[Potential sexual consequences associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and its treatments]. / Les conséquences sexuelles potentielles associées a l'hypertrophie bénigne de la prostate et a ses traitements.

In this article, an updated review of the potential consequences of treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on sexual function is proposed in the light of recent data. Differences exist between the different therapeutic options available for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) when we want to analyze the impact on sexuality. Surgical procedures including minimally invasive techniques are associated with ejaculation and also erection disorders. Drug treatments also have repercussions on sexuality though there are significant differences between the various classes of these drugs. In daily practice, the relation between the prostate and sexuality must be assessed during any medical examination for one of these diseases and before any decision on treatment.

[Prospective study comparing ultrasonography guided trans-rectal biopsy and finger guided trans-perineal biopsy in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer]. / Etude prospective comparant la biopsie trans-rectale échoguidée et la biopsie trans-périnéale guidée au doigt dans le diagnostic du cancer de la prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare ambulatory ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy and finger-guided transperineal biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From June 1997 to October 1999, 51 patients were simultaneously biopsied by the two techniques and by the same operator, 30 min after antibiotic prophylaxis with 200 mg of Ciprofloxacin by intravenous injection. Transperineal biopsies were performed first, followed by ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsies. Six cores were obtained with each technique, from the apex, the middle and the base of each lobe. RESULTS: For a PSA level between 4 and 10 ng/ml, 6 cancers were detected in 23 patients (26%) and one cancer was only detected via the transrectal route. For a PSA level greater than 10 ng/ml, 17 cancers were detected in 28 patients (60%), 15 (53%) by transperineal biopsy and 11 (39%) by transrectal biopsy. Six cancers were only detected by transperineal biopsy and two were only detected by transrectal biopsy. No statistically significant difference was observed between the numbers of positive biopsies obtained with the two techniques. CONCLUSION: The use of ultrasonography is not essential to perform systematic biopsies. Rather than the technique used, the detection of prostate cancer is improved by performing 12 cores instead of 6.

Aortoiliac reconstruction and kidney transplantation: a multicenter study.

The occurrence of aortoiliac lesions with renal transplantation is an increasingly common combination that causes problems regarding operative strategy and indications for aortoiliac reconstruction and renal transplantation. To gain greater insight into these problems we undertook a retrospective multicenter study based on data from 24 kidney transplantation centers in France. A total of 83 patients who underwent both aortoiliac reconstruction and kidney transplantation were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to the order in which the two procedures were performed. Group I included 36 patients in whom aortoiliac reconstruction was performed before kidney transplantation-either during the same procedure (6 patients) or as separate procedures (30 patients). Group II included 47 patients in whom aortoiliac reconstruction was performed after kidney transplantation. The mean age was 49.9 years. There were 43 abdominal aortic aneurysms (51.8%), 36 occlusive aortoiliac lesions (43.4%), and 4 aortoiliac dissections (4.8%). Prosthetic bypass grafting was performed in 72 cases (86.8%), transluminal angioplasty in 6 cases (7.2%), endarterectomy in 3 cases (3.6%), and arterial autograft bypass in 1 case. Renal transplant protection was used during aortoiliac clamping in only 3 patients in group II (7.3%). One month after the second procedure (i.e., kidney transplantation in group I and aortoiliac reconstruction in group II), creatinemia was <200 micromol/L in 27 patients (87.1%) in group I and in 37 patients (88.1%) in group II. The graft survival rate was 86.1% in group I and 89.3% in group II. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 36.1% (13 cases) in group I and 36.1% (17 cases) in group II. One year after the second procedure creatinemia was <200 micromol/L in 29 patients (93.5%) in group I and 36 patients (93%) in group II. The graft survival rate was 86.1% in group I and 85.1% in group II. The outcome of kidney transplantation is comparable regardless of whether the procedure is performed alone or in association with aortoiliac reconstruction. This finding indicates that kidney transplantation should be performed in patients presenting indications for prior aortoiliac reconstruction. The outcome of aortoiliac reconstruction without graft protection in kidney transplant patients is comparable to the outcome of conventional aortoiliac reconstruction in patients with native kidneys.

[La Peyronie disease. Historical, epidemiological, physiopathological data. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches]. / Maladie de La Peyronie. Acquisitions historiques, épidémiologiques, physiopathologiques. Approches diagnostique et thérapeutique.

The origin of Peyronie's disease remains obscure although the first description dates back to 1743. The prevalence of the disease is 388.6 per 100,000 population. Little physiopathologic data is available. Repeated microtrauma to the tunica albuginea appears to favor the onset of inflammatory phenomena, in turn the source of fibrosis. Clinical examination remains the ideal method for diagnosis and follow-up: it can be completed by ultrasonography of the corpora cavernosa. Magnetic resonance imaging does not appear to provide any significant benefits. The inflammation and pain encountered in early stages of the disease can be managed medically. Numerous treatments have been tested (oral route or local injections); results are in the course of evaluation. In the absence of well-controlled clinical trials, there is no standard medical therapy. Radiotherapy today appears inadvisable. The sequels of Peyronie's disease can be treated surgically, especially in patients who can maintain and adequate erection but suffer from a deformation incompatible with sexual activity. Numerous technical artifices have been proposed; correction of deformations is generally satisfactory but perfections need to be made concerning the quality of erection. Patients with advanced disease and severe erectile insufficiency can be offered reconstructive surgery using penile implants: results of the various procedures are analyzed.

A new vaginal procedure for cystocele repair and treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: Treatment of cystoceles and stress urinary incontinence continues to evolve. We evaluated the efficacy of a new vaginal wall sling procedure for cystocele repair and treatment of stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present our experience with the vaginal wall sling procedure in 36 patients (mean age 67.4 years) with cystocele. Of the patients 16 had undergone a prior pelvic operation. With our technique a vaginal wall tube was created with the base in the bladder neck and fixation to the periurethral tissues or suspension to the suprapubic area. RESULTS: Success rates were 95 and 82% for cystocele and stress incontinence repair, respectively. Mean followup was 17 months. Morbidity was minimal and mean hospitalization was less than 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: This original, simple, noninvasive treatment is applicable for all cystoceles regardless of patient age or sexual activity, and has shown encouraging results. Based on our experience we recommend this procedure for repair of cystoceles and stress urinary incontinence.

Gangrene of the perineum.

Fournier's gangrene, an anaerobic necrotizing cellulitis of the infradiaphragmatic soft tissues, is a serious pathologic entity with an unpredictable course. From 1978 to 1991, a total of 24 men (mean age, 57 years; range 27 to 90) were treated for this entity at our institution. Diagnosis prompted immediate institution of multimodal treatment combining triple antibiotics, surgical dissection, debridement, and repeated surgical drainage. Fecal diversion (16 patients), hyperbaric oxygenation, and standard intensive care procedures were widely indicated and performed quasi-systematically. The mean interval between initial symptoms and diagnosis was 7.4 days. Lesions were limited to the perineum in 11 patients but extended to the abdomen, thighs, or loins in the remaining 13. The pathogens were identified in 19 patients, and hemoculture results were positive in 5. A coloproctologic origin was identified in 12 patients and a urogenital origin in 4. In 2 patients, perineal gangrene occurred postoperatively, and no etiology was determined for 6. Six patients died, and 18 patients recovered, without any sequelae. The prognosis is better when the patient is young (less than 60 years old), has clinically localized disease, without systemic involvement, and sterile hemocultures and is managed with colostomy. A thorough workup is mandatory to determine the etiology (locoregional lesion, malignancy, hemopathy, arteritis).

[Predictive value of urinary cytology in the diagnosis of urothelial tumors]. / Valeur prédictive de la cytologie urinaire dans le diagnostic des tumeurs urothéliales.

Between November 1991 and June 1993, 315 patients with urethral lesions were divided into two groups: group 1 included 215 patients with urethral tumours and group 2 included 100 patients with non-tumoural lesions. In all patients, urethral smears (performed on 3 consecutive days), pyelography and uretrocystoscopy (with bladder biopsy of observable lesions) were performed in all. The sensitivity of urine cytology examinations in the diagnosis of bladder cancer was found to by 80% with a specificity of 90%. The positive predictive value was 94.5% and the negative predictive value 67.7%. Urine cytology agreed with the diagnosis of urethral tumours especially well in advanced stage ulcerated tumours. These results underline the importance of cytology examinations in the exploration and follow-up of patients with urethral tumours.

[Surgical treatment of gangrene of the perineum]. / Traitement chirurgical des gangrènes du périnée.

Acute perineal gangrene due to anaerobic Gram negative bacilli or streptococci rapidly leads to tissue necrosis and death in 50% of the cases despite progress in intensive care. Emergency treatment requires adapted antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and repeated surgery. Factors of poor prognosis include age over 60 years, lomboabdominal or crural extension, septic shock, positive blood cultures and lack of fecal derivation. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia since loco-regional anaesthesia is contraindicated during the septic phase. Repeated operations are needed to make large incisions, evacuate pus, search for foreign bodies and resect damaged tissue in order to expose all the infected areas to air and hyperbaric oxygen. A colostomy must be performed in order to avoid fistulization and contamination of the infected areas. An indwelling urine catheter is usually sufficient although a suprapubic catheter may be needed at the risk of further extension of the gangrene. Surgical treatment is associated with intensive care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Three effective antibiotics are recommended. Using this aggressive surgical protocol, we have been able to reduce mortality to 20% in patients under 60 years of age.

[Radical prostatectomy after complete androgen blockade in stage B2 and C cancer]. / Prostatectomie radicale après blocage androgénique complet pour cancer de stade B2 et C.

Despite recent advances in imaging techniques, the staging process is still unsatisfactory in cancer of the prostate. The underestimation for stage B2 and C tumours in about 50%. We present our findings in a retrospective study analyzing the clinical and biological effects of complete androgen blockade before radical prostatectomy in patients with advanced stage localized tumours. We treated 21 patients from 1989 to 1993. All received preoperative homonotherapy by complete androgen block for at least 3 months before node dissection preceding suprapubic radical prostatectomy. Only 20 prostatectomies were performed as metastasis was found in the extemporaneous examination in 1 patient. The volume of the prostate gland had diminished in all patients after the hormonotherapy (27.8%) as did PSA (95%). When evaluated, the tumour stage of the surgical specimen was always more advanced than the needle biopsy. Only 1 tumour was strictly limited to the intracapsule and all the others had either invaded the capsule, reached the margins or had invaded the seminal vessels or lymph nodes. With a mean follow up of 45 months, recurrence rate is 50%, mainly due to tumours with positive margins or seminal invasion in patients who were not given adjuvant treatment. Our results are in agreement with those in the literature showing that although the volume of the prostate is reduced and PSA declines, no improvement in pathology staging is observed.

[Coagulation disorders after endoscopic resection of the prostate]. / Les troubles de coagulation après résection endoscopique de prostate.

Endoscopic resection of the prostate is a well defined surgical procedure. Nevertheless, certain coagulation disorders (hypercoagulability with risk of deep vein thrombosis, haemorrhage) can raise special problems. In patients not given heparin prophylaxis, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis is 10% in transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP). The risk is higher for cancer. Among the diagnostic tools (D-dimer assay, continuous Doppler, pulsed echo-Doppler, thermography, plethysmography, ...) ascending phlebography or pulmonary angiography in case of suspected pulmonary emboli remains the gold standard. Haemorrhage is rarely related to defribination but frequently to dilution coagulopathy favoured by high blood pressure, resorption of irrigation fluid, deficient haemostasis with loss of coagulation factors or massive transfusions. Only clinically patent coagulation disorders leading to haemorrhage should be treated. For dilution coagulopathies and diffuse intravascular coagulation, treatment is based on viro-inactive fresh plasma infusion. Aprotinine is the first choice in case of fibrinolysis.

Comparison of 2 pulsed lasers for lithotripsy of ureteral calculi: report on 154 patients.

Extracorporeal lithotripsy does not always provide satisfactory results for the treatment of ureteral stones. Such cases appear to be excellent indications for endocorporeal lithotripsy based on an association of ureteroscopy and laser. To compare the performances of 2 pulsed lasers, the pulsed dye laser (Candela) and solid Q switched laser (HMT), for the treatment of these calculi 161 ureteral stones were treated successively from November 1990 to March 1992 by a combination of ureteroscopy and laser. Endocorporeal lithotripsy was performed in 102 cases with the Candela laser, in 47 with the HMT laser and in 7 with both lasers. With a stable success rate greater than 90%, both lasers demonstrated equivalent performances regardless of the location of the stone along the ureter. However, while stone fragmentation was more rapid with the Candela laser, the HMT laser appeared to be more effective for dark stones (monohydrate calcium oxidate).

[Perineal gangrene. Analysis of 24 cases]. / Les gangrènes du périnée. Analyse de 24 observations.

Fournier's syndrome, characterised by anaerobic necrotising cellulitis of the soft tissues situated below the diaphragm, is a serous disease with an unpredictable course. From 1978 to 1991, we treated 24 men with a mean age of 57 years (27 to 90 years). Following the diagnosis of this disease, rigorous treatment was instituted immediately, consisting of a triple antibiotic combination, repeated surgical exposure, debridement and drainage with a frequent, almost systematic indication for faecal diversion (n = 16), hyperbaric oxygen therapy and classical intensive care measures. The mean interval between the first clinical signs and the diagnosis was 7.4 days. The lesions were limited to the perineum in 11 cases and extended to the abdomen, thighs and/or loins in 13 cases. The microorganisms responsible for the infection were identified in 19 cases and blood cultures were positive in 5 cases. This infection was of coloproctological origin in 12 cases, urogenital origin in 4 cases and postoperative in 2 cases, while no aetiology could be identified in 6 patients. There were 6 deaths and 18 cures without sequelae. 1. The prognosis of this disease is better in younger subjects (under the age of 60 years) with a localised clinical form, with no deterioration in the general status, sterile blood cultures and treated by a diversion colostomy. 2. A detailed aetiological work-up must be performed, looking for local or regional infection, cancer, haematological malignancy or arterial disease.

[Endoscopic internal urethrotomy. Retrospective studies of 132 cases]. / Urétrotomie interne endoscopique. Etude rétrospective de 132 observations.

The authors report a series of 132 patients with urethral stricture all treated by the same surgical technique between 1979 and 1984: direct vision internal urethrotomy. 62% of good results were obtained after a single operation with a follow-up ranging between 18 months and 5 years. There was no mortality and the morbidity was considered to be 5%. The authors indicate that the results were more favourable when the operation was performed in a solitary, short (less than 2 cm) non-infected stricture of the proximal urethra. The duration of postoperative catheterization was 10 days; catheterization for a longer period did not provide any significant advantage. The poor results (38%) were reported in cases of extensive strictures situated in the distal urethra or in patients with a history of urethral surgery. These cases were treated by repeated internal urethrotomy; 32% were cured after a second urethrotomy, while the others required maintenance sessions of urethral dilatation or even a urethroplasty procedure.

Piezoelectric lithotripsy monotherapy for partial or total staghorn lithiasis and calculi larger than thirty millimeters.

Thirty patients with partial or total staghorn lithiasis or calculi larger than 30 mm were treated by piezoelectric lithotripsy (PEL) monotherapy using an EDAP LT-01 lithotripter with ultrasound guidance. Nineteen of these patients had a pelvic stone; the other 11 had partial (nine) or total (two) staghorn lithiasis. All patients first underwent an initial lithotripsy session. No anesthesia or intravenous sedation was required in any case. If stone fracturization was achieved after this first session, a double J stent was inserted before the second lithotripsy session. Prior to the first session, 18 of 30 patients had a sterile urine culture; 12 of 30 presented major distention of the excretory tract. Results were analyzed to determine those factors influencing the outcome of this therapy. Three months after the first session, patients were considered cured if their stone had completely disappeared on abdominal plain films (14/30 = 46%). In seven patients (23.3%), fracturization had occurred but residual fragments remained (1-3 fragments less than or equal to 4 mm). No fracturization was obtained after the first session in nine patients (30.7%) (one total staghorn lithiasis, eight pelvic stones). The mean number of treatment sessions was five (range 1-15). Complications occurred in only 10% of patients (3/30): two steinstrasse and one acute pyelonephritis. Eighty-three percent of patients without major excretory tract distention and 55% of patients whose initial urine culture was sterile, achieved a stone-free state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Exclusive piezo-electric lithotripsy (EDAP LT 01) in the treatment of calculi larger than 30 mm. Pyelic, partial or total staghorn]. / La lithotritie piézo-électrique exclusive (EDAP LT 01) dans le traitement des calculs de plus de 30 mm. Pyéliques, coralliformes partiels ou totaux.

Thirty patients with partial of total staghorn calculi or pyelic calculi greater than 30 mm were treated by extracorporal piezo-electric lithotripsy (PEL) exclusively with an EDAP LT 01 lithotripter equipped with an ultrasound localisation system. Nineteen patients had a pyelic calculus and the others a partial (n = 9) or total (n = 2) staghorn calculus. All patients first underwent extracorporal lithotripsy (ECL). None of the patients received IV sedation or anesthesia. When fragmentation of the calculus was observed after the first session, a double J stent was inserted before the second ELC session. Before the first session, urine samples were sterile in 18 of the 30 patients; 12 of the 30 patients presented major distention of the urinary tract. Results were analysed to identify factors affecting results of this type of treatment. Patients whose calculus had completely disappeared on plain films three months after the first session were considered to be cured clinically and radiologically (14/30 = 46%). Seven patients (23.3%) were clinically cured (absence of pain and sterile urine) but there were residual fragments (1 to 3 fragments less than or equal to 4 mm). No fragmentation was obtained after the first session in 9 patients (30.7%) (1 total staghorn, 8 pyelic calculi). The mean number of sessions was 5 (range 1-15). Only 10% of the patients (3/30) presented a complication: 2 steinstrasses and 1 acute pyelonephritis. 83% of the patients without urinary tract distention and 55% of the patients whose urines were initially sterile were cured.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A randomized double-blind study evaluating Anandron associated with orchiectomy in stage D prostate cancer.

A randomized double-blind study with a 3-yr follow-up comparing the two arms "orchiectomy + Anandron (300 mg)" vs "orchiectomy + placebo" in 125 patients with stage D prostate cancer has confirmed the beneficial effects of the combined Anandron therapy on subjective parameters and on the best objective response (NPCP criteria), although these effects were not statistically significant, but failed to detect any improvement in time-to-disease progression or survival. Comparison with the results of other trials emphasizes the urgent need to establish suitable prognostic factors by further clinical research before evaluating the benefits of individual drugs.

[Exclusive piezoelectric lithotripsy in the treatment of calculi larger than 30 mm (partial or complete coralliform, pyelic calculi)]. / La lithotritie piézo-électrique exclusive dans le traitement des calculs de plus de 30 mm (pyéliques, coraliformes partiels ou totaux).

Thirty patients with partial or total staghorn stones or calculi larger than 30 mm were treated by piezoelectric lithotripsy (PEL) monotherapy using an EDAP LT-01 lithotripter with ultrasound guidance. Nineteen of these patients had pelvic stones; the other 11 had partial (9) or total (2) staghorn stones. All patients first underwent an initial lithotripsy session. No anesthesia or IV sedation was required in any case. If stone fragmentation was achieved during this first session, a double-J stent was inserted before the second lithotripsy session. Prior to the first session, 18 of 30 patients had sterile urine cultures; 12 of 30 presented major distension of the excretory tract. Results were analyzed to determine the factors influencing the outcome of this therapy. Three months after the first session, patients were considered cured if their stones had completely disappeared according to plain abdominal films (14 of 30, 46%). In seven patients (23.3%) fragmentation had occurred but residual fragments remained (1 to 3 fragments less than or equal to 4 mm). No fragmentation was obtained after the first session in nine patients (30.7%) (1 total staghorn stone, 8 pelvic stones). The mean number of treatment sessions was five (range, 1 to 15). Complications occurred in only 10% of patients (3 of 30): two steinstrassen and one acute pyelonephritis. Eighty-three percent of patients without major excretory tract distension and 55% of patients whose initial urine culture was sterile achieved a stone-free state. Therefore the best indications for PEL monotherapy for calculi larger than 30 mm are pelvic stones and partial staghorn stones and no major excretory tract dilatation in patients with sterile initial urine cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Can CT scanner and MRI predict capsular invasion of local cancer of the prostate? A study of 20 radical prostatectomies]. / Le scanner et l'IRM peuvent-ils prédire l'envahissement capsulaire des cancers de prostate localisés? Etude de vingt prostatectomies radicales.

Spread beyond the capsule is a poor prognosis factor in clinically localized carcinomas of the prostate; preoperative diagnosis is difficult and clinical evaluation usually underestimates tumor spread. This prospective study was undertaken to confront results of the conventional workup (rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography and PSA) and of CT scan and MRI findings with findings upon the pathologic study of operative specimens following radical prostatectomy. Results show that the conventional workup remains the diagnostic gold standard and that CT scan yields no additional information. Technically faultless MRI with sections in the three planes is a good means for analyzing the capsule of the prostate.