[Comparison between Valdivia position and prone position in percutaneous nephrolithotomy]. / Comparacin entre la posición de Valdivia y la posición prona en la nefrolitectomía percutánea (NLP).

INTRODUCTION: Although the supine position created by Dr. Valdivia two decades ago to perform the procedure known as percutaneous nephrolitectomy (PNL) presents advantages against the prone position in some aspects concerning anesthesia and surgical ergonomy, its use has failed to spread widely among the urology community due to certain technical difficulties, a lower rate of calculi clearing and a higher rate of complications, in spite of the fact that the scarce comparative studies do not show enough data to support this opinion. The present study compares both positions considering the technical difficulties encountered, their effectiveness and their results and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A series of 50 patients that underwent PCNL by prone position is compared retrospectively with another series of 54 patients that underwent consecutively PCNL by prone position. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia, the inferior calyx approach was the one used the most over the supracostal approach, and the sole tract over the multi-tract approach was predominant. Dilatation of the nephrostomy tract was done, in most of the cases, with a high-pressure balloon catheter. The stone surface treated was 399.93+/-58.2 mm2 for the supine group, and 416.36+/-46.54 mm2 for the prone one (p=0.456). The management of the stones was carried out by ultrasonic or ballistic fragmentation, and a small group of patients underwent direct stone removal. RESULTS: As far as demographic parameters and operative variables such as number of tracts performed, calyx election, type of tract dilatation and kind of energy used for fragmentation, both groups were homogeneous. In 3 cases of each group there was a failure to access the kidney. The rate of failure was 6%, and 5.56%, for the supine and prone groups, respectively (p=0.716). Average operating time was 74.55+/-25.54 and 91.82+/-24.82 minutes, respectively, p=0.123. A postoperative x-ray showed a stone-free rate of 76% for the supine group and 74% for the prone group, p=0.308. ESWL was the supplementary treatment for 12% of the patients in the supine group, and for 12.96% of the patients in the prone group p= 0.478, and a second procedure was performed on 4 (8%) patients in the supine group and on 3 (5.56%) in the prone one, p=0.697. Hospital stay was the same for both groups (5.89+/-4.7 for the supine group, and 5.5+/-4.09 for the prone one, p=0.694). As far as analgesia required, 6.89+/-4.87 was administered for the supine against 6.18+/-4.09 for the prone, p=0.580. The complications rate was very low for both groups and also very similar; one of the patients in the supine group suffered a lesion to the colon. CONCLUSION: Valdivia position is as feasible as the prone position for PCNL. Success rates, as far as stone clearing, and complications are similar for both positions.

Comparación entre la posición de Valdivia y la posición prona en la nefrolitectomía percutánea (NLP) / Comparison between Valdivia position and prone position in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Introducción: La posición supina, ideada por Valdivia hace dos décadas para la nefrolitectomía percutánea (NLP), a pesar de aventajar a la posición prona en aspectos concernientes a la anestesia y a la ergonomía quirúrgica, no ha tenido una amplia difusión en la comunidad urológica debido a que se ha asociado a una mayor dificultad técnica, menor tasa de limpieza de cálculos y mayor tasa de complicaciones, aunque los escasos estudios comparativos existentes no sustenten estos argumentos. En este trabajo se comparan ambas posiciones en la NLP analizando los resultados desde el punto de vista de la dificultad técnica, la eficacia en la resolución de la litiasis y de las complicaciones. Material y Métodos: Una serie de 50 pacientes a los que se les realizó una NLP en posición supina fue comparada de forma retrospectiva con otra de 54 pacientes intervenidos consecutivamente por NLP en posición prona. Todas las intervenciones fueron realizadas bajo anestesia general, predominando los abordajes del cáliz inferior y los trayectos únicos sobre los múltiples en ambos grupos. La dilatación del tracto de nefrostomía se realizó mayoritariamente con catéter balón de alta presión. El área litiásica media tratada fue de 399,93+58,2 mm2 en el grupo supino y de416,36+46,54 mm2 para el prono, (p= 0,456). La manipulación de la litiasis se llevó a cabo mediante fragmentación ultrasónica, mecánica y en un reducido número de pacientes se realizó extracción directa con pinzas. Resultados: Ambos grupos fueron semejantes en cuanto a los parámetros demográficos y a variables referentes a la técnica quirúrgica como el número de trayectos realizados, cáliz elegido para la punción, tipo de dilatación del tracto de nefrostomía o clase de energía utilizada en la fragmentación. Se fracasó en el acceso a las cavidades renales en 3 casos en cada grupo (6% para el grupo supino y 5,56% para el prono, (p= 0,716)). El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 74,55+25,54 min. para el grupo supino frente a 91,82+24,82 min. para el prono, (p=0,123). En el postoperatorio inmediato se observó, mediante una radiografía simple, una tasa de limpieza de cálculo de 76% para el grupo en supino y del 74% para el grupo en prono, (p= 0,308). Se empleó LEOCH como tratamiento complementario en el 12% de los pacientes del grupo supino y en el 12,96% del prono, (p=0,478), y se realizó una segunda NLP por litiasis residual en 4 (8%) y en 3 pacientes (5,56%) del grupo supino y del prono respectivamente (p=0,697). Hubo equivalencia en el postoperatorio de ambos grupos en cuanto a los días de hospitalización (5,89+4,7 para el supino vs 5,5+4,09 para el prono, p= 0,694), y en cuanto a la analgesia que precisaron (6,89+4,87 dosis en el supino frente a 6,18+4,09 dosis en el prono, (p=0,580). No hubo diferencias entre la tasa de complicaciones, que fue baja para ambos grupos, si bien, en un caso del grupo supino se produjo una lesión del colon. Conclusión: La posición de Valdivia es igual de factible que la posición prona en la NLP. Las tasas, tanto de éxito en cuanto a resolución litiásica, como de complicaciones son similares entre ambas posiciones (AU)

Introduction: Although the supine position created by Dr. Valdivia two decades ago to perform the procedure known as percutaneous nephrolitectomy (PNL) presents advantages against the prone position in some aspects concerning anesthesia and surgical ergonomy, its use has failed to spread widely among the urology community due to certain technical difficulties, a lower rate of calculi clearing and a higher rate of complications ,in spite of the fact that the scarce comparative studies do not show enough data to support this opinion. The present study compares both positions considering the technical difficulties encountered, their effectiveness and their results and complications. Material and Methods: A series of 50 patients that underwent PCNL by prone position is compared retrospectively with another series of 54patients that underwent consecutively PCNL by prone position. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia, the inferior calyx approach was the one used the most over the supracostal approach, and the sole tract over the multi-tract approach was predominant. Dilatation of the nephrostomy tract was done, in most of the cases, with a high-pressure balloon catheter. The stone surface treated was 399.93+58.2 mm2 for the supine group, and 416.36+46.54 mm2 for the prone one (p=0.456). The management of the stones was carried out by ultrasonic or ballistic fragmentation, and a small group of patients underwent direct stone removal. Results: As far as demographic parameters and operative variables such as number of tracts performed, calyx election, type of tract dilatation and kind of energy used for fragmentation, both groups were homogeneous. In 3 cases of each group there was a failure to access the kidney. The rate of failure was 6%, and 5.56%, for the supine and prone groups, respectively (p=0.716). Average operating time was 74.55+25.54 and 91.82+24.82 minutes, respectively, p=0.123. A postoperative x-ray showed a stone-free rate of 76% for the supine group and 74% for the prone group, p=0.308. ESWL was the supplementary treatment for 12% of the patients in the supine group, and for 12.96% of the patients in the prone group p=0.478, and a second procedure was performed on 4 (8%) patients in the supine group and on 3 (5.56%) in the prone one, p=0.697. Hospital stay was the same for both groups (5.89± 4.7 for the supine group, and 5.5 ± 4.09 for the prone one, p= 0.694). As far as analgesia required, 6.89 ± 4.87 was administered for the supine against 6.18±4.09 for the prone, p= 0.580. The complications rate was very low for both groups and also very similar; one of the patients in the supine group suffered a lesion to the colon. Conclusion: Valdivia position is as feasible as the prone position for PCNL. Success rates, as far as stone clearing, and complications are similar for both positions (AU)

[TRUS-guided biopsy: comparison of two anesthetic methods]. / Biopsia prostática ecodirigida: comparación de dos métodos anestésicos.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to compare two analgesic techniques for ultrasound transrectal biopsy. Oral analgesia vs periprosthetic nerve blockade with 2% mevicaine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 200 patients were randomized prospectively into 2 groups, namely group I: 100 patients treated with metamizol, oral morphine 30 minutes before the procedure, and group II: 100 patients anesthesied with periprosthetic nerve blockade with 2% mepivacaine. Both groups were treated with bromacepán 3 mg 30 minutes before the biopsy. The first intention was to obtain 10 core TRUS-guided biopsy in all patients underwent. After the procedure, a ten visual analogue pain score (VAS) from 0 = no discomfort to 10 = severe pain was administered to the biopsied patients and a global estimation of pain associated with the procedure was obtained. Test T de Student was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, PSA and prostate volume. 3 core TRUS-guided biopsy were obtain in group I (3 +/- 1.3), and 10 in group II (5 +/- 1.2) In the periprosthetic block group (II) 95% of patients referred no pain after the procedure (VAS = 0), 2% middle pain (VAS = 5-6) and 3% strong pain (VAS = 7-8); while patients in group I referred 12.5% no pain, 42.4% middle pain, 20% strong pain. The level of pain reported by this group of patients was significantly different from those reported by patients who performed prostate biopsy with periprosthetic nerve blockade. (p < or = 0.05). There were no significant differences in major complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bilateral periprosthetic block with mepivacaine is a very effective and useful technique, well tolerated by the patient, which almost completely abolishes the pain and discomfort associated with the prostate biopsy procedure. And also allows increase the number of cores.

Biopsia prostática ecodirigida: comparación de dos métodos anestésicos / Trus-guided biopsy: camparison of two anesthetic methods

Introducción: La intención de este estudio es comparar la efectividad de dos técnicas analgésicas, una oral frente al bloqueo con anestesia local de los nervios periprostáticos, en la realización de la biopsia prostática ecodirigida. Material y métodos: Un Total de 200 pacientes se han randomizado en dos grupos. Grupo I: 100 pacientes tratados con metamizol y morfina oral 30 minutos antes de la realización de la biopsia. Grupo II: 100 pacientes a los que se los ha anestesiado con mepivacaína al 2% en las bandeletas. Previamente a ambos grupos de pacientes se les suministró bromacepán 3 mg 30 minutos antes de la prueba. Después de la biopsia a los pacientes se les pidió que graduaran su dolor mediante una escala analógica visual, graduada de 0 (no dolor) a 10 dolor insoportable. Los datos obtenidos se manejaron estadísticamente con el test T de Student. Resultados: Ambos grupos no presentaron diferencias significativas con respecto a la edad, PSA y volumen prostático. Se obtuvieron en el grupo I, 3 biopsias por lóbulo (3+/-1,3), y en el II grupo 5 (5+/-1,2). En éste grupo el 95% de los pacientes no experimentaron dolor alguno tras la biopsia (VAS = 0), el 2% un dolor moderado (VAS=5-6), y el 3% un dolor intenso (VAS=7-8). Los pacientes del grupo I refirieron ningún dolor en 12,5%, dolor moderado el 42, 4% , y dolor intenso el 20% . Encontrándose diferencia significativa entre ambos grupos (p<=0,05) con respecto al dolor, pero no con respecto a las complicaciones referidas. Conclusión: La biopsia de próstata ecodirigida es una prueba muy bien tolerada bajo anestesia local con mepivacaína, disminuyendo el dolor asociado a la biopsia, lo cual permite realizar en el mismo acto una mayor toma de cilindros

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to compare two analgesic techniques for ultrasound transrectal biopsy. Oral analgesia vs periprosthetic nerve blockade with 2 % mevicaine. Patients and methods: A total of 200 patients were randomized prospectively into 2 groups, namely group I: 100 patients treated with metamizol, oral morphine 30 minutes before the procedure, and group II: 100 patients anesthesied with periprosthetic nerve blockade with 2% mepivacaine. Both groups were treated with bromacepán 3 mg 30 minutes before the biopsy. The first intention was to obtain 10 core TRUS-guided biopsy in all patients underwent. After the procedure, a ten visual analogue pain score (VAS) from 0 = no discomfort to 10 = severe pain was administered to the biopsied patients and a global estimation of pain associated with the procedure was obtained. Test T de Student was used for statistical analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in age, PSA and prostate volume. 3 core TRUS-guided biopsy were obtain in group I (3+/-1,3), and 10 in group II (5+/-1,2) In the periprosthetic block group (II) 95% of patients referred no pain after the procedure (VAS = 0), 2% middle pain (VAS=5-6) and 3% strong pain (VAS=7-8); while patients in group I referred 12,5% no pain , 42,4% middle pain, 20% strong pain. The level of pain reported by this group of patients was significantly different from those reported by patients who performed prostate biopsy with periprosthetic nerve blockade. (p<=0.05). There were no significant differences in major complications. Conclusions: The use of bilateral periprosthetic block with mepivacaine is a very effective and useful technique, well tolerated by the patient, which almost completely abolishes the pain and discomfort associated with the prostate biopsy procedure. And also allows increase the number of cores

[Treatment of stenosis in uretero-intestinal anastomosis]. / Tratamiento de las estenosis en las anastomosis uretero-intestinales.

UNLABELLED: We report our experience in the treatment of uretero-enteric anastomotic strictures. Our incidence in this complication is 3.8% in orthotopic bladder substitution and 8.3% in ileal conduict. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have treated this complication in 6 patients with orthotopic bladder substitution and 4 with ileal conduict. We tried to perform a dilatation with a high pressure balloon and to place a Double-J catheter. RESULTS: In 4 cases we could not introduce the guidewire through the stricture because there was a total stop. In the others 6 cases, one is doing well without Double-J, another one did not tolerate the catheter and we performed an open surgical reanastomosis, 2 kept the catheters until their death due to metastases and the other two continue alive with their catheter periodically replaced. CONCLUSIONS: The direct uretero-enteric anastomoses present less stenoses risk. Endourological techniques should be the first option in treatment of these patients.

Tratamiento de las estenosis en las anastomosis uretero-intestinales / Treatment of uretero-enteric anastomotic strictures

Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de las estenosis en las anastomosis uretero-intestinales. Nuestra incidencia en esta complicación en las sustituciones vesicales ortotópicas es del 3,8 por ciento, y en las ileostomías cutáneas del 8,3 por ciento. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Hemos tratado esta complicación a 6 pacientes con plastia de sustitución vesical ortotópica y 4 con ileostomía cutánea. Intentamos realizar una dilatación de la estenosis con balón de alta presión y dejar una sonda doble J. RESULTADOS: En 4 casos no logramos cateterizar la estenosis por existir un stop completo. De los otros 6 pacientes uno está bien sin doble J, otro no toleró la sonda y tuvimos que realizar una reanastomosis abierta, 2 mantuvieron la sonda hasta su fallecimiento por metástasis y otros 2 viven actualmente con sonda y cambios periódicos. CONCLUSIONES: Las anastomosis directas del uréter en el intestino tienen menos riesgo de estenosis. Las técnicas endourológicas deben ser la primera opción en el tratamiento de estos pacientes (AU)

[Ureteral stenosis of uretero-ileal anastomosis]. / Estenosis ureterales de las anastomosis urétero-ileales.

Replacement plasty allows to perform oncology surgery while maintaining body image and preserving renal function. Entero-ureteral anastomosis is a significant element in this procedure where the main responsible for the loss of renal function are stenosis, infection and reflux. Our group has performed 206 orthotopical vesical replacements (November 1981-November 1998), using a direct Wallace-type uretero-ileal anastomosis. An intussusception valve system was used as antireflux mechanism. The number of obstructions, rate of stenosis at the uretero-ileal junction and incidence of valve stenosis were all analyzed as part of the complications occurred over a follow-up period of 54 months (6-183). Findings included 6 stenosis at the uretero-intestinal junction and 2 at the intussusception valve. Two (3.8%) of the uretero-ileal stenosis were earlier and associated to fistula; one was treated with open surgery and one had a double J placed through antegrade percutaneous access. Of the remaining late four, only one was treated with a double J catheter while the other three had to be re-operated. Stenoses of the valvular system (1.2%) were solved with open surgery. From our experience, we believe that direct uretero-ileal implantation with scraping of the ureter is a safe technique with little risk for stenosis at the uretero-ileal junction. Intussusception was used a antireflux system in all cases.

[Orthotopic substitutive cystoplasty in women. Technical modifications in anterior exenteration: results in 9 cases]. / Plastia de sustitución vesical ortotópica en la mujer. Modificaciones técnicas en la exenteración anterior: resultado en 9 casos.

OBJECTIVE: The results obtained in 9 female patients who underwent bladder substitution after a modified anterior pelvic exenteration are presented. METHODS: From 1994 to 1999, 9 women underwent bladder substitution after a modified anterior pelvic exenteration that preserved the two distal thirds of the urethra, the pubourethral ligaments and endo-pelvic fascia and limited laterovaginal dissection to preserve the innervation of the striated sphincter for continence. RESULTS: The bladder capacity was 332.9 +/- 35.6 ml and urinary flow was 17.7 +/- 2.9 ml/sec. Seven patients are completely continent and two patients have stress incontinence grade II. None of the patients had difficulty with bladder emptying. Fistula (one case) and diarrhea (one case) were the most important complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach is based on a better understanding of the anatomical mechanisms of female continence and the viability of the remaining urethra from the oncologic perspective. This technique achieves a high level of patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Estenosis ureterales de las anastomosis urétero-ileales / Ureteral stenosis of uretero-ileal anastomosis

Con la plastia de sustitución pretendemos una cirugía oncológica y a la vez mantener la imagen corporal y preservar la función renal. La anastomosis enteroureteral es un punto muy importante de esta cirugía, ya que los principales responsables de la pérdida de dicha función renal son la estenosis, la infección y el reflujo. Hemos realizado 206 sustituciones vesicales ortotópicas (noviembre 1981 - noviembre 1998). Se realizó anastomosis uréteroileal directa tipo Wallace. Como mecanismo antirreflujo se empleó un sistema valvular mediante intususcepción. Analizamos los casos de obstrucción, la frecuencia de estenosis de la unión uré-teroileal y las estenosis valvulares ocurridos en nuestra serie como parte de las complicaciones, cuyo periodo de seguimiento fue de 54 meses (6-183).Se han hallado 6 estenosis de la unión uréterointestinal y 2 de la válvula de intususcepción. De las estenosis uréteroileales (3,8 por ciento), 2 han sido precoces asociadas a fístula, tratadas una por cirugía abierta y otra por la colocación de un doble J por vía anterógrada percutánea. De las cuatro restantes, que han sido tardías, sólo una se pudo solucionar mediante catéter doble J, el resto tuvieron que ser reintervenidas. Las estenosis del sistema valvular (1,2 por ciento) se solucionaron mediante cirugía abierta. Desde nuestra experiencia, pensamos que el implante uréteroileal directo con espatulación del uréter, es una técnica segura con poco riesgo de estenosis de la unión uréteroileal. Confiamos el sistema antirreflujo a la intususcepción (AU)

[Stenosis following a direct uretero-ileal anastomosis technique in substitutive enterocystoplasty]. / Sténoses après une technique d'anastomose urétéro-iléale directe dans les entérocystoplasties de substitution.

OBJECTIVES: Stenosis of the uretero-ileal anastomosis and reflux are the commonest causes of secondary deterioration of renal function following enterocystoplasty. Various direct anastomosis and antireflux techniques have been proposed in order to reduce the risk of stenosis and reflux. In this retrospective study, the authors evaluated the risk of stenosis and reflux after right uretero-ileal anastomosis on an invaginated ileal loop. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors evaluated the uretero-ileal anastomosis stenosis and reflux rate and problems of the invaginated ileo-ileal valve in 157 patients after bladder replacement enterocystoplasty. RESULTS: The anastomosis stenosis rate was 3.8% (6/157 patients) and all 6 patients were reoperated. Stenotic complications on the valve were observed in 1.2% of cases (2/157 patients). The total stenosis morbidity was 5% (8/157 patients). CONCLUSION: Direct end-to-end uretero-ileal anastomosis is the simplest technique associated with the lowest risk of stenosis. The low stenosis rate associated with invaginated valves is due to a modification of the valvular system (limitation of the mesenteric exclusion manoeuvre, external anchorage of the invagination and fixation by two lines of resorbable staples).

Estudio de la regeneración de la mucosa intestinal tras isquemia mesentérica en la rata / Study of the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa following mesenteric ischemia in the rat

Introducción. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido el estudio morfológico de la regeneración de la mucosa intestinal tras un proceso de isquemia-reperfusión reversible. Se ha valorado la influencia del tiempo de isquemia en la cronología de la reparación de la mucosa. Material y métodos. Se han utilizado 42 ratas adultas de raza Wistar. Se les han practicado isquemias mesentéricas de una y 2 h, y se ha valorado mediante microscopia óptica la morfología de la pared intestinal en los 7 días siguientes a la revascularización mediante la medición de la altura de las vellosidades, de la profundidad de las criptas y del grosor total de la pared. Resultados. Se ha encontrado un incremento por encima de los valores normales en la altura de las vellosidades, en la profundidad de las criptas y en el grosor total de la pared intestinal a lo largo del proceso regenerativo, para volver a unos valores cercanos a la normalidad al séptimo día de reperfusión en todos los grupos. El momento en el que aparece el incremento máximo en los parámetros estudiados depende del tiempo de isquemia sufrido, apareciendo antes cuanto menor ha sido el tiempo de isquemia. Conclusiones. La característica histológica de la regeneración de la mucosa intestinal tras una isquemia breve es un incremento en la altura de las vellosidades y en la profundidad de las criptas. La cronología de la reparación de la mucosa intestinal depende del tiempo de isquemia sufrido. La isquemia mantenida retrasa las manifestaciones propias de la regeneración (AU)

[Tuberculosis and renal cancer]. / Tuberculosis y cáncer renal.

The association of tuberculosis and renal adenocarcinoma is very uncommon. In general, the condition presents clinically, radiologically and biologically, as a tuberculosis while the diagnosis of renal carcinoma came as a pathoanatomical finding following nephrectomy. We contribute one case report of tuberculosis and renal adenocarcinoma in association that initially presented with tumoral signs and symptoms in a 34-year-old female patient. The patient, with no previous background, was later diagnosed TBC. A review is made on the pathogenesis, epidemiology and pathoanatomical diagnosis of tuberculosis. It is hypothesized that the tuberculosis damage may be a reactivation secondary to a renal tumour.

[Primary abscess of the psoas. Report of a case]. / Absceso primario de psoas. A propósito de un caso.

Psoas abscess is an uncommon condition at the present time. The initial anodyne signs and symptoms make diagnosis difficult. It can be diagnosed and rated as primary when the origin is not found, or secondary when a focus for infection spreading is detected. Drainage either percutaneously or by open surgery, and antibiotic therapy are the choice treatment, achieving an important survival rate. This paper presents a new case of psoas abscess, including a revision of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

[Permanent endoprostatic prostheses in patient with obstruction caused by benign hyperplasia of the prostate]. / Prótesis endoprostáticas permanentes en pacientes con obstrucción por hiperplasia benigna de próstata.

Presentation of the results obtained using the intraprostatic prosthesis UroLume in 78 patients wit BPH obstruction, 69 of which presented high surgical risk (ASA IV). Mean age was 79.8 years (r: 62-93). All patients carried urethral catheters, except 4 (5.1%) who had a provisional metal coil that required replacement. Prosthesis were implanted successfully in 72 cases (93.3%). The most significant exclusion criterion was an excessive length of prostate urethra. Mean follow-up was 15.3 months (r: 3-38). Mean maximum flow at 1 year after implant was 12.7 mL/sec; mean symptoms score (I-PSS score) was 6.2 points and in most prosthesis, epithelization had taken place. Three patients required implant of another prosthesis, either during the same surgical procedure (1 case) or later due to retention or dysuria (2 cases). Due to acute urine retention (AUR) during the immediate postoperative, resection of the middle lobe was performed in one case while a second case required late resection of intraluminal hyperplastic tissue. Three patients (4.1%) had haematuria that forced hospital admission some months after the implant, and three cases (4.1%) required removal of the prosthesis; at patient's request (1 case), due to calcification (1 case) and for stress incontinence (1 case). After a follow-up of over three years, it can be concluded that the UroLume prosthesis is an effective alternative to TUR in patients at high surgical risk.

[Percutaneous renal surgery]. / Cirugía renal percutánea.

RATIONALE: Analysis of complications resulting from the renal percutaneous approach. METHODS: Between 1990 and 1996, 175 percutaneous surgical procedures were performed by our group. In 69.2% cases, the reason was a lithiasic condition. We also carried out: 35 endopyelotomies, 12 renal cyst resections, 4 stenosis of uretero-ileal anastomosis, 2 diagnostic nephroscopies and 1 pyelic tumour resection. RESULTS: Total rate of complications was 22.2%. Mortality was 0.5% (one case). Surgery had to be terminated in 13 cases for different reasons. Blood transfusions were required in 9 cases. 3 cases of route perforation required extended maintenance of nephrostomy. Infectious problems developed in 9 cases. There were also 2 renocutaneous fistula, one renocolic fistula and one pneumothorax. No significant differences were found between the total number of complications and the type of treatment carried out. There is however a relationship between the lithiasic condition and the haemorrhagic complications and also with the failure of the approach. There are no significant differences between the number of complications and other variables such as age, sex, side, calix approached or duration of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous approach to the kidney can be considered as a technique with a low morbidity-mortality ratio.

[Renal agenesis, cranial blind ureter and ureterocele. Report of a case]. / Agenesia renal, uréter ciego craneal y ureterocele. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVES: We report a case of associated malformations in a young male with recurrent epididymitis. METHODS: In our study we used the following techniques: ultrasound, intravenous urography, retrograde pyelography, computed tomography and cystoscopy. RESULTS: We observed three coexisting congenital malformations: renal agenesis, cranial blind-ending ureter and ureterocele. CONCLUSIONS: Different urologic malformations are usually found in association. In our view only symptomatic ureteroceles require treatment.

[Ileal ureteroplasties]. / Ureteroplastias ileales.

When the ureter is extensively compromised, preservation of the kidney without recurring to external diversion may be attempted by a psoas bladder procedure, transureteroureterostomy, renal autotransplantation or ureteral substitution using the intestine. The first two are not always possible and transplantation is perhaps extremely disproportionate. We therefore recur to ureteral substitution using the intestine. Ureteral substitution may be partial or total, although it is recommended to preserve the upper segment of the lumbar ureter whenever possible. The procedure can be performed using the entire ileal segment with or without modelling to the appropriate thickness. Reducing the diameter of the ileal graft will enhance urine propulsion, reduce mucus secretion and improve antireflux dynamics. Nine cases of ureteral substitution are described herein. Treatment depended on the underlying pathology, extent of ureteral compromise and location. The techniques employed were ureteral substitution with or without modelling and ureteral substitution combined with a bladder repair procedure.

[Treatment of urogenital tuberculosis with ofloxacin. Preliminary study]. / Tratamiento de la tuberculosis génito-urinaria con ofloxacina. Estudio preliminar.

Ofloxacin is a new fluoride quinolone which has been shown to be active both in vitro and in vivo against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This prospective study presents the results obtained with a new protocol for the treatment of genito-urinary tuberculosis. The comparison drugs were Ofloxacin 200 mg every 12 hours for 6 months, Rifampicin 600 mg every 24 for 3 months and Isoniazid 300 mg every 24 hours for 3 months. The results, were clinically and microbiologically good. It is concluded that this new drug should be a valid alternative to the traditional therapy.