Urinary tract infection's etiopathogenic role in nephrolithiasis formation.

Urolithiasis has a high prevalence and recurrence rate, especially in developed countries, and is a major public health issue with a high socioeconomic cost. There are multiple causes of urolithiasis, including urinary tract infection (UTI). Infection stones (mainly composed of struvite) are associated with renal infections by urease-producing bacteria. However, there is limited knowledge about the role of UTIs in the formation of stones that are apparently not related with infection. We hypothesize that UTIs promote the formation of certain urolithiasis that appear to be non-infection stones. Some recent studies have reported the presence of bacterial growth in cultures of stones removed by endourological procedures. These findings have led to the hypothesis that UTIs have a role in the formation of stones that are apparently non-infection stones. It is unknown whether these UTIs promoted stone formation, or if the stones became infected after formation. Several in vitro studies and ultrastructural microscopic analyses of urolithiasis are consistent with our hypothesis. If our hypothesis is correct, it could have a great impact on the treatment of urolithiasis. Especially, early identification and treatment of renal infections could help to prevent septic events, which are frequently life-threatening. It could also help to reduce the recurrence of urolithiasis, and thereby reduce health care costs. In conclusion, some evidence suggests that UTIs have a role in the formation of some apparently non-infection urolithiasis. If this is so, it could have a great impact on the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Enhancement of laplacian EEnG from humans by means of an EMD-based method.

Non-invasive recordings of intestinal myoelectrical activity (Electroenterogram, EEnG) are affected by very-low-frequency (VLF) interferences, respiration, ECG and movement artifacts. In order to identify the intestinal pacemaker activity (slow wave), VLF interferences and respiration should be removed from abdominal surface recordings. In this paper a method based on empirical mode decomposition is proposed to identify and cancel such interferences and to enhance external recordings of human EEnG. The study was carried out on 10 recording sessions in which it was acquired 3 surface EEnG signals by means of active laplacian electrodes, together with respiratory and ECG signals. The application of the proposed method permits to increase the signal-to-interference ratio of EEnG signals from - 7.9 ± 3.3 dB to 6.1 ± 2.7 dB. In addition, the method helps to identify the intestinal pacemaker activity from surface EEnG recordings: the dominant frequency of processed signals is 8.6 ± 1.7 cpm which fits the frequency of the intestinal slow wave in the jejunum, whereas the dominant frequency of original signals was 1.6 ± 1.1 cpm which is associated to VLF interferences.

Denitrification in presence of acetate and glucose for bioremediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater.

With the current increasing interest in aquifer denitrification, recent attention has been given to cost-effective in-situ treatments such as Enhanced In-Situ Biological Denitrification (EISBD), which intends to stimulate the indigenous bacterial activity by injecting an external organic substrate and/or nutrients to the aquifer matrix. Within this context, laboratory batch assays have been conducted to develop a strategy for in-situ denitrification of a nitrate-contaminated aquifer in Argentona, Catalonia (Spain). The assays were run under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at a temperature of 17 degrees C to better simulate the conditions of the aquifer. Acetate and glucose were added to assess their potential to promote heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria activity. Overall, the results revealed that indigenous micro-organisms had the potential of reducing nitrate under appropriate conditions. Nitrate removal was complete and faster under anaerobic conditions, though high nitrate removals were also attained under initial aerobic conditions when a readily organic compound was amended at a sufficient dosage. The results also revealed that a significant amount of the available organic carbon was consumed by processes other than denitrification, namely aerobic oxidation and other microbial oxidation processes. To sum up, the results of this study demonstrated that addition of organic compounds into the groundwater is a promising method for in-situ bioremediation of nitrate in the Argentona aquifer. This approach could potentially be applied to a number of situations in which nitrate concentration is elevated and where indigenous micro-organisms with potential to reduce nitrate are present within the aquifer material.

Distinct but redundant expression of the Frizzled Wnt receptor genes at signaling centers of the developing mouse brain.

The establishment of the regional subdivisions of the vertebrate CNS is accomplished through the activity of different neuroepithelial organizing centers. The wingless/int (Wnt) family of secreted glycoproteins, among other factors, plays a crucial role in signaling from these centers. Wnt1 secreted from the boundary between the mid- and hindbrain, for instance, controls the development of this brain region and of associated neuronal populations. Different Wnts secreted from the caudomedial pallium, the cortical hem, pattern the adjacent hippocampal field. The first step in Wnt signal transduction is binding of the Wnt ligand to its receptors, the seven-pass transmembrane Frizzled proteins. Inactivation of different Frizzled genes in mice have revealed an extensive functional redundancy between these receptors. In order to discriminate between a possible participation of different Frizzled receptors in the transduction of Wnt signals at the mid-/hindbrain boundary and the cortical hem, we have performed a detailed expression study of the 10 known murine Frizzled genes at crucial stages of mouse embryonic development. Our analysis reveals a highly dynamic yet distinct expression pattern of individual Frizzled genes in the anterior neural tube of the developing mouse embryo. The overlapping spatio-temporal expression of at least two and up to six Frizzled genes in any region of the developing mouse brain, however, also suggests a vast functional redundancy of the murine Frizzled receptors. This redundancy has to be taken into consideration for future analyses of Frizzled receptor function at these signaling centers in the mouse.

[Evaluation of the fine needle aspiration biopsy in the presurgical diagnosis of tumors of the parotid gland]. / Evaluación de la punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) como prueba prequirúrgica en las tumoraciones de glándula parótida.

The treatment ofparotid masses is generally surgery. The presurgical assesment is made by clinical examination, radiology and fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA has been applied for the last decades and has been the subject of many reviews. It is a safe, rapid and economic procedure that can be made as an ambulatory procedure. In this study we have reviewed the parotidectomies performed in our institution during the years 1998 - 2003 where a preoperative FNA was available. The sensitivity of FNA in our hands is 40% and specifity 96.3%. We have also calculated the utility of clinical examination and radiology in the assessment of parotid masses.

Evaluación de la punción-aspitación con aguja fina (PAAF) como prueba prequirúrgica en las tumoraciones de la glándula parótida / Evaluation of the fine needle aspiration biopsy in the presurgical diagnosis of tumors of the parotid gland

El tratamiento de una masa en la región parotídea es generalmente quirúrgico. Las pruebas prequirúrgicas con las que contamos son la anamnesis, exploración, radiología y punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF). Esta última prueba lleva realizándose muchos años pero no por ello está exenta de controversia. Es una prueba sencilla de realizar, segura y rápida que se realiza de manera ambulatoria. En el presente trabajo se han estudiado de manera retrospectiva todas aquellas parotidectomías que se han realizado en nuestro centro durante los años 1998 -2003 Y en los que de manera preoperatoria se había realizado una PAAF. En nuestras manos, la PAAF tiene una Sensibilidad del 40% y una Especificidad del 96%. Hemos calculado asimismo la utilidad que en nuestras manos tienen la exploración y la radiología

The treatment of parotid massesi s generally surgery. The presurgical assesment is made by clinical examination, radiology and fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA has been applied for the last decades and has been the subject of many reviews. It is a safe, rapid and economic procedure that can be made as an ambulatory procedure. In this study we have reviewed the parotidectomies performed in our institution during the years 1998 -2003 where a preoperative FNA was available. The sensitivity of FNA in our hands is 40% and specifity 96.3%. We have also calculated the utility of clinical examination and radiology in the assessment of parotid masses

[Surgical treatment of exostosis in the external auditory canal]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de las exóstosis de conducto auditivo externo.

Exostoses of the external auditory canal are benign bony tumours very common in individuals who frequently participate in aquatic activities. Although most of the cases are asymptomatic, patients with more severe exostoses have recurrent episodes of external otitis and related conductive hearing loss. In the great majority of these cases, a medical treatment (aspiration and antibiotic drops) resolves the symptoms. Patients with more severe canal stenosis, resistant to medical treatment, are candidates for surgical removal of the exostoses. This report reviews our surgical experience with 45 patients, 52 ears, who have undergone surgical removal of exostoses in our Institution during the last 13 years. We describe the technique that we use a well as the results that we achieve.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las exóstosis de conducto auditivo externo / Surgical treatment of exostosis in the external auditory canal

Las exóstosis de conducto auditivo externo (CAE) son formaciones óseas benignas muy frecuentes entre los practicantes de deportes acuáticos. Generalmente cursa de forma asintomática. Cuando la estenosis del conducto se hace más severa comienzan los síntomas que generalmente son taponamiento del conducto por acumulación de cera, otitis externa e hipoacusia de transmisión. En la mayoría de los casos estos síntomas se resuelven con aspirado y limpieza del oído así como gotas óticas con antibiótico para las infecciones. Sólo en los casos más severos donde los síntomas no pueden resolverse de manera conservadora o en los que la estenosis del CAE es casi completa se recurre al tratamiento quirúrgico. En el presente trabajo revisamos los 45 pacientes, 52 oídos, que se han intervenido en nuestro Servicio en los últimos 13 años. Describimos la técnica y los resultados obtenidos

Exostoses of the external auditory canal are benign bony tumours very common in individuals who frequently participate in aquatic activities. Although most of the cases are asymptomatic, patients with more severe exostoses have recurrent episodes of external otitis and related conductive hearing loss. In the great majority of these cases, a medical treatment (aspiration and antibiotic drops) resolves the symptoms. Patients with more severe canal stenosis, resistant to medical treatment, are candidates for surgical removal of the exostoses. This report reviews our surgical experience with 45 patients, 52 ears, who have undergone surgical removal of exostoses in our Institution during the last 13 years. We describe the technique that we use a well as the results that we achieve

[Immunohistochemistry study of EGFR expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma]. / Estudio por inmunohistoquímica de la expresión de EGFR en carcinoma de células escamosas de cabeza y cuello.

EGFR is an important transmembrane receptor member of the family of tyrosine kinases, that translates signals from both outside and inside the cell and plays a key role in numerous proceses that affect tumour development, growth, progresion, differentiation, inhibition of apoptosis and metastasis. Immunohistochemistry studies have shown that 40-80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas express EGFR and it has been suggested as a potential independent prognostic parameter. The objective of this study is to evaluate by immunohistochemistry the expresi6n of EGFR in a series of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and correlate it to clinico-pathological features and prognostic significance. We investigated expression of EGFR in 44 samples. There was a high expression in 41% of the cases. Even if we have not found that the expression of EGFR correlated with the prognosis of these patients the presence of EGFR is very important because there are chemical agents or drugs that can inhibit its activity.

Estudio por inmunohistoquímica de la expresión de EGFR en carcinoma de células escamosas de cabeza y cuello / Immunohistochemistry study of EGFR expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

EGFR es un receptor transmembrana miembro de la familia de tirosín-kinasas que traduce señales tanto del exterior como del interior de la célula y juega un papel importante en numerosos procesos que afectan a la evolución del tumor, crecimiento, progresión, diferenciación, inhibición de apoptosis y al desarrollo de metástasis. Su expresión mediante inmunohistoquímica en carcinoma de células escamosas varía entre el 40-80% y se le ha adjudicado un valor pronóstico independiente en estos carcinomas. El objetivo del presente estudio es el de analizar por inmunohistoquímica la expresión de esta proteína en una serie de carcinomas epidermoides de cabeza y cuello y correlacionarlo con parámetros clínico-patológicos y supervivencia. Se realiza inmunohistoquímica de 44 muestras en las que el 41% es positivo. A pesar de no haber encontrado relación con el pronóstico de estos pacientes, la presencia de EGFR es muy importante por el hecho de que existen fármacos y agentes químicos capaces de inhibir su actividad

EGFR is an important transmembrane receptor member of the family of tyrosine kinases, that translates signals from both outside and inside the cell and plays a key role in numerous proceses that affect tumour development, growth, progresion, differentiation, inhibition of apoptosis and metastasis. Immunohistochemistry studies have shown that 40-80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas express EGFR and it has been suggested as a potential independent prognostic parameter. The objective of this study is to evaluate by immunohistochemistry the expresión of EGFR in a series of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and correlate it to clinico-pathological features and prognostic significance. We investigated expression of EGFR in 44 samples. There was a high expression in 41% of the cases. Even if we have not found that the expression of EGFR correlated with the prognosis of these patients the presence of EGFR is very important because there are chemical agents or drugs that can inhibit its activity

[Prevalence of exostoses among surfers of the Basque Coast]. / Prevalencia de exóstosis entre surfistas de la Costa Guipuzcoana.

Exostoses of the External Auditory Canal are benign bony tumours very common in individuals who frequently practice water activities. The objective [corrected] of this study is to determine the prevalence of exostoses in a population of surfers of the Basque Coast. We have studied the correlation between years surfing and the prevalence and severity of exostoses. We have done a cross-sectional epidemiological study giving a questionnaire Twenty-five of the 41 surfers had surfer's ear (61%) and the prevalence was significantly higher in those who had surfed for more than 10 years (p < 0.05). Severity was also higher in the first group (p < 0.05). The relation between the hours dedicated to the sport showed similar results. only one of the 24 cases needed surgery (4%).

[Stapedectomy as day case surgery]. / Estapedectomía como cirugía ambulatoria.

Day case surgery is increasing and a large proportion of procedures in otolaryngology are already being performed as day cases. There is less experience in otologic surgery and the reports are specially referred to chronic otitis media. A retrospective study of stapedectomy as a day-case procedure is presented in this report. The inclusion criteria: anaesthesic risk: ASA I, II or III; if the patient has a chronic disease it must be well controlled; they must not have postoperative hemorrhagic history; the patient must be accompanied by an adult the first 24 hours postsurgery; must have a vehicle; distance to hospital must not be more than an hour and they must have a telephone. Between October 1998 and December 2002 71 ambulatory stapedectomies were performed in our institution. 91.2% were discharged home the same day of the procedure. Audiological findings obtained six months after surgery that: 87.5% of the patients have an air-bone Uda of 10 dB or less.

Prevalencia de exótosis entre surfistas de la costa guipuzcoana / Prevalence of exostoses surfers of the Basque coast

Las exóstosis de Conducto Auditivo Externo (CAE) son formaciones óseas benignas muy frecuentes entre los practicantes de deportes acuáticos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es observar la prevalencia de exóstosis entre surfistas de la costa guipuzcoana y estudiar la correlación existente entre el tiempo dedicado al deporte y la prevalencia severidad de las exóstosis. Para ello se ha realizado un estudio transversal y se ha entregado un cuestionario a 41 surfistas a los que luego se ha realizado un examen otoscópico. De los 41 surfistas 25 tenían exóstosis (61%) y la prevalencia era significativamente mayor (p<0,05) en aquéllos que llevaban practicando el deporte más de10 años que los que llevaban menos de 10 años. La severidad también era mayor entre los del primer grupo (p < 0,05). Las horas dedicadas al deporte también han mostrado resultados similares. Sólo 1 de los 25 (4%) casos ha requerido una intervención quirúrgica (AU)

Exostoses of the External Auditory Canal are benign bony tumours very common in individuals who frequently practice water activities. The objective [corrected] of this study is to determine the prevalence of exostoses in a population of surfers of the Basque Coast. We have studied the correlation between years surfing and the prevalence and severity of exostoses. We have done a cross-sectional epidemiological study giving a questionnaire Twenty-five of the 41 surfers had surfer's ear (61%) and the prevalence was significantly higher in those who had surfed for more than 10 years (p < 0.05). Severity was also higher in the first group (p < 0.05). The relation between the hours dedicated to the sport showed similar results. only one of the 24 cases needed surgery (4%) (AU)

[Palpation and CT to evaluate the cervical adenopathies in head and neck tumours]. / Palpación y TC para evaluar las adenopatías cervicales en los tumores de cabeza y cuello.

Lymphatic metastasis is an important prognostic factor in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of this adenopathies is very important. We can use physical examination, computered tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, ultrasound... but none of these give us a 100% security. This study evaluates the accuracy of physical examination and CT in detecting cervical lymph nodes. 120 neck dissections were performed after palpation and CT of 72 patients with head and neck carcinoma. Sensitivity of palpation was 51.7 and specificity 96.7. CTs sensitivity was 65 and specificity 86.7. Both, physical examination and palpation have a high number of mistakes evaluating cervical nodes. N0 necks are still a problem for Head and Neck Surgeons.

Estapedectomia como cirugía ambulatoria / Stapedectomy as day case surgery

La utilización de unidades de hospitalización de día aporta ventajas tanto a los pacientes como a la administración sanitaria y se está empleando con mayor frecuencia en los procedimientos quirúrgicos ORL. Existe menos experiencia en la cirugía otológica y están referidas especialmente a otitis media crónica simple. En el presente estudio presentamos un análisis retrospectivo de la realización de estapedectomías a través de cirugía ambulatoria. Criterios de inclusión: Riesgo anestésico, ASA I, II, III; si hay enfermedad crónica importante, debe estar bien controlada; sin antecedentes de hemorragias importantes previas; acompañamiento por otro adulto; medio de transporte; distancia domiciliaria no mayor de una hora; teléfono de contacto. Desde octubre de 1998 hasta diciembre de 2002 se realizaron 71 estapedectomías de manera ambulatoria; fueron dados de alta en el mismo día el 91,2 por ciento. En el control audiométrico del 6° mes encontramos un 87,5 por ciento con UDA menor de 10 dB. La realización de estapedectomía bajo la modalidad de hospital de día es un procedimiento seguro para los pacientes, aportando múltiples ventajas a todos los involucrados (AU)

Day case surgery is increasing and a large proportion of procedures in otolaryngology are already being performed as day cases. There is less experience in otologic surgery and the reports are specially referred to chronic otitis media. A retrospective study of stapedectomy as a day-case procedure is presented in this report. The inclusion criteria: anaesthesic risk: ASA I, II or III; if the patient has a chronic disease it must be well controlled; they must not have postoperative hemorrhagic history; the patient must be accompanied by an adult the first 24 hours postsurgery; must have a vehicle; distance to hospital must not be more than an hour and they must have a telephone. Between October 1998 and December 2002 71 ambulatory stapedectomies were performed in our institution. 91.2% were discharged home the same day of the procedure. Audiological findings obtained six months after surgery that: 87.5% of the patients have an air-bone Uda of 10 dB or less (AU)

Palpacion y TC para evaluar las adenopatías cervicales en los tumores de cabeza y cuello / Palpation and CT to evaluate the cervical adenopathies in head and neck tumours

La afectación ganglionar cervical en los pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello tiene una gran importancia pronóstica. Por ello la detección y el tratamiento de estas adenopatías es fundamental. Contamos con la exploración física y medios de imagen como la Ecografía, TC, RMN... pero ninguno de ellos nos da el diagnóstico de certeza. El presente estudio tiene por objeto examinar los resultados de palpación y TC en la evaluación de las adenopatías y compararlos según los resultados del estudio anatomopatológico final (GoId Standard). Contamos con 120 vaciamientos realizados tras la evaluación del paciente mediante palpación y TC. La Sensibilidad de la palpación en nuestras manos es de 51,7 la Especificidad de 96,7 mientras que la Sensibilidad de la TC es de 65 y la Especificidad de 86,7. Ambas pruebas con un alto porcentaje de falsos negativos por lo que el cuello clínicamente negativo sigue siendo un problema para el cirujano oncológico (AU)

Lymphatic metastasis is an important prognostic factor in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of this adenopathies is very important. We can use physical examination, computered tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, ultrasound... but none of these give us a 100% security. This study evaluates the accuracy of physical examination and CT in detecting cervical lymph nodes. 120 neck dissections were performed after palpation and CT of 72 patients with head and neck carcinoma. Sensitivity of palpation was 51.7 and specificity 96.7. CTs sensitivity was 65 and specificity 86.7. Both, physical examination and palpation have a high number of mistakes evaluating cervical nodes. N0 necks are still a problem for Head and Neck Surgeons (AU)

Tratamiento con láser CO2 de las lesiones glóticas leucoplásicas premalignas / Treatment with endoscopic CO2 laser for the pre-malignant glottic epithelial lesions

Las lesiones premalignas de laringe pueden llegar a desarrollar un carcinoma invasivo. No existe una clasificación ni una terapia homologada universalmente. En el presente artículo presentamos nuestra experiencia en el manejo de lesiones premalignas leucoplásicas glóticas a través de la cirugía con láser CO2 y realizamos una revisión de distintos estudios. Durante el plazo de 10 años tratamos 69 pacientes, efectuando una de 2 técnicas: escisión de la mucosa leucoplásica o vaporización de la lesión. Para optar por una u otra se consideró: Extensión de la lesión; aspecto macroscópico; compromiso de comisura anterior, experiencia del cirujano. Los resultados histológicos fueron: Queratosis 53,6 por ciento y displasia leve 23,2 por ciento ambas tratadas equivalentemente con vaporización o exéresis; displasia moderada 14,5 por ciento, displasia severa 8,7 por ciento tratadas mayoritariamente con exéresis. No se observaron importantes complicaciones per-operatorias ni a largo plazo. Observamos 7 recidivas (10 por ciento) las cuales no evolucionaron a carcinomas invasivos, logrando finalmente controlar las lesiones. En tanto 9 pacientes (13 por ciento) presentaron malignización: 3 queratosis, 1 displasia leve, 3 displasia moderada y 2 displasia severa, de los cuales sólo en 1 paciente (1,5 por ciento) se recurrió a una cirugía radical de rescate. La pesquisa precoz de estas lesiones y el establecimiento de un tratamiento oportuno reduce las posibilidades de desarrollar carcinomas invasivos. El tratamiento con láser CO2 es una técnica adecuada para abordar estas lesiones, ofreciéndonos seguridad y buenos resultados oncológicos (AU)

Pre-malignant lesions of the larynx can degenerative into invasive carcinoma. There is not an universally accepted classification and treatment. We present our experience in the treatment with endoscopic CO2 laser for the pre-malignant glottic epithelial lesions. At the same time we carry out a review of the literature published. During a period of ten years we have treated 69 patients with one of these techniques: resection of the epithelial lesion or vaporization. The election of the technique depends on the size of the lesion, the macroscopic aspect, anterior commissures involvement and the surgeons experience. The histological findings were: 53.6% keratosis and 23.2% mid dysplasia both of them treated with vaporization and resection; 14.5% moderate dysplasia and 8.7% severe treated with resection of the lesion. There were no important complications during the operation. Recurrence occurred in 7 patients (10%) but after treatment all of them were free of disease during the follow-up period, they didn't progress to carcinomatosis. 9 patients (13%) had a malignant evolution: 3 keratosis, 1 mild dysplasia, 3 moderate dysplasia and 2 severe dysplasia. Only one case (1.5%) underwent total laryngectomy. The early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment reduced the possibilities of malignant transformation. The therapy with CO2 laser is the treatment of choice in this kind of lesions (AU)

Cordectomía láser sin ingreso ¿se trata de una intervención segura? / Laser cordectomy without hospitalization. Is it a safe intervention?

Objetivo: Evaluar si la Cordectomía con Láser CO2en el tratamiento de los tumores glóticos es un tratamiento seguro en el contexto de una cirugía sin ingreso. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte de 30 pacientes que han sido intervenidos en nuestro centro durante el período 1999 - 2001 de carcinomas glóticos con Cordectomía Láser en el programa de cirugía sin ingreso. Resultados: No se registró ninguna complicación mayor ni se requirió ninguna re-intubación. El 90 por ciento de los pacientes intervenidos fueron dados de alta el mismo día de la intervención. Tres pacientes requirieron ser ingresados pero ninguno por afectación de la vía aérea. Todos los ingresos no esperados se dieron de alta a las 24 horas. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes contestaron que repetirían la experiencia. Conclusiones: La Cordectomía con Láser CO2 de los tumores glóticos puede realizarse de una manera segura dentro de un programa de cirugía sin ingreso siempre que cumplan unos criterios mínimos de inclusión (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of the CO2 Laser Cordectomy in the treatment of glottic carcinoma as a day-case procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a cohort of 30 patients with glottic carcinoma treated with CO2 Laser Cordectomy at our institution between 1999-2001 as a day-case procedure. RESULTS: There were no major complications and no patients required re-intubation. 90% of the patients were discharged the same day of the procedure. There were three unplanned admissions to the hospital but none of them were, in our opinion, the direct result of Cordectomy. These patients were discharged the next day. 100% of the patients answered that they would repeat the experience. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 Laser Cordectomy of the glottic carcinoma can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure if patients are selected according to specific day-case criteria (AU)

[Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Our experience and literature review]. / Papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente. Nuestra experiencia y revisión de la literatura.

The recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a benign lesion induced by virus, with predisposal factors not yet clear out. Several treatment have been used, being the endoscopic surgery with laser CO2 the most used technique. We present our experience with laryngeal papillomatosis patients operated with laser CO2 in the last 15 years. The high rate of recidive in the youth pattern and the possibility of malignant degeneration in the adults charactherises this patients. Meanwhile without not other concluyent works surgery will be the first therapeutic alternative, avoiding mutilant operations, and paying attention in detecting lesions suggesting malignancy.

[Malignant tumors of external ear. Review of cases in 1991-2001]. / Tumores malignos de conducto auditivo externo. Revisión de nuestra casuística 1991-2001.

Carcinoma of the external auditory canal is a rare tumor. Owing to the rarity of this disease, the literature provides very few publications of series. There is not a widely accepted staging system. The lack of a standarized staging system impedes meaningful interpretation of the literature. It is very difficult to compare different treatment strategies and results. The study is a retrospective case review. Seven patients with external auditory canal malignancies were studied. We used the staging system proposed by Arriaga et al. for both the Squamous cell carcinoma and non-SCC. We describe the risk factors, the symptoms, the treatment and the outcome and prognosis for our patients.