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Biomedical subjects

E Higashihara

Publications and source records attributed to E Higashihara.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: the initial 3 cases.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed on 3 patients with primary aldosteronism. Traction with 2 steel skewers placed subcutaneously over the costal arch was combined with conventional intraperitoneal carbon dioxide gas insufflation. This combination provided a good operative field at 8 mm. Hg insufflation pressure. The laparoscopic approach to the adrenal gland requires neither a large skin and muscle incision nor resection of rib(s), and offers lower morbidity and rapid convalescence. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a new minimally invasive operation for the treatment of adrenal adenoma.

Adrenalectomy↗

[Clinical observations of advanced renal cell carcinomas--the chronological change between 1975 and 1991].

An analysis has been undertaken to determine chronological changes that have occurred in the clinical features and treatments of advanced renal cell carcinomas. To accomplish this, 96 renal cell carcinoma cases, handled by the authors' department and at the branch hospital, were divided into two groups: 48 patients treated between 1975 and 1983 (group 1) and 48 patients treated between 1984 and 1991 (group 2). Between the two groups, no differences were seen in the sex ratio, the mean age, and the ratio of those who were found to be advanced cases at the time of diagnosis and those whose cancers had advanced after undergoing a nephrectomy. Concerning treatment, interferon (IFN) and UFT were more frequently used in treating group 2 than group 1, and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy less frequently used. No differences were seen in the prognosis between the two groups; however, in those who had advanced after nephrectomy, group 2 cases survived for a significantly longer period than did group 1 cases. Patients who survived for 5 years or longer accounted for two cases in group 1 and 5 cases in group 2 and combination therapies involving surgery, IFN, UFT, or similar medications were used for their treatments. These results suggest that adjuvant therapies, such as surgery, IFN, and UFT, have possibly contributed to prolonging survival, especially for cases that advanced after nephrectomy.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

[A clinical study on renal pelvic and ureteral tumor associated with bladder tumor].

Of 65 cases of renal pelvic and/or ureteral tumor treated at Department of Urology, The University of Tokyo, during the period from January 1975 through December 1991, 26 had bladder tumors as well. These cases were divided into three groups; 1) bladder tumor preceding upper urinary tract tumor, 2) bladder tumor found simultaneously with upper urinary tract tumor, and 3) bladder tumor following upper urinary tract tumor. In group 1 (nine cases), the last bladder tumor preceded renal pelvic and/or ureteral tumors by 3 to 42 months (mean 14.6 months), and in seven cases, bladder tumor recurred 3 to 29 months (mean 9.0 months) after nephroureterectomy. The interval between the diagnosis of preceding bladder tumor and upper urinary tract tumor was highly correlated with the latent period of postoperative recurrence of bladder tumor (r = 0.948). Highly malignant pathological grade of bladder tumor featured seven cases of group 2, with the survival rate being significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that of other groups. In the group 3 consisting of ten cases, bladder tumors subsequently developed 6 to 37 months (mean 15.0 months). The latent period of bladder tumor was significantly (p < 0.01) longer than that in group 1. These results indicated that the bladder tumors associated with renal pelvic and/or ureteral tumors have distinct characteristics depending on the sequence of association.

Adult↗

[A survey of postoperative steroid replacement in 40 patients with Cushing's syndrome].

Adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocortical adenoma was performed on 40 patients at Tokyo University Hospital between 1960 and 1990. There were 32 women and 8 men aged 2 to 59 (mean 35.7) years. Three different operative approaches to the adrenal gland were employed: lumbar approach in 24 cases, dorsal in 8, and transabdominal in 8 of whom 7 patients were operated before 1970 without definite preoperative localization of the lesions. Postoperative administration of cortisone and hydrocortisone as a steroid replacement has been reduced in duration and dosage in recent 10 years. Average treatment period was 3 years and 1 month in the 1970's, and 9.5 months in the 1980's, respectively. The mean daily dosage of steroid hormone was 517.5 mg (mean) on the operative day and 43.1 mg after three weeks in the 1970's, while 187.5 mg and 18.4 mg in the recent five years, respectively. Nonetheless, even in the recent 6 patients, metabolic alkalosis and hypopotassemia because of steroid excess were observed in a few days after the surgery. These observations indicate that period and dosage of steroid replacement have been reduced in these years and could be further shortened by means of rapid tapering in the early postoperative phase.

Adenoma↗

[Transurethral resection of papillary tumor in the lower end of the ureter: report of two cases].

Two cases of papillary ureteral end tumors, treated by transurethral resection are presented. Case 1: A 71-year-old female visited us for asymptomatic macroscopic hematuria. Cystoscopy revealed a papillary pedunculated tumor in the bladder protruding from the right ureteral orifice. Under a diagnosis of superficial tumor at the right ureteral end, transurethral resection was performed using a rigid ureteral resectoscope. Pathological examination revealed transitional cell carcinoma, grade 2 without muscular invasion. There is no evidence of recurrence after 25 months of follow up postoperatively. Case 2: On a routine cystoscopy after transurethral resection of bladder tumor in a 68-year-old male, papillary pedunculated tumors protruding from the right ureteral orifice were found. Under a diagnosis of superficial tumor at the right lower ureter, transurethral resection was performed using cold cup forceps and loop electrocoagulation. The tumor was transitional cell carcinoma, grade 1 without invasion. No evidence of recurrence was detected 15 months postoperatively. Transurethral resection of the ureteral tumor at the lower end appeared to be useful for the selected cases. The indications, complications and follow up for this procedure were discussed.

Aged↗

Clinical aspects of polycystic kidney disease.

A total of 316 patients (167 men and 149 women) with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease was studied retrospectively by a multi-institute group. With advancing patient age renal function decreased, and blood pressure, prevalence of liver cysts and probability of end stage renal failure increased. The probability of end stage renal failure was 39% in the patients in their sixties. Regression analysis indicated that polycystic kidney disease patients could expect to lose 1.1 ml. per minute of creatinine clearance per year, reaching a level of 10 ml. per minute, a point of end stage renal failure, by the age of 72.7 years. The better prognosis in our study than that reported previously in white patients might be due to the inclusion of more asymptomatic persons and/or milder genotypic expression of polycystic kidney disease in Japan. There was no sex difference in the prevalence of liver cysts (54.6%), pancreatic cysts (7.1%), intracranial aneurysms (8.0%) and hypertension (63.6%). The occurrence of pancreatic cysts was significantly associated with liver cysts. Our study clarifies several clinical characteristics of polycystic kidney disease in Japan.

Adult↗

Advantage of a smaller caliber fiberscope and learning curve on transurethral lithotripsy.

Transurethral lithotripsy was performed in 63 patients with ureteral calculi between September 1987 and March 1991. Three types of flexible nephroureteroscopes with diameters of 12.8F, 10.5F and 9.3F were used in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The rate of successful stone disintegration and the stone-free rate 3 months after lithotripsy were 73% (11 of 15 patients) and 67% (10 of 15), respectively, in group 1, 93% (26 of 28) and 82% (23 of 28), respectively, in group 2, and 95% (19 of 20) and 85% (17 of 20), respectively, in group 3. Four complications were encountered in the patients treated with the 12.8F device (group 1). Our results clearly show that use of a slimmer fiberscope and the effect of learning to perform techniques with the flexible nephroureteroscope improved the success rate and decreased the complication rate in transurethral lithotripsy.

Adult↗

Percutaneous reduction of cyst volume of polycystic kidney disease: effects on renal function.

Percutaneous reduction of cyst volume was performed in 10 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and its effects on renal function were studied. Although creatinine clearance, urinary excretion of beta 2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and renal uptake of 99mtechnetium-dimercaptosuccinic acid did not change significantly, a transient increase in urinary protein and a decrease in inulin clearance were observed. Complications, such as hematuria, fever and decreases in hematocrit, were slight and transient in most patients. This procedure holds little promise for altering the course of polycystic kidney disease.

Adult↗

The renotropic effect of ovine luteinizing hormone on subtotally nephrectomized rats.

Some of luteinizing hormone (LH) isoforms can stimulate renal growth. The objective of this study is to determine whether the administration of LH modifies subtotal nephrectomy-induced chronic renal failure. Castrated 3/4-nephrectomized male rats were divided into four groups of seven each and fed a low-protein (6%) diet. Ovine LH with renotropic activity (40 micrograms/day) or vehicle only (control) was given for three weeks or six weeks. Compared with controls, remnant kidney weights (% body weight) in LH-treated rats had increased significantly at three weeks (0.385 +/- 0.019 vs 0.443 +/- 0.052, P less than 0.02), but not at six weeks (0.281 +/- 0.004 vs 0.272 +/- 0.013). 24 h creatinine clearance (ml/day/100 g body weight) increased significantly both by three weeks (242 +/- 58 vs 301 +/- 36, P less than 0.05), and six weeks (323 +/- 55 vs 395 +/- 10, P less than 0.01). Urinary thromboxane B2 excretion increased in LH-treated rats, suggesting that hemodynamic changes may play a role in increasing creatinine clearance. Our results suggest that renotropically active oLH stimulated the glomerular function in castrated rats with reduced renal mass. Further study may clarify its clinical usefulness.

Animals↗

[A case report of laparoscopic adrenalectomy].

Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed on a 47 years old male patient with primary aldosteronism. Subcutaneous steel traction method was utilized in addition to intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation method. The combined use of steel traction method reduced CO2 insufflation pressure below 12 mmHg and might reduce possibility of CO2-related complications. A left adrenal gland was approached by a resection of phrenic colic ligament and a traction of a transverse and descending colon. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has distinct advantages over open adrenalectomy in terms of avoidance of skin and muscle incision and rib resection, and early convalescence. This less invasive method might prevail in near future.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

[A survey on urinary incontinence in the institutionalized elderly].

A survey on urinary incontinence in 161 (41 male, 120 female) institutionalized elderly was independently performed by urologists and attending nurses. Urinary incontinence was found in 107 cases (66%), with 76 cases (47%) suffering from severe leakage (more than 5 times a day and needs diaper). The prevalences of incontinence and severe leakage were 63% and 52% at geriatric hospitals, 59% and 29% at intermediate care centers and 78% and 63% at nursing homes, respectively. The risk factors for incontinence were consciousness disturbance, urinary urgency, impaired mobility and dementia, and those for severe leakage were apathy, loss of urinary sensation, dementia and impaired mobility. The type of incontinence was considered functional one in 81% of cases. The agreement of the incontinence type evaluated by urologists and that by nurses was found in 90% of incontinent cases. Incontinence was estimated "incurable" in 54% of cases by attending nurses. These observations indicate a high prevalence of severe and "incurable" incontinence in the institutionalized elderly, urgently warranting an effective remedy for the increasing aged society.

Aged↗

[Laparoscopic nephrectomy. Animal experiment and clinical application].

Laparoscopic nephrectomy was carried out on 6 sows in order to develop the procedures of clinical laparoscopic nephrectomy and the equipment necessary for this operation. Based on the animal experiments, it was shown that (1) retroperitoneal approach was difficult due to narrow space. (2) there must be at least 5 cm distance between each trocar and 4 or 5 trocar 1 cm in diameter were basically required. (3) The procedure consisted of incision and dissection of the peritoneum around the kidney, cutting and ligation of the ureter, dissection along the medial side of the ureter to approach the renal pedicle and clipping and cutting of the renal vessels. (4) The equipment required for this surgery must be functionally equivalent to those used in the open surgery. (5) In addition, the specifically designed equipment, such as a morcellator and an instrument to ligate renal vessels are necessary. The first clinical case of laparoscopic nephrectomy was a 34 years old man with a right non-functioning hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction stricture. The surgery was successfully performed with a 110 ml blood loss. It took 7 and half hours because of abundant peri-renal fatty tissue and large extra-renal pelvis. The convalescence was uneventful. Laparoscopic nephrectomy can be applied on selected cases and the development of equipment will make the surgery more popular.

Animals↗

[The distribution and localization of alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist on the bladder and urethra of female rats].

The distribution of selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist 1-(2',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-glycinamidoethanol hydrochloride, midodrine, and its active metabolite 1-(2',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminoethanol, DMAE, was evaluated on bladder and urethra of 8-weeks and 52-weeks old female rats. Prior to the intravenous injection of 14C-labeled midodrine and DMAE, bilateral ureters were ligated to prevent drug uptake from the urinary tract. In 8-weeks rats, 14C-midodrine activity was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in the bladder than in the femoral muscle, which served as a control for drug distribution. Similarly, higher uptake of 14C-DMAE was observed in the bladder than in the femoral muscle (p less than 0.01) and the urethra (p less than 0.05). In 52-weeks rats, there was no significant difference of midodrine uptake among these tissues. However, significantly higher uptake of 14C-DMAE was observed in the urethra than in the femoral muscle (p less than 0.05). Compared with midodrine, the concentration of DMAE was significantly increased in the bladder of 8-weeks rat and in the urethra of 52-weeks rats (respectively, p less than 0.05). In autoradiogram, the grains corresponding to midodrine and DMAE were diffusely distributed on the smooth muscles of bladder (mainly bladder neck and trigone) and urethra. The grains were also recognized on the vessels and perivascular areas of these tissues. These findings support that midodrine and DMAE could be effective for stress incontinence, because these drugs are known to bind specifically to alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

[Clinical application of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripter (Dornier MFL-5000) for upper urinary tract stones].

The results of clinical application of an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripter (MFL-5000, Dornier, Germany) were presented. The treatments were performed from August 1989 to November 1989 at the University of Tokyo. A total of 40 sessions were carried out on 32 patients with 51 upper urinary tract stones. On the X-ray films obtained three months after the last sessions, 10 patients (34.5%) were free from stone fragments and 4 (13.8%) had stone fragments equal or less than 4 mm. After treatment no serious adverse effect was observed. Macroscopic hematuria was observed in almost all patients, pyrexia in 7 (21.9%), and flank pain in 6 (18.8%). On the laboratory data after treatments, there were slight and transient changes which were milder than those of the first generation lithotripter. It is concluded that MFL-5000 is useful and safe in the management of patients with upper urinary tract stones.

Adult↗

Deoxyribonucleic acid and cytological detection of Y-containing cells in an XX hypospadiac boy with polyorchidism.

A hypospadiac boy with a hypoplastic penis and an apparent 46,XX karyotype in blood and testis cultures is described. Exploratory laparotomy and bilateral gonadal biopsy revealed the presence of 2 testes in the right and 1 in the left hemiscrotum, each of which only showed hypoplastic testicular tissues histologically. Uncultured testis smears showed Y chromatin in approximately 20% of the cells. Also, the Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses detected a weak but distinct signal of Y chromosome-derived deoxyribonucleic acid sequences in the perineal skin but not in the blood lymphocytes. The results indicated that the boy had a small proportion of Y chromosome-containing cells in the form of mosaicism in limited tissues, such as the testes and perineal skin. This finding may have implications in the genesis of testes in some cases of XX patients, and true hermaphrodites or male pseudohermaphrodites with an apparent 46,XX karyotype. To our knowledge, this appears to be the first case of polyorchidism with an identified chromosome abnormality.

Blotting, Southern↗