Ilan Leibovitch

THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF POSTOPERATIVE CHYLOUS ASCITES

PURPOSEnPostoperative chylous ascites is a rare complication of retroperitoneal and mediastinal surgery that represents a difficult management problem due to the serious mechanical, nutritional and immunological consequences of the constant loss of protein and lymphocytes. We reviewed the topic of postoperative chylous ascites with special emphasis on the relevant diagnostic and imaging modalities. We propose a novel management algorithm.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnWe performed a MEDLINE search of the literature on chylous ascites using chyloperitoneum as the subject heading and chylous ascites as an additional key word. The search yielded 651 articles. We focused on 102 series, collective reviews and mainly case reports related to the issue of postoperative chylous ascites.nnnRESULTSnWe propose a novel algorithm based on a step-up approach aimed at promoting decreased lymph production and flow as well as maintaining nutritional balance. The management algorithm integrates repeat palliative paracentesis, dietary measures, total parenteral nutrition therapy, peritoneovenous shunting and surgical closure of the lymphoperitoneal fistula. Due to the remarkable effectiveness of somatostatin therapy for the closure of lymphatic fistula somatostatin therapy should be attempted with or without total parenteral nutrition early in the course of treatment of chylous ascites before any invasive steps are taken.nnnCONCLUSIONSnVarious management modalities may be used successfully to treat chylous ascites. Therefore, treatment should be individualized and adjusted to the severity of lymphatic leakage and its consequences. The outcome mostly depends on the underlying pathological condition. Thus, in the absence of malignant or congenital underlying pathology the prognosis in cases of postoperative chylous ascites is good with the majority responding to conservative measures.

The Efficacy and Safety of Perioperative Low Molecular Weight Heparin Substitution in Patients on Chronic Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Undergoing Transurethral Prostatectomy for Bladder Outlet Obstruction

PURPOSEnCandidates for prostatectomy who require chronic anticoagulant therapy present a major perioperative management problem due to the threat of significant hemorrhage associated with surgery and the risk of thromboembolism associated with discontinuation of the anticoagulants. We evaluated prospectively a perioperative routine using low molecular weight heparin substitution to allow safe discontinuation of prophylactic oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnWe treated 20 patients on chronic oral anticoagulant therapy who required prostatectomy for bladder outlet obstruction according to a prospective protocol based on exchange of the oral anticoagulants with perioperative injections of low molecular weight heparin and resumption of oral anticoagulants early postoperatively. The safety and efficacy of this regimen were assessed in comparison to a control group comprised of 20 randomly selected nonwarfarin treated patients who underwent prostatectomy during the same period.nnnRESULTSnThe need for blood transfusions and mean number of units transfused did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Due to persistent hematuria routine removal of the catheter was possible only in 9 of 20 patients (45%) in the heparin group compared to 18 of 20 (90%) in the control group. Average catheterization and hospitalization period in the heparin group was 3.2 days and 4.2 days respectively, compared to 2.1 and 2.1 days in the control group, respectively (p <0.01). No long-term hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications were noted at 3 months postoperatively.nnnCONCLUSIONSnDespite longer hospitalization in the heparin treated group, our substitution protocol is safe and effective.

Reconsidering the necessity of ipsilateral adrenalectomy during radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVESnIpsilateral adrenalectomy is traditionally advocated as part of radical nephrectomy performed for renal cell carcinoma. The current study addresses the controversy of whether ipsilateral adrenalectomy should be performed routinely during radical nephrectomy.nnnMETHODSnA total of 225 patients were treated surgically for renal cell carcinoma over an 18-year period. Of these patients, 158 underwent nephrectomy and simultaneous ipsilateral adrenalectomy and the other 67 had sparing of the ipsilateral adrenal gland. A retrospective analysis of the medical records and assessment of the clinical and the pathologic data were performed. Rates of survival and progression were evaluated in a subgroup of 109 patients, further subdivided into 54 patients who underwent concomitant adrenalectomy and 55 patients with the ipsilateral adrenal preserved during surgery.nnnRESULTSnHistopathologic abnormalities were detected in seven adrenal specimens (4.4%); however, only 3 patients (1.9%) had involvement of the adrenal by renal cell carcinoma. All cases of adrenal involvement were detected by the preoperative imaging modalities. Ipsilateral adrenalectomy did not improve the outcome in comparison to adrenal preservation.nnnCONCLUSIONSnIn view of the rarity of ipsilateral adrenal metastasis, the questionable prognostic merits of concomitant adrenalectomy, and the availability of accurate imaging modalities, we conclude that ipsilateral adrenalectomy is not necessary in the majority of the patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

Circumcision in hemophilia: the use of fibrin glue for local hemostasis.

Circumcision can be fatal in hemophilia patients unless they are treated with the missing coagulation factor. We describe 10 severe hemophilia patients in whom circumcision was performed with local fibrin glue instead of infusion of factor concentrate. Of the 10 patients 3 had postoperative bleeding and only 2 of them required infusion of factor VIII concentrate. Fibrin glue is a useful treatment modality for circumcision in patients with bleeding diathesis, and it is safer and cheaper than the infusion of factor concentrate.

Analysis of the long-term outcome of surgically corrected vesico-ureteric reflux

Authors from Tel‐Aviv reviewed a group of patients who had VUR corrected in childhood, assessing their long‐term outcome. Even when patients were successfully treated during childhood they were still prone to recurrent UTI, renal scarring, hypertension and complications during pregnancy. They suggested that a protocol for long‐term follow‐up was required.

Is it justified to avoid radical cystoprostatectomy in elderly patients with invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Background. Although radical cystectomy is accepted by most urologists as the treatment of choice for invasive carcinoma of the bladder and age alone is not considered a contraindication for radical surgery, many consider radical major operations to be unsuitable for elderly patients.

Modification in the inherent mode of allelic replication in lymphocytes of patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma: A novel genetic alteration associated with malignancy†

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to interphase nuclei, we examined the replication timing of 1 allele relative to its counterpart in PHA‐stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes of normal subjects and patients suffering from a solid tumor (renal cell carcinoma). In the FISH assay, an unreplicated DNA sequence is identified by a single dot‐like hybridization signal, whereas a replicated region gives rise to a duplicated, bipartite signal. Accordingly, lymphocytes of normal individuals show 2 patterns of allelic replication: (i) synchronized replication of allelic counterparts, as exemplified by the biallelically expressed loci TP53 and D21S55; and (ii) non‐synchronized replication of allelic partners, as exemplified by the early and late replicating alleles of GABRB3, an imprinted locus subjected to monoallelic expression. However, when present in lymphocytes of the cancer patients, all 3 loci change their replication mode: alleles of TP53 and D21S55 become asynchronous, whereas the early replicating allele of GABRB3 delays replication, leading to relaxation in the imprinted mode of replication. Based on the tight relationship between temporal order of allelic replication and allelic mode of expression, the modified order of allelic replication observed in nonmalignant cells of individuals diagnosed with cancer represents a novel genetic alteration associated with malignancy. This alteration detected by simple cytogenetic means, applied to peripheral blood lymphocytes, offers a potential test for cancer identification. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 27:270–277, 2000.

The Frequency of Histopathological Abnormalities in Incidental Appendectomy in Urological Patients: The Implications for Incorporation of the Appendix in Urinary Tract Reconstruction

In 1980 Mitrofanoff described the use of the isolated appendix as an intermittent catheterization route to empty a continent urinary reservoir. The procedure was popularized and numerous variations on the same principle were reported. Presence of histopathological abnormalities in the appendix may limit its suitability for reconstructive purposes. We studied the frequency of incidental histopathological abnormalities in appendixes removed electively in 122 urological patients during a radical pelvic operation. The implications for incorporation of the appendix in urinary tract reconstruction are evaluated. A total of 38 patients (31.1%) had notable histological abnormalities of the appendix: 35 had fibrous obliteration of the lumen, 2 had carcinoid tumor and 1 had a mucocele of the appendix. The rate of abnormal appendixes was significantly higher in elderly patients (more than 70 years old). Incidental pathology of the appendix is a frequent finding that may affect the immediate results and the late outcome of urinary tract reconstruction using the appendix. When such strategy of urinary tract reconstruction is considered, potential histopathological abnormalities should be anticipated. The patients should be informed and aware of possible unexpected changes in the preplanned procedure, while the surgeon must be familiar with these alternative reconstructive methods.

Comparison of voiding cystourethrography and double-balloon urethrography in the diagnosis of complex female urethral diverticula

Abstract. The preoperative work-up of female urethral diverticula should provide the surgeon with maximum data regarding the anatomy and structure of the diverticulum. Preoperatively, the number of diverticula, as well as the location, size, configuration, and communication to the urethra need to be clearly depicted. The objective of this study was to compare the information gained by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and positive-pressure double-balloon urethrography (DBU), and to verify which imaging modality can better delineate the features of the diverticula. Twelve women with a presumptive clinical diagnosis of a urethral diverticulum underwent VCUG followed by DBU, and the radiological data from each modality were compared. In 4 of 12 patients (33.3%) VCUG completely failed in demonstrating the diverticulum, whereas DBU showed a large complex diverticulum in 2 patients and a distinct mid-urethral diverticulum in 2 patients. In the remaining 8 women (66.7%) VCUG delineated only the lower part of the diverticulum, whereas DBU depicted a large diverticulum extending beneath the bladder neck in 3 patients and multiple diverticula in 5 patients. The sensitivity of DBU and VCUG, in our series, was therefore 100 and 66.7%, respectively. The DBU supplied excellent documentation regarding the location, size, configuration, and communication of the diverticula to the urethra in every case, which markedly facilitated surgical excision of the diverticula in 9 of 12 patients. Three patients refused surgery and elected conservative treatment. In our experience, VCUG had a low sensitivity as a screening test for the diagnosis of female urethral diverticula, and failed to demonstrate properly the major structural characteristics of the diverticula, whereas DBU was highly sensitive as a diagnostic tool and supplied excellent anatomical delineation of the diverticula.

Etiology of acute scrotum at surgical exploration in children, adolescents and adults

Between January 1970 and December 1989, 171 patients underwent scrotal exploration for acute scrotum (an acute painful swelling of the scrotum or its content), at our hospital. Of 70 children scrotal explorations, torsion of appendages was found in 33 cases (47%). Torsion of testis was found in 24 patients (34%). Of the 84 adolescent scrotal explorations performed, 72 (86%) had torsion of testis, and 8 (9%) had torsion of appendages. Of 17 adults, torsion of testis was found in 15 cases (88%). These results clarify that unnecessary explorations are much more common in children (66%) than in adolescents and adults (14%). We therefore suggest using radionuclear scans and/or Doppler ultrasound to facilitate clinical diagnosis in the children group.