The sentinel node with technetium-99m for prostate cancer. A safe and mature new gold standard?

BACKGROUND: The objective was to carry out a prospective study to compare the current extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) to the sentinel node (SN) technique with 99mTcnanocolloid. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study between January 2013 and May 2020. In the first 74 patients, 99mTc-nanocolloid was used. Then from June 2017 onwards, in 38 patients we used a combined radiotracer prepared by adding indocyanine green (ICG). A preoperative SPECT/CT was also performed to check on the SNs. We extracted the SNs guided by a laparoscopic gamma-ray detection probe and/or a fluorescence camera. RESULTS: We included 112 patients with a Briganti nomogram-assessed risk of 5% or more. In 4 out of the total, the radiotracer did not migrate. The mean number of extracted nodes was 21.56 (13.46-29.71) and the mean of extracted SNs was 5.17 (1.83-8.51) (P<0.001). The technique that registered the most nodes with high activity was SPECT/CT, with an average of 4.33 nodes (2.42-6.23) (P<0.001). We found SNs outside the template in 78% of the patients. A total of 46% of the complications were related to ePLND. The SN biopsy showed a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97.5%, PVV of 92.86%, and NPV of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results prove that ePLND is a technique with significant morbidity; up to 46% of the complications were related to the ePLND. The SN surgery showed great accuracy in detecting metastases due to the SPECT/CT and a lower rate of complications than ePLND.

LC-MS metabolomics of urine reveals distinct profiles for non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Bladder cancer (BC) is among the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Novel non-invasive markers are needed to diagnose and stage BC with more accuracy than invasive procedures like cystoscopy. To date, no study has identified urine metabolites characteristic of all BC stages. To discover novel urine metabolomic profiles to diagnose and stage non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC) patients using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 198 BC patients and 98 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers without evidence of renal or bladder condition confirmed by ultrasound, from whom we collected a first morning urine sample (before surgery in patients). In a discovery stage, an untargeted metabolomic analysis was conducted in urine samples of a selection of 64 BC patients (19 TaG1, 11 TaG3, 20 T1G3, 12 T2G3, 1 T2G2, 1 T3G3) and 20 controls to identify dysregulated metabolites. Next, after exhaustive multivariate analysis, confirmed dysregulated metabolites were validated in an independent cohort of 134 BC patients (19 TaG1, 62 TaG2, 9 TaG3, 15 T1G2, 16 T1G3, 4 T2G2, 9 T2G3) and 78 controls. RESULTS: We validated p-cresol glucuronide as potential diagnostic biomarker for BC patients compared to controls (AUC = 0.79). For NMIBC, p-cresol glucuronide was valuable as staging biomarker (AUC = 0.803). And among NMIBCs, p-coumaric acid may be a potential specific staging biomarker for the TaG1 NMIBC; however, future validation experiments should be conducted once the precise version of the standard is commercially available. Remarkably, for MIBC we validated spermine as potential specific staging biomarker (AUC = 0.882). CONCLUSION: Ours is the first metabolomics study conducted in urine of a thoroughly characterized cohort comprising all stages of NMIBC, MIBC and healthy controls in which we identified non-invasive diagnostic and staging biomarkers. These may improve BC management, thus reducing the use of current harmful diagnostic techniques.

Identification of miR-20a-5p as Robust Normalizer for Urine microRNA Studies in Renal Cell Carcinoma and a Profile of Dysregulated microRNAs.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the third most frequent urinary malignancy and one of the most lethal. Current diagnostic and follow-up techniques are harmful and unspecific in low-grade tumors. Novel minimally invasive markers such as urine microRNAs (miRNAs) are under study. However, discrepancies arise among studies in part due to lack of consent regarding normalization. We aimed to identify the best miRNA normalizer for RCC studies performed in urine samples together with a miRNA profile with diagnostic value and another for follow-up. We evaluated the performance of 120 candidate miRNAs in the urine of 16 RCC patients and 16 healthy controls by RT-qPCR followed by a stability analysis with RefFinder. In this screening stage, miR-20a-5p arose as the most stably expressed miRNA in RCC and controls, with a good expression level. Its stability was validated in an independent cohort of 51 RCC patients and 32 controls. Using miR-20a-5p as normalizer, we adjusted and validated a diagnostic model for RCC with three miRNAs (miR-200a-3p, miR-34a-5p and miR-365a-3p) (AUC = 0.65; Confidence Interval 95% [0.51, 0.79], p = 0.043). let-7d-5p and miR-205-5p were also upregulated in patients compared to controls. Comparing RCC samples before surgery and fourteen weeks after, we identified let-7d-5p, miR-152-3p, miR-30c-5p, miR-362-3p and miR-30e-3p as potential follow-up profile for RCC. We identified validated targets of most miRNAs in the renal cell carcinoma pathway. This is the first study that identifies a robust normalizer for urine RCC miRNA studies, miR-20a-5p, which may allow the comparison of future studies among laboratories. Once confirmed in a larger independent cohort, the miRNAs profiles identified may improve the non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of RCC.

Eighteen years of experience with pediatric nutcracker syndrome: the importance of the conservative approach.

INTRODUCTION: Nutcracker syndrome (NS) defines an entity generated by the compression of the left renal vein resulting in venous hypertension, which transmitted in a retrograde direction may cause hematuria, proteinuria, and varicocele. The literature concerning exclusively pediatric patients is very rare. OBJECTIVE: To report the authors' experience with pediatric NS in the last 18 years. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of the patients followed up in the authors' center with diagnosis of NS based on clinical and imaging tests (ultrasound, computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, and phlebography). The primary outcome was the success of the conservative approach in the study patients. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 21 patients were diagnosed with NS and followed up for a mean period of 52.3 months (37.1-67.5). The mean age at diagnosis was 11.7 years (9.9-13.4). The most frequent symptom of presentation was hematuria in 16 patients (76.2%), being macroscopic in 75% patients and related to physical exercise in 42.9% patients. Other symptoms were left varicocele in 7 patients (33%) and proteinuria in 6 patients (28.6%). Mild to moderate cases received conservative treatment (change of physical activity, postural hygiene), which achieved resolution of symptoms in 16 patients (76.2%). Five cases (23.8%) finally needed a more aggressive approach. Two (9.5%) of them required endovascular procedures (intravascular stent in the renal vein in 1 case and embolization of the spermatic vein in 1 case); in one (4.8%) of the patients, transposition of the left renal vein and kidney autotransplantation were performed, and 2 (9.5%) of the patients with mild cases required surgical correction of the varicocele. CONCLUSIONS: Hematuria, usually macroscopic and related to physical exercise, is the most frequent symptom in pediatric patients with NS. The authors advocate studying the aortomesenteric junction by abdominal ultrasound in patients with varicocele or with intermittent macroscopic hematuria. Diagnosis is based on non-invasive tests; phlebography should be reserved for severe cases that require an interventionist attitude. A long period of conservative treatment is the first approach for pediatric patients with NS.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD): do genetic disorders modify assisted reproductive technologies outcomes? / Ausencia congénita bilateral del conducto deferente: ¿Modifican las alteraciones genéticas los resultados de las tecnicas de reproducción asistida?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of common Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene mutations, 5T polymorphism and presence of severe Cystic Fibrosis (CF) on fertility outcomes with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) in patients presenting Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (CBAVD). METHODS: A comparative observational cohort study was performed from 2002 to 2018 with 51 patients with diagnosis of CBAVD. Presence of CFTR mutations and 5T, CF, pregnancy and newborn rates were analyzed. RESULTS: 80.4% percent had some mutation of CFTR gene being ΔF508 the most common (51%). The most frequently described genotype was the 7T/9T (31.4%) with the presence of 5T polymorphism in up to 25.5% of cases. Global newborn rates were 34% in the group using partner spermatozoa. When comparing 5T presence, we observed a decrease in newborn rates when carrying this mutation, without obtaining statistical significance (newborn rate: 5T/non-5T: 7.1/28%, p 0.45). No differences were found when comparing presence of severe CF, common CFTR gene mutations and ICSI-related parameters. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the presence of 5T polymporphism in CBAVD patients may add information when predicting the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el impacto de las mutaciones del gen CFTR regulador de la conductancia transmembrana de la fibrosis quística, los polimorfismos 5T y la presencia de fibrosis quística (FQ) grave en los resultados de fertilidad de las técnicas de reproducción asistida en pacientes que presentan ausencia bilateral congénita de conductos deferentes.MÉTODOS: Estudio comparativo observacional de cohortes realizado desde 2002 hasta 2018 con 51 pacientes con el diagnóstico de ausencia bilateral congénita de conductos deferentes. Se analizaron la presencia de mutaciones del gen CFTR y 5T, fibrosis quística y tasas de embarazo y nacimientos. RESULTADOS: 80,4% tenían alguna mutación del CFTR siendo la ΔF508 la más frecuente (51%). El genotipo descrito con mayor frecuencia era 7T/9T (31,4%) con la presencia de polimorfismo 5T en hasta el 25,5% de los casos. Las tasas de nacimientos globales fueron del 34% en el grupo que utilizaba espermatozoides del marido. Cuando se compara la presencia de 5T, observamos una disminución en las tasas de nacimientos en los portadores de esta mutación, sin obtener significación estadística (Tasa de nacimientos 5T/no-5T: 7,1/28%, p=0,45). No se encontraron diferencias en la comparativa entre la presencia de FQ severa, mutaciones comunes del gen CFTR y los parámetros relacionados con la ICSI. CONCLUSIONES: El análisis de la presencia de polimorfismo 5T en los pacientes con ausencia bilateral congénita de conductos deferentes puede añadir información para la predicción de los resultados de las técnicas de reproducción asistida.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (cbavd): do Genetic disorders modify assisted reproductive technologies Outcomes? / Ausencia congénita bilateral del conducto deferente: ¿Modifican las alteraciones genéticas los resultados de las tecnicas de reproducción asistida?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of common Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene mutations, 5T polymorphism and presence of severe Cystic Fibrosis (CF) on fertility outcomes with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) in patients presenting Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (CBAVD). METHODS: A comparative observational cohort study was performed from 2002 to 2018 with 51 patients with diagnosis of CBAVD. Presence of CFTR mutations and 5T, CF, pregnancy and newborn rates were analyzed. RESULTS: 80.4% percent had some mutation of CFTR gene being DeltaF508 the most common (51%). The most frequently described genotype was the 7T/9T (31.4%) with the presence of 5T polymorphism in up to 25.5% of cases. Global newborn rates were 34% in the group using partner spermatozoa. When comparing 5T presence, we observed a decrease in newborn rates when carrying this mutation, without obtaining statistical significance (newborn rate: 5T/non-5T: 7.1/28%, p 0.45). No differences were found when comparing presence of severe CF, common CFTR gene mutations and ICSI-related parameters. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the presence of 5T polymporphism in CBAVD patients may add information when predicting the outcome of assisted reproductive Techniques

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el impacto de las mutaciones del gen CFTR regulador de la conductancia transmembrana de la fibrosis quística, los polimorfismos 5T y la presencia de fibrosis quística (FQ) grave en los resultados de fertilidad de las técnicas de reproducción asistida en pacientes que presentan ausencia bilateral congénita de conductos deferentes. MÉTODOS: Estudio comparativo observacional de cohortes realizado desde 2002 hasta 2018 con 51 pacientes con el diagnóstico de ausencia bilateral congénita de conductos deferentes. Se analizaron la presencia de mutaciones del gen CFTR y 5T, fibrosis quística y tasas de embarazo y nacimientos. RESULTADOS: 80,4% tenían alguna mutación del CFTR siendo la DeltaF508 la más frecuente (51%). El genotipo descrito con mayor frecuencia era 7T/9T (31,4%) con la presencia de polimorfismo 5T en hasta el 25,5% de los casos. Las tasas de nacimientos globales fueron del 34% en el grupo que utilizaba espermatozoides del marido. Cuando se compara la presencia de 5T, observamos una disminución en las tasas de nacimientos en los portadores de esta mutación, sin obtener significación estadística (Tasa de nacimientos 5T/no-5T: 7,1/28%, p = 0,45). No se encontraron diferencias en la comparativa entre la presencia de FQ severa, mutaciones comunes del gen CFTR y los parámetros relacionados con la ICSI. CONCLUSIONES: El análisis de la presencia de polimorfismo 5T en los pacientes con ausencia bilateral congénita de conductos deferentes puede añadir información para la predicción de los resultados de las técnicas de reproducción asistida

[Sentinel lymph node selective biopsy in prostate cancer.] / Ganglio centinela en cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the sentinel lymph node selective biopsy (SLNSB) in the staging of Prostate Cancer with Briganti Index > 5 by comparison with extended lymphadenectomy (ePLND) in a prospective longitudinal study. METHODS: SLNSB has been performed in 84 patients, the first 70 by injection of nanocoloids marked with Tc99m and preoperative SPECT-CT, and in the last 14 with mixed radiotracer (99mTc + ICG). After laparoscop ic removal of sentinel nodes all patients underwent an ePLND. RESULTS: SPECT-CT showed radiotracer deposits outside the territory of the ePLND in 76% of patients and laparoscopic gamma probe in 57%. The median number of sentinel nodes removed was 5.2 with a total average number of lymph nodes removed of 22. In all cases with metastatic nodes (28% in the series) there was at least one positive sentinel node but metastatic sentinel nodes outside of the territory of the ePLND were found in 6/24 patients (25%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 99mTc were 100%, 96.07%, 90.47% and 100%, respectively. In 5 out of 14 patients with mixed radiotracer, lymph node involvement was detected. In all of them there was at least one sentinel node affected with 99mTc, and only 3 showed fluorescence with 100% sensitivity and 100% NPV for 99mTc and 60% sensitivity and 77.77% NPV for ICG. CONCLUSION: The SLNSB with 99mTc has a high sensitivity and a VPN of 100%, increasing the identification of lymphatic metastases outside the territory of the ePLND. Fluorescence can facilitate the visualization of the sentinel nodes when they have been previously located by the SPECT-CT, although the sensitivity and the NPV of the ICG are lower than that of the 99mTc.

OBJETIVO: Validar la biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela (BSGC) en la estadificación del Cáncer de Próstata con Indice de Briganti > 5 mediante comparación con la linfadenectomía extendida (LFDe) en un estudio prospectivo longitudinal.MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado BSGC a 84 pacientes, los 70 primeros mediante inyección de nanocoloides marcados con Tc99m y SPECT-TC preoperatoria, y en los 14 últimos con radiotrazador mixto (Tc99m + ICG). A todos los pacientes tras la extracción laparoscópica de los ganglios centinelas se les realizó una LFDe. RESULTADOS: La SPECT-TC mostró depósitos del radiotrazador fuera del territorio de la LFDe en el 76% de los pacientes y la gammasonda laparoscópica en el 57%.La media de ganglios centinelas extraídos fue 5,2 con una media total de ganglios linfáticos extraídos de 22. En todos los casos con ganglios metastáticos (28% de la serie) hubo, al menos, un ganglio centinela positivo, encontrando ganglios centinela metastásicos fuera del territorio de la LFDe en 6/24 pacientes (25%). La sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP y VPN del Tc99m fue del 100%, 96,07%, 90,47% y 100%, respectivamente. En 5 de los 14 pacientes con radiotrazador mixto se detectó afectación ganglionar. En todos ellos hubo como mínimo un ganglio centinela afecto con Tc99m y sólo 3 mostraron fluorescencia, con sensibilidad del 100% y VPN del 100% para el Tc99m y sensibilidad del 60% y VPN del 77,77% para el ICG.CONCLUSIÓN: La BSGC con Tc99m tiene una alta sensibilidad y un VPN del 100%, aumentando la identificación de metástasis linfáticas fuera del territorio de la LFDe. La fluorescencia puede facilitar la visualización de los centinelas cuando se tiene una localización previa de los mismos con el SPECT-TAC, aunque la sensibilidad y el VPN del ICG es inferior al del Tc99m.

Ganglio centinela en cáncer de próstata / Sentinel lymph node selective biopsy in prostate cancer

Objetivo: Validar la biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela (BSGC) en la estadificación del Cáncer de Próstata con Indice de Briganti > 5 mediante comparación con la linfadenectomía extendida (LFDe) en un estudio prospectivo longitudinal. Métodos: Se ha realizado BSGC a 84 pacientes, los 70 primeros mediante inyección de nanocoloides marcados con Tc99m y SPECT-TC preoperatoria, y en los 14 últimos con radiotrazador mixto (Tc99m + ICG). A todos los pacientes tras la extracción laparoscópica de los ganglios centinelas se les realizó una LFDe. Resultados: La SPECT-TC mostró depósitos del radiotrazador fuera del territorio de la LFDe en el 76% de los pacientes y la gammasonda laparoscópica en el 57%.La media de ganglios centinelas extraídos fue 5,2 con una media total de ganglios linfáticos extraídos de 22. En todos los casos con ganglios metastáticos (28% de la serie) hubo, al menos, un ganglio centinela positivo, encontrando ganglios centinela metastásicos fuera del territorio de la LFDe en 6/24 pacientes (25%). La sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP y VPN del Tc99m fue del 100%, 96,07%, 90,47% y 100%, respectivamente. En 5 de los 14 pacientes con radiotrazador mixto se detectó afectación ganglionar. En todos ellos hubo como mínimo un ganglio centinela afecto con Tc99m y sólo 3 mostraron fluorescencia, con sensibilidad del 100% y VPN del 100% para el Tc99m y sensibilidad del 60% y VPN del 77,77% para el ICG. Conclusión: La BSGC con Tc99m tiene una alta sensibilidad y un VPN del 100%, aumentando la identificación de metástasis linfáticas fuera del territorio de la LFDe. La fluorescencia puede facilitar la visualización de los centinelas cuando se tiene una localización previa de los mismos con el SPECT-TAC, aunque la sensibilidad y el VPN del ICG es inferior al del Tc99m

Objective: To validate the sentinel lymph node selective biopsy (SLNSB) in the staging of Prostate Cancer with Briganti Index > 5 by comparison with extended lymphadenectomy (ePLND) in a prospective longitudinal study. Methods: SLNSB has been performed in 84 patients, the first 70 by injection of nanocoloids marked with Tc99m and preoperative SPECT-CT, and in the last 14 with mixed radiotracer (99mTc + ICG). After laparoscop ic removal of sentinel nodes all patients underwent an ePLND. Results: SPECT-CT showed radiotracer deposits outside the territory of the ePLND in 76% of patients and laparoscopic gamma probe in 57%. The median number of sentinel nodes removed was 5.2 with a total average number of lymph nodes removed of 22. In all cases with metastatic nodes (28% in the series) there was at least one positive sentinel node but metastatic sentinel nodes outside of the territory of the ePLND were found in 6/24 patients (25%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 99mTc were 100%, 96.07%, 90.47% and 100%, respectively. In 5 out of 14 patients with mixed radiotracer, lymph node involvement was detected. In all of them there was at least one sentinel node affected with 99mTc, and only 3 showed fluorescence with 100% sensitivity and 100% NPV for 99mTc and 60% sensitivity and 77.77% NPV for ICG. Conclusion: The SLNSB with 99mTc has a high sensitivity and a VPN of 100%, increasing the identification of lymphatic metastases outside the territory of the ePLND. Fluorescence can facilitate the visualization of the sentinel nodes when they have been previously located by the SPECT-CT, although the sensitivity and the NPV of the ICG are lower than that of the 99mTc

Surgical Treatment of Completely Endophytic Renal Tumor: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An endophytic renal tumor represents a special surgical challenge in terms of location and safe removal. For this reason we wanted to review the existing literature on this subject. RECENT FINDINGS: In high-activity robotic centers, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is a safe and efficacious surgical approach for completely endophytic renal tumors. As research innovation, the application of the radio-guided occult lesion localization technique (ROLL) facilitates the location and complete excision of the tumor during surgery. There are few studies that specifically report the experience with completely endophytic renal tumors. The endophytic tumor is usually smaller than exophytic. Frequently it represents a high complexity value in the different Score systems reported in the last decade. This surgery should be performed by experienced urologists regardless of the surgical approach they prefer (open, laparoscopic, or robotic). It is necessary to develop new techniques for intraoperative easy localization and intraoperative evaluation of surgical margins.

Mid-term safety and efficacy of the ALTIS® single-incision sling for female stress urinary incontinence: less mesh, same results.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the mid-term safety and efficacy of the ALTIS® single-incision sling (Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-arm, unsponsored, observational single-centre trial in a cohort of patients undergoing SUI surgery with the ALTIS procedure. All patients were diagnosed according to clinical reports, physical exploration and urodynamics. Body mass index (BMI) was categorised according to World Health Organization classification. Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) was categorised in three groups: <60, 60-90 and >90 cmH2 O. Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months with physical examination, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and satisfaction visual scale (SVS; score 0-10). Adverse events were assessed at each visit. Multivariate analysis for risk factors of surgery failure was performed. RESULTS: We recruited 110 women, with a mean (SD) follow-up of 22.34 (10.34) months. Regarding efficacy, 91 patients (82.7%) were objectively cured and 97 (88.2%) were subjectively cured. Regarding VLPP and BMI, no differences were seen between groups (P > 0.05). There was a ~20% decrease in urge UI (P = 0.04). No variable showed to be an independent risk factor for ALTIS failure (P > 0.05). Overall, nearly 96% of the women reported 9 or 10 points on the SVS. A total of 24 patients (21.8%) had some kind of complication. No mesh erosion was reported in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: The ALTIS sling demonstrated to be an effective and safe procedure for SUI in the mid-term setting. Objective and subjective cure rates are at least comparable to 'gold standard' procedures with a minimal rate of self-limiting non-surgical complications.

Reconstrucción escrotal: cobertura mediante colgajo muscular de gracilis pediculado frente a injerto de piel parcial / Scrotal reconstruction with pedicled gracilis muscle flap versus split thickness skin graft

Introducción y Objetivo: La región escrotal presenta unas características especiales que otorgan una adecuada protección y termorregulación testicular. La etiología de su defecto puede ser múltiple, siendo la causa más frecuente la gangrena de Fournier. Hasta el momento actual se han descrito múltiples opciones reconstructivas, no obstante no se ha llegado a encontrar un método ideal. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los efectos de la reconstrucción escrotal mediante colgajo de músculo gracilis o injerto de piel parcial sobre la función hormonal testicular y la satisfacción del paciente. Material y Método: Desde enero de 2006 hasta marzo de 2016, 19 pacientes fueron sometidos a reconstrucción de defecto escrotal en nuestra unidad mediante cobertura con injerto de piel parcial o colgajo de gracilis pediculado. En todos los casos el defecto fue secundario a gangrena de Fournier. Estudiamos las características de los pacientes y medimos su función hormonal testicular, así como su satisfacción tras la reconstrucción al cabo de 5 ±3.6 años de postoperatorio. Resultados: De los 19 pacientes intervenidos, incluimos 11 en el estudio: 5 con reconstrucción mediante colgajo muscular de gracilis pediculado con injerto de piel parcial y 6 mediante injerto de piel parcial. No apreciamos diferencias entre los grupos respecto a los valores de función hormonal testicular. No obstante, observamos diferencias a favor de la reconstrucción mediante colgajo de gracilis pediculado respecto a satisfacción (93 frente a 60 puntos), sensación de protección (98 frente a 68 puntos), influencia en la actividad sexual (20% frente a 80%) y sensibilidad táctil grosera del área reconstruida (80% frente a 0%). Conclusiones: La reconstrucción de defecto escrotal mediante colgajo de gracilis. en nuestra muestra, ofreció un mejor resultado estético y una mayor satisfacción del paciente que la reconstrucción mediante injertos de piel parcial. Además, no observamos diferencias notables entre las dos técnicas reconstructivas respecto a la función hormonal testicular de los pacientes

Background and Objective: The scrotal area presents special characteristics that allow the protection and thermal regulation of testicles. The etiology of scrotum defect can be multiple, being the most frequent cause Fournier's gangrene. Multiple reconstructive options have been described, nevertheless it has not yet been reached an ideal method. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of scrotal reconstruction, using gracilis muscle flap or skin graft, on testicular hormonal function and patient satisfaction. Methods: From January 2006 to March 2016, 19 patients underwent a reconstruction of scrotum defect in our unit through covering by skin graft or pedicled gracilis flap. In all cases the defect was due to Fournier's gangrene. The characteristics of the patients were studied and testicle hormonal function as well as satisfaction after the reconstruction were assessed, with a mean follow-up of 5 ± 3.6 years. Results: From 19 operated patients, 11 were included in the survey: 5 patients were reconstructed through pedicled gracilis muscle flap with skin graft and 6 by means of split thickness skin graft. There were no differences between the groups with regard to the values of testicular hormonal function. Nevertheless, differences were observed in favor of the reconstruction by pedicled gracilis flap regarding to satisfaction (93 versus 60 points), feelings of protection (98 versus 68 points), effects on sexual activity (20% versus 80%) and tactile rude sensibility of the area reconstructed (80% versus 0%). Conclusions: Reconstruction of scrotum defect through pedicled gracilis flap turned out to be in our sample a better aesthetic result and a higher satisfaction of the patient that the reconstruction by means of skin grafts. However, no differences were found regarding testicular hormonal function

Evaluation of Adult Acute Scrotum in the Emergency Room: Clinical Characteristics, Diagnosis, Management, and Costs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinic characteristics, diagnosis, management, and costs of the adult acute scrotum in the emergency room (ER). Acute scrotum is a syndrome characterized by intense, acute scrotal pain that may be accompanied by other symptoms. It is usual in children and commonly found as well in adults, with different causal pathologies between these groups. METHODS: Between November 2013 and September 2014, 669 cases of adult acute scrotum who presented to our ER were prospectively analyzed. Patients under 15 years of age were excluded. Patient age, reason for consultation, investigations performed, final diagnosis, management, and costs were evaluated. For the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis U, and chi-square tests were used. RESULTS: A total of 669 cases of acute scrotum were analyzed. The mean age at presentation was 40.2 ± 17.3 years. The most presented diagnoses were orchiepididymitis (28.7%), epididymitis (28.4%), symptoms of uncertain etiology (25.1%), and orchitis (10.3%). Diagnostic tests were carried out in 57.8% of cases. Most cases were treated as outpatients (94.2%), with 5.83% admitted and 1% undergoing surgical treatment. Overall, 13.3% of patients represented to the ER. Abnormal results in blood and urine tests were more common among older patients and infectious pathologies. The average cost generated by an acute scrotum ER consult was 195.03€. CONCLUSION: Infectious pathologies are the most common causes of acute scrotum at ER. Abnormal blood and urine tests are unusual and are more common in older patients and infectious pathologies.