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Biomedical subjects

G Janetschek

Publications and source records attributed to G Janetschek.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal cell cancer: evaluation of efficacy and safety: a multicenter experience.

OBJECTIVES: Although laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is a safe and minimally invasive alternative to open surgery, the long-term disease-free outcome of this procedure has not been reported. We evaluated our experience with the laparoscopic management of renal cell carcinoma to assess the clinical efficacy of this surgical modality. METHODS: Between February 1991 and June 1997, 157 patients at five institutions were retrospectively identified who had clinically localized, pathologically confirmed, renal cell carcinoma and had undergone laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Operative and clinical records were reviewed to determine morbidity, disease-free status, and cancer-specific survival. Of the patients followed up for at least 12 months (n = 101), 75% had an abdominal computed tomography scan at their last visit. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 61 years (range 27 to 92) and all patients were clinical Stage T1-2,NO,MO. Fifteen patients (9.6%) had perioperative complications. During a mean follow-up of 19.2 months (range 1 to 72; 51 patients with 2 years or more of follow-up), no patient developed a laparoscopic port site or renal fossa tumor recurrence. Four patients developed metastatic disease, and 1 patient developed a local recurrence. The 5-year actuarial disease-free rate was 91%+/-4.8 (SE). At last follow-up, there were no cancer-specific mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic surgical management of localized renal cell carcinoma is feasible. Short-term results indicate that laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is not associated with an increased risk of port site or retroperitoneal recurrence. Longer follow-up is necessary to compare long-term survival and disease-free rates with those of open surgery.

Adult↗

Adrenocortical carcinoma evolving after diagnosis of preclinical Cushing's syndrome in an adrenal incidentaloma. A case report.

A 43-year-old female patient underwent abdominal ultrasonography and CT scan because of uncharacteristic abdominal pain. A 3-cm homogeneous adrenal tumor was diagnosed. The endocrine tests revealed an adrenal preclinical Cushing's syndrome (PCS). Due to the latent hormone excess we decided to operate on the adrenal tumor. Since the tumor was small, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed. Histological evaluation showed an adrenocortical tumor of undetermined nature. Four months later the patient presented with a metastasizing cortisol- and androgen-producing adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). After pretreatment with ketoconazole to suppress the biosynthesis of adrenal steroids under substitution with hydrocortisone, we reduced the tumor load by surgery. Postoperatively we continued ketoconazole and started o, p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane as well as chemotherapy with doxorubicin and suramin. However, the patient died from ACC 7 months after adrenalectomy. It is known from several reports that PCS may persist clinically silently or may progress to full-blown Cushing's syndrome. This is the first time a malignant course of PCS is described. Independent of the initial therapeutic strategy of PCS, i. e. surgery or regular follow-up visits, we must be aware that also relatively small adrenal tumors can harbor malignancy.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

International surgical telementoring: our initial experience.

INTRODUCTION: Telesurgical laparoscopic telementoring has successfully been implemented between the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and the Johns Hopkins Hospital in 27 prior operations. In this previously reported series, telerobotic mentoring was achieved between two institutions 3.5 miles away. We report our experience in performing two international surgical telementoring operations. PURPOSE: To determine the clinical utility of international surgical telementoring during laparoscopic surgical procedures. METHOD: A laparoscopic adrenalectomy was telementored between Innsbruck, Austria (5,083 miles) and Baltimore, MD. As well, a laparoscopic varicocelectomy was telementored between Bangkok, Thailand and Baltimore, MD (10,880 miles) both over three ISDN lines (384 kbps) with an approximate 1 sec delay. RESULTS: Both procedures were successfully accomplished with an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSION: International telementoring is a viable method of instructing less experienced laparoscopic surgeons through potentially complex laparoscopic procedures, as well as potentially improving patient access to specialty care.

Adrenalectomy↗

Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery for small renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: In recent years the detection rate for small renal tumors has increased due to the widespread use of advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, which in turn has increased the need for nephron sparing surgery. We investigate whether laparoscopic surgery is a suitable approach to partial resection of small renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1994 and October 1996, 7 patients underwent laparoscopic wedge resection of the kidney for renal tumors up to 2 cm. in diameter. Hemostasis was achieved mainly by bipolar coagulation. In addition, the resection surface was cauterized with an argon beam coagulator and then sealed with fibrin glue. In 1 procedure a novel ultrasonic dissector was tested. RESULTS: All procedures could be completed as planned. The only intraoperative complication was a pneumothorax that resolved spontaneously within 2 days. There were no postoperative complications. Histological examination yielded stage pT1 grade I renal cell carcinoma in 3, stage pT1 grade II in 2 and multilocular cysts in 2 cases. All patients had negative surgical margins. Postoperatively, renal function as assessed by serum creatinine was unchanged. Neither local recurrences nor metastases were observed during a followup of 7 to 35 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is feasible for small renal cell carcinoma, and is associated with low morbidity and a low complication rate.

Adult↗

Are contact laser, interstitial laser, and transurethral ultrasound-guided laser-induced prostatectomy superior to transurethral prostatectomy?

BACKGROUND: In order to assess the value of various new therapeutic modalities in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we performed a prospective study comparing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to contact Laser, interstitial Laser, and transurethral ultrasound-guided laser-induced prostatectomy (TULIP). METHODS: The following parameters were evaluated preoperatively as well as 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery: prostatic volume, urinary flow rate, postvoid residual volume, and the AUA symptom score. The diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction was established preoperatively by means of pressure/flow studies which were repeated 1 year after the operation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, TURP is still the gold standard in the treatment of BPH. The results of TULIP, contact laser, and interstitial laser are about the same. The time intervals within which the patients become free of symptoms, however, vary widely. Contact laser is limited to prostates below 50 cc, while interstitial laser is ideal for patients in poor general health who present with large prostates. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the only reliable data for determining the degree of posttherapeutic disobstruction can be provided by urodynamic investigations including pressure/flow diagrams.

Humans↗

Partial nephrectomy in a cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma.

Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma (CPDN) is a rare neoplastic disorder consisting of a well-demarcated cystic lesion of the kidney where blastemal or other embryonic cells are present in the septa of the cysts. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect the cystic character of the lesion and will produce imaging features that are highly suggestive of either CPDN or cystic nephroma (CN) (synonym: multilocular cyst of the kidney), a benign entity. Although malignant potential exists in CPDN, all cases reported to date have had a favorable prognosis after surgery alone. Partial nephrectomy is considered safe, and the treatment of choice in the newborn period. We report a case of CPDN in a newborn that was successfully treated with partial nephrectomy. More than five years after nephron sparing surgery, the involved kidney shows normal anatomical structure except for a diminished upper pole, no evidence of tumor recurrence and good renal function.

Cysts↗

Laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: An increasing number of operative procedures in pediatric urology can be performed by laparoscopy. We report our experience with laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy, which is a typical operation in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy was performed in 14 consecutive children. In 12 cases 7 upper renal poles were removed for ectopic refluxing megaureter and obstructive ureterocele in 5 and 2, respectively. In 5 children lower poles were destroyed by reflux nephropathy. In 2 children laparoscopic upper pole heminephroureterectomy for obstructive ureterocele was combined with a Pfannenstiel incision for reimplantation of the refluxing lower pole ureter. RESULTS: All operations were completed as planned. Operative time was 180 to 330 minutes (mean 222) in group 1 and 345 to 510 (mean 427) in group 2. Blood loss was minimal (10 to 30 ml.) and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Mean postoperative hospital stay in groups 1 and 2 was 4.4 and 7.5 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy in children is feasible and associated with minimal blood loss, low morbidity and a low complication rate. The disadvantage is the long operative time. This technically demanding procedure should be performed only at specialized centers.

Adolescent↗

New onset hypertension after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: age related incidence and prediction by intrarenal resistive index.

PURPOSE: In a recent study we found an increased resistive index immediately after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in patients older than 60 years, which suggests renovascular disturbance. The present 26-month followup study was undertaken to investigate the relevance of elevated resistive index levels and the incidence of new onset hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the initial 76 patients 57, including 20 of the 23 at risk patients 60 or greater years, group 3), were followed for more than 26 +/- 6 months after ESWL. Followup included 2 resistive index measurements by Doppler ultrasound of the treated and the contralateral kidney, at least 2 blood pressure measurements 1 week apart and excretory urography as well as determination of plasma renin activity in 9 patients. RESULTS: With 1 exception, elevated resistive index levels and hypertension were observed exclusively in patients older than 60 years. In these patients the resistive index ranged between 0.65 and 0.86 (mean plus or minus standard deviation 0.74 +/- 0.05, normal less than 0.7). This increase in resistive index was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Compared to the levels obtained immediately after ESWL, the resistive index continued to increase in all 9 patients older than 60 years who had hypertension (45%), whereas in the normotensive patients the resistive index was either stable or decreased. There was a strong positive correlation (0.903) between pathological resistive index levels and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients older than 60 years are at risk for disturbances of renal perfusion as assessed by the resistive index, and 45% of these patients have new onset hypertension within 26 months of treatment.

Adolescent↗

Posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture repair: anatomy, surgical approach and long-term results.

PURPOSE: We describe the anatomy, surgical approach and long-term results of posterior urethral stricture repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1975 and 1991, 86 patients underwent surgery for posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture. In 65 patients the urethral lesion was corrected by 1-stage reconstructive surgery via the perineal approach. In 21 patients the urethra was reconstructed with a 2-stage procedure. In an anatomical study the course of the urethra through the pelvic floor was investigated and the concomitant structures were dissected. According to the anatomy a perineal approach was used in 7 male adult cadavers. RESULTS: Due to the optimized anastomotic technique urinary flow rates of more than 20 ml. per second could be achieved in 29 of all 42 patients followed. Only 6 of these patients had peak urinary flow rates of less than 15 ml. per second. No patient had any recurrent strictures at the anastomotic site that would have required surgical revision. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that adequate primary care and the perineal approach combined with an exact anastomosis technique are essential for successful treatment of posttraumatic strictures of the posterior urethra.

Adult↗

Adrenal-sparing laparoscopic surgery for aldosterone-producing adenoma.

We herein present the first case in the literature of enucleation of an aldosterone-producing adenoma by laparoscopy. The indication for adrenal-sparing surgery was bilateral adrenal adenoma. The operation turned out to be easier than laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was cured; split adrenal function tests showed normal function of both adrenal glands.

Adenoma↗

Retroperitoneoscopic cutaneous ureterostomy.

A 56-year-old woman presented with bilateral ureteral stenosis and a vesicovaginal fistula secondary to advanced cervical carcinoma. Due to the long-standing obstruction she had a non-functioning right kidney. As a first step the function of the contralateral kidney was restored by percutaneous nephrostomy; two months later endoscopic cutaneous ureterostomy was performed using a four-port retroperitoneal approach. The ureter was mobilized, transected and pulled out through a 10-mm trocar in the mid-clavicular line. The total operative time was 165 min with an estimated intraoperative blood loss of less than 30 ml. Convalescence was short.

Female↗

Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for clinical stage I nonseminomatous testicular tumor: laparoscopy versus open surgery and impact of learning curve.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for clinical stage I nonseminomatous testicular tumors was compared to open surgery, taking into account the impact of the learning curve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 1992 and September 1995, 29 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Open surgical retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was performed on 30 patients between January 1988 and July 1992. RESULTS: A comparison of the 14 initial and 15 subsequent laparoscopies showed a steep learning curve (operative time shorter by 36%, blood loss decreased by 50% and postoperative hospital stay shorter by 27%). When comparing the last 15 laparoscopic procedures to the open operations, the latter were superior only in terms of operative time (shorter by 18%). With regard to all other parameters open surgery was inferior (increased blood loss by 38%, longer postoperative hospital stay by 166%, more serious complications and a greater complication rate). Antegrade ejaculation was preserved after all laparoscopic and after 28 of the 30 open operations. There were no retroperitoneal recurrences in either group (mean followup 16 months after laparoscopy and 54 months after open surgery). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is a demanding operation that is superior to open surgery once the learning curve has been overcome. However, this is possible only if laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is performed on a regular basis.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty and to compare the efficacy of dismembered and nondismembered techniques. METHODS: Since May 1993, a modified laparoscopic transperitoneal (14 patients) and a retroperitoneoscopic approach (3 patients) have been used for the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. In 7 patients aberrant vessels were encountered; 1 patient had a horseshoe kidney. Surgical repair was achieved by dismembered pyeloplasty (8 patients), nondismembered Fenger-plasty (longitudinal incision, transverse closure; 3 patients), transaction and reanastomosis of the renal pelvis (1 patient), ureterolysis and displacement of crossing vessels (4 patients). RESULTS: In 1 patient dismembered pyeloplasty could not be scheduled because of cardiovascular problems. A minimal transient lesion of the sympathetic nerve was observed postoperatively in 1 patient and pulmonary embolism in another. The operative time in dismembered pyeloplasty was between 240 and 360 minutes (mean, 280); the results were good in all patients. Equally good results were obtained with nondismembered Fenger-plasty, and the operating time was shorter (120 to 180 minutes). Ureterolysis was found to have a failure rate of 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty yielded good results but it is too complicated to become a standard procedure. Nondismembered Fenger-plasty, which also showed good results, is more suitable for laparoscopy and retroperitoneoscopy. The indications for this technique should be defined more precisely as more experience is being collected. The results of ureterolysis when used as a single measure were poor, and, therefore, this technique should be abandoned.

Adolescent↗

Prostate zones in three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound to identify and measure the prostate zones. METHODS: In an anatomic-sonographic study, eight specimens were investigated by means of three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound. Subsequently, the volumes of the prostate and the transition zone were measured by means of a special planimetric program; the images and results obtained were compared with anatomic sections and water displacement volume measurement. Then two groups of patients were investigated by means of three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound; the first group included 90 patients ranging in age from 55 to 85 years who presented with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which was verified by means of histologic examination. Three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound was performed prior to ultrasound-guided biopsies of the prostate. The second group comprised 10 patients aged between 17 and 30 years whose prostates were free of disease. RESULTS: Three-dimensional transrectal sonography is the first imaging technique that can simultaneously demonstrate relevant structures in three planes; apart from the sagittal and the horizontal (or axial) plane, the region of interest can be examined in the coronal plane as well. The structural differences of the prostatic zones in BPH and the juvenile gland can be clearly identified with the help of three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound. The coronal plane provides important additional information; the central zone and the enlarged transition zone can be identified best in this third plane. CONCLUSIONS: The prostate zones, their interrelations, and, in particular, the hyperplasia of the transition zone in BPH are clearly demonstrable. Furthermore, the size of the enlarged transition zone can be exactly measured.

Adolescent↗

Pneumothorax complicating laparoscopic ureterolysis.

In a 71-year-old female marked left-sided ureteral stenosis secondary to retroperitoneal fibrosis was diagnosed. Since conservative therapy with cortisone had failed, laparoscopic ureterolysis was performed. Following tracheal intubation the lungs were ventilated with 40 vol% O2 in air and isoflurane 0.5-2%, using a positive end-expiratory pressure of 6 cm H2O. A CO2 pneumoperitoneum was established with a pressure-controlled high-flow insufflator; the intraabdominal pressure during the procedure was 14 mm Hg. Two hours after gas instillation, the peak airway pressure increased from 22 to 40 cm H2O, and the PaCO2 from 45 to 70 mm Hg. Breath sounds over the right lung were no longer heard, and subcutaneous emphysema was noted over the neck and face. An intraoperative chest X-ray confirmed a right pneumothorax. Following peritoneal gas evacuation, the PaCO2 returned to 35 mm Hg, the subcutaneous emphysema diminished, and a repeat chest X-ray showed complete resolution of the pneumothorax. The course of this event led us to the conclusion that the pneumothorax was due to diffusion of CO2 from the peritoneal to the pleural cavity through congenital defects in the diaphragm. Ureterolysis could be continued by laparotomy.

Aged↗