Flexible ureteroscopy in extreme elderly patients (80 years of age and older) is feasible and safe.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of RIRS in patients ≥ 80 years to a younger population. METHODS: We retrospectively compared the data from patients ≥ 80 years of age undergoing RIRS with the data of a group of patients from 18 and < 80 years. Perioperative outcomes, complications and emergency department visits were compared between two groups. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 44 (27-79) and 81 years-old (80-94), for younger and elderly group, respectively. Elderly patients had higher ASA scores (≥ 3) (28.6% vs 75.8%; p = 0.0001) and Charlson comorbidity index (1.99 vs 7.86; p = 0.0001), more diabetes (p = 0.006) and respiratory comorbidities (p = 0.002). No statistical difference was found between two groups in stone size (p = 0.614) and number (p = 0.152). Operative time (74.48 vs 102.96 min; p = 0.0001) and duration of hospitalisation (1.7 vs 2.9 days; p = 0.001) were longer for the elderly. Intraoperative complication rate did not show differences between the two groups (p = 0.166). Postoperative complications rates were similar between the cohorts (7.7% vs 9.5%; p = 0.682). The success rates were 67.5% in the younger group and 71.4% in the elderly group (p = 0.584). No difference was seen in stone recurrence (p = 0.73). A higher rate of visits to the emergency department was found in younger cohort (23.6% vs 11.6%; p = 0.046), mostly duo to stent-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the higher rate of comorbidity in the elderly group, RIRS was a safe procedure with similar complication rate and outcomes at an expense of higher operative time and hospital stay.

Usefulness of renal nephrometry scoring systems in the prediction of complications associated to percutaneous image-guided treatment for small renal masses.

INTRODUCTION: Due to their increasing prevalence and complex management, renal tumors are challenging for health professionals. The study aims to evaluate the usefulness of R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA nephrometry scores in the prediction of complications after percutaneous cryoablation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study prospectively analyzed 90 patients with 101 stage T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumors treated with cryoablation. RESULTS: Ninety patients with 101 small renal tumors who received cryoablative therapy were investigated. The mean age of the patients was 68 years and 74.4% were male. Most tumors were smaller than 4 cm (89.1%) and the mean PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. scores were 8.65 and 7.35, respectively. Complications were observed in 12 cases. PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. scores demonstrated moderate predictive power (AUC = 0.58 and AUC = 0.63, respectively) for post-cryoablation complications. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment for small renal tumors. The R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA renal nephrometry scores have moderate predictive power for complications associated with percutaneous cryoablation of renal tumors.

Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxin A injection in male patients with detrusor overactivity after stress urinary incontinence surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The use of onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT-A) injection in male patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) after stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery has been scarcely described. Our aim was to assess results of this treatment in this specific population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of men with previous SUI surgery who had been treated with a first injection of 100 U BoNT-A because of DO since 2010 in our department. Treatment response was assessed with the Treatment Benefit Scale: 1) greatly improved; 2) improved; 3) not changed; 4) worsened after treatment (Treatment Benefit Scale 1 or 2: treatment response). Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Treatment continuation was considered present if, at the last visit, patients had received a BoNT-A injection within the preceding 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment urodynamic variables were compared. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included, median age 71.1 (59.1-83.5) years. Twelve (66.7%) patients reported response to treatment. Two (11.1%) complications were detected: urinary retention requiring clean intermittent catheterization (Clavien-Dindo 2). No complications related to previous SUI surgery were detected. Fifteen (83.3%) patients had a follow-up >12 months (median follow-up 57 [15-89] months) and all of them had discontinued treatment at the end of follow-up. Urodynamic studies showed significant improvement in terms of DO and bladder compliance. CONCLUSION: Although most men with DO after SUI surgery respond to intradetrusor BoNT-A injection, all of them discontinue treatment due to personal reasons. It is a safe procedure, with urinary retention requiring clean intermittent catheterization being the most frequent complication.

Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxin A injection in male patients with detrusor overactivity after stress urinary incontinence surgery. / Eficacia y seguridad de la inyección de onabotulinumtoxin A en pacientes varones con hiperactividad del detrusor tras la cirugía para incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The use of onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT-A) injection in male patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) after stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery has been scarcely described. Our aim was to assess results of this treatment in this specific population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of men with previous SUI surgery who had been treated with a first injection of 100U BoNT-A because of DO since 2010 in our department. Treatment response was assessed with the Treatment Benefit Scale: 1) greatly improved; 2) improved; 3) not changed; 4) worsened after treatment (Treatment Benefit Scale 1 or 2: treatment response). Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Treatment continuation was considered present if, at the last visit, patients had received a BoNT-A injection within the preceding 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment urodynamic variables were compared. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included, median age 71.1 (59.1-83.5) years. Twelve (66.7%) patients reported response to treatment. Two (11.1%) complications were detected: urinary retention requiring clean intermittent catheterization (Clavien-Dindo 2). No complications related to previous SUI surgery were detected. Fifteen (83.3%) patients had a follow-up>12 months (median follow-up 57 [15-89] months) and all of them had discontinued treatment at the end of follow-up. Urodynamic studies showed significant improvement in terms of DO and bladder compliance. CONCLUSION: Although most men with DO after SUI surgery respond to intradetrusor BoNT-A injection, all of them discontinue treatment due to personal reasons. It is a safe procedure, with urinary retention requiring clean intermittent catheterization being the most frequent complication.

Urodynamic findings in Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. / Hallazgos urodinámicos en pacientes con enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to describe the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urodynamic findings in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease patients referred to our Urology Department. METHODS: Retrospective study of those patients with CMT disease diagnosed at the Neurology Department of our Tertiary Hospital and referred to our Urology Department since 2008 due to LUTS. We reviewed their clinical charts regarding the age at CMT disease diagnosis, type of CMT disease and the presence of other comorbidities which could cause LUTS. We collected data on the characterization of LUTS, findings of neurological examination and urodynamic findings. RESULTS: Seven patients were referred to our department due to the presence of LUTS. They were 3 male and 4 female, with median age at the moment of LUTS onset of 55 (29-67) years and median time from the diagnosis of the neuropathy to the onset of LUTS was 14 (1-37) years. Voiding symptoms were referred by 5 patients and urinary incontinence by 3 patients. Two patients presented recurrent urinary tract infection. Six urodynamic tests were performed which showed a neurogenic acontractile detrusor in 2 patients, detrusor underactivity in one patient, a delayed opening time in one patient, a neurogenic detrusor overactivity in one patient and a urodynamic stress incontinence in one patient. In one patient the urodynamic test was normal. CONCLUSIONS: Most of CMT patients with LUTS complained from voiding symptoms. Several urodynamic findings could be observed mostly during the voiding phase. We recommend performing urodynamic tests in CMT patients presenting with LUTS seeking for treatment or in those with related complications.

Current status of young urologists and residents' activity and academic training in Spain. National survey results. / Estado actual de la actividad y formación académica de residentes y urólogos jóvenes en España. Resultados de una encuesta nacional.

OBJECTIVE: To study the current status of the activity and academic training of residents and young urologists in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the working group of residents and young urologists of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU), an anonymous survey of 32 questions was designed. Its aim was to evaluate the academic activity of residents, defined by: number of communications to congresses, publications in national and international journals, clinical rotations within Spain and abroad, master's degree, Doctorate (PhD), applications to the European Board of Urology exam and language competences. The survey was sent via email and disseminated through social networks. RESULTS: Ninety-one respondents were obtained; 66% affirmed not having publications in scientific journals, 67% did not perform rotations abroad. Only 21% claimed to have taken the EBU exam. Only 2% of the respondents had completed a Fellowship. Although most of them (82%) had not done so, they would be interested. However, 67% of respondents believed that the relevance of academic/research activity is from high to very high. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that academic activity, scientific production and publication of articles of the residents and young urologists in Spain is low. Moreover, participation in the EBU exam, the completion of a master's degree, PhD, rotations and fellowship is low. In contrast, the assessment of scientific activity is considered to be very relevant.

[Algorithm for the treatment of patients with obstructive uropathy secondary to prostate cancer]. / Algoritmo para el manejo de pacientes con uropatía obstructiva secundaria a cáncer de próstata.

BACKGROUND: One of the prostate cancer progression complications is the obstructive uropathy, by infiltration and compression of the distal ureteral section, that can entail to an acute renal insufficiency, with affectation of the quality of life and the survival of these patients. The treatment of prostate cancer with secondary ureterohidronefrosis is palliative and following the present tendencies, the positioning of a nephrostomy is considered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was made in PUBMED and the most representative articles were reviewed. The algorithm was constructed with the daily routine clinical base, the protocol of our center and with the scientific evidence available in medical literature. RESULTS: An algorithm of decisions sets out to define the urinary derivation in patients with obstructive uropathy secondary to prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The indication to place a nephrostomy in patients with obstructive uropathy secondary to prostate cancer must be approached individually, according to the general conditions and the quality of life of the patient with base in scales defined in literature (ECOG and Karnofsky) and in factors of good or bad prognosis, always considering ethical considerations and the consent of the patient and his family.

[Complex reconstructive surgery of cervico-urethral sclerosis after radical prostatectomy, due to endoscopic solution failure]. / Cirugía reconstructiva compleja de la esclerosis cervico-uretral tras prostatectomía radical, por fracaso de la solución endoscópica.

The sclerosis of the cervico-urethral union is one of the complications that may arise after a radical prostatectomy, in most cases, the endoscopic treatment usually solves it. We introduce repair by open approach of a sclerosis cervico-urethral after radical prostatectomy that did not respond to endoscopic management. The surgical technique had two times, the first perineal and a second time with hypogastric approach. After six months of this complex surgery an artificial sphincter was placed to patient. The patient is asymptomatic and continent after three years of follow up surgery.

[Severe cystitis and perivesical collection posterior to Mitomycin C immediate instillation in a patient with inadverted bladder perforation]. / Cistitis severa y colección perivesical posterior a instilación inmediata de Mitomicina C en paciente con perforación vesical inadvertida.

We present the clinical case of a 40 years male patient who, after a TURBt for non-muscle invasive recurrence with inadverted vesical perforation and Mitomycin C immediate instillation, come in his fourth postoperative day to the emergency room with severe irritative urinary symptomatology. An ultrasound was indicated, documenting a perivesical collection. The management was conservative with vesical drilling for 10 days and a puncture/drainage was necessary to solve it.

[The cystic component in the renal cancer: conceptual overiew]. / Componente quístico del cáncer renal: Revisión conceptual.

The renal cancer (RC) cystic component is on the radiological tests and could be consolidate with pathological analysis. The concepts "cystic renal cancer" or "cystic renal tumor" contain a group of entities range from cystic grown pattern RCs to pseudocystic tumors as well as cystic renal diseases coinciding with the RC. The CR and the cystic renal diseases have a great variety to sorts of presentations, giving different ways of radiological images, blending solid and cystic areas. Some papers use indiscriminately expression "cystic" without pathologic proof. Just cystic grown pattern RCs and multilocular cystic carcinoma could be named "cystic renal tumors". For de rest, especially over image study, is more suitable to use expressions as "renal tumor of cystic configuration", while pathologic report are available.

[Robotic radical prostatectomy: overview of our learning curve]. / Prostatectomía radical robótica: revisión de nuestra curva de aprendizaje.

OBJECTIVE: We present the first cases of our robotic radical prostatectomy with Da Vinci (RRPdaV) that corresponds to the learning curve (LC) of the surgeon that has initiated with this technique. METHODS: We reviewed the first 20 patients that underwent RRPdaV, performed by an expert surgeon, without previous laparoscopic training, but with a wide experience in retropubic and perineal prostatectomy (HV). We analyzed: Surgical time, blood loss, conversion rate, intra and postoperative complications, hospital stay and days of bladder catheterization. Also: rates and location of surgical margins, as well as functional outcomes with an average follow up of 10 months. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 140 minutes (100-211) and blood loss 180 mL (80-360), and none required a blood transfusion. There were no intraoperative complications and neither any conversion to open surgery. The only postoperative outstanding fact was mean hospital stay were 3,35 days. (3-5). We had 6 cases of positive surgical margins (30%). The most frequent location was postero-lateral. Eighteen out of 20 patients (90%) were early totally continent, 2 (10%) required the use of one pad during the first six months due slight stress incontinence that stopped spontaneously. From 20 cases, two of them (10%) had preoperative erectile dysfunction; 12 out of the remaining 18 (66.6%) preserved potency at review and 6 (33.4%) had postoperative erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated that robotic surgery for radical prostatectomy is clearly an advantage technique (easy maneuver although it is a minimally invasive technique, comfortable and ergonomic position for the surgeon, 3D visualization and short learning curve). The RRPDAv learning curve is significantly shorter if the surgeon has a wide previous surgical experience in open and/or laparoscopic surgery.

[Current treatment in high risk and locally advanced prostate cancer]. / Tratamiento actual del cáncer de próstata de alto riesgo y localmente avanzado.

Treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer remains controversial. Treatment options include radical prostatectomy (PR), radiotherapy (RT) and hormonotherapy (HT). A Medline database search with key words "prostate cancer", "locally advanced", "high risk" and "treatment" in articles published during the last 15 years was done. Fifty one out of 329 papers were selected and reviewed. Selection criteria were a minimum of scientific evidence level of IIa, except for some specific level IV reference. Numerous randomized studies show that patients may benefit of a combined therapy with RT and HT. RP has shown its usefulness in selected cases of locally advanced prostate cancer. Results of long follow-up series are similar to those obtained with RT and HT. Furthermore, the possibility of clinical over staging is an argument in favour of RP. We perform an updated revision of every possible choice available in the treatment of these tumours.

[Extraadrenal perirenal myelolipoma: report of a case and review of the literature]. / Mielolipoma extraadrenal perirenal: aportación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Extra-adrenal myelolipomas are rare bening tumours that are componed of mature fat cells and myeloid elements. These lesions are usually asyntomatic and often found incidentally on radiographic studies. We report a case of extra-adrenal perirenal myelolipoma.

[Loop diuretics and ototoxicity]. / Diuréticos del asa y ototoxicidad.

Loop diuretics are quite often used in medical practice. In spite of a wide security, there are several adverse events that should be known, in order to be early recognised as soon as they appear. Ototoxicity associated to furosemide is infrequent and reversible. However, permanent deafness associated with furosemide administration has been previously reported.

[History of robotics: from archytas of tarentum until Da Vinci robot. (Part II)]. / Historia de la rob6tica: de arquitas de tarento al robot da Vinci. (Parte II).

Robotic surgery is a reality. In order to to understand how new robots work is interesting to know the history of ancient (see part i) and modern robotics. The desire to design automatic machines imitating humans continued for more than 4000 years. Archytas of Tarentum (at around 400 a.C.), Heron of Alexandria, Hsieh-Fec, Al-Jazari, Bacon, Turriano, Leonardo da Vinci, Vaucanson o von Kempelen were robot inventors. At 1942 Asimov published the three robotics laws. Mechanics, electronics and informatics advances at XXth century developed robots to be able to do very complex self governing works. At 1985 the robot PUMA 560 was employed to introduce a needle inside the brain. Later on, they were designed surgical robots like World First, Robodoc, Gaspar o Acrobot, Zeus, AESOP, Probot o PAKI-RCP. At 2000 the FDA approved the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), a very sophisticated robot to assist surgeons. Currently urological procedures like prostatectomy, cystectomy and nephrectomy are performed with the da Vinci, so urology has become a very suitable speciality to robotic surgery.

[Recurrent neobladder rupture: conservative management]. / Rotura recurrente de neovejiga ileal: manejo conservador.

PURPOSE: To present a case of recurrent neobladder rupture treated in a conservative fashion. To review the articles on conservative management of cases like this one published from 1985. RESULTS: Nineteen articles have been published since 1985 on spontaneous neobladder rupture, 4 of which describe the possibility of a successful conservative management, provided that the patients are carefully selected. CONCLUSIONS: Faced to abdominal pain in patients with neobladder, it is essential to suspect spontaneous perforation and, if possible, to confirm such suspicions by means of cystography or CT. An exploratory laparotomy may be necessary in many instances, sometimes due to lack of a diagnosis and sometimes because the patient's status rules out any other procedure, but in selected and precisely diagnosed cases a conservative management can be resolvent.

[History of robotics: from Archytas of Tarentum until da Vinci robot. (Part I)]. / Historia de la robótica: de Arquitas de Tarento al robot da Vinci (Parte I).

Robotic surgery is the newst technologic option in urology. To understand how new robots work is interesting to know their history. The desire to design machines imitating humans continued for more than 4000 years. There are references to King-su Tse (clasic China) making up automaton at 500 a. C. Archytas of Tarentum (at around 400 a.C.) is considered the father of mechanical engineering, and one of the occidental robotics classic referents. Heron of Alexandria, Hsieh-Fec, Al-Jazari, Roger Bacon, Juanelo Turriano, Leonardo da Vinci, Vaucanson o von Kempelen were robot inventors in the middle age, renaissance and classicism. At the XIXth century, automaton production underwent a peak and all engineering branches suffered a great development. At 1942 Asimov published the three robotics laws, based on mechanics, electronics and informatics advances. At XXth century robots able to do very complex self governing works were developed, like da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), a very sophisticated robot to assist surgeons.

[Prognostic factor and prediction tables for clinically localized prostate cancer]. / Factores pronósticos y tablas predictivas del cáncer de próstata clínicamente localizado.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the independent prognostic factors of prostate cancer and to develop a table for predicting the probabilities of not-localised prostate cancer occurrence, thus permitting to restrict the radical prostatectomy indication to those patients who have greater probabilities of being cured by the procedure. METHODS: 1293 patients with clinically localised prostate cancer, with histories of neither hormone therapy nor prostate radiation therapy, in whom radical prostatectomy was performed during the period 1990-2003, were retrospectively evaluated. In order to analyse the prognostic factors, logistic regression was carried out by studying all the potential confusion and interaction factors, and by introducing the independent variables in a forward fashion with the following criteria: BCON(0.0001) LCON(0.00001) ITER(50) POUT(0.1). The prognostic variables were categorised, and the prediction table of the not-localised prostate cancer probability was developed from them. RESULTS: Clinical stage, prostatic specific antigen and Gleason's "grade" were identified as prognostic factors, taking into account that the higher they are, the higher the probability of not-localised prostate cancer occurrence. Logistic regression enabled us to develop a table to predict the probability of not-localised prostate cancer in which, taking a 50% probability as the cutoff point, a 26.13% sensitivity and a 94.65% specificity are obtained. The pathological examination of the prostate and the lymphadenectomy showed that, globally, 70% of the tumours were localised. CONCLUSIONS: Application of tables to predicting the probability of having not-localised prostate cancer offers the possibility of improving the prognostic accuracy of the so-called "risk groups", and enables to issue a therapeutic indication better adjusted to the actual status of the disease.

[Hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Modifications of the therapeutic strategies since chemotherapy proved its usefulness]. / Cancer de próstata hormonorresistente. Cambios en las estrategias terapéuticas desde la demostración de la utilidad de la quimioterapia.

Back in the 90's it was difficult to have access to the conclusions of publications on HRPC. Homogeneity was very scarce regarding issues as significant as the definition of HRPC itself, patient selection, or evaluation of the responses to therapy. Consensus has currently been reached on such matters, and it is described in this text. Two works were published in late 2004 showing that docetaxel-based chemotherapy improved metastatic HRPC survival. Until then, the different treatments used could only provide symptomatic relief. But probably not all of the HRPC patients are eligible for primary docetaxel chemotherapy. The current debate focuses on determinating to which patients should chemotherapy be administered and at which time should it start, in order to exclude those patients at risk of experiencing its adverse effects without benefitting from its clinical advantages. Non-metastatic HRPC patients may be candidates to receiving secondary hormone manoeuvres before starting with chemotherapy. We will analyse in this review the changes occurred in the therapeutic strategies ever since chemotherapy showed its value, and we shall also disclose our attitude regarding treatment of these patients in daily practice.