Biomedical subjects

Werner W Hochreiter

Publications and source records attributed to Werner W Hochreiter.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Lasers for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: when is the fuss worth it?

In the recent past, several endoscopic procedures using laser technology have evolved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The term "laser treatment of the prostate" comprises a variety of different application systems, different laser wavelengths, and different surgical techniques to eliminate bladder outlet obstruction. The aim of laser prostatectomy is to be less invasive than transurethral electroresection, but equally effective. Promising short-term results led to a booming laser decade in the 1990s, stimulating the development of several devices. However, the emergence of medium-term data has shown that some of these techniques did not stand the test of time due to the lack of long-term efficacy, unacceptable morbidity, and high retreatment rates. Nevertheless, the results of transurethral resection of the prostate are challenged by some of the newer laser devices, putting the so-called "gold standard" into question.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome and voiding dysfunction.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a disease that is mainly characterized by three parameters: pain in the suprapubic and pelvic area, presence or absence of white blood cells in expressed prostatic secretions, and voiding disorders of various degrees. The causative factors underlying this very common condition are poorly understood. Therapeutic options (ie, antimicrobial treatment) often are based on the presence of an inflammatory reaction in the expressed prostatic secretions, but the benefit of recurring or prolonged courses of antimicrobial agents is highly variable. Observations have been made regarding functional and structural changes in the lower urinary tract that are suggestive to have an impact on the pathogenesis of chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2004

Urinary urgency and frequency, and chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain in females. Can doxycycline help?

PURPOSE: Persistent urinary urgency and frequency, and chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain in women are often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This can be frustrating for patients and physicians. The search for an infectious agent often proves futile and after multiple ineffective treatment regimens patients may be classified as having interstitial cystitis or referred to a psychiatrist as the last option. We evaluated whether treatment with doxycycline of the patient and her sexual partner would be beneficial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women presenting with a history of urinary urgency and frequency, and chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain often associated with dyspareunia and/or a history of recurrent urinary tract infection were evaluated. Initial examinations included urethral and cervical/vaginal swabs, serum analysis, urine examination and culture, and bladder barbitage. A total of 103 women with a median age of 46 years (range 21 to 84) and with a median symptoms history of 60 months (range 3 to 480) were included. All patients had trigonal leukoplakia at cystoscopy, in 15% an infectious organism was identified and 30% had leukocyturia. All were treated with doxycyclines, and a vaginal antimicrobic and/or antimycotic agent following the same regimen, including treatment of the sexual partner. RESULTS: After treatment with doxycycline 71% of the women were symptom-free or had a subjective decrease in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with doxycycline is effective in more than two-thirds of patients complaining of persistent frequency and urgency, chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain, and dyspareunia as well as a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. In women with negative urinary cultures but a history of urgency/frequency probative treatment with doxycycline is justified and endoscopic findings may support the hypothesis of chronic infection. This should be done especially before contemplating psychiatric treatment or diagnosing the patient with interstitial cystitis. We attribute this high success rate to simultaneous treatment of the sexual partner, who may be an asymptomatic carrier, although this remains to be proved.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Primary T1G3 bladder cancer: organ preserving approach or immediate cystectomy?

PURPOSE: In this retrospective nonrandomized study we compared the long-term outcome in patients with newly diagnosed stage T1G3 bladder cancer treated with transurethral resection and bacillus Calmette-Guerin or immediate cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 121 patients with a median age of 67 years (range 36 to 88) diagnosed with primary T1G3 bladder cancer between 1976 and 1999, 92 were treated by transureteral resection with additional intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin and 29 were treated with immediate cystectomy. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients treated with an organ preserving approach 29 remained disease-free, local recurrence developed in 33 (36%) and progression developed in 30 (33%) at a median followup of 6.9 years (range 0.6 to 16.5). Of these 92 patients 27 (29%) underwent deferred cystectomy at a median of 12.9 months (range 4.8 to 136), of whom 10 (37%) with a median postoperative followup of 19 months (range 2 to 173) died of progressive disease with a median survival of 13 months (range 3 to 34) after cystectomy. The majority of patients who died of progressive disease refused cystectomy, were referred too late for cystectomy, were inoperable or had upper urinary tract disease. Six of the 29 patients (21%) undergoing immediate cystectomy had progression at a median of 13.2 months (range 5.5 to 37). Overall and tumor specific survival at 5 years in patients treated with an organ preserving approach was 69% and 80%, and in those treated with immediate cystectomy it was 54% and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis demonstrate that the concept of an organ preserving approach is acceptable and spares the bladder in approximately half of the patients with primary T1G3 bladder cancer. Of the patients 30% require deferred cystectomy, making meticulous, close followup mandatory.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2004

Attempted nerve sparing surgery and age have a significant effect on urinary continence and erectile function after radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution.

PURPOSE: We assessed factors influencing urinary continence and erectile function after radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 381 consecutive men undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution between April 1985 and June 2003, 331 (87%) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the analysis. Kaplan-Meier models and multivariate analysis applying Cox regression were used to evaluate factors influencing postoperative urinary continence and erectile function. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, attempted nerve sparing and age younger than 65 years were significantly associated with better daytime (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively) and nighttime continence (p = 0.036 and p = 0.005, respectively). In multivariate analysis the rate of daytime continence was significantly higher in patients with attempted nerve sparing (hazards ratio [HR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.87) and nighttime continence was significantly better in patients younger than 65 years (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.07-1.8). Daytime continence was significantly better (p <0.0001) and was achieved more quickly than nighttime continence (p <0.0001). The time to achieve daytime continence was shorter for patients with attempted nerve sparing (p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis erectile function recovered significantly more often in patients with attempted nerve sparing (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.24-5.39) and in those younger than 65 years (HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.83-4.85). CONCLUSIONS: After radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution, attempted nerve sparing and age younger than 65 years are associated with improved urinary continence. Attempted nerve sparing has the greatest impact on daytime continence and age has the greatest impact on nighttime continence. Attempted nerve sparing and younger age are both associated with more frequent recovery of erectile function.

Actuarial Analysis↗

PubMed2003

A prospective randomized trial comparing 2 lithotriptors for stone disintegration and induced renal trauma.

PURPOSE: We compare the efficacy and resulting kidney trauma of the HM3 (Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia) and Lithostar Plus (Siemens, Issaquah, Washington) lithotriptors in a prospective randomized trial treating calix and renal pelvis stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a solitary renal pelvic stone 2 cm. or less in diameter or a solitary calix stone 1 cm. or less in diameter were randomized for treatment with the HM3 or Lithostar Plus. Stone disintegration and dilatation of the pyelocaliceal system were evaluated by abdominal plain x-ray and renal ultrasound 1 day and 3 months after treatment. Kidney trauma was determined by measurement of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and beta-galactosidase (NAG) in pretreatment urine and 4, 12-hour urine samples collected within the first 2 days after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL, Dornier Medical Systems, Inc.). RESULTS: Of 167 patients with 176 stones 91 were randomized to the HM3 and 85 to the Lithostar Plus lithotriptor group. The preoperative stone burden was comparable in both groups. On postoperative day 1 patients treated with the HM3 or Lithostar Plus were stone-free or had fragments 2 mm. or less (91% and 65%, p <0.001), 3 to 5 mm. (8% and 25%, p = 0.003) and 6 mm. or greater (1% and 10%, p = 0.008), respectively. Patients treated with the HM3 had less posttreatment dilatation of the collecting system (p = 0.01). Obstructive pyelonephritis occurred in 1% of the HM3 and 8% of the Lithostar Plus group (p = 0.02). Re-treatment rate was 4% in the HM3 and 13% in the Lithostar Plus group (p = 0.05). Mean excretion of urinary NAG per treatment (including re-treatments) was comparable in both groups but NAG excretion in relation to stone volume and shock wave number 12 to 24 hours after ESWL was significantly higher in the HM3 group (p <0.05). At 3-months postoperatively 89% of the patients treated with the HM3 and 87% treated with the Lithostar plus were stone-free with no dilatation of the collecting system. CONCLUSIONS: This prospectively randomized study indicated that the HM3 is still the gold standard in regard to disintegration of pelvicaliceal stones. Stone disintegration with the HM3 is better with fewer shock waves, re-treatment rate is lower, and posttreatment dilatation of the collecting system and complications such as obstructive pyelonephritis are less than those with the Lithostar Plus. ESWL induced kidney trauma is minor and resolves within 2 days. The HM3 delivers more energy per shock wave into the kidney as assessed by urinary NAG.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

PubMed2003

Non-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be caused by bladder neck hypertrophy.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the etiology of the non-inflammatory Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS, NIH category IIIb). We conducted this study to determine whether endoscopic and urodynamic evaluation provide objectively measurable parameters that may support the rationale of therapeutic strategies for patients who failed to respond to medical treatment of non-inflammatory CPPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 48 patients included in this study fulfilled the NIH criteria for non-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome category IIIb. All patients had received multiple courses of antimicrobial and/or anti-inflammatory drugs, but suffered recurrent symptoms. An endoscopic and urodynamic evaluation was performed after any medical treatment had been discontinued for at least 6 weeks. RESULTS: At urethrocystoscopy, no patient had endoscopic evidence of obstruction due to urethral stricture, but 29 patients (60%) were found to have significant bladder neck hypertrophy. At urodynamic evaluation, these 29 patients had an increased detrusor opening pressure DOP (49 vs. 29 cmH(2)O), an increased detrusor pressure at maximal flow P(det,Q(max)) (55 vs. 34 cmH(2)O), a decreased maximal flow Q(max) (10 vs. 17 ml/s) and an increased postvoid residual urine PVR (67 vs. 17 ml) when compared to the 19 patients with a normal appearing bladder neck. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). When assessed with the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) the two groups showed no difference in the domains of pain and quality of life impact but urinary symptoms were significantly more pronounced in the presence of bladder neck alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-inflammatory CPPS who fail to respond to medical treatment with antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs may have morphological alterations in form of bladder neck hypertrophy. This can be suspected when urinary symptoms, residual urine and decreased Q(max) are present. These can be assessed by non-invasive methods. Endoscopic and/or urodynamic evaluation seem to be justified in these patients in order to establish the diagnosis, consider alpha-adrenergic blockade and avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for distal ureteral calculi: what a powerful machine can achieve.

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL, Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia) for distal ureteral calculi with the HM3 (Dornier Medical Systems, Inc.) lithotriptor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 585 consecutive patients with distal ureteral calculi were treated with ESWL using an unmodified HM3 lithotriptor. Of these patients 67 referred for treatment only for whom no followup was available were excluded from further analysis. The remaining 518 cases were followed until they were radiologically documented to be stone-free or considered treatment failures. Before ESWL additional procedures were performed in 144 patients, including stone push back, ureteral catheter or Double-J (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) stent placement, percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteral endoscopic maneuvers or stone basket manipulation. A total of 374 patients needed no preliminary treatment before ESWL. RESULTS: Of the 518 patients 469 (91%) were successfully treated with 1 ESWL session, while 49 (9%) needed 2 or 3. Manipulation after ESWL was performed in 22 cases, including stent placement, percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteral endoscopic stone removal and a stone basket procedure. On day 1 after ESWL 327 patients (63%) were stone-free, 158 (30%) had less than 5 mm. fragments and 33 (7%) had more than 5 mm. fragments. At 3 months the stone-free rate increased to 97%. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that ESWL for distal ureteral calculi with the powerful unmodified HM3 lithotriptor has a high success rate with a low rate of minimally traumatic manipulations before and after intervention. Results in terms of the re-treatment and stone-free rates are superior to those of any other second or third generation lithotriptor and comparable to the results of the best ureteroscopic series.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate combined with electrocautery resection: the mushroom technique.

PURPOSE: The holmium laser allows bloodless enucleation of the prostate. A problem is how to remove a whole enucleated, free floating, large prostatic lobe from the bladder. A mechanical morcellator has been used to achieve tissue fragmentation but aspiration of and damage to the bladder wall are risks. Using the mushroom technique holmium laser enucleation and electrocautery resection can be combined without compromising the bloodless advantages of the laser procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 156 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia using a holmium laser with the mushroom technique. Preoperatively all patients were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urine flow, ultrasound estimation of prostate volume and post-void residual urine, and pressure flow study. Laser enucleation of the prostatic lobes was performed at 66 W. Instead of releasing the lobes into the bladder they were left attached at the bladder neck by a narrow mushroom-like pedicle. At that point the vascular supply was almost completely interrupted and the lobes could easily be electroresected into small pieces without bleeding. Patients were followed 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure. RESULTS: No patient had significant blood loss or signs of the transurethral resection syndrome. A total of 19 patients were treated while under oral anticoagulation without major bleeding problems. Complete followup was available on 125 patients. Median baseline International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 20 to 3 at 6 months (p <0.05) and remained stable at 12 and 24 months. Median maximum urine flow increased from 8 to 20 ml. per second at 6, 12 and 24 months (p <0.05). Median baseline post-void residual urine decreased from 190 to 30 ml. at 6 months (p <0.05) and remained low at 20 and 30 ml. at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Urodynamic evaluation preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively was available in 83 cases. Relief of obstruction was documented with a statistically significant decrease in median detrusor pressure at maximum urine flow from 87 to 48 cm. water (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combining holmium laser enucleation and prostate electroresection with the mushroom technique is safe, efficient and bloodless surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia with sustained relief of obstruction. With this technique there is no need for additional devices, such as a mechanical tissue morcellator.

Aged↗