Publications by authors named "Lukas J Hefermehl"

Article Synopsis
  • A case study was conducted on a 67-year-old man experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who underwent a novel surgical procedure called transperineostomal bipolar resection of the prostate (TPR-P), which had not been previously reported in medical literature.
  • The patient, with a complex medical history including Fournier's gangrene and bulbar stenosis, faced complications with catheterization but showed significant improvement following the TPR-P surgery, with reduced urinary symptoms and post-voiding residual volume.
  • Despite concerns about the suitability of traditional resection techniques due to the patient's unique anatomy, TPR-P proved to be effective and safe, leading to notable enhancements in urinary function and patient satisfaction post-operation.
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Background: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) emerged as a novel approach for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa). However, prospective studies on HIFU-related outcomes and predictors of treatment failure (TF) remain scarce.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a multinational prospective cohort study among patients undergoing HIFU therapy for localized, low- to intermediate-risk PCa.

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The transperitoneal approach (TP) and the retroperitoneal approach (RP) are two common methods for performing nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. However, both approaches face difficulties, such as trocar placement and limited working space (RP). TP is impaired in the case of dorsal tumors and dissection of the renal artery can be challenging due to the anatomic localization dorsally to the renal vein.

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Background/aim: To evaluate the impact of high data rate and sampling frequency detector technology compared to standard scan equipment on the image quality in abdominal computed tomography (CT) of overweight and obese patients.

Patients And Methods: A total of 173 patients were retrospectively included in this study. Objective image quality in abdominal CT was evaluated using comparative analysis with new detector technology prior to market launch and standard CT equipment.

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In this paper, we describe the development and evaluation of a novel tissue-holding device (THD) for use during robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The THD is a vacuum-based apparatus made of either 3D-printed polyethylene or stainless steel. The proximal end connects to suction tubing routed outside the body, while the distal end is conically shaped and designed to firmly interface with the tumor.

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Background: Laparoscopic surgery (LS) requires CO insufflation to establish the operative field. Patients with worsening pain post-operatively often undergo computed tomography (CT). CT is highly sensitive in detecting free air-the hallmark sign of a bowel injury.

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Introduction: The human microbiota, the community of micro-organisms in different cavities, has been increasingly linked with inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. While investigation into the gut microbiome has been robust, the urinary microbiome has only recently been described. Investigation into the relationship between bladder cancer (BC) and the bladder and the intestinal microbiome may elucidate a pathophysiological relationship between the two.

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Follow-up is essential for the early detection of recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC). This study investigates the clinical relevance of new diagnostic tools such as an mRNA-based urine test (XPERT© Bladder Cancer Monitor, XBCM) and Narrow Band Imaging© (NBI) and compares them with the established follow-up diagnostics (white-light cystoscopy (WLC) and urine cytology). This was a prospective, double-blind, single-center study that involved patients undergoing NMIBC screening at a tertiary care center.

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Objective: To report the outcomes of active surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) in a single-center cohort.

Patients And Methods: This is a prospective, single-center, observational study. The cohort included all patients who underwent AS for PCa between December 1999 and December 2020 at our institution.

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Introduction: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication after inguinal hernia repair with a reported incidence up to 34%. It can be described as the inability to initiate urination or insufficient bladder emptying following surgery. It usually requires the use of catheterisation to empty the bladder in order to prevent further injury to the bladder or kidneys and to relief from pain.

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Purpose: To report a single surgeon experience with one year follow-up after open ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (OUBMG) in the rare situation of long segment proximal ureteral strictures.

Materials And Methods: Four patients with long segment proximal ureteral stricture underwent OU-BMG between February and July 2017. Functional outcome was assessed by pre- and postoperative serum creatinine, ultrasound and renal scintigraphy as well as patient reported outcomes.

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Introduction: Current treatment plans for localized prostate carcinoma (PC) are based on core needle biopsies (CNB) classified using the Gleason score (GS). Recently, many institutions have started using the latest version of International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) guideline revision from 2014 for PC grading. Interestingly, this adoption is occurring without first understanding whether the 2005 ISUP revisions had a positive clinical impact.

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Purpose: To determine an objective cutoff value (COV) for urinary incontinence (UI) using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Composite (EPIC) score after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: From 2004-2013, all RP patients at our institution completed the EPIC urinary domain (EPIC-UD) questionnaire preoperatively and 6 weeks; 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively; and yearly thereafter. The EPIC-UD is composed of several questions, 4 of which address UI qualitatively (EPIC-UI).

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Purpose: To evaluate and compare postoperative changes in prostate volume and clinical outcome after bipolar plasma vaporization (BPV) and conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Patients And Methods: Consecutive series of patients undergoing BPV or TURP were included in this prospective, nonrandomized study. Planimetric volumetry after transrectal three-dimensional ultrasound of the prostate was performed preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months.

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Objective: To report outcomes of patients with localised prostate cancer (PCa) managed with active surveillance (AS) in a standard clinical setting.

Design: Single-centre, prospective, observational study.

Setting: Non-academic, average-size hospital in Switzerland.

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Purpose: Absorption of irrigation fluid was not detected during GreenLight™ laser vaporization of the prostate using the first generation 80 W laser. However, data are lacking on intraoperative irrigation fluid absorption using the second generation 120 W high power laser. We assessed whether fluid absorption occurs during high power laser vaporization of the prostate.

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Autologous cell transplantation for the treatment of muscle damage is envisioned to involve the application of muscle precursor cells (MPCs) isolated from adult skeletal muscle. At the onset of trauma, these cells are recruited to proliferate and rebuild injured muscle fibres. However, a variety of donor-specific cues may directly influence the yield and quality of cells isolated from a muscle biopsy.

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Purpose: To assess and compare postoperative prostate volume changes following 532-nm laser vaporization (LV) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). To investigate whether differences in volume reduction are associated with differences in clinical outcome.

Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized study, 184 consecutive patients undergoing 120 W LV (n = 98) or TURP (n = 86) were included.

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Objective: To assess critical heat spread of cautery instruments used in robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) surgery.

Materials And Methods: Thermal spread along bovine musculofascial tissues was examined by infrared camera, histology and enzyme assay. Currently used monopolar, bipolar and ultrasonic laparoscopic instruments were investigated at various power settings and application times.

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Objectives: To investigate if absorption of irrigation fluid occurs during bipolar plasma vaporisation (BPV) of the prostate. To examine the clinical predictors of increased risk of fluid absorption and to assess if changes in serum electrolytes, venous pH, haemoglobin or haematocrit are able to detect intra-operative fluid absorption.

Patients And Methods: Over a 15-month period, 55 consecutive patients undergoing BPV of the prostate were investigated.

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Background: Withdrawal of oral antiplatelet therapy (OAT) is a major risk factor for stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and cerebral strokes. In order to minimize the risk for thrombotic complications, since 2007 robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) has taken place under continuous OAT with aspirin at our institution. In this retrospective study we analyzed the risk for perioperative bleeding and surgical outcome after RARP with OAT.

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Introduction: Bipolar vessel-sealing devices (VSDs) have advantages in urological surgeries (less hemorrhage, shorter operating time). However, these instruments can cause thermal injuries, which can result in neural damage and necrosis. The objectives of this study were to establish a reproducible in vitro model for standardized assessment of electrosurgical devices and to evaluate whether optimized placement of surgical instruments can reduce the thermal spread.

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Purpose: Technical modifications of the 120 W lithium-triborate laser have been implemented to increase power output, and prevent laser fiber degradation and loss of power output during laser vaporization of the prostate. However, visible alterations at the fiber tip and the subjective impression of decreasing ablative effectiveness during lithium-triborate laser vaporization indicate that delivering constantly high laser power remains a relevant problem. Thus, we evaluated the extent of laser fiber degradation and loss of power output during 120 W lithium-triborate laser vaporization of the prostate.

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We report the first case of intra-abdominal combustion involving the plastic covering of monopolar scissors secondary to use of incorrect gas (oxygen [O(2)] instead of carbon dioxide [CO(2)]) during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). The insufflating system was connected to a provisional O(2) gate into the operating theater. A patient underwent RALP and extended pelvic lymph node dissection for localized prostate cancer, according to standard technique.

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