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Biomedical subjects

V Ravery

Publications and source records attributed to V Ravery.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Role of preoperative positive apical biopsies in the prediction of specimen-confined prostate cancer after radical retropubic prostatectomy: a multi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVES: A multi-institutional study of 280 radical prostatectomy specimens obtained from three independent academic hospitals was undertaken to validate a nomogram developed for the prediction of specimenconfined protstate cancer after prostatectomy. METHODS: Three preoperative factors - the Gleason score, prostatespecific antigen (PSA) and apical location of positive biopsies - that were identified with a previous logistic regression formula were collected. Links between margin status and preoperative criteria were confirmed by univariate methods. Subsequently, the predictive indexes of positive margins were calculated and compared to the actual margin status in terms of predictive characteristics. RESULTS: This control series, independent of the initial series that was used to identify the relevant preoperative factors, confirmed that positive apical biopsies(p<0.001), PSA (p<0.005) and the Gleason score (p<0.005) were strongly linked to the occurrence of positive margins. Different cutoff values for the predictive index were compared in a receiver operating characteristic curve. A value of 0.5, similar to the one described in the original series, gave an adequate compromise between sensitivity and specificity with respective values of 68 and 73% and a test accuracy of 72%. In practical terms, it was possible to predict 85% of negative margins, and to delineate two groups with different rates of positive margins (14.5 vs. 50%). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that PSA, the Gleason score and apical biopsy status are cumulative risk factors for positive margins. Risk of positive margins increases when it is not possible to obtain a wide excision of periprostatic fascia, as at the apex. This study substantiates the independent prognostic value of positive preoperative apical biopsies for predicting positive surgical margins.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Features of prostatic cancer in French individuals of African-Caribbean origin].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical, laboratory and histological characteristics of prostate cancer at the time of diagnosis and after radical treatment in various ethnically different patient groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prostatic biopsies were performed in 466 consecutive patients because of an abnormal digital rectal examination and/or isolated elevation of PSA (greater than 3 ng/ml). In this series, 40 patients were Black and 426 were Caucasian. The other aspect of the study concerns 320 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for stage T1 T2 prostatic tumour (25 Black, 295 Caucasian). In the biopsied group, we analysed mean age, mean PSA, mean cancer length on biopsies and mean Gleason score. In the operated group, we studied preoperative characteristics, histological stage, resection margin status, laboratory progression (PSA greater than 0.05 ng/ml) and time to progression. RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis, the mean age was 61.4 years (48-73) for Blacks and 65.2 years (42-87) for Caucasians (p < 0.05). The median Gleason score was 7 in the two groups. The PSA was 13.4 (1.7-105) ng/ml versus 14.4 (0.4-600) ng/ml, respectively. The mean percentage of invaded tissue on biopsies was 24% versus 18.8% and the mean percentage of positive biopsies was 53% versus 39%, respectively. In the operated group, capsular effraction rates were 39% in Blacks and 48.1% in Caucasians. Positive resection margin rates were 21.7% versus 36.6%, respectively. The laboratory progression rate with a mean follow-up of 33 months (6-126) was identical in the 2 groups (42.1% versus 41.1%), but the time to progression was shorter for Blacks (9 months versus 12.3 months). CONCLUSIONS: In this patient series, Black patients had the same laboratory profile as Caucasian patients at the time of diagnosis. However, they were younger at the time of discovery of the disease, had more positive biopsies and more tumour-invaded tissue on biopsies, and Black patients undergoing radical prostatectomy developed laboratory recurrence more rapidly.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Extensive biopsy protocol improves the detection rate of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We evaluated improvement in the rate of prostate cancer detection when using an extensive biopsy protocol involving peripheral cores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 303 consecutive men who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy due to elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. Ten biopsies were performed, including at least 5 at the base and middle of each lobe. In addition to standard biopsy at a 45-degree angle, a more peripheral 30-degree angle biopsy was obtained. At the apex only 1 standard biopsy was done. However, when prostate volume was greater than 50 cm.3, an additional peripheral biopsy was obtained at the apex. RESULTS: The complication rate in this biopsy protocol was 1% (3 patients). Prostate cancer was detected in 118 of the 303 men (38. 9%). Overall this extensive protocol resulted in 6.6% improvement in the detection rate. Improvement was 6.5% in men with PSA 10 ng./ml. or less and 7% in those with PSA greater than 10 (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the number of biopsy cores and improving prostate peripheral zone sampling resulted in a significant improvement in the detection of prostate cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Does ureteroscopy still play a role in the treatment of ureteral calculi?].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results obtained by ureteroscopy to treat ureteric stones and the related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 74 ureteroscopies were studied retrospectively, including 62 cases of pelvic ureteric stones. In situ fragmentation was necessary in 28.4% of cases. Success was defined as the absence of stones for one month after ureteroscopy. Success rates were analysed according to size and site of the stone, the need for fragmentation and the patient's sex. RESULTS: Morbidity was 6.8%. Success was obtained in 60.8% of cases: 72.7% in women and 55.8% in men. The mean diameter of successfully treated stones was statistically smaller (6.2 +/- 2.1 mm) than that of stones with a poor result (7.8 +/- 3.7 mm) (p = 0.044, Spearman). CONCLUSIONS: The size and site of the stone and the patient's sex influence the results of ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy for stone disease remains a topical modality after failure of extracorporeal lithotripsy, but also in the case of poor access of an effective lithotriptor.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy versus transurethral resection of prostate.

PURPOSE: Invasiveness, delayed morbidity, and the high cost of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) have resulted in the proposal of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) as an alternative and less invasive treatment. METHODS: Only a few randomized studies have evaluated the functional results of TUMT vs. TURP. Despite restricted inclusion criteria, they all concluded that TUMT is as effective as TURP in relieving subjective symptoms, but that it generally leads to less improvement in objective symptoms. RESULTS: TUMT results seem to last at least 36 months; at 1-year follow-up, the rate of repeat treatment is 3.2%. The rates of morbidity in both groups are roughly in the same range. Acute urinary retention (10-13.5%) and postoperative voiding discomfort are the main occurrences after TUMT; bleeding, retrograde ejaculation (50-80%), and urethral strictures (3.1-6.6%) occur after TURP. Cost evaluation, related only to Targis and U.S. data, favors TUMT. However, it seems likely that the overall cost of TUMT procedures may decrease if TUMT becomes a widely used technique, including fair reimbursement from private insurance companies or from social security departments in European countries. TUMT is safe and effective to treat BPH. CONCLUSIONS: Nevertheless, to date, the improvement that occurs in most variables seems to be less than that after TURP.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

[Prostatic biopsies: technical modalities and conditions of the test].

UNLABELLED: Histological examination of prostate biopsies is necessary for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The technical modalities and examination conditions of prostate biopsies were evaluated in the light of a review of the literature and the conclusions are presented in the form of standards, options and recommendations. STANDARDS: The standard or modified protocol of 6 sextant biopsies, applied as first-line investigation in all cases of stage T1c or T2 prostate cancer is a standard procedure and remains a reproducible, effective and well tolerated method for diagnosis and staging. Rectal preparation by enema and prophylactic antibiotics before the examination decrease the risk of infectious complications. In its usual modality used for the majority of patients, biopsies are performed as an outpatient procedure, with or without local anaesthesia, with ultrasound guidance via a transrectal approach using an 18 Gauge needle (pink colour code), mounted on an automatic biopsy gun and especially sampling the posterior and lateral zone. The patient must be given written information explaining the risks and management of possible complications following this examination. OPTIONS: Local, regional or general anaesthesia may be necessary in a minority of cases, either in the context of a protocol of extensive systematized biopsies (more than 10 biopsies), or in the case of repeated examination, or when preferred by the patient. Modified extensive protocols (sextant plus posterolateral zones or sextant plus anterior zones) applied to all cases as first-line procedure is a useful option, particularly when: 1) a first series of biopsies was negative 2) PSA is < or = 10 ng/ml and digital rectal examination is normal (sextant plus posterolateral zones) 3) the prostate is larger than 50 cm3 (sextant plus anterior zones). The transperineal approach is less reliable for detection and staging, and is used when the transrectal approach is contraindicated. When curative treatment is not considered (life expectancy < 10 years, patient's choice, stage T3, T4), the number of biopsies can be decreased. Transurethral resection of the prostate is not recommended as first-line procedure for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. RECOMMENDATIONS: Written information given to the patient during the visit prior to biopsy to explain the objectives, practical modalities and risks of prostate biopsies facilitates the patient's cooperation during the examination and increases its tolerance.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of the BTA stat test with voided urine cytology and bladder wash cytology in the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the BTA stat test (BTA stat), a new one-step immunochromatographic assay that can be performed in the urologist's office or in the laboratory, to voided urine cytology and bladder wash cytology (cytology) in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer of the bladder (BC). METHODS: BTA stat and cytology were performed in a double-blinded, prospective, clinical study on specimens from 240 subjects (68 females; mean age of subjects: 64 years) suspected of having BC. RESULTS: In 107 subjects with final diagnoses of BC confirmed by cystoscopy or cystoscopy and biopsy, the overall sensitivities of BTA stat and cytology were 65 and 33%, respectively. For tumor grades I, II, and III, the sensitivities of BTA stat were 39, 67 and 83%, respectively. Those of cytology were 4, 20 and 69%. Nine subjects had a diagnosis of 'suspicious for bladder cancer'. The specificities of BTA stat and cytology in the 124 subjects without BC were 64 and 99%, respectively. In the subjects with a history of BC (n = 74), the specificities of BTA stat and cytology were 72 and 99%, respectively. The specificity of BTA stat was lower in subjects with benign or malignant genitourinary disease other than BC (46%) than in subjects without genitourinary disease (71%). CONCLUSIONS: The BTA stat test is considerably more sensitive than cytology in the detection of BC and can replace cytology as an adjunct to cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with BC. However, due to low specificity, BTA stat should not be used without first ruling out potential interferences such as infections, renal disease and cancer, or genitourinary trauma.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Urolithiasis and the protease inhibitor indinavir.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate specific urological abnormalities in patients treated with the protease inhibitor indinavir. METHODS: A series of 155 consecutive human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients were treated with indinavir 800 mg p.o. three times a day. Of these, 14 (9%) treated for 1-321 (average 110) days experienced severe flank pain and were subjected to clinical and laboratory examinations. RESULTS: Abdominal X-ray was consistently negative for stones. Ultrasonography showed upper-tract dilatation in 12 patients. Intravenous urography showed obstruction above a radiolucent obstacle in 7 patients; in 2 cases, there was a marked delay in urine excretion on the obstructed side. The mean urine pH was 6. Urine culture was negative. Serum uric acid, phosphorus, and calcium levels were normal. In 8 patients there was slight renal insufficiency, and 4 patients required ureteral stenting. In all cases, hyperhydration and oral analgesia led to a favorable outcome. In 3 patients, chemical analysis of the stone demonstrated monohydrate indinavir crystals. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, indinavir therapy is associated with urolithiasis in 9% of the cases. Hydration, analgesia, and acidification of the urine usually lead to a favorable clinical outcome. Prophylactic hydration and acidification of the urine are extremely important.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Diagnostic value of ten systematic TRUS-guided prostate biopsies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improvement in the rate of detection of prostate cancer using an extensive protocol involving ten transrectal biopsies. METHODS: A total of 162 patients submitted to transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy for elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or abnormality on digital rectal examination were studied consecutively and prospectively. Five biopsies were performed in each lobe: between the three standard biopsies on each side, two additional biopsy specimens were taken in the same plane and at the same 45 degrees angle. RESULTS: The complication rate with the ten-biopsy protocol was 1.85%. Prostate cancer was detected in 40.1% of the patients. In the overall series, the percentage of diagnostic improvement brought about by this ten-biopsy protocol was +3.1%. The percentage improvement was greatest (+4.9%) in patients with PSA </=10 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of biopsy cores without altering the angle of biopsy and/or the zone sampled does not lead to a significant improvement in the detection of prostate cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Multicenter trial of the quantitative BTA TRAK assay in the detection of bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Human complement factor H-related protein (hCFHrp) is produced by several bladder cancer cell lines and may be useful as a cancer marker. The aim of this study was to compare urinary hCFHrp and cytology for the detection of bladder cancer found by cystoscopy in patients with suggestive signs, symptoms, or preliminary test results. METHODS: The BTA TRAK assay, a quantitative enzyme immunoassay for the bladder tumor-associated antigen in urine, was compared with exfoliative cytology in 220 patients (155 men, 65 women; mean age, 64.2 years) presenting with signs, symptoms, or preliminary diagnostic results suggestive of this disease. Cystoscopy was the standard of detection. RESULTS: In the 100 patients found to have bladder cancer, the overall sensitivities of the BTA TRAK assay (at a previously determined decision threshold of 14 kilounits/L) and cytology were 66% (66 of 100) and 33% (33 of 100), respectively (P <0.001). The BTA TRAK assay proved to be statistically more sensitive than cytology for tumor grades I and II and for stage Ta and T1 tumors. In contrast, the overall specificity of the BTA TRAK assay in the 120 patients without cystoscopically confirmed bladder cancer was 69% (83 of 120) and that of cytology was 99% (119 of 120; P <0.001). The specificity of the BTA TRAK assay was higher in patients without benign or malignant genitourinary disease other than bladder cancer (76%; n = 89) than in patients with these conditions. When the BTA TRAK assay and cytology were used together such that a positive result in either test was scored as positive and the results compared with those of the BTA TRAK assay alone, increases in overall sensitivity and equivalent specificity were observed. CONCLUSION: Because of its relatively high sensitivity, the BTA TRAK assay could complement cytology as an adjunct to cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow-up of most patients with bladder cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Value of the use of a questionnaire in the evaluation of incontinence surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the contribution of a questionnaire in the evaluation of patients operated for urinary stress incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1988 to 1996, 42 patients underwent bladder neck suspension for urinary stress incontinence. Only 7 patients had no history of pelvic surgery, 24 patients presented pure urinary stress incontinence and 19 presented mixed incontinence, 37 patients were evaluable with a mean follow-up of 2 years. The evaluation consisted of two aspects: clinical assessment, based on review of the case files, showing that 77% of patients were continent, and a questionnaire (non-validated translation of "Q7" and "UD16"). This questionnaire evaluated quality of life (7 items) and symptoms. Each item was scored from 0 to 3. RESULTS: To interpret the results we divided the three main scores into three intervals, the first third corresponding to good results. The percentage of good results for the overall score, quality of life score and symptom score was 62%, 73% and 46% respectively. The most discriminative questions of the questionnaire can be used to analyse urine leaks related to effort, urgency episodes of incontinence. A score of 0 or 1 was considered to be a good result. The percentage of good results for these three questions was therefore 72%, 60% and 64%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cure rate therefore varies as a function of the criteria selected: the questionnaire allows the urologist to more accurately assess the patient's postoperative state.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Place of surveillance in the treatment of localized prostate cancer].

Surveillance with deferred treatment in patients with clinically prostate-confined prostate cancer is a controversial subject. The policy of prostate cancer screening for increasingly low PSA levels and the use of more extensive biopsy protocols result in the detection of a large number of small tumours, probably early in their subclinical course. Conversely, some patients who receive initial active treatment are understaged by the pretreatment assessment and develop treatment-related adverse effects without any oncological benefit. The main published series concerning surveillance were analysed with particular emphasis on those with the longest observation periods. Data concerning specific survival and progression-free survival are discussed, together with the results obtained in terms of the quality of life of patients submitted to surveillance. Analysis of these data show a potential benefit of surveillance in elderly patients (over the age of 70 years) with small, low-grade prostatic tumours.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder].

OBJECTIVES: Primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder differ from transitional cell carcinomas by their rarity, histological characteristics, malignant potential and treatment. This study analysed the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic results obtained in a consecutive patient series over a 6-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 7 patients (6 men and one woman) suffering from primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder were evaluated. Histological slides, treatment modalities and duration of survival were reviewed. RESULTS: The commonest clinical presentation was macroscopic haematuria. All tumours were invasive at the time of diagnosis. Two patients were treated by partial cystectomy, one of whom also received adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient was treated by radical cystectomy and 4 also received adjuvant chemotherapy, including 2 with neoadjuvant radiotherapy at a dosage of 65 Gy. The three patients treated by a single treatment modality (surgery alone or chemotherapy alone) had a shorter survival, in contrast with patients treated by a combination of chemotherapy and/or surgery. CONCLUSION: Primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder are rare and have a poor prognosis. Treatment must consist of a combination of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery or radiotherapy to achieve the best results.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Lipodystrophy: a complication of protease inhibitors in HIV seropositive patients].

Indinavir-induced lipodystrophy constitutes a new complication of this therapeutic category. It is characterized by loss of fat from the face and limbs and accumulation of fat in the abdominal wall (possibly simulating an abdominal mass), but also in the abdominal cavity (retroperitoneum, greater omentum, mesocolon, mesentery). This complication, whose frequency is currently assessed to be between 24 to 64%, occurs an average of 10 months after starting treatment. It is often accompanied by laboratory abnormalities, such as hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia or insulin resistance. The pathophysiology and long-term consequences of this complication are still poorly understood.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed1999

The significance of recurrent PSA after radical prostatectomy: benign versus malignant sources.

The purpose of this article is to review the available means to investigate whether an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after radical prostatectomy may be explained by the presence of residual benign tissue. To answer this question, one may consider the following features: the kinetics of recurrent/ persistent PSA, the incidence of rising PSA in the presence of capsular incisions exposing benign glands only, the level of urinary PSA and the ratio of free/total PSA in the urine, the results of anastomotic biopsy samples, and the detection of circulating prostate cells by PSA reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after surgery. Capsular incisions exposing benign tissue are not associated with a significant risk of biochemical failure. In case of an organ-confined cancer with negative surgical margins but a rising postoperative PSA, the systematic reevaluation of the initial pathological slides constantly shows capsular effraction or focal positive margins that have been overlooked at the first evaluation. Even when anastomotic biopsies document only benign tissue, the study of PSA doubling time is usually characteristic of the coexistence of residual tumoral cells. However, in a few cases, the persistent negative results of the detection of circulating prostate cells by PSA, RT-PCR in patients with organ-confined cancer and negative margins but elevated postoperative PSA might be explained by the presence of residual benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue. Most of the data in the literature are in favor of the responsibility of persistent/recurrent cancer in the recurring PSA rather than that of benign prostatic hyperplasia/normal residual tissue. Therefore, a persistent/recurrent detectable level of PSA is the serum after radical prostatectomy characterizes biochemical failure.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1998

[Nephritic colic due to indinavir].

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the frequency and assess curative and preventive measures against urinary lithiasis in patients treated with indinavir. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen HIV seropositive patients who developed severe and acute flank pain were included. Four of the patients receiving 800 mg indinavir t.i.d. had fever (38.5 degrees C) or delayed secretion (> 2 h). Delay from indinavir treatment onset was 1 to 321 days. During the same period, 155 patients had been treated with indinavir. Clinical features, radiology and laboratory results were recorded in addition to an analysis of the lithiasis if possible. RESULTS: Transient moderate renal failure occurred in 8 patients. Mean urine pH was 6. Serum phosphorus, calcium, and uric acid, liver tests and urinalysis were normal. A JJ ureteral stent was inserted in 4 cases due to complications. In all cases, fluids, analgesics and antispasmodics provided favorable outcome. Inversely, nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs given in 2 patients had a deleterious effect on renal function. The lithiasis was eliminated in 3 cases and infrared spectrophotometry demonstrated a structure compatible with indinavir monohydrate. CONCLUSION: The formation of urinary lithiasis is a frequent complication of indinavir therapy (9%). Hyperhydration and urine acidification are usually successful but emergency drainage is required in approximately 3% of cases. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs should be avoided due to the risk of renal toxicity. A precise evaluation of fluid intake and diet, drug associations and personal history is needed to recognize patients at risk of recurrent lithiasis formation.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1998

Partial ureteral duplication in an inverted Y with epididymal ureteric ectopia and intrasinusal ureteral junction.

Partial ureteral duplication in an inverted Y is evidenced by the presence of a ureter duplicated at a variable level before reaching the bladder, in either an orthotopic or an ectopic position. A case of ureteral duplication at the level of the renal hilum with opening of a ureter at the level of the epididymis is reported. The description of this original case is compared with the data in the literature. The stages of organogenesis of the superior excretory pathway leading to ureteral ectopia and ureteral anomalies of number are reviewed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗