Satisfaction assessment study in patients (and their partners) with/without Peyronie's disease and penile prosthesis implantation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. However, patients with coexistent Peyronie's disease (PD) and refractory erectile dysfunction and/or severe deformities may show different results. The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), in men with/without coexistent PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey study based on a five-item satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to all those live patients implanted in the period 1992-2022 at our center (n=570) and their partners. Ninety-two percent of implants were inflatable devices. Surgeries were mainly performed by two surgeons. The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after IPP. RESULTS: Of the 570 eligible patients, 479 (84%) completed the survey (393 Non-PD: GROUP 1; 70 non-complex PD-Group 2; 16 complex PD). Eighty-six per cent of patients in Group 1 reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied). Non-complex PD implanted patients (Group 2) reported a global 81% satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied) (p>0.05). However, when we evaluated the PD subgroup of patients with severe PD who require incision/excision/grafting at the time of implant (Group 3: n=20), only 61% reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (p<0.01) with predominance of moderately satisfied patients over very satisfied: 78% vs. 22%). Additionally, 84% (Group 1), 80% (Group 2) and 54% (Group 3) of partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (p<0.01). Overall, 84% of Group 1 implants and 79% of Group 2 reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the IPP failed (p>0.05; ns). Only 50% of Group 3 patients would do it again. With regard to cosmetic aspects, 48% of the Group 3 implant reported penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of total PP patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device. CONCLUSION: The presence of PD alone may not impact PP patient and partner satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length and glans sensation.

Surgical implant options in patients with penile fibrosis due to infection or previous explants. / Opciones quirúrgicas de implante en pacientes con fibrosis peneana por infección o explantes previos.

Penile fibrosis due to previous penile infection and/or prosthesis explants entails situations of high surgical complexity. In these cases, reimplantation should follow an alternative scheme, aimed at minimizing perioperative and postoperative complications, as well as achieving maximum efficiency of the procedure and greater postoperative satisfaction of the patient and his partner. This article reviews the main surgical alternatives for these cases.

Comparison of classical transrectal prostate biopsy versus cognitive registration in rebiopsy. / Comparación del rendimiento entre biopsia transrectal clásica y biopsia «cognitiva¼ ecodirigida en la rebiopsia de la próstata.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare performance of two biopsy approaches in patients with at least one previous negative prostate biopsy (PB): classical transrectal biopsy (ClTB) versus cognitive registration biopsy (COG-TB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 205 patients with at least one negative PB. 144 (70.2%) patients underwent a prior mpMRI and 61 (29.8%) patients did not. Nodule classification was carried out according PI-RADS version 2. Peripheral zone (PZ) grouped pZa, pZpl and pZpm areas, transition zone (TZ) Tza, Tzp and Cz areas, and anterior zone (AZ) AS areas. COG-TB was conducted in patients with previous mpMRI (144); while in the remaining 61 (29.8%) patients a ClTB of PZ and TZ was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi square and T-student tests for qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Multivariate analysis was carried out in order to identify predictive variables of prostate cancer. RESULTS: Median patient age was 68 (IQR 62-72) years, median PSA was 8.3 (IQR 6.2-11.7) ng/ml and median previous biopsies was 1 (IQR 1-2). Digital rectal examinations (DRE) findings were normal in 169 (82.4%) patients and suspicious in 36 (17.6%) patients (cT2a-b in 34 patients and cT2c in 2). Median prostate volume was 48 (IQR 38-65) cc. Statistically significant differences in PSAD between both groups were found (P=.03). Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) showed hypoechoic nodules in 8 (13.1%) ClTB patients and in 62 (43.1%) COG-TB patients (P=.0001). The median number of biopsy cylinders per set of prostate biopsies was 10 (IQR 10-10) in ClTB group and 11 (IQR 9-13) in COG-TB group (P=.75). Cancer was diagnosed in 74 (36.1%) patients: of them, 10 (16.4%) were ClTB patients and 64 (44.4%) COG-TB (P=.0001). Tumors classification was as follow: ISUP-1: 34 (45.9%), ISUP-2: 21 (28.4%), ISUP-3: 9 (12.2%), ISUP-4: 7 (9.5%) and ISUP-5: 3 (4.1%). No significant statistical differences were found (P=.89). The median number of biopsy cylinders impaired per set of prostate biopsies was 1 (IQR 1-5) in ClTB group and 2 (IQR 1-4) in COG-TB group (P=.93). Regarding independent predictive variables for prostate cancer the results were: age (OR=12.05; P=.049), suspicious DRE (OR=2.64; P=.04), hypoechoic nodule (OR=2.20; P=.03) and mpMRI +COG-TB sequence (OR=3.49; P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with at least one negative PB, mpMRI +COG-TB sequence improves 3.5 (OR=3.49) times the diagnosis prostate vs. ClTB.

Effectiveness of the «cognitive¼ biopsy in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in patients with a previous negative biopsy. / Efectividad de la biopsia «cognitiva¼ en el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata en los pacientes con biopsia previa negativa.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the effectiveness of cognitive biopsy (CB) in patients with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (PC), and at least one negative biopsy (TRB). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of 144 patients with at least one previous TRB and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI nodules were classified based on PI-RADS v2 grouping pZa, pZpl and pZpm as the peripheral zone(PZ), Tza, Tzp and CZ as the transitional zone (TZ), and the AS zones as the anterior zone (AZ). A biopsy was indicated for nodules ≥PI-RADS 3. Uni and multivariate analysis was undertaken (logistic regression) to identify variables relating to a PI-RADS 3 tumour on biopsy. RESULTS: The median age was 67 (IQR: 62-72) years, the median PSA was 8.2 (IQR: 6.2-12) ng/ml. A nodule was identified on MRI in the PZ in 97 (67.4%) cases, in the TZ in 29 (20.1%), and in the AZ in 41 (28.5%). PC was diagnosed on biopsy in 64 (44%) patients. The cancer rate in the PI-RADS 3 lesions was 17.5% (7/40), in the PI-RADS 4 47.3% (35/73), and in the PI-RADS 5 lesions it was 73.3% (22/29) (p=.0001). Multivariable analysis with variables that could influence the biopsy result in patients with PI-RADS 3: None (age, PSA, number of previous biopsies, rectal examination, PSAD, prostate volume or number of extracted cylinders) behaved as an independent tumour predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of CB in patients with at least one previous negative biopsy was 44%, increasing according to the PI-RADS grade, and low in PI-RADS 3. No clinical variable predictive of cancer was found in patients with PI-RADS 3.

Predictive factors for recurrence in clinically localized squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Analisys of our case series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive factors for relapse in clinically localized squamous cell carcinoma of the penis undergoing surgical treatment. METHODS: Forty-nine patients were diagnosed with cancer of the penis in our Service between 1999 and 2009. In the present study we excluded 18 subjects: 9 due to the presence of palpable adenopathies, 6 due to histological characteristics other than squamous cell carcinoma, two lost to follow-up, and one due to death at the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis was based on physical examination and biopsy findings. The primary lesion was treated by circumcision, partial surgery or total penectomy. Disease relapse was defined by lymph node or metastatic involvement after three months from surgery. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out using the chi-squared test and logistic regression to identify the factors involved in tumor relapse. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 36 months (median 29). The histopathological study yielded the following profile: 55% pT1 cases, 32% pT2 cases and 13% pT3 tumors. Regarding histological grade, the distribution was G1: 29%, G2: 32%, G3: 39%. Recurrence and mortality rates were 38.7% and 35.5%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, location of the lesion (p=0.004), type of surgery (p=0.008), tumor stage (p=0.003) and cellular grade (p<0.001)were significantly correlated to disease relapse. In the multivariate analysis, only cellular grade proved statistically significant (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In our series, only histological grade could be regarded as an independent predictor of tumor relapse.

[Current state of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as treatment of prostatic carcinoma]. / Estado actual del ultrasonido de alta frecuencia (HIFU) en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma prostático.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current state of high intensity focused ultrasound as therapeutical option of prostatic carcinoma (PCa) METHODS: We completed an extense review of urologic literature on the role of HIFU on the treatment of PCa. RESULTS: This technique is nowadays usually being indicated in Europe as treatment of many cases of either primary or relapsed PCa after radiotherapy. Although some reports suggest that HIFU is very effective as treatment for low and medium risk localized PCa patients, no randomized series comparing this technique with conventional therapies have been presented yet. Great disparity in criteria to define free-disease survival is detected, which make difficult the interpretation of results. CONCLUSIONS: Experience of some groups in HIFU is highly promising. Local tumour destruction is evident both in primary and relapsed PCa cases. To make conclusions in the long-term, controlled-randomized trials must be designed, with follow-up to measure benefits in global survival and quality of live. Comparisons must be completed with conventional techniques, and a uniform definition of disease free-survival is necessary.

[Ethics and training in laparoscopic surgery]. / Etica y aprendizaje en cirugía laparoscópica.

Teaching operative skills are of paramount importance to urology training, specially in the period of time of the residency. Because of that, the introduction of laparoscopy in our surgical activity must be followed by a careful planning of progressive training as an answer to this new need that would be well designed trying not to damage in whatever possible way to the patients operated with this new modality of surgical intervention. In this sense, each case and each indication of laparoscopy must be clarified individually, taking into account the basic principles of medical ethics (beneficency, no maleficency, justice and autonomy). So, it will be neccesary to decide about possible risks due to the experience of the surgeon or due to the modality of surgery. In this article, different options of training plannings in laparoscopy are mentioned taking as a reference the experience in laparoscopic prostatectomy, reasons of "prepared reconversion" are exposed and, finally, the authors explain the discussion about the subject and the extent of information offered to the patients looking for the best possibilities of decision making by the patients.

[Volume determinations of the whole prostate and of the adenoma by transrectal ultrasound: correlation with surgical specimen]. / Correlación ecográfico-anatómica de la medición del volumen prostático total y de la zona transicional mediante ecografía transrectal.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether preoperative transrecta ultrasound (TRUS) mesaurements of the transition zone (TZ) and total prostate volumen predict real prostatic weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compare estimated TRUS volumes with surgical specimen weight, in surgically treated patients with localized prostate cancer (group A, n = 33) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (group B, n = 37). The volume was calculated by the ellipsoid formula. Both measurements were compared with surgical specimen weight, assuming 1 as specific prostate weight. RESULTS: Group A: mean prostate measured volume was 38.6 cc. (SD 22.7), mean RP specimen weight was 54,2 g (SD 27.2) (p = 0.001). Total estimated prostate volume underestimated prostatectomy specimen weight by 29%. In order to adequate the estimated volume to the specimen weight, we calculated the formula: estimated prostate weight = 0.95 x prostatic measured volume + 17,657 (p = 0.005). Group B: mean TZ measured volume was 62.8 cc. (SD 23.3), mean adenomectomy specimen weight was 79.9 g (SD 45.9) (p = 0.001). TZ estimated volume underestimated adenomectomy specimen weight by 21%. In order to adequate the estimated volume to the specimen weight, we calculated the formula: estimated TZ weight = 1.67 x TZ measured volume - 24,768 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: We found significative differences between TRUS measured volumes and real weight of surgical specimen. These differences could be corrected by simple formulas that allow to minimize the observed underestimations.

[Validity of digital rectal examination in the era of prostate specific antigen]. / Validez diagnóstica del tacto rectal en la era del antígeno específico de la próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of a possible correlation between prostate specific antigen (PSA) and the findings from digital rectal examination (DRE) in patients with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal, and observational study of diagnostic tests. SETTING: Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Madrid, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: It included 706 patients with a PSA in the range 4.1-20 ng/mL, studied owing to suspected prostate cancer localised using DRE and transrectal ultrasound, in whom randomised prostate biopsies were performed. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Total PSA and free/total PSA ratio and DRE normal or suspicious were studied as main variables. The outcome variable was the diagnosis of prostatic cancer by biopsy. RESULTS: With a detection of cancer of 28.2%, there were no statistically significant differences in the PSA or free/total PSA ratio mean values between patients with or without suspicious DRE. The analysis using ROC curves (with a 95% confidence interval) between both groups of patients found the same sensitivity of 95% with a similar specificity of 6% and 10%, respectively, for a PSA of 4.8 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: In the PSA range of 4.1-20 ng/mL, the findings of DRE appeared as a variable unrelated to the increase in PSA or the free/total PSA ratio and, therefore are not indicative of a lesser or greater volume of a tumour producing PSA. The performing of this examination could be considered as optional.

[Parameters with possible influence in PSA adjusted for transition zone volume]. / Variables con posible capacidad modificadora del PSA ajustado al volumen de la zona transicional.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of age, digital rectal examination results and prostatic volume on PSA value adjusted to transition zone (PSA-TZ) in the detection of prostatic cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 243 patients with serum PSA of 4 to 20 ng/ml who underwent biopsy because of prostatic cancer suspicion are analyzed. In this population, cancer was detected in 62 cases (24.8%). Total prostatic volume and transition zone volume were calculated by transrectal echography applying the ellipsoid formula. RESULTS: Applying lineal regresion analysis, it was found no correlation between age and PSA-TZ (Pearson coefficient 0.00). By dividing these patients among those with normal rectal examination (84%) and those with suspicious digital rectal examination (16%), cutoff values of PSA-TZ were found to be not different by ROC curves analysis for 95% sensitivity varying specificity only among 24 and 26% between these two groups of patients. Prostatic size (< or = or >40 cc) showed that, for obtaining the same 95% sensitivity in the detection of cancer, PSA-TZ value would require to be modified, being 0.17 in large prostates (> 40 cc) and 0.25 in small prostates (< or =40 cc). CONCLUSIONS: The utility of PSA-TZ as a potential predictor parameter of prostatic cancer did not need to be modified with respect to age or to data of digital rectal examination. However, for supporting sensivity of its best cutoff value, PSA-TZ would need to be modified with respect to total prostatic volume.

[Evaluation of prostate specific antigen (PSA) adjusted to transition zone in prostatic cancer detection]. / Evaluación del antígeno especifico prostático (PSA) ajustado al volumen de la zona transicional en la detección del cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if PSA adjusted to transition zone (PSA-TZ) can be considered as a predictor parameter of cancer with better specificity or not than PSA, PSA density (PSAD) or PSA free/total ratio. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 706 patients with sextant prostatic biopsies are analyzed in prospective way because of prostatic cancer suspicion. Range of PSA was between 4 to 20 ng/ml. Determination of PSA-TZ was calculated by dividing the PSA value by the volume of the transition zone of the prostate applying the ellipsoid formula and comparison of obtained results in detection of cancer was performed by ROC curves analysis for each one of PSA-related parameters. RESULTS: Of the total group of patients, in 199 cases (28.2%) prostatic cancer was detected. Analysis by ROC curves demonstrated than PSA-TZ and PSAD were better predictors of cancer than PSA free/total ratio and PSA (p < 0.0001). The cutoff value of PSA-TZ of 0.18 ng/ml/cc was considered as the best, obtaining a 95% sensitivity and a 27% specificity. For this sensitivity, PSA, PSAD and PSA free/total ratio only obtained 5, 9 and 16% specificity respectively. Areas under curve (AUC) obtained for PSA, PSA free/total ratio, PSAD and PSA-TZ were 0.539, 0.612, 0.694 and 0.722 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PSA-TZ in the studied population was a parameter with better diagnostic specificity than PSA, PSAD and PSA free/total ratio for the same 95% sensitivity. This would justify its utility in clinical paractice reducing the number of unnecesary biopsies.

[Scientific evidence on the use of high-intensity focal ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma]. / Evidencia científica actual sobre la utilidad del ultrasonido de alta intensidad (HIFU) en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma prostático.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in the literature scientific evidence on the use of High-Intensity Focal Ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma (PC). METHOD: Three database are searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library, HTA database. Several articles were selected taking into account number of cases, inclusion criteria, duration of follow-up period. We have evaluated the best evidence available through a systematic review of clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of HIFU in the treatment of PC. We analized global survival, disease-free survival, and quality of life, including complications, adversal effects and acceptance of the technique. RESULTS: Publications available are focused on two main indications of the therapy: first step of management of PC and salvage therapy for locally recurrent PC after external beam radiotherapy. It was very difficult to draw conclusions on the relative benefits of the HIFU: lack of high or medium quality evidence and no comparisons between this technique an standard treatments. In relation to results on cost-effectiveness, no relevant studies were identified in order to get conclusions on the quality of the treatment. Most of reports offered disparity in the definition of free survival disease concept. This fact produce some misunderstanding of results and conclusions cannot be drawn correctly. Inclusion criteria were also heterogeneous between authors. CONCLUSIONS: No high-quality clinical evidence can be established currently on the utility of HIFU as treatment of prostatic cancer. An important fact to stress is the capacity of therapy to produce tumour necrosis both as first-step treatment and as salvage therapy. No conclusions can be drawn in the long-term due to the paucity of controlled and randomized trials with adequate follow-up to establish benefits in terms of global survival and quality of life (balance adversal effects/benefits), lack of comparisons with standard options as long as different definitions of free-survival disease.

[Localized prostate cancer treatment in renal transplant patient with high intensity focalized ultrasound (HIFU)]. / Tratamiento de adenocarcinoma prostático localizado en paciente con trasplante renal mediante Ultrasonido de Alta Intensidad.

We report a 62 years old kidney transplant (KT) patient who was diagnosed of localized prostatic cancer (PC) after 6 years of the implant. Transrectal prostatic High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) was applied. Results have been satisfactory, achieving pathologic and biochemical success. The discharge was completed at 24 hs, the morbidity was minimal. We have not found any reference in the literature on the appliance of HIFU in PC KT patients. We think that HIFU may represent a good alternative for these patients.

[Treatment with sildenafil of cold glands syndrome after inflatable penile prosthesis]. / Tratamiento con sildenafilo del síndrome de glande frío tras implante de prótesis hidráulica de pene.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of sildenafil on the response of glans penis during sexual intercourse in patients with penile prosthesis who show cold glans syndrome symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients who had undergone three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis implantation were evaluated. In spite of the normal functioning of the device all of them complained of a degree of dissatisfaction during SI due to a lack of engorgement in the glans penis. The patients were advised to have a dose of 100 mg VO sildenafil about 45 minutes before activating the PP and starting SI. All of them followed this scheme at least three times. They ticked questions 7, 8, 13 and 14 of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire with/without having had sildenafil. RESULTS: Twelve out of thirteen patients (85.7%) indicated a more pleasant SI on sildenafil. It was related to an increase in penile glans engorgement and sensitivity. The scores obtained in the IIEF questions showed a significant increase on taking sildenafil. The partners also talked of a more comfortable SI that they related to a less painful penetration. Sildenafil-related morbidity was not found. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil could be used to improve functional results of the penile prosthesis in those patients with CGS and seems to increase satisfaction during SI.

[Treatment with Doxazosin in 3347 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Impact on sexual function. The impros study]. / Tratamiento con Doxazosina en 3,347 pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior. Efecto sobre su función sexual. Estudio impros.

OBJECTIVES: An open, non-comparative, multicenter study was performed to ascertain the prevalence in Spain of erectile dysfunction (ED) associated to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), with moderate to severe urinary symptoms, and to confirm the improvement or disappearance of ED in response to treatment with 4 mg/day of Doxazosin. METHODS: Out of the 3901 patients recruited 3545 took the medication and 3347 completed all the protocol visits. BPH patients were considered to have some degree of erectile dysfunction when they reported a difficulty for obtaining and/or maintaining an erection in the four weeks prior to their inclusion in the study (questions 3 and 4 of the International Index of Erectile Function). All the patients were treated with Doxazosin at increasing doses: from 1 mg/day up to 4 mg/day thereafter until 6 months of medication were completed. RESULTS: The mean number of patients showing erectile dysfunction was 69.1%, ranging from 48.3% in the 40-49 years age group to 76.3% in the group aged from 60 to 69 years. In most Spanish regions, the prevalence of ED ranged from 76.9% in Cantabria to 67.2% in Aragon. The mean number of patients in whom erectile dysfunction disappeared after treatment, with a 95% confidence interval, was 4.5%, ranging from 17.5% in the 40-49 age group to 1.1% in the over 70s. CONCLUSIONS: ED is a symptom very often associated to BPH, even in relatively young men. Doxazosin appears to have a beneficial effect in ED improvement, particularly in the younger patients.

[Orgasm and its impact on quality of life after radical prostatectomy]. / Orgasmo y su impacto en la calidad de vida después de prostatectomía radical.

INTRODUCTION: Orgasm is a neurophysiological event, which produces bulbous cavernous muscle contraction that usually coincided with ejaculation. The aim of this study was to assess the orgasm's presence and quality in patients treated with radical prostatectomy, as well as its impact on quality of life of these patients. METHOD: The medical records of 152 patients with radical prostatectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were operated between january 1999 and december 01, with an average age of 64.4 (44-75) years and the follow-up period was 33 (21-45) months. 42 (31.6%) patients showed erectile dysfunction (ED) previous to surgery. The research was performed by a personal interview through a questionnaire. RESULTS: 134 patients (96.4%) treated showed post operative ED, 91.6% of patients had stable relationship and 44.4% have sexual intercourse, 23.3% masturbation only and 32.3% no sexual activity. 84 patients (55.2%) were not interested in receiving treatment and 25 (16.4%) referred a reduced libido. Concerning to orgasm sensation, 140 patients (92.1%) preserved a subjectively normal orgasm, 4 (2.6%) referred lack of it and 8 (5.2%) a weakened or anomalous sensation. Furthermore 24 patients (15.7) had urine loss during orgasm. CONCLUSIONS: After radical prostatectomy, both the orgasmic function and libido were kept by the majority of patients despite the neuro vascular bundle damaged caused. Only a minority of patients having urine loss, as a consequence of surgical procedure.

[Testicular microlithiasis: diagnosis associated with orchialgia]. / Microlitiasis testicular: diagnóstico asociado a orquialgia.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the possible association between orchidalgia and testicular microlithiasis and to determine if this condition has a negative effect on fertility. METHODS: Two male patients with similar findings of microlithiasis on the testicular ultrasound were studied. One patient had a history of thalassemia and the other patient had intermittent episodes of testicular torsion. A histological study was performed in both patients. RESULTS: The testicular pain remitted spontaneously in the first case and after orchidopexy in the other patient. Biopsy disclosed a diminished spermatogenesis and no anomaly, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings and the reports published in the literature indicate that testicular microlithiasis cannot be considered to be an etiological factor in orchidalgia or infertility.

[Effectiveness of transrectal ultrasonography in local staging of prostatic cancer]. / Eficacia de la ecografía transrectal en el estadiaje local del cáncer de próstata.

OBJECT: To evaluate the value of rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound and their association in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study on 56 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1995-1995, mean age 63.2 +/- 10 years, to compare local clinical staging of extracapsular dissemination and seminal vesicle invasion performed by rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound with pathological findings in the prostatectomy specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, VPP, VPN, accuracy and percentage of under- and over-staged patients were assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of locally advanced disease was 48%. Sensitivity to detect extracapsular dissemination was significantly higher with ultrasound (38%) than rectal examination (6%). Association of both techniques increased the sensitivity (50%) though not significantly; sensitivity to detect vesicle invasion was very low (14%). Accuracy of ultrasound to establish an overall definition of the local stage was 66%, but 59% patients with locally advanced disease were understaged and only 10% patients with localized disease were overstaged. CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal ultrasound showed low sensitivity to define the locally advanced disease mainly at the seminal vesicle level, with acceptable specificity. Overall evaluation of findings with RE and TRU increase discreetly the efficacy of prostate capsule staging.

[Complications of radical nephrectomy in the treatment of kidney adenocarcinoma]. / Complicaciones de la nefrectomía radical en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de riñón.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the peri- and post-surgical complications in Renal Adenocarcinoma (RAC) treated with Radical Nephrectomy (RN). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Revision of 109 patients with RAC who underwent transperitoneal anterior abdominal RN. Patients were locally staged post-surgically as: T1 + T2 61.5%, T3a 22.9%, T3ab 11% and T3b 4.6%. Approach and conservation of homolateral suprarenal gland were decided based on the preferences of the performing urologist. Hilar lymphadenectomy was performed in all cases. RN was done by a staff member in 77% cases and by a training resident assisted by a staff member in the remaining 23%. RESULTS: Peri-operative complications occurred in 10% patients, most commonly with left RN (13% vs. 7%) (p = 0.1), and further within this group the most frequent ones occurred in those using midpoint laparotomy (17.8% vs. 4%) (p = 0.1). Blood transfusion during surgery was required in 23% patients, this being more frequent when tumours had extended into the venous system (47%) and in left RN by midpoint laparotomy (39% vs. 12.5%) (p = 0.02). There were 32 post-surgical complications in 27 (24.8%) patients, the most common being sepsis of the surgical wound (6.4%); complications were more usual in patients undergoing right RN (31% vs. 20%) (p = 0.08) and in patients with blood transfusions (40% vs. 20%) (p = 0.4). There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, RN showed low intraoperative morbidity (10%), non-insignificant post-operative morbidity (24.8%) and no mortality. We consider subcostal laparotomy to be the best surgical approach in left RAC, with low morbidity and low peri-operative blood requirements.