Investigating trends in interest for benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery options using Google Trends.

Understanding patient interest among surgical options is challenging. We used Google Trends to analyze interest in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgeries recommended for prostate volumes <80 cc. Google Trends was queried with five BPH surgeries. Final rank of search terms was TURP, UroLift, Rezum, Aquablation, and Greenlight. Google Trends can be an effective tool for evaluating public interest trends in BPH surgery.

Comorbidity burden and nonclinical factors associated with sinonasal cancer all-cause mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To describe comorbidity burden and nonclinical factors associated with all-cause mortality of sinonasal cancer in the United States. METHODS: The National Cancer Database (2004-2013) was queried for adult cases of sinonasal cancer (n = 10,518). Outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. Independent variables included comorbidity score and nonclinical factors such as age, gender, race, facility type, distance to facility, insurance, and income. Survival analysis was conducted via multivariable extended Cox regression with Heaviside adjustments. RESULTS: Patients were mostly (79%), male (61%), and mean age of diagnosis was 63.5 years. Approximately one in five patients (18.7%) had a major comorbid condition (Charlson-Deyo score ≥ 1) at diagnosis. After adjusting for clinical factors, increasing comorbidity score was associated with a corresponding increase in hazard of mortality (aHR comorbidity score of 1 = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16, 1.35), (aHR score of 2+ = 1.61; 95%, CI 1.41, 1.83). Hazard of mortality was also associated with being male (aHR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.17); black (aHR = 1.13, 95% CI, 1.03, 1.24); uninsured (aHR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.25, 1.68) or on Medicaid (aHR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.33, 1.69); residence in zip codes with lower median income quartile (aHR < $30,000 = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06, 1.29); and treatment at community cancer programs (aHR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.01, 1.28). CONCLUSION: Comorbid disease is associated with all-cause sinonasal cancer mortality, and after accounting for known clinical factors, significant differences in mortality persist based on disparity-driven, nonclinical factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 130:1443-1449, 2020.

Management of Major Postcholecystectomy Biliary Injuries: An Analysis of Surgical Results in 62 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Management of injuries sustained during cholecystectomy requires expertise and involves a patient who is troubled, usually drained of personal resources. There has been an increase in incidence with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The standard surgical management done for major biliary injuries is Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy (R-en-Y HJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients managed surgically for definitive management of biliary injuries in the form of R-en-Y HJ were included. Data were collected from prospectively maintained records and through outpatient follow-up. Demographic data, early and late surgical complications, long-term outcomes, and follow-up results were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 62 patients, 26 were males, with a mean age of 37.4 ± 13.5 years. A total of 24 patients presented with ongoing biliary fistula. The Strasberg-Bismuth type of injury included types E1 in 8 (13%), E2 in 31 (50%), E3 in 19 (30.6%), and E4 in four patients (6.4%). There were no postoperative mortality and morbidity in 27.4% of patients. Atrophy-hypertrophy complex was seen in four patients, vascular injury in six patients, and an internal fistulisation with duodenum in two patients. Presence of comorbidities (P = 0.05), male gender (P = 0.03), tobacco use (P = 0.04), low albumin (P = 0.016), and more proximal (E4-E1) type of injury (P = 0.008) were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity (P < 0.05). The mean duration of patient follow-up was 26.2 ± 21.1 months. CONCLUSION: Optimization of preoperative nutrition, avoidance of intraoperative blood transfusion, proper timing of repair, and tension-free R-en-Y HJ draining all the ducts which is done at an experienced hepatobiliary center provide the best outcome.

Management of major postcholecystectomy biliary injuries: An analysis of surgical results in 62 patients

Background: Management of injuries sustained during cholecystectomy requires expertise and involves a patient who is troubled, usually drained of personal resources. There has been an increase in incidence with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The standard surgical management done for major biliary injuries is Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy (R-en-Y HJ). Materials and Methods: Patients managed surgically for definitive management of biliary injuries in the form of R-en-Y HJ were included. Data were collected from prospectively maintained records and through outpatient follow-up. Demographic data, early and late surgical complications, long-term outcomes, and follow-up results were analyzed. Results: Among the 62 patients, 26 were males, with a mean age of 37.4 ± 13.5 years. A total of 24 patients presented with ongoing biliary fistula. The Strasberg­Bismuth type of injury included types E1 in 8 (13%), E2 in 31 (50%), E3 in 19 (30.6%), and E4 in four patients (6.4%). There were no postoperative mortality and morbidity in 27.4% of patients. Atrophy­hypertrophy complex was seen in four patients, vascular injury in six patients, and an internal fistulisation with duodenum in two patients. Presence of comorbidities (P = 0.05), male gender (P = 0.03), tobacco use (P = 0.04), low albumin (P = 0.016), and more proximal (E4-E1) type of injury (P = 0.008) were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity (P < 0.05). The mean duration of patient follow-up was 26.2 ± 21.1 months. Conclusion: Optimization of preoperative nutrition, avoidance of intraoperative blood transfusion, proper timing of repair, and tension-free R-en-Y HJ draining all the ducts which is done at an experienced hepatobiliary center provide the best outcome

Integrating the Genomic Prostate Score into Clinical Practice Workflow.

INTRODUCTION: A dilemma that urologists face is how to determine which patients with prostate cancer need immediate intervention and which patients can be safely placed on active surveillance. Gene expression profile analysis of biopsy tissue has been proposed as a means of providing more accurate risk stratification for low risk prostate cancer. However, there is a general lack of acceptance and standardization around the integration of genomic testing in clinical practice. The Oncotype DX® prostate cancer assay is a commercially available tissue based assay that assesses the expression of key genes across multiple biological pathways predictive of prostate cancer aggressiveness from the diagnostic biopsy specimen, and reports an individual Genomic Prostate Score. METHODS: With the recommendations set forth in this article we aim to standardize operational best practices for the integration of the Genomic Prostate Score into clinical practice. Its purpose is to provide practical guidance to help physicians understand, run, interpret and communicate actionable results to patients. RESULTS: The Genomic Prostate Score reflects the biology of the underlying tumor to help guide initial treatment decisions at the time of biopsy. This article is based on real-world evidence from the authors' respective experiences at their institutions and practices. The authors were carefully selected based on their depth of experience and knowledge about the Genomic Prostate Score and, as such, it is their expertise that is being leveraged to support the best practices algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: This article provides easy to use, clear-cut and practical guidance for physicians on how to use the Genomic Prostate Score to inform decisions regarding active surveillance.

Surgically inverting an incidentally detected Meckel's diverticulum - Wrong method.

INTRODUCTION: Intusussception leading to intestinal obstruction is a known complication of Meckel's diverticulum. Inverting of Meckel's acts as a lead point for intussusception. Causes of inversion are many but surgical inversion leading to intusussception is extremely rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We hereby report a case of a 14 year adolescent boy operated previously for open appendicetomy presenting to us with intestinal obstruction who on exploration was found to have an surgically inverted Meckel's diverticulum acting as a lead point for ileo-colic intusussception. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, surgically inverting any Meckel's diverticulum is never a treatment option even when the diverticulum is incidentally detected. Diverticulectomy or segmental resection is the procedure of choice for Meckel's diverticulum. CONCLUSION: Meckel's divereticulum should never be inverted surgically. Not only it is a wrong method but also increases the risk of complications.

A549 cells adapted to high nitric oxide show reduced surface CEACAM expression and altered adhesion and migration properties.

The migration and adhesion properties of tumors affect their metastatic rate. In the present study, we investigated carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) 1, 5, and 6 expression in high nitric oxide (HNO)-adapted lung cancer cells compared to parent cells. We observed high transcript levels of CEACAM 1 (4S, 4L), CEACAM 5, and CEACAM 6 in HNO cells compared to parent cells. However, the surface expression was low in HNO cells. Interestingly, the intracellular protein levels were high for these three CEACAMs. We confirmed these results with immunohistochemical experiments. Further, the adhesion and migration assays showed reduced clumping in HNO-adapted A549 (A549-HNO) cells and faster migration rates, respectively. These results document the altered adhesion and migration properties of cells adapted to HNO. Further, our studies also indicate a dynamic regulation of CEACAM protein expression and surface transport in HNO cells.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for very large renal tumors (> or =10 cm): is there a size limit?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The role of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for very large renal tumors remains to be defined. We review our experience with LRN for very large (> or =10 cm) renal malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 360 consecutive patients who underwent LRN for renal tumors between October 1999 and May 2007 in a tertiary academic center identified 11 patients with malignancies > or =10 cm. RESULTS: Median age was 67 years (range 48-80 y), operative time was 170 minutes (range 80-240 min), estimated blood loss was 150 mL (range 50-300 mL), and length of stay was 2 days (range 1-6 d). There were two minor postoperative complications (acute renal insufficiency and ileus). Median tumor size was 12 cm (range 10-21 cm). Pathologic stage for patients with renal cell carcinoma was T(2), T(3a), T(3b), and T(4), in five, three, two, and one patient(s), respectively. One patient died after brain metastasis developed. Two patients in whom pulmonary metastases developed were still alive at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LRN was successfully performed in patients with renal tumors up to 21 cm. Important considerations when performing LRN include the individual clinical picture, surgeon experience, tumor location, and patient well-being. LRN for very large tumors is feasible in properly selected patients and can have significant benefits in the palliative setting.

Does a history of previous surgery or radiation to the prostate affect outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively whether or not previous treatment to the prostate alters the perioperative outcomes from robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) after the initial 'learning curve', as there are conflicting data on outcomes of RP in patients with previous treatment to the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who had RARP between March 2005 and August 2007, and analysed demographic, perioperative variables and pathological data. In all, 510 patient charts were reviewed, identifying 24 patients with a history of previous treatment to the prostate including transurethral resection or incision of the prostate, transurethral microwave therapy, transurethral needle ablation, photoselective vaporization, simple prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and open bladder neck reconstruction (group 1) and 486 with no previous treatment (group 2). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in body mass index, clinical stage, grade or prostate volume, but the patients in group 1 were older (70 vs 65 years, P = 0.001). Outcome analysis comparing groups 1 and 2 showed an estimated blood loss of 155 vs 137 mL, length of hospital stay of 2.2 vs 1.5 days, operative duration of 200 vs 186 min and catheter time of 12 vs 8 days, respectively; only the last was statistically significant (P = 0.03). There was an 8.3% and 6.8% complication rate in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the respective overall positive margin rate was 20.8% and 22.6%. CONCLUSIONS: A history of previous treatment of the prostate does not appear to compromise the perioperative outcomes of RARP.

Outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the setting of vena caval and renal vein thrombus: seven-year experience.

PURPOSE: We present our experience with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for T(3b) disease focusing on thrombus within the vena cava. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 14 patients with T(3b) disease were identified from a retrospective laparoscopic renal cancer database from 2000 to 2007. Patient demographics, clinical stage, preoperative imaging, intraoperative parameters, final pathology, and postoperative course were analyzed. In patients with a large tumor thrombus, the infraumbilical extraction excision was performed early and a gel port was placed. This was used when laparoscopic milking or determination of the distal extent of the tumor thrombus was difficult. RESULTS: Preoperative imaging identified T(3b) disease in all but four patients. Four patients had caval involvement seen on imaging, with one extending well above 2 to 3 cm above the renal vein. Of the 14 patients, procedures in 13 were completed laparoscopically. There was one conversion early in the experience because of a positive frozen section of the renal vein; however, additional vein and caval margins were negative. There was one complication-a pulmonary embolism 5 days postoperatively, managed with anticoagulation, with no disease recurrence 4 years later. CONCLUSION: In patients with T(3b) disease, laparoscopy is feasible and safe. Using advanced laparoscopic techniques to milk the tumor thrombus into the proximal renal vein with laparoscopic vascular instruments is critical to success in a purely laparoscopic thrombectomy. Placement of a gel port in the extraction incision early in the procedure may aid in hand-milking of the tumor thrombus into the renal vein in cases of extensive inferior vena cava involvement.

Comparison of a novel one-step percutaneous nephrolithotomy sheath with a standard two-step device.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the treatment of choice for large renal calculi. The most widely used access sheath for PCNL involves two steps including placement of a high-pressure balloon catheter (HPBC) followed by advancement of a sheath over the balloon. A novel PCNL balloon/sheath combination (NSS) has been developed that allows for both dilation and sheath placement in a single step. The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the NSS to the HPBC in a porcine model. METHODS: Six farm pigs underwent placement of a standard HPBC in one kidney and the NSS on the contralateral side. We obtained access in the upper pole in 2 animals, middle pole in 2 animals, and lower pole in 2 animals. We obtained data on insertion time, difficulty of insertion, estimated blood loss (EBL), ability to visualize the collecting system, and gross and histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in degree of difficulty in placing the NSS (3 easy, 3 moderate) versus HPBC device (1 easy, 5 moderate; P = 0.07), estimated blood loss (P = 0.10), or the ability to visualize the collecting system (P = 0.32). There was a significantly shorter insertion time in the NSS group compared with the HPBC group (1:37 versus 2:26 minutes, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the NSS is safe and effective in the porcine model. Trials in patients are currently under way.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy at the Mayo Clinic Arizona: follow-up surveillance of positive margin disease.

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus as to the management of positive surgical margins after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). A recent study revealed no evidence of malignancy in radical nephrectomy specimens removed for this reason, pointing out that a positive margin does not always translate to residual disease. We present results from our institution for the first 80 LPN performed with minimum 2 years' follow-up, focusing on patients with malignancy noted to have positive margin on final pathology. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review for patients who had undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for malignancy and a minimal follow-up of 2 years. Patient demographic, operative, and perioperative data were collected. Those cases with positive margins were selected for specific oncologic analysis. RESULTS: Of the 80 LPN performed, 50 were performed for malignancy. Mean tumor size was 2.2 cm. Five patients were found to have positive margin for renal cell carcinoma. All five of these masses were excised without hilar clamping using thermal dissection with energy ablation of the tumor bed. All patients underwent surveillance with a mean follow-up of 56.4 months with no recurrences. One patient with a negative surgical margin experienced a metachronous lesion in the contralateral kidney 3 years later. CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance in selected patients may be adequate without sacrificing oncologic control. However, long-term follow-up is essential. Hilar clamping may allow optimal visualization for tumor excision and allows excision to be performed without energy, potentially decreasing the rate of true- and false-positive margins.

Bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy for significantly enlarged polycystic kidneys: a technique to optimize outcome in the largest of specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy (BLN) for symptomatic autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), as surgical management of massively enlarged polycystic kidneys can be a daunting task. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing BLN for ADPKD. Patient demographics, indications for the procedure, perioperative data, and pathological data were analysed. RESULTS: In all, 12 patients underwent BLN at our institution; eight were performed before transplant, three after transplant, and one with a concomitant kidney transplant. Indications for surgery included abdominal pain, fullness and early satiety, recurrent urinary tract infections, and need for space for future transplant. The mean patient age was 49.6 years, with a body mass index of 27.0 kg/m(2). The mean operative duration was 214 min, estimated blood loss was 169 mL, and the hospital stay was 4 days. There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean (range) pathological kidney mass was 2243 (656-4200) g on the left and 2379 (789-5042) g on the right. No patients with a previous renal transplant had deterioration in postoperative renal function. There was one minor intraoperative complication, one postoperative complication, and one patient with preoperative anaemia required a blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic patients with ADPKD due to massively enlarged kidneys should be considered for BLN when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. This includes patients with an existing renal allograft and candidates for concomitant transplantation. The approach should be tailored to avoid injury to adjacent structures secondary to displacement from the mass effect of these kidneys.

Utility of the endovascular stapler for right-sided laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a 7-year experience at Mayo Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Management of the renal vasculature during right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) to maximize vessel length has been controversial. The endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler has been used for renal vascular control for our donors since the inception of our LDN program. We evaluated and compared the outcomes of right and left LDNs using a single method for hilar control. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed of the first 400 LDNs and respective recipients at our institution. Patient demographics, perioperative variables, graft function, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Four hundred LDNs were performed between 1999 and 2007. Forty-one were on the right. There were no statistically significant differences between the donor groups or their respective recipients. There were 4 (1%) stapler malfunctions, all occurring on the left side; 2 of these procedures were converted to open to obtain hemostasis. There were nearly equal rates of vascular complications, 4.9% and 4.7%, in the right and left groups, respectively. The overall immediate graft failure rate was 2.3%. Right and left recipient creatinine levels up to 24 months demonstrated no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the endovascular GIA stapler for left and right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is safe for the donor. It standardizes the process, minimizes the need for additional maneuvers in securing the renal hilum, and produces similar outcomes for the recipient. The transplant team also plays an equally large role in favorable graft outcomes.

A novel single step percutaneous access sheath: the initial human experience.

PURPOSE: A novel 1-step percutaneous access sheath NS has been developed that allows the insertion of a dilating balloon and renal access sheath in a single step. We present the initial human experience with this sheath. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart and database review of the initial 30 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous nephrostolithotomy using the NS. Data collected included patient demographics, operative and recovery parameters, and complications. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 50.4 years (range 11 to 81), mean body mass index was 31.63 kg/m(2) (range 17.1 to 65) and mean preoperative stone area was 6.23 cm(2) (range 1 to 14.6). Six and 3 patients had full and partial staghorn calculi, respectively. Access was achieved via the upper pole in 16 patients, middle pole in 7 and lower pole in 7. Mean operative time was 114.8 minutes (range 61 to 237). Mean estimated blood loss was 145.5 cc (range 10 to 500) and mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.89 days (range 2 to 14). A total of 23 patients (76.7%) had no residual calculi on postoperative computerized tomography, 5 (16.7%) had residual fragments 4 mm or less and 2 (6.7%) had residual stone fragments greater than 4 mm. There were no complications related to the NS. CONCLUSIONS: The NS is safe, easy to use and has potential advantages compared to currently available renal access sheaths.

Comparison of nonabsorbable polymer ligating and standard titanium clips with and without a vascular cuff.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of nonabsorbable polymer ligating (NPL) and titanium clips applied with and without a 1-mm vascular cuff at physiologic and supraphysiologic pressures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro equine-vessel model was created to test clip occlusion strength. Ten-millimeter NPL and standard Ti clips were applied to veins (10 mm) and arteries (10, 6, and 5 mm) with and without a 1-mm cuff and tested until they held a pressure of 300 mm Hg (veins) or 760 mm Hg (arteries) for 2 minutes or leaked. RESULTS: The NPL clip was statistically more secure on 10-mm veins with and without a cuff, 10-mm arteries with and without a cuff, and 6-mm arteries with a cuff than was the Ti clip. Leaving a 1-mm cuff resulted in a statistically higher leak point in all vessels tested except the 6-mm arteries secured with the Ti clip. CONCLUSIONS: The NPL clip was more secure than the Ti clip on larger arteries and veins. A 1-mm vascular cuff enhances the security of both NPL and Ti clips in vessels of all sizes. The NPL clip is secure and reliable in securing both arteries and veins.

Control of the renal artery and vein with the nonabsorbable polymer ligating clip in hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The large and variable size of the renal vein has prompted most surgeons to select linear stapling devices to secure the vein during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Although effective, these stapling devices have a potential for misfire. Use of the nonabsorbable polymer ligating (NPL) clip during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy provides increased graft vessel length compared with the stapling device, and the NPL clip has a locking mechanism which may increase security compared with standard titanium clips. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the NPL clip for control of the renal artery and vein during hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 50 consecutive HALDN patients was conducted where two parallel NPL clips were used to control both the renal artery and vein. Information collected included demographic data, operative and postoperative data, and complications. RESULTS: Mean donor age was 33.4 years and body mass index was 25.8 kg/m2. Mean operative time was 266.0 min, mean hospital stay was 3.2 days, and mean warm ischemia time was 123.3 seconds. There were no transfusions, open conversions, or complications related to use of the NPL clip. A US 16,300 dollars disposable cost savings was seen during this 1-year period alone. CONCLUSIONS: The NPL clip was 100% safe and effective in controlling the renal artery and vein during HALDN, allowed for additional vessel length, and resulted in a disposable cost savings of US 362 dollars per patient.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the porcine model using gelatin matrix hemostatic sealant without hilar occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gelatin matrix hemostatic sealant (GMHS) has been used for hemostasis during partial nephrectomy with hilar clamping. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of GMHS to achieve hemostasis without hilar clamping in the porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this feasibility study, eight farm pigs underwent a left-hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (HALPN). The lower fourth of the kidney was removed with cold scissors, and GMHS was applied laparoscopically. Samples were collected for measurement of serum hemoglobin (Hb) and creatinine (Cr) prior to surgery and at 4 and 30 days after HALPN. The kidneys were harvested at 30 days, and retrograde pyelograms and pathologic analysis were performed. RESULTS: Application of GMHS achieved complete hemostasis in all eight animals. The mean estimated blood loss was 40 mL, and the operating time was short (mean 92.5 minutes). In three kidneys, a significant collecting system opening was noted but not repaired. At harvest, there were no hematomas, infections, or urine leaks in any animals. In one animal, a 2-cm contained fluid collection was identified. There was no difference in the preoperative and harvest Hb (9.63 v 9.21 g/dL; P = 0.49), but there was a slight increase in Cr (1.21 v 1.46 mg/dL; P = 0.01) possibly because of the decreased renal mass after partial nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: Even without hilar occlusion, GMHS was 100% safe and effective in controlling bleeding after HALPN in the porcine model. Avoidance of hilar occlusion may reduce the risk associated with warm renal ischemia and the extra dissection required to isolate the hilum in preparation for clamping.