Comparison of traditional and novel tip-flexible suctioning ureteral access sheath combined with flexible ureteroscope to treat unilateral renal calculi.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of novel tip-flexible suctioning ureteral access sheath (NTFS-UAS) and traditional ureteral access sheath (T-UAS) combined with flexible ureteroscope for treating unilateral renal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 214 patients with unilateral renal calculi treated by NTFS-UAS (n = 102) and T-UAS (n = 112) combined with flexible ureteroscope from August 2021 to April 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, stone-related parameters, operative time, stone-free rates (SFR), hospitalization time and complication rate (CR) were analyzed. RESULT: No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics, stone-related parameters, intraoperative CR, and hospitalization time. The operative time of NTFS-UAS group was significantly shorter than T-UAS group (55.25 ± 11.42 min vs. 59.36 ± 15.59 min; P = 0.028). The NTFS-UAS group obtained significantly higher SFR on 1 day postoperatively (86.3% vs. 75.0%; P = 0.038), and higher SFR on 30 days postoperatively than T-UAS group (91.2% vs. 81.3%; P = 0.037). The hemoglobin loss of NTFS-UAS group (- 0.54 ± 0.69 g/dl) was significantly lower than T-UAS group (- 0.83 ± 0.66 g/dl; P = 0.002). There was a significantly lower incidence of overall CR (11.8% vs. 22.3%; P = 0.041), and infectious CR (8.8% vs. 18.8%; P = 0.037) in the NTFS-UAS group. CONCLUSION: Compared to T-UAS combined with flexible ureteroscope for treating unilateral renal calculi, NTFS-UAS had superiority in higher SFR on 1 day and 30 days postoperatively. Shorter operation time, lower hemoglobin loss, lower incidences of overall and infectious CR were observed in NTFS-UAS group. REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE: ChiCTR2300070210; April 5, 2023.

Chinese mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy for upper urinary calculi under local infiltration anesthesia.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is generally performed under general or regional anesthesia; however, it is rarely performed under local infiltration anesthesia (LIA). This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Chinese mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) for upper urinary calculi under LIA. A retrospective analysis of 52 patients with upper urinary stones who underwent MPCNL under LIA from April 2019 to May 2022 was performed. Pethidine and Phenergan were intramuscularly injected 30 minutes preoperatively. Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride gel was applied to the urethra for lubricating and mucosal anesthesia. Ropivacaine hydrochloride and lidocaine were injected into the whole percutaneous channel for local anesthesia. An 8/9.8F ureteroscope and an 18F vacuum-assisted access sheath were applied in MPCNL. All 52 patients tolerated procedures and underwent operations successfully; none of them converted the anesthesia method or required additional analgesia. The mean visual analogue scale scores intraoperatively and at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after surgery were 3.25 ± 0.52, 3.13 ± 0.69, 2.25 ± 0.56, and 1.58 ± 0.50, respectively. The stone free rate was 84.6%. Complications were seen in 6 (11.5%) patients, including fever in 2 patients (Clavien I), renal colic in 1 patient (Clavien I), clinically insignificant bleeding in 2 patients (Clavien I), and urinary tract infection in 1 patient (Clavien II). No severe complications were observed in any patients. Chinese MPCNL under LIA was a feasible option and achieved good outcomes in appropriately selected patients, and it may become the routine procedure for general patients.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in urology: The Chinese experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Chinese experience of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in urology. METHODS: From December 2008 to May 2017, 35 animal experiments and 305 clinical surgeries of NOTES or natural orifices specimen extractions (NOSE) were performed in China. The animal experiments included five kidney biopsies, 24 nephrectomies and six partial nephrectomies. The clinical surgeries included 12 transvaginal NOSE (TV-NOSE), 266 hybrid transvaginal NOTES (TV-NOTES) and 27 pure TV-NOTES. The TV-NOSE procedure was performed in five transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (U-LESS) nephrectomies, four suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (SA-LESS) nephroureterectomies, and three laparoscopic radical cystectomies. The hybrid TV-NOTES procedure included 210 nephrectomies, 31 adrenalectomies, eight nephroureterectomies, 13 partial nephrectomies, and four heminephrectomies. The pure TV-NOTES procedure included five renal cyst decortications and 22 nephrectomies. RESULTS: A total of 29 animal experiments were successfully performed. One partial nephrectomy was converted to standard laparoscopic surgery. Two kidney biopsies and two nephrectomies were unsuccessful. A total of 297 clinical surgeries were successfully performed. Six patients who underwent hybrid TV-NOTES were converted to open surgery. Two patients who underwent pure TV-NOTES were converted to SA-LESS. There were 22 major complications, 16 occurred intraoperatively and six postoperatively. The mean visual analog score (VAS) of 48 h after the operation was 2.5 points in TV-NOSE, 2.3 points in hybrid TV-NOTES and 1.7 points in pure TV-NOTES. The mean follow-up of 50.6 (3.0-87.0) months showed that all patients were in good condition. The umbilicus scars were nearly invisible in TV-NOSE and hybrid TV-NOTES. The vaginal incision healed well. CONCLUSIONS: TV-NOSE and TV-NOTES are feasible, safe, and effective with little injury, low pain, fast recovery, and good cosmetic outcomes in properly selected patients. They are worth consideration for urological clinical practice.

Prospective randomized comparison of transumbilical two-port laparoscopic and conventional laparoscopic varicocele ligation.

We have established a novel method named transumbilical two-port laparoscopic varicocele ligation (TTLVL) for varicocele, which is still needed to evaluate. In this study, 90 patients with left idiopathic symptomatic varicoceles of grades II-III according to the Dubin grading system were randomly assigned to TTLVL (n = 45) and conventional laparoscopic varicocele ligation (CLVL) (n = 45). The demographic, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were recorded and compared between the two groups. All the procedures in the two groups were completed successfully with no intraoperative complications and no conversions to open surgery. No significant difference was found in the operative time, resuming ambulation, bowel recovery, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative resolution of scrotal pain between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the postoperative mean visual analog pain scale scores for TTLVL group were all less at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days postoperatively compared to CLVL (P = 0.001, 0.010, 0.006, and 0.027, respectively). The mean patient scar assessment questionnaire score in postoperative month 3 was 29.7 for TTLVL group compared with 32.1 for CLVL group (P < 0.001). There was no testicular atrophy observed in both groups during the follow-up period. The study shows that TTLVL is a safe, feasible, and effective minimally invasive surgical alternative to CLVL for the treatment of varicocele. Compared with CLVL, TTLVL may decrease postoperative pain and improve the cosmetic outcomes.

Continuous negative pressure-flush through a dual tube for the treatment of a complicated pharyngeal fistula: A case report.

The treatment of pharyngeal fistulas is complicated. It is more difficult to deal with pharyngeal fistula following surgical treatment for hypopharynx carcinoma, particularly in cases of pectoralis major muscle flap repair. The present study describes the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with a highly-differentiated pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma located at the right side of the hypopharynx. The patient underwent a total laryngectomy and a right functional carotid dissection and tracheostomy; this was followed by post-operative radiotherapy. A pharyngeal fistula subsequently developed, but an attempt to repair this with a pectoralis major muscle flap failed. The complicated pharyngeal fistula was treated via continuous negative pressure-flush through a dual tube, without the requirement for incision, daily dressing or antibiotics. The favorable patient outcome represented a positive result, which was also able to reduce the psychological burden of the patient and improve their quality of life.

Resection and reconstruction of giant cervical metastatic cancer using a pectoralis major muscular flap transfer: A prospective study of 16 patients.

If not promptly or properly treated, certain cervical metastatic cancers that develop from unknown primary tumors may rapidly grow into giant tumors that can invade the blood vessels, muscle and skin. The present study examined the feasibility and efficacy of radical neck dissection combined with reconstruction using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for the treatment of giant cervical metastatic cancers that have developed from unknown primary tumors and have invaded the skin. A total of 16 patients who met the inclusion criteria were subjected to radical neck dissection to adequately resect invaded skin, and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was used to repair the large skin defect created in the cervical region. Following the surgery, the patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap survived in all 16 patients, with no cases of flap necrosis. In addition, no post-operative lymphedema, paresthesia or dysfunction of an upper extremity occurred due to the cutting of a pectoralis major muscle. In 9 cases, patients were satisfied with their post-operative shoulder movement at the donor site; in the remaining 7 cases, patients felt greater weakness in this region following surgery relative to prior to surgery. The 14 male patients were generally satisfied with the post-operative appearance of the donor region, whereas the 2 female patients were dissatisfied with the appearance of this region. Follow-up for 6-53 months after the patients were discharged following surgery and chemotherapy revealed that the recurrence of cervical tumors in 6 cases. Overall, radical neck dissection combined with the use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction is a feasible approach for the treatment of giant cervical metastatic cancers that have developed from unknown primary tumors and have invaded the skin. Post-operative concurrent chemoradiotherapy should be administered to improve the local control rate and patient quality of life, allowing a satisfactory therapeutic efficacy to be achieved.

Combined submandibular gland flap and sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap for postoperative reconstruction in older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

BACKGROUND: The growth of aging populations in an increasing number of countries has led to a concomitant increase in the incidence of chronic diseases. Accordingly, the proportion of older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers and comorbidities has also increased. Thus, improvements must be made in the tolerance and safety of surgical procedures for these patients with complex medical conditions. In this study, we investigated combined submandibular gland flap and sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap for postoperative reconstruction in older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in terms of surgical methods, safety, and clinical outcome. METHODS: Between January 2011 and May 2012, 8 patients over the age of 65 years (7 men, 1 woman; aged 66 to 75 years (median, 69.6)) with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers underwent combined submandibular gland and sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flaps for postoperative reconstruction at Ganzhou Tumor Hospital. All eight patients had comorbid cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or chronic respiratory disease or diabetes. Clinical outcomes, complications, and tolerance to surgical treatment were observed. RESULTS: Surgical treatment was successful in all eight patients. All submandibular gland flaps survived with well-mucosalized surfaces and with no complications. During the postoperative follow-up period of 12 to 28 months, no patient developed local recurrence or distant metastasis, and all had good recovery of function and local contour. CONCLUSIONS: This combined reconstruction technique enables appropriate restoration of oral function, facial aesthetics and improved quality of life. Further, this technique has several advantages: it is easier to perform, reduces operation time and surgical risk, causes less surgical injury, and has minor impact on contour. The technique provides a new and safe reconstruction option for older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

Transumbilical multiport laparoscopic nephrectomy with specimen extraction through the vagina.

OBJECTIVES: To report our initial experience with transumbilical multiport laparoscopic nephrectomy (TMLN) with transvaginal specimen extraction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January and July 2010, 5 married and parous female patients were submitted to TMLN with transvaginal specimen extraction in our center. All data referring to patient demographics, surgery, pathology and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Sexual function was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire before and after surgery. The cosmetic result was investigated by administering the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire and Scoring System (PSAQ). RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully. The mean operative time was 136 min (range 110-160 min, standard deviation [SD] 20.7). The mean estimated blood loss was 66 ml (range 40-100 ml, SD 24.1). The mean postoperative hospitalization stay was 4.8 days (range 4-6 days, SD 0.8). All patients reported unaltered sexual function after surgery. The better cosmetic results were confirmed by the PSAQ score. CONCLUSIONS: TMLN with transvaginal specimen extraction is feasible and safe for married and parous female patients. This technique is a natural evolution towards natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). By acting as an intermediate-type procedure, it provides a bridge through which NOTES may ultimately gain clinical acceptance.

Clinical observation of submandibular gland transfer for the prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a prospective randomized controlled study of 32 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of submandibular gland transfer for the prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Using the randomized controlled clinical research method, 65 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomly divided into an experimental group consisting of 32 patients and a control group consisting of 33 patients. The submandibular glands were averted to the submental region in 32 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before they received conventional radiotherapy; a lead block was used to shield the submental region during therapy. Prior to radiotherapy, the function of the submandibular glands was assessed using imaging. Submandibular gland function was measured using 99mTc radionuclide scanning at 60 months after radiotherapy. The data in the questionnaire regarding the degree of xerostomia were investigated and saliva secretion was measured at 3, 6, 12, and 60 months after radiotherapy. In addition, the 5-year survival rate was calculated. RESULTS: After follow-up for 3, 6, and 12 months, the incidence of moderate to severe xerostomia was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The average amount of saliva produced by the experimental and control groups was 1.60 g and 0.68 g, respectively (P<0.001). After follow-up for 60 months, the uptake and secretion functions of the submandibular glands in the experimental group were found to be significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The incidence of moderate or severe xerostomia was significantly lower than in the control group (15.4% and 76.9%, respectively; P<0.001). The 5-year survival rates of the experimental group and the control group were 81.3% and 78.8%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.806). CONCLUSIONS: After a 5 year follow-up period involving 32 patients who had their submandibular glands transferred for the prevention of xerostomia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, we found that clinical efficacy was good. This approach could improve the quality of life of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy and would not affect long-term treatment efficacy.

Pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery for renal cyst decortication: report of initial five cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present our initial experience with pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery renal cyst decortication. METHODS: From December 2010 to July 2011, five female patients with symptomatic renal cyst in the anterior portion and lower pole of the kidney were submitted to pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery renal cyst decortication in our center. Under general anesthesia, the patients were placed in the lithotomy position with the affected side elevated by 60°. A 3-cm incision was made at the posterior vaginal fornix and a modified three-channel port was deployed across the vaginal incision. The cyst was dissected and the cyst fluid was aspirated using a suction device. The cyst wall was circumferentially excised. RESULTS: All five procedures were successfully carried out without additional transabdominal trocars. The median operative time was 80 min (range 60-90 min). The median estimated blood loss was 25 mL (range 25-50 mL). The median visual analog scale score was 1 on postoperative day 1. None of the patients required narcotic pain medications beyond postoperative day 2. Intestinal function recovered on postoperative day 1-3. There was no intraoperative or postoperative complication in any of the patients. During the follow-up visits, all the patients were in good condition. All the patients reported unaltered sexual function after surgery by the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience suggests that pure transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery renal cyst decortication is feasible and safe in selected patients.

Suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in urology: our experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (SA-LESS) in urology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 236 patients underwent SA-LESS A 5- and 10-mm (or two 5-mm) trocars were inserted at the medial margin of the umbilicus. A 10- or 5-mm trocar was inserted into the abdominal cavity below the ipsilateral pubic hairline. The technique for the SA-LESS is similar to that of the standard laparoscopy, with conventional instruments placed in the abdominal trocars, under direct vision achieved by a 10-mm conventional 30 ° or 5-mm flexible-tip 0 ° laparoscope placed through the trocar below the pubic hairline. RESULTS: SA-LESS was successfully completed in 229 patients, without the need for ancillary trocars or additional instruments. Six patients required conversion to standard laparoscopy because of intraoperative bleeding (five) and failure to progress (one). One patient underwent open conversion because of gradual bleeding during the dissection of a dense adhesive renal pedicle due to infection and fibrosis The various SA-LESS procedures performed included adrenalectomy (15), renal cyst excision (19), nephrectomy (78; simple 63, radical 15), nephroureterectomy (three), nephron-sparing surgery (three), heminephroureterectomy (five), pyeloplasty (nine), pyelolithotomy (six), and ureterolithotomy (98). The median operative time was 81, 106, 92, 140, and 85 min, and the estimated blood loss was 60, 205, 115, 75, and 55 mL for adrenalectomy, simple nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, and ureterolithotomy, respectively. At a mean (range) follow-up of 14.8 (2-27) months there was a hidden umbilicus scar. The scar below the pubic hairline was not detectable because of pubic hair covering. CONCLUSIONS: SA-LESS appears to be feasible, safe and effective. Compared with umbilical LESS, the placement of a trocar at the umbilicus and below the pubic hairline not only decreases the difficulty of surgery but also leads to little postoperative pain and good cosmetic results.

CIP2A is a predictor of survival and a novel therapeutic target in bladder urothelial cell carcinoma.

Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is a recently identified human oncoprotein that stabilizes the c-MYC protein. Herein, we aimed to investigate its expression pattern, clinical significance, and biological function in urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the bladder. CIP2A expression was examined in 20 fresh bladder UCC tissues and paired adjacent normal bladder tissues by RT-PCR and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry for CIP2A was performed on additional 117 bladder UCC tissues. The clinical significance of CIP2A expression was analyzed. CIP2A downregulation was performed in bladder UCC cell line T24 with high abundance of CIP2A, and the effects of CIP2A silencing on cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo were evaluated. We found that CIP2A expression was upregulated in bladder UCC tissues relative to adjacent normal bladder tissues. Clinicopathological analysis showed that CIP2A expression was significantly associated with tumor stage (P = 0.004), histological grade (P = 0.007), and lymph node status (P = 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that CIP2A expression was associated with poor prognosis in bladder UCC patients (log-rank value = 14.704, P < 0.001). CIP2A expression was an independent prognostic marker of overall patient survival in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.015). Knockdown of the CIP2A expression reduced cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration, invasion, and tumor growth in xenograft model mice. Our findings suggest that CIP2A is an independent predictor of poor prognosis of bladder UCC patients, and inhibition of its expression might be of therapeutic significance.

Overexpression of FoxM1 is associated with tumor progression in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Fork head box M1 (FoxM1) is a proliferation-associated transcription factor essential for cell cycle progression. Numerous studies have documented that FoxM1 has multiple functions in tumorigenesis and its elevated levels are frequently associated with cancer progression. The present study was conducted to investigate the expression of FoxM1 and its prognostic significance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Meanwhile, the function of FoxM1 in human ccRCC was further investigated in cell culture models. METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to explore FoxM1 expression in ccRCC cell lines and primary ccRCC clinical specimens. FoxM1 expression was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in Caki-1 and 786-O cells; proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were assayed. RESULTS: FoxM1 expression was up-regulated in the majority of the ccRCC clinical tissue specimens at both mRNA and protein levels. Clinic pathological analysis showed that FoxM1 expression was significantly correlated with primary tumor stage (P <0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.01), distant metastasis (P = 0.01), TNM stage (P < 0.001) and histological grade (P = 0.003). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that high FoxM1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in ccRCC patients (P < 0.001). FoxM1 expression was an independent prognostic marker of overall ccRCC patient survival in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.008). Experimentally, we found that down-regulation of FoxM1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest with reduced expression of cyclin B1, cyclin D1, and Cdk2, and increased expression of p21 and p27. Also, down-regulation of FoxM1 reduced expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), resulting in the inhibition of migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that FoxM1 expression is likely to play important roles in ccRCC development and progression, and that FoxM1 is a prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for ccRCC.

A one-port pneumovesicum method in en bloc laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection is feasible and safe for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: • To introduce a modified method for managing the distal ureter in laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Six consecutive patients underwent LNU using a one-port pneumovesicum method for pathologically confirmed upper tract TCC. • Each patient was placed on the operating table in the lithotomy position and the pneumovesicum method was applied with CO(2) insufflation. Dissection was performed circumferentially through the entire detrusor muscle to disconnect the ureter from the bladder wall. A 10-mm trocar was placed into the bladder above the pubic bone. The distal ureter was occluded using a Hem-o-lok clip and pushed out of the bladder. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was then performed with the patient in the lateral position. • After surgery, all six patients received systemic chemotherapy and follow-up. RESULTS: • All procedures were performed successfully. • The median (range) operating time for the complete procedure was 105 (85-140) min, and the median (range) estimated blood loss was 125 (60-230) mL. • Seven days after surgery, each patient underwent cystography, which confirmed no extravasation of urine. • None of the patients developed bladder tumour recurrence or metastatic disease during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: • The one-port pneumovesicum method in LNU, which is applied to manage the distal ureter and bladder cuff, is technically feasible and safe. • The method simplifies management of the distal ureter, reduces the invasiveness of the procedure and improves cosmesis.

EGb761 protects motoneurons against avulsion-induced oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND: Root avulsion of the brachial plexus causes an oxidative stress reaction in the spinal cord and induces dramatic spinal motoneuron death, while EGb761 is a natural free radical cleaning agent. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of intraperitoneally injected EGb761 against neural damage following brachial root avulsion. METHODS: The effect of EGb761 on avulsion-induced motoneuron injury was studied in 26 total groups of (n) rats, treated as follows. Animals in singular number groups received EGb761(50 mg/kg.d) and those in complex number groups received normal saline solution (i.p.), serving as controls. Groups 1-8 were used for the determination of nitric oxide (NO) levels in the serum and injured spinal cord at the 5 d, 2 w, 4 w, and 6 w time points. Groups 9-16 were used for determination of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels in injured spinal cord at the 5 d, 2 w, 4 w, and 6 w time points. Groups 17-26 were used for determination of the number of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive and surviving motoneurons in injured C7 ventral horn at the 5 d, 2 w, 4 w, 6 w and 8 w time points. RESULTS: Compared to control groups, the EGb761 treatment group not only had significant decreased levels of NO in serum at 2 w and 6 w after avulsion, but also had reduced levels of NO specifically in the spinal cord at 2 w, 4 w and 6 w. The cNOS activity in the spinal cord was also significant decreased at 2 w and 4 w, while the iNOS activity in injured C6-T1 spinal segments was reduced at 2 w, 4 w and 6 w. All together, the percentages of NADPH-d positive motoneurons in an injured C7 segment were down-regulated and the number of surviving motoneurons in injured C7 ventral horn was increased at 2 w, 4 w, 6 w and 8 w in treated versus untreated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal administration of EGb761 after root avulsion of the brachial plexus exerted protective effects by decreasing the level of NO in spinal cord and serum and the activity of cNOS and iNOS, easing the delayed motoneurons death. EGb761 should be considered in the treatment of brachial plexus nerve injuries.

[Sperm retrieval and the predictive parameter of non-obstructive azoospermia: a meta-analysis of literatures 1990 to 2008].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate which sperm retrieval technique is suitable for the non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patient, and to identify the relevant predictive parameters. METHODS: Literatures on NOA patients who had undergone sperm retrieval and pathological examination of testis were identified from Cochrane Library, CNKI and Medline (1990 to 2008) and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five articles were enrolled. When testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA) was compared with testicular sperm extraction (TESE), the sperm retrieval rate of the former was 23.0%, significantly lower than that of the latter (52.2%, RR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.41 - 0.60, P < 0.05); and when TESE was compared with micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE), the sperm retrieval rate of the former was 35.7%, significantly lower than that of the latter (54.6%, RR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.50 - 0.98, P < 0.05). Sperm retrieval rate was closely correlated with the testicular pathological category of the NOA patients. The sperm retrieval rates of the patients with hypospermatogenesis (HS), maturation arrest (MA), and Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS) were 76.7%, 46.2%, and 32.8% respectively (RR: 1.65, 2.40, 1.50; 95%CI: 1.21 - 2.91, 1.85 - 6.90, 1.02 - 2.26, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: mTESE is the best sperm retrieval technique. A better to choice before deciding the treatment program of NOA patients is to identify the testicular pathological category in the NOA patients, and then to predict the outcome of TESE before assisted reproduction technology.