[Functional results and early experience with the Hautmann neobladder. Comparative analysis of the Toulouse series and the Ulm series]. / Sind die funktionellen Ergebnisse der Ileumneoblase nach Hautmann auch in kleineren Serien nachvollziehbar? Eine vergleichende Ergebnisanalyse der Toulouser und der Ulmer Serie.

Orthotopic ileal urinary bladder replacement is an established method after radical standard cystectomy for both genders. In 1986 Hautmann described for the first time the technique of bladder reconstruction using the ileum at the University of Ulm. The W shape of the ileum buffers the coordinated peristaltic waves. The detubularized orthotopic ileal reservoir has been used worldwide ever since because of its technical simplicity, its reduced risk, and its good functional results. The good results published in the literature for this technique were reported by larger centers. With regard to these results, we wondered in 1994 if our smaller department with fewer patients might also offer this technique for male and female patients who had undergone cystectomy. The question was if this method would produce the same results as in large series, provided that patients were adequately selected and surgery carefully performed. This would provide the evidence that the surgical technique is simple, reproducible, and has the same complication rates, such as mortality and morbidity, also for departments with less experience.

Pubourethral ligaments in women: anatomical and clinical aspects.

The anatomy and histological structure of the proximal (PPUL), distal (DPUL) and intermediate (IPUL) pubourethral ligaments in women was examined to improve the understanding of their roles in female urethral physiology. An anatomical study of the pelvis was carried out in 10 adult female cadavers (60-102 years), the pelvis being removed and frozen prior to dissection. The pubourethral ligaments (PUL) were dissected in sagittal sections in seven specimens and in a frontal section in one specimen; the remaining two pelves were dissected using a hypogastric approach. The location, insertion, direction and histological structure of the ligamentous structures were studied. The PUL were identified in all 10 dissections, being paired, symmetrical, pearly-white, fibrous and resistant to stretching. The bony (parietal) insertion was variable on the posterior surface of the pubis, while the visceral insertion was located on the dorsal aspect of the proximal third of the urethra and neck of the bladder for the PPUL and on the distal third of the urethra for the DPUL. Histologically, the ligaments were composed of dense collagen fibres and bundles of axially orientated smooth muscle fibres. The PPUL was closely associated with the sphincter urogenitalis muscle, whereas the DPUL appeared to reinforce the role of the compressor urethra. It is suggested that the PUL plays an effective role in passive and active suspension of the urethra. The pubourethral ligaments are a constant anatomical entity which should be spared in urethral surgery in women in order to ensure an intact urogenital sphincter.

A modified intussuscepted nipple in the Kock pouch urinary diversion: assessment of perioperative complications and functional results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the complications and continence of a modified intussuscepted nipple in Kock pouch urinary diversions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 1992 to December 2000, 40 patients (mean age 55.8 years, range 21-74) with bladder cancer (24), gynaecological tumours (eight) or previous lower tract reconstructive surgery (eight) underwent cystectomy and cutaneous continent urinary diversion using the Kock pouch procedure. The first 23 procedures (group I) used Henriet's technique, whereas a modified fixation of the intussuscepted efferent limb was applied in the last 17 (group II). Complications and functional results (focused on continence and the upper urinary tract) were reviewed. RESULTS: The median (range) follow-up was 47.6 (10-124) months; one patient died 4 weeks after surgery. Early complications occurred in 11 (28%) and re-operation was required in two (5%). Of the late complications reported (38%), extussusception (8%) and efferent nipple prolapse (3%) only occurred in group I and required surgical revision. Late complications were minor (15%) including two asymptomatic refluxes and four with stoma sclerosis. The continence rate at 6 months in groups I and II were 78% and 94%, respectively (P = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Efferent limb prolapse and extussusception of the Kock pouch were the main complications requiring surgical revision. Applying the modified nipple fixation the complications can be reduced and reservoir continence improved.

Impact of a modified apical dissection during radical retropubic prostatectomy on the occurrence of positive surgical margins: a comparative study in 212 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a modified technique of apical dissection during radical retropubic prostatectomy on the occurrence of positive surgical margins (PSMs). METHODS: Between 1992 and 1998, 212 nonconsecutive patients with localized prostate cancer (57 T1, 155 T2) underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and were divided into two groups: group 1, 85 patients who underwent surgery before January 1994; and group 2, 127 patients who underwent surgery with the modification of the apical dissection after January 1994. The modified technique consisted of a wide excision of periprostatic soft tissue at the apex, including the bilateral neurovascular bundles. The clinical data (age, prostate-specific antigen, clinical staging) and pathologic findings (pathologic staging, Gleason score, PSM rate) of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the median prostate-specific antigen level (10.8 ng/mL and 9.5 ng/mL), Gleason score, and pathologic staging. Overall, the PSM rate was 53% in group 1 and 20.5% in group 2 (P <0.001). The number of PSMs decreased 2.6-fold in group 2. The PSM rate was significantly reduced at the apex with the new technique (group 1, 33.3%; group 2, 7.7%; P = 0.008). The PSM rate expressed with the odds ratio was 4.4-fold lower for patients in group 2 than for those in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The modified apical dissection in radical retropubic prostatectomy significantly improves the PSM rate in patients with localized T1-T2 prostate cancer.

Radical cystectomy in patients older than 75 years: assessment of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: We have reviewed our surgical experience to assess intra- and postoperative morbidity and mortality in 25 patients 75 years old or older with invasive bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion or bladder substitution. METHODS: Between January 1993 and February 1999, of 190 patients who underwent radical cystectomy, 23 men and 2 women were aged from 75 to 87 (median 79) years. Urinary diversion was performed in 23 cases and bladder substitution in 2. All patients had significant comorbidity and 15 patients were ASA II and 10 ASA III. RESULTS: Median operating time was 4 h. Perioperative mortality rate was 4%. Intraoperative, early and late postoperative complications occurred in 15, 16 and 6 patients, respectively. The most common early complications were pyelonephritis (32%), disorientation (20%), additional pulmonary infection (20%) and prolonged ileus (32%). No secondary procedures were necessary. The most common late complication was ureteroileal anastomotic stricture (16%). The median hospital stay and intensive care unit stay were 24 and 14 days, respectively. With a median follow-up of 14 (5-50) months the overall mortality rate was 32%. CONCLUSIONS: Radical cystectomy can be performed in elderly patients with acceptable perioperative mortality and morbidity. However, because of the high incidence of minor medical complications, hospital stay is often prolonged.

The tension-free transvaginal tape procedure in the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence: a French prospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a prospective multicentre study (five centres) the preliminary results regarding efficacy and morbidity of the new tension-free transvaginal tape (TVT) technique in the treatment of urinary stress incontinence (USI) in women. METHODS: From November 1996 to May 1999, 52 women of mean age 64 (range 37--91) years underwent the TVT procedure to treat isolated grade 2 or 3 USI (44 cases) or grade 1 or 2 USI associated with uterine or rectal prolapse surgery (8 cases). Twenty-nine patients (55.8%) presented recurrent USI (1--4 previous procedures). Clinical data showed urethrovesical junction hypermobility in 35 cases (67.3%), isolated intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in 17 cases (32.6%) and pelvic organ prolapse in 8 cases. Urodynamics confirmed ISD in 27 cases (51.9%) with a mean urethral closure pressure of 18.5 (range 7--25) cm H(2)O. All data were collected by surgeons on a questionnaire. RESULTS: The surgical procedure was performed under spinal cord anaesthesia in 82.7% of patients (local anaesthesia 11.5%) with a mean operation time of 30 (range 20--60) min for TVT implantation. Six bladder injuries (11.5%) were identified and the needle was repositioned. Mean hospital stay was 2.5 (range 1-7) days in the group who underwent TVT alone. Mean follow-up of continence was 15.2 (range 6--36) months: 83% of patients were dry and 17% were improved. Nine patients (17.3%) required self-catheterization for 2--10 days postoperatively. No recurrence of USI, defect healing or tape rejection were reported. CONCLUSION: TVT is a new technique for the surgical treatment of USI which is useful for recurrent cases. The advantages are simplicity, low morbidity, reproducibility and reduced operative time. These early results indicate the technique is effective in correcting incontinence and is locally well tolerated. But these are preliminary data and the long-term outcome on USI and the urethra is needed.

[Primary carcinoid tumor and horseshoe kidney: potential association]. / Tumeur carcinoïde primitive et rein en fer à cheval: une association possible.

The authors present the ninth case of primary carcinoid tumour arising in a horseshoe kidney. The diagnosis and treatment were delayed due to the benign cystic appearance of the initial lesion. This exceptional association must be kept in mind, as horseshoe kidney is associated with an increased risk of malignant tumours, especially for carcinoid tumours. The minimally aggressive nature of these tumours generally allows limited surgical resection.

Urological complications of laparoscopic surgery: experience with 350 procedures at a single center.

PURPOSE: We assessed our experience with urological complications of laparoscopic surgery in regard to incidence, etiology, treatment and possible prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 350 laparoscopic procedures were performed at our institution between June 1993 and December 1999 in 206 men and 139 women. These procedures included pelvic lymph node dissection in 102, bladder neck suspension in 99, adrenalectomy in 54, varicocelectomy in 23, pyeloplasty in 22, nephrectomy in 20, treatment of benign renal pathologies, including cyst, diverticula and calculi, in 13, genitourinary prolapse repair in 11 and miscellaneous procedures in 6 patients. Complications were evaluated according to the procedure attempted and were listed by incidence and etiology. RESULTS: A total of 19 (5.4%) complications occurred in our series. The associated mortality rate was 0.3% and conversion rate was 1.1%. Most intraoperative complications (2.6%) were vascular (4) and visceral injuries (5), while postoperative complications (2.8%) were predominantly thromboembolism (3) and wound infection (2) at trocar sites. The complication rate decreased from 9% for the first 100 to 4% for the subsequent 250 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Critical documentation of complications of laparoscopic surgery is important for further development of the technique and information for urologists in training. Most of our serious complications should be preventable with better mastery of the different procedural steps. However, laparoscopy must be regarded as major surgery with a significant learning curve.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic versus open pyeloplasty with a minimal incision: comparison of two surgical approaches.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the complications, hospital stay, and functional results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic (RL) pyeloplasty versus open pyeloplasty (OP) with a minimal subcostal incision. METHODS: From October 1997 to January 2000, 53 consecutive nonrandomized patients underwent 26 RL pyeloplasties, of which 1 was bilateral (group 1), and 28 OP (group 2). The decision between the two techniques depended on the patient's anesthetic ability to tolerate RL, previous ureteropelvic junction surgery, associated renal pathologic findings, and the surgeon's laparoscopic experience. Subjective outcomes as to postoperative pain and convalescence and objective findings on intravenous urography were assessed at 3 months postoperatively in both groups. RESULTS: The mean operating time (165 versus 145 minutes) and mean blood loss (92 versus 84 mL) were similar in both groups. No intraoperative complications occurred in either group; in group 1, 1 patient required open conversion. Postoperative complications occurred in 11.5% of group 1 and 14.3% of group 2. The mean hospital stay was 4.5 days for group 1 and 5.5 days for group 2. At 3 months, 23 patients (92%) in group 1 and 25 (89.2%) in group 2 were pain-free or improved. Intravenous urography showed a patent ureteropelvic junction in all cases and improvement of hydronephrosis in 88.5% of group 1 and 89.3% of group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of complications, hospital stay, and functional results were equivalent for RL pyeloplasty and OP with a minimal incision, but the return to painless activity was more rapid with laparoscopy in younger patients.

[Retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty for primary hydronephrosis: preliminary results of the first 30 procedures]. / La pyéloplastie par rétropéritonéoscopie pour hydronéphrose primitive: résultats préliminaires des 30 premières interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary results of retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty (RP) for the treatment of primary ureteropelvic junction syndrome (PUPJS) in terms of operating time, operative and postoperative complications, clinical functional and radiographic results, length of hospital stay and resumption of physical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From November 1997 to June 2000, from a consecutive series of 59 patients treated for an anomaly of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), the 29 patients (18 females and 11 males, mean age: 35.6 years [range: 17-68]) operated by RP for PUPJS (bilateral in one case) were reviewed. Twelve patients presented a lower pole vascular pedicle and 24 patients had an extrasinusal renal pelvis. The RP technique was identical for all patients (4 ports) and the UPJ repair was performed according to the technique described by Anderson-Hynes and Küss (28 cases) or Y-V plasty (2 cases). RESULTS: The mean operating time was 150 minutes (range: 120-240) and the mean hospital stay was 4.2 days (range: 3-10). There were no intraoperative complications, but one conversion (3.3%) was necessary because of major adhesions. postoperative complications (23.3%) consisted of: four urinary tract infections with one case of acute pyelonephritis, perirenal haematoma, urine leak in the Redon drain due to obstructed double J stent, migration of the double J stent underneath the anastomosis leading to unstentable cicatricial stricture (treated by open pyeloplasty 3 weeks later). With a mean follow-up of 19.7 months (range: 7-40), 28 patients were asymptomatic and one patient presented persistent lumbar pain at 9 months with no signs of recurrence. The 3-month IVU, performed in 27 patients, showed reduction of hydronephrosis in 85.7% of cases and a patent ureteropelvic junction in 96.3% of cases. Complete resumption of physical activity and return to work were possible an average of 1 month postoperatively (a fortnight for the population under the age of 40 years). CONCLUSION: PUPJS can be treated by RP according to the same principles as conventional surgery. RP pyeloplasty can be performed with an acceptable operating time and morbidity. The functional and radiological results in terms of patency of the UPJ need to be assessed in the longer term.

[Assessment of urinary continence in Hautmann neobladder]. / Evaluation de la continence urinaire dans la néovessie de Hautmann.

OBJECTIVE: The Hautmann neobladder is a bladder replacement technique frequently proposed after total cystectomy for bladder cancer. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the patients' urinary continence after this operation, based on clinical and urodynamic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The functional assessment was based on 26 patients from a series of 45 consecutive Hautmann bladder replacements performed between February 1994 and May 1999. These 26 nonselected patients (21 men and 5 women) with a mean age of 56 years (range: 38-68) accepted the principle of functional assessment of continence at visits held 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively including clinical interview, urodynamic studies and fibroscopy. Only one patient presented with preoperative stress incontinence. The mean follow-up of these 26 patients was 22 months (range: 10-60). Three patients, including two women, died from progression of their bladder tumour at the 12th, 20th and 32nd postoperative months. RESULTS: Urodynamic studies showed a mean maximum capacity of the ileal reservoir of 420 ml (range: 316-571), a maximum filling pressure of 15 cmH2O (range: 2-24) and a maximum urethral closure pressure of 49 cmH2O (range: 31-74). According to the evaluation criteria used, the satisfactory continence rates, as assessed by the patients were 62%, 77%, 84.6% during the day and 42%, 615%, 77% at night, at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Hautmann neobladder ensures satisfactory diurnal and nocturnal urinary continence in more than 75% of cases after the 6th postoperative month. Continence is an evolving parameter especially during the first postoperative year. The selection of patients in good general condition and motivated for management of their new urinary situation remains an essential prerequisite to obtain a good functional result.

[Repair of female urinary incontinence with prolene "TVT": preliminary results of a multicenter and prospective survey]. / Cure d'incontinence urinaire féminine par bandelette de prolène "TVT": résultats préliminaires d'une enquête multicentrique et prospective.

OBJECTIVES: A multicentre, prospective study (6 private centres, 1 general hospital and 1 teaching hospital) was conducted to evaluate the perioperative morbidity and short-term functional results of the TVT procedure in the treatment of the female urinary stress incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 1996 to September 1999, 120 patients with a mean age of 65.2 years (range: 37-91) were operated according to the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) technique for isolated urinary stress incontinence (stage 2 or 3) in 94 cases and associated with pelvic tone disorder in 26 cases. 59 patients (49.2%) presented recurrence of urinary incontinence that had already been operated between 1 and 4 times. Physical examination demonstrated hypermobility of the urethra in 73 cases (60.8%), isolated clinical sphincter incompetence in 47 cases (39.2%) and pelvic tone disorders in 31 cases. Urodynamic studies, performed in 113 patients, demonstrated sphincter incompetence in 65 cases (57.5%) with a mean maximum urethral closure pressure of 18 cmH2O (range: 5-29). RESULTS: The operation, performed under spinal anaesthesia in 97 cases (80.8%), general anaesthesia in 16 cases (13.3%) and local anaesthesia in 7 cases (5.8%) lasted an average of 28.7 min (range: 15-60) for insertion of the TVT. Perioperative complications consisted of twelve bladder injuries (10%) and two pelvic haematomas (1.7%). No cases of infection, erosion or migration of the tape were reported. In the group of 94 patients operated exclusively by TVT, the mean hospital stay was 2.6 days (range: 1-7). Twelve patients (10%) required self-catheterization for 2 to 30 days. With a mean follow-up of 15.2 months (range: 36-6), continence was restored in 104 patients, corresponding to a cure rate of 86.7%. A marked improvement was obtained in 11 cases (9.2%) and five cases (4.2%) were considered to be failures. CONCLUSION: The TVT procedure is a new approach to the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence. Its advantages are its simplicity, the rapidity of the technical procedure and the short-term efficacy on continence. A longer follow-up is essential to assess to the functional outcome and the long-term urethral tolerance.

[Kock's pouch: experience and clinical course in 31 patients]. / La poche de Kock: expérience et évolution chez 31 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the morbidity and functional results of Kock's continent urinary diversion performed since 1992 in cystectomized patients in whom the urethra could not be used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 1992 to June 1998, 31 Kock's pouches were performed by 2 surgeons on a group of patients with a mean age of 54 years. Henriet's technique was used in 23 patients until 1996, and was then modified the last 8 patients in order to create a continent valve. The diversion was performed after cystectomy for bladder or gynaecological tumour in 23 cases and 1 urinary tract reconstruction in 8 cases (neurogenic bladder, destroyed urethra, conversion of Bricker diversion). RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 42 months (12 to 84), the perioperative mortality was 3.4% and immediate complications were 26%, justifying reoperation in 6.4%. Late complications predominantly consisted of disinvagination of the valve with a reoperation rate of 13%. No surgical revision for newly modified antireflux valves has been performed since 1996. The continence rate of the system, evaluated between 3 and 6 months, was 90%. CONCLUSION: Kock's pouch is a delicate operation, clearly associated with a high morbidity in this series, as in the literature, although the results improved with experience. Indications must be confined to patients in good general condition, motivated for self-catheterization (ATS) and in whom the urethra cannot be used for bladder replacement.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: clinical experience in 52 procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become an effective option for removal of small adrenal tumors. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the retroperitoneal approach with regard to intraoperative complications, morbidity, and length of hospital stay. METHODS: Between September 1996 and October 1999, we performed 52 laparoscopic adrenalectomies (31 left, 21 right) for benign lesions by a retroperitoneal approach in 44 patients (27 women, 17 men) with a mean age of 46.9 years (range 17 to 74). The average adrenal tumor size was 32 mm (range 10 to 63). All procedures required four trocars and a mean operative time of 135 minutes (range 75 to 240). RESULTS: There was no mortality, conversion rate to open surgery was 1.9%, and estimated blood loss was 80 mL (range 30 to 200). With a mean follow-up of 16 months, morbidity was 17.2%, which included intraoperative complications (5. 7%) with two vascular injuries, and postoperative complications (11. 5%) with wound infections, deep hematoma, and parietal dehiscence. Average length of hospital stay was 5 days with a mean analgesic consumption of 2 days (range 1 to 5). CONCLUSIONS: The retroperitoneal approach in laparoscopic adrenalectomy appears to be a minimally invasive and safe therapeutic option that may become the standard for unilateral or bilateral adrenal tumors not larger than 7 cm. However, a learning curve in laparoscopy is indispensable before starting this type of procedure.

[Pfannenstiel short horizontal laparotomy in retropubic radical prostatectomy]. / La laparotomie horizontale courte selon Pfannenstiel dans la prostatectomie radicale rétropubienne.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of the Pfannenstiel short horizontal laparotomy to perform retropubic radical prostatectomy and its consequences on postoperative analgesic consumption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 1998 to February 2000, 62 radical prostatectomies were performed via a short horizontal suprapubic incision. The mean length of the incision in the lower abdominal fold was 10.2 cm (range: 8 to 14 cm). The mean duration of radical prostatectomy was 130 minutes (range: 90 to 210 min). Double drainage (retropubic and subaponeurotic) was systematically maintained for an average of 48 hours. Postoperative narcotic analgesic consumption, and the modalities and duration of prescription were compared between 30 patients operated by this technique and 30 patients previously operated via a midline infraumbilical incision. RESULTS: The abdominal wall opening and closing time was about 20 minutes. The operation was always performed via this incision, allowing excellent exposure of lymph node areas and the prostate. Postoperative complications related to this incision consisted of a single subaponeurotic haematoma, which was not drained. The mean dosage and duration of postoperative analgesic consumption decreased by 44% compared to the reference group. Postoperative assessment of the abdominal wall showed almost complete disappearance of the scar at 3 months and no secondary wound dehiscence. CONCLUSION: The Pfannenstiel short horizontal laparotomy is a simple and reproducible technique for retropubic radical prostatectomy. This feasibility study was accompanied by a reduction of postoperative analgesic consumption in the study group.