Robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistulae with the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach: A case series

Objective To describe a novel technique of repairing the VVF using the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach. Materials and Methods From June 2011 to October 2013, four patients with symptoms of urine leakage in the vagina underwent robotic repair of VVF with the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach. Cystoscopy revealed the fistula opening on the bladder. A ureteral stent was placed through the fistulous tract. After trocar placement, the omental flap was prepared and mobilized robotically. The vagina was identified and incised. The fistulous tract was excised. Cystorrhaphy was performed in two layers in an interrupted fashion. The vaginal opening was closed with running stitches. The omentum was interposed and anchored between the bladder and vagina. Finally, the ureteral catheters were removed in case they have been placed, and an 18 Fr urethral catheter was removed on the 14th postoperative day. Results The mean age was 46 years (range: 41 to 52 years). The mean fistula diameter was 1.5 cm (range 0.3 to 2 cm). The mean operative time was 117.5 min (range: 100 to 150 min). The estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range: 50 to 150 mL). The mean hospital stay was 1.75 days (range: 1 to 3 days). The mean Foley catheter duration was 15.75 days (range: 10 to 25 days). There was no evidence of recurrence in any of the cases. Conclusions The robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal transvaginal approach for VVF is a feasible procedure when the fistula tract is identified by first intentionally opening the vagina, thereby minimizing the bladder incision and with low morbidity. .

Robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistulae with the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel technique of repairing the VVF using the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2011 to October 2013, four patients with symptoms of urine leakage in the vagina underwent robotic repair of VVF with the transperitoneal-transvaginal approach. Cystoscopy revealed the fistula opening on the bladder. A ureteral stent was placed through the fistulous tract. After trocar placement, the omental flap was prepared and mobilized robotically. The vagina was identified and incised. The fistulous tract was excised. Cystorrhaphy was performed in two layers in an interrupted fashion. The vaginal opening was closed with running stitches. The omentum was interposed and anchored between the bladder and vagina. Finally, the ureteral catheters were removed in case they have been placed, and an 18 Fr urethral catheter was removed on the 14th postoperative day. RESULTS: The mean age was 46 years (range: 41 to 52 years). The mean fistula diameter was 1.5 cm (range 0.3 to 2 cm). The mean operative time was 117.5 min (range: 100 to 150 min). The estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range: 50 to 150 mL). The mean hospital stay was 1.75 days (range: 1 to 3 days). The mean Foley catheter duration was 15.75 days (range: 10 to 25 days). There was no evidence of recurrence in any of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal transvaginal approach for VVF is a feasible procedure when the fistula tract is identified by first intentionally opening the vagina, thereby minimizing the bladder incision and with low morbidity.

Robotic bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile cancer, development of a technique without robot repositioning: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with penile cancer and inguinal lymph node metastases. We describe the performance of the robotic bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy technique without repositioning the robot in a patient with penile carcinoma and high risk for nodal metastases and no palpable lymph nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 64-year-old male patient was diagnosed with penile cancer (TNM: T3 N 0 M 0) and underwent a total penectomy with perineal urethrostomy. We performed a robotic bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy four weeks after the penectomy. RESULTS: The entire procedure was performed with the robot-assisted technique. The operative time, median estimated blood loss, and hospital stay was 360 min, 100 ml (50 ml in the right side and 150 ml in the left side), and three days, respectively. Metastatic nodes were present in both inguinal regions, with a yield of 19 lymph nodes on the right and 14 on the left. The patient presented with a left-side lymphocele that was drained at follow-up. No other complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Robotic bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy secondary to penile cancer is feasible, safe, and provides a good performance. Prospective studies are required to include a larger number of patients and long-term monitoring to assess the results of this procedure in comparison with open and laparoscopic techniques.

Robot-assisted intrafascial simple prostatectomy: novel technique.

PURPOSE: We describe our initial experience with intrafascial robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (IF-RSP). Potential advantages include reduced blood loss, elimination of the need for postoperative bladder irrigation, and elimination of the risk of residual or future prostate cancer, without interrupting potency or continence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2011 to March 2012, 10 patients with symptomatic prostatomegaly on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) (mean 81 g) underwent IF-RSP. Three patients had acute urinary retention. Demographic perioperative and outcome data were recorded up to 1 month follow-up. RESULTS: Average age was 71.7 years (range 60-79 years), estimated blood loss was 375 mL (range 150-900 mL), operative time was 106 minutes (range 60-180 min), hospital stay was 1 day (range 0-3 days), and Foley catheter duration was 8.9 days (range 6-14 days). The drain was removed at a mean 2.8 days (range 0-8 days). Mean prostate volume on preoperative TRUS was 81 cc (range 47-153 cc). Mean specimen weight was 81 g (range 50-150 g). Improvement was noted in the International Prostate Symptom Score (preoperative vs postoperative 18.8 vs 1.7) and peak flow rate (12.4 vs 33.49 mL/min). Sexual Health Inventory for Men score ranged from 12 to 24. All patients were completely continent within 1 month postoperatively, and sexual function was preserved. One patient had urinary tract infection and one patient needed blood transfusion postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: IF-RSP appears to be a feasible procedure in large-volume prostatomegaly. The entire prostate tissue is removed without compromising continence and potency. Larger series and longer-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the proper place of this approach.

[Possible role of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in the etiology of infectious vaginitis]. / Pos ible papel de Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxigénico en la etiología de la vaginitis infecciosa.

Vaginitis is a common gynecologic disorder. It is due to several causes, some even unknown. Bacteroides fragilis is the most important anaerobe in clinical bacteriology, some strains of this group are notable for being enterotoxigenic and they have been associated with intestinal and extraintestinal syndromes. They have recently been isolated from patients with vaginitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible association of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis with infectious vaginitis. 265 samples of vaginal exudate were processed, 202 from symptomatic patients and 63 healthy women. The identification of the microorganisms was carried out by conventional methods. In 31.2% of symptomatic patients were identified: Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, Candida albicans, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Streptococcus agalactiae. B. fragilis was identified in 27 symptomatic patients and 5 healthy women. These strains were cultivated in liquid medium and incubated during 48 h at 36 degrees C in anaerobe chambers. Supernatant activity was assayed in HT-29 cells. Eighteen B. fragilis strains isolated from symptomatic patients were enterotoxigenic, because induced alterations in target cell morphology. It was not identified in healthy women (P < 0.05). 77.7% of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis strains were not associated with other specific pathogens. This fact suggests that enterotoxigenic B. fragilis could be a cause for vaginitis. The effect of enterotoxin on E-cadherin of vaginal epithelium could facilitate invasion and its possible pathogenic role in the vagina. This is the first report that associates enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis as a possible cause of infectious vaginitis.

Posible papel de Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxigénico en la etiología de la vaginitis infecciosa / Possible role of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in the etiology of infectious vaginitis

La vaginitis es un trastorno ginecológico frecuente producido por distintas causas, algunas de las cuales permanecen desconocidas. Bacteroides fragilis es el anaerobio más importante en bacteriología clínica. Algunas cepas son enterotoxigénicas y se asocian con síndromes intestinales y extraintestinales. Recientemente han sido aisladas de pacientes con vaginitis. En este trabajo se planteó investigar la posible asociación de B. fragilis enterotoxigénico con la vaginitis infecciosa. Fueron procesadas 265 muestras de exudado vaginal. 202 de mujeres sintomáticas y 63 mujeres sanas. La identificación de los microorganismos se realizó por métodos convencionales. En 31,2% de las pacientes sintomáticas se identificaron: Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans, Mobiluncus, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum y Streptococcus agalactiae. En 27 pacientes sintomáticas y en 5 mujeres sanas se identificó B. fragilis. Estas cepas fueron cultivadas en medio líquido e incubadas durante 48 h a 36° C en anaerobiosis. La toxicidad en los sobrenadantes se ensayó en células HT-29. 18 cepas de B. fragilis aisladas de pacientes sintomáticas fueron enterotoxigénicas, ya que indujeron alteraciones en la monocapa celular y en las células. No se identificó en mujeres sanas (P<0,05). 77,7% de las cepas de B. fragilis enterotoxigénicas no se encontraron asociadas con otros patógenos específicos. Este hecho sugiere que pudiera ser un agente causante de vaginitis, ya que el efecto de la enterotoxina sobre la E-cadherina del epitelio vaginal podría facilitar la invasión y su posible papel patógeno en la vagina. Esta es la primera investigación que asocia a Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxigénico como posible causa de vaginitis infecciosa.

Vaginitis is a common gynecologic disorder. It is due to several causes, some even unknown. Bacteroides fragilis is the most important anaerobe in clinical bacteriology, some strains of this group are notable for being enterotoxigenic and they have been associated with intestinal and extraintestinal syndromes. They have recently been isolated from patients with vaginitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible association of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis with infectious vaginitis. 265 samples of vaginal exudate were processed, 202 from symptomatic patients and 63 healthy women. The identification of the microorganisms was carried out by conventional methods. In 31.2% of symptomatic patients were identified: Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, Candida albicans, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Streptococcus agalactiae. B. fragilis was identified in 27 symptomatic patients and 5 healthy women. These strains were cultivated in liquid medium and incubated during 48 h at 36°C in anaerobe chambers. Supernatant activity was assayed in HT-29 cells. Eighteen B. fragilis strains isolated from symptomatic patients were enterotoxigenic, because induced alterations in target cell morphology. It was not identified in healthy women (P<0.05). 77.7% of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis strains were not associated with other specific pathogens. This fact suggests that enterotoxigenic B. fragilis could be a cause for vaginitis. The effect of enterotoxin on E-cadherin of vaginal epithelium could facilitate invasion and its possible pathogenic role in the vagina. This is the first report that associates enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis as a possible cause of infectious vaginitis.

Breve historia de la Revista de la Sociedad Venezolana de Microbiología (RSVM): XXX aniversario (1981-2011) / A brief history of the Revista de la Sociedad Venezolana de Microbiología (RSVM): XXX Anniversary (1981-2011)

La Revista de la Sociedad Venezolana de Microbiología (RSVM) llegó a su XXX aniversario (1981-2011). Su origen se remonta a la impresión de los folletos: Micronotícias (1971) y el Boletín Informativo de la SVM (1975). En 1981 se inicia la publicación del Boletín SVM, considerado como el punto de partida de la actual RSVM. En este trabajo se presenta un análisis de la evolución histórica de la RSVM destacando las etapas clave en su desarrollo, el estado actual y alcances como órgano oficial de la Sociedad Venezolana de Microbiología. Actualmente la RSVM se publica en formatos impreso y electrónico, con visibilidad internacional y libre acceso a través de repositorios internacionales: BIREME, SciELO, LILACS, LIVECS, los sistemas iberoamericanos de referencia:REDALYC, Latindex y SIIC, página web de la SVM y el portal SaberUCV.

The Revista de la Sociedad Venezolana de Microbiología -RSVM- (Venezuelan Journal of Microbiology Society) reached its XXX Anniversary (1981-2011). Its origin goes back to the serials Micronoticias (1971) and the Boletín Informativo de la SVM (1975). In 1981 its becomes Boletín SVM, regarded as the starting point of the current RSVM.This work contains an historical review highlighting the key points in its transformation stages, the currents state and its scope as a printed and electronic journal with international visibility and open access though repositories systems: SciELO Venezuela, LILACS, LIVECS and iberoamerican reference systems: REDALYC, Latindex and the SIIC system, as well as the SVM web page and SaberUCV.

NOTES hybrid transvaginal radical nephrectomy for tumor: stepwise progression toward a first successful clinical case.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been used to perform nephrectomy in the laboratory; however, clinical reports to date have used multiple abdominal trocars to assist the transvaginal procedure. OBJECTIVE: To present our stepwise technique development and the first successful clinical case of NOTES transvaginal radical nephrectomy for tumor with umbilical assistance without extraumbilical skin incisions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The four transvaginal NOTES procedures were performed at two institutions after obtaining institutional review board approval. Various operative steps were developed experimentally in three clinical cases, and on March 7, 2009, we performed the first successful case of NOTES hybrid transvaginal radical nephrectomy without any extraumbilical skin incisions. Using one multichannel access port in the vagina and one in the umbilicus, laparoscopic visualization, intraoperative tissue dissection, and hilar control were performed transvaginally and transumbilically. The intact specimen was extracted transvaginally. MEASUREMENTS: All perioperative data were accrued prospectively. A stepwise progression to the successful completion of the fourth case is systematically presented. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Intraoperatively, at incrementally more advanced stages of the procedure, the first three NOTES clinical cases were electively converted to standard laparoscopy because of rectal injury during vaginal entry, of failure to progress, and of gradual bleeding during upper-pole dissection after transvaginal hilar control, respectively. The fourth case was successfully completed via transvaginal and umbilical access without conversion to standard laparoscopy. Operative time was 3.7 h, estimated blood loss was 150 cm(3), and hospital stay was 1 d. Final pathology confirmed a 220-g, pT1b, 7-cm, grade 2, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma with negative margins. The patient was readmitted for an intraabdominal collection that responded to drainage and antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: We report our stepwise progression and the initial successful clinical case of NOTES hybrid transvaginal radical nephrectomy for tumor, assisted with only one umbilical trocar. Although transvaginal nephrectomy is feasible in the highly selected patient with favorable intraoperative circumstances, considerable refinements in technique and technology are necessary if this approach is to advance beyond mere anecdote.

Robotic extended pyelolithotomy for complete staghorn calculus.

Staghorn stones represent a therapeutic challenge to urologists. We present our experience with laparoscopic extended pyelolithotomy for treatment of staghorn and complex renal calculi in highly selected cases. This approach provides the principles of open surgery with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. We describe our experience with robot-assisted extended pyelolithotomy for complex coralliform calculi. Since January 2007, robotic extended pyelolithotomy has been performed by transperitoneal approach in two patients with complete coralliform lithiasis (calculi average size 8 cm). One patient had history of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Demographic and operative data were collected. All procedures were technically successful without need for open conversion. Mean estimated blood loss was 175 ml (range 50-300 ml), and mean operative time was 150 min (range 120-150 min). A perinephric drain was employed in one patient with duration of 5 days. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete stone clearance. Robotic extended pyelolithotomy is a feasible and reproducible procedure for removal of complete and partial staghorn calculi in selected patients with complex nephrolithiasis. This approach might limit the role of open surgery for these calculi, but further publications with more cases are necessary to further define its utility.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery simple prostatectomy: initial report.

OBJECTIVES: To report the first case and detailed technique of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery simple prostatectomy for benign hypertrophy. METHODS: A 67-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention requiring catheterization. Serum prostate-specific antigen level was 5 ng/mL, and a biopsy revealed benign hypertrophy with a transrectal ultrasound volume estimation of 110 mL. LESS simple prostatectomy was performed using a single multilumen port inserted through a solitary 2.5-cm intraumbilical incision. Standard laparoscopic ultrasonic shears and needle drivers, articulating scissors, and specifically designed bent grasping instruments facilitated dissection and suturing. RESULTS: An R-port was placed intraperitoneally through a 2.5-cm intraumbilical incision. No extraumbilical skin incisions were made. Total operative time was 120 minutes and estimated blood loss was 200 mL. A closed suction drain was externalized through the umbilical incision. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Hospital stay was 2 days, the retropubic drain was removed at 3 days, and the catheter removed at 1 week. Specimen weight was 95 g and final pathology revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia. At 3 months follow-up, the patient was completely continent and voiding spontaneously with a Q(max.) of 85 mL/s. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate technical feasibility and describe the detailed surgical technique of LESS simple prostatectomy. Our initial experience suggests that this technique may be an alternative for large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia in lieu of open surgery. Comparative studies with other surgical techniques will determine its place in the surgical armamentarium of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

[Laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS)]. / Laparo-endoscopia por acceso único: experiencia inicial.

OBJECTIVE: We present our initial experience in laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery, through multichannel port, articulated instruments and standard instruments adapted others adapted for the procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February and October 2008, 28 LESS surgical procedures with multi-port were performed (Transumbilical simple prostatectomy (PSTU) and transvesical (PSTV), simple nephrectomy (NS), Enterocystoplasty augmentation (ECA) and simple hysterectomy (HS)). The clinical data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Was used access device Multichannel (R-Port). The procedures were performed for a single surgeon (RS). The surgical technique was the same route used by conventional laparoscopic. RESULTS: Twenty-eight surgeries were performed: PSTU (01), PSTV (20), NS (01), ECA (01), HS (05). The incision was performed umbilical or infraumbilical. Only one case (nephrectomy) needed it placement of an additional trocar. The average age by procedure was PSTU and PSTV, 67- and 68-year-old (57-89 y) respectively; NS 12 year-old; RCT 20-year-old; HS 46.4-year-old (41 - 54 y). The operative time was: PSTU 120 minutes, PSTV 91 minutes (45-210 min); NS 120 minutes: RCT 300 minutes; HS 112 minutes(90-160 min). The operative bleeding was PSTU and PSTV 200 cc. and 337 cc (50-1500 cc) respectively; NS 100 cc; EAC 100 cc; HS 118 cc (100-160 cc). The complication was haematury in two cases of PSTV, both patients required exploration postoperative endoscopic with satisfactory evolution. CONCLUSIONS: LESS is a feasible and reproducible surgical option in uro-gynecologic surgical treatment. Further studies, experience and follow-up will provide an objective assessment of the technique.

Laparoscopic augmentation enterocystoplasty through a single trocar.

OBJECTIVES: To report on the initial case and surgical technique of laparoendoscopic, single-site, subtotal cystectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty performed through a single multichannel transumbilical port in a patient with neurogenic bladder. METHODS: Laparoendoscopic, single-site, subtotal cystectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty was performed in a 20-year-old woman with neurogenic bladder secondary to congenital sacral lipoma that had been operated on at 2 years of age. The patient had a long history of urinary incontinence and frequent and urgent urination. The imaging and urodynamic studies revealed a 100-mL bladder capacity with thickened walls, countless diverticula, and low compliance. The procedure was performed exclusively using a novel multichannel access port. Additional instruments included the 5-mm video laparoscope, SonoSurge, and flexible scissors. Subtotal cystectomy was initially performed by resecting 70% of the bladder. The ileal loop was exteriorized through the single port by detaching the valve, and the ileal pouch and bowel continuity were restored extracorporeally. The vesicoileal anastomosis was performed laparoscopically. RESULTS: The operating time was 300 minutes, and the blood loss was <100 mL. No intraoperative or postoperative complications developed. The hospital stay was 6 days. The drain and Foley catheter were removed at 7 and 21 days postoperatively, respectively. Postoperative cystography confirmed a watertight anastomosis and increased bladder capacity. At last follow-up, the patient was performing intermittent self-catheterization to complete emptying. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with laparoendoscopic, single-site, subtotal cystectomy and enterocystoplasty through a single port was encouraging. The use of the larger diameter port significantly facilitated extracorporeal bowel reconstruction and can be used for various minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Chicken gizzard: a new training model for laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: To create a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible animal model to provide a new training option for performing urethrovesical anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Development and testing were carried out in 2008. The materials used included a laparoscopic training box, video camera, monitor, needle holder, sutures, and non-eviscerated chickens weighing more than 2 kilograms. The model was prepared with a new perception of a structure similar to the human pelvis. To create the anastomosis, we used the gizzard (bladder neck) and the rectum (urethra). Once the model was placed in the box, the anastomosis was performed under very similar anatomical conditions to real procedures. Anastomosis quality was assessed by means of a permeability test and transanal endoscopy. RESULTS: The operating field is very similar to the human pelvis. The tissues have a quality, texture, and diameter resembling those of the urethra (rectum) and the bladder neck (gizzard), and offer the opportunity to practise anastomosis and anterior racket. CONCLUSIONS: The model for urethrovesical anastomosis using the chicken gizzard and rectum is simple, easily available, inexpensive and reproducible. The anatomy of the chicken and the characteristics of its tissues allow for training under conditions very similar to those present in human cases.

Single-port transvesical simple prostatectomy: initial clinical report.

INTRODUCTION: To present the initial report of single-port transvesical enucleation of the prostate in 3 patients with large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: Single-port transvesical enucleation of the prostate was performed in 3 patients with large-volume (187, 93, and 92 g) benign prostatic hyperplasia. A novel single-port device (r-Port) was introduced percutaneously into the bladder through a 2.5-cm incision under cystoscopic guidance. After establishing pneumovesicum, the adenoma was enucleated in its entirety transvesically under laparoscopic visualization using standard and articulating laparoscopic instrumentation. The adenoma was extracted through the solitary skin and bladder incision after bivalving the prostate lobes within the bladder. RESULTS: Single-port transvesical enucleation of the prostate was technically feasible in all 3 cases. The operative time was 6, 1.5, and 2.5 hours, and the blood loss was 900, 250, and 350 mL. In patient 1, who had previously undergone open suprapubic surgery, a bowel injury occurred during r-Port insertion; the injury was recognized and repaired intraoperatively without sequelae. The urethral Foley catheter was removed on day 4, and all patients were voiding spontaneously with a minimal postvoid residual volume and full continence. CONCLUSIONS: Transvesical single-port laparoscopic simple prostatectomy is technically feasible. Additional experience at our and other institutions is necessary to determine its role in the surgical management of large-volume symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Robotic repair of rectovesical fistula resulting from open radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Rectovesical fistula (RVF) is a rare complication of radical prostatectomy. A 57-year-old man underwent open radical prostatectomy with recognized rectal injury, primary closure of the rectal wall, and loop colostomy. The patient developed urine leakage per rectum after colostomy closure. We diverted the fecal stream with end colostomy and placed a suprapubic tube. An open transsacral (Kraske) repair failed 1 month later. We have previously described the laparoscopic approach, and report the technique and results of our first robotic assisted operation. METHODS: The operative steps were as follows: (1) cystoscopy, (2) RVF catheterization (3) five-port transperitoneal laparoscopic initial dissection (4) mobilization of omental pedicle flap, (4) cystotomy extending toward the fistulous tract, (5) robot docking (6) dissection of the rectovesical plane, (7) interrupted rectal closure, (8) omental interposition, (9) bladder closure, and (10) drain placement. RESULTS: Operative time was 180 minutes. Hospital stay was 1 day. The suprapubic tube was removed at 2 months after normal cystography. Bowel continuity was restored at 4 months, with no fistula recurrence at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We await longer follow-up and experience in larger series. For now, robotic repair of rectovesical fistula appears feasible and represents an attractive alternative to open and laparoscopic approaches.

Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxigénico aislado de pacientes con vaginitis / Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis isolated from patients with vaginitis

La vaginitis es un diagnóstico común en ginecología. Su presencia obedece a diversas causas, algunas aún desconocidas. Bacteroides fragilis es el anaerobio más importante desde el punto de vista clínico. Entre otros factores de virulencia, algunas cepas producen una enterotoxina asociada con diarrea. Estas cepas han sido aisladas tanto de muestras intestinales como extra intestinales. Por la existencia de procesos inflamatorios en la mucosa cérvico-vaginal de etiología desconocida se investiga a B. fragilis enterotoxigénico en pacientes con vaginitis. Se procesaron 140 muestras de pacientes y 40 de controles sanos. De las pacientes sintomáticas se aislaron 15 cepas de B. fragilis y ninguna en los controles (P<0,05). Posteriormente, fueron cultivadas en anaerobiosis, usando caldo cerebro-corazón suplementado con vitamina K1 y hemina durante 48 horas a 36°C. El sobrenadante se obtuvo por centrifugación y su actividad se ensayó en células HT-29. Doce (80%) cepas produjeron alteraciones en la monocapa celular, manifestada por desprendimiento, disolución de los acúmulos, expansión y disgregación de las células, superando en algunos casos la toxicidad observada en el control positivo. En siete pacientes, B. fragilis enterotoxigénico no estuvo asociado a patógenos específicos. La presencia de B. fragilis enterotoxigénico en pacientes con vaginitis plantea la necesidad de definir su papel en la etiología de esta entidad clínica.

Vaginitis is a common diagnosis in the centers of gynecological attention. It is due to several causes, some even unknown. Bacteroides fragilis is the most important anaerobe in clinical practice; some strains produce an enterotoxin associated with diarrhea. Enterotoxigenic B. fragilis has been isolated from intestinal as well as extra intestinal samples. Because inflammatory processes unknown etiology it was investigated B. fragilis in the cervical-vaginal mucous in the patients with vaginitis. 140 samples were processed from symptomatic patients and 40 from healthy controls. 15 strains of B. fragilis were isolated from symptomatic patients while none were found in controls (P<0,05). These strains were cultivated in anaerobic chambers, cultured in brain heart infusion supplemented with vitamin K1 and hemine during 48 hours at 36°C. Supernatant were obtained by centrifugation and its activity assayed in HT-29 cells. Twelve (80%) of the isolated induced alterations in target cell morphology characterized by cell detachment, breakup of cell clumps, expansion and degradation of cells, some cases revealed a higher cytotoxic activity than the positive control. In seven patients enterotoxigenic B. fragilis was not associated to specific pathogens. The presence of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis in patients with vaginitis raises the necessity to define its role in the etiology of this clinical entity.

Robotic simple prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive approaches for large, symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia are replacing the gold standard open surgical approach, duplicating its results with lower morbidity. We describe our initial experience with robotic simple prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since January 2007, robotic simple prostatectomy was performed via a transperitoneal approach in 7 patients with symptomatic significant prostatomegaly on transrectal ultrasound (mean 77.66 gm). Demographic, perioperative and outcome data were recorded and all procedures were performed by the same surgeon. RESULTS: Average patient age was 63.2 years (range 56 to 72) and estimated blood loss was 298 ml (range 60 to 800). Average operative time was 205 minutes (range 120 to 300). Average hospital stay was 1.4 days (range 1 to 2), average Foley catheter duration was 7 days (range 6 to 9) and drains were removed after an average of 3.75 days (range 3 to 4). Mean specimen weight on pathological examination was 50.48 gm (range 40 to 64.5). Transfusion was necessary in 1 patient. No complications were documented. Considerable improvement from baseline was noted in International Prostate Symptom Score (preoperative vs postoperative 22 vs 7.25) and maximum urine flow (preoperative vs postoperative 17.75 vs 55.5 ml per minute). Four patients were in acute urinary retention preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic simple prostatectomy is a feasible, reproducible procedure. Further publications are expected with larger series and larger prostatic adenomas.