Informed consent in urology.

Appropriate professional practice includes the diagnostic and treatment process of urologic pathology, as well as patient information and respect for patient autonomy in decision making. Informed consent is the gradual process of providing information to the patient and their subsequent decision making. The informed consent document (ICD), when required, demonstrates that information has been provided sufficiently in advance to allow for the patient's deliberation. The dual need for simple yet complete documents make the preparation of adequate ICDs extremely difficult. If the information process is not carried out properly, the professional may incur a medical malpractice liability that is treated as a loss of opportunity. To avoid such situations, the work of scientific societies in the preparation, accessibility, and dissemination of ICD models is fundamental.

Calcitonin levels in autoimmune atrophic gastritis-related hypergastrinemia.

PURPOSE: Calcitonin (Ct) is currently the most sensitive biochemical marker of C-cell disease (medullary thyroid cancer [MTC] and C-cell hyperplasia), but its specificity is relatively low. Our aim was to examine whether autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) and chronic hypergastrinemia, with or without chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), are conditions associated with increased Ct levels. METHODS: Three groups of patients were consecutively enrolled in this  multicentric study: group A consisted of patients with histologically-proven AAG (n = 13; 2 males, 11 females); group B fulfilled the criteria for group A but also had AT (n = 92; 15 males, 77 females); and group C included patients with AT and without AAG (n = 37; 6 males, 31 females). RESULTS: Median Ct levels did not differ between the three groups. Ct levels were undetectable in: 8/13 cases (61.5%) in group A, 70/92 (76.1%) in group B, and 27/37 (73.0%) in group C. They were detectable but ≤ 10 ng/L in 4/13 (30.8%), 20/92 (21.7%) and 7/37 (18.9%) cases, respectively; and they were > 10 ng/L in 1/13 (7.7%), 2/92 (2.2%) and 3/37 (8.1%) cases, respectively (P = 0.5). Only three patients had high Ct levels (> 10 ng/L) and high gastrin levels and had an MTC. There was no correlation between Ct and gastrin levels (P = 0.353, r = 0.0785). CONCLUSIONS: High gastrin levels in patients with AAG do not explain any hypercalcitoninemia, regardless of whether patients have AT or not. This makes it mandatory to complete the diagnostic process to rule out MTC in patients with high Ct levels and AAG.

Different cellular and immunohistochemical abdominal wall cicatrization parameters evaluation in comparison with sublay, onlay, and ipom technique in an experimental rat model.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia (IH) occurs when there is a partial or complete solution of continuity of a fascia previously incised. Systematic reviews demonstrate that surgical treatment of IHs with the use of meshes are approximately 16%. Meta-analyses have demonstrated the superiority of mesh placement using sublay technique, but without a pathophysiological explanation. Thus, we aim to evaluate the different techniques of mesh positioning in an experimental model. METHODS: Fifty rats were distributed into five groups; control; simulation (SM)-submitted to laparotomy only; onlay-the mesh was positioned in onlay fashion; retromuscular (SL)-the mesh was positioned in a sublay fashion; intraperitoneal (IPOM)-positioning of the mesh adjacent to the transversalis fascia, inside the cavity. After 60 days, adhesions, tensiometry, histology, and immunohistochemistry were addressed. RESULTS: The IPOM group had the most adhesions, together with the SL group, with significantly relevant results. The SL group had higher values of tensiometric evaluation, while the IPOM group had the lowest mean in the tensiometry evaluation, being even lower than the SM group. Regarding histological and immunohistochemical findings, the SL group had a higher pixel number count compared to the groups, with statistical significance, in addition to higher expression of polymorphonuclear infiltrate and CD68 markers. CONCLUSION: The mesh positioning in sublay compartment is associated with the development of more pronounce minimum tensile force required for detaching the surrounding abdominal wall tissues it was incorporated. The intensity of these findings correlates to the different histological and immunohistochemical profiles observed following each repair, since SL group was characterized by a higher proportion of collagen, inflammatory, and reparative elements. Characterizing these pro-healing elements and its counterparts will allow the development of new therapeutic tools which could be added to the still far-from-ideal current therapeutic options for IH treatment.

Efectos del COVID-19 en la carga externa en el fútbol de alto nivel / COVID-19 Effects in External Load in High Level Football

Analizamos el efecto del cese de la competición por COVID-19 en el rendimiento físico de jugadores de fútbol de la 1ª división española). La muestra se estratificó en tres grupos: rondas 1ª-3ª; 25ª-27ª y 28ª-30ª. Las comparaciones por pares fueron Student-t y Mann-Whitney U. Usamos un valor p de ≤0.05 como criterio para la significación estadística. Los valores de umbral para evaluar las magnitudes del tamaño del efecto se realizaron a través (d de Cohen). Tras el parón, las distancias recorridas aumentaron en los equipos locales y visitantes. Hubo un ligero descenso de los esfuerzos de alta intensidad entre el post-confinamiento y las jornadas (25ª-27ª). Comparados el 1er y 3er periodo, los valores fueron ligeramente superiores (rondas 28ª-30ª). Eso mismo se observó en las de aceleraciones y desaceleraciones, con mayores diferencias entre los periodos (1º y 3º). Hubo diferencias, cuando se comparó la reanudación con las jornadas previas al parón. (AU)

We analyzed the effect of the cessation of competition for COVID-19 on the physical performance of soccer players in the 1st Spanish division). The sample was stratified into three groups: 1st-3rd rounds; 25th-27th and 28th-30th. Pairwise comparisons were Student-t and Mann-Whitney U. We used a p-value of ≤0.05 as the criterion for statistical significance. Threshold values​​for evaluating effect size magnitudes were made using (Cohen's d). After the break, the distances traveled increased for the local and visiting teams. There was a slight decrease in high intensity efforts between post-confinement and the days (25th-27th). Comparing the 1st and 3rd period, values ​​were slightly higher (rounds 28-30). The same was observed in those of accelerations and decelerations, with greater differences between the periods (1st and 3rd). There were differences when the resumption was compared with the days before the break. (AU)

Management of testicular torsion in the ER: lessons learned from medical professional liability claims.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate emergency care for testicular torsion (TT) in medical professional liability (MPL) claims. METHODS: Claims related to TT from 2000 to 2018 were located. The assistance provided and the association with MPL were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty complaints were identified, testicular pain was reported in 83.75% of first consultations, with a mean evolution time of 15.5 h. The mean time to diagnosis was 7.98 days. The first consultation was at the hospital in 75.1% of cases, but an ultrasound was performed only in 7.5%. When TT diagnosis was performed, 97.3% had undergone ancillary tests. The MPL was significantly associated with non-criminal proceedings and with less than 6 h of symptoms' evolution, and, within this subgroup, without undergoing an ultrasound scan. CONCLUSIONS: Late consultations, wrong diagnosis and late diagnosis are claimed. When MPL are claimed by means of non-criminal law, the existence of responsibility is frequently considered, even more in those cases when the consultation took place before 6 h of evolution with no ancillary tests having been performed.

El manejo de la torsión testicular en Urgencias: lecciones aprendidas de las reclamaciones por responsabilidad profesional médica / Management of testicular torsion in the ER: Lessons learned from medical professional liability claims

Objetivo: Evaluar la atención en Urgencias por torsión testicular en reclamaciones por responsabilidad profesional médica.MétodoSe extrajeron las reclamaciones relacionadas con torsión testicular del 2000 al 2018, analizando la asistencia dispensada y la asociación con responsabilidad profesional médica.ResultadosSe identificaron 80 reclamaciones, registrándose como síntoma principal el dolor testicular en el 83,75% de las primeras asistencias, con 15,5h de evolución media. El tiempo hasta el diagnóstico fue de 7,98 días de media. La primera consulta fue hospitalaria en el 75,1% de los casos, pero solo en el 7,5% se realizó ecografía. Cuando se diagnosticó la torsión testicular, se hizo uso de pruebas complementarias en el 97,3% de los casos. La responsabilidad profesional médica se asoció significativamente con la vía de reclamación no penal y con cuadros de menos de 6h de evolución, y dentro de este subgrupo, con la no realización de ecografía.ConclusionesSe reclaman consultas tardías, el error y el retraso en el diagnóstico. Cuando la reclamación es por vía no penal, es frecuente que se considere la existencia de responsabilidad, y más en los casos en que la consulta fue antes de las 6h y sin haber realizado prueba complementaria alguna. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate emergency care for testicular torsion in medical professional liability claims.MethodClaims related to testicular torsion from 2000 to 2018 were located. The assistance provided and the association with medical professional liability were analyzed.ResultsEighty complaints were identified, testicular pain was reported in 83.75% of first consultations, with a mean evolution time of 15.5h. The mean time to diagnosis was 7.98 days. The first consultation was at the hospital in 75.1% of cases, but an ultrasound was performed only in 7.5%. When testicular torsion diagnosis was performed, 97.3% had undergone ancillary tests. The medical professional liability was significantly associated with non-criminal proceedings and with less than 6h of symptoms’ evolution, and, within this subgroup, without undergoing an ultrasound scan.ConclusionsLate consultations, wrong diagnosis and late diagnosis are claimed. When medical professional liability are claimed by means of non-criminal law, the existence of responsibility is frequently considered, even more in those cases when the consultation took place before 6h of evolution with no ancillary tests having been performed. (AU)

Torsión aislada de la trompa de Falopio, con necrosis de un quiste paratubárico: una urgencia ginecológica infrecuente / Isolated torsion of the Fallopian tube, with necrosis of a paratubal cyst: an infrequent gynecological emergency

INTRODUCCIÓN: La torsión aislada de la trompa de Falopio ocurre en aproximadamente una de cada 50.000 a 1.500.000 mujeres, por ende, es una afección extremadamente rara. Fue originalmente descrita por Bland-Sutton en 1890. El cuadro clínico suele ser inespecífico y puede simular una amplia variedad de dolencias. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 18 años de edad que acude al servicio de urgencias por dolor abdominal intenso, la cual se decide ingresar por cuadro agudo doloroso abdominal de posible etiología ginecológica, se realiza laparoscopía de urgencia por la posibilidad de un cuadro de torsión quística, durante esta se observa una imagen laparoscópica de la trompa izquierda violácea y torcida, además un quiste paratubárico hemorrágico, de color violacio; por las características laparoscópicas de la trompa y el quiste paratubárico que se relacionan con necrosis de estos elementos, se decide realizar a la paciente una anexectomía total izquierda con cistectomía del quiste paratubárico. DISCUSIÓN: La rotación de la trompa alrededor de su pedículo vascular es el evento fisiopatológico descrito, lo que provoca inicialmente la obstrucción del retorno venoso y linfático, con el consiguiente edema, ingurgitación y trombosis. Si la torsión progresa, y no se resuelve, se ve comprometida la vascularización arterial y se desencadena la necrosis del órgano y, finalmente la instauración de peritonitis, la conducta se basa en la viabilidad de la trompa: si no tiene signos de necrosis, la conducta indicada es destorcerla, si ya aparecieron signos de necrosis deberá ser extirpada.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated torsion of the Fallopian tube occurs in approximately one in every 50,000 to 1,500,000 women, therefore, it is an extremely rare condition. It was originally described by Bland-Sutton in 1890. The clinical picture is usually nonspecific and can mimic a wide variety of ailments. CLINICAL CASE: An 18-year-old patient who came to the emergency service for intense abdominal pain, which was decided to enter due to acute abdominal pain of possible gynecological etiology, an emergency laparoscopy was performed due to the possibility of a cystic torsion condition, During this, a laparoscopic image of the violaceous and crooked left tube is observed, as well as, a hemorrhagic paratubal cyst, violet in color; Due to the laparoscopic characteristics of the tube and the paratubal cyst that are related to necrosis of these elements, it was decided to perform a total left adnexectomy with cystectomy of the paratubal cyst. DISCUSSION: Rotation of the tube around its vascular pedicle is the described pathophysiological event, which initially causes obstruction of venous and lymphatic return, with the consequent edema, engorgement and thrombosis. If the torsion progresses and does not resolve, the arterial vascularization is compromised and the necrosis of the organ is triggered and, finally, the establishment of peritonitis, the behavior is based on the viability of the tube: if there are no signs of necrosis, the indicated conduct is to untwist it, if signs of necrosis have already appeared, it must be removed.

Aspectos médico-legales de la teledermatología / Medicolegal Aspects of Teledermatology

La práctica de la teledermatología (TD) durante la pandemia de COVID-19 ha facilitado la atención dermatológica especializada en una situación de crisis, evitando desplazamientos innecesarios, sin poner en riesgo la seguridad de pacientes y dermatólogos. Sin embargo, también ha puesto en evidencia distintos aspectos éticos y médico-legales que plantea esta práctica médica. La consulta médica no presencial constituye un acto médico, aplicándosele todas las consideraciones y consecuencias éticas y médico-legales de cualquier relación médico-paciente. Debe garantizarse el derecho a la autonomía del paciente, el secreto profesional, la protección de datos, la intimidad y la confidencialidad. El paciente debe aceptar la TD, mediante el consentimiento informado, considerando de interés establecer una cláusula de salvaguarda. Se precisan pautas de actuación bien definidas y una legislación uniforme para preservar una máxima seguridad de los datos transferidos, así como una formación adecuada para prevenir posibles situaciones de lo que podría denominarse «telemalpraxis»

Teledermatology has facilitated specialist care during the crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, eliminating unnecessary office visits and the possible exposure of patients or dermatologists. However, teledermatology brings forward certain ethical and medicolegal questions. A medical consultation in which the patient is not physically present is still a medical act, to which all the usual ethical and medicolegal considerations and consequences apply. The patient's right to autonomy and privacy, confidentiality, and data protection must be guaranteed. The patient must agree to remote consultation by giving informed consent, for which a safeguard clause should be included. Well-defined practice guidelines and uniform legislation are required to preserve the highest level of safety for transferred data. Adequate training is also needed to prevent circumstances involving what might be termed «telemalpractice»

Birth sex ratio in the offspring of professional male soccer players: influence of exercise training load.

STUDY QUESTION: Can the exercise training load of elite male athletes influence the sex ratio of their offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER: This is the first study assessing the influence of exercise training load on the offspring sex ratio of children from male professional athletes, observing a bias toward more females being born as a result of both high-intensity and high-volume loads, with intensity having the greatest effect. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: There is a relatively constant population sex ratio of males to females among various species; however, certain events and circumstances may alter this population sex ratio favoring one sex over the other. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study with a duration of 3 months. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Seventy-five male professional soccer players from First Division soccer teams. Offspring variables were sex of the offspring, number of children and order of birth. Exercise training variables were volume and intensity. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Total offspring was 122 children (52 males (42.6%), 70 females (57.4%)). Analysis revealed that increase in either the volume (P < 0.001) or intensity (P < 0.001) of training by the players shifted the birth offspring ratio more toward females. Within the sample of females born, more births (i.e. number) were observed as a consequence of training at the highest intensity (45 out of 70; P < 0.001), no such pattern occurred within males (P > 0.05). When female versus male births were compared within each intensity, only the high-intensity comparison was significant (45 (75%) females vs 15 (25%) males, P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: While this is the first study assessing differences in the sex ratio of the offspring of male athletes (i.e. soccer players), we acknowledge there are limitations and confounders within our approach; e.g. small sample size, ethnic background and variations in the timing of intercourse relative to ovulation as well as in sex hormone levels. As such, we propose that future research is needed to confirm or refute our findings. It is recommended that such work expand on the measurements obtained and conduct direct assessment of sperm characteristics. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The findings of the study support the fact that different stressors on the body may alter the sex of the offspring. While in the present study the stressor is the excessive training load of soccer players, other events may lead to similar results. The bias in offspring sex ratio may have important implications for demography and population dynamics, as well as genetic trait inheritance. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): There is no funding nor competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Medicolegal Aspects of Teledermatology. / Aspectos médico-legales de la teledermatología.

Teledermatology has facilitated specialist care during the crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, eliminating unnecessary office visits and the possible exposure of patients or dermatologists. However, teledermatology brings forward certain ethical and medicolegal questions. A medical consultation in which the patient is not physically present is still a medical act, to which all the usual ethical and medicolegal considerations and consequences apply. The patient's right to autonomy and privacy, confidentiality, and data protection must be guaranteed. The patient must agree to remote consultation by giving informed consent, for which a safeguard clause should be included. Well-defined practice guidelines and uniform legislation are required to preserve the highest level of safety for transferred data. Adequate training is also needed to prevent circumstances involving what might be termed «telemalpractice¼.