Complicaciones infecciosas asociadas a la nefrolitotomía percutánea en un hospital universitario de Colombia / Infectious Complications Associated to Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in a Teaching Hospital from Colombia

Introducción La Nefrolitotomía Percutánea (NLP), es una técnica mínimamente invasiva empleada para el manejo de los cálculos de gran tamaño. Diferentes tipos de complicaciones se pueden presentar después de ese procedimiento. El propósito de este estudio es establecer la frecuencia y características asociadas, de las complicaciones infecciosas de los pacientes sometidos a NLP en un hospital universitario de cuarto nivel de atención que es un centro de remisión de pacientes con patología urológica. Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo que evalúa 164 pacientes sometidos a NLP en el Hospital Universitario de San José de Bogotá (Colombia) desde enero 2010 hasta diciembre del 2014. Se buscó la incidencia de cualquier tipo de complicación infecciosa durante los 30 días del post operatorio. Se recolectó información concerniente a los antecedentes de hospitalización, uso de antibióticos, infección del tracto urinario, características del cálculo, profilaxis empleada, cultivos realizados, patrón de sensibilidad, necesidad de cambio de antibiótico y evolución. Resultados Se incluyeron 164 pacientes, de los cuales 12,8% presentaron complicaciones infecciosas. El 95% de los pacientes pertenecían al sexo femenino, la infección más frecuente fue la de la vía urinaria (86%) y el microorganismo identificado con mayor frecuencia fue Escherichia coli que presentó solo un 42% de sensibilidad a la cefazolina. El 61,90% (13) de los pacientes presentaron sepsis, encontrando una mayor frecuencia en aquellos con antecedentes de: infección de vías urinaria (84,62%), hospitalización por cirugía (46,12%), cálculos >25 mm (92,31%) y densidad >1000 UH (38,46%). Conclusiones Las infecciones son una de las complicaciones descritas posterior a una NLP debido a la destrucción de cálculos infecciosos de gran carga litíasica y asociados a la obstrucción del tracto urinario. Con el fin de minimizar ese riesgo, se debe administrar la profilaxis adecuada establecida de acuerdo a los factores de riesgo del paciente y a la epidemiología local. Es importante realizar cultivos de los fragmentos del cálculo con el fin de instaurar el antibiótico apropiado en caso de presentarse una infección.

Introduction The NLP is a minimal invasive technique used for handling big size calculus. Different kind of complications may be presented after this procedure. The purpose of this study is to stablish the frequency and the associated features of the infectious complications of the patients who underwent NLP in a university hospital which is a reference center. Materials and Methods A Descriptive, retrospective survey evaluating 164 patients undergoing PNL in San Jose University hospital from January 2010 to December 2014. The incidence of any type of infectious complication was sought within 30 days after surgery. Information concerning hospitalization history, use of antibiotics, urinary tract infection, stone characteristics, prophylaxis used, cultures made, sensitivity pattern, the need for antibiotic change and evolution was collected. Results 164 patients were included, in which 12,8% of them presented infectious complications. 95% of the patients were females, urinary infection (86%) was the most frequent among them and the most recognized microorganism was Escherichia coli, in which only 42% had cefazolin sensitivity. 61,90% (13) of the patients presented sepsis, with higher frequency on those with history of: urinary infection (84,63%), surgery hospitalization (46,12%), stones > 25 mm (92,31%) and density > 1000 UH (38,46%) Conclusions The infections are one of the complications described after a PNL due to the destruction of infectious stones of great lithiasic mass and associated to urinary tract obstruction. To minimize this risk, the right prophylaxis must be established according to the risk factors of the patient and the local epidemiology. It is important to do stone fragments cultures with the purpose of implementing the appropriate antibiotic in case an infection is presented.

Composición de las urolitiasis en pacientes cubanos por sexo / Composition of urolithiasis in Cuban patients by sex

INTRODUCCIÓN: las urolitiasis implican morbilidad y costos económicos sustanciales. Para su manejo resulta fundamental una evaluación clínica y de laboratorio, que incluya el estudio de la composición química. OBJETIVO: determinar la frecuencia de presentación de los diferentes tipos de urolitiasis según su composición y su relación con el sexo de los sujetos. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se incluyeron las urolitiasis de adultos cubanos, enviadas al Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Renal del Instituto de Nefrología para estudio de composición química, en el período 2001-2011. Las litiasis fueron analizadas con un espectroscopio infrarrojo modelo Philips PU9516. Los diferentes compuestos se identificaron mediante comparación con espectros de referencia. Toda la información fue procesada automatizada (SPSS 15.0.). Se utilizó análisis de distribución de frecuencias. Para probar la existencia de diferencias entre los sexos, en cuanto al tipo de litiasis, se emplearon los tests: de independencia y exacto de Fisher. RESULTADOS: de las 1851 litiasis analizadas, 1316 (71,1 %) eran litiasis simples. Las litiasis simples de oxalato de calcio constituyeron el 46,8 % del total. Dentro de las compuestas, las más frecuentes fueron las de oxalato de calcio más fosfato de calcio (24,7 %). La frecuencia de las litiasis de oxalato de calcio y ácido úrico resultó mayor entre los hombres (p= 0,00), y las de fosfato de calcio y de estruvita (p= 0,00), entre las mujeres. CONCLUSIONES: los cálculos cálcicos, fundamentalmente de oxalato de calcio monohidratado, son los más comunes en la población litiásica estudiada. Las litiasis de oxalato de calcio y ácido úrico son más comunes entre los hombres, mientras las de estruvita y fosfato de calcio lo son, entre las mujeres.

INTRODUCTION: urolithiasis imply significant morbidity and economic costs. For its management, it is fundamental to make clinical and lab evaluation including the study of the chemical composition. OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency of occurrence of several types of urolithiasis according to their composition and relationship with the individual's sex. METHODS: descriptive and cross-sectional study that included urolithiasis of Cuban adults sent to the Renal Physiopathology Lab of the Institute of Nephrology for the study of chemical composition in the 2001-2011 period. A Philips PU9516 infrared spectroscope served to analyze lithiasis. The various compounds were identified by comparing them with the reference spectra. All the data were collected and processed with SPSS 15.0; the frequency distribution analysis. Independence test and Fisher's exact test were used to confirm the differences between sexes in terms of type of lithiasis. RESULTS: of 1815 analyzed lithiasis, 1316 (71.1 %) were simple. Simple calcium oxalate lithiasis represented 46.8 % of the total number. In the combinations, the most frequent were calcium oxalate plus calcium phosphate (24.7 %). The frequency of calcium oxalate and uric acid lithiasis was higher in men (p= 0.00 and those of calcium phosphate and struvite (p= 0.00) in women. CONCLUSIONS: calcium stones, mainly monohydrated calcium oxalate, are the most common in the studied lithiatic population. Calcium oxalate and uric acid are the commonest in men whereas struvite and calcium phosphate are more frequent in women.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of renal and ureteral stones / Litotripsia extracorpórea no tratamento de cálculos renais e ureterais

The use of certain technical principles and the selection of favorable cases can optimize the results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). The aim of this study is to review how ESWL works, its indications and contraindications, predictive factors for success, and its complications. A search was conducted on the Pubmed® database between January 1984 and October 2013 using "shock wave lithotripsy" and "stone" as key-words. Only articles with a high level of evidence, in English, and conducted in humans, such as clinical trials or review/meta-analysis, were included. To optimize the search for the ESWL results, several technical factors including type of lithotripsy device, energy and frequency of pulses, coupling of the patient to the lithotriptor, location of the calculus, and type of anesthesia should be taken into consideration. Other factors related to the patient, stone size and density, skin to stone distance, anatomy of the excretory path, and kidney anomalies are also important. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary, and routine double J stent placement before the procedure is not routinely recommended. Alpha-blockers, particularly tamsulosin, are useful for stones >10mm. Minor complications may occur following ESWL, which generally respond well to clinical interventions. The relationship between ESWL and hypertension/diabetes is not well established.

A utilização de certos princípios técnicos e a seleção de casos favoráveis podem otimizar os resultados da litotripsia extracorpórea por ondas de choques (LECO). O objetivo deste trabalho é revisar os princípios de funcionamento da LECO, suas indicações e contraindicações, fatores preditivos de sucesso e suas complicações. Realizou-se uma pesquisa na base de dados do Pubmed® entre janeiro/1984 e outubro/2013 utilizando como palavras chaves shock wave lithotripsy e stone. Apenas artigos com bom nível de evidência, de língua inglesa, em seres humanos, do tipo clinical trials ou de revisão/metanálise foram incluídos. Na busca pela otimização dos resultados da LECO, diversos fatores técnicos, como o tipo de aparelho de litotripsia, energia e frequência dos pulsos, acoplamento do paciente ao litotridor, localização do cálculo e tipo de anestesia, devem ser levados em consideração. Fatores relacionados ao doente e ao cálculo, como seu tamanho, densidade, distância pele-cálculo, anatomia da via excretora e anomalias renais, também são importantes. A profilaxia com antibiótico não é necessária, e a passagem de duplo J de rotina não é recomendada. A prescrição de alfabloqueadores, particularmente a tansulosina, é benéfica em cálculos > 10 mm. Complicações menores podem ocorrer após LECO e geralmente respondem bem a condutas clínicas. A relação entre LECO e o surgimento de hipertensão e diabetes não está comprovada.

Retención urinaria aguda por cálculo prostático: a propósito de un caso / Debut endometriosis with urinary manifestations: report of two cases

FUNDAMENTO los cálculos prostáticos son frecuentes después de los 50 años presentando infecciones urinarias y dificultad miccional cuando son de gran tamaño. CASO CLÍNICO: se presenta el caso de un paciente con un cálculo prostático de gran tamaño que provocó retención urinaria aguda, al examen digital rectal apareció una próstata de consistencia firme que impresionaba crepitar a la palpación. RESULTADOS: se le realiza extracción del cálculo prostático a través de incisión longitudinal de la cápsula prostática y vejiga en el Hospital Docente de Oncología María Curie de Camagüey, en agosto del 2014. El paciente egresó a los 7 días después del tratamiento quirúrgico, con seguimiento por consulta externa. CONCLUSIONES: la litiasis prostática de gran tamaño puede ser causa de retención urinaria aguda, aunque su presentación no sea frecuente.

BACKGROUND: prostatic calculi are frequent after 50 years old and cause urinary infections and urination difficulty when they are large. CLINICAL CASE: the case of a patient with a large prostatic calculus which caused acute urinary retention is presented. When making the digital rectal exam, a prostate of firm consistency that impressed because it felt crepitant at touching, could be perceived. RESULTS: the extraction of the prostatic calculus was made through the longitudinal incision of the capsule of prostate and the bladder in the Maria Curie Teaching Oncological Hospital of Camagüey, in August, 2014. The patient was discharged seven days after the surgical treatment. A follow-up care was established. CONCLUSIONS: a large prostatic lithiasis can be the cause of acute urinary retention, although its presentation is infrequent.

Uso rutinario del dispositivo antimigratorio Accordion para prevenir la retropulsión de cálculos ureterales durante la litotripsia intracorpórea con laser Holmium: ¿se justifica su uso? / Routine use of Accordion® antimigratory device for preventing the retropulsion of ureteral stones during intracorporeal lithotripsy with holmium laser: is it justified?

Evaluar el impacto del dispositivo Accordion® (Percsys, Palo Alta, CA) en la prevención de la migración de cálculos ureterales. Materiales y Métodos: Un total de 68 pacientes con cálculos ureterales fueron evaluados en este estudio caso-control. 34 fueron destinados al grupo I (grupo Accordion®) y 34 al grupo II (grupo control). Como objetivo primarios se evaluó la diferencia en tiempo de fragmentación durante el procedimiento. Objetivos secundarios evaluados fueron el tiempo operatorio total, tasa de éxito en la fragmentación del cálculo, requerimiento de catéter ureteral posterior al procedimiento y complicaciones perioperatorias. Resultados: Ambos grupos de pacientes resultaron comparables en término de variables demográficas y características de la litiasis. El tiempo de fragmentación intraoperatoria fue similar entre los grupos (25 minutos en el grupo I vs 24 minutos en el grupo II; p=0,94). No fue encontrada ninguna diferencia estadísticamente significativa en tiempo operatorio total (45 minutos en el grupo I vs 50 minutos en el grupo II; p =0,67) o tasa de éxito en la fragmentación (100 por ciento grupo I vs 97 por ciento grupo II). El análisis multivariado demostró una disminución significativa en la necesidad de instalación de catéter doble J al término del procedimiento con el uso de Accordion durante la ureteroscopía (OR 0.24; CI 0,07-0,90; p=0.034).Conclusión: Ambos grupos en nuestro estudio se comportaron de manera similar con respecto a los resultados inmediatos de la ureteroscopía. La disminución en la necesidad de instalación de un catéter doble J y el costo asociado a éste constituyen un argumento a favor de utilizar el dispositivo Accordion®...

To evaluate the impact of Accordion® (Percsys, Palo Alto , CA) device in preventing stone migration. Methods: A total of 68 patients with ureteral stones were evaluated in this case control study, 34 in group I (Accordion group) and 34 in group II (control group) . As primary outcome we evaluated difference in fragmentation time during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were total operative time, stone free rates, postoperative ureteral catheter requirement and perioperative complications. Results: Both groups of patients were comparable in terms of demographics variables and stone characteristics. Intraoperative fragmentation time was similar between groups (25 minutes for group I vs 24 minutes for group II; p=0,94). No statistically significant difference were found in total operative time (45 minutes for group I vs 50 minutes for group II; p =0,67) or stone free rates (100 percent group I vs 97 percent group II). Multivariate model showed a significant decrease in the need to install a double J catheter at the end of the procedure with the use of Accordion during ureteroscopy (OR 0.24; CI 0,07 -0,90; p=0.034).Conclusions: Both groups in our study behaved similarly with respect to immediate outcome of ureteroscopy. The decrease in the installation of double J stent and the cost associated with it constitutes an argument in favor of the use of Accordion device...

Custo do tratamento hospitalar da litíase urinária para o Sistema Único de Saúde Brasileiro / Costs for in hospital treatment of urinary lithiasis in the Brazilian public health system

Objective: To estimate costs associated to hospital treatment of urinary lithiasis in the Brazilian public health system as well as to evaluate demographic and epidemiological data referred to hospital admissions in the Brazilian public health system (or unified health care system). Methods: Data from the Informatic Department of Brazilian public health system were obtained as referred to costs in hospital admissions for urinary lithiasis during 2010 and also epidemiological data from 1996 through 2010. Results: There were 69,039 hospital admissions for urinary lithiasis, totaling 0.61% of all hospital admissions in the Brazilian public health system. The mean cost of each of these hospital admissions was US$ 240,23 or R$ 423.42 having as result an overall cost of US$ 16,240,378.00 or R$ 29.232.682,56. Hospital admissions for urinary lithiasis in the Brazilian public health system increased 69% from 1996 to 2010 (43,176 versus 69,309; p < 0.001; OR = 1.69). The number of hospital admissions was 5% greater between December and March as compared to the period between June and September (35,290 versus 33,749; p < 0.001; OR = 1.10). For Caucasian patients the hospital admission was 75% greater as compared to black patients (63.2% versus 35.8%; p = 0.02; OR = 1,75). Conclusion: Hospital admission for urinary liyhiasis has an elevated impact on the public health system with a cost of US$ 16,2 or R$ 29.2 million per year. The number of hospital admissions was greater in hotter months than in cold ones and also in the last decade, mainly in Caucasian population. These data may be helpful for the organization and optimization of health programs in the public health system as referred to prevention and treatment of urinary lithiasis in Brazil.

Objetivo: Estimar os custos associados ao tratamento hospitalar da litíase urinária no sistema público de saúde brasileiro, bem como avaliar dados demográficos e epidemiológicos referentes às internações por litíase urinária no Sistema Único de Saúde no Brasil. Métodos: Foram avaliados dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde referentes aos custos de internações hospitalares por diagnóstico de litíase urinária durante 2010 e dados epidemiológicos do período compreendido entre 1996 e 2010. Resultados: Durante 2010, houve 69.039 admissões hospitalares devido à litíase urinária, totalizando 0,61% das internações hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde. O custo médio destas internações foi R$ 423,42, culminando no gasto de R$ 29.232.682,56. Houve aumento de 69% no volume de internações por litíase no Sistema Único de Saúde entre 1996 e 2010 (43.176 versus 69.309; p < 0,001; OR = 1,69). O número de internações hospitalares foi 5% maior entre dezembro a março comparado ao período entre junho e setembro (35.290 versus 33.749; p < 0,001; OR = 1,10). O percentual de internação por litíase urinária em indivíduos brancos foi 75% maior do que entre os negros (63,2 versus 35,8%; p = 0,02; OR = 1,75). Conclusão: As internações por litíase urinária determinam elevado impacto na Saúde Pública, com gasto de R$ 29,2 milhões/ano. O número de internações devido à doença litiásica é maior nos meses quentes em relação aos mais frios e tais internações têm ocorrido com frequência muito maior na última década, especialmente na população de etnia branca. Essas informações podem auxiliar na estruturação e na otimização de programas de saúde pública voltados à prevenção e ao tratamento da litíase urinária no Brasil.

Vias de acesso para tratamento de cálculos urinários: influência da introdução da videolaparoscopia / Access way for treatment of urinary calculi: impact of the introduction of laparoscopy

Avaliar a influência da laparoscopia na rotina cirúrgica do Serviço de Urologia do HC-UFMG. Métodos: Foi feita uma análise retrospectiva de todas as cirurgias, para tratamento de cálculos, realizadas no HC-UFMG entre janeiro de 2004 e outubro de 2008. Resultados: No total foram realizados 613 procedimentos e 4.850 litotripsias extracorpóreas (LECOs). Ao estratificarmos o tipo de procedimento cirúrgico realizado em função do tempo, temos que: no período inicial do estudo (2004), houve apenas seis (4,7%) casos de litíase tratados pela via laparoscópica, já no ano de 2008, os procedimentos laparoscópicos corresponderam a 17 (15,2%) casos. Conclusões: As principais modalidades no tratamento de cálculos urinários são os procedimentos endoscópicos e a LECO. A laparoscopia, apesar de ter indicações limitadas, vem ganhando espaço frente à cirurgia aberta, principalmente nos casos refratários a tratamentos menos invasivos.

This paper aims to determine the influence of the laparoscopy in the treatment of urinary stones in a tertiary hospital (HC-UFMG). Methods: We reviewed our data from January 2004 to October 2008. All patients, who underwent surgery in our institution for the treatment of urinary calculi, were enrolled. Results: Six hundred and thirteen procedures and 4,850 shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) were performed. In the first year of the study (2004), only six (4.7%) cases were done by laparoscopic approach, whereas in the last year (2008) a total of 17 (15.2%) cases were performed using the laparoscopic technique. Conclusion: The SWL and the endoscopic surgery remained as the first line treatment of urinary stones, during the whole period studied. The laparoscopic technique, despite its limitations, is getting acceptance (over the traditional open procedure) and is indicated in those cases where minimally invasive techniques have failed.

Chemical and morphological analysis of kidney stones: a double-blind comparative study / Análise química e morfológica de cálculos renais: estudo comparativo duplo-cego

PURPOSE: To compare chemical to morphological kidney stone composition analysis based on a sample of 50 stones retrieved from patients at a nephrology service. METHODS: The chemical analysis was performed with a Bioclin® kit, while a 10-mm magnifying glass (10x; Prolabo, Paris, France) was employed in the morphological analysis. Findings obtained with the two methods were compared and classified as concordant (100 percent agreement), partly concordant (concordant for major components, discordant for minor components) or discordant (discordant for major components). RESULTS: In the chemical analysis, the most commonly observed major component was calcium (70 percent), followed by oxalate (66 percent), ammonium (56 percent), urate (28 percent) and carbonate (24 percent). In the morphological analysis, the most commonly observed major components were calcium phosphate and magnesium (32 percent each), followed by calcium oxalate monohydrate (24 percent), uric acid and urates (20 percent each), calcium oxalate dihydrate (18 percent) and cystine (6 percent). Infectious kidney stones were identified in 34 percent and 24 percent of cases by morphological and chemical analysis, respectively. Thirty-eight percent of the samples were classified as concordant, 52 percent were partly concordant and 10 percent were discordant. CONCLUSION: We suggest kidney stones be routinely submitted to both types of analysis for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in lithogenesis.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a análise química com a análise morfológica de 50 cálculos urinários provenientes de pacientes em um serviço de nefrologia. MÉTODOS: A análise química foi realizada utilizando o kit da Bioclin®, enquanto que a morfológica foi realizada com auxílio de uma lupa de 10mm (Prolabo, Paris, France). A comparação entre as técnicas foi classificada em concordante (100 por cento de concordância), parcialmente concordante (componentes majoritários concordantes e minoritários discordantes) e discordante (discordância nos componentes majoritários). RESULTADOS: Na análise química os principais componentes majoritários foram cálcio (70 por cento), oxalato (66 por cento), amônio (56 por cento), urato (28 por cento) e carbonato (24 por cento). Na análise morfológica os principais componentes majoritários foram fosfato cálcico (PCa) e magnesiano-PCa (32 por cento), oxalato de cálcio monohidratado (24 por cento), ácido úrico e uratos (20 por cento), oxalato de cálcio dihidratado (18 por cento) e cistina (6 por cento). Cálculos de infecção foram identificados em 34 por cento e 24 por cento casos pela análise morfológica e química, respectivamente. Concordância total foi observada em 38 por cento, concordância parcial em 52 por cento e discordância em 10 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se a utilização simultânea das duas técnicas para melhor compreensão dos mecanismos litogênicos.

Estudio morfológico de cálculos urinarios de pacientes que concurrieron al Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud en el 2007 / Morphological analysis of kidney stones from Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud patients in 2007

Los cálculos renales se forman cuando la concentración de los componentes de orina alcanzan un nivel en el cual es posible la cristalización. Aunque las manifestaciones clínicas de todos los cálculos son similares, los mismos difieren en su composición, patogénesis y tratamiento. La clasificación morfoconstitucional de los cálculos urinarios consiste en la aplicación de criterios, de forma mineralógica y morfológica, que sirven para clasificar los cálculos en tipos morfológicos, cada uno con una composición dominante y a los que pueden atribuirse causas probables de la formación del cálculo. Este trabajo, descriptivo y retrospectivo, hace referencia a los resultados obtenidos del análisis de cálculos provenientes de 50 pacientes, realizados en el año 2007, aplicando los criterios de la clasificación morfoconstitucional. Cada paciente recibió su resultado, asegurando la confidencialidad. Los tipos más frecuentes fueron: IIa en núcleo (44,4%), Ia en capas intermedias y superficiales (37,7% y 44,1%). El tipo IVa1 se encuentra en todos los estratos con porcentajes comprendidos entre 13 al 31,1%. Estos tipos morfológicos están relacionados a condiciones de hipercalciuria, hiperoxaluria e infecciones urinarias respectivamente. La presencia de 2 o más tipos morfológicos asociados se dio en 42 pacientes. La asociación de los tipos Ia+IVa1 se presentó en el 45% de los cálculos bifactoriales. Es la primera vez que se aplica el estudio morfológico en Paraguay, sin necesidad de remitir las muestras al exterior para su análisis. La importancia del análisis de los cálculos es encontrar la causa de la litiasis y orientar hacia el tratamiento más apropiado.

Kidney stones are formed when the concentration of urine components reaches such levels that crystallization is induced. Although clinical symptoms of all types of stones are similar, they differ in the composition, pathogenesis and treatment. Morphoconstitutional classification of kidney stones is made by applying mineralogical and morphological criteria, useful to classify them in different morphological types, each one with a dominant composition and a probable etiological cause of the stone formation. This retrospective study describes the results of the analysis of kidney stones from 50 patients made in 2007, applying criteria of morphoconstitutional classification. Each patient received his results respecting confidentiality. The more frequent types were IIa located in the nucleus (44.4%) and Ia in intermediate and superficial strata (37.7% y 44.1%). Type IVa1 was present in all strata with percentages from 13 to 31.1%. These morphological types are related to hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria and urinary infections respectively. The presence of 2 o more morphological types was observed in 42 patients. The association of Ia+IVa1 was present in 45% of bifactorial kidney stones. This is the first morphological study of kidney stones in Paraguay, without sending samples abroad. The analysis of kidney stones is important not only to find the cause of the lithiasis but also to select the appropriate treatment.

La terapia neural: una alternativa en el tratamiento de la litiasis renal / The neural therapy: an alternative in the treatment of renal litiasis

Fundamento: La terapia neural constituye un método alternativo de probada eficacia, inocuidad y fácil aplicación Objetivo: Demostrar la utilidad de la terapia neural como proceder alternativo en el tratamiento de la litiasis renal. Método: Se realizó un ensayo clínico prospectivo en la Clínica de Medicina Natural y Tradicional del Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas «Carlos J. Finlay¼ de Camagüey desde el mes de enero de 2006 hasta enero de 2007. El universo estuvo constituido por todos los pacientes portadores de litiasis renal que acudieron a nuestra clínica. La muestra quedó conformada por 60 pacientes divididos en dos grupos de 30 cada (grupo control y experimental). La selección de los pacientes en cada grupo se realizó de forma aleatoria previo control de las variables que se estudiaron para garantizar la homogeneidad entre ambos grupos. Al grupo experimental se le aplicó el esquema silueta renal. Resultados: Los pacientes lograron expulsar la litiasis a partir de la quinta sesión de tratamiento, independientemente de la localización y hasta un diámetro de 12mm. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos evidenciaron la eficacia de la terapia neural en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

A case of a patient of the Nephrology service is presented that is integrated to the hemodialysis program since five years ago by presenting an irreversible chronic renal failure, not able for transplant, with multiple conventional vascular accesses carried out (direct and prosthetic) that have failed by progressive and generalized decay of the vascular system (arterial and venous), due to the effect of the associated pain to the renal disease and the triggering ones by the therapeutic intervention. Because of that was surgically intervened and a vascular access at the level of the right inguinal region was performed with the objective to connect the venous system with the arterial one by means of an artificial prosthesis of polytetrafluoroethylene that was implanted in the form of a loop and in superficial planes to facilitate the access to the same one. The use of prosthetic implants of polytetrafluoroethylene in the surgery of vascular access for hemodialysis is a first election alternative when the conventional methods fail.