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H Pflüger

Publications and source records attributed to H Pflüger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Iontophoresis for treatment of Peyronie's disease.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the efficacy of iontophoresis of dexamethasone, lidocaine and verapamil to treat Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an uncontrolled prospective study 100 unselected patients with Peyronie's disease were treated with 3 weekly courses of iontophoresis. The drug mixture was administered by an electrical current of 5 mA. and a self-adhesive receptacle fixed to the penile skin overlying the plaque. RESULTS: Resolution of pain was observed in 96% of patients, plaque diminution in 53% and improvement of penile deviation in 37%. Impaired sexual function was improved in 19 of 43 patients (44%). The benefit of iontophoresis therapy was more pronounced in patients with a short history of disease. Because of lack of side effects and painless administration iontophoresis was well tolerated and accepted by all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Iontophoresis of dexamethasone, lidocaine and verapamil may be regarded as first line nonsurgical treatment for Peyronie's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Unilateral or bilateral testicular biopsy in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

PURPOSE: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection has significantly improved the treatment of male infertility. Since only single vital spermatozoa are required for successful fertilization, the value of unilateral or bilateral diagnostic testicular biopsies in patients with azoospermia is controversial. We evaluated differences in bilateral testicular biopsies in azoospermic patients with regard to testicular histology and focal spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histopathological results of 100 testicular biopsies from 50 patients (mean age 33.3 years) were reviewed. In all cases azoospermia was the indication for diagnostic testicular biopsy. Intra-individual differences of bilateral testicular biopsies were retrospectively reviewed by determining the latest stage of spermatogenesis. RESULTS: After bilateral biopsy a difference in testicular histology was found in 28% and identical histopathology was noted in 70% of patients. An unsuspected burned out seminoma with maturation arrest in the contralateral testis was seen in 2% of cases. Testicular symmetry determined by a Prader orchidometer was noted in 54.8% of patients whereas 45.2% had asymmetrical testis. The frequency of divergent histopathologies in relation to testicular symmetry was 21.7 and 26.3%, respectively. Spermatozoa were found in 42% of right and 44% of left testes (p >0.05), and spermatids as the latest stage of differentiation were detected in 14 and 16%, respectively (p >0.05). Differentiation of testicular histologies according to the side of biopsy revealed spermatozoa and/or spermatids in 56% of right and 58% of left testes (p >0.05). Bilateral biopsies increased the detection of focal spermatogenesis to 68%. If only unilateral diagnostic testicular biopsies had been performed, in 20% of patients focal spermatogenesis in the contralateral testis would have been missed. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral testicular biopsies are superior to unilateral biopsies in the evaluation of patients with azoospermia. A 28% intra-individual difference in testicular pathology was seen after bilateral biopsies, and in 20% of patients focal spermatogenesis would have been missed after unilateral biopsy only. Due to the prognostic relevance of testicular biopsies for successful sperm retrieval before assisted reproduction, bilateral diagnostic testicular biopsies are recommended in the evaluation of patients with azoospermia.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Fluorescence detection of bladder tumors with 5-amino-levulinic acid.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary data suggest that photodiagnosis by fluorescence detection of protoporphyrin IX, a biosynthetic product of the photosensitizer 5-amino-levulinic acid (ALA), is superior to conventional cystoscopy in bladder tumor detection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We instilled 1.5 g of ALA into the bladders of 52 patients with suspect bladder lesions 1 to 4 hours prior to transurethral resection or biopsy. Red fluorescence was induced by violet-blue light (wavelength 380-450 nm). RESULTS: In 13 patients (25%), significant tumors were detected by fluorescence that were missed on conventional cystoscopy. In the present series, ALA photodetection had a sensitivity of 94.6% (compared with 76% for cystoscopy) and a specificity of 43%. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence diagnosis with ALA may become a standard procedure for bladder tumor detection and resection, especially in endoscopically difficult situations (carcinoma in situ, multifocal tumors, multiple prior resections, or previous drug instillation therapy).

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Bacterial colonization of ureteral stents.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of bacterial stent colonization and stent-associated bacteriuria, and to evaluate the significance of urinary cultures for identification of colonizing microorganisms. METHODS: A total of 93 ureteral stents from 71 patients were examined: 9 patients with permanent ureteral stenting due to malignant ureteral obstruction (27 stents), and 62 patients with temporary ureteral stents (66 stents). RESULTS: Bacteriuria and bacterial stent colonization were found in all patients with permanent stents. In patients with temporary stents, colonized stents were found in 69.3% (43/62), mainly in combination with sterile urine (45.2%, 28/62). Mean indwelling times did not differ between patients with sterile urine and sterile stents (11.8 days) and patients with sterile urine and colonized stents (11.2 days). Prophylactic antibiosis in 42/62 temporarily stented patients did not reduce colonization rates compared to patients without antibiotics (70 vs. 65%). Enterococci were the bacteria most frequently cultured from urine and stents. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, ureteral stent colonization rates were 100% in permanently and 69.3% in temporarily stented patients. Antibiotic prophylaxis did not prevent stent colonization and should not be routinely administered. Since urinary cultures correctly identified all colonizing microorganisms in only 21%, removal/replacement and bacteriologic evaluation of ureteral stents may be necessary in case of urosepsis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: review of the literature and assessment of prognostic parameters.

BACKGROUND: Only 73 cases of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis have been reported in the last 30 years. Although these tumors were most often seen in patients between ages 55 and 75 years, 10% of the patients were younger than 25 years. Because prognostic parameters have not yet been reported, the authors present another case of a male age 14 years and a review of the available literature, which they conducted to determine prognostic parameters. METHODS: The medical literature about malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis was reviewed. For the determination of prognostic parameters, a univariate and multivariate Cox regression model was used to assess the relevance of the patient's age, history of asbestos exposure, tumor histology, primary therapeutic approach, and presence of metastatic disease to survival. RESULTS: Previous exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing materials must be considered a risk factor for the development of malignant mesothelioma. The major difficulty in managing patients with malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis was determining an accurate preoperative diagnosis, which was reported in only two cases. Due to the lack of characteristic symptoms, 97.3% of the cases were diagnosed intraoperatively. Of patients who underwent local resection of the hydrocele wall, 35.7% experienced local tumor recurrence, as compared with 10.5% after scrotal orchiectomy and 11.5% after inguinal orchiectomy. Therefore, radical orchiectomy should be the first-line therapy. The median survival of the patients was 23 months, which decreased to 14 months in cases of recurrence. The overall recurrence rate (local and disseminated) was 52.5%. More than 60% of recurrences developed within the first 2 years of the follow-up. In some cases of disseminated mesothelioma, adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy was given. Although reports on adjuvant treatments were limited, radiotherapy appeared to be more effective than chemotherapy. However, 37.9% died of disease progression. Assessment of prognostic parameters revealed a significant correlation of patient's age with survival (P < 0.01), with a better outcome for younger patients and a worse disease course for patients with primary disseminated disease (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis. A multivariate Cox regression model of prognostic parameters concerning survival did not yield statistically significant results. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis testis rarely occur, but the possibility should be considered for all age groups. Univariate analysis determined that a patient's age and the presence of primary disseminated disease were prognostic parameters related to survival. Due to the invasive potential of this disease and the risk of tumor recurrence, radical orchiectomy and close follow-up are strongly recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Analysis of fibrinolytic proteins in relation to DNA ploidy in prostate cancer.

The tissue concentrations of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were investigated by an ELISA technique in normal and malignant samples of the prostate from 24 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for organ-confined prostate cancer. The median concentration of u-PA was significantly higher in cancerous than in normal prostate tissue (p = 0.006). No significant increase of u-PAR, PAI-1 and t-PA was found in cancer tissue in comparison with the benign samples (p > 0.05). Assessment of the relationship between fibrinolytic proteins and DNA ploidy revealed an increased u-PA, u-PAR and PAI-1 in diploid prostate cancer as compared with the normal controls. However, in aneuploid cancer u-PA remained high but u-PAR and PAI-1 were decreased. This led to a higher local concentration of u-PA in aneuploid samples than in normal prostate and in diploid prostate cancer. No alteration of median t-PA was found in benign prostate or in diploid or aneuploid prostate cancer. The altered expression of u-PA, u-PAR and PAI-1 in diploid and aneuploid prostate cancer suggests a possible role of fibrinolytic proteins in the different biologic behavior of tumors, and may be one explanation for the higher metastatic potential of aneuploid tumors.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Intravesical electromotive drug administration technique: preliminary results and side effects.

PURPOSE: We performed intravesical electromotive drug administration (EMDA) for various bladder disorders during a 3-year period and assessed the technique, possible applications, complications and outcomes of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intravesical EMDA was performed with local anesthetics for transurethral surgery and in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of noninfectious chronic cystitis (interstitial/radiation cystitis), with mitomycin C for recurrence prophylaxis of high risk superficial bladder cancer and with oxybutynin/bethanechol for the hyperreflexive/acontractile detrusor. A standardized power source and electrode catheter were used for 215 treatments in 84 patients. RESULTS: Transurethral bladder tumor resections were pain-free in 10 of 12 patients. Of the 25 patients with chronic noninfectious cystitis 15 were free of symptoms for a mean of 6.6 months, and there was a 73% increase in mean bladder capacity from 244 before to 421 cc after EMDA. Of the 16 patients with superficial bladder cancer 9 were free of recurrence for a mean of 14.1 months. In 10 of 14 patients with acontractile detrusors urodynamic examination showed detrusor contraction during EMDA of bethanechol. There were no contractions without electric current. EMDA of oxybutynin reduced detrusor hyperreflexia. A bladder ulcer was the single severe local complication and 4.6% of patients, mainly those with chronic cystitis, reported significant post-EMDA bladder/urethral pain. Minor side effects accounted for 23% of all treatments. No systemic side effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical EMDA is effective and innocuous. The therapeutic concept combines the advantages of increased drug administration without systemic side effects.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed1998

Paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer: results of a phase II trial.

The present phase II trial was undertaken to assess the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium. Twenty patients (age range 50-79 years; inclusion criteria: WHO performance status 0-2, no previous cytotoxic treatment) with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium were recruited and received cytotoxic treatment with paclitaxel at a dosage of 175 mg m(-2) administered over a 3-h infusion and carboplatin given at an AUC of 5 mg ml(-1) min (according to creatinine clearance) administered every 21 days. A total of 65% of patients achieved remissions (CR+PR), with CR occurring in 40% of patients. A further 15% of patients experienced stable disease. Remissions occurred after 2.4 +/- 0.8 (mean +/- standard deviation; range two to four) treatment cycles. The mean duration of responses (CR+PR) was 8.5 +/- 5.5 months. After a mean observation period of 11.4 +/- 4.8 months, 16 patients (80%) are alive. Toxicity included alopecia of WHO grade 3 in all patients, leucopenia of WHO grades 1 and 2 in ten patients, grade 3 in eight and grade 4 in two patients and, finally, severe thrombocytopenia grade 3 in only three patients. Non-haematological toxicity consisted of polyneuropathy of WHO grade 1 in 13 patients and grade 2 in five patients. We thus conclude that a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin at the given dosage and schedule constitutes an active, well-tolerated first-line cytotoxic treatment for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of intraurethral liposomal and intracavernosal prostaglandin-E1 in the management of erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the intraurethral application of liposomal prostaglandin-E1 (PGE1) with intracavernosal injection of PGE1 in patients with organic or psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Penile tumescence and rigidity were classified by palpation in 25 patients (10 with psychogenic and 15 with organic ED: median age 45 years, range 23-67). All patients were undergoing primary treatment for ED, the median (range) duration of which was 2 3 (2-44) months. After administering PGE1 by each route (1 mg intraurethral and 0.02 or 0.01 mg intracavernosal), the degree of erection was assessed and duplex ultrasonography of the deep penile artery was performed. RESULTS: After the intraurethral application of liposomal PGE1, there was mild penile tumescence in 12 patients with organic ED, the others having no response. In contrast, intracavernosal injection produced sufficient rigidity in 13 patients with organic ED, while two only had a slight increase in tumescence. In patients with psychogenic ED, intraurethral application gave adequate rigidity in six, with four having little or no tumescence, and intracavernosal injection induced sufficient rigidity for intercourse in all. Duplex ultrasonography of the deep penile artery of the penis showed that intraurethral application induced lower flow rates than intracavernosal injection. No patient reported pain after intraurethral application but two of 25 reported severe pain after intracavernosal injection. CONCLUSIONS: The intraurethral application of liposomal PGE1 did not produce sufficient rigidity and was not effective in patients with organic ED. However, it did produce sufficient rigidity in six of 10 patients with psychogenic ED and may thus provide a therapeutic alternative in selected patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Electromotive drug administration and hydrodistention for the treatment of interstitial cystitis.

Thirteen patients with interstitial cystitis diagnosed by the NIH criteria were treated with intravesical electromotive administration of lidocaine and dexamethasone followed by cystodistention. After a mean follow-up of 10 (range 3-22) months, 8/13 (62%) of the patients reported complete resolution of bladder symptoms lasting an average 4.5 (range 0.75-17) months. Partial or short-term improvement of bladder symptoms was observed in three patients, while two patients reported aggravation of pain for several days after therapy. A significant increase in bladder capacity, to an average 166% of the pretreatment capacity, was observed in all patients. Whenever symptoms recurred after initially effective therapy, retreatments were performed with equal efficacy in 11 patients. This promising new therapeutic approach, performed on an outpatient basis, may become first-line treatment for patients with interstitial cystitis.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed1997

Intravesical electromotive drug administration for the treatment of non-infectious chronic cystitis.

Seventeen patients with non-infectious chronic cystitis (NICC) (9 with interstitial cystitis, 6 patients with radiation cystitis, 1 with chemocystitis and 1 with lupoid cystitis) were treated with electromotive administration of intravesical lidocaine and dexamethasone followed by hydrodistension of the bladder. Complete resolution of symptoms for an average of 7.5 months was observed in 11 patients (65%), partial improvement in 4 (23.5%). In this series no complications occurred. Electromotive drug administration (EMDA) and cystodistension were well tolerated by all patients. The treatment was performed on an outpatient basis, thus reducing therapeutic costs. The results presented demonstrate that the combination of EMDA and bladder hydrodistension is an effective first-line treatment for NICC patients.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed1996

Laparoscopic implantation of temporary electrodes for bladder stimulation in dogs.

Five female mongrel dogs were used in an acute animal experiment. Under general anesthesia two monopolar wire electrodes armed with needles on either side were implanted into the bladder wall, the leads of both electrodes were then pulled through the abdominal wall. Filling of the bladder and intravesical pressure measurement were achieved through a suprapublic percutaneous cystostomy. Electrostimulation was carried out using the XEJ-2 experimental electroejaculator (biphasic pulses, pulse width 2.5 msec, approximately 70 mAmp, 50 Hz). The pressure changes within the bladder following electrostimulation were recorded, the effect of stimulation was observed endoscopically. Electrostimulation of the bladder wall resulted in micturition in all cases, showing an initial pressure peak at the commencement of electrostimulation followed by a decrease after onset of evacuation. We believe that laparoscopic implantation of temporary wire electrodes followed by percutaneous electrostimulation may open up new possibilities for bladder rehabilitation as well as for diagnostic investigations into the contractile capabilities of the bladder.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Experience in renal autotransplantation: analysis of a clinical series.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefit of renal autotransplantation in selected patients with either renovascular lesions, renal or urothelial carcinomas or other disorders of the urinary collecting system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1977 and 1994, 12 patients underwent renal autotransplantation, six involving renovascular hypertension, two involving tumours of the renal parenchyma, two with urothelial tumours and two with long ureteric stenoses. Pre-operative renal function was normal in six patients and impaired in five. One patient was on haemodialysis. Five patients had a solitary kidney and four patients had functionally solitary kidneys. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 93 months (mean 34.9). RESULTS: Post-operatively, six patients had normal kidney function (serum creatinine < or = 12 mg/L), five patients had impaired renal function (creatinine content < or = 26 mg/L) and one patient was on haemodialysis due to arterial graft thrombosis. Serum creatinine levels improved in four patients and were stable in another four. Renal function deteriorated in three patients and one patient required a graft-nephrectomy. Immediate post-operative complications included arterial thrombosis in one patient, perirenal haematoma in two, pulmonary oedema in one and severe intra-operative bradycardia requiring a transient cardiac pacemaker in one. CONCLUSION: Renal autotransplantation represents an effective alternative treatment with good long-term results for selected patients with long ureteric lesions and renovascular disorders. It is also an effective method for patients with urological malignancies, especially those with solitary kidneys where the maintenance of renal function is of major concern.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Functional replacement of bladder and urethra after cystectomy for bladder cancer in a female patient.

We describe a new concept for female bladder replacement introducing an ileocecal pouch with the intact appendix vermiformis used as an orthotopic neourethra. Based upon the results of preceding experimental studies this procedure was performed on a woman with the diagnosis of focal invasive bladder cancer. Eight months after the operation the patient is completely continent and back to work. This new type of urinary diversion with improved body image can be offered to female patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Appendix↗
PubMed1994

Intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 plus procaine in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Despite the availability of prostaglandin E1 for more than 7 years as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with erectile dysfunction, the problem of penile discomfort after prostaglandin E1 application has remained unsolved. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study we investigated the effect of 2 different prostaglandin E1-procaine concentrations on 24 patients suffering from pain following intracorporeal injection of prostaglandin E1 alone. Intracavernous injection of 20 micrograms. prostaglandin E1 with 10 mg. procaine (study 1) failed to improve local painful sensations. The combination of 20 micrograms. prostaglandin E1 with 20 mg. procaine (study 2) decreased the incidence of local pain significantly (p < 0.01). These preliminary results show that the combination of prostaglandin E1 plus procaine represents a beneficial alternative in patients with penile pain due to the single substance.

Adult↗