Complete ileal neobladder intracorporeal construction with standard sutured technique and novel technology.

PURPOSE: We compared the surgical efficacy and efficiency of a completely suture based procedure with a novel entero-urethral anastomosis device and an EndoGIA stapler to create an ileal neobladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of 7 pigs each were survived for 8 weeks. In group 1 the neobladder was constructed using a U-shaped segment of ileum sealed with the stapler. The entero-urethral anastomosis was created with a novel sutureless anastomosis device. All other procedures were completed with standard intracorporeal suturing techniques. In group 2 animals completely intracorporeal sutured technique was used. Total procedure, and enteroenteric, ileal neobladder, uretero-enteric and entero-urethral anastomosis times were recorded. Cystograms done immediately postoperatively, at 2 weeks and at sacrifice to evaluate the newly constructed system were rated from 0-no leakage to 3-severe leakage. RESULTS: In group 1 vs 2 the overall procedure, and enteroenteric, ileal neobladder, uretero-enteric and entero-urethral anastomoses were completed in 285.3, 32.3, 58.8, 54.2 and 5.5 vs 350.1, 29.9, 139.1, 58.0 and 46.3 minutes, respectively. In groups 1 and 2 the average postoperative cystogram rating was 0.83 and 1.6, respectively (p = 0.63). At 2 weeks and at sacrifice cystograms showed no extravasation in either group. The overall surgical procedure, pouch creation and entero-urethral anastomosis were statistically briefer in group 1 (p = 0.036, 0.01 and 0.039, respectively). Average survival in groups 1 and 2 was 30 (range 4 to 56) and 41 days (range 1 to 56), respectively (p = 0.36). All animals had voiding complications within 1 week after ureteral and urethral catheters were removed. One neobladder ruptured in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Combining stapled ileal neobladder construction and the entero-urethral anastomosis device significantly decreases operative time, pouch creation and urethral anastomoses.

Prospective comparison of flexible fiberoptic and digital cystoscopes.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the optics, performance, and durability of digital (DC) and fiberoptic (FC) cystoscopes. METHODS: In an office setting, we randomly assigned staff urologists to 1 of the 4 cystoscopes, the Gyrus-ACMI ICN-0564 (AD), Gyrus-ACMI ACN-2 (AF), Olympus CYF-V2 EndoEYE Cysto-Nephro Videoscope (OD), Olympus CYF-5 Cysto-Fiberscope (OF), to perform diagnostic or surveillance cystoscopy and stent removal. The documented metrics included a subjective surgeon assessment of cystoscope optics and function characteristics on a 10-point scale (1, poor to 10, excellent). The measurement of the upward and downward cystoscope deflection and damage and repairs were all documented. RESULTS: A total of 1022 cases were performed. The DC and FC were used 690 and 332 times, respectively. Two repairs (0.2%) were documented (1 AF and 1 AD); both resulted directly from incorrect cystoscope handling/cleaning. The mean operative time per case for the DC and FC was 4.5 and 4.6 minutes, respectively (P = .66). The mean surgeon optical ranking for the DC and FC was 8.4 and 7.8, respectively (P = .0076). The mean surgeon deflection ranking for the DC and FC was 8.6 and 8.0, respectively (P = .0001). The mean surgeon retroflex deflection ranking for the DC and FC was 8.4 and 7.8, respectively (P = .001). The mean overall cystoscope score surgeon ranking for the DC and FC was 8.6 and 7.9, respectively (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the office setting, with proper care, FCs and DCs are durable for office applications. Overall, surgeons significantly preferred the DCs as demonstrated by discrepancies in both use and differences in the subjective metrics.

Evaluation of a protective laser sheath for application in flexible ureteroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the obvious utility of the holmium laser, laser fibers frequently damage flexible ureteroscope components, such as the working channel, flexible component cable system, and fiber optical systems during routine ureteroscopic procedures. As such, we investigated the effects of the use of a flexible protective sheath on ureteroscope operation and its ability to protect ureteroscopes from laser fiber damage. METHODS: The effects of insertion of the FlexGuard sheath into the working channel on endoscope deflection and irrigant flow rate were documented. Additionally, the force required to advance the laser fiber through a fully deflected endoscope, as well as the amount of laser energy required to penetrate the FlexGuard sheath, were assessed using two different ureteroscopes. RESULTS: The FlexGuard sheath was easily inserted through the maximally deflected ureteroscopes. The presence of the laser sheath and a laser fiber in the working channel decreased the maximum deflection angle of the ureteroscopes by a mean of 7 degrees (from 73 degrees to 66 degrees). FlexGuard sheath insertion into the working channel also significantly diminished irrigant flow rates, from 0.55 mL/sec to 0.02 mL/sec, at an irrigation pressure of 100 cm H(2)O. The FlexGuard sheath reduced the amount of maximum force required to insert the laser fiber through each ureteroscope from 0.8 N to 0.2 N. The FlexGuard sheath was unable to protect the ureteroscope from laser energy damage. CONCLUSION: The FlexGuard laser sheath significantly reduced the amount of force required to insert the laser fiber through the working channel. This reduction in force may have be protective against mechanical damage caused by laser fiber insertion. However, deployment of the sheath significantly diminished the rate of irrigant flow and the maximal deflection of the two ureteroscopes tested. Also, the sheath does not protect the ureteroscope from damage caused by laser energy. In each case the urologist will need to determine if the mechanical protective value of the sheath outweighs the negative impact on flow and deflection.

Evaluation of surgical energy devices for vessel sealing and peripheral energy spread in a porcine model.

PURPOSE: Vessel sealing capabilities and the peripheral energy spread associated with currently available energy based surgical instruments were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of energy based surgical instruments were established for evaluation, including the ACE, LCS-C5 (Ethicon, Cincinnati, Ohio), LigaSure V and the prototype Trissector. In vivo vessel diameter under physiological conditions, bursting pressures and seal failure were recorded and analyzed for arteries and veins separately. After burst testing the vessels were fixed and evaluated histopathologically for peripheral energy damage. ANOVA was used to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: The LigaSure V sealed arteries and veins with an average burst pressure of 536 and 386 mm Hg, respectively. The Harmonic ACE sealed arteries and veins with an average burst pressure of 436 and 160 mm Hg, respectively. The Harmonic LCS-C5 sealed arteries and veins with an average burst pressure of 363 and 215 mm Hg, respectively. The Trissector sealed arteries and veins with an average burst pressure of 328 and 237 mm Hg, respectively. For arteries the ACE, LCS-C5, Trissector and LigaSure V measured a full-thickness peripheral energy spread of 0.6, 0.3, 8.0 and 4.5 mm, respectively (p <0.0001). For veins the ACE, LCS-C5, Trissector and LigaSure V measured a full-thickness peripheral energy spread of 1.5, 1.3, 8.5 and 6.3 mm, respectively (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The LigaSure 5 was superior to the other devices tested regarding the ability to seal vessels up to 7 mm. The ACE is an efficient vessel sealing system with the ability to seal vessels up to 5 mm.

Optimizing renal cortical neoplasm tissue sampling through a modified biopsy technique: laboratory experience and initial clinical experience.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated 11 currently available biopsy devices using a standard and a novel renal biopsy technique in a porcine model. We then applied our laboratory findings to clinical practice to improve our biopsy results during laparoscopic renal cryoablation procedures. METHODS: A total of 11 biopsy devices were applied to live porcine renal tissue using two different techniques. In groups 1 and 2, the biopsy devices were deployed external to the renal tissue and in a standard manner after insertion into the renal tissue, respectively. Ten biopsies were performed for each condition and with each device. The biopsy quality metrics included sample core length and width and number of glomeruli and vessels in each sample. Subsequently, we confirmed our laboratory finding regarding the optimal biopsy technique during 10 sequential laparoscopic renal cryoablation procedures. During these procedures, each renal mass underwent the standard and modified biopsy techniques. RESULTS: In the animal investigation, a total of 220 biopsies were performed. Regarding the biopsy technique, the mean core length for groups 1 and 2 was 7.32 and 4.91 mm (P <0.01) and the mean number of glomeruli was 7.6 and 4.2 (P <0.01), respectively. Clinically, 10 patients successfully underwent renal cryoablation in conjunction with the two renal biopsy groups. In all 10 cases, between the two biopsies, a histopathologic diagnosis was successfully obtained. The preablation standard and preablation modified biopsy technique established a diagnosis 7 of 10 and 9 of 10 times, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary laboratory and clinical data have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the modified biopsy technique.

Transurethral bladder cryoablation in the porcine model.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility of transurethral, focal, full-thickness bladder wall cryoablation in the porcine model using a novel 38-cm cryoablation probe. METHODS: A total of 18 pigs were divided into three groups. Groups 1 (n = 6) and 2 (n = 6) underwent transurethral bladder wall cryoablation in a saline environment with two freeze-thaw cycles. The pigs in groups 1 and 2 were killed after 1 and 3 weeks, respectively. The pigs in group 3 (n = 6) underwent transurethral cryoablation after the bladder had been insufflated with carbon dioxide gas. The pigs in group 3 were killed after 1 week. In all groups, laparoscopic access was obtained to protect the abdominal contents from the transmural cryoablation process. Bladder integrity was evaluated with cystography and laparoscopic visualization, and each cryolesion was excised en bloc for extensive histopathologic evaluation. RESULTS: All 18 pigs successfully underwent bladder wall cryoablation. For all groups, the preoperative, postoperative, and sacrifice cystograms were without evidence of extravasation. No urinomas, hematomas, or adhesions were present in groups 1 and 2. Minimal adhesions were identified in 3 (50%) of 6 pigs in group 3. For groups 1, and 2, the mean length and width of the area of complete necrosis on histopathologic evaluation was 6.5 and 3.0 mm and 2.3 and 1.3 mm, respectively. For group 3, the mean diameter of the cryolesion was 8.2 mm. Full-thickness necrosis was confirmed in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that, in this model, complete full-thickness transurethral bladder wall cryoablation, with maintenance of bladder wall integrity, is feasible.

Comparison of novel tissue apposing device and standard anastomotic technique for vesicourethral anastomoses.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a novel sutureless tissue apposing vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) device in a porcine model and compare it with standard laparoscopically sutured VUA. METHODS: Thirty domestic pigs were divided into six groups. In groups 1, 2, and 3, a standard laparoscopic sutured running VUA was performed. In groups 4, 5, and 6, a novel device VUA was performed. In all cases, cystography was completed immediately after completion of the anastomosis and when each pig was killed. At necropsy, the gross findings of the VUA were documented, and each anastomosis was excised en bloc for histopathologic evaluation of healing parameters. RESULTS: In the 30 pigs, 29 (97%) device or sutured VUAs were successfully performed laparoscopically without conversion to an open approach. The mean operative time for the standard and device groups was 87 and 68 minutes, respectively (P = 0.04). The anastomotic time for the standard and device groups was 41 and 12 minutes, respectively (P <0.01). Histopathologic evaluation of the groups at 1 week of follow-up revealed significantly lower fibrosis scores for the novel anastomosis device VUA compared with the standard sutured VUA (median score 1 and 3, respectively; P = 0.04). The evaluation of groups 2 and 5 (3-week survival) and groups 3 and 6 (7-week survival) revealed no significant differences in any of the histopathologic parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The novel device requires little technical skill to deploy and is expeditious, requiring less time than a standard sutured anastomosis. At the 1 week follow-up point, histopathologic examination revealed that the novel device was superior regarding fibrotic reactions.

Comparison of BioGlue reinforced and standard running sutured vesicourethral anastomoses.

OBJECTIVES: To compare a BioGlue-reinforced laparoscopically sutured vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) with a standard laparoscopically sutured VUA in a porcine model. METHODS: Twelve pigs were divided into two groups. In group 1 (n = 6), a standard laparoscopically sutured VUA was performed. In group 2 (n = 6), a standard laparoscopic sutured VUA was performed, and the anastomosis was reinforced with BioGlue. Groups 1 and 2 were completed consecutively. The animals in both groups were killed at 1 week postoperatively. In all cases, cystography was performed immediately after completion of the anastomosis and at death. At necropsy, the gross findings of the VUA were documented, and each anastomosis was excised en bloc for an extensive histopathologic evaluation of the healing parameters, including inflammation and fibrosis at each tissue level, foreign body reactions, and necrosis. RESULTS: Of the 12 VUAs, 11 were successfully performed laparoscopically. The median operative time for groups 1 and 2 was 70 and 100 minutes, respectively (P = 0.03). The median anastomotic time for groups 1 and 2 was 30 and 50 minutes, respectively (P = 0.02). No difference was seen in urinary extravasation on the cystographic evaluation in the immediate postoperative or 1-week evaluations. At necropsy, a gross complete circumferential histologic tissue approximation was noted in 1 (20%) of 5 pigs in group 1 and 2 (33%) of 6 pigs in group 2 (P = 0.66). No urinomas were noted in either group. Histopathologic evaluation revealed no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 regarding inflammation, fibrosis, foreign body reactions, or necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The application of BioGlue to the anastomotic line extended the procedure time and did not improve the quality of the VUA.

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy with intraperitoneal ultrasonic lithotripsy: report of a novel minimally invasive technique for intracorporeal stone ablation.

We present the case of a 71-year-old Hispanic woman with a 4-cm stone in the renal pelvis of a kidney with thin parenchyma. Retrograde pyelography revealed a normal ureter and normal ureteropelvic junction. A ureteral stent was placed. Six weeks after the stent was placed, a differential renal scan revealed 18% function of the involved kidney. A percutaneous nephrolithotomy was not performed because of the thin parenchyma and intrarenal anatomy, which would have complicated access. The patient underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. The stone was placed into an Endocatch entrapment sack. The open end of the Endocatch sack was brought through a trocar site, and a nephroscope and ultrasonic lithotripter were deployed. The stone was fragmented and aspirated in the standard manner, thereby avoiding the need to extend the 12-mm trocar incision for stone extraction. The stone fragmentation and extraction time was 14 minutes. The patient was stone-free and discharged home in the morning of the first postoperative day without complications.

Correlación entre la distancia verumontanum cuello vesical con el tacto rectal y volumen prostático / Correlation among the distance verumontanum neck vesical with the rectal tact and volume prostátic

El objetivo, establecer si la medición de la distancia verumontanun cuello (DVC) se relaciona con el tamaño prostático y con el volumen prostático como predictor de tamaño prostático. Se efectuó la revisión de 350 uretrocistoscopias de pacientes masculinos en el Hospital Vargas de Caracas. Para la conversión de cm a cm³en el tacto digital rectal y DVC se empleó la medida de que cada 1 cm próstata medido equivale a 10 cm³ de tejido prostático. En el análisis estadístico se aplicaron medidas de tendencia central usándose la correlación de Rangos de Spearman (r) para volumen prostático en cm³ DVC en cms, y el tacto rectal prostático en cm. En los 350 pacientes la media de la edad fue de 29,98 + 14,66 años, del DVC en 3,53 + 1,17 cm y del tacto rectal en 3,83 + 1,19 cm. De los 30 pacientes con ecografía endorrectal, la media de la edad 65 + 14,093 años, DVC 3,98 + 1,29 cm y del volumen prostático 46,63 + 12,27 cm³. Al dividir los resultados en < de 40 cm³ por ecografía y > 40 cm³ encontramos, en < de 40 cm³ una media de volumen prostático en de 35,75 cm³ y un DVC de 2,83 + 0,49 cm, al realizar la correlación volumen vs DVC r= 0.82561, r2= 0.681627, p= 0,00094. En próstatas con volumen > 40 cm³ la media del volumen 53,88 + 10,35 cm³, del DVC 4,75 + 1,06 cm con una correlación volumen prostático vs DVC r= 0,85497, r2= 0,73097 p= 0,00001; la media del tacto digital rectal es 4,94 + 1,16 cm que al relacionarla con volumen prostático r= 0,841201, r2= 0,707619, p= 0,000012. Se evidenció una correlación directa entre volumen prostático vs DVC en cm y volumen prostático y tacto digital rectal en cm, siendo esta correlación mayor en próstatas mayores de 40 cm³