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Biomedical subjects

R Dubois

Publications and source records attributed to R Dubois.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Testicular microlithiasis and cryptorchism: ultrasound analysis after orchidopexy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the testicular ultrasound features and frequency of testicular microlithiasis in a population of patients operated several years before for cryptorchidism, in order to define a group at possible increased risk of testicular cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 202 patients, 63 of whom were reviewed by ultrasound with a mean follow-up of 9 years 3 months (7 years 5 months to 11 years 7 months). RESULTS: 32% of operated testes were hypotrophic compared to the correctly descended side; their mean volume was 9.42 ml versus 11 ml for the nonoperated side. 14.3% of surgically descended testes presented an ultrasonographically heterogeneous parenchyma and microlithiasis were present in 9.52% of cases. CONCLUSION: The association between microlithiasis and cryptorchidism is not an incidental finding. Apart from the relative hypotrophy of the testis, ultrasound also revealed, in our study, that the presence of microlithiasis is not an extremely rare finding. Annual ultrasound surveillance is therefore required due to the risk of malignant transformation of these microlithiases.

Adolescent↗

[Endoscopic treatment of vesicorenal reflux in children: short- and long-term results of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) injections].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment of vesicorenal reflux in children by polytetrafluoroethylene injection, based on the largest series published in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six hundred and fifty ureters in 402 children were by subureteric injection of polytetrafluoroethylene from 1986 to 1993. The short-term results were evaluated one month and one year after treatment by physical examination, urine culture, bladder and renal ultrasonography and retrograde cystography. The long-term results were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 116 months by physical examination, renal ultrasonography, questionnaire for the patient's family and urine culture. RESULTS: 86.6% refluxing ureters in 82.1% of children were cured after endoscopic treatment. No serious short-term complications were observed. In the long-term, 97% of children never presented an episode of pyelonephritis. Ultrasonographic assessment did not reveal any dilatation of the upper urinary tract, no any suspicious lesions of the bladder wall. Continuing reflux nephropathy due to chronic pyelonephritis was observed in 4.4% of treated kidneys, despite satisfactory correction of reflux. No local complications related to the biomaterial and no signs suggestive of distant diseases induce by migration of Teflon particles were observed. No malignant degeneration was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Review of this series demonstrates the short-term efficacy and long-term maintenance of the good results of endoscopic treatment of reflux. No local complication and no complications due to migration of Teflon were observed in this series. This procedure avoided the need for conventional ureteric reimplantation in 92% of treated children.

Child, Preschool↗

High-precision measurement of the left-right Z Boson cross-section asymmetry.

We present a measurement of the left-right cross-section asymmetry ( A(LR)) for Z boson production by e(+)e(-) collisions. The measurement includes the final data taken with the SLD detector at the SLAC Linear Collider during the period 1996-1998. Using a sample of 383 487 Z decays collected during the 1996-1998 runs we measure the pole value of the asymmetry, A(0)(LR), to be 0.150 56+/-0.002 39 which is equivalent to an effective weak mixing angle of sin (2)straight theta(eff)(W) = 0.231 07+/-0.000 30. Our result for the complete 1992-1998 data set comprising approximately 537 000 Z decays is sin (2)straight theta(eff)(W) = 0.230 97+/-0.000 27.

Journal Article↗

Abdominal expansion using a polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis in the treatment of Pepper syndrome.

The authors report three cases of stage IV-S neuroblastoma in infants aged 4, 6, and 8 weeks, who despite chemo- and radiotherapy required surgical intervention to urgently relieve major thoracoabdominal compression secondary to massive hepatomegaly. The results were successful, with abdominal expansion being achieved by the introduction of a polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis, which was removed during the 2nd, 3rd and 7th postoperative month, respectively, after tumor regression. Two children were in complete remission 32 and 38 months later, the 3rd died after 16 months of tumor progression.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Delphi-panel analysis of appropriateness of high-dose chemotherapy and blood cell or bone marrow autotransplants in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy whether high-dose chemotherapy and a blood cell or bone marrow autotransplant is a better treatment than conventional-dose chemotherapy for women with local/regional or metastatic breast cancer. Subject selection and time-to-treatment biases make definitive comparison impossible. Recent results of randomized trials are contradictory. OBJECTIVE: Determine appropriateness of high-dose chemotherapy and a blood cell or bone marrow autotransplant in women with breast cancer. PANELISTS: Nine breast cancer experts from diverse geographic sites and practice settings. EVIDENCE: Boolean MEDLINE searches of 'breast cancer' and 'chemotherapy' and/or 'blood cell' or 'bone marrow transplants'. PROCESS: We used a modified Delphi-panel group judgement process. Clinical variables were permuted to define 2058 clinical settings. Each panelist rated appropriateness of high-dose therapy and an autotransplant versus conventional therapy on a 9-point ordinal scale (1: most inappropriate, 9: most appropriate). An appropriateness index was developed based on median rating and amount of disagreement. The relationship of appropriateness indices to the permuted clinical variables was considered by analysis of variance and recursive partitioning. CONCLUSIONS: In women with local/regional breast cancer autotransplants were rated: 1) appropriate in those with > or = 10 cancer-involved lymph nodes; 2) uncertain in those with 4-9 cancer-involved nodes; and 3) inappropriate in women with < or = 3 cancer-involved lymph nodes. In women with metastatic breast cancer autotransplants were rated: 1) appropriate in those with metastases to 'favorable' sites (skin, lymph node, pleura) and a complete or partial response to chemotherapy; 2) uncertain in women with metastases to 'unfavorable' sites (lung, liver, or central nervous system) and a complete response to chemotherapy or those with bone metastases and a complete or partial response or stable disease after chemotherapy; and 3) inappropriate in other settings.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

High frequency oscillatory ventilation during repair of neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

We evaluated the use of high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) during congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair. After preoperative stabilization, 22 newborn infants were ventilated with HFOV during surgery. Ventilatory settings, blood gas values and oxygenation index were recorded before, during and after surgical repair. No differences were noted for these variables. No complications related to ventilation were recorded. According to the surgeon, diaphragmatic repair during HFOV is facilitated. This study confirms that CDH can be safely repaired using HFOV during anaesthesia.

Analysis of Variance↗

Surgical treatment of diaphragmatic agenesis by transposition of a muscle flap: report on 15 cases.

Between 1987 and 1996 the transposition of a muscle flap using the anterolateral abdominal wall (the internal oblique and transversus abdominus muscle) has been used for the surgical treatment of fifteen cases of diaphragmatic agenesis. There are several advantages of this technique: a more accurate reconstruction of the diaphragmatic dome, a better adapted muscle flap, good tolerance and evolution as a result of the use of autologous material with thus less risk of recurrence and/or infection. The disadvantages are represented by the nine cases of abdominal herniation at the site of the muscle flap, three of which necessitated secondary surgical treatment. Nine children survived this treatment, six died following severe cardio-pulmonary complications associated with this malformation.

Chylothorax↗

[Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis and ipsilateral kidney agenesis in children].

BACKGROUND: Cystic dysplasia of rete testis, a rare abnormality, is often associated with renal agenesis. CASE REPORT: A 5-year-old boy was examined because he presented large scrotum. This was initially considered as hydrocele. Surgery showed a cystic dysplasia of the testis that in this patient was associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis. CONCLUSION: This congenital abnormality, explained on the basis of embryological development, has been reported in 15 children. The testis appears cystic at surgical exploration; echography can affirm diagnosis and MRI can give specific features. A conservative attitude is proposed as this lesion is benign. Long-term follow-up is recommended for possible painful effects or growth of the lesion.

Child, Preschool↗

[Modified Dyplay technique in the treatment of anterior hypospadias. Immediate and long term results in 321 cases and review of the literature].

OBJECTIVES: Description of a surgical technique in the treatment of anterior hypospadias, a frequent malformation for which the treatment is not devoid of complications. Evaluation of the short-term as well as the long-term results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 321 patients treated according to this method. 58 patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 71 months. RESULTS: The immediate results were marked by the development of 16 fistulas (5%), 4 of which closed spontaneously. Five cases (1.6%) of meatal retraction and 6 meatal stenoses (1.9%) were observed. The overall complication rate requiring specific treatment was 5.6%. The long-term results showed meatal retraction in 20.7% of cases, meatal stenosis in 1.7% of cases and fistula in 3.5% of cases. This is the series with the longest mean follow-up. Comparison with the currently proposed technique suggests that this technique is indicated in the treatment of anterior hypospadias. Long-term analysis of the results strongly encourages regular and prolonged follow-up of children treated for hypospadias in the first 2 years. CONCLUSION: The modified Duplay technique is reliable, can be easily performed, and gives perfectly satisfactory results, even in the long-term, for the treatment of anterior hypospadias.

Adolescent↗

Gastric necrosis in newborns: a report of 11 cases.

Eleven neonates ranging in gestational age from 34 to 40 weeks presented with gastric necrosis. The 4 full-term neonates showed sudden-onset hemorrage and "coffee-ground" vomiting; in the 7 premature babies the initial clinical finding was abdominal distention. The criteria for diagnosis were: perinatal distress in prematures and transient neonatal respiratory distress in full-term babies. Radiographic evidence of gastric distention was typical and preceded clinical signs of hematemesis and gastric perforation. Surgery was performed in 8 patients; 3 received medical treatment. At surgery 1 total and 3 subtotal gastrectomies and 4 segmental gastric resections were performed. Three of these patients died post-operatively as a consequence of multiorgan failure; a second look was necessary in one patient 1 week after surgery because of prepyloric perforation due to ulcers. Biopsy specimens taken from the site of perforation demonstrated extensive necrosis; ulceration was disseminated in the surrounding gastric mucosa; no signs of phlogosis were detected. The diagnosis, treatment, and physiopathologic considerations are reviewed.

Biopsy↗

[Acute scrotum in the child].

Torsion of the spermatic cord is the most common etiology of acute scrotum in children. Children with torsion usually present with acute scrotal pain, nausea and vomiting, and only early surgical treatment, within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms, may ensure the preservation of the testis. For that reason any acute scrotal pain with edema requires urgent specialized evaluation. Other etiologies include less severe diseases as torsion of an appendage, epididimytis, trauma, and other rare conditions such as acute idiopathic scrotal edema.

Acute Disease↗

Delphi-panel analysis of appropriateness of high-dose chemotherapy and blood cell or bone marrow autotransplants in diffuse large-cell lymphoma.

Although high-dose chemotherapy and a blood cell or bone marrow autotransplant are commonly used to treat people with diffuse large-cell lymphoma, there is controversy whether this is better than conventional-dose chemotherapy. Subject-selection and time-to-treatment biases preclude comparison of data from uncontrolled trials and there are few date from randomized trials. We used a Delphi-panel group judgment process to determine appropriateness of high-dose chemotherapy and a blood cell or bone marrow transplant. Results were compared to those of randomized trials. Nine lymphoma experts from diverse geographic sites and practice settings were panelists. Boolean MEDLINE searches of lymphoma and chemotherapy and an autotransplant formed the dataset. Panelists were asked to rate appropriateness of high-dose chemotherapy and an autotransplant compared to conventional-dose chemotherapy. Clinical variables were permuted to define 80 clinical settings rated by the panelists on a 9-point ordinal scale. Results were used to determine an appropriateness index reflecting the mean and distribution of ratings. The relationship of appropriateness indices to permuted clinical variables was considered by analysis of variance and recursive partitioning. In people with initial diffuse large-cell lymphoma, autotransplants were never rated appropriate. They were rated uncertain in all settings except in people never receiving chemotherapy and in those with a complete response to chemotherapy and an international prognostic index < 3, where they were rated inappropriate. In people with recurrent lymphoma, autotransplants were rated appropriate in those with a complete or partial response to chemotherapy, uncertain in those with a less than partial response and in those not receiving re-induction chemotherapy and inappropriate in people with CNS lymphoma. These conclusions agree with results of randomized trials.

Aged↗

[Continent urinary diversion using a tubulized sigmoid segment. An alternative to trans-appendicular diversion].

OBJECTIVE: The authors propose the use of a sigmoid tube reimplanted submucosally in the bladder and brought out onto the skin in the midline or in the umbilicus as a method of continent urinary diversion allowing urinary catheterization several times a day when the appendix cannot be used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three adolescents with neurogenic bladder were treated according to this procedure; the summit of the sigmoid colon loop was selected to form a continent tube from a segment 4 cm wide, opened along its antimesenteric border and sutured longitudinally. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful in all 3 cases. The cystostomy was continent. Catheterizations were easily performed. CONCLUSION: Creation of a sigmoid tube is an alternative to the use of the appendix for continent urinary diversion according to Mitrofanoff's procedure. This technique can always be performed due to the proximity of the sigmoid colon and bladder, which is not always the case with the appendix. This tube is richly vascularized and presents the advantage of a very narrow mesocolon which does not interfere with creation of the intravesical submucosal tunnel.

Abdomen↗

[Endoscopic treatment of vesicorenal reflux in children. Five-year assessment of the use of Macroplastique].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of endoscopic treatment of vesicorenal reflux by Macroplastique implantation versus Teflon implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 297 children with 454 refluxing vesicorenal units were treated by endoscopic implantation of Macroplastique (Rplasty)-A.B.S.: 385 cases of primary reflux and 69 cases of secondary or associated reflux. All children were reviewed by ultrasound and cystography 6 weeks and 1 year after implantation. RESULTS: Regardless of the aetiology and the grade, reflux resolved in 91.2% of children (93.3% of ureters). Complications such as ureteric stasis were rare (3 cases). 161 children (253 ureters) were reviewed 1 year after treatment: reflux had recurred in 8.7% of patients. CONCLUSION: Although the mean quantity implanted was lower with Macroplastique, the results appeared to be better than those obtained with Teflon (bases on a previous series of 402 children: cure for 87.1% of ureters and 85.7% of children). The advantages of Macroplastique compared to Teflon include the less liquid consistency, the absence of retraction of the product and the presence of larger microparticles without any local or distant inflammatory reaction.

Child↗

[Urethral fistulas after surgical treatment of hypospadias. Apropos of a series of 74 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the causes of fistulas following urethroplasty procedures and the principles of their surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 74 fistulas were treated: 6 were on the glans, 17 coronal, 33 on the distal shaft, 6 midshaft, 8 proximal shaft and 4 penoscrotal. More than 75% underwent a simple closure or invagination of the fistula into the urethra, often without urinary diversion. A second-stage urethroplasty was necessary in 15 cases. RESULTS: The initial success rate was 72.5%. Results obtained with simple closure or invagination were better than extensive surgery (50% failure rate). Seventy two percent of these fistulas without urinary diversion were treated successfully as compared to 53.8% of those which had required a catheter. CONCLUSION: Of all the complications of hypospadias surgery, fistulas are in most cases the easiest to resolve, provided that some fundamental rules are respected: a minimum of 6 month between both procedures, previous treatment of any concomitant urethral stenosis, use of a tourniquet and loops magnification, and an additional layer of interrupted subcutaneous sutures. A haemostatic dressing reduces the tension of the sutures. An urinary diversion is only necessary for larger fistulas which require a second-stage urethroplasty.

Adolescent↗

[CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Critical analysis of recent literature].

Over recent years, there appears to have been an explosion of public interest in facial rejuvenation. With the recent development of short-pulsed high-peak power and rapidly scanned carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, it is now possible to remove photo-damaged skin precisely and reproducibly, while leaving behind a narrow zone of thermal damage. This development has generated tremendous interest in laser skin resurfacing as a technique to reverse photoaging. However, the overall review of the existing literature, except for very few publications, reveals several major methodological problems. The use of CO2 laser for cosmetic purposes is very recent and therefore requires further justification, standardization and regulation based on well designed studies. Most of the recent published data correspond to case reports, rather than well-designed scientific studies. For these reasons, this field needs more clinical trials and epidemiological investigations such as prospective cohorts or case-control studies, to provide new knowledge in this field.

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures↗