PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Sakti Das

Publications and source records attributed to Sakti Das.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopy versus dorsal lumbotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction repair.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty offers similar success rates compared to open surgery. However, the advanced laparoscopic skills required may limit its widespread application. In select patients the dorsal lumbotomy approach can provide similar postoperative advantages to minimally invasive surgery. We analyze the perioperative management of laparoscopy vs dorsal lumbotomy for the repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective review 13 patients who underwent dorsal lumbotomy pyeloplasty were compared to 19 patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty between 1998 and 2003. Preoperative confirmation of obstruction was obtained through excretory urogram or renal Lasix scan. All 13 patients undergoing dorsal lumbotomy had a dismembered pyeloplasty. Of the 19 laparoscopic cases 16 had a dismembered pyeloplasty and 3 had a Fenger procedure. Average followup was 12 months for the open group and 13.3 months for the laparoscopic group. Postoperative results were evaluated with excretory urogram or renal Lasix scan as well as subjective outcomes by the patients. RESULTS: Operative time was slightly longer for the laparoscopy group at 231 minutes vs 200 minutes. Estimated blood loss and postoperative morphine requirements were also similar. Hospital stay was 3.3 days for the dorsal lumbotomy group compared to 2.4 for the laparoscopy group. The overall success rate for the laparoscopic group was 94.7% compared to 100% for the dorsal lumbotomy group. Each group had 1 complication, paresthesia of anterior/medial thigh that resolved by 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results show that a dismembered dorsal lumbotomy pyeloplasty is comparable to laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty with regard to intraoperative and postoperative hospital course.

Adult↗

Sir William Osler's perceptions of urolithiasis and the case of the indigo calculus.

BACKGROUND: Sir William Osler published his textbook, The Principles and Practice of Medicine, in 1892. It became the definitive treatise on a wide variety of diseases. The section on nephrolithiasis clearly presents the etiology, pathology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. What remains a mystery is the mention, under rare forms of human stones, of a type called "indigo." MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of Index Medicus starting from 1909 backward to its inception in 1879 was performed for key words "indigo," "calculus," "renal" or "bladder stones" and "indicanuria." Twelve textbooks of urology published before 1940 were scrutinized for references to indigo calculi. RESULTS: Only two references to indigo were found, both related to its use for treating constipation (1887 and 1891). Of the 12 textbooks, only 4 make passing reference to "indigo stones." They all mention that such calculi are very rare, but direct references to cases are lacking. One textbook references a study of blue stones from Egyptian mummies. CONCLUSION: It is unlikely that Osler's reference to an indigo calculus was taken lightly during his writing of The Principles and Practice of Medicine. The case of the indigo calculus is fascinating and perhaps enlightening if only for the source of Osler's intrigue.

History, 19th Century↗

Endoscopic diagnosis and management of ureteral endometriosis.

It is estimated that 1% of patients with endometriosis have involvement of the urinary tract, with the bladder being the most common location. Ureteral endometriosis is a rare entity, and the majority of cases are found at exploratory laparotomy for extensive involvement of the pelvic organs. Obstruction of the ureter may be caused by extrinsic or intrinsic disease, with the extrinsic form occurring four times as often. Progressive ureteral obstruction can be insidious in onset and ultimately lead to renal failure. Hormone therapy has had variable success, and open surgery has been the mainstay of treatment. Only one case of ureteral endometriosis, both intrinsic and extrinsic, diagnosed at ureteroscopy has been reported previously. We present a case of ureteral obstruction secondary to isolated intrinsic endometriosis diagnosed at ureteroscopy and treated endoscopically with holmium laser ablation and leuprolide therapy.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗

The evolution of robotic urologic surgery.

The incorporation of robotics into surgical technology is a relatively recent development. Robotic surgical systems can be classified as master-slave systems, precise-path systems, or intern-replacement systems. Master-slave systems, the most familiar type, were developed from initial experiments in "telepresence" surgery funded by the US Department of Defense. Urology has embraced the use of commercial robotic surgical systems in a growing number of clinical applications. Although drawbacks and limitations exist for the use of surgical robotics, the systems are developing rapidly and an expanded role for this technology in the future of urology is inevitable. This article reviews the history of the use of robotics in surgery, focusing on its specific application to urology.

Equipment Design↗

The evolution and progress of ureteroscopy.

Technology and refinements in urology have prospered with the bonding of engineers and surgeons. The introduction of fiberoptics and the development of the ureteroscope opened the doors to the field of ureteroscopy. Advances in rigid and flexible ureteroscopy with irrigating and working channels have expanded the capability of the urologist to diagnose and treat most abnormalities of the upper tracts in adult and pediatric populations. Instrument development has easily paralleled the growth and development of the ureteroscope and has improved success, patient safety, and comfort with the incorporation of access sheaths, nitinol materials, and Ho:YAG laser technology. Owing to their minimal morbidity and high success rate, ureteroscopic evaluation and therapeutic interventions in the upper tract represent the gold standard of management. Albert Einstein said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Contemporary ureteroscopy is a historical miracle that has opened a vista of endless limits in upper tract endoscopy (Fig. 4, Box 1).

Adult↗

Hand-assisted laparoscopy for multiple organ removal.

Simultaneous removal of multiple organs is a situation seldom encountered by the urologist but may be needed in patients with adult polycystic kidney disease or malignancies or infectious processes involving more than one organ. Historically, open surgery has been considered necessary to gain adequate exposure. However, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery is suitable for many of these patients. The hand-port and trocar positions are chosen according to the laparoscopic experience of the surgeon and depend on whether an ambidextrous or nondominant-hand procedure is planned. Several techniques are described, with a focus on bilateral nephrectomy.

Humans↗

Image converter eliminates mirror imaging during laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In laparoscopy, the term "mirror imaging" is used to describe a visual illusion resulting in paradoxical movements when a surgeon is positioned opposite the laparoscope. Mirror imaging is a common problem, creating difficulty in ergonomics and task performance. We introduce the use of a video image converter box (IC box) to overcome mirror imaging. The IC box converts the analog signal to a digital one, performs image rotation or inversion or both, and then reproduces an analog signal for monitor viewing. A laboratory study evaluated whether the IC box could improve performance during laparoscopic tasks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen laparoscopic surgeons (10 novice and 4 experienced) completed three laparoscopic tasks while positioned opposite the camera and experiencing mirror imaging: (1). suture cutting; (2). multiple transfers of a piece of foam; and (3). multiple transfers of a pinto bean. Participants were timed during each test both with and without the use of the IC box. RESULTS: All surgeons completed each task faster using the IC box (P < 0.015). On average, use of the IC box allowed subjects to complete assignments in less than one-third the time needed without the IC box. In Task 3, requiring multiple transfers of a small bean, all participants using the IC box completed the task. However, without the box, only 1 of 14 participants accomplished the goal in the allotted time. CONCLUSION: Use of the IC box eliminates mirror imaging and improves performance and efficiency during laparoscopic tasks. The box would significantly benefit surgeons positioned opposite the camera during laparoscopic surgery.

Clinical Competence↗

Pediatric renal trauma.

OBJECTIVES: To review the pediatric renal trauma cases during the past 10 years to determine the appropriate indications for imaging and operative intervention. METHODS: We searched the medical records from 1989 to 1999 and identified 61 patients aged up to 18 years old with objective data on renal trauma grade by either computed tomography or operative exploration and analyzed the data. RESULTS: Of the 61 cases, 46 were blunt and 15 were penetrating injuries. Thirty-two (70%) of 46 patients with blunt injuries and all 15 patients (100%) with penetrating injuries sustained significant grade 2-5 injuries. The 14 grade 1 blunt injuries included 4 (29%) with gross hematuria, 7 (50%) with microscopic hematuria, and 3 (21%) with normal urinalyses. The 32 grade 2-5 blunt injuries included 20 (63%) with gross hematuria, 8 (25%) with microscopic hematuria, and 4 (13%) with normal urinalyses. The 15 grade 2-5 penetrating injuries included 9 (60%) with gross hematuria, 2 (13%) with microscopic hematuria, and 4 (27%) with normal urinalyses. Five of the blunt (11%) and 13 of the penetrating (87%) injuries were managed with renal operative intervention, including 12 repairs of lacerations or vessel injuries and 6 nephrectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Renal injuries of significant grade were encountered that presented with microscopic hematuria, as well as with normal urinalysis findings. Therefore, the decision for renal imaging for the diagnosis and grading of renal injuries should not be based on urinalysis alone in isolation from clinical status, history, and mechanism of injury. Although the vast majority of renal injuries do not require surgical intervention, their accurate grading prompts treatment with surveillance, bed rest, and close in-hospital monitoring.

Adolescent↗

Wireless teleradiology for renal colic and renal trauma.

BACKGROUND PURPOSE: Image transmission is an integral part of telemedicine, allowing evaluation of patients at remote sites. We developed a simple method of wireless transmission of digital images to a hand-held computer (PDA) and evaluated its feasibility and diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute renal colic or renal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT images from 11 patients with suspected renal colic and one patient with renal trauma were transmitted using a cellular telephone with a wireless modem link to a PDA (Sony Clie 615C). A diagnostic interpretation was recorded for the presence/absence of an upper-tract stone, stone location, estimated stone size, and signs of upper-tract obstruction. Radiologic staging of trauma was provided in the patient with a renal injury. Comparison was made with the final dictated report of a staff radiologist. RESULTS: Ten CT sets of patients with renal colic were used for comparison, the remaining one being excluded because of ambiguity in the final radiology report. An average of 5.9+/-1.6 images, average size 32.2+/-5.2 kb (range 21-42 kb) for each patient were sent at an average speed of 1 kb/sec. Interpretation correctly identified stone presence in 80%, hydronephrosis in 100%, and perinephric stranding in 80% and stone size within 1+/-1 mm. A stage-3 renal trauma was correctly identified and staged. CONCLUSION: Wireless teleradiology to PDA units provides image quality sufficient for diagnostic interpretation. Anticipated improvements in wireless transmission and PDA screen image resolution will enhance the speed, quality, and quantity of images transmitted. Wireless teleradiology may facilitate convenient rapid evaluation of patients at remote sites.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Incisional hernia following hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for renal cell cancer.

OBJECTIVES: For renal cell cancer, the hand-assisted laparoscopic approach provides several advantages while maintaining equal advantages with regards to patient recovery. We offer our experience with laparoscopic hand-assisted radical nephrectomy and the incidence of ventral wall hernia. METHODS: Between February 1999 and July 2002, we performed 50 laparoscopic hand-assisted radical nephrectomies. A midline or a muscle splitting right lower quadrant incision was used depending on the side of the tumor. Hand-port incisions were all between 7 cm and 8 cm and closed with #1 polydioxanone sulfate suture in a running fashion. Three (6%) patients developed hand-port incisional hernias. All hernias occurred in midline hand-port sites. The average body weight of those who developed an incisional hernia was 137 kg. Although the cause of incisional hernia is multifactorial, we believe that obesity plays a significant role. The technical limitations involved in closing a short, deep ventral incision combined with the earlier return to activity of laparoscopy patients put this patient population at significant risk. CONCLUSION: We now perform an interrupted closure with nonabsorbable suture for the hand-assist incision and limited activity for 4 weeks to 6 weeks post procedure in high-risk patients. We have had no further wound hernias since adopting these changes.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗