Search

Renal fossa heterotopic splenic tissue is characteristically asymptomatic and is usually an incidental finding that has been reported to mimic renal or adrenal tumors. However, symptoms related directly to the splenic tissue do occur. We present an unique case with simultaneous occurrence of an accessory spleen and splenosis which were diagnosed following intentional radiological investigations conducted to evaluate flank pain which was probably related to the presence of the heterotopic spleens. CT complemented by isotopic liver-spleen scan is the radiological modality of choice in the diagnosis of renal fossa splenosis. However, MRI may significantly contribute to the evaluation by accurate delineation of blood supply and surgical separation planes.

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a congenital anomaly either caused by intrinsic narrowing of the upper ureter or by extrinsic pressure on the ureter caused by aberrant vessels or fibrous bands. We reviewed 121 cases of pyeloplasties performed in our department for UPJ obstruction. The cases were grouped by age and by the underlying pathology. Postoperative urographic evaluation showed that dismembered pyeloplasty was successful in 98.4% of the patients, with no significant difference between age groups. Persistence or recurrence of preoperative symptoms occurred in some patients (16.6%). Extrinsic obstruction of the ureter was associated with better postoperative clinical results and less recurrence of symptoms.

A continent vesicostomy was performed upon two patients. The opened right colonic segment was used to augment the bladder and the ileocecal portion to create a continent abdominal stoma according to the technique used in the Indiana pouch. One patient had complete obstruction of the urethra 1 centimeter distal to bladder neck. The second patient was a paraplegic with an contractile bladder and complete outlet incontinence who was reluctant to perform transurethral self-catheterization. After postoperative follow-up evaluation of 36 and 22 months, respectively, both patients are completely continent day and night on self-catheterization every six hours with preserved function of the upper part of the tract.

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., Methods: The authors compared the results of radical cystectomy in 42 elderly patients to those in patients 69 years old or younger and to a group of 21 elderly patients, matched by stage of disease and severity of medical problems, who received alternative treatment., Results: The overall operative mortality rate was 6.3% (seven patients). Three (4.3%) postoperative deaths in the younger group and four (9.5%) deaths among elderly patients were recorded. The operative morbidity and mortality did not differ significantly between those two groups (P = 0.1). Among the patients who received alternative therapy, 13 (61.9%) died within the first 6 months, and only 3 survived more than 12 months. Morbidity was encountered in 97% of these patients., Conclusions: The authors showed that radical cystectomy is a relatively safe procedure for elderly patients. The elderly patient who is thought to be unsuitable for surgery not only is deprived of his right to definite curative therapy but also is exposed to higher morbidity and mortality and worse quality of life than are those who undergo operations. The authors conclude that it is unjustified to avoid radical cystectomy in the elderly population on the basis of age alone.

Incidental vesicoureteral reflux was noted frequently during routine cystographic evaluation of patients who suffered vesicourethral trauma and who were managed by suprapubic cystostomy. Based on this observation we designed a retrospective study to document the prevalence of vesicoureteral reflux among 30 consecutive patients following vesicourethral trauma. In 9 patients drainage was instituted by urethral catheter and in 21 by suprapubic cystostomy. Of the latter 21 patients 10 (47.6%) had evidence of vesicoureteral reflux on cystography, which was associated with complete rupture of the urethra in 9 (90%). No patient who was treated initially with a urethral catheter had evidence of vesicoureteral reflux on cystography. We conclude that the prevalence of vesicoureteral reflux is significantly affected by the coexistence of severe vesicourethral injury and the presence of suprapubic cystostomy. The significance of this observation is in the potential risk of ascending upper urinary tract infections due to the hazardous combination of vesicoureteral reflux and frequent recurrent lower urinary tract infections. Presence of vesicoureteral reflux in these patients may necessitate a prophylactic antibiotic regimen. The specific mechanisms that lead to increased prevalence of vesicoureteral reflux in patients following severe vesicourethral injury are not defined by our results. However, we propose a multifactorial concept that may explain our observation.

Postperative quantitative changes in platelet counts have been reported following various extensive surgical procedures. It is generally accepted that reactive thrombocytosis at levels less than 1,000,000/mm3 is a benign condition and is not associated with increased risk of postoperative thrombohemorrhagic complications. The role of prophylactic treatment with platelet inhibitors in these situations is controversial. We assessed retrospectively the timing and the extent of postoperative thrombocytosis in 85 consecutive patients following major urological pelvic surgery and evaluated its possible clinical significance to hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications, in view of the coincidence of multiple potential risk factors for thromboembolism in these patients. 73 (85.9%) patients demonstrated marked postoperative changes of platelet counts. In 12 patients (14.1%) we found only minor fluctuations in platelet counts throughout the postoperative period. Two distinct groups of 26 and 47 patients respectively could be identified among these 73 patients, who differed in the rate and extent of changes in platelet counts. Those fluctuations were characterized by an early decrease in platelet levels (mean percentage change of 40 and 60% in groups I and II respectively). This was followed by a gradual increase leading to delayed thrombocytosis (mean percentage change of 225 and 305% in groups I and II respectively). Thromboembolic complications were diagnosed in 5 patients. The occurrence of thromboembolism preceded any significant increase in platelet counts in all 5 patients. There was no correlation between the timing of thromboembolic complications and timing and extent of the change in platelet count. We conclude that reactive thrombocytosis following major urological pelvic surgery is a frequent innocuous finding and is not associated with hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ureteral obstruction is a frequent complication of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), known as a poor prognostic sign and indicative of advanced disease. We investigated retrospectively the medical records of 122 consecutive patients who suffered from invasive TCC of the urinary bladder during a 6-year period. Unilateral or bilateral ureteral obstruction was found in 66 patients (54.1%). High stage (T3-T4) and grade (III-IV) tumors were correlated with ureteral obstruction in 89.4% and 83.3% respectively compared to 67.9% and 66.1%, respectively, among patients with normal upper tracts (P < 0.001); 10.6% of the patients with ureteral obstruction had low stage disease, and all of them proved to have involvement of the ureteral orifices on the affected side. The 5-year survival rate of patients with and without ureteral obstruction was 32.2% and 65.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). The presence of ureteral obstruction, particularly in the absence of intravesical involvement of the ureteral orifices, signified a high stage, muscle invasive, and often metastatic tumor in more than 90% of the patients. Ureteral obstruction was an accurate criterion for poor prognostic and was associated with significantly lower, overall and stage-specific, survival rates, despite of radical surgery. We conclude that evidence of ureteral obstruction is an important staging standard and significant prognostic indicator in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

Congenital urethral polyps may cause hematuria, various degrees of outflow obstruction and display a variety of, mostly nonspecific micturition abnormalities in young boys and infants, and should be considered and investigated when recurrent or persistent hematuria and voiding disturbances are encountered. Voiding cystography is the best available diagnostic method to detect urethral polyps. Following diagnosis, prompt complete resection of polyp is indicated. Resolution of signs and symptoms and excellent prognosis are the rule in most of the reported cases. In view of the rarity of this significant pathological condition, we present our experience with 6 children who suffered from urethral polyps and outline the principles of diagnostic evaluation and management of the child with urethral polyp.

Between 1986-1991 we treated 50 men with adenocarcinoma of the prostate by radical prostatectomy. Ages ranged from 44-74 and clinical stages were A-C. Follow-up lasted 1-63 months (mean 15.1) and was designed to rule out recurrence and/or spread of the disease and to evaluate quality of life. The rate of complications was low, the postoperative course short and uneventful, and there was preservation of urinary continence in 96% and of potency in 10.2%. As compared with radiotherapy, surgery gave superior results and is recommended.

Neonatal testicular torsion is rare, and is distinguished both clinically and anatomically from torsion in the older age group. We describe 2 cases of neonatal torsion treated in different ways, which reflect the current controversy regarding the timing of surgical exploration, the need for orchiectomy, as well as the indications for contralateral orchiopexy. The distinction between prenatal and the postnatal subgroups is emphasized and a policy of treatment is proposed.

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.

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.

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.

Evidence of increased resistance of Sertoli cells to ischemia and reperfusion injury was presented by numerous histological, morphological, and quantitative studies. In situ hybridization techniques and immunocytochemical studies demonstrated intense expression of sulfated glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2) in Sertoli cells. We propose that protective effects of SGP-2 are the core of the differential tolerance of ischemia by the various testicular cells and the morphology of the postischemic testis. We believe that suppression of ischemic damage selectively in Sertoli cells is the consequence of the ability to produce SGP-2, an endogenous inhibitor of ischemic injury. This hypothetical function of SGP-2 is supported by its immunosuppressive properties and its structural and functional identity to several types of human complement cytolysis inhibitors.

A patient with a recent history of genitourinary tuberculosis, chronic renal failure and hemodialysis presented with a slow growing scrotal swelling that had enlarged during the last 3 years. Physical examination and sonography were suspicious for testicular tumor, and surgical exploration and inguinal orchiectomy were performed. Ultimately the mass proved to be a chronic hematocele, a rare complication of uremic coagulopathy and hemodialysis. Because hematocele may clinically and sonographically resemble a testicular tumor, the proper management of a complex multiseptated scrotal mass without obvious history suggestive of hematocele is surgical exploration and orchiectomy. Awareness of this common presentation may obviate orchiectomy.

Early postoperative urinary mucus secretion was evaluated in 13 consecutive patients who underwent lower urinary tract reconstruction with incorporation of bowel segments, and the effect of intravesical infusion of sodium diatrizoate and meglumine diatrizoate in aqueous solution (Urografin 30%) was assessed. The mean volume of urinary mucus extracted before and immediately after cystography increased from 1.4 to 9.6 ml., respectively (p less than 0.0001). We conclude that mucus excretion increases significantly immediately following cystography during the early postoperative period. During that critical time cystography may cause potential hazards of mucus retention and catheter obstruction, which should be anticipated and treated promptly.

Increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (E.C.3.1.3.1.) were observed in 25 patients with various urological conditions involving the kidneys: malignancy, complicated nephrolithiasis, and surgical and percutaneous manipulations. Other possible sources for increased ALP level, mainly hepatic and osseous, were excluded by history, laboratory tests, and liver and bone imaging. Studies of isoenzymes of ALP did not show a distinctive pattern. ALP levels returned to the normal range by treating the underlying lesions involving the kidney: nephrectomy, complete removal of stones, or removal of nephrostomy. The increase in serum ALP activity may be derived from the injury to the brush border membrane of the renal tubular cells. Renal function impairment and contrast media induced nephrotoxicity may also be responsible for the increased serum ALP. Serum ALP may be a marker for involvement of the kidneys in pathological processes and an indicator of complete treatment. This clinical observation is worthy of further study.

Delayed spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder following augmentation enterocystoplasty is a serious life-threatening complication of uncertain etiology. Multiple factors are believed to contribute to the mechanism of bladder perforation. Ruptured augmented bladders share a common urodynamic pattern of high leak point pressure of the urethra, with sensory and mechanical tolerance of high filling pressure. This combination seems to be the main predisposing factor for spontaneous perforation. Other risk factors, including catheter trauma during intermittent self-catheterization, urinary retention due to mucus retention or noncompliance with the catheterization protocol, chronic infection, and decreased sensation of bladder filling, may play roles in the mechanism of rupture. Clinically, patients present with sepsis, abdominal pain and distension, ileus, fever, oliguria and peritoneal irritation. The diagnosis is made on low pressure cystography, although failure of cystography to demonstrate extravasation is not unusual. Aggressive surgical treatment consists of immediate exploration, primary repair of the perforation, drainage of the perivesical space, suprapubic cystostomy and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Longterm management includes a strict intermittent catheterization schedule, anticholinergic therapy and urodynamic evaluation. Failure to achieve a low pressure storage reservoir by conservative means entails an increased risk of recurrent perforation. In such cases further surgical intervention should be considered. We present a 21-year-old paraplegic man 5 months after augmentation enterocystoplasty who required operation because of spontaneous rupture of the augmented bladder. Spontaneous delayed rupture of the bladder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in patients after augmentation enterocystoplasty. Early surgical treatment and subsequent monitoring of the low pressure reservoir are recommended.