Perineal approach for rectourethral fistulae after radical laparoscopic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with the perineal approach to treat rectourethral fistulae (RUF) after radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study from 2012 to 2015 presenting 5 cases of RUF after radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. All cases required major abdominal surgery between the radical laparoscopic prostatectomy and the RUF treatment due to various complications. In no case was radiation therapy indicated prior to or after the repair. A perineal approach was performed in the 5 cases as the first option. One case required a second operation with a combined approach (abdominal and perineal) due to persistent fistulae. RESULTS: After a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, 5 cases had resolved the RUF. Two patients presented urinary incontinence, and one patient had an anastomotic stricture that required internal urethrotomy. The other patients had no long-term complications. CONCLUSION: The perineal approach provides a healthy surgical field in patients who undergo multiple operations, achieving high rates of resolution of the fistulae.

Utilidad de la inhibina B en el manejo del varón infértil / Utility of inhibin B in the management of male infertility

Introducción: La inhibina B (INHB) es una hormona producida por las células de Sertoli que ejerce un feedback negativo sobre la secreción de la FSH. En este estudio analizamos su valor diagnóstico como marcador de la espermatogénesis y su valor pronóstico para la recuperación espermática en las azoospermias. Material y métodos: Entre junio de 2003 y abril de 2007 atendimos 504 varones infértiles en nuestro Gabinete de Fertilidad. Hasta mayo de 2006 determinamos la INHB solo a los pacientes con un recuento espermático <10M/ml, a partir de esa fecha a todos por motivo de estudio. En total realizamos 158 determinaciones mediante enzimoinmunoanálisis, considerando cifras normales entre 80–300pg/ml. Correlacionamos los valores obtenidos con los de otras hormonas, con el recuento espermático y, en el caso de las azoospermias (24 pacientes) con el éxito o no de la recuperación espermática de los testículos para la inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides. Resultados: Se observó una correlación significativa de la INHB con la FSH (r=−0,469; p<0,001) y con la LH (r=−0,399; p<0,001), pero no con la testosterona, la prolactina, el estradiol y la SHBG. La concentración espermática se correlacionó mejor con la INHB (r=0,247; p<0,003) que con la FSH (r: −0,157; p<0,052). La INHB y la FSH estuvieron alteradas en el 57,6 y en el 42,1% de las azoospermias, respectivamente, en el 42,1 y en el 11,1% de las oligospermias severas (0–2M/ml) y en el 5 y en el 3,3% de las oligospermias (>2M/ml) y normozoospermias. En las azoospermias el valor predictivo positivo para la recuperación espermática fue de un 81,8% para una INHB normal y de un 76,6% para una FSH normal. El valor predictivo negativo para la ausencia de recuperación fue de un 61,6% para una INHB baja y de un 63,6% para una FSH alta. Conclusiones: Existe una correlación inversa entre los niveles de la INHB y los de la FSH y la LH. La INHB se correlaciona mejor que la FSH con la concentración espermática. En las azoospermias y las oligospermias (<2M/ml) un descenso de la INHB es más sensible para detectar el daño testicular que un aumento de la FSH. La INHB predice mejor que la FSH la recuperación espermática para la inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides, aunque el éxito nunca puede asegurarse (AU)

Introduction: Inhibin B (INHB) is an hormone produced by Sertoli's cells that exercises a negative feedback on FSH secretion. In this study we analyze its diagnostic value as a marker of spermatogenesis and its prognostic value for testicular sperm extraction in azoospermic patients. Material and methods: Between June 2003 and April 2007 we studied 504 infertile males in our Fertility Department. Until May 2006 we determined INHB only in patients with a sperm count <10M/ml. Since then INHB was determined in every patient due to the present study. 158 determinations were finally performed using enzymoimmunoassay considering normal values between 80 and 300pg/ml. We correlated INHB values with other hormones, spermatic count and, in case of azoospermia (24 patients), with success/failure of surgical sperm retrieval from testes (TESE) to use for intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI). Results: A significant correlation was observed between INHB and FSH (r=−0.469, p<0.001) and LH (r=−0.399, p<0.001) but not with testosterone, prolactin, estradiol and SHBG. Sperm count was better correlated with INHB (r=0.247; p<0.003) than with FSH (r: −0.157; p<0.052). INHB and FSH were altered in 57.6% and 42.1% of azoospermia respectively, 42.1% and 11.1% in severe oligospermia (0–2M/ml) and 5% and 3.3% in oligospermia (>2M/ml) and normozoospermia. In azoospemic patients PPV for success in testicular sperm extraction was 81.8 % for normal INHB and 76.6% for normal FSH. NPV for failure of sperm retrieval was 61.6% for low INHB and 63.6% for high FSH. Conclusions: An inverse correlation exists between INHB and FSH and LH levels. INHB correlates better than FSH with sperm count. In azoospermia and oligospermia (<2M/ml), low INHB is more sensitive to detect testicular damage than high FSH. Normal INHB level predicts better than FSH the success of testicular sperm extraction for ICSI, although the favourable outcome can never be assured (AU)

[Utility of inhibin B in the management of male infertility]. / Utilidad de la inhibina B en el manejo del varón infértil.

INTRODUCTION: Inhibin B (INHB) is an hormone produced by Sertoli's cells that exercises a negative feedback on FSH secretion. In this study we analyze its diagnostic value as a marker of spermatogenesis and its prognostic value for testicular sperm extraction in azoospermic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2003 and April 2007 we studied 504 infertile males in our Fertility Department. Until May 2006 we determined INHB only in patients with a sperm count <10M/ml. Since then INHB was determined in every patient due to the present study. 158 determinations were finally performed using enzymoimmunoassay considering normal values between 80 and 300pg/ml. We correlated INHB values with other hormones, spermatic count and, in case of azoospermia (24 patients), with success/failure of surgical sperm retrieval from testes (TESE) to use for intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI). RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between INHB and FSH (r=-0.469, p<0.001) and LH (r=-0.399, p<0.001) but not with testosterone, prolactin, estradiol and SHBG. Sperm count was better correlated with INHB (r=0.247; p<0.003) than with FSH (r: -0.157; p<0.052). INHB and FSH were altered in 57.6% and 42.1% of azoospermia respectively, 42.1% and 11.1% in severe oligospermia (0-2M/ml) and 5% and 3.3% in oligospermia (>2M/ml) and normozoospermia. In azoospemic patients PPV for success in testicular sperm extraction was 81.8 % for normal INHB and 76.6% for normal FSH. NPV for failure of sperm retrieval was 61.6% for low INHB and 63.6% for high FSH. CONCLUSIONS: An inverse correlation exists between INHB and FSH and LH levels. INHB correlates better than FSH with sperm count. In azoospermia and oligospermia (<2M/ml), low INHB is more sensitive to detect testicular damage than high FSH. Normal INHB level predicts better than FSH the success of testicular sperm extraction for ICSI, although the favourable outcome can never be assured.

Diagnóstico no invasivo mediante eco-Doppler de la disfunción eréctil por fuga venosa / Non-invasive diagnosis of erectile dysfunction due to venous leak using Doppler ultrasound

Introducción. El mecanismo patogénico más frecuente de la disfunción eréctil es el de origen vascular. Hasta la fecha, en el diagnóstico de la disfunción eréctil por fuga venosa, únicamente se disponía de pruebas diagnósticas invasivas, como la cavernosometría y la cavernosografía, con un riesgo potencial de yatrogenia para los pacientes. Caso clínico. Varón de 38 años de edad con disfunción eréctil de origen vascular por fuga venosa (disfunción del mecanismo corporovenooclusivo), diagnosticado únicamente mediante eco-Doppler e índice peneano en nuestro gabinete de diagnóstico vascular no invasivo. Conclusiones. La exploración hemodinámica mediante eco-Doppler de las arterias cavernosas, sobre todo desde la incorporación de la administración intracavernosa de fármacos vasoactivos, ha pasado a considerarse como la prueba de elección en el diagnóstico de disfunción eréctil en la fase arterial. De la misma forma, muchos autores también la consideran de elección en la valoración del mecanismo corporovenooclusivo (o fase venosa) y ha desplazado de forma paulatina a pruebas como la cavernosografía y la cavernosometría dinámicas

Introduction. The most common pathogenic mechanism causing erectile dysfunction has its origins in a vascular disorder. To date, in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction due to venous leak, only invasive diagnostic tests, such as cavernosometry and cavernosography, have been available, and such methods naturally entail a potential iatrogenic risk for patients. Case report. A 38-year-old male with vascular erectile dysfunction due to venous leak (dysfunction of the corporal veno-occlusive mechanism), diagnosed using only Doppler ultrasonography and the penile index in our noninvasive vascular diagnosis clinic. Conclusions. Haemodynamic examination using Doppler ultrasound recording of the cavernous arteries has now become the preferred test for diagnosing erectile dysfunction in the arterial phase, and more so since the incorporation of intracavernous administration of vasoactive drugs. Likewise, many authors also consider it to be the preferred method for evaluating the corporal veno-occlusive mechanism (or venous phase) and it has gradually substituted dynamic tests such as cavernosography and cavernosometry

[Cell cycle and apoptosis mechanisms implicated in intravesical chemotherapy resistances in superficial bladder cancer]. / Mecanismos del ciclo celular y la apoptosis implicados en las resistencias a los fármacos de uso intravesical en el cáncer superficial de vejiga.

It is well documented the effectiveness of intravesical chemotherapy following transurethral resection to prevent recurrences of superficial bladder cancer. But it is also known that efficacy may be limited by tumour cell resistance to one or several of the drugs available for instillation. In addition to the genetically determined unicellular mechanisms classically described in the literature such as glycoprotein P-170 expression (mdr-1), overexpression of Bcl-2 or glutation S-transferase activity, it has been recently shown that multicellular mechanisms may also be involved in drug resistance. Multicellular resistance can only be demonstrated in three-dimensional cultures and fails to be shown in monolayers or cell suspensions. This is explained by the fact that cell-to-cell and cell-to-stroma adhesion limits drug penetration and by the variable susceptibility to cytotoxicity determined by oxygen and tissue proliferation gradients. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in drug resistance is necessary to increase intravesical chemotherapy effectiveness. Current research includes improving drug penetration, searching resistance reversing agents and developing in vitro chemosensitivity tests to identify drug resistance.

[Pyeloureteral fungus ball in patients with urinary lithiasis. Treatment with ureterorenoscopy]. / Fungus ball pieloureteral en pacientes con litiasis urinaria. Tratamiento con ureterorrenoscopia.

INTRODUCTION: C. albicans is the most frequent fungus causing opportunist infections of the urinary tract. Agglutination of necrotic tissue nucleus (papilary necrosis), mucosus debri and chirurgic or lithiasic debri, originates a fungus ball, which can obstruct the urinary tract at any level. CLINICAL DATA: We present 2 patients with obstructive urinary lithiasis developing fungus ball in the dilated upper urinary tract. Patient 1 was bilaterally affected and never had systemic symptoms. Treatment consisted of uretherorrenoscope for removal of fungus ball, bilateral urinary diversion and anphotericine B irrigations and systemic. Patient 2 developed a candidemia and was treated with systemic liposomal anphotericine B, uretherorrenoscopy with removal of ureteric calculus and fungus ball, and placement of a double J catheter and nephrostomy tube for anphotericine B irrigation. DISCUSSION: Urinary lithiasis is a risk factor for fungal infection of the upper urinary tract, provided there is no other predisponent factor for opportunistic fungal infections. Calculi facilitates fungal growth by means of obstruction and subsequent retrograde estasis and creating a nucleus for growth, aggregation and ramification of mycelium. The infection pathway is probably ascendent and may turn into fungemia and septicaemia. Systemic antimicotics, urinary diversion and local irrigations with antimicotics, and endourologic technics, are the three basic items in the treatment. Ureterorrenoscopy plays an important roll as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool as it may solve the obstruction and allows removal of fungus ball.

Fungus ball pieloureteral en pacientes con litiasis urinaria. Tratamiento con ureterorrenoscopia / Pyelo-ureteral fungus ball in patients with urinary lithiasis. Ureterorrenoscopic management

INTRODUCCIÓN: C. albicans es el hongo que con mayor frecuencia produce infecciones oportunistas del tracto urinario. Cuando las hifas se aglutinan alrededor de un núcleo de tejido necrótico (necrosis papilar), hebras mucosas, restos de suturas quirúrgicas y/o material litiásico, se forma una pelota fúngica que puede obstruir cualquier tramo del tracto urinario. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Presentamos dos pacientes formadores crónicos de cálculos que en ausencia de otros factores de riesgo para las infecciones fúngicas oportunistas, desarrollan fungus balls en el tracto urinario superior dilatado por una litiasis ureteral obstructiva. La paciente 1 tuvo afectación bilateral y en ningún momento hubo manifestaciones sistémicas. El tratamiento consistió en ureterorrenoscopia con extracción de las bolas fúngicas, derivación bilateral y anfotericina B sistémica y en irrigaciones tópicas. El paciente 2, en el contexto de una sepsis candidiásica, se trató con anfotericina B sistémica, desobstrucción mediante ureterorrenoscopia con extracción de un cálculo ureteral y de pelotas fúngicas, y colocación de catéter JJ y nefrostomía con irrigaciones de anfotericina B.DISCUSIÓN: La litiasis urinaria constituye por sí sola un factor de riesgo para la infección fúngica del tracto urinario superior, en ausencia de otros factores favorecedores de las infecciones fúngicas oportunistas. El mecanismo por el cual el cálculo favorece el crecimiento de los hongos es, por un lado, la obstrucción pieloureteral con éstasis retrógrado y, por otro lado, la nucleación alrededor de una matriz de material cálcico sobre la que crecen, se agregan y se ramifican los micelios. La vía de infección es probablemente ascendente y puede complicarse con funguemia y sepsis. Los antimicóticos sistémicos, la derivación con catéteres ureterales o de nefrostomía que permitan irrigación local con antifúngicos, y las técnicas endourológicas, constituyen los tres pilares básicos del tratamiento. La ureterorrenoscopia juega aquí un papel importante al ser una técnica diagnóstica y al mismo tiempo terapéutica al permitir la desobstrucción litiásica y la limpieza de las masas fúngicas (AU)

INTRODUCTION: C. albicans is the most frequent fungus causing opportunist infections of the urinary tract. Agglutination of necrotic tissue nucleus (papilar necrosis), mucosus debri and chirurgic or lithiasic debri, originates a fungus ball, which can obstruct the urinary tract at any level. CLINICAL DATA: We present 2 patients with obstructive urinary lithiasis developing fungus ball in the dilated upper urinary tract. Patient 1 was bilaterally affected and never had systemic symptoms. Treatment consisted of uretherorrenoscope for removal of fungus ball, bilateral urinary diversion and anphotericine B irrigations and systemic. Patient 2 developed a candidemia and was treated with systemic liposomal anphotericine B, uretherorrenoscopy with removal of ureteric calculus and fungus ball, and placement of a double J catheter and nephrostomy tube for anphotericine B irrigation. DISCUSSION: Urinary lithiasis is a risk factor for fungal infection of the upper urinary tract, provided there is no other predisponent factor for opportunistic fungal infections. Calculi facilitates fungal growth by means of obstruction and subsequent retrograde estasis and creating a nucleus for growth, aggregation and ramification of mycelium. The infection pathway is probably ascendent and may turn into fungemia and septicaemia. Systemic antimicotics, urinary diversion and local irrigations with antimicotics, and endourologic technics, are the three basic items in the treatment. Ureterorrenoscopy plays an important roll as a diagnostic and terapeutic tool as it may solve the obstruction and allows removal of fungus ball (AU)

[Treatment with shock-wave lithotripsy in children: our experience]. / Tratamiento con litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque en niños: nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the efficacy and complication rates of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the paediatric age group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 2000, 29 children (mean age 8 years, range 1-14) underwent ESWL for urinary calculi at our institution. A total of forty-four ESWL sessions were performed in 36 calculi and a previous double pigtail stent was inserted in 11 patients. Intravenous anesthesia was used in the vast majority of cases. RESULTS: Complete removal of all stone fragments was achieved in 24 (66.7%) renal units after a first session, 6 (16.7%) after a second session. The rest of the patients became stone-free after 3 sessions in 3 patients, open lithotomy in 1 patient and ureteroscopy in another patient. In one case a watchful waiting was decided after the failure of the first session of ESWL. Mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 1-11) for each session. Complications appeared in 10 patients: 4 had renal colic, 3 haematuria, 2 fever and 1 subcutaneous hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: ESWL is a safe and effective treatment for paediatric urolithiasis so it should be considered the first-line treatment.

[Primary retroperitoneal tumors: our caseload]. / Tumores retroperitoneales primarios: nuestra casuistica.

Primary retroperitoneal tumors are a very uncommon group of neoplasias in urology. Sixty-four primary retroperitoneal tumors admitted and treated in our hospital from january 1974 to october 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical presentation, diagnostic, treatment and evolution are analyzed. Five cases were benign (7.8%) and the remains malign (92.2%). Mesodermic tumors were the most frequent. Surgery was performed in 59 patients (92.2%). Radical resection was possible in 100% of benign tumors and 44.5% of malignant tumors. Palliative radiotherapy was performed as the only treatment in 3 patients. Two patients received only symptomatic treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy (32 patients, 50%) and radiotherapy (19 patients, 29.6%) completed the treatment. Benign tumors 5-year global survival was 100%, malignant tumors 1-year survival was 47.4%, 3-year survival 15.2% and 5-year survival 10.1%. Mean survival was 20.15 months. As it's frequent to find an advanced neoplasm at the diagnostic, surgery must be planned with radical intention. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy could be useful in the therapeutic strategy of these tumors with poor prognosis.

Tumores retroperitoneales primarios: nuestra casuística / Primary retroperitoneal tumours. Our experience

Los tumores retroperitoneales primarios son muy infrecuentes dentro de la patología urológica. Presentamos un estudio retrospectivo de 64 casos de tumor retroperitoneal primario tratados en nuestro hospital, entre enero de 1974 y octubre de 2000, en el que analizamos su presentación clínica, diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución.En nuestra serie 5 tumores eran benignos (7,8 por ciento), el resto malignos (92,2 por ciento), siendo de estirpe mesodérmica los más frecuentes. Se realizó cirugía en 59 pacientes (92,2 por ciento). La resección fue radical en el 100 por ciento de los tumores benignos y en el 44,5 por ciento de los malignos. En 3 pacientes se realizó radioterapia paliativa como único tratamiento y en otros 2 tratamiento sintomático. Se completó el tratamiento con quimioterapia en 32 casos (50 por ciento) y radioterapia en 19 pacientes (29,6 por ciento). La supervivencia global de los tumores benignos fue del 100 por ciento a los 5 años, siendo la de los tumores malignos del 47,4 por ciento al año, del 15,2 por ciento a los 3 años y del 10,1 por ciento a los 5 años. La supervivencia media fue de 20,15 meses.La enfermedad tumoral avanzada en el momento del diagnóstico nos hace plantear la cirugía con intención radical como primer peldaño terapéutico. La quimioterapia y radioterapia pueden plantear algún beneficio terapéutico en el pronóstico sombrío que muestran los tumores malignos retroperitoneales. (AU)