Conservative management of high-grade renal trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Renal trauma is the most common of urological trauma and accounts for up to 5% of all. The AAST scale is the most widely used to assess renal trauma. This study focuses on high-grade trauma, whose treatment has evolved towards a conservative approach, with techniques such as angioembolization. The aim is to describe the evolution in the management of high-grade renal trauma in all patients treated at La Paz University Hospital from 2001 to 2022. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on patients treated at the hospital. The study was divided into two periods (2001-2010 and 2011-2022). A total of 285 patients with renal trauma were collected, of which 54 were high grade. The main variable is the type of management, conservative (embolization) or interventional through nephrectomy. RESULTS: In the completed series, there was a decrease in radical nephrectomy in high-grade renal trauma from 50% to 13.8% over time, with an increase in embolization from 23,1% to 44,8%. In patients with isolated renal trauma, those treated with embolization increased from 28.6% to 69.2%, while those undergoing radical/partial nephrectomy decreased from 42.8% to 7.69%. CONCLUSION: The management of renal trauma has evolved over the years in our center. The number of patients treated by embolization has increased, while the number of complications and nephrectomies has decreased.

Randomized clinical trial on the use of IMAGE1 S LIGHT (SPIES) vs. white light in the prevention of recurrence during transurethral resection of bladder tumors: Analysis after 12-month follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The improved image resolution of IMAGE1 S technology will increase tumor detection, achieve a greater number of complete resections, and would probably have an impact on the reduction of recurrences. AIM: The primary objective was to compare the recurrence rates of IMAGE1 S vs. white light during transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR); the secondary objective was to compare the complication rates according to Clavien-Dindo (CD) at 12 months of follow-up. METHODS: Prospective, randomized 1:1, blinded clinical trial. Recurrence and complication rates according to CD were analyzed using chi-square/U Mann-Whitney tests and recurrence-free survival (RFS) using Kaplan-Meier curves. The European Association of Urology (EAU) 2021 scoring model was used. RESULTS: The analysis included 103 participants; 49 were assigned to the IMAGE1 S group and 54 to the white light group. Recurrence rates were 12.2% and 25.9%, respectively (P = .080). The low and intermediate risk group had a lower recurrence rate with IMAGE1 S (7.7% vs. 30.8%, P = .003) and a higher RFS with IMAGE1 S (85.2% vs. 62.8% Log Rank: 0.021), with a Hazard Ratio of 0.215 (95% CI: 0.046-0.925). No differences were observed in the high and very high-risk groups. Complications were mostly grade I and rates were similar between both groups (IMAGE1 S 20.4% vs. white light 7.4% P = .083). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the recurrence rates between groups. However, the low and intermediate risk group had a lower recurrence rate with IMAGE1 S. In addition, perioperative complication rates were not higher.

Zinner Syndrome with Ectopic Ureter Emptying into Seminal Vesicle.

A 66-year-old male patient in follow-up in the urology department for a non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer was detected by ultrasound to have absence of the left kidney and a cystic, multilobed image at the location of the seminal vesicle. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals left renal agenesis and the existence of multiple cysts in the ipsilateral seminal vesicle that reaches a size of 6.9 × 3.7 cm, as well as a ureteral remnant that opens into the seminal vesicle. The patient does not present urinary symptoms, neither pain with ejaculation nor hematuria. A triad of seminal vesicle cyst, ipsilateral renal agenesis, and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction is known as Zinner syndrome. Congenital anomalies of the seminal vesicles are rare; some of them are associated with malformations of the upper urinary system. Seminal vesicle cysts are associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic or dysplastic ureter. Patients may remain asymptomatic and be diagnosed incidentally or may present with symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, dysuria, recurrent infections, pain with ejaculation, and perineal discomfort.

Prognostic value of urinary cytology for detecting urothelial carcinoma recurrence after radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral or upper urinary tract (UUT) recurrence of urothelial carcinoma (UC) after radical cystectomy (RC) are rare (4-6%), and their diagnosis usually occurs within the first two years. Although it is known that its early detection offers benefit in terms of survival, currently there are no clear recommendations for the detection of recurrence in the remnant urothelium (RU). Our aim is to determine the diagnostic value of urinary cytology for the detection of recurrences in the RU and to estimate its impact as an early diagnostic method on survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent RC for urothelial carcinoma between 2008-2016, with a follow-up of at least 24 months. RESULTS: The study included 142 patients. In a median follow-up of 68.5 months, nine patients (6.3%) presented recurrences in the RU (urethra: four, UUT: four, synchronous: one). The sensitivity and specificity of urinary cytology for the diagnosis of UUT recurrences were 20% and 96%, respectively. No significant differences were found between overall survival and cancer-specific survival among patients according to the urinary cytology results. CONCLUSION: Recurrences in the RU after RC are infrequent; our study has shown that urinary cytology offers a low sensitivity for their diagnoses. For these reasons, we do not consider that urinary cytology provides useful information for surveillance of these patients.

Magnetic resonance as imaging diagnostic tool in prostate cancer: New evidences-The EAU Section of Uro-Technology position. / La resonancia magnética como herramienta para el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata: nuevas evidencias y posicionamiento de la ESUT (EAU Section of Uro-Technology).

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the most frequently diagnosed male malignant disease among men. The manifestation of PCa ranges from indolent to highly aggressive disease and due to this high variation in PCa progression, the diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning can be challenging. The current diagnostic approach with PSA testing and digital rectal examination followed by transrectal ultrasound biopsies lack in both sensitivity and specificity in PCa detection and offers limited information about the aggressiveness and stage of the cancer. Scientific work supports the rapidly growing use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging as the most sensitive and specific imaging tool for detection, lesion characterization and staging of PCa. Therefore, we carried out an updated review of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnostic PCa reviewing the latest papers published in PubMed.

[Leukemic infiltration of the urinary bladder. A new case and literature review]. / Infiltración vesical por leucemia linfoblástica aguda. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

We expose you one case of leukemic infiltration of the urinary bladder. This kind of infiltration is rare so we reviewed the literature finding 14 cases since 1932. Although this hematological infiltration is very unusual, it should be considered in patients with leukemia and hematuria.

[Experimental laparoscopic renal autograft as learning laparoscopic model]. / Autotrasplante renal laparoscópico experimental como modelo de aprendizaje de técnica laparoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery requires a long training period of time in which the complexity of the training is increased. GOALS: The technique presented in this paper has been developed in order to find an experimental model that allows us to improve the learning of the vascular suture. Our main goal was to evaluate this technique as an experimental model for the vacular anastomosis, not to obtain a functional autotransplant. In this regard, here we summarize our experience during the first two cases performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laparoscopic renal autotransplant was perfomed in female lab pigs weighing 15-20 kg. International Experimental Animal Care rules were accomplished. RESULTS: After sacrifizing the animals, only one case of vascular thrombosis was observed. The other cases showed normal arterial and venous flow. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental Renal Laparoscopic autotransplant constitutes a good surgical model. We are trying to implement the technique in the clinics in the next future.

[Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery. Initial experience]. / Cirugía renal laparoscópica conservadora de parénquima. Experiencia inicial.

We present our initial experience in laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery. It's a technically advanced procedure requiring considerable minimally invasive expertise. This technique is particularly attractive compared to an open conventional procedure with its larger incision and associated morbidity.

[Open and laparoscopic adrenalectomy. 10 years review]. / Suprarrenalectomía abierta y laparoscópica. Revisión de 10 años.

We present a 10 years open adrenalectomy review in our Service and the beginning of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the last year as a part of the retroperitoneal laparoscopic program at the Hospital Universitario La Paz . The first laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done after 21 retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgeries. Our initial experience has been so good that we have reduced the contraindications for this technique and we have increased the number of laparoscopic surgery cases.

[Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery; initial experience in the Hospital La Paz]. / Cirugía retroperitoneal laparoscópica; experiencia de los 6 primeros meses del Hospital La Paz.

We present the initial results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery in the Hospital Universitario La Paz from July 2004 to December 2004. The program started after 2 years of pelvic laparoscopy surgery practice. The initial experience has been so good that we have reduced the contraindications for this technique and we have increased the number of laparoscopic surgery cases.

Use of elastase as an internal standard in immunoblotting techniques.

A non-radioactive method for relative, semi-quantitative analysis of immunoblots, based on the use of elastase as internal standard and conventional peroxidase staining was devised and applied to the immunoassay of Gs-proteins in crude membrane preparations of rat kidneys. We found that the coefficients of variation of samples, run within the same experiment or run within different experiments, are reduced to half or a quarter of their original value respectively when corrected for elastase as an internal standard, allowing meaningful comparison of these samples.

Effect of age on beta-receptors, Gs alpha- and Gi alpha- proteins in rat heart.

beta-adrenoceptors, Gs alpha- and Gi alpha-proteins were investigated in a crude plasma membrane preparation from ventricles of young (2-4 months) and senescent (22-24 months) Wistar rats. Receptor density, ligand affinity and beta 1/beta 2-receptor ratio were independent of the age of the rats. The percentage of beta-receptors coupled to G-proteins increased with age. An age-related increase in the level of Gs alpha (124%) was paralleled by an increase in the ratio between the high and low molecular weight form of Gs alpha. The level of Gi alpha-protein almost doubled (170%) upon aging. We conclude that the age-related differences are small at the level of the beta-adrenoceptor molecule, but that the increase in Gi alpha-proteins could be responsible for the age-related reduction in myocardial inotropic and chronotropic responses. Moreover, we suggest that the changes in degree of high affinity coupling between beta-receptor and Gs-protein are possibly linked to alterations in the ratio between the Gs-molecular weight subtypes.

Effect of maturation and aging on beta-adrenergic signal transduction in rat kidney and liver.

The characteristics of the beta-adrenergic signal transduction system were analyzed in kidney and liver membrane preparations from neonatal (2-3 days), mature (2 months), and old (2 years) rats. When comparing kidneys from adult to neonatal rats, we found a higher beta-receptor density and a higher percentage of beta(1)-receptor subtype, lower immunoreactive G(salpha)-protein, a lower ratio between the high and low molecular weight splice variant of G(salpha), lower immunoreactive G(ialpha)-protein, and lower basal adenylate cyclase activity. When comparing livers from adult to neonatal rats, we found lower beta-receptor density and basal adenylate cyclase activity. Very few differences could be detected when comparing mature to old kidneys or livers. Stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis was tissue- and age-dependent. In liver, G-protein- and beta-receptor-stimulated cAMP synthesis mirrored basal adenylate cyclase activity and was highest in liver from neonatal animals. In contrast, cAMP synthesis was significantly more stimulated in kidneys from mature animals than from neonatal and senescent rats. We conclude that: (i) the stoichiometry of the components within the beta-receptor/G-protein/adenylate cyclase complex is not fixed but is both tissue- and age-dependent; (ii) adenylate cyclase enzyme activity is possibly but not necessarily the rate-limiting step in the beta-receptor-mediated synthesis of cAMP; and (iii) there is in vivo evidence for a preferential co-expression of the large splice variant of the G(s)-protein and beta(2)-receptor subtype. It is speculated that this could have important physiological consequences for the development of the kidney.

Thermodynamic analysis of isoproterenol binding to beta-adrenoceptors in rat lung membranes.

The thermodynamic properties of the binding of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and of the antagonist propranolol to beta-adrenoceptors of rat lung were investigated. We found that in our experimental conditions, the high- and low-affinity binding sites for the agonist displayed different properties: the binding to the high-affinity binding site was entropy-driven with a small increase in enthalpy, while agonist binding to the low-affinity binding site was enthalpy-driven. Binding of isoproterenol in the presence of GTP or its non-hydrolyzable analogue GppNHp, and the binding of propranolol were enthalpy-driven with a small increase in entropy.

G-proteins in kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

G(s alpha)-, total G(i alpha)- and G(q/11alpha)-protein concentrations were investigated by quantitative immunoblotting in membranes of total kidney, renal cortex and medulla as well as in cortical tubules and glomeruli of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), aged 5 weeks, 3 or 8 months. We found that total kidney of 5 week old SHR possess less G(s alpha)-, G(i alpha)- and G(q/11alpha)-proteins than controls. For G(s alpha)-proteins, differences found in total kidney were mirrored both in cortex (tubules and glomeruli) and in medulla. Decreased G(i alpha)-concentrations were accompanied by lower tubular but higher glomerular levels, while medullar levels were also increased. Decreased G(q/11alpha)-concentrations were reflected in decreased glomerular and medullary concentrations. Kidneys of 3 month old SHR and WKY possessed similar concentrations of all G(alpha)-species. In 8 month old SHR similar G(i alpha)-, but decreased G(s alpha)-and G(q/11alpha)-concentrations were observed. The G(s alpha)-decrease was reflected in cortex and medulla, the G(q/11alpha)-decrease in the medulla. We conclude that the main strain-related differences in G(alpha)-concentrations are seen in prehypertensive SHR.

Radiotransparency of the triglyceride mammary prosthesis: a quantitative analysis with mastectomy specimens.

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant tumor in women. It is estimated that 10 percent of women will present with a breast cancer during their lives. It is well known that mammography is the best technique for the early diagnosis of nonpalpable tumors, thus improving life expectancy. However, mammary prostheses may hide between 23 and 82 percent of the normal mammary tissue in mammography, and thus may delay the diagnosis of malignant mammary tumors, making prognosis worse. To solve this problem, oil-filled prostheses have been developed. In this study, 14 mastectomy specimens were used. Mammograms of the tissue pieces alone and also mammograms of the tissue pieces covering a 270-cc Trilucent prosthesis were used to verify whether the prosthesis allows observation of malignant signs in mammography. Mammograms were evaluated by an independent experienced radiologist. The following variables were studied: number of mammograms necessary to examine each specimen; kilovoltage and milliamperage necessary for each mammogram; number of microcalcification groups (malignant); number of macroscopic calcifications (benign); and rarefaction areas that were suspected for malignancy. All of these variables were measured for both mammograms for which the mastectomy specimens were covering and those for which the specimens were not covering the prothesis. Finally, the kilovoltage and milliamperage increases necessary to visualize the mammograms with mastectomy specimens covering the prosthesis were determined. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was performed. There were no significant differences in the number of mammograms (p = 0.391), the number of microcalcifications (p = 0.890), the number of macrocalcifications (p = 0.239), and finally in the presence of rarefaction areas (p = 1.000) observed in the mammograms in specimens either covering or not covering the prosthesis. However, there were significant differences (p < 0.001) between the kilovoltage and milliamperage applied to carry out the mammograms of specimens with and without the prosthesis. Thus, Trilucent prostheses allow visualization of the microscopic and macroscopic calcifications as well as rarefaction areas in mammograms. However, these mammograms required a higher kilovoltage and milliamperage compared with specimens not covering the prosthesis. To explore the whole gland, it might be necessary to perform two series of mammograms: one to detect the area shadowed by the prosthesis and one to observe the rest of the peripheral gland.

The use of latissimus dorsi muscle flap in reconstructive heart surgery.

Dynamic cardiomyoplasty is a technique for ventricular assistance indicated for the correction of left ventricle aneurysm and for cardiomyopathies in which heart transplantation is contraindicated. In this article, our first four patients to undergo cardiomyoplasty (from February 1991 until April 1992) with a left latissimus dorsi island flap, rotated into the thorax after a 3-week training period, are reviewed. Therapeutic indications were cardiomyopathy with contraindication for heart transplant in patients 1 and 4 and associated to surgery for left ventricle aneurysm for patients 2 and 3. Patient 1 died 4 months after surgery because of a cerebral embolism when he was at functional class II. The other three patients remain at functional class I, carrying out normal activities. All the data were evaluated with the paired t test. Ejection fraction values (obtained through echocardiography and scintigraphy studies) and maximum minute flow rate of blood (measured with an echo-Doppler) have increased significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively) after heart surgery. Clinical improvement has been found after cardiomyoplasty, which correlates with an increase in ejection fraction and maximum minute flow rate of blood.

Relationship between flow and incidence of thrombosis in polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts in free microvascular flaps in lambs.

We have done an experimental study in lambs in which we investigated the influence of flow rate on free microvascular flaps using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular grafts. We set up five surgical groups in which blood flow was progressively increased through the PTFE vascular graft. In group I (venous autograft) we observed just one vascular thrombosis which was located at the site of the anastomosis. In group II (PTFE 3 x 10 mm) all the microvascular flaps became necrosed after the third postoperative day. In group III (PTFE 3 x 10 mm) necrosis also developed in all cases, but the anastomoses remained permeable no longer than eight days. In group IV (3 x 15 mm) the permeability in the microvascular free flaps was about 40% after 21 days, and in group V (3 x 10 mm) it reached 70%. To match graft flow rates with flap survival we did a regression analysis of flow rates for groups II, III, and V and the corresponding survival periods for the flaps. There was a clear and highly significant relationship (r = 0.717, p = 0.0001). In conclusion, it is necessary to maintain blood flow through the prosthesis at a rate higher than the thrombogenic threshold. When the flow rate in the vessels through the PTFE grafts was higher, the viability of the flaps was better. The ideal surgical technique should always be based on an arteriovenous fistula distal to the PTFE vascular graft. It is necessary to maintain blood flow through a prosthesis at a rate higher than the thrombogenic threshold.

[Experimental laparoscopic renal autograft]. / Autotransplante renal laparoscópico experimental.

Laparoscopic surgery requires a long training period of time in which the complexity of the training is increased. The technique presented in this paper has been developed in order to find an experimental model that allows us to improve the learning of the vascular suture. Our main goal was to evaluate this technique as an experimental model for the vascular anastomosis, not to obtain a functional autotransplant. In this regard, here we summarize our experience during the first two cases performed.

[Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery. 5 years' experience]. / Cirugía conservadora de parénquima renal laparoscópica. Cinco años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery is among the most complex urological procedures currently performed. Open surgery continues to be the gold standard of care, but the laparoscopic approach is gaining ground slowly but surely. Our 5 years' experience is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2004 to March 2009, 38 laparoscopic nephron-sparing procedures were performed at our hospital. A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used in all cases, with en bloc clamping of renal hilum in most patients. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 141 min, mean intraoperative bleeding 130 mL, mean warm ischemia time 24 min, and mean hospital stay 3.3 days. Bleeding was the most common complication (requiring transfusion in 13.5% of patients). Positive surgical margins were found in 5.4% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate selection of the patient (tumor size, location) and the procedure to be used, surgeon experience, and surgical skills are essential for achieving good oncological results and for minimizing the complications of this demanding procedure.