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W W Schuessler

Publications and source records attributed to W W Schuessler.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: initial short-term experience.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a laparoscopic approach to the radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). METHODS: A transperitoneal laparoscopic technique was developed to perform an RRP. Intra-abdominal access was obtained through five 10-mm trocars. After dissection of the prostate, the urethrovesical anastomosis was created via a transvesical approach. The prostate was removed by extending the umbilical incision. RESULTS: Between September 1991 and May 1995, nine laparoscopic RRPs were performed. The operative time averaged 9.4 hours. Only 1 of 9 patients had a positive surgical margin that involved the urethra. Six of 9 patients were completely continent postoperatively. Of the 4 patients who were potent preoperatively, 2 continued to have erections. There were three complications: cholecystitis, thrombophlebitis associated with a pulmonary embolism, and a small bowel hernia into a trocar site. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is feasible but currently offers no advantage over open surgery with regard to tumor removal, continence, potency, length of stay, convalescence, and cosmetic result.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the canine model.

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of performing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a canine model. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was performed on six adult male canines. A new endoscopic needle driver was used to construct a secure vesicourethral anastomosis. Average operative time required to complete the procedure was 304 min (range 270-345 min). Dissection of the prostate gland took an average of 67 min (range 35-90 min), and construction of the vesicourethral anastomosis took 154 min (rage 80-240 min). There were no intraoperative complications and only one postoperative complication (anastomotic leak). Five of the six animals recovered uneventfully from the procedure, and their foley catheters were removed 10-14 days postoperatively after a retrograde cystourethrogram demonstrated an intact vesicourethral anastomosis. Four (80%) of the surviving animals were clinically continent within 10 days after catheter removal. Post mortem examination confirmed that the vesicourethral anastomosis was intact with no evidence of urine extravasation. These data demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a canine model, and suggest that additional work with this technique should be continued to develop its potential clinical application.

Animals↗

Comparison of open and endourologic approaches to the obstructed ureteropelvic junction.

OBJECTIVES: To compare open pyeloplasty with three minimally invasive modalities: antegrade endopyelotomy, Acucise endopyelotomy (Applied Medical, Laguna Hills, Calif), and laparoscopic pyeloplasty. METHODS: Forty-five adult patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction were managed by one of the above four techniques. Success rates, analgesic use, length of hospital stay, recovery time, and complications were compared between each of the four groups. RESULTS: Successful relief of obstruction was achieved in 100% of patients undergoing open and laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty, 78% undergoing Acucise endopyelotomy, and 77% undergoing antegrade percutaneous endopyelotomy. Acucise endopyelotomy results in shorter convalescence (1 week) than antegrade endopyelotomy (4.7 weeks), laparoscopic pyeloplasty (2.3 weeks) or open pyeloplasty (10.3 weeks). Complication rates appear to be similar among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our limited data imply that Acucise endopyelotomy offers low morbidity with success rates comparable to antegrade pyeloplasty, whereas laparoscopic pyeloplasty is as effective as open pyeloplasty with diminished morbidity.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic approach to the seminal vesicles.

The seminal vesicles can be approached laparoscopically and completely dissected free via the rectovesical cul-de-sac. This approach may be helpful during a perineal prostatectomy or when treating primary seminal vesicle pathological conditions.

Humans↗

Laparoscopic standard pelvic node dissection for carcinoma of the prostate: is it accurate?

The acceptably low morbidity of laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy has allowed us to perform the procedure systematically on all patients who presented with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Data on 147 consecutive cases enable us to state that the overall accuracy and morbidity of this method are equal if not better than the rates available in the literature for open procedures. In addition, analysis shows that the standard dissection is more accurate than the obturator dissection because in 30% of the patients with positive nodes malignant infiltrates were found in the iliac specimen only. Finally, it appears that patients in whom the malignancy was detected by ultrasound only may not require lymphadenectomy because in our group of 28 patients no positive nodes were detected.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Laparoscopic ablation of symptomatic renal cysts.

We report a laparoscopic approach to the drainage and ablation of symptomatic simple renal cysts. Ten patients with chronic pain, 6 of whom failed primary aspiration, underwent laparoscopic cyst ablation: 6 had solitary renal cysts, 3 had multiple cysts and 1 had a peripelvic cyst. The approach was transabdominal in 9 patients and extraperitoneal in 1. Intraoperatively, cyst fluid was obtained for cytological examination, and cyst walls were excised and sent for pathological examination. When possible, the remaining inner cyst walls were fulgurated to prevent recurrence. Mean total operating room time was 2 hours 27 minutes and blood loss was minimal. The sole complication was a postoperative retroperitoneal hematoma, which was managed conservatively. Malignancy was diagnosed in 2 patients, each of whom had a negative preoperative aspiration. These patients subsequently underwent radical nephrectomy. All remaining patients were asymptomatic at a mean followup of 10 months. Laparoscopic ablation of renal cysts is a safe and effective alternative to open surgery in patients who have failed conservative measures. Preoperative and intraoperative evaluation for malignancy should be performed.

Drainage↗

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty.

As laparoscopic nephrectomy has become a viable ablative procedure for kidney removal, additional areas of reconstructive laparoscopic urological procedures are being investigated. We describe our early experience with laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Technical highlights include initial placement of an internal ureteral stent, lateral insufflation, placement of 5, 10 mm. trocars, pyelotomy (or reduction pyeloplasty performed with articulating laparoscopic scissors, reapproximation of the ureteropelvic junction with a running 4-zero polyglactin suture, placement of a 7 mm. suction drain in the retroperitoneal space and reapproximation of the colon to the body wall with a hernia stapler. We have performed laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in 5 patients with symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Operating time ranged from 3 to 7 hours, with the majority of time devoted to laparoscopic suturing (1 to 3 hours). Hospital stay averaged 3 days and all patients returned to normal activity within 1 week. Followup averaged 12 months (range 9 to 17 months) with complete resolution of symptoms in all patients. We believe that this innovative reconstructive laparoscopic procedure can be used for treatment of complicated ureteropelvic junction obstruction as in patients with a large, redundant renal pelvis or crossing lower pole vessels.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Endoscopic lymphadenectomy of the iliac and obturator nodes is feasible, and the morbidity to date has been acceptable. Further studies are needed to evaluate the procedure's efficacy and to delineate the clinical situations wherein it is most useful. The technique demands a significant training commitment from surgeons and may become obsolete with the evolution of more sophisticated approaches.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Laparoscopic varicocele ligation: a new technique.

Our initial clinical experience with laparoscopic varicocele ligation has shown this to be an effective technique. It is less invasive and allows a magnified view of spermatic cord vasculature away from the vas deferens. The long-term efficacy and recurrence rate after laparoscopic varicocele ligation need further evaluation.

Adult↗

Transperitoneal endosurgical lymphadenectomy in patients with localized prostate cancer.

The main appeal of radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate lies in the low morbidity and good subsequent quality of life. The handicap of this approach is the absence of adequate staging through pelvic lymphadenectomy. A new operation with minimal morbidity for the patient is presented and described in detail: endosurgical (laparoscopic) pelvic lymphadenectomy. This operation can be performed on an outpatient basis and is extremely well tolerated by the patient. The results of the first 12 consecutive cases indicate that, with experience, the procedure can be performed within a reasonable time limit (90 to 205 minutes) and that the number of lymph nodes removed (right and left obturator fossae mean 7.6 and 7.1, respectively) is adequate. Endosurgical lymphadenectomy adds only minimal morbidity to the radiotherapeutic treatment of prostatic cancer but permits more accurate staging and, therefore, counseling of the patients.

Aged↗