Applicability of lung ultrasound in COVID-19 diagnosis and evaluation of the disease progression: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic originated in China and within about 4 months affected individuals all over the world. One of the limitations to the management of the COVID-19 is the diagnostic imaging to evaluate lung impairment and the patients' clinical evolution, mainly, in more severe cases that require admission into the intensive care unit. Among image examinations, lung ultrasound (LU) might be a useful tool to employ in the treatment of such patients. METHODS: A survey was carried out on PubMed to locate studies using the descriptors: ((Lung ultrasound OR ultrasound OR lung ultrasonography OR lung US) AND (coronavirus disease-19 OR coronavirus disease OR corona virus OR COVID-19 OR COVID19 OR SARS-CoV-2)). The period covered by the search was November 2019 to October 2020 and the papers selected reported LU in COVID-19. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were selected to produce this systematic review. The main LU findings referred to the presence of focal, multifocal and/or confluent B lines and the presence of pleural irregularities. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LU in the evaluation of patients with COVID-19 should be encouraged due to its intrinsic characteristics; a low cost, radiation free, practical method, with easy to sanitize equipment, which facilitates structural evaluation of lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2. With the increase in the number of studies and the use of ultrasound scans, LU has been shown as a useful tool to evaluate progression, therapeutic response and follow-up of pulmonary disease in the patients with COVID-19.

The influence of hospital antimicrobial use on carbapenem-non-susceptible Enterobacterales incidence rates according to their mechanism of resistance: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem non-susceptible Enterobacterales (CNSE) can be broadly divided into those that produce carbapenemases (carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE)), and those that harbour other mechanisms of resistance (non-carbapenemase-producing CNSE (NCP-CNSE)). AIM: To determine the predictors of CNSE nosocomial incidence rates according to their mechanism of resistance. METHODS: A time-series analysis was conducted (July 2013 to December 2018) to evaluate the relationship in time between hospital antibiotic use and the percentage of adherence to hand hygiene with the CNSE rates. FINDINGS: In all, 20,641 non-duplicated Enterobacterales isolates were identified; 2.2% were CNSE. Of these, 48.1% and 51.9% were CPE and NCP-CNSE, respectively. Of the CPE, 78.3% possessed a blaOXA-232 gene. A transfer function model was identified for CNSE, CPE, and OXA-232 CPE that explained 20.8%, 19.3%, and 24.2% of their variation, respectively. According to the CNSE and CPE models, an increase in piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) use of 1 defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 hospital patient-days (HPD) would lead to an increase of 0.69 and 0.49 CNSE and CPE cases per 10,000 HPD, respectively. The OXA-232 CPE model estimates that an increase of 1 DDD per 100 HPD of TZP use would lead to an increase of 0.43 OXA-232 CPE cases per 10,000 HPD. A transfer function model was not identified for NCP-CNSE, nor was there an association between the adherence to handhygiene and the CNSE rates. CONCLUSION: The use of TZP is related in time with the CPE nosocomial rates, mostly explained by its effect on OXA-232 CPE.

El impacto de la pandemia del COVID-19 en la utilización de los servicios urológicos de urgencias / The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization of emergency urological services

OBJETIVOS: Comparar el número de pacientes que acuden al Servicio de Urología del Centro Hospitalario Universitario de Oporto (CHUP), así como sus características demográficas, los motivos de ingreso, la gravedad clínica según el sistema de triaje de Manchester (MTS) y la necesidad de cirugía de urgencia u hospitalización, durante la pandemia y el período equivalente en 2019. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se recogieron datos de pacientes que acudieron al servicio de urgencias de Urología del CHUP durante tres semanas -del 11 de marzo de 2020 al 1 de abril de 2020 -y del mismo período del año anterior (del 11 de marzo al 1 de abril de 2019). Los resultados: Durante la pandemia, el número de visitas a nuestro servicio de urgencias de urología se redujo en un 46,4% (122 vs 263). No hubo diferencias considerables en la media de edad ni en el número de pacientes de la tercera edad (con 65 años o más) entre los dos períodos. Sin embargo, un número significativamente menor de pacientes femeninos acudió al servicio de urgencia durante el período de la pandemia COVID-19 (32,7% vs.14,8%, p < 0,05). No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los distintos grupos de gravedad clínica en el marco del MTS. En2019, un número significativamente menor de pacientes requirió hospitalización. Las razones más comunes de admisión, durante ambos períodos, fueron hematuria, cólico renal e infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU). Los autores reconocen que el estudio tienevarias limitaciones, a saber, las inherentes a su carácter retrospectivo. CONCLUSIÓN: COVID-19 influyó significativamente en la actitud al solicitar atención urológica. Con base en los resultados de este estudio, tenemos razones para especular que las necesidades de las personas en materia de servicios urológicos podrían crecer de forma explosiva en el período posterior a COVID-19. Se requieren más estudios sobre el estado real de los servicios urológicos a largo plazo y las consecuencias que esta pandemiapuede tener en términos de tasas morbilidad y mortalidad indirectamente relacionadas con el virus

OBJECTIVES: To compare the number of patients attending the Urology ED of Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), as well as their demographic characteristics, the reasons for admission, the clinical severity under the Manchester triage system (MTS), and the need for emergency surgery or hospitalization, during the pandemic and the equivalent period in 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from patients attending the Urology emergency ward of CHUP during three weeks -from March 11th 2020 to April 1st2020 -and from the same period the previous year (from March 11thto April 1st2019). RESULTS: During the pandemic, 46.4% fewer patients visited our urological ED (122 vs 263). There was no significant difference of the mean age or the number of old patients (with 65 or more years old) between the two periods. However, significantly fewer female patients sought emergency urological services during the COVID-19 pandemic period (32.7% vs.14.8%, p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted between different clinical severity groups under the MTS. In 2019, significantly less patients required hospitalization. The most common reasons for admission, during both periods, were hematuria, renal colic and urinary tract infections (UTI). The authors recognize that the study has several limitations, namely, those inherent to its retrospective nature. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 significantly influenced people's urological care-seeking behaviour. Based on the results of this study, we have reasons to speculate that people's requirements for urological services might grow explosively in the post-COVID-19 period. There should be further studies about the real state of long-term urological services and the consequences that this pandemic may have in terms of morbimortality not directly related to the virus

Which One Is the Best for Living Donation: A Multiple-Artery Left Kidney Nephrectomy or a Right Kidney Nephrectomy?

INTRODUCTION: The current approach in living-donor kidney transplant is to preserve the best kidney for the donor and harvest the contralateral one. Due to a shorter renal vein and a greater incidence of venous thrombosis, left kidneys are more frequently elected. Notwithstanding, arterial anatomy may be complex and thus render the transplantation procedure more difficult and prone to complications. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the outcomes after multiple-artery left kidney nephrectomy (MALKN) and right kidney nephrectomy (RKN). RESULTS: Seventy-three cases were performed from 1999 to 2017 in our institution: 34 MALKN and 39 RKN. The mean operative time was significantly longer in MALKN. Warm ischemia time, donor and receptor hospital stay, and postoperative complications did not differ between groups. There was a positive correlation between renal arteries' ostia distance in MALKN and the duration of warm ischemia period. There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute tubular necrosis, first-year variations in serum creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate between groups. Long-term graft survival did not significantly differ between groups. Three cases of vein thrombosis after RKN were reported with graft loss. CONCLUSION: The safety and efficacy of MALKN does not differ from RKN, although there appears to be a higher incidence of vein thrombosis after right kidney transplantation. Despite being technically more demanding, particularly in cases with distant artery ostia, MALKN could be a better option than RKN for living donation, expanding the available donor pool, although more studies are needed to affirm this conclusion.

Mycobacterium marinum lymphocutaneous infection.

Mycobacterium marinum is a nontuberculous mycobacteria with worldwide distribution that lives in fresh or salt water and is responsible for infections in fish, and sometimes in humans. Human disease consists mainly of cutaneous nodules, but deep structure involvement may also occur. Diagnosis of M. marinum infection remains a challenge, with a considerable time delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis. We present a 33-year-old man with no immunosuppressive history who was seen in our department with skin nodules over his hand and forearm, distributed in a sporotrichoid pattern. His hobbies included maintaining an aquarium of tropical fish. Histological examination of the patient's skin biopsy was compatible with the diagnosis of mycobacterial infection, and the Ziehl-Neelsen staining revealed acid-fast bacilli. Molecular techniques confirmed the suspicion of M. marinum infection. A necropsy was performed on one of the patient's fish, more specifically, a Poecilia reticulata, and resulted in identification of M. marinum from its gut. The patient was treated with clarithromycin, ethambutol, and rifampicin for 9 months, with clearance of infection.

Ureteral Stenosis After Renal Transplantation-A Single-Center 10-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the definitive treatment for ESRD. Ureteral stenosis (US) is one of the most common urologic complications and has been reported in 2.6%-15% of KTs. METHODS: We reviewed data for 973 consecutive KT procedures performed at our center from January 2004 to September 2014, with evaluation of US management and recurrence rate. RESULTS: The 973 KTs were performed with the use of the direct ureterovesical (UV) implantation Paquin technique, and the mean follow-up time was 44.3 ± 30.2 [range, 3-111] months. During this period, 33 cases of US (3.39%) were reported. The interval from KT to US diagnosis was 10.6 ± 23.0 (range, 0.5-98.0) months. The majority of the US cases were located in the distal ureter and UV junction (83.9%), with only 2 cases of middle ureter stenosis and 2 cases of ureteropelvic junction. Mean US length was 2.5 ± 1.9 (range, 1.0-10.0) cm. Surgical management and global and treatment-specific recurrence rates were reviewed. Primary surgical treatment recurrence rate was higher for the endoscopic approach, with a mean global time from treatment to US recurrence of 6.9 ± 16.3 (range, 0-65) months and a median of 2.0 months. Open surgical approach was the main recurrence treatment option (74%). There were 2 cases of graft loss. Success rate evaluation of overall and treatment-specific primary surgical management did not reveal significant differences (P > .05) according to stenosis length (<1.5, 1.5-3.0, or >3.0 cm), time between transplant and stenosis (≤3, 3-12, or >12 mo), or stenosis location (distal, middle, or upper ureter). However, there was clearly a trend to higher success rate in smaller stenosis (<1.5 cm) and early management (≤3 mo), particularly with the use of balloon dilation. CONCLUSIONS: US management should be decided on a case-by-case basis according to clinical characteristics, treatment-specific recurrence rate, and previous surgical options.

Follow-up after focal therapy in renal masses: an international multidisciplinary Delphi consensus project.

PURPOSE: To establish consensus on follow-up (FU) after focal therapy (FT) in renal masses. To formulate recommendations to aid in clinical practice and research. METHODS: Key topics and questions for consensus were identified from a systematic literature research. A Web-based questionnaire was distributed among participants selected based on their contribution to the literature and/or known expertise. Three rounds according to the Delphi method were performed online. Final discussion was conducted during the "8th International Symposium on Focal Therapy and Imaging in Prostate and Kidney Cancer" among an international multidisciplinary expert panel. RESULTS: Sixty-two participants completed all three rounds of the online questionnaire. The panel recommended a minimum follow-up of 5 years, preferably extended to 10 years. The first FU was recommended at 3 months, with at least two imaging studies in the first year. Imaging was recommended biannually during the second year and annually thereafter. The panel recommended FU by means of CT scan with slice thickness ≤3 mm (at least three phases with excretory phase if suspicion of collecting system involvement) or mpMRI. Annual checkup for pulmonary metastasis by CT thorax was advised. Outside study protocols, biopsy during follow-up should only be performed in case of suspicion of residual/persistent disease or radiological recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus led to clear FU recommendations after FT of renal masses supported by a multidisciplinary expert panel. In spite of the low level of evidence, these recommendations can guide clinicians and create uniformity in the follow-up practice and for clinical research purposes.

Estimates of genetic parameters for stayability and their associations with traits of economic interest in Gir dairy cows.

The objective of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters for stayability at 60 months of age (STAY60) and its association with first lactation cumulative milk yield (P305), age at first calving (AFC), and first calving interval (FCI), in order to adopt these traits as selection criteria for longevity in Gir dairy cattle. Records for 2770 cows born between 1982 and 2008 from six herds in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraíba were analyzed. The (co)variance components were estimated by a Bayesian approach using bivariate animal models. The heritability estimates were 0.37 ± 0.09, 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.26 ± 0.06, and 0.07 ± 0.03 for STAY60, P305, AFC, and FCI, respectively. The genetic correlations of STAY60 with P305, AFC, and FCI were moderate to high, with values of 0.61 (0.17), -0.44 (0.23), and 0.88 (0.13), respectively. STAY60, P305, and AFC exhibited additive genetic variability, and these traits should be considered in selection indices. The indirect selection for longevity through the correlated responses of early-expression traits, such as milk production at first lactation, could be used to improve the ability of animals to remain in the herd.

From Open to Laparoscopic Living-donor Nephrectomy: Changing the Paradigm in a High-volume Transplant Center.

In 1995, Ratner et al reported the first laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy, and since then this approach is gradually replacing traditional open surgery. The learning curve of the procedure is still unclear and lessons taken from initial experience series are of utmost importance. We retrospectively analyzed our initial 50 living-donor laparoscopic nephrectomies, of which 90% were performed on the left side. Renal vascular variation occurred in 28% of donors. The median age and body mass index of the donors were 50 years (IQR 39-55) and 24.65 kg/m(2) (IQR 22.5-27.3), respectively. The median operative time and warm ischemia time were 160 minutes (IQR 141-178) and 240 seconds (IQR 210-280), respectively. Estimated blood loss was 60 mL (IQR 60-127.5). The serum creatinine of the receptors was 97.6 µmol/L (IQR 87.5-139.6) 1 month after transplant. Overall, there were 5 complications, including 2 (4%) open conversions, 1 (2%) incisional hernia, 1 (2%) graft loss, and 1 (2%) reintervention. The body mass index and the multiple arteries did not influence the operative time and warm ischemia time or the recipient's serum creatinine level. Along the series, there was a significant reduction in the operative time (Spearman ρ = -5.2; P < .001), but no significant differences were found for warm ischemia time, blood loss, or serum creatinine of the recipients (P > .05). Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a safe procedure in centers experienced in laparoscopic surgery; however, the learning curve plateau was not reached after the initial 50 cases.

Female sexual function and depression after kidney transplantation: comparison between deceased- and living-donor recipients.

Disturbances in sexual function and depression are a common feature in women with chronic renal failure. Living-donor kidney transplantation seems to warrant better results than its cadaveric counterpart in many aspects but its impact on post-transplantation sexual function remains unknown. This study aimed to compare post-transplantation sexual function and depression in women receiving kidney grafts from living and deceased donors. From a single-center prospective database of 2016 renal transplantations between June 2011 and June 2013, we enrolled 50 sexually active women after kidney transplantation. Female sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire (FSFI) and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scale. Thirty-four patients referred the questionnaires. The sexual domains of satisfaction and desire were significantly better in living-donor receptors; in all other domains evaluated by FSFI no statistically significant difference was encountered between groups, although living-donor receptors tended to report better function. Total BDI-II was well correlated with total FSFI score in our study cohort (Spearman's rho = -0.80, P < .001). Only 34.6% of women referred to have discussed sexual issues with their physicians before transplantation, whereas 73.1% stated it would have been important. In conclusion, living-donor transplantation exerted a positive effect on women's sexual function.

Estudo etnofarmacológico e etnobotânico de Himatanthus drasticus (Mart. ) Plumel (janaguba) / Ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical study of Himatanthus drasticus (Mart. ) Plumel (janaguba).

RESUMO Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel, janaguba, produz um látex em seu caule que é usado para o tratamento de alguns tipos de câncer, vermes intestinais, febre, menstruações irregulares, infertilidade feminina e úlceras gástricas. Estudos fitoquímicos revelaram a presença de acetato de lupeol e proteínas; e estudos farmacológicos, os efeitos antiúlcera, antitumoral, imunomodulador, analgésico e anti-inflamatório. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar levantamento etnobotânico e etnofarmacológico sobre H. drasticus como contribuição ao conhecimento científico da referida espécie. Foi elaborado um questionário, que foi aplicado em entrevista a 21 raizeiros nos mercados das cidades de Crato, Fortaleza e Pacajus do estado do Ceará (CE). Observou-se que 38,1% dos raizeiros têm mais de 10 anos de serviço e 47,6%, estão na faixa etária de 40 a 59 anos, o que representa um fator positivo quanto à experiência com plantas medicinais. Aproximadamente 85,7% dos raizeiros relataram o uso do látex da H. drasticus para tratamento de úlcera; 66,7% para inflamação; 66,7% para câncer. Verificou-se que as principais indicações terapêuticas relatadas pelos raizeiros sobre esta espécie estão de acordo com as informações científicas. Os levantamentos etnobotânicos e etnofarmacológicos exercem um papel primordial no resgate do conhecimento tradicional, nos meios rurais e urbanos, tanto por seu valor histórico-cultural, como também pela necessidade de confirmação das indicações de uso.

ABSTRACT The Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel, janaguba, produces a latex whose stem is used to treat some types of cancer, intestinal worms, fever, irregular menses, female infertility and gastric ulcers. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of lupeol acetate and proteins in the latex; and pharmacological studies indicated antiulcer, anti-tumor, immunomodulating, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to conduct surveys on ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical species H. drasticus as a contribution to the scientific knowledge about the species. A questionnaire and interviews were made with 21 healers in the markets of the cities of Crato, Fortaleza and Pacajús, in state of Ceara (CE). It was observed that 38.1% of the healers have more than 10 years of service, and 47.6% are between 40-59 years old, which is a positive factor about the experience with medicinal plants. Approximately 85.7% of the healers reported to apply latex H. drasticus for the treatment of ulcers, 66.7% for inflammation, and 66.7% for cancer. It was found that the main therapeutic indications mentioned by the healers about this species are consistent with the scientific information available. The ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological surveys play an essential role on keeping the traditional knowledge in rural and urban areas, both for its historical and cultural value, but also for the need of confirmation of the intended use.

Pediatric kidney transplantation: a single center experience with 134 procedures.

Renal transplantation confers substantial benefits on children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including improved growth as well as longer and better quality of life. The aim of this study was to report our experience with 134 pediatric renal transplantations. Epidemiological and clinical data of all patients transplanted who were younger than 18 years between January 1984 and May 2012 were collected from our prospective database. One hundred twenty-four patients (44% female) underwent 134 renal transplantations. Renal insufficiency was secondary to urological obstructive uropathy (46%), nephropathy (34%), and other causes (20%). Mean age at the time of the surgery was 13 years. Mean time of ESRD was 25 months. One hundred seventeen patients (95%) received cadaveric renal allografts. Mean cold ischemia time was 1302 minutes. Mean donor age was 19.7 years. Mean length of hospital stay was 17 days. Mean follow-up was 122 months. Graft survivals at 5 and 10 years were 84.1 and 71.9%, respectively. Ninety-six percent of kidney recipients were alive; 71% with functioning allografts. Mean current glomerular filtration rate among functioning kidneys is 55 mL/min. Renal transplantation in the pediatric population is a good option for ESRD patients.

Living versus cadaveric-donor renal transplant recipients: a comparison on sexual function.

Erectile dysfunction is experienced by 50% of men with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and uremia. The origin of this dysfunction is multifactorial. The aim of this study was to compare living donor versus cadaveric donor transplant recipients regarding male sexual function. Seventy-seven sexually active male kidney transplant recipients (44 from living donors; 33 from cadaveric donors) were randomly selected from our single-center prospective database of 2016 renal transplants. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected between June 2010 and June 2011. Male sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-15). We assessed the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction according to established cutoff points for each of the IIEF-15 domains. Mann-Whitney and Pearson's chi- square statistical tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The median age at the time of completion of the questionnaires was 43 and 51 years (P = .003) with median times from transplantation was of 36 and 42 months for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients, respectively (P = .31). Median durations of ESRD before surgery were 17.5 and 57 months for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients, respectively (P < .001). Living donor and cadaveric donor recipients had median creatinine clearance values of 55 and 57 mL/min, respectively (P = .44). Median time after renal transplantation for first sexual intercourse was 1 and 2 months for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients, respectively (P = .35). Median body mass indices for living donor and cadaveric donor recipients were 24.8 and 24, respectively (P = .31). Regarding sexual function domains, there were significant differences only for intercourse satisfaction. In our cohort, living donor recipients tended to be younger, have shorter time of ESRD, and less incidence of hypertension or diabetes mellitus but with greater tobacco use. In conclusion, living donor transplantation exerted a favorable impact on sexual function.

Urological complications after 134 pediatric kidney transplants: a single-center study.

The incidence of surgical complications after kidney transplantation has been reported to range from 1% to 33%. The aim of this work was to report surgical urological complications among our cohort of 134 pediatric kidney transplantations. Epidemiological and clinical data of all patients younger than 18 years transplanted between January 1984 and May 2012 were collected from our prospective database. Urologic complications and management are reported herein. One hundred twenty-four patients, including 44% females underwent 134 renal transplants. Median age at the time of the surgery was 13 years. Mean time of end-stage renal disease was 25 months. We identified 10 subjects (7.5%) with urological complications: 5 ureterovesical stenoses, 2 lymphoceles, and 3 lower ureteral fistulas. All of the renal allografts were obtained from cadaveric donors. Mean age of these patients at the time of transplantation was 13 years. Mean cold ischemia time was 1613 minutes. All the patients required surgical management. All patients with ureterovesical stenoses underwent ureteral reimplantation using a Boari flap; those with lymphoceles underwent open marsupialization; 2 with ureteral fistulas underwent reimplantation of the ureter, and the other patient's case required placement of a nephrostomy tube and an antegrade ureteral catheter. All patients were treated successfully. Mean follow-up time of cases with urological complications was 9.5 years. Currently, 60% has nonfunctioning allografts; the mean current glomerular filtration rate of the functioning renal allografts is 55 mL/min. Despite requiring surgical management, all patients were treated successfully. Prompt identification and treatment of any complication are critical for graft and patient survival.

Tratamiento laparoscópico de los remanentes uracales / Laparoscopic Treatment of Urachal Remnants

Objetivos: El uraco es una estructura vestigial obliterada derivada de la alantoides. El fracaso de este proceso de involución origina remanentes uracales evidentes. La cirugía es el tratamiento a elegir, ya que previene tanto la reaparición de los síntomas como la transformación maligna. El propósito de este estudio es presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo laparoscópico de esta patología. Material y métodos: Tres pacientes del sexo masculino (mediana de edad de 39 años) se sometieron a extirpación laparoscópica de los remanentes uracales. Dos pacientes fueron diagnosticados con un quiste asintomático y un paciente con un seno uracal con secreción umbilical. Se utilizó una técnica de tres puertos para eliminar todo el tracto del uraco desde el ombligo hasta la cúpula vesical, junto con una pequeña parte de la vejiga. Resultados: La mediana de tiempo operatorio fue de 94 minutos y la pérdida de sangre fue mínima. Un paciente sufrió una pequeña rotura vesical intraoperatoria que se solucionó exitosamente con un cierre adecuado. No se observaron complicaciones postoperatorias y todos los pacientes fueron dados de alta al segundo día después de la operación. Dos años después no hubo pruebas de reaparición. Conclusiones: Los remanentes uracales se pueden tratar con éxito con la cirugía laparoscópica, con ventajas en términos de morbilidad, recuperación y resultado estético. Todavía se necesitan muchos estudios comparativos para establecerla definitivamente como el tratamiento estándar por excelencia (AU)

Objectives: The urachus is a vestigial obliterated structure derived from the alantois. Failure of this involution process originates patent urachal remnants. Surgery is the treatment of choice as it prevents both recurrence of symptoms and malignant transformation. The purpose of this study is to present our experience in the laparoscopic management of this pathology. Material and methods: Three male patients (mean age 39 years) underwent laparoscopic excision of urachal remnants. Two patients were diagnosed with an asymptomatic cyst and one patient with urachal sinus presenting with umbilical discharge. A three-port technique was used to remove the whole urachus tract from the umbilicus to the bladder dome, together with a small bladder patch. Results: Mean operating time was 94 min and blood loss was minimal. One patient had small intra-operative bladder rupture, successfully managed with adequate closure. No postoperative complications were observed and all patients were discharged on the second postoperative day. Two years later there was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Urachal remnants can be successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery, with advantages in terms of morbidity, recovery and cosmetic outcome. Large number, comparative studies are still needed to definitely establish it as the gold standard treatment (AU)