Long-term outcome of detectable PSA levels after radical prostatectomy.

Detectable prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA) following radical prostatectomy (RP) are believed to represent treatment failure. In this retrospective review, we characterize long-term PSA outcomes following RP (n = 204) in a non-referral hospital performed between 1984 and 1994. With an average follow-up of 10 y, 90 (44%) patients developed a PSA recurrence: 15 (17%) died of prostate cancer despite hormonal intervention, 39 (43%) responded to hormonal therapy with stable remission and 36 (40%) were observed without intervention. Following RP many patients may have a detectable PSA that does not require treatment. PSA doubling time (< 12 months) was the best predictor of disease progression.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: review and assessment of an emerging technique.

BACKGROUND: Several recent reports have affirmed the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach for radical prostatectomy. In this review, we discuss the morbidities associated with this technique and compare outcomes and convalescence with standard open radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We reviewed all currently published data on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and our series of 45 robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies and compared them to several landmark series of open retropubic and perineal radical prostatectomies. RESULTS: Although the initial series reported long operating times, these times have been significantly reduced in more recent series. Data on blood loss, convalescence, impotence, and incontinence rates have also been promising. CONCLUSIONS: Although follow-up has been short thus far, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been shown to be similar to open radical prostatectomy in several areas.

Prostate needle biopsy infection after four or six dose ciprofloxacin.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective analysis is to determine rates of clinical infection after prostate needle biopsy with four versus six doses of ciprofloxacin to previous literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups were treated with pre and post biopsy 500 mg of ciprofloxacin twice daily by either six doses (n=337) or four doses (n=288) with the first dose given 24 or 12 hours prior to the procedure respectively. RESULTS: Six (0.96%) of the 625 patients had symptomatic urinary tract infections with a positive urinalysis and/or culture. One (0.3%) infection occurred among patients receiving six doses of ciprofloxacin, and five infections (1.7%), were identified among four dose patients. Two febrile episodes occurred in the four dose group, one requiring hospitalization. CONCLUSION: A low infection rate associated with prophylactic regimens. Six doses of ciprofloxacin appears more effective than four doses in reducing the clinical and febrile infection rate following ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate. No obvious financial benefit was observed.

Simplified technique with short and long-term followup of conversion of an ileal conduit to an Indiana pouch.

PURPOSE: We report a simplified technique for converting an existing conduit to an Indiana pouch as well as short and long-term results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 1988 to February 1998 we evaluated short and long-term outcome and complications in 23 patients 14 to 82 years old (average age 51.8) who underwent conversion of a conduit to an Indiana pouch. When no obstruction of the existing ureteroileal anastomoses was identified, the conduit was freed from the abdominal wall and surrounding bowel. The proximal conduit and ureteral anastomoses were not dissected. The conduit was opened along the antimesenteric wall proximal to the ureteral anastomoses and attached to 25 to 28 cm. of detubularized right colon as a refluxing Studer limb. The pouch was completed in the usual fashion and the stoma was matured at a virgin site. RESULTS: Surgical indications included stomal complications in 10 patients, an infected nonfunctioning kidney in 2 and patient preference in 11. There were no perioperative deaths although 3 patients died of cancer progression. Average operative time was 6.6 hours, estimated blood loss 518 cc and length of stay 7.8 days. Average followup after conversion was 4.7 years (range 0.2 to 11.0). Six late complications developed in 4 cases, including pyelonephritis in 2, severe pouchitis in 1, dehydration in 1 and stomal revision in 2. Renal function was well preserved with an average preoperative and postoperative creatinine of 0.91 and 1.14 mg./dl., respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This technique simplifies conversion and decreases bowel requirements. The low complication rate and stable serum creatinine support the finding that conversion of a conduit to an Indiana pouch is a safe, viable procedure.

Vena caval resection for bulky metastatic germ cell tumors: an 18-year experience.

PURPOSE: The operative management and followup of vena caval resection for bulky metastatic germ cell tumors have been previously described in 3 series. In 1989 Ahlering and Skinner described their experience with 12 patients. We now update this experience with the most recent followup on 19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1978 to May 1995, 19 men underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for stage B3 (N3) or C (N3, M+) germ cell tumor after induction chemotherapy. In all cases the inferior vena cava was resected because of extensive thrombosis or direct involvement of the vessel wall by a tumor. The inferior vena cava was resected from just below the renal veins to beyond the level of disease involvement. Complete resection of retroperitoneal disease was accomplished in all patients. Morbidity and mortality were examined. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 10 days (range 7 to 13) for uncomplicated recoveries (9 patients) versus 19 days (range 6 to 32) for complicated recoveries (10 patients). Followup ranged from 1 month to 16 years. Complications included prolonged ileus, small bowel obstruction, fascial dehiscence and pneumonia with pleural effusion. Chronic edema persisted in 3 of 11 patients with followup of greater than 6 months. Of the 6 patients who died of disease recurrence 4 did not have normalization of tumor markers before surgery, and all 4 had persistence of cancer in the resected specimen. Seven patients are without disease at followup of 24 months to 16 years. All survivors had normalized tumor markers before surgery. Only 1 patient (5%) had retroperitoneal recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: En bloc vena caval resection for tumor involvement or extensive thrombosis can be associated with short and long-term morbidity, is feasible, and may contribute to a prolonged tumor-free interval and a chance for cure.

Retrospective analysis of urologic complications in male patients with spinal cord injury managed with and without indwelling urinary catheters.

OBJECTIVES: To compare, in a retrospective fashion, the long-term urologic complications in male patients with spinal cord injury managed with and without indwelling urinary catheters. METHODS: The records of 142 consecutive male patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries sustained between 1975 and 1985 (inclusive) were reviewed. Fifty-six patients were managed with indwelling urinary catheters, and 86 were managed without an indwelling catheter. Urinary complications were recorded for each patient under the following general subheadings: renal, urinary tract infection, stones, urethral, and other. RESULTS: In all, there were 95 complications in the noncatheterized group versus 202 in the catheterized group (P = 0.007). The catheterized group experienced significantly more problems with renal damage, recurrent urinary tract infection, stones, and urethral complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that elimination of indwelling urinary catheters in patients with spinal cord injury will significantly reduce the incidence of urinary tract complications and lead to better preservation of renal function.

Use of an anti-ras ribozyme to alter the malignant phenotype of a human bladder cancer cell line.

PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the ability of a ribozyme (catalytic RNA), which site specifically cleaves the mRNA of the activated H-ras gene, to alter the malignant phenotype of an invasive human bladder cancer cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human bladder cancer cell line EJ which contains the activated H-ras gene was used in these studies. Cell lines with and without the anti-ras ribozyme were examined for their malignant potential in athymic (nude) mice by using an orthotopic model of bladder cancer. Endpoints evaluated included tumor take and animal survival. RESULTS: EJ tumors containing the anti-ras ribozyme showed a reduction in tumor take (35% versus 45%) and prolonged survival (74 days versus 65 days) compared with standard EJ cells. This survival advantage was not as pronounced as anticipated. To evaluate this finding, we examined the tumor from mice originally inoculated with the ribozyme-containing cell line to determine if the ribozyme was still present. Approximately 60% of the animals had lost ribozyme expression. Animals that maintained ribozyme expression had a mean survival of 81 +/- 4 days which was significantly prolonged compared with control mice (65 +/- 5 days). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the invasive phenotype is blunted with the anti-ras ribozyme, delaying but not abolishing the metastatic phenotype. These results further delineate the roles of ras genes in malignancy and demonstrate that ribozymes may be a powerful tool for exploring the role of individual oncogenes and may be used as anticancer agents.

The pathogenesis and management of urothelial malignancies.

Urothelial malignancies are frequently encountered among elderly persons. Host susceptibility and the presence of urothelial carcinogens are of primary importance in the development of these cancers. The natural history of these cancers produces a spectrum of disease processes with varying tendencies regarding invasion, spread, and multicentric origin. Consequently, a multitude of treatment options exist for the clinician and patient dealing with urothelial tumors. Essential to the reduction of morbidity and mortality attributable to these malignancies is the elimination of known risk factors, coupled with prompt diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the high propensity for these tumors to recur necessitates an aggressive cancer surveillance program in the patient population at risk.

A comparative study of postoperative complications associated with the modified Indiana pouch in elderly versus younger patients.

PURPOSE: We defined the nature and risk of complications associated with the modified Indiana pouch in patients older than 75 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the clinical course of 25 elderly patients and a control group of 25 selected randomly from the cohort of those younger than 75 years. All patients underwent the modified Indiana pouch procedure. Charts were reviewed for type of operation, mean patient age, length of hospital stay, medical conditions, and early and late morbidity and mortality. Comparisons were made between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Simultaneous cystectomy or anterior exenteration was performed in 84% and 95% of patients in the elderly and younger groups, respectively. Mean age was 78.5 years in the elderly and 59.3 years in the younger group. Medical illnesses and early postoperative complication rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Mean hospital stay was increased but not significantly in the elderly group (12.4 versus 11.1 days). There were 2 perioperative deaths in the elderly group (8%) and 1 in the control group (4%). Mean followup was 24.5 months (range 4 to 64) in the elderly versus 29.5 months (range 6 to 69) in the younger group. Late complications with the pouch were also similar (16% in the elderly and 12% in the control group). Of the elderly patients 9 died (intercurrent medical disease in 1 and cancer progression in 8) compared to 4 in the younger group (intercurrent medical disease in 1 and cancer progression in 3). Of the elderly patients 13 are alive (mean age 81 years) with a well functioning continent diversion. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Indiana pouch can be created with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients, and it provides an excellent functional result.

Continent urinary diversion using a Modified Indiana Pouch in elderly patients.

A total of 25 patients at least 75 years old underwent continent urinary diversion via a modified Indiana Pouch during a 68-month period, 21 of these with simultaneous radical cystectomy or anterior exenteration. The preoperative medical conditions as well as the early and late operative morbidity and mortality are reviewed with a mean follow up of 27 months. Average age of patients was 78.5 years, and the mean age of survivors is 81 years. There were two early mortalities attributed to ileal gangrene with secondary sepsis and aspiration pneumonia. Postoperative complications (superficial wound infection, middle colic vein bleed, right ureteral leak, ileus) occurred in five patients, two of whom required re-operation. Mean hospital stay was 12.4 days and ranged from 9-20. There were only six late complications [ureteral stricture (3), small bowel obstruction (1), incontinence (1)] necessitating re-hospitalization and surgical intervention. Late infectious complications included recurrent urinary tract infections (3), pyelonephritis (2), and C. Difficile enterocolitis (2) all managed medically. In addition, 10 other patients have died, 9 from metastatic disease and 1 from intercurrent medical problems. Of the 13 remaining patients, 11 are disease free and all are continent with a mean follow-up time of 33 months. We conclude that continent urinary diversion via a modified Indiana pouch with radical cystectomy or anterior exenteration can be performed with minimal morbidity or mortality, even in an elderly population.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the contralateral ureter.

Renal cell carcinoma uncommonly metastasizes to the ureter, with only rare reports of metastatic lesions developing in the contralateral side. Recently at our institution, two patients presented with contralateral ureteral metastases from a primary renal adenocarcinoma; one was synchronous and the second metachronous. Following extensive metastatic evaluations, both lesions were believed to be solitary metastases. The involved ureters were managed with total ureterectomy and construction of an ileal ureter. We report these two cases and review the literature.

Late complications of the modified Indiana pouch.

The modified Indiana pouch is currently an accepted and widely used form of continent cutaneous urinary diversion. However, results of long-term followup and potential late complications are still being established. We report our experience with 130 modified Indiana pouches performed between September 1987 and September 30, 1991. In 16 patients (12%) late complications developed between 1 and 16 months after the pouch procedure. Ureteral obstruction developed in 9 of these patients (7%), including bilateral obstruction in 4. Balloon dilation with or without incision of ureteral strictures in 6 patients resulted in an 83% failure rate, while ureteral reimplantation was successful in 91% (10 of 11 cases). Reservoir dysfunction was the late complication in the remaining 7 patients. Urodynamic evaluation was essential in determining appropriate treatment for incontinence with either replication of the ileal segment or pouch augmentation with an ileal patch. Of the 16 late complications 56% occurred in patients who received between 3,000 and 6,500 rad of pelvic radiation before the urinary diversion. We conclude that the modified Indiana pouch is a successful form of urinary diversion with an acceptable complication rate. Ureteral balloon dilation with or without endoscopic incision of ureteral strictures has not been successful. However, patients can usually undergo successful ureteral reimplantation via an extraperitoneal approach with minimal morbidity. Previously radiated patients are at higher risk for complications and require shorter ureteral tunnels to avoid stricture, in addition to an ileal patch at initial construction.

Surgical resection in patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor who fail to normalize serum tumor markers after chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with high-stage nonseminomatous germ cell tumors treated with platinum-based chemotherapy who have residual radiographic evidence of disease and fail to normalize tumor markers present a difficult clinical dilemma. Some authors feel that these patients are not appropriate surgical candidates. Our practice has been to offer certain patients salvage surgery in an attempt for cure. This report is designed to review that experience and critically analyze the results. METHOD: We report a series of 16 such patients with advanced-stage nonseminomatous germ cell tumors who had persistently elevated alpha fetoprotein and/or human chorionic gonadotropin. All underwent resection of all radiographically evident sites of residual disease following induction or salvage chemotherapy. RESULTS: Ten patients had only retroperitoneal (RP) metastasis. Six patients had more than one site of residual disease--4 RP and lung, 2 RP and liver. There were no postoperative deaths. The mean postoperative stay was eleven days (range 7 to 36 days). Six patients (37%) are alive and free of disease at a mean of seventy-four months following surgery (range 20 to 145 months). Five had RP disease only. Ten patients died of disease at a mean of eight months postoperatively (range 5 to 21 months). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced nonseminomatous germ cell tumor who fail to normalize their serum tumor markers after adequate platinum-based chemotherapy should be considered for surgical resection of all radiographically evident residual disease. In select cases this practice offers the only viable chance for cure.

Urological evaluation and management of renal-proximity stab wounds.

The urological evaluation and management of renal-proximity stab wounds remain controversial. Questions regarding the "best" first radiographic study and the indications for nonoperative management are still unanswered. At the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 244 patients evaluated between January 1985 and December 1990 for renal-proximity stab wounds. There were 184 patients who presented without hematuria, 46 who presented with microscopic hematuria and 14 who presented with gross hematuria. When used as the first diagnostic study, an excretory urogram was 96% accurate in establishing the presence or absence of injury. In 34 patients additional evaluation was done with computerized tomography and/or angiography. A total of 43 injuries (17.6%) was found, of which 27 were successfully managed nonoperatively and 16 were managed surgically (1 nephrectomy). One patient had significant postoperative hemorrhage after partial nephrectomy, which was successfully managed with angiographic embolization. We conclude that although the degree of hematuria was a good indication of renal injury, the absence of hematuria did not preclude injury. In addition, excretory urography appears to be an acceptably reliable first study at our institution. We advocate a renal angiogram as the second radiographic study of choice because it reliably stages significant injuries and offers the possibility of therapeutic transcatheter embolization. Most renal injuries, when accurately staged, can safely be managed nonoperatively.

Radiographic evaluation of adult patients with blunt renal trauma.

Recent reports in the literature suggest that radiographic evaluation of the normotensive blunt trauma patient with microscopic hematuria is no longer necessary. Several facilities, however, including ours, continue to perform excretory urography (IVP) routinely in this setting. To evaluate further whether this practice is indicated, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 317 adults who presented to our facility between May 1986 and December 1989 after blunt trauma with resultant microscopic hematuria but no shock. All patients were radiographically assessed with an IVP. Of the 317 studies 29 (9%) had an abnormal result, including 28 with renal contusion and 1 with a nonfunctioning kidney (in which case further evaluation revealed a congenitally absent kidney). No significant urological injury was identified. Thus, no injury would have been missed if a policy of observation had been followed in these patients. Our data support other reports in the literature that radiographic staging is not necessary in the adult blunt trauma patient with microscopic hematuria but no shock.

Angiographic embolization of renal stab wounds.

Nonoperative management of renal stab wounds following complete radiographic assessment has become an accepted if not preferred therapeutic option. Selected injuries, however, including renal artery branch injuries, often require surgical intervention and result in partial or total nephrectomy. We report our experience with 16 renal branch arterial injuries secondary to street stabbing during the last 10 years that were managed with angiography and embolization techniques. Angiography with embolization was the initial treatment in 11 patients, while 5 had undergone emergency surgical intervention initially because of hemodynamic instability. Subsequently, gross hematuria recurred in the latter 5 patients and they were managed angiographically. Overall, 14 of 16 patients had prompt hemostasis documented either on the post-embolization angiogram or by clinical assessment. In 2 patients bleeding was increased but partial nephrectomy ultimately was required. Complications included nontarget embolization in 2 patients: 1 subsequently had hypertension and 1 had no untoward effect as a result of this complication. We conclude that angiography with transcatheter embolization techniques provides a safe and effective means of managing renal artery branch injuries secondary to stab wounds.

Experience with fossa recurrence of renal cell carcinoma.

We describe the surgical management and followup of 11 patients with local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma in the renal fossa, 10 of whom demonstrated no evidence of distant metastatic disease at the time of recurrence. Average interval to recurrence was 31 months from nephrectomy, with the majority of patients presenting with symptoms of weight loss, fatigue and lumbar discomfort. A total of 13 resections of recurrent carcinoma was performed with 3 immediate postoperative complications, including a retroperitoneal abscess, jejunal necrosis requiring resection and a duodenal obstruction requiring duodenojejunostomy. There were 2 postoperative deaths, 2 patients died of disseminated disease at 8 and 22 months, and 3 died of causes unrelated to cancer recurrence at 4 months, 6 months and 10 years. Four patients were without disease at a followup of 35, 46, 48 and 211 months. We include in this review a report on 1 patient who maintains a disease-free survival of 17 years after resection of a recurrent spindle cell carcinoma. We conclude that an aggressive surgical approach to recurrent renal cell carcinoma within the renal fossa can produce long-term disease-free survival and is justified when compared to the results reported for chemotherapy.