Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture after urinary diversions performed by open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Incidence and management in a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture is a frequent complication after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder formation. We analyze their incidence based on the technique for urinary diversion and on the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted). Stricture management is described, along with surgical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study over 6 years in patients who underwent urinary diversion using ileum (ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder). Demographic data, comorbidities, surgical approach, complications, and outcomes were collected. Minimum follow-up of 1 year. Comparison between groups using Chi-square test for dichotomous variables. Quantitative variables were compared using the Student's t-test for independent groups or Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance if P < .05. RESULTS: The study included 182 patients (84% males and 16% females). Mean age 68 years. Cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (67/37%), robot-assisted (63/35%), open (43/24%). Urinary diversion: ileal conduit (138/76%) and orthotopic ileal neobladder (44/24%). Uretericre implantation technique: Bricker (108/59%) and Wallace (47/26%). Ureteroileal anastomosis strictures (50/27%): bilateral (26), left (16) and right (8). Strictures according to cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (23/46%), robot-assisted (16/32%), open (9/18%). Treatment of strictures (33/18%): ureteric reimplantation (13), indwelling nephrostomy (13), endoscopic dilatation (4), nephroureterectomy (2), endoureterotomy (1). Ureteroileal reimplantation approach: laparoscopic (5/38%), robot-assisted (6/46%), open (2/15%). Outcomes after reimplantation: restenosis (0/0%), reintervention (3/23%), contralateral ureteroileal stricture (1/8%). CONCLUSION: Surgical approach in cystectomy does not influence future development of ureteroileal strictures. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted ureteroileal reimplantation achieves high success rates.

Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture after urinary diversions performed by open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Incidence and management in a tertiary care center. / Estenosis de la anastomosis ureteroileal en derivaciones urinarias realizadas mediante abordaje abierto, laparoscópico y robótico. Incidencia y manejo en un centro de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture is a frequent complication after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder formation. We analyze their incidence based on the technique for urinary diversion and on the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted). Stricture management is described, along with surgical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study over 6 years in patients who underwent urinary diversion using ileum (ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder). Demographic data, comorbidities, surgical approach, complications, and outcomes were collected. Minimum follow-up of 1 year. Comparison between groups using Chi-square test for dichotomous variables. Quantitative variables were compared using the Student's t test for independent groups or Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance if P<.05. RESULTS: The study included 182 patients (84% males and 16% females). Mean age 68 years. Cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (67/37%), robot-assisted (63/35%), open (43/24%). Urinary diversion: ileal conduit (138/76%) and orthotopic ileal neobladder (44/24%). Ureteric reimplantation technique: Bricker (108/59%) and Wallace (47/26%). Ureteroileal anastomosis strictures (50/27%): bilateral (26), left (16) and right (8). Strictures according to cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (23/46%), robot-assisted (16/32%), open (9/18%). Treatment of strictures (33/18%): ureteric reimplantation (13), indwelling nephrostomy (13), endoscopic dilatation (4), nephroureterectomy (2), endoureterotomy (1). Ureteroileal reimplantation approach: laparoscopic (5/38%), robot-assisted (6/46%), open (2/15%). Outcomes after reimplantation: restenosis (0/0%), reintervention (3/23%), contralateral ureteroileal stricture (1/8%). CONCLUSION: Surgical approach in cystectomy does not influence future development of ureteroileal strictures. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted ureteroileal reimplantation achieves high success rates.

Activity and short-term outcomes of kidney transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Actividad y resultados a corto plazo del trasplante renal durante la pandemia COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the national transplant activity has been reduced due to the overload of the health system and concern for patient safety in this situation. The aim of our work is to expose the activity of kidney transplantation in Cantabria during the state of alarm, as well as to assess the safety of the transplantation program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of kidney transplants performed in our Center from the beginning of the state of alarm until the beginning of the lockdown easing in Cantabria. Descriptive analysis of the demographic data of recipients and their donors, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. Comparative analysis with the data of the same period in 2017-2019, by means of the χ2 for categorical variables, Student's T and Mann-Whitney U tests in case of quantitative variables of normal and non-normal distribution, respectively. RESULTS: Fifteen kidney transplants were performed in the period described. Delayed renal function (DRF) was seen in 7.5% of patients, and 26.6% showed data of acute rejection; no patient presented COVID-19 disease. Comparative analysis showed a remarkable increase in the number of transplants in comparison with previous periods (15 vs 5.6), at the expense of donors from outside Cantabria (93.3%). We found no statistically significant differences in terms of cold ischemia time (p=0.77), DRF (p=0.73), need for dialysis (p=0.54), or appearance of post-surgical complications (p=0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The evolution of the pandemic in our region, and the adoption of strict protective measures has allowed the early and safe resumption of the renal transplantation program, increasing the number of transplants performed compared to previous years and maintaining comparable early post-operative results.

Percutaneous radiofrequency for the treatment of small renal masses: Analysis of outcomes and complications after 10 years of experience. / Radiofrecuencia percutánea en el tratamiento de masas renales pequeñas: análisis de resultados y complicaciones tras diez años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The management of renal tumors ≤ 4 cm in elderly population or patients with comorbidities is a challenge, for which ablative therapies are an interesting alternative. The objective is to evaluate in our center the role of percutaneous radiofrequency in the treatment of small renal masses, the associated complications and the results obtained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of the radiofrequency treatments carried out between April 2010 and April 2020 in our center. Demographic data, associated comorbidities, tumor characteristics, complications and oncological and functional outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven tumors were treated in 53 patients. Mean follow-up of 48.2 months. The percentage of complete ablations obtained was of 89.5%. There were 19.3% of complications. According to Clavien-Dindo and SIR classification systems, 3.5% and 5.3% were major complications. A statistically significant association was found between the initial result of ablation and age (p = 0.047), RENAL-m (p = 0.044), the presence of cystic component (p = 0.049) and tumor size (p = 0.01). The cut-off point for size was established at 25 mm (p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis, only size remained as a predictor of initial ablation result (p = 0.01; OR 1.183; CI 95% 1.041-1.345). Cancer-specific survival and 5-year recurrence-free survival were 98.1% and 89.5%, respectively. A mean decrease of MDRD-4 of 6.59 mL/min (p = 0.005) was observed in the first six months after RFA. CONCLUSIONS: Given the excellent oncological and functional results demonstrated, ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is an effective and safe treatment for small renal masses in selected patients.

[Renal graft outcome in patients with combined heart-kidney transplantation]. / Trasplante cardio-renal. Evolucion del injerto renal.

INTRODUCTION: Improvement in surgical and organ preservation techniques and immunosuppressive therapy has permitted multiorganic transplants in patients needing both heart and kidney organs in a synchronous or asynchronous way. OBJECTIVES: To review our results in renal transplants in those patients with both heart and kidney transplants. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of the 7 patients with heart and kidney transplants performed in our Hospital. We have reviewed patients main characteristics, heart and renal failure causes, renal graft and patient outcome and complications related to renal transplant. RESULTS: Between 1985 and 2006 we performed 411 heart transplants; in 7 out of those 411 patients (1.7%) we performed 9 renal transplants, 2 simultaneously and 7 non-simultaneously. All patients were male; their average age at heart transplant was 51.3+/-12.2 years (24-60); the causes of the heart transplant were dilated myocardiopathy in 4 cases (57.2%), rheumatic cardiopathy in 1 (14.3%) and ischemic cardiopathy in 2 (28.5%). The average age at renal transplant was 57.5+/-11.2 years (32-68); the causes of the end renal failure were cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in 3 cases (33.3%), nephroangiosclerosis in 1 (11.1%), chronic interstitial nephropathy in 2 (22.2%), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 1 (11.1%) and chronic rejection in 2 (22.2%). In the 2 simultaneous heart-kidney transplants cold ischemia was 4 hours long, immediate diuresis was seen in 1 case (50%) and there were no complications related to the kidney transplants. The time between the heart and kidney transplants in the 7 non-simultaneous heart-kidney transplants was 105.9+/-51.8 months (23-201 months), cold ischemia was 20.3+/-1.5 hours (18-22) and there was immediate diuresis in 5 cases (71.5%); 2 patients had no complications, 2 cases had acute renal rejection episodes, 1 case of perirenal haematoma, 1 renal polar infarction, lymphocele, 1 case of wound infection, 1 urinary infection and 2 pulmonary infections. Medium follow-up is 52.2+/-33.9 months (12-93); all patients are alive with functioning grafts with creatinine level of 1.8+/-0.43 mg/100 (1.4-2.4). Two renal grafts were lost due to chronic rejection 138 and 270 days after the kidney transplants. The immunotherapy was based on mycophenolate mofetil acid and tacrolimus, though it varied. CONCLUSIONS: The final renal failure associated to cardiopathies needing or having needed heart transplant does not preclude the transplants of both organs.

[Performance of antibiotic prophylaxis in our Urologic Department]. / Cumplimiento de profilaxis antibiótica en un Servicio de Urología.

INTRODUCTION: The rate of surgical site infection is a good indicator of the quality of care in surgical departments. Antibiotic prophylaxis represents a measure of proven efficiency in preventing the infection in a surgical site, and its fulfilment is a main goal in management contracts of health services. The efficiency of this preventive measure requires the existence of updated protocols and performance evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the compliance of this antibiotic protocol in our Urology Department with the global analysis of the causes of inadequate prophylaxis and by procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Department of Preventive Medicine as an outside observer, through a retrospective study, analyzed 695 urological surgical procedures (inpatient and outpatient) during the years 2003 and 2006 for its annual assessment of compliance with the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol. Administration of non-indicated prophylaxis, non-administration of indicated prophylaxis and incorrect dosage are considered as inappropriate prophylaxis. RESULTS: The compliance of the protocol was appropriate in 83.16% of the operations. The cause of the most frequent inadequacy was an incorrect pattern in 15.3%. Within this incorrect pattern the main reason was the delay of administration of prophylactic antibiotic and to a lesser extent an incorrect length of the antibiotic regime. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of compliance with the antibiotic protocol in our Urology Department is high. The evaluation detected two problems of a different nature and solution: to adapt the timing of antibiotics is a functional, structural and organizational problem to be resolved in accordance with the Anaesthesiology Department. The number of doses of antibiotics in open prostate surgery requires knowledge and strict adherence to the guidelines by the surgeons. The efficiency of antibiotic prophylaxis requires the existence of appropriated and updated protocols for the unifications of criteria among professionals to detect new problems as well as to find solutions for its adequate compliance.

[Multifocal renal cell carcinoma on renal allograft]. / Carcinoma de células renales multicéntrico en injerto renal.

Development of neoplasms after a renal transplantation is well known, but allograft neoplasms are uncommon. Diagnostics studies include routine ultrasonography, and CT. In some selective cases, if the graft is functionally salvageable and it is technically feasible, a nephron-sparing surgery should be performed. In any case, standard intervention is nephrectomy. We report a case of multifocal renal cell carcinoma diagnosed in a kidney grafted 17 years before.

[Emergency conservative surgery on a unique kidney with broken multiple angiomyolipoma]. / Cirugía conservadora de urgencia en monorrena por rotura de angiomiolipoma múltiple.

A case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to the rupture of a multiple angiomyolipoma in a female with a unique kidney is described. Hipovolemic shock was the first symptom, being possible to perform on her a successful conservative surgery. Etiology, diagnostic methods and treatment of the spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage are discussed.

Initial experience with the new da Vinci single-port robot-assisted platform. / Experiencia inicial con la nueva plataforma de puerto único da Vinci robótico.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in the first cases of urological surgeries performed with the da Vinci single-port robot-assisted platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed 5 single-port robot-assisted surgeries (R-LESS) between May and October 2014. We performed 3 ureteral reimplant surgeries, one ureteropyeloplasty in an inverted kidney and 1 partial nephrectomy. The perioperative and postoperative results were collected, as well as a report of the complications according to the Clavien classification system. RESULTS: Of the 5 procedures, 4 were performed completely by LESS, while 1 procedure was reconverted to multiport robot-assisted surgery. There were no intraoperative complications. We observed perioperative complications in 4 patients, all of which were grade 1 or 2. The mean surgical time was 262minutes (range, 230-300). DISCUSSION: In our initial experience with the da Vinci device, R-LESS surgery was feasible and safe. There are still a number of limitations in its use, which require new and improved R-LESS platforms.

[Nosocomial infection and infection of the surgical site in a third level hospital (2002-2005)]. / Infección nosocomial y del sitio quirúrgico en un hospital de tercer nivel (2002-2005).

INTRODUCTION: Nosocomial infection rates constitute an indicator of welfare quality, permitting to adopt measures of prevention and control. It has been developed a surveillance plan of the nosocomial infection in hospitals, showing to be an efficient method to diminish its incident. OBJECTIVE: To know the indicators and characteristics of the nosocomial infection and of the infection of the site surgical particularly, in a urology service in a global form and by procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study by means of the epidemiological surveillance system from 2002 to 2005 in 4.618 patients hospitalised at least 24 hours, with a total of 3.096 surgical. RESULTS: The overall incidence of nosocomial infection was 6,10%, 3.42% for urinary infection and 2,81% for the infection of the chirurgical site. For procedures, the incidence of the infection of the surgical site for cistectomy was 22,8%, 6,6% for surgery of kidney and ureter and 4,36% for open surgery of prostate. Eschericia Coli (43,6%) was the most frequently isolated organism, accounting for 43,6% of the causative organisms in the infection of the surgical site and 43,6% in the urinary infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the next organism in frequency with a 15% in both infections. CONCLUSION: Our nosocomial infection rates are lower than the published standard values. The main infection rate of the surgical sites present in the most complex surgical techniques, whereas Escherichia Coli is the most frecuently isolated ethiological agent. The surveillance of the infection of the surgical site and related factors permit to incorporate improvements in the clinical-surgical practice which will be an indicator of reference in subsequent analysis.

How should we address the diagnosis of overactive bladder in women?

OBJECTIVE: Determine the degree of completion, agreement and diagnostic performance of various instruments for assessing the presence and intensity of urgency and other symptoms of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) and determine which is the best diagnostic combination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, noninterventional, cross-sectional multicentre study on 247 women aged 18 years or older, with a clinical diagnosis of OAB, evaluated in 55 functional urology and urodynamic units. The women completed the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale questionnaire, an independent bladder control self-assessment questionnaire (B-SAQ), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short-Form and a 3-day voiding diary (VD3d), and they underwent a urodynamic study (UDS). The degree of completion and agreement among the instruments was assessed using the Kappa index (95% CI) and Cramér's V. The diagnostic performance of each tool and their combination was studied using absolute frequencies of positive cases for each OAB symptom. RESULTS: The patients mean age was 57.66 years (SD, 13.43). There was a high degree of completion (>85%). The agreement among the instruments was poor or moderate, and there was no agreement with the UDS. The best combination of tools for the diagnosis of OAB in women was the B-SAQ and VD3d. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of completion of all instruments was high, the agreement between them was poor-moderate and not significant for the UDS. The instruments that had the best diagnostic performance for assessing urgency and other OAB symptoms, providing data on their severity and discomfort, were the B-SAQ and the VD3d.

[Renal cell carcinoma in crossed fused renal ectopia]. / Tumor renal en ectopia renal cruzada con fusión.

Crossed renal ectopia its a rare congenital malformation and in most cases it presents with fusion of both kidneys. Patients should be asynptomatic until 4a-5a decade and at that time they unfold urinary infection, urolithiasis, abdominal mass or pain that simulates a gastric disease. We report a case of renal cell carcinoma in a patient with crossed fused renal ectopia, showed in a Scan that was performed for gastric disease suspicion.

[Comparative study between cystoscopy, urinary cytology, NMP-22 and a new method, bladder chek, in the follow-up of superficial bladder cell carcinoma]. / Estudio comparativo entre cistoscopia, citología urinaria, NMP-22 y un nuevo método, bladder chek, en el seguimiento del cáncer vesical superficial.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this work tries to evaluate the utility of the qualitative determination of NMP-22 in the evaluation of the superficial bladder carcinoma in asymptomatic patients, comparing it with its quantitative determination, the cytology and the cystoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple of urine just voided was taken in 88 asymptomatic patient follow-up for superficial bladder cell carcinoma. This dose was distributed in 3 parts, for performed cytology, for determination of NMP-22, and 4 drops of the third part are added to device bladder chek. Later, we performed cystoscopy and transurethral resection in patients with a suspicion of bladder cancer. RESULTS: 26 patients had tumor relapse and 62 patients were free of disease. The sensitivity for the bladder chek was of 28%, 34.62% for NMP-22, 34.62% for cytology and 100% for cystoscopy. The specificity was of 93.55%, 80.33%, 87.10% and 87.10% respectively. The sensitivity by degree was 25 in G1, 28.57 in G2 and 50 in G3 for Bladder chek; 29.41, 42.86 and 50 for NMP-22; 23.53, 71.43 and 0 for cytology. The sensitivity by stages was 27.7 in Ta-1 and 50 in T2 for Bladder chek; 34.78 and 50 for NMP-22; 39.13 and 0 for the cytology. CONCLUSIONS: The low sensitivity of bladder chek invalidates it like alternative method to the cystoscopy in the follow-up of the superficial asymptomatic bladder cell carcinoma.

[Surgical aspects in the third and fourth kidney retransplant]. / Aspectos quirúrgicos en los terceros y cuartos retrasplantes renales.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A quarter of patients waiting for kidney transplantation are patients with previous graft failure. Outcome of first and second renal transplant make these the gold standard for end renal stage disease, but this is not so clear in the case of third and further renal transplant, especially at the time of organ shortage. We revise our experience in patients with three or more kidney transplants focusing on surgical aspects and graft outcome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 1364 renal transplants have been carried out in our centre since 1975 until December 2003. We have retrospectively revised the 34 patients with three renal transplants and the 5 with four. We analyse the surgical technique, surgical complications and graft outcome. RESULTS: Mean age was 42 years (21-65). Average mismatches between donor and recipient was 3.2. All kidneys, but one case of living donor, were harvested from cadaver donors, mostly in multiple organ-procurement. Average time from the last renal transplant was 5 years (3 days-17 years) and from the last transplant carried out in the iliac fossa reused until the new transplant was 9 years (3 days- 17.5 years). All implants were performed through an iterative lumboliliac incision (25 on the right side, 11 on the left one and in 3 cases where side was not registered). Mean average duration of the procedure was 166 minutes (100-300). Nephrectomy of previous graft at the moment of the implant was carried out in 13 patients (33%). Vascular anastomosis was made on the common iliac vessels (50%) or on the external ones (50%) in end to side way, Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in an extravesical way except in 1 patient with cutaneous diversion. Vascular complications were 4 haemorrages (1 patient died), 3 venous and 2 arterial thrombosis. We had an abscess secondary to intestinal fistulae. Other surgical complications were 4 lymphoceles, three of them needed surgical treatment, and one perirenal haematoma treated in a conservative way. No urological complications were seen. In total 6 grafts (15%) were lost due to surgical complications. Graft actuarial survival rate at 1 year was 65%, 40% at 5 and 28% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Three and four renal transplant survival rates are shorter than first and second ones. Iterative access through lumboiliac incision is associated with a higher vascular complication rate, probably in these patients a transperitoneal access would be better. Multicentric studies with higher numbers of patients are needed to define more clearly which patients would benefit from multiple kidney retransplants.

[Testicular epidermoid cyst: uncommon lesion of difficult preoperative diagnosis]. / Quiste epidermoide testicular: una rara entidad de dificil diagnostico preoperatorio.

Intratesticular epidermoid cysts are rare tumours that constitute one percent of all testicular masses. They are bening lesions that make differential diagnosis from malignant testicular tumours difficult. The absence of serum markers elevation and ultrasound imaging could support these lesions being bening epidermoid cysts, and in that case, conservative surgery is adequate. We present the case of a 22 years old patient who complains of a left testicular mass. In this case ultrasound diagnosis was non-specific and a left radical inguinal orchiectomy was performed.

Urology residents training in laparoscopic surgery. Development of a virtual reality model.

INTRODUCTION: The training and learning of residents in laparoscopic surgery has legal, financial and technological limitations. Simulation is an essential tool in the training of residents as a supplement to their training in laparoscopic surgery. The training should be structured in an appropriate environment, with previously established and clear objectives, taught by professionals with clinical and teaching experience in simulation. The training should be conducted with realistic models using animals and ex-vivo tissue from animals. It is essential to incorporate mechanisms to assess the objectives during the residents' training progress. OBJECTIVE: We present the training model for laparoscopic surgery for urology residents at the University Hospital Valdecilla. The training is conducted at the Virtual Hospital Valdecilla, which is associated with the Center for Medical Simulation in Boston and is accredited by the American College of Surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The model is designed in 3 blocks, basic for R1, intermediate for R2-3 and advanced for R4-5, with 9 training modules. The training is conducted in 4-hour sessions for 4 afternoons, for 3 weeks per year of residence. Residents therefore perform 240 hours of simulated laparoscopic training by the end of the course. For each module, we use structured objective assessments to measure each resident's training progress. RESULTS: Since 2003, 9 urology residents have been trained, in addition to the 5 who are currently in training. The model has undergone changes according to the needs expressed in the student feedback. The acquisition of skills in a virtual reality model has enabled the safe transfer of those skills to actual practice. CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopic surgery training program designed in structured blocks and with progressive complexity provides appropriate training for transferring the skills acquired using this model to an actual scenario while maintaining patient safety.

[Value of eptifibatide during salvage angioplasty with coronary stenting after failure of thrombolysis. Report of a series of 41 patients]. / Intérêt de l'eptifibatide au cours de l'angioplastie de sauvetage avec stenting coronaire après échec de thrombolyse. A propos d'une série de 41 patients.

AIM: To evaluate the risks and the significance of the use of an anti-GPIIb/IIIa, in this case Eptifibatide, during angioplasty following presumed failure of thrombolysis in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. METHOD: Patients thrombolyzed following MI < 6 hours. Presumed failure of reperfusion with full dose thrombolysis. Analysis evaluated the success of angioplasty associated with anti-GPIIb/IIIa treatment and the hospital phase outcome. RESULTS: 41 consecutive patients, 32 male (78%) and 9 female (22%), were included. Infarction concerned the anterior region in 22 cases (54%) and inferior in 19 cases (46%). Fibrinolysis was performed using Alteplase in 28 patients (68%) and Reteplase in 13 patients (32%). Radial access was performed in 32 cases (78%). All of the patients received Eptifibatide with a bolus then infusion from their admission to the haemodynamic suite, on average 1 h 30 after the start of thrombolytic treatment. A total of 49 stents were implanted in 41 patients. A flux of TIMI 3 was obtained in 37 patients (90.2%). TIMI 2 in 2 patients (4.9%) and no reflow in 2 patients (4.9%). Four counter-pulsions by intra-aortic balloon were necessary (9.8%) for cardiogenic shock. No decrease in TIMI flux was observed after the angioplasty procedure. The main complications were a death from cardiogenic shock in one patients (2.4%), a non-fatal digestive tract haemorrhage in 2 cases (4.9%) and a single femoral haematoma requiring transfusion. CONCLUSION: The initial results were encouraging: high success rates, rare vascular complications, a probable consequence of the radial approach. The association of an anti-GPIIb/IIIa, Eptifibatide, therefore appears achievable during angioplasty with the positioning of a coronary endoprosthesis following the presumed failure of full dose thrombolysis.

[Renal carcinoma. Our experience of 20 years]. / Carcinoma renal. Nuestra experiencia de 20 años.

Review of 174 renal parenchyma adenocarcinoma surgically removed over a period of 20 years with follow-up ranging from 1 to 20 years. Age, sex, time from onset of symptoms and treatment, tumour size and cell type did not influence survival. This was improved the lower the stage was at surgery (80% at 5 years in I, 56% in II, 55.5% in III-A, 11% in III-B+C, 0% in IV). The lack of differences in survival between stages II and III-A is conditioned by the fact that III-A included cases with and without perirenal fat involvement but with a common factor of renal vein involvement. Such factor modifies survival with equal local size (80% at 5 years for T1-2 VO and 83% for T1-2 V1; 56% for T3 VO and 44% for T3 V1. Survival for G1+2 was 66% at 5 years, versus 33% for G3+4. Initial therapy was radical nephrectomy with hilar lymphadenectomy, and there was no difference in survival with regard to the access route used.

[Retroperitoneal fibrosis]. / Fibrosis retroperitoneal.

Review of 8 patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis treated in our unit, 7 between 1985 and 1990 and one secondary to chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents diagnosed in 1980. In five patients no underlying reason was found and the remaining three were considered to be secondary (two to drugs and one to pelvic radiotherapy). Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as well as patient's evolution are analyzed, also reviewing the existing literature.