Prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus after treatment in primary aldosteronism. Results from the SPAIN-ALDO registry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus (DM) after targeted treatment in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of PA patients in follow-up at 27 Spanish tertiary hospitals (SPAIN-ALDO Register). RESULTS: Overall, 646 patients with PA were included. At diagnosis, 21.2% (n = 137) had DM and 67% of them had HbA1c levels < 7%. In multivariate analysis, family history of DM (OR 4.00 [1.68-9.53]), the coexistence of dyslipidemia (OR 3.57 [1.51-8.43]) and advanced age (OR 1.04 per year of increase [1.00-1.09]) were identified as independent predictive factors of DM. Diabetic patients were on beta blockers (46.7% (n = 64) vs. 27.5% (n = 140), P < 0.001) and diuretics (51.1% (n = 70) vs. 33.2% (n = 169), p < 0.001) more frequently than non-diabetics. After a median follow-up of 22 months [IQR 7.5-63.0], 6.9% of patients developed DM, with no difference between those undergoing adrenalectomy and those treated medically (HR 1.07 [0.49-2.36], p = 0.866). There was also no significant difference in the evolution of glycemic control between DM patients who underwent surgery and those medically treated (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DM affects about one quarter of patients with PA and the risk factors for its development are common to those of the general population. Medical and surgical treatment provides similar benefit in glycemic control in patients with PA and DM.

A Brief Report: Comparative Evaluation of Online Spanish and English Content on Pancreatic Cancer Treatment.

The Internet is a major source of patient information on medical subjects. Several studies have evaluated the content of English medical material for patient use. However, few have focused on evaluating other languages, an important gap in a growing Spanish-speaking population. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare English and Spanish online content related to pancreatic cancer treatment. We conducted a Google web search in English and Spanish using the following terms "pancreatic cancer treatment" and "tratamiento cancer de pancreas." The first 15 educational patient-directed websites for each language were included. Two independent reviewers assessed materials for quality and understandability using the DISCERN and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT)-validated tools. Readability was measured using two standardized tests. Wilcoxon rank sum test and unpaired Student's T-test were used for comparisons. Overall, websites in Spanish and English were understandable and had moderate to high quality. There were no significant differences in quality (p = 0.712) and understandability (p = 0.069) between languages. Readability level was significantly higher in English (p < 0.001) with content being at the university level, while Spanish was at the 12th grade level. Patient-directed online content on pancreatic cancer treatments exceeds the recommended reading level in both languages. Material is understandable with reasonable quality. Health content creators should acknowledge readability for information to be easily comprehended by those with lower health literacy.

Clinical and Radiological Characteristics to Differentiate Between EGFR Exon 21 and Exon 19 Mutations in Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma have been previously associated with specific clinical characteristics and Computed Tomography (CT) patterns. However, associations among individual EGFR mutations have not been evaluated. We aim to differentiate if the most common EGFR mutations (exon 21 and 19) are related to specific clinical characteristics or CT patterns. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 databases were conducted with literature from January 2002 to July 2021. Eligible studies were of an experimental or observational design that included lung adenocarcinoma patients with confirmed EGFR exon mutations (21 and 19) and associated clinical characteristics and CT imaging patterns. Quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. The association between clinical and CT patterns and EGFR exon mutations 21 and 19 was evaluated using odds ratios (OR) and then pooled and analyzed with a fixed or random-effects model. This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 12 retrospective diagnostic accuracy studies were included. Pooled analysis showed that characteristics such as absence of smoking status (OR 1.29 [95% CI 0.97 - 1.70]), and female sex (OR 1.23 [95% CI 0.83 - 1.82]); and CT patterns such as Ground Glass Opacities (GGO) (OR 1.03 [95% CI 0.78 -1.34]), air bronchogram (OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.44 -1.39]), pleural retraction (OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.53 - 1.28]), and spiculation (OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.48 - 1.31]) were not significantly associated to a specific mutation. Specific EGFR exon 21 and 19 mutations cannot be differentiated through characteristics (absence of smoking status and female sex) or radiological patterns (GGO, air bronchogram, pleural retraction, and speculation). There is limited data to assess if early disease stage or vascular convergence aids in differentiating exon 21 from 19 mutations in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Guidelines for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. Consensus document of Spanish Societies of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Cardiovascular Surgery (SECCE) and Perfusionists (AEP). / Vía clínica de recuperación intensificada en cirugía cardiaca. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor (SEDAR), la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Cardiovascular y Endovascular (SECCE) y la Asociación Española de Perfusionistas (AEP).

The ERAS guidelines are intended to identify, disseminate and promote the implementation of the best, scientific evidence-based actions to decrease variability in clinical practice. The implementation of these practices in the global clinical process will promote better outcomes and the shortening of hospital and critical care unit stays, thereby resulting in a reduction in costs and in greater efficiency. After completing a systematic review at each of the points of the perioperative process in cardiac surgery, recommendations have been developed based on the best scientific evidence currently available with the consensus of the scientific societies involved.

Multicentric survey on the use of intraoperative echocardiography in cardiovascular surgery in Spain. / Encuesta multicéntrica sobre el empleo de la ecocardiografía intraoperatoria en cirugía cardiovascular en España. Artículo breve.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an essential tool in the intraoperative and postoperative period of cardiac surgery with recently wide diffusion. We aimed to know the current situation of TEE in the field of cardiovascular anesthesiology in Spain through a national survey that explores the availability of equipment, indication and use of this technique as well as the training and accreditation of professionals involved. The findings show that in Spain intraoperative TEE is an integral part of cardiovascular procedures today and in most centers it is performed by anesthesiologists highly involved in this type of surgery. Despite the absence of structured training in the curriculum of our specialty, anesthesiologists acquire the skills through specific short-term rotations and a high percentage of them have obtained official accreditation.

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in cardiovascular surgery. Consensus document from the Spanish Society of Anesthesia and Critical Care (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Endovascular and Cardiovascular Surgery (SECCE). / Ecocardiografía transesofágica intraoperatoria en cirugía cardiovascular. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) y Sociedad Española de Cirugía Cardiovascular y Endovascular (SECCE).

Transesophageal echocardiography is a semi-invasive technique that allows an evaluation of cardiac morphology and function in real time and it is a quality standard in cardiovascular surgery. It has become a fundamental tool for both monitoring and diagnosis in the intraoperative period that allows decide the correct surgical planning and pharmacological management. The goal of this document is to answer the questions of when and how the perioperative TEE should be performed in cardiovascular surgery, what are their applications in the intraoperative, who should perform it and how the information should be transmitted. The authors made a systematic review of international guidelines, review articles and clinical trials to answer by consensus to these questions.

Outcomes of an enhanced recovery after radical cystectomy program in a prospective multicenter study: compliance and key components for success.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program on complications and length of stay (LOS) after radical cystectomy (RC) and to assess if the number and type of components of ERAS play a key role on the decrease of surgical morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the data of 277 patients prospectively recruited in 11 hospitals undergoing RC initially managed according to local practice (Group I) and later within an ERAS program (Group II). Two main outcomes were defined: 90-day complications rate and LOS. As secondary variables we studied 90-day mortality, 30-day readmission and transfusion rate. RESULTS: Patients in Group II had a higher use of ERAS measures (98.6%) than those in Group I (78.2%) (p < 0.05). Patients in Groups I and II experienced similar complications (70.5% vs. 66%, p = 0.42). LOS was not different between Groups I and II (12.5 and 14 days, respectively, p = 0.59). The risk of having any complication decreases for patients having more than 15 ERAS measures adopted [RR = 0.815; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.667-0.996; p = 0.045]. Avoidance of transfusion and nasogastric tube, prevention of ileus, early ambulation and a fast uptake of a regular diet are independently associated with the absence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Complications and LOS after RC were not modified by the introduction of an ERAS program. We hypothesize that at least 15 measures should be applied to maximize the benefit of ERAS.

Can regional cerebral oxygen saturation guide red blood cell transfusion in high risk cardiac surgery? / ¿Puede la saturación regional de oxígeno cerebral guiar la transfusión de hematíes en cirugía cardiaca en pacientes de alto riesgo? Estudio prospectivo observacional.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery (CS) is associated with a significant use of blood products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of red blood cells concentrates (RBC) transfusion on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (SrO2) in patients undergoing CS with additive EuroSCORE I > 6. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective descriptive study. Patients with additive EuroSCORE I > 6 undergoing CS with extracorporeal circulation were included in the study. The demographic values, perioperative complications, hospital/ICU length of stay (LOS), as well as the preinduction baseline SrO2values, the lowest SrO2 value during surgery, number of blood products transfused, hemoglobine (HB) and pre and postransfusional SrO2 values were recorded, and events of significant decrease in SrO2 below 20% of basal value or decrease below 50%. We considered responders those who had an increase post-transfusion SrO2 at least 20% of pre-transfusion value, an increase of standar deviation (7.9) or an increase up to basal SrO2. RESULTS: Data from 57 patients were collected. The average additive EuroSCORE I was 7.4 (SD 2.6) and the EuroSCORE II was 6.1 (SD 7.4). 52% were male. 35.1% of patients received intraoperative transfusion of at least one unit of RBC. The overall mortality was 8.7% (N = 5). During surgery 29.8% of the overall sample presented a decrease of more than 20% of baseline SrO2 or a value lower than 50%. Patients with a significant decrease in SrO2 presented a higher rate of perioperative complications (P=0.04) and longer ICU-LOS 4.3 (SD 3.6) vs. 6.8 (SD 8.2) days (P=0.01) and hospital LOS 10.1 (SD 3.1) vs. 14.2 (SD 9.4) days (P=0.01). Pretransfusional HB was 7.4 (SD 0.8) mg/dl and postransfusional value was 8.4 (SD 0.8) (P =0.00). Pretransfusional SrO2 was 59 (SD 8.6) and increased non- significantly after RBC transfusion to 61.1 (SD 7.9) (P=0.1). Only 6 patients out of 21 could be considered responders. There were no significant differences in morbidity, mortality or LOS between responders and non-responders. DISCUSSION: In our population a non statistically significant increase in SrO2 was observed after RBC transfusion. When considering responders few patients were identified by SrO2. In conclusion SrO2 might not be reliable triger to decide transfusion.

Prospective study comparing laparoscopic and open radical cystectomy: Surgical and oncological results. / Estudio prospectivo comparativo entre cistectomía radical laparoscópica y abierta: resultados operatorios y oncológicos.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion is an increasingly widespread operation. Studies are needed to support the oncological effectiveness and safety of this minimally invasive approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A nonrandomised, comparative prospective study between open radical cystectomy (ORC) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) was conducted in a university hospital. The main objective was to compare cancer-specific survival. The secondary objective was to compare the surgical results and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo scale. RESULTS: We treated 156 patients with high-grade invasive bladder cancer with either ORC (n=70) or LRC (n=86). The mean follow-up was 33.5±23.8 (range 12-96) months. The mean age was 66.9+9.4 years, and the male to female ratio was 19:1. Both groups were equivalent in age, stage, positive lymph nodes, in situ carcinoma, preoperative obstructive uropathy, adjuvant chemotherapy and type of urinary diversion. There were no differences between the groups in terms of cancer-specific survival (log-rank; P=.71). The histopathology stage was the only independent variable that predicted the prognosis. The hospital stay (P=.01) and operative transfusion rates (P=.002) were less for LRC. The duration of the surgery was greater for LRC (P<.001). There were no differences in the total complications rate (p=.62) or major complications (P=.69). The risk of evisceration (P=.02), surgical wound infection (P=.005) and pneumonia (P=.017) was greater for ORC. The risk of rectal lesion (P=.017) and urethrorectal fistulae (P=.065) was greater for LRC. CONCLUSION: LRC is an equivalent treatment to ORC in terms of oncological efficacy and is advantageous in terms of transfusion rates and hospital stays but not in terms of operating room time and overall safety. Studies are needed to better define the specific safety profile for each approach.

Mortality in isolated coronary artery bypass surgery in elderly patients. A retrospective analysis over 14 years. / Mortalidad de la cirugía coronaria aislada en octogenarios. Análisis restrospectivo de 14 años.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to describe our experience in coronary artery bypass graft in elderly patients older than 80 years and assess the associated risk and predictors of mortality in this subgroup. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 1999 to June 2013, 3097 patients underwent consecutive coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients aged over 80 years were identified. Multivariate survival analysis using Cox's regression model was performed. RESULTS: We identified 99 patients older than 80 years (80-group; mean age 82±3.5 years) and 2957 younger than 80 years (control group) (mean age 64.2±9.7 years). Additive EuroSCORE was 8.4±4.8 and 4.6±4.6 (P<.001) in the 80-group vs. control group, respectively. Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft was performed in 79.6 vs. 41.6% (P<.001) in the 80-group vs. the control group. respectively. There was significantly higher 30 day-mortality in the 80-group, 11.2 vs. 3.3%, respectively (P<.001). Patients in the 80-group underwent reintervention for bleeding more frequently (9.2 vs. 2.9%; P=.001) and had a higher incidence of major cardiovascular complications than the control group (6.1 vs. 2.1%; P=.001). Independent predictors of mortality for the 80-group were: reoperation for bleeding (HR 5.7; 95% CI 1.6-19.5) and cardiovascular complications (HR 3.7; 95% CI 1.1-12.2). The mean follow-up was 6.3±4.2 years for the octogenarian group. The cumulative survival of these patients was 65.7% during the study period. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery bypass graft is performed preferably in patients over 80 years old under the off-pump procedure. Mortality is higher in this group of patients probably related to a higher incidence of cardiovascular complications and reintervention for bleeding in the immediate postoperative period.

Expression of PCA3 and PSA genes as a biomarker for differential diagnosis of nodular hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

We evaluated the expression of the PCA3 gene in urine from patients with nodular hyperplasia/benign prostatic hyperplasia (PNH) or adenocarcinoma type prostate cancer (PCa).The study included 59 men: 22 with PCa, 26 with PNH, and 11 with no alterations (controls). Patients' urine was collected following prostatic massage and quantified by quantitative real-time PCR for prostate cancer antigen 3 gene (PCA3) and prostate-specific antigen gene (PSA) expression with the ACTB gene for normalization. PCA3 gene expression was detected in 16 patients with PCa and 4 with PNH; in the control group, there was no expression of the gene. No significant difference was observed in the mean levels of PCA3 and PSA expression, the PCA3/PSA ratio, and the total PSA levels when the groups of patients with PCa and PNH were compared. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.625, 0.596, 0.559, and 0.503 for PCA3 and PSA expression, the PCA3/PSA ratio, and total PSA levels, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCA3 test were 73 and 85%, respectively. Considering the estimated cutoff values (0.2219 and 0.5007 for PCA3 and PCA3/PSA, respectively), we observed a significant difference between the frequency of individuals with values above in the PCa group compared with the PNH group (P < 0.001). We conclude that the qualitative PCA3 test could be applied to initial screening for differentiation between individuals with PCa or PNH and those without prostate changes.

Transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site ureteral reimplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) ureteral reimplantation using a reusable single-port platform. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The casuistic of LESS ureteral reimplantation in 5 patients is presented. The surgical technique using KeyPort system (reusable umbilical single-site platform) is described. Dissection, suctioning and suturing by minilaparoscopy through 3.5mm accessory port in the iliac fossa are performed. Operative and postoperative outcomes are presented. The median follow-up at time of analysis was 11 ± 14 months. RESULTS: The median age of patients was a 49 ± 34 year; male-female ratio was 1:1.15. Left surgery was carried out in all cases. In 4 patients, the etiology was secondary to stenosis (3 iatrogenic and 1 pelvic endometriosis). In the remaining case, the procedure was performed after excision of a symptomatic adult ureterocele. In all cases, bladder catheter and double-J ureteral catheter were inserted for 7 ± 3 and 30 ± 15 days and then removed. No conversion to convectional laparoscopic or open surgery occurred. The surgery time was 145 ± 60 min, and intraoperative bleeding was 100 ± 75 cc. Neither transfusion nor high analgesia was necessary. No postoperative complications, minor or major, have been reported. Hospital stay was 2 ± 0.5 days. In any patient, restenosis or worsening of renal function occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In experimented centers, transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site ureteroneocystostomy is a safe alternative with comparable results to conventional laparoscopy and an excellent cosmetic result at low cost thanks to device reuse.

[Evaluation of postoperative myocardial injury by heart-type fatty acid-binding protein in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery]. / Valoración del daño miocárdico mediante la medición de la heart-fatty acid-binding protein en cirugía de revascularización coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea. Estudio preliminar.

BACKGROUND AND GOAL OF STUDY: Postoperative myocardial infarction is a serious and frequent complication of cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, diagnosis in this context it is occasionally challenging. We sought to evaluate the kinetics and diagnostic accuracy of the new biomarker « heart-type fatty acid-binding protein ¼ (h-FABP) in the early detection of myocardial injury in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, compared with classical biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 17 consecutive patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting during a 2 month period. Blood samples were drawn for measurement of myocardial ischemic injury biomarkers (h-FABP, troponin, creatine kinase [CK] and CK-MB), at baseline (T1), immediate post-coronary artery bypass grafting (T2), on ICU admission (T3), and after 4 (T4), 8 (T5), 24 (T6) and 48 h (T7). Perioperative ischemic complications, defined according to electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and hemodynamic criteria, were recorded. RESULTS: Earlier biomarkers peak plasma values occurred at T4 with troponin (2.9 ± 5.2 ng/mL), and at T5 with h-FABP (37.9 ± 55.5 ng/mL). Maximum values of CK and CK-MB occurred later, both in T6 (741 ± 779 and 37 ± 51 U/L, respectively). The optimized cut-off obtained for h-FABP was 19 ng/mL, providing a sensitivity and specificity of 77 and 75%, respectively, for diagnosis of perioperative ischemic injury, with an area under the ROC curve for h-FABP of 0.83 (95% CI 0.6-1.0) vs. 0.63 (95% CI 0.33-0.83) for troponin. This cut-off value for h-FABP is reached on average at T2 (mean value of h-FABP at T2: 18.9 ± 21.5 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: This is the first study evaluating the kinetics of h-FABP biomarker in perioperative off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, and the cut-off value established could help to extend earlier detection of myocardial ischemia in this context.

A comparative study between open and laparoscopic approach in radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder.

OBJECTIVE: Probably, laparoscopic radical cystectomy with ileal neobladder and neovesicourethral anastomosis is one of the most complex procedures in minimally invasive surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study carried out in 72 patients surgically treated for invasive bladder neoplasia between January 2008 and October 2013. Patients were undergone to radical cystectomy with ileal neobladder (open approach in 33 patients and laparoscopic approach in 39). The study assessed comparatively surgical outcomes, continence rate and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Mean age was 63.5±9 years (64.3 open vs. 62.7 laparoscopic, P=.46) mean surgery time 323.6±78.7 minutes (321.3 vs. 326.5, P=.77), average hospital stay 14.8 days±8,1 (16.2 vs. 13.6, P=.2), transfusion rate 40.3% (66.7% vs. 17.9%, P<.0001) and complications rate 47.2% (63.6% vs. 33.3%, P=.01). Major complications were reported in 29.1% of cases (39.4% open vs. 20,5% laparoscopic, P=.07). With a mean follow-up rate of 42.5±19.2 months (range 15-70), 50 (69.4%) patients remain alive and free of disease. Continence was evaluated in these patients: total continence rate was 38% (50% vs. 27%, P=.09) and diurnal continence rate 58% (70.8% vs. 46.1%, P=.07). Self-catheterization rate was 8% (4.2% vs. 11.5%, P=.67). Total incontinence rate was 34% (25% vs. 42.3%, P=.19). CONCLUSION: According to our experience, transfusion rate, number and severity of complications are lower in laparoscopic cystectomy with ileal neobladder. No statistically significant impact on operative time and on hospital stay was observed. In patients undergone to laparoscopic approach, continence rate is lower but not statistically significant.

[Hyperlactatemia in surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation and cardiac surgery. Is it a predictive factor of postoperative morbidity?]. / Hiperlactatemia en la ablación quirúrgica de la fibrilación auricular y cirugía cardiaca. ¿Es un factor predictivo de morbimortalidad posoperatoria?

INTRODUCTION: Increased serum lactate in postoperative cardiac surgery is very common and its pathogenesis is due to multiple factors. The elevation of serum lactate is associated with tissue hypoxia (hyperlactatemia type A) and non-hypoxic (hyperlactatemia type B) metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the evolution of postoperative lactate in surgical atrial fibrillation ablation during cardiac surgery, and to determine whether lactate levels could be predictors of morbimortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 32 patients undergoing surgical atrial fibrillation ablation and cardiac surgery (Maze group) and 32 matched patients (Control group), operated on between 2011 and 2012. An analysis was made of the levels of postoperative lactate, perioperative morbimortality and hospital length of stay. A univariate and multivariate study was performed for a composite endpoint of morbimortality, and prolonged length of stay. RESULTS: Lactate levels were significantly higher at 6, 12 and 24h in the Maze group. The univariate analysis showed that being in the Maze group (OR 3.88; 95% CI 1.3-11.1; P=.01) and an elevated lactate at 12h (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.01-1.7; P=.04) were significant predictors of major complications, mortality, and longer hospital stays. In the multivariate analysis, surgical atrial fibrillation ablation (Maze group) was an independent predictor of major complications (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.312.9; P=.015) for the morbimortality composite endpoint (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.3-11.6; P=.01), and prolonged length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (OR 5.7; 95% CI 2.01-15.7; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: The atrial fibrillation surgical ablation may be a not-yet-described cause of type B hyperlactatemia, with serum peak values being reached between 4-24h after cardiac surgery. The predictive value of this elevation, its correlation with morbimortality, its sensitivity and specificity to discriminate the significant thresholds needs to be defined.

[Current state of single-port transumbilical surgery in urology: challenges and applications]. / Estado actual de la cirugía transumbilical por puerto único en urología: retos y aplicaciones.

CONTEXT: Laparoscopic surgery in urology is considered to be an important advance, although it is not exempt from some morbidity associated to the use of multiple trocars and specifically to the extraction of the specimen. In order to decrease this morbidity and improve esthetics, other techniques are being developed, such as natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). It is aimed to review the current status of laparoendoscopic single site surgery in urology. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A nonsystematic review has been carried out by means of the bibliographic search using the terms LESS and Urology from 2007 to 2012. The current LESS experience in urology is described, and its principal indications and the different single site devices and instruments available on the market are described. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: LESS surgery arose as one more step in the constant evolution of minimally invasive surgery in an attempt to improve esthetics, reduce surgical trauma and decrease pain and the post-operative complications associated to the conventional laparoscopy with multiple trocars. Since it was first described in 2007, the experience has been increasing exponentially and the LESS technique, whether assisted or not by robot, is becoming consolidated for a large spectrum of urological indications (both in oncological and reconstructive surgery) on a much greater scale than the NOTES technique. Even though most of the existing data are not randomized and very rarely comparative, with the selection bias that this represents, it seems clear that the esthetic benefit and analgesic control associated to the LESS surgery is real and reproducible. The complications associated to it are greater in cases of major oncology surgery and are due more to the technique itself then to the approach. CONCLUSIONS: Although the real benefit of the LESS surgery in urology cannot be appropriately quantified, the cosmetic improvement, less pain and greater patient satisfaction with their wound are clear. Appropriate training in this type of procedures in centers having large volumes and the continuous technical improvements in the instrumental development by the biomedical industry has resulted in the fact that the transumbilical LESS technique in urology has been born to stay.