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.

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.

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.

Retrospective study of various conservative treatment options with bacille Calmette-Guérin in bladder urothelial carcinoma T1G3: Maintenance therapy. / Estudio retrospectivo de diferentes opciones de tratamiento conservador con Bacilo de Calmette-Guèrin en el carcinoma urotelial vesical T1G3: terapia de mantenimiento.

OBJECTIVE: To compare various conservative treatment options for high-grade T1 nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the preferred intravesical treatment for high-grade T1 tumours; however, a number of experts still question the need for maintenance BCG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 1039 patients with primary and recurrent T1G3 NMIBC. All patients underwent complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT), with muscle in the sample and multiple bladder biopsies. The patients were treated with the following: only one initial TURBT (n=108), re-TURBT (n=153), induction with 27mg of BCG (Connaught strain) (n=87), induction with 81mg of BCG (n=489) or induction with 81mg of BCG+maintenance (n=202). The time to first recurrence, progression (to T2 or greater or to metastatic disease) and specific mortality of the disease was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival function and were compared using the log-rank test and the Cox multivariate regression model of proportional risks. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 62±39 months. The risk of recurrence was significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance therapy of 81mg of BCG than in the other treatment groups (P<.001). The risk of tumour progression was also significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance BCG than for the patients treated only with one TURBT, re-TURBT and with induction therapy with 27mg of BCG (P=.0003). The specific disease mortality was significantly lower with BCG maintenance (9.4%) than with only one TURBT (27.8%; P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of T1G3 NMIBC, a complete dose of BCG with maintenance is associated with better recurrence results than are other conservative treatment modalities. The results of progression and survival specific to the disease were also better with induction BCG, with or without maintenance.

Comparative analysis of the incidence of bladder cancer in the communities of Andalusia, Catalonia and Madrid in 2011.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of bladder cancer (BC) in the autonomous communities that include the largest number of cases in the national hospital BC registry (Andalusia, Catalonia and Madrid) and report the clinical, pathological and diagnostic differences and similarities of BC in these regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational epidemiological study was performed in 2011 in 12 public hospitals with reference population areas according to the National Health System (Spain). Demographic and clinical variables were collected from new cases and relapses, with histopathologic confirmation of BC. The raw incidence rate was calculated using the number of diagnosed cases in all the participating centers compared with the aggregate total population assigned to each center. The raw rates by age and sex were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics (2011) by weighting the assigned population with the distribution by age and sex. RESULTS: The 3 autonomous communities recorded 51% of the 4285 cases included in the national registration, with relapses corresponding to 42.8% of these cases. The raw annual incidence rate for new episodes was 22.6 (95% CI: 20.7; 24.6) in Andalusia, 23.5 (95% CI: 20.9; 26.0) in Catalonia and 22.0 (95% CI: 19.9; 24.1) in Madrid. CONCLUSIONS: Except for the larger proportion of smokers and lower tumor grade of lesions in Andalusia, the 3 autonomous communities studied are similar in terms of clinical characteristics, comorbidities, patient symptoms and diagnostic processes for BC.

Factors that predict the development of bone metastases due to prostate cancer: Recommendations for follow-up and therapeutic options.

CONTEXT: Prostate cancer is a public health problem in Spain and in the Western world. Bone involvement, associated to significant morbidity, is practically constant in the advanced stages of the disease. This work aims to review the prognostic factors used in the usual clinical practice that predict the development of bone metastases and to analyze the follow-up and treatment option in these patient profiles. ACQUIRING OF EVIDENCE: We performed a review of the literature on the useful factors in the context of therapy with intention to cure. We included the classical clinical values in the diagnosis (PSA, clinical stage, Gleason score on the biopsy) pathological factors (pT stage, margins, bladder invasion, tumor volume, lymph node involvement) and PSA kinetics in their different contexts and the histological and molecular parameters. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: The tumor differentiation "Gleason" score and PSA are the most important predictive factors in the prediction of bone metastases in patients with intention to cure. Kinetic factors such as PSA doubling time (TDPSA) < 8 months or PSA > 10 ng/ml in the case of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CPRC), are predictive factors for the development of metastasis. Zoledronic acid and denosumab have demonstrated their effectiveness for the treatment of bone disease in randomized studies. CONCLUSIONS: There are predictive factors within the usual clinical practice that make it possible to recognize the "patient at risk" to develop bone metastatic disease. The currently available treatments, zoledronic acid or denosumab, can help us in the management of the patient at risk of developing metastasis or metastatic patient, increasing the quality of life and decreasing skeletal events.

Treatment of non muscle invasive bladder tumor related to the problem of bacillus Calmette-Guerin availability. Consensus of a Spanish expert's panel. Spanish Association of Urology.

CONTEXT: Since June 2012, the has been a worldwide lack of available of the Connaught strain. In December 2012, a group of experts met in the Spanish Association of Urology to analyze this situation and propose alternatives. OBJECTIVE: To present the work performed by said committee and the resulting recommendations. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: An update has been made of the principal existing evidence in the treatment of middle and high risk tumors. Special mention has been made regarding the those related with the use of BCG and their possible alternative due to the different availability of BCG. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In tumors with high risk of progression, immediate cystectomy should be considered when BCG is not available, with dose reduction or alternating with chemotherapy as methods to economize on the use of BCG when availability is reduced. In tumors having middle risk of progression, chemotherapy can be used, although when it is associated to a high risk of relapse, BCG would be indicated if available with the mentioned savings guidelines. BCG requires maintenance to maintain its effectiveness, it being necessary to optimize the application of endovesical chemotherapy and to use systems that increase its penetration into the bladder wall (EMDA) if they are available. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the scarcity of BCG, it has been necessary to agree on a series of recommendations that have been published on the web page of the Spanish Association of Urology.

Matrix Metalloproteinases and Bladder Cancer: What is New?

Urothelial bladder cancer represents a heterogeneous disease with divergent pathways of tumorigenesis. Tumor invasion and progression are a multifactorial process promoted by microenvironmental changes that include overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Recent data clearly challenge the classic dogma that MMPs promote metastasis only by modulating the remodeling of extracellular matrix. Indeed, MMPs have also been attributed as an impact on tumor cell behavior in vivo as a consequence of their ability to cleave growth factors, cell surface receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and chemokines/cytokines. Levels of the different MMPs can be measured in several sample types, including tissue, blood (serum and plasma), and urine, and using different methodologies, such as immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, western and northern blot analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and zymography. Several MMPs have been identified as having potential diagnostic or prognostic utility, whether alone or in combination with cytology. Although MMP inhibitors have shown limited efficacy, advances in the understanding of the complex physiologic and pathologic roles of MMPs might permit the development of new MMP-specific and tumor-specific therapies. In this paper we update the understanding of MMPs based on a systematic PubMed search encompassing papers published up to December 2011.

[EAU guidelines on non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, the 2011 update]. / Guía clínica del carcinoma urotelial de vejiga no músculo-invasivo de la Asociación Europea de Urología. Actualización de 2011.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: To present the 2011 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Literature published between 2004 and 2010 on the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC was systematically reviewed. Previous guidelines were updated, and the level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assigned. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Tumours staged as Ta, T1, or carcinoma in situ (CIS) are grouped as NMIBC. Diagnosis depends on cystoscopy and histologic evaluation of the tissue obtained by transurethral resection (TUR) in papillary tumours or by multiple bladder biopsies in CIS. In papillary lesions, a complete TUR is essential for the patient's prognosis. Where the initial resection is incomplete or where a high-grade or T1 tumour is detected, a second TUR should be performed within 2-6 wk. In papillary tumours, the risks of both recurrence and progression may be estimated for individual patients using the scoring system and risk tables. The stratification of patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups (separately for recurrence and progression) is pivotal to recommending adjuvant treatment. For patients with a low risk of tumour recurrence and progression, one immediate instillation of chemotherapy is recommended. Patients with an intermediate or high risk of recurrence and an intermediate risk of progression should receive one immediate instillation of chemotherapy followed by a minimum of 1 yr of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical immunotherapy or further instillations of chemotherapy. Papillary tumours with a high risk of progression and CIS should receive intravesical BCG for 1 yr. Cystectomy may be offered to the highest risk patients, and it is at least recommended in BCG failure patients. CONCLUSIONS: These abridged EAU guidelines present updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC for incorporation into clinical practice.

[Evolution of open versus laparoscopic/robotic surgery: 10 years of changes in urology]. / Evolución de la cirugía abierta versus laparoscópica/robótica: 10 años de cambios en Urología.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery has been increasingly used in urology in recent years. Laparoscopy has been performed at our center since 2001. Changes over time in the indication of open versus laparoscopic/robotic surgery, hospital stay, and learning curve are reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of our database from 1997 to the end of 2007. A total of 3622 procedures were performed during this time (endoscopic procedures were excluded): 67.75% open, 26.17% laparoscopic, 2.29% perineal, and 3.78% robotic surgeries. Of these, 83.79% were performed in males and 16.20% in females. Mean patient age was 58.8 years. Data from the study period, including mean hospital stay and changes over time in operating time as a function of the learning curve, were analyzed and compared to data for the last 12 months of the study period. RESULTS: The percentages of all surgical procedures performed using a laparoscopic approach in the 1997-2006 versus the last 12 study months were as follows: nephrectomy, 31.8% versus 74.7%; living donor nephrectomy, 93% versus 100%; nephroureterectomy, 28.1% vs. 93.4%; partial nephrectomy, 31.3% vs 87%; and radical prostatectomy, 17.6% versus 73.5% including laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Shorter mean hospital stays and operating times were also seen. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the laparoscopic approach has greatly increased in the 10-year period studied. In renal surgery, few indications remain for open surgery. In prostate surgery, introduction of robotic surgery in 2005 and learning of laparoscopy by several of our urologists have dramatically changed the therapeutic approach. Gradual incorporation of laparoscopic surgery has led to a decreased hospital stay and to a shortening of the learning curve.

[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.

[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.

[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.