The use of rotational bladder flap and hemostatic matrix sealant (FloSeal): a modified transabdominal approach to repair supratrigonal and complex vesicovaginal fistula.

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), commonly caused by prolonged obstructed labor, is one of the worst complications of childbirth and poor obstetric care in the developing world. We investigated the clinical efficacy and outcome of technical modifications of the current transperitoneal supravesical technique for supratrigonal and complex vesicovaginal fistula. We studied a total of 20 patients with iatrogenic supratrigonal and complex vesicovaginal fistula following obstetric trauma and hysterectomy. All patients underwent a modified transabdominal technique: the modifications consisted of passing a Foley catheter through the fistulous opening, inflating the balloon, and applying traction on the catheter to provide effective anchorage and to minimize the oozing from the cystotomy edges. The cystotomy was directed in the parasagittal line, and medial side of the bladder was rotated as a flap into the bladder defect; the urethral de Pezzare catheter was used for urinary drainage. We used hemostatic matrix sealant (FloSeal, Baxter BioSurgery, Westlake Village, California) to promote healing and hemostasis. The vesicovaginal fistula was successfully corrected in all patients after the first attempt, and no significant bladder dysfunction or decrease in bladder capacity was seen after repair. Interposition flaps were used in all patients, and six patients (30%) required ancillary procedures for other associated anomalies at the time of fistula repair. At a mean follow-up of two years, fourteen women were sexually active, and 5 (35%) from this group of patients complained of mild-to-moderate dyspareunia. In our study, supratrigonal VVFs were repaired with a transabdominal, transperitoneal, transvesical approach. Tailoring the cystotomy in a parasagittal line permitted closure of fistula by rotation of bladder flap into the defect. This excellent method should be a viable option when repairing complex VVF.

A novel antireflux technique for orthotopic ileal bladder substitutes-flat-segment technique: preliminary results.

Objective. Although a large debate exists regarding the need for reflux prevention in ileal orthotopic neobladders, it is our policy to continue performing nonrefluxing ureteroileal anastomoses for our patients. An ideal uretero-ileal anastomosis must be simple, nonrefluxing, as well as non-obstructive. Here, we present a new antireflux mechanism for orthotopic ileal neobladders. Methods. 12 radical cystectomy patients for muscle invasive bladder cancer were candidates for orthotopic urinary diversion and underwent a non-refluxing uretero-ileal anastomosis using the flat-segment technique with a follow up of 6 to 18 months. Results. Preliminary results after the short-term followup showed that the success rate in reflux prevention was 92% and no cases of obstruction. The upper tracts were preserved or improved in all 12 patients. Operative time for neobladder creation ranged between 120-240 minutes, with a mean of 165 minutes (±36 minutes). No diversion-related complications. Conclusions. Based on our early data, we believe that the flat-segment uretero-ileal anastomosis technique for reflux prevention in orthotopic ileal bladder substitutes is simple, easy to learn and carries no additional morbidity to a standard refluxing uretero-ileal anastomosis, but has the advantage of effective reflux prevention. A longer follow-up period study with more patient numbers is ongoing.

Orthotopic ileal bladder substitution following radical cystectomy using the linear-cutter stapling device.

We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of using the linear-cutter staplers in the ileal reanastomosis and ileal pouch reconstruction following radical cystectomy in patients with invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal bladder substitution procedures were performed in 40 patients with invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder. In 20 patients the linear- cutter stapling device was used for the ileo-ilial reanastomosis and reconstruction of the pouch, while in the other 20 patients the standard hand-suturing technique was used. Using the linear-cutter stapler in the ileo-ileal reanastromasis and ileal pouch reconstruction saved approximately 60 to 90 minutes of operative time, and there was also a significant reduction of blood loss during this period. The leakage rate and hospital stay were less in patients with a stapled pouch. Urodynamic characteristics were comparable to standard ileal neobladders.

Inverted ureteral nipple as antireflux technique in surgical management of bilharzial ureteral strictures.

OBJECTIVES: To present our initial clinical experience with the technique of inverted nipple ureteroneocystostomy in patients with dilated bilharzial ureters. METHODS: A total of 36 patients with obstructed dilated bilharzial ureters (56 ureters) underwent inverted nipple ureteroneocystotomy after resection of the obstructed segment. Postoperatively, the patients were invited for follow-up at 3 and 6 months and yearly thereafter. At the first follow-up, urinalysis and culture examinations, serum creatinine measurement, ultrasonography, intravenous urography, or computed tomography, and voiding cystourethrography were performed. The mean follow-up was 32 months (range 16-52). RESULTS: Symptomatic and radiologic improvement occurred in all patients, except for 2, and was sustained in all cases throughout the follow-up period. No reflux was demonstrated on static or voiding cystography in any patients. Recurrent postoperative hydronephrosis occurred in 2 reimplants (3.5%) owing to obstruction at the ureterovesical anastomosis. An episode of acute pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics occurred in 1 patient within the fist 6 months postoperatively. Mild reflux was subsequently demonstrated on voiding cystography. CONCLUSIONS: The new technique of inverted nipple ureteroneocystostomy is suitable for reimplantation of dilated bilharzial ureters. Additional studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are necessary to confirm these results.

Use of oxidized cellulose hemostats (Surgicel™) to support parenchymal closure and achieve hemostasis following partial nephrectomy.

Elective nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has gained general acceptance as an alternative to radical nephrectomy. To achieve hemostasis without risk of local ischemia and necrosis of kidney parenchyma after standard hemostatic suturing, we investigated oxidized cellulose hemostats' efficacy and safety as atraumatic hemostatic treatment and for the closure of a large parenchymal defect after kidney tumor resection. Our approach has been particularly helpful for repairing large and irregular renal parenchymal defects. This study demonstrates the use of oxidized cellulose hemostats is effective for rapid, hemostatic closure of the kidney in association with partial nephrectomy.

Outcome of treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse and stress urinary incontinence with transobturator tension-free vaginal mesh (prolift) and concomitant tension-free vaginal tape-obturator.

Objective. It is to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of transobturator tension-free vaginal mesh (Prolift) and concomitant tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) system as a treatment of female anterior vaginal wall prolapse associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Patients and Methods. Between December 2006 and July 2007, 20 patients with anterior genital prolapse and voiding dysfunction were treated with the transobturator tension-free vaginal mesh (Prolift) and concomitant tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O). Sixteen patients had stress urinary incontinence and 4 patients were considered at risk for development of de novo stress incontinence after the prolapse is repaired. All patients underwent a complete urodynamic assessment. All the patients underwent pelvic examination 4-6 weeks after the operation, and anatomical and functional outcomes were recorded. Results. Twenty cystocoeles were repaired: 6 grade II, 12 grade III, and 2 grade IV. There were no vessel or bladder injuries. Eighteen patients had optimal anatomic results and 2 patients had persistent asymptomatic stage I prolapse. Conclusion. These preliminary results suggest that Prolift system offers a safe and effective treatment for female anterior vaginal wall prolapse. However, a long-term followup is necessary in order to support the good result maintenance.

Outcome and complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with previous renal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical difficulties, limitations, outcome, and complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with previous ipsilateral renal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with a history of epsilateral renal surgery underwent laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for benign renal disease at our center between November 2001 and March 2005. All patients were informed about the details of the laparoscopic procedure, and an informed consent was obtained that included the possibility of an emergency laparotomy. All procedures performed were carried out through a transperitoneal approach. A separate table with a laparotomy set was available in the room and ready for open conversion. RESULTS: The procedure was completed in 13 patients. Excluding the cases converted to open surgery, the operative time ranged from 120 to 210 minutes, with a mean of 170 +/- 32.9. The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 30 to 400 cc, with a mean blood loss of 100. Complications included minor visceral injury (liver) in 1 patient, minor bleeding in 2, major bleeding (open conversion) in 1, technical failure (open conversion) in 4, postoperative bleeding (reexploration) in 1, and postoperative renal bed collection in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an alternative to the open nephrectomy for the removal of nonfunctioning kidneys in benign diseases and results in less morbidity and a shorter hospital stay. A higher conversion to open and complication rate should be expected in patients with previous open or endoscopic renal surgery and postinflammatory conditions.

Safety and efficacy of tubeless percutaneous renal surgery.

PURPOSE: We challenge the requirement for routine placement of a nephrostomy tube after percutaneous renal surgery, assessing the outcome, safety, and efficacy of tubeless procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients underwent tubeless percutaneous renal surgery from May 2001 to May 2004: stone extraction in 120 patients and endopyelotomy +/- stone extraction in 8. The stone sizes ranged from 2 to 7 cm with a mean of 4.1 cm. An external ureteral catheter was used in 120 patients and was removed after 24 hours if a retrograde study revealed no extravasation. An antegrade Double-J stent was used in 8 patients and removed 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Among the 128 patients treated by the tubeless technique, we met situations that mandated insertion of a nephrostomy tube in 18. RESULTS: The stone free-rate was 90.4%. The mean hospital stay was 1.7 days. The incidence of significant intraoperative bleeding was 1.5% and that of significant postoperative hematuria was 4.6%. Postoperative sonography revealed a small perirenal collection (<50 mL) in 10 patients (7.8%) and significant perirenal collections (100-250 mL) in 3 (2.3%). The postoperative retrograde study revealed minor extravasation in 14 patients (12%) and significant extravasation in 3 (2.3%) CONCLUSION: Tubeless percutaneous renal surgery with an externalized ureteral catheter is a safe procedure that is suitable for any patient who can be rendered stone free with a single procedure regardless of the initial stone burden.

Modified extravesical ureteral reimplantation technique for kidney transplants.

PURPOSE: We describe a modification and evaluate a technique of extravesical ureteral reimplantation for kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 120 kidney transplant recipients who underwent ureteral reimplantation via a modified extravesical technique. Follow-up evaluation included renal ultrasonography. Because reflux is not routinely assessed in transplant cases, only symptomatic reflux was considered a complication and accessed with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). The urological complications evaluated included urinary fistula, ureteral stenosis and symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux. RESULTS: The modified extravesical technique produced a successful result in 93.4% of patients with no symptomatic reflux or anastomotic obstruction. Anastomotic complications included stenosis in four patients, prolonged leakage and fistula in three patients, and symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in one patient. Other urologic complications included complicated hematuria in three patients, postoperative urosepsis in one patient, and ureteral stenosis caused by extrinsic compression in three patients due to lymphocele (two patients) and by adhesions (one patient). CONCLUSIONS: The modified extravesical ureteral reimplantation is a reliable procedure with predictable results comparable to those of more-traditional techniques and proved to be efficient without increasing the incidence of urological or anastomotic complications. This modified technique offers two advantages; removal of the ureteral stent with the urethral catheter without the need for a postoperative cystoscopy and facilitation of postoperative endoscopic maneuvers if needed.

Laparoscopic marsupialization of postrenal transplantation lymphoceles.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinically significant post-transplantation lymphoceles are not uncommon. Surgical marsupialization with internal peritoneal drainage is the treatment of choice. We describe the successful laparoscopic formation of a peritoneal window for post-transplantation lymphocele drainage as an effective and minimally invasive procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 1995 and September 2001, 135 consecutive renal transplantations were performed, and 9 patients developed clinically significant lymphoceles. Four of the nine patients were treated by laparoscopic drainage via a peritoneal window. Analysis of predisposing risk factors commonly associated with lymphoceles was performed. The surgical outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Laparoscopic drainage was successful in all patients. The average operative time was 40 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days for patients undergoing laparoscopic drainage versus 5 days for those having open surgical drainage. Accidental division of the right native ureter occurred in one patient, which was identified intraoperatively. None of the patients had developed recurrence of lymphocele after a mean follow-up of 10.7 months (range 6-22) months. CONCLUSION: In patients with a clinically significant post-transplantation lymphocele of appropriate size and location, laparoscopic drainage is easy, safe, and effective. It decreases hospital stay and hastens convalescence.