Development of surgical procedures in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A historical overview.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D Hauri.
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Anastomoses between the dorsal artery of penis and the deep penile artery are necessary for revascularization of penile arteries. Radiologic and anatomic proof is provided. Arterio-arterial anastomosis represents a risk factor for thrombosis. For its exclusion the necessary operative course of action is showed. By building an additional arteriovenous shunt close to the arterio-arterial anastomosis the risk of thrombosis is markedly decreased. Our technique produces good results in patients with diagnosed erectile dysfunction of vascular origin with a spontaneous erection when the occasion arises.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship of hydrochloric acid secretion in gastric pouch (GP), an orthotopic neobladder using a stomach segment, to gastrin. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Pentagastrin (PG) stimulation test (PGST) was applied in 10 patients who had had GP surgery 5-70 months ago, and their urinary pH changes in the next 2 h were observed. RESULTS: Significant pH decreases (from 6.6 +/- 0.6 to 2.9 +/- 1.0 in the mean) 30-75 min after injection of PG, demonstrating gastrin-triggered acid secretion in GP were observed in all patients. The pH values were normalized in 2 h (6.6 +/- 1.0 in the mean). CONCLUSION: In PGST, urinary pH decreases, demonstrating the close relationship between gastrin release and acid secretion in the GP. Inhibition of gastrin by any means may be useful in keeping the urinary pH on physiological levels.
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The aim of this prospective study was to observe immunophenotypic patterns in the ejaculate of patients with noninflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Cat IIIB CPPS) and to test for a possible autoimmune aetiology. Thirty-five patients of a total of 88 patients with chronic prostatitis Cat IIIB were consecutively selected. Monthly ejaculate testing was carried out for IgG, IgA, IgM, IL-1alpha, sIL-2R and IL-6. The control group for ejaculate analysis was composed of 96 normal ejaculates (according to the WHO criteria). Immunohistochemical detection of CD3 cells (T lymphocytes) and CD20 cells (B lymphocytes) was performed in 71 biopsy cylinders of Cat IIIB CPPS patients and in 25 prostate biopsy cylinders of subjects without symptoms or obstruction. Intra-acinar T-lymphocytic infiltrates were dominated by T-cytotoxic cells (P = 0.05). Ejaculate IL-6 and ejaculate IgA increased significantly and dropped again, correlating with a release of clinical symptoms. Inflammatory ejaculate interleukin concentrations correlated with the immunohistochemical findings with presence of large numbers of T cells (all P-values < or = 0.01). Immunomodulation was performed in a pilot series of three patients by five monthly cycles of IgG (Sandoglobulin), 1 g kg-1 body weight. Immunomodulation with IgG decreased pain moderately and did not change ejaculate interleukin and immunoglobulin concentrations. In summary, interleukin and immunoglobulin determinations in the ejaculate revealed an inflammatory process even in Cat IIIB CPPS. The findings of intra-acinar T-cell rich infiltrates and the associated inflammatory reaction may indicate a possible autoimmune component in the aetiology of CPPS. Exact origin and role of interleukin changes in the ejaculate of CPPS patients need to be further evaluated. Unfortunately, pilot series with immunomodulation with IgG do not seem to provide clear clinical benefit.
After the fourth decade, androgen serum level fall while the binding capacity for testosterone, the sex hormone binding globulin, raises. Clinical symptoms and hypogonadism define the syndrome of the partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM). Testosterone substitution may be performed by intramuscular injections, oral or transdermal testosterone application. Each patient should undergo urological evaluation before starting a testosterone replacement therapy. Life style drugs should not be used according the currently rational data. Well balanced nutrition, physical training and an active social and sexual life are important factors to achieve a healthy aging.
OBJECTIVES: To compare the therapeutic success, the morbidity and the costs of antegrade sclerotherapy versus laparoscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive varicocele patients were randomly assigned to two treatment arms. Preoperative and 3 month postoperative sperm density, motility and morphology were analysed. The diagnosis of the varicocele was established clinically and with Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients treated by either of the two methods were followed up. The recurrence rate increased progressively with the size of the varicocele in both groups. The postoperative incidence of complications particularly hydrocele formation was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group. The costs of the disposable material for laparoscopic varicocelectomy was twice as high as for sclerotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade sclerotherapy is the less invasive treatment method of male varicocele with lower costs and better outcome and should therefore be the preferred treatment method for male varicocele.
PURPOSE: Urinary incontinence continues to be a major consequence of radical prostatectomy. To understand the pathophysiology of this dysfunction we studied the impact of autonomic innervation of the superficial trigone on postoperative urinary continence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate nerve fiber density biopsies of the superficial trigone were obtained in 34 patients preoperatively as well as 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively in 15 and 19, respectively. Specimens were Bouin fixed, paraffin embedded and processed for light microscopic immunohistochemical evaluation using an antibody against protein gene product 9.5, a general neuronal marker protein. In parallel we performed a comprehensive urodynamic evaluation, including determination of maximal urethral closure pressure and posterior urethral sensory threshold. RESULTS: Postoperatively protein gene product 9.5 immunoreactive nerve fiber density was generally decreased. However, nerve fiber density after 6 weeks of incontinence in 12 of 15 patients was only 7%, while 3 of 15 who were continent preserved 36% of initial nerve fiber density. After 6 months nerve fiber density in 19 patients increased in 3 with incontinence to 20% and in 16 with continence to 44% of intraoperative density. Urinary incontinence was associated with decreased trigonal innervation, a high sensory threshold and low maximal urethral closure pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Protein gene product 9.5 immunoreactive nerve fiber density corresponds with posterior urethral sensory threshold and urinary continence. Thus, preserving trigonal innervation and postoperative reinnervation may be important factors for achieving early postoperative urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ultrastructure of the trigonal muscle (= superficial trigone), relate it to normal function, and identify any changes it may undergo in voiding dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 men (median age 67 years) with low-stage prostatic carcinoma, 10 with and 10 without bladder outlet obstruction, were selected by urodynamic evaluation. Trigonal biopsy was performed at radical prostatectomy, and processed for electron-microscopic study by standard procedures. Biopsies were evaluated independently by 2 examiners without prior knowledge of urodynamic data. RESULTS: Three obstructed and 1 unobstructed bladder had impaired detrusor contractility, and 1 obstructed bladder had detrusor overactivity. Compared to the previously investigated detrusor, the trigonal muscle had smaller compact bundles and fascicles with less collagen and more elastic tissue. Muscle cells had no or rare intermediate junctions that mediate mechanical coupling in normal detrusor, but predominant close cell appositions that mediate electrical coupling. Smooth muscle in most biopsies had widespread or focal features characteristic of the aged detrusor. None, however, had the features previously associated with obstructed detrusor, or detrusor with impaired contractility. CONCLUSIONS: The trigonal muscle does not undergo structural changes as previously described in the detrusor in association with voiding dysfunction. Its contraction depends on electrical coupling of its muscle cells, and has a supportive role in normal micturition, mooring the terminal ureters to the bladder base, to allow efflux and guard against reflux of urine. Activation of volume and tension sensory neuroterminals may contribute to some storage and voiding micturition reflexes, and may be related to normal and abnormal perception of urge.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to observe immunophenotypic patterns in patients with noninflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Cat IIIB CPPS) for further description and as possible surrogate markers for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with a referral diagnosis of chronic prostatitis underwent fractionated urinary cultures including expressed prostate secretion (EPS) and ejaculate analysis twice on two occasions. Monthly serum analyses included C3c, C4, IL-1alpha, sIL-2R, and IL-6. One hundred samples from healthy individuals were used as the control group for serum analysis. Monthly ejaculate testing was done for IgG, IgA, IgM, IL-1alpha, sIL-2R, and IL-6. The control group for ejaculate analysis was composed of 96 normal ejaculates (according to the WHO criteria). Immunohistochemical detection of CD3 cells (T lymphocytes) and CD20 cells (B lymphocytes) was performed in 71 biopsy cylinders of Cat IIIB CPPS patients and in 25 prostate biopsy cylinders of men without symptoms or obstruction. RESULTS: Complete sampling of urinary, serum and ejaculate specimens was achieved in 50/88 (57%) patients. Cat IIIB CPPS was observed in 44/50 (88%) patients. Intra-acinar T-lymphocytic infiltrates were dominated by T cytotoxic cells (p = 0.05). Immunohistochemical studies showed inflammatory expression in serum complement, serum interleukin, and ejaculate interleukin concentrations in relation to the presence of large numbers of T cells (all p values < or =0.01). No difference was found in the proportion of B lymphocytes in patients with Cat IIIB CPPS compared to the control group. Serum and ejaculate IL-6 and ejaculate IgA increased significantly and dropped again, correlating with a release of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin, complement and immunoglobulin determinations in serum and ejaculate reveal an inflammatory process even in Cat IIIB CPPS. The findings of intra-acinar T-cell-rich infiltrates and the associated inflammatory reaction may be a significant advance in defining Cat IIIB CPPS caused by a possible autoimmune component. Serum and ejaculate IL-6 and ejaculate IgA are possible surrogate markers for the diagnosis and treatment of Cat IIIB CPPS.
In the last 10 years, wound botulism has increasingly been reported and nearly all of these new cases have occurred in injecting-drug abusers. After absorption into the bloodstream, botulinum toxin binds irreversibly to the presynaptic nerve endings, where it inhibits the release of acetylcholine. Diplopia, blurred vision, dysarthria, dysphagia, respiratory failure and paresis of the limbs are common symptoms of this intoxication. Surprisingly and despite the well-known blocking action of the botulinum toxin on the autonomic nerve system, little attention has been paid to changes in the lower urinary tract following acute botulinum toxin poisoning. Here we report a case of bladder paralysis following wound botulism. Early diagnosis and adequate management of bladder paralysis following botulism is mandatory to avoid urologic complications. Accordingly, the prognosis is usually favorable and the bladder recovery complete.
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OBJECTIVES: Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy continues to be a distressing problem, even with preservation of the neurovascular bundles and meticulous apical dissection. Recent studies suggest that motor and sensory components of the pelvic nerve may be affected by surgery, since both components are anatomically located in intimate contact with the seminal vesicles. We propose seminal vesicle-sparing radical prostatectomy to preserve pelvic innervation and improve the rate of urinary continence. METHODS: Fifty-four patients were enrolled in this prospective study. A standard retropubic radical prostatectomy was performed in 34 patients. A seminal vesicle-sparing radical prostatectomy was performed in a pilot series of 20 consecutive patients. The seminal vesicle tip and surrounding tissue were preserved and carefully handled. In all patients, a modified pad test and posterior urethral sensory threshold test were performed preoperatively and 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively and correlated with urinary continence. RESULTS: The intraoperative preservation of the seminal vesicle tip was possible in all patients in this pilot series (n = 20). In the seminal vesicle-sparing radical prostatectomy group, the continence rate was 60% after 6 weeks and 95% after 6 months. These rates were significantly higher than the continence rates in the standard prostatectomy group (18% and 82% at 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively). The sensory threshold levels in the seminal vesicle-sparing group were similar to the preoperative values and were significantly lower than the postoperative threshold levels in the standard prostatectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal vesicle tip-sparing radical prostatectomy may be a surgical option to preserve pelvic innervation and maintain urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. Further randomized studies are necessary to elucidate the impact of seminal vesicle-sparing radical prostatectomy on restoration of urinary continence.
PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of botulinum-A toxin injections into the detrusor muscle in patients with spinal cord injury, detrusor hyperreflexia and urge incontinence resistant to anticholinergic drugs. The purpose of treatment was to suppress incontinence episodes and increase functional bladder capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in our prospective nonrandomized study done at 2 clinics were 31 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury who emptied the bladder by intermittent self-catheterization. These patients had severe detrusor hyperreflexia and incontinence despite a high dose of anticholinergic medication. Pretreatment evaluation included a clinical examination and complete urodynamic investigation. Under cystoscopic control a total of 200 to 300 units of botulinum-A toxin were injected into the detrusor muscle at 20 to 30 sites (10 units per ml. per site), sparing the trigone. Clinical and urodynamic followup was planned for 6, 16 and 36 weeks after treatment. Patients were asked to decrease their intake of anticholinergic drugs during week 1 after treatment. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients 19 underwent a complete examination 6 weeks after the botulinum-A toxin injections, and 11 at 16 and 36 weeks. At the 6-week followup complete continence was restored in 17 of 19 cases in which anticholinergic medication was markedly decreased or withdrawn. Less satisfactory results in 2 cases were associated with an insufficient dose of 200 units botulinum-A toxin. After the injections overall mean reflex volume and mean maximum cystometric bladder capacity plus or minus standard deviation significantly increased from 215.8 +/- 90.4 ml. to 415.7 +/- 211.1 (p <0.016) and 296.3 +/- 145.2 to 480.5 +/- 134.1 (p <0.016), respectively. There was also a significant decrease after treatment in mean maximum detrusor voiding pressure from 65.6 +/- 29.2 cm. water to 35 +/- 32. 1 (p <0.016). Mean post-void residual urine volume catheterized at the end of the urodynamic examination increased significantly from a mean of 261.8 +/- 241.3 ml. to 490.5 +/- 204.8 (p <0.016). Moreover, autonomic dysreflexia associated with bladder emptying that manifested as a hypertensive crisis during voiding disappeared after treatment in the 3 patients with tetraplegia. Satisfaction was high in all successfully treated patients and no side effects were observed. Ongoing improvement in urodynamic parameters and incontinence was already present in all patients reevaluated at 16 and 36 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum-A toxin injections into the detrusor seem to be a safe and valuable therapeutic option in spinal cord injured patients with incontinence resistant to anticholinergic medication who perform clean intermittent self-catheterization. Successfully treated patients become continent again and may withdraw from or markedly decrease anticholinergic drug intake. A dose of 300 units botulinum-A toxin seems to be needed to counteract an overactive detrusor. The duration of bladder paresis induced by the toxin is at least 9 months, when repeat injections are required.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in spinal cord-injury (SCI) patients. Moreover, we looked for neurological conditions permitting therapeutic success and for the ideal dose needed to achieve sufficient erections. METHODS: 41 SCI patients were prospectively examined. Sexual dysfunction was assessed by means of anamnesis, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, and neurological examination. Psychogenic erection capacity was tested by audiovisual stimulation and reflexive erection using a vibrator device. Neurophysiological recordings and cystomanometry were performed in parallel to clinical examinations. Neurophysiological recordings included sympathetic skin responses (SSR), pudendus somatosensory evoked potentials (pSSEP), and bulbocavernous reflex (BCR). Urodynamics aimed at classifying the neurogenic bladder dysfunction (upper motoneuron lesion versus lower motoneuron lesion). Intracavernous injection tests with PGE1 were performed in all patients to exclude major organic disease. 50 mg sildenafil was first given 3 times. Thereafter, the doses were adapted according to patients' reports. RESULTS: Clinically, 28 subjects preserved either reflexive erections (24) or psychogenic erections (4), 11 had both types and only 2 presented with a complete loss of erection. 38 patients (93%) had a positive response to sildenafil and reached a penile rigidity sufficient to permit sexual intercourse. 3 patients dropped out because of non-response despite having increased the dosis up to 100 mg. 22 patients (58%) showed functional erections 1 h after 50 mg sildenafil, whereas 14 (37%) required higher doses of 75-100 mg. By comparing the IIEF questionnaire scores before and after therapy, there was a significant improvement in erectile function and intercourse satisfaction from 9.2+/-4.4 SD) and 4.5 (+/-2.5 SD) to 25.5 (+/-4.2 SD) and 10.5 (+/-2.1 SD) points, respectively (p<0.05). Nearly 10% (4/41) suffered from side effects such as headache or dizziness. Two of them stopped therapy because of the side effects. At least 36 patients (88%) continue treatment with sildenafil. Absence of both psychogenic (nonsomesthetic supraspinally elicited) and reflexive (somesthetic spinally elicited) erections, confirmed by urodynamical and electrophysiological findings (SSR perineum, BCR and pSSEP), seems to exclude a successful treatment. In contrast, SCI male patients with preserved function of at least one component of the erection phenomenon (psychogenic/reflexive) responded well to sildenafil and the dose required to achieve erections sufficient for sexual intercourse did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil proves to be a valuable and safe therapeutic management in ED of SCI patients. Therefore, patient acceptance and satisfaction are high. The most common dose required to achieve a satisfying erection is 50 mg. The efficacy of sildenafil depends on sparing of either sacral (S2-S4) or thoracolumbar (T10-L2) spinal segments which, in this study, have been shown to be of relevance in mediating psychogenic erections in male SCI patients. Complete disturbance of any neurogenic impulses excludes successful treatment.
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PURPOSE: The mechanisms involved in post-radical prostatectomy incontinence remain unclear despite previous anatomical and functional studies. In addition, the factors responsible for the restoration of continence are not well studied. To improve our understanding of the alterations in continence mechanisms, we prospectively investigated the temporal changes in urodynamic parameters after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cystometry, urethral pressure profilometry and posterior urethral sensory threshold measurements were performed in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Preoperative pressure transmission was determined by the maximal urethral pressure divided by the maximal abdominal pressure during cough maneuvers at a bladder volume of 200 ml. Postoperative sensory threshold, pressure transmission (% of pressure transmission), maximal urethral closure pressure and functional sphincter length were measured 6 weeks and 6 months after prostatectomy. These parameters were compared between continent and incontinent patients. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative urodynamic studies were completed in 34 patients. The continence rate after 6 weeks was 18% (6 patients) and improved to 82% (28) after 6 months. Preoperatively sensory threshold was 16 +/- 11 mA. After 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively, sensory threshold was significantly higher in incontinent (84 +/- 11 mA., 70 +/- 8 mA.) compared to continent (65 +/- 8 mA., 41 +/- 12 mA.) patients. Preoperative proximal urethral sensory threshold was not correlated with degree of postoperative incontinence determined by pad tests. Pressure transmission was not different in continent and incontinent patients postoperatively. After 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively, pressure transmission was 77% and 91% in continent, and 37% and 58% in incontinent patients (p = 0.04, p = 0.03). Maximal urethral closure pressure was significantly higher in continent patients (35 +/- 6 cm. H2O) compared to incontinent patients (11 +/- 9 cm. H2O). Sphincter length decreased from 50 mm. preoperatively to 24 mm. after 6 weeks and 25 mm. after 6 months. There was no difference in sphincter length between continent and incontinent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior urethral sensitivity and pressure transmission are impaired immediately after prostatectomy. An improvement in these parameters after 6 months is associated with the restoration of continence. These observations suggest that urinary continence after radical prostatectomy depends on the integrity of posterior urethral sensation and the efficiency of pressure transmission.
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