Cumulative morbidity of ureteroscopy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess complications after ureteroscopy (URS) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) management and to assess its postoperative cumulative morbidity burden using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study including patients submitted to URS for UTUC suspicion. URSs were both diagnostic and operative. Postoperative complications were recorded according to the EAU Guidelines and graded according to Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC). The cumulative postoperative morbidity burden developed by patients experiencing multiple events was assessed using the CCI. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses identified factors independently associated with the development of any grade and major postoperative complications. RESULTS: Overall, 360 patients with UTUC suspicion were included with a total of 575 URSs performed. The cumulative number of all postoperative complications recorded was 111. In 86 (15%) procedures, patients experienced at least one postoperative complication, while 25 (4.3%) experienced more than one complication. Of these, 16 (14%) were severe (CDC ≥ IIIa). The most frequent type of complications were urinary (34%), bleeding (30%) and infectious (30%). The higher the CDC grade, the higher the median CCI, with a statistically significant increase in median CCI from CDC II to major complications. Patients who experienced intraoperative complications were at higher risk of developing any grade and major postoperative complications at MLR. CONCLUSIONS: Complications after ureteroscopy for UTUC are relatively uncommon events. Patients who experience intraoperative complications are at higher risk of developing postoperative complications. The comprehensive complication index appeared more representative of the cumulative postoperative morbidity rather than the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Apalutamide for prostate cancer: Multicentre and multidisciplinary real-world study of 227 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of apalutamide prostate cancer compared to the pivotal trials patients and to identify the first subsequent therapy in a real-world setting. METHODS: The study is prospective and observational based on real-world evidence, performed by different medical disciplines and eight academics centres around Barcelona, Spain. It included all patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) and high-risk non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) treated with apalutamide from June 2018 to December 2022. RESULTS: Of 227 patients treated with apalutamide, 10% had ECOG-PS 2, and 41% were diagnosed with new-generation imaging. In the mHSPC group (209 patients), 75 years was the median age, 53% had synchronous metastases, and 22% were M1a. In the nmCRPC (18 patients), 82 years was the median age, and 81% ≤6 months had PSA doubling time. Patients achieved PSA90 in 92% of mHSPC and 50% of nmCRPC and PSA ≤0.2 in 71% of mHSPC and 39% of nmCRPC. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 40.1% of mHSPC and 44.4% of nmCRPC. After discontinuation of apalutamide due to disease progression, 54.5% in mHSPC and 75% in nmCRPC started chemotherapy, while after discontinuation because of adverse events, 73.3% in mHSPC and 100% in nmCRPC continued with other hormonal-therapies. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of apalutamide were similar to that described in the pivotal trials, despite including an older and more comorbid population. Usually, subsequent therapies after apalutamide differed depending on the reason for discontinuation: by disease progression started chemotherapy and by adverse events hormonal sequencing.

Reduced- vs full-dose BCG in bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the oncologic outcomes and the safety profile of a reduced-dose versus full-dose BCG regimen in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched in January 2022 for studies that analyzed oncological outcomes and compared between reduced- and full-dose BCG regimens. RESULTS: Seventeen studies including 3757 patients met our inclusion criteria. Patients who received reduced-dose BCG had significantly higher recurrence rates (OR 1.19; 95%CI, 1.03-1.36; p = 0.02). The risks of progression to muscle-invasive BC (OR 1.04; 95%CI, 0.83-1.32; p = 0.71), metastasis (OR 0.82; 95%CI, 0.55-1.22; p = 0.32), death from BC (OR 0.80; 95%CI, 0.57-1.14; p = 0.22), and all-cause death (OR 0.82; 95%CI, 0.53-1.27; p = 0.37) were not statistically different. When restricting the analyses to randomized controlled trials, we found similar results. In subgroup analysis, reduced dose was associated with a higher rate of BC recurrence in studies that used only an induction regimen (OR 1.70; 95%CI, 1.19-2.42; p = 0.004), but not when a maintenance regimen was used (OR 1.07; 95%CI, 0.96-1.29; p = 0.17). Regarding side effects, the reduced-dose BCG regimen was associated with fewer episodes of fever (p = 0.003), and therapy discontinuation (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This review found no association between BCG dose and BC progression, metastasis, and mortality. There was an association between reduced dose and BC recurrence, which was no longer significant when a maintenance regimen was used. In times of BCG shortage, reduced-dose regimens could be offered to BC patients.

Robot-assisted vs. open radical cystectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been launched in the last decade to examine the surgical safety and oncological efficacy of robot-assisted (RARC) vs open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC. METHODS: A literature search was conducted through July 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC. RESULTS: A total of eight RCTs comprising 1,024 patients met our inclusion criteria. RARC was associated with longer operative time (mean 92.34min, 95% CI 83.83-100.84, p<0.001) and lower blood transfusion rate (Odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% CI 0.30-0.61, p<0.001). No differences emerged in terms of 90-day overall (p=0.28) and major (p=0.57) complications, length of stay (p=0.18), bowel recovery (p=0.67), health-related quality of life (p=0.86), disease recurrence (p=0.77) and progression (p=0.49) between the two approaches. The main limitation is represented by the low number of patients included in half of RCTs included. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that RARC is not inferior to ORC in terms of surgical safety and oncological outcomes. The benefit of RARC in terms of lower blood transfusion rate need to be balanced with the cost related to the procedure.

[CLINICAL IMPACT OF THE SUSPENSION OF THE ERAS PROTOCOL ON PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADICAL CYSTECTOMY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.] / IMPACTO CLÍNICO DE NO APLICAR EL PROTOCOLO ERAS EN LOS PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CISTECTOMÍA DURANTE LA PANDEMIA COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in our center, neither prehabilitation nor multimodal rehabilitation could be applied due to the excessive patient load on the health system and to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The objective of our study was to analyze the evolution, complications, and survival up to one year of patients who underwent radical cystectomy in our hospital from March 1st to May 31st, 2020 (period of the first wave COVID-19 pandemic in Spain). We also compared the results with cystectomized patients outside the pandemic period and with application of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for radical cystectomy from March 1st,2020 to May 31st, 2020. They were matched with previously operated patients using a 1:2 propensity matching score. The matching variables were demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 23 radical cystectomies with urinary diversion were performed in the period described. In none of the cases the prehabilitation or the follow-up of our ERAS protocol could be applied, and this was the only difference we found between the 2 groups. Although the minimally invasive approach was more frequent in the pandemic group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during their admission, presenting severe respiratory complications and high in-hospital mortality. Apart from respiratory complications secondary to SARS-CoV-2, we also found statistically significant differences in other postoperative complications. The hospital stay increased by 3 days in the pandemic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our center during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher number and severity of respiratory and non-respiratory complications. Discontinuation of the ERAS protocol was the main difference in treatment between groups.

Clinical impact of the suspension of the ERAS protocol on patients undergoing radical cystectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in our center, neither prehabilitation nor multimodal rehabilitation could be applied due to the excessive patient load on the health system and to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The objective of our study was to analyze the evolution, complications, and survival up to one year of patients who underwent radical cystectomy in our hospital from March 1st to May 31st, 2020 (period of the first wave COVID-19 pandemic in Spain). We also compared the results with cystectomized patients outside the pandemic period and with application of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for radical cystectomy from March 1st, 2020 to May 31st, 2020. They were matched with previously operated patients using a 1:2 propensity matching score. The matching variables were demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 23 radical cystectomies with urinary diversion were performed in the period described. In none of the cases the prehabilitation or the follow-up of our ERAS protocol could be applied, and this was the only difference we found between the 2 groups. Although the minimally invasive approach was more frequent in the pandemic group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during their admission, presenting severe respiratory complications and high in-hospital mortality. Apart from respiratory complications secondary to SARS-CoV-2, we also found statistically significant differences in other postoperative complications. The hospital stay increased by 3 days in the pandemic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our center during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher number and severity of respiratory and non-respiratory complications. Discontinuation of the ERAS protocol was the main difference in treatment between groups.

Incidental diagnosis of bladder cancer in a national observational study in spain.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder cancer (BC) is a common malignancy in Spain. The aims of this study were: to identify the proportion of patients diagnosed with BC incidentally or after symptomatic presentation in a contemporary period in Spain; to compare demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics between these groups. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a multi-centre observational study of 26 hospitals in the Spanish National Health System of all BCs newly diagnosed in 2011. The study represented 21.5% of the Spanish population and hospitals were selected in proportion to Spain's regions to ensure a representative sample. Patients were categorized by whether the cancer was diagnosed incidentally or after symptomatic presentation and baseline demographic, pathologic, and clinical characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: 2472 were newly diagnosed with BC at the 26 participating Spanish hospitals with 308 (12.5%) of cases diagnosed incidentally and 2164 (87.5%) diagnosed after symptomatic presentation. No differences were observed between patients diagnosed incidentally vs. symptomatically in terms of demographics or measured co-morbidities. Compared to symptomatically diagnosed bladder tumours, those diagnosed incidentally were more likely to have a papillary appearance, to be significantly smaller, and less likely to have positive/suspicious cytology. Additionally, incidentally diagnosed bladder tumours were less likely to be muscle-invasive (11.7% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.01) nor aggressive at pathology, with 33.6% Grade 3 compared to 50.1%, (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We identified a significant percentage (12.5%) of new bladder cancer diagnosis made incidentally in a representative sample of the Spanish population. These tumours exhibited less aggressive pathologic characteristics than their symptomatic counterparts.

Management of primary upper urinary tract carcinoma in situ diagnosed by ureteroscopic biopsy: Is bacillus Calmette-Guerin an alternative to nephroureterectomy?

BACKGROUND: Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) represents the gold standard treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC); however, attempts have been made to treat upper urinary tract CIS (UT-CIS) conservatively. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with primary UT-CIS treated in our center by means of RNU vs. bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillations. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with diagnosis of primary UT-CIS between 1990 and 2018. All patients had histological confirmation of UT-CIS in the absence of other concomitant UTUC. Histological confirmation was obtained by ureteroscopy with multiple biopsies. Patients were treated with BCG instillations, RNU or distal ureterectomy. Clinicopathological features and outcomes were compared between RNU and BCG groups. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients and 29 renal units (RUs) were included. Sixteen (57.1%) patients (17 RUs) received BCG. BCG was administered via nephrostomy tube in 4 patients, with a single-J ureteral stent in 5, and using a Double-J stent in 7. Complete response and persistence or recurrence were detected in ten (58.8%) and seven (41.2%) RUs treated with BCG, respectively. Eight (27.6%) RUs underwent RNU, and 4 (13.8%) Rus distal ureterectomy. No differences were found in recurrence-free survival (p=0.841) and cancer-specific survival (p=0.77) between the RNU and BCG groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although RNU remains the gold standard treatment for UT-CIS, our results confirm that BCG instillations are also effective. Histological confirmation of UT-CIS is mandatory before any treatment.

Indications and histology of 489 orchiectomies analyzed by patient age.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications and histology of our series of orchiectomies, analysing the results by patient's age. METHODS: We included the orchiectomies realized in our hospital between 2005 and 2020 in patients older than 18 years. We estimated demographic data, indications, histology and effectiveness of testicular ultrasound by three groups of age. RESULTS: We included 489 orchiectomies, which 364 (74%) belonged to Group A (patients between 18-50 years), 59 (12%) to Group B (50-70 years) and 66 (14%) to Group C (older than 70 years). In Group A, 284 (78%) orchiectomies were indicated due to malignancy suspect. In 91.9% cases (261) malign neoplasm was confirmed at final histology and 253 (89%) were germinal cells. Testicular ultrasound had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90% in this group. In Group B, 34 (57%) orchiectomies were indicated because of malignancy suspect. At final histologic analysis, 25/34 (73.5%) confirmed malign neoplasm. Ultrasound had a PPV of 68%. In Group C, orchiepididymitis was the main cause of testicular removal with 30 cases (45,5%). From the 20 cases (30.3%) with suspicion of malignancy, only 6 had confirmed malign histology. Testicular ultrasound PPV for malignancy was 31%. CONCLUSION: In patients younger than 70 years the main orchiectomy's indication was suspect of malignancy and in older than 70, testicular inflammation. The germinal neoplasm was the predominant histology in younger than 70 years. In older than that, malignancy was infrequent. The positive predictive value of testicular ultrasound for malignancy decreased with patient's age. In patients older than 50 years proper image diagnosis to assess malignancy should be considered before orchiectomy is done.

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN+ with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience. / Carcinoma uretral primario: resultados de la experiencia de un único centro.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN + with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (

Whole and hemi-gland cryoablation for primary localized prostate cancer: Short and medium-term oncological and functional outcomes. / Crioablación total o hemiglandular para el cáncer de próstata primario localizado: resultados oncológicos y funcionales a corto y medio plazo.

INTRODUCTION: To compare oncological, functional and post-operative outcomes of hemi (HC) vs. whole gland (WGC) cryoablation as first line treatment of localized prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty-six consecutive patients undertaking whole-gland cryoablation (WGC=40) or hemi-cryoablation (HC=26) in a tertiary referral centre between 2010 and 2018 were included. All patients had a low-intermediate risk prostate cancer according to D'Amico risk classification. Hemi-ablation was proposed in case of biopsy and prostate MRI proven unilateral prostate cancer. Primary endpoint was Cryotherapy Failure for which 3 definitions were considered and compared: 1) biochemical failure (> PSA nadir+≥ 2 ng/mL), 2) positive prostate re-biopsy with Gleason score ≥ 7, 3) initiation of further prostate cancer treatment. RESULTS: Median patients age at treatment was 74 [42-81] vs. 76 [71-80] years in WGC vs. HC group, respectively (p=.08). Low and intermediate D'Amico risk group were 15% and 85% vs. 23% and 77% (p=.75), respectively. Median follow- up time was 41 [1.5-99.0] vs. 27 [0.9-93] months (p=.03). Four-years cryotherapy failure free survival in WGC vs. HC were 69% vs. 53% with definition 1 (p=.24), 82% vs. 80% with definition 2 (p=.95), 83% vs. 77% with definition 3 (p=.73). Early and 1-year urinary continence were 60% and 83% in WGC vs. 72% and 83% in HC (p=.26). De novo impotency after cryotherapy was 75% vs. 46% (p=.33) in WGC vs. HC. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of highly selected patients with unilateral low/intermediate risk PCa, hemi-cryoablation may provide similar oncological outcomes and less early complications compared to whole-gland cryoablation.

[Confocal laser endomicroscopy for the treatment of upper urinary tract transitional cellcarcinoma.] / Endomicroscopía láser confocal en el tratamiento del tumor urotelial del tracto urinario superior.

OBJECTIVES: Confocal lasser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an optical technique that enables in vivo cytological characterization of a tissue. Previous studies have shown it useful in the evaluation of urinary and respiratory tracts for a better characterization of mucosal lesions, showing a high concordance between in vivo and final histopathological results. Recently, the use of CLE has been proposed for the study of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UUT) during ureteroscopy, because it enables real time information about tumor grade and supplements the information of ureteroscopic biopsies, which may understimate the grade and stage of the lesion up to 43% of the cases due to its limitiations. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature in the Pubmed/Medline database following the PRISMA standard. We selected 20 articles that complied with the inclusion criteria for evidence synthesis. RESULTS: Equipment miniaturization has enabled CLE as part of the diagnostic options in upper urinary tract tumors. This technique performs in vivo cytological characterization of the evaluated tissue, accomplishing differentiation between tumor and normal tissue, as well as tumor grade identification. Its communicated sensitivity and specificity reach 79%/78% respectively for low grade tumors and 67%/79% for high grade, with a substantial inter observer concordance (surgeon/pathologist; k = 0.64). No complications have been communicated in the literature with the use of fluorescein or confocal laser microscopy probes in patients undergoing this technique. CONCLUSIONS: CLE represents a useful and safe tool, capable of providing cytological real time information of UUT tumors that enables tumor grade identification with substantial concordance between in vivo tumor typifying and the final histopathological analysis. For this, CLE is currently considered a tool for conservative management of UUT transitional cell carcinoma in the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines.

OBJETIVOS: La endomicroscopía láser confocal (CLE) es una técnica óptica que permite la caracterización citológica en vivo de un tejido. Estudios previos en lesiones del tracto digestivo y respiratorio han mostrado una alta concordancia entre el resultado en vivo y el resultado histopatológico. Recientemente, se ha propuesto el uso de la CLE en el estudio del tracto urinario superior (TUS) durante la ureteroscopia, ya que permite obtener información a tiempo real del grado tumoral y complementa la información de las biopsias ureteroscópicas, que dadas sus limitaciones, pueden infraestimar el grado y el estadío de la lesión hasta en un 43% de los casos.MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una revisión de la literatura en la base de datos Pubmed/Medline siguiendo las normas PRISMA. Se utilizaron 21 artículos que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión para la síntesis de la evidencia. RESULTADOS: La sensibilidad y especificidad descrita, alcanza el 79%/78% y 67%/79% para tumores de bajo y alto grado respectivamente, con una concordancia sustancial entre observadores (cirujano/anatomopatólogo; K = 0,64). No se han reportado complicaciones asociadas a la utilización de la fluoresceína ni sondas de CLE. CONCLUSIONES: La CLE representa una herramienta útil y segura, capaz de proporcionar información citológica de tumores del TUS en tiempo real que permite la identificación del grado tumoral con sustancial grado de acuerdo entre la tipificación en vivo y su análisis histopatológico final. Por este motivo, actualmente, la CLE es considerada como una herramienta en el manejo conservador del carcinoma del TUS en las guidelines de la European Association of Urology (EAU).

Salvage lymphadenectomy in recurrent prostate cancer: is there evidence of real benefit?

PURPOSE: Nodal recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after primary radical treatment represents a heterogeneous entity with many treatment options. In some cases, surgical removal of metastatic nodes seems to improve cancer control and delay systemic treatments. The objectives of this study were to analyze the available literature on salvage lymphadenectomy for the treatment of nodal recurrent PCa and to elucidate the real oncological benefit deriving from this procedure. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed using the following terms: prostate cancer, metastatic, oligometastatic, salvage lymphadenectomy, salvage lymph node dissection, salvage lymph node excision, and cytoreductive surgery. We included in the study all papers on salvage lymphadenectomy in nodal recurrent PCa, with no temporal limits. In addition, several papers addressing cytoreductive surgery and the biology of oligometastatic disease, published in different medical and basic research journals, were included. RESULTS: Salvage lymphadenectomy is still characterized by a lack of standardization in patient selection and surgical template. Its primary objectives are to prolong progression-free survival and to delay the need for systemic therapy. The improvements in preoperative imaging techniques in conjunction with the wide use of minimally invasive surgery have generated growing interest in this procedure. CONCLUSION: Salvage lymphadenectomy is a promising treatment approach; however, its real oncological benefit is still far from proven. Prospective randomized trials need to be designed to improve understanding of this issue.

The style of scientific communication. / El estilo de la comunicación científica.

CONTEXT: Writing skills and the importance of drafting quality are often disregarded. Just as there are guidelines on what each part of a scientific article should comprise (introduction, material and methods, results and conclusion), there are 'norms' as to how to draft the article. Novel results can only be appropriately reflected in a formal and structurally correct text. OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness on the correct use of language in all professional areas, and to provide some practical recommendations to avoid the most common errors in our environment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a search of the terms 'scientific style', 'scientific language' and 'how to write an article' in the databases of the search engines Medes, Dialnet and Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS). We also consulted books on the subject. We then analysed the characteristics of scientific style and the most common errors observed in scientific texts. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The characteristics of scientific language are: clarity, precision, brevity, conciseness, fluidity and simplicity. Scientific style avoids: long sentences, a lack of connectors, syntax errors, redundancies, barbarisms, foreignisms, false friends, colloquial expressions, cacophonies, slang, too many gerunds, too many abbreviations, too much use of the passive voice and spelling mistakes, etc. CONCLUSIONS: The principal characteristics of scientific style are clarity, precision and brevity. When we write articles, we learn through practice, reading and the help of experienced writers.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and prostate cancer: what's new? / Resonancia magnética multiparamétrica y cáncer de próstata: ¿qué hay de nuevo?

Prostatic multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) has recently had a wide development becoming a key tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in prostate cancer (Pca). The fast development both in technology and in reading (PIRADS V2) requires a continuous updating of knowledge within this area. The aim of this article is to present an updated revision of technical aspects, reading patterns and prostatic MP-MRI in Pca, with a multidisciplinary approach. Currently guidelines establish the use of the MP-MRI when there is a high PSA and a negative prostatic biopsy; tumor staging; evaluation in candidates to active surveillance; focal treatments plans and tumoral recurrence evaluation. Although it is used in other indications in some centers, like its use in patients suspicious of Pca but with no previous biopsy, there is still the need of a cost/benefit assessment for its use to be wider.

Robot-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy: Analysis of the complications and oncological and functional aspects. / Cistoprostatectomía radical robótica: análisis oncológico, funcional y de las complicaciones.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience in robot-assisted radical cystectomy, assessing the complications and oncological and functional results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2014, we performed 67 robot-assisted radical cystectomies combined with lymphadenectomy in 61 cases. The operations were performed on 37 patients due to muscle-invasive tumours and on 30 due to high-risk nonmuscle-invasive tumours. Urinary diversion was conducted extracorporeally, using a Studer neobladder in 47 cases. RESULTS: The mean blood loss was 300mL. No case required conversion to open surgery. The median number of lymph nodes extracted was 16 (range 3-33). Pathology revealed 16 pT0, 15 pTis,-pT1-pTa and 44 muscle-invasive tumours, 8 pN+ and 1 with positive margins. The mean hospital stay was 9 days. With a median follow-up of 16 months, 9 (13%) patients were readmitted after the discharge, most for infections associated with the vesical catheter and other catheters. Forty patients (59.7%) presented complications (most were Clavien grade 1-2). There was recurrence during the follow-up in 4 cases (6%), and 4 (5.9%) patients died from cancer. Nineteen (28.3%) patients had complications after 30 days, most of which were urinary tract infections. Of the 47 patients with a neobladder, 45 (96%) had proper daytime continence and 42 (89%) had proper nighttime continence. Ninety percent and 64% of the patients with previously normal sexual function and reduced sexual function, respectively, were able to preserve sexual function with or without drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy plus lymphadenectomy, with extracorporeal reconstruction of the urinary diversion, offers good oncological and functional results without increasing the number of complications.

[Catheterization after ureteroscopy. Always? never? when?] / Cateterización tras Ureteroscopia, ¿siempre, nunca, cuándo?

OBJECTIVE: The development of smaller diameter ureteroscopes, along with the advance in surgical techniques has allowed ureteroscopy to be progressively less traumatic. The considerable morbidity produced by a ureteral stent makes it advisable to question routine placement. METHODS: We performed a review of the literature searching for systematic reviews, meta-analysis and prospective randomized clinical trials. RESULTS: Three systematic reviews and meta-analysis along with 14 clinical trials were included in our review. Most of the consulted articles show a higher incidence of irritative urinary symptoms, and hypogastric and flank pain in patients carrying a JJ stent. No differences were observed in postoperative complication rates. DISCUSSION: Apparently, there is little benefit in ureteral stenting regarding postoperative complications after uncomplicated ureteroscopy, with a few exceptions. The challenge regarding ureteral stenting after ureteroscopy is to identify the cases that will benefit from it. An interesting alternative, that requires further study, is the placement of a ureteral catheter (internal-external) during the first 24 hours after procedure. CONCLUSIONS: It seems advisable to place a JJ stent in complicated cases or in those considered to have a higher risk of postoperative complications. In the rest of cases it seems that stenting after ureteroscopy involves more problems tan benefits.

Resection of the Intramural Portion of the Distal Ureter during Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors: Predictive Factors for Secondary Stenosis and Development of Upper Urinary Tract Recurrence.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the incidence of and predictive factors for ureteral stenosis and recurrent upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma after resection of tumors located in the intramural portion of the distal ureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 2,317 patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, including 112 (4.83%) with tumors involving the intramural portion of the distal ureter. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was done to determine predictive factors for ureteral stenosis and recurrent urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. RESULTS: At a mean followup of 56 months 17 patients (15.2%) presented with recurrent upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma and ureteral stenosis had developed in 13 (11.6%). On univariate analysis previous recurrences were associated with both events. On multivariate analysis tumor size 1.5 cm or greater (HR 4.521, p = 0.023) and T1 tumor stage (HR 8.525, p = 0.005) were independent predictive factors for stenosis. Stage T1 in the bladder (HR 7.253, p = 0.001) and carcinoma in situ in the intramural portion of the distal ureter (HR 6.850, p = 0.005) increased the risk of recurrent upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. The main study limitation was the lack of information on vesicoureteral reflux due to the retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: Involvement of the intramural portion of the distal ureter is uncommon. In patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and involvement of the intramural portion of the distal ureter a stage T1 tumor and a tumor size 1.5 cm or greater are independent predictive factors for distal ureteral stenosis. Moreover, stage T1 and carcinoma in situ in the intramural portion of the distal ureter significantly increase the risk of recurrent upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. The urinary tract should be more closely followed in this patient subgroup.