Groin exploration for nonpalpable testes: laparoscopic approach

Purpose: Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) is the technique of choice for exploration of nonpalpable testes (NPT). Nevertheless, groin exploration is necessary to evaluate the cord and gonadal structures entering the internal ring. This retrospective analysis evaluates our hypothesis that hypoplastic cord structures entering the internal ring predicts absence of a viable testicle and a laparoscopic groin exploration in these cases can reduce the number of unnecessarily performed open groin exploration (OGE). Materials: A retrospective review was performed of 23 boys with 26 NPTs who were operated on from June 1998 to October 2000 to evaluate our protocol for NPT using DL and OGE. Results: Of 26 NPTs in 23 boys, 3 bilateral intraabdominal testis were detected (2 Fowler Stephens; 1 standard orchidopexy). Twenty cord structures entered the internal ring. Three appeared normal at DL with a viable testis followed by an orchidopexy. Seventeen were hypoplastic without patent processus. During LGE no viable testis was detected: blind-ending cords, no biopsy (n = 4); testicular regression syndromes (n = 3), early fetal regression (n = 6), no residual testicular structures (n = 4). Conclusions: This experience confirms the authors' hypothesis and criteria for LGE in all cases. The authors conclude that LGE is a helpful tool in the diagnostic workup of NPT to avoid unnecessary OGE and is a further step in the minimally invasive approach to all kinds of findings of NPT.     

Multi-incisional transumbilical laparoscopic surgery for nonpalpable undescended testes: A report of 126 cases

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of multi-incisional transumbilical laparoscopic surgery for the management of nonpalpable undescended testes.

Material and methods

A series of 126 patients with 162 nonpalpable undescended testes underwent transumbilical laparoscopic surgery. Their mean age was 1.8 years (range, 1.1–6.5 years). Of the 126 cases, 73 were left-sided, 17 were right-sided, and 36 had bilateral cryptorchidism. Primary orchidopexy and the Fowler–Stephens procedure were used to mobilize the testes.

Results

All the operations were successfully performed without intraoperative complications. No additional ports or any conversions to an open procedure were required. Of the 162 nonpalpable undescended testes, 21 were absent or atrophied. One-hundred thirteen testes underwent primary orchidopexy, and 28 cases underwent a Fowler–Stephens orchidopexy. Patients were followed-up for 6–15 months. Only one case of testicular retraction was observed, and all others maintained a good size and the correct position. The scars were hidden within the umbilicus.

Conclusion

Transumbilical laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for nonpalpable undescended testes, and leaves no obvious abdominal or inguinal scar.     

Management of bilateral nonpalpable testes: laparoscopic diagnosis and orchidectomy

Bilateral nonpalpable testes in the adult human are associated with testicular malignancy, infertility and other abnormalities. Investigation for localization of the testes is mandatory, and either orchidopexy or orchidectomy is indicated. Laparoscopy was performed in an azoospermic male with bilateral unpalpable testes. A diagnosis of intra-abdominal testes was made and bilateral orchidectomy was performed. Laparoscopy is recommended for diagnosis and precise localization, as well as for orchidectomy, thus avoiding open abdominal operation in cases of intra-abdominal testes.     

Findings concerning testis, vas deference, and epididymis in adult cases with nonpalpable testes

In this study, we aimed to state the relationship between testis, epididymis and vas deference, in adult cases with nonpalpable testis. Between January 1996 and December 2009, we evaluated 154 adult cases with nonpalpable testes. Mean age was 23 years (20-27 years). Explorations were performed by open inguinal incision, laparoscopy, and by inguinal incision and laparoscopy together on 22, 131 and 1 patient, respectively. Of all the unilateral cases, 32 were accepted as vanishing testis. In five of these cases, vas deference was ending inside the abdomen, and in the others, it was ending inside the scrotum. In the remaining 99 unilateral and 22 bilateral cases, 143 testes were found in total. Testes were found in the inguinal canal as atrophic in one case, at the right renal pedicle level with dysmorphic testis in one case, and anterior to the internal ring between the bladder and the common iliac vessels at a smaller than normal size in 119 cases. One (0.69%) case did not have epididymis. While epididymis was attached to the testis only at the head and tail locations in 88 (61.53%) cases, it was totally attached to the testis in 54 (37.76%) cases. There is an obviously high incidence rate of testis and vas deference anomalies, where epididymis is the most frequent one. In cases with abdominal testes, this rate is highest for high localised abdominal testes.     

Laparoscopic evaluation of nonpalpable testes.

Laparoscopy was utilized in the evaluation of 27 nonpalpable testes in 21 patients prior to exploration and necessary definitive surgery. Laparoscopic prediction of the location of the nonpalpable testes was accurate in all cases. Laparoscopic findings can help in determining the appropriate technique of orchiopexy expected to yield better testicular salvage. It can also prevent unnecessary exploration of children with anorchia as evidenced by blind-ending vas deferens and spermatic vessels.     

Management of boys with nonpalpable undescended testes

An undescended testis (UDT) is one of the most common genital anomalies in boys. Complications of a UDT include testicular cancer, infertility, and testicular torsion. Prompt treatment can minimize the risk of these complications. Although there are standardized guidelines for boys with palpable undescended testes, there are no formal guidelines for managing boys with nonpalpable testes. In this mini-review, we look at current trends in diagnosing and treating this disorder as well as surgical procedures. Laparoscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, which is safe when performed by a skilled operator.     

Antenatal ultrasonographic findings in tuberous sclerosis. Report of 2 cases

Tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant disease with variable expression. The initial manifestations have been reported at varying stages postnatally, but little is known about the fetal age at which the disease may be detected. The antenatal ultrasonographic features in 2 affected fetuses, at 40 and 26 weeks respectively, are reported. The second case appears unique because of the early fetal involvement and the abnormally large brain tumour.     

Gonadal venography for preoperative localization of nonpalpable testes in adults.

Gonadal venography was attempted in an effort to locate preoperatively ten nonpalpable testes in adults. In five attempts, neither selective catheterization nor complete visualization of the gonadal vein could be accomplished and no definitive information was obtained regarding the presence or location of a gonad. However, in 4 cases we were able either to visualize the position of the nonpalpable testis or predict correctly the absence of testicular tissue by the appearance of an abrupt termination or absence of the gonadal vein. One false negative study was obtained.     

The effects of one- and two-stage orchiopexy on postoperative serum testosterone levels and testicular volume in adult patients with bilateral nonpalpable testes

In this study, we investigated the effects of one- and two-staged orchiopexy on testicular volume and serum testosterone levels in cases with high, abdominally localized, bilateral nonpalpable testes. Between March 1996 and April 2001, orchiopexy was performed on 46 testes in 23 patients with bilateral nonpalpable testes. In 15 of the 23 patients, a two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy was performed, and in 8 of the 23 patients, a one-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy was performed. For one patient who lacked both testes, bilateral prosthetic testes were inserted. The patients' ages were between 20 and 23 years (average, 21 years). In the first stage of the two-stage orchiopexy, the spermatic artery was ligated laparoscopically. Six months later, open surgery orchiopexy was performed. Patients were followed for 2 to 16 months (average, 10 months) and were evaluated for testicular atrophy, serum testosterone levels, and complications. In all the patients, the preoperative secondary sexual characteristics and serum testosterone levels were normal. Among the postoperative controls, evaluated at months 3 and 6, one patient's testes were found at the pubic area. Testicular atrophy was not observed in any of the patients, and the serum testosterone levels were in the normal range. In the two-stage orchiopexy group, 5 (33%) of the 15 patients had an average 30% volume decrease, and in the one-stage group, 2 (25%) of the 8 patients had an average 40% volume decrease. In this study, it was shown that either two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy or laparoscopic orchiopexy can be successfully performed in patients with bilateral abdominal testes, and that the testes can be fixed to their palpable original positions without interfering with the secretion of testosterone. Although the results are similar, our experience suggests that single-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy is the preferable method.     

Preoperative laparoscopic localization of the nonpalpable testis

Laparoscopic examination was performed successfully on 14 patients with 17 nonpalpable testes. The procedure was successful in determining the location in 16 of 17 nonpalpable testes, and this information was beneficial for selecting the subsequent operative approach. Laparoscopy was safe in the younger child (10 patients were 3 years old or less and 7 patients were less than 2 years old), and it added an insignificant increase in operative time.     

Detection and quantification of rotator cuff tears. Comparison of ultrasonographic, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopic findings in seventy-one consecutive cases

BACKGROUND: Although many investigators have evaluated the accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of full and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, few have directly compared the two tests. The purpose of our study was to compare the accuracy of the two tests for detection and measurement of the size of rotator cuff tears, with arthroscopic findings used as the standard. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients with shoulder pain were prospectively studied with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Seventy-one had subsequent arthroscopy, and they formed the study group. The arthroscopic diagnosis was a full-thickness tear in forty-six patients, a partial-thickness tear in nineteen, and no tear in six. The presence or absence of a full or partial-thickness tear and the tear size as demonstrated by each imaging test and at the time of arthroscopy were recorded. The findings of the imaging tests and arthroscopy were then compared for each parameter. RESULTS: Ultrasonography correctly identified forty-five of the forty-six full-thickness tears and magnetic resonance imaging, all forty-six. Ultrasonography correctly identified thirteen of the nineteen partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and magnetic resonance imaging, twelve of the nineteen. The overall accuracy for both imaging tests was 87%. Ultrasonography correctly predicted the degree of retraction of 73% of the full-thickness tears and the length of 85% of the partial-thickness tears, and magnetic resonance imaging correctly predicted the retraction and length of 63% and 75%, respectively. Ultrasonography correctly predicted the width of 87% of the full-thickness tears and 54% of the partial-thickness tears, and magnetic resonance imaging correctly predicted the width of 80% and 75%, respectively. No significant differences between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were demonstrated (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging had comparable accuracy for identifying and measuring the size of full-thickness and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. When an investigator has comparable experience with both imaging tests, the decision regarding which test to perform for rotator cuff assessment does not need to be based on accuracy concerns. The choice can be based on other factors, such as the importance of ancillary clinical information (regarding lesions of the glenoid labrum, joint capsule, or surrounding muscle or bone), the presence of an implanted device, patient tolerance, and cost.     

Pathologic findings in nonpalpable invasive breast cancer.

Previous studies have shown that patients with nonpalpable invasive breast cancer have a favorable prognosis. These studies, however, have not analyzed pathologic features of mammographically detected tumors according to tumor size. We describe the histopathologic features of 77 nonpalpable invasive breast cancers, comparing neoplasms less than or equal to 1 cm with larger clinically occult tumors. Forty-seven lesions (61%) were less than or equal to 1 cm (group A) and 30 (39%) were greater than 1 cm (group B). In group A, there were 30 infiltrating ductal carcinomas (IDC); seven infiltrating lobular carcinomas (ILC); and two cases each of mixed ILC and IDC, mixed tubular carcinoma and ILC, and infiltrating cribriform carcinoma. There was one case each of mucinous carcinoma, apocrine carcinoma, tubular carcinoma, and mixed mucinous and IDC. In group B, there were 23 (77%) IDC, five (17%) ILC, and two mixed IDC and ILC. Tumors in group B were more frequently grade 3 (22% versus 7%), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.21). There were no important differences in the frequency, subtypes and location of carcinoma in situ, or other histopathologic parameters evaluated in the biopsy specimens. Mastectomy specimens with axillary lymph node dissections were available for review in 64 cases (83%). Group B patients had a higher rate of residual invasive carcinoma (31% versus 13%) and lymph node metastases (31% versus 16%), but these differences were not statistically significant. Residual carcinoma in situ was more frequent in group B (54%) compared with group A (26%) (p = .036). Of seven group B cases with negative biopsy margins, residual invasive carcinoma was present in five (71%). We conclude that small nonpalpable invasive breast cancers differ from larger nonpalpable tumors primarily in size. The finding of negative biopsy margins should not be construed as conclusive evidence for the absence of residual infiltrating disease.     

Laparoscopic management of the adult nonpalpable testicle

OBJECTIVES: This report describes own experiences with laparoscopic management of adult men with cryptorchidism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 8 men with nonpalpable testes were referred to our department. Laparoscopy was used to assess the presence and location of the gonad and perform an orchiectomy or orchidopexy, respectively. RESULTS: A uni-/bilateral atrophic testicle was palpable in 2 patients under general anesthesia and removed after inguinal exploration. In 4 individuals the testicular vessels and vas deferens were found laparoscopically entering the internal inguinal ring. Two vanishing testicles and 2 atrophic gonads were removed during subsequent inguinal exploration. In 1 patient with a solitary testis, a morphologically intact abdominal testicle was presented. In this patient, endocrine function was lost completely after stage 1 of a Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy. In 1 patient an atrophic abdominal testicle was removed laparoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the suitability of laparoscopy for the treatment of cryptorchidism in the adult population. In most cases, atrophic inguinal gonads or vanishing testicles are found and should be removed. Our results suggest that in cases of intact abdominal testicles, Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy with transection of the spermatic vessels should be avoided to preserve endocrine function of the gonad.     

Histopathological changes in adult cryptorchid testes

The histological specimens of 73 patients who presented with undescended testes after puberty were re-evaluated. None of the specimens revealed carcinoma in situ but in the specimens of 5 patients severe atypia was detected. None of the patients, including 5 with severe atypia, has shown any evidence of invasive testicular tumour during follow-up.     

腹腔镜与开放式手术治疗成人脐疝的临床比较

目的：比较腹腔镜与开放式手术治疗成人脐疝的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2008年3月至2013年1月,河南省南阳医专第一附属医院收治成人脐疝77例患者的临床资料。行腹腔镜手术35例,行开放式手术42例。比较二种手术方式的手术时间、住院时间、手术费用、术后疼痛时间、术后并发症以及术后复发率等临床指标。结果腹腔镜组患者的手术时间、住院时间和术后疼痛时间均短于开放组,差异有统计学意义（t＝3．46、2．85、3．06,P＝0．01、0．02、0．01）;手术费用明显高于开放组,差异有统计学意义（t＝27．81,P＝0．00）。腹腔镜组的并发症发生率与开放组相比明显减少（χ2＝5．704,P＝0．017）,二组患者在随访期间内腹腔镜组无复发病例,而开放组有2例复发,差异无统计学意义（χ2＝1．632,P＝0．201）。结论对于成人脐疝患者,应用腹腔镜手术治疗疗效显著,外科创伤相对较小,术后疼痛轻,不影响美观,有望成为成人脐疝修补的首选方法。     

腹腔镜与开腹胰十二指肠切除术临床疗效比较

目的 比较腹腔镜与开腹胰十二指肠切除术的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析南充市中心医院2014 年6 月至2019 年8 月期间完成的104 例胰十二指肠切除术患者资料，其中包含胰头癌47 例，十二指肠乳头癌31 例，胆管下段癌26 例，根据已行的手术方式分为腹腔镜胰十二指肠切除组（A组，n=40）和开腹胰十二指肠切除组（B组，n=64）。比较两组的手术时间、术中出血量、平均排气时间、术后下床活动时间、住院时间及术后并发症发生情况。结果 两组手术时间和术中出血量无统计学差异（P＞0．05），平均排气时间、术后下床活动时间及住院时间A组小于B组（P＜0．05）。其中A组术后发生胰瘘5 例，胆漏4 例，腹腔内出血1 例，胃瘫综合征3 例；B组术后发生胰瘘9 例，胆漏5 例，腹腔内出血1 例，胃瘫综合征4 例，余无明显严重并发症发生；两组术后总并发症发生率无明显差异（P＞0．05）。结论 腹腔镜和开腹胰十二指肠切除术均安全有效，但腹腔镜胰十二指肠切除术后恢复优于开腹胰十二指肠切除术。     

Ultrasonography of the rotator cuff. A comparison of ultrasonographic and arthroscopic findings in one hundred consecutive cases

BACKGROUND: There has been limited acceptance of shoulder ultrasonography by orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic performance of high-resolution ultrasonography compared with arthroscopic examination for the detection and characterization of rotator cuff tears. METHODS: One hundred consecutive shoulders in ninety-eight patients with shoulder pain who had undergone preoperative ultrasonography and subsequent arthroscopy were identified. The arthroscopic diagnosis was a full-thickness rotator cuff tear in sixty-five shoulders, a partial-thickness tear in fifteen, rotator cuff tendinitis in twelve, frozen shoulder in four, arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint in two, and a superior labral tear and calcific bursitis in one shoulder each. All ultrasonographic reports were reviewed for the presence or absence of a rotator cuff tear and a biceps tendon rupture or dislocation. All arthroscopic examinations were performed according to a standardized operative procedure. The size and extent of the tear and the status of the biceps tendon were recorded for all shoulders. The findings on ultrasonography and arthroscopy then were compared for each parameter. RESULTS: Ultrasonography correctly identified all sixty-five full-thickness rotator cuff tears (a sensitivity of 100 percent). There were seventeen true-negative and three false-positive ultrasonograms (a specificity of 85 percent). The overall accuracy was 96 percent. The size of the tear on transverse measurement was correctly predicted in 86 percent of the shoulders with a full-thickness tear. Ultrasonography detected a tear in ten of fifteen shoulders with a partial-thickness tear that was diagnosed on arthroscopy. Five of six dislocations and seven of eleven ruptures of the biceps tendon were identified correctly. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography was highly accurate for detecting full-thickness rotator cuff tears, characterizing their extent, and visualizing dislocations of the biceps tendon. It was less sensitive for detecting partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and ruptures of the biceps tendon.