Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Goldwasser

Publications and source records attributed to B Goldwasser.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Quantitative changes in platelet counts following major urological pelvic surgery.

Postperative quantitative changes in platelet counts have been reported following various extensive surgical procedures. It is generally accepted that reactive thrombocytosis at levels less than 1,000,000/mm3 is a benign condition and is not associated with increased risk of postoperative thrombohemorrhagic complications. The role of prophylactic treatment with platelet inhibitors in these situations is controversial. We assessed retrospectively the timing and the extent of postoperative thrombocytosis in 85 consecutive patients following major urological pelvic surgery and evaluated its possible clinical significance to hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications, in view of the coincidence of multiple potential risk factors for thromboembolism in these patients. 73 (85.9%) patients demonstrated marked postoperative changes of platelet counts. In 12 patients (14.1%) we found only minor fluctuations in platelet counts throughout the postoperative period. Two distinct groups of 26 and 47 patients respectively could be identified among these 73 patients, who differed in the rate and extent of changes in platelet counts. Those fluctuations were characterized by an early decrease in platelet levels (mean percentage change of 40 and 60% in groups I and II respectively). This was followed by a gradual increase leading to delayed thrombocytosis (mean percentage change of 225 and 305% in groups I and II respectively). Thromboembolic complications were diagnosed in 5 patients. The occurrence of thromboembolism preceded any significant increase in platelet counts in all 5 patients. There was no correlation between the timing of thromboembolic complications and timing and extent of the change in platelet count. We conclude that reactive thrombocytosis following major urological pelvic surgery is a frequent innocuous finding and is not associated with hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of the prostate using low-level radiofrequency energy: an animal experimental study.

Transurethral needle ablation of the canine prostate using low level radiofrequency energy was examined for efficacy and safety in a two-stage experimental study. Eleven mongrel dogs were treated via the bladder neck and prostatic urethra using a specially designed catheter through which needle antennas were advanced into the prostatic tissue. A radiofrequency energy source was connected to the catheter and used to create tissue ablation. In the first 5 dogs this was found to be feasible. Necrotic lesions were created around the needle antennas. Typically, lesions were 1 cm in diameter and conical in shape. The actual size of the lesion was directly related to power level used, time of ablation and length of needle deployment. In the next 6 dogs temperatures were simultaneously measured in the prostatic urethra and rectum. The dogs were sacrificed 0, 2, 2, 14, 28 and 30 days following the experiments and the bladder, prostate and anterior rectal wall were removed en bloc and examined macroscopically and histopathologically for any changes. It was found that urethral temperatures increased to 46.1 degrees C on the average while rectal temperature did not rise during the entire experiment. The lesions found in the prostate were similar to those found in the first 5 dogs. No macroscopic or histopathologic changes were noted at the bladder base, anterior rectal wall or in the distal prostatic urethra. It was concluded that prostatic tissue ablation in the canine model can be achieved safely and could justify the start of human trials.

Animals↗

Needle ablation using radio frequency current as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia: experimental results in ex vivo human prostate.

Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate using low level radiofrequency (RF) energy was investigated in a human ex vivo model. RF power applications at a variety of power levels for various treatment times elicited marked thermal lesions of consistent sizes in prostatic adenomas. Tissue temperature was found to be the fundamental lesioning parameter. Lesions were created whenever tissue temperature exceeded 45 degrees C. Lesion size correlated with RF power delivery and electrode length. Monitoring of the tissue impedance assisted in controlling efficacious lesioning. RF power applications of 5-7.5 W for 3 min are suggested as the 'ideal' setting to treat human prostatic adenomas, taking into consideration the lesion size and time to achieve ablative temperatures.

Aged↗

Hematuria and voiding disorders in children caused by congenital urethral polyps. Principles of diagnosis and management.

Congenital urethral polyps may cause hematuria, various degrees of outflow obstruction and display a variety of, mostly nonspecific micturition abnormalities in young boys and infants, and should be considered and investigated when recurrent or persistent hematuria and voiding disturbances are encountered. Voiding cystography is the best available diagnostic method to detect urethral polyps. Following diagnosis, prompt complete resection of polyp is indicated. Resolution of signs and symptoms and excellent prognosis are the rule in most of the reported cases. In view of the rarity of this significant pathological condition, we present our experience with 6 children who suffered from urethral polyps and outline the principles of diagnostic evaluation and management of the child with urethral polyp.

Child, Preschool↗

Serum insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) is increased and IGFBP-3 is decreased in patients with prostate cancer: correlation with serum prostate-specific antigen.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are potent mitogens that stimulate the growth of prostate cells. In serum, IGFs circulate bound to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which modulate their proliferative action. We studied the electrophoretic pattern of IGFBPs in the serum of patients with prostate cancer and in individuals with increased serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the absence of prostate malignancy. Serum IGFBP-2 was dramatically increased in patients with metastatic prostate cancer compared with healthy controls (23.83 +/- 6.93% vs. 2.95 +/- 0.52% of total serum IGFBPs; P < 0.02). A moderate rise in IGFBP-2 was also observed among patients with increased PSA without malignancy. In contrast, a decrease in serum IGFBP-3 was detected in most patients with metastatic prostate cancer (68.2 +/- 9.1% vs. 95.4 +/- 0.9% of total serum IGFBPs; P < 0.02) and was more pronounced in advanced cases. A highly significant correlation between serum IGFBP-2 and PSA levels was found (r = 0.62; P < 0.002), with a significant negative correlation between serum PSA and IGFBP-3 (r = -0.63; P < 0.002). We suggest that IGFBPs may be involved in growth modulation of prostate malignancy and that alterations in their serum levels may serve as a marker for prostate cancer.

Aged↗

Bladder neck closure with an Indiana stoma outlet as a technique for continent vesicostomy.

A continent vesicostomy was performed upon two patients. The opened right colonic segment was used to augment the bladder and the ileocecal portion to create a continent abdominal stoma according to the technique used in the Indiana pouch. One patient had complete obstruction of the urethra 1 centimeter distal to bladder neck. The second patient was a paraplegic with an contractile bladder and complete outlet incontinence who was reluctant to perform transurethral self-catheterization. After postoperative follow-up evaluation of 36 and 22 months, respectively, both patients are completely continent day and night on self-catheterization every six hours with preserved function of the upper part of the tract.

Colon↗

[Endometriosis of the bladder].

We report a case of endometriosis of the bladder in a 32-year-old healthy woman suffering from longstanding suprapubic pain, and urinary urgency and frequency. The disease, which is uncommon, usually has a high morbidity rate and is difficult to diagnose. A high level of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis, since neither the clinical presentation, nor imaging procedures are pathognomonic for endometriosis.

Adult↗

Variations of intestinal motor activity in bladder replacements and in the intestine.

Urinary reservoirs are made from intestinal segments. The motor activity of the intestinal tract is regulated by hormonal and neurological controls. This study compares the motor activity of intestine in situ with those of a neobladder, following oral intake. The changes in motor activity before and after ingestion of standardized 570 Kcal meal were measured simultaneously in the duodenum and in the neobladder of 4 patients who underwent a Camey tubularized ileocystoplasty. Similar motor movements were produced in the graft and in the duodenum. Modifications due to oral intake were then measured in 14 patients with various types of urinary reservoirs (ilea, ileo-colic or colic; and tubularized or detubularized) by measuring the pressure inside the graft. After oral intake the compliance of the detubularized colic and ileocolic reservoirs was greater than that of ileal reservoirs, even after detubularization, since the motor activity and the basal pressure increased greatly in the tubularized or detubularized ileal bladders and much less in the detubularized colic and ileocolic bladders. It is well known that digestion is maximal in the second half of the night, therefore this link between intestinal and neobladder motor activity might explain one of several mechanisms involved in nocturnal increase in reservoir pressure and urine incontinence.

Eating↗

[Radical prostatectomy--experience with 50 patients].

Between 1986-1991 we treated 50 men with adenocarcinoma of the prostate by radical prostatectomy. Ages ranged from 44-74 and clinical stages were A-C. Follow-up lasted 1-63 months (mean 15.1) and was designed to rule out recurrence and/or spread of the disease and to evaluate quality of life. The rate of complications was low, the postoperative course short and uneventful, and there was preservation of urinary continence in 96% and of potency in 10.2%. As compared with radiotherapy, surgery gave superior results and is recommended.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Artificial sphincter for urinary incontinence].

During the past 4 years 21 patients underwent implantation of the model AS-800 artificial urinary sphincter, 4 of whom underwent simultaneous implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. The mean age was 48 years (range 33-73). Incontinence was neurogenic in 12 (57%) and a complication of urologic surgery (mainly prostatectomy) in 9 (43%). In 8, in whom intermittent self-catheterization was planned, the sphincter cuff was implanted around the bladder neck, and in the other 13, around the bulbar urethra. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful in 18 (85%), but 2 (10%) had urinary tract infection and 1 had urinary retention. During a mean follow-up of 20 months (range 1-36), 19 (90%) were found to be continent (in 2 of them the cuff had had to be changed to a smaller size due to tissue atrophy), and 1 had suffered from urgency incontinence which disappeared with anticholinergic medication. In 2 with incontinence due to neurogenic bladder, the sphincter had became infected and had had to be removed; 1 of these 2 had undergone simultaneous augmentation cystoplasty. This experience resulted in a change in our policy: we now implant the sphincter and perform augmentation cystoplasty in 2 separate stages. We find implantation of the artificial urinary sphincter very effective treatment for urinary incontinence.

Adult↗

The frequency of histopathological abnormalities in incidental appendectomy in urological patients: the implications for incorporation of the appendix in urinary tract reconstruction.

In 1980 Mitrofanoff described the use of the isolated appendix as an intermittent catheterization route to empty a continent urinary reservoir. The procedure was popularized and numerous variations on the same principle were reported. Presence of histopathological abnormalities in the appendix may limit its suitability for reconstructive purposes. We studied the frequency of incidental histopathological abnormalities in appendixes removed electively in 122 urological patients during a radical pelvic operation. The implications for incorporation of the appendix in urinary tract reconstruction are evaluated. A total of 38 patients (31.1%) had notable histological abnormalities of the appendix: 35 had fibrous obliteration of the lumen, 2 had carcinoid tumor and 1 had a mucocele of the appendix. The rate of abnormal appendixes was significantly higher in elderly patients (more than 70 years old). Incidental pathology of the appendix is a frequent finding that may affect the immediate results and the late outcome of urinary tract reconstruction using the appendix. When such strategy of urinary tract reconstruction is considered, potential histopathological abnormalities should be anticipated. The patients should be informed and aware of possible unexpected changes in the preplanned procedure, while the surgeon must be familiar with these alternative reconstructive methods.

Adult↗

A 20-year experience with treatment of ectopic ureteroceles.

Between 1970 and 1990 a total of 37 patients (female-to-male ratio 3.6:1) was diagnosed and treated at our institution for ectopic ureterocele. Urinary tract infection was the most frequent mode of presentation (59%). Of the patients 54% were less than 3 years old at operation. Transurethral incision of ectopic ureterocele served only as a decompressive procedure for acutely ill infants and was followed with a high incidence (80%) of resultant vesicoureteral reflux. The elective surgical policy was individualized based on renal function and presence of vesicoureteral reflux. Overall results within the various groups were generally satisfactory regarding eradication of urinary tract infections, preservation of renal function and continence or treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. Upper pole heminephrectomy and partial ureterectomy were performed in 14 patients with 3 (21%) requiring reoperation, including only 2 (14%) subsequent reimplantations. Thus, we believe that an expectant approach to the lower urinary tract is well recommended in the majority of the patients with a poorly functioning ipsilateral renal segment. A modified technique of total reconstruction, performing only partial ureterectomy with double barrel reimplantation, was successful in 7 patients.

Child↗

Low loop cutaneous ureterostomy and subsequent reconstruction: 20 years of experience.

Between 1970 and 1990 we constructed low loop cutaneous ureterostomies in 50 patients with grossly dilated collecting systems. Patient age ranged from 6 days to 3 years. The indication for all urinary diversions was an anomaly of the lower urinary tract associated with marked ureteral dilatation considered to require decompression because of either urinary tract infections or renal functional impairment. Clinical and radiological followup was maintained between establishment of the cutaneous ureterostomy and complete reconstruction, and revealed marked improvement indistinguishable from that obtained by high diversions. Undiversion was performed after 3 to 69 months, usually simultaneously with definitive correction of the underlying anomaly. The main advantage of our presented technique is the opportunity to resect the distal ureteral limb and to perform simple ureteroneocystostomy using the proximal limb. Besides its technical simplicity, this technique obviates possible complications that may be attributed to ureteral anastomosis and compromised blood supply, thus, it is well recommended.

Child, Preschool↗

Etiology of acute scrotum at surgical exploration in children, adolescents and adults.

Between January 1970 and December 1989, 171 patients underwent scrotal exploration for acute scrotum (an acute painful swelling of the scrotum or its content), at our hospital. Of 70 children scrotal explorations, torsion of appendages was found in 33 cases (47%). Torsion of testis was found in 24 patients (34%). Of the 84 adolescent scrotal explorations performed, 72 (86%) had torsion of testis, and 8 (9%) had torsion of appendages. Of 17 adults, torsion of testis was found in 15 cases (88%). These results clarify that unnecessary explorations are much more common in children (66%) than in adolescents and adults (14%). We therefore suggest using radionuclear scans and/or Doppler ultrasound to facilitate clinical diagnosis in the children group.

Acute Disease↗

Long-term results of simple and radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

From 1974 to 1983, simple and radical nephrectomies were performed at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer, Israel) for renal cell carcinoma. The authors reviewed 109 cases that were followed for a period ranging from 5 to 14 years. Simple nephrectomy was performed in 55 patients, and 54 patients underwent radical nephrectomy. The selection of the surgical procedure was based on the surgeon's preference and not on the basis of clinical stage, age, or sex. The surgical results and survival rates were assessed according to the pathologic stage of the tumors. Among patients with Stage I tumor, radical nephrectomy produced better survival rates at 5 and 10 years (P = 0.03); however, when the non-cancer deaths were excluded, the difference in survival was not statistically significant. For Stage I tumors the survival free of disease at 5 years was better for the radical nephrectomy group, but this difference was not statistically significant. No difference was noticed in the local recurrence rate between the two groups. Nephrectomy in patients with Stage IV disease did not alter survival regardless of the type of operation.

Aged↗

Increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity: a possible indicator of renal damage.

Increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (E.C.3.1.3.1.) were observed in 25 patients with various urological conditions involving the kidneys: malignancy, complicated nephrolithiasis, and surgical and percutaneous manipulations. Other possible sources for increased ALP level, mainly hepatic and osseous, were excluded by history, laboratory tests, and liver and bone imaging. Studies of isoenzymes of ALP did not show a distinctive pattern. ALP levels returned to the normal range by treating the underlying lesions involving the kidney: nephrectomy, complete removal of stones, or removal of nephrostomy. The increase in serum ALP activity may be derived from the injury to the brush border membrane of the renal tubular cells. Renal function impairment and contrast media induced nephrotoxicity may also be responsible for the increased serum ALP. Serum ALP may be a marker for involvement of the kidneys in pathological processes and an indicator of complete treatment. This clinical observation is worthy of further study.

Adult↗