Uso de internet en pacientes que acuden a consulta hospitalaria de urología / Internet use in patients attending a hospital urology clinic

Hipótesis: El aumento en los conocimientos de informática de la población general y la difusión de Internet como herramienta de comunicación y conocimiento, permite a los pacientes tener un mayor entendimiento de sus patologías. Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de Internet por parte de la población de un área sanitaria y el conocimiento extraído sobre sus patologías de carácter urológico. Material y Métodos: En este estudio prospectivo se incluyeron todos los paciente mayores de edad que acudieron a consulta hospitalaria de urología entre el 1 de Septiembre y el 31 de Diciembre de 2006, en un área sanitaria de 200,000 habitantes. A todos los pacientes se les entregó un cuestionario autoadministrado para su cumplimentación, no interviniendo el facultativo en su desarrollo en ningún caso. Las variables a estudio fueron la edad (menores de 30 años, entre 30 y 60 años y mayores de 60 años), el sexo, patología del paciente (únicamente se valorarán aquellas con al menos 5 casos), el nivel educativo (ninguno, graduado escolar, estudios medios y estudios universitarios), presencia de ordenador en su casa (si/no), conocimiento de la existencia de internet (si/no), búsquedas realizadas sobre patologías urológicas e influencia de dichas consultas en su relación con el médico. Se evaluará la relación entre el uso de internet y las distintas variables mediante el test de Kruskall-Wallis. Se considerará significativa una verosimilitud de la hipótesis nula inferior a 0,05. Resultados: En total se recibieron 1.111 cuestionarios de los cuales fueron útiles para su procesamiento 1062. La edad media fue de 60,98, con un error estándar de 15,08. El 18,4 % fueron mujeres. La distribución poblacional por nivel de estudios fue: 22,2 % sin estudios, 43,5 % con graduado escolar, 27,5 con un nivel educativo medio y un 6,8 % de universitarios. El 58,4 % de los pacientes niega tener ordenador en casa, el 37,7 % desconoce lo que es internet, el 76,7 % carece de dirección de correo electrónico y únicamente el 6,7 % visitan páginas médicas pero sólo el 1,5 % reconocen haber preguntado a su médico sobre la información recibida en internet. Según la categorización por edades, los pacientes con edades inferiores a 30 años tienen significativamente unos mayores conocimientos en informática e internet (p<0,001). No obstante no se han evidenciado diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la edad y el hecho de preguntar sobre la información recibida a través de internet (p=0,1). Las páginas web más visitadas fueron por orden de más a menos visitadas: tuotromedico.com, varicocele.com, aecc.es, wikipedia.com, prostatitis.org, ondasalud.com y mapfrecajasalud.com. Las patologías más buscadas fueron: prostatitis crónica (25 % de los pacientes afectos), cáncer de testículo (20 % de los pacientes), varicocele (18,7 %), enfermedad de Peyronie o incurvación congénita peneana (18,1 %) y estenosis de la unión pielo-uretereral (16,6 %). Conclusiones: - La explotación de internet como herramienta de información por parte de los pacientes es muy baja, debido a las características inherentes de la población, como son el bajo nivel de estudios. - Las páginas web urológicas deberían dedicar una parte amplia para la patología más frecuente en los grupos de población más jóvenes, como el varicocele o la prostatitis. No obstante, es lógico esperar que estos patrones epidemiológios se modifiquen con el paso del tiempo. - Se debería fomentar el uso de internet y de la informática en general entre los distintos grupos poblacionales en el área sanitaria a estudio

Hypothesis: The increase in the awareness of computers in the general population and the spread of Internet as a tool for communication and knowledge, allows patients to have greater understanding of their conditions. Objective: To evaluate the use of Internet by the population from a health area and the knowledge extracted about their urological conditions. Material and Methods: This prospective study included all patients of age who attended a hospital urology clinic between 1st September and 31st December 2006, in a health area of 200,000 inhabitants. All patients were given a self-administered questionnaire to complete; medical staff did not intervene in filling it out in any case. The study variables were age (under 30, between 30 and 60 and over 60), sex, patient’s pathology (only those with at least 5 cases were assessed), educational level (none, primary school qualification, intermediate studies and university studies), presence of a computer at home (yes/no), knowledge of the existence of internet (yes/no), searches performed on urological conditions and influence of these consultations in their relationship with their doctor. The relationship between the use of internet and the different variables was evaluated using the Kruskall-Wallis test. A probability of the null hypothesis less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 1,111 questionnaires were received, of which 1,062 were useful for processing. The mean age was 60.98 with a standard error of 15.08. 18.4 % were women. The population distribution by level of studies was: 22.2 % uneducated, 43.5 % with primary education qualification, 27.5 % with intermediate educational level and 6.8 % university graduates. 58.4 % of patients denied having a computer at home, 37.7 % do not know what internet is, 76.7 % do not have an e-mail address and just 6.7 % visit medical pages, although only 1.5 % admit having asked their doctor about information received on internet. According to classification by age, patients under 30 have significantly greater knowledge of computers and internet (p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences shown between the age and the fact of asking about information received through internet (p=0.1). The most visited web pages were, in order of the most to least visited: tuotromedico.com, varicocele.com, aecc.es, wikipedia.com, prostatitis.org, ondasalud.com and mapfrecajasalud.com. The most searched for conditions were: chronic prostatitis (25 % of patients affected), testicular cancer (20 % of patients), varicocele (18.7 %), Peyronie’s disease or congenital penile curvature (18.1 %) and stenosis of the pyeloureteral junction (16.6 %). Conclusions: - The exploitation of the internet as an information tool on the part of patients is very low, due to the characteristics inherent to our population, such as the low level of studies. - Urological web pages should dedicate an extensive part to the most common conditions in the younger population groups, such as varicocele or prostatitis. However, it is logical to expect that these epidemiological patterns will modify with time. - The use of internet and computers in general should be promoted among the different population groups in the health area under study

[Internet use in patients attending a hospital urology clinic]. / Uso de internet en pacientes que acuden a consulta hospitalaria de urología.

HYPOTHESIS: The increase in the awareness of computers in the general population and the spread of Internet as a tool for communication and knowledge, allows patients to have greater understanding of their conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of Internet by the population from a health area and the knowledge extracted about their urological conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included all patients of age who attended a hospital urology clinic between 1st September and 31st December 2006, in a health area of 200,000 inhabitants. All patients were given a self-administered questionnaire to complete; medical staff did not intervene in filling it out in any case. The study variables were age (under 30, between 30 and 60 and over 60), sex, patient's pathology (only those with at least 5 cases were assessed), educational level (none, primary school qualification, intermediate studies and university studies), presence of a computer at home (yes/no), knowledge of the existence of internet (yes/no), searches performed on urological conditions and influence of these consultations in their relationship with their doctor. The relationship between the use of internet and the different variables was evaluated using the Kruskall-Wallis test. A probability of the null hypothesis less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 1,111 questionnaires were received, of which 1,062 were useful for processing. The mean age was 60.98 with a standard error of 15.08. 18.4% were women. The population distribution by level of studies was: 22.2% uneducated, 43.5% with primary education qualification, 27.5% with intermediate educational level and 6.8% university graduates. 58.4% of patients denied having a computer at home, 37.7% do not know what internet is, 76.7% do not have an e-mail address and just 6.7% visit medical pages, although only 1.5% admit having asked their doctor about information received on internet. According to classification by age, patients under 30 have significantly greater knowledge of computers and internet (p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences shown between the age and the fact of asking about information received through internet (p=0.1). The most visited web pages were, in order of the most to least visited: tuotromedico.com, varicocele.com, aecc.es, wikipedia.com, prostatitis.org, ondasalud.com and mapfrecajasalud.com. The most searched for conditions were: chronic prostatitis (25% of patients affected), testicular cancer (20% of patients), varicocele (18.7%), Peyronie's disease or congenital penile curvature (18.1%) and stenosis of the pyeloureteral junction (16.6%). CONCLUSIONS: --The exploitation of the internet as an information tool on the part of patients is very low, due to the characteristics inherent to our population, such as the low level of studies. --Urological web pages should dedicate an extensive part to the most common conditions in the younger population groups, such as varicocele or prostatitis. However, it is logical to expect that these epidemiological patterns will modify with time. --The use of internet and computers in general should be promoted among the different population groups in the health area under study.

[Therapeutic options for patients with localized prostatic carcinoma: our experience with 454 patients]. / Alternativas terapéuticas en el cáncer de próstata localizado. Experiencia sobre 454 pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of different therapeutic options on progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and specific survival (SS) in a cohort of 454 patients with localized prostatic carcinoma, taking into account different prognostic factors, and to compare our results to those reported in the world literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 2000 we have diagnosed 706 new cases of prostatic carcinoma and 454 were clinically localized tumors. The different therapeutic options employed in our series of patients have been: follow-up (FU) (103 patients); radical prostatectomy (RP) (108 patients); radiotherapy without hormonal blockade (RT) (148 patients); and hormonal blockade (HB) (95 patients). We have determined the PFS, the OS and the SS for each group of patients and compared them in patients with different prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis, including age, PSA levels, Gleason's grading and TNM staging. We have also analysed the influence of the tumor progression on the OS. The mean follow-up time has been 5.6 years (range: 0.1-19.2; median: 5.2). RESULTS: For PFS: the disease progressed in 145 patients (32%) and the PFS at 5 and 10 years has been 77% and 67% for FU; 61% and 50% for RP; 63% and 25% for RT; and 73% and 67% for HB, respectively. The differences between RT and RP were not statistically significant. For the subgroup of patients with PSA levels <10 and Gleason <8 the differences between FU, RP and RT did not reach statistical significance. For OS: 126 patients of our series died (28%) and the OS at 5 and 10 years has been 80% and 61% for FU; 90% and 76% for RP; 85% and 67% for RT; and 64% and 32% for HB, respectively. We have found no significant differences between FU, RP and RT. For SS: 31 patients of our series died of disease (6.8%). The SS at 5 and 10 years has been 100% and 94% for FU; 98% and 98% for RP; 97% and 88% for RT; and 83% and 77% for HB, respectively. We have found no significant differences in the OS between patients with disease progression and without disease progression treated with FU, RP and RT. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of PSA levels has allowed diagnosis of prostatic carcinomas in early stages of disease; however, our results and those reported in the literature cannot define which is the best therapeutic option in these patients. We should offer the patients individualized information both in the phase of early diagnosis and of therapeutic decisions.

Alternativas terapéuticas en el cáncer de próstata localizado. Experiencia sobre 454 pacientes / Therapeutic options for patients uit localized prostatic carcinoma: our experience with 454 patients

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar en una cohorte de 454 pacientes con cáncer de próstata no diseminado tratados con diversas alternativas terapéuticas la supervivencia libre de progresión (SLP), supervivencia global (SG) y supervivencia específica (SE) en función de distintos factores pronósticos y comparar nuestros resultados con la bibliografía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Entre 1983 y 2000 hemos diagnosticado 706 pacientes de cáncer de próstata, de los que 454 eran clínicamente tumores no diseminados. Los tratamientos utilizados para estos 454 pacientes han sido: observación (OBS) (103 pacientes), prostatectomía radical (PR) (108), radioterapia no asociada a tratamiento hormonal (RT) (148) y bloqueo hormonal (BH) (95). Hemos analizado la SLP, SG y SE en cada grupo y comparativamente en función de distintos factores pronósticos en el momento del diagnóstico: edad, PSA, Gleason y estadio. También analizamos la repercusión de la progresión en la SG. El seguimiento medio ha sido de 5,6 años (0,1-19,2 años; mediana 5,2). RESULTADOS: SLP: han progresado 145 pacientes (32%), a 5 años la SLP para OBS: 77%, PR: 61%, RT: 63%, BH: 73%. A 10 años: 67, 50, 25 y 67%, respectivamente. No diferencias significativas entre PR y RT. En pacientes con PSA <10 y Gleason <8 no diferencias entre OBS, PR y RT. SG: han fallecido 126 pacientes (28%), a 5 años la SG fue: 80, 90, 85 y 64% y a 10 años: 61, 76, 67 y 32%. No diferencias entre OBS, PR y RT. SE: han fallecido por su tumor 31 (6,8%). SE a 5 años: 100, 98, 97 y 83%. A 10 años: 94, 98, 88 y 77%. No diferencias en la SG entre los pacientes en progresión comparados con los pacientes sin progresión tumoral en los tratados con OBS, PR y RT. CONCLUSIONES: La determinación del antígeno PSA ha trasladado el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata a estadios muy precoces, sin embargo nuestros datos y la revisión de la bibliografía no permiten definir cual es la mejor estrategia terapéutica incluyendo la alternativa observacional. Debemos dar la suficiente información individualizada tanto en la fase de diagnóstico precoz como a la hora de decidir un tratamiento

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of different therapeutic options on progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and specific survival (SS) in a cohort of 454 patients with localized prostatic carcinoma, taking into account different prognostic factors, and to compare our results to those reported in the world literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 2000 we have diagnosed 706 new cases of prostatic carcinoma and 454 were clinically localized tumors. The different therapeutic options employed in our series of patients have been: follow-up (FU) (103 patients); radical prostatectomy (RP) (108 patients); radiotherapy without hormonal blockade (RT) (148 patients); and hormonal blockade (HB) (95 patients). We have determined the PFS, the OS and the SS for each group of patients and compared them in patients with different prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis, including age, PSA levels, Gleason’s grading and TNM staging. We have also analysed the influence of the tumor progression on the OS. The mean follow-up time has been 5.6 years (range: 0.1-19.2; median: 5.2). RESULTS: For PFS: the disease progressed in 145 patients (32%) and the PFS at 5 and 10 years has been 77% and 67% for FU; 61% and 50% for RP; 63% and 25% for RT; and 73% and 67% for HB, respectively. The differences between RT and RP were not statistically significant. For the subgroup of patients with PSA levels <10 and Gleason <8 the differences between FU, RP and RT did not reach statistical significance. For OS: 126 patients of our series died (28%) and the OS at 5 and 10 years has been 80% and 61% for FU; 90% and 76% for RP; 85% and 67% for RT; and 64% and 32% for HB, respectively. We have found no significant differences between FU, RPand RT. For SS: 31 patients of our series died of disease (6.8%). The SS at 5 and 10 years has been 100% and 94% for FU; 98% and 98% for RP; 97% and 88% for RT; and 83% and 77% for HB, respectively. We have found no significant differences in the OS between patients with disease progression and without disease progression treated with FU, RP and RT. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of PSA levels has allowed diagnosis of prostatic carcinomas in early stages of disease; however, our results and those reported in the literature cannot define which is the best therapeutic option in these patients. We should offer the patients individualized information both in the phase of early diagnosis and of therapeutic decisions

[Treatment approach for vesicogenital fistula. Retrospective analysis of our data]. / Planteamiento terapéutico de las fístulas vesicogenitales. Análisis retrospectivo de nuestra serie.

The vesicogenital fistula are abnormal communications between female genitalia and urinary bladder. We recorded all the vesicogenital fistula diagnosed since 1986, analyzing aetiology, treatment applied, complications and results. Total number of fistula have been 20 (18 vesicovaginal and 2 vesicouterine). The distribution in vesicovaginal fistula was iatrogenic in 15 cases (83%) and tumoral in 3 cases (17%). Vesicouterine fistula were due to cesarean. The initial treatment of the iatrogenic fistula was conservative using foley catheter. Twenty percent of the patients were cured with this treatment (3 cases). Surgical repair was necessary for the other patients, using different surgical approach according to the type of the fistula, intensity and patient age. It was successful in 91% of the patients. The results shows that simple surgical approach generate less morbidity and the early intervention is not less efficient.

Planteamiento terapéutico de las fístulas vesicogenitales. Análisis retrospectivode nuestra serie / Treatment approach for vesicogenital fistula. Restrospective analysis of our data

Las fístulas vesicogenitales son comunicaciones anómalas de la vejiga urinaria con cualquier parte del aparato genital femenino. En el presente trabajo analizamos nuestra serie de fístulas vesicogenitales diagnosticadas y tratadas desde 1986, analizando las causas etiológicas, tratamientos aplicados, complicaciones y resultados de los mismos.El número total de fístulas han sido 20 (18 vesicovaginales y 2 vesicouterinas). De las fístulas vesicovaginales 15 (83 por ciento) eran yatrógenas y 3 (17 por ciento) neoplásicas. Las fístulas vesicouterinas aparecieron tras sendas cesáreas.El tratamiento inicial de las fístulas yatrógenas fue conservador con sondaje vesical, produciéndose su resolución en el 20 por ciento de las mismas (3 casos). En el resto de las pacientes se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico por vía abdominal con distintas técnicas según el tipo de fístula, intensidad y edad de la paciente, resultando satisfactorio en el 91 por ciento de los casos. La utilización de técnicas sencillas que generan menor morbilidad así como la actuación precoz no implica un peor resultado en las fístulas yatrógenas simples. (AU)

Evolución y pronóstico a medio y largo plazo de los tumores vesicales superficiales / Outcome and medium and long-term prognosis of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la evolución de 551 pacientes con carcinomas transicionales vesicales. Mediante el análisis log-rank de las curvas de Kaplan-Meier y análisis multivariante con regresión de Cox, analizamos factores pronósticos en base a la supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE), supervivencia libre de progresión a infiltrantes (SLP) y supervivencia específica (SE), con el fin de agrupar a los pacientes en base a sus factores de riesgo reales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Desde 1983 hasta 1998 se han controlado en nuestro centro 551 pacientes con tumores vesicales superficiales. En este grupo se incluyen 15 pacientes diagnosticados con anterioridad a 1983 en otros centros. Los historiales clínicos están actualizados al periodo 19982000 salvo en 21 pacientes (3,8 por ciento) perdidos para seguimiento. El seguimiento medio ha sido de 6,2 años (mediana 5,3). Han fallecido 111 pacientes (20 por ciento) en una media de 4,5 años (mediana 3,4). Siguen vivos 440 pacientes con un seguimiento medio de 6,6 años (rango 2-24 años, mediana 5,7).RESULTADOS: Hombres han sido 459 (83 por ciento) con una edad media de 64 años, mujeres 92 (17 por ciento) con una edad media de 70. En 347 pacientes había un solo tumor (63 por ciento). Tumores Ta: 79 (14 por ciento), T1: 431 (78 por ciento), Tis: 41(7 por ciento). G1: 406 (74 por ciento), G2: 96 (17 por ciento), G3: 33 (6 por ciento) y Tis primario: 16 (3 por ciento).Han recidivado 253 pacientes (46 por ciento) en una media de 2,2 años. SLE a 5 años: 55 por ciento, a 10 años: 44 por ciento, a 15 años: 38 por ciento. En análisis multivariante han tenido significación estadística desfavorable para la SLE: los tumores múltiples con un riesgo relativo (RR) de 1,4 (IC: 1,19-1,69); la edad avanza-da en variable continua y el sexo femenino (RR: 1,2; IC: 0,98-1,52).Han progresado a infiltrantes 40 pacientes (7,3 por ciento) en una media de 3,3 años. SLP a 5 años: 93 por ciento, a 10 años: 91 por ciento, a 15 años: 90 por ciento. Factores des-favorables en multivariante para SLP: tumores G3 (RR: 5,1; IC: 2,7-9,6); el grupo de riesgo integrado por: tumores Ta-T1G3 o Tis o T1G2 múltiples (RR: 4,6; IC: 2,6-7,9); y la edad mayor de 70 años (RR: 2,14; IC: 1,2-3,7).Han fallecido por su tumor: 31 pacientes (5,6 por ciento) en una media de 4,6 años. SE a 5 años: 95 por ciento, a 10 años: 93 por ciento, a 15 años: 91 por ciento. Factores significativos en multivariante para SE: el mismo grupo de riesgo significativo en SLP (RR: 5; IC: 2,7-9) y los pacientes con edad superior a 70 años (RR: 4,56; IC: 2,2-8,8).CONCLUSIONES: La capacidad de recidiva es muy elevada en todos los pacientes siendo el riesgo mayor cuando existen tumores múltiples. La posibilidad de progresión es baja pero existe incluso en los pacientes con tumores muy poco agresivos. El grupo de riesgo más elevado es el integrado por los pacientes con tumores Ta-T1G3 o Tis o T1G2 múltiples (AU)

[Clinical course and mid- and long-term prognosis of superficial bladder tumors]. / Evolución y pronóstico a medio y largo plazo de los tumores vesicales superficiales.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of 551 patients with superficial transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. To determine prognostic factors in these patients by means of the log-rank analysis of the Kaplan-Meier curves and a multivariate analysis with Cox regression model for the disease free survival (DFS), time to progression to infiltrating lesions (TTP) and overall survival (OS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 1998 we have seen 551 patients with superficial transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder in our Hospital. Fifteen patients included in this series had been diagnosed in other hospitals before 1983. The clinical records were actualized between 1998 and 2000 and only 21 patients were lost to follow-up (3.8%). The mean follow-up time was 6.2 years (median time: 5.3). One hundred and eleven patients (20%) died with a mean of 4.5 years (median time 3.4). Four hundred and forty patients were still alive on completion of the study with a mean follow-up time of 6.6 years (range 2-24 years; median 5.7). RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty-nine patients were men (83%) with a mean age of 64 years and 92 were women (17%) with a mean age of 70 years. In 347 patients there was only one tumour (63%). The tumours were stage Ta in 79 cases (14%). T1 in 431 (78%) and Tis in 41 (7%). The histological grade was G1 in 406 cases (74%), G2 in 96 (17%) and G3 in 33 (6%). There were recurrences in 253 patients (46%) with a mean time of 2.2 years. The DFS was 55% at 5 years, 44% at 10 years and 38% at 15 years. The multivariate analysis has shown a negative prognostic influence on DFS of the presence of multiple tumours (RR 1.4 CI 1.19-1.69), increasing age (analysed as a continuous variable) and the sex (being worse for females; RR 1.2 CI 0.98-1.52). In 40 patients (7.3%) the tumour became infiltrative in a mean of 3.3 years. The TTP was 93% at 5 years, 91% at 10 years and 90% at 15 years. The negative prognosticators in the multivariate analysis were G3 tumour (RR: 5.1 CI 2.7-9.6), the group of tumours Ta-T1G3 or multiple T1G2 or Tis (RR 4.6 CI 2.6-7.9) and the age > 70 years (RR 2.14 CI 1.2-3.7). Thirty-one patients (5.6%) died of the tumour in a mean time of 4.6 years. The OS was 95% at 5 years, 93% at 10 years and 91% at 15 years. Significant prognosticators in the multivariate analysis for OS were the group of risk tumours Ta-T1G3 and multiple Tis or T1G2 (RR 5 CI 2.7-9) and age > 70 years (RR 4.56 CI 2.2-8.8). CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence rate is very high in all the patients, but the risk is highest when the tumours are multiple. The risk of progression is low, but still exits even in patients with tumours of low malignant potential. The highest risk is associated with Ta-T1G3 of Tis or multiple T1G2.

[Progression and prognosis of in situ carcinoma of the bladder treated with BCG]. / Evolución y pronóstico del carcinoma in situ vesical tratado con BCG.

OBJECTIVES: In situ carcinoma (isT) of the bladder is a poor prognostic tumour with a natural progressive evolution. Treatment with BCG achieves a significant improvement in survival. This paper analyses our experience in the management of isT patients with endovesical BCG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 1997 the Urology Unit in the Móstoles Hospital saw 636 patients with transitional carcinoma of the bladder. Of these, 498 (78%) were surface tumours, and 138 (22%) were infiltrant. isT: 80 patients (13%), 14 of which were primary (17%), 37 associated to a surface tumour (46%), and 29 to infiltrant tumours (36%). All surface tumours: isT was present in 51 patients (10%) 44 of which were managed with 2 courses of BCG Connaught (81 mg), for 6 weeks each followed by vesical reassessment. Quarterly follow-up was conducted during a 2-year period. Patients not managed with BCG were treated with radical cystectomy. An analysis was made of patients without complete response to BCG, as well as actuarial analysis of disease-free survival (DFS), survival until progression (SUP) and specific survival (SS). All possible prognostic factors are analyzed: sex, focal isT (a single focus) or diffuse isT (more than one focus). Primary or secondary isT and association to G1, G2 or G3 tumours. RESULTS: In all 44 patients managed with BCG: males 37 (84%), females 7 (16%), primary 14 (32%), focal 22 (50%), diffuse 22 (50%). Six patients died (5 because of the tumour). Mean follow-up of living patients: 3.7 years (0.5-7.5 years). After the 2 BCG courses, 36 (82%) showed complete response. Thirteen patients (30%) had no complete response during follow-up, and 11 (85%) continued to progression. In total 7 patients underwent cystectomy. Of 5 patients directly cystectomized due to persistence of isT or T1G3 tumour at monitoring after BCG, 2 (40%) had infiltrant tumour and one (20%) nodular metastasis. Three patients with persistent isT or T1G3 after BCG were not initially cystectomized: two that were treated with other endovesical therapies because of their age progressed, and the third one underwent a third BCG course and required cystectomy due to tumour persistency. 5-year DFS: 56%, being diffuse isT vs. focal isT (p = 0.0206) was an unfavourable prognostic factor. 5-year SUP: 63%, no significant prognostic factor. 5-year SS: 79%, being a female was an unfavourable prognostic factor (p = 0.0201). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results and the analysis of the literature we recommend treatment with 2 BCG courses of all isTs of the bladder that present some of the following factors: Diffuse cancer associated to T1G3, involvement of prostatic urethra or overexpression of p53 over 20%. In the rest of vesical tumours, one BCG course followed by a second one if lack of response to the first. After failure of both BCG courses, cystectomy must be performed in both groups.

[Fibroepithelial polyps of the upper urinary tract: their diagnostic evaluation and treatment in pediatrics]. / Polipos fibroepiteliales del tracto urinario superior: evaluación diagnóstica y tratamiento en pediatría.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the diagnostic criteria, analyze the histological patterns of benign and malignant ureteral and renal pelvic polyps in pediatric patients and discuss the best treatment option based on the final diagnosis. METHODS/RESULTS: The literature is reviewed with special reference to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of fibroepithelial polyps of the upper urinary tract in pediatric patients. An additional case with benign cytological and radiological findings is described. The patient underwent partial pyeloureteral resection. Histological analysis of the surgical specimen confirmed a fibroepithelial polyp. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize the importance of adequate preoperative evaluation, precise identification of the base of the lesion for a correct choice of the surgical approach, and the advantages of complete segmental resection and reanastomosis over simple excision of the polyp.

[Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. Survival and prognostic factors]. / Carcinomas uroteliales del tracto urinario superior. Supervivencia y factores pronósticos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the survival and the main prognostic factors in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. METHODS: From 1983 to 1996, we treated 50 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. Treatment was basically conservative except in those cases whose tumor stage or grade required a radical approach. Grading and staging were performed according to the 1992 TNM classification. Eighteen patients had died at one year mean follow-up., At the time the study was completed (June, 1997), 32 patients were alive with a mean follow-up of 4.9 years. Disease-free survival, overall and specific survival were analyzed according to sex, age, association with bladder tumors, localization, type of treatment, tumor size, number, histological grade and stage. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 5:1. Patient mean age was 65.7 years. Association with bladder tumors was observed in 50%. Treatment was conservative in 40% and radical in 60%. The five- and ten-year disease-free survival rates were 69%, overall survival 61% and specific survival 71%. The univariate analysis showed the following to be unfavorable prognostic factors for survival: renal vs ureteral tumors, radical vs conservative treatment, high grade and stage tumors. The association of carcinoma in situ with other tumors of the upper urinary tract was also found to be an unfavorable factor for disease-free survival. The multivariate analysis associated T4 and G3 tumors with poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract was associated with bladder tumors in 50% of the cases. Low grade stage tumors demonstrated a high survival rate, therefore conservative treatment should be the first approach. High grade/ stage tumors were found to be unfavorable prognostic factors for survival.

[Evolution and prognostic factors of adenocarcinomas of the prostate metastasizing at diagnosis]. / Evolución y factores pronósticos de los adenocarcinomas de próstata metastásicos al diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVES: In 30-40% patients, prostate adenocarcinoma is diagnosed already in the metastatic phase, a percentage that will depend on the number of patients with localized cancer that we are unable to detect. Hormonal suppression is the most widely accepted therapeutical option, although there are doubts on the value of rescue treatment after the hormone-refractive stage. This paper analyses those parameters as well as the main prognostic factors in a series of 135 patients with metastatic prostate cancer at diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 1996, 414 patients were diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma in the Urology Unit. Móstoles Hospital, 135 of which (32.6%) were metastatic at the time of diagnosis and were managed as follows: 113 (84%) were treated with maximum androgenic blockade (MAB). 13 (9.6%) with orchiectomy and antiandrogens, 5 (3.7%) with various treatments, and only 4 received symptomatic treatment. Of those treated with MAB, 97 (72%) continued treatment after the hormone-refractive stage and 16 (12%) were given stramustine phosphate instead of the antiandrogen. Response monitoring was done basically by means of serial PSA determination. The parameters analyzed included survival and the following potential prognostic factors: age, performance status, metastatic bone pain, tumour diagnosis based on number of metastasis, prior PSA level, Gleason, local stage, M1 type at diagnosis based on the 1992 TNM classification, and response to the various treatment applied. RESULTS: Mean age: 72 years. Over an average of 25 (0-127) months, 80 (59%) patients have died; mean follow-up of patients alive at end of study: 24 months (3-111). Lost to follow-up: 6 patients (4.4%). Up to 1991, the proportion of patients with metastasis was 48%; since 1992, 24%. Percentage of patients diagnosed due to clinical manifestations of the metastasis (25 patients) over these two periods increased, mean age decreased and the proportion of patients with highly aggressive tumours increased. Mean overall survival, 26 months: influential prognostic factors: diagnosis due to metastasis and Gleason greater than 7; very poor prognosis for those receiving no hormonal therapy, with no differences between drug versus surgical treatment. Tumour-dependent mean survival, 32 months; influential prognostic factors: performance status, metastatic bone pain, diagnosis due to metastasis and Gleason greater than 7; very poor prognosis for those receiving no hormonal therapy. Progression-free interval, 19 months; influential prognostic factors: metastatic bone pain, PSA higher or lower than 90. Gleason greater than 7 and local stage: no differences between treatments. Mean survival after progression, 6 months; influential prognostic factors: diagnosis due to metastasis, M1b versus M1c patients: increased survival in patients rescued with stramustine phosphate. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of prostate adenocarcinomas with metastasis at diagnosis shows a trend to decrease, although the percentage of patients who are diagnosed by the sings and symptoms of their metastasis is increasing. These patients should be treated with pharmacological or surgical hormone-suppression. Rescue treatment with stramustine phosphate prolongs survival. Influential prognostic factors: Gleason greater than 7, metastatic bone pain, tumour extent and previous PSA.

[Vesical endometriosis after cesarean section: diagnostico-therapeutic aspects]. / Endometriosis vesical tras cesárea: aspectos diagnóstico-terapéuticos.

Endometriosis is a benign condition with an aggressive behaviour defined by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue, outside the uterus. It occurs in 15-20% women with child bearing potential. Most commonly it affects organs such as the ovaries, uterine ligaments, fallopian tubes, rectum and the cervico-vaginal region. Involvement of the urinary tract, however, is rare. It can be seen in just about 1% cases, vesical location being the most frequent of these presentations (84% cases). We describe one case of vesical endometriosis that developed after a cesarean section. The intra-operative findings confirmed the existence of infiltration of the detrusor muscle and the vesical mucosa by endometrial tissue from the area of the uterine incision. A discussion of the different diagnostic and therapeutic options is also included.

[Meconial hydrocele]. / Hidrocele meconial.

Presentation of one case of meconial hydrocele, a very infrequent disease that should be taken into account in all newborns presenting intrascrotal mass. Ultrasonography performed to a 29 year-old female during the 36th week of pregnancy, demonstrated in the fetus the presence of an enlarged right hemiscrotum with homogenous material inside, which was diagnosed as an intrascrotal haematoma due to a likely intrauterine spermatic cord torsion. After eutocic delivery, within one month from birth the newborn developed signs and symptoms which were compatible with acute scrotum and the emergency surgical exploration showed meconial hydrocele secondary to patency of peritoneal-vaginal duct with associated inguinal hernia. The causes, forms of presentation, differential diagnoses and therapeutical options of meconial peritonitis, a rare condition with favourable evolution in most cases, are analyzed showing that, under certain circumstances, treatment is controversial.

[Epidemiologic indicators of adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Results on 436 patients]. / Indicadores epidemiológicos del adenocarcinoma de próstata. Resultados sobre 436 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a populational study by analyzing the major epidemiological indicators in a group of 436 patients with prostate adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population reference for the study involves a total of 396,294 people, of which 197,500 are male. Between 1983 and 1996, 436 patients were diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma in the Urology Service of Mostoles Hospital. Gleason Index has been used to determine the histological grade, while the 1992 TNM rating was used for staging purposes. Gleason rating is known for 395 patients, distribution being as follows: 26.6% with Gleason 2, 3 or 4; 44.6% with 5, 6 or 7 and 28.9% with 8, 9 or 10. T1 tumours accounted for 21.1% cases; T2: 45.6%; T3: 22.2% and T4: 11%. There were 58.3% M0: 32.8% M1 and 8.9% Mx tumours. Approach for local disease: radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy. Approach for disseminated disease; hormonal blockade. Deaths: 130 (29.8%); cancer related deaths: 91 (70%). Mean follow-up of survivors: 3.4 years (0.25-14 years). Major variables analyzed: age, incidence, prevalence, mortality, Gleason's evolution and overall and specific survival. RESULTS: Mean age: 71.3 years. Prior to 1990 there were 55.5% patients under 70 years old; in 1995-96 there are 39.4%. Incidence has increased up to 36.5% per 100,000 people/year in 1996. Mean mortality in 1993-1996: 5.6 per 100,000 people/year. Prevalence in 1996: 155 per 100,000 people/year. Family background for prostate cancer: 8%. Incidence of second tumours: 10.5%. Increased proportion of patients with moderate to high versus low Gleason grades. Overall survival at 5 years: 53%, at 10 years: 33%. Tumour related survival at 5 years: 65%; at 10 years: 48%. Older age, higher PSA, higher Gleason, advanced stages and metastasis are all unfavourable prognostic factors for both overall and specific survival (p = 0.000). Significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis have been a higher Gleason grade and non metastatic tumour at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of prostate adenocarcinoma has increased in our milieu, reaching 36.5 per 100,000 people/year in 1996, far from the figures in the US. Actual mortality in our series is somehow lower than data published in other national series. This condition shows very high prevalence rates which results in increasingly growing and highly significant economic costs.

[Bladder pseudosarcoma in pediatrics: clinico-pathological features and treatment]. / Pseudosarcoma vesical en pediatría: aspectos clínico-patológicos y tratamiento.

OBJECTIVES: To review the most common clinical signs and symptoms of inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder in children and to distinguish this benign lesion from malignant neoplasms such as rhabdomyosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. METHODS: Two cases os pseudosarcomatous tumor of the bladder in children are described. In the first patient, the tumor had appeared spontaneously in a 9-year-old boy. The second had developed in a 6-year-old girl and was considered to be reactive to prior surgery. The literature is reviewed and data from 16 cases of inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder in patients under 16 years of age are also presented. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 8 years. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1. Hematuria (56%), dysuria (37%) and abdominal pain with a palpable mass (18%) were the most commonly described clinical manifestations. Tumor size ranged from 3 to 10 cm and they were frequently located in the lateral walls and base of the bladder. Histological analysis showed an inflammatory pseudosarcomatous reaction. Immunohistochemical analysis showed moderate staining for vimentin, mild staining for focal muscle actin and negative for keratin and S-100 protein. Patients were treated by local resection (7 pts), partial cystectomy (5 pts), radical cystectomy (2 pts) and pelvic exenteration (2 pts). The mean follow-up was 34 months. All patients that had been followed (14/16) were reported to be free of disease with no evidence of recurrences or metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder is an unusual benign tumor that is very rare in children. Long-term follow-up confirms the benign nature of the lesion and conservative management is therefore advocated. However, given its histological similarity to malignant tumors, a close follow-up is recommended.

[Flubiprofen vs dipyrone combined with hyoscine: the analgesic efficacy in renal colic]. / Flubiprofeno vs dipirona asociada a hioscina: eficacia analgésica en el cólico nefrítico.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the efficacy of flurbiprofen (NSAID) versus dipirone + hyoscine N-butylbromide in the treatment of nephric colic. METHODS: The study comprised 135 patients, aged 18 to 75 yrs, with intense nephric colic. The patients were observed 60 min after a single IM dose of 150 mg flurbiprofen (n = 67) or 2 gm dipirone + 20 mg hyoscine N-butylbromide. RESULTS: Both treatment modalities were well-tolerated and afforded significant pain relief. Flurbiprofen, however, was faster-acting and superior to dipirone + hyoscine in the overall evaluation of good and excellent therapeutic response rates. CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that IM flurbiprofen is a useful alternative to dipirone + hyoscine N-butylbromide in the treatment of nephric colic.

[Transurethral resection of prostate cancer: efficacy and morbidity]. / Resección transuretral del cáncer de próstata: eficacia y morbilidad.

OBJECTIVES: The efficacy and morbidity of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were evaluated in patients with urinary retention and prostatic carcinoma. METHODS: From 1990 to 1993, 30 patients with infravesical obstruction secondary to prostate cancer were treated by TURP. The results were considered good when patients were able to void and were completely continent following the procedure, whereas poor results were defined as incontinence or no relief of urethral obstruction 21 days following catheter removal. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 72 years and the average weight of resected tissue ranged from 8 to 105 gms (mean 19.5 gms). The median postoperative follow-up period was 20.5 months (range 6-36 months). During this time, there were no deaths and 72.5% of the patients showed normal post-TURP micturition. Eight patients (27.5%) developed the following complications: 3 were incontinent, 6 had persistent obstruction and 1 patient had both complications. Presurgical hormone therapy, high-grade tumors and patient age under 70 years appear to be statistically related to poor outcome following TURP. CONCLUSIONS: TURP is an effective treatment with a relatively low morbidity and offers a viable option for patients with symptomatic urethral obstruction due to prostate cancer.