Transperitoneal laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis: Tips and tricks to make it easier.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) for giant hydronephrosis (GH) and compare the outcome data with open nephrectomy (ON). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective data of 88 patients (52 males and 36 females) who underwent LN or ON for treatment of GH in the period between October 2015 and December 2019 were investigated. LN was performed in 38 patients, while 50 patients underwent ON. We compared the two groups for success, operative time, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the LN group was 45.8 ± 11.4 years, and it was 44.7 ± 10.8 years in the ON group. The mean operative time in the LN group was statistically significantly longer when compared with the ON group195 ± 18 min versus 127 ± 22 min (p = 0.01).The estimated blood loss was significantly greater in the ON group (p = 0.01). However, no patients required blood transfusions in either group. The visual analog pain (VAP) scores were significantly higher on both day 1 and day 2 in the ON group 3.6 ± 0.9 and 2 ± 0.7 versus 2.7 ± 0.6 and 1.4 ± 0.5 in LN group, (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: LN for GH is feasible, safe, and efficacious. Compared to open surgery, the laparoscopic approach resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays, decreased morbidity, and quicker recovery. Some tips and tricks could help to do it in an easier way and reduce the operative time.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for the treatment of different urological pathologies: Defining the learning curve of an experienced laparoscopist.

OBJECTIVES: To define the learning curve of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) of an experienced laparoscopist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had LESS, since its implementation in December 2009 until December 2014, were retrospectively analysed. Procedures were divided into groups of 10 and scored according to the European Scoring System for Laparoscopic Operations in Urology. Different LESS indications were done by one experienced laparoscopist. Technical feasibility, surgical safety, outcome, as well as the number of patients required to achieve professional competence were assessed. RESULTS: In all, 179 patients were included, with mean (SD) age of 36.3 (17.5) years and 25.4% of the patients had had previous surgeries. Upper urinary tract procedures were done in 65.9% of patients and 54.7% of the procedures were extirpative. Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal LESS were performed in 92.8% and 7.2% of the patients, respectively. The intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 2.2% and 5.6% (Clavien-Dindo Grade II 3.9% and IIIa 1.7%), respectively. In all, 75% of intraoperative complications and all conversions were reported during the first 30 LESS procedures; despite the significantly higher difficulty score in the subsequent LESS procedures. One 5-mm extra port, conversion to conventional laparoscopy and open surgery was reported in 14%, 1.7%, and 1.1% of the cases, respectively. At mean (SD) follow-up of 39.7 (11.4) months, all the patients that underwent reconstructive LESS procedures but one were successful. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, at least 30 LESS procedures are required to achieve professional competence. Although difficult, both conversion and complication rates of LESS are low in experienced hands.

Evaluation of the Role of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery vs Minilaparoscopy for Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Pathologies: Prospective Randomized Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: To present the first prospective randomized comparison between laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and minilaparoscopy (ML) for treatment of upper urinary tract pathologies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and June 2015, patients with different upper urinary pathologies were blindly randomized to both LESS and ML. All procedures were done by single experienced surgeon. Both cohorts were compared regarding demographic data, peri and postoperative characteristics, and visual analog pain scale (VAS). Cosmetic outcome was assessed after 12 months using patient scar assessment scale (PSAS) and observer scar assessment scale (OSAS). RESULTS: Sixty patients were randomized into two equal groups with comparable demographic and preoperative characteristics. Indications included nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, cyst marsupialization, adrenalectomy, and repair of retrocaval ureter. Operative time was 167 ± 24 and 145 ± 39 minutes in LESS and ML groups, respectively (p = 0.09). Estimated blood loss was 59 ± 34 and 43 ± 42 mL in both groups, respectively (p = 0.2). VAS was 1.7 ± 0.6 and 2.8 ± 0.5 in both groups, respectively (p = 0.02). PSAS and OSAS were 5.9 ± 0.85 and 10.6 ± 1.98 vs 8.9 ± 0.9 and 13.5 ± 6.3 in both groups, respectively (p > 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications, conversions to open surgery, or conventional laparoscopy in both groups. Mean postoperative Diclofenac Na was 151.7 ± 35.6 and 169.7 ± 47.3 mg in both groups, respectively (p = 0.04). Postoperative complications rate and hospital stay were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION: Both LESS and ML have comparable operative time, blood loss, complication rate, and hospital stay in treatment of upper urinary tract pathologies. However, LESS is associated with less analgesic requirement and better cosmetic outcome.

Laparoscopic Single Site Surgery for Repair of Retrocaval Ureter in a Morbidly Obese Patient.

This is to describe a case of a morbidly obese (BMI = 40) female with retrocaval ureter treated with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery. A JJ stent was positioned. A 2 cm umbilical access was created. A single port platform was positioned. The entire ureter was mobilized posterior to the vena cava and transected where the dilated portion ended. The distal ureter was repositioned lateral to the inferior vena cava. Anastomosis was done. A 3 mm trocar was used to assist suturing. At 4-month follow-up, CT revealed no evidence of obstruction of the right kidney and the patient was symptomless. Although challenging, in a morbidly obese patient, LESS repair for retrocaval ureter is feasible.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for the treatment of different urologic pathologies in pediatrics: single-center single-surgeon experience.

INTRODUCTION: Recently LESS has been reported as a valid minimally option for treatment of some urologic pathologies in pediatrics. However, the initial reports of pediatric LESS are still limited to case reports and initial case series. This may be due to the inherent technical difficulty of LESS and the currently available LESS instruments. In this report, we present the largest case series of pediatric LESS for treatment of different urologic pathologies in pediatrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in this study are children who had LESS during the period of January 2011 to June 2013. Both Olympus TriPort (Olympus, New York, USA and Advance Surgical Concept, Wicklow, Ireland) and Covedien SILS access port (Covedien, Chicopec, Massachusetts, USA) were used and were inserted through the umbilicus. Exclusion criteria included children less than 3 years old, history of previous transperitoneal abdominal surgery, malignant indications, and complex urogenital congenital anomalies. All LESS procedures were done by a single experienced laparoscopist and data were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-two children had 39 LESS procedures without conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported and no extra-port was added in any of the patients. The following table shows the mean age, operative time, hospital stay, VAS as well as the overall mean of different LESS procedures. In all patients the umbilical scar was invisible and all patients and their parents had high wound satisfaction. At a mean follow up of 18.6 ± 6.4 months, all patients with UPJO had successful repair. DISCUSSION: Our study included 13 boys with undescended testis who were managed in different ways according to the length of spermatic vessels and the size of the testis. One of the arguments against LESS management of undescended testis is that it requires a 2.5-cm incision, which is collectively larger than a 5-mm camera and two 3-mm working ports of conventional laparoscopy. However, the Triport access can be inserted through a 12-15-mm single umbilical incision without any additional openings in the abdomen as required with conventional laparoscopy which may increase the risk of internal organ injury and other port-related complications. Our results of five LESS varicocelectomies correlate with reports in the literature; regarding the operative time and hospital stay. LESS pediatric nephrectomy has been reported by many authors and our results correlates with that have been published. Compared with conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy, LESS nephrectomy seems to have shorter operative time and hospital stay. Although both cases of LESS nephrectomy were on the right side, we did not add any extra-ports which could be related to technical modifications during the surgery as well as the experience of the surgeon. To date, few data are available about LESS pyeloplasty in pediatrics. Our study included three patients who had left LESS pyeloplasties. In these patients, no extra-port was added. Despite of the technical difficulty of intracorporeal suturing during LESS, LESS pyeloplasty seems to be feasible with adequate training. Our patients had short hospital stay, low VAS at discharge, received a low dose of NSAID as postoperative analgesic and in all cases there was high wound satisfaction. One of the limitations of the current study could be the selection criteria of the patients, with children younger than 3 years and children who may be more technically difficult, being excluded. Furthermore, the number of patients in some indications is small and more patients are required to give solid conclusions and detect possible complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the technical feasibility and safety of LESS for both ablative and reconstructive pathologies in pediatrics. However, more applications including a larger scale of pediatric patients as well as prospective comparative studies with conventional laparoscopy, are necessary.

Laparoendoscopic single-site pyeloplasty: outcomes of an international multi-institutional study of 140 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report an international, multi-institutional series of laparoendoscopic single-site pyeloplasty (LESS-P) with analysis of functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LESS-P cases performed between October 2007 and June 2012 at 7 institutions worldwide per individual institutional protocols, entry criteria, and techniques were included. Patient characteristics, operative indications, perioperative outcomes, and postoperative follow-up were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 140 adult patients (age 39.9 ± 15.7 years; body mass index 24.8 ± 4.2 kg/m(2); 15% with previous abdominal surgery) who underwent unilateral LESS-P, most of whom (94.3%) had dismembered reconstructions. Mean operative time was 202.1 ± 47 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 61.2 ± 44.6 mL. Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery was applied in 31 patients (22.1%). A single 2-3 mm accessory port was used in 44 patients (31.4%) and a single 5-12 mm accessory port was added in 9 patients (6.4%), whereas 10 patients (7.1%) were converted to conventional multiport laparoscopy. No patients required conversion to open surgery, nor were any intraoperative complications reported. Length of hospitalization was 2.4 ± 1.6 days. The overall 90-day postoperative complication rate was 18.6%, mostly low-grade complications (Clavien I-II). With a mean follow-up of 14.0 ± 10.8 months, 93.4% had resolution of symptoms and 94.4% had radiographic evidence demonstrating resolution of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Assessment of drainage with diuretic nuclear renal scan provided evidence of improvement in 86.5% of patients on their first postoperative renal scan. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the most comprehensive experience with LESS-P reported to date. Outcome measures parallel those of large published series of conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Despite these encouraging findings, longer follow-up is needed to determine the efficacy and durability of this approach for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and conventional laparoscopic extravesical repair of vesicouterine fistula: single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To present for the fist time in literature laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) extravesical repair of vesicouterine fistula (VUF) and to compare this with conventional laparoscopic repair. METHODS: Eleven females with VUF were included; of them, six had conventional laparoscopic repair where 5 ports were used, while five females had LESS repair. Additional 5-mm port was inserted during suturing in LESS group and both straight and pre-bent instruments were used. Fistulous tract was excised; then, uterine rent was closed through single figure of eight suture, while urinary bladder was closed in two layers; then, an omental flap was interposed in between. Sutures were done using 3/0 vicryl. Urinary bladder was drained for 3 weeks through uretheral catheter. RESULTS: No conversion to open surgery in both groups or from LESS to conventional repair. Blood loss in conventional laparoscopic and LESS repair was 95 ± 18 and 86 ± 15 c.c., respectively. No complications were reported in both groups. Operative time for conventional laparoscopic and LESS repair was 149 ± 18 and 144 ± 16 min, respectively. Postoperative hospital stay was 3.1 ± 0.8 and 2 days for both groups, respectively. At follow-up period of 23.6 ± 8.2 and 13.4 ± 1.8 months for both groups, respectively, all were cured. CONCLUSION: Both conventional laparoscopic and LESS extravesical repair of VUF are effective and reproducible and they follow the same principles of open surgical repair. However, LESS repair of VUF seems to be less morbid than conventional laparoscopic repair.

Laparoendoscopic single-site nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: outcomes of an international multi-institutional study of 101 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report a large multi-institutional series of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) nephroureterectomy (NU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on all cases of LESS-NU performed between 2008 and 2012 at 15 institutions were retrospectively gathered. The main demographic data and perioperative outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: The study included 101 patients whose mean (SD) age was 66.4 (9.9) years and mean (SD) body mass index was 24.8 (4) kg/m², and of whom 29.7% had undergone previous abdominal/pelvic surgery. The mean (SD) operating time was 221.4 (73.7) min, estimated blood loss 231.7 (348.0) mL. A robot-assisted LESS technique was applied in 25.7% of cases. An extra trocar was inserted in 28.7% of cases to complete the procedure. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in three cases (3.0%). There was no bladder cuff excision in 20.8% of cases, and excision was carried out using a variety of techniques in the remaining cases. Six intra-operative complications occurred (5.9%). The mean (SD) length of hospital stay was 6.3 (3.5) days. The overall postoperative complication rate was 10.0%, and most of the complications were low grade (Clavien grades 1 and 2). The mean tumour size was 3.1 (1.9) cm. Pathological staging was pTis in two patients, pTa in 12 patients, pT1 in 42 patients, pT2 in 20 patients, pT3 in 23 patients and pT4 in two patients. Pathological grade was high in 71 and low in 30 patients. At a mean follow-up of 14 months, six patients (5.9%) had died. Disease recurrence (including distant and bladder recurrence) was detected in 22.8% of patients, with a mean time to recurrence of 11.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the largest multi-institutional experience of LESS-NU to date. Peri-operative outcomes mirror those of published standard laparoscopy series. Despite encouraging early findings, longer follow-up is needed to determine the oncological efficacy of the procedure.

Urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery: multi-institutional analysis of risk factors for conversion and postoperative complications.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the incidence of and risk factors for complications and conversions in a large contemporary series of patients treated with urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort consisted of consecutive patients treated with laparoendoscopic single site surgery between August 2007 and December 2010 at a total of 21 institutions. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the risks of conversion, and of any grade and only high grade postoperative complications. RESULTS: Included in analysis were 1,163 cases. Intraoperatively complications occurred in 3.3% of cases. The overall conversion rate was 19.6% with 14.6%, 4% and 1.1% of procedures converted to reduced port laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopic/robotic surgery and open surgery, respectively. On multivariable analysis the factors significantly associated with the risk of conversion were oncological surgical indication (p=0.02), pelvic surgery (p<0.001), robotic approach (p<0.001), high difficulty score (p=0.004), extended operative time (p=0.03) and an intraoperative complication (p=0.001). A total of 120 postoperative complications occurred in 109 patients (9.4%) with major complications in only 2.4% of the entire cohort. Reconstructive procedure (p=0.03), high difficulty score (p=0.002) and extended operative time (p=0.02) predicted high grade complications. CONCLUSIONS: Urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery can be done with a low complication rate, resembling that in laparoscopic series. The conversion rate suggests that early adopters of the technique have adhered to the principles of careful patient selection and safety. Besides facilitating future comparisons across institutions, this analysis can be useful to counsel patients on the current risks of urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in urology: Evaluation of complications.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively review current reports on the complications of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), introduced recently into urology as an option for treating various urological pathologies. METHODS: We reviewed previous reports to August 2011 using Medline, focusing on LESS in urology, with special interest in the complications, evaluating those during and after surgery, as well as conversions to reduced-port laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopy and open surgery. RESULTS: There are increasing reports of LESS in urology, with expanding indications. Complication rates both during and after surgery are low and related mostly to the technical difficulty and dexterity with the currently available instruments. Overall, intraoperative complications were reported by 11 published studies, while postoperative complications were reported by 15. Although the overall conversion rates to open surgery and conventional laparoscopy were low, the incidence of reduced-port laparoscopy was significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are expanding indications for LESS in urology, the risk of complications is low. This might be related to the fact that LESS is still restricted to experienced laparoscopic surgeons, and to the criteria for selecting patients.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery extravesical repair of vesicovaginal fistula: early experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe for the first time the technique of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). LESS has recently been described as an alternative to conventional laparoscopy for the treatment of various urologic pathologic features. METHODS: The present study included 5 female patients with supratrigonal VVF who presented with urinary leakage per vagina after obstetric and gynecologic procedures. Extravesical LESS repair of VVF was done using the TriPort and prebent instruments. The fistulas tracts were identified and excised extravesically using sharp dissection. The edge of the bladder was trimmed at the site of fistula tract. The vagina was closed in 1 layer with continuous 3-0 Vicryl sutures, and the urinary bladder was closed in 2 layers using 3-0 Vicryl sutures. An additional 5-mm extraport was added at suturing to allow triangulation and hand-free extracorporeal suturing. An omental flap was interposed between the bladder and vagina. The urinary bladder was drained by an indwelling urethral catheter for 3 weeks. RESULTS: The operative time was 198±27.7 minutes. The blood loss was 90±25 mL. No intraoperative or postoperative complications developed. No conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery was necessary. The postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. No postoperative urinary leakage occurred. The follow-up examination at 8±3.2 months showed complete continence and no recurrence of VVF. CONCLUSION: LESS extravesical repair of VVF is a technically feasible and effective procedure that adheres to the principles of transabdominal open surgical repair. The technique has significant low morbidity; however, it requires advanced laparoscopic skills.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal extravesical repair of vesicovaginal fistula.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) has been recently reported. We present our experience of laparoscopic transperitoneal extravesical repair of VVF. METHODS: Fifteen females with supratrigonal VVF were included. Patients with malignant radiation and recurrent fistulas were excluded. Laparoscopic transperitoneal extravesical repair was done using four to five ports. The bladder was closed longitudinally, while the vagina was closed transversally with interposition of omentum in between. Bladder was drained by a urethral catheter for 3 weeks. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 171.6 ± 19.5 min. There was no conversion to open in all patients. Mean blood loss was 110 ± 17 cc. No intraoperative or postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 3 ± 1 days. At a mean follow-up of 18.9 ± 8.6 months all patients were cured. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transperitoneal extravesical repair of VVF is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for treatment of VVF.

Vaginal flap re-enforcement of vesico-vaginal fistula repair.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a distressing urologic disorder. We describe a new technique that adds a third layer of closure during vaginal repair of VVF. METHODS: Twenty female patients with low VVF were included. A circumferential incision was made around the fistula that was completely excised. A rectangular vaginal flap was created just proximal to the site of the fistula. After closure of the urinary bladder, the distal edges of the vaginal flap were dissected and it was mobilized and interposed between the bladder and the vagina. Then the vagina was closed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 16 +/- 9 months. All of the patients are dry. None of them had any added morbidity due to the procedure. There are no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal flap reinforcement during vaginal repair of VVF is a simple and effective technique with high success rate and no added complications.

Effects of M274773, a neurokinin-2 receptor antagonist, on bladder function in chronically spinalized rats.

PURPOSE: Increased afferent nerve activity may have an important role in the pathogenesis of neurogenic detrusor overactivity. We tested the efficacy of the neuokinin-2 receptor antagonist M274773 ((S)-N-[2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-[4-(2-oxoperhydro-pyrimidin-l-yl) piperidino]butyl]-N-methylbenzamide dihydrochloride) on neurogenic detrusor overactivity after spinal cord injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in this study were 48 adult Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles River, Montreal, Quebec, Canada). Six animals served as normal controls, while 32 underwent spinal cord transection at the 10th thoracic vertebra. Two weeks after spinal cord injury 6 animals underwent filling cystometrography to confirm neurogenic detrusor overactivity, while another 12 served as paraplegic controls. The remaining 24 paraplegic animals were used to test the drug and they were divided into 2 equal groups of 12. Group 1 received the drug at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg daily, while group 2 received a dose of 0.6 mg/kg daily. Each paraplegic control and treatment group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups of 6 rats each. In subgroup 1 filling cystometrography was done 3 weeks after spinal cord injury, while in subgroup 2 it was done 4 weeks after spinal cord injury. RESULTS: Three weeks after spinal cord injury neurogenic detrusor overactivity developed in all paraplegic control animals with a mean bladder capacity +/- SD of 0.7 +/- 0.2 ml and a mean voiding pressure of 59 +/- 14.2 cm H2O. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity resolved in 50% and 83% of the animals that received M274773 for 1 week at doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg daily, respectively. Mean cystometric bladder capacity was 1.2 +/- 0.5 vs 1.3 +/- 0.4 ml and mean voiding pressure was 46.1 +/- 10.8 vs 40 +/- 9.9 cm H2O in animals that received 0.3 vs 0.6 mg/kg daily, respectively. The drug produced better urodynamic results when given for 2 weeks rather than 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: M274773 is effective for neurogenic detrusor overactivity after spinal cord injury in the rat. It may provide an alternative clinical treatment option for neurogenic detrusor overactivity and urgency/frequency syndrome. This new neurokinin-2 selective antagonist has time and dose response effects, which further suggests the potential for clinical application.

Effects of ZD6169 and ZD0947, 2 potassium adenosine triphosphate channel openers, on bladder function of spinalized rats.

PURPOSE: The use of K+ channel openers is emerging as an attractive possibility for treating bladder overactivity. We tested the efficacy of the 2 adenosine triphosphate dependent K channel openers ZD6169 and ZD0947 on detrusor hyperreflexia after spinal cord injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in this study were 72 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Six animals served as normal controls, while 66 underwent spinal cord transection at the 10th thoracic vertebra. Two weeks after spinal cord injury 6 animals underwent filling cystometrography to confirm detrusor hyperreflexia, while another 12 served as control paraplegics. For each drug 24 animals were used and divided into 2 equal groups of 12. Group 1 received the drug in a dose of 3 mg./kg. daily, while group 2 received a dose of 0.3 mg./kg. daily. Each control paraplegic and treatment group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups of 6 rats. In subgroup 1 filling cystometrography was done 3 weeks after spinal cord injury, while in subgroup 2 it was done 4 weeks after spinal cord injury. RESULTS: Three weeks after spinal cord injury detrusor hyperreflexia developed in all control paraplegic animals with a mean bladder capacity plus or minus standard deviation of 0.7 +/- 0.2 ml. and a mean voiding pressure of 59 +/- 14.2 cm. water. Detrusor hyperreflexia resolved in 66% of the animals that received ZD6169 for 1 week at either dose. For example, mean bladder capacity was 2.5 +/- 1.8 versus 1.8 +/- 1.2 ml. and mean voiding pressure was 42.1 +/- 15.9 versus 43.2 +/- 21.4 cm. water in animals that received 3 versus 0.3 mg./kg. daily, respectively. All animals that received a dose of 3 mg./kg. ZD0947 daily for 1 week showed no detrusor hyperreflexia with a mean bladder capacity of 2.7 +/- 1.8 ml. and mean voiding pressure of 34 +/- 8.5 cm. water, while at 0.3 mg./kg. daily 83% showed no detrusor hyperreflexia with a mean bladder capacity of 2.5 +/- 2.0 ml. and a mean voiding pressure of 41.5 +/- 13.8 cm. water. Each drug produced better urodynamic results when given for 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: ZD6169 and ZD0947 are effective treatment for detrusor hyperreflexia after spinal cord injury and they may provide alternative treatment options for overactive bladder. Each drug has time and dose dependent response effects that reflect their wide range of efficacy. However, ZD0947 shows an efficacy profile that is relatively superior to that of ZD6169.

Possible improvement of the clitoral and vaginal blood flow using a somatostatin analog in chronic spinalized Sprague-Dawley rats.

We evaluated the effect of a somatostatin analog (octreotide) on clitoral and vaginal blood flow following suprasacral spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Twenty-four spinalized female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 equal groups. The first group served as control paraplegics. The other three groups received octreotide (60 micrograms/day/4 weeks) immediately, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks following SCI. At the end of the experiment, a laser Dopper was used to measure blood flow changes following clitoral and pelvic nerve plexus stimulations. Marked decreases in both clitoral and vaginal blood flow in the control paraplegics were recorded. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in both clitoral and vaginal blood flow were recorded in animals that received octreotide; however, the increase was marked in the animals that received the drug immediately following SCI. Improvement in the clitoral and vaginal blood flow of spinalized rats using octreotide indicates that octreotide may be helpful for patients with SCI.