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Biomedical subjects

J Stuart Wolf

Publications and source records attributed to J Stuart Wolf.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Transperitoneal laparoscopy into the previously operated abdomen: effect on operative time, length of stay and complications.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of previous abdominal surgery on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing a renal/adrenal laparoscopic procedure via a transperitoneal approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal/adrenal laparoscopic procedures via a transperitoneal approach were assessed. Medical records were reviewed to obtain operative and perioperative data. RESULTS: Of the 190 patients 76 (40%) had previously undergone abdominal surgery. Patients with versus without an earlier abdominal operation had a longer mean hospital stay (3.8 versus 2.6 days, p = 0.002) but not longer median operative room time (median 220 versus 210 minutes, p >0.05). Operative and major complication rates were greater in patients with previous operations (16% versus 4%, p = 0.009 and 16% versus 5%, p = 0.022, respectively). Access and total complication rates were not altered (4% versus 2% and 33% versus 24%, respectively, p >0.1). An upper midline scar/ipsilateral upper quadrant scar was associated with a greater access complication rate (12% versus 0%, p = 0.029) but not a higher operative complication rate (21% versus 13%, p = 0.502). Multiple logistic regression confirmed that previous abdominal surgery was the only factor associated with operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Previous open abdominal operation increased the risk of operative and major complications, which most likely resulted in increased length of stay. The location of the scar impacted the access complication rate. Patients who have undergone previous open surgical procedures should be counseled on the greater risk of complications if the transperitoneal route is elected. Alternatively a retroperitoneal approach may be used.

Abdomen↗

Helical computed tomography for identification of crossing vessels in ureteropelvic junction obstruction-comparison with operative findings.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography (HCT) scanning with three-dimensional reconstructions as a possible identifier of crossing vessels in ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Endoscopic treatment of UPJ obstruction has a success rate that approaches 90%. These results drop to 40% in the presence of crossing vessels. Unrecognized crossing vessels can also result in significant hemorrhage during endopyelotomy. The presence of crossing vessels is, for many, an indication for open or laparoscopic UPJ repair. Therefore, accurate preoperative imaging is crucial for appropriate treatment planning. METHODS: Our study population consisted of 18 patients evaluated and treated for UPJ obstruction at the University of Michigan Health System. These patients underwent routine contrast-enhanced preoperative HCT scanning before UPJ repair. A prior history of failed endoscopic treatment, patient preference, and HCT findings of crossing vessels were indications for open or laparoscopic repair. The imaging findings were compared with open findings during laparoscopic or open pyeloplasty. RESULTS: An HCT finding of the presence of crossing vessels was a significant positive predictor, with a value of 100%. The sensitivity in this population was 91% and the specificity was 100%. No difference was noted between the detection of arterial or venous crossing vessels. The positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 88%. CONCLUSIONS: HCT is an accurate predictor of the presence of crossing vessels in UPJ obstruction. Because crossing vessels may have a profound impact on treatment outcome, HCT can serve as an effective, noninvasive, preoperative screening tool.

Adult↗

Update on minimally invasive management of ureteral strictures.

PURPOSE: To review the role of minimally invasive management in ureteral stricture disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed on the MEDLINE database through 2002 concerning endoscopic treatment of patients with ureteral strictures. RESULTS: Many endourologic methods are available for ureteral strictures. Ureteral dilation may be accomplished in most cases, with various rates of success depending on stricture etiology, location, and length. Endoureterotomy also leads to long-term patency in properly selected cases and appears to be superior to dilation alone. CONCLUSIONS: Significant advances in technique and technology have improved our ability to treat ureteral strictures without the need for open surgery in most patients.

Humans↗

Safety and efficacy of same-session bilateral ureteroscopy.

PURPOSE: Same-session ureteroscopy for bilateral urinary calculi would potentially reduce costs and the need for a second anesthetic compared with staged procedures. We sought to establish the safety and efficacy of same-session bilateral ureteroscopy relative to procedures for staged bilateral and multiple unilateral calculi in the context of contemporary instrumentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 626 consecutive patients underwent ureteroscopy for calculi between January 1997 and August 2001. Among these, 34 patients with bilateral calculi (11 staged and 23 treated in one sitting) and 54 patients with multiple unilateral calculi in distinct locations were included in this study. Multivariable regression was used to determine the association of patient-specific and technical factors with postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Stone-free rates were similar in the two groups and ranged from 50% to 100% depending on stone location. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 (11%) and 3 (14%) of the patients treated for multiple unilateral and for bilateral calculi in a staged procedure, respectively, compared with 7 (29%) of those undergoing same-session bilateral ureteroscopy (P = 0.12). Logistic regression revealed that same-session bilateral ureteroscopy (odds ratio [OR] 4.0; P = 0.02) and absence of a postoperative stent (OR 1.7; P = 0.03) were associated with added morbidity. However, the cumulative risk of performing staged bilateral procedures (14% per procedure) approximated that of bilateral ureteroscopy in one sitting (29%). CONCLUSION: Bilateral ureteroscopy carries an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. The risk is proportional to the number of renal units treated and may be assumed at once (e.g., same-session) or over time (e.g., staged) as it applies to patients requiring bilateral ureteroscopy.

Adult↗

Identifying patients who are suitable for stentless ureteroscopy following treatment of urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: Foregoing ureteral stents following ureteroscopy for urinary calculi is an evolving practice. Randomized trials support stent omission in select cases though generalizability is unclear and criteria for stentless ureteroscopy are unknown. Therefore, we sought to identify significant clinical characteristics affecting postoperative morbidity in unstented patients to provide a context for future randomized trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 837 ureteroscopic procedures for urolithiasis performed at our institution from January 1997 through January 2002 a ureteral stent was not placed in 226 (32%). Among these patients 47 had no stone at the time of the procedure leaving 219 (26%) who were treated for urinary calculus disease. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of 24 variables with postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Of the 219 patients treated with ureteroscopy 39 (18%) had a postoperative complication, which was obstructive in 26 (12%), infectious in 10 (5%), and related to patient co-morbidity in 3 (1%). Factors associated with postoperative morbidity included renal pelvic location (p = 0.02), lithotripsy (p = 0.03), bilateral procedure (p = 0.07), history of urolithiasis (p <0.0001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.06), recent/recurrent infection (p <0.0001), operative time 45 minutes or greater (p = 0.07), operative time 45 minutes or greater plus lithotripsy (p = 0.0004), operative time 45 minutes or greater plus ureteral dilation (p = 0.07) and bilateral stentless procedure (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple patient and operative factors may predispose a patient to postoperative morbidity after a stentless procedure. Future trials should prospectively validate the role of these factors in either promoting (e.g., history of urolithiasis) or preventing (e.g., preoperative stent) a postoperative complication in the setting of stentless ureteroscopy.

Adult↗

Retrograde ureteroscopy in patients with orthotopic ileal neobladder urinary diversion.

PURPOSE: We assess the feasibility, technique, complications and clinical outcomes of retrograde ureteroscopy in patients with orthotopic ileal neobladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our ureteroscopy experience to identify procedures performed in patients who had previously undergone cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder urinary diversion. These procedures were reviewed and data collected regarding patient characteristics, indication for endoscopic evaluation, surgical technique, findings, complications and followup. RESULTS: Eight patients with neobladder diversion were taken for 9 sessions in the cystoscopy suite for attempted retrograde ureteroscopy on 13 renal units. The indication for ureteroscopy was an upper tract filling defect, positive cytology or calculi. The ureter and renal pelvis were successfully accessed and visualized in 10 of 13 renal units. The cause of failure in the 3 unsuccessful procedures was inability to access the ureteral orifice. Mean operative time +/- SD was 78 +/- 34 minutes. Urothelial abnormalities were identified in 4 patients, extrinsic compression in 2 and stones in 3. In 1 patient postoperative hematuria developed, which spontaneously resolved. Fluoroscopy was essential to identify the afferent limb of the reservoir, and a directional guide wire was helpful in engaging the ureteral orifice. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopic evaluation and treatment of upper tract abnormalities are feasible and practical in most patients with orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion. Identification of the ureteral orifice is challenging but can be accomplished with a combination of endoscopic and fluoroscopic techniques. This procedure avoids the morbidity of percutaneous access, and complications are minimal.

Adult↗

Predictive factors for applicability and success with endoscopic treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We report on endoscopic treatment outcomes for upper tract urothelial carcinoma and identify predictive factors for success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 61 renal units were referred for endoscopic treatment of an upper tract tumor, 69% of which did not have a traditional indication for nephron sparing approaches. Tumor pathology and operative findings were assessed retrospectively for treatment outcomes and influential factors. RESULTS: Initial ureteroscopic inspection was undertaken in 53 renal units with resection attempted in 18 (34%) resulting in an 89% success rate with 16 treated. A percutaneous approach in 19 renal units (11 after ureteroscopy) was 100% successful in achieving tumor-free status, for a total of 35 renal units successfully treated endoscopically. Surveillance then began on 27 renal units with a recurrence rate of 88% and mean time to recurrence of 5.8 months (range 2 to 20). Of patients undergoing surveillance (31% of whom had high grade disease), 54% remain or have died of unrelated disease, during a mean followup of 21.0 months (range 3 to 48). Higher tumor grade, larger size, renal pelvis location (all p <0.01) and multifocality (p = 0.05) significantly correlated with decreased recurrence-free survival, but did not predict failure of local control by endoscopic surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Although endoscopic techniques can render most patients tumor-free, there is a high associated recurrence rate and many need repeat procedures. Recurrence-free survival is greater in patients with low grade, solitary or less bulky disease. However, rigorous surveillance after endoscopic resection can lead to success even in patients with high grade, multifocal or large volume disease, resulting in preservation of renal units.

Aged↗

Ureteroscopic treatment of renal calculi in morbidly obese patients: a stone-matched comparison.

OBJECTIVES: To report a matched comparison of morbidly obese (MO) patients and normal weight (NW) patients who underwent ureteroscopic (URS) treatment of renal calculi. Shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrostolithotomy may be precluded in MO patients, and URS treatment offers a minimally invasive alternative. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent URS at our institution between 1997 and 2000. Fifty-four patients underwent URS treatment solely for renal calculi. Sixteen MO patients underwent 18 procedures. Thirty-eight NW patients, who underwent 39 procedures, were matched to the MO patients by stone location and size. Stones were categorized by location and size, less than 10 mm or 10 mm or greater. The factors and outcomes assessed were stone length, operative time, presence of a ureteral stent, success, and complications. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 83% (15 of 18 procedures) for MO patients and 67% (26 of 39 procedures) for NW patients, but this difference was not significant (P = 0.23). The difference in the success rate for renal calculi 10 mm or greater (100% versus 38%) approached significance (P = 0.09). This may be related to other distinctions between the groups. URS treatment was often a salvage therapy in the NW group after other modalities failed. No significant differences were found between the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: URS treatment of renal calculi when matched for location and size is as successful and no more morbid in MO than in NW patients. URS treatment of renal calculi is a safe and effective first-line treatment for renal calculi in MO patients.

Body Mass Index↗

Use of absorbable cyanoacrylate glue to repair an open cystotomy.

PURPOSE: A biodegradable cyanoacrylate glue was tested for its ability to close bladder injuries in an established porcine model. Inflammation and encrustation associated with this glue were examined in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four domestic pigs underwent transverse cystotomy, which was closed with absorbable cyanoacrylate glue. Four weeks later the bladder was distended with normal saline to evaluate the repair. A total of 45 rabbits underwent cystotomy, which was closed with polyglactin suture, absorbable cyanoacrylate glue or nonabsorbable 2-octyl cyanoacrylate glue. The bladder was harvested at 4 or 12 weeks to evaluate inflammation, microcalcification and encrustation. RESULTS: All 4 pig bladders tolerated a pressure of 200 mm. Hg 4 weeks after closure. In the rabbit bladders there was no difference in inflammation in the groups at 4 and 12 weeks. The absorbable glue and suture groups had less microcalcification than the 2-octyl cyanoacrylate glue group at 4 and 12 weeks (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Encrustation was less in the suture and absorbable glue groups than in the 2-octyl cyanoacrylate glue group at 4 and 12 weeks (p = 0.004 and 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: An experimental absorbable cyanoacrylate glue has the strength to seal a large cystotomy. The inflammatory response to absorbable glue is similar to that to suture at 12 weeks. Absorbable glue does not promote calcification. These properties may make it a suitable material for replacing or augmenting suture in the urinary tract.

Absorption↗

Comparison of hand assisted versus standard laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for suspected renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We compared standard and hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for suspected renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 22 hand assisted and 16 standard laparoscopic radical nephrectomies performed for suspected renal cell carcinoma. Operative and recovery data were collected prospectively and from medical records as part of an institutional review board approved protocol. Patients completed pain, activity and the 12-item short form health related quality of life surveys preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Although patients undergoing hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy had larger tumors (mean 6.3 versus 4.1 cm., p = 0.009), tended toward greater corrected mean specimen weight (658 versus 482 gm., p = 0.111) and had greater medical co-morbidity (p = 0.0228), mean operative time for hand assisted laparoscopic procedures was significantly shorter (205 versus 270 minutes, p = 0.0004). With experience mean operative time decreased for standard but not for hand assisted laparoscopy (293 to 232 minutes, p = 0.0445, versus 206 to 204, p = 0.6162). Procedure type, surgeon experience and adrenal sparing were the only significant predictors of operative time. There was no difference in the groups in terms of the complication rate, hospital cost or stay, return to activity or overall pain score, or in the difference in preoperative and postoperative 12-item short form scores. Hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy tended to be associated with more abdominal pain early in convalescence and more wound complications but not significantly so. CONCLUSIONS: Hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy offers recovery, morbidity and cost that are comparable to those of standard laparoscopy. The benefits of the technique include shorter operative times, no need for specimen morcellation and direct manual control of the operative field. It is particularly useful early in surgeon experience, for large specimens or when patient co-morbidities require a rapid procedure.

Adult↗

Ureteroscopic treatment of lower pole calculi: comparison of lithotripsy in situ and after displacement.

PURPOSE: Ureteroscopic management is a viable option for lower pole calculi less than 2 cm. Recently a technique was described to displace the calculus into a more accessible calix using a nitinol basket or grasper before lithotripsy. We compared the efficacy and safety of this technique with in situ treatment of small and intermediate lower pole calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 95 ureteroscopy cases performed at our institution from January 1997 through August 2001 for renal calculi located only in the lower pole. Preoperative patient characteristics, stone size, operative details, complications and outcomes were compared for calculi treated in situ and those displaced before treatment. RESULTS: Adequate followup was available on 78 patients. Patients in the displacement group were statistically older, more often had a preoperative indwelling ureteral stent and had a mean operative time that was 16 minutes longer (p = 0.04). Average stone diameter in the in situ and displacement groups was 8 and 10.3 mm., respectively (p = 0.04). In patients with radiographic followup greater than 1 month complete success was obtained for 77% of stones 1 cm. or less treated in situ versus 89% treated with displacement first (p = 0.43). For calculi greater than 1 cm. complete success was obtained for 2 of the 7 (29%) treated in situ versus all 7 (100%) treated with displacement (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: When treating lower pole calculi 1 to 2 cm. via ureteroscopy, a higher success rate can be obtained with displacement into a more accessible calix before treatment.

Adult↗

Intraoperative ultrasonography in urologic oncology.

Ultrasonography is a powerful nonionizing imaging modality that has generally been underused by American Urologists in the past. Innovative investigators and clinicians, however, are realizing the great potential of ultrasonography and are applying it increasingly not only in the clinic but in the operating room. In this commentary we outline some of the current and future uses of intraoperative ultrasonography in urologic oncology.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

Percutaneous treatment of renal cystic nephroma.

Cystic nephroma is a rare, presumed benign, renal tumor that occurs in both children and adults. When its presence is suspected preoperatively, nephron-sparing surgery can be applied. We describe treatment of a cystic nephroma that is the first reported, to our knowledge, using endoscopic techniques.

Female↗