Safety and efficacy of superior calyceal access versus inferior calyceal access for pelvic and/or lower calyceal renal calculi- a prospective observational comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety between superior calyceal access and inferior calyceal access for pelvic and/or lower calyceal renal stones. METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting with Pelvic and/or inferior calyceal renal calculi were allocated to the superior calyceal access (group 1) or inferior calyceal access (group 2) treatment arm. Allocation of treatment access was based on the surgeon's preference. Variables studied included stone free rate, operating time, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was executed using SPSS, Version 16.0. The statistical significance was evaluated at 5% level of significance (p value < 0.05). RESULTS: Between July 2018 and February 2019, 63 patients were included in each group. The percutaneous inserted guidewire entered the ureter in 92% in group1 and 74.6% in group 2 (p = 0.034). Stone fragments migrated to the middle calyx in 3.2% in group1 and 9.5% in group 2 (p = 0.033). A second puncture was required in one patient in group 1 and in 5 patients in group 2 (p = 0.04). The operative duration (minutes) was 13.46 ± 1.09 in the group 1 while 16.58 ± 1.44 in the group 2 (p = 0.002). Thoracic complications (hydropneumothorax) occurred to 2 patients in superior calyceal access group managed with intercostal tube drainage (p = 0.243).Post operatively blood transfusion was required in two patients in group 2 (p = 0.169). Angioembolization was done in one patient among the inferior calyceal access approach (p = 0.683). Complete stone clearance assessed at 3 months was 96.8% in group 1 and 85.7% in group 2 (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Superior calyceal access is a safe and most efficacious in terms of achieving complete stone clearance rate with reduced operative time, minimal blood loss, less need for a second puncture and auxiliary procedures at minimal complications. STUDY REGISTRATION: Clinical trials registry - INDIA; CTRI/2018/07/014,687.

Utilization of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice and focal therapy: report from a Delphi consensus project.

PURPOSE: To codify the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for the interrogation of prostate neoplasia (PCa) in clinical practice and focal therapy (FT). METHODS: An international collaborative consensus project was undertaken using the Delphi method among experts in the field of PCa. An online questionnaire was presented in three consecutive rounds and modified each round based on the comments provided by the experts. Subsequently, a face-to-face meeting was held to discuss and finalize the consensus results. RESULTS: mpMRI should be performed in patients with prior negative biopsies if clinical suspicion remains, but not instead of the PSA test, nor as a stand-alone diagnostic tool or mpMRI-targeted biopsies only. It is not recommended to use a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner without an endorectal or pelvic phased-array coil. mpMRI should be performed following standard biopsy-based PCa diagnosis in both the planning and follow-up of FT. If a lesion is seen, MRI-TRUS fusion biopsies should be performed for FT planning. Systematic biopsies are still required for FT planning in biopsy-naïve patients and for patients with residual PCa after FT. Standard repeat biopsies should be taken during the follow-up of FT. The final decision to perform FT should be based on histopathology. However, these consensus statements may differ for expert centers versus non-expert centers. CONCLUSIONS: The mpMRI is an important tool for characterizing and targeting PCa in clinical practice and FT. Standardization of acquisition and reading should be the main priority to guarantee consistent mpMRI quality throughout the urological community.

[Management of malignant ureteral obstruction.] / Manejo de la obstrucción ureteral maligna.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the different therapeutic alternatives in malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO), and to analyze short and long-term results. METHODS: We conducted a bibliographic search about MUO in Spanish and English languages in PubMed and Google Scholar. We examined the most relevant reviews, original manuscripts and their respective citations. Last search was on April 2016. RESULTS: Polymeric double J stent is the cheapest and most accessible internal urinary diversion, but has also the shortest duration. Early and late failure rates were 0-35% and 14-49% respectively. Mean time to late failure was 3-12 months. Percutaneous nephrostomy is the safest alternative in terms of failure rates, though it has frequent complications such as tube dislodgement, and may have a negative effect on quality of life. The only metallic double J stent with enough bibliographic background is the Resonance® stent. Early failure was 0-15% and late failure 4-41%, with a mean time to late failure of 2.6-13 months. Regarding metallic stents, Memokath 051® has obtained the best results, with 0-5% early failure rates, 19-49% late failures and mean time to late failure of 7-11 months. In patients with polymeric double J stent failure, patients benefited from tandem double J stents, metallic double J catheters or metallic stents, avoiding the need of a percutaneous nephrostomy. The evidence level was low in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Results in MUO are very heterogeneous and have a low evidence level. Factors that influence results include stent characteristics, status and prognosis of the obstructive condition and probably patient and physician's preferences. Polymeric double J stents seem to have higher early and late failure rates than metallic double J catheters and metallic stents. Even though, the difference is not clearly evident. Prospective, multicenter, multidisciplinary trials are necessary to elucidate convenience and adequate selection of each type of stent.

Cryoablation of small kidney tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Cryoablation (CA) has been broadly used mostly in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs). The present review aims to define the current role of CA in the treatment of SRMs by assessing clinical indications and outcomes. METHOD: A comprehensive review on patient selection, procedural details, perioperative complications, and short/long-term oncological and functional outcomes was conducted. For each section, a take-home message was formulated with level of evidence (LoE) according to Cochrane collaboration. RESULTS: Age and comorbidity drive the choice of ablation in SRMs, although hospital setting also influences the decision. Technically in adequate CA or first post-CA control occurs in 3-5% of laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) or percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) series. Meta-analysis does not evidence differences in the rate of residual tumor per person-year between the approaches (0.033 LCA vs. 0.046 PCA, p = 0.25). Perioperative complications (8-25%) are erratically reported. LCA has significantly lower likelihood of complications than minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN). Systematic reviews indicate 30-month local tumor progression rate of 8.5% for LCA in renal cell carcinoma but low metastatic progression (1-4.4%). Few LCA long-term follow-up series (mean/media 48-98 months) report recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) ranges of 80-100%. For PCA, Kaplan-Meier local disease-free survival (DFS) of 95.6% at 3-5 years [32] and 5-year overall survival and local RFS of 86.3% were reported. The decrease in renal function after CA is minimal, and the only risk factor associated is the basal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CONCLUSION: LoE 3a/b confirms lower CA perioperative complication rate and higher local progression rate than those for MIPN. CA preserves postoperative renal functional, without any evidence of differences in mid-/long-term follow-up compared to nephron sparing surgery.

[Advances in ultrasound techniques for the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. Elastography, Doppler ultrasound, ultrasound contrast media, ultrasound quantification media and MRI fusion]. / Avances en las Técnicas Ecográficas para el diagnóstico y estadiaje del cáncer de próstata. Elastografía, Ecografía doppler, Contrastes Ecográficos, Métodos de Cuantificación ecográfica y fusión con Resonancia Magnética Nuclear.

OBJECTIVES: Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Various Ultrasound modalities have been proposed to increase the cancer detection rate. Our purpose is to evaluate each of these methods , and to present its current literature and clinical utility. METHOD: A non structured review of the current literature was conducted over these different various ultrasound modalities used during the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsied in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. RESULTS: The data investigation of the various modalities associated sonographic features exhibits great heterogeneity and highly variable results. Some new techniques sampling present promising results with high sensitivity and specificity, thus increasing the diagnostic yield of transrectal biopsy. It seems that elastography shows encouraging figures, especially given the recent introduction of the "shearvawe" elastography that decreases the user-dependent factor. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy has an acceptable sensitivity in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, but its specificity is still low. Various modalities associated with ultrasound are available in clinical practice in order to increase cancer detection rate. Although some promising data have been published for some of the modalities, we believe the combination of these includes validated ultrasound guided biopsy protocols to accurately target and diagnose prostate cancer.

[Diagnosis of upper urinary tract tumors. A pending challenge]. / Diagnóstico de tumores de tracto urinario superior. Un desafío pendiente.

Early diagnosis of upper urinary tract tumors is not easy. The development of endoscopic equipment has expanded the group of patients candidates for minimally invasive treatment. Only by providing accurate tumor staging and grading can clinicians decide which patients should be offered conservative therapies. We need diagnostic methods that allow us to make an early and accurate diagnosis for these lesions, as well as safe follow-up. Our proposal is to present a review of the most used diagnostic method, their features, and future diagnostic tools. The diagnostic arsenal requires further improvement. Only through accurate diagnosis, we will be able to safely provide conservative treatment. Developing new diagnostic techniques seem to move us closer to this goal even more. We propose a working algorithm on the management of these lesions.

The role of imaging in the active surveillance of small renal masses.

Up to 66 % of renal cell carcinomas are detected as small renal masses before the presence of clinical symptoms. Small renal mass treatment has evolved from the exclusive use of radical nephrectomy to the use of nephron sparing procedures where possible. An increase in elderly and comorbid patients, together with the notion that just 20 % of small renal masses show high malignant potential, has prompted interest in active surveillance as a treatment option. Modern imaging techniques provide objective follow-up parameters, namely size, invasion of collecting system or perirenal fat and enhancement patterns, with minimal complication risks or patient discomfort. This review evaluates recent developments in the field of active surveillance for small renal masses. Special focus is placed on the role of imaging in the primary decision making and subsequent follow-up during active surveillance.

Laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses: Current State.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an up-to-date review of the available literature on laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses (SRMs) including technique description, indications and outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in March 2012, using MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid databases, to identify studies on laparoscopic cryotherapy for SRMs published during the last 10 years. Only English-language and human-based full manuscripts reporting case series studies with >20 participants, patient characteristics, efficacy and safety data were included. RESULTS: No randomised controlled trials (RCTs)were identified. In total, 27 full reports addressing laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) for SRMs were selected. The number of patients per study ranged from 20 to 144. Mean age of treated patients across the series ranged from 62 to 73 years. Mean size of renal tumors ranged from 2.7 to 4 cm, being in most cases <3 cm. The number of cryoprobes used for cryoablation ranged from 1 to 6, and only 10 series described the use of 17-gauge (1.47 mm) third-generation needles. Overall, more than 55% of all ablated lesions were pathologically confirmed RCC. Mean follow-up ranged from 9 to 93 months. Only 7 series presented a long-term follow-up of more than 36 months. Most studies were limited by a relatively short follow-up. At least four urologic groups reported intermediate- and long-term outcomes. Persistence rates ranged from 0% to 17% and recurrence rates ranged from 0% to 14%. Overall complication rates ranged from 0% to 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective observational data and a few prospective series on LCA of SRMs show acceptable oncological 3- to 5-year outcomes with a low recurrence rate. It has proven to be a safe procedure with an overall low complication rate. It is mainly indicated for SRMs in elderly patients affected by co-morbidity and high surgical risk bearing tumours in the anterior valve of the kidney or in contact with the ureter or neighbouring organs.

Crioablacion laparoscopica de pequeñas masas renales: Estado actual / Laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses: current state

OBJETIVO: Presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura disponible sobre crioablación laparoscópica de pequeñas masas renales (SRMs), incluyendo descripción de la técnica, indicaciones y resultados. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura hasta marzo de 2012, utilizando las bases de datos MEDLINE y EMBASE vía Ovid, para identificar estudios sobre crioablación laparoscópica de SRMs publicados durante los últimos 10 años. Sólo se incluyeron manuscritos en inglés y estudios basados en humanos, que reportaron series con más de 20 participantes, características de los pacientes, eficacia y seguridad del procedimiento. RESULTADOS: No se identificaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (RCTs). En total, se seleccionaron 27 trabajos originales sobre crioablación laparoscópica (LCA) de SRMs. El número de pacientes por estudio osciló entre 20 y 144. La edad media de los mismos a lo largo de las series osciló entre 62 y 73 años. El tamaño medio de los tumores renales osciló entre 2,7 y 4 cm, siendo en la mayoría de los casos ≤3 cm. El número de crioagujas utilizadas para crioablación osciló entre 1 y 6, mientras que sólo en 10 series se describió la utilización de crioagujas de tercera generación de 17 gauge (1,47 mm).En total, más del 55% de las lesiones tratadas resultaron carcinoma de células renales (RCC) confirmado por el análisis anatomopatológico. El seguimiento medio de los pacientes osciló entre 9 y 93 meses. Sólo 7 series presentaron un seguimiento a largo plazo superior a 36 meses. La mayoría de los estudios resultaron limitados por un seguimiento relativamente corto. Al menos cuatro grupos de investigación reportaron resultados a intermedio y a largo plazo. Las tasas de persistencia tumoral oscilaron entre 0% y 17%, mientras que las tasas de recidiva oscilaron entre 0% y 14%. La tasa global de complicaciones osciló entre 0% y 40%(AU)

CONCLUSIONES: Los datos de estudios observacionales y retrospectivos así como los de algunas series prospectivas, demostraron aceptables resultados oncológicos a 3 y 5 años y una baja tasa de recidiva. La LCA demostró ser un procedimiento seguro con una baja tasa global de complicaciones. Está indicada principalmente en el tratamiento de SRMs en pacientes añosos con alta comorbilidad y elevado riesgo quirúrgico, albergando tumores en la valva anterior del riñón o en contacto con el uréter u órganos vecinos(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To provide an up-to-date review of the available literature on laparoscopic cryotherapy for small renal masses (SRMs) including technique description, indications and outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in March 2012, using MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid databases, to identify studies on laparoscopic cryotherapy for SRMs published during the last 10 years. Only English-language and human-based full manuscripts reporting case series studies with >20 participants, patient characteristics, efficacy and safety data were included. RESULTS: No randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. In total, 27 full reports addressing laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) for SRMs were selected. The number of patients per study ranged from 20 to 144. Mean age of treated patients across the series ranged from 62 to 73 years. Mean size of renal tumors ranged from 2.7 to 4 cm, being in most cases <3 cm. The number of cryoprobes used for cryoablation ranged from 1 to 6, and only 10 series described the use of 17-gauge (1.47 mm) third-generation needles. Overall, more than 55% of all ablated lesions were pathologically confirmed RCC.Mean follow-up ranged from 9 to 93 months. Only 7 series presented a long-term follow-up of more than 36 months. Most studies were limited by a relatively short follow-up. At least four urologic groups reported intermediate- and long-term outcomes. Persistence rates ranged from 0% to 17% and recurrence rates ranged from 0% to 14%. Overall complication rates ranged from 0% to 40%(AU)

CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective observational data and a few prospective series on LCA of SRMs show acceptable oncological 3- to 5-year outcomes with a low recurrence rate. It has proven to be a safe procedure with an overall low complication rate. It is mainly indicated for SRMs in elderly patients affected by co-morbidity and high surgical risk bearing tumours in the anterior valve of the kidney or in contact with the ureter or neighbouring organs(AU)

Evaluation of renal masses with contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

The clinical need for characterising small renal masses (SRMs) is increasing due to their rising incidental detection. This increase is especially seen in younger and older generations and concerns mainly SRMs. Diagnostics is mainly made by contrast-enhanced CT or MRI. However, these imaging methods fail to accurately distinguishing benign from malignant SRMs. Other disadvantages of CT or MRI are high costs, the use of ionizing radiation, nephrotoxicity induced by iodine contrast agents or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) induced by gadolinium contrast agents. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is based on ultrasonography and microbubbles to real-time visualize the renal blood flow without the use of nephrotoxic agents or ionizing radiation. This comprehensive review evaluates the capabilities of CEUS in the diagnostics of benign (angiomyolipomas, cysts, oncocytomas, pseudotumors) and malignant masses (renal cell carcinomas), and focuses on possible future treatment.

Maintaining success, reducing treatment burden, focusing on survivorship: highlights from the third European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer.

In November 2011, the Third European Consensus Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Germ-Cell Cancer (GCC) was held in Berlin, Germany. This third conference followed similar meetings in 2003 (Essen, Germany) and 2006 (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) [Schmoll H-J, Souchon R, Krege S et al. European consensus on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer: a report of the European Germ-Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG). Ann Oncol 2004; 15: 1377-1399; Krege S, Beyer J, Souchon R et al. European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer: a report of the second meeting of the European Germ-Cell Cancer Consensus group (EGCCCG): part I. Eur Urol 2008; 53: 478-496; Krege S, Beyer J, Souchon R et al. European consensus conference on diagnosis and treatment of germ-cell cancer: a report of the second meeting of the European Germ-Cell Cancer Consensus group (EGCCCG): part II. Eur Urol 2008; 53: 497-513]. A panel of 56 of 60 invited GCC experts from all across Europe discussed all aspects on diagnosis and treatment of GCC, with a particular focus on acute and late toxic effects as well as on survivorship issues. The panel consisted of oncologists, urologic surgeons, radiooncologists, pathologists and basic scientists, who are all actively involved in care of GCC patients. Panelists were chosen based on the publication activity in recent years. Before the meeting, panelists were asked to review the literature published since 2006 in 20 major areas concerning all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of GCC patients, and to prepare an updated version of the previous recommendations to be discussed at the conference. In addition, ∼50 E-vote questions were drafted and presented at the conference to address the most controversial areas for a poll of expert opinions. Here, we present the main recommendations and controversies of this meeting. The votes of the panelists are added as online supplements.

Guía clínica sobre el cáncer de testículo de la EAU: actualización de 2011 / EAU Guidelines on Testicular Cancer: 2011 Update

Contexto: La Asociación Europea de Urología (EAU) estableció la guía clínica para el diagnóstico, la terapia y el seguimiento del cáncer de testículo. Objetivo: Este artículo es una versión abreviada de la guía clínica del cáncer de testículo de la EAU y resume las conclusiones principales de la guía sobre el tratamiento del cáncer testicular. Obtención de evidencia: Un equipo multidisciplinar de guías clínicas compiló esta guía. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática mediante Medline y Embase, tomando también datos Cochrane e información del European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group. Un grupo de expertos valoró las referencias y se asignó un nivel de evidencia y grado de recomendación. Resultados: La bibliografía, especialmente con respecto al seguimiento a más largo plazo, es escasa y los resultados de varios ensayos en curso están a la espera. La elección del centro de tratamiento es de suma importancia y el tratamiento en centros de referencia en ensayos clínicos, especialmente en tumores de células germinativas no seminomatosos, proporciona mejores resultados. En los pacientes con seminoma en estadio clínico I, en base a información publicada recientemente sobre toxicidad a largo plazo, ya no se recomienda la radioterapia adyuvante como tratamiento adyuvante de primera línea. Se recomienda la clasificación TNM del 2009. Conclusiones: Esta guía contiene información para el tratamiento normalizado de los pacientes con cáncer de testículo en base a las apreciaciones científicas más recientes. Las tasas de curación son generalmente excelentes, pero como el cáncer de testículo afecta principalmente a hombres en su tercera o cuarta década de vida, los efectos del tratamiento en la fertilidad requieren ayuda psicológica para los pacientes. Además, el tratamiento debe ser individualizado teniendo en cuenta las circunstancias individuales y las preferencias del paciente. Mensaje a principal: Aunque el cáncer de testículo presenta unas tasas de curación excelentes, la elección del centro de tratamiento es de capital importancia. Los centros expertos logran mejores resultados tanto para el cáncer testicular en estadio inicial (tasas de recidiva más bajas) como para la supervivencia global (estadios más altos en los ensayos clínicos). En los pacientes con seminoma en estadio clínico I, ya no se recomienda la radioterapia adyuvante como tratamiento adyuvante de primera línea (AU)

Context: On behalf of the European Association of Urology (EAU), guidelines for the diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up of testicular cancer were established. Objective: This article is a short version of the EAU testicular cancer guidelines and summarises the main conclusions from the guidelines on the management of testicular cancer. Evidence acquisition: Guidelines were compiled by a multidisciplinary guidelines working group. A systematic review was carried out using Medline and Embase, also taking Cochrane evidence and data from the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group into consideration. A panel of experts weighted the references, and a level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assigned. Results: There is a paucity of literature especially regarding longer term follow-up, and results from a number of on going trials are awaited. The choice of treatment centre is of the utmost importance, and treatment in reference centres within clinical trials, especially for poor prognosis non seminomatous germ cell tumours, provides better outcomes. For patients with clinical stage I seminoma, based on recently published data on long-term toxicity, adjuvant radiotherapy is no longer recommended as first-line adjuvant treatment. The TNM classification 2009 is recommended. Conclusions: These guidelines contain information for the standardised management of patients with testicular cancer based on the latest scientific insights. Cure rates are generally excellent, but because testicular cancer mainly affects men in their third or fourth decade of life, treatment effects on fertility require careful counselling of patients, and treatment must be tailored taking individual circumstances and patient preferences into account. Take Home Message: Although testicular cancer has excellent cure rates, the choice of treatment centre is of the utmost importance. Expert centres achieve better results for both early stage testicular cancer (lower relapse rates) and overall survival (higher stages within clinical trials). For patients with clinical stage I seminoma, adjuvant radiotherapy is no longer recommended as first-line adjuvant treatment (AU)

[EAU guidelines on testicular cancer: 2011 update. European Association of Urology]. / Guía clínica sobre el cáncer de testículo de la EAU: actualización de 2011.

CONTEXT: On behalf of the European Association of Urology (EAU), guidelines for the diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up of testicular cancer were established. OBJECTIVE: This article is a short version of the EAU testicular cancer guidelines and summarises the main conclusions from the guidelines on the management of testicular cancer. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Guidelines were compiled by a multidisciplinary guidelines working group. A systematic review was carried out using Medline and Embase, also taking Cochrane evidence and data from the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group into consideration. A panel of experts weighted the references, and a level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assigned. RESULTS: There is a paucity of literature especially regarding longer term follow-up, and results from a number of ongoing trials are awaited. The choice of treatment centre is of the utmost importance, and treatment in reference centres within clinical trials, especially for poor-prognosis nonseminomatous germ cell tumours, provides better outcomes. For patients with clinical stage I seminoma, based on recently published data on long-term toxicity, adjuvant radiotherapy is no longer recommended as first-line adjuvant treatment. The TNM classification 2009 is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines contain information for the standardised management of patients with testicular cancer based on the latest scientific insights. Cure rates are generally excellent, but because testicular cancer mainly affects men in their third or fourth decade of life, treatment effects on fertility require careful counselling of patients, and treatment must be tailored taking individual circumstances and patient preferences into account. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Although testicular cancer has excellent cure rates, the choice of treatment centre is of the utmost importance. Expert centres achieve better results for both early stage testicular cancer (lower relapse rates) and overall survival (higher stages within clinical trials). For patients with clinical stage I seminoma, adjuvant radiotherapy is no longer recommended as first-line adjuvant treatment.

New optical diagnostic tools in renal cell cancer.

In modern medicine the profound use of abdominal imaging has led to a dramatic change of presentation of renal tumors. Smaller tumors and therefore more benign masses are being discovered, and as systemic use of renal mass biopsies is not recommended by the general guidelines, an appropriate tool to assess the biology of renal tumors is highly desirable. Apart from new developments of currently applied diagnostic modalities, several research groups focus on the potential of optical diagnostic techniques to contribute to the diagnostic process of renal tumors. They use the interaction of light with biological tissue to gather information on the optical properties of a tissue sample and therefore providing information on the histological composition of this tissue in a non-invasive manner and in real-time. In this review we provide an overview of novel diagnostic techniques starting with the future of conventional diagnostics like Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) followed by optical technologies that are potentially employed in the nearby future to improve the diagnostic process of renal tumors with a focus on optical diagnostic techniques.

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy--the new standard of care?

PURPOSE: Traditionally the placement of a nephrostomy tube at the conclusion of percutaneous nephrolithotomy is considered the standard of care. However, the need for nephrostomy tube placement has been questioned by numerous authors. We evaluated the literature regarding tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and determined potential candidates for tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy and whether this procedure can be considered the new standard of care for complex stone removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE search was conducted between May 1997 and January 2010 to detect studies reporting tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy. "Nephrolithiasis," "percutaneous nephrolithotomy," "tubeless" and "lithotripsy" were used as medical subject headings (MeSH) key words. Additional citations were identified by reviewing the reference lists of the included articles. All relevant articles were reviewed for indications, outcomes and complications. RESULTS: The data obtained from 50 reports document comparable complication rates between tubeless and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy demonstrated advantages such as less pain, less debilitation, less costs and a shorter hospital stay. Mean stone-free rates for tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy were as high as 89%. CONCLUSIONS: Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy appears to be safe and efficacious in uneventful procedures, in children, in obese patients, in simultaneous bilateral procedures, in supracostal access and in renal units with coexisting anatomical anomalies. Nephrostomy tube placement should still be considered in certain cases such as those with more than 2 nephrostomy access tracts, those necessitating a second look and those with intraoperative complications such as significant bleeding or collecting system perforation.

[Cryotherapy for renal tumors: current status and contemporary developments]. / Crioterapia de tumores renales: estado actual y desarrollos contemporáneos.

The proportion of renal tumors found incidentally dramatically increased in the past decade. More than half of them were diagnosed in patients over 70 years of age, a population with high associated comorbidity. Nephron-sparing minimally invasive surgical procedures are aimed at treating patients with small renal tumors and multiple comorbidities. Cryotherapy stands out among all other ablative procedures because of its better mid-term oncological outcome. A non-systematic review of the literature on cryotherapy as a treatment for renal tumors was made, analyzing its indications, actual and future application techniques, results, and complications.

The role for active monitoring in urinary stones: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: All urinary stones may not need prompt active treatment. The aim of our study was to identify urinary stones that can be actively monitored safely. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the natural history and the role of active monitoring for urinary stones. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies have selected. Of symptomatic ureteral calculi <4 mm, 38% to 71% will pass spontaneously while only 4.8% of stones <2 mm will need intervention during surveillance. Follow-up with history, physical examination, urinalysis, and plain radiography every 2 weeks for 1 month is necessary. If spontaneous passage does not occur within this period, intervention is recommended. When shockwave lithotripsy for caliceal stones is prospectively compared with observation, there is no difference in stone-free rates (28% vs 17%), need for additional treatment (15% vs 21%), or visits to a general practitioner (18.5% vs 20.8%). Patients under observation may need more invasive procedures and may be more commonly left with residual stone fragments >5 mm (58% vs 30%). Isolated, nonuric acid calculi <4 mm may be most amenable to active monitoring. Physical examination, urinalysis, and CT scan performed on an annual basis up to year 2 or 3, followed by intervention, are recommended. Lower pole stones <10 mm could be actively monitored on an annual basis by alternating ultrasonoraphy with CT scan, provided the patients are adequately informed. Up to 58.6% and 43% of patients with residual fragments after shockwave and percutaneous lithotripsy, respectively, may become symptomatic or require intervention during follow-up. Noninfected, asymptomatic fragments, <4 mm postextracorporeal lithotripsy, and <2 mm postpercutaneous surgery could be followed expectantly on an annual basis, in combination with medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Active stone monitoring has a certain role in the treatment of patients with urinary stones. The success is largely dependent on the stone size, location, and composition, as well as the time after the diagnosis. Medical therapy is a useful adjunct to observation.

Crioterapia de tumores renales: estado actual y desarrollos contemporáneos / Cryotherapy for renal tumors: Current status and contemporary developments

La proporción de tumores renales incidentales ha incrementado drásticamente en la ultima década, siendo diagnosticados en más de la mitad de los casos en pacientes mayores de 70 años, población con una alta comorbilidad asociada. Las técnicas ablativas mínimamente invasivas conservadoras de parénquima están destinadas a tratar a pacientes con tumores renales pequeños y múltiple comorbilidad. La crioterapia destaca sobre otras técnicas ablativas por sus mejores resultados oncológicos a medio plazo. Realizamos una revisión no sistemática de la literatura médica analizando la crioterapia como tratamiento de los tumores renales, analizando sus indicaciones, las técnicas de aplicación actuales y las perspectivas de futuro, los resultados y las complicaciones (AU)

The proportion of renal tumors found incidentally dramatically increased in the past decade. More than half of them were diagnosed in patients over 70 years of age, a population with high associated comorbidity. Nephron-sparing minimally invasive surgical procedures are aimed at treating patients with small renal tumors and multiple comorbidities. Cryotherapy stands out among all other ablative procedures because of its better mid-term oncological outcome. A non-systematic review of the literature on cryotherapy as a treatment for renal tumors was made, analyzing its indications, actual and future application techniques, results, and complications (AU)