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Partial nephrectomy has become the most frequently used surgical procedure in the treatment of renal cell cancer. The current role of laparoscopy for this indication has to be defined.The technique of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has undergone a continuous development to become mature. Once the learning curve of the individual surgeon has been overcome the results are comparable to those of open surgery. This is true for ischemia time, complication rate and oncologic outcome. In addition there is the advantage of the minimally invasive approach in laparoscopy sparing a painful flank incision. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is not yet a standard of care but yields excellent results in the hands of experts. There are no conclusive studies comparing standard and da Vinci®-assisted laparoscopy. No clear advantages become obvious, but the costs of the robot are substantial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate functional outcomes and morbidity rates after laparoscopic adenomectomy (LA) and Eraser laser enucleation of the prostate (ELEP). Materials and methods: Forty patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggesting bladder outlet obstruction, with a prostate heavier than 70 g on transrectal ultrasound, were selected to undergo laparoscopic adenomectomy or Eraser laser enucleation of the prostate. All patients were consecutively enrolled without randomization and assessed preoperatively, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Baseline characteristics, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes were compared. Results: The total operating time was significantly longer in the LA group (138.8 ± 11.4 vs. 78.4 ± 10.0 min, p < 0.000001). Catheter removal was performed earlier (61.2 ± 21.3 vs. 174.0 ± 13.2 h, p < 0.000001) and the hospital stay was significantly shorter (62.4 ± 21.2 vs. 187.2 ± 12.6 h, p < 0.000001) in the ELEP group. The latter group experienced significantly less perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) loss (0.71 ± 0.25 vs. 2.15 ± 1.08 g/dl, p < 0.000001), and their postoperative Hb levels (14.1 ± 1.21 vs. 11.7 ± 1.31 g/dl, p < 0.000001) were significantly higher. The resected tissue was significantly greater in the LA group (58.5 ± 23.3 vs. 87.9 ± 22.4 g, p = 0.0002). Significant improvements in Qmax, Qol, and symptom scores from baseline to each follow-up time point were noted in both groups. No statistically significant difference in symptom scores or Qmax was registered between the LA and the ELEP group throughout the follow-up period. Conclusion: Laparoscopic adenomectomy and ELEP were equally effective for relieving bladder outflow obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms. The advantages of ELEP include less blood loss, shorter catheterization times, and shorter hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Animal studies have shown the potential benefits of mannitol as renoprotective during warm ischemia; it may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used during partial nephrectomy (PN) and live donor nephrectomy (LDN). Despite this, a prospective study on mannitol has never been performed. The aim of this study is to document patterns of mannitol use during PN and LDN. Materials and methods: A survey on the use of mannitol during PN and LDN was sent to 92 high surgical volume urological centers. Questions included use of mannitol, indications for use, physician responsible for administration, dosage, timing and other renoprotective measures. Results: Mannitol was used in 78 and 64 % of centers performing PN and LDN, respectively. The indication for use was as antioxidant (21 %), as diuretic (5 %) and as a combination of the two (74 %). For PN, the most common dosages were 12.5 g (30 %) and 25 g (49 %). For LDN, the most common doses were 12.5 g (36.3 %) and 25 g (63.7 %). Overall, 83 % of centers utilized mannitol, and two (percent or centers??) utilized furosemide for renoprotection. Conclusions: A large majority of high-volume centers performing PN and LDN use mannitol for renoprotection. Since there are no data proving its value nor standardized indication and usage, this survey may provide information for a randomized prospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional and oncological results of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (L-RPLND) have proven to be as efficacious as open series (O-RPLND) after 5 year follow-up. In the most recent publication series from high-volume laparoscopy centres, there was a trend towards fewer complications in L-RPLND compared to O-RPLND. Up to now only two case series of four treated patients have been reported adopting a robotic-assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for testicular cancer so that it is not yet possible to judge whether it is useful tool or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After initial scepticism laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has rapidly been developed to a standard of care which should be offered to all patients as an alternative to open surgery. This procedure is indicated for all renal tumours clinical stage 1-2 which are not considered for partial nephrectomy. Many studies now show that the oncologic outcome is good and comparable to open surgery. Follow-up, however, is limited to about 10 years. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has become a standardized procedure. Removal of the kidney by morcellation, favoured by the majority some time ago, has been abandoned to a great extent. Also the controversy about the advantages and disadvantages of the respective approach has been settled. Several prospective randomized studies proved that both the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches are equally effective. Excluding the bias of the learning curve the complication rate of laparoscopy is not higher than that of open surgery, but morbidity is clearly lower. Since the rate of elective partial nephrectomy is increasing rapidly, laparoscopy may be a good choice for this indication as well. When performed during ischaemia all principles of open surgery--excision of the tumour with clear margins, haemostasis using sutures, closure of the collecting system, suture repair of the renal parenchyma--can be duplicated. The problem of long warm ischaemia time can be managed by the evolution of the surgical technique, but also by induction of hypothermia. Complication rates are comparable to open surgery. Oncologic results, with limited follow-up however, are promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Urologe A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Der Urologe A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is the most accurate method of detecting occult lymph node metastases in the retroperitoneum. In clinical stage II disease, a residual tumor after primary chemotherapy has to be removed surgically. For these two indications we have replaced open surgery by laparoscopy, in order to reduce morbidity. Once the learning curve had been overcome, the operative time was in the range of that of open surgery, and from the very beginning morbidity and complication rates were lower. Oncologic long-term outcome was not compromised by the laparoscopic approach. Patient satisfaction was very high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional transrectal sonography is a new imaging technique capable of providing sonographic sections in three planes simultaneously, which to date has not been possible by conventional techniques. Apart from the additional information obtained by the third, i. e. coronal, plane, this new technique permits precise three-dimensional analyses of relevant anatomical structures. In a total of 57 patients the bulbo-urethral glands were studied by means of three-dimensional transrectal sonography. In order to identify the visualized structures anatomically and topographically, the images obtained were compared with serial anatomical sections of several male pelves. The results show that, with the help of three-dimensional sonography, it is possible to obtain reproducible images by a routine procedure which enables the localisation and demonstration of the bulbo-urethral glands as well as the adjacent anatomical structures (organs, muscles, corpora cavernosa and vessels). Furthermore, a cyst in one of the bulbo-urethral glands could be definitively diagnosed and assessed in 3 patients. With the help of this non-invasive diagnostic tool it is now possible to assess the regions of the pelvic floor and prostate quickly, easily and with great precision. Any site which has been assessed in the volume scan can be simultaneously visualised in the three planes, which renders measurements in all three dimensions possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate whether unilateral testicular torsion exerts a negative influence on the previously undisturbed contralateral side, exocrine and endocrine testicular function were evaluated before and two months after torsion. A rat model with 6 hours', 12 hours' or permanent extravaginal 540° torsion of the right testis was used; a sham operated group of animals served as controls. Ejaculates were collected by electrostimulation; LH, FSH and testosterone serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassays. Eight weeks after torsion sperm output had decreased by half in the experimental groups, and LH levels increased significantly, whereas the other hormone levels, as well as the controls, remained unchanged. Morphometry of the contralateral testis revealed no alterations except a significant increase of the Leydig cells and interstitial cells in some subgroups. All observed changes correlate with the functional loss of one testis; definite evidence for contralateral damage was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental testicular torsion must be used for certain studies of clinical relevance, but most experimental models either do not provide hemodynamic alteration comparable to the clinical situation or cannot guarantee reproducibility. Using a rat model arterial perfusion and hemorrhagic infarction were correlated to the degree of both intra- and extravaginal testicular torsion. Arterial inflow was measured sequentially with radiolabelled microspheres, hemorrhagic infarction was judged by the increase of testicular weight. Maximal hemorrhagic infarction and reproducible values were found when the spermatic cord was twisted togehter with the tunica vaginalis for 360°-540°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since fertility is decreased in patients with unilateral torsion, a detrimental influence of the damaged tesis on the contralateral side has been postulated. In previous studies, we could not detect such an effect 2 months after the application of torsion. The present study was designed to search for an early defect that may be followed by regeneration as well as for a defect that appears only later. At 2 weeks, 4 months and 7 months after unilateral testicular torsion and sham operation, respectively, in rats, both testes were examined. By means of morphometry, the different testicular components of the contralateral testes were quantified, but neither early nor late damage could be detected. Therefore, despite some other conflicting studies, we do not believe that contralateral testicular damage necessarily occurs after torsion. The decreased fertility may be explained by an immunologic attack on the spermatozoa on their way out of the genital tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined 50 asymptomatic patients 6-60 months after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by high-resolution sonography and additional colour-coded sonography and compared our results with the preoperative sonograms and the operative records. No lesions of larger vessels were detected, either arteriovenous fistulate or pseudoaneurysms. Avascular band-shaped hyperechoic parenchymal stripes were found in 17 of 50 patients (35%). As these did not appear in the preoperative sonograms, and as the stripes were in the same orientation as the neprrostomy canal, we believe them to be scar tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]