The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on reconstructive urologic surgery and andrology Spanish units' practice during the state of alarm in 2020: National survey.

INTRODUCTION: In Spain the state of alarm secondary to COVID-19 dramatically changed the medical and surgical assistance activity of other pathologies. Regarding urological pathologies, those considered as "non-urgent" (andrology and reconstructive surgery) were postponed or even unattended. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In May 2020, once the first COVID-19 wave was almost over and still in the state of alarm, a 24-item survey was sent to 120 urologists from the Andrology Group and the Urologic Reconstructive Surgery Group of the Spanish Urological Association (AEU). Its aim was to determine the impact on clinical and surgical practice in both subspecialties. RESULTS: We observed a response rate of 75.8% with 91 answered surveys. Before the state of alarm, 49.5% of urologists had 1-2 weekly surgical sessions available, surgical waiting list was 3-12 months for the 71.4%, and 39.6% attended between 20-40 patients weekly in office. During the state of alarm, 95.6% were given any kind of surgical guidelines, prioritizing emergency and oncologic pathologies. In the 85.7% of the hospitals neither andrology nor reconstructive surgeries were performed. In office, around 50% of patients were attended not on-site, most of them through telemedicine (phone calls and e-mails). CONCLUSIONS: The negative pandemic implications in relation to the andrology and reconstructive surgery pathologies were truly important. After almost 2 years from the start of the pandemic, the true final impact on our health system has yet to be determined.

Surgical and minimally invasive treatment of ischaemic and non-ischaemic priapism: a systematic review by the EAU Sexual and Reproductive Health Guidelines panel.

Surgical treatments for ischemic priapism (IP) include shunts or penile implants. Non-ischemic priapism (NIP) is usually the result of penile/perineal trauma causing an arterial fistula and embolisation may be required. We conducted a systematic review on behalf of the EAU Sexual and Reproductive health Guidelines panel to analyse the available evidence on efficacy and safety of surgical modalities for IP and NIP. Outcomes were priapism resolution, sexual function and adverse events following surgery. Overall, 63 studies (n = 923) met inclusion criteria up to September 2021. For IP (n = 702), surgery comprised distal (n = 274), proximal shunts (n = 209) and penile prostheses (n = 194). Resolution occurred in 18.7-100% for distal, 5.7-100% for proximal shunts and 100% for penile prostheses. Potency rate was 20-100% for distal, 11.1-77.2% for proximal shunts, and 26.3-100% for penile prostheses, respectively. Patient satisfaction was 60-100% following penile prostheses implantation. Complications were 0-42.5% for shunts and 0-13.6% for IPP. For NIP (n = 221), embolisation success was 85.7-100% and potency 80-100%. The majority of studies were retrospective cohort studies. Risk of bias was high. Overall, surgical shunts have acceptable success rates in IP. Proximal/venous shunts should be abandoned due to morbidity/ED rates. In IP > 48 h, best outcomes are seen with penile prostheses implantation. Embolisation is the mainstay technique for NIP with high resolution rates and adequate erectile function.

[The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on reconstructive urologic surgery and andrology Spanish units' practice during the state of alarm in 2020: National survey]. / Impacto de la pandemia en la actividad de las unidades de cirugía reconstructiva urológica y de andrología en España durante el estado de alarma (COVID-19) en 2020: resultados de una encuesta nacional.

Introduction: In Spain the state of alarm secondary to COVID-19 dramatically changed the medical and surgical assistance activity of other pathologies. Regarding urological pathologies, those considered as «non-urgent¼ (andrology and reconstructive surgery) were postponed or even unattended. Material and methods: In May 2020, once the first COVID-19 wave was almost over and still in the state of alarm, a 24-item survey was sent to 120 urologists from the Andrology Group and the Urologic Reconstructive Surgery Group of the Spanish Urological Association (AEU). Its aim was to determine the impact on clinical and surgical practice in both subspecialties. Results: We observed a response rate of 75.8% with 91 answered surveys. Before the state of alarm, 49.5% of urologists had 1-2 weekly surgical sessions available, surgical waiting list was 3-12 months for the 71.4%, and 39.6% attended between 20-40 patients weekly in office. During the state of alarm, 95.6% were given any kind of surgical guidelines, prioritizing emergency and oncologic pathologies. In the 85.7% of the hospitals neither andrology nor reconstructive surgeries were performed. In office, around 50% of patients were attended not on-site, most of them through telemedicine (phone calls and e-mails). Conclusions: The negative pandemic implications in relation to the andrology and reconstructive surgery pathologies were truly important. After almost 2 years from the start of the pandemic, the true final impact on our health system has yet to be determined.

Preliminary results of a national multicenter study on the treatment of LUTS secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia using the Rezum® steam system.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Rezum® system is a minimally invasive transurethral therapy that uses convective water vapor energy to ablate prostatic tissue. The objective is to report 1-year functional and security outcomes obtained by using this technique in real clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted in 5 Spanish hospitals for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH using the Rezum® system. Patients with prostatic medium lobe (ML) and urethral catheter carriers were also included. Pre- and post-operative data were collected using IPSS, IIEF-5 and QoL questionnaires, flowmetry and post-void residual volume. Complications and retreatment rate at one-year follow-up were also reported. RESULTS: 137 patients, including 64 with ML and 10 patients with urinary retention were treated. Median prostate volume was 50 cm3 (15-131). At 3 months follow-up, significant improvement was observed in IPSS (-6.37 points), Qmax (+4.95 mL/s) and QoL (-1.29); and was maintained until 12 months: -10.78 points, +4.62 mL/s and -2.73 respectively (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the sexual sphere. All complications were mild (≤ Clavien II). Retreatment rate at one year was 4%. CONCLUSION: Short-term results of this technique are promising, showing improvement in terms of functional outcomes, with no impact on the sexual sphere or complications. Longer term follow-up should include treatment durability and comparison to standard BPH treatments.

Initial experience with SelectMDx® in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in a real-world evidence clinical practice setting. / Experiencia inicial del uso de SelectMDx® en el diagnóstico de cáncer de próstata en un entorno de práctica clínica habitual «real-world evidence¼.

INTRODUCTION: The use of biomarkers in the detection of prostate cancer (PC) can decrease overdiagnosis and overtreatment of non-significant PC. We analyze the usefulness and applicability of the SelectMDx® marker in a routine clinical practice setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 48 patients evaluated by the SelectMDx® test between July 2017 and April 2019. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the risk estimated by the clinically significant CP test (CS-PC): <2% or 'very low risk', and >2%. Results were expressed based on previous prostate biopsy (PB) and multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with negative PB and normal/doubtful mpMRI had <2% risk in 7/9 cases. Patients without PB and normal/doubtful mpMRI had <2% risk in 12/18 cases, and 2/6 cases with a >2% risk presented CS-PC. Of the 14 patients with no previous PB or mpMRI, 9 had <2% risk, and 2 cases were diagnosed with PC from the group of patients (5) with risk >2%. The number of patients in the remaining subgroups is too small to draw any conclusions. In all cases with pathological digital rectal examination, the test showed a >2% PC risk. CONCLUSION: SelectMDx® is a promising test for detecting patients with a very low risk of CS-PC, especially in patients with suspected PC, with or without negative PB, with normal/doubtful mpMRI. The presence of a pathological digital rectal examination may condition the result of the test.

Complex Peyronie's disease cases: surgery with or without penile prosthesis placement. / Casos complejos. Enfermedad de Peyronie: cirugía sin/con implante de prótesis de pene.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Surgery is the treatment of choice for patients with Peyronie's disease presenting difficulty in penetration or erectile dysfunction without adequate response to therapy. Several techniques have been described, and urologists must be aware of their possible complications and sequelae in order to offer the patient the best possible alternative. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three complex cases of patients with Peyronie's disease are presented. The first case exposes a complication after penile plication for the treatment of a major dorsal curve. The second case refers to difficult anal penetration secondary to a problem of erection direction after plaque incision surgery with oral mucosa grafting. The last case is a patient with a late post-operative complication of a three-piece prosthesis placement with plaque incision and equine collagen patch. RESULTS: Surgical options for each case are detailed and discussed. After patients were informed, the decision was taken in a consensual manner. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for Peyronie's disease requires the urologist's consideration of the functional, aesthetic and psychological spheres. A systematic approach to all of these avoids complications, sequels and improves results.

Focalyx Dx, Bx, Tx et Apps: A novel contemporary fusion paradigm for the management of prostate cancer.

FocalyxTM conceived as a response to emerging evidence data across numerous cancer lesions that questions current standard treatment approaches that too often lead to detrimental quality of life yet delivering limited survival benefit, especially in-lieu of advances in imaging technology applicable to cancer patients. The Focalyx paradigm aims to control cancer with improvement in quality of life. We initially devised 5 milestones: 1- Consistently optimize Prostate MRI imaging using the novel published protocols adopted as guidelines by societies such as the European Society of Urology and Radiology; 2- Evaluate fusion platform software solutions that existed; 3- Determine best fusión platform for Focalyx on practicality, precision, and workflow premises; 4- Evaluate commercially available FDA approved ablative technologies to implement our treatment vision; 5- Design a treatment option that can be performed in the office setting under local anesthesia, which would not impact negatively QOL outcomes of Prostate Cancer patients and seamless constant nonintrusive practical patient-physician interaction by the Focalyx app that facilitates follow up and provides early warning signals shall any change in the disease dynamics emerge. Prostate cancer was identified as the pilot disease for Focalyx to deliver a "GPS" like solution for the prostate gland that destroys identifiable disease without adverse effects such as: cancer anxiety, urinary incontinence, loss of erections and ejaculation. Since September of 2013, over 300 men have been accrued in NCT02381990- clintrials.gov evaluating the feasibility of our solutions for imaging (FocalyxDx), Biopsy (FocalyxBx) and Treatment (FocalyxTx). In this review we detail the tools available to achieve the Focalyx paradigm for men with Prostate Cancer.

Feasibility and safety of conservative surgery for the treatment of spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and the safety of conservative surgery to treat spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma. METHODS: Patients undergoing inguinoscrotal exploration in 10 different Urological Centers with diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma were enrolled. Preoperative evaluation included physical examination, Scrotal US, Abdominal CT and Scrotal MRI in selected cases. Patients underwent organ sparing surgery or orchiectomy in case of intraoperative FSE was positive for a local infiltration. Data collected were: age, presence of infiltration, length of the lesion, number of lesions, definitive histological outcome, pre and postoperative testosterone level. Follow up was performed with abdomen CT scan and scrotal US. RESULTS: From January 2007 to December 2013, 23 patients (mean age: 64.7 yrs) were diagnosed with spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma. Each patients underwent scrotal US. 10 patients underwent radical orchiectomy and 13 patients underwent conservative surgery. Mean follow up was 36.5 months. 5 patients (21.7%) developed a recurrent disease, 18 patients (78.3%) had a negative follow up (mean time: 40.8 months). Statistical analysis reveals that there is a significant correlation between number of lesions, length of the lesions and recurrent disease. CONCLUSIONS: Spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma is a rare disease. Conservative surgical treatment of spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma is a feasible therapeutic option for small, single and not infiltrating lesion.

Association of perioperative blood transfusion with oncologic outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To test the hypothesis that perioperative blood transfusion (PBT)impacts oncologic outcomes of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 2492 patients with UTUC treated at 23 institutions with RNU between 1987 and 2007.Cox regression models addressed the association of PBT with disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality and any-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 510 patients (20.5%) patients received PBT. Within a median follow-up of 36 months (Interquartile range: 55 months), 663 (26.6%) patients experienced disease recurrence, 545 patients (21.9%) died of UTUC and 884 (35.5%) patients died from any cause. Patients who received PBT were at significantly higher risk of disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality than patients not receiving PBT in univariable Cox regression analyses. In multivariable Cox regression analyses that adjusted for the effects of standard clinicopathologic features, PBT did not remain associated with disease recurrence (HR: 1.11; 95% CI 0.92-1.33, p = 0.25), cancer-specific mortality (HR: 1.09; 95% CI 0.89-1.33, p = 0.41) or overall mortality (HR: 1.09; 95% CI 0.93-1.28, p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing RNU for UTUC, PBT is associated with disease recurrence, cancer-specific survival or overall survival in univariable, but not in multivariable Cox regression analyses.

Diabetes mellitus without metformin intake is associated with worse oncologic outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

AIMS: Evidence suggests a detrimental effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on cancer incidence and outcomes. To date, the effect of DM and its treatment on prognosis in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains uninvestigated. We tested the hypothesis that DM and metformin use impact oncologic outcomes of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UTUC. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 2492 patients with UTUC treated at 23 institutions with RNU without neoadjuvant therapy. Cox regression models addressed the association of DM and metformin use with disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality and any-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 365 (14.3%) patients had DM and 194 (7.8%) patients used metformin. Within a median follow-up of 36 months, 663 (26.6%) patients experienced disease recurrence, 545 patients (21.9%) died of UTUC and 884 (35.5%) patients died from any cause. Diabetic patients who did not use metformin were at significantly higher risk of disease recurrence and cancer-specific death compared to non-diabetic patients and diabetic patients who used metformin. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, DM treated without metformin was associated with worse recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.90, p = 0.009) and cancer-specific mortality (HR: 1.49, 95% CI 1.11-2.00, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic UTUC patients without metformin use have significantly worse oncologic outcomes than diabetics who used metformin and non-diabetics. The possible mechanism behind the impact of DM on UTUC biology and the potentially protective effect of metformin need further elucidation.

[Penile morphometric changes after radical prostatectomy: Evidence-based]. / Cambios morfométricos peneanos tras prostatectomía radical: revisión de la evidencia.

INTRODUCTION: Radical prostatectomy in all its approaches is the treatment of choice for localized prostate cancer and especially in young, sexually active patients with a desire to keep their sex life. In addition to the well-known and defined postoperative erectile dysfunction, erectile silent period causes, in many patients (9-1%), structural changes, in the penile structure, sometimes irreversible. These tissue changes, resulting in a loss of length and girth, that concern patients. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review to date published data in the literature regarding penile changes after radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search in: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, SCOPUS, Science Citation Index period January 1990 to September 2009 for the terms prostatectomy, organ size, fibrosis, sexual activity, erectile dysfunction, penile size, radical prostatectomy, prostatic neoplasms, body weights and penis measures. Seven series of patients were selected for analysis. RESULTS: We described the different measurement methods and their potential biases and differences. Also, we reviewed main physiopathogenic theories to explain this phenomenon. Finally, we detail the results of different series of patients reported. CONCLUSIONS: It seems to be a proven fact that the penis undergoes major changes in its length and girth after radical prostatectomy. Several authors have communicated the data of their series and the different treatment options (5PDE inhibitors, vacuum devices, penile extenders, etc.). Strategies addressed to preserve and protect cavernous tissue and tunica albuginea after the procedure, as well as to increase oxygenation and allow erection to be recovered in the shortest possible time positive will impact on the quality of life of our patients.

[Testicular carcinoid tumor associated with teratoma: with regard to a case]. / Tumor carcinoide testicular asociado a teratoma: a propósito de un caso.

We report a case of a carcinoid tumor originated in testicle associated with mature teratoma in a 31 years old male. Primary gonadal location of this tumor is unusual, moreover when associated with teratoma. Early diagnosis and treatment determine the prognostic of the patients affected of this neoplasm since the only curative potential treatment is surgery. Follow up must be extent for years due to the possibility of late relapse.

[Technical and economic reasons to set up robotic surgery in a public health system (Spanish model)]. / Razones técnicas y económicas para la implantación de la Cirugía Robótica en un Sistema Público de Salud (modelo Español).

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is today, in any of its four approaches (perineal (PRP), retropubic (ARP), laparoscopic (LRP) or robotic (RRP), the standard surgical treatment in localized prostate cancer. It looks clear that the minimum invasive approaches (laparoscopy and robotics) are able to reduce hospital stay as well as blood loss and therefore transfusion requirement. Also, laparoscopic results at mid and robotics at short term, seem to indicate, that both are safe oncologically and able to obtain same or even superior, functional results. Our objective has been to evaluate the economic impact that these techniques have to consider their definitive implantation, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of its potential implementation in our health system.

[Radical prostatectomy: open, laparoscopic and robotic. Looking for a new gold standard?]. / Prostatectomia radical abierta, laparoscópica y robótica: En busca de un nuevo gold standard?

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that radical prostatectomy (RP) is an excellent option in localized prostatic cancer especially from oncological control point of view. The efforts, during last decades, of the urological community in this field have been addressed in trying to improve functional outcomes (urinary and sexual morbidity) after the procedure. From the beginning of this century, three managements (open, robotic and laparoscopic) have been coexisting trying to get and prove the best results. The objective of this review has been to make the most exhaustive, rigorous and objective updating with the functional and oncological outcomes from the three (RP) techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have centered the comparison in four sections: perioperative, oncological outcomes, functional results and economic costs. With this purpose a systematic search was made in the following registers: PubMed, OVID, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, with the following terms: Retropubic RP. open RP, laparoscopic RP, robotic RP, Sexual function, urinary incontinence, quality of life, economic costs. At author's criteria, a total of 73 references were selected, that were individually analyzed. RESULTS: Whatever the technique is, the mortality related to the procedure is extremely low, with little postoperative pain and minimum analgesic requirements. The oncological results are similar, measured in surgical margin terms: Open RP (14-20%), Laparoscopic RP (7.4-21.9%) and robotic RP (5.7-17.3%). Concerning functional results (sexual function and urinary continence), it is difficult to establish comparisons due to the multitude of existing byas (non randomized studies, different methods and measurement scales, different definitions, etc.) In the uni-insitutional studies, results seem to be equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and robotic RP series are still pending of mature outcomes, related to long term biochemical control and functional results. It seems that with these managements, blood loss and transfusion needs are minor compared to open surgery. Robotic technology adds very interesting advantages that could have an important role in homogenize the minimally invasive management, but are still pending of validation at medium and long term.

[Opened vs. laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in renal adenocarcinoma cost comparison]. / Comparación de costes entre la nefrectomía radical laparoscópica y la abierta en el adenocarcinoma renal.

PURPOSE: To undertake a cost comparison (cost minimization) between transperitoneal laparoscopic and opened nephrectomy in renal adenocarcinoma treatment. METHOD: Retrospective study on the first 26 patients submitted to LN without intra or postoperative complications in the period 2002-2003, using as control 22 patients treated with ON with the same characteristics and in the same period. Demographic variables were evaluated (age, sex, tumor size, etc.), intraoperative (operative time and fungible material used) and postoperative (length of stay in Postanaesthesic Care Unit, Acute Pain Unit needs and hospital stay). Our Hospital costs plus those imputed during year 2003 to the Urology Service, as well as the cost of fungible material for the same year were applied, carrying out a comparison of costs between both groups. RESULTS: There were no differences between the demographic variables between both groups except in the tumor, bigger size in the opened nephrectomy (p=0,001). Transperitoneal laparoscopic was 29,4% globally more expensive than opened nephrectomy. The transperitoneal laparoscopic intraoperative cost (operating room, anesthesia and fungibles) the exceeded in 151,6% to that of the opened nephrectomy, whereas in the opened nephrectomy the postoperative cost was a 63 % higher than in the transperitoneal laparoscopic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic in our Center is more expensive than opened nephrectomy due to a major occupation of operating room and that the specific fungible material used at the surgical act has a very high cost. It would be necessary to drastically reduce surgical time and decrease fungible material expenses, thus transperitoneal laparoscopic procedure could be competitive in our Hospital.

[Validity of digital rectal examination in the era of prostate specific antigen]. / Validez diagnóstica del tacto rectal en la era del antígeno específico de la próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of a possible correlation between prostate specific antigen (PSA) and the findings from digital rectal examination (DRE) in patients with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal, and observational study of diagnostic tests. SETTING: Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Madrid, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: It included 706 patients with a PSA in the range 4.1-20 ng/mL, studied owing to suspected prostate cancer localised using DRE and transrectal ultrasound, in whom randomised prostate biopsies were performed. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Total PSA and free/total PSA ratio and DRE normal or suspicious were studied as main variables. The outcome variable was the diagnosis of prostatic cancer by biopsy. RESULTS: With a detection of cancer of 28.2%, there were no statistically significant differences in the PSA or free/total PSA ratio mean values between patients with or without suspicious DRE. The analysis using ROC curves (with a 95% confidence interval) between both groups of patients found the same sensitivity of 95% with a similar specificity of 6% and 10%, respectively, for a PSA of 4.8 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: In the PSA range of 4.1-20 ng/mL, the findings of DRE appeared as a variable unrelated to the increase in PSA or the free/total PSA ratio and, therefore are not indicative of a lesser or greater volume of a tumour producing PSA. The performing of this examination could be considered as optional.

[Parameters with possible influence in PSA adjusted for transition zone volume]. / Variables con posible capacidad modificadora del PSA ajustado al volumen de la zona transicional.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of age, digital rectal examination results and prostatic volume on PSA value adjusted to transition zone (PSA-TZ) in the detection of prostatic cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 243 patients with serum PSA of 4 to 20 ng/ml who underwent biopsy because of prostatic cancer suspicion are analyzed. In this population, cancer was detected in 62 cases (24.8%). Total prostatic volume and transition zone volume were calculated by transrectal echography applying the ellipsoid formula. RESULTS: Applying lineal regresion analysis, it was found no correlation between age and PSA-TZ (Pearson coefficient 0.00). By dividing these patients among those with normal rectal examination (84%) and those with suspicious digital rectal examination (16%), cutoff values of PSA-TZ were found to be not different by ROC curves analysis for 95% sensitivity varying specificity only among 24 and 26% between these two groups of patients. Prostatic size (< or = or >40 cc) showed that, for obtaining the same 95% sensitivity in the detection of cancer, PSA-TZ value would require to be modified, being 0.17 in large prostates (> 40 cc) and 0.25 in small prostates (< or =40 cc). CONCLUSIONS: The utility of PSA-TZ as a potential predictor parameter of prostatic cancer did not need to be modified with respect to age or to data of digital rectal examination. However, for supporting sensivity of its best cutoff value, PSA-TZ would need to be modified with respect to total prostatic volume.

[Evaluation of prostate specific antigen (PSA) adjusted to transition zone in prostatic cancer detection]. / Evaluación del antígeno especifico prostático (PSA) ajustado al volumen de la zona transicional en la detección del cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if PSA adjusted to transition zone (PSA-TZ) can be considered as a predictor parameter of cancer with better specificity or not than PSA, PSA density (PSAD) or PSA free/total ratio. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 706 patients with sextant prostatic biopsies are analyzed in prospective way because of prostatic cancer suspicion. Range of PSA was between 4 to 20 ng/ml. Determination of PSA-TZ was calculated by dividing the PSA value by the volume of the transition zone of the prostate applying the ellipsoid formula and comparison of obtained results in detection of cancer was performed by ROC curves analysis for each one of PSA-related parameters. RESULTS: Of the total group of patients, in 199 cases (28.2%) prostatic cancer was detected. Analysis by ROC curves demonstrated than PSA-TZ and PSAD were better predictors of cancer than PSA free/total ratio and PSA (p < 0.0001). The cutoff value of PSA-TZ of 0.18 ng/ml/cc was considered as the best, obtaining a 95% sensitivity and a 27% specificity. For this sensitivity, PSA, PSAD and PSA free/total ratio only obtained 5, 9 and 16% specificity respectively. Areas under curve (AUC) obtained for PSA, PSA free/total ratio, PSAD and PSA-TZ were 0.539, 0.612, 0.694 and 0.722 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PSA-TZ in the studied population was a parameter with better diagnostic specificity than PSA, PSAD and PSA free/total ratio for the same 95% sensitivity. This would justify its utility in clinical paractice reducing the number of unnecesary biopsies.

[Scientific evidence on the use of high-intensity focal ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma]. / Evidencia científica actual sobre la utilidad del ultrasonido de alta intensidad (HIFU) en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma prostático.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in the literature scientific evidence on the use of High-Intensity Focal Ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma (PC). METHOD: Three database are searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library, HTA database. Several articles were selected taking into account number of cases, inclusion criteria, duration of follow-up period. We have evaluated the best evidence available through a systematic review of clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of HIFU in the treatment of PC. We analized global survival, disease-free survival, and quality of life, including complications, adversal effects and acceptance of the technique. RESULTS: Publications available are focused on two main indications of the therapy: first step of management of PC and salvage therapy for locally recurrent PC after external beam radiotherapy. It was very difficult to draw conclusions on the relative benefits of the HIFU: lack of high or medium quality evidence and no comparisons between this technique an standard treatments. In relation to results on cost-effectiveness, no relevant studies were identified in order to get conclusions on the quality of the treatment. Most of reports offered disparity in the definition of free survival disease concept. This fact produce some misunderstanding of results and conclusions cannot be drawn correctly. Inclusion criteria were also heterogeneous between authors. CONCLUSIONS: No high-quality clinical evidence can be established currently on the utility of HIFU as treatment of prostatic cancer. An important fact to stress is the capacity of therapy to produce tumour necrosis both as first-step treatment and as salvage therapy. No conclusions can be drawn in the long-term due to the paucity of controlled and randomized trials with adequate follow-up to establish benefits in terms of global survival and quality of life (balance adversal effects/benefits), lack of comparisons with standard options as long as different definitions of free-survival disease.

[Evolution of the clinical, echographic and pathological characteristics of patients with indication of transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy between 1994 and 2003]. / Evolución de las características clínicas, ecográficas y patológicas de los pacientes con indicación de ecografía transrectal y biopsia de próstata entre 1994 y 2003.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the evolution in the clinical, echographic and pathological characteristics of patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy over a 10 year period (1994-2003). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients undergoing a first biopsy of the prostate between 1994-2003 were studied retrospectively. Since the biopsy criteria have changed several times over this period, results were analysed for four different periods: 1994-1997, 1998, 1999-2003 (the latter was further divided into two periods--1999-2001 and 2002-2003--to observe the temporal evolution with the same biopsy criteria). Patients were assigned to risk groups according to D'Amico. RESULTS: We observed that individuals referred for biopsy and those diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) had a lower mean age (p=0.0001 and p=0.01), there were more patients with a PSA from 4.1-10 ng/ml (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001), more patients had no significant DRE findings (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001) or ultrasound findings (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001). The incidence of cancer diagnosis has decreased from 39.4% to 34.3% (p=0.03). There was an increased incidence of score 7, at the expense of a decline in scores 5-6 and 8-10 and disappearance of score 2-4 (p=0.0001). Patients assigned to the low risk group increased from 9% to 18.1%, those assigned to the intermediate risk group from 20.2% to 43.1% and there was a reduction in those assigned to the high risk group from 70.7% to 38.7% (p=0.0001). Analysis of the final two time periods revealed that the evolution of the series remained the same except for a decrease in age at biopsy and diagnosis of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays, the risk factors of patients with an indication of biopsy have less weight than ten years ago. We currently diagnose patients with PC with more favourable prognostic factors. However, the price we pay for this earlier diagnosis is reflected in a less effective biopsy, a larger proportion of the population without PC having to experience the physical complications and psychological stress of a biopsy, a greater number of patients having to undergo a second biopsy and, therefore, a greater and more costly use of resources to diagnose PC.