Hak Jong Lee

Robotic versus standard laparoscopic partial/wedge nephrectomy: a comparison of intraoperative and perioperative results from a single institution.

PURPOSE Laparoscopic partial/wedge nephrectomy, similar to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, is a technically challenging procedure that is performed by a limited number of expert laparoscopic surgeons. The incorporation of a robotic surgical interface has dramatically increased the use of minimally invasive pelvic surgery such that robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is commonly performed even by laparoscopically naïve surgeons. This analysis compares the outcomes of our initial experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) performed by an experienced open surgeon to that of standard laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) performed by two experienced laparoscopic surgeons. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 11 consecutive patients who underwent 12 standard LPNs (EMM, RVC) (one patient had two unilateral tumors) and 10 consecutive patients (representing the first 11 of such robotic procedures performed at our institution) who underwent 11 RLPNs (one patient had bilateral tumors managed in an asynchronous manner) (DKO). RESULTS The mean tumor size was 2.3 cm (range 1.7-6.2 cm) for LPN and 3.1 cm (range 2.5-4 cm) for RLPN. The mean total procedure time was 289.5 minutes (range 145-369 min) for LPN and 228.7 minutes (range 98-375 min) for RLPN (P=0.102). The mean estimated blood loss was 198 mL (range 75-500 mL) for LPN v 115 mL (25-300 mL) for RLPN (P=0.169). The mean warm ischemia time was 35.3 minutes (range 15-49 min) in the LPN group and 32.1 minutes (range 30-45 minutes) in the RLPN group (P=0.501). CONCLUSIONS Introducing a robotic interface for laparoscopic partial/wedge resection allowed a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist with limited reconstructive laparoscopic experience to achieve results comparable to those for laparoscopic partial/wedge resection performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. In this regard, the learning curve appears truncated, similar to that with robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Trastuzumab-Conjugated Liposome-Coated Fluorescent Magnetic Nanoparticles to Target Breast Cancer

Objective To synthesize mesoporous silica-core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) encapsulated by liposomes (Lipo [MNP@m-SiO2]) in order to enhance their stability, allow them to be used in any buffer solution, and to produce trastuzumab-conjugated (Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2]-Her2Ab) nanoparticles to be utilized in vitro for the targeting of breast cancer. Materials and Methods The physiochemical characteristics of Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] were assessed in terms of size, morphological features, and in vitro safety. The multimodal imaging properties of the organic dye incorporated into Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] were assessed with both in vitro fluorescence and MR imaging. The specific targeting ability of trastuzumab (Her2/neu antibody, Herceptin®)-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] for Her2/neu-positive breast cancer cells was also evaluated with fluorescence and MR imaging. Results We obtained uniformly-sized and evenly distributed Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] that demonstrated biological stability, while not disrupting cell viability. Her2/neu-positive breast cancer cell targeting by trastuzumab-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] was observed by in vitro fluorescence and MR imaging. Conclusion Trastuzumab-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] is a potential treatment tool for targeted drug delivery in Her2/neu-positive breast cancer.

Improved Glycemic Control Without Hypoglycemia in Elderly Diabetic Patients Using the Ubiquitous Healthcare Service, a New Medical Information System

OBJECTIVE To improve quality and efficiency of care for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, we introduced elderly-friendly strategies to the clinical decision support system (CDSS)-based ubiquitous healthcare (u-healthcare) service, which is an individualized health management system using advanced medical information technology. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a 6-month randomized, controlled clinical trial involving 144 patients aged >60 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive routine care (control, n = 48), to the self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG, n = 47) group, or to the u-healthcare group (n = 49). The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving A1C <7% without hypoglycemia at 6 months. U-healthcare system refers to an individualized medical service in which medical instructions are given through the patient’s mobile phone. Patients receive a glucometer with a public switched telephone network-connected cradle that automatically transfers test results to a hospital-based server. Once the data are transferred to the server, an automated system, the CDSS rule engine, generates and sends patient-specific messages by mobile phone. RESULTS After 6 months of follow-up, the mean A1C level was significantly decreased from 7.8 ± 1.3% to 7.4 ± 1.0% (P < 0.001) in the u-healthcare group and from 7.9 ± 1.0% to 7.7 ± 1.0% (P = 0.020) in the SMBG group, compared with 7.9 ± 0.8% to 7.8 ± 1.0% (P = 0.274) in the control group. The proportion of patients with A1C <7% without hypoglycemia was 30.6% in the u-healthcare group, 23.4% in the SMBG group (23.4%), and 14.0% in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The CDSS-based u-healthcare service achieved better glycemic control with less hypoglycemia than SMBG and routine care and may provide effective and safe diabetes management in the elderly diabetic patients.

Rapid Communication: Robot-Assisted NOTES Nephrectomy: Initial Report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) using the daVinci robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) has never been applied to urologic surgery. Here we present our initial experience with a combined transvaginal and transcolonic, single-port, robot-assisted NOTES nephrectomy. METHODS An acute experiment was performed in a female farm pig. A single 12-mm trocar was placed in the midline, and two 12-mm standard laparoscopic ports were placed into the abdomen via the vagina and the colon. The robotic ports were then telescoped into the 12-mm ports, and the daVinci S robot was docked. Dissection was performed using the Hot Shears and the ProGrasp instruments. The robotic camera was placed via the midline port and held by an assistant. Using the 12-mm transvaginal port, the renal artery and vein were divided separately with a vascular Endo GIA (US Surgical, Norwalk, CT) stapler. The kidney was placed into a 10-mm entrapment sack and removed intact via the vagina. RESULTS Total operative time was 150 minutes. Estimated blood loss was less than 50 mL. No intraoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION A robot-assisted NOTES nephrectomy was accomplished in a porcine model using the daVinci S robot. Additional testing on survival animals is necessary to further explore this approach.

Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Staging of Uterine Cervical Carcinoma: Results of Prospective Study

Objective To determine the accuracy of the preoperative staging of uterine cervical cancer by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in 115 patients in a prospective study. Methods A prospective study was performed in 115 patients who underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T before surgery or biopsy. Histopathologic findings were correlated with MR imaging results for all patients. Results The accuracy of preoperative tumor staging by MR imaging in the 115 patients was 77%. In terms of the evaluation of parametrial status, this study had an accuracy of 94% and a sensitivity of 38%. The accuracy and sensitivity of MR imaging for vaginal invasion were 81% and 87%, respectively. In terms of lymph node metastasis, this study had an accuracy of 97% and a sensitivity of 36%. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging has high accuracy in the preoperative staging of uterine cervical cancer.

Lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: CT findings.

PURPOSE The frequency of lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is higher than that of general population. To evaluate CT findings of lung cancer associated with IPF, we analyzed 32 patients with lung cancer associated with IPF. METHOD We analyzed retrospectively 32 patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer out of 244 consecutive cases diagnosed as IPF by either CT and clinical findings (n = 220) or histologically (n = 24). The patients were 40-85 years old (mean 66 years, M/F = 31/1). Scanning techniques were conventional CT in 24 patients, high-resolution CT (HRCT) in 2 patients, and both conventional CT and HRCT in 6 patients. We analyzed the CT patterns, locations, and histologic types of lung cancer. RESULTS The frequency of lung cancer in patients with IPF was 13.1% (32/244). In 17 of 32 patients, the CT findings of lung cancer were ill defined lesions mimicking air-space consolidation. Lung cancer was located mainly in the lower lobes (21/32) and peripheral portion (21/32). Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type (18/32). CONCLUSION Typical CT findings of lung cancer were ill defined consolidation-like masses at the peripheral portion where the most advanced fibrosis was located.

Segmental Enhancement Inversion at Biphasic Multidetector CT: Characteristic Finding of Small Renal Oncocytoma

PURPOSE To retrospectively determine the usefulness of segmental enhancement inversion during the corticomedullary phase (CMP) and early excretory phase (EEP) of biphasic multidetector computed tomography (CT) in differentiating small renal oncocytoma from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was institutional review board approved; informed consent was waived. Between January 2004 and December 2006, 98 patients with pathologically confirmed renal masses smaller than 4 cm (10 renal oncocytomas and 88 RCCs) were included in this study. Segmental enhancement inversion was defined as follows: In a mass with two segments showing different degrees of enhancement during CMP, the relatively highly enhanced segment became less enhanced during EEP, whereas the less-enhanced segment during CMP became highly enhanced during EEP. Two experienced radiologists retrospectively assessed the presence of segmental inversion in all masses and measured attenuation with consensus. The Fisher exact test was used to determine the significance of segmental enhancement inversion in differentiating small renal oncocytoma from RCC. RESULTS Eight of 10 renal oncocytomas and only one of 88 RCCs showed segmental inversion during CMP and EEP, which significantly differentiated small renal oncocytomas and RCCs (P < .0001). For differentiating oncocytoma from RCC, segmental inversion was found to have a sensitivity of 80% (eight of 10), a specificity of 99% (87 of 88), a positive predictive value of 89% (eight of nine), and a negative predictive value of 98% (87 of 89). The mean values of the attenuation differences shown by two segments during CMP and EEP were 62.75 HU +/- 36.96 (standard deviation) and -36.88 HU +/- 20.02, respectively. CONCLUSION Segmental enhancement inversion during CMP and EEP was found to be a characteristic enhancement pattern of small renal oncocytoma at biphasic multidetector CT and it may help in differentiating small oncocytoma from RCC. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/2522081180/DC1.

Survival outcomes after radical and partial nephrectomy for clinical T2 renal tumours categorised by R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score

We evaluated survival outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (cT2RM) controlling for R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score.

Comparative Analysis of Laparoscopic and Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion

PURPOSE To compare our experience with laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LACIC) and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RACIC) with ileal conduit urinary diversion. PATIENTS AND METHODS Prospective data were gathered on 20 consecutive patients undergoing LACIC performed between August 2002 and July 2005, and on 14 consecutive patients undergoing RACIC performed between March 2005 and December 2006. Radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed laparoscopically or robotically, and an ileal conduit urinary diversion was performed extracorporeally. RESULTS There was no significant difference in terms of preoperative factors or baseline tumor characteristics and no significant difference in mean operative time (410 min v 419 min) between groups. There was less blood loss (212 mL v 653 mL; P < 0.0001) and fewer transfusions (42.8% v 70%; P < 0.0011) in the RACIC group. There was one intraoperative complication (7%) and no conversions in the RACIC group. There were three (15%) intraoperative complications all leading to conversion in patients undergoing LACIC. Three (21%) patients in the RACIC group and 10 (50%) patients in the LACIC group had at least 1 post-operative complication. The mean number of days to oral intake was less in the RACIC group (2.3 v 6.1; P = 0.012). There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes excised (P = 0.09) between groups. Bilateral extended lymphadenectomy was performed in 10 (71%) RACIC patients with a mean of 22.3 lymph nodes harvested and in 16 (80%) LACIC patients with a mean of 16.5 lymph nodes harvested. There were no positive margins in patients in the LACIC group and one (7.1%) among patients in the RACIC group--a patient with pT4 disease. CONCLUSION Both laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomies can be performed safely without compromising oncologic standards for surgical margins and extent of lymphadenectomy. In this early experience, the robot-assisted approach appears to have a shorter learning curve, and it is associated with less blood loss, fewer postoperative complications, and earlier return of bowel function than LACIC.

Application of the Epstein criteria for prediction of clinically insignificant prostate cancer in Korean men

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)
Level of Evidence 4