[Effectiveness of treatment with Pygeum africanum in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in the real-world clinical practice in Spain (The PROFIT Study)]. / Efectividad del tratamiento con Pygeum africanum en pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior e hiperplasia benigna de próstata: estudio transversal en la práctica clínica real en España (Estudio PROFIT).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectivenessand tolerability of treatment with P africanum(P. africanum) in patients with lower urinary tractsymptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatichyperplasia (BPH) in routine clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observationalstudy in which 115 patients with LUTS/BPHtreated for 6 months with P. africanum (Tebetane® compuesto)in real-world clinical practice conditions wereincluded. The primary objective was to assess thequality of life (QoL) according to changes in the scoresof item 8 of the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS) questionnaire (a score ≥ 4 indicates a significantimpairment of QoL). Secondary objectives includedimprovement of urinary symptoms, urinary flow, satisfactionand compliance with treatment as well astolerability. Data were collected in a single scheduledvisit at 6 months of treatment with P. africanum andwere compared with data registered in the medicalrecords at the beginning of treatment. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment withP. africanum, the percentage of patient with significantimpairment of QoL was 22.6% as compared with45.2% at the initiation of treatment (P 0,-001). Theoverall IPSS score showed a mean decreas of -4,-5points (median -4,0, interquartile range [IQR] -7,-0 to-2,0) and 69 patients (60%) showed a clinically significantimprovement (reduction of ≥ 4 points). Therewere significant decreases in IPSS subscales of storage(mean -1,-8; median -2,-0, IQR -3,-0 to 0 (P 0,-001)and voiding (mean -1,-9; median -2,-0, IQR -3,-0 to 0)(P 0,-001) symptoms. The degree of satisfaction and compliance with treatment was high with mean scores(median) of 6,9 (7,0) and 9,2 (10), respectively in the1-10 visual analogue scale. Treatment-related adverseeffects did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with P. africanum during6 months improved significantly QoL and LUTS inpatients with BPH, with a high level of satisfaction andcompliance with treatment, without adverse events.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad y latolerabilidad del tratamiento con Pygeum africanum (P.africanum) en pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinarioinferior (STUI) asociados a hiperplasia benigna depróstata (HBP) en la práctica clínica habitual.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacionaltransversal en el que se incluyeron 115 pacientes conSTUI/HBP tratados durante 6 meses con P. africanum (Tebetane® compuesto) en condiciones de prácticaclínica real. El objetivo primario fue evaluar la calidadde vida (CdV) en función del cambio en la pregunta 8del cuestionario de Puntuación Internacional de losSíntomas Prostáticos (IPSS) (puntuación ≥ 4 indicaafectación significativa de la CdV). Los objetivos secundariosincluyeron la mejoría de síntomas urinarios,flujo urinario, satisfacción y cumplimiento con eltratamiento, así como la tolerabilidad del mismo. Losdatos se recogieron en una única visita programada alos 6 meses de tratamiento con P. africanum y se compararoncon los registrados en la historia clínica alinicio del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Tras 6 meses de tratamiento conP. africanum, el porcentaje de pacientes con afectaciónsignificativa de la CdV fue del 22,6% en comparacióncon un 45,2% al inicio del tratamiento (P 0,001).La puntuación global del IPSS disminuyó de mediaen -4,5 puntos (mediana -4,0, rango intercuartílico [RIQ] -7,0 a -2,0) y 69 pacientes (60%) mostraron unamejoría clínicamente significativa (disminución ≥ 4puntos). Se observaron disminuciones significativasen las subescalas del IPSS de los síntomas de llenado(media -1,8; mediana -2,0, RIQ -3,0 a 0) (P 0,001) yvaciado (media -1,9; mediana -2,0, RIQ -3,0 a 0) (P 0,001). El grado de satisfacción y cumplimiento con eltratamiento fue elevado con valores medios (mediana)de 6,9 (7,0) y 9,2 (10) respectivamente, en una escalaanalógica visual 1-10 cm. No se registraron efectosadversos relacionados con el tratamiento. CONCLUSION: El tratamiento con P. africanum(P. africanum) durante 6 meses mejoró significativamentela CdV y los STUI en pacientes con HBP, con unalto grado de satisfacción y cumplimiento con el tratamiento,sin registrarse reacciones adversas.

Evidence of autochthonous transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in Almeria (southeast Spain): An outbreak analysis.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is endemic in 78 countries belonging to tropical and subtropical areas. However, autochthonous transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis was reported in Corsica (France) in 2013. We present evidence of autochthonous transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in Almería (Spain) in 2003. METHODS: Description of the outbreak in farmers and subsequent epidemiological studies aimed at searching for Bulinus snails and their genotypic characteristics. RESULTS: The outbreak affected 4 farmers out of a group of 5 people who repeatedly bathed that summer in an irrigation pool in the area. Two of them presented macroscopic hematuria with bilharziomas, showing the presence of Schistosoma eggs in bladder biopsies. Two others were asymptomatic but the serology for schistosomiasis was positive. In 2015, the presence of the vector Bulinus truncatus was demonstrated in Almería in water collections of appropriate characteristics. DNA sequencing proving that local B. truncatus species were base-to-base identical to B. truncatus from Senegal. CONCLUSIONS: We present a new outbreak of autochthonous transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in Europe. Although no new cases of autochthonous transmission have been reported, some other cases may have occurred at that time or later on and be unnoticed as many cases of schistosomiasis are asymptomatic or present mild and unspecific symptoms.

[Maintenance of the efficacy of the oxybutynin patch for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome despite the change in the area of application: study of four cases.] / Mantenimiento de la eficacia ante el cambio en la zona de aplicación del parche de oxibutinina para el tratamiento del síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva: estudio de cuatro casos.

The transdermal route for administration of anticholinergic drugs can provide efficacy with less systemic adverse effects. The transdermal oxybutynin patch (OXYTDS) offers advantages over oral administration for patients treated for Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. The limited evidence on the OXY-TDS patch application areas of the skin, makes difficult counseling patients who require a change to skin zones other than those recommended by the manufacturer. The preliminary experience of four patients included in this case report suggests that changing the application area for the OXY-TDS patch outside those skin areas recommended by the manufacturer, seems effective and safe in the treatment of OAB syndrome, regardless of the characteristics of the patients.

The Effect of Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Post-Operative Infection in Patients Undergone Flexible Cystos-copy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis is required in this outpatient procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-randomised, prospective observational study that included 184 patients subjected to flexible cystoscopy divided into three groups: - Group 1:60 patients with prophylaxis of 500 mg of ciprofloxacin;- Group 2:62 patients with prophylaxis of 3 g of phosphomycin; and Group 3:62 without antibiotic prophylaxis. Prior to inclusion in the study, absence of infection was checked by means of a urine culture obtained 7 days before the procedure. An analysis was made of urinary infection after 7 days, the cystoscopy indications and its diagnosis, the presence of comorbidities, and the urinary symptoms during the following 7 days. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in Group 1 was 65.3 (SD: 12.5) years, 66.7 (10.8) years in Group 2, and 66.9 (10.8) years in Group 3 (P = .7). Bacteriuria was present in 15% of the patients in Group 1, compared to 22.6% in Group 2, and 12.9% in Group 3, with the differences not statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, it was observed that there was no association with the appearance of bacteriuria between the groups for age (P = .8), diabetes (P = .2), smoking (P = .4), lower urinary tract symptoms (P = .7), or immunosuppression (P = .6). CONCLUSION: The use of ciprofloxacin or phosphomycin as prophylaxis does not appear to be indicated in flexible cystoscopy in our health area.

[Expert opinion about the use of transdermic oxybutynin in Spain for the treatment of adult overactive bladder.] / Opinión de expertos sobre el uso de la oxibutinina transdérmica en España para el tratamiento de la vejiga hiperactiva en adultos.

OBJECTIVES: To define the different characteristics of transdermal oxybutynin (TO) for the treatment of overactive bladder in adults, to know the barriers for the use of this drug and to establish proposals to minimize these barriers. METHODS: Local sessions were held with 111 urologists from all over the country divided into 12 sessions. They were moderated by a brainstorming technique led by an external consultant. RESULTS: 75% of experts believe that tolerability and clinical efficacy (50%) are the most important attributes to choose this formulation, being the lack of scientific publications the least valued (12%). These opinions were based on their own clinical experience with TO or on scientific publications, without establishing comparison with other treatment options. The main barriers would be administrative obstacles (84%), difficulty in its use (54%) and the lack/rejection of the transdermal administration by the patient (33%). Actions were proposed to correct the 8 most significant barriers, such as better training for specialists (both Urology and other specialties) and for patients, creating informative materials to reinforce health education in managing patches, generating greater volume of scientific evidence to support their use in overactive bladder and clearly identifying the profile of patients who will benefit most from this therapeutic strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Although oxybutynin has been standard treatment of overactive bladder in recent years the conclusion of this working group is that its new transdermal formulation offers a better-tolerated alternative for patients, and, therefore the necessary tools to generate more evidence should be implemented to increase the proper use among specialists and patients.

Prospective non-randomized study on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin in flexible urethrocystoscopy. / Estudio prospectivo no aleatorizado sobre el uso de profilaxis antibiótica en la uretrocistoscopia flexible.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to analyze whether there is a need for antibiotic prophylaxis in this outpatient procedure. METHODS: Prospective observational non-randomized study including 100 patients divided into two groups: - Group 1: 48 patients receiving 500 mg of ciprofloxacin prophylaxis 1 hour before urethrocystoscopy; - Group 2: 52 patients without antibiotic prophylaxis. Before inclusion of the patients in the study, we checked the absence of urinary tract infection by means of a urinalysis obtained 3 days before the procedure. We analyze: cystoscopy indication, cystoscopy results, presence of comorbidities, urinalysis 7 days after the procedure, and urinary symptoms within 7 days of the procedure. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 and the statistical significance was p=0.05. RESULTS: The average age of patients in group 1 was 66.7±12.4 versus 65.6±10.8 years in group 2 (p=0.6). There are no differences in the percentage of men/women included in the groups. 14% of patients of group 1 and 12% of group 2 presented bacteriuria, without showing any significant differences. In the multivariate study, it is observed that neither age, nor diabetes, smoking, lower urinary tract symptoms, nor immunosuppression are related with the onset of bacteriuria in the groups. CONCLUSION: We do not consider the use of ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis for flexible cystoscopy is appropriate in this area of health, since it does not reduce the presence of urinary infection or bacteriuria.

[Perception of pain in flexible cystoscopy using intraurethral lidocaine]. / Percepción del dolor en cistoscopia flexible con el uso de lidocaína intrauretral.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a local intraurethral anesthetic on the pain perceived by the patient during flexible cystoscopy. METHODS: An observational, prospective, nonrandomized, study was conducted on 142 males subjected to a flexible cystoscopy. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: 70 patients with intraurethral anesthetic (lidocaine 2%), and Group 2:72 patients without intraurethral anesthetic. The results were scored on a visual analog scale and a pain questionnaire and analyzed. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 and with a statistical significance of p≤0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of Group 1 was 64.7±10.3 years compared to 66.7±10.8 years in Group 2, with no significant differences. The score on the visual analog scale in Group 1 was 2.23±2.20 versus 1.69±1.74 in Group 2 (p=0.1). The overall and current pain intensity in the pain questionnaire was 1.81±0.87 and 1.66±1.65, respectively, in Group 1, and 1.72±0.72 and 1.21±1.45, respectively, in Group 2 (no significant differences). After dividing the patients into groups according to a visual analog scale score ≤2, it was observed that the cause that led to cystoscopy was an independent factor associated with the perception of pain, increasing the risk of perceiving more pain by 1.89. CONCLUSION: The use of local anesthetic as a lubricant prior to flexible cystoscopy does not appear to reduce pain, and we consider that its routine use is not indicated.

Use of Lidocaine 2% Gel Does Not Reduce Pain during Flexible Cystoscopy and Is Not Cost-Effective.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of lubricant gel with lidocaine versus lubricant gel without anesthetic in flexible cystoscopy in terms of pain and tolerability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational non-randomized study, 72 patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 38 patients in whom lidocaine gel 2% was used and group 2 included 34 patients in whom lubricant gel without anesthetic was administered. The main variables analyzed were score in visual analogue scale (VAS) and score in Spanish Pain Questionnaire (SPQ). Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare differences between 2 groups. The P values < .05% were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean age of patients in group 1 was 64.50 ± 12.39 years and 67.79 ± 10.87 years in group 2 (P = .23). The distribution according to sex was 29 men and 9 women in group 1 and 25 men and 9 women in group 2 (P = .78). The total VAS score was 2.21 ± 2.05 in group 1 versus 1.59 ± 1.61 in group 2 (P = .16). In the SPQ, the current intensity value was 1.82 ± 0.86 in group 1 versus 1.53 ± 0.74 in group 2 (P = .14), and the total intensity value was 1.92 ± 1.86 in group 1 versus 1.03 ± 1.75 in group 2 (P = .04). The cost of gel with lidocaine is 1.25 euro and gel without anesthetic 0.22 euro. CONCLUSION: The use of lidocaine gel does not produce benefit in terms of pain relief in flexible cystoscopy and also is costly.

[Usefulness of antimicrobial prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin prior to flexible cystoscopy]. / ¿Está indicada la profilaxis antibiótica con ciprofloxacino en la realización de cistoscopia flexible?

BACKGROUND: Flexible cystoscopy is a common test in clinical practice done with or without antibiotic prophylaxis. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin to reduce the incidence of urinary infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, non-randomized observational study that included 60 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 received prophylactic ciprofloxacin 500 mg, one hour prior to the procedure and group 2 did not receive prophylaxis. The presence of bacteriuria, symptoms or signs of urinary infection or attending Emergency rooms or primary care for these symptoms were recorded during the seven days after the cystoscopy. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2, four and one patients had a positive urine culture, respectively. Only one patient in group 1 consulted in primary care for symptoms. No significant differences in symptoms or signs of urinary infection between groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients, antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin 500 mg prior to cystoscopy had no benefit.

¿Está indicada la profilaxis antibiótica con ciprofloxacino en la realización de cistoscopia flexible? / Usefulness of antimicrobial prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin prior to flexible cystoscopy

Background: Flexible cystoscopy is a common test in clinical practice done with or without antibiotic prophylaxis. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin to reduce the incidence of urinary infection. Material and Methods: Prospective, non-randomized observational study that included 60 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 received prophylactic ciprofloxacin 500 mg, one hour prior to the procedure and group 2 did not receive prophylaxis. The presence of bacteriuria, symptoms or signs of urinary infection or attending Emergency rooms or primary care for these symptoms were recorded during the seven days after the cystoscopy. Results: In groups 1 and 2, four and one patients had a positive urine culture, respectively. Only one patient in group 1 consulted in primary care for symptoms. No significant differences in symptoms or signs of urinary infection between groups were observed. Conclusions: In this group of patients, antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin 500 mg prior to cystoscopy had no benefit.

Calcium nephrolithiasis induced by topiramate.

Topiramate is an approved drug to treat seizures, but its indications have been extended to other diseases of the nervous system and as an adjuvant to chronic pain. We present four cases of topiramate-induced nephrolithiasis from 2006-2012 in women whose treatment was prescribed for pain control and as a mood stabilizer at doses of 250-300 mg/day. In two cases, the lithiasis was caused by calcium phosphate (patite) and in the other two cases by oxalate and calcium phosphate. The most common metabolic alteration was an alkaline pH, followed by hypocitraturia. The drug was discontinued in two patient; it was reduced in one and was maintained in the fourth. An increase in fluid and potassium citrate intake was prescribed. In patients starting treatment with topiramate, an adequate control and prevention of nephrolithiasis should be performed due to the risk of mixed tubular acidosis and hypocitraturia. to the risk of mixed tubular acidosis and hypocitraturia.

Outcome of urethral strictures treated by endoscopic urethrotomy and urethroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: We analyze the outcomes of patients with urethral stricture who underwent surgical treatment within the past 5 years. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of male patients who underwent surgery for urethral stricture at our service from January 2008 to June 2012. We analyzed the comorbidities, type, length and location of the stricture and the surgical treatment outcome after endoscopic urethrotomy, urethroplasty or both. RESULTS: In total, 45 patients with a mean age of 53.7 ± 16.7 years underwent surgical treatment for urethral stricture. Six months after surgery, 46.7% of the patients had a maximum urinary flow greater than 15 mL/s, whereas 87.3% of the patients exhibited no stricture by urethrography after the treatment. The success rate in the patients undergoing urethrotomy was 47.8% versus 86.4% in those undergoing urethroplasty (p = 0.01). Twenty percent of the patients in whom the initial urethrotomy had failed subsequently underwent urethroplasty, thereby increasing the treatment success. CONCLUSION: In most cases, the treatment of choice for urethral stricture should be urethroplasty. Previous treatment with urethrotomy does not appear to produce adverse effects that affect the outcome of a urethroplasty if urethrotomy failed, so urethrotomy may be indicated in patients with short strictures or in patients at high surgical risk.

Urachal anomalies in children: surgical or conservative treatment?

OBJECTIVE: To shed light on the current controversy regarding the best treatment option for managing urachal anomalies in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective follow-up of a case series comprising 13 children who were diagnosed with urachal anomalies was performed. All cases were diagnosed between 2000 and 2011 and followed up at the Pediatric Urology Unit of San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada (Spain). Information about the baseline and follow-up variables was collected from clinical records. RESULTS: Nine of the 13 patients were symptomatic (6 patients with urachal cysts and 3 patients with urachal persistency). Conservative management was originally used in all but one case. During follow-up, reinfection appeared in two cases, and these patients were treated surgically. Spontaneous resolution was achieved in eight cases (61.5%). Two children with persistent urachal cysts are still being followed (4 and 6 years after the diagnosis), although ultrasound monitoring reveals a gradual reduction in the size of the cysts. The median time between diagnosis and resolution was 16.5 months. CONCLUSION: With the exception of cases in which there is a clear indication for surgery (i.e. reinfection), a conservative approach based on regular monitoring may be useful.

Endoscopic treatment of ureterovesical junction obstructive pathology: A description of the oblique meatotomy technique and results.

BACKGROUND: Benign obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction includes congenital and acquired illnesses. The objective of this study was to describe the endoscopic oblique meatotomy technique using scissors and cold cutting to treat benign obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction. METHODS: From 2007 to 2012, we treated 18 patients with obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction (5 megaureters [3 with lithiasis], 4 iatrogenic stenoses, and 9 ureteroceles with lithiasis). In all cases, oblique meatotomy was performed using endoscopic scissors through an 8.5 Ch ureteroscope. The mean follow-up for all patients was 3 years. Pain, grade of hydronephrosis, and occurrence of vesicoureteral reflux were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: The mean endoscopic treatment time was 13.4 minutes. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis with 6 hours of hospital admission, and a double J stent was inserted for 6 weeks. We achieved treatment success in 94.5% of patients after 3 years of follow-up. Only 1 patient presented with vesicoureteral reflux at 12 months after treatment; however, this condition did not require further treatment. Overall, 100% of patients remained free from lithiasis. There are 2 main limitations: the small number of patients and the lack of another group to compare the results of this technique; however, the aim of this work was to communicate a new technique to treat ureterovesical junction stricture. INTERPRETATION: Oblique ureteral meatotomy is a safe and effective treatment for benign obstructive pathology of the ureterovesical junction and has a low index of complications.

Metabolic syndrome, hormone levels, and inflammation in patients with erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The end point of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS in patients with ED in comparison with control subjects and to analyse the association with acute phase reactants (CRP, ESR) and hormone levels. METHODS: This case-control study included 65 patients, 37 with erectile dysfunction, according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) from the Urology Department of San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada (Spain) and 28 healthy controls. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was calculated according to ATP-III criteria. Hormone levels and acute phase parameters were studied in samples drawn. RESULTS: The ATP-III criteria for MS were met by 64.9% of the patients with ED and only 9.5% of the controls (P < 0.0001, OR = 17.53, 95% CI: 3.52-87.37). Binary logistic regression analysis showed a strong association between patients with ED and MS, even after additional adjustment for confounding factors (OR = 20.05, 95% CI: 1.24-32.82, P < 0.034). Patients with hypogonadism presented a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that systolic BP and CRP predicted 0.46 (model R²) of IIEF changes. CONCLUSION: Chronic inflammation found in patients with ED might explain the association between ED and metabolic syndrome.

Complications from the placement of a tension-free suburethral sling using the transobturator and retropubic methods for treatment of female urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze surgical complications arising from the collocation of suburethral mesh in the lower urinary tract, using both the transobturator and retropubic methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period between November 2002 and June 2011, we retrospectively studied 190 patients that were treated for stress urinary incontinence using a tension-free suburethral sling. 50 patients were treated using the retropubic route (SPARC®), and 140 patients were treated using a transobturator (MONARC®). RESULTS: In total, 16.57% of the patients presented with intraoperative, immediate postoperative or later postoperative complications. We observed a higher rate of complications with patients who were operated on retropubically (26%) than with patients who were operated on using the transobturator method (12%). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complications for our study was low, and was even lower in the case of transobturator tape. Thus, we usually used transobturator tape in the treatment of stress incontinence.

The oblique supine decubitus position: technical description and comparison of results with the prone decubitus and dorsal supine decubitus positions.

Our objective was to analyze the advantages of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy in oblique supine decubitus compared to the prone and dorsal supine position. In 87 patients diagnosed with urolithiasis (495.5-530.8 mm(2)), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) was performed from 2000 to 2011. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A, 32 patients, PNL in the prone decubitus position; Group B, 24 patients, PNL in the dorsal supine position; Group C, 31 patients, PNL in the oblique supine position. We analyzed intraoperative parameters, complications, and results among the three groups. The three procedures were performed with a single access, 24-30 Ch. No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups regarding the patients' characteristics, or the morphology or size of the kidney stone treated. The operation time was shorter in the cases of PNL in dorsal supine and oblique supine compared to the prone position. The complication rate was very similar in the three groups. The main advantage of the PNL in oblique supine compared to the dorsal supine was that the puncture could in all cases be directed by ultrasonography, with greater precision, more safety, and more control of the percutaneous renal access. The oblique supine decubitus position is a safe position for the percutaneous treatment of urolithiasis and it becomes easier when the puncture is guided by ultrasound.