Treatment of failed vasectomy reversal using a microsurgical two-layer anastomosis technique

Objective

To evaluate the application of a microsurgical two-layer anastomosis technique in the treatment of failed vasectomy reversal.

Methods

A microsurgical two-layer anastomosis was used in a series of 24 patients with confirmed anastomotic obstruction after previous vasectomy reversal. The patients were followed up for 9 months to 6 years, and the efficacy of the procedure was evaluated by regular seminal analysis and pregnancy records. The results were compared with those obtained from 34 patients who had received primary microsurgical vasovasostomy in our hospital using the same microsurgical technique.

Results

In the treatment group for failed vasectomy reversal patients, the postoperative patency rate was 87.5% (21/24), resulting in a pregnancy rate of 54.2% (13/24). In primary reversal group, the postoperative patency rate was 94.1% (32/34), resulting in a pregnancy rate of 67.6% (23/34). Both the patency and pregnancy rate were not significantly different between these two groups.

Conclusions

The microsurgical vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy provided satisfactory patency rate and natural pregnancy rate for patients with a previous failed vasectomy reversal, which is comparable with the results of patients who had undergone primary procedure.     

Vocational Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury: What Vocational Service Activities Are Associated with Employment Program Outcome?

Background:

Designing effective vocational programs for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is essential for improving return to work outcome following injury. The relationship between specific vocational services and positive employment outcome has not been empirically studied.

Objective:

To examine the association of specific vocational service activities as predictors of employment.

Method:

Secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled trial of evidence-based supported employment (EBSE) with 12-month follow-up data among 81 Veteran participants with SCI.

Results:

Primary activities recorded were vocational counseling (23.9%) and vocational case management (23.8%). As expected, job development and employment supports were the most time-consuming activities per appointment. Though the amount of time spent in weekly appointments did not differ by employment outcome, participants obtaining competitive employment averaged significantly more individual activities per appointment. Further, for these participants, job development or placement and employment follow-along or supports were more likely to occur and vocational counseling was less likely to occur. Community-based employment services, including job development or placement and employment follow-along or supports as part of a supported employment model, were associated with competitive employment outcomes. Office-based vocational counseling services, which are common to general models of vocational rehabilitation, were associated with a lack of employment.

Conclusions:

Vocational services that actively engage Veterans with SCI in job seeking and acquisition and that provide on-the-job support are more likely to lead to employment than general vocational counseling that involves only job preparation.     

Factors predicting success after microsurgical vasovasostomy

Purpose

To identify factors predicting success and analyze critically the status of microsurgical double-layer vasovasostomy using predictive models.

Methods

A cohort of 263 patients treated at our institution for vasectomy reversal between 1986 and 2010 was included in our study, and the literature was reviewed. Inclusion criteria were previous bilateral vasectomy and presence of at least two postoperative semen analyses; patients reporting pregnancy without a postoperative semen analysis were excluded. A double-layer, microscope-assisted, tension-free anastomosis vasovasostomy was performed approximating mucosa to mucosa and muscle to muscle with a 10-0 non-absorbable suture. A multivariate logistic regression backward stepwise model was used to predict combined success, and a predictive model was calculated with remaining variables.

Results

Mean age was of 41.6 years (SD 7.1); mean duration of obstruction 7.2 years (SD 6.7). On multivariate analysis, uni- or bilateral granuloma and Silber grade of I–III were variable identified predicting higher probability to success (OR 3.105; 95% CI 1.108–8.702; p = 0.031 and OR 4.795; 95% CI 2.117–10.860; p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Based on our results, some factors predicting success after vasovasostomy surgery are known but others remain unknown; our predictive model may easily predict patency and success after this surgery and offers a concrete assistance in counseling patients.

     

An inexpensive yet realistic model for teaching vasectomy

Purpose

Teaching the no-scalpel vasectomy is important, since vasectomy is a safe, simple, and cost-effective method of contraception. This minimally invasive vasectomy technique involves delivering the vas through the skin with specialized tools. This technique is associated with fewer complications than the traditional incisional vasectomy (1). One of the most challenging steps is the delivery of the vas through a small puncture in the scrotal skin, and there is a need for a realistic and inexpensive scrotal model for beginning learners to practice this step.

Materials and Methods

After careful observation using several scrotal models while teaching residents and senior trainees, we developed a simplified scrotal model that uses only three components–bicycle inner tube, latex tubing, and a Penrose drain.

Results

This model is remarkably realistic and allows learners to practice a challenging step in the no-scalpel vasectomy. The low cost and simple construction of the model allows wide dissemination of training in this important technique.

Conclusions

We propose a simple, inexpensive model that will enable learners to master the hand movements involved in delivering the vas through the skin while mitigating the risks of learning on patients.     

Duplication of vas deferens-A rare anomaly with review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Isolated duplication of vas deferens is a rare anomaly with only eleven cases reported in medical literature. Unawareness regarding this rare anomaly can lead to inadvertent injury to the vas during inguinal hernia surgery or failure of vasectomy procedure.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 27-year-old gentleman was diagnosed with isolated duplication of vas during left sided open inguinal hernia surgery. He had no other genito-urinary anomaly. Patient had an uneventful recovery from surgery.

CONCLUSION

It is a rare anomaly and unawareness regarding this condition can lead to catastrophic consequences during inguinal hernia and vasectomy surgeries.     

VASECTOMY REVERSAL ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION BY SEMINAL FLUID LEUKOCYTES AND SPERM

Purpose

Reactive oxygen species, which are primarily produced by leukocytes, are generally detrimental to sperm. High reactive oxygen species levels are found in men with abnormal sperm function. Since men often have poor sperm characteristics and infertility after vasectomy reversal, fertile men to determine if reactive oxygen species were elevated in the former group.

Materials and Methods

We studied semen samples of men with proved fertility (39) and those with previously proved fertility who had undergone vasectomy reversal (45). The presence of leukocytes was determined by Bryan-Leishman staining. Reactive oxygen species endogenous activity was monitored by luminol dependent chemiluminescence in washed cells, including all cells in the semen, and Percoll density gradient purified sperm.

Results

After vasovasostomy men had significantly lower sperm concentration, motility and computerized motility measurements than fertile men. Mean reactive oxygen species in washed seminal cells after vasovasostomy was 684 relative light units per second compared to 49 for fertile controls (p <0.0001). Density gradient purified sperm had 53 and 0.64 relative light units per second, respectively (p <0.0001). When men with leukocytospermia were excluded from analysis, differences between the groups remained, although 9 times more reactive oxygen species were detected in men after vasectomy reversal with than those without leukocytes in semen.

Conclusions

Higher levels of reactive oxygen species are found in washed seminal cells and purified sperm after vasectomy reversal than in those of fertile men. Although leukocytes are probably a significant source of reactive oxygen species in these groups, they may not account for all of the increased reactive oxygen species after vasovasostomy. Low motility after vasectomy reversal may be related to the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species produced by leukocytes or sperm, even in men without clinical leukocytospermia.     

Factors predicting overall success: a review of 747 microsurgical vasovasostomies

Objectives

Advances in surgical techniques have improved the outcome of microsurgical vasovasostomy (VV). We performed a retrospective analysis of surgical procedures to determine outcomes and predictors of VV success, to develop Kaplan–Meier Curves for predicting VV outcomes and to evaluate the use of α-glucosidase (AG) to predict outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We undertook a retrospective analysis of 747 modified 1-layer microsurgical VV procedures performed between 1984 and 2000. Obstructive interval, partner status, social status preoperatively and method of vasal obstruction, vasal fluid quality and sperm granuloma intraoperatively were compared with outcome results. Parameters evaluated at follow-up included semen analysis, AG concentration in ejaculate fluid and pregnancy rates.

Results

The overall patency rate was 86% and pregnancy rates were 33% and 53% at 1 and 2 years after primary VV, respectively. Preoperative factors associated with successful outcome and pregnancy included shorter obstructive interval and same female partner (p < 0.05). Intraoperative factors predicting success included the use of surgical clips instead of suture at vasectomy, the presence of a sperm granuloma, the presence and quality of vasal fluid, and the presence and quality of sperm in vasal fluid. Further, increased AG in the postoperative semen predicted improved patency and pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

This study confirms the effectiveness of VV for vasectomized men who wish to father children. It also demonstrates that preoperative and intraoperative factors are predictive of the VV outcome. Postoperative AG is also a useful marker of patency and it appears to predict pregnancy outcome.     

Diabetes Incidence Based on Linkages With Health Plans: The Multiethnic Cohort

OBJECTIVE

Using the Hawaii component of the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC), we estimated diabetes incidence among Caucasians, Japanese Americans, and Native Hawaiians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

After excluding subjects who reported diabetes at baseline or had missing values, 93,860 cohort members were part of this analysis. New case subjects were identified through a follow-up questionnaire (1999–2000), a medication questionnaire (2003–2006), and linkage with two major health plans (2007). We computed age-standardized incidence rates and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for ethnicity, BMI, education, and combined effects of these variables using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

After a total follow-up time of 1,119,224 person-years, 11,838 incident diabetic case subjects were identified with an annual incidence rate of 10.4 per 1,000 person-years. Native Hawaiians had the highest rate with 15.5, followed by Japanese Americans with 12.5, and Caucasians with 5.8 per 1,000 person-years; the adjusted HRs were 2.65 for Japanese Americans and 1.93 for Native Hawaiians. BMI was positively related to incidence in all ethnic groups. Compared with the lowest category, the respective HRs for BMIs of 22.0–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m² were 2.10, 4.12, and 9.48. However, the risk was highest for Japanese Americans and intermediate for Native Hawaiians in each BMI category. Educational achievement showed an inverse association with diabetes risk, but the protective effect was limited to Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS

Within this multiethnic population, diabetes incidence was twofold higher in Japanese Americans and Native Hawaiians than in Caucasians. The significant interaction of ethnicity with BMI and education suggests ethnic differences in diabetes etiology.Based on prevalence studies, type 2 diabetes is considerably more common among individuals with ethnic backgrounds other than Caucasian (1–3). Both diabetes and obesity are highly prevalent among Native Hawaiians (4,5), but Japanese Americans also suffer a disproportionate rate of the disease despite their relatively low body weight (6,7). This might be due to the higher proportion of body fat and the larger amount of visceral adipose tissue in Asians compared with Caucasians (8–10). In particular, the visceral fat component appears to be associated with impaired glucose tolerance (11,12) and development of type 2 diabetes (13). Incidence data on type 2 diabetes are limited because of the lack of population-based registries, but health plans store information for large parts of the population (14,15). The Hawaii component of the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) study (16) offers the opportunity to study diabetes incidence by ethnicity. The cohort, with more than 44,000 Japanese Americans, 14,000 Native Hawaiians, and 35,000 Caucasians in Hawaii, has been followed for more than 10 years. To estimate annual incidence rates for type 2 diabetes since cohort entry, we combined information from MEC follow-up questionnaires with data from diabetes care registries maintained by the two major health plans in Hawaii that capture at least 90% of the population: the Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) association and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii (KP) (17). Our goal was to estimate incidence rates by sex, ethnicity, age at cohort entry, BMI, and education.     

The influence of age on the severity of peritonitis

Objective

To evaluate the influence of age on the evolution and severity of peritonitis.

Design

A chart review.

Setting

An adult university hospital.

Patients

One hundred and twenty-two patients with acute appendicitis and 100 patients with acute colonic diverticulitis requiring operation or percutaneous drainage.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient age and sex, presence of perforation or gangrene (appendicitis), extent of peritonitis (diverticulitis); duration of symptoms prior to admission; admission leukocyte count; duration of hospitalization before surgery; length of hospital stay; and death rate.

Results

Patients with acute appendicitis who were aged 65 years or older were three times more likely than younger patients to have a gangrenous or perforated appendix (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 8.4, p < 0.05); older patients with perforated diverticulitis were three times more likely than younger patients to have generalized peritonitis than localized (pericolic or pelvic) peritonitis (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 7.5, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the biologic features of peritonitis differ in the elderly, who are more likely to present with an advanced or severe process than young patients.     

Menorrhagia: a synopsis of management focusing on herbal and nutritional supplements, and chiropractic

Introduction

To make chiropractors more aware of menorrhagia and how they can serve a role in their patient’s care and education since women make up 60% of the population seeking chiropractic care.

Method

A review of the biomedical literature on menorrhagia was conducted. Items that were retrieved were synthesized and interpreted in order to give the best information to practicing chiropractors.

Discussion

Most of the information available relative to menorrhagia is medically oriented. Other treatment options can include: chiropractic, various types of herbs, and nutritional supplements.

Conclusion

Knowledge of medical treatment, nutritional supplements, along with chiropractic treatment options may be beneficial to doctors in their practice.     

Advances in Male Reproductive Surgery: Robotic-Assisted Vasovasostomy

It is estimated that 3–6% of all vasectomised men request vasectomy reversal for different reasons. Microsurgical vasovasostomy is the gold standard technique of vasectomy reversal. However, the microsurgical technique is time-consuming and challenging to most urological surgeons. Therefore, alternative methods of vasal anastomosis have been studied including robotic-assisted vasovasostomy. This review discusses the feasibility and practice of robotic-assisted vasovasostomy. Based on the available studies robotic-assisted vasovasostomy is feasible. The reported rate of vasal patency associated with this new technique is similar to that of microsurgical vasovasostomy. There is no clear difference between the 2 approaches in terms of operating time. Robotic-assisted vasovasostomy does not appear to afford significant advantages in the era of vasectomy reversal.Key Words: Robotic surgery, Vasectomy reversal, Vasovasostomy     

Colo-vesical fistula: Complete healing without surgical intervention

INTRODUCTION

Colo-vesical (CV) fistulae are the most common type of fistulae associated with diverticular disease. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, without which, CV fistulae rarely achieve complete healing.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Herein, we report the case of a 62-year-old man who developed a CV fistula after reversal of Hartmann''s procedure (initially for management of diverticular abscess), which healed with conservative management alone.

DISCUSSION

We discuss possibilities of the aetiology of this fistula. The CV fistula may have been initially present, which came to light only after his reversal. Or an iatrogenic fistula that developed at the time of reversal of Hartmann''s.

CONCLUSION

This is the first time that such a fistula has been demonstrated clinically and radiologically to have healed spontaneously without surgery. We recommend that conservative management of CV fistulae should be considered.     

WHITE BOX: LOW COST BOX FOR LAPAROSCOPIC TRAINING

Background:

Laparoscopic surgery is a reality in almost all surgical centers. Although with initial greater technical difficulty for surgeons, the rapid return to activities, less postoperative pain and higher quality aesthetic stimulates surgeons to evolve technically in this area. However, unlike open surgery where learning opportunities are more accessible, the laparoscopic training represents a challenge in surgeon formation.

Aim:

To present a low cost model for laparoscopic training box.

Methods:

This model is based in easily accessible materials; the equipment can be easily found based on chrome mini jet and passes rubber thread and a webcam attached to an aluminum handle.

Results:

It can be finalized in two days costing R$ 280,00 (US$ 90).

Conclusion:

It is possible to stimulate a larger number of surgeons to have self training in laparoscopy at low cost seeking to improve their surgical skills outside the operating room.     

General surgeons and clinical ethics: a survey

Objective

To determine the preoccupation of general surgeons concerning ethics.

Design

A survey by questionnaire.

Participants

One thousand members of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons were surveyed through a questionnaire, which inquired about the influence of ethics in their clinical practices. The questionnaire contained 12 questions. There was no recall for those who did not respond.

Main outcome measures

Responses to questions concerning the sex of the respondents, location of practice, number of years in practice, the presence of hospital support, surgeons’ interest in ethical issues, use of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice in solving ethical dilemmas and level of education in clinical ethics.

Results

Men made up 95% of the respondents; 64% of respondents had been in practice more than 16 years; 58% came from a community or regional hospital; only 10% had no interest in clinical ethics; only 3% stated that they experienced no ethical problems in their practices; and 52% had no formal education in ethics.

Conclusions

There was general sensitivity for clinical ethics but an evident lack of formal education and of the presence of ethics committees and ethics consultants in many hospitals.     

Delay in Seeking Medical Advice and Late Presentation of Female Breast Cancer Patients in Most of the World. Could We Make Changes? The Experience of 23 Years in Port Said,Egypt

Summary

Background

In the low and middle income countries delays in seeking consultation, late presentation, and the availability of breast cancer management for all patients, represent major challenges.

Materials and Methods

The delay in seeking medical advice and the pathological tumor size of females breast cancer patients in the years 2004–2006 in Port Said, Egypt were studied and compared with previous studies by Elzawawy published since 1987. We report the progress of availability of breast cancer management from 1984 until the end of June 2007.

Results

There was a decline in advanced cases. Mean time from a symptom to seeking advice was 18, 8, 3, and 1 month respectively in 1987, 1989, 1999, and 2007. Since 1984, facilities for all lines of comprehensive management have been established, interconnected, and been made accessible for all citizens, free of charge.

Conclusion

Breast cancer problems are characterized by a certain multi-complexity. There is no one single cause for late cases. However, we report that the availability of cancer management facilities could lead to earlier presentation. Early detection programs would be frustrating for both patients and health authorities if patients were unable to afford accessible treatment.Key Words: Breast cancer, Delay, Cancer control, Treatment, Developing countries     

Multinational survey of chiropractic patients: reasons for seeking care

Introduction

This study explores the extent to which consumers seek wellness care when choosing chiropractors whose practice methods are known to include periodic evaluative and interventional methods to maintain wellness and prevent illness.

Methods

Using an international convenience sample of Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) practitioners, 1316 consecutive patients attending 27 different chiropractic clinics in the USA, Europe and Australia completed a one-page survey on intake to assess reason for seeking care. A forced choice response was obtained characterizing the patient’s reason for seeking chiropractic care.

Results

More than 40% of chiropractic patient visits were initiated for the purposes of health enhancement and/or disease prevention.

Conclusion

Although prudence dictates great caution when generalizing from this study, if confirmed by subsequent research among other similar cohorts, the present results may lend support to continued arguments of consumer demand for a more comprehensive paradigm of chiropractic care, beyond routine musculoskeletal complaints, that conceptualizes the systemic, nonspecific effects of the chiropractic encounter in much broader terms.     

Effects of gender on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in the elderly with incomplete paraplegia from nontraumatic spinal cord injury

Objective:

To examine gender differences in rehabilitation outcomes for patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury.

Research Design:

Secondary analysis was conducted on Medicare beneficiary data from 65 to 74 year olds with incomplete paraplegia discharged from inpatient rehabilitation facilities in 2002 through 2005.

Main Outcome Measures:

Length of stay, Functional Independence Measure instrument motor item and subscale scores on discharge, and discharge destination.

Results:

Among patients with degenerative spinal disease, men had significantly longer rehabilitation stays than women (P < 0.001). Men with degenerative spinal disease had significantly lower discharge Functional Independence Measure scores than women, indicating more dependence in self-care (P < 0.001) and mobility (P < 0.001). Among patients with degenerative spinal disease, men were less likely to walk (odds ratio  =  0.58; 95% CI  =  0.38–0.87) and less likely to be independent with bladder management (odds ratio  =  0.44; 95% CI  =  0.31–0.62). Among patients with vascular ischemia, men were more independent (B  =  2.59; 99% CI  =  0.42–4.76) in mobility than women. There were no gender differences in the malignant spinal tumors group. There were no gender differences in being discharged to a community-based residence.

Conclusions:

Gender distributions varied by etiology. Gender differences were found in demographics, length of stay, and functional outcomes but not discharge destination. Men were more dependent than women at discharge in the etiology group with the least overall disability (degenerative spinal disease) and more independent in mobility than women at discharge in the etiology group with the most overall disability (vascular ischemia).     

The incidence of spinal surgery in canada

Objective

To estimate the incidence of spinal surgery in 5 Canadian provinces over a 12-month period.

Design

Cumulative incidence study.

Setting

Five provinces (63% of Canada’s population).

Participants

All patients who underwent spinal surgery between July 1, 1992, and June 30, 1993, in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Main outcome measure

Overall spinal surgery rates per province and by age and sex.

Results

In the 5 provinces over the allotted 12-month period, 12 329 spinal surgical procedures were performed. The overall rate of spinal surgery for the 5 provinces was 80 per 100 000 population. Ontario had the lowest rate of 61 per 100 000; British Columbia had the highest at 89 per 100 000. Men aged 40 to 49 years in Newfoundland had the highest overall rate at 210 per 100 000. Calculation of relative risks determined that Newfoundland’s under-20 age groups for both sexes were almost 3 times as likely to undergo spinal surgery as the same age groups in Ontario (male relative risk = 2.73, female relative risk = 2.84). Males in British Columbia and Alberta had a statistically significant increased risk of surgery across all age groups except for those under 20 years old, and females in British Columbia showed a statistically significant increased risk of surgery across all age groups compared with those in Ontario. Males underwent 57.7% of all spine operations.

Conclusions

The incidence of spinal surgery is not uniform across Canada. Overall, the per capita rate is lower than in the United States. The explanation for this divergence remains unclear.     

Population-based outcomes after 28,246 in-hospital vasectomies and 1,902 vasovasostomies in Western Australia

OBJECTIVES: To examine trends in vasectomy and vasovasostomy, and the surgical complications and factors associated with reversal after vasectomy, and paternity after vasovasostomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Procedure rates were estimated from 1980 to 1996 in the population of Western Australia. Linked hospital morbidity records were used in the follow-up of men after vasectomy to estimate the risks of complications and reversals. Records of vasovasostomies were linked to the paternity field on birth registrations. Independent effects of the study factors were examined using Cox regression. RESULTS: There was little net change in vasectomy rates, whereas vasovasostomy rates increased in men aged 30-49 years. Risks of surgical complications were low and decreased for vasovasostomy. At 12-15 years after vasectomy, the risk of reversal levelled at 2. 4% in the total cohort and at 11.1% in men aged 20-24 years. The risk of vasovasostomy was 69% greater after vasectomy performed in 1994-96 than in 1980-84 (P = 0.011). The factors strongly associated with reversal were age < 30 years and being single, divorced or separated at the time of vasectomy. Paternity was achieved after an estimated 53% of vasovasostomies. Successful reversal was more likely if the man was younger at vasectomy and the time elapsed was comparatively short. Compared with vasovasostomies performed in 1980-84, the success rate of those in 1994-96 was almost four times higher. CONCLUSION: Population rates of vasectomy are stable but the risk of seeking a reversal has increased. Outcomes after vasovasostomy have improved. Care should be taken during the counselling of men before vasectomy, and especially in those aged <30 years.