality of life and sexual performance. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic rigid cystoscopy filled in questionnaires that included anxiety and pain levels (0-5 visual analogue scale), adverse events, Short-Form Health Survey, International Prostate Symptom Score, and functional sexual performance. Questionnaires were administered before, immediately after, and 1, 2 days, 2 and 4 weeks following cystoscopy. RESULTS: The pre-cystoscopy anxiety level was 2.01. The average pain during the examination was 1.41. SF-36 score was not affected by cystoscopy. The subjective impact on patients' quality of life was 0.51. The mean IPSS increased following cystoscopy (6.75 vs. 5.43, P = 0.001) and returned to baseline 2 weeks later. A decline in libido was reported by 55.6% (25/45) and 50% (3/6) of the sexually active men and women, respectively. Cystoscopy was associated with a decreased Erectile Dysfunction Intensity Score, from 15.6 to 9.26 during the first 2 weeks (P = 0.04). The overall complication rate was 15% and included urethrorrhagia and dysuria, None of the patients had fever or urinary retention and none was hospitalized. The complication rate was higher in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (24% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Rigid cystoscopy is well tolerated by most patients and has only a minor impact on quality of life. However, cystoscopy transiently impairs sexual performance and libido. The early complications are mild and correlate with a diagnosis of BPH.

Aged↗

Novel concepts in the staging of renal cell carcinoma.

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to rise steadily; unfortunately, our ability to cure patients with metastatic RCC remains limited. When developing and evaluating new treatment protocols, it is important to consider the role of prognostic factors, often defined as pretreatment features, that are predictive of outcome. The complexity and variability of patients' individual clinical outcome and the recently recognized limitation of conventional staging systems have lead to the formulation of integrated prognostic staging systems. In this review, we discuss the evolution of various clinically relevant integrated staging systems for RCC.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

Retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy outcome after failure of shock wave lithotripsy.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy (RIRL) for renal stones not alleviated by shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 females and 53 males with a mean age of 53 years (range 18 to 86) were studied. They had been treated with a mean of 3.2 previous SWLs. Mean stone size was 9.2 mm (range 4 to 22) and the mean number of stones per patient was 1.27 (range 1 to 5) for a total of 103 stones overall. In 70 patients there was 1 stone. Rigid and flexible ureteroscopes were used in 8 and 67 cases, respectively, while a combined approach was used in 6. A holmium:YAG laser was used for fragmentation in 52 patients. Success was defined as stone-free status or residual fragments less than 3 mm. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 67%. RIRL yielded a 46% stone-free rate. Of the 44 patients 17 (39%) had residual stones less than 3 mm, while 13 required ancillary procedures. There were no residual ureteral stones. Original stone size correlated inversely with the success rate. Most failures involved lower pole stones, in that laser fiber deflection prevented reaching them in 9 cases. The procedure was interrupted due to extravasation or bleeding in 5 patients and 6 had postoperative urinary tract infections (16% overall complication rate). CONCLUSIONS: RIRL effectively and safely alleviated upper tract stones unresponsive to earlier SWL. It can be considered salvage therapy in such cases. RIRL is well suited for treating stones less than 2 cm with better stone-free rates than SWL in the same circumstances. Residual stones were more likely in lower pole cases.

Adolescent↗

[Acute epididymitis].

Epididymitis may be acute (symptoms last less than 6 weeks) or chronic (more than 3 months). Acute epididymitis is almost always unilateral. In sexually active men under 35 years of age, acute epididymitis is frequently caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and less frequently by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is usually associated with overt or subclinical urethritis. Acute epididymitis in older men, children or following urinary tract instrumentation is commonly caused by gram-negative bacilli. The epididymis is sometimes the site of metastatic infection, such as tuberculosis. It is important to differentiate epididymitis from other causes for acute scrotum, such as testicular torsion and tumor. The cause of acute scrotum especially in children cannot always be identified. Therefore, Doppler ultrasonography and radionuclide scans are often used. In infants and young boys, genitourinary abnormalities are causative factors, and therefore should be excluded by imaging. Supportive measures and antimicrobial agents are the mainstay of therapy.

Acute Disease↗

Local anesthesia for prostate biopsy by periprostatic lidocaine injection: a double-blind placebo controlled study.

PURPOSE: We determined the efficacy of anesthesia for prostate biopsy by periprostatic lidocaine injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 consecutive patients undergoing prostate biopsies were randomized into lidocaine and placebo groups of 45 each in double-blind fashion. A 5 ml. dose of 1% lidocaine or 0.9% sodium chloride was injected via 23 gauge needles inserted through the transrectal ultrasound probe working channel and aimed at the prostatic neurovascular bundles bilaterally. Patients completed a symptom questionnaire applying a visual analog scale of 0-none to 10-maximal addressing pre-procedure anxiety, overall pain and discomfort throughout the procedure, pain during biopsy punctures and patient tolerance, as judged by the operator. Student's t test was used to analyze continuous variables and the chi-square test was applied for categorical data. Linear regression was done to determine intervariable influences. RESULTS: The average pain level throughout the procedure was 3.06 in the lidocaine group versus 4.15 in the control group (p = 0.04), while the pain level during biopsy punctures was 1.51 versus 3.98 (p = 0.0001) and patient tolerance was 1.06 versus 1.93 (p = 0.018). The level of discomfort throughout the procedure was lower in the lidocaine group with borderline significance (4.31 versus 5.24, p = 0.077). The lidocaine and control groups were comparable regarding average patient age (65 and 66 years, respectively). Prostate volume was similar in the 2 groups (68.5 versus 63 ml.). The median number of biopsy punctures was 7 and 8, respectively. Cancer was identified in 10 patients (22.2%) per group. CONCLUSIONS: Periprostatic lidocaine injection is an effective method of anesthesia for prostate biopsy.

Aged↗

PSA elevation during prostate cryosurgery and subsequent decline.

PURPOSE: To determine the immediate effect of prostate cryosurgery on PSA and the subsequent decline. METHODS AND MATERIALS: PSA level was measured in 14 patients who underwent cryosurgery for prostate cancer. Blood samples were taken immediately before and after cryosurgery and 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. A confidence interval for the elevation from baseline to maximal PSA was calculated. PSA decline was assessed in patients with a nadir PSA < or =0.5 ng/mL. Patients with a postoperative nadir PSA >0.5 ng/mL were considered to harbor viable cancer and were excluded from the decline analysis. The observed PSA levels during the postoperative period were compared with the expected levels that were calculated according to the maximal PSA level and a serum half-life of 2.5 days. Student t-test was used to compare expected and observed PSA levels. RESULTS: PSA increased from an average of 9.23 ng/mL preoperatively to a maximum average of 155 ng/mL (maximal PSA ranges: 18.9-490.5 ng/mL). The 95% CI for the increase in PSA from baseline level was 63.4 to 224.14. PSA nadir < or =0.5 ng/mL was achieved in 10 patients. The observed PSA decline course was slower than expected according to its half-life. Average observed and expected PSA levels at 2,4 and 6 weeks after cryosurgery were 10.4 versus 3.57 ng/mL (P = 0.005), 0.65 versus 0.07 (P = 0.007) and 0.09 versus 0.001 (P = 0.03), respectively. CONCLUSION: PSA levels increase steeply following cryosurgery, and decline slower than expected according to the serum half-life.

Adenocarcinoma↗