Imaging leachate runoff from a landfill using magnetotellurics: The Garraf karst case.

Electrical and active source electromagnetic geophysical methods have been traditionally employed to approach and tackle environmental problems, such as those caused by landfills. However, since these problems are more consequential and cover broader areas, it is necessary to use deeper penetration methods, such as magnetotellurics. In the Garraf Massif (Catalan Coastal Ranges, NE Spain), an urban waste disposal landfill had been in operation from 1974 to 2006, during which >26 million metric tons of garbage had been deposited. This landfill overlies karstic terrain, thus principally impacting groundwater circulation. Previous electrical resistivity tomography profiles had partially imaged the infill but were not able to penetrate below the base of the original landfill. During 2019 and 2020 we performed a magnetotelluric study over the landfill and its surrounding with the goals of characterizing the electrical resistivity of the infill and below it. The 2D and 3D resistivity models confirmed the highly conductive nature of the leachate and allowed us to identify its presence below the landfill base, which we quantified with maximum thicknesses of 90 m. This proved that landfill leachate had filtered through the original impermeable layer, enhanced by the karstic drainage structure.

Volcanic monitoring of the 2021 La Palma eruption using long-period magnetotelluric data.

Between September and December 2021, the first subaerial volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands in 50 years took place on the island of La Palma. Since November 2021, we have been conducting a long-period magnetotelluric (MT) monitoring experiment at a site located 2.4 km east of the volcanic cone. Having continuously recorded data since then, the obtained dataset shows significant changes in resistivity over the fourteen months following the eruption: more than ± 20% in apparent resistivity and ± 2 degrees in phase. These temporal variations in electrical resistivity, recorded continuously using long-period MT during both the syn- and post-eruptive stages, have not been reported to date, making this dataset unique. Four estimated impedances have been selected as representatives of the major temporal changes observed and inverted to generate new 3-D resistivity models. The results provide novel key information on the spatiotemporal evolution of the subsoil's electrical resistivity, enabling the characterization of a set of structures acting as preferred magmatic fluid pathways. Therefore, our study highlights the strong potential of MT as a volcanic monitoring tool and provides new insights about the evolution of the fluid pathways during the post-eruptive stage. These findings enhance our understanding of the magmatic system and may contribute to volcanic hazard mitigation in the future.

Activated microglia mediate synapse loss and short-term memory deficits in a mouse model of transthyretin-related oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis.

Oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis (OA) is a fatal and untreatable hereditary disease characterized by the accumulation of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid within the central nervous system. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of OA, and in particular how amyloid triggers neuronal damage, are still unknown. Here, we show that amyloid fibrils formed by a mutant form of TTR, A25T, activate microglia, leading to the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide. Further, we found that A25T amyloid fibrils induce the activation of Akt, culminating in the translocation of NFκB to the nucleus of microglia. While A25T fibrils were not directly toxic to neurons, the exposure of neuronal cultures to media conditioned by fibril-activated microglia caused synapse loss that culminated in extensive neuronal death via apoptosis. Finally, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of A25T fibrils caused microgliosis, increased brain TNF-α and IL-6 levels and cognitive deficits in mice, which could be prevented by minocycline treatment. These results indicate that A25T fibrils act as pro-inflammatory agents in OA, activating microglia and causing neuronal damage.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Five-year experience]. / Suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica. Experiencia de 5 años.

OBJECTIVE: Adrenal conditions requiring surgery are uncommon and are usually seen in several surgical departments. Our experience in laparoscopic management of adrenal pathology after almost five years of use of laparoscopy for retroperitoneal conditions at our center is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 37 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed over 53 months for benign and malignant conditions. The transperitoneal approach was used in most cases (97%) because of the greater surgeon experience with this route. Pregnancy and suspected periadrenal infiltration were considered as absolute contraindications. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 90 minutes, mean intraoperative bleeding 80 ml, and mean hospital stay was 2 days. The main complication was one death. A malignancy was found in 4 patients (10%), while all other patients (90%) had a benign condition, including 8 pheochromocytomas. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is considered to be the gold standard for benign adrenal conditions. When the malignant mass is a single metastasis from a primary tumor, the laparoscopic approach appears to be reliable. When the malignant lesion is a primary adrenal tumor, laparoscopic management is more controversial, although the results reported by experienced surgeons in their series appear to be adequate.

[Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery. 5 years' experience]. / Cirugía conservadora de parénquima renal laparoscópica. Cinco años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery is among the most complex urological procedures currently performed. Open surgery continues to be the gold standard of care, but the laparoscopic approach is gaining ground slowly but surely. Our 5 years' experience is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2004 to March 2009, 38 laparoscopic nephron-sparing procedures were performed at our hospital. A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used in all cases, with en bloc clamping of renal hilum in most patients. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 141 min, mean intraoperative bleeding 130 mL, mean warm ischemia time 24 min, and mean hospital stay 3.3 days. Bleeding was the most common complication (requiring transfusion in 13.5% of patients). Positive surgical margins were found in 5.4% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate selection of the patient (tumor size, location) and the procedure to be used, surgeon experience, and surgical skills are essential for achieving good oncological results and for minimizing the complications of this demanding procedure.

Cirugía conservadora de parénquima renal laparoscópica. Cinco años de experiencia / Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery. 5 years’ experience

Objetivo: La cirugía renal conservadora de parénquima laparoscópica es una de las técnicas más complejas que se pueden realizar en Urología en el momento actual. En la actualidad, la técnica abierta continúa siendo el gold standard, aunque lentamente la laparoscopia se va implantando. Presentamos nuestra serie de casi 5 años. Material y métodos: Desde septiembre de 2004 hasta marzo de 2009 se han realizado 38 cirugías conservadoras de parénquima renal por vía laparoscópica. Todas ellas se han realizado con el abordaje transperitoneal, con un clampaje en bloque del hilio renal en la mayoría de los casos. Resultados: El tiempo quirúrgico medio es de 141min, sangrado intraoperatorio medio de 130cm3, con un tiempo medio de clampaje de 24min y una estancia media postoperatoria de 3,3 días. La complicación más frecuente es el sangrado (transfusión, el 13,5%). El porcentaje de márgenes positivos es del 5,4%. Conclusiones: Con el fin de obtener unos buenos resultados oncológicos y reducir al mínimo las complicaciones, es fundamental la buena selección del caso (tamaño y localización del tumor) así como de la técnica que se va a emplear. La experiencia del cirujano y sus recursos laparoscópicos son de vital importancia (AU)

Introduction: Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery is among the most complex urological procedures currently performed. Open surgery continues to be the gold standard of care, but the laparoscopic approach is gaining ground slowly but surely. Our 5 years’ experience is reported. Materials and Methods: From September 2004 to March 2009, 38 laparoscopic nephron-sparing procedures were performed at our hospital. A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used in all cases, with en bloc clamping of renal hilum in most patients. Results: Mean operating time was 141min, mean intraoperative bleeding 130mL, mean warm ischemia time 24min, and mean hospital stay 3.3 days. Bleeding was the most common complication (requiring transfusion in 13.5% of patients). Positive surgical margins were found in 5.4% of patients. Conclusions: Adequate selection of the patient (tumor size, location) and the procedure to be used, surgeon experience, and surgical skills are essential for achieving good oncological results and for minimizing the complications of this demanding procedure (AU)

Suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica. Experiencia de 5 años / Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Five-year experience

Objetivo: la patología adrenal susceptible de indicación quirúrgica es poco frecuente y normalmente se encuentra dividida entre varios servicios quirúrgicos. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el manejo laparoscópico tras casi 5 años de implantación de la laparoscopia en la patología retroperitoneal en nuestro centro. Material y métodos: en 53 meses se han realizado un total de 37 suprarrenalectomías por patología benigna y maligna. El abordaje más frecuentemente empleado es el transperitoneal (97%) debido a la mayor experiencia del cirujano con esta vía. La paciente embarazada y la sospecha de infiltración periadrenal se han tomado como contraindicaciones absolutas. Resultados: el tiempo quirúrgico medio es de 90 minutos, sangrado intraoperatorio de 80 cc, estancia media postoperatoria de dos días y la principal complicación ha sido un exitus. En4 ocasiones la patología es maligna (10%), el resto (90%) benigna, con 8 feocromocitomas. Conclusiones: la laparoscopia se considera el patrón oro para la patología benigna adrenal. Cuando la lesión es de naturaleza maligna, en caso de ser una metástasis única procedente de otro tumor primario, parece que el abordaje laparoscópico es fiable. Cuando la lesión maligna es primaria adrenal existe más controversia en este tipo de abordaje, si bien es cierto que en series de cirujanos experimentados los resultados parecen adecuados (AU)

Objective: Adrenal conditions requiring surgery are uncommon and are usually seen in several surgical departments. Our experience in laparoscopic management of adrenal pathology after almost five years of use of laparoscopy for retroperitoneal conditions a tour center is reported. Materials and methods: A total of 37 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed over 53months for benign and malignant conditions. The transperitoneal approach was used in most cases (97%) because of the greater surgeon experience with this route. Pregnancy and suspected periadrenal infiltration were considered as absolute contraindications. Results: Mean operating time was 90 minutes, mean intraoperative bleeding 80 ml, and mean hospital stay was 2 days. The main complication was one death. A malignancy was found in 4 patients (10%), while all other patients (90%) had a benign condition, including8 pheochromocytomas. Conclusions: Laparoscopy is considered to be the gold standard for benign adrenal conditions. When the malignant mass is a single metastasis from a primary tumor, the laparoscopic approach appears to be reliable. When the malignant lesion is a primary adrenal tumor, laparoscopic management is more controversial, although the results reported by experienced surgeons in their series appear to be adequate (AU)

Cambios en la función muscular respiratoria y periférica en niños asmáticos: efectos de los corticoides inhalados / Changes in respiratory and peripheral muscle function in asthmatic children: effects of inhaled corticoids

Introducción: El asma es la enfermedad crónica más común en los niños y los adolescentes. Las sobrecargas mecánicas intermitentes durante las crisis pueden inducir cambios funcionales en los músculos respiratorios, que experimentan fenómenos de adaptación. Este trabajo pretende evaluar el estado funcional muscular respiratorio y periférico en niños asmáticos que reciben corticoides inhalados y conocer la correlación entre la función muscular y la función respiratoria. Pacientes y métodos: Se seleccionó a 12 niños con asma mayores de 7 años de edad y tratados durante al menos 2 años con corticoides inhalados a dosis intermedias (budesonida ≥400μg o fluticasona ≥200μg) y a 7 niños controles sanos emparejados por edad. Se determinaron espirometría forzada, volúmenes pulmonares estáticos, resistencia de las vías aéreas, presiones inspiratoria y espiratoria máximas, función muscular esquelética periférica y composición corporal mediante bioimpedanciometría. Resultados: Las variables antropométricas, nutricionales y de función muscular periférica fueron equivalentes en ambos grupos. Los niños asmáticos presentaban signos de atrapamiento aéreo e hiperinsuflación pulmonar y valores de presión inspiratoria máxima más elevados. Conclusiones: No se encuentra evidencia de que los esteroides inhalados a dosis altas y de forma crónica deterioren la función muscular respiratoria o periférica en los niños asmáticos. En cambio, se encuentran signos de adaptación muscular respiratoria frente a la sobrecarga a largo plazo que supone el asma persistente. El llamado "efecto entrenamiento" aparenta estar limitado únicamente a los músculos de la inspiración (AU)

Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents. The intermittent mechanical overloads during crises can lead to functional changes in the respiratory muscles, which experience adaptation phenomena. This article attempts to evaluate the respiratory and peripheral muscle state in asthmatic children who receive inhaled corticoids, and to find out if there is an association between muscle function and respiratory function. Patients and methods: The study involved 12 children over 7-years old with asthma and treated with inhaled corticoids for at least 2 years at intermediate doses (budesonide ≥400ug, or fluticasone ≥200ug) and 7 healthy control children paired by age. The following were determined: forced spirometry, static lung volumes, airway resistance, maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures, peripheral musculo-skeletal function, and body composition using bioimpedance measurements. Results: The anthropometric, nutritional variables and peripheral muscle function were similar in both groups. The asthmatic children showed signs of air trapping, lung hyperinflation, and higher maximum inspiratory pressure values. Conclusions: No evidence was found that continuous high doses of inhaled steroids lead to a deterioration in respiratory or peripheral muscle function in asthmatic children. On the other hand, signs were found of respiratory muscle adaptation to the long-term overload of persistent asthma. The so-called "training effect" seems to be limited only to the inspiratory muscles (AU)

[Changes in respiratory and peripheral muscle function in asthmatic children: effects of inhaled corticoids]. / Cambios en la función muscular respiratoria y periférica en niños asmáticos: efectos de los corticoides inhalados.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents. The intermittent mechanical overloads during crises can lead to functional changes in the respiratory muscles, which experience adaptation phenomena. This article attempts to evaluate the respiratory and peripheral muscle state in asthmatic children who receive inhaled corticoids, and to find out if there is an association between muscle function and respiratory function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved 12 children over 7-years old with asthma and treated with inhaled corticoids for at least 2 years at intermediate doses (budesonide >or=400 microg, or fluticasone >or=200 microg) and 7 healthy control children paired by age. The following were determined: forced spirometry, static lung volumes, airway resistance, maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures, peripheral musculo-skeletal function, and body composition using bioimpedance measurements. RESULTS: The anthropometric, nutritional variables and peripheral muscle function were similar in both groups. The asthmatic children showed signs of air trapping, lung hyperinflation, and higher maximum inspiratory pressure values. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found that continuous high doses of inhaled steroids lead to a deterioration in respiratory or peripheral muscle function in asthmatic children. On the other hand, signs were found of respiratory muscle adaptation to the long-term overload of persistent asthma. The so-called "training effect" seems to be limited only to the inspiratory muscles.

A review of penile cancer.

UNLABELLED: Cancer of the penis is a rare tumour in Europe and mainly affects the elderly patient population. The aim of this paper was to analyse and study the characteristics of this tumour, in our patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on penile tumours diagnosed and treated in the Urology Department of the Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, in the last ten years. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were diagnosed and treated. The mean age at presentation was 71.27 years. The mean time between symptoms and the first consultation was 12.54 months with a median of 6 months. The most common form of presentation was balanoposthitis (32%) and the most common site in our series was the glans. Partial penectomy was performed in 22 cases, total amputation in 8, and local excision in 3. DISCUSSION: Carcinoma of the penis is a pathology which mostly affects elderly patients; in our series, the highest incidence was observed in patients in the group aged 75-84 years. The most common histological type was epidermoid carcinoma in its various forms of presentation. We recorded a mortality of 23%. CONCLUSION: Penile carcinoma is a rare pathology which affects elderly persons and is diagnosed late.

[Laparoscopic urinary diversions]. / Derivaciones urinarias laparoscópicas.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of the invasive bladder cancer and the recurrent T1G3 is clearly established in radical cystectomy and pelvic linphadenectomy. One of the fields where the laparoscopic approach implies more doubts is the treatment of bladder cancer, because it requires experience enough in pelvic laparoscopic surgery and the urinary diversion implies great technical difficulties to the laparoscopic approach. OBJECTIVES: The main goal of this article is to report our results with the urinary diversion after laparoscopic radical cystectomy where the ureteral anastomosis has been performed by a laparoscopic approach. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2007 we have performed 67 laparoscopic radical cistectomies. We conducted 28 laparoscopic urinary diversions with our technique: 7 neobladder with an average age of 54, 85 years and 21 ileal conduit with an average age of 69, 15 years. RESULTS: The averagesurgical time for enterocistoplasty with laparoscopic urethral and ureteral anastomosis is of 5 hours and 30 minutes. For the cutaneous ureteroileostomy with laparoscopic ureteral anastomosis the average surgical time has been of 4 hours and 30 minutes. We have had 1 case of urinary leakage in the laparoscopic neobladder and 3 cases in the laparoscopic ileal conduit (14%). We have not intestinal dehiscence nor ileal-ureteric stenosis. The average hospital stay for laparoscopic neobladder is for the 85% of cases of 13.6 days, and of 11.8 days for the 77.7% of ileal ureteric laparoscopies. DISCUSSION: The laparoscopic radical cystectomy is still a procedure reserved for groups with great experience in laparoscopic surgery. Nowadays, the most accepted procedure by most groups includes perform the cystectomy by a laparoscopic approach and the urinary diversion by an open approach. There is no evidence of the advantages of laparoscopic urinary diversion. It is necessary to perform comparative studies to clearly define the role of laparoscopic surgery in the urinary diversion.

Derivaciones urinarias laparoscópicas / Laparoscopic urinary diversions

Introducción: El tratamiento del cáncer vesical infiltrante y el carcinoma superficial de alto grado recidivante está claramente establecido en la cistectomía radical y linfadenectomía pelviana. Uno de los campos que más dudas plantea en su abordaje por vía laparoscópica es el tratamiento radical del cáncer vesical, que exige experiencia en cirugía laparoscópica pelviana y en el que la derivación urinaria presenta grandes dificultades técnicas a su abordaje laparoscópico. Objetivos: El objetivo fundamental de este artículo es comunicar nuestros resultados con las derivaciones urinarias tras cistectomía radical laparoscópica en las que hemos llevado a cabo las anastomosis ureteroileales por vía laparoscópica. Material y Métodos: Desde enero del 2005 hasta diciembre 2007 hemos completado 67 cistectomías radicales laparoscópicas. Hemos realizado un total de 28 derivaciones urinarias laparoscópicas según nuestra técnica, siendo en 7 pacientes enterocistoplastias de sustitución con una edad media de 54,85 años y en 21 pacientes ureteroileostomía cutánea con una edad media de 69,15 años. Resultados: El tiempo quirúrgico medio de la enterocistoplastia con anastomosis uretral y ureteral laparoscópicas es de 5 h y 30 min. Para la ureteroileostomía cutánea con anastomosis ureteral laparoscópica el tiempo quirúrgico medio ha sido de 4hs.y 30 min. Hemos tenido 1 caso de fuga urinaria en las neovejigas laparoscópicas y 3 casos en los conductos ileales laparoscópicos (14%). No hemos tenido ningún caso de dehiscencia intestinal ni de estenosis ureteroileal. La estancia media de las neovejigas es de 13,6 días para el 85% de los casos y de 11,8 días para el 77,7% de las ureteroileostomías laparoscópicas. Discusión: La cistectomía radical laparoscópica constituye un procedimiento todavía relegado a centros con gran experiencia en cirugía laparoscópica. El procedimiento más aceptado por la mayoría de los grupos incluye realizar la cistectomía por vía laparoscópica y la derivación urinaria por vía abierta. No existen evidencias sobre las posibles ventajas de las derivaciones urinarias por vía laparoscópica. En cualquier caso, son necesarios estudios comparativos para definir claramente el papel de la cirugía laparoscópica en las derivaciones urinarias (AU)

Introduction: The treatment of the invasive bladder cancer and the recurrent T1G3 is clearly established in radical cystectomy and pelvic linphadenectomy. One of the fields where the laparoscopic approach implies more doubts is the treatment of bladder cancer, because it requires experience enough in pelvic laparoscopic surgery and the urinary diversion implies great technical difficulties to the laparoscopic approach. Objetives: The main goal of this article is to report our results with the urinary diversion after laparoscopic radical cystectomywhere the ureteral anastomosis has been performed by a laparoscopic approach. Methods: From January 2005 to December 2007 we have performed 67 laparoscopic radical cistectomies. We conducted 28laparoscopic urinary diversions with our technique: 7 neobladder with an average age of 54,85 years and 21 ileal conduit with an average age of 69,15 years. Results: The average surgical time for enterocistoplasty with laparoscopic urethral and ureteral anastomosis is of 5 hours and30 minutes. For the cutaneous ureteroileostomy with laparoscopic ureteral anastomosis the average surgical time has been of 4hours and 30 minutes. We have had 1 case of urinary leakage in the laparoscopic neobladder and 3 cases in the laparoscopic ileal conduit (14%). We have not intestinal dehiscence nor ileal-ureteric stenosis. The average hospital stay for laparoscopic neobladder is for the 85% of cases of 13,6 days , and of 11,8 days for the 77,7% of ileal ureteric laparoscopies. Discussion: The laparoscopic radical cystectomy is still a procedure reserved for groups with great experience in laparoscopic surgery. Nowadays, the most accepted procedure by most groups includes perform the cystectomy by a laparoscopic approach and the urinary diversion by an open approach. There is no evidence of the advantages of laparoscopic urinary diversion. Itis necessary to perform comparative studies to clearly define the role of laparoscopic surgery in the urinary diversion (AU)

[Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. Experience at the Hospital Universitario La Paz]. / Cirugía retroperitoneal laparoscópica. Experiencia del Hospital Universitario La Paz.

OBJECTIVES: With the popularisation of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, the above technique has once again taken on an important role in the work of urology departments. Our extensive experience in laparoscopy means that we are performing increasingly more interventions using this approach. In the context of minimally invasive surgical procedures, this is probably bringing clearer benefits to retroperitoneal surgery than to prostatic surgery. In this article, we describe our series over nearly 4 years. METHODS: The period analysed covers June 2004 to March 2008, during which time 288 retroperitoneal operations were performed (184 nephrectomies, 113 other procedures). In the majority of cases, the route of approach was transperitoneal. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 3.6 days for the nephrectomies and 3 days for the other procedures. The transfusion rate for the nephrectomies was 5% and there was a conversion rate of in 2%. In the other types of surgery, the transfusion rate was 6% and there were no conversions. CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of laparoscopy in Urology has to be accompanied good patient selection and the progressive acquiring of experience on the part of the surgeon. Certain interventions should only be tackled in cases where there is extensive experience.

Cirugía retroperitoneal laparoscópica. Experiencia del Hospital Universitario La Paz / Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. Experience at the Hospital Universitario La Paz

Objetivo: Con la popularización de la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica, dicha técnica vuelve a tomar un papel importante en el funcionamiento de los servicios de urología. Nuestra mayor experiencia en laparoscopia hace que cada vez realicemos más intervenciones mediante este abordaje. En este sentido, la cirugía retroperitoneal probablemente se beneficie más claramente que la prostática de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva. En este artículo describimos nuestra serie de casi 4 años. Métodos: El periodo analizado abarca desde Junio 2004 hasta Marzo 2008, durante el cual se han llevado a cabo 288 cirugías retroperitoneales (179 nefrectomías, 109 procedimientos varios). La vía de abordaje ha sido tranperitoneal en la gran mayoría de los casos. Resultados: La estancia hospitalaria media fue de 3,6 días para las nefrectomías y 3 días para los otros procedimientos. La tasa de transfusión de las nefrectomías es del 5% y un 2% de reconversión. En las cirugías variadas el porcentaje de transfusión fue del 6% y no existió ninguna reconversión. Conclusiones: La expansión de la laparoscopia en Urología debe venir acompañada de una buena selección de pacientes y una progresiva adquisición de experiencia por parte del cirujano. Determinadas intervenciones deberán ser abordadas únicamente en caso de gran experiencia (AU)

Objectives: With the popularisation of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, the above technique has once again taken on an important role in the work of urology departments. Our extensive experience in laparoscopy means that we are performing increasingly more interventions using this approach. In the context of minimally invasive surgical procedures, this is probably bringing clearer benefits to retroperitoneal surgery than to prostatic surgery. In this article, we describe our series over nearly 4 years. Methods: The period analysed covers June 2004 to March 2008, during which time 288 retroperitoneal operations were performed (184 nephrectomies, 113 other procedures). In the majority of cases, the route of approach was transperitoneal. Results: The mean hospital stay was 3.6 days for the nephrectomies and 3 days for the other procedures. The transfusion rate for the nephrectomies was 5% and there was a conversion rate of in 2%. In the other types of surgery, the transfusion rate was 6% and there were no conversions. Conclusions: The expansion of laparoscopy in Urology has to be accompanied good patient selection and the progressive acquiring of experience on the part of the surgeon. Certain interventions should only be tackled in cases where there is extensive experience (AU)

[Experimental laparoscopic renal autograft as learning laparoscopic model]. / Autotrasplante renal laparoscópico experimental como modelo de aprendizaje de técnica laparoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery requires a long training period of time in which the complexity of the training is increased. GOALS: The technique presented in this paper has been developed in order to find an experimental model that allows us to improve the learning of the vascular suture. Our main goal was to evaluate this technique as an experimental model for the vacular anastomosis, not to obtain a functional autotransplant. In this regard, here we summarize our experience during the first two cases performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laparoscopic renal autotransplant was perfomed in female lab pigs weighing 15-20 kg. International Experimental Animal Care rules were accomplished. RESULTS: After sacrifizing the animals, only one case of vascular thrombosis was observed. The other cases showed normal arterial and venous flow. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental Renal Laparoscopic autotransplant constitutes a good surgical model. We are trying to implement the technique in the clinics in the next future.

Autotrasplante renal laparoscópico experimental como modelo de aprendizaje de técnica laparoscópica / Experimental laparoscopic renal autograft as learning laparoscopic model

Introducción: La cirugía laparoscópica requiere un largo proceso de aprendizaje en el que se va aumentando progresivamente el grado de complejidad. Objetivo: La técnica aquí presentada se ha realizado buscando un modelo experimental que nos permita realizar sutura vascular laparoscópica, de manera que el objetivo inmediato no es conseguir un autotrasplante funcionante, sino realizar con éxito anastomosis vasculares. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en los dos primeros casos realizados. Material y método: Se realizó el autotrasplante renal laparoscópico en hembras de cerdo de entre 15 y 20 kg. El Servicio de Cirugía Experimental del Hospital Universitario La Paz revisó y aprobó los protocolos del experimento, tal como exigen los Dictámenes Europeos para la protección de los animales utilizados con fines científicos y experimentales (86/609/EEC). Resultados: Al sacrificar a los animales, sólo observamos un caso con trombosis vascular arterial. El resto de animales presentaban buen flujo arterial y venoso. Conclusiones: El autotrasplante renal laparoscópico experimental proporciona un buen modelo para aprendizaje de cirugía laparoscópica. Creemos que aporta recursos laparoscópicos adecuados para cirugía retroperitoneal y pélvica. No proponemos, en el momento actual, su aplicación a la cirugía laparoscópica en humanos

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery requires a long training period of time in which the complexity of the training is increased. Goals:The technique presented in this paper has been developed in order to find an experimental model that allows us to improve the learning of the vascular suture. Our main goal was to evaluate this technique as an experimental model for the vacular anastomosis, not to obtain a functional autotransplant. In this regard, here we summarize our experience during the first two cases performed. Material and methods: Laparoscopic renal autotransplant was perfomed in female lab pigs weighing 15- 20 kg. International Experimental Animal Care rules were accomplished. Results: After sacrifizing the animals, only one case of vascular thrombosis was observed. The other cases showed normal arterial and venous flow. Conclusions: Experimental Renal Laparoscopic autotransplant constitutes a good surgical model. We are trying to implement the technique in the clinics in the next future