Perfusion computed tomography could be a new tool for single-session imaging of ureteric obstructive pathology: an experimental study in rats

Background/Purpose

Perfusion imaging redefines computed tomography (CT) as a technique that can now depict vascular physiology in addition to detailed anatomy. The major clinical applications of perfusion CT are in acute stroke and oncology. Currently, there are very limited data on the application of perfusion CT in urology. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential value of perfusion CT in anatomic and functional evaluation of obstruction in a single session on experimental hydronephrosis model in rats. Thus, we evaluate the perfusion CT in a new clinical application.

Methods

Twenty-eight rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups each consisting of 7 rats. At the third week of experimental intervention, postoperative renogram curves and perfusion parameters of the right kidneys' cortex and pelvis were assessed by CT. The right ureter was sutured as proximal complete obstruction in group 1, as distal complete obstruction in group 2, and as proximal partial obstruction in group 3. Group 4 served as the sham control group. Computed tomography was performed with single-slice tomography. Dynamic examination was performed with the help of perfusion software through contrast-enhanced tomography examination.

Results

In all study groups, the aorta time/density curves showed a rapid increase after a rapid decrease, and the duration to reach peak concentration in the normal kidney cortex was observed to be later than the aorta as expected. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the duration to reach peak concentration lengthened and the peak concentration values decreased. The time/density curves gradually increased as a result of the accumulation of the contrast agent in the pelvis, and a peak was observed at the end of the procedure in all study groups. In groups 1, 2, and 3, a statistically significant decrease (P = .01, P = .01, and P = .01, respectively) was observed in the peak concentration values of the contrast agent in comparison to group 4. The flow and blood volume values gradually decreased as the grade of the obstruction increased and the localization of the obstruction or grade of obstruction moved closer to the kidney.

Conclusion

In conclusion, perfusion CT technique, performed in a single session, is a useful method for anatomic visualization, together with functional evaluation, in the diagnosis of ureteric obstructive pathology of experimental hydronephrosis model.     

Distal unlocked proximal femoral intramedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures

We investigated whether a proximal femoral nail (PFN) having two lag screws can be implanted without distal locking screws in AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2 intertrochanteric femur fractures. Twenty-four patients with AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2 fractures were treated with a PFN without distal interlocking by a single surgeon. The mean follow-up was 12 months (range: 7–23). Clinical and functional outcome was assessed according to the Harris hip score and Barthel’s activity score. The fractures healed in all patients; the average consolidation time was 14 weeks (range: 9–28). Fourteen patients had excellent and good results, nine patients had fair results, and one patient had a poor result according to the Harris hip score; 17 patients had a high range of mobility according to the Barthel activity score. Our results suggested that the PFN can be successfully implanted without distal interlocking in 31-A1 and 31-A2 fractures.     

Cauda-filar paraganglioma with 'silk cocoon' appearance on spinal angiography

'Silk cocoon' appearance on spinal angiography is pathognomonic to differentiate paragangliomas from several vascular tumors and malformations of cauda-filar region.     

Minimizing Ports During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Methods:Data on 11 robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed by using our technique from February 2015 through June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The robotic platform used was DaVinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA) with a 3-arm setup. The AirSeal system (SurgiQuest, Milford, Connecticut, USA) was used as a port allowing simultaneous introduction of 2 instruments for the bedside surgeon, obviating the need for an additional (fourth) robotic arm. A long suction-and-irrigation device and atraumatic grasping forceps were used. Both instruments were introduced through the trocar of the AirSeal system, making simultaneous introduction and use possible. We preferred the long suction-and-irrigation device, because it minimizes collision of the instruments.Results:Mean age and BMI of the patients were 55 ±14.6 y and 29.18 ± 6.85, respectively. Seven tumors were on the right side and 4 were on the left. The mean size of the tumors was 32.45 mm (± 11.31). Surgical time was 132.2 minutes (±37.17), with an estimated blood loss and ischemia time of 103.63 mL (±65.92) and 16.72 minutes (±9.52), respectively. One patient had postoperative bleeding that was resolved without transfusion. The median hospitalization period was 3.9 d (±0.53). Loss of intra-abdominal pressure was not observed, and pressure was stable at 10 mm Hg.Conclusion:The AirSeal System and its valveless trocar eliminated the need for an additional port placement in our series. The technique is feasible, safe, and reproducible; therefore, it may be implemented in selected cases of robot-assisted partial nephrectomies.     

Immediate Continence Rates in RALRP: A Comparison of Three Techniques

Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent RALRP for localized prostate cancer by a single surgeon in our clinic from January 1, 2009–February 1, 2016. Continence was defined as no leakage or use of a safety pad for minimal leakage. The main outcome measure was continence at postoperative week 1 and months 1, 6, and 12.Results:Between 2009 and 2016, 239 patients underwent RALRP for localized prostate disease. Seventy-four patients underwent a standard approach (group 1), 88 had posterior reconstruction (group 2), and 77 had posterior reconstruction with total anatomic restoration (group 3). After 1 week, 24.3% of the patients in group 1 (18/74), 31.8% in group 2 (28/88), and 45.8% in group 3 (33/72) were continent (P = .02). One month after the surgery, continence rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 56.7, 67, and 75%, respectively (0.065). After 6 and 12 months, continence rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 72.9 and 87.8%, 81.8 and 89.7%, and 84.7 and 91.6%, respectively (P = .178 and .7484).Conclusion:Anatomic restoration improves continence rates in the early period after RALRP. Even though other parameters were higher in the total restoration group, immediate continence (at 1 week) was significantly better.     

细胞因子白细胞介素-6及胰岛素生长样因子-1与类风湿关节炎临床表现的关联性研究

目的研究白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)及胰岛素样生长因子-1(insulin-like growth factor-1,IGF-1)与类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)临床表现的关联性。方法采用酶联吸附免疫法(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)测定RA患者血清IL-6及IGF-1浓度,分析其于RA临床表现的关联性。结果1.骨质疏松组IGF-1水平明显低于无骨质疏松组(P0.05)。而男性组与女性组、RF阳性组与阴性组、ACCP阳性组与阴性组、无+轻度贫血与中度+重度贫血、白细胞减少与白细胞不减少、血小板升高与无血小板升高之间均无显著性差异(P0.05)。2.IGF-1与ACCP滴度、RF滴度、病程、ESR、年龄、CRP均无相关性(P0.05),与疼痛关节数及肿胀关节数呈负相关(P0.05)。3.男性RA患者IL-6水平明显比女性RA患者水平低(P0.05),ACCP阴性组明显比阳性组低(P0.05),骨质疏松组明显比无骨质疏松组低(P0.05)。而RF阳性组与阴性组、无+轻度贫血与中度+重度贫血、白细胞减少与白细胞不减少、血小板升高与无血小板升高之间均无显著性差异。(P0.05)。4.IL-6水平与ACCP滴度、疼痛关节数及肿胀关节数呈正相关(P0.05),与IGF-1水平呈负相关(P0.05),与RF滴度、病程、ESR、年龄、CRP均无相关性(P0.05)。结论IL-6及IGF-1与RA病情活动有关。女性患者Il-6高,易于发生骨质疏松     

原发性肝癌伴肝外恶性肿瘤32例临床分析

目的探讨原发性肝癌(primary liver cancer,PLC)伴肝外恶性肿瘤(extra hepatic malignant carcinoma,EHM)的临床特点。方法回顾性分析1994年1月至2003年12月江苏省高邮市人民医院及复旦大学附属中山医院经手术切除并病理证实的PLC伴EHM32例的临床资料。结果肝肿瘤直径1·5~14·5cm,≤5·0cm15例。HBsAg( )24例,抗HCV( )2例,AFP>20μg/L15例,伴明显肝硬化23例。入院前误诊11例。随访5年存活率为47·1%,以PLC为第二原发癌(异时性)20例,5年存活率为64·9%,PLC与EHM同时性发生12例,5年存活率为0。结论(1)PLC伴EHM具有PLC的基本特点。(2)异时性PLC伴EHM预后明显优于同时性。(3)PLC与EHM相伴使PLC易误诊为转移性肝癌。     

Peritoneal Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level for Predicting Locoregional and Distant Spread of Gastric Cancer

Purpose Peritoneal recurrence is not an uncommon cause of death after surgery for gastric cancer, even after surgery with curative intent. This indicates that there is undetected residual disease in the peritoneal cavity. We conducted this study to determine the value of peritoneal and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and peritoneal washing cytology in predicting the locoregional and distant spread of gastric cancer. Methods We prospectively evaluated 70 consecutive patients with gastric cancer by measuring peritoneal CEA (pCEA) and serum CEA (sCEA) levels and peritoneal washing cytology results, and studying their effect on the histopathologic properties. The effect of the pCEA level on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was also evaluated in patients treated with curative intent. Results Twenty-one (30%) patients had sCEA levels >10 ng/ml, whereas 25 patients (35.7%) had pCEA levels >10 ng/g protein and 26 patients (37.1%) had positive cytology. The pCEA levels were significantly higher in patients with hepatic metastases (P = 0.034), or serosal (P = 0.028), and peritoneal (P = 0.026) involvement, whereas the sCEA levels were significantly higher only in patients with hepatic metastases (P = 0.04). Similarly, positive cytology was mainly detected in patients with hepatic metastases (P = 0.004). The pCEA levels significantly affected DFS (P = 0.002) and OS (P = 0.01) in 34 patients treated with curative intent. Conclusion Since pCEA levels are more useful for predicting locoregional recurrence, their measurement during surgery may help plan the most appropriate surgical strategy and adjuvant therapy.