Sonoelastographic evaluation with the determination of compressibility ratio for symmetrical prostatic regions in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer.

AIM: Sonoelastography is a technique that assesses tissue hardness/compressibility. Utility and sensitivity of the method in prostate cancer diagnostics were assessed compared to the current gold standard in prostate cancer diagnostics i.e. systematic biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 84 patients suspected of prostate cancer based on elevated PSA levels or abnormal per rectal examination findings. Sonoelastography was used to evaluate the prostate gland. In the case of regions with hardness two-fold greater than that of symmetric prostate area (strain ratio >2), targeted biopsy was used; which was followed by an ultrasound-guided 8- or 10-core systematic biopsy (regardless of sonoelastography-indicated sites) as a reference point. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 69 years. PSA serum levels ranged between 1.02 and 885 ng/dl. The mean prostate volume was 62 ml (19-149 ml). Prostate cancer was found in 39 out of 84 individuals. Statistically significant differences in strain ratios between cancers and benign lesions were shown. Sonoelastography guided biopsy revealed 30 lesions - overall sensitivity 77% (sensitivity of the method - 81%). Sonoelastographic sensitivity increased depending on cancer stage according to the Gleason grading system: 6-60%, 7-75%, 8-83%, 9/10-100%. The estimated sensitivity of systematic biopsy was 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Sonoelastography shows higher diagnostic sensitivity in prostate cancer diagnostics compared to conventional imaging techniques, i.e. grey-scale TRUS, Doppler ultrasound. It allows to reduce the number of collected tissue cores, and thus limit the incidence of complications as well as the costs involved. Sonoelastography using the determination of compressibility ratio for symmetrical prostatic regions may prove useful in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.

[Uretero-uterine fistula as complication of the cesarean section]. / Przetoka moczowodowo-maciczna jako powiklanie ciecia cesarskiego.

CASE PRESENTATION: 26 y.o woman 3 weeks after cesarean section complained of urine leakage from vagina. Urography revealed uretero-uterine fistula. Surgery was performed--3 dexon sutures attaching strictured ureter to the uterine were localized and then cut off. Distally obliterated ureter was separated out of adjacent tissues. The strictured part of ureter was then incised on the length of ca 8 cm, pig tail catheter was induced and human dura mater allograft was put on and sewed in into the strictured segment. In the long term follow-up the woman gave birth to two more children in the vaginal delivery without any complications. Urographies revealed no fistula, no stricture recurrency and normal urine passage.

Reconstructive surgery of the extensive ureter strictures using human dura mater allografts.

OBJECTIVE: To present and evaluate our experiences with use of human dura mater allografts in reconstructive surgery of long ureter strictures; first human derived, collagen based, oligocellular biomaterial utilized in genitor-urinary reconstructive surgery. To describe on the basis of our experiences with dura mater preferable from a technical and biological standpoint features of biomaterial as a matrix for the ureter regeneration in this condition. We also assessed a technical aspects, suitability and efficacy of the new operative method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 1992, in our search for ideal biomaterial useful for reconstructive surgery of extensive ureter obstruction we used to apply human dura mater allografts. A total of 6 females and 2 males were treated with reconstructive surgery with human dura mater allografts utilized for supplementation of the ureter wall defect. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonography, excretory urography and retrograde ureteropyelography. Imaging studies revealed obstructed ureter segment of at least 4 cm length. RESULTS: In all cases procedure was completed without any complications. Hospitalization after the surgery lasted approximately 8-10 days. Early and late follow-up excretory urography demonstrated lack of obstruction in the operated ureter segment. Long term follow-up of 12 months to 18 years (meanly 8,75 years) showed no signs of renal function deterioration, without urine obstruction on the operated side in all patient. Fluoroscopy scans showed signs of peristaltic wave in the operated ureter segment. CONCLUSIONS: Both a supplementary biomaterial used and a new operative method proved to be a promising option in reconstruction of long ureter strictures. Unfortunately a threat of prion related diseases, which resulted in exclusion dura mater grafts and all biomaterial originated from nervous system from transplantology, forced us to search for new suitable material.

Reconstruction of long ureteral obstructions using xenogenic acellular collagen membranes.

OBJECTIVE: Extensive stricture of ureter still poses a difficult challenge for urologic surgons, especially when its middle part is affected. We present a reconstructive method of long ureteral strictures with use of xenogenic collagen membranes as a scaffolding to promote new tissue growth in the area of extensive ureter defect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 2002 we applied and evaluated results of the new procedure in a total of 7 females and 3 males suffering from a various degree of hydronephrosis caused by extensive ureter stricture. RESULTS: Early and long-term follow-up excretory urography demonstrated lack of obstruction in the operated ureter segment in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Easy surgical procedure, no complications after surgery excellent short and long-term results prove the efficacy and usefulness of the presented therapeutic option.

Reconstructive surgery of male urethra using human amnion membranes (grafts)--first announcement.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of technical aspects of the surgical procedure and usefulness, suitability and efficacy of human amnion grafts as a biomaterial in reconstructive surgery of strictured male urethra. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Human amnion membranes were used in 2 men suffering from long, recurring strictures of urethra. Narrowed part of urethra was careful prepared and cleaned of adjacent tissue. Then a longitudinal incision was performed through the whole length of strictured segment and then it was covered with human amnion membrane. RESULTS: Hospitalization time 4 to 5 days. The Foley catheter was removed 2 weeks after surgery 3 months after surgery controlled urethrographies and urethroscopies show wide urethra lumen, wider than in adjacent parts. In urethroscopy operated place covered with epithelium, smooth, without scare. CONCLUSIONS: Human amnion grafts and described technique seem to be a promising method of managing long, recurring male urethra strictures but need long-term follow-up and analysis of more cases.