An international delphi survey and consensus meeting to define the risk factors for ureteral stricture after endoscopic treatment for urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: Iatrogenic ureteral strictures (US) after endoscopic treatment for urolithiasis represent a significant healthcare concern. However, high-quality evidence on the risk factors associated with US is currently lacking. We aimed to develop a consensus statement addressing the definition, risk factors, and follow-up management of iatrogenic US after endoscopic treatment for urolithiasis. METHODS: Utilizing a modified Delphi method, a steering committee developed survey statements based on a systematic literature review. Then, a two-round online survey was submitted to 25 experts, offering voting options to assess agreement levels. A consensus panel meeting was held for unresolved statements. The predetermined consensus threshold was set at 70%. RESULTS: The steering committee formulated 73 statements. In the initial survey, consensus was reached on 56 (77%) statements. Following in-depth discussions and refinement of 17 (23%) statements in a consensus meeting, the second survey achieved consensus on 63 (86%) statements. This process underscored agreement on pivotal factors influencing US in endoscopic urolithiasis treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive list of categorized risk factors for US following endoscopic urolithiasis treatments. The objectives include enhancing uniformity in research, minimizing redundancy in outcome assessments, and effectively addressing risk factors associated with US. These findings are crucial for designing future clinical trials and guiding endoscopic surgeons in mitigating the risk of US.

Ureteral stricture rate after endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis and related risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to accurately determine ureteral stricture (US) rates following urolithiasis treatments and their related risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines using databases from inception to November 2023. Studies were deemed eligible for analysis if they included ≥ 18 years old patients with urinary lithiasis (Patients) who were subjected to endoscopic treatment (Intervention) with ureteroscopy (URS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) (Comparator) to assess the incidence of US (Outcome) in prospective and retrospective studies (Study design). RESULTS: A total of 43 studies were included. The pooled US rate was 1.3% post-SWL and 2.1% post-PCNL. The pooled rate of US post-URS was 1.9% but raised to 2.7% considering the last five years' studies and 4.9% if the stone was impacted. Moreover, the pooled US rate differed if follow-ups were under or over six months. Patients with proximal ureteral stone, preoperative hydronephrosis, intraoperative ureteral perforation, and impacted stones showed higher US risk post-endoscopic intervention with odds ratio of 1.6 (P = 0.05), 2.6 (P = 0.009), 7.1 (P < 0.001), and 7.47 (P = 0.003), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall US rate ranges from 0.3 to 4.9%, with an increasing trend in the last few years. It is influenced by type of treatment, stone location and impaction, preoperative hydronephrosis and intraoperative perforation. Future standardized reporting and prospective and more extended follow-up studies might contribute to a better understanding of US risks related to calculi treatment.

Fluoroless Endourological Surgery for Stone Disease: a Review of the Literature-Tips and Tricks.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urologists are at significant risk due to radiation exposure (RE) from endourological procedures for stone disease. Many techniques described have shown a reduction of RE. The purpose of this article is to review available protocols to decrease RE during such procedures and provide tips and tricks for their implementation. RECENT FINDINGS: Several low-radiation and radiation-free protocols for percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy have been described as an attempt to reduce RE during surgery. Beginning with specific checklists to ensure adequate C-arm usage, fluoroless procedures are based on endoscopic assessment, tactile guidance, and use of ultrasound to avoid fluoroscopy. A specific preoperative checklist and low radiation or complete fluoroless radiation endourological procedures have shown to be effective, feasible, and safe. It is recommended for urologists to be aware of the risks of RE and apply the "ALARA" (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) protocols.

Entering into 2.0 cystinuric management with a medical digital tool to monitor urine pH: a prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individuals with cystinuria can experiment recurrent lithiasis events due to the relative insolubility of cystine at physiological urine pH, resulting in renal function decline. The Lit-Control® pH Meter is a medical device that accurately allows urine pH self-monitoring. The main objective of this study was to compare the usability of the Lit-Control® pH Meter with the reactive strips for self-monitoring of urinary pH at home by patients with cystinuria, and their overall satisfaction with each tool. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 28 patients (9 females and 19 males, age 19-76 years), who were randomly assigned to monitor their urine pH with reactive strips (n = 17) or the Lit-Control® pH-meter (n = 11). RESULTS: After six months of use, the satisfaction with the two methods was similarly high, but the patients rated (0-10 scale) the pH meter better in terms of ease of learning (mean ±â€¯SD, 8.11 ±â€¯0.60 vs. 7.06 ±â€¯1.18; P = 0.038), ease to prepare (8.22 ±â€¯0.67 vs. 7.25 ±â€¯1.18; P = 0.034), and ease of use (8.22 ±â€¯0.67 vs. 7.25 ±â€¯1.39; P = 0.062). Overall, patients did not reach the alkalinization goals (pH between 7.0 and 8.0). CONCLUSIONS: The Lit-Control® pH Meter demonstrated to be an easy-to-use device that can facilitate urinary pH control by cystinuric patients. A prospective study is warranted to assess the correlation between urine pH monitoring, a treat to target approach, and the recurrence of cystine stones.

Assessment of intrarenal temperature dynamics when using holmium and thulium: YAG lasers in an ex vivo porcine kidney model.

AIM: To measure the temperature dynamics at the renal surface and within the urinary tract when using Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG lasers for tissue ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Porcine kidneys were used. Both types of lasers with different configurations and fiber sizes were used through a flexible ureteroscope. The temperature at the renal surface was recorded using a thermal camera while the intrarenal temperature was measured using two thermal probes, the first one at the ureteropelvic junction and the second one at the calyx used for lasering. Temperature was determined at 0.5-1-3-5 and 10 min. RESULTS: Recordings at the ureteropelvic junction and calyx revealed significant increases when using Tm:YAG with the 273 µm (10 W to 50 W) (p ≤ 0.02) and 550 µm (10 W) fiber (p = 0.04). With Ho:YAG there was a significant increase when using 273 µm (at 10 W and 20 W) (p ≤ 0.03) and 365 µm (10 W) fibers (p = 0.04). Regarding fiber size there was a significant difference when using Tm:YAG (at 20 W and 40 W) (p < 0.05). The thermal camera recorded a mean increase of 8 °C in the UPJ while the remaining areas of the kidney did not undergo significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature changes were greater when using the Ho:YAG laser with respect to Tm:YAG at similar power settings for tissue ablation. The greatest temperature increase was recorded at the UPJ from where the heat dissipated throughout the kidney.

Does gender influence retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes? Data from the Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: As well established flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS). There is still no evidence if gender can have any influence on the outcomes and complication when performing. This study aims to evaluate the role that gender has in performing flexible ureteroscopy from a large series of patients. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RIRS for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 within the multicentric FLEXOR registry. Demographics, stone characteristics, perioperative findings, results and complications were analyzed and compared between gender groups. RESULTS: A total of 6669 patients were included, 66.1% were male and 33.9% were female. Stone characteristics was comparable between groups. Female patients had significant higher fever and positive urine culture rates (12% vs. 8% and 37% vs. 34%). Also, females had a slight longer hospital stay (3.8 vs. 3.5 days; P < 0.001) and more residual fragments after the procedure (23.03% vs. 20.97 (P = 0.032). Overall complications were slightly significantly higher in women (15.74% vs. 14% (P = 0.042)) mainly at the expense of fever rates (6.9% vs. 5.7%) whereas the risk of sepsis was similar in both groups. A multivariate analysis showed that larger stone size, multiple and lower pole stones seem to have a negative impact in the incidence of residual stones and complications. CONCLUSION: Our real life global study reflects that female gender may have a correlation with a slightly increased residual fragment rate and overall low grade complications. However, women can safely be treated with RIRS with no increased the rate of sepsis with appropriate care.

A New Simplified Biplanar (0-90°) Fluoroscopic Puncture Technique for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. Reducing Fluoroscopy Without Ultrasound. Initial Experience and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To present our simplified biplanar fluoroscopic puncture technique, its reduction in the fluoroscopic screening time as well as outcomes and the initial experience for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 136 patients operated with our simplified 0-90° puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy between 2015 and 2018. All patients were classified by stone complexity with Guy´s nephrolithometric stone score. The stone-free rate was evaluated by nonenhanced computerized tomography, and residual stones were defined as fragments ≥2 mm. Complications were divided according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six patients were operated with our puncture technique; 121 patients were performed in supine and 15 in the prone position. Fifty-one were men, and 85 were women with an overall mean age of 44.36 ± 13.23 years. The overall stone-free rate was 62.5%, and 83.8 % after an ancillary procedure. The mean fluoroscopy screening time was 69.47 ± 7.1 and 6 ± 4.1 seconds for the total surgical procedure and the percutaneous puncture, respectively. Complications were present in 25.7%, and no grade IV and V complications were present. CONCLUSION: Our first case series with the 0-90° simplified fluoroscopic puncture technique shows a similar stone-free rate and safety profile but a low fluoroscopic screening time compared to the most common previously reported fluoroscopic puncture techniques non-focused on low radiation protocols. Further studies are required to evaluate the reproducibility, external validation, and the learning curve of our simplified 0-90° technique.

Totally fluoroless retrograde intrarenal surgery technique in prestented patients: tips and tricks.

Treatment of urolithiasis has evolved greatly as retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has gained popularity nowadays being a gold standard therapy for renal stones up to 2 cm. Endourological procedures are traditionally fluoroscopic guided; thus, an increasing concern is the harm of radiation exposure, especially in the pediatric population. Therefore, performing fluoroless RIRS should be a feasible option for pediatric urologists. Herein, we describe the technique of totally fluoroless RIRS in presented patients and the tips to avoid radiation use at most.

[Spontaneuos paracavernous haematoma]. / Hematoma espontáneo paracavernoso.

We report a case of spontaneous, perineal haematoma depending on corpora cavernosa but without injury of them. No erectile dysfunction was associated. Not traumatic injury was known. Etiopathology, diagnosis and treatment are analyses.

Can endoscopic balloon dilation for primary obstructive megaureter be effective in a long-term follow-up?

BACKGROUND: Ureteral tapering and reimplantation is an established treatment for persistent or progressive primary obstructive megaureter (POM) but may result in complications and morbidity. Use of a less invasive technique involving endoscopic balloon dilation appears very interesting. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report is to determine if endoscopic balloon dilation for POM is effective in the long term as well as to assess complications of the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was done on 19 patients and 20 ureters treated with the endoscopic balloon dilation by POM from June 2000 to February 2010. Surgery was performed solely in those cases in which there was persistence of obstruction in the renogram along with one or all of the following conditions: impairment of the differential renal function <40%, worsening of the renal pelvic dilation, febrile UTI in spite of antibiotic prophylaxis or renal calculi. The patients comprised 16 boys and 3 girls with a mean age at surgery of 17 months (range 1-44 months). Ten cases were left sided, eight right sided, and one bilateral. Under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance, a 3-5 Fr dilating balloon was inflated to 12-14 atm, or until disappearance of the stenotic obstructive area. A double J stent was positioned and withdrawn 2 months later. Follow-up recorded the presence of symptoms, number of reintervention procedures registered, and included renal ultrasound and MAG-3 renogram. RESULTS: There were no perioperative complications. Eighteen ureters showed a non-obstructive pattern on MAG-3 renogram after the first endoscopic dilation, representing a 90% success rate. One case required a second dilation, which proved successful and two cases of recurrent lithiasis required ureterotomy without instances of obstruction. 2 patients had a febrile UTI and a vesicoureteral reflux was diagnosed in one. Renal function was preserved in 95% of patients. The mean follow-up was 6.9 years (range 3.9-13.3 years). One patient was lost after the procedure. DISCUSSION: In an era of minimally invasive techniques, the search for less invasive procedures for treatment of POM has resulted in a variety of surgical options. Angulo et al., in 1998 and our group described the first POM treatment with endoscopic balloon dilation, which is believed to be a definitive, less invasive, and safe treatment. Furthermore, should an endoscopic approach fail, reimplant surgery can be performed. Few publications have reported short series with good results in the short and medium term. Torino et al. presented five cases in children aged less than 1 year, none of these showed evidence of obstruction. García-Aparicio et al. presented a series of 13 patients treated with a success rate of 84.6%. Christman et al. added laser incision in cases of narrowed ureteral segment 2-3 cm long and used double stenting. Good outcomes were presented in 71%. Romero et al. reported improvement of drainage within the first 18 months after treatment in 69% of patients. The potential de novo onset of vesicoureteral reflux may be the source of some controversy. We consider that dilation does not significantly alter the antireflux mechanism. In VCUG is not systematically performed because it is an invasive test. This restricts the conclusions that can be drawn from our findings. Nevertheless, some groups continue to systematically perform VCUG. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic balloon dilation for POM is a safe, feasible, and less invasive procedure that shows good outcomes on long-term follow-up. However, multicenter studies and prospective trials should be encouraged to provide more definitive evidence on its benefits.

Extraction of a bladder stone in a child as described by the renaissance physician Cristóbal Méndez.

INTRODUCTION: in his Libro del exercicio y de sus provechos (Book of exercise and profits), the Spanish Renaissance physician Christopher Mendez (1500-1553) describes extracting a bulk stone from the bladder of a child younger than 5 years in the land of colonial Mexico. This is the first description of a surgical procedure in America. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biographical data were collected on Christopher Mendez. The electronic facsimile of the Book of exercise and profits was read. The historical aspects of perineal lithotomy and etiology of bladder stones were analyzed. RESULTS: In chapter seven of the third treatise (page 120), Mendez speaks about the removal of a bladder stone in a boy named «Villaseñor¼. It uses the word «open¼ to describe the procedure, corresponding to a lithotomy more than a necropsy. It attributes the etiology of excess movements after ingestion and suggests a possible hereditary etiology. DISCUSSION: Perineal lithotomy was a common practice in ancient times for children due to the high incidence of bladder stones. The technique was very invasive and was improved over the centuries. CONCLUSIONS: The surgery described by Mendez for the child called Villaseñor most likely corresponds to a perineal lithotomy. A congenital cause could play a role in its etiology.

Entrando en el manejo 2.0 de la cistinuria con una herramienta médica digital para monitorizar el pH de la orina: un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado / Entering into 2.0 cystinuria management with a medical digital tool to monitor urine pH: A prospective, randomized study

Introducción y objetivos Las personas con cistinuria pueden experimentar eventos recurrentes de litiasis debido a la relativa insolubilidad de la cistina en el pH fisiológico de la orina, lo que resulta en deterioro de la función renal. El pHmetro Lit-Control® es un dispositivo médico que permite la automedición precisa del pH de la orina. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue comparar la usabilidad del pHmetro Lit-Control® con las tiras reactivas para la automonitorización domiciliaria del pH urinario por parte de pacientes con cistinuria, y su satisfacción general con cada herramienta.Pacientes y métodosSe incluyeron 28 pacientes (9 mujeres y 19 varones, de 19 a 76 años), que fueron asignados aleatoriamente a monitorizar su pH urinario con tiras reactivas (n=17) o el pHmetro Lit-Control® (n=11).ResultadosDespués de 6 meses de uso, la satisfacción con los 2 métodos fue similarmente alta, pero los pacientes calificaron (en una escala de 0 a 10) mejor el pHmetro en términos de facilidad de aprendizaje (media± DE, 8,11±0,60 vs. 7,06±1,18; p=0,038), facilidad de preparación (8,22±0,67 vs. 7,25±1,18; p=0,034) y facilidad de uso (8,22±0,67 vs. 7,25±1,39; p=0,062). En general, los pacientes no alcanzaron los objetivos de alcalinización (pH entre 7,0 y 8,0).ConclusionesEl pHmetro Lit-Control® demostró ser un dispositivo fácil de usar que puede facilitar el control del pH urinario en los pacientes con cistinuria. Queda justificado un estudio prospectivo para evaluar la correlación entre la monitorización del pH de la orina, una estrategia de tratamiento por objetivo y la recurrencia de los cálculos de cistina. (AU)

Background and objectives Individuals with cystinuria can experiment recurrent lithiasis events due to the relative insolubility of cystine at physiological urine pH, resulting in renal function decline. The Lit-Control® pH Meter is a medical device that accurately allows urine pH self-monitoring. The main objective of this study was to compare the usability of the Lit-Control® pH Meter with the reactive strips for self-monitoring of urinary pH at home by patients with cystinuria, and their overall satisfaction with each tool.Patients and methodsWe included 28 patients (9 females and 19 males, age 19-6 years), who were randomly assigned to monitor their urine pH with reactive strips (n=17) or the Lit-Control® pH Meter (n=11).ResultsAfter six months of use, the satisfaction with the two methods was similarly high, but the patients rated (0-10 scale) the pH meter better in terms of ease of learning (mean±SD, 8.11±0.60 vs. 7.06±1.18; P=.038), ease to prepare (8.22±0.67 vs. 7.25±1.18; P=0.034), and ease of use (8.22±0.67 vs. 7.25±1.39; P=.062). Overall, patients did not reach the alkalinization goals (pH between 7.0 and 8.0).ConclusionsThe Lit-Control® pH Meter demonstrated to be an easy-to-use device that can facilitate urinary pH control by cystinuric patients. A prospective study is warranted to assess the correlation between urine pH monitoring, a treat to target approach, and the recurrence of cystine stones. (AU)

Evaluación de la dinámica de la temperatura intrarrenal con el uso de láseres holmio y tulio YAG en un modelo exvivo de riñón porcino / Assessment of intrarenal temperature dynamics when using holmium and thulium: YAG lasers in an ex vivo porcine kidney model

Objetivo Medir la dinámica de la temperatura en la superficie renal y dentro de la vía urinaria al usar los láseres Ho:YAG y Tm:YAG para la ablación tisular. Materiales y métodos Se utilizaron riñones porcinos. Ambos tipos de láseres con diferentes configuraciones y tamaños de fibras se usaron a través de un ureteroscopio flexible. La temperatura en la superficie renal fue registrada mediante una cámara termográfica mientras que la intrarrenal fue medida a través de dos termómetros, el primero en la unión pieloureteral y el segundo en el cáliz elegido para el uso del láser. La temperatura fue determinada a los 0,5-1-3-5 y 10 minutos. Resultado Los registros en la unión pieloureteral y en el cáliz revelaron incrementos significativos al usar el Tm:YAG con la fibra de 273μm (10W a 50W) (p≤0,02) y de 550μm (10W) (p=0,04). Con el Ho:YAG se registró un incremento significativo al usar fibras de 273μm (a 10W y 20W) (p≤0,03) y de 365μm (10W) (p=0,04). Respecto al tamaño de las fibras, hubo una diferencia significativa al usar el Tm:YAG (a 20W y 40W) (p<0,05). La cámara termográfica registró un incremento medio de 8°C en la unión pieloureteral mientras que el resto del riñón no sufrió cambios significativos. Conclusione Los cambios de temperatura fueron mayores al usar el láser Ho:YAG respecto al Tm:YAG a configuraciones de poder similares para la ablación tisular. El mayor incremento de temperatura fue registrado en la unión pieloureteral desde donde el calor se disipaba al resto del riñón (AU)

Aim To measure the temperature dynamics at the renal surface and within the urinary tract when using Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG lasers for tissue ablation. Materials and methods Porcine kidneys were used. Both types of lasers with different configurations and fiber sizes were used through a flexible ureteroscope. The temperature at the renal surface was recorded using a thermal camera while the intrarenal temperature was measured using two thermal probes, the first one at the ureteropelvic junction and the second one at the calyx used for lasering. Temperature was determined at 0.5-1-3-5 and 10minutes. Results Recordings at the ureteropelvic junction and calyx revealed significant increases when using Tm:YAG with the 273μm (10W to 50W) (p≤0.02) and 550μm (10W) fiber (p=0.04). With Ho:YAG there was a significant increase when using 273μm (at 10W and 20W) (p≤0.03) and 365μm (10W) fibers (p=0.04). Regarding fiber size there was a significant difference when using Tm:YAG (at 20W and 40W) (p<0.05). The thermal camera recorded a mean increase of 8°C in the UPJ while the remaining areas of the kidney did not undergo significant changes. Conclusions Temperature changes were greater when using the Ho:YAG laser with respect to Tm:YAG at similar power settings for tissue ablation. The greatest temperature increase was recorded at the UPJ from where the heat dissipated throughout the kidney (AU)

[Testicular tumours in infancy and children]. / Tumores testiculares en la infancia.

INTRODUCTION: prepubertal testicular tumours are different from those that appear during adulthood. Traditionally, they were considered to be malignant, however benign testicular tumours are actually more frequent at this age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: we analysed our experience in the treatment of testicular tumours in children ≤ 13, with the intention of evaluating the use of partial orchiectomy. From 1984 to 2008, we diagnosed and treated 15 testicular tumours in children at our centre. We examined the therapeutic approach employed, underlining the possibility of testicular conservation in selected patients and we have analysed the results. RESULTS: the clinical presentation in 80% of the cases was an increase in testicle size with palpable mass. We performed 4 radical orchiectomies (27%) and 11 tumourectomies (73%). All the benign lesions in the final pathological anatomy were treated with tumourectomy: four epidermoid cysts, one hemangioma, one lipoma, one fibrous hamartoma, one juvenile granulosa tumour and one splenogonadal fusion. We also successfully and conservatively treated two cases of teratoma. The cases that received radical treatment were a yolk sac tumour (Stage I), two mixed germ cell tumours and one gonadoblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: there are more cases of benign testicular tumours than malignant tumours during puberty. In the event of a palpable testicular mass with negative tumour markers, conservative treatment by means of a tumourectomy may be considered. However, the lesion must be removed completely to prevent recurrence.

[A new approach to urinary stone analysis according to the combination of the components: experience with 7949 cases]. / Un nuevo enfoque en el análisis de la litiasis urinaria en función de la combinación de sus componentes: experiencia con 7.949 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new approach to urinary stone analysis according to the combination of the components. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 7949 stones were analysed and their main components and combinations of components were classified according to gender and age. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) was the most frequent component in both males (39%) and females (37.4%), followed by calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) (28%) and uric acid (URI) (14.6%) in males and by phosphate (PHO) (22.2%) and COD (19.6%) in females (p=0.0001). In young people, COD and PHO were the most frequent components in males and females respectively (p=0.0001). In older patients, COM and URI (in that order) were the most frequent components in both genders (p=0.0001). COM is oxalate dependent and is related to diets with a high oxalate content and low water intake. The progressive increase in URI with age is related mainly to overweight and metabolic syndrome. Regarding the combinations of components, the most frequent were COM (26.3%), COD+Apatite (APA) (15.5%), URI (10%) and COM+COD (7.5%) (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports not only the composition of stones but also the main combinations of components according to age and gender. The results prove that stone composition is related to the changes in dietary habits and life-style that occur over a lifetime, and the morphological structure of stones is indicative of the aetiopathogenic mechanisms.

Novel (60%) and recurrent (40%) androgen receptor gene mutations in a series of 59 patients with a 46,XY disorder of sex development.

BACKGROUND: Androgen receptor (AR) gene mutations are the most frequent cause of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) and are associated with a variety of phenotypes, ranging from phenotypic women [complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS)] to milder degrees of undervirilization (partial form or PAIS) or men with only infertility (mild form or MAIS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to characterize the contribution of the AR gene to the molecular cause of 46,XY DSD in a series of Spanish patients. SETTING: We studied a series of 133 index patients with 46,XY DSD in whom gonads were differentiated as testes, with phenotypes including varying degrees of undervirilization, and in whom the AR gene was the first candidate for a molecular analysis. METHODS: The AR gene was sequenced (exons 1 to 8 with intronic flanking regions) in all patients and in family members of 61% of AR-mutated gene patients. RESULTS: AR gene mutations were found in 59 individuals (44.4% of index patients), of whom 46 (78%) were CAIS and 13 (22%) PAIS. Fifty-seven different mutations were found: 21.0% located in exon 1, 15.8% in exons 2 and 3, 57.9% in exons 4-8, and 5.3% intronic. Twenty-three mutations (40.4%) had been previously described and 34 (59.6%) were novel. CONCLUSIONS: AR gene mutation is the most frequent cause of 46,XY DSD, with a clearly higher frequency in the complete phenotype. Mutations spread along the whole coding sequence, including exon 1. This series shows that 60% of mutations detected during the period 2002-2009 were novel.

Tumores testiculares en la infancia / Testicular Tumours in Infancy and children

Introducción: los tumores testiculares prepuberales son distintos a los que se presentan en la edad adulta. Tradicionalmente han sido considerados malignos, pero realmente los tumores testiculares benignos son más frecuentes en esta edad. Material y métodos: revisamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de los tumores testiculares en niños ≤ 13 años con intención de evaluar el empleo de orquiectomía parcial. Desde 1984 hasta 2008 hemos diagnosticado y tratado en nuestro centro 15 tumores testiculares en edad pediátrica. Se revisa la actitud terapéutica empleada con énfasis en la posibilidad de preservación testicular en pacientes seleccionados y se evalúan los resultados. Resultados: la forma de presentación clínica en el 80% de los casos fue aumento del tamaño testicular con masa palpable. Se realizaron 4 orquiectomías radicales (27%) y 11 tumorectomías (73%). Todas las lesiones benignas en la anatomía patológica definitiva fueron tratadas con tumorectomía: cuatro quistes epidermoides, un hemangioma, un lipoma, un hamartoma fibroso, un tumor de la granulosa juvenil y una fusión espleno-gonadal. También fueron tratados con éxito de forma conservadora dos casos de teratoma. Los casos tratados de manera radical fueron un caso de tumor de saco vitelino (estadio I), dos tumores germinales mixtos y un gonadoblastoma. Conclusiones: los tumores testiculares en la edad prepuberal benignos predominan sobre los malignos. Ante una masa testicular palpable con marcadores tumorales negativos se puede plantear un tratamiento conservador mediante tumorectomía. No obstante, la lesión debe ser completamente extirpada para evitar recurrencias (AU)

Introduction: prepubertal testicular tumours are different from those that appear during adulthood. Traditionally, they were considered to be malignant, however benign testicular tumours are actually more frequent at this age. Materials and methods: we analysed our experience in the treatment of testicular tumours in children ≤ 13, with the intention of evaluating the use of partial orchiectomy. From 1984 to 2008, we diagnosed and treated 15 testicular tumours in children at our centre. We examined the therapeutic approach employed, underlining the possibility of testicular conservation in selected patients and we have analysed the results. Results: the clinical presentation in 80% of the cases was an increase in testicle size with palpable mass. We performed 4 radical orchiectomies (27%) and 11 tumourectomies (73%). All the benign lesions in the final pathological anatomy were treated with tumourectomy: four epidermoid cysts, one hemangioma, one lipoma, one fibrous hamartoma, one juvenile granulosa tumour and one splenogonadal fusion. We also successfully and conservatively treated two cases of teratoma. The cases that received radical treatment were a yolk sac tumour (Stage I), two mixed germ cell tumours and one gonadoblastoma. Conclusions: there are more cases of benign testicular tumours than malignant tumours during puberty. In the event of a palpable testicular mass with negative tumour markers, conservative treatment by means of a tumourectomy may be considered. However, the lesion must be removed completely to prevent recurrence (AU)

Un nuevo enfoque en el análisis de la litiasis urinaria en función de la combinación de sus componentes: experiencia con 7.949 casos / A New Approach to Urinary Stone Analysis According to the Combination of the Components: Experience With 7949 Cases

Objetivo: evaluar un nuevo enfoque en el análisis de la litiasis urinaria en función de la combinación de sus componentes. Material y métodos: se analizaron un total de 7.949 litiasis y sus componentes principales y combinaciones, y se clasificaron en función del sexo y la edad. El análisis estadístico fue mediante el test de ji cuadrado. Resultados: oxalato cálcico monohidrato (OCM) fue el componente más frecuente en hombres (39%) y mujeres (37,4%), seguido de oxalato cálcico dihidrato (OCD) (28%) y ácido úrico (URI) (14,6%) en hombres y de fosfato (FOS) (22,2%) y OCD (19,6%) en mujeres (p=0,0001). En la gente joven OCD y FOS fueron los componentes más frecuentes en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente (p=0,0001). En los pacientes mayores OCM y URI (por este orden) fueron los componentes más frecuentes en ambos sexos (p=0,0001). OCM es oxalatodependiente y está relacionado con las dietas de alto contenido en oxalato y baja ingesta de agua. El aumento progresivo de URI con la edad se relaciona principalmente con el sobrepeso y el síndrome metabólico. Respecto a la combinación de componentes, las más frecuentes fueron OCM (26,3%), OCD+Apatita (APA) (15,5%), URI (10%) y OCM+OCD (7,5%) (p=0,0001). Conclusiones: este estudio presenta no sólo la composición de las litiasis, sino también las principales combinaciones de componentes en función de la edad y el sexo. Los resultados muestran que la composición de la litiasis está relacionada con los cambios en los hábitos dietéticos y de estilo de vida que ocurren durante la vida, y la estructura morfológica de las litiasis es indicativa de los mecanismos etiopatogénicos (AU)

Objective: To evaluate a new approach to urinary stone analysis according to the combination of the components. Materials and methods: A total of 7949 stones were analysed and their main components and combinations of components were classified according to gender and age. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) was the most frequent component in both males (39%) and females (37.4%), followed by calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) (28%) and uric acid (URI) (14.6%) in males and by phosphate (PHO) (22.2%) and COD (19.6%) in females (p=0.0001). In young people, COD and PHO were the most frequent components in males and females respectively (p=0.0001). In older patients, COM and URI (in that order) were the most frequent components in both genders (p=0.0001). COM is oxalate dependent and is related to diets with a high oxalate content and low water intake. The progressive increase in URI with age is related mainly to overweight and metabolic syndrome. Regarding the combinations of components, the most frequent were COM (26.3%), COD+Apatite (APA) (15.5%), URI (10%) and COM+COD (7.5%) (p=0.0001). Conclusions: This study reports not only the composition of stones but also the main combinations of components according to age and gender. The results prove that stone composition is related to the changes in dietary habits and life-style that occur over a lifetime, and the morphological structure of stones is indicative of the aetiopathogenic mechanisms (AU)

Clamping of the renal artery in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: an old device for a new technique.

OBJECTIVE: We describe our experience with the transient clamping of the renal artery during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cancer with a double loop clamping device, inspired by the Rumel tourniquet. The silastic rubber loop is positioned around the renal artery and clinched, thus achieving arterial occlusion. METHODS: From November 2002 until July 2004, fourteen consecutive patients (mean age of 58 +/- 11.6 years) underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal partial nephrectomy using the silastic rubber clamping device, eight of them on the right side and six on the left side. Hemorrhage of the renal defect was controlled with bipolar electrocoagulation, argon beam coagulation, laparoscopic sutures, surgical and fibrin glue. RESULTS: : The mean surgical time was 198.92 +/- 39.95 min for a mean tumour size of 2.9 +/- 2.32 cm and a mean blood loss of 104.57 +/- 77.69 ml. The clamping device was easily and successfully positioned around the renal artery in 2.05 +/- 0.45 min and the mean warm ischemic time was 25.21 +/- 6.07 min. CONCLUSIONS: The clamping device procures successful atraumatic occlusion of the renal artery during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without the need for an additional port. As such, it could be considered as an alternative for the laparoscopic bulldog and Satinsky clamp.

Hematuria macroscópica gestacional: a propósito de un caso tratado con RIRS / Gestational gross hematuria: report of a case treated with RIRS

La hematuria, durante la gestación, es debida a causas urológicas comunes como la litiasis y la infección de orina, los tumores del riñón y la vejiga, y las malformaciones vasculares renales. Anomalías de la implantación de la placenta y complicaciones obstétricas pueden ocasionar sangrado en orina. Entre las causas nefrológicas figura el síndrome hemolítico urémico. Alteraciones hematológicas asociadas a la gestación como la plaquetopenia favorecen la hematuria, en especial si existe una patología urológica subyacente. Se presenta un caso clínico de hematuria recidivante en una gestante que requirió estudio con RM y URS, resuelto después del parto con cirugía endoscópica intrarrenal (RIRS) (AU)

Hematuria during pregnancy is due to common urological causes such as stones and urinary tract infection, kidney and bladder tumors, and renal vascular malformations. Abnormalities of placenta implantation and obstetric complications are the cause of bleeding in urine. Among nephrological causes is the hemolitic-uremic syndrome. Hematologic abnormalities as a thrombocytopenia favor gestational hematuria, especially if there is an underlying urologic pathology. A case report of recurrent hematuria in a pregnant is presented. MRI and URS was required to study it. The case was resolved after birth with intrarenal endoscopic surgery (RIRS) (AU)