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Biomedical subjects

S E Lerner

Publications and source records attributed to S E Lerner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Combined laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection and modified belt radical perineal prostatectomy for localized prostatic adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Despite many known advantages, the radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) had fallen out of favor because of the need for a second incision for the regional lymph node dissection. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, however, provides an accurate and minimally invasive alternative to open lymph node dissection. Herein are reported the practical advantages of combining laparoscopic lymph node dissection (LPLND) with RPP. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate were considered candidates for RPP using a modified Belt technique. Thirty-five patients underwent attempted LPLND and 31 of these patients subsequently underwent RPP; 14 patients underwent RPP alone. Variables examined included total operative time, transfusion requirement, length of hospital stay, continence, and potency. RESULTS: The mean operative time for LPLND combined with RPP in 31 patients, including time for repositioning, was 4.5 hours (range 3.0 to 7.0 hours). Only 26 percent of the patients who underwent the combined approach required blood transfusions of which 75 percent received autologous units. Mean length of stay was six days, and laparoscopy did not contribute significantly to postoperative morbidity. Eighty-four percent of the patients are completely continent. Of 27 potent patients who underwent nerve-sparing surgery, 22 percent are potent and an additional 30 percent are sexually active with intracavernous pharmacotherapy. There were no perioperative deaths, 2 major complications, and 5 minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic techniques now permit the urologist to utilize the perineal approach, and its many advantages, to radical prostatic extirpation without the need for a formal abdominal incision. The minimal blood loss and low morbidity associated with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy combined with the radical perineal prostatectomy make this procedure an attractive alternative to the open retropubic approach for clinically localized prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Penile gangrene associated with chronic renal failure: report of 7 cases and review of the literature.

Distal penile gangrene associated with renal failure is a rare entity with only 3 cases reported in the literature. Certain physiological abnormalities are commonly found in association with this condition, including secondary hyperparathyroidism, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. We report our experience with 7 patients who presented with this condition. All patients had end stage renal disease with 5 on hemodialysis, 1 on peritoneal dialysis and 1 with a functioning cadaveric renal transplant. Six patients had diabetes mellitus and all had derangements of the calcium and phosphate metabolism, with the calcium-phosphorus product being greater than 70. Five patients were treated expectantly with resolution of gangrene in 2 and stable disease in 3. Three of the 5 patients managed expectantly and both patients treated with penectomy died of unrelated causes within 3 months. We conclude that there is no advantage to aggressive surgical treatment of penile gangrene associated with renal failure, since the outcome is the same. The overall mortality for this group is high due to associated co-morbid disease regardless of the type of treatment. Furthermore, subtotal parathyroidectomy is not indicated, since spontaneous improvement and mortality rates reported in our series were similar to those of previously reported cases. Expectant management of affected patients affords the best treatment.

Aged↗

Reassessment of the value of post-vascularization biopsy performed at renal transplantation: the effects of arteriosclerosis.

Between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1991, 471 cadaver renal transplants were performed. We reviewed 130 transplants, which were biopsied 30 minutes to 1 hour after the establishment of renal allograft blood flow. Analysis showed a significant difference in 2-year graft survival rate between the groups with and without arteriosclerosis (71.8% versus 65.9%, p < 0.05). Arteriosclerotic changes were noted more frequently in biopsies from older donors (37 versus 28 years, p < 0.005). There was also a difference in ischemic time between the groups with and without tubular degeneration (30.1 hours versus 26.7 hours, p < 0.02), which did not correlate with the need for dialysis in the perioperative period (48% versus 49%, p > 0.8).

Adult↗

Preoperative laparoscopic localization of the nonpalpable testis: a critical analysis of a 10-year experience.

Laparoscopy was performed on 107 patients 8 months to 18.5 years old (mean age 46.9 months) with 119 nonpalpable testes. The procedure accurately determined the location of the gonad in 95.3% of the patients, while 16 were spared formal surgical exploration with the laparoscopic visualization of blind-ending spermatic vessels and vasa deferentia. Additionally, patency of the internal inguinal ring, determined laparoscopically, was an accurate predictor of testicular salvageability. We advocate the use of laparoscopy for all boys with a nonpalpable gonad in conjunction with operative intervention if necessary.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic treatment of small-bowel obstruction following laparoscopic lymphadenectomy.

Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection followed by radical perineal prostatectomy has become the treatment of choice for selected patients at our institution with clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. We describe 2 cases in which bowel obstruction caused by incarceration of a loop of small bowel into a trocar site was managed with laparoscopic techniques.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Management of recurrent penile cancer following partial or total penectomy.

The initial management of localized penile carcinoma determines the probability of recurrence. Although potentially disfiguring, the management of recurrent carcinoma of the penis requires aggressive surgical resection of both the primary lesion and nodal sites to effect the best chance for long-term survival.

Adult↗

Relationship between contraction and relaxation in human and rabbit corpus cavernosum.

Although alterations in corporeal smooth muscle tone undoubtedly play an important role in the etiology of erectile dysfunction, the relationship between the degree of corporeal smooth muscle contraction and the magnitude of the observed relaxation response has never been quantitated. Thus, in vitro studies were conducted to examine the relationship between alpha 1-adrenergic contractility, and relaxations elicited by the clinically and physiologically relevant vasorelaxants, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, and prostaglandin E1. Corporeal tissues strips were isolated from impotent and potent men, as well as sexually mature rabbits, and precontracted over a wide range of phenylephrine doses, prior to exposure of each tissue to the same dose of vasorelaxant. Plots of percent contraction versus percent relaxation revealed that the relationship between contraction and relaxation was accurately described by a first order linear equation, and characterized by an inverse relationship in all tissues studied, for all vasorelaxants examined. Statistical analysis indicated that the slope of the regression line was significantly greater than unity in all corporeal tissues obtained from patients with organic impotence; however, corporeal tissues obtained from patients with documented erections and from sexually mature rabbits had significantly lower slopes that were indistinguishable from unity. The existence of an inverse relationship between contraction and relaxation, even in the absence of organic disease, emphasizes the importance of the level of basal corporeal smooth muscle tone per se. These studies provide further evidence implicating heightened adrenergic tone as a significant etiologic factor in erectile dysfunction.

Alprostadil↗

A single center experience with renal transplantation in young children.

Results of pediatric renal transplantation have been variable. We evaluated our experience with renal transplantation in children less than 5 years old to determine its safety and efficacy. Of the 428 renal transplants done at our institution from August 1983 to December 1989, 14 were performed in 13 children 13 to 50 months old (mean age 34 months). All of the patients were small for age with height standard deviation scores ranging from -1.7 to -4.5. Patient survival, allograft survival and statural growth were used as determinants of successful outcome. Followup was complete in all patients, including renal function studies and serial height measurements. Growth velocity standard deviation scores were calculated. Patient survival was 100%. Allograft survival was 100% 2 to 7.3 years after transplantation for living related donor recipients whereas 1-year graft survival was poor (40%) for cadaveric graft recipients. Of 10 patients with good graft function at 1 year 9 demonstrated improvement in the height standard deviation score. Seven of 10 patients demonstrated significant catch-up growth (growth velocity standard deviation score greater than 0, p = 0.04). Our study supports the safety and efficacy of renal transplantation in young children. Early transplantation using living-related donor organs is the optimal therapy to prevent growth retardation and allow the young child with end stage renal disease to have a normal life.

Body Height↗

Legal issues associated with PCP abuse--the role of the forensic expert.

These cases illustrate some of the complex issues associated with PCP-related litigation. The concept that malice is implied when an experienced drug user commits a crime while under the influence of the drug is not held in most states, at the present time. The authors have now reviewed in detail four cases of unexpected death following the use of neck holds in PCP-intoxicated individuals. In all of the cases, multiple carotid compression holds had been attempted, according to the history. Skin abrasions, hemorrhage into the soft tissues of the neck, and fractures of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage provide structural evidence of the application of substantial force to the neck. On autopsy, there has been no evidence of lethal injuries to the bronchial tree, brain, or heart. Drugs related to PCP are known to alter the carotid sinus reflex. Mechanical stimulation of the carotid sinus in the neck normally results in a slowing of heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure. Carotid sinus stimulation, coupled with the effects of PCP on blood vessels, might result in a marked fall in the blood pressure that could lead, ultimately, to death. Individuals intoxicated with PCP may be at a higher risk to complications of carotid compression neck holds. Hence, additional cases would be expected to become medicolegal issues.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Phencyclidine deaths.

The potential for a pharmacologic "overdose" and the cause of death associated with phencyclidine abuse is discussed. Nineteen deaths associated exclusively with phencyclidine intoxication have been documented. In 13 cases the immediate cause of death was asphyxia by drowning or trauma with lower levels of phencyclidine present suggesting behavioral toxicity. In two cases, the presence of phencyclidine in high concentrations constituted the only finding, and the probable cause of death was primary respiratory depression accompanied by seizure activity. A secondary drug effect or concurrent disease process may have contributed to the death of the remaining four individuals.

Adolescent↗

Phencyclidine use among youth: history, epidemiology, and acute and chronic intoxication.

Phencyclidine use appears to be in a growth phase nationally. Factors contributing to the increasing popularity include the user's ability to control the dosage, an understanding of the immediate effects, and its availability. Those most at risk appear to be young Caucasian males. Phencyclidine-related problems are often like tips of icebergs, the underlying causes of which are hidden from public view. The problems often surface in the form of speech difficulties, memory loss, thinking disorders, personality changes, paranoia, severe depression, violence, accidents, suicides and homicides. Of particular concern to law enforcement personnel is the upsurge in phencyclidine-related violent crimes and carrying of weapons by users to protect themselves from their imagined persecutors. The evidence currently available supports the assumption that if there is a solution to the problem of phencyclidine abuse, that solution is prevention. Therefore, medical personnel and others within the helping professions must be alerted to the fact that phencyclidine is not just another drug problem. The findings from users we have already studied strongly suggest that phencyclidine is not an "upper" or a "downer," but perhaps an "insideouter", with longer term implications.

Adolescent↗

Phencyclidine--states of acute intoxication and fatalities.

Phencyclidine is now one of the most frequently used main ingredients of "street drug" preparations. Its effects are highly dose dependent and three varieties of acute intoxication have been seen clinically associated with different dosages and routes of administration. Most persons using phencyclidine smoke it sprinkled on parsley in low doses. The presence of horizontal and vertical nystagmus associated with hypertension in a patient who is agitated or comatose are diagnostic of a phencyclidine intoxicated state. Sensory isolation and intravenous administration of diazepam in the event of seizure activity have proved effective in the treatment of acute intoxicated states. Phencyclidine has pronounced behavioral toxicity and several deaths due to this agent have now been documented. It is unknown whether seizure activity or respiratory depression is the primary cause of death in pharmacological overdoses.

Diagnosis, Differential↗