Comparative analysis between percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy in kidney stones of 2-3cm. / Análisis comparativo entre nefrolitotomía percutánea y ureteroscopia flexible en litiasis renal de 2-3cm.

INTRODUCTION: To compare percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureterorenoscopy for treating kidney stones between 2 and 3cm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, comparative, nonrandomised study was conducted with 108 patients with kidney stones between 2 and 3cm. Fifty-four patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy and 54 underwent flexible ureteroscopy. We compared the following variables: lithiasis-free rate (%), surgical time, the need for an auxiliary process, postoperative complications, hospital stay, readmission rates and recovery time. RESULTS: There were no differences in the lithiasis-free rate between the 2 surgical techniques (76% for ureteroscopy vs. 87% for nephrolithotomy; P=.1) or in the complications (29% for nephrolithotomy vs. 27% for ureteroscopy; P=.4). A larger number of auxiliary process were needed for the ureteroscopy group (20%) than for the nephrolithotomy group (7%) (P=.04). The surgical time was longer for the nephrolithotomy group (121±52min) than for the ureteroscopy group (93±42min) (P=.004). The ureteroscopy group had shorter hospital stays (2.1±1.6 vs. 3.9±1.9 days; P=.002), shorter convalescence (8.1±4.9 vs. 13.3±4.2 days; P=.005) and higher readmission rates (7.4% vs. 0%, P=.05) than the nephrolithotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrolithotomy and ureteroscopy have similar efficacy for treating kidney stones measuring 2-3cm, with no differences in complications. Ureteroscopy results in shorter hospital stays, quicker recoveries but more readmissions and a greater need for auxiliary procedures.

[Time-influencing factors for biochemical progression following radical prostatectomy]. / Factores influyentes en el tiempo hasta la progresión bioquímica después de prostatectomía radical.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the time-influencing clinical-pathological factors for biochemical progression of an equal series of patients from a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 278 patients with biochemical progression following prostatectomy. We considered biochemical progression to be PSA>0.4 ng/ml. We performed the trial using the Cox model (univariate and multivariate) and using the Student's t-test to compare averages. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 4 (±3 DE) years, the univariate study showed a mean until progression for the Gleason score 2-6 in the biopsy of 824 days and 543 for the Gleason score 7-10 (p=0.003). For negative surgical margins, the mean was 920 days and 545 for positive margins (p=0.0001). In the case of a Gleason score 2-7 in the specimen, the mean was 806 days and 501 for a Gleason score 8-10 (p=0.001). Lastly, the mean for the cases with Ki-67 negative in the specimen (< 10%) was 649 days and 345 for Ki-67 positive (> 10%) (p=0.003). In the multivariate study, Ki-67 (OR 1.028; IC 95% 1-1.01; p=0.0001) and Gleason score 8-10 (OR 1.62; IC 95% 1.5-2.45; p=0.026) in the specimen, and initial PSA >10 ng/ml (OR 1.02; IC 95% 1.01-1.04; p=0.0001) were independent variables. Using these variables, we designed a predictive model with three groups. The time until the progression of each group was 1,081, 551 and 218 days respectively. CONCLUSION: The Gleason score 7-10 in the prostate biopsy, the presence of Ki-67, the positive margins and the Gleason score 8-10 in the specimen, and the initial PSA > 10 ng/ml are time-influencing factors until biochemical progression. Pathological Gleason score 8-10, PSA > 10 ng/ml and Ki-67 are independent factors.

Collagen graft interposition in vesicovaginal fistula treatment.

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a quite rare complication of gynecological surgery. The first attempt to repair the fistulous tract offers the best opportunity for cure. We report the successful repair of VVF in 2 patients using a combined anterior vaginal approach and porcine dermal collagen grafting as interposition tissue. Favorable results confirm technical simplicity, safety and efficacy of this procedure.