Physicians versus surgeons. A pilot study on hand dexterity within a controlled population.

INTRODUCTION: Hand dexterity is defined as the innate or acquired capacity of performing any given procedure with one's hands. This study seeks the role of regular hand training on hand dexterity over time. Materials and Methods : Pilot study composed by two independent groups with 28 subjects each (surgeons and physicians), stratified according to gender and age. Measurement of hand dexterity using Lafayette's Purdue Pegboard through the sum of the first three exercises as well as the assembly exercise. No difference was found between groups in regards of gender, age, time of practice and hand size (p = 0.415 ; p = 0.225 ; p = 0.267 ; p = 0.937). Statistical significance was assumed when p < 0.050. RESULTS: Surgeons performed better but a statistically significant difference was not observed both on the -assembly score (p = 0.560) and three tests sum score (p = 0.244). The decay of dexterity over time happened in a homogeneous fashion in the surgeons' arm (p < 0.001 and p = 0.043) but not in the physicians' arm (p = 0.157 and p = 0.098). DISCUSSION: Surgeons seem to perform better than physicians in regards of hand dexterity, although no definitive conclusion was possible given our small sample. It is well known that aging worsens hand -dexterity, but our study suggests it happens much more homogeneously within surgeons.

Dosimetric audits of photon beams in radiation therapy centres in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Data related to 11 y of high-energy photon radiotherapy beam dosimetry are presented and analysed. Dosimetric evaluations were carried out using water phantoms and thimble ionisation chambers and are part of the radiation protection regulatory licensing process for medicine facilities of Brazilian government. Measurements were done at reference conditions for a standard absorbed dose of 100 cGy [cGy (=1 rad)]. The absolute per cent deviation between the measured and presumed delivered doses should not exceed the tolerance level of +/-3%. The first dosimetry survey from 1996 to 1998 showed a situation that was an object of concern. Deviations of 22 and 18.7% could be measured, although small deviations were also obtained. After 1998, the improvement in dosimetry quality control by the radiotherapy centres became clear, with most of the deviations situated within the +/-3% range. The decrease in the measured deviations presents the effective success of the Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry audit programme for the improvement in the control of radiotherapy photon beams in Rio de Janeiro. Also, it is possible to recommend to Brazilian regulatory organisation a decrease in the tolerance level for dosimetric deviations in order to achieve a more precise dose delivered to patients in radiotherapy centres.

Radixin is involved in lamellipodial stability during nerve growth cone motility.

Immunocytochemistry and in vitro studies have suggested that the ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) protein, radixin, may have a role in nerve growth cone motility. We tested the in situ role of radixin in chick dorsal root ganglion growth cones by observing the effects of its localized and acute inactivation. Microscale chromophore-assisted laser inactivation (micro-CALI) of radixin in growth cones causes a 30% reduction of lamellipodial area within the irradiated region whereas all control treatments did not affect lamellipodia. Micro-CALI of radixin targeted to the middle of the leading edge often split growth cones to form two smaller growth cones during continued forward movement (>80%). These findings suggest a critical role for radixin in growth cone lamellipodia that is similar to ezrin function in pseudopodia of transformed fibroblasts. They are consistent with radixin linking actin filaments to each other or to the membrane during motility.

[Vesicoureteral reflux in spinal cord injured patients. Treatment results and statistical analysis]. / Reflujo vesicoureteral en pacientes lesionados medulares. Analisis estadistico de resultados en el tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: VUR in spinal cord injured patients is cause of important morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to make a statistical, retrospective and descriptive study to analyze VUR treatment results, in neurogenic bladder SCI patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We study 40 patients (80 renal units) with VUR in neurogenic bladders and SCI, between March, 1990 and November, 2004. Median age is 43.05 y (9-76). 77.5% of patients are males (3.4:1). Time from injury to VUR is 24.7m (0.2-87). Median follow up is 8.23a (0.5-29). Traumatic lesions are most frequent (70%). Median bladder capacity is 244.9 ml (43-555) and median bladder compliance is 16.12 ml/cm H2O (0.3-61.6). Detrusor overactivity is found in 72.2% and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in 71.8%. Initial conservative treatment is done with indwelling catheter and anticholinergics RESULTS: Complete remission was found in 57.5% of RU, descending VUR a 23.7% (66.2% previously to 42.5% after; p<0.02), and predominant in unilateral reflux. Partial response was found in 3.8%, progression in 12.5% and recidiva post CR in 10.9%. Younger patients have better remission rates (39.4 to 47.6 y; p=0.04). Urodinamycs variables don't found any significant differences in treatment results. Endoscopic treatment with bulking agents gets a good response rate (56.3%) (p=0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Initial conservative treatment gets a 23.7% reduction of VUR, especially in men, young and unilateral reflux patients. Anyhow, we observe some progression and recidiva. Detrusor overactivity and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia didn't influence in treatment results, but they are found in all patients with recidiva. With longer reflux evolution, we observe better responses, but also a higher recidiva rate (p=0.007). Endoscopic bulky injection techniques found out a good response rate (56.3%), also in patients with recidiva after conservative treatment.

[Stress urinary incontinence surgical treatment with suburethral suprapubic SPARC sling]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo mediante cabestrillo suburetral SPARC. Análisis de nuestra experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has a high incidence and important morbidity. Multiple surgical techniques have been described to treat it, with despair results. Suburethral slings have become, in recent years, a simpler and less invasive method to treat SUI surgically. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The purpose of this paper is to review, retrospectively, 86 patients treated at our institution, from 10/01 to 12/05 of SUI, with a suprapubic suburethral sling (SPARC). RESULTS: Medium (range) age is 58.7 (39-80), hospital stay was 2.43 d (1-8) and catheter was removed 1.52 d (1-10). 14.5% of patients underwent other vaginal surgeries at same time, most frequently anterior colpoperineoplasty (10.7%). Complications are not very frequent; bladder perforation (5.8%), acute urinary retention (7%), chronic urinary retention (3.5%) and UTI (15.3%). Sling release was performed in 3.5% of women with chronic urinary retention. Total continence was found in 71.4% of patients with 10.1 months medium follow up (1-32). De novo urge symptoms were found in 26.2% of women, with urge incontinence in 54.5% of them. (p < 0.002; OR 5.0 (IC 95% 1.75-14.28). CONCLUSIONS: Suprapubic suburethral SPARC sling is a simple method, with few complications and fast social recovery. Outcome can be measured soon, with a high continence rate. De novo urge symptoms are high and they worsen functional results. It is necessary longer follow-up to evaluate long term outcomes.

[Renal angiomyolipomatosis and pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis. Its relationship with Bourneville syndrome]. / Angiolipomatosis renal y linfangioleiomiomatosis, su relación con la enfermedad de Bourneville.

INTRODUCTION: Renal angiomyolipomas are not very frequent in urologic activities. Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease that occurs mainly in women of reproductive age. Tuberous sclerosis shows lesions to different organs, including these both entities. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyze patients treated in our center. Three most representatives cases are reported. An indexed literature review is done, in order to establish a clinical protocol to manage these kinds of patients. RESULTS: [corrected] Between 1990 and 2004, eight patients have been attended with an angiomyolipoma renal diagnostic. Five women (62%) and three men (38%). Medium age is 52,3y (29-69). In 3 of them (all women), it was also done a diagnostic of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. CONCLUSIONS: Bourneville syndrome is not very frequent. Associated angiomyolipomas usually are multiple, bilateral, with tender to grow and require more interventions. Previous diagnostic let us prevent future complications with vigilance, selective arterial embolization and nephron-spare surgery. Tumour size and the presence of symptoms are more decisive to decide best therapy alternative. Young patients with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis should be advise against pregnancy and the use of preparations containing estrogens.

[Clinicopathological study of incidental cancer prostate in patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic diagnosis of BPH]. / Estudio clínico-patológico sobre el cancer de próstata incidental en pacientes intervenidos bajo el supuesto diagnóstico de HBP sintomática.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVES-INTRODUCTION: Retrospective study of a series of patients with prostate surgery (suprapubic prostate adenomectomy -APS-, and prostate transurethral resection -RTU-P-) for presumed BPH symptomatic non-respondent to the conservative medical treatment. Analysis of prevalence, incidence, clinical-pathological, treatment, tumor progression and evolution of the patients with incidental prostate cancer (CPI) detected. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1593 patients with prostate surgery (APS and RTU-P) during 6 years (1996-2001) were revised. APS 35%, RTU-P 65%. Revision of all pathological anatomy of surgical specimens and the evolutions of the patients with CPI. RESULTS: 78 CPI; Prevalence 4,89%; Incidence 13 cases/year. Mean age 73.6 years. Digital rectal examination was normal in 100%, mean PSA 6 ng/ml (0.5-30). Group APS: 25 CPI (32%); prevalence 4.55%; incidence 4 cases/year; mean PSA 7.7 ng/ml (2.8-30); mean weight resection 65 gs. Group RTU-P: 53 CPI (68%); prevalence 5,07%; incidence 9 cases/year; mean PSA 5.2 ng/ml (0,5-29); mean weight resection 20 gs. 22% biopsy previously by high PSA, mean PSA 14 ng/ml (4,8-30). Gleason average 5 (mean 4.8), rank 3-8. pTla 66%, pTlb 33%. TREATMENT: 57% follow-up watched without treatment (wait and see); 18% hormonal treatment; 3% finasteride; 9% Radical Prostatectomy; 9% radiotherapy. Follow Lost 4%. Mean follow-up 47.19 months (12-96). Tumor progression 13.3% (10 patients). Specific CPI mortality 2.6% (2 patients). CONCLUSIONS: We didn't observe significant differences between the prevalence of CPI in both groups (APS and RTU-P). The detected tumours were mainly well differentiated and in stage pTla. In more than half of the cases an expectant attitude without treatment was decided. 13,3% of tumor progression after 47.19 months of follow mean and specific CPI mortality 2.6%.

[Role of nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Experience of the Department of Urology Juan Canalejo Hospital]. / Papel de la nefrectomía en el adenocarcinoma renal metastático: experiencia del Servicio de Urología del Hospital Juan Canalejo.

OBJECTIVES: We expose our experience in nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and also show complications, evolution and survival of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performe a retrospective review of renal cell carcinoma treated at our service in the period between January 1st 1991 and December 31st 2002. We only studied those which presented in a metastatic pattern (31), and divide these in two groups: the ones which were nephrectomized and those which were not. We try to showw the differences between the two groups in order of status performance (E.C.O.G.), associated morbidity and median survival. In the first group we also study complications of surgery and treatment that patients underwent. RESULTS: we performed nephrectomy in 19 cases, all of them E.C.O.G. 0-1. Median postoperative stay was 12 days, and complication rate was 11.5%. Of these patients, 45% underwent some type of systemic treatment, and median survival was 31 months. We didn't performed nephrectomy in 12 patients, of which 9 were E.C.O.G. 2-3. Associated co-morbidity was higher in this group. Only in three patients any treatment was offered always with palliative reason. Median survival was 3.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: In those patients with good performance status this approach does not represent more morbility nor mortality than in non-metastatic patients, and that is a cornerstone in their management. We also make a literature review in which we see the last pathways in the management of these patients, and that show the needing for a combined approach both quirurgical and inmunotherapical. We have review with special interest the studie's conclusions of SWOG and EORTC groups.

[Penile adenoma: clinical case]. / Melanoma de pene: caso clínico.

Penile melanoma is a very uncommon neoplasm, being reported less than 60 cases. Event yet it outlines not few doubts about its diagnosis and treatment, and in advanced stages represents a challenge for the future since it prognosis is awful at short time. In the present article, its presented a glans melanoma diagnosed and treated at our Service. We make a brief revision of the literature and some basic issues on the management of this entity when it's localized in penis, since in the cases in which it extends far from this organ is yet oncological field.

[Metastasis of prostatic carcinoma to the urethra: report of a case]. / Metástasis de carcinoma de próstata en uretra: a propósito de un caso.

Penile metastases from prostate carcinoma are uncommon events, much more in urethra and corpus spongiosum, we add a case to the preexisting literature. A patient with hormone resistant prostate cancer consults for haematuria and voiding difficulties. During TURP we observe tumors at the penile urethra which are resected and result to be prostate cancer metastases. Patient is fine and without voiding disturbance after 7 months of following. We think is an interesant case because there is few reports in literature.

[Surgical management of renal cell carcinoma with vena cava-right atrium thrombus]. / Cirugía del carcinoma renal con trombo tumoral en vena cava-aurícula.

Historically the presence of a thrombus in vena cava was associated with worse prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma, and the effective of surgery limited. However a extensive tumor thrombi can be present without evidence of lymph node and distant metastasis, an aggressive surgical approach with curative intent is justified. We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients with renal cell carcinoma and thrombus in vena cava and they underwent radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy. The IRM allowed to know the level of the thrombus into vena cava in all patients: 56% level I, 8% level II, 26% level III. There were 14 pT3b, 8 pT3c, 3 pT4, and 48% N+. The rate of complications was 36% and there were 4 perioperative death (16%). Patients without lymph node and no distant metastasis had a mean survival of 64% 46%, 37% to 2, 3, 4 years respectively. Patients with lymph node invasive an distant metastasis the prognosis was poor. We no noted correlation between level thrombus and prognosis.

[Iatrogenic prostatorectal fistula. Use of gracilis muscle pedicled flap for its reparation. Presentation of two cases]. / Fistula prostatorectal yatrogénica. Reparación con colgajo pediculado de músculo gracilis. Presentación de dos casos.

We present two cases in which during retropubic prostatectomy for benign prostatic disease a prostatorectal fistula ocurred. We describe its reparation using a pedicled flap of gracilis muscle. We also present cystographic and opaque enema images which shows the before and after of this surgery. Patients had good outcome without incontinence nor problems related to muscle desinsertion surgery.

[Conservative surgery for renal carcinoma]. / Cirugía conservadora en el carcinoma renal.

OBJECTIVES: To report on our experience in conservative surgery for renal cell carcinoma, pointing at indications, surgical techniques and results. We also make a review of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1975 until 1997, 231 patients underwent surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma. In 17 cases conservative surgery was done. 11 patients were male and 6 female, with age range 33-78 years. Polar nephrectomy was done in 4 cases and tumorectomy in 13 cases. The indication was elective in 10 cases, and imperative in 7 due to: 4 bilateral carcinomas, 1 chronic renal failure, 1 von Hippel Lindau disease and 1 tumor associated with surgical lithiasis of the kidney. RESULTS: 58.8% of the patients did not have clinical symptoms and the diagnose was incidental. The average size of the tumors was 3.8 cm. The pathological stage was: 3 cases T1N0M0 and 12 T2N0M0. All the T1 cases had an incidental diagnose. The complications were: 1 urinary fistula, 1 haematoma, and 1 case of postoperative fever. All these complications were solved in a conservative way. We had tumoral recurrence in one patient affected with von Hippel Lindau disease. It appeared 4 years after the surgical procedure and required radical nephrectomy. One patient died 24 months after surgery because of causes not related with renal tumor. The rest of the patients are alive, with no tumoral recurrence, within an average follow-up of 49.6 months. None of the patients needed dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience, though not great is enough to demonstrate the benefits of conservative surgery for renal cell carcinoma. Partial nephrectomy in selected patients and with the appropriate surgical technique offers short-term results similar to those obtained with radical nephrectomy. It is indispensable to make the resection and intraoperative pathological study of a margin of renal parenchyma surrounding the tumor, and also to examine the whole surface of the kidney to search for satellite tumoral nodules. It is very important to do a close follow up of these patients after the surgery.

[Follicular cystitis. Presentation as a bladder pseudotumor]. / Cistitis folicular. Presentación como pseudotumor vesical.

Presentation of a case report of follicular cystitis in a 48-year old male patient who referred gross haematuria and repeat urinary infections. Ultrasonographic and endoscopic examinations show the presence of a vesical pseudoneoplasm. Definite diagnosis was achieved through histologic study after TUR-biopsy.

[Bladder metastasis of a stomach carcinoma. Presentation of a case]. / Metástasis de carcinoma gástrico en vejiga. Presentación de un caso.

Metastatic tumors account for a small percentage within bladder neoplastic pathology. The presence of signs of bladder neoplasm in a patient with malignancies in other location must aware us about its metastatic origin. One of the most frequent locations of the primary tumor is the stomach. Its evolution is always bad. We present a case of a woman who previously had undergone surgery for a gastric carcinoma, and later suffered a metastatic bladder affectation. We make special attention in the clinic presentation, very similar to the typical transitional cell carcinoma, its anatomopathological diagnosis after transurethral resection (T.U.R.), and its evolution. We make a brief revision of the bladder metastatic pathology.

[Metabolic risk factors in calcium urolithiasis according to gender and age of the patients]. / Factores de riesgo metabólico en urolitiasis cálcica según el sexo y edad de los pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Little information is available on the metabolic changes found in relation to gender and aging in patients with urolithiasis. In this study a comparison has been made of the metabolic profiles in men and women, in different groups of aging, with calcium-containing urinary stones in order to identify possibly significant differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the past five years, a total of 500 patients with calcium-containing urinary stones, 226 male (45.2%) and 274 female (54.8%), have undergone comprehensive metabolic evaluation. The mean age was 47.4 years, with a range of 20 to 75 years. The patients was included in 3 groups: 151 patients aged 20-39 years, 255 patients aged 40-59 years and 94 patients aged 60-75 years. A comparison has been made of the frequency of metabolic changes, the urinary biochemical parameters and the supersaturation index (AP(CaOx)) between a group of men and a group of women and the different groups of aging. All patients carried out in an identical manner to metabolic diagnosis. The patients with morphologic and functional abnormalities were excluded. RESULTS: Hyperoxaluria, hyperuricosuria and hypocitraturia were more common in men than in women, whilst in women, hypercalciuria and a low urinary volume were more frequent with respect to men, though the differences in hypercalciuria were not statistically significant. Men excrete higher levels of calcium, phosphate, oxalate, uric acid and magnesium than women. On the other hand, women excrete higher levels of citrate than men. The AP(CaOx) index is significantly higher in men than in women. Hypercalciuria were more common in patients aged < 60 years, and low urinary volume were more frequent in patients aged < 40 years. Patients aged < 60 years excrete higher levels of calcium, phosphate and uric acid. The AP(CaOx) index is significantly higher in patients aged < 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed between the metabolic profiles of men and women, and in different groups of aging. Men and younger patients afford a metabolic profile of upper lithogenic risk compared with women and older patients; this is consistent with the upper reported prevalence of lithiasis and the upper tendency to recurrence in men and middle-age patients.

[High flow arterial priapism secondary to post-traumatic bilateral arterio-cavernous fistula. Highly selective embolization with autologous blood clot]. / Priapismo arterial de alto flujo secundario a fístula arterio-cavernosa bilateral post-traumática. Embolización supraselectiva con coágulo autólogo.

High flow arterial priapism is rare and characterized to a prolonged non-painful partial erection. Arteriocavernous fistula, rarely bilateral, is associated with penile or perineal trauma (genitoperineal area). Review of the literature, in only eleven cases this fistula is bilateral. Different treatments with non common norm has been used. We report a case of a 27 years old male who presented high flow priapism secondary to bilateral postraumatic arterio-cavernous fistula. Autologous blood clot was used for fistulas embolization to minimize the risk of impotence in this young patient. No complications was registered. Eight months later the patient had normal erectile function and no fistula was detected on ultrasonography doppler. We consider arteriography with highly selective embolization using re-absorbable agents obtains the best results, the least risks and complications in this process.

[Traumatic urethral disruption in women. A rare entity. Report of two cases]. / Rotura traumática de uretra femenina: una rara entidad. Aportación de dos casos.

We present two cases of urethral disruption in women, a very uncommon situation because of the anatomical features. Yet it must be always suspected in all women under a pelvic politraumatism, for eviting important problems. Both cases are traffic politraumatized young girls presenting with pelvic fracture, among others. The surgery performed was combined suprapubic-transvaginal approach, even in one a previous endoscopic realinement was done, who also needed endoscopic complementary treatment: electrofulguration of a fistulous bridge. Outcome of both is fine, achieving good continence. We also make a literature review.