Short ileal segment for orthotopic neobladder: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to present the construction of a neobladder with a modified pouch technique using 25-35 cm of terminal ileum. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients whose pouch was constructed from 25-35 cm of terminal ileum (short pouch [SP] group) were prospectively evaluated vs 41 patients whose pouch was constructed from 50-70 cm of terminal ileum (long pouch group). Pouch volume, post-void residual (PVR) volume, need for catheterization, continence and voiding frequency were evaluated at 3 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: SP group patients had significantly smaller pouch capacity (440 vs 840 mL, P < 0.001) at month 12, and smaller PVR at postoperative months 3 (11 [0-43]vs 40 [0-147] mL, P < 0.001) and 12 (10 [0-90]vs 72 [0-570] mL, P < 0.001). SP group patients had significantly higher voiding frequency on postoperative month 3 (10 vs 9, P < 0.001) and 12 (7 vs 6, P < 0.005). Continence was significantly improved in the SP group compared with the long pouch group after 12 months (63.2% vs 34.1%, respectively, P = 0.034). Full continence improved significantly over time (P < 0.001) in the SP group, from 26.3% at month 3 to 63.2% at month 12. CONCLUSION: A pouch constructed from 25-35 cm of terminal ileum provides adequate capacity, smaller PVR, satisfactory continence and a better 24-h voiding frequency pattern during the first postoperative year.

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder--A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumor and presents less than 0.06% of all urinary bladder tumors. CASE REPORT: We presented a 49-year-old female patient with a history of daily paroxysmal hypertension accompanied with flushing of the face and upper chest, palpitations and excessive sweating prior to micturition. Ultrasonography reported a 3 cm bladder wall tumor. The 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) scan showed a pathological isotope accumulation in the projection of the bladder. The patient underwent a partial cystectomy. One year following the operation the patient was normotensive and without recurrence. CONCLUSION: The most efficient treatment option for bladder pheochromocytoma is surgical resection. The most important fact in the diagnostics is suspicion on this rare condition.

Difference in recurrence frequencies of non-muscle-invasive-bladder tumors depending on optimal usage of intravesical immunotherapy of bacillus Calmette-Guérin.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The therapy with intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) after transurethral resection (ITJR) of the tumor is the gold standard of treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The aim of this study was to compare the frequencies of reccurence between a group of patients submitted to TUR + BCG therapy (group I) and a group of patients submitted only to TUR (group II). METHODS: The patients with NMIBC, a total of 899, treated in our Institution from January 1, 2007 to March, 2013, were included in this study and divided into two groups: group I and group II. These two groups were divided into three subgroups: solitary first diagnosed tumor ≤ 3 cm (SFDGT), solitary first diagnosed tumor > 3 cm and multiple first diagnosed tumors (MFDGT), and recedive tumors (RCT). Statistical analysis was performed by using χ2-test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. RESULTS: In the group I a total of 133 cases had reccurence contrary to 75 in the group II, making a statistically highly significant difference. Analysis of recurrences through the subgroups revealed: in the group I SFDGT recurrence occured in 27 of the cases vs 9 cases in the group II; in the group I MFDGT recurrence occured in 49 of the cases vs 31 in the group II (p < 0.001), and finally, in the group I RCT recurrence occured in 57 cases vs 35 cases in the group II (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate no difference in the frequency of reccurence between the group I and group II regarding SFDGT, but a very high significant difference regarding those with MFDGT and RCT. These results should be taken into consideration in everyday clinical practise.

Giant renal oncocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Renal onkocytoma is a distinctive benign tumor derived from epithelial cells of the distal renal tubules. These tumors are often clinically asymptomatic, diagnosed accidentally and difficult to distinguish from renal cell carcinoma. CASE REPORT: We presented a giant renal onkocytoma in a man aged 64, without any signs or symptoms of the urogenital system disorder. The preoperative diagnosis described the tumor mass of the right kidney, size 16 x 14 cm, and indicated a malignant tumor of kidney. The patient underwent radical nephrectomy. The tumor was encapsulated at the intersection with the characteristic central hyaline scar. Microscopically, it was built of uniform polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohystochemiclly, tumor cells were immunoreactive to CK AE1/AE3 and CD 117, but showed negative immunoreactivity to CK 7, RCC marker and Vimentin. CONCLUSION: Giant renal oncocytomas are rare tumors with benign clinical course. As a rule, they are discovered by accident. Clinical differentiation from malignant tumors of the kidney is not possible. They are treated surgically, mainly by radical nephrectomy. A definitive diagnosis is made only by histopathological examination of tumors using immunohistochemical marker panels.

Rare locations of metastastatic renal cell carcinoma: a presentation of three cases.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently spreads not only to neighboring lymph nodes, but also to distant organs, including the lungs, liver, bones and brain. CASE REPORT: We presented three cases of RCC with colon metastasis. In the first, 63-year-old patient, after left nephrectomy followed with lyphadenectomy in paraaortic lymph node, left hemicolectomy was done due to RCC metastasis in rectosigmoid colon. In the second, 35-year-old patient, left radical nephrectomy was followed two years later with partial right nephrectomy, lung metastasectomy, small bowel and coecum resection and right orchiectomy all as separate procedures in different time intervals. The patient died from brain and bone metastases two years after the first surgery. The third, 35-year-old patient, had right nephrectomy followed by repeted lymphadenectomies after 6, 12 and 24 months. Four years later RCC spreaded to coecum and right hemicolectomy was performed. CONCLUSION: RCC treated with nephrectomy should be carefully followed up with imaging methods as a proper treatment of RCC metastases to distant organs could be important for a patient survival.

Urodynamic characteristics of the modified orthotopic ileal neobladder.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Radical cystectomy is the method of choice in management of muscle invasive, organ-confined tumors of the bladder (T2-T4, N0-Nx). The most frequent continent orthotopic urinary diversion after radical cystectomy is the ileal neobladder. A modified technique consists of using a shorter segment of the terminal ileum than the standard technique, around 30 cm. The aim of this study was to determine the urodynamic characteristics of the orthotopic ileal neobladder created by a modified technique. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study we analyzed the urodynamic parameters of 24 patients who had underwent radical cystectomy with orthotopic urinary diversion by ileal neobladder created using a modified technique. In all the patients we performed invasive and noninvasive urodynamic investigations 12 months after the operation. The urethral pressure profile parameters analyzed were maximal urethral pressure, maximal urethral closure pressure and the functional urethral profile length. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 63 (49-73) years, 90% were males and 10% were females. The median length of the shorter segment of the terminal ileum was 28 (range 22-35) cm. Prior to enterocystometry and uroflowmetry postvoid residual (PVR) urine was measured by a urethral catheter. The median PVR was 16.7 (0-140) mL. The median enterocystometric capacity was 396 (range 372-532) mL. The median end filling pouch pressure was 27.6 (range 20-70) cmH2O. The median maximal flow of urine was 22.1 (range 9.7-39.5) mL/s and the average flow of urine was 9.61 (range 3.6-17.6) mL/s. Flow time in the analyzed group was 47.5 (range 22-119) s. The median maximal urethral pressure was 54 (range 12-101) cmH2O, maximal urethral closure pressure 36.6 (range 6-91) cmH2O. Functional urethral profile length was 14.9 (range 4-37) mm. CONCLUSION: An ileal orthotopic pouch created by a modified technique using a shorter segment of the terminal ileum after 12 months presents with urodynamic characteristics similar to the native bladder.

[Post-voiding residual urine and capacity increase in orthotopic urinary diversion--standard vs. modified technique].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Ever since the time when the first orthotopic urinary diversion (pouch) was performed there has been a constant improvement and modification of surgical techniques. The aim has been to create a urinary reservoir similar to normal bladder, to decrease incidence of postoperative complications and provide an improved life quality. The aim of this study was to compare post-voiding residual urine (PVR) and capacity of the pouch constructed by standard or modified technique. METHODS: In this prospective and partially retrospective clinical study we included 79 patients. In the group of 41 patients (group ST) pouch was constructed using 50-70 cm of the ileum (standard technique). In the group of 38 patients (group MT) pouch was constructed using 25-35 cm of the ileum (modified technique). Postoperatively, PVR and pouch capacity were measured using ultrasound in a 3-, 6- and 12-month period. RESULTS: Postoperatively, an increase in PVR and pouch capacity was noticed in both groups. Twelve months postoperatively, PVR was significantly smaller in the group MT than in the group ST [23 (0-90) mL vs. 109 (0-570) mL, p < 0.001]. In the same period the pouch capacity was significantly smaller in the MT group than in the ST group [460 (290-710) mL vs. 892 (480-2 050) mL, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Postoperatively, an increase in PVR and pouch capacity was noticed during a 12-month period. A year following the operation the pouch created from a shorter ileal segment reached capacity of the "normal" bladder with small PVR. The pouch created by standard technique developed an unnecessary large PVR and capacity.

Living unrelated donor kidney transplantation--a fourteen-year experience.

BACKGROUND: In countries without a national organization for retrieval and distribution of organs of the deceased donors, problem of organ shortage is still not resolved. In order to increase the number of kidney transplantations we started with the program of living unrelated - spousal donors. The aim of this study was to compare treatment outcome and renal graft function in patients receiving the graft from spousal and those receiving ghe graft from living related donors. METHOD: We retrospectively identified 14 patients who received renal allograft from spousal donors between 1996 and 2009 (group I). The control group consisted of 14 patients who got graft from related donor retrieved from the database and matched than with respect to sex, age, kidney disease, immunological and viral pretransplant status, the initial method of the end stage renal disease treatment and ABO compatibility. In the follow-up period of 41 +/- 38 months we recorded immunosuppressive therapy, surgical complications, episodes of acute rejection, CMV infection and graft function, assessed by serum creatinine levels at the beginning and in the end of the follow-up period. All patients had pretransplant negative cross-match. In ABO incompatible patients pretransplant isoagglutinine titer was zero. RESULTS: The patients with a spousal donor had worse HLA matching. There were no significant differences between the groups in surgical, infective, immunological complications and graft function. Two patients from the group I returned to hemodialysis after 82 and 22 months due to serious comorbidities. CONCLUSION: In spite of the worse HLA matching, graft survival and function of renal grafts from spousal donors were as good as those retrieved from related donors.

Fournier's gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene (FG) represents a necrotizing infection of the skin and subcutaneous soft tissue of the external genitalia and perineum. It arises as a result of propagation of anorectal, urogenital and skin infections. The principles of treatment include improving general condition of a patient, debridement of wound, excision of necrotic tissue, combined antibiotic therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and reconstructive procedures. It is a rare but very serious condition which regardless to aggressive treatment can lead to a lethal outcome in up to 20-30% of patients. CASE REPORT: Since the year 2000 we have treated six patients with FG. We presented the course and positive treatment outcome in a 65-year-old male patient with numerous comorbid conditions, nonregulated insulin-dependent diabetes, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, chronic viral hepatitis and thrombocytopenia, rehabilitation was complicated with heart failure, atrial fibrillation and pulmonary thromboembolism. The treatment consisted of two extensive debridement of the wound with removing necrotic tissue, drainage, consolidation of state of health, correction of his blood sugar levels and thrombocytopenia, antimycotic and combination of three antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In two delayed surgical procedures reconstruction of a large defect of the urethra was performed. CONCLUSION: A patient with numerous and serious comorbid conditions with FG could recover as a result of teamwork of urologists, infective medicine specialists, cardiologists, endocrinologist, vascular and plastic surgeons.

[On 10-year experience in the use of direct and antireflux techniques of anastomosis of ureter and orthotopic intestinal neobladder after radical cystectomy].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Today, radical cystectomy is the method of choice in treatment of muscle invasive bladder carcinoma in stage T2-T4a, No-Nx, Mo, and orthotopic derivation is for patients the most comfortable derivation of urin. From 1888 when Tizzoni and Foggi performed the first orthotopic derivation on animals, and 1913 when Lemoin declared the first orthotopic derivation in humans there has been a constant improvement and modification of orthotopic urinary diversion after radical cystectomy which significantly decrease the number and severity of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to compare complications regarding the direct and antireflux ureter-neobladder anastomosis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 79 selected patients operated over the last ten years having medical records available. Previously, we excluded the patients with prior radiation therapy, systemic illness, diabetes mellitus, previous history of calculosis and metabolic disorders etc. Hautmann orthotopic technique was used in almost 70% of the patients. We analyzed complications regarding direct and antireflux ureter-neobladder anastomosis with a median follow-up period of 4.72 years. We followed-up the appearance of unilateral and bilateral hydronephrosis, forming of renal stones in the patients without previous history of renal calculosis, and renal insuficiency caused by stenosis on the site of anastomosis. We used the Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test, Student's ttest i chi2 test for statistic analysis. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 68.2 years. Totally 88.61% of the patients were male and 11.39% were female. The direct anastomotic technique secundum Wallace was used in 43.03% of the operated patients and antireflux technique secundum Le Duc in 56.97%s. Renal deterioration caused by stenosis on the site of the ureter-neobladder anastomosis was statistically significantly higher in the antireflux anastomosis compared to direct anastomosis (chi2= 4.71, p = 0.0299). No one of the patients with direct anastomosis had poucho-ureteral reflux higher grade than gr III. CONCLUSION: In our study, complication as renal deterioration as a result of stenosis on the site of the ureter anastomosis was significantly more common in the group of patients exposed to antireflux technique.