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Biomedical subjects

C C Abbou

Publications and source records attributed to C C Abbou.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Anatomical basis of lumboscopy.

Lumboscopy provides an approach to the retroperitoneum for the majority of upper urinary tract operations. The technique involves a knowledge of specific anatomical landmarks that differ from those in classical open surgery, because of the inferior approach to the renal pedicle with the kidney initially mobilized in a ventral and cranial position. An anatomical study was conducted on five cadavers, using images from surgical operations, in order to describe the vascular elements of the retroperitoneal spaces as they are approached during lumboscopy, as well as to define specific anatomical landmarks. Identification of psoas major is crucial as it is then possible to locate the renal pedicle opposite and the area of the great vessels medially. During dissection of the renal pedicle the renal vein and its branches are the first elements to be approached. On the left side the distal portion of the renal vein can be confused with a reno-hemi-azygo-lumbar trunk, due to the initial ventral mobilization of the kidney stretching it. Because of the inferior view of the renal pedicle the reno-hemi-azygo-lumbar trunk can obscure part of the renal artery and may be confused with the renal vein. On the right side initial identification of the inferior vena cava on the medial aspect of psoas major facilitates identification of the gonadal, renal and suprarenal veins all located in the same plane.

Cadaver↗

Impact of interventional therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia on quality of life and sexual function.

Considering the epidemiologic impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the use of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of this condition is one of the main ambitions of contemporary urology. Compared with the prevalence of BPH and LUTS in elderly men, only a small percentage of patients requires surgery for indications such as renal insufficiency, chronic retention, and infection. The majority of patients seek treatment because of the bothersome nature of their symptoms and expect improvement in their quality of life. The goal of interventional therapy is to restore the comfort and well being of the patients, including preserving their sexuality. Therefore, there is increased focus on the quality of life and sexual function in the evaluation of the outcome of interventional therapy for BPH.

Humans↗

Frequent FGFR3 mutations in papillary non-invasive bladder (pTa) tumors.

We recently identified activating mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) in bladder carcinoma. In this study we assessed the incidence of FGFR3 mutations in a series of 132 bladder carcinomas: 20 carcinoma in situ (CIS), 50 pTa, 19 pT1, and 43 pT2-4. All 48 mutations identified were identical to the germinal activating mutations that cause thanatophoric dysplasia, a lethal form of dwarfism. The S249C mutation, found in 33 of the 48 mutated tumors, was the most common. The frequency of mutations was higher in pTa tumors (37 of 50, 74%) than in CIS (0 of 20, 0%; P < 0.0001), pT1 (4 of 19, 21%; P < 0.0001) and pT2-4 tumors (7 of 43, 16%; P < 0.0001). FGFR3 mutations were detected in 27 of 32 (84%) G1, 16 of 29 (55%) G2, and 5 of 71 (7%) G3 tumors. This association between FGFR3 mutations and low grade was highly significant (P < 0.0001). FGFR3 is the first gene found to be mutated at a high frequency in pTa tumors. The absence of FGFR3 mutations in CIS and the low frequency of FGFR3 mutations in pT1 and pT2-4 tumors are consistent with the model of bladder tumor progression in which the most common precursor of pT1 and pT2-4 tumors is CIS.

Carcinoma in Situ↗

[Aspergillosis located on polycystic kidney treated with retroperitoneal nephrectomy].

We reported an uncommon case of 40 years old man, cardiac transplant recipient with chronic renal faillure who consulted for infected left polycystic renal. The serum creatinine level was 750 mmol/L, and urine culture isolated a E. Ecol germe. The abdominopelvic computed tomography showed a bilateral large polycystic renal cortex and suspected the infected cyst in lower pole of left kidney. The retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed confirming a renal invasive aspergillosa. About this case we should have a high index of suspicion for fungal aetiology in kidney infection in transplant patients and the management of non functioning infected polycystic kidney can use laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephrectomy. This approach can offers a minimal morbidity and alternative to open surgery.

Adult↗

[Laparoscopic excision of para-aortic lymphatic metastasis of malignant pheochromocytoma].

We report a laparoscopic lymph node resection of a patient who had malignant pheochromocytoma and underwent conventional transabdominal adrenalectomy for unilateral left malignant pheochromocytoma, followed by transperitoneal laparoscopic metastatic para-aortic lymph nodes six years later. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was cured of the metastasis. We believe that this procedure is minimally invasive, and metastatic extension can be diagnosed laparoscopic as well as ablation can be performed in most instances without recurrence.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Relationship between penile thermal sensory threshold measurement and electrophysiologic tests to assess neurogenic impotence.

OBJECTIVES: Erectile function is usually assessed by neurophysiologic tests such as the bulbocavernosus reflex or pudendal nerve somatosensory evoked potentials. These tests investigate only large nerve fibers, although erection depends on autonomic nerve fibers, which are of small diameter. Warm and cold sensory fibers have similar calibers as the autonomic nerve fibers, and their integrity can be reliably evaluated by the measurement of thermal sensory thresholds. We studied penile thermal sensory testing in parallel with standard electrophysiologic tests to assess their sensitivity in the diagnosis of penile neuropathy. METHODS: Twenty-five normal male subjects without erectile dysfunction or evidence of diffuse neuropathy (group 1) and 35 diabetic patients who complained of impotence (group 2) were studied. Erectile function was quantitated using the erectile dysfunction symptom score. Warm, cold, and vibratory sensory thresholds were assessed on the dorsal aspect of the penis. In addition, penile sympathetic skin responses and pudendal nerve somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between the two groups in the erectile dysfunction symptom score (P <0.0001), cold threshold (P = 0.0007), and warm threshold (P = 0.0025), but not for the other parameters. The erectile dysfunction symptom score correlated with the penile warm and cold thresholds (P = 0.0006 and 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Thermal thresholds assess small nerve fiber damage, which can indirectly reflect autonomic disturbances, particularly in the context of a diffuse neuropathy such as diabetic polyneuropathy. Penile thermal sensory testing correlated strongly with the clinical evaluation of erectile function and is a new and promising tool for the diagnosis of neurogenic impotence.

Adult↗

Tolerability of bacille Calmette-Guérin maintenance therapy for superficial bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To study the influence of adverse reactions on adherence to an immunotherapy maintenance schedule and the recurrence rate of bladder cancer. Bacille Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy has documented efficacy in the management of high-risk superficial bladder cancer. However, the optimal duration of intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin therapy and the risk/benefit ratio of maintenance therapy are controversial. METHODS: From April 1996 to April 2000, 72 patients with superficial bladder cancer were treated with Immucyst (six consecutive weekly instillations of 81 mg) and then received maintenance therapy consisting of three consecutive weekly instillations 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months later. Adverse reactions, studied during 518 instillations, were classified in four categories using a scale based on the World Health Organization recommendations, and their impact on the adherence to therapy was analyzed. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 24 months, a durable disease-free response was observed in 84.9% of the patients; 12.5% of patients had a relapse and 2.6% had disease progression. The response rate was similar in patients with and without adverse reactions. Only 14 patients (19%) received all the scheduled maintenance instillations. The dose was reduced in 41 patients (57%), and treatment was stopped in 28 patients (39%). In multivariate analysis, an adverse event score of 1.5 or greater during induction therapy was significantly associated with cessation or modification of maintenance therapy (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The scale developed in this study to monitor the adverse reactions to bacille Calmette-Guérin and their impact on the adherence to maintenance therapy may be helpful for tailoring maintenance regimens or implementing protective measures (dose reduction or treatment postponement).

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Leukocyturia as a predictor of tolerance and efficacy of intravesical BCG maintenance therapy for superficial bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To examine leukocyturia as a predictor of tumor recurrence and occurrence of adverse events after bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy. The use of BCG immunotherapy, a very major advance in the management of superficial bladder cancer, is limited by the frequency of adverse events. As yet, we have no way of predicting the efficacy and tolerability of BCG instillation in clinical practice. This problem is even more acute during BCG maintenance therapy. METHODS: Adverse events in 72 patients who received 518 instillations were prospectively assessed using a four-class scale based on severity and duration. Urinary leukocytes were counted 3 days after each instillation, using the KOVA-Slide 10 method. RESULTS: High leukocyturia during BCG treatment (cutoff value 1.65 x 10(5)/mL urine) correlated with recurrence-free status (P = 0.009). The degree of leukocyturia correlated with the severity/duration of adverse events (P <0.0001); the median leukocyturia values associated with class I, II, and III adverse events were 4 x 10(4)/mL, 1.5 x 10(5)/mL, and 3.5 x 10(5)/mL, respectively. No class IV events occurred. The cutoff point indicating treatment cessation for adverse events was leukocyturia of 8.6 x 10(4)/mL. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a link between adverse events and efficacy during BCG maintenance therapy. Leukocyturia appears to correlate with both efficacy and tolerability in this setting. Prospective randomized studies are required to evaluate leukocyturia as a basis on which to adapt the BCG instillation schedule to individual patient susceptibility.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Prospective patient-reported continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a prospective study using confidential patient-completed questionnaires about their urinary habits before and after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Published reports on urinary continence after radical prostatectomy vary depending on the definitions of urinary continence and methods of data collection. METHODS: From May 1998 to February 2000, 228 men underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. The patients were given questionnaires before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Before surgery, no patient reported incontinence. At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, perfect diurnal urinary control (no pads, no leakage at all) was reported in 9.9%, 28.6%, 57.4%, and 56.8% of patients, respectively. No pads were used in 18.8%, 58.4%, 68.9%, and 78.4% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. No patient reported use of more than 1 pad daily at 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is comparable to the results after traditional radical retropubic prostatectomy. Ongoing use of the laparoscopic route for treating clinically localized prostate cancer is warranted.

Aged↗

Multi-institutional study of complications in 1085 laparoscopic urologic procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of the complications in laparoscopic urologic procedures with regard to clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment. METHODS: From January 1994 to December 2000, 1085 laparoscopic procedures were performed at three institutions in 1075 patients (702 men, 373 women). A referent surgeon for laparoscopy was at each institution. The major procedures were radical prostatectomy (n = 232), different types of nephrectomy (n = 171) and nephroureterectomy (n = 15), adrenalectomy (n = 130), pyeloplasty (n = 61), pelvic lymph node dissection (n = 130), genitourinary prolapse repair (n = 86), bladder neck suspension (n = 104), and treatment of benign kidney pathologic findings (lithiasis, cysts, and diverticula, n = 55). The complications were listed by incidence and etiology according to the procedure attempted. RESULTS: A total of 75 complications (6.9%) occurred in this multi-institutional series. The mortality rate was 0.09%, and the conversion rate was 2.1%. Vascular (n = 7) and visceral injuries (n = 11) occurred in 24% of complications. Hematomas (n = 10), urinomas (n = 8), and wound infections (n = 7) at the trocar sites were the most frequent postoperative surgical complications. Pulmonary disorders (n = 9) and urinary infections (n = 9) were predominant in the postoperative medical problems. CONCLUSIONS: Even though it appears to be minimally invasive, laparoscopy remains major surgery, with serious complications possible. These complications should be preventable with better mastery of the different steps of the procedures. Increased knowledge of the possible complications is essential for urologists in laparoscopic training and may help them improve their learning curve.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of cellular tumour rejection mechanisms in the peritumoral bladder wall after bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the immunological status of normal and peritumoral bladder walls, and to characterize immunocompetent cells before and during intravesical instillations of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with superficial urothelial bladder carcinoma (stages pTa to pT1, grades 1-3) were treated with six weekly instillations of 150 mg of BCG (Pasteur strain). Biopsies of cystoscopically normal bladder wall were taken before, 3 weeks and 3 months after BCG instillation. The controls comprised bladder biopsy specimens from 13 brain-dead ventilated kidney donors. Local infiltrating cell types, i.e. lymphocyte infiltrates (CD4, CD8, CD20, CD3, interleukin-2-receptor-positive, natural killer, gammadelta), macrophages and dendritic cells, adhesion and costimulatory molecules (ICAM-1 and B7-BB1) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II antigens were assessed using semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Before BCG the peritumoral bladder wall had fewer macrophages than control bladder wall. BCG treatment restored normal numbers of macrophages and enhanced T helper lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, activated lymphocytes, dendritic cells, normal MHC class I, adhesion (ICAM-1) and costimulatory (B7-BB1) expression. The enhancement of these immunological variables was transient, with a return to baseline 3 months after BCG instillation. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the concept that there is a host-immune escape associated with bladder cancer. BCG therapy may temporarily restore impaired tumour rejection mechanisms in the peritumoral bladder wall, suggesting a need for maintenance therapy after the first course of BCG.

Adult↗

The pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders: evidence from a histomorphologic study of the perineum and a mouse model of rectal prolapse.

The muscle changes related to pelvic floor disorders are poorly understood. We conducted an anatomical and histological study of the perineum of the normal mouse and of a transgenic mouse strain deficient in urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA-/-) that was previously reported to develop a high incidence of rectal prolapse. We could clearly identify the iliococcygeus (ILC) and pubococcygeus (PC) muscles and anal (SPA) and urethral (SPU) sphincters in male and female mice. The bulbocavernosus (BC), ischiocavernosus (ISC) and levator ani (LA) muscles could be found only in male mice. Histochemical analysis of the pelvic floor muscles revealed a majority of type IIA fibres. Rectal prolapses were observed only in male uPA-/- mice. The most obvious finding was an irreducible evagination of the rectal mucosa and a swelling of the entire perineal region corresponding to an irreducible hernia of the seminal vesicles through the pelvic outlet. The hernia caused stretching and thinning of the ISC, BC and LA. Myopathic damage, with degenerated and centronucleated myofibres, were observed in these muscles. The PC, ILC, SPA and SPU were not affected. This study provides an original description of a model of pelvic floor disorder and illustrates the differences existing between the perineum of humans and that of a quadruped species. In spite of these differences, the histopathologic changes observed in the pelvic floor muscles of uPA-/- mice with rectal prolapse suggest that prolonged muscular stretching causes a primary myopathic injury. This should be taken into account in the evaluation of pelvic floor disorders.

Animals↗

Results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the retroperitoneal approach to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in terms of feasibility, safety, morbidity, and cancer control. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 50 consecutive patients with renal cancer underwent radical nephrectomy via the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach from 1995 through 1999. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 139 minutes (range 60-330 minutes) with a mean of 149.78-mL operative blood loss (0-1500 mL). The mean renal size was 100 mm (70-150 mm) with a mean tumor size of 38.6 mm (20-90 mm). The postoperative hospital was 6 days (2-13 days). Three open conversions were necessary: one for laparoscopically uncontrolled bleeding and two because obesity interfered with surgery. We noted two major complication and two minor complications. Two disease progression have been noted to date. One patient with a pT3 grade 2 renal-cell carcinoma had a local recurrence with liver metastasis 9 months after the procedure and died 19.7 months after radical nephrectomy. Another patient with a pT3aN+M+ cancer died 23.1 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for kidney cancer requires further assessment. It seems to have several advantages over open radical nephrectomy and to be effective and safe for small (<50-mm) renal tumors.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

Experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the preferred surgical treatment of benign adrenal masses, for pheochromocytoma it is limited by concerns over hypertensive events related to early access to the adrenal vein. We report our experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to December 1999, 21 retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies (left 12 and right 9) were performed for symptomatic pheochromocytoma in 11 men and 9 women 17 to 68 years old (mean age 46). To our knowledge pheochromocytoma was always diagnosed by increased urinary catecholamine, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and 131iodine iobenguane scintigraphy. RESULTS: There were no conversions to open surgery. The operating time ranged from 100 to 150 minutes (mean 116). Mean blood loss was 140 ml. (minimum 550), and none of the patients required transfusion. Hemorrhage due to adrenal vein injury occurred in 1 patient and was controlled intraoperatively. Average postoperative hospital stay was 3.4 days (range 1 to 12). The mean diameter of the excised masses was 38 mm. (range 15 to 70). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases, including hematoma in 1, trocar wound infections in 2 and eventration in 1 after 1 year. With a mean followup of 21.6 months (range 6 to 46), all patients had normal urinary catecholamine levels and 18 had normal blood pressure without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be safely performed for small (less than 5 cm. diameter) pheochromocytoma. Retroperitoneal laparoscopy is a direct approach that allows the surgeon to control the adrenal vein first, thereby avoiding hypertensive events.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with a remote controlled robot.

PURPOSE: Robotics in surgery is a recent innovation. This technology offers a number of attractive features in laparoscopy. It overcomes the difficulties with fixed port sites by restoring all 6 degrees of freedom at the instrument tips, provides new possibilities for miniaturization of surgical tasks and allows remote controlled surgery. We investigated the applicability of remote controlled robotic surgery to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our previous experience with laparoscopic prostatectomy served as a basis for adapting robotic surgery to this procedure. A surgeon at a different location who activated the tele-manipulators of the da Vinci* robotic system performed all steps of the intervention. A scrub nurse and second surgeon who stood at patient side had limited roles to port and instrument placement, exposure of the operative field, assistance in hemostasis and removal of the operative specimen. Our patient was a 63-year-old man presenting with a T1c tumor discovered on 1 positive sextant biopsy with a 3+3 Gleason score and 7 ng./ml. preoperative serum prostate specific antigen. RESULTS: The robot provided an ergonomic surgical environment and remarkable dexterity enhancement. Operating time was 420 minutes, and the hospital stay lasted 4 days. The bladder catheter was removed 3 days postoperatively, and 1 week later the patient was fully continent. Pathological examination showed a pT3a tumor with negative margins. CONCLUSIONS: Robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is feasible. This new technology enhances surgical dexterity. Further developments in this field may have new applications in laparoscopic tele-surgery.

Humans↗

Proposal for a "European Scoring System for Laparoscopic Operations in Urology".

PURPOSE: To propose a scoring system of difficulties for the most currently performed laparoscopic procedures in urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each current laparoscopic procedure has been evaluated according to three different criteria: technical difficulty, operative risk and the attention required. Each criterion is scored from 1 (minimal impact of the criteria) to 7 (maximal impact of the criteria). The sum of the 3 criteria is used to classify each operation according to an increasing level of global difficulty, classified into 6 levels: easy (E: sum of criteria between 3 and 5), slightly difficult (SD: sum of criteria between 6 and 8), fairly difficult (FD: sum of criteria between 9 and 11), difficult (D: sum of criteria between 12 and 14), very difficult (VD: sum of criteria between 15 and 17), extremely difficult (ED: sum of criteria greater than 18). RESULTS: Procedures currently performed by laparoscopy have been selected for evaluation according to the above criteria, and retrospectively validated by European experts in laparoscopic urology according to their experience and the international literature. CONCLUSION: This proposal of a scoring scale system is a basis for discussion, teaching and learning of urological laparoscopy. By necessity, this scale is evolving and will be regularly reconsidered and updated every 5 years.

Humans↗

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The Créteil experience.

OBJECTIVES: In an effort to reduce the morbidity associated to radical prostatectomy, we implemented laparoscopic surgery to this advanced ablative and reconstructive procedure. In our study, we describe our operative technique and assess our results in terms of oncologic cure, continence and potency. METHODS: 200 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. 66 of these patients were either referred, or operated during surgical demonstrations. Thus, complete evaluation is based on a homogeneous personal series of 134 patients and was performed by an independent clinical analyst. There were 91 T1 and 43 T2. We did not perform pelvic lymph node excision in 78 patients whose PSA was less than 10 ng/ml and the Gleason score of endorectal biopsies was below 7. The surgical procedure recapitulated the steps of traditional retropubic prostatectomy with one basic difference however: the first step of the technique consisted in a rectoprostatic cleavage, which was done transperitoneally. Except for the first 10 patients, the vesicourethral reconstruction was performed either with two hemi-circumferential or a single circumferential running suture. RESULTS: All interventions were performed as planned, no conversions were necessary, and only 4 patients required blood transfusion. Operating time decreased with growing experience; after the first 20 patients the usual operating time was 3.5 h without and 4 h with lymphadenectomy. The surgical complication rate was 22.5% in the first 40 patients, and 3.2% in the remaining 94 patients. Except for the first 10 patients, the mean hospital stay was 6.1 days and bladder catheterization 4.8 days. Median catheterization time was 4 days. Histological study of the specimen showed pT2 disease in 101 patients and pT3 in 33 patients, the rate of positive margins was 16.8 and 48.8%, respectively. At 1 year, overall erection rate (with or without sexual intercourse) was 56%, the rate of patients without pad was 86.2% during the day and 100% during the night. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic environment seems to comply with the oncologic goals of radical prostatectomy. Improved intraoperative visualization and magnification may provide benefits for the preservation of continence and potency by allowing a more precise dissection and vesicourethral reconstruction. Despite longer operative times and the steep learning curve this new technique is currently proliferating due to expectations of decreased postoperative morbidity and better quality of life.

Aged↗

EAU guidelines on prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To develop clinical guidelines for the management of patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Guidelines were compiled by a working panel based on current literature following a literature review using MEDLINE. Already published structured analysis from national and international guidelines was used, and panel consensus was employed when literature evidence was absent or of poor quality. RESULTS: The full text of the guidelines is available through the EAU Central Office and the EAU website (www.uroweb.org). This article summarizes the main conclusions from the guidelines concerning the diagnosis and staging, treatment and follow-up of patients with prostate cancer. The diagnosis of prostate cancer should be based on histopathological or cytological examinations. N- and M-staging may be omitted in selected patients with a low serum prostate-specific antigen due to low risk of metastasis. Active treatment is warranted in most stages of prostate cancer but active monitoring is recommended for elderly patients with early stage tumours and is still optional in some other situations. Follow-up is based on a disease-specific history, serum-prostate-specific antigen supplemented by a digital rectal examination. Routine imaging is not necessary in asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men. These guidelines have been drawn up to provide support in the management of this large group of patients.

Follow-Up Studies↗