[Infection control practices while performing prostate biopsies in France: A CIAFU survey]. / Maîtrise du risque infectieux entourant la réalisation des biopsies de prostate en France : une enquête du Comité d'infectiologie de l'AFU.

In 2008, the French Public Health Committee admitted that associating ultrasound probe protection, and related precautions, and low-level disinfection would be equivalent to the intermediate level disinfection. In 2010, the French Urology Association (AFU) updated guidelines regarding trans-rectal prostate biopsies, namely preventive measures related to cross-transmission of infections. We report an evaluation of compliance to them, driven in 2016 by AFU's infection committee. Although not recommended, almost one third of the urologists still perform biopsies under general anesthesia, and two thirds of them ask for a urine culture before biopsies. Several improvements are still needed: sterilization of needle guide should always be done when not of single use, the ultrasonography gel should be sterile, probes protection should be EC labeled, and compliance to probe processing between two patients should increase. Most of urologists happened to experience blood or feces contamination of probes. Less than half of probes are entirely floodable, and when intermediate level disinfection is done, glutaraldehyde is still referred as disinfectant by one third of the urologists. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Guidelines from the Infectious Disease Committee of the French Association of Urology and The Neuro-Urology Committee of the AFU: antibiotic prophylaxis for sacral neuromodulation]. / Recommandations de bonnes pratiques cliniques : antibioprophylaxie et neuromodulation des racines sacrées par le Comité d'infectiologie de l'Association française d'urologie (CIAFU) et le Comité de neuro-urologie de l'AFU.

INTRODUCTION: In urology, antibiotic prophylaxis is advised by the French Association of anesthesiology (SFAR) and the Infectious Disease Committee of the French Association of urology guidelines published in 2010. No guideline exists concerning the implantation of neuromodulation implants. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A literature analysis was performed on sacral modulation and antibiotic prophylaxis. Then guidelines were discussed by reviewers. Items that showed no consensus were then discussed again to arrive at recommendations. RESULTS: Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended during the test phase as well as in the case of installation of sacral neuromodulation (Grade C). Antibiotic recommended (Grade B) are: cefotetan or cefoxitin, 2g dose by slow intravenous injection or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid at a dose of 2 g, intravenously or, in the case of allergy vancomycin at a dose of 15 mg/kg or the clindamycin has 600 mg intravenously. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of high level of evidence, antibiotic prophylaxis seems necessary when setting up of electrode case of sacral neuromodulation.

[Flexible cystoscopes: disinfection and microbiological surveillance practices among French urologists]. / Cystoscopes souples : pratiques de désinfection et de surveillance microbiologique parmi les urologues français. Une enquête du comité d'infectiologie de l'AFU.

INTRODUCTION: According to the French regulatory authorities, the highest level of disinfection must be achieved for flexible cystoscopes, as they enter a sterile cavity, the current method being peracetic acid disinfection and sterile water terminal rinsing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The concordance between regulations and the routine was researched using a self-administered questionnaire sent to all French urologists. RESULTS: Responses from 78 urology units, totalling 317 urologists (26% response rate) were analysed. As a whole, 51.2% of centers followed all recommendations on disinfection. There was no microbiological surveillance in 16.6% of centers, although microbiological tests were performed in two out of three centers before using a new endoscope or when returning from maintenance. CONCLUSION: Improvements are needed, both in the disinfection process and the microbiological surveillance. Low temperature sterilization and the use of sterile disposable sheaths may represent an alternative.

Malignant epithelioid renal angiomyolipoma involving the inferior vena cava in a patient with tuberous sclerosis.

Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are mesenchymal tumors that occur either sporadically or are associated with tuberous sclerosis, and are generally considered to be benign. Malignant AML is extremely rare, and most are found to be epithelioid histopathologically. The authors report the case of a patient followed for renal AML. On CT surveillance, this lesion developed features of a malignant tumor involving the renal vein and inferior vena cava. The patient was treated by nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Histological examination demonstrated renal AML with a malignant epithelioid contingent. The various aspects of this histological and radiological variant are discussed.

[Oncological and functional results of total prostatectomy: an objective open analysis versus laparoscopy]. / Résultats carcinologiques et fonctionnels de la prostatectomie totale: une analyse objective comparant chirurgie ouverte et chirurgie laparoscopique.

Based on a systematized literature analysis, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is associated with less peroperative blood loss than open surgery. Operative time is shorter using an open approach. In terms of cancer control and functional results, no difference was found between both approaches.

Lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as a tumor of the renal allograft.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLDs) constitute a group of potentially life-threatening complications in solid organ transplantation, occurring in 1-2% of kidney transplant recipients. The absolute number of cases occurring at each transplant center remains small, making it difficult to assess incidence, prognosis, and treatment. We report a case of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder that developed in the allograft renal parenchyma 2 years after renal transplantation. This case implies that partial nephrectomy may be a safe and effective treatment protocol for renal lymphoma in allograft kidneys.

Venous thromboembolism prevention in surgery and obstetrics: clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To produce up-to-date clinical practice guidelines on the prevention of venous thromboembolism in surgery and obstetrics. METHODS: A Steering Committee defined the scope of the topic, the questions to be answered, and the assessment criteria. Eight multidisciplinary working groups (total of 70 experts) performed a critical appraisal of the literature in the following disciplines: pharmacology of antithrombotic agents, orthopaedics; general surgery (gastrointestinal (GI) and varicose vein surgery); urology; gynaecology and obstetrics; thoracic, cardiac and vascular surgery; surgery of the head, neck and spine; and surgery of burns patients. The resultant reports and guidelines were submitted for comment and completion of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation questionnaire to a total of 150 peer reviewers, before producing definite guidelines. RESULTS: The report answers the following questions for each type of surgery: (i) What is the venous thromboembolism incidence according to clinical and/or paraclinical criteria in the absence of prophylaxis? (with stratification of venous thromboembolism risk into low, moderate and high categories); (ii) What is the efficacy and safety of the prophylactic measures used? (iii) When should prophylaxis be introduced and how long should it last? (iv) Does ambulatory surgery affect efficacy and safety of prophylaxis? CONCLUSIONS: Apart from answering the above questions, the guidelines provide a summary table for each discipline. This table stratifies types of surgery into the three risk categories, specifies the recommended prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (pharmacological and/or mechanical) and grades each recommendation. In addition, whenever appropriate, the recommended prophylaxis is adjusted to low- and high-risk patients.

[Prophylaxis of thromboembolic events during urologic surgery]. / Prévention de la maladie thromboembolique en chirurgie urologique.

Few scientific evidences are available in the literature, and the methodologic quality of the studies is often under average. Nevertheless, the conclusions are the following. Nephrectomy, renal transplantation, open surgery of the lower urinary tract and lumbar or pelvic lymph nodes dissection are at high risk for thromboembolic events. Other open or endoscopic urological procedures are at low risk. The laparoscopic approach doesn't change the risk associated with the procedure itself. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended in high-risk procedures. There was no evidence to recommend starting the prophylaxis before more than after the procedure. The use of low molecular weight heparin is recommended for prophylaxis. It can be associated with compressive stockings. It is recommended to treat for around seven days after the procedure. In case of cancer surgery, prophylaxis could be needed for four to six weeks.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: oncological evaluation after 1,000 cases a Montsouris Institute.

PURPOSE: We performed a prospective oncological evaluation of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in regard to local tumor control and biochemical recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1998 and March 2002, 1,000 consecutive patients with a mean age +/- SD of 63 +/- 6.2 years and clinically localized prostate cancer underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at 1 institution. Preoperative 1997 TNM clinical stage was T1a in 6 patients (0.6%), T1b in 3 (0.3%), T1c in 660 (66.5%), T2a in 304 (30.4%) and T2b in 27 (2.7%). Mean preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA) +/- SD was 10 +/- 6.1 ng./ml. (range 1.5 to 55). Postoperatively, surgical specimens were assessed and positive surgical margins recorded. Factors that could influence the surgical margins status were evaluated. Irrespective of pathological stage or surgical margin status, no adjuvant treatment was proposed before an increasing PSA. PSA recurrence was defined as PSA greater than 0.1 ng./ml. and was confirmed by a second increase. Recurrence time was defined as the time of the first increase in PSA. RESULTS: Postoperative pathological stage was pT2aN0/Nx in 203 patients (20.3%), pT2bN0/Nx in 572 (57.2%), pT3aN0/Nx in 142 (14.2%), pT3bN0/Nx in 77 (7.7%) and pT1-3 N1 in 6 (0.6%). Positive surgical margin rate was 6.9%, 18.6%, 30% and 34% for pathological stages pT2a, pT2b, pT3a and pT3b, respectively (p <0.001). The main predictors of a positive surgical margin were preoperative PSA (p <0.001), clinical stage (p = 0.001), pathological stage (p <0.001) and Gleason score (p = 0.003). The overall actuarial biochemical progression-free survival rate was 90.5% at 3 years. According to the pathological stage, the progression-free survival rate was 91.8% for pT2aN0/Nx, 88% for pT2bN0/Nx, 77% for pT3aN0/Nx, 44% for pT3bN0/Nx and 50% for pT1-3N1 (p <0.001). Of the patients 94% with negative surgical margins and 80% with positive margins had progression-free survival (p <0.001). Preservation of the neurovascular bundles in patients with localized tumors had no significant effect on the subsequent risk of positive surgical margins or progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Based on followup, our evaluation confirms that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy provides satisfactory results in regard to local tumor control and biochemical recurrence.

Complications of transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery in urology: review of 1,311 procedures at a single center.

PURPOSE: The development of laparoscopic surgery in urology is increasing rapidly. We describe our experience with complications during and after transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery after 9 years of practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,311 laparoscopic procedures were performed by 5 senior urologists in the same department since 1992, of which 72% were classified as difficult or very difficult (prostatectomy, nephrectomy for cancer, nephroureterectomy, partial nephrectomy, cystectomy, para-aortic lymph node dissection), 27.5% as moderately difficult (nephrectomy for benign disease, adrenalectomy, genitourinary prolapse, ureteropelvic junction, pelvic and ureteral stones, ureterovesical reimplantation, pelvic lymph node dissection) and 0.5% as easy (lymphocele, renal cyst and so forth). RESULTS: There was no mortality or anesthetic complications. The overall transfusion rate was 2.4%. Complications were serious in 0.7% of cases, all of which required reoperation, intermediate in 1.8% of which 1% required reoperation and minor in 1.1%. The main complications were bowel (1.2%), vascular (0.5%) and ureteral injuries (0.8%). The conversion rate was 1.2% and the reoperation rate was 2.4%. Of the patients 1.2% had to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Postoperative complications were observed in 19% of cases. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with essentially the same complications as open surgery, and they, particularly bowel injuries and bleeding, can be diagnosed and often treated with repeat laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Complications during and after transperitoneal laparoscopy remain low and are not superior to those observed during and after open surgery. As laparoscopy becomes more widely used, urologists wishing to learn this technique must realize that the learning process is long but essential.

Proposal for a "European Scoring System for Laparoscopic Operations in Urology".

PURPOSE: To propose a scoring system of difficulties for the most currently performed laparoscopic procedures in urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each current laparoscopic procedure has been evaluated according to three different criteria: technical difficulty, operative risk and the attention required. Each criterion is scored from 1 (minimal impact of the criteria) to 7 (maximal impact of the criteria). The sum of the 3 criteria is used to classify each operation according to an increasing level of global difficulty, classified into 6 levels: easy (E: sum of criteria between 3 and 5), slightly difficult (SD: sum of criteria between 6 and 8), fairly difficult (FD: sum of criteria between 9 and 11), difficult (D: sum of criteria between 12 and 14), very difficult (VD: sum of criteria between 15 and 17), extremely difficult (ED: sum of criteria greater than 18). RESULTS: Procedures currently performed by laparoscopy have been selected for evaluation according to the above criteria, and retrospectively validated by European experts in laparoscopic urology according to their experience and the international literature. CONCLUSION: This proposal of a scoring scale system is a basis for discussion, teaching and learning of urological laparoscopy. By necessity, this scale is evolving and will be regularly reconsidered and updated every 5 years.

[Metastasis to trocar site after lymphadenectomy with retroperitoneal laparoscopy]. / Métastase sur site de trocart après lymphadénectomie par laparoscopie rétropéritonéale.

The authors report a case of trocar site metastasis, one year after laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. This is the seventh published case of trocar site metastasis in laparoscopic urological surgery. The lymph node resection procedure and the histological type of the tumour appear to be risk factors for the development of wall metastases.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: the lessons learned.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the operative, oncologic, and functional results of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy based on an initial series of 350 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1998 and May 2000, 350 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy according to our technique. The study of operative morbidity was based on all intraoperative and postoperative complications. The oncologic assessment was based on clinical, laboratory, and intraoperative and postoperative pathological data. Postoperative functional results were assessed by the ICS-male self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: No deaths were observed in this series. Conversion was required in seven cases, exclusively among the first 70 patients. The mean operating time was 217 +/- 59 minutes, including the lymphadenectomy phase that was considered necessary in 21.4% of patients, and 195 +/- 56 minutes for the most recent 200 patients. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 354 +/- 250 mL. The overall transfusion rate was 5.7% and 2.8% in the last 250 patients. Intraoperative complications were reported in 14 patients (4%), and the reoperation rate was 3.7%. The mean postoperative bladder catheterization time was 5.8 +/- 3.3 days, and the catheter could be removed before the 5th day in 41% of patients. The mean hospital stay was 6 +/- 3.9 postoperative days (range 2-33 days). By pathologic stage, the positive surgical margin rate was 3.6% for pT2a specimens (3 patients), 14% for pT2b specimens (29 patients), 33% for pT3a specimens (12 patients), and 43.5% for pT3b specimens (10 patients). In the first 75 patients with pT2N0/Nx negative-margin specimens and a follow-up of >12 months, the PSA concentrations was <0.2 ng/mL in 92% of patients. The continence rate (no protection necessary either during the day or at night) among the first 133 patients was 85.5% and the postoperative erection rate was 59% among 22 selected consecutive patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the value, in our experience, of the laparoscopic approach to radical prostatectomy, which allows satisfactory cancer control associated with low perioperative morbidity and encouraging functional results in terms both of continence and erectile function.

Evaluation of FDG uptake by renal malignancies (primary tumor or metastases) using a coincidence detection gamma camera.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of FDG scanning using an ordinary gamma camera equipped with coincidence detection (CDET) for 2 renal cancer indications: characterization and staging of renal masses before nephrectomy and search for recurrence after nephrectomy. METHODS: Between September 1997 and June 1998, a whole-body scan and at least 1 tomoscintigram were obtained on 23 occasions in 22 patients (fasting for at least 6 h) using a Prism XP 2000 CDET gamma camera; scanning was begun 45 min after intravenous injection of 150-250 MBq FDG. RESULTS: Postoperative histologic evidence was obtained from 13 of 16 patients who underwent FDG using a CDET gamma camera before renal surgery; 4 renal masses did not accumulate FDG (3 true-negatives, 1 false-negative), whereas 9 renal tumors accumulated FDG (8 true-positives, 1 false-positive). In the other 3 patients, only 1 extrarenal site of FDG uptake was checked and confirmed on histologic examination: a bone metastasis from renal cell carcinoma in 2 cases and lymph node metastasis from a squamous cell carcinoma (3 true-positives). The primary local and regional staging of the malignant renal tumors was accurate in the 9 patients who underwent nephrectomy (8 true-negatives, 1 true-positive). The primary distant staging was positive in 1 case (focus in the chest corresponding to a probable true-positive on follow-up). In the 7 examinations performed because of suspected recurrence of renal cell carcinoma several months after nephrectomy, metastases were visualized by FDG in 4 patients, confirmed by biopsy in 2 patients, and confirmed by conventional imaging or follow-up (or both) in 2 patients. The other 3 patients had negative FDG scans, corresponding to probable true-negative results on follow-up. CONCLUSION: FDG using a CDET gamma camera can be used effectively for the staging and restaging of renal tumors and might be useful for characterization of the primary renal tumor in doubtful cases.

[Balloon catheter parieto-renal dilatation in percutaneous kidney surgery]. / La dilatation pariéto rénale au ballonnet dans la chirurgie percutanée du rein.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two techniques of parieto-renal dilatation for percutaneous surgery: Alken dilators and balloon catheter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, non-randomized study was conducted between July 1999 and April 2000 in 20 patients undergoing percutaneous renal surgery. 10 patients were dilated with a balloon catheter (NephroMax, Boston Scientific) and the other 10 patients were dilated with Alken metal dilators. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney test. RESULT: The dilatation time and x-ray exposure time were shorter during balloon catheter dilatation (statistically significant difference) and the two techniques were associated with a comparable morbidity. CONCLUSION: Balloon catheter parieto-renal dilatation significantly decrease dilatation and x-ray exposure times and very considerably simplifies this operative step, essential to the success of percutaneous surgery.

In vivo inaccessibility of somatostatin receptors to 111In-pentreotide in primary renal cell carcinoma.

The presence of somatostatin receptors on human renal cell carcinomas in surgically removed kidneys has been demonstrated by autoradiography. The aim of this study was to detect to in vivo presence of somatostatin receptors in primary renal tumours and their possible metastases before surgery, using 111In-pentreotide scintigraphy. 201Tl was used as a sensitive tumour-seeking agent with blood flow-dependent uptake. Fifteen patients were imaged before surgical removal of the renal tumour. Thirteen tumours were malignant. The large tumours (more than 4 cm in diameter) did not accumulate 111In-pentreotide or 201Tl. In contrast, the single small tumour accumulated both tracers. A scalp skin metastasis was demonstrated in one patient by 201Tl and 111In-pentreotide uptake. In one case, known lung metastases were visualized with both 201Tl and 111In-pentreotide, but the lung metastases of another three patients as well as one case of epidural metastasis were not identified. In one patient with a photopaenic lesion, positive labelling of the surgically removed tumour was demonstrated by in vitro autoradiography. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy with 111In-pentreotide appears to have little value for the detection of metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma, as some metastases (especially those of the lungs) were missed. The absence of 111In-pentreotide uptake by large primary tumours is an interesting finding, suggesting inaccessibility of these very large tumours to drugs.

[Feasibility of "Valsalva Leak Point Pressure". Prospective study]. / Faisabilité du "Valsalva Leak Point Pressure". Etude prospective.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the feasibility of determination of the Valsalva Leak Point Pressure (VLPP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1st January to 31st July 1996, 155 consecutive patients investigated for urinary incontinence with no pelvis static disorder performed Valsalva manoeuvres during cystomanometry in order to determine the VLPP. The examination was performed in the standing position at a filling volume of 200 cc with then without a vesical pressure transducer. The mean age of the patients was 54 +/- 16 years (range: 16-84 years). RESULTS: The mean maximal intensity of abdominal straining pressure measured by the intravesical transducer was 72 +/- 28 cm of water. The VLPP could not be determined in 50.4% of cases, as the abdominal straining pressure during the Valsalva manoeuvre was less than 60 cm of water. No correlation was observed between abdominal straining pressure and patient age (r = 0.13; p > 0.1). CONCLUSION: Leak Point Pressure cannot always be determined by the Valsalva method. Other techniques of progressive increase of intravesical pressure must be investigated.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy of native kidneys in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy in transplant recipients and in other patients scheduled for nephrectomy. METHODS: From February 1994 to July 1996, 15 transplant recipients and 17 other patients underwent a total of 36 retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies for various indications. Operative time, morbidity, and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The average operating time for the 36 procedures was 95+/-38 min (range, 35-180 min). It was shorter in transplant recipients (81+/-32 min) than in other patients (100+/-39 min, P<0.05). There was one postoperative complication in the transplant recipient group. The average length of the postoperative hospitalization was 3.7+/-1.4 days (range, 2-8 days). CONCLUSIONS: The retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach for nephrectomy is as safe and effective in renal transplant recipients as in other patients. Postoperative stay and delay to resumption of oral immunotherapy are short. This approach has become our first-line approach for native nephrectomy in transplant recipients.

Renal cell carcinoma of native kidneys: prospective study of 129 renal transplant patients.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the prevalence of renal cell carcinoma of the native kidneys in renal transplant recipients as well as possible risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 129 consecutive renal transplant recipients underwent ultrasound examination of the native kidneys as part of a routine evaluation. A record was made of acquired cystic kidney disease, defined as 3 cysts or more, and of suspicious masses. When a malignancy was suspected radical nephrectomy was performed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of renal cell carcinoma of the native kidney was 5 in 129 recipients (3.9%). All cancers were limited to the kidney. No significant relationship was detected between renal cell carcinoma occurrence and patient age, dialysis (when initiated, type and duration), transplantation, drug regimen or incidence of acquired cystic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of renal cell carcinoma, a clinically significant cancer, was approximately 100 times greater in our renal transplant patients than in the general population but no significant risk factor could be identified. Routine ultrasonography for early diagnosis in asymptomatic patients on immunosuppressive therapy is strongly recommended to improve prognosis.