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Biomedical subjects

M Hohenfellner

Publications and source records attributed to M Hohenfellner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Epidemiology and etiology of overactive bladder].

Bladder overactivity (OAB) is a common disease with a socioeconomic impact comparable to diabetes mellitus. As life expectancy rises in industrialized countries the importance of OAB will further increase. The International Continence Society (ICS) recently reported a modified terminology for lower urinary tract function and established the symptom-based term OAB. The etiology of OAB comprises neurogenic and non-neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity as well as detrusor hypersensitivity. Neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity may be caused by insufficient cortical inhibition, degenerative neuropathies, and spinal cord lesions, whereas bladder aging, bladder outlet obstruction, and chronic bladder irritation (UTI, stones, tumors) are possible causes for non-neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity. Since most epidemiologic surveys focus on urge incontinence without considering urgency frequency without incontinence, epidemiologic data concerning OAB are rare. Two recently published multinational prevalence studies from Europe and Asia show different prevalence values [Europe: 15.6% (men), 17.4% (women); Asia: 53.1%(women)], which may be due to methodological differences. Both studies report an increase of OAB prevalence corresponding with age. The cumulative incidence of OAB is rising faster in aging males than in aging females. Two-thirds of the European and one-fourth of the Asian individuals affected by OAB complained about impaired quality of life, but only 60% of the European and 21% of the Asian sufferers have talked to a doctor or sought treatment. One out of four patients visiting their health care professional for OAB symptoms is currently under medication. To avoid high treatment costs and side effects, pharmacotherapy (e.g., antimuscarinics) should only be given after detailed diagnostic evaluation.

Adolescent↗

[Does a Combined Fascial Sling - Burch Colposuspension Display Advantages over a Fascial Sling alone for Treatment of Urinary Stress Incontinence in Females?].

PURPOSE: Despite the development of new surgical techniques, the fascial sling procedure remains an important surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence. An advantage of combining it with an additional Burch colposuspension has been suggested. The objective of our study was to evaluate retrospectively selected patients who had undergone a fascial sling procedure with and without Burch colposuspension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of a total of 390 females who underwent an incontinence operation at our department between 1990 and 1999, 56 patients had had a fascial sling plasty. A total of 50 patients (89 %) were followed for a median of 59.5 months. The median age was 60 years. 56 % of the patients displayed recurrent stress incontinence. The previous operations had been performed via a vaginal approach in 42.9 % and an abdominal approach in 57.1 %. The sling procedure used was that of Narik and Palmrich. Of the 50 patients, 14 had an additional Burch colposuspension. RESULTS: The continence rates (no pads) were for patients with a fascial sling procedure alone 63.9 % and for the combination of both operations 64.4 %. An improvement (1-3 pads) was seen in 27.8 % and 21.4 %, respectively. No changes were seen in 5.6 % and 7.1 % and impairment was seen in 2.7 % and 7.1 %, respectively. After a five-year follow-up, the total patient satisfaction rate was 78 %. CONCLUSIONS: The fascial sling is effective operative technique for treating female urinary stress incontinence, especially in severe and type III incontinence and in patients who had undergone previous operations for incontinence. The operation is safe and is the only technique that offers controlled overcorrection in desperate cases. An advantage of adding a Burch colposuspension to the fascial sling procedure was not detected in our patient group.

Adult↗

Perineal complications following radical perineal prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Radical perineal prostatectomy has recently attracted renewed interest and wider acceptance as an alternative route to the retropubic approach. While presumed lower morbidity is one reason for perineal prostatectomy we evaluated our patients for complications that are specific for the perineal approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed 412 patients who underwent perineal prostatectomy from 10/1996 to 12/2000. Patients for the perineal approach were selected on the base of preoperative PSA (10 ng/ml) and biopsy Gleason score (< 7) without the need for simultaneous lymphadenectomy. A cystogram was performed routinely on day 7 p. o. and the catheter removed when patent anastomosis was confirmed. Intra-, peri- and postoperative complications were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications encompassed 22 cases of rectal injury (5.5 %) with standard primary 2-layer closure, however 4 patients subsequently developed a stool fistula and 3 required a colostomy. Hematoma in the prostatic fossa was diagnosed in 21 patients (5.2 %) and was removed surgically due to infection or increasing size in 4 patients. In 6.5 % of the patients acute urinary retention occurred after catheter removal (91 % after 7 days), while 4.2 % showed urinary extravasation via the perineal wound. Both incidents healed uneventfully with prolonged catheterization in all except 2 cases with concomitant hematoma in whom open fistula closure with a tunica vaginalis graft was performed. The rate of perioperative transfusion was 6.4 %, transient paresthesia and weakness of the leg were observed in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radical perineal prostatectomy seems to be a procedure with a low rate of complications and surgical reinterventions. However, the spectrum of observed complications is different to that of retropubic prostatectomy and requires specific management.

Biopsy↗

Simplified orthotopic ileocecal pouch (Mainz pouch) for bladder substitution.

OBJECTIVE: To report operative modifications that render construction of the orthotopic Mainz pouch more simple, namely formation of the pouch using absorbable staples and utilization of the ileocecal valve as an antireflux mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2001 and May 2002 out of 92 cystectomy cases, 21 patients (20 males and 1 female) underwent a simplified orthotopic Mainz pouch. The ureters were implanted via Wallace or Nesbit technique in the supravalvular portion of the ileocecal valve. The mean (range) age was 58 (43 - 74) years and the mean follow-up is 11.6 months (range 1 - 27). RESULTS: No staple-related complications were encountered. Four renal units (8.8 %) were dilated, one secondary to an impacted ureteral stone and three secondary to ureteral stenosis requiring reimplantation. At 6 months follow-up, 5 renal units showed reflux (11.1 %) but without any clinical symptoms. 86.5 % of patients void spontaneously without significant residual urine. Continence was achieved in 74 % of cases during day and in 74 % at night. CONCLUSION: The simplified Mainz pouch is a versatile form of continent urinary diversion. The use of absorbable staples has simplified the pouch creation and yields functional results which favorably compare with other pouch forms. The ileocecal valve serves as an anti-reflux-mechanism.

Adult↗

Inhibition of human detrusor contraction by a urothelium derived factor.

PURPOSE: Stimulating muscarinic receptors in pig bladder urothelium causes the release of a diffusable factor that inhibits contractions of the underlying detrusor muscle. We investigated whether the contractions of human detrusor strips elicited by the muscarinic agonist carbachol, electrical field stimulation, KCl or the neurokinin receptor agonist neurokinin A are affected by the urothelium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paired intact and urothelium denuded muscle strips were placed in modified gassed Tyrode's solution at 37C. Cumulative concentration-response curves to carbachol or KCl were constructed. In other tissues the strips were stimulated electrically (1 to 40 Hz) with trains of square wave pulses 20 seconds in duration at 5-minute intervals. RESULTS: Cholinergic contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation at 10 and 30 Hz or by carbachol were significantly inhibited in the presence of an intact urothelium. Contractions elicited by KCl and by 10 microM neurokinin A were not modified by the urothelium. The urothelium mediated inhibition of contractions induced by carbachol was not affected by 300 microM L-NG-nitroarginine, 1 microM ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one), 1 microM propranolol or 5 microM indomethacin. CONCLUSIONS: Muscarinic agonists stimulate the release of an inhibitory factor from the human urothelium. The factor is distinct from nitric oxide and it persists in the presence beta-adrenoceptor blockade or cyclooxygenase inhibition.

Aged↗

Bilateral sacral spinal nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence after low anterior rectum resection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The somatomotor innervation pattern has been shown to differ in patients undergoing percutaneous nerve evaluation for sacral nerve stimulation. In some patients bilateral stimulation might improve clinical outcome; however, only single-channel pulse generators have until now been available. We report a patient with fecal incontinence after surgery for rectal carcinoma in whom a dual-channel, individually programmable, pulse generator permitted implantation of neurostimulation electrodes bilaterally. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Intractable fecal incontinence developed in a 48-year-old man who underwent low anterior rectum resection, owing mainly to reduced internal anal sphincter function. The morphology of the anal sphincter was without defect. Based on the findings of unilateral and bilateral temporary sacral nerve stimulation the patient underwent placement of foramen electrodes on S4 bilaterally. Both electrodes were connected to a dual-channel impulse generator for permanent low-frequency stimulation. RESULTS: The percentage of incontinent bowel movements decreased during unilateral test stimulation from 37% to 11%, during bilateral test stimulation to 4%, and with chronic bilateral stimulation to 0%. The Wexner continence score improved from 17 preoperatively to 2, and quality of life (ASCRS score) was notably enhanced. Anorectal manometry revealed improved striated anal sphincter function; the internal anal sphincter remained unaffected. CONCLUSION: Sacral nerve stimulation can effectively treat incontinence after rectal resection, and bilateral stimulation can improve the therapeutic effect.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

Chronic sacral spinal nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence: long-term results with foramen and cuff electrodes.

PURPOSE: Sacral spinal nerve stimulation is a new therapeutic approach for patients with severe fecal incontinence owing to functional deficits of the external anal sphincter. It aims to use the morphologically intact anatomy to recruit residual function. This study evaluates the long-term results of the first patients treated with this novel approach applying two techniques of sacral spinal nerve stimulator implantation. METHODS: Six patients underwent either of two techniques for electrode placement: one "closed" (electrodes placed through the sacral foramen) and one "open" (cuff electrodes placed after sacral laminectomy). Follow-up evaluation of their continence status ranged from 5 to 66 months. RESULTS: Incontinence improved in all patients. The percentage of incontinent bowel movements decreased during chronic stimulation from a mean of 40.2 percent to 2.8 percent, and the Wexner score decreased from a mean of 17 to 2. The function of the striated anal sphincter improved during chronic stimulation: maximum squeeze pressure increased from a mean of 48.5 mmHg to 92.7 mmHg, and median squeeze pressure increased from a mean of 37.3 mmHg to 72.5 mmHg. No complications were encountered perioperatively or postoperatively. Two devices had to be removed because of intractable pain, in one patient at the site of the electrode after five months and in the other at the site of the impulse generator after 45 months. CONCLUSION: Long-term sacral spinal nerve stimulation persistently improves continence and increases striated anal sphincter function in patients with fecal incontinence owing to functional deficits, but in whom the striated anal sphincter is morphologically intact. Two different operative approaches can be applied effectively.

Adult↗

[Sling-plasty in therapy of female urinary incontinence].

Traditionally, women with type III stress incontinence (intrinsic sphincter deficiency) are treated with sling procedures, which have undergone multiple modifications during the last 90 years regarding surgical approach, sling course, and materials. The latest variation of the established sling concept is the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. The choice of sling material influences the postoperative complication rate and reveals a conflict between unrestricted availability (alloplastic material) and optimal tissue compatibility (autologous material). Although valid information about the surgical outcome of sling procedures is rare, at least some evidence-based conclusions may be drawn from the meta-analysis of the published data: sling procedures and colposuspensions are more efficient and more durable than needle suspensions or anterior repairs in the treatment of female stress incontinence. The complication profile does not show a significant difference between slings and colposuspensions. The lack of long-term results for the TVT procedure precludes any definite assessment of this innovation. In any case, to meet the patient's interests, no surgical approach for correction of stress incontinence should be undertaken without complete diagnostic evaluation of the problem.

Adult↗

Sacral bladder denervation for treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia and autonomic dysreflexia.

OBJECTIVES: Detrusor hyperreflexia after spinal cord injury may cause urinary incontinence and chronic renal failure. In patients refractory to conservative treatment and not eligible for ventral sacral root stimulation for electrically induced micturition, we investigated the therapeutic value of sacral bladder denervation as a stand-alone procedure. METHODS: Nine patients (8 men and 1 woman) between 21 and 58 years old (mean 30.2) with traumatic suprasacral spinal cord lesions underwent sacral bladder denervation for treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia and/or autonomic dysreflexia. RESULTS: Detrusor hyperreflexia and autonomic dysreflexia were eliminated in all cases. Bladder capacity increased from 177.8 +/- 39.6 to 668.9 +/- 64.3 mL; intravesical pressure decreased from 89.3 +/- 19.1 to 20.2 +/- 2.7 cm H(2)O. For facilitating clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), 4 patients received a continent vesicostomy in a second-stage procedure; one of them in combination with bladder augmentation. Four patients empty their bladder by way of urethral CIC. One completely tetraplegic patient has an indwelling urethral catheter. In the 5 patients with autonomic dysreflexia, the systolic blood pressure was lowered from 196 +/- 16.9 to 124 +/- 9.3 mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure from 114 +/- 5.1 to 76 +/- 5.1. The annual frequency of urinary tract infections decreased from 9 +/- 1.2 to 1.8 +/- 0.7. In all patients, renal function remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with detrusor hyperreflexia and/or autonomic dysreflexia, sacral bladder denervation is a valuable treatment option. It is only moderately invasive in nature, requires neither sophisticated nor expensive medical equipment, and is an attractive alternative to urinary diversion using intestinal segments.

Adult↗

Chronic sacral neuromodulation for treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunction: long-term results with unilateral implants.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic value of sacral neuromodulation in patients with neurogenic disorders in whom conservative treatment options were unsuccessful. Neurogenic disorders may result in various forms of lower urinary tract dysfunction. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (19 women, 8 men) aged 18 to 63 years (mean 44.9 years) were subjected to percutaneous test stimulation of the sacral spinal nerves. Their urologic symptoms consisted of bladder storage failure (n = 15) due to detrusor hyperreflexia and/or bladder hypersensitivity, failure to empty due to detrusor areflexia (n = 11), and combined bladder hypersensitivity and detrusor areflexia (n = 1). Twelve patients (11 women and 1 man) underwent chronic sacral neuromodulation with unilateral electrode implantation into one of the dorsal S3 foramina. The follow-up was 89.3 months (range 13 to 126). RESULTS: Severe side effects were encountered in 2 patients (1 with infection and 1 with adverse sensation during stimulation) and moderate side effects in another 3 patients. In 1 patient, the implant had to be removed during the immediate postoperative period. In 3 patients, the implant was not effective. In 8 patients, the symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction were significantly attenuated (50% or more) for 54 months (range 11 to 96). After this period, all implants became ineffective, except one, which was still in use at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral chronic sacral neuromodulation using sacral foramen electrodes can be a valuable, but only temporary, treatment for neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The technique of chronic sacral neuromodulation should be refined to achieve the same and lasting results with implantation systems as achieved with preoperative test stimulation.

Adolescent↗

Low urethral pressure profile--clinical implications.

The clinical impact of urethral pressure profilometry (UPP) has been a main urological topic over the past three decades. Exaggerated expectations and differing techniques with incongruent results caused a controversial appearance. However, since the UPP is the only method to measure directly aspects of the urethral closure function, all types of sphincteric urinary incontinence represent indications for this measurement. Based on long-term experience this paper aims to discuss the various complexes regarding the urethral pressure profilometry. The significance of the urethral closure function for urinary continence and the urodynamic relevance of active and passive pressure transmission are described. In addition, clinical implications in terms of therapeutic strategies to treat urinary stress incontinence with regards to a low urethral pressure profile are presented.

Female↗

Surgical treatment of interstitial cystitis in women.

Interstitial cystitis is a clinical entity that has been known for a century, but its pathophysiology remains largely unknown and the optimal treatment is a matter of ongoing discussion. A successful strategy for treatment relies on precise appraisal of symptoms, clinical findings and histology, as well as on the patient's individual personality. The least invasive treatment possible should be chosen, and only after conservative options have been exhausted should a surgical solution be considered. In this respect, anatomical bladder capacity plays an important role. A large capacity indicates the potential for conservative treatment and may be regarded as a negative predictor for the outcome of orthotopic bladder substitution. In contrast, a small anatomical capacity is unlikely to respond to conservative therapy, but is associated with a high probability of successful orthotopic bladder substitution.

Cystitis, Interstitial↗

Sacral neurostimulation and neuromodulation in urological practice.

The problems associated with treating various forms of lower tract dysfunction by electrical stimulation are reflected in the many years of basic and clinical research in this area. However, better understanding of both neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and development of new technologies have led to further application of electrical current to restore impaired bladder function. Contemporary knowledge of the potential for both sacral neurostimulation and neuromodulation as a therapeutic option for lower urinary tract dysfunction is reviewed.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

Sacral neuromodulation for treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Despite initial reservations, sacral neuromodulation has begun to develop as a new therapeutic tool for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. It bridges the gap between conservative treatment options and highly invasive procedures, such as urinary diversion. At present, there are no clinical variables that can reliably predict the efficacy of neuromodulation in an individual patient. All patients, regardless of indication, must therefore undergo a test stimulation before they can be offered chronic sacral neuromodulation with an implanted system. Evaluations in various clinical trials have confirmed that sacral neuromodulation, based on unilateral sacral foramen electrode implantation, has statistically significant therapeutic effects compared to controls, in patients with urge syndromes and failure to empty. The patients most likely to benefit from this treatment are those with detrusor hyperactivity or detrusor hypo-activity. Those with pain syndromes are less likely to respond and to benefit from treatment. Acute and subchronic sacral neuromodulation are associated with very low rates of complications. Complications of chronic sacral neuromodulation are caused either by surgery-related morbidity or hardware problems. Conservative treatment options should be exhausted before neuromodulation is considered. This rule has two purposes: First, it postpones surgery, with its potential morbidity, for as long as possible; second, the long-term efficacy of neuromodulation is still unclear and may be limited in some patients. A fully exploited conservative therapy, in combination with subsequent sacral neuromodulation, may therefore be the optimum way to pursue therapeutic options of relatively low invasiveness.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

Retrovesical mass in men: pitfalls of differential diagnosis.

PURPOSE: We review the differential diagnosis and treatment of retrovesical masses in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the last 8 years 21 male patients 3 to 79 years old (mean age 47.1) presented with symptoms or signs of a retrovesical mass. Clinical features and diagnostic findings were reviewed, and related to surgical and histopathological findings. RESULTS: The retrovesical masses included prostatic utricle cyst in 3 cases, prostatic abscess in 1, seminal vesicle hydrops in 6, seminal vesicle cyst in 2, seminal vesicle empyema in 3, large ectopic ureterocele in 1, myxoid liposarcoma in 1, malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 1, fibrous fossa obturatoria cyst in 1, hemangiopericytoma in 1 and leiomyosarcoma in 1. In 17 patients various symptoms were seen and in 4 the mass was incidentally detected. A mass was palpable on digital rectal examination in 16 cases and visible on sonography in 20. For a cystic mass medial location relative to the bladder neck was suggestive of prostatic abscess or utricle cyst, while lateral location was suggestive of seminal vesicle cyst/hydrops or empyema, ectopic ureter or ureterocele. In 6 patients diagnosis was established only by exploratory laparotomy and histopathological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Digital rectal examination and sonography reliably detect a retrovesical mass. Nevertheless, clinical signs and median or lateral location relative to the bladder neck on ultrasound are diagnostic only for cystic lesions. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful for staging malignant tumors. However, needle or open biopsy is required in most cases to establish a histopathological diagnosis. Exploratory laparotomy and histopathological examination are the procedures of choice when other findings are equivocal.

Adolescent↗

Orthotopic bladder augmentation and substitution.

Orthotopic bladder augmentation or substitution using intestinal segments has become a standard procedure for many disorders that cause a loss of functional or anatomical bladder capacity. From the technical point of view, reservoir configuration by detubularizing the intestinal segments is the general practice. Various techniques exist, depending which types of segments and which techniques of ureteral implantation are used. Common problems include urinary incontinence, retention, metabolic disorders, and the possibility of secondary malignancies. As a result, research has been conducted into utilizing tissues other than intestine for bladder augmentation or substitution.

Animals↗

An unusual case of ureteral ectopia in the seminal vesicle: diagnosis and surgical management.

We report the case of a young man who presented with numerous episodes of ipsilateral epididymitis. Selected imaging studies with consideration of urogenital embryology lead to the rare diagnosis of a dysplastic kidney with ureteral ectopia in the seminal vesicle. After nephroureterectomy and vesiculectomy, convalescence was uneventful. No specific symptoms, equivocal diagnostic findings and the small number of patients limit the surgical experience in diseases of the seminal vesicle. Suprainguinal extravesical extirpation, however, appears to be an excellent operative approach in cases of unilateral seminal vesicle cysts.

Adult↗