Analysis, modelling, and financial perspectives of reverse mortgage implementation in Colombia.

Purpose: Increased life expectancy in recent years, together with the downward trend in fertility rates, will accelerate the aging of the Latin American population (Flamini and et al., 2018) [1]. This demographic change represents a problem for pension systems as the economic capacity to finance the retirement of the population could be insufficient in the future. This creates a favorable scenario for new financial products, including reverse mortgages. This study determines, from the supply approach, the potential of reverse mortgages in the main cities of Colombia as a complement to the financing of old age according to the guidelines of Benavides et al. (Benavides Franco et al., Jan. 2021) [2]. Methodology: The following variables were used: housing prices, interest rates, mortality rates, and the consumer price index. The econometric testing simulates the possible paths of these variables, estimates the probability of occurrence of the paths, and calculates the expected losses of bidding banks. Findings: The results show that reverse mortgages are a good complement to Colombia's pension system and confirm the feasibility of implementation at city level. It is recommended that the State stimulate the growth of this market and improve the corresponding regulatory framework. Originality: This study confirms the hypothesis that the reverse mortgages are a good complement to the pension system with city-level data. Specifically, it uses housing prices and mortality records from the main cities of the country (Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín) to capture their idiosyncrasies.

Prospective comparison of two methods for correct ureteral stent placement in pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteral stent placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a common procedure in pediatric patients. Although an apparently safe maneuver, ascending placement of the stent can lead to complex removal or repositioning reinterventions. OBJECTIVE: In this study we compare two methods for intraoperative verification of correct positioning. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study collecting data on laparoscopic pyeloplasties in pediatric patients in our center over three years. We carried out descriptive and univariate comparative analyses. Data were compared between ultrasound and reflux visualized by the catheter after intraoperative salineinjection into the bladder through the urethral catheter. We recorded time to catheter visualization in both ultrasonography and in reflux from the start of bladder instillation, as well as bladder volume at the time of placement verification with each method. RESULTS: Data were collected from 20 patients (15 male and 5 female) with a median age of 48 months. Pyeloplasty was successful in 100% of the sample (as observed by ultrasound and MAG-3), while one patient had postoperative leak requiring nephrostomy placement. Correct distal positioning of the ureteral stent could be verified by intraoperative ultrasound and reflux in all cases. Using reflux, the bladder volume needed to verify correct positioning exceeded the age-related maximum in half the cohort, while on ultrasound, the stent was visualized in the bladder without reaching the maximum bladder capacity for age in any case (p = 0.02 comparing percentages). Likewise, mean time to verification was lower with ultrasound than with reflux (61.8 s versus 115 s), but without these differences reaching statistical significance (p = 0.14). DISCUSSION: The present study is the first to compare two methods to verify the correct positioning of the ureteral stent in laparoscopic pyeloplasties in pediatric patients. Our results show that both intraoperative ultrasound and visualization of reflux are useful methods, although ultrasound requires a lower volume of saline instilled through the bladder catheter for verification. This work can be very useful for the daily clinical practice of urologists and pediatric surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Both intraoperative ultrasound and visualization of reflux are useful methods to verify the correct positioning of the ureteral stent in laparoscopic pyeloplasty of pediatric patients. With ultrasound, a smaller volume is required to check for reflux. Although ultrasound is faster for verification, there are no differences in procedural times.

Response to "Outcomes of infants undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty: A single-center experience".

Although studies such as that of Erol et al. can raise doubts to a pediatric urologist about whether or not to carry out a laparoscopic approach in a pyeloplasty in infants, especially due to the percentage of complications, meta-analyses such as the one mentioned reinforce the safety and good results of the laparoscopic approach in these patients. The laparoscopic approach provides potential benefits over open surgery, such as better visualization of polar vessels, less aggressive dissection of periureteral tissues, or smaller scars. Although many open pyeloplasty incisions can be made small, they will never be smaller than those with 3 or 5 mm ports. Thus, any urologist or pediatric surgeon with experience in laparoscopic surgery has sufficient data at their disposal to be confident in the reproducibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for pyeloplasties in infants. It is appreciated that works such as that of Erol et al. help minimally invasive techniques expand within pediatric urology.

Metabolic analysis using HR-MAS in prostate tissue for prostate cancer diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: In this study we used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in prostate tissue to provide new data on potential biomarkers of prostate cancer in patients eligible for prostate biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Core needle prostate tissue samples were obtained. After acquiring all the spectra using a Bruker Avance III DRX 600 spectrometer, tissue samples were subjected to routine histology to confirm presence or absence of prostate cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses with metabolic and clinical variables were performed to predict the occurrence of prostate cancer. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients, were included in the study. Of all cores subjected to high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) followed by standard histological study, 56 (27.8%) tested positive for carcinoma. According to HR-MAS probe analysis, metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the metabolism of different amino acids were associated with presence of prostate cancer. Metabolites detected in tissue such as citrate or glycerol-3-phosphocholine, together with prostate volume and suspicious rectal examination, formed a predictive model for prostate cancer in tissue with an area under the curve of 0.87, a specificity of 94%, a positive predictive value of 80% and a negative predictive value of 84%. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolomics using HR-MAS analysis can uncover a specific metabolic fingerprint of prostate cancer in prostate tissue, using a tissue core obtained by transrectal biopsy. This specific fingerprint is based on levels of citrate, glycerol-3-phosphocholine, glycine, carnitine, and 0-phosphocholine. Several clinical variables, such as suspicious digital rectal examination and prostate volume, combined with these metabolites, form a predictive model to diagnose prostate cancer that has shown encouraging results.

Comparison between open and minimally invasive pyeloplasty in infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of congenital hydronephrosis. Techniques such as laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) have gained in popularity over recent years. Although some retrospective studies have compared minimally invasive reconstructive techniques with open surgery for treatment of UPJO in infants, results remain controversial due to the small sample size in most of these studies. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the benefits of minimally invasive pyeloplasty (MIP) observed in adults and children over 2 years of age also apply to infants. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations. We searched databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We excluded studies in which patient cohorts were outside the age range between 1 and 23 months of age (infants). Studies should evaluate at least one of the following outcomes: average hospital stay, operative time, follow-up time, complications, post-surgical catheter use, success rate and reintervention rate. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS: In total, 13 studies were selected. 3494 patients were included in the meta-analysis, of whom 3054 underwent OP, while the remaining 440 were part of the group undergoing MIP. The mean difference in hospital days was -1.16 lower the MIP group (95 % CI; -1.78, -0.53; p = 0.0003). Also, our analysis showed a significantly shorter surgical time in the group who underwent OP, with a mean operative time of 119.92 min, compared to 137.63 min in the MIP group (95 % CI; -31.76, -6.27; p = 0.003). No statistically significant between-group differences were found respect to follow-up time, complications, post-surgical catheter use, success rate and reintervention rate. CONCLUSION: This systematic review with meta-analysis has shown that laparoscopic/robotic pyeloplasty in infants is a safe technique with similar success rates to open surgery. Nonetheless, randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up are needed to consolidate these results with more robust scientific evidence.

Syphilis for dermatologists: Current concepts.

Dermatologists are familiar with the classic aspects of syphilis. Our objective in this update is to display novel features of sexually acquired syphilis, its pathophysiology, natural history, atypical clinical variants, skin of color, clinical pearls, and prospects. Textbook knowledge, congenital syphilis, epidemiology, and historical data are excluded.

A Pinpoint Orifice on the Glans Penis of a Young Man.

A man in his 30s presents with a 14-year history of purulent penile discharge that has not responded to antibiotics or corticosteroids. A pinpoint orifice is found on the glans penis. What is your diagnosis?

Single-Use Versus Reusable Cystoscope for Ureteral Stent Removal: A Comparative Study of Perceived Pain and Procedure Times.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the IsirisTM cystoscope with a common reusable flexible cystoscope in terms of patient perceived pain and endoscopy time in the ureteral stent removal setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-randomized prospective study comparing the IsirisTM single-use cystoscope with a reusable flexible cystoscope. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment and endoscopy time was recorded in seconds. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the correlation between endoscope type and clinical variables with VAS score and endoscopy time. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were included in the study: 53 in the disposable cystoscope group and 32 in the reusable cystoscope group. Ureteral stent extraction was successful in all cases. The mean VAS score was similar between groups (single-use group was 2.09 +/- 2.53 vs 2.53 +/- 2.14 in the reusable cystoscope group) (p = 0.13). Same was observed endoscopy time (74.92 +/- 74.45 s. in the single-use group vs 98.87 +/- 153.33 s. in the reusable group) (p = 0.07). Age (coefficient ß = -0.36, p < 0.04) and body mass index (BMI) (coefficient ß = -0.22, p < 0.02) were inversely correlated with perceived pain during ureteral stent removal, measured by VAS score. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral catheter removal with a flexible cystoscope is a well-tolerated procedure in patients. Older age and high BMI are associated with better intervention tolerance. Use of a single-use flexible cystoscope is comparable to that of a common flexible cystoscope in terms of pain and endoscopy time.

Renal Cyst after Heminephrectomy in a Pediatric Patient: Complication or Normality?

INTRODUCTION: In this work, we present two cases of heminephrectomies with postoperative findings of cystic lesions in the bed of the excised renal segment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Description of the clinical cases, therapeutic management and description of the ultrasound findings. A review of the published cases was carried out. RESULTS: We present a case of open heminephrectomy due to atrophy of the upper hemirrenal in a case of ureterocele, and another case with bilateral lower heminephrectomy in a case of vesicoureteral reflux disease. In the first case, the cystic lesion disappeared during follow-up, while in the second, the cysts remained stable. In none of the cases published in the literature was it necessary to perform any intervention to resolve the cysts. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance of cystic lesions in the heminephrectomy bed in pediatric patients is a radiological finding that occurs frequently. Due to its favorable evolution, without the need for additional procedures for its resolution, we do not consider the presence of these lesions as a complication after heminephrectomy.

Microbladder due to Granulomatous Cystitis Secondary to BCG Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Intravesical immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is considered as the standard treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with high risk of recurrence and progression. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of granulomatous cystitis in a patient receiving BCG intravesical therapy for urothelial carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 63-year-old man underwent BCG treatment for a bladder tumor with pathological diagnosis of T1G3 urothelial carcinoma. Five months later, trans urethral resection (TUR) of bladder was performed for an erythematous lesion, with results of post-BCG cystitis. Two years later, the patient presented with hematuria and with suspicious findings in the cystoscopy (extensive fibrin-covered and calcified lesions in the bladder) and a bladder TUR was done. RESULTS: The histopathological study showed granulomatous cystitis with necrosis and the presence of BAAR compatible with post-BCG origin. In the mycobacterial culture, M. bovis grew, and treatment was initiated. A cystography was performed on suspicion of a microbladder on CT with secondary vesicoureteral reflux, confirmed in this test. It was decided to perform a radical cystectomy. Histopathology reported post-BCG granulomatous cystitis and prostatitis. CONCLUSIONS: After BCG treatment, if symptoms or images are suggestive of granulomatous cystitis, a study of mycobacterial infection should be started to avoid the development of complications, such as the microbladder as in the case we present.

Early Ultrasound after Endoscopic Puncture of Ureterocele: Signs that Show Surgical Treatment Success.

INTRODUCTION: We show the ability of early ultrasound after surgery to show the success of endoscopic puncture of the ureterocele. METHOD: Description of the clinical cases, therapeutic management and description of the ultrasound findings. RESULTS: We present two infants aged 1 and 4 months who underwent endoscopic puncture of ectopic ureteroceles during a period of 3 months at our institution. The first case was operated urgently for urinary sepsis, while the second was punctured to preserve renal function. In both cases, ultrasound was performed two hours after surgery, and the ultrasound findings were recorded. In both patients, the ureterocele was considered resolved one year after the puncture. CONCLUSIONS: Findings such as puncture notch, flap-like collapse of the walls, decrease in ureterohydronephrosis, or disappearance of debris in the upper tract, are ultrasound signs that are visualized in the immediate postoperative period of endoscopic puncture of the ureterocele. Thus, early ultrasound is useful for early monitoring of endoscopic treatment of ureterocele.

[The use of urokinase in urinary catheter obstructed by clots.] / El uso de urocinasa en catéteres urinarios obstruidos por coágulos.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of thisstudy is to review three cases using urokinase in patientswith urinary catheter obstructed by clots, aswell to carry out a review of the published literature. METHODS: It was done a review of three casesfrom 2019 to 2020 who required urokinase due tourinary catheters obstructed by clots in our department.In addition, a reference search was performedin Pubmed. RESULTS: The first case was a woman with metastaticbreast carcinoma who required nephrostomyplacement. The second case was a renal trauma thatrequired bladder catheterization. The third case wasa male with a benign ureteric obstruction who requirednephrostomy placement due to sepsis. After instillationswith urokinase, the first two cases respondedadequately, while the third was unsuccessful. CONCLUSIONS: Urokinase may be an effectiveand well-tolerated therapy in the treatment of coagulatedurinary catheters that does not respond toother measures.

OBJETIVO: Reportar tres casos acercadel uso de la urocinasa en pacientes portadores decatéteres urinarios obstruidos por coágulos y realizaruna revisión de la literatura publicada. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisión de casos quehan precisado de urocinasa en nuestro servicio de2019 a 2020 en relación a pacientes con catéteresurinarios obstruidos por coágulos. Además, se realizóbúsqueda de referencias en Pubmed. RESULTADOS: El primer caso fue una mujer concarcinoma de mama metástasico que precisó colocaciónde nefrostomías. El segundo fue un paciente pediátricocon traumatismo renal que requirió sondajevesical. El último enfermo fue un varón con obstrucciónbenigna de uréter que precisó de nefrostomía porsepsis. Tras instilaciones con urocinasa, los dos primerospacientes respondieron adecuadamente, mientrasque no hubo éxito en el tercero. CONCLUSIONES: La urocinasa puede ser unaterapia eficaz y bien tolerada en el tratamiento decatéteres urinarios coagulados que no responden aotras medidas.

Retrograde endoureterotomy as a treatment option for impacted calculus in the ureterointestinal junction.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with a history of radical cystectomy and with intestinal diversion, urolithiasis in the upper urinary tract is a frequent event. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe for the first time a case of retrograde endoureterotomy used to treat a calculus proximal to the ureterointestinal junction. RESULTS: This technique is of interest when antegrade access is not possible. In our example, after passing the guidewire percutaneously, and externalize it through the stoma, the left meatus was reached with a resectoscope inserted through the ileal duct. After the use of a balloon to prevent migration of the calculus, a retrograde endoureterotomy was performed with a Collins knife and the stone removed. The patient's progress was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic management of calculi in patients with intestinal diversion can be performed with different approaches. We recommend retrograde endoureterotomy as a feasible treatment option for the removal of impacted calculi at the ureterointestinal junction.

Endoureterotomy with the Lovaco technique for treatment of ureterointestinal strictures: outcomes in an experienced center and factors associated with procedural success or failure.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to present the outcomes of an endoureterotomy series using the Lovaco technique for the treatment of ureterointestinal strictures. Factors influencing the success or failure of this technique were also determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from all endoureterotomies for ureterointestinal strictures performed in a single-center between 2017 and 2020. Clinical variables and characteristics of the stricture were recorded in each case, and success was defined as the complete resolution of ureterohydronephrosis. Univariate analysis was used to correlate the variables recorded with procedural success or failure. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were recruited: 16 with strictures on the left side, 5 on the right, and 4 bilateral. With the first endoureterotomy, 52% of the cases (13 patients) were resolved, and in patients undergoing a second intervention 64% success (16 patients) was achieved. Infectious complications occurred in 23.3% of surgeries. Stricture length, poor renal function, and left side involvement were associated with endoureterotomy failure. CONCLUSIONS: Endoureterotomy with the Lovaco technique is a useful method in the setting of ureterointestinal strictures, achieving complete resolution of the obstruction in more than 60% of cases. Factors that can negatively affect the success of the procedure include stricture length, poor renal function, and left side involvement.

[Pediatric ureteral ectopia: Solutions for several issues.] / Ectopia ureteral en paciente pediátrico: diferentes soluciones para diferentes problemas.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of the ectopic ureter in the pediatric patient must be individualized in each caseMETHOD: Description of clinical cases, therapeutic management and evolution of patients. RESULTS: We present four pediatric patients with ectopic ureters who underwent surgery. We describe a case of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, one of laparoscopic uretero-ureterostomy, one of bilateral ureteral reimplantation and another of unilateral reimplantation. The discussion about the diagnosis and different surgical treatments of each case is deepened. CONCLUSIONS: We present four cases of pediatric patients with ectopic ureters, treated by different surgeries. We present how was the preoperative diagnosis and the importance of individualizing the surgical treatment in eachc ase. Aspects recently described in the context of ureteralectopy, such as diagnostic evaluation by MRI or the role of minimally invasive techniques in treatment, should be taken into account in its management.

OBJETIVO: El tratamiento del uréter ectópico en el paciente pediátrico debe individualizarse en cada caso.MÉTODO: Descripción de los casos clínicos, manejo terapéutico y evolución de los pacientes. RESULTADOS: Presentamos cuatro pacientes pediátricos con uréteres ectópicos sometidos a cirugía. Se describe un caso de nefroureterectomía laparoscópica, uno de uretero-ureterostomía laparoscópica, uno de reimplante ureteral bilateral y otro de reimplante unilateral. Se profundiza en la discusión sobre el diagnóstico y diferentes tratamientos quirúrgicos de cada caso. CONCLUSIONES: Presentamos cuatro casos de pacientes pediátricos con uréteres ectópicos, tratados mediante diferentes cirugías. Exponemos cómo fue el diagnóstico preoperatorio y la importancia de individualizar el tratamiento quirúrgico en cada caso. Aspectos descritos recientemente en el contexto de la ectopia ureteral, como la evaluación diagnóstica mediante RMN o el papel de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas en el tratamiento, deben tenerse en cuenta en su manejo.