Use of Bladder Epicheck® in the follow-up of high-risk non-muscle-invasive Bladder cancer: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, different urinary markers such as the Bladder Epicheck® have been developed in an attempt to reduce the number of cystoscopies in the follow-up of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). AIM: To provide a systematic review of Bladder Epicheck® and its current clinical utility in the follow-up and detection of recurrence of NMIBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review based on a literature search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases until October 2023, according to PRISMA and Quadas-2 criteria. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the marker were calculated. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Fifteen studies were analyzed (n = 3761) including 86.7% prospective studies. Of the patient series, 53.2% had received previous intravesical instillations. The mean Se of the biomarker in the detection of recurrence varied according to tumor grade (87.9%-high grade/HG vs. 44.9%-low grade/LG, respectively). Their weighted mean Se and Sp were 71.6% and 84.5%, respectively. The mean recurrence rate was 29.1%. The weighted mean PPV and NPV were 56.4% and 92.8% (97.7% non-LG), respectively. The mean AUC was 85.63%. CONCLUSION: Bladder Epicheck® is a useful urinary marker in the follow-up of NMIBC, with significantly high Se and NPV in the detection of recurrences, especially in cases of HG disease. Its use can reduce the number of cystoscopies required in the follow-up of NMIBC, improving the quality of life of patients and potentially increasing health economic savings.

Development of an immune-nutritional prognostic index in patients with muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer candidates for radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle-infiltrating bladder tumor (MIBT) has a recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 50% at 5 years. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has increased it by 8%, which group of patients benefits the most from this treatment remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prognostic value of immune-nutritional status in patients with MIBT who are candidates for cystectomy, and to develop a score that allows identifying patients with a worse prognosis (pT3-4 and/or pN0-1). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 284 patients with MIBT treated with radical cystectomy. Preoperative laboratory tests were analyzed and immune-nutritional indices were calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the PFS. Cox regression was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship with leukocyte/lymphocyte index (p = 0.0001), neutrophil/lymphocyte index (p = 0.02), prognostic nutritional index (p = 0.002), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, the leukocyte/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.002) and PNI (p = 0.04) behaved as independent prognostic factors of decreased RFS. Based on these, a prognostic score was developed to classify patients into 3 prognostic groups. Eighty percent of patients with pT3-4 and/or pN0-1 tumors were in the intermediate-poor prognostic groups. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a precystectomy immune-nutritional score in clinical practice would help in the selection of a group of patients with a more unfavorable pathologic stage and worse PFS. We believe that these patients could benefit more from a NACT.

Deceased donor kidney procurement: Systematic review of the surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney procurement procedure must be carried out following a standardized technique in order to optimize kidney grafts for their subsequent implantation. OBJECTIVES: Review of the available literature on kidney procurement procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative review of the available evidence on deceased donor kidney procurement technique after a search of relevant manuscripts indexed in PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo written in English and Spanish. RESULTS: Deceased donor kidney procurement can be divided into two groups, donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD). Kidney procurement in DBD frequently includes other chest and/or abdominal organs, requiring multidisciplinary surgical coordination. During the harvesting procedure, the renal vascular pedicle must remain intact for subsequent implantation and reduced ischemia time. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate execution and perfect knowledge of the technique for surgical removal and anatomy reduces the rate of graft losses associated to inadequate harvesting techniques.

Evolution of renal function in patients with cT1 renal tumors after laparoscopic partial and radical nephrectomy. Predictive factors for renal function impairment.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the evolution of kidney function after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) and to identify predictive factors for renal function impairment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with two kidneys, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and single renal tumor cT1, treated in our center between 2005 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 372 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study; 156 (41.9%) were treated with RN and 216 (58.1%) with PN. There was a difference of 26.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 in GFR between RN and PN at discharge. Age >60 years, postoperative complications (OR 2.97, p = 0.005) and RN (OR 10.03, p = 0.0001) were predictors of GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge. Only RN (OR 7.69, p = 0.0001) behaved as an independent prognostic factor for GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge. The median follow-up of the series was 57 (IQR 28-100) months. At the end of the follow-up period, nine (6%) patients treated with RN developed severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and three (2%) developed end stage renal disease (ESRD). Age >70 years, diabetes mellitus (DM) (HR 2.12, p = 0.001), arterial hypertension (AHT) (HR 1.73, p = 0.01) and RN (HR 2.88, p = 0.0001) behaved as independent predictors of GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The independent predictors for GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were age >70 years, DM (HR 1.99 CI 95% 1.04-3.83, p = 0.04) and RN (HR 5.88 CI 95% 2.57-13.45, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RN is a short- and long-term risk factor for CKD although with a low probability of severe CKD or ESRD in patients with preoperative GFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Age, DM and AHT contribute to worsening renal function during follow-up.

Comparison between laparoscopic and open prostatectomy: Oncological progression analysis. / Comparación entre prostatectomía laparoscópica y abierta: análisis de la evolución oncológica.

INTRODUCTION: There are very few Spanish studies that compare oncological outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) based on surgical approach, and their methodology is not appropriate. OBJECTIVE: To compare oncological outcomes in terms of surgical margins (SM) and biochemical recurrence (BR) between open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparison of two cohorts (307 with ORP and 194 with LRP) between 2007-2015. Surgical margin status was defined as positive or negative, and BR as a PSA rise of >0.4 ng/ml after surgery. To compare the qualitative variables, we employed the Chi-squared test, and ANOVA was used for quantitative variables. We performed a multivariate analysis using logistic regression to evaluate the predictive factors of SM, and a multivariate analysis using Cox regression to evaluate the predictive factors of BR. RESULTS: Gleason 7 (3+4) was determined in the surgical specimens of 43.5% of patients, and 31.7% had positive SM. The most frequent pathological stage was pT2c, on the 61.9% of the cases. No significant differences were found between both groups, except for extracapsular extension (p=0.001), more frequent in LRP. The median follow-up was 49 months. BR was seen in the 23% of patients, without significant differences between groups. In the multivariable analysis, only the D'Amico risk group behaved as an independent predictive factor of positive SM, and Gleason score and positive SM acted as independent predictive factors of BR. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach did not influence SM status or BR.

Evolution of renal function in patients with CT1 renal tumors after laparoscopic partial and radical nephrectomy. Predictive factors for renal function impairment. / Evolución de la función renal en pacientes con cáncer renal cT1 después de nefrectomía parcial y radical laparoscópica. Factores predictores de deterioro de función renal.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the evolution of kidney function after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) and to identify predictive factors for deterioration in kidney function. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with two kidneys, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and single renal tumor cT1, treated in our center between 2005 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 372 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study; 156 (41.9%) were treated by RN and 216 (58.1%) by PN. There was a difference of 26.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 in GFR between RN and PN at discharge. Age > 60 years, postoperative complications (OR 2.97, p = 0.005) and RN (OR 10.03, p = 0.0001) were predictors of GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge. Only RN (OR 7.69, p = 0.0001) behaved as an independent prognostic factor for GFR < 45 mL/min/1.73m2 at discharge. The median follow-up of the series was 57 (IQR 28-100) months. At the end of the follow-up period, nine (6%) patients treated with RN developed severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and three (2%) developed end stage renal disease (ESRD). Age > 70 years, diabetes mellitus (DM) (HR 2.12, p = 0.001), arterial hypertension (AHT) (HR 1.73, p = 0.01) and RN (HR 2.88, p = 0.0001) behaved as independent predictors of GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The independent predictors for GFR< 45 mL/min/1.73m2 were age >70 years, DM (HR 1.99 CI 95% 1.04-3.83, p = 0.04) and RN (HR 5.88 CI 95% 2.57-13.45, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RN is a short- and long-term risk factor for CKD, although with a low probability of severe CKD or ESRD in patients with preoperative GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Age, DM and AHT contribute to worsening renal function during follow-up.

Evaluation of laparoscopic approach in radical cystectomy from implementation to consolidation: Internal validation. / Evaluación del abordaje laparoscópico en la cistectomía radical desde la implantación hasta su consolidación: validación interna.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The AEU Guidelines of 2017 consider laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches as investigational procedures. The surgical learning curve is defined as the minimum number of cases that a surgeon has to perform in order to reproduce a technique considered as standard. The aim of this study is to analyze, within our department, the implementation of a laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) program compared with a well consolidated and standardized open radical cystectomy (ORC) program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of two cystectomy groups: LRC (n=196) (20062016) vs. ORC (n=96) (2003-2005). Comparison of the evolution over time of the following parameters: operative time, blood transfusion rates, resection margins, postoperative complications, hospital stay and recurrence. Three time periods have been defined for LRC: implementation (2006-09) (LRC-I), development (2010-14) (LRC-D) and consolidation (2015-16) (LRC-C); comparing each of them with the control group (ORC). The chi-square test was used for the comparison of the qualitative variables and the Anova test for the numerical ones. RESULTS: When compared to ORC, LRC presented longer operative times in LRC-I and LRC-D periods. We observed a trend toward shorter operative time than ORC in the consolidation period (LRC-C). LRC also presented lower intraoperative transfusion rates in all periods and lower postoperative rates in CRL-D and CRL-C. Overall complications in LRC-D and LRC-C were lower in LRC, having fewer major complications (Clavien≥3) in the 3 periods. A decrease in mortality and hospital stay after the LRC-I phase was also observed. These results were consolidated during the two last periods of the study. We have not observed significant differences between ORC and LRC when comparing surgical margins and recurrence rates, neither in the total series, nor in the comparison between the different periods. These results endorse the oncologic safety of LRC from the beginning of the implementation process. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to ORC, LRC improves perioperative transfusion rates, complications and hospital stay from its implementation period, maintaining oncological safety. On the contrary, longer operative times during implementation and development were observed. However, in our series, we observed a trend toward shorter operative times than ORC approach in the consolidation period. We have validated the laparoscopic approach for radical cystectomy in our service.

Analysis of recurrence trends according to risk groups after renal cancer nephrectomy. / Evaluación de los patrones de recurrencia por grupos de riesgo tras nefrectomía por cáncer renal.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrence trends after renal cell cancer nephrectomy are not clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate recurrence trends according to recurrence risk groups (RRG). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 696 patients with renal cell cancer treated with nephrectomy between 1990-2010. Three RRG were defined according to the presence of anatomopathological variables (pTpN stage, nuclear grade, tumor necrosis [TN], sarcomatoid differentiation [SD], positive resection margin [RM]): -Low RG (LRG): pT1pNx-0 G1-4, pT2pNx-0 G1-2; no TN, SD and/or RM (+). -Intermediate RG (IRG): pT2pNx-0 G3-4; pT3-4pNx-0 G1-2; LRG with TN. -High RG (HRG): pT3-4pNx-0 G3-4; pT1-4pN+; IRG with TN and/or SD; LRG with SD and/or RM (+). The Kaplan-Meier method has been used to evaluate recurrence-free survival as a function of RRG. The log-rank test was used to evaluate differences between survival curves. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 105 (IQR 63-148) months. Of the total series, 177 (25.4%) patients presented recurrence: distant 15.9%, local 4.9% and 4.6% distant and local. The recurrence rate varied according to the RRG with values of 72.9% for HRG, 16.9% for IRG and 10.2% for LRG (p=.0001). Most cases in LRG presented single organ recurrence (72.2%) (p=.006). The LRG experienced recurrence as single metastasis in 50% of cases, compared to 30% and 18.6% in IRG and HRG, respectively (p=.009). The most common sites of recurrence were lung and abdomen. Lung recurrence predominated in the HRG (72.9%) (p=.0001) and abdominal, in the LRG (83.3%) with a tendency to significance (p=.15). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence rates (especially bone and lung) increase with higher RG. Single organ recurrences and single metastases are more frequent in LRG.

Mortality prediction model for patients with bladder urothelial tumor after radical cystectomy. / Modelo predictivo de mortalidad en pacientes con tumor urotelial de vejiga tras cistectomía radical.

OBJECTIVE: Based on preoperative clinical and postoperative pathological variables, we aim to build a prediction model of cancer specific mortality (CSM) at 1, 3, and 5 years for patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma treated with RC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 517 patients with diagnosis of cell carcinoma treated by RC (1986-2009). Demographic, clinical, surgical and pathological variables were collected, as well as complications and evolution after RC. Comparative analysis included Chi square test and ANOVA technique. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to identify the independent predictors of CSM. The individual probability of CSM was calculated at 1, 3 and 5 years according to the general equation (logistic function). Calibration was obtained by the Hosmer-Lemeshow method and discrimination with the elaboration of a ROC curve (area under the curve). RESULTS: BC was the cause of death in 225 patients (45%). One, three and five-year CSM were 17%, 39.2% and 46.3%, respectively. The pT and pN stages were identified as independent prognostic variables of CSM at 1, 3 and 5 years. Three prediction models were built. The predictive capacity was 70.8% (CI 95% 65-77%, p=.000) for the 1st year, 73.9% (CI95% 69.2-78.6%, p=.000) for the third and 73.2% (CI% 68.5-77.9%, p=.000) for the 5th. CONCLUSIONS: The prediction model allows the estimation of CSM risk at 1, 3 and 5 years, with a reliability of 70.8, 73.9 and 73.2%, respectively.

Survival analysis of patients with prostate cancer and unfavorable risk factors treated with radical prostatectomy and salvage radiotherapy after biochemical recurrence and persistence. / Análisis de supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata con factores patológicos desfavorables tratados con prostatectomía radical y radioterapia de rescate tras la recidiva y persistencia bioquímica.

OBJECTIVE: Survival analysis of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) with adverse prognostic factors (APF) treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) and salvage radiotherapy (SRT) after biochemical recurrence (BR) or biochemical persistence (BP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 446 patients with at least one of the following APF: Gleason score ≥8, pathologic stage ≥pT3 and/or positive surgical margins. BR criteria used was PSA level over 0.4ng/ml. A survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier was performed to compare the different variable categories with log-rank test. In order to identify risk factors for SRT response and cancer specific survival (CSS) we performed univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox regression. RESULTS: Mean follow up: 72 (IQR 27-122) months, mean time to BR: 42 (IQR 20-112) months, mean PSA level at BR: 0.56 (IQR 0.42-0.96). BR was present in 36.3% of the patients. Biochemical response to SRT was observed in 121 (75.7%) patients. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates after SRT at 3, 5, 8 and 10years were 95.7%, 92.3%, 87.9%, and 85%; overall survival (OS) rates after 5, 10 and 15years was 95.6%, 86.5% and 73.5%, respectively. CSS rates at 5, 10 and 15years were 99.1%, 98.1% and 96.6%. Only time to BR <24months (HR=2.55, P=.01) was identified as an independent risk factor for RFS after SRT. CONCLUSIONS: In these patients, RP only controls the disease in approximately half of the cases. Multimodal sequential treatment (RP+SRT when needed) increases this control, achieving high CSS rates and biochemical control in over 87% of the patients. Patients with time to recurrence >24months responded better to rescue treatment.

Recurrence risk groups after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. / Clasificación en grupos de riesgo de recurrencia tras nefrectomía por cáncer renal.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on the follow-up protocol after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and the identification of recurrence risk groups (RRG) is required. OBJECTIVE: Establish recurrence risk groups (RRG). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 696 patients with renal cancer submitted to surgery between 1990-2010; 568 (81.6%) patients treated with radical nephrectomy and 128 (18.4%) treated with partial nephrectomy. Pathological variables were classified as: 1st-level variables (1LPV): pTpN stage and Fuhrman grade (FG); and 2nd level pathological variables (2LPV): sarcomatoid differentiation (SD), tumor necrosis (TN), microvascular invasion (MVI) and positive surgical margins (PSM). Univariate and multivariate analysis have been performed using Cox regression to determine 1LPV related to recurrence. Based on 1LPV, we classified patients into three RRG: Low (LRG)<25%; Intermediate (IRG) 26-50% and High (HRG)>50%. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis with the 2LPVs for each RRG. With these data, patients were reclassified as RRG+. ROC curves were used for comparison of RRG and RRG+. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 105 months (range 63 to 148). There were 177 (25.4%) patients with recurrence: 111 (15.9%) distant, 34 (4.9%) local and 32 (4.6%) distant and local. In the multivariable analysis, Fuhrman grade (HR=2,75; P=.0001) and pTpN stage (HR=2,19; P=.0001) behaved as independent predictive variables of recurrence. Patients were grouped as RRG (AUC=0,76; p=0,0001): - LRG (pT1pNx-0 G1-4; pT2pNx-0 G1-2): 456 (65,5%) patients. - IRG (pT2pNx-0 G3-4; pT3-4pNx-0 G1-2): 110 (15,8%) patients. - HRG (pT3-4pNx-0 G3-4; pT1-4pN+): 130 (18,6%) patients. After multivariate analysis with 2LPV, RRG were reclassified (RRG+) (AUC=.84, P=.0001): -LRG+(LRG without TN, SD and/or PSM(+)). -IRG+(IRG; LRG with TN) -HRG+(HRG; LRG with SD and/or PSM(+); IRG with TN and/or SD) CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of 2LPV to the classification according to VP1N improves the discriminating capacity of RRG classification.

Post-surgical complications in patients with bladder cancer treated with cystectomy: Differences between open and laparoscopic approach. / Complicaciones posquirúrgicas en los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga tratados con cistectomía: Diferencias entre el abordaje abierto y laparoscópico.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery regarding cystectomy has not had the same development as other urological surgeries. This could be due to the lack of published studies defining the advantages of this approach versus open surgery. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to establish the role of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic radical cystectomy, versus open surgery by analyzing their perioperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective cohort analysis of perioperative complications of 2homogeneous series of cystectomies: laparoscopic (n = 196) versus open (n = 197). Identification of independent predictors of perioperative complications by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In the comparative analysis between laparoscopic cystectomies and open cystectomies we observed a lower rate of perioperative blood transfusion (P < 0.0001), a lower rate of global postoperative complications (P < 0.0001) and a lower rate of serious complications (Clavien > 3; P < 0.001) in the LRC group. There was also a lower mortality rate in the laparoscopic series compared to open ones (P < 0.0001). Surgical approach and surgical time (P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of complications. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified the laparoscopic approach as a complication shield for radical cystectomy. The open approach almost triples the risk of complications.

Influence of laparoscopic access in cancer-specific mortality of patients with pTa-2pN0R0 bladder cancer treated with radical cistectomy. / Influencia del acceso laparoscópico en la mortalidad cáncer-específica de los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga en un estadio pTa-2pN0R0 tratados con cistectomía radical.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive surgery represents an attractive surgical approach in radical cystectomy. However, its effect on the oncological results is still controversial due to the lack of definite analyses. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the laparoscopic approach on cancer-specific mortality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective cohort study of two groups of patients in a pT0-2pN0R0 stage, undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC) (n=191) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) (n=74). Using Cox regression, an analysis has been carried out to identify the predictor variables in the first place, and consequently, the independent predictor variables related to survival. RESULTS: 90.9% were males with a median age of 65years and a median follow-up period of 65.5 (IQR27.75-122) months. Patients with laparoscopic access presented a significantly higher ASA index (P=.0001), a longer time between TUR and cystectomy (P=.04), a lower rate of intraoperative transfusion (P=.0001), a lower pT stage (P=.002) and a lower incidence of infection associated with surgical wounds (P=.04). When analyzing the different risk factors associated with cancer-specific mortality, we only found the ORC approach (versus LRC) as an independent predictor of cancer-specific mortality (P=.007). Open approach to cystectomy multiplied the risk of mortality by 3.27. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the laparoscopic approach does not represent a risk factor compared to the open approach in pT0-2N0R0 patients.

Influence of the laparoscopic approach on cancer-specific mortality of patients with stage pt3-4 bladder cancer treated with cystectomy. / Influencia del acceso laparoscópico en la mortalidad cáncer específica de los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga en un estadio pT3-4 tratados con cistectomía.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The main aim of the study was to establish the oncological safety of the laparoscopic approach to radical cystectomy for high-risk, non-organ-confined urothelial tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 216 stage pT3-4 cystectomies operated between 2003 and 2016; using an open approach (ORC, n=108), and using a laparoscopic approach (LRC, n=108). RESULTS: Both groups have similar pathological features except, in G3 TUR, there were more lyphadenectomies and greater pN+, and more adjuvant chemotherapies using the LRC. The median follow-up of the series was 15 (IQR: 8-10.5) months. Sixty-eight point one percent of the series relapsed, with no differences between either group (p=.11). The estimated differences for cancer-specific survival was greater in the LRC group (p=.03), as was overall survival (p=.009). There were no differences between either group in estimated recurrence-free survival (p=.26). The type of surgical approach (p=.03), pTpN stage (p=.0001), and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (p=.003) were related to cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in the univariate analysis. Only the pTpN stage (p=.0001), and not giving adjuvant chemotherapy (p=.003) behaved as independent predictive factors of CSM. CONCLUSION: The type of surgical approach to cystectomy (ORC vs. LRC) did not influence CSM. Lymph node involvement and not giving adjuvant chemotherapy were identified as predictive factors of CSM. Our study supports the oncological safety of the laparascopic approach for cystectomy in patients with locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder tumours.

Subcapsular nephron-sparing surgical approach for small renal graft tumor: a case report.

Conservative treatment of renal cell cancer in kidney grafts is rare. Only six reports have been presented in the literature regarding nephron-sparing surgery in this setting. We report the case of a 38-year old man with a kidney transplant from a 72-year-old donor 2 years prior. Ultrasonography detected a renal exophytic mass (2 cm) in the lower pole, which was treated with open tumor enucleation by a subcapsular approach. No vascular clamping was performed, and minimal bleeding occurred. The kidney graft is well functioning, with serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL. The histological diagnosis was cromophyle renal adenocarcinoma.

Infiltrating bladder cancer: prognostic factors, follow-up and treatment of relapses. / Cáncer vesical infiltrante: factores pronósticos, seguimiento y tratamiento de las recidivas.

CONTEXT: Bladder cancer is the cause of more than 150,000 deaths per year. The overall rate of survival is approximately 45%, with a 10-year recurrence-free rate of 50-59%, with no changes in the last decade. OBJECTIVE: Due to a lack of agreement on the follow-up of cystectomy or on a uniform treatment when faced with the various types of recurrence, we have analysed the most recent literature in an attempt to unify the criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: Review of Spanish and English publications in the medical literature in the last 10 years, highlighting the most significant series in terms of the number of patients, follow-up time, as well as the existing meta-analyses. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: Recurrence after cystectomy can occur in the urinary apparatus (upper urinary tract or distal urethra) and local (cystectomy bed) and/or distant metastases. Despite strict control, more than 60% of the relapses are discovered based on symptoms and not by the routine follow-up test. Locoregional and distant relapses are more common the more advanced the stage at the time of cystectomy, going from 11-21% in pT2N0 to 52-72% when there is lymphocytic N+ involvement. Recurrence in the urethra and/or upper urinary track has other prognostic factors such as multiplicity, the presence of Cis and involvement of prostatic stroma. There are various treatments for tumour relapses. Increasingly, the patient's comorbidity is considered when deciding on the therapeutic strategy. Treatments are typically multimodal and include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The follow-up of patients who undergo cystectomy should be individualised, taking into account the prognostic factors of recurrence and the patient's comorbidity, assuming that in some cases, multimodal treatment is indicated.

[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.

[Primary seminal vesicle abscess: diagnosis and treatment by transrectal ultrasound]. / Absceso primario de vesicula seminal: diagnóstico y tratamiento mediante ecografía transrectal.

A 38 years old man with the only past medical history of bilateral orchiopexy 15 years ago is diagnosed of left primary seminal vesicle abscess. The patient is sent to our emergency service with an ultrasound finding of either dilated vas deferent or seminal vesicle abscess with hiperecogenic material inside it. The examination was performed after a 5 month history of purulent ejaculation. The diagnose of seminal vesicle abscess is confirmed by TRUS and, in the same procedure, drainage of the abscess was completed by needle-aspiration puncture. After this treatment the patient stay 12 hours at the observation room with intravenous antibiotics and is discharged home with oral antibiotics. We are interested in this case because of the low incidence of this pathology and the easy diagnosis and treatment by TRUS.

[Treatment with Doxazosin in 3347 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Impact on sexual function. The impros study]. / Tratamiento con Doxazosina en 3,347 pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior. Efecto sobre su función sexual. Estudio impros.

OBJECTIVES: An open, non-comparative, multicenter study was performed to ascertain the prevalence in Spain of erectile dysfunction (ED) associated to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), with moderate to severe urinary symptoms, and to confirm the improvement or disappearance of ED in response to treatment with 4 mg/day of Doxazosin. METHODS: Out of the 3901 patients recruited 3545 took the medication and 3347 completed all the protocol visits. BPH patients were considered to have some degree of erectile dysfunction when they reported a difficulty for obtaining and/or maintaining an erection in the four weeks prior to their inclusion in the study (questions 3 and 4 of the International Index of Erectile Function). All the patients were treated with Doxazosin at increasing doses: from 1 mg/day up to 4 mg/day thereafter until 6 months of medication were completed. RESULTS: The mean number of patients showing erectile dysfunction was 69.1%, ranging from 48.3% in the 40-49 years age group to 76.3% in the group aged from 60 to 69 years. In most Spanish regions, the prevalence of ED ranged from 76.9% in Cantabria to 67.2% in Aragon. The mean number of patients in whom erectile dysfunction disappeared after treatment, with a 95% confidence interval, was 4.5%, ranging from 17.5% in the 40-49 age group to 1.1% in the over 70s. CONCLUSIONS: ED is a symptom very often associated to BPH, even in relatively young men. Doxazosin appears to have a beneficial effect in ED improvement, particularly in the younger patients.

[Hydrodynamic and biochemical adaptation to perfusion pressure profile in isolated hypothermic renal perfusion]. / Perfusión hipotérmica del riñón aislado: respuesta hidrodinámica y bioquímica al perfil de aplicación de la presión.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hydrodynamic, biochemical and pathologic consequences of positive forced pressure on hypothermic isolated renal perfusions in comparison to softly progressive administration of perfusion solution. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 16 hypothermic experimental pig renal perfusion o 180 min completed under constant flow conditions. A vacuum computer-controlled pump was used. A comparison was performed of the results obtained by two groups of organs (forced perfusion pressure -I.B.- and soft perfusion pressure -I.S.). RESULTS: Even though perfusion flor did not offer significant differences among both groups at the end of the procedure, I.B. group showed medium perfusion pressure and renal vascular resistance values significantly higher. Nitric oxide metabolites concentration was also greater in I.B. group. Finally, these kidneys showed more tubular cell aedema and glomerular shrinkage in comparison to I.S. group. CONCLUSIONS: Sharp and forced hypothermic perfusion of the isolated kidney don't increase flow perfusion values. Inversely, hydrodynamic and pathologic results are worst in comparison to soft and progressive organ perfusion.