Minimally invasive surgery for mass lesions.
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Contraindications↗
Biomedical subjects
Tommaso Falcone
Publications and source records attributed to Tommaso Falcone.
Laparoscopic radical cystectomy in the female.
PURPOSE: We detail the technique of completely intracorporeal laparoscopic radical cystectomy in the female patient, which has previously not been well described in the literature. Additionally, perioperative and short-term oncological outcome data are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 2000, 11 female patients underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder carcinoma. Data were collected with respect to patient demographics, perioperative outcomes and short-term oncological followup. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 66 years (range 42 to 80) and the mean body mass index was 25 (range 17 to 34). Mean total operative time was 8.5 hours (range 6.5 to 10.5), including an average radical cystectomy time of 2 to 2.5 hours. Estimated blood loss was 489 cc (range 150 to 1,000). Reconstructive procedures were an ileal conduit in 8 patients, Studer orthotopic neobladder in 2 and continent Indiana pouch in 1. Mean hospital stay was 6 days (range 5 to 12). No case was converted to open surgery. Complications occurred in 4 patients, including internal hernia requiring laparotomy 19 days postoperatively, deep vein thrombosis with pulmonary embolism, dehydration and urinary tract infection in 1 each. At a median followup of 7.1 months (range 1 to 19) 8 patients (73%) had no evidence of disease, 1 (9%) had metastasis and 2 (11%) had died. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy in the female is technically efficacious. Our techniques of anterior pelvic exenteration, and uterus/fallopian tube/ovary and nerve sparing laparoscopic female radical cystectomy are presented. Short-term functional and oncological outcomes appear favorable.
Adult↗
Ovarian tissue banking for cancer patients: reduction of post-transplantation ischaemic injury: intact ovary freezing and transplantation.
Despite reasonable achievements in different animal species, the debate about many technical aspects of ovarian tissue banking is continuing. Human ovarian tissue banks are increasingly established around the world without a clear plan about how to make the best use of such tissue. One of the important challenges facing this growing technology is to determine the ideal method for the use of this cryopreserved ovarian tissue. It is not uncommon in medicine to introduce a technology without a clear understanding of the consequences. If it is decided that ovarian tissue is to be autotransplanted, what is the most suitable place? Which technique should be implemented? As a part of the ongoing debate on ovarian tissue banking in cancer patients, this paper supports the notion that cryopreservation of an intact ovary with its vascular pedicle may be a viable alternative to the currently available techniques. Research in the development of technology to cryopreserve whole organs as well surgical techniques for the auto-transplantation of an ovary with its vascular pedicle should be encouraged.
Animals↗
Endometriosis of the liver containing mullerian adenosarcoma: case report.
We present a case of a liver endometrioma in a postmenopausal woman. After failed management with leuprolide acetate, the mass was resected and contained focal areas of mullerian adenosarcoma. This is a rare case of mullerian adenosarcoma that appeared to arise within an endometrioma of the liver.
Adenosarcoma↗
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication that is associated with modern techniques for in vitro fertilization. Extensive efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiology and to improve the management of this entity. The severe and life-threatening forms of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are still challenging for critical care physicians. This article reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, classification, clinical manifestations, and complications of these forms of OHSS. The different therapeutic options currently available are reviewed, and a stepwise approach for the management of these patients is provided.
Female↗
Laboratory testing for endometriosis.
BACKGROUND: Typically, endometriosis is diagnosed surgically by laparoscopy. CA-125 is the principal serum marker used in the diagnosis and management of late-stage endometriosis. The search for a body fluid marker of early stage disease has included studies of serum, peritoneal fluid (PF), and/or tissue levels of secretory proteins, cell adhesion molecules, cytokines, tumor necrosis and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), chemokines, antiendometrial antibodies, autoantibodies to oxidized lipoproteins, aromatase P-450 expression, cytokeratins, and hormone receptors. We compared the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of these various types of substances in the non-surgical identification of patients with endometriosis. METHOD: We reviewed the MEDLINE database for all publications on serum, peritoneal fluid and tissue markers of endometriosis. RESULTS: Except for serum interleukin (IL)-6 and peritoneal fluid tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels, the diagnostic accuracy of other markers of endometriosis was either similar or worse than that of CA-125 (sensitivity 24-94%; specificity 83-93%). The diagnostic accuracy of IL-6 and TNF-alpha was 90-100% (sensitivity) and 67-89% (specificity). CONCLUSION: CA-125 has limited diagnostic accuracy in the identification of early stage endometriosis and none of the other markers we reviewed dramatically outperformed CA-125 in this regard with the possible exception of serum IL-6 and peritoneal fluid TNF-alpha levels.
Ascitic Fluid↗
Ovarian function preservation in the cancer patient.
OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical modalities that are available to women receiving potentially sterilizing cancer therapy. DESIGN: The MEDLINE database was reviewed for all publications on medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology that could potentially preserve fertility in women who are receiving cancer therapy. CONCLUSION(S): There are many options available to a patient undergoing a treatment that will negatively impact her fertility. Many procedures and medical interventions have been proven successful both in terms of ovarian function and pregnancy rates. Other techniques have great potential but do not have long-term clinical data. It is important that the patient's primary care physician understand the methods available to preserve fertility in cancer patients and communicate this information to the patient.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocker (infliximab) on blastocyst development in vitro.
Infliximab does not have any toxic effects on early cleaving embryos.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
Differential growth of human embryos in vitro: role of reactive oxygen species.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of early human embryonic development with the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the culture media on the first day (day 1 ROS) after insemination. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Patients undergoing assisted reproduction in a teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing conventional IVF (n = 104; 115 cycles) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (n = 91; 96 cycles) were included. Both fertilization and early cultures were performed in human tubal fluid with 5% serum substitute supplement. INTERVENTION(S): Day 1 ROS levels in the central well (sample) and the outer well (control) of each embryo culture dish were measured after overnight incubation by chemiluminescence assay using luminol as the probe. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fertilization rate and embryo quality at day 3 and 5 were recorded for each cycle. Age, parity, and demographic features were also compared. RESULT(S): High day 1 ROS levels in culture media were associated with low blastocyst rate, low fertilization rate, low cleavage rate, and high embryonic fragmentation with ICSI but not with conventional IVF. High day 1 ROS levels in culture media were associated with lower pregnancy rates in both IVF and ICSI cycles. CONCLUSION(S): Reactive oxygen species generated in culture media by day 1 may be an important biochemical marker for early embryonic growth. Increased embryonic fragmentation and slow cleavage rate may be partially attributed to early exposure of embryos to high ROS levels in ICSI cycles. Differential growth of ICSI embryos incubated under identical conditions may be in part due to differences in ROS levels of the culture medium surrounding these embryos.
Blastocyst↗
Laparoscopy in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Advances in laparoscopic surgery have led to the development of methods to perform traditionally major abdominal surgery and reduce morbidity using minimally invasive surgery techniques. Because a growing number of reports in the literature have suggested its safe use, laparoscopy is being performed in pregnancy with increasing frequency in many centers. Any surgeon treating pregnant patients must have a thorough understanding of the physiology of the pregnant patient and risks and benefits of the surgical procedure. This article discusses the use of laparoscopy in pregnancy focusing on the physiologic changes induced by pregnancy relevant to laparoscopy. Strategies to reduce the risk of complications while performing laparoscopy on a pregnant patient are discussed.
Female↗
Laparoscopic robotic gynecologic surgery.
The first gynecologic procedure performed with a robot was a tubal anastomosis. This was performed in 1998 with the Zeus robot. Over the past several years other gynecologic procedures have been performed with other robots. Current robotic technology may not be universally applicable to many gynecologists' clinical practice. The field of surgical robotics is evolving at an ever increasing pace, however, and gynecologists need to participate in its development.
Female↗
Hormones and seizures.
The opposing effects of estrogen (proconvulsant) and progesterone (anticonvulsant) on seizure threshold have been noted in animal and human studies. Levels of these hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and, in some women with epilepsy, these fluctuations may be related to the occurrence of seizures around the time of menses or an increase in seizures in relation to the menstrual cycle, also known as catamenial epilepsy. Variations in concentrations of antiepileptic drugs across the menstrual cycle may also contribute to increased seizure susceptibility. Diagnosis of catamenial epilepsy requires careful assessment of menstrual and seizure diaries and characterization of cycle duration and type. While there are several approaches to the treatment of catamenial epilepsy, each is based on small, unblinded studies or anecdotal reports. It is important for the physician to work closely with the patient to determine whether her seizures are indeed catamenial and to design an appropriate treatment plan.
Anticonvulsants↗
Catamenial epilepsy: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
In women with epilepsy, seizures can be influenced by variations in sex hormone secretion during the menstrual cycle. The proconvulsant effects of estrogen have been demonstrated in both animals and humans, whereas progesterone has been found to have anticonvulsant properties. Catamenial epilepsy affects approximately one-third of women with epilepsy. This type of epilepsy has generally been defined as an increase in seizure frequency beginning immediately before or during menses. However, three distinct patterns of catamenial epilepsy have been described: perimenstrual, periovulatory, and luteal. The diagnosis of catamenial epilepsy can be made through careful assessment of menstrual and seizure diaries and characterization of cycle type and duration. A variety of therapies for catamenial epilepsy have been proposed, including acetazolamide, cyclical use of benzodiazepines or conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and hormonal therapy. However, evidence for the effectiveness of these treatment approaches comes from small, unblinded series or anecdotal reports. Larger multicenter trials, as well as further investigation of the pathophysiology of the disorder, are needed to identify the most effective treatment for women with catamenial epilepsy.
Acetazolamide↗
Anatomy of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves in relation to trocar placement and low transverse incisions.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to map the course of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves. STUDY DESIGN: The courses of iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves from 11 fresh frozen cadavers were mapped from their lateral emergence on the anterior abdominal wall to their midline termination in reference to fixed bony landmarks. Bivariate fit ellipses were generated for each nerve and compared with sites of standard abdominal surgical incisions. RESULTS: Thirteen iliohypogastric and 16 ilioinguinal nerves were identified and mapped. On average, the proximal end of the ilioinguinal nerve entered the abdominal wall 3.1 cm medial and 3.7 cm inferior to the anterior superior iliac spine, then followed a linear course to terminate 2.7 cm lateral to the midline and 1.7 cm superior to pubic symphysis. The iliohypogastric nerve entered the abdominal wall on average 2.1 cm medial and 0.9 cm inferior to the anterior superior iliac spine, which followed a linear course to terminate 3.7 cm lateral to the midline and 5.2 cm superior to pubic symphysis. CONCLUSION: Abdominal wall surgical sites below the level of the anterior superior iliac spine have the potential for ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric injury.
Abdominal Wall↗
Left upper quadrant cannula insertion.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of primary left upper quadrant laparoscopic cannula insertion. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary care medical center. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic indications. INTERVENTION(S): Left upper quadrant cannula insertion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Intraoperative complications. RESULT(S): Primary left upper quadrant cannula insertion was performed 58 times. There were no intraoperative complications. In one woman there was more pain at the LUQ site than at her other incisions. In 12 women (21%) adhesiolysis was performed before insertion of the umbilical cannula. CONCLUSION(S): Primary left upper quadrant cannula insertion is a safe and effective alternative to primary umbilical cannula insertion.
Catheterization↗
Assessment of tissue injury in cryopreserved ovarian tissue.
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Animals↗
Restoration of ovarian function after autotransplantation of intact frozen-thawed sheep ovaries with microvascular anastomosis.
OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of transplanting an intact frozen-thawed ovary with microvascular anastomosis of the ovarian vascular pedicle to the deep inferior epigastric vessels. DESIGN: Chronic survival study. SETTING: Biological Resources Unit, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. ANIMAL(S): Adult merino ewes. INTERVENTION(S): Bilateral laparoscopic oophorectomy was performed on 17 synchronized ewes. In one group of animals (Group I, n = 11), both ovaries were cryopreserved intact with their vascular pedicles. In another group of animals (Group II, n = 6), ovarian cortical strips were prepared from each ovary and cryopreserved. After thawing, follicular viability and apoptosis rates were assessed using one ovary. The other ovary was transplanted to the abdominal wall with microvascular anastomosis (Group I). In Group II, the ovarian cortical strips were placed in the anterior abdominal wall. Ovaries were harvested after 8-10 days in situ and subjected to histological evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Blood flow, apoptotic signals, follicular viability, serum estradiol (E(2)), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and histology. RESULT(S): No significant differences were found in the mean values of apoptosis (mostly in the atretic and some secondary follicles) and follicular viability in both groups. In Group I, immediate and long-term patency were documented in 100% and 27% (3/11) of the grafts, respectively; and postoperative FSH levels were similar to preoperative values in animals with patent vessels. In Group II, postoperative FSH levels were significantly higher than the preoperative ones (P=.03). CONCLUSION(S): Transplantation of an intact frozen-thawed ovary is technically feasible. Using this approach, immediate restoration of vascular supply and ovarian hormonal functions is possible.
Anastomosis, Surgical↗
Oxidative stress is associated with increased apoptosis leading to spermatozoa DNA damage in patients with male factor infertility.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ejaculated spermatozoa from patients with male factor infertility for the role of cytochrome c and caspases 9 and 3 (the proteins known to mediate apoptosis) and to examine association between semen quality and apoptosis in the presence of oxidative stress. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Male infertility clinic at a tertiary health care center. PATIENT(S): Semen specimens from 35 patients with idiopathic infertility and 8 normal healthy donors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Levels of ROS, cytochrome c, and caspases 9 and 3 and semen variables. RESULT(S): Compared with normal donors, infertile patients had significantly higher levels (expressed as median [25th and 75th percentiles]) of ROS (4.15 x 10(6) counted photons per minute [cpm] [0.26, 40.16 x 10(6) cpm] vs. 0.06 x 10(6) cpm [0.02, 0.29 x 10(6) cpm]; P<.01), cytochrome c (2.78 [2.21, 43.65 vs. 1.5 [1.25, 2.2]; P<.01)], caspase 9 (2.52 [0.9, 4.28] vs. 6 [4.85, 7.63]; P<.006), and caspase 3 (0.56 [0.32, 1.02] vs. 1.69 [1.66, 2.67]; P<.01). Semen variables (motility, concentration, and morphology) were negatively correlated with caspase 9 and 3 (P<.05). Reactive oxygen species was positively correlated with cytochrome c (r=.43; P<.03), caspase 9 (r=.56; P<.001), and caspase 3 (r=.65;P<.01). CONCLUSION(S): Infertile men have decreased sperm variables induced by higher ROS levels in semen. A positive relationship exists between increased sperm damage by ROS and higher levels of cytochrome c and caspases 9 and 3, which indicate positive apoptosis in patients with male factor infertility.
Apoptosis↗