תוצאת חיפוש

Nephron-Sparing Surgery - Initial Experience with 50 Patients

Sarel Halachmi, Alexander Kastin, Boaz Moskovitz, Ofer Nativ

Urology Dept., Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa

During recent years the use of the new imaging techniques, ultrasonography and computerized tomography, has increased. The accessibility to these methods has changed the pattern of detection of renal lesions. Over 90% of renal masses are now discovered incidentally, while investigating nonurological symptoms. Therefor, most lesions are discovered in their early stages.

The gold-standard procedure for removing renal masses is radical nephrectomy, which ensures complete removal of an organ-confined lesion, but involves loss of functional tissue. This might be critical in patients with a single kidney, or reduced nephron function. There are several diseases characterized by multiple renal lesions, such as Von Hippel-Lindau and tuberous sclerosis in which radical treatment may lead to chronic dialysis in young patients.

Nephron-sparing surgery was developed in order to preserve as much functional tissue as possible while removing safely any suspicious renal lesion. This new technique, not involving radical surgery, should be evaluated in cases of renal tumors for its ability to achieve the same cancer cures rates. We present our experience with our first 50 patients who underwent nephron-sparing surgery for removal of renal lesions.
 

Adjuvant Therapy of Large Bowel Carcinoma

G. Ezekiel, S. Walfisch, Y. Cohen*

Dept. of Oncology and Colorectal Unit, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) held a consensus conference which recommended 5-FU and levamisole as adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer MAC (Modified Astler Coller) stage C.

From 1991-1994, 37 such patients diagnosed here were treated with 5-FU (intravenous dose of 450/mg/m²/d for 5 days and from day 29, once a week for 48 weeks) and oral levamisole (50 mg 3 times/d. for 3 days, every 2 weeks for a year), as suggested by NIH guidelines.

16 patients were males and 21 were females, mean age was 62 years and median 64. Cancer locations were: right colon (in 16, 43%), left colon (19, 51%), multiple colon primaries (2, 1%). 25 (68%) had 1-3 positive lymph nodes and 12 (32%) had 4 or more positive lymph nodes.

Only 20 (54%) finished treatment as prescribed. In the others, 1 or both drugs caused side-effects for which the drugs had to be stopped. 6 patients relapsed while on treatment.

The most common side-effects were diarrhea, stomatitis and bone marrow suppression. 3 were hospitalized due to neutropenic fever. 5-year actuarial survival of all patients was 61%; 5-year relapse-free survival was 61%; 5-year relapse-free survival of right versus left colon was 41% and 82%, respectively (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in 5-year survival of those with 1-3 positive lymph nodes as compared to those with 4 or more (62% and 56%, respectively). 5-year survival in those who finished or did not finish treatment (excluding those who stopped treatment because of progressive disease) was 83% and 70%, respectively (NS).

The 5-year survival of our series was similar to that of patients treated similarly elsewhere. The 5-FU and levamisole treatment was not tolerated well by our study population. It has recently been replaced in our service by a 5-FU and leucovorin regimen given for 6 months.

* Jules E. Harris Chair in Oncology.

Many Faces of Parvovirus

George Habib, Leon Cohen

Carmel Medical Center, Haifa

2 women, aged 31 and 37 years, respectively, suffered from acute febrile illness due to acute infection with human parvovirus B19. 1 also had a maculopapular rash and articular symptoms after her fever stopped, a clinical picture typical of erythema infections. The other had leukopenia and thrombocytopenia and had received dipyrone. Although acute infection with human parvovirus usually occurs in childhood, it may also occur in adults, with protean manifestations.

Acute, Painful, Swollen Testis

Dan Leibovici, Simon Strauss, Ahuva Sharon

Dept. of Urology, Ultrasound Unit, Institute of Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Dept., Assaf Harofeh Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

An acutely painful and swollen testis mandates urgent diagnostic and therapeutic measures since this symptom complex may indicate torsion of the testis. Prompt scrotal exploration is necessary if the testis is to be saved from ischemic necrosis.

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a vasculitis involving mainly medium and small sized arteries and may damage any organ. In PAN, the presentation of an acutely painful and swollen testis raises a perplexing diagnostic problem since the symptoms may be related to vasculitis involving the testis on the one hand, or represent primary testicular pathology unrelated to the underlying PAN. A 31-year-old man with PAN who presented with acute pain and swelling in a solitary testis is reported.

1000 Cardiac Catheterizations in Congenital Heart Disease

Benjamin Zeevi, Galit Bar-Mor, Michael Berant

Cardiac Catheterization Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Over the past 15 years, percutaneous therapeutic cardiac catheterization has become increasingly important in the treatment of congenital heart disease. We describe our experience in 1000 such catheterizations between 1993-1997. 55% were in 1-12-year-olds; only 20% were in patients younger than 1 year old and 11.3% were in adults with congenital heart defects. In about 50% it was at least a second cardiac catheterization. Overall, there were 425 therapeutic cardiac catheterizations, increasing from 33% in the first 200 procedures, to 63% in the last 200.

We performed 30 different types of therapeutic catheterizations: 23.3% were valvular dilations, 21.4% vessel angioplasties, 36.9% closure procedures, 9.2% electrophysiological procedures, and 9.2% miscellaneous. In 31.3% of therapeutic catheterizations we used 12 new procedures. Minor complications occurred in 8.5% and major in 0.6%; most complications were successfully treated or were self-limited and there was no residual damage.

In this report the current role of each type of major catheterization is discussed on the basis of our experience. Further development of technology for lesions not amenable to currently available transcatheter methods, and longer follow-up for current techniques will consolidate the role of therapeutic cardiac catheterization in congenital heart disease.

Conservative Approach in Abdominal Trauma in Childhood

Nir Shoham, Yechiel Sweed

Dept. of Ophthalmology, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula and Dept. of Pediatric Surgery, Nahariya Medical Center

To determine the results of the conservative approach in the treatment of pediatric abdominal trauma, we retrospectively analyzed data from the files of 95 cases of abdominal trauma in children during a 5-year period.

51 patients (54%) had isolated abdominal injury, while 44 (46%) had multiple trauma. The most common causes of injury were road accidents and falls from heights (74%). CT scans were performed in 61 (64%) with positive results in 90%. Ultrasonography was done in 22 (23%) and was positive in 55%.

The spleen was the most vulnerable intra-abdominal organ (33 patients, 35%), as well as the organ most severely damaged. Other injured organs were: liver (30 cases), kidney (16), stomach (2), large blood vessels (2), and pancreas, duodenum and diaphragm (1 case each).

83 patients (87%) were treated conservatively, while 11 were operated on for penetrating abdominal trauma (3 cases), hemodynamic instability (3), positive DPL (3), and Scale 4 splenic injury and free intra-abdominal air on CT scan (1 case each). Early and late complications were mild.

It is concluded that CT is an efficient and reliable imaging method for diagnosis and staging of severity of injury in blunt abdominal trauma. Nonoperative management of solid organ injuries under careful observation in a pediatric trauma center is safe and appropriate. Most Scale 4 splenic injuries can be treated successfully without surgical intervention. Using this conservative approach there were no late complications.

Malignant Nodular Hidradenoma (Sweat Gland Tumor)

Anat Engel, Yaron Bar-Dayan, Santiago Engelberg, Yair Levi

Depts. of Medicine B, Pathology, and Disease Research Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Malignanhidradenoma is a very rare tumor that originates from sweat glands. We present a 61-year-old man with an ulcerated tumor in his right flank, 4 cm in diameter, that was excised with a wide free margin. Histopathologic study showed an ill-defined, epithelial neoformation, formed by lobules of clear polygonal cells in the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue, diagnosed as malignant nodular hidradenoma.

1.5 years after excision there was enlargement of the right axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, which showed metastatic, adnexal neoplastic cells. Axillary resection and superficial dissection of the right inguinal nodes were performed. After 3 months the tumor had spread to other lymph nodes and acute obstructive renal failure required insertion of a pig-tail catheter into the right ureter. Radiotherapy was followed by chemo-therapy, but he died from end-stage metastatic disease in multi-organ failure.

Interactive Effects of Perinatal Co-Infection with Hepatitis B and HIV Viruses

Galia Soen-Grisaru, Asher Barzilai

Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

We report the case study of a 1-year-old girl who was perinatally infected with both hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV viruses. The clinical presentation and treatment are described. We examined the interaction between the 2 viruses and the possible effects of the interaction on the development of each virus and on treatment. Our findings demonstrate that combined HIV and HBV infections intensified deterioration, as the HBV liver disease aggravated the HIV infection. The medication of choice was Lamivudine, since it prevents the transcription of both viruses.

Effect of Specific Inspiratory Muscle Training on Dyspnea and Exercise Tolerance in Congestive Heart Failure

Paltiel Weiner, Joseph Waizman, Rasmi Magadle, Noa Berar-Yanay, Benny Pelled

Depts. of Medicine A and Cardiology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera

It has been shown that the inspiratory muscles of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are weaker than normal. This weakness may contribute to dyspnea and limit exercise capacity. But respiratory muscles can be trained for increase in both strength and endurance. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of specific inspiratory muscle training (SIMT) on muscular performance, lung function, dyspnea and exercise capacity in moderate heart failure.

10 patients with CHF (NYHA functional class II-III) received 1/2 hour of SIMT daily, 6 times/week, for 3 months. They started breathing at a resistance 15% of their Pimax for 1 week and the resistance was then increased incrementally to 60%. Spirometry, inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, and the 12-minute walk test were performed before and after the training period. All showed an increase in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This was associated with a small but significant increase in FVC, a significant increase in the distance walked (458±29 to 562±32 m, p<0.01), and improvement in the dyspnea index score.

SIMT resulted in increased inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This increase was associated with decreased dyspnea and an increase in submaximal exercise capacity. SIMT may prove to be useful complementary therapy in CHF.

Smoking and Incidence of Lung Cancer, 1981-1995

Orna Baron-Epel, Helena Andreev, Micha Barchana, Manfred S. Green

Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Tel Hashomer, Israel; Cancer Registry, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, and Dept. of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Smoking is the dominant risk factor for lung cancer. We compared trends in smoking with those of the incidence of lung cancer in Israel. The proportion of smokers has declined during the past 20 years; the decrease is greater in men than in women, and more marked in the elderly. Since 1980 the age-adjusted incidence of lung cancer in Jewish men has decreased slightly, but in women it has remained constant. Among Arab men there was an increase in age-adjusted incidence of lung cancer and since 1986 it has been higher than in Jewish men.

The largest decrease in lung cancer incidence was among Jewish men aged 75 and over. This may be explained by data on the age of smoking cessation in the population. It was observed that the main decrease in smoking occurred among men over the age of 55 in the past 20 years, which correlates with the decline in lung cancer observed in the older age group. Lung cancer rates in Israel are lower than in other western countries despite the similar prevalence of smoking, for unknown reasons.

CT-Guided Excision of Osteoid Osteoma

A. Peyser, S. Porat, T. Sasson, J. Apelbaum, J. Bar-Ziv, E. Sucher

Orthopedic Surgery and Radiology Depts., Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem

CT-guided excision of osteoid osteoma is a new surgical technique that enables accurate resection of the nidus during 1-day hospitalization. We present 5-year results in 42 patients (26 males and 16 females, mean age 18 years, range 3-46). In 40 out of 42, complaints disappeared immediately after the procedure. The recovery period was short and the return to normal activity was faster than in the open surgical approach. Complications were minimal and transient.

Treatment of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma

Dina Lev-Chelouche, Subhi Abu-Abeid, Mordechai Gutman, Yoram Kluger, Moshe Michovitch, Isaac Meller, Moshe Inbar, Joseph M. Klausner

Depts. of Surgery B, Orthopedic Oncology and Oncology, Tel Aviv - Sourasky Medical Center (Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University)

Soft tissue sarcomas are exceedingly rare, making up less than 1% of all solid malignancies. In the retroperitoneum, they tend to be large when diagnosed and are a therapeutic challenge to the surgical oncologist. Our experience with 51 patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas operated on during the past 4 years is presented. 37 were primary and 26 presented as recurrent tumors. The group included many different histological sub-types, the majority being high grade tumors.

Complete resection was achieved in 84%, necessitating extensive surgery, but was not possible in 8 patients (16%) who underwent partial resection or biopsy only. There was 1 perioperative fatality (2%). 18 (35%) suffered complications, all of which were reversible. The estimated 5-year survival in the complete resection group is 40%, while none of those who underwent partial resection survived more than 2 years. There was significantly better survival in patients with primary, low grade sarcomas which were smaller than 8 cm, compared to those with high-grade, recurrent sarcomas larger than 8 cm. Local recurrence developed in 8 patients of the complete resection group (18%), 2 months to 3 years after surgery.

These data show that despite the concept of retroperitoneal sarcomas as being aggressive, invasive tumors with a poor prognosis, the prognosis is not unusually bad. With proper surgical technique, resectability may be high, with improved overall survival.

Pelvic Floor Exercise and Biofeedback in Genuine Stress Incontinence

D. Gordon, D. Luxman, Y. Sarig, A. Groutz

Women and Children's Division, Liss Hospital, Sourasky-Tel Aviv Municipal Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Stress urinary incontinence is a medical and social problem. In the past decade there has been increased awareness of this condition and the number of those affected who seek help is increasing. Treatment is usually surgical - elevation of the bladder neck. Pelvic floor exercise is an accepted conservative treatment modality used for mild to moderate cases that have not yet completed their families.

We present our results in 30 women, aged 28-71 years, av. 49% with genuine stress incontinence treated with pelvic floor exercise and biofeedback. 14 patients (46.7%) were completely cured and 15 (50%) were improved. In only 1 was there no improvement.

Our results show significant improvement in the duration and intensity of pelvic floor contractions after treatment. Pelvic floor exercise with biofeedback is a very important treatment modality, requiring a highly motivated patient and a physiotherapist specialized in pelvic floor exercise.

Attentional Characteristics of Developmental Right Hemi-Sphere Syndrome

Yael E. Landau, Varda Gross-Tsur

Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem

Developmental right hemisphere syndrome (DRHS) is characterized by emotional and interpersonal difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), visuo-spatial handicaps, subtle left body neurologic signs and failure in nonverbal academic domains, especially arithmetic. Concurrence of ADHD and DRHS is not surprising because research has implicated dysfunction of the right hemisphere in both syndromes. Furthermore, the right hemisphere has more brain areas devoted to attentional processing, making it more important and more vulnerable in attentional problems.

We describe the clinical parameters of DRHS as exemplified by 2 cases, a boy and a girl, both 13 years old. They participated in a study group in which attention and speed of performance were assessed in children with DRHS and were compared to children with ADHD and to a control group. A tendency to overfocusing, difficulty in inhibition, perseverative behaviors, stereotypy, and slowness and absence of hyperactivity characterized the DRHS group. These behaviors led us to hypothesize that the attentional symptoms in DRHS define a specific subgroup of ADHD which requires a different therapeutic approach.

Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Children

Gideon Paret, Ron Ben Abraham, Oshrat Yativ, Amir Vardi, Zohar Barzilay

Dept. of Pediatric Intensive Care and of Anesthesiology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and University of Tel Aviv

Prospective evaluation of intrahospittransportation of 33 critically ill children to and from the pediatric intensive care unit was conducted over the course of a month. Factors contributing to risk of transport were assessed.

There were 33 children (25 boys and 8 girls), 3 days to 15 years of age. Reasons for admission included: disease and trauma in 19, and status post operation in 11. The pretransport PRISM score was 4.84. 22 children (66.6%) were being mechanically ventilated and 10 (30.3%) were being treated with amines. Transport time ranged from 8-150 minutes. 15 of the transports (45.4%) were urgent and a special intensive care team escorted 22 (66.6%). Equipment mishaps and physiolog-ical deterioration occured in 12 (36.3%) and 11 (30.3%) of the cases, respectively. The use of amines, mechanical ventilation, longer transport time and high PRISM score were all associated with physiological deterioration on transport.