Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer: Dual Injection, Dual Tracer-A Multidisciplinary Exhaustive Approach to Nodal Staging.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) has recently been introduced as a standard staging technique in endometrial cancer (EC). There are some issues regarding team experience and para-aortic detection. OBJECTIVE: to report the accuracy of SLN detection in EC with a dual tracer (ICG and Tc99) and dual injection site (cervix and fundus) during the learning curve. METHODS: A prospective, observational single-center trial including 48 patients diagnosed with early-stage EC. Dual intracervical tracer (Tc99 and ICG) was injected at different times. High-risk patients had a second fundus injection with both tracers. RESULTS: the detection rates were as follows: 100% (48/48) overall for SLNs; 98% (47/48) overall for pelvic SLNs; 89.5% (43/48) for bilateral SLNs; and 2% (1/48) for isolated para-aortic SLNs. In high-risk patients, the para-aortic overall DR was 66.7% (22/33); 60.7% (17/28) with ICG and 51.5% (17/33) with Tc99 (p = 0.048)). Overall rate of lymph node involvement was 14.6% (7/48). Macroscopic pelvic metastasis was found in four patients (8.3%) and microscopic in one case (2%). No metastasis was found in any para-aortic SLNs. Half of the patients with positive pelvic SLNs had positive para-aortic nodes. In high-risk patients, when para-aortic SLNs mapped failed, 36.4% (4/11) had positive nodes in para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of SLN pelvic detection was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary exhaustive approach gives a suitable accuracy of SLN during learning curve. Dual injection (cervical and fundal) with dual tracer (ICG and Tc99) offers good overall detection rates and increases para-aortic SLN detection.

Programa formativo en cirugía endoscópica. Perspectivas de futuro / Training program in endourological surgery. Future perspectives

La formación actual en endoscopia urológica carece de un programa formativo concreto. Sin embargo, es evidente la necesidad de disponer de un programa específico y uniforme, que permitirá asegurar la formación, independientemente de la unidad donde se realice. Por lo que el objetivo es primero evaluar el existente modelo y posteriormente aportar las mejoras para su actualización. Las guías formativas hospitalarias son solo la adaptación del programa oficial de la especialidad de urología a las circunstancias específicas de cada centro, lo que provoca la variabilidad en la formación. Tras la revisión de 19 programas formativos pertenecientes a 12 comunidades autónomas. El panorama actual muestra que escasamente el 10% de los hospitales cuantifican el número de procedimientos/año, aunque el programa nacional destaca que la labor asistencial del residente debe ser cuantificada. Por lo que los residentes de urología, perciben su formación como inadecuada y su nivel de satisfacción es moderado. Los tres principales problemas detectados por los residentes como freno a su formación son: la falta de supervisión del programa, que existan adjuntos completando su aprendizaje. Por último, la ausencia de cuantificación en las actividades quirúrgicas se describe como una amenaza. Esto no tiene fácil solución, ya que la curva de aprendizaje de las técnicas más comunes en endourología no esta correctamente establecida. Como aspectos que pueden mejorar el actual modelo, destaca la necesidad de diseñar un programa específico. La necesidad de personalizar la formación, la ineludible acreditación de los tutores y evidentemente dignificar la labor del tutor. Otro aspecto es la inclusión de nuevas tecnologías como herramientas de formación, el e-learning. Así como la implementación de un adecuado plan de evaluación de competencias y la posibilidad de apoyarse en los sistemas de simulación. Por ultimo, destacar la necesidad de asistir a reuniones monográficas y de rotaciones externas para favorecer la formación crítica (AU)

Current training in urological endoscopy lacks a specific training program. However, there is a clear need for a specific and uniform program, which will ensure the training, regardless of the unit where it is carried out. So, the goal is to first evaluate the current model and then bring improvements for update. The hospital training accreditation programme are only the adjustment of the official program of the urology specialty to the specific circumstances of each center, which causes variability in training of residents. After reviewing 19 training programs belonging to 12 Spanish regions. The current outlook shows that scarcely 10% of hospitals quantify the number of procedures/year, although the Spanish program emphasizes that the achievement of the residents should be quantified. Urology residents, sense their training as inadequate and therefore their level of satisfaction is moderate. The three main problems detected by residents as an obstacle on their training are: the lack of supervision, tutors completing their own learning. Finally, the lack of quantification in surgical activities is described as a threat. This has no easy solution, since the learning curve of the most common techniques in endourology is not correctly established. Regarding aspects that can improve the current model, they highlight the need to design a specific program. The need to customize the training, the ineludible accreditation of tutors and obviously dignify the tutor ́s teaching activity. Another basic aspect is the inclusion of new technologies as training tools, e-learning. As well as the implementation of an adequate competency assessment plan and the possibility of relying on simulation systems. Finally, they highlight the need to attend monographic meetings and external clinic rotations to promote critical training (AU)

[Training program in endourological surgery. Future perspectives.] / Programa formativo en cirugía endoscópica. Perspectivas de futuro.

Current training in urological endoscopy lacks a specific training program. However, there is a clear need for a specific and uniform program, which will ensure the training, regardless of the unit where it is carried out. So, the goal is to first evaluate the current model and then bring improvements for update. The hospital training accreditation programme are only the adjustment of the official program of the urology specialty to the specific circumstances of each center, which causes variability in training of residents. After reviewing 19 training programs belonging to 12 Spanish regions. The current outlook shows that scarcely 10% of hospitals quantify the number of procedures/ year, although the Spanish program emphasizes that the achievement of the residents should be quantified. Urology residents, sense their training as inadequate and therefore their level of satisfaction is moderate. The three main problems detected by residents as an obstacle on their training are: the lack of supervision, tutors completing their own learning. Finally, the lack of quantification in surgical activities is described as a threat. This has no easy solution, since the learning curve of the most common techniques in endourology is not correctly established. Regarding aspects that can improve the current model, they highlight the need to design a specific program. The need to customize the training, the ineludible accreditation of tutors and obviously dignify the tutor's teaching activity. Another basic aspect is the inclusion of new technologies as training tools, e-learning. As well as the implementation of an adequate competency assessment plan and the possibility of relying on simulation systems. Finally, they highlight the need to attend monographic meetings and external clinic rotations to promote critical training.

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy With Potassium-titanyl-phosphate Laser Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: An Animal Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility, safety, and short-term results of potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (KTP-LPN) vs conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (C-LPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty large white female pigs were randomized to KTP-LPN or C-LPN. Laparoscopic radical right nephrectomy was performed, and an artificial renal tumor was placed in the left kidney in 3 locations. A week later, 15 pigs underwent C-LPN and 15 underwent KTP-LPN. All C-LPNs were performed with renal ischemia. A 120-W setting was used, without arterial clamping in the KTP-LPN group. Follow-up was done at day 1, week 3, and week 6. Retrograde pyelography was performed at 6 weeks, followed by animal sacrifice and necropsy. RESULTS: All KTP-LPNs were performed without hilar clamping. C-LPNs were performed with hilar clamping, closing of the collecting system, and renorraphy. In the KTP laser group, 2 pigs died due to urinary fistula in the first week after surgery. In the C-LPN group, 1 pig died due to myocardial infarction and another due to malignant hyperthermia. Hemoglobin and hematocrit recovery were lower at 6 weeks in the KTP-LPN group. Renal function 24 hours after surgery was worse in the KTP-LPN group but recovered at 3 weeks and 6 weeks. No differences were observed in surgical margins. The necropsy showed no differences. Limitations of the study are the impossibility to analyze the collecting tissue sealing by the KTP, and the potential renal toxicity of the KTP laser. CONCLUSION: Although KTP-LPN is feasible and safe in the animal model, further studies are needed.

Catéteres ureterales antirreflujo / Antirreflux ureteral catheters

La disposición de un catéter ureteral doble jota esta asociada a efectos adversos que están presentes en casi el 90% de los pacientes. Las principales causas de esta sintomatología se relacionan con el propio diseño del catéter y el material del que esta fabricado. Son el reflujo vesicoureteral y la irritación del trígono vesical, los responsables etiopatogénicos de la instauración de la morbilidad asociada a los catéteres ureterales. Por ello y con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes, se han desarrollado catéteres para impedir el reflujo. Entre los diseños antirreflujo, el primero en aparecer es un catéter doble jota, que tiene en su extremo vesical una funda polimérica que a modo de membrana impide a la orina ascender por el canal interno del mismo, mostrando resultados satisfactorios pero con escasa significación estadística. Su empleo en trasplante renal también ha sido evaluado, no solo para disminuir la morbilidad y la infección ascendente sino también para mejorar la supervivencia del injerto. Otros diseños adelgazan el catéter en su extremo distal y llegan a modificar el diseño hasta cambiar el extremo vesical por un hilo de sutura, con el objetivo de no presentar canal interno e interferir lo mínimo en la unión ureterovesical. Recientemente, dos prototipos evaluados en modelo animal han conseguido reducir el reflujo, el primero es una válvula acoplada al extremo distal del catéter ureteral tradicional, funcionando a modo de válvula antirretorno. El segundo es un catéter intraureteral, que actúa a modo de catéter doble jota pero sin traspasar nunca la unión ureterovesical, por lo cual el reflujo es impedido en su totalidad. A día de hoy la utilización de estos dispositivos a nivel hospitalario es muy escasa, justificado por la ausencia de evidencia científica que soporte la superioridad de estos frente a los convencionales

Double-J ureteral stents disposal is associated with the appearance of side effects in up to 90% of the patients. The main causes of these symptoms are related to stent`s design and the materials they are manufactured from. Vesicoureteral reflux and bladder trigone irritation are the etiopathogenic causes of ureteral stents associated morbidity. Due to this, and in order to improve patients’ quality of life, stents that avoid reflux have been developed. Among anti-reflux designs, the first was a double-J stent the bladder tip of which is provided with a polymeric membrane that prevents retrograde flow of urine through its internal drainage channel. This design showed satisfactory vesicaresults, although not statistically significant. Their use in renal transplantation has also been assessed not only to decrease morbidity and ascending infection but also to improve graft survival. Other designs try to thin the distal end and even change it to a surgical suture thread, with the aim of eliminating the internal drainage channel in order to cause the minimum interference with the UVJ. Recently, two prototypes were evaluated in animal models and have achieved reduction of VUR. The first consists of a valve attached to the distal end of a traditional double-J stent, acting as a backflow prevention device. The second design is an intra-ureteral stent that acts like a double-J stent, but without crossing the UVJ and therefore preventing reflux completely. Nowadays, the use of these devices is not implemented in hospitals due to the absence of scientific evidence supporting the superiority of these designs over conventional stents

Development and Validation of a Novel Skills Training Model for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to validate a training model that combines the use of nonbiologic and biologic simulators as well as live porcine animal model in endoscopic retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 urologists took part in this study, and the activity lasted for 2 days. The training model was divided into three modules: Module-I, related to the acquisition of basic theoretical knowledge; Module-II, consisting of an internship with bench models; and Module III, in which animal models were used. First, trainees practiced with animals without using a lesion model (placement of an ureteral access sheath under fluoroscopic guidance and flexible ureterorenoscopy). Afterward, they practiced on a porcine animal model of bilateral renal lithiasis. Performance was measured using a validated global rating score and RIRS checklist score. Face and content validation as well as constructive validation provided by trainees in front of 15 experts were performed during the practice. RESULTS: Face and content validations were satisfactory. "Individual" constructive validity showed statistical significance between the first and the last time that trainees practiced on an animal model. Statistical significance was also found between trainees and expert scores. There were 73.4% of trainees who increased their skills by more than 40%. CONCLUSION: This RIRS training model allows for the acquisition of technical knowledge and skills as face, content, and constructive validation show. A structured use of nonbiologic, biologic, and animal model simulators allows the increase of RIRS skills.

Preliminary Assessment of a New Antireflux Ureteral Stent Design in Swine Model.

OBJECTIVE: To assess a new antireflux ureteral stent in animal model. The design expects to reduce morbidity associated with JJ ureteral stents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve pigs were used in this study. The study began with a nephrosonographic assessment and excretory urography. Afterward, measurement of the internal diameter of both ureteropelvic junctions (UPJ) by retrograde ureteropyelography was performed. A 3 Fr (ARS group) antireflux ureteral stent was placed in the right kidney and a JJ 4 Fr (JJ group) stent was placed in the left. Follow-ups were performed at 3-6 weeks; both stents were removed at 6 weeks. The final follow-up was completed at 5 months. This includes the above-mentioned diagnostic methods and an anatomopathological study. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in UPJ diameter evolution between groups. During renal damage assessment, significant differences at 3 and 6 weeks were found, renal dilation being larger in JJ group. The JJ group shows a higher degree of vesicoureteral reflux at 3 and 6 weeks. After assessment of ureteral orifice, significant differences between groups were found at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 5 months, damage being more severe in the JJ group. After anatomopathological assessment, no statistical significance at UPJ was observed. However, statistical significance was found at ureterovesical junction, damage being more severe in the JJ group. CONCLUSION: The antireflux ureteral stent design dilates the upper urinary tract without affecting ureterovesical junction, and consequently reduces morbidity associated with JJ ureteral stents. Therefore, its patient tolerance will possibly be better than that to existent designs.

Age-related prevalence of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and anticoagulation therapy use in a urolithiasis population and their effect on outcomes: the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Ureteroscopy Global Study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the prevalence of risk factors for urological stone surgery and their possible influence on outcome and complications following ureteroscopy (URS). METHODS: The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Ureteroscopy Global Study collected prospective data on consecutive patients with urinary stones treated with URS at centers around the world for 1 year. The prevalence of common comorbidities and anticoagulation therapy and their relationship with complications and age were examined. RESULTS: Of 11,719 patients, 2,989 patients (25.8%) had cardiovascular disease, including 22.6% with hypertension, and 1,266 patients (10.9%) had diabetes mellitus. Approximately six percent of patients were receiving oral anticoagulation therapy, including aspirin (3.7%) and clopidogrel (0.8%). The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and the proportion of patients receiving anticoagulant medication and/or antidiabetes treatment increased with age. Elderly were more likely to develop a postoperative complication when they had diabetes, a cardiovascular disease or received anticoagulation therapy. Post-operative bleeding was higher in patients receiving anticoagulants than those not receiving them (1.1 vs. 0.4%; p < 0.01). Patients with risk factors for stone formation had more complications than those without (4.9 vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study confirming in a global population that URS can effectively and safely be performed in a population with high comorbidity. The risk of a complication was highest among elderly patients presenting with comorbidities.

[Prostate adenocarcinoma. Predictive clinical model of seminal vesicle involvement]. / Adenocarcinoma de próstata. Modelo clínico predictivo de afectación de vesícula seminal.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to design a predictive model of seminal vesicle involvement. using clinical data. METHODS: We studied 1128 patients with clinically localized adenocarcinoma treated by radical prostatectomy (127 were pT3b). We identified (logistic regression) clinical variables related with pT3b. With the multivariate study influential variables a seminal vesicle involvement risk model is designed. RESULTS: Seminal vesicle involvement related factors: In univariate study: the influential variables are: Gleason 7 (OR:2);Gleason 8-10 (OR:4.5) T2 (OR:2.6); bilateral involvement in biopsy (OR:3.1); PSA 10-20 ng/ml ( OR:3.3); PSA >20 ng/ ml (OR:9.5). In the multivariate study are influential: Gleason 7 (OR:1.56) Gleason 8-10 ( OR: 3.4); T2 (OR:1.9); PSA 10-20 ng/ml (OR:3.1) and PSA >20 ng/,ml (OR:8.8). Predictive model: using multivariate logistic regression the weight of each variable is valued and a value between 1 and 4 is given. Gleason 2-6, T1; PSA<10 ng/ml value 1; Gleason 7; T2 y PSA 10-20 ng/ml value 2; Gleason 8-10 and PSA >20 ng/ml value 4. Each patient has a marker that fluctuates between 3 and 10. 5 Groups are designed with significantly different risks (p<0.05 in all cases ): Group 1 (3 points) (OR:1) (risk: 2.4% 95%IC 0.7%-4.3%) Group 2 (4 points) (OR:2.7) (risk: 6.5% 95%IC 5%-7.9%); Group 3(5-6 points) (OR:7.1)( risk:15% 95%IC 11%-19%) Group 4 ( 7--8 points) (OR:33.4) (risk: 45.5%; 95%IC 30%-59%) Group 5 (9-10 points) (OR:57.3) (risk: 58.8% 95%IC 35%- 82%). CONCLUSION: The clinical model allows an accurate approximation to the seminal vesicles involvement risk.

Adenocarcinoma de próstata. Modelo clínico predictivo de afectación de vesícula seminal / Prostate adenocarcinoma. Predictive clinical model of seminal vesicle involvement

OBJETIVOS: Se pretende diseñar utilizando los datos clínicos un modelo predictivo de afectación de vesícula seminal. MÉTODOS: Se estudian 1.128 pacientes con adenocarcinoma clínicamente localizado tratados mediante prostatectomía radical (127 son pT3b). Se identifican (regresión logística) las variables clínicas relacionadas con pT3b. Con las variables del estudio multivariado se diseña un modelo de riesgo de afectación de vesícula seminal. RESULTADOS: Factores relacionados con afectación de vesícula seminal: En estudio univariado: las variables influyentes son: Gleason 7 (OR:2); Gleason 8-10 (OR:4,5); T2 (OR:2,6); afectación bilateral en biopsia (OR:3,1); PSA 10-20 ng/ml (OR:3,3); PSA >20 ng/ml (OR:9,5). En el estudio multivariado son influyentes: Gleason 7 (OR:1,56); Gleason 8-10 (OR: 3,4); T2 (OR:1,9); PSA 10-20 ng/ml (OR:3,1) y PSA >20 ng/ml (OR:8,8). MODELO PREDICTIVO: mediante regresión logística multivariante se valora el peso de cada variable y se da un valor entre 1 y 4. Gleason 2-6, T1; PSA<10 ng/ml valor 1; Gleason 7; T2 y PSA 10-20 ng/ml valor 2; Gleason 8-10 y PSA >20 ng/ml valor 4. Cada paciente tiene un marcador que oscila entre 3 y 10. Se diseñan 5 grupos con riesgos significativamente diferentes (p<0,05 en todos los casos): Grupo 1 (3 puntos)(OR:1)(riesgo: 2,4%; IC95% 0,7%-4,3%). Grupo 2 (4 puntos) (OR:2,7)(riesgo: 6,5%; IC95% 5%-7,9%). Grupo 3 (5-6 puntos)(OR:7,1) (riesgo:15%; IC95% 11%-19%). Grupo 4 (7-8 puntos)(OR:33,4)(riesgo: 45,5%; IC95% 30%-59%). Grupo 5 (9-10 puntos)(OR:57,3)(riesgo: 58,8%; IC95% 35%-82%). CONCLUSIÓN: El modelo clínico permite una aproximación precisa al riesgo de afectación de vesículas seminales (AU)

OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to design a predictive model of seminal vesicle involvement. using clinical data. METHODS: We studied 1128 patients with clinically localized adenocarcinoma treated by radical prostatectomy (127 were pT3b). We identified (logistic regression) clinical variables related with pT3b. With the multivariate study influential variables a seminal vesicle involvement risk model is designed. RESULTS: Seminal vesicle involvement related factors: In univariate study: the influential variables are: Gleason 7 (OR:2);Gleason 8-10 (OR:4.5); T2 (OR:2.6); bilateral involvement in biopsy (OR:3.1); PSA 10-20 ng/ml (OR:3.3); PSA >20 ng/ml (OR:9.5). In the multivariate study are influential: Gleason 7 (OR: 1.56); Gleason 8-10 (OR: 3.4); T2 (OR:1.9); PSA 10-20 ng/ml (OR:3.1) and PSA >20 ng/ml (OR:8.8). Predictive model: using multivariate logistic regression the weight of each variable is valued and a value between 1 and 4 is given. Gleason 2-6, T1; PSA<10 ng/ml value 1; Gleason 7; T2 y PSA 10-20 ng/ml value 2; Gleason 8-10 and PSA >20 ng/ml value 4. Each patient has a marker that fluctuates between 3 and 10. 5 Groups are designed with significantly different risks (p<0.05 in all cases): Group 1 (3 points) (OR:1)(risk: 2.4%; 95%IC 0.7%-4.3%) Group 2 (4 points) (OR:2.7)(risk: 6.5%; 95%IC 5%-7.9%) Group 3 (5-6 points) (OR:7.1)(risk:15%; 95%IC 11%-19%) Group 4 (7-8 points) (OR:33.4)(risk: 45.5%; 95%IC 30%-59%) Group 5 (9-10 points) (OR:57.3)(risk: 58.8%; 95%IC 35%-82%). CONCLUSION: The clinical model allows an accurate approximation to the seminal vesicles involvement risk (AU)

Perineal radical prostatectomy in the minimally invasive era.

Radical prostatectomy is currently the standard of care for localized prostate cancer. In the last decade, the minimally invasive surgery, especially the robotic surgery has been growing and open techniques are less frequent performed. A non-systematic review of the literature is performed, highlighting the current situation of the perineal radical prostatectomy in the minimally invasive era, its indications, and functional and oncological outcomes. Radical perineal prostatectomy, when compared with other surgical approaches, still experience favorable outcomes. Urologist might be abandoning an underused surgical approach.

Prostatectomía perineal radical en la era de mínima invasión / Perineal radical prostatectomy in the minimally invasive era

OBJETIVO: La prostatectomía radical es en la actualidad el tratamiento estándar para el cáncer de próstata localizado. En la última década, la cirugía mínimamente invasiva ha ido creciendo, especialmente la cirugía robótica y las técnicas abiertas se llevan a cabo con menos frecuencia. Realizamos una revisión no sistemática de la literatura al respecto, destacando la situación actual de la prostatectomía perineal radical en la era mínimamente invasiva, sus indicaciones y los resultados funcionales y oncológicos. La prostatectomía perineal radical continúa teniendo resultados favorables, en comparación con otros métodos quirúrgicos. Los urólogos podrían abandonar un abordaje quirúrgico infrautilizado (AU)

Radical prostatectomy is currently the standard of care for localized prostate cancer. In the last decade, the minimally invasive surgery, especially the robotic surgery has been growing and open techniques are less frequent performed. A non-systematic review of the literature is performed, highlighting the current situation of the perineal radical prostatectomy in the minimally invasive era, its indications, and functional and oncological outcomes. Radical perineal prostatectomy, when compared with other surgical approaches, still experience favorable outcomes. Urologist might be abandoning an underused surgical approach (AU)

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and chronic kidney disease: results from the CROES PCNL Global Study.

PURPOSE: We compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) Global Study according to preoperative renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data on consecutive patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a 1-year period were collected from 96 participating centers. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula based on preoperative serum creatinine measurement. Patients were divided into 3 groups by glomerular filtration rate, including chronic kidney disease stages 0/I/II-greater than 60, stage III-30 to 59 and stages IV/V-less than 30 ml/minute/1.73 m(2). Patient characteristics, operative characteristics, outcomes and morbidity were assessed. RESULTS: Estimated glomerular filtration rate data were available on 5,644 patients, including 4,436 with chronic kidney disease stages 0/I/II, 994 with stage III and 214 with stages IV/V. A clinically significant minority of patients with nephrolithiasis presented with severe chronic kidney disease. A greater number of patients with stages IV/V previously underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopy or nephrostomy and had positive urine cultures than less severely affected patients, consistent with the higher incidence of staghorn stones in these patients. Patients with chronic kidney disease stages IV/V had statistically significantly worse postoperative outcomes than those in the other chronic kidney disease groups. CONCLUSIONS: Poor renal function negatively impacts the post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcome. By more aggressive removal of kidney stones, particularly staghorn stones, at first presentation and more vigilantly attempting to prevent recurrence through infection control, pharmacological or other interventions, the progression of chronic kidney disease due to nephrolithiasis may be mitigated.

Comparative outcomes of pure squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation in patients treated with radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: We compared clinical outcomes, and identified predictors of cancer specific and overall survival after radical cystectomy in patients with urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation and those with pure squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed data on 2,031 patients treated with radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection at a single high volume referral center. Of these patients 78 had squamous cell carcinoma and 67 had squamous differentiation. Survival estimates by histological subtype were described using Kaplan-Meier methods. Within histological subtypes pathological stage, nodal invasion, soft tissue margins, age and gender were evaluated as predictors of cancer specific survival and overall survival using univariate Cox regression. RESULTS: Median followup was 44 months. Of 104 patient deaths 60 died of their disease. We did not find a statistically significant difference between survival curves of patients with squamous cell carcinoma and squamous differentiation (log rank overall survival p = 0.6, cancer specific survival p = 0.17). Positive soft tissue margins were associated with worse cancer specific survival (HR 6.92, 95% CI 2.98-16.10, p ≤0.0005) and overall survival (HR 3.68, 95% CI 1.84-7.35, p ≤0.0005) in patients with pure squamous cell carcinoma. Among patients with squamous differentiation, pelvic lymphadenopathy was associated with decreased overall survival (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.33-4.77, p = 0.004) and cancer specific survival (HR 3.23, 95% CI 1.57-6.67, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no evidence of a difference in cancer specific survival or overall survival between patients with squamous cell carcinoma and those with squamous differentiation treated with radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. Patients with squamous differentiation and tumor metastases to pelvic lymph nodes should be followed more closely, and adjuvant treatment should be considered to improve survival. Wide surgical resection is critical to achieve local tumor control and improve survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

The clinical research office of the endourological society percutaneous nephrolithotomy global study: staghorn versus nonstaghorn stones.

PURPOSE: The study compared characteristics and outcomes in patients with staghorn or nonstaghorn stones who were treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) within the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) PCNL Global Study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data over a 1-year period from consecutively treated patients from 96 centers worldwide were collated. The following variables in patients with staghorn or nonstaghorn stones were compared: National prevalence, patient characteristics, access method, puncture frequency and outcomes, including bleeding rates, operative time, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Data from 5335 eligible patients were collated; 1466 (27.5%) with staghorn and 3869 (72.5%) with nonstaghorn stones. Staghorn stone presentation varied between centers from 67% in Thailand to 13% in Argentina. The frequencies of previous procedures were similar between groups, but shockwave lithotripsy was less frequent in patients with staghorn stones compared with nonstaghorn (16.8% vs 22.6%) and positive preoperative urine cultures were more frequent in patients with staghorn than nonstaghorn stones (23.4% vs 13.1%). Patients with staghorn stones underwent multiple punctures more frequently than those with nonstaghorn stones (16.9% vs 5.0%). Postoperative fever, bleeding, and the need for blood transfusion were more frequent, the median operative time and duration of hospital stay were longer, while the proportion of patients remaining stone free was lower (56.9% vs 82.5%) in patients with staghorn than nonstaghorn stones. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients with staghorn stones varies widely between centers. Stone-free rates were lower, complications more frequent, and operative time and hospital stay were longer in patients with staghorn stones.

Immediate renal Doppler ultrasonography findings (<24 h) and its association with graft survival.

PURPOSE: Renal Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) is the gold-standard image test for follow-up after renal transplantation, it is potentially useful to detect renal disease and it could be related with long-term survival. We evaluate whether renal graft survival can be predicted by immediate renal Doppler ultrasonography (IRDUS), defined as ultrasonography carried out in the first 24 h post-surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immediate renal DUS findings (resistance index, hydronephrosis, fluid collection, bruises, and vascularization abnormalities) and their association with graft survival were analyzed in a retrospective observational study of 343 renal allografts. Renal transplantation was done using a standard technique, and DUS was performed 24 h post-transplantation. The association of variables with graft survival was evaluated by Cox univariate and multivariate proportional hazards analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used to examine graft survival. RESULTS: The follow-up median was 85 months. On IRDUS, 137 patients (39.9%) had abnormal findings. The best RI cutpoint for the prediction of graft survival was 0.7; therefore, we defined two different groups: RI ≤ 0.7 (n = 247) versus RI > 0.7 (n = 96). Univariate analysis revealed that graft survival was significantly lower in patients with RI > 0.7 (P ≤ 0.001), vascularization abnormalities (P ≤ 0.001) or bruises (P = 0.026). In multivariate analysis, the only factors independently associated with graft survival were RI (odds ratio 2.4; 95% CI 1.4-4.1) and vascularization abnormalities (odds ratio 2.7; 95% CI 1.1-6.5). CONCLUSIONS: IRDUS can be useful, besides being highly useful in the diagnosis of graft primary dysfunction in the transplanted patient also yields information that can help to predict long-term graft survival.

A plea for centralized care for ureteroscopy: results from a comparative study under different conditions within the same center.

PURPOSE: We stratified factors that affect treatment morbidity, compared the outcomes of ureteroscopy procedures from a single department under different conditions, and provided evidence of treatment benefits when ureteroscopy is performed in an expert setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since the department became a dedicated endourologic center in 2002, we grouped all ureteroscopy procedures into those performed before 2002 (group A) and after 2002 (group B). The modified Clavien classification was used to score morbidity. Independent variables with an influence on postoperative outcomes were studied, including operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and hospitalization time. RESULTS: Of the 248 ureteroscopy procedures performed, 62 comprised group A and 186 comprised group B. Statistical preoperative differences were in the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, patients with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and the use of anticoagulants; and the perioperative differences were seen in operative time, hospital stay, and the number of eventful procedures. Group A had a significantly longer operative time and a longer hospital stay compared with group B. The number of failed and eventful procedures are also higher in group A compared with group B. Stone-free rates were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The dedicated setting for ureteroscopy at our center resulted in decreased operative time, more uneventful procedures, and decreased hospitalization time. The modified Clavien morbidity score is a reliable tool for more objective comparisons of morbidity after ureteroscopic stone treatment.

Association of steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene expression with survival among patients with invasive bladder carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? SXR and MDR1 are known as responsible for chemo and radiotherapy resistance in some cancers, like kidney cancer (MDR1). Invasive bladder cancer is an aggressive disease, with different behaviour upon its tumoral stage, and also within the same tumoral stage, therefore molecular markers are sought. This study shows a new molecular marker, which has shown as a predictor for bad prognosis cancers, therefore, allowing us for a better patient selection for aggressive therapies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene expression in relation to survival among patients with invasive bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 67 patients diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer and treated with radical cystectomy at one of two institutions. SXR and MDR1 gene expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in tumoral and normal tissue from frozen surgical specimens. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of 29 months; 31 patients (46%) had progression. In univariate analysis, significant predictors of overall survival (OS) were pathological stage, lymph node (LN) status, histological grade, vascular-lymphatic invasion, and SXR expression. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of OS were LN status (odds ratio [OR], 2.96; P=0.034), vascular-lymphatic invasion (OR, 2.50; P=0.029), and SXR expression (OR, 1.05, P=0.03). Among the 51 patients with negative LNs (pN0), univariate predictors of OS were SXR expression, MDR1 expression, and pathological stage. In multivariate analysis, SXR expression (OR, 1.06; P=0.01) and MDR1 expression (OR, 3.27; P=0.03) were independently associated with survival. Within the pN0 group, patients with SXR expression had shorter progression-free survival than did those without expression (P=0.004). This association persisted in the N0 subgroup with stage pT3-pT4 disease (P=0.028). However, in the pN1 group SXR expression did not have any influence. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with invasive bladder cancer, SXR expression has value as a predictor of survival independent of the standard pathological predictors. Its maximum importance appears to be in patients with stage pT3-pT4 pN0 disease.