Mohamed Helal

Treatment Decision-Making Strategies and Influences in Patients with Localized Prostate Carcinoma

Patients diagnosed with localized prostate carcinoma need to interpret complicated medical information to make an informed treatment selection from among treatments that have comparable efficacy but differing side effects. The authors reported initial results for treatment decision‐making strategies among men receiving definitive treatment for localized prostate carcinoma.

Continent colonic urinary reservoir (Florida pouch): Long-term surgical complications (greater than 11 years)

PURPOSE We analyzed the long-term results (greater than 10 years) of a continent cutaneous colonic urinary reservoir (Florida pouch), focusing primarily on the incidence of significant complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 1986 and October 1991, 179 patients underwent continent cutaneous colonic urinary reservoir construction. Of these patients 105 died of primary disease or were lost to followup, leaving 38 males and 36 females with a mean followup of 133 months with adequate data for analysis who are the subject of this report. The surgical technique has been previously reported. Briefly, a detubularized right colonic segment forms the reservoir, a tapered external limb reinforced at the ileocecal valve level allows continent catheterization and the ureters are directly anastomosed to the pouch. The diseases that prompted urinary diversion included bladder cancer in 28 cases, conversion from another diversion in 12, neurogenic bladder in 11, interstitial cystitis in 10, crippling incontinence in 4, radiation cystitis in 6, hemorrhagic cystitis in 1, exstrophy in 1 and colon cancer in 1. A total of 146 direct ureterocolonic reimplantations were performed. RESULTS Complications were grouped by etiology and the number of patients, including abdominal wall (peristomal hernia in 3 patients or 4%), external limb (incontinence in 5 or 6.7%, stomal stenosis in 3 or 4% and difficult catheterization in 1 or 1.4%), reservoir stones (4 or 5.4%), ureteral obstruction (primary reimplantation in 7 of 108 or 6.3%, repeat reimplantation in 4 of 24 or 16.4% and radiated ureters in 4 of 14 or 28.4%) and metabolic (persistent diarrhea in 2 or 2.7%, renal failure in 2 or 2.7% and low vitamin B12 in 3 or 4%). Severe acidosis developed in 4 individuals (5.5%). Of the 12 patients who underwent conversion from another type of diversion 7 (58%) experienced metabolic alterations. CONCLUSIONS In the long term continent colonic reservoirs have an acceptable complication rate. The most common problem is ureteral obstruction, especially in patients who have previously undergone irradiation (28.4% versus 6.3%, Fishers test p = 0.02). Patients in whom longer bowel segments were resected, such as those with conversion from another type of diversions, experienced a greater number of complications, especially ureteral obstruction associated with repeat reimplantation (16.4% versus 6.3%, Fishers test p = 0.23) and metabolic derangements (58% versus 6.4%, Fishers test p = 0.0001).

Direct (Nontunneled) Ureterocolonic Reimplantation in Association with Continent Reservoirs

A total of 190 patients underwent continent urinary diversion using the Florida pouch. Direct mucosa-to-mucosa ureterocolonic reimplantation was used in 165 patients (326 ureters). Of the first 30 ureters in patients who underwent antireflux tunneled reimplantation obstruction occurred in 4 (13.3%). Obstruction developed directly in 16 of the ureters reimplanted (4.9%), and 3 of the 6 plicated and reimplanted megaureters (50%). Among the obstructed units 3 (13%) were treated unexpectedly by autonephrectomy, while the other 20 units (87%) were treated with percutaneous balloon dilation and internal stenting for 6 to 8 weeks. In the latter group 12 units (60%) recovered function, 3 (15%) had pyelonephritis requiring nephrectomy and 5 (25%) stabilized following a new reimplantation. Reflux was demonstrated in 23 units (7%). All units with reflux are being followed conservatively and renal deterioration has not been demonstrated. The incidence of ureteral obstruction with direct reimplantation is lower compared to a tunneled technique. This reimplantation procedure is technically simpler than others and is safe in adults when performed in association with a large volume, continent colonic reservoir.

Absence of neuropathic pelvic pain and favorable psychological profile in the surgical selection of patients with disabling interstitial cystitis

PURPOSE We evaluated the results among patients with disabling interstitial cystitis treated by cystectomy, urethrectomy and creation of a continent colonic urinary reservoir (the Florida pouch). The value of psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques, as well as the use of a team approach in the evaluation of these patients were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 20 women and 2 men who underwent surgery for disabling interstitial cystitis ranged from 31 to 75 years old (mean age 48). The duration of symptoms ranged from 2 to 14 years (mean 7). All patients had undergone multiple prior therapies, including vesical hydrodistension, instillations, laser treatments, and use of tranquilizers and a variety of pain medications. Patients underwent a clinical, cystoscopic (with bladder biopsies) and urodynamic evaluation as well as examination by a gynecologist with expertise in vaginal ultrasonography. The last 5 patients underwent psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques. RESULTS Among the clinical parameters, the presence of a small capacity bladder with the patient under anesthesia (less than 400 cc) was associated with the best surgical results. Among 11 patients evaluated only clinically success was achieved in 64%, while all 5 (100%) who also underwent pain localization techniques and psychological evaluation had a successful outcome postoperatively. The overall surgical success rate in the 22 patients was 73%. Two patients undergoing psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques were not considered to be surgical candidates. Among 7 surgical failures 4 patients underwent postoperative psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques, and they would not have been considered candidates for surgery with the new parameters. CONCLUSIONS A team approach is essential in the evaluation of these patients. Following the initial selection of patients who had a small bladder capacity while under anesthesia, psychological evaluation and pain localizing techniques may assist surgeons in selecting those who would benefit from a radical operation.

The Tapered and Reimplanted Small Bowel as a Variation of the Mitrofanoff Procedure: Preliminary Results

Ten patients with a urethra that could not be catheterized and with absent appendixes underwent neobladder construction using an ileal segment fashioned to serve as the anti-incontinence mechanism. The latter was tapered and reimplanted following the guidelines of the Mitrofanoff procedure. Urinary reservoirs were constructed from detubularized segments of right colon, sigmoid colon and composite gastro-ileal combinations. Followup ranged from 9 to 21 months (mean 14.5). All patients presently catheterize the reservoir satisfactorily and are free of urinary leakage. Three patients (30%) experienced initial catheterization difficulties: 2 required endoscopic procedures and insertion of a stent, and 1 with stomal stenosis was successfully treated with a Y-V stoma plasty. One patient (10%) required a repeat ileal segment reimplantation due to urinary incontinence. The higher reoperation rate and the increased surgical complexity of this procedure compared with reconstructions using the ileocecal valve as part of the anti-incontinence mechanism make this operation a less attractive alternative in the creation of a continent urinary reservoir. However, with comprehension of the need for careful and detailed surgical technique in its creation, the tapered and reimplanted ileal segment is a successful choice as an alternative for the creation of an abdominal wall stoma when the appendix is unavailable.

Urethral obstruction after anti-incontinence surgery in women: Evaluation, methodology, and surgical results

OBJECTIVES To evaluate a group of women with voiding dysfunction and a low maximum flow rate (MFR) (less than or equal to 12 mL/s) after surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI); to establish diagnostic parameters indicating obstruction in an attempt to determine treatment selection; and to evaluate preliminary surgical results. METHODS Eighteen women who underwent anti-incontinence surgery for SUI were diagnosed as having infravesical obstruction (IO). Thirteen women (group A [72%]) presented with clinically predominant symptoms of urgency, frequency, intermittency, and a variable vesical residual volume (RV), and five (group B [28%]) had as their most significant symptoms a high vesical RV and urinary tract infection that had been managed with intermittent catheterization (IC). The diagnosis of IO, suspected after clinical history, was established after physical examination and cystoscopic, cystographic and urodynamic investigations. RESULTS Bladder instability was demonstrated in 6 group A patients (46%) and 1 group B patient (20%) (P = NS). Mean MFRs were 8.07 and 7.2 mL/s, respectively, in both groups (P = NS). Mean maximal voiding pressures (MVPs) were 20.23 and 5 cm H20, and mean RVs were 57.46 and 174 mL, respectively; both differences were statistically very significant (P <0.01 and P <0.001, respectively). High to normal MVPs occurred in 2 patients overall (11%). Bladder neck overcorrection, midurethral distortion, and postsurgical cystocele were demonstrated in both groups in 11 (85%), 0, and 2 (15%) patients in group A and 3 (60%), 2 (40%), and 3 (60%) patients in group B, respectively (P = NS). Patients in group A were treated surgically with cystourethrolysis and a repeated, less obstructive anti-incontinence operation. In group B 2 women (40%) had a similar surgical procedure; 1 (20%) underwent isolated urethrolysis; and 2 (40%) are currently maintained with IC. CONCLUSIONS Among these 18 patients with voiding dysfunction after anti-incontinence surgery, a primary diagnosis of IO was established clinically. Only patients with a low MFR were selected for this study. Cytographic and endoscopic investigation as well as the presence of postsurgical cystocele assisted in establishing the diagnosis. The success rate with urethrolysis and resuspension was 60% for the 13 women with predominantly urgency, frequency, and the highest MVPs (20.23 +/- 9.67 cm H20 [group A) and 33% for the 5 women with urinary retention presenting the lowest MVPs (5.00 +/- 7.07 cm H20 [group A]) and 33% for the 5 women with urinary retention presenting the lowest MVPs (5.00 +/- 7.07 cm H20 [group B]). An added resuspension procedure is probably unnecessary in the latter group of patients and requires careful individual selection in the former group.

The Gastroileoileal Pouch: An Alternative Continent Urinary Reservoir for Patients with Short Bowel, Acidosis and/or Extensive Pelvic Radiation

We report on 6 patients who underwent a new type of continent urinary diversion: the gastroileoileal reservoir. These are a select group of patients who presented with the short bowel syndrome, acidosis, borderline diarrhea and/or severe pelvic radiation, which precluded the use of terminal ileum and the ileocecal segment. Considering these factors, and based on the different functional properties of the stomach as well as the need for a large reservoir, a segment of stomach and proximal ileum was used to construct the reservoir. Four patients have been followed for at least 6 months, with the longest followup being 12 months. Temporary dysphagia requiring hydrogen blockers developed in 1 patient. Results indicate excellent function of the continent urinary system, lack of metabolic complications, absent diarrhea and excellent patient tolerance. This procedure could be a useful alternative in some difficult clinical situations when continent urinary diversion is desirable.

The overlooked, retained double J stent

A series of 4 patients with long overlooked, retained ureteral stents is presented to illustrate the variable, unpredictable, and at times, hazardous course of such patients. These cases are cited to re-emphasize the need for careful documentation, observation, and follow-up of patients in whom stents are placed.

Tunica vaginalis flap for the management of disabling Peyronie's disease: surgical technique, results, and complications.

OBJECTIVES To discuss the surgical technique for tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) in the management of disabling Peyronies disease and to evaluate the results and complications. METHODS Twelve patients underwent the TVF technique. Through a scrotal incision, the most dependent part of the tunica was dissected from the testicle and epididymis. The flap measured at least 4 cm in width and its upper extremity was left attached to the cremasteric muscle. Subsequently, the flap was brought underneath a groin skin bridge to cover the dorsal penile defect. RESULTS All patients were pain free. Seven patients (58.3%) were able to achieve a satisfactory erection with good vaginal penetration. Five patients (41.7%) were unable to perform sexually secondary to disabling chordee in 3 patients, glanular hypoesthesia in 1 patient, and venous leakage in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS TVF is an adequate alternative for correction of distortions of Peyronies plaque in patients with disabling disease. TVF is at present our first choice in the management of this disease. If penetration is still impaired following recurrent curvature, a Nesbit ventral plication can be used as a secondary procedure.

Periurethral Polytetrafluoroethylene Paste Injection in Incontinent Female Subjects: Surgical Indications and Improved Surgical Technique

AbstractWe present the results with 2 techniques for periurethral polytetrafluoroethylene (Polytef) injection in 21 female subjects with type III stress urinary incontinence. The standard technique included the use of a stainless steel needle for injection, paste “sopping” and a Wolff, Storz or Lewy syringe as an injecting element. Postoperatively, no catheters were left indwelling and all patients were encouraged to urinate following recovery from the anesthesia. The modified technique included the use of a 14F angio-catheter for injection of the paste, paste heating and a Lewy syringe or Mentor gun as injector. Postoperatively, all patients were left with an indwelling suprapubic catheter for 3 to 5 days. A total of 27 injections was performed, including 9 with the standard technique and the last consecutive 18 with the modified technique.Average followup has been 11.4 months. Cure, improvement and no change rates from the preoperative condition were 11%, 22% and 67% with the standard technique and 39%,...