Biomedical subjects

P Seguin

Publications and source records attributed to P Seguin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Assessment of the risk of positive surgical margins with pelvic phased-array magnetic resonance imaging in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performance in the prediction of positive surgical margins (PSMs) before radical prostatectomy in a prospective study correlating the MRI results and pathologic findings. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 1999, 176 patients (mean age 64.2 years, range 49 to 75), with localized prostate cancer (49 with Stage T1 and 127 with Stage T2) underwent preoperative MRI with a pelvic phased-array coil (Tesla-1, Siemens) at a mean interval of 35 days after randomized transrectal biopsies. The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen level was 10.9 ng/mL (range 1.2 to 39). The MRI studies and specimen analysis were performed by one radiologist unaware of the clinical and biopsy findings and by one pathologist, respectively. Multivariate analysis was performed to compare the predictive value of MRI staging, prostate-specific antigen value, and preoperative Gleason score to identify the PSM rate. RESULTS: Of the 176 patients, 131 (74%) had Stage T2 disease by MRI and 45 (26%) Stage T3 disease by MRI. Pathologic staging showed 103 with pT2 and 73 with pT3. Overall, the PSM rate of the series was 18%. The PSM rate was 13.7% and 31% for patients with T2 and T3 disease by MRI, respectively. For the T3 MRI cases, the PSM rate was 2.32-fold higher. MRI staging, like the prostate-specific antigen value, was a predictive factor of PSMs (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that preoperative MRI staging with the phased-array coil may be helpful in predicting the PSM risk in radical prostatectomy candidates with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Impact of a modified apical dissection during radical retropubic prostatectomy on the occurrence of positive surgical margins: a comparative study in 212 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a modified technique of apical dissection during radical retropubic prostatectomy on the occurrence of positive surgical margins (PSMs). METHODS: Between 1992 and 1998, 212 nonconsecutive patients with localized prostate cancer (57 T1, 155 T2) underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and were divided into two groups: group 1, 85 patients who underwent surgery before January 1994; and group 2, 127 patients who underwent surgery with the modification of the apical dissection after January 1994. The modified technique consisted of a wide excision of periprostatic soft tissue at the apex, including the bilateral neurovascular bundles. The clinical data (age, prostate-specific antigen, clinical staging) and pathologic findings (pathologic staging, Gleason score, PSM rate) of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the median prostate-specific antigen level (10.8 ng/mL and 9.5 ng/mL), Gleason score, and pathologic staging. Overall, the PSM rate was 53% in group 1 and 20.5% in group 2 (P <0.001). The number of PSMs decreased 2.6-fold in group 2. The PSM rate was significantly reduced at the apex with the new technique (group 1, 33.3%; group 2, 7.7%; P = 0.008). The PSM rate expressed with the odds ratio was 4.4-fold lower for patients in group 2 than for those in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The modified apical dissection in radical retropubic prostatectomy significantly improves the PSM rate in patients with localized T1-T2 prostate cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Assessment of morbidity and functional results in bladder replacement with Hautmann ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy: a clinical experience in 55 highly selected patients.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the morbidity and functional results of the ileal neobladder in a series of 55 highly selected patients. The ileal neobladder is a commonly used technique for orthotopic bladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy in both sexes. Good results have been published from Ulm University, where the technique was popularized. METHODS: From February 1994 to June 2000, 55 patients (47 men and 8 women), 32 to 75 years old (mean age 58) with good performance status (American Society of Anesthesiologists score 1 and 2), underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and Hautmann ileal neobladder reconstruction. Functional assessments were done at 3 months and every 6 months thereafter, with special attention to urinary continence and upper urinary tract status. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 28.8 months (range 8 to 96). One perioperative death occurred. Early complications occurred in 23.6% without repeated surgery and late complications occurred in 25.4%, with three repeated operations for occlusive syndromes. The daytime and nighttime continence rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 59.6%, 80.8%, and 88.5% and 38.5%, 61.5%, and 78.8%, respectively. The overall continence rate in patients younger than 70 years old was 80.8%. Three patients required self-catheterization to empty their neobladder. Eleven patients died of metastatic evolution of their bladder cancer or intercurrent disease at 6 to 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: In highly selected patients, the ileal neobladder provides good functional results regarding continence with an acceptable complication rate. In this series, the results were comparable to those reported in the referent institution.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Multi-institutional study of complications in 1085 laparoscopic urologic procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of the complications in laparoscopic urologic procedures with regard to clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment. METHODS: From January 1994 to December 2000, 1085 laparoscopic procedures were performed at three institutions in 1075 patients (702 men, 373 women). A referent surgeon for laparoscopy was at each institution. The major procedures were radical prostatectomy (n = 232), different types of nephrectomy (n = 171) and nephroureterectomy (n = 15), adrenalectomy (n = 130), pyeloplasty (n = 61), pelvic lymph node dissection (n = 130), genitourinary prolapse repair (n = 86), bladder neck suspension (n = 104), and treatment of benign kidney pathologic findings (lithiasis, cysts, and diverticula, n = 55). The complications were listed by incidence and etiology according to the procedure attempted. RESULTS: A total of 75 complications (6.9%) occurred in this multi-institutional series. The mortality rate was 0.09%, and the conversion rate was 2.1%. Vascular (n = 7) and visceral injuries (n = 11) occurred in 24% of complications. Hematomas (n = 10), urinomas (n = 8), and wound infections (n = 7) at the trocar sites were the most frequent postoperative surgical complications. Pulmonary disorders (n = 9) and urinary infections (n = 9) were predominant in the postoperative medical problems. CONCLUSIONS: Even though it appears to be minimally invasive, laparoscopy remains major surgery, with serious complications possible. These complications should be preventable with better mastery of the different steps of the procedures. Increased knowledge of the possible complications is essential for urologists in laparoscopic training and may help them improve their learning curve.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Genetic diversity of rhizobia nodulating Trifolium ambiguum in North America.

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) is a persistent rhizomatous forage legume, whose use in the U.S.A. is limited by establishment difficulties in part attributable to nodulation problems. In this study, soil was collected from established stands of Kura clover growing in 9 diverse North American environments. Rhizobia were plant-trapped using Kura clover cv. Endura as host, then rhizobia from nodules fingerprinted using BOX-PCR. The diversity of isolates from North America was then contrasted to that of rhizobia from a single Caucasian environment (Russia), the center of origin for this species. Populations were characterized using clustering methods, and genetic diversity estimated using the Shannon-Weaver diversity index. The genetic diversity of the North American populations was extremely limited, all isolates being closely related to two of the strains found in a locally available commercial inoculant. In contrast, Russian isolates formed a distinct cluster with significant internal genetic diversity. Genetic diversity indices for the North American and Russian populations were 3.5 and 10.76, respectively. The implication of this and other studies is that Kura clover is highly specific in Rhizobium requirement. If the performance of this legume in the U.S.A. is to be improved, either by modifying current establishment practices or plant breeding, it is essential that these studies be paralleled by more collections and evaluation of rhizobia from its center of origin, given the extremely limited diversity of rhizobia found in North America.

Cluster Analysis↗

PubMed2001

Radical cystectomy in patients older than 75 years: assessment of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: We have reviewed our surgical experience to assess intra- and postoperative morbidity and mortality in 25 patients 75 years old or older with invasive bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion or bladder substitution. METHODS: Between January 1993 and February 1999, of 190 patients who underwent radical cystectomy, 23 men and 2 women were aged from 75 to 87 (median 79) years. Urinary diversion was performed in 23 cases and bladder substitution in 2. All patients had significant comorbidity and 15 patients were ASA II and 10 ASA III. RESULTS: Median operating time was 4 h. Perioperative mortality rate was 4%. Intraoperative, early and late postoperative complications occurred in 15, 16 and 6 patients, respectively. The most common early complications were pyelonephritis (32%), disorientation (20%), additional pulmonary infection (20%) and prolonged ileus (32%). No secondary procedures were necessary. The most common late complication was ureteroileal anastomotic stricture (16%). The median hospital stay and intensive care unit stay were 24 and 14 days, respectively. With a median follow-up of 14 (5-50) months the overall mortality rate was 32%. CONCLUSIONS: Radical cystectomy can be performed in elderly patients with acceptable perioperative mortality and morbidity. However, because of the high incidence of minor medical complications, hospital stay is often prolonged.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

The tension-free transvaginal tape procedure in the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence: a French prospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a prospective multicentre study (five centres) the preliminary results regarding efficacy and morbidity of the new tension-free transvaginal tape (TVT) technique in the treatment of urinary stress incontinence (USI) in women. METHODS: From November 1996 to May 1999, 52 women of mean age 64 (range 37--91) years underwent the TVT procedure to treat isolated grade 2 or 3 USI (44 cases) or grade 1 or 2 USI associated with uterine or rectal prolapse surgery (8 cases). Twenty-nine patients (55.8%) presented recurrent USI (1--4 previous procedures). Clinical data showed urethrovesical junction hypermobility in 35 cases (67.3%), isolated intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in 17 cases (32.6%) and pelvic organ prolapse in 8 cases. Urodynamics confirmed ISD in 27 cases (51.9%) with a mean urethral closure pressure of 18.5 (range 7--25) cm H(2)O. All data were collected by surgeons on a questionnaire. RESULTS: The surgical procedure was performed under spinal cord anaesthesia in 82.7% of patients (local anaesthesia 11.5%) with a mean operation time of 30 (range 20--60) min for TVT implantation. Six bladder injuries (11.5%) were identified and the needle was repositioned. Mean hospital stay was 2.5 (range 1-7) days in the group who underwent TVT alone. Mean follow-up of continence was 15.2 (range 6--36) months: 83% of patients were dry and 17% were improved. Nine patients (17.3%) required self-catheterization for 2--10 days postoperatively. No recurrence of USI, defect healing or tape rejection were reported. CONCLUSION: TVT is a new technique for the surgical treatment of USI which is useful for recurrent cases. The advantages are simplicity, low morbidity, reproducibility and reduced operative time. These early results indicate the technique is effective in correcting incontinence and is locally well tolerated. But these are preliminary data and the long-term outcome on USI and the urethra is needed.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Urological complications of laparoscopic surgery: experience with 350 procedures at a single center.

PURPOSE: We assessed our experience with urological complications of laparoscopic surgery in regard to incidence, etiology, treatment and possible prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 350 laparoscopic procedures were performed at our institution between June 1993 and December 1999 in 206 men and 139 women. These procedures included pelvic lymph node dissection in 102, bladder neck suspension in 99, adrenalectomy in 54, varicocelectomy in 23, pyeloplasty in 22, nephrectomy in 20, treatment of benign renal pathologies, including cyst, diverticula and calculi, in 13, genitourinary prolapse repair in 11 and miscellaneous procedures in 6 patients. Complications were evaluated according to the procedure attempted and were listed by incidence and etiology. RESULTS: A total of 19 (5.4%) complications occurred in our series. The associated mortality rate was 0.3% and conversion rate was 1.1%. Most intraoperative complications (2.6%) were vascular (4) and visceral injuries (5), while postoperative complications (2.8%) were predominantly thromboembolism (3) and wound infection (2) at trocar sites. The complication rate decreased from 9% for the first 100 to 4% for the subsequent 250 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Critical documentation of complications of laparoscopic surgery is important for further development of the technique and information for urologists in training. Most of our serious complications should be preventable with better mastery of the different procedural steps. However, laparoscopy must be regarded as major surgery with a significant learning curve.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Primary carcinoid tumor and horseshoe kidney: potential association].

The authors present the ninth case of primary carcinoid tumour arising in a horseshoe kidney. The diagnosis and treatment were delayed due to the benign cystic appearance of the initial lesion. This exceptional association must be kept in mind, as horseshoe kidney is associated with an increased risk of malignant tumours, especially for carcinoid tumours. The minimally aggressive nature of these tumours generally allows limited surgical resection.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

[Leiomyosarcoma of the renal vein].

The authors report a new case of leiomyosarcoma of the right renal vein, marked by a rapidly fatal course within 9 months, despite the initial absence of metastasis. This exceptional vascular tumour (only about thirty cases have been published) must be distinguished from primary renal leiomyosarcoma and retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas involving adjacent structures. This difficult diagnosis was suggested by preoperative CT and angiography. Leiomyosarcomas of the renal vein generally have an unfavourable outcome in the medium term. The prognosis is related to the localized nature of the tumour and the risk of local and distant recurrence. Limited tumour resection is rarely sufficient and radical nephrectomy is usually necessary, possibly associated with a vascular procedure on the inferior vena cava in the case of contiguous extension.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty for primary hydronephrosis: preliminary results of the first 30 procedures].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary results of retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty (RP) for the treatment of primary ureteropelvic junction syndrome (PUPJS) in terms of operating time, operative and postoperative complications, clinical functional and radiographic results, length of hospital stay and resumption of physical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From November 1997 to June 2000, from a consecutive series of 59 patients treated for an anomaly of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), the 29 patients (18 females and 11 males, mean age: 35.6 years [range: 17-68]) operated by RP for PUPJS (bilateral in one case) were reviewed. Twelve patients presented a lower pole vascular pedicle and 24 patients had an extrasinusal renal pelvis. The RP technique was identical for all patients (4 ports) and the UPJ repair was performed according to the technique described by Anderson-Hynes and Küss (28 cases) or Y-V plasty (2 cases). RESULTS: The mean operating time was 150 minutes (range: 120-240) and the mean hospital stay was 4.2 days (range: 3-10). There were no intraoperative complications, but one conversion (3.3%) was necessary because of major adhesions. postoperative complications (23.3%) consisted of: four urinary tract infections with one case of acute pyelonephritis, perirenal haematoma, urine leak in the Redon drain due to obstructed double J stent, migration of the double J stent underneath the anastomosis leading to unstentable cicatricial stricture (treated by open pyeloplasty 3 weeks later). With a mean follow-up of 19.7 months (range: 7-40), 28 patients were asymptomatic and one patient presented persistent lumbar pain at 9 months with no signs of recurrence. The 3-month IVU, performed in 27 patients, showed reduction of hydronephrosis in 85.7% of cases and a patent ureteropelvic junction in 96.3% of cases. Complete resumption of physical activity and return to work were possible an average of 1 month postoperatively (a fortnight for the population under the age of 40 years). CONCLUSION: PUPJS can be treated by RP according to the same principles as conventional surgery. RP pyeloplasty can be performed with an acceptable operating time and morbidity. The functional and radiological results in terms of patency of the UPJ need to be assessed in the longer term.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: clinical experience in 52 procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become an effective option for removal of small adrenal tumors. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the retroperitoneal approach with regard to intraoperative complications, morbidity, and length of hospital stay. METHODS: Between September 1996 and October 1999, we performed 52 laparoscopic adrenalectomies (31 left, 21 right) for benign lesions by a retroperitoneal approach in 44 patients (27 women, 17 men) with a mean age of 46.9 years (range 17 to 74). The average adrenal tumor size was 32 mm (range 10 to 63). All procedures required four trocars and a mean operative time of 135 minutes (range 75 to 240). RESULTS: There was no mortality, conversion rate to open surgery was 1.9%, and estimated blood loss was 80 mL (range 30 to 200). With a mean follow-up of 16 months, morbidity was 17.2%, which included intraoperative complications (5. 7%) with two vascular injuries, and postoperative complications (11. 5%) with wound infections, deep hematoma, and parietal dehiscence. Average length of hospital stay was 5 days with a mean analgesic consumption of 2 days (range 1 to 5). CONCLUSIONS: The retroperitoneal approach in laparoscopic adrenalectomy appears to be a minimally invasive and safe therapeutic option that may become the standard for unilateral or bilateral adrenal tumors not larger than 7 cm. However, a learning curve in laparoscopy is indispensable before starting this type of procedure.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Evidence for the need of bedside accuracy of pulse oximetry in an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pulse oximetry saturation (Spo2 with arterial blood gas saturation (SaO2) obtained during clinical routine to determine the optimal lowest reliable value of SpO2 in ventilator-dependent patients before setting up a nurse-directed protocol of FIO2 titration. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-three patients with a pulse oximeter probe in whom arterial blood gas was measured with a radial artery line. INTERVENTIONS: SPO2 was recorded by the nurses and compared with SaO2 obtained by blood gas analysis with a co-oximeter. Two sensors currently used in our surgical intensive care unit and connected to a monitor (HP OmniCare M1165/66A; Hewett Packard, Andover, MA) were tested. In group I, the Durensor DS 100A (Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Pleasanton, CA), a reusable sensor, was used. In group II, the Oxisensor D25L (Nellcor Puritan Bennett), a nonreusable sensor, was used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In group 1, 64 data pairs were obtained. In this group, SaO2 ranged from 87 to 98% and SpO2 ranged from 92 to 100%. The bias was -1.90% and the limits of agreement ranged from -5.56 to 1.76%. In group 11, 47 data pairs were obtained. In this group, SaO2 ranged from 87 to 99% and SpO2 ranged from 92 to 100%. The bias was -2.49% and the limits of agreement ranged from -6.62 to 1.64%. CONCLUSIONS: In the range of SaO2 tested, regardless of the sensor used, SpO2 overestimated SaO2. Large limits of agreement were found. Based on this result, the authors concluded that before defining a nurse-directed protocol of FIO2 titration with SpO2, the material used daily must be evaluated. A minimum threshold SpO2 value of 96% in both groups I and II is more reliable to ensure SaO2 > or = 90%.

Blood Gas Analysis↗

PubMed2000

[Kock's pouch: experience and clinical course in 31 patients].

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the morbidity and functional results of Kock's continent urinary diversion performed since 1992 in cystectomized patients in whom the urethra could not be used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 1992 to June 1998, 31 Kock's pouches were performed by 2 surgeons on a group of patients with a mean age of 54 years. Henriet's technique was used in 23 patients until 1996, and was then modified the last 8 patients in order to create a continent valve. The diversion was performed after cystectomy for bladder or gynaecological tumour in 23 cases and 1 urinary tract reconstruction in 8 cases (neurogenic bladder, destroyed urethra, conversion of Bricker diversion). RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 42 months (12 to 84), the perioperative mortality was 3.4% and immediate complications were 26%, justifying reoperation in 6.4%. Late complications predominantly consisted of disinvagination of the valve with a reoperation rate of 13%. No surgical revision for newly modified antireflux valves has been performed since 1996. The continence rate of the system, evaluated between 3 and 6 months, was 90%. CONCLUSION: Kock's pouch is a delicate operation, clearly associated with a high morbidity in this series, as in the literature, although the results improved with experience. Indications must be confined to patients in good general condition, motivated for self-catheterization (ATS) and in whom the urethra cannot be used for bladder replacement.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Detection of lymphatic metastasis from malignant melanoma after identification of the sentinel node by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative radioisotopic detection].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection of the first lymph node draining the primary tumour site, using a radioisotopic mapping alone and to determine whether a preoperative lymphoscintigraphy using technetium sulfur colloid and a hand-held gamma detecting probe could improve the detection of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January to December 1998, 36 patients with a cutaneous melanoma larger than 0.75 mm, stage I TNM were included in this prospective study. Mean Breslow was 1.85 mm. The distribution of melanoma was head and neck (n = 9), trunk (n = 7), upper extremities (n = 4), lower extremities (n = 16). Preoperative lymphoscintigram and intraoperative detection were used. The first hot lymph node was supposed to be the SLN. RESULTS: In all cases, a lymph node was found and nine patients had more than one SLN (average number of SLN per patient: 1.25). Aberrant drainages were found in seven patients (19.4%): 1 in-transit lymph node, three paradoxical bassins, three bypasses). Four out of 36 patients had lymph node metastases and underwent elective lymph node dissection. CONCLUSION: The radio-isotopic technique used alone for the identification of the SLN is efficient in melanoma with a 100% detection rate in this short series.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Chondrosarcoma of the infratemporal fossa with intracranial extension. Case report and review of the literature].

Chondrosarcomas are rarely observed in the infratemporal fossa. We report a rare case with temporal extension into the middle cerebral fossa without meningoencephalic invasion. Surgical excision was followed by radiotherapy. The patient died 7 years later from another cause free of tumoral recurrence. We discuss the current understanding of cephalic chondrosarcomas involving the infratemporal fossa.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Assessment of urinary continence in Hautmann neobladder].

OBJECTIVE: The Hautmann neobladder is a bladder replacement technique frequently proposed after total cystectomy for bladder cancer. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the patients' urinary continence after this operation, based on clinical and urodynamic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The functional assessment was based on 26 patients from a series of 45 consecutive Hautmann bladder replacements performed between February 1994 and May 1999. These 26 nonselected patients (21 men and 5 women) with a mean age of 56 years (range: 38-68) accepted the principle of functional assessment of continence at visits held 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively including clinical interview, urodynamic studies and fibroscopy. Only one patient presented with preoperative stress incontinence. The mean follow-up of these 26 patients was 22 months (range: 10-60). Three patients, including two women, died from progression of their bladder tumour at the 12th, 20th and 32nd postoperative months. RESULTS: Urodynamic studies showed a mean maximum capacity of the ileal reservoir of 420 ml (range: 316-571), a maximum filling pressure of 15 cmH2O (range: 2-24) and a maximum urethral closure pressure of 49 cmH2O (range: 31-74). According to the evaluation criteria used, the satisfactory continence rates, as assessed by the patients were 62%, 77%, 84.6% during the day and 42%, 615%, 77% at night, at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Hautmann neobladder ensures satisfactory diurnal and nocturnal urinary continence in more than 75% of cases after the 6th postoperative month. Continence is an evolving parameter especially during the first postoperative year. The selection of patients in good general condition and motivated for management of their new urinary situation remains an essential prerequisite to obtain a good functional result.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Repair of female urinary incontinence with prolene "TVT": preliminary results of a multicenter and prospective survey].

OBJECTIVES: A multicentre, prospective study (6 private centres, 1 general hospital and 1 teaching hospital) was conducted to evaluate the perioperative morbidity and short-term functional results of the TVT procedure in the treatment of the female urinary stress incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 1996 to September 1999, 120 patients with a mean age of 65.2 years (range: 37-91) were operated according to the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) technique for isolated urinary stress incontinence (stage 2 or 3) in 94 cases and associated with pelvic tone disorder in 26 cases. 59 patients (49.2%) presented recurrence of urinary incontinence that had already been operated between 1 and 4 times. Physical examination demonstrated hypermobility of the urethra in 73 cases (60.8%), isolated clinical sphincter incompetence in 47 cases (39.2%) and pelvic tone disorders in 31 cases. Urodynamic studies, performed in 113 patients, demonstrated sphincter incompetence in 65 cases (57.5%) with a mean maximum urethral closure pressure of 18 cmH2O (range: 5-29). RESULTS: The operation, performed under spinal anaesthesia in 97 cases (80.8%), general anaesthesia in 16 cases (13.3%) and local anaesthesia in 7 cases (5.8%) lasted an average of 28.7 min (range: 15-60) for insertion of the TVT. Perioperative complications consisted of twelve bladder injuries (10%) and two pelvic haematomas (1.7%). No cases of infection, erosion or migration of the tape were reported. In the group of 94 patients operated exclusively by TVT, the mean hospital stay was 2.6 days (range: 1-7). Twelve patients (10%) required self-catheterization for 2 to 30 days. With a mean follow-up of 15.2 months (range: 36-6), continence was restored in 104 patients, corresponding to a cure rate of 86.7%. A marked improvement was obtained in 11 cases (9.2%) and five cases (4.2%) were considered to be failures. CONCLUSION: The TVT procedure is a new approach to the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence. Its advantages are its simplicity, the rapidity of the technical procedure and the short-term efficacy on continence. A longer follow-up is essential to assess to the functional outcome and the long-term urethral tolerance.

Adult↗