[In vitro three-dimensional reconstruction of human bladder mucosa]. / Reconstrucción tridimensional in vitro de mucosa vesical humana.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to apply the in vitro keratinocyte culture techniques and the tissue engineering principles to human urothelium, to reconstruct an in vitro three-dimensional human bladder mucosa, suitable for grafting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biopsy specimens of human bladder mucosa were obtained from patients undergoing suprapubic prostatectomy, in vitro cultured and finally, an immunohistochemical study was made. RESULTS: A three-dimensional in vitro tissue was obtained, composed of a bio-artificial submucosa (fibrin gel and fibroblast) where the uroepithelial cells were seeding. We used a biodegradable polyglycolic acid mesh to facilitate the tissue manipulation and implantation. An immature epithelium was obtained with a weak immunostaining to cytokeratins. The immunohistochemical study could not demonstrate the development of basement membrane. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro keratinocyte culture techniques could be applied to other epithelial tissues like the urothelium. We obtained a three-dimensional in vitro tissue suitable for grafting in a relatively short time, which needs the matrix interactions in order to mature.

[Treatment of Bowen's disease of the penis with imiquimod 5% cream]. / Tratamiento tópico con imiquimod crema al 5% de la enfermedad de Bowen del pene.

We present an alternative treatment of the intraepithelial neoplasms of penis (Bowen's disease), the topical application of imiquimod 5% cream. It was applied 3 times weekly for 5 weeks. Imiquimod is an imidazoquinolone immune response modifier that has been shown to have indirect antiviral and antitumor effects with few adverse effects. Imiquimod 5% cream may represent an alternative treatment option for Bowen's disease.

[Secondary obstructive uropathy to inverted papilloma of the ureter]. / Uropatia obstructiva secundaria a papiloma invertido de ureter.

We report a new case of inverted papilloma of the ureter, with an uncommon clinic manifestation as a obstructive uropathy. In spite of the bening nature the inverted papilloma of the urinary tract, it can be multifocal and relapsing and it may be associated with low rate urothelial carcinomas. A precise pre-operative diagnosis is necessary for a conservative or endourologic treatment. The followup of these cases with periodic urography and cystoscopy is mandatory.

[Considerations about angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) with regard to a case localized in the penis]. / Consideraciones en torno a la Hiperplasia Angiolinfoide con Eosinofilia (ALHE). A propósito de un caso localizado en el pene.

We report the case of a 27 year old man who presented a nodule in the ventral face of the penis, which increased in volume and turned painful during erection so a vascular lesion was suspected, later confirmed with a Doppler study. A complete excision of the lesion was carried out with local anaesthesia. The pathological specimen was informed as "angiolimphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia" in its intravascular form. This is the third communication of this kind of lesion in the penis but no other adopted the intravascular variant like the present case. We discuss about this exceptional entity and make review of the most relevant literature.

[Current status of tissue engineering in urology. Review of the literature]. / Estado actual de la ingeniería de tejidos en urología. Revisión de la literatura.

In the eighties a new field of the medicine appears wich applies the principles of cellular cultivation to synthetic biodegradable polymers scaffolds with the purpose of creating autologous biological substitutes that could improve, maintain or restore the function of organs or damaged tissues. The Tissue Engineering constitutes a new discipline in full phase of development especially in USA, with multiple potential applications in several medical specialities. Our speciality can't remain indifferent to interest and encouraging future originated by this new science. In this work we have made a wide bibliographical revision in the Medline to know the antecedents, current state and the possible future applications of Tissue Engineering in Urology.

[Experimental study about viability of autologous free graft in vitro cultivated urinary epithelium]. / Estudio experimental sobre la viabilidad del injerto libre de epitelio urinario autólogo cultivado in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to apply the in vitro keratinocyte culture techniques and the tissue engineering principles to urothelium, to obtain a three-dimensional autologous tissue suitable for grafting. We also showed the viability of free graft cultured urothelium in an experimental model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An animal experimental model was designed to apply the techniques of cellular culture and tissue engineering. Biopsy specimens of bladder mucosa were obtained, in vitro cultured and posteriorly implanted in each animal. We established three groups based on different follow-up periods (7, 14 and 30 days), and made a final histomorphological study to demonstrate the viability of the graft at the end of its respective follow-up period. RESULTS: A three-dimensional in vitro tissue was obtained, composed of a bio-artificial submucosa (fibrin gel and fibroblast) where the uroepithelial cells were seeding; a biodegradable polyglycolic acid mesh was used to facilitate the tissue manipulation and implantation. In the morphological study all the implants appeared viable, but the grafts with longer implantations periods were better conformed, showing a tisular structure with multiple cellular layers. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro keratinocyte culture techniques could be applied to other epithelial tissues as the urothelium. We obtained a three-dimensional in vitro tissue suitable for grafting in a relatively short time. The histological study demonstrated that free autologous urothelial graft is totally viable, opening future clinics applications.

[Ureteral triplication, an unusual isolated presentation]. / Triplicidad ureteral. Una inusual presentación aislada.

We report the case of a 26 years old female who presented, as a casual finding, a right complete ureteral triplicity (probably Campbell's tipe I) with no other associated abnormalities. Despite ureteral duplication is a frequent urological anomaly, the presence of three ureters occurring in the same side, in a complete or incomplete form, is a true rarity, with less than 100 cases publicated up to date. The present case is singular, not only because of its exceptional presentation but also because no other urological or extraurological anomalies were associated and no clinical manifestations were present. The most relevant literature is reviewed.

[Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Report of a new case]. / Adenocarcinoma mucinoso de próstata. Aportación de un nuevo caso.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate, an uncommon variant of prostatic carcinoma of which few cases have been reported in the literature. This tumor type is briefly reviewed with special reference to the controversial issues that remain unresolved due to the small number of cases. METHODS/RESULTS: A case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate is presented. An extraprostatic origin had been discarded. The diagnosis was made by DRE, transrectal US and histological confirmation by transrectal biopsy. PSA values were normal. Studies to determine the extent of the lesion showed advanced locoregional dissemination. Surgery was therefore not indicated and hormonal therapy was administered. Patient outcome was poor with no apparent clinical response to hormone blockade. Radiotherapy was attempted. The patient rapidly became worse and died. CONCLUSIONS: Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate is characterized by the presence of significant amounts of extra and intracellular mucin. Its clinical features are not unlike those of classical adenocarcinoma and in general terms, it is considered to carry a worse prognosis and refractory to hormone therapy.

[Synchronous renal oncocytoma and asymptomatic pheochromocytoma. Report of a case]. / Oncocitoma renal y feocromocitoma asintomático sincrónicos. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of coexisting renal oncocytoma and pheochromocytoma. To our knowledge, only one such case has been reported in the literature. METHODS: The findings of the imaging studies of this rare case and the unsuspected anatomopathological findings are presented. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Despite its very low frequency, coexisting renal ocnocytoma and pheochromocytoma should be taken into account in patients with synchronous renal and adrenal masses. Unfortunately, there are no radiological patterns that allow us to suspect this rare condition.

[Sclerosing Sertoli cell tumor of the testis in an HIV patient]. / Tumor testicular de células de Sertoli esclerosante en un paciente VIH.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an additional case of an uncommon variant of Sertoli cell testicular tumor. METHODS/RESULTS: A 34-year-old male infected with the human immunodeficiency virus presented with a right testicular tumor he had noted one year earlier. A right inguinal orchidectomy was performed. Histological examination demonstrated sclerosing Sertoli cell tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Sertoli cell tumor is a rare variant of testicular tumor from sexual cords. Although it is uncommon, histological variants have been described: classical Sertoli cell tumor, large calcifying cells and the sclerosing variant. The case of sclerosing Sertoli cell tumor described herein is a variant of which 11 cases have been reported in the world literature. The fact that our patient is HIV-positive makes this case even rarer.

[Retroperitoneal benign schwannoma. Report of a new case]. / Schwannoma benigno retroperitoneal. Aportación de un nuevo caso.

The schwannoma is a tumor resulting from the Schwann cells of neural shwath, being its retroperitoneal localization quite unusual. This tumor is clinically unspecified and in most of the cases it originates symptoms coming from the compression of the close structures when its localization is retroperitoneal. Its diagnosis is quite often fortuitous being confirmed by anatomopathological study afterwards. The treatment is surgical radical exeresis with subsequent followup. We report a new case of this uncommon retroperitoneal pathology in a female patient showing a nonspecific clinic. Two years after the surgery she remains asymptomatic without any radiological evidence of recidive.

[Bellini's carcinoma. Our experience]. / Carcinoma de Bellini. Nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with Bellini duct carcinoma, a rare form of renal adenocarcinoma with well-defined histological, cytogenetic and immunohistochemical characteristics. The literature is reviewed. METHODS/RESULTS: We reviewed the records of 430 patients with renal tumor that had been treated over a 10-year period. Only 6 cases with Bellini duct carcinoma were found. The mean age was 60 years, all patients were male and hematuria and lumbar pain were the most common clinical manifestations. Diagnosis was made by imaging techniques (US, urography, CT). The definitive diagnosis was based on the histological and immunohistochemical findings following nephrectomy. The one-year and three-year survival rates were 50% and 0%, respectively, indicating the aggressive nature of this variant of renal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Bellini duct carcinoma is an uncommon variant of renal carcinoma with nonspecific clinical features. It is a very aggressive tumor type whose treatment is only by nephrectomy and the outcome is poor.

[Renal malacoplakia. Report of a new case]. / Malacoplaquia renal. Aportación de un nuevo caso.

The malacoplakia is an infrequent granulomatous inflammatory disease which pathogenesis is not well understood and affects predominantly the genitourinary system, through every organ can be affected. We present a case of unilateral renal malacoplakia in a male that made ist debut with septic shock and perinephritic abscess. It was operated under the suspicious diagnostic of renal neoplasm. The histologic study grave us the diagnosis of renal malacoplakia extending until the skin. After nephrectomy and medical treatment the patient had an uneventful course.

[Fournier's gangrene after vasectomy]. / Gangrena de Fournier postvasectomía.

OBJECTIVE: An uncommon case of Fournier's gangrene following vasectomy is described. METHODS/RESULTS: A 35-year-old male with no remarkable previous history, who underwent vasectomy in another hospital, developed a clinical picture compatible with Fournier's gangrene 7-8 days later. The patient required wide, aggressive surgical debridement on several occasions with broad spectrum antibiotic coverage. After a long stay at the hospital, the patient was finally discharged and referred to another hospital for plastic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier's gangrene is a polymicrobial infection of the perineoscrotal region that manifests as a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis. Most of the cases have a predisposing and/or triggering factor. Fournier's gangrene following vasectomy is uncommon. The morbidity and mortality in this severe complication depend on early diagnosis and aggressive surgical management.

[Comparative study of BTA stat test, NMP-22, and cytology in the diagnosis of bladder cancer]. / Estudio comparativo entre el BTA stat test, NMP-22 y citología en el diagnóstico del cáncer vesical.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of the BTA stat test, NMP-22 and voided urine cytology in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. METHODS: The study comprised 100 patients or follow-up or with a suspicion of bladder cancer. A voided urine sample was obtained and alliquoted in three samples for the BTA stat test, NMP-22 and cytology. The patients were subsequently evaluated by cystoscopy and TUR was performed when cancer was suspected. The bladder cancer was classified according to TNM stage and WHO grade. The McNemar test was utilized to compare the results. The cut-off level used for NMP-22 was 10 U/ml. ROC curves were plotted to determine the NMP-22 values for optimal sensitivity and specificity in our seires. RESULTS: Two patients were excluded from the study. The overall sensitivity was 76.47% for cytology, 78.43% for the BTA stat test and 84.31% for NMP-22 (p = n.s.). The specificity was 91.49%, 87.23% and 87.23% respectively (p = n.s.). By grade and stage, NMP-22 showed the best results followed by the BTA stat test and lastly cytology, although the differences were not significant. The ideal cut-off for NMP-22 in our series was 6 U/ml and not the generally recognized 10 U/ml. CONCLUSIONS: NMP-22 is superior to the BTA stat test and cytology in the diagnosis of bladder cancer, although the differences were not significant. The ideal cut-off in our series was 6 U/ml. The BTA stat test has the advantage of being easy to perform and provides the results in 5 minutes. In our view, NMP-22 and BTA stat test can replace cytology in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

[NMP-22 in the diagnosis of bladder cancer]. / El NMP-22 en el diagnóstico del cáncer vesical.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the NMP-22 test in the diagnosis of bladder cancer; to calculate the ideal cutoff and to compare the results among NMP-22, voided urine cytology and cystoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 166 patients having clinical suspicious of bladder cancer or in follow-up due to a previous one. The exclusions criteria were: other urological conditions, radiotherapy in the last three months, systemic chemotherapy in the last month, recent vesical trauma or indwelling catheter. Prior cystoscopy a recent voided urinary sample was sent to the pathology and biochemistry laboratory to perform cytology and NMP-22. A TUR was performed in patients with bladder tumour. The cutoff was calculated with ROC curves. For each test we calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value. We use the McNemar test to compare the results, all of which are expressed with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The ideal cutoff was 6 U/ml. We have a global sensitivity of 82.75% for NMP-22 and 67.9 for cytology (p = 0.0118); the specificity was 80% and 94.12% respectively (p = 0.0018). By grade the sensitivity was 72.22% G1, 70.97% G2 and 100% G3 for NMP-22 and 44.44%, 58.06% and 90.62% for cytology. By stage it was 68.42% Ta, 83.33% T1 and 100 T2 or more for NMP-22 and 36.84%, 75% and 85.71% for cytology. With the cystoscopy we obtained a 100% sensitivity and 89.41% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The NMP-22 is a useful test for the diagnosis of bladder cancer; is more sensitive and less specific than cytology. We think it can replace the cytology in the diagnosis and follow-up of bladder cancer. The ideal cutoff is 6 U/ml.

[Massive lymphatic involvement secondary to prostatic adenocarcinoma]. / Macroafectación linfática secundaria a adenocarcinoma de próstata.

Prostatic carcinoma may be diagnosed by the clinic manifestations or by the symptoms for locoregional disemination and distance metastasis. The lymphatic system is the first metastatic station, which is affected in a high percentage of cases. Event it may simulate lymphoproliferatives process and it si uncommon the lymphatic macroaffectation at first. In theses cases, the histologic and immunohistochemical study by the determination of prostatic specific antigen in lymph nodes can provice the diagnosis. Treatment of these tumors is palliative with hormonotherapy. Prognosis is bad with a low survival at five years.

[The BTA stat test in the follow-up for bladder cancer]. / El BTA stat test en el seguimiento del cáncer vesical.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of the BTA stat test in the follow-up of asymptomatic patients with superficial carcinoma of the bladder. METHODS: In 122 asymptomatic patients on follow-up for superficial bladder carcinoma, a sample of recently voided urine was obtained prior to cystoscopy and BTA stat test and cytology were performed. Thereafter we performed cystoscopy and TUR in those patients suspected of having recurrent bladder carcinoma. RESULTS: 51 patients had bladder cancer and 71 were tumor free. The sensitivity was 60.78% for the BTA stat test, 45% for cytology and 98% for cystoscopy. The specificity was 87.32%, 94.36% and 90.14%, respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 77.5 and 75.6, 85.16 and 70.5, and 87.7 and 98.46, respectively for each test. The sensitivity by grade was 23% for G1, 71.4% for G2 and 92.8% for G3 for the BTA test versus 15.3%, 37.5% and 85.7% for cytology. The sensitivity by stage was 46.6% for Ta, 52% T1 and 100% for T2-4 and Tis for the BTA test versus 26.6%, 40% and 80% for cytology. CONCLUSIONS: The BTA stat test is superior to cytology in the follow-up of patients with bladder cancer. However, it has a low sensitivity in G1 and Ta and T1 tumors, therefore cystoscopy cannot be avoided.

[Retroperitoneal mass secondary to Bellini carcinoma]. / Masa retroperitoneal secundaria a carcinoma de Bellini.

Bellini Collecting Duct carcinoma is a rare and aggresive histological variety of renal adenocarcinoma which originates from the epithelium of the collecting tubule, with a well established histological, cytogenetic and inmunohistochemic characterization. It allows us to differenciate this tumor type from the rest of renal adenocarcinomas. There are 7 cases already published in the national literature. We introduce a new case with a particularity that is to show an unusual presentation form. It appears clinically without a specific urological symptomatology and radiologically it present a retroperitoneal mass shape with explains the patient's clinical manifestations.

[Iatrogenic ureteral lesions in open surgery: review of 10 years]. / Lesiones ureterales yatrógenas en cirugía abierta: revisión de 10 años.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a revision of iatrogenic ureteral damage during open surgery occurred in our hospital over a 10-year period, to review the literature and to contrast the results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1987 and December 1996, 19 cases of iatrogenic ureteral damage were reported in 18 patients. Ureteral damage was the result of gynaecological surgery in 8 cases (42%), general surgery in 5 cases (26.5%), vascular surgery in 4 cases (21.1%) and urological surgery in 2 cases (10.5%). Four patients had been given radiotherapy. In 15 of the ureteral units involved, reconstructive open surgery was performed while the remaining 4 units received conservative therapy. RESULTS: In 11 cases of open surgery the results were good, 2 cases are nephrostomy carriers and 2 underwent nephrectomy. Conservative treatment was resolutive in all instances. CONCLUSIONS: Gynaecological and general surgery are the major causes of ureteral iatrogeny in our media. In more than half the cases, diagnosis is late. Radiotherapy was associated to late diagnosis in all cases. When diagnosed early, both surgical and conservative therapy achieve good results.