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Biomedical subjects

M Fisch

Publications and source records attributed to M Fisch.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Colon pouch (Mainz pouch III) for continent urinary diversion after pelvic irradiation.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary diversion after previous pelvic irradiation is challenging. The use of irradiated bowel in particular is associated with an increased rate of early and late complications. We therefore performed continent cutaneous urinary diversion using exclusively nonirradiated bowel segments in this group of patients. METHODS: A continent colon pouch for urinary diversion was performed in 44 female patients after pelvic irradiation. The indications were irreparable vesical fistula in 20, local recurrence of gynecologic tumors in 22, and radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in 2 patients. Depending on the length of the nonirradiated bowel segment, a transverse-ascending colon pouch (n = 8) or transverse-descending colon pouch (n = 36) was performed. The efferent segment was created from a tapered bowel segment embedded in the pouch wall. The ureters were implanted using a submucosal (n = 67) or subserosal (n = 17) extramural tunnel. RESULTS: No pouch-related complications were observed during the immediate postoperative period. In long-term follow-up (mean 52.2 months), upper urinary tract dilation was seen in five renal units. All five of these had been dilated preoperatively, and none required ureteral reimplantation. Incontinence occurred in 2 patients; both underwent reoperation with subsequent continence. Umbilical stoma stenosis was observed in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of the colon pouch for continent urinary diversion in previously irradiated patients is safe and has a low complication rate. The use of nonirradiated bowel segments should be the method of choice in this group of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Vaginal reconstruction using the bladder and/or rectal walls in patients with radiation-induced fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: In irreparable or recurrent vesicovaginal fistulas and cloacal defects following high-dose irradiation therapy for gynecological malignancies, urinary diversion is the last resort to achieve a socially acceptable solution. In a select group of young and tumor-free patients, additional vaginal reconstruction may be indicated. Multiple operative procedures are available, but the results are often disappointing in the previously irradiated area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In six such patients with large radiogenic vesicovaginal defects (n = 5) or a cloacal fistula (n = 1), a continent reservoir using the transverse colon with an umbilical stoma was performed. At the end of the operation, the bladder was incorporated into a neovagina by incising the urethra, anterior vaginal wall, and the posterior bladder wall with electrocautery from the urethral meatus to the dome of the fistula. RESULTS: No postoperative complications related to the vaginal reconstruction occurred. After a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, all patients had a capacious vagina and a wide introitus; the neovagina measured a mean of 18 cm in length. Five patients with a partner reported a normal sexual life. No dyspareunia or discomfort from bladder or urethral mucosa during intercourse was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Following continent urinary diversion due to irreparable vesicovaginal fistulas, a neovagina can be created by simple dissection of the posterior bladder and anterior vaginal wall. When a colostomy is present, the neovagina can additionally be augmented with a bowel flap of the Hartmann stump or by incising the rectovaginal septum. The technique affords good functional and cosmetic results.

Cloaca↗
PubMed2000

Potential novel uses of thalidomide: focus on palliative care.

Thalidomide, after being banned from the market in the early 1960s because of the worldwide teratogenesis disaster, is currently being rediscovered because of its multiple therapeutic effects in various serious diseases and symptoms. Original studies examined the anxiolytic, mild hypnotic, anti-emetic and adjuvant analgesic properties of this drug. Subsequently, thalidomide was found to be highly effective in managing the cutaneous manifestations of leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum) and even to be superior to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in controlling leprosy-associated fever. Recent research shows promising results with thalidomide in patients with progressive bodyweight loss related to advanced cancer and HIV infection. Thalidomide therapy of diseases such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, aphthous ulcers in HIV syndrome and Behcet's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, graft-versus-host disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, inflammatory bowel disease, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus erythematosus and a variety of solid tumours is currently being explored. Furthermore, in preliminary studies, thalidomide has been found to be effective in several syndromes related to advanced cancer, such as the cancer cachexia syndrome, chronic nausea, insomnia, profuse sweating and pain. Whether thalidomide has a therapeutic effect on neoplastic fever has yet to be elucidated. These intriguing features make the use of the drug potentially attractive for palliative care. In addition, by a distinct mechanism of action compared with most other drugs, thalidomide offers the possibility of combined treatment with other agents with non-overlapping toxicities. The mechanism of action of thalidomide is probably based on the suppression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and the modulation of interleukins. However, it is not possible to identify a single dominant mechanism, since the action of cytokines and the effect of thalidomide appear to be complex. This review article discusses the original uses and teratogenic effects of thalidomide within its historical context and, linking recent research at the molecular level with clinical findings, aims to provide the reader with insight into the current understanding of its biological actions, toxicities and potential benefits.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗
PubMed2000

Urinary diversion and orthotopic bladder substitution in children and young adults with neurogenic bladder: a safe option for treatment?

PURPOSE: Combined pharmacotherapy, clean intermittent catheterization and infection prophylaxis is currently the gold standard of treatment for neurogenic bladder. However, as the adolescent gains independence from parental supervision, the intervals of clean intermittent catheterization compliance with medical treatment and regularity of followup examinations may decrease, and neurological and/or orthopedic status may change. This situation sometimes leads to failure of conservative treatment, resulting in incontinence and/or deterioration of the upper urinary tract. A multidisciplinary team was established at our institution 30 years ago to assess all aspects of care for patients with neurogenic bladder, of which urological function is just 1 aspect of the complex problem. Patient desires and essential medical goals, such as preservation of renal function, are considered by this team. An adequate compromise is sought and achieved in some cases by urinary diversion. We investigated the long-term safety of urinary diversion in these patients and its ability to protect the upper urinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1967 and 1997 urinary diversion was performed in 149 patients with neurogenic bladder. Mean followup was 11.8 years (range 0.8 to 28.5) in 129 cases. Mean patient age at surgery was 12.1 years (range 0.8 to 20). A colonic conduit was created in 59 patients, mainly before the era of clean intermittent catheterization and continent diversion, while orthotopic bladder substitution was performed in 12 and continent urinary diversion (Mainz pouch I) in 58, of whom 50% were wheelchair bound. RESULTS: The upper urinary tract improved or remained stable in 97% of the renal units in patients with a colonic conduit or Mainz pouch I, and in 95% of the renal units in those with orthotopic bladder substitution. All patients with bladder substitution were continent during the day, 1 required occasional pads at night and 7 of 12 performed clean intermittent catheterization. Complete continence was achieved in 98% of those with a continent stoma. CONCLUSIONS: After failure of conservative treatment in patients with neurogenic bladder urinary diversion represents a safe long-term compromise. Daytime and nighttime continence is provided by the Mainz pouch bladder substitution and urinary diversion, while the upper urinary tract is protected by antireflux ureteral implantation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The histology and immunohistochemistry of free buccal mucosa and full-skin grafts after exposure to urine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histological and immunohistochemical behaviour of free buccal mucosa and full-skin grafts after exposure to urine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A buccal mucosal graft and a full-skin graft were freely transferred into the bladder of 12 minipigs, after stripping the bladder mucosa. Endoscopic investigations were carried out 2 and 5 months after surgery, and the grafts examined after death at 7 months, both histologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Shrinkage of the full-skin graft was apparent endoscopically in five cases. Of the nine full-skin grafts, four showed severe inflammatory reactions, two necrosis and two ulcerations. Conversely, the 10 buccal mucosal grafts had fewer pathological findings (three minimal inflammation and three with scars) and a pronounced similarity on immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: The buccal mucosal graft showed significantly fewer adverse histopathological findings after long-term exposure to urine than the full-skin graft and is therefore a preferable material for urethral reconstruction.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The use of an electronic patient record system to identify advanced cancer patients and antidepressant drug use.

PURPOSE: Psychiatric morbidity is common in cancer patients toward the end of life. In this study, we demonstrate the use of an electronic patient record system to identify patients with advanced cancer, and then analyze practice patterns regarding the use of antidepressants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using electronic patient records from January 1986 to December 1996, we identified 17,476 patients with possible cancer. Patients were identified by virtue of having any one of eight markers. We used an iterative process to modify the specificity of these markers, and an advanced cancer cohort was assembled consisting of 1185 patients. RESULTS: A random sample of 200 written medical records were reviewed, of which 157 records (78.5%) were retrieved. Extracted information was reviewed by an oncologist, and patients were classified as follows: (1) no evidence of cancer; (2) evidence of cancer with an expected survival of less than or equal to 24 months; or (3) evidence of cancer with an expected survival of more than 24 months. Overall, 86% of the advanced cancer sample assembled from electronic records was correctly classified as advanced cancer by the review of the written records. Overall, 16% of all 1185 patients with advanced cancer were exposed to at least one antidepressant, with 3% of patients exposed to a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, 10% exposed to a tricyclic antidepressant at a dose of greater than 25 mg, and 4% exposed to a low dose of a tricyclic antidepressant. CONCLUSION: The electronic patient record can be used to assemble an advanced cancer cohort for the purpose of studying palliative care practice patterns. Antidepressants are seldom part of the palliative management of this population.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Strategies for reconstruction after unsuccessful or unsatisfactory primary treatment of patients with bladder exstrophy or incontinent epispadias.

PURPOSE: Following unsuccessful or unsatisfactory primary treatment in patients with the epispadias/exstrophy complex, the options for a surgical solution to preserve the upper urinary tract, to achieve complete continence, and to reconstruct the external and female internal genitalia are limited. We reviewed the records of the patients treated at our institution to determine a surgical compromise between ingenious operative constructions and patient desires, both of which are secondary to stabilization of renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1967 to December 1997, 128 patients with bladder exstrophy/epispadias complex were treated, of 80 whom had received previous unsuccessful or unsatisfactory treatment. Of these patients 72 were followed for an average of 22.4 years after the first surgical intervention. There were 40 patients referred to our institution after primary bladder closure and bladder neck reconstruction, 10 after rectal bladder, 7 after ureterosigmoidostomy and 5 after incontinent diversion. RESULTS: At the latest followup 19 patients had a rectal reservoir, 38 an ileocecal pouch, 12 a conduit diversion and 3 an augmented Young-Dees procedure. The upper urinary tract remained stable in 95% of the renal units with rectal reservoir, 95% with ileocecal pouch, 96% with a colonic conduit and 100% with an augmented Young-Dees procedure. Day and night continence was achieved in 95% of the patients with a rectal reservoir and 97% of those with an ileocecal pouch were continent, whereas only 2 of the 3 patients with an augmented Young-Dees procedure were continent. Of the women 16 were satisfied with the cosmetic results and 6 delivered 8 children by cesarean section. Only 1 man was dissatisfied with the final cosmetic result. All adults but 1 engaged in sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: The first operative intervention in patients with bladder exstrophy/epispadias complex determines their fate. After failure of primary treatment, the upper urinary tract must be stabilized. In patients with severely impaired renal function the colonic conduit is our method of choice while in those with a normal or slightly dilated upper urinary tract and intact anal sphincter we performed a rectal reservoir. In the remaining patients an ileocecal pouch guarantees continence day and night. The results of genital reconstruction are satisfactory.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Refinements in buccal mucosal grafts urethroplasty for hypospadias repair.

We evaluated our experience with buccal mucosa in urethral reconstruction for complex hypospadias repair in a total of 62 children operated on at our institution since 1990 at a mean follow-up of 23 months. After the graft had been taken from the lower lip, with possible extension to the inner cheek, complete thinning of the graft was performed. The graft was then sutured in an onlay fashion to the urethral plate, and suprapubic urinary diversion was carried out for 3 weeks. The overall complication rate in this rather complex series of patients, including 26 "hypospadias cripples," was 13%; the complications involved 4 fistulas, 3 cases of graft necrosis, and only 1 meatal stenosis during the follow-up period. These favorable results prompted us to use buccal mucosa onlays as our current method of choice for urethral reconstruction with avoidance of tubularized repairs. The definite value of this technique, however, will become evident only after a longer follow-up period and confirmation of these favorable results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Long-term metabolic effects in patients with urinary diversion.

The use of intestinal segments in genitourinary reconstruction could influence vitamin metabolism and affect the skeletal bone and its mineral content in the long term. In 137 patients, serum levels of the vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D, and E and of folic acid, bile acid, and ammonia as well as levels of intracorpuscular vitamin B12 and folic acid were examined and a red blood cell count was performed. The patients were divided into three groups (< or = 2 years, > 2 to < or = 4 years, and > 4 years after surgery) as well as into children and adults. In addition, bone mineral density (dual-photon absorptiometry) was measured in 25 patients. Of these, 16 patients were approximately 16.8 years s/p rectal reservoir, 6 were approximately 20.5 years s/p colonic conduit, two were 6 and 8 years s/p ileocecal pouch, and one adolescent was 5 years s/p ileal bladder augmentation. In all patients the levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, D, and E and of folic acid, bile acid, and ammonia as well as the red blood cell count were within normal ranges. In children (n = 51) there was no significant drop in vitamin B12 levels after the operation. In adults (n = 86), serum vitamin B12 levels dropped significantly from 402 +/- 182 ng/l during the first 2 years after the operation to 292 +/- 204 ng/l after the 4th year (normal range 240-1,100 ng/l). No significant increase in the intracorpuscular vitamin B12 level was observed during the same period. The bone mineral density was normal in all 25 patients with different types of urinary diversion. In addition to regular examination (sonography, creatinine levels, and base excess), vitamin B12 levels should be determined at 4 years after urinary diversion. It remains unclear whether substitution is necessary. However, substitution is easy to achieve and cheaper than the regular determination of vitamin B12. No decrease in bone mineral content was seen in the long-term follow-up with early correction of the base excess (below -2.5).

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Whole-body potassium and bone mineral density up to 30 years after urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term effects of different types of urinary diversion on skeletal bone density and whole-body potassium content in patients with an early correction of base excess (< -2.5). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The early correction of base excess (< -2.5) is one of the principles of the treatment of patients undergoing urinary diversion at our institution. In 27 patients with urinary diversion, bone mineral density (assessed by dual-photon absorptiometry), whole-body potassium, electrolyte and creatinine levels were determined, and capillary blood gas analysed. The mean time since surgery was 16.8 years in 16 patients with a rectal reservoir, 20.5 years in six patients with a colonic conduit, 7.8 years in four patients with an ileocaecal pouch and 5 years in one adolescent with an ileal bladder augmentation. RESULTS: Bone mineral density was normal in 25 of the 27 patients; no exact measurement was possible in the remaining two. The whole-body potassium content was reduced in eight of the 27 patients (three with a conduit, two with a rectal reservoir, two with an ileocaecal pouch and one with ileal augmentation). In four of these eight patients the base excess was < -2.5 (-2.7 to -5). Of the other four, two had no regular testing of their base balance and two were obese. The electrolytes were within the normal ranges. None of the patients had hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis. CONCLUSION: With early correction of the base excess (< -2.5), there was no decrease in bone mineral density and no hyperchloraemic acidosis. There was no significant difference between the different types of urinary diversion. There seems to be a relationship between low base excess and decreased whole-body potassium.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Information preferences, reading ability, and emotional changes in outpatients during the process of obtaining informed consent for autologous bone-marrow transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) imposes increased demands for disclosure of information to patients. This study describes the information preferences, reading ability, and emotional balance (affect) of adult patients at the time of outpatient informed consent. METHODS: Thirty patients were enrolled. The Derogatis Affects Balance Scale was used to determine each patient's emotional status before and after outpatient informed consent. The Information Styles Questionnaire was used to measure information preferences, and the Wide Range Achievement Test was used to measure reading ability. RESULTS: Every patient had at least average reading ability. Almost 90% of the patients preferred maximum amounts of detailed information. A significant change in total affectivity was seen after informed consent (p = 0.005), and the predominant pattern of change was decreases in both positive and negative affects, with a significant improvement in the positive-affects ratio. CONCLUSION: ABMT candidates tend to read well and prefer maximum amounts of information. The informed consent process is associated with significant change in the balance between positive and negative patient emotions, and the dominant pattern is neutralization of both the positive and the negative emotions. This neutralization is more pronounced for the negative emotions, suggesting that the informed consent process may make patients feel better overall.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Hypospadias.

The incidence of hypospadias is increasing. Decreased androgen sensitivity, 5alpha-reductase deficiency and chromosomal abnormalities are causes of the disease. Nonirritant suture material, coverage of the urethral reconstruction by additional tissue and perioperative care positively influence the outcome. Complication rates after repair of distal hypospadias are low. For severe hypospadias staged procedures provide good results. Buccal mucosa is promising for initial repair and repeat cases. Psychosocial function in patients with severe hypospadias is normal.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Urinary diversion in children and young adults using the Mainz Pouch I technique.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the late complications and consequences for renal function, vitamin and acid-base metabolism after application of the Mainz Pouch I (MZP-I) technique in children and young adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To November 1994, the MZP-I procedure was carried out in 463 patients at our institution, 91 of whom were children and adolescents (< or = 20 years old) using bladder augmentation in 21 and a continent cutaneous stoma in 70. A minimum follow-up of 1 year was possible in 87 patients or 163 renal units (RUs) with a mean of 5.5 years (range 1-10.5). RESULTS: At the last examination, 23 of 55 (42%) preoperatively dilated RUs had improved. 131 of the 163 RUs (80%) were stable and nine RUs (5.5%) showed a slight clinical asymptomatic increase in the upper tract dilatation. Through an extraperitoneal flank incision, 11% of the RUs which developed stenosis at the ureterocolic anastomosis were successfully reimplanted (16% in patients with neurogenic disorders, 17% with pre-operative irradiation and 5% in the remaining patients). Two of 32 patients with an intussuscepted and invaginated ileal nipple required re-operation due to incontinence, but none of the patients with an appendiceal stoma were incontinent. Open revision of a stomal stenosis was performed in three and endoscopic treatment in nine patients. In 54 patients, the levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, E, folic and bile acid were within normal ranges. There was no significant decrease in vitamin B12 levels after operation. In none of the patients with normal pre-operative creatinine values had the levels increased and none developed severe acidosis or bowel neoplasm. CONCLUSION: The MZP-I is recommended as a technique for bladder augmentation or continent urinary diversion in children and young adults, with an acceptable complication rate which offers long-term protection of the upper urinary tract.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1997

Treatment of patients with bladder exstrophy or incontinent epispadias. A long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the late outcome concerning urinary continence, late complications, sexuality, and fertility in patients with the exstrophy-epispadias complex. METHODS: Until July 1994, 115 patients underwent surgical treatment at our institution. The mean follow-up period in 102 patients is 16.7 years. Urinary diversion was performed in 88 patients, a modified Young-Dees procedure in 8, a sling plasty in 3, and genital reconstruction alone in 3 patients. RESULTS: The present continence rates are 96% for rectal reservoirs, 97% for Mainz pouch 1, and 67% for the modified Young-Dees procedure. The upper tracts have remained stable, and no bowel neoplasms have developed. 16 of 17 women > or = 18 years of age are satisfied with the cosmetic result after genital reconstruction. All adults engage in sexual intercourse; 5 women have delivered 7 children by cesarean section. 30 of 32 male adults are satisfied with the cosmetic result of the reconstructed external genitalia. Penile deviation was present in 11, distressing in 2 patients. After genital reconstruction 9 developed epididymitis, necessitating 2 orchiectomies and 3 vasectomies. No patient with reconstruction of the external genitalia can ejaculate normally or has fathered children, whereas the ejaculation was normal in 3 who did not undergo genital reconstruction. Furthermore, 2 of the 5 have fathered 4 children. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal reservoirs represent our urinary diversion of choice. After failed reconstruction/insufficient anal sphincter, a Mainz pouch I is constructed. The cosmetic results achieved by genital reconstruction are satisfactory. In women, antefixation of the uterus should be performed before or together with an introitus plasty to prevent uterine prolapse. In men, however, surgery is performed at the expense of fertility.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Automated image analysis DNA cytometry to predict the pathological stage in clinical stage I nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Automated image analysis DNA cytometry was used to predict the pathological stage in clinical stage I nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumor patients. METHODS: Orchiectomy specimens of 74 patients (41 pathological stage I, 33 pathological stage II) were analyzed by modular image analysis computer, and several mathematical indices from the DNA histogram were calculated. RESULTS: The 5c-exceeding rate (rate of hyperpentaploid nuclei) was found to be significantly higher in patients with pathological stage II disease as compared with patients without metastases (p = 0.0174). Tumor tissue from lymph node metastases showed even higher amounts of hyperpentaploid nuclei (p < 0.0005). In this study, all patients with a 5c-exceeding rate above 3.1% had metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Single-cell cytophotometry was able to show significant differences in 5c-exceeding rates between patients with and without tumor metastases. Because of high standard deviations, however, it was not possible to use this parameter for correct staging in all patients.

Analysis of Variance↗