Strategic hand assistance for effective and safe retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy has been widely applied, because it enables safe dissection of the renal vessels, reducing warm ischemia time (WIT) during rapid extraction of the kidney. In the method described in the current series, the hand-port device was placed after the kidney was mostly mobilized using a pure retroperitoneoscopic procedure. After placement of the hand port, the ureter was completely dissected by an open procedure. Finally, the renal vessels were dissected and transected under the hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic procedure, and the kidney removed through the hand port. We performed 66 retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomies, including 14 right-sided and 52 left-sided procedures, with this original method of hand assistance. The mean operative time, WIT, blood loss, and renal vein length were 246 +/- 43 minutes, 209 +/- 124 seconds, 202 +/- 180 mL, and 17.4 +/- 6.4 mm, respectively. Comparison of the operative data between the initial 30 cases and the recent 36 cases using the established method showed significant differences in blood loss and WIT that approached statistical significance. No delayed graft function was observed in the current series. The technical and functional outcomes were acceptable. The site and timing of hand assistance minimize the disadvantage of a small working space during the retroperitoneoscopic procedure, making surgery easier and safer.

Covering of the terminal ureter with de-serosalized muscle layer of the ileum for antireflux ureteroileostomy: an experimental study in dogs and a preliminary clinical trial.

We demonstrated a new operative technique for antireflux ureteroileostomy in dogs. The severed ureter was reimplanted into the isolated ileum. Ten terminal ureters were covered with a 2 x 2 cm2 section of de-serosalized ileal wall after direct ureteroileostomy, and another six terminal ureters were covered with a 2 x 2 cm2 section of non-de-serosalized full-thickness ileal wall. Thirteen ureters were directly anastomosed to the ileum without any additional procedures. The bladder was augmented by the detubularized ileum with the ureter. Postoperative evaluations on ureteral stenosis and reflux were performed monthly for 3 months. The ureters covered with the de-serosalized ileal wall prevented ureteral reflux even when the intravesical pressure climbed as high as 100 cm H2O. Although two of these ten ureters demonstrated strictures at the precise site of direct ureteroileostomy, the sections of the ureters covered with the de-serosalized ileal wall were opened and did not collapse. In the resected specimens, the terminal ureters were found in the intramural part of the ileum. The ureters covered with the full-thickness of ileal wall did not prevent reflux. Our method of covering the terminal ureter with the de-serosalized ileal wall worked well as an antireflux mechanism, and the intramural ureter did not cause ureteral stricture. After this animal experiment, we introduced this antireflux mechanism clinically.

A technique for resection of small bladder tumors using a flexible cystoscope on an outpatient basis: bladder tumor resection with newly designed hot cup forceps.

PURPOSE: We describe a technique for resecting small papillary superficial bladder tumors using a new device and flexible cystoscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 79-year-old man 3 small recurrent papillary bladder tumors were resected transurethrally on an outpatient basis. The procedure was performed using a flexible cystoscope and a newly designed type of cup forceps with the patient under topical anesthesia. No urethral catheter remained indwelling after surgery and the patient was discharged home the same day. RESULTS: Bladder tumor resection using this technique was tolerable to the patient and postoperative bladder hemorrhage was not noted. Resected specimens were adequate for pathological tumor evaluation, which revealed grade 1 stage Ta superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. CONCLUSIONS: This easy technique seems to be tolerated well by the patient. Resected specimens should be adequate for evaluating the pathological grade and depth of stage Ta or T1 superficial bladder cancer. This technique may be an alternative to standard transurethral resection for removing small recurrent bladder lesions in select patients who prefer outpatient management of bladder tumors.

[Clinical evaluation of urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 as a marker for bladder cancer].

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) as a marker for bladder cancer. We examined the positive rates of NMP22 test, urinary cytology and bladder tumor antigen (BTA) test, and compared the positive rate of NMP22 test with that in urinary cytology and BTA test. Urine samples were obtained from 50 patients with histologically confirmed bladder cancer before the treatment. The samples were examined by NMP22 test, urinary cytology and BTA test. In 50 patients with bladder cancer, the overall positive rate was 40% for NMP22 test, 40% for urinary cytology, and 16% for BTA test. A combination of NMP22 test and urinary cytology showed a significantly higher positive rate (54%) as compared to NMP22 test or urinary cytology alone. When NMP22 test and urinary cytology were compared for tumor size, number, shape, stage and grade, NMP22 test showed a significant higher positive rate than urinary cytology in grade 1 bladder cancer. In conclusion, although NMP22 test and urinary cytology gave a similar positive rate, a combination of NMP22 test and urinary cytology is more useful than the NMP22 test or urinary cytology alone for monitoring of bladder cancer.

Lower ureteral replacement using a tubularized gastric segment.

OBJECTIVES: To review our early experience with the use of a gastric segment for lower ureteral replacement in patients with bilateral ureteral stenosis after pelvic radiotherapy. METHODS: Four adult patients (three women and one man) underwent bilateral ureteral substitution using stomach. All patients received whole pelvic irradiation for malignant disease and had undergone bilateral nephrostomy because of severe bilateral ureteral stenosis. The postoperative follow-up period was 11 to 50 months. RESULTS: No major complication was recognized, and the bilateral nephrostomy tubes were removed in all patients. Three female patients could void urethrally without incontinence, and the male patient needed regular self-catheterization. The three women were alive with normal renal function at a follow-up of 11 to 50 months. The man had a vesicorectal fistula 8 months postoperatively, and colostomy was performed. He died of a cause unrelated to the operation 11 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Stomach has not been used commonly for ureteral replacement. In patients with bilateral severe ureteral stenosis after pelvic radiotherapy, ureteral substitution with a gastric segment can be safely performed and will increase the patient's quality of life.

Improvement of ureteroileal anastomosis in orthotopic ileal neobladder with modified le duc procedure: short submucosal tunnel technique.

PURPOSE: A modified Le Duc procedure with a short submucosal tunnel was applied for ureteroileal implantation in ileal orthotopic neobladder and bladder augmentation with the ileum. We assessed the rate of stenosis and ureteral reflux at the ureteroileal anastomosis after this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two women and 22 men underwent radical cystectomy and creation of a Hautmann ileal neobladder for invasive bladder cancer. Another woman underwent ileal bladder augmentation with bilateral ureteral reimplantation into the ileal segment. Ureteroileal anastomosis was performed using the modified Le Duc technique in 48 renoureteral units. Followup in all patients included retrograde cystography done before discharge home and excretory urography, renal ultrasonography or abdominal computerized tomography every 4 to 6 months. Followup was 11 to 39 months in 23 of the 25 cases. RESULTS: Retrograde cystography before discharge home revealed no urinary reflux in any reimplanted ureter. There was no ureteral stenosis or reflux in 20 male and 3 female patients (44 renoureteral units) who voided successfully without catheterization. A unilateral ureteral stricture at the ureteroileal anastomotic site in 1 man who voided successfully was treated with endoscopic surgery. Bilateral slight upper urinary tract dilatation caused by ureteral reflux was present in another man who did not void successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Le Duc technique is simple and safe for forming an ureteroileal anastomosis in ileal orthotopic neobladder creation. It appears to have a low ureteral stenosis and reflux complication rate in patients who successfully void postoperatively.

Segmental multicystic dysplastic kidney in an adult woman.

We report a case of unilateral segmental multicystic dysplastic kidney (SMCDK) in an adult woman. A 42-year-old woman presented with abdominal distension and gross hematuria. The preoperative diagnosis was cystic renal cell carcinoma, and a radical nephrectomy was performed. Histopathologically, the resected kidney was SMCDK with severe hydronephrosis.

Post-traumatic high flow priapism: demonstrable findings of penile enhanced computed tomography.

Post-traumatic high flow priapism is a rare disease. A review of English published reports revealed 63 cases. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the penis has not previously been used as a diagnostic method for post-traumatic high flow priapism. We present a case of post-traumatic high flow priapism diagnosed with enhanced CT of the penis. Additionally, diagnostic modalities for post-traumatic high flow priapism are discussed with review of published work.

Leiomyoma of the ureter.

We report a case of leiomyoma of the ureter, and the patient underwent partial ureteral resection. This is the 8th case reported after 1955, and the clinical features of ureteral leiomyomas of these 8 cases are discussed.

[A case of pulmonary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma with complete response to interferon-alpha and tegafur/uracil (UFT) but possibly UFT-induced liver dysfunction and leukoencephalopathy-like symptoms].

A 61-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. He underwent left radical nephrectomy under a diagnosis of left renal cell carcinoma without distant metastasis, but bilateral multiple pulmonary metastases appeared 2.5 months after the operation. Though the metastases responded well to combination therapy of interferon-alpha and a 1:4 mixture of tegafur and uracil (UFT), the side effects of liver dysfunction and leukoencephalopathy-like symptoms due to UFT appeared 7 months after the beginning of the chemotherapy. These side effects were improved after the cessation of UFT administration.

Simple anti-reflux uretero-ileal anastomosis: an experimental study in dogs.

PURPOSE: To develop more simple and effective anti-reflux techniques applicable to the ileal reservoir, we examined the usefulness of a novel anti-reflux uretero-ileal anastomosis creating a flap valve mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five dogs were used. A 4 cm. long ileal segment was isolated and its oral part (2.5 cm.) was detubularized. The detubularized ileal plate was anastomosed to the dome of the bladder. The left ureter was cut and its proximal end was spatulated and anastomosed end-to-side to the ileal plate. The end of the 1.5 cm. long afferent limb (non-detubularized part of the ileal segment) was closed and fixed down to the ileal plate to create an extramural tunnel. In this way, the reimplanted ureter was covered by the afferent limb. The dogs were evaluated between 3 and 4 months postoperatively. RESULTS: None of the 5 dogs used showed vesico-ureteral reflux or hydronephrosis. Histological examination showed an intact ureter enclosed with a normal ileal wall. CONCLUSION: Our proposed anti-reflux uretero-ileal anastomosis is simple and reliable. This technique may be suitable for applying to a urinary reservoir, especially as an alternative to the intussuscepted nipple valve.

Distribution of doxorubicin in the bladder wall and regional lymph nodes after bladder submucosal injection of liposomal doxorubicin in the dog.

PURPOSE: Liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin (Lip-Dox) has increased therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to free doxorubicin (Dox). To assess the utility of Lip-Dox for local control of bladder cancer, we examined the distribution of Dox in the bladder wall and the regional lymph nodes of dogs after bladder submucosal injection of Lip-Dox. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 8 dogs (group SM), Lip-Dox (2 mg.:1 ml.) was injected into the submucosal layer of each lateral bladder wall by using a flexible cystoscope. The other 8 dogs (group IV) underwent intravenous injection of free Dox (4 mg.). Both groups of animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5 or 7 days after the injections. The concentration of Dox was measured in both the mucosal and muscle layers of 5 bladder wall sites and also in the external iliac lymph nodes bilaterally. RESULTS: The Dox-concentration in the lymph nodes of group SM was significantly higher (about 15-100 times) than that of group IV throughout the whole follow-up period. The Dox-concentration in the bladder wall for group SM was significantly higher than that in group IV (about 70-930 times at the lateral walls and 2-830 times at the other sites). CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrate that Lip-Dox injected into the bladder submucosally distributes well, both in the whole bladder wall and in regional lymph nodes and remains at a high concentration in these tissues for at least one week after injection.

[Preliminary experience of radical retropubic prostatectomy using an endoscopic stapler].

PURPOSE: Preliminary experience of radical retropubic prostatectomy using an endoscopic stapler is reported. METHODS: An endoscopic stapler was applied for ligation and division of the lateral prostatic ligaments and the deep dorsal vein complex during radical retropubic prostatectomy in 8 patients. RESULTS: Procedures with stapler were easily performed and almost always effective for hemostasis. Mean total blood loss was 663 ml, mean 575 ml of autologous blood was given. None of patients was transfused allogeneic blood. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that an endoscopic stapler may facilitate radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Gastrocystoplasty in a woman with radiation-induced ureteral obstruction and low-compliance bladder.

A 56-year-old woman presented with bilateral hydronephrosis and moderate renal insufficiency. A diagnosis of bilateral ureteral obstruction and low-compliance bladder following pelvic irradiation was made by urological examinations. She underwent gastrocystoplasty to facilitate bilateral ureteral reimplantation with an uneventful postoperative course. We consider that the use of the stomach to reconstruct the urinary tract injured by pelvic irradiation is valuable to avoid an abdominal urinary stoma.

[Gastrocystoplasty for severely contracted bladder following high dose pelvic irradiation: a case report].

A 24-year-old female who had received hysterectomy and adnexectomy of bilateral appendages for yolk sac tumor at the age of 12 years, followed by repeated surgery and pelvic irradiation over a total of 100 Gy for relapse of tumor, suffered from a severely contracted bladder and renal dysfunction of serum creatinine level over 2.0 mg/dl. The diagnosis was radiation-induced contracted bladder with renal dysfunction due to vesicoureteral reflux. Since the small intestine was not considered suitable after high dose irradiation, the stomach was used to reconstruct the bladder. The vesical pressure, which was 70 cmH2O at the capacity of 30 ml, was decreased to 22 cmH2O at the capacity of 100 ml, 5 weeks after surgery. The renal function was stable with a serum creatinine level below 1.4 mg/dl and the bladder capacity was 200 ml, 15 months after surgery. This method using the stomach was considered valuable for bladder reconstruction after large dose pelvic irradiation.