Pharmacologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease refractory to steroids.

Although corticosteroids are an effective treatment for induction of remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many patients are dependent on or refractory to corticosteroids. This review is based on scrutinizing current literature with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and Cochrane reviews on the management of IBD refractory to corticosteroids. Based on this evidence, we propose algorithms and optimization strategies for use of immunomodulator and biologic therapy in IBD refractory to corticosteroids.

Lich-Gregoir technique and routine use of double J catheter as the best combination to avoid urinary complications in kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary complications in kidney transplantation cause patient morbidity and can decrease graft survival. Most of the complications stem from the vesicoureteric anastomosis. Different techniques for ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) have been designed to avoid these complications. The routine use of a double J catheter after the anastomosis has the same purpose. Our aim was to show our experience and compare the use or non-use of a double J catheter and different techniques for ureteric reimplantation with the rate of urologic complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, nonrandomized study of 1011 renal transplantations performed between July 1985 and April 2012. We recorded the surgical techniques for UNC, the use or non-use of a double J catheter, and urinary complications (ureteric fistulae and strictures). The first 700 kidney transplantations (group A) were performed using several UNC techniques (Taguchi, Leadbetter-Politano, and Lich-Gregoir) with a selective use of double J catheter according to the criteria of the surgeon. In the last 311 patients (group B), a surgical technique was established (Lich-Gregoir), as well as the universal use of double J catheters. RESULTS: Urinary fistula occurred in 7% of group A patients and 2% of group B patients (P = .0001). Ureteric stricture occurred in 5.3% of patients in group A and 3% of group B patients (P = .09). In our study, routine prophylactic stenting combined with the Lich-Gregoir UNC technique has decreased the incidence of postoperative fistulae. CONCLUSIONS: Individually, the use of double J catheters seems to lessen the incidence of fistulae, although statistically, the difference is not significant. Accurate knowledge of the complications rates, recommendations of guidelines, and the early diagnosis are essential to attaining reasonable results in kidney transplantation.

[Morbidity and risk factors of transrectal prostate biopsy]. / Morbilidad y factores de riesgo de la biopsia transrectal prostática.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of minor complications that rarely need treatment (haematuria, hematospermia and rectal bleeding) and major complications (fever and shock) in patients undergoing transrectal biopsy of the prostate and to identify risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present an analytic and prospective study where we evaluated 146 patients subjected to transrectal biopsy of the prostate from December 2007 to September 2008. Complications rates and variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients (5,5%) suffered fever and seven (4,8%) of them were admitted. One of the patients (0,7%) suffered shock. The median of time between biopsy and fever was 3.5 days (1-10 days). Haematuria and hematospermia were more frequent in patients younger than 65 years (p<0.05) and fever and sepsis were more frequent in patients with prostate volume smaller than 55mL (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The complications of the transrectal biopsy of the prostate are frequent, autolimited and they rarely suppose a health hazard for the patients. The most frequent are haematuria and hemospermia, specially in younger patients, whereas infectious complications are rarer and in our study are more frequent in patients with smaller prostates. We must take into account that the information to the patient is very important after a prostate biopsy, so we can avoid useless consultations (for example with haematuria) and it will enable to identify important signs like fever earlier.

Morbilidad y factores de riesgo de la biopsia transrectal prostática / Morbidity and risk factors of transrectal prostate biopsy

Objetivos: Analizar la incidencia de complicaciones menores que no requirieron tratamiento médico (hematuria, hematospermia y rectorragia) y mayores (fiebre y sepsis) en los pacientes sometidos a biopsia transrectal prostática (BTRP) e identificar posibles factores de riesgo. Material y métodos: Presentamos un estudio analítico, consecutivo, descripitivo, de una cohorte de 146 pacientes sometidos a BTRP desde diciembre de 2007–septiembre de 2008. Se analizaron los signos y síntomas que sufrieron y las variables edad, volumen prostático, resultado y el hecho de ser la primera biopsia o una sucesiva. Resultados: En ese periodo 8 (5,5%) de los pacientes sufrieron fiebre, 7 (4,8%) de los cuales requirieron ingreso, con una mediana de estancia hospitalaria de 3 días. Un paciente (0,7%) presentó shock séptico. La mediana del tiempo de latencia, entre la BTRP y la aparición de fiebre fue de 3,5 días (rango de 1–10 días). La hematuria y la hemospermia fueron más frecuentes en menores de 65 años (p<0,05) y la fiebre en los pacientes con volúmenes prostáticos menores de 55mL (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Las complicaciones de la biopsia transrectal prostática son frecuentes, autolimitadas y muy raramente ponen en peligro la vida del paciente. Las más frecuentes son la hematuria y la hemospermia, dándose en pacientes de menor edad, mientras que las complicaciones infecciosas son más raras y en nuestra muestra son más frecuentes en pacientes con volúmenes prostáticos menores. Consideramos de gran importancia informar al paciente de las complicaciones que pueden aparecer tras la BTRP, evitando así consultas innecesarias en los servicios de urgencias por los síntomas menores y permitiendo controlar precozmente el desarrollo de infecciones graves (AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of minor complications that rarely need treatment (haematuria, hematospermia and rectal bleeding) and major complications (fever and shock) in patients undergoing transrectal biopsy of the prostate and to identify risk factors. Patients and methods: We present an analitic and prospective study where we evaluated 146 patients subjected to transrectal biopsy of the prostate from December 2007 to September 2008. Complications rates and variables were analized. Results: Eight pacients (5,5%) suffered fever and seven (4,8%) of them were admitted. One of the pacients (0,7%) suffered shock. The median of time between biopsy and fever was 3.5 days (1–10 days). Haematuria and hematospermia were more frequent in patients younger than 65 years (p<0.05) and fever and sepsis were more frequent in patients with prostate volume smaller than 55mL (p<0.05). Conclusions: The complications of the transrectal biopsy of the prostate are frequent, autolimited and they rarely suppose a health hazard for the patients. The most frequent are haematuria and hemospermia, specially in younger patients, whereas infectious complications are rarer and in our study are more frequent in patients with smaller prostates. We must take into account that the information to the patient is very important after a prostate biopsy, so we can avoid useless consultations (for example with haematuria) and it will enable to identify important signs like fever earlier (AU)

[Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in challenging cases]. / Nefrectomía laparoscópica asistida por la mano en casos difíciles.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with significant complicating clinical factors. METHODS: A retrospective assessment was made of 100 laparoscopic nephrectomies performed at a single hospital from 2001 to 2005. Patients with a history of prior abdominal surgery, prior procedures on the involved kidney, evidence of perirenal inflammation, renal lesions 10 cm or more in diameter, or level I renal vein thrombosis were enrolled. RESULTS: Twelve patients were enrolled. Of these, 5 had a lesion at least 10 cm in diameter, 2 had renal vein thrombosis, and 5 reported major abdominal surgery. Most patients had more than one of these findings. Three patients showed inflammatory conditions (staghorn calculi) and a T4 renal tumor was successfully treated without conversion to open surgery. Mean operating time and blood loss were 210 minutes and 310 ml respectively, while mean length of hospital stay was 3 days. No patient required conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy is an attractive minimally invasive option for technically challenging tumors and has reasonable operating times, blood losses, and complication rates.

Nefrectomía laparoscópica asistida por la mano en casos difíciles / Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in challenging cases

Objetivo: evaluar los resultados de nefrectomía laparoscópica asistida por la mano en pacientes con masas renales técnicamente complejas. Métodos: se ha realizado una evaluación retrospectiva de 100 nefrectomías laparoscópicas realizadas en un solo hospital entre 2001 y 2005. Se ha seleccionado a los pacientes con antecedentes de cirugía abdominal previa, procedimientos previos en el riñón afectado, evidencia de inflamación perirrenal, lesiones renales de más de 10 cm de diámetro o trombosis venosa renal tipo I. Resultados: se ha incluido un total de 12 pacientes; 5 de ellos presentaban una lesión de al menos 10 cm de diámetro, dos trombosis venosa renal y 5 referían cirugía abdominal mayor. La mayoría de los pacientes tenía más de uno de estos hallazgos. Tres pacientes presentaban procesos inflamatorios (cálculos coraliformes) y un tumor renal T4 fue tratado con éxito, sin necesidad de reconversión. El tiempo operatorio y la pérdida sanguínea medias fueron de 210 minutos y 310 ml, respectivamente, con una estancia media de tres días. Ningún paciente requirió reconversión a cirugía abierta. Conclusiones: la nefrectomía laparoscópica asistida por la mano es una opción mínimamente invasiva, atractiva en el contexto de masas técnicamente complejas, con un tiempo operatorio, una pérdida sanguínea y una tasa de complicaciones razonables (AU)

Objective: To assess the outcome of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with significant complicating clinical factors. Methods: A retrospective assessment was made of 100 laparoscopic nephrectomies performed at a single hospital from 2001 to 2005. Patients with a history of prior abdominal surgery, prior procedures on the involved kidney, evidence of perirenal inflammation, renal lesions 10 cm or more in diameter, or level I renal vein thrombosis were enrolled. Results: Twelve patients were enrolled. Of these, 5 had a lesion at least 10 cm in diameter, 2 had renal vein thrombosis, and 5 reported major abdominal surgery. Most patients had more than one of these findings. Three patients showed inflammatory conditions (staghorn calculi) and a T4 renal tumor was successfully treated without conversion to open surgery. Mean operating time and blood loss were 210 minutes and 310 ml respectively, while mean length of hospital stay was 3 days. No patient required conversion to open surgery. Conclusions: Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy is an attractive minimally invasive option for technically challenging tumors and has reasonable operating times, blood losses, and complication rates (AU)

[Clinical efficacy of prostatic biopsy. Experience in our center from 1990 to 2002]. / Eficacia clínica de la biopsia prostática. Experiencia en nuestro centro 1990-2002.

INTRODUCTION: The prostate biopsy is the only valid tool to diagnose the existence of cancer of prostate. The indications of the biopsy, according with EAU, are the existence of high PSA, increased velocity PSA and a rectal suspicious tact. OBJECTIVES: validation of the utility of the prostate biopsy, to know the value of the PSA as a marker of prostate cancer in our way and to value the indication and efficiency of repeated biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we practice a manual review of the biopsies in our hospital, between the years 1990 and 2002. We study the level of PSA before the biopsy, number of prostatic cores and histologic information of the biopsy. A statistical descriptive and inferencial study has been performed by SPSS 12.0 package. RESULTS: The total number of biopsies registered was a 1202, with 36.96% of biopsy positive. The PSA before the biopsy (available in the biopsies realized between the year 1999 and 2002: 578 biopsies, 48.08% of the whole) was > 10 ng/ml in 55,88% of these patients, 4-10 ng/ml in 39.27% and 0-4 ng/ml in 4.84%. The average and PSA's median is of 19.09 (standard error: 1.87) and 10.6, respectively. The positividad of the biopsy increases with PSA's level: 48,61% with PSA > 10; 25.11% with PSA 4-10 and 21,4% in patients with PSA < 4. There was realized prostate rebiopsy (2 or more biopsies) in 132 patients (21.97% positive) 88,36% of the cancers was diagnosed in the first biopsy, and 6.62% in the second one (94,98% of the diagnoses of cancer of prostate carried out with the first 2 biopsies). CONCLUSIONS: The information obtained in the study by means of the descriptive analysis of our series meets in conformity the published in other studies and publications. There exists a need to increase the diagnostic profitability of the biopsy of prostate, for which we have introduced a protocol of biopsy under local anesthesia in order to be able to increase the number of obtained cylinders.

Eficacia clínica de la biopsia prostática. Experiencia en nuestro centro 1990-2002 / Clinical efficacy of prostatic biopsy. Experience in our center from 1990 to 2002

Introducción: La biopsia prostática es la única herramienta válida para diagnosticar la existencia de cáncer de próstata. Las indicaciones para su realización según la Asociación Europea de Urología son la existencia de PSA elevado, velocidad aumentada y la evidencia de un tacto rectal sospechoso. Objetivos: Valoración tanto de la utilidad clínica de la biopsia prostática, como del PSA como marcador de cáncer de próstata en nuestro medio y la indicación y eficacia de sucesivas biopsias. Material y Métodos: Efectuamos una revisión manual de las biopsias realizadas en nuestro servicio entre los años 1990 y 2002, valorando nivel de PSA previo a la biopsia, número de cilindros obtenidos y datos de la biopsia. Se llevó a cabo un estudio estadístico descriptivo mediante el programa estadístico SPSS 12.0. Resultados: Se han realizado 1202 biopsias en este periodo, con un porcentaje de positividad global del 36.96%. El PSA previo a la biopsia (disponible en las biopsias realizadas entre los años 1999 y 2002: 578 biopsias, 48.08% del total) era >10 ng/ml en el 55,88% de estos pacientes, 4-10 ng/ml en el 39.27% y 0-4ng/ml en el 4,84%. La media y mediana de PSA es de 19,09 (error típico: 1,87) y 10,6, respectivamente. La positividad de la biopsia aumenta con el nivel de PSA: 21,4% en pacientes con PSA<4; 25,11% con PSA 4-10 y 48,61% con PSA >10. Fue realizada rebiopsia prostática en 132 pacientes (21,97% positivas) El 88,36%de los cánceres fueron diagnosticados en la primera biopsia, y un 6,62% en la segunda (94,98% de los diagnósticos de cáncer de próstata se realizaron con las 2 primeras biopsias). Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos en el estudio mediante el análisis descriptivo de nuestra serie se encuentran en concordancia con lo publicado en otros estudios y publicaciones. Existe una necesidad de aumentar la rentabilidad diagnóstica de la biopsia de próstata, para lo cual hemos introducido un protocolo de biopsia bajo anestesia local con el fin de poder aumentar el número de cilindros obtenidos (AU)

Introduction: The prostate biopsy is the only valid tool to diagnose the existence of cancer of prostate. The indications of the biopsy, according with EAU, are the existence of high PSA, increased velocity PSA and a rectal suspicious tact. Objectives: validation of the utility of the prostate biopsy, to know the value of the PSA as a marker of prostate cancer in our way and to value the indication and efficiency of repeated biopsies. Material and methods: we practice a manual review of the biopsies in our hospital, between the years 1990 and 2002. We study the level of PSA before the biopsy, number of prostatic cores and histologic information of the biopsy. A statistical descriptive and inferencial study has been performed by SPSS 12.0 package. Results: The total number of biopsies registered was a 1202, with 36.96 % of biopsy positive. The PSA before the biopsy (available in the biopsies realized between the year 1999 and 2002: 578 biopsies, 48.08 % of the whole) was> 10 ng/ml in 55,88 % of these patients, 4-10 ng/ml in 39.27 % and 0-4ng/ml in 4.84 %. The average and PSA’s median is of 19.09 (standard error: 1.87) and 10.6, respectively. The positividad of the biopsy increases with PSA’s level: 48,61 % with PSA> 10; 25.11 % with PSA 4-10and 21,4 % in patients with PSA <4. There was realized prostate rebiopsy (2 ó more biopsies) in 132 patients (21,97 % positive) 88,36 % of the cancers was diagnosed in the first biopsy, and 6.62 % in the second one (94,98% of the diagnoses of cancer of prostate carried out with the first 2 biopsies).Conclusions: The information obtained in the study by means of the descriptive analysis of our series meets in conformity the published in other studies and publications. There exists a need to increase the diagnostic profitability of the biopsy of prostate, for which we have introduced a protocol of biopsy under local anesthesia in order to be able to increase the number of obtained cylinders (AU)

[Brucellar orchiepididymitis]. / Orquiepididimitis brucelosa.

The brucellosis is an unusual entity whose incidence has diminished due to the improvement in preventive measures. We have carried out a retrospective study of all the patients admitted in our service between 1996 and 1998, with diagnosis of orchitis. Two of the 31 patients admitted for this reason presented a final diagnosis of brucellar orchiepididymitis. Both patients presented clinic of affectation from the general state accompanied by resistance to habitual antibiotic treatment. The patient's epidemic antecedents, accompanied by the suitable clinical evolution took to the suspicion of orchiepididymitis of brucellar etiology, with change in the antibiotic rule. The diagnosis of the process was obtained by means of serologic tests and blood cultures.

Orquiepididimitis brucelosa / Brucellar orchiepididymitis

La brucelosis es una entidad poco frecuente, cuya incidencia ha disminuido debido a la mejoría en las medidas preventivas. Hemos realizado un estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes ingresados en nuestro servicio entre los años 1996 y 1998, con diagnóstico de orquitis. Dos de los 31 pacientes ingresados por este motivo presentaron diagnóstico final de orquioepididimitis brucelosa. Ambos pacientes se presentaron con clínica de afectación del estado general acompañada de resistencia a tratamiento antibiótico habitual. Los antecedentes epidemiológicos del paciente, acompañados de la evolución clínica indicada llevaron a la sospecha de orquioepididimitis de etiología brucelosa, con cambio en la pauta antibiótica. El diagnóstico del proceso se obtuvo mediante pruebas serológicas y hemocultivos (AU)

[Malignant neoplasms of the penis]. / Neoplasias malignas del pene.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the behaviour and management of these uncommon neoplasias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 1975 and July 1999, a total of 95 malignant neoplasias of the penis were diagnosed and treated by our unit. Patients mean age was 62 years (28 to 87 years). A retrospective analysis of any associated lesions, biological behaviour of the various neoplasias, as well as therapies used is carried out. RESULTS: The squamous carcinoma of the penis (SCP) is the most frequent pathohistological entity entailing 78 cases (82%), followed by verrucous carcinoma (VC) 13 cases (13.5%), basal cells carcinoma 1 case, and melanoma, lymphoma and penile metastasis 1 case each. There is a significant presence of associated lesions with marked predominance of phimosis. The most frequent reason for the call is an injury of the penis (74 cases; 78%). Treatment was mainly partial penectomy (51 patients; 53.7%), followed by conservative treatment in 28 cases (30%). Inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 13 patients (14%), due to either a positive nodular biopsy or a persistent adenopathy following antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Neoplasias showing superior biological behaviour are basal cell carcinoma of the penis, and verrucous carcinoma. Prognosis in SCP is based on pathological status and node involvement. Patients with pT1 tumours showed no metastatic adenopathies after follow-up regardless of cytological grading, and are therefore candidates to watchful waiting with regular monitoring. Melanoma of the penis is a highly aggressive tumour due to its high metastatic capacity with a poor prognosis.

[Squamous carcinoma of the penis]. / Carcinoma escamoso de pene.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. METHODS: We reviewed our series of 73 squamous cell carcinoma of the penis over the last 23 years. Patient mean age was 65.7 years. All lesions had been previously biopsied. Patient records were reviewed for a history of phimosis and related lesions. The histological, clinical and therapeutic aspects, and survival are analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the squamous cell carcinoma of the penis were superficial lesions (pT1). Treatment was by partial penile resection in 42 cases, total penile resection in 9, and emasculation in 2 cases. Conservative surgery was performed in 20 cases (tumor excision in 14 and posthectomy in 6 cases). Lymphadenectomy was performed in 11 patients. Eight patients received radiotherapy to the inguinal region. The rate of recurrence after surgery was 11% (8 cases). Five of the 8 patients with tumor recurrence had been treated by conservative surgery. The 5-year survival rate was 78%. CONCLUSIONS: Penile cancer is uncommon and accounts for less than 1% of tumors in the male in our setting. A higher incidence has been found in men with phimosis, poor hygiene and low sociocultural level. Partial penile resection is the treatment of choice for the primary lesion. The outcome is worse in patients with invasive tumor, poor cell differentiation, ulceroendophytic morphology, and above all in patients with metastatic adenopathy. Radiotherapy provided no benefits, made inguinal evaluation difficult and increased the morbidity in some cases. Patients with pT1 tumor and good cell differentiation showed no metastatic adenopathy during follow-up. Patient follow-up is fundamental to detect recurrence or metastatic adenopathy and to institute treatment immediately.

Neoplasias malignas del pene / Malignant neoplasias of the penis

OBJETIVO: Valorar el comportamiento y manejo de estas infrecuentes neoplasias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Desde marzo de 1975 a julio de 1999, han sido diagnosticadas y tratadas por nuestro servicio un total de 95 neoplasias malignas del pene. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 62 años (28 a 87 años).Se realiza un análisis retrospectivo de las diferentes lesiones asociadas, comportamiento biológico de las distintas neoplasias, así como de las terapias empleadas. RESULTADOS: La variedad histopatológica más frecuente es la del carcinoma escamoso de pene (CEP) con 78 casos (82 por ciento), seguida del carcinoma verrucoso (CV) con 13 casos (13,5 por ciento), carcinoma basocelular en 1 caso, melanoma, linfoma y metástasis peneana en 1 caso cada uno. La presencia de lesiones asociadas es notable con mar-cado predominio de la fimosis. El motivo de consulta más frecuente es por lesión en pene (74 casos; 78 por ciento). El tratamiento empleado en la mayoría de los casos fue la penectomía parcial (51 pacientes; 53,7 por ciento), seguido de trata-miento conservador en 28 casos (30 por ciento). La linfadenectomía inguinal se realizó en 13 pacientes (14 por ciento), por biopsia ganglionar positiva o por la persistencia de adenopatías tras tratamiento antibiótico. CONCLUSIONES: Las neoplasias con un mejor comportamiento biológico son el carcinoma basocelular de pene, y el carcinoma verrucoso. En el CEP el pronóstico vendrá determinado por el estadio patológico, y en especial por la afectación ganglionar. Los pacientes con tumor pT1, independientemente del grado citológico, no presentaron adenopatías metastásicas tras el seguimiento, por lo que son candidatos a una conducta expectante mediante con-troles periódicos. El melanoma de pene es un tumor altamente agresivo por su elevada capacidad metastásica, y con un pobre pronóstico (AU)

[Giant fibroepithelial polyp of the ureter]. / Pólipo fibroepitelial gigante del uréter.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of giant fibroepithelial polyp of the ureter and review the literature with special reference to the diagnosis and treatment of this benign condition. METHODS: A young male patient with a nonfunctioning left kidney caused by a giant fibroepithelial polyp of the ureter is presented. The diagnostic methods and treatment options are discussed. RESULTS: Following the diagnosis of obstructive uropathy with loss of left renal unit function, a left nephroureterectomy was performed which revealed a giant polypoid mass. CONCLUSION: Fibroepithelial polyp of the ureter is a benign condition that is difficult to diagnose with current endoscopic techniques. Endoscopy should be the first therapeutic option if loss of renal function is not irreversible.

[Penile injuries: our experience]. / Traumatismos del pene: nuestra experiencia.

Trauma of the penis is relatively uncommon. Not many centres and even less urologists have extensive experience in the comprehensive management of this type of injury. Revision of the series accrued in our hospital over 20 years, in each case explaining the mechanism of occurrence, treatment applied and results obtained.

[Ultrasonography and intravenous urography in the diagnosis of blunt renal trauma]. / Ecografía y UIV en el diagnóstico de traumatismos renales cerrados.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sensitivity of renal ultrasonography and intravenous urography in renal trauma. METHODS: An extensive analysis on the sensitivity of IVP and US in the assessment of renal trauma was conducted using CT, renal selective arteriography or surgical exploration as the gold standard tests of reference to validate the initial diagnosis. RESULTS: IVP and US are useful techniques because of their high sensitivity in the diagnosis of renal trauma. The sensitivity of US decreases as the severity of the trauma increases (75% for grade I, 88.9% for grade II, 73.3% for grade III and 0% for grade IV), while that of IVP remains high for all degrees of severity (100% for grade I, 92% for grade II, 100% for grade III and 100% for grade IV). CONCLUSIONS: IVP and US were found to be useful techniques because of their high sensitivity in the diagnosis of blunt renal trauma. The sensitivity of US decreases as the severity of the trauma increases, while that of IVP remains high for all degrees of severity.

[Incidence and risk factors for calculi formation in patients treated with augmentation cystoplasty or intestinal substitution]. / Incidencia y factores de riesgo para la formación litiásica en pacientes sometidos a cistoplastias de ampliación o sustitución con intestino.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder stones have been observed more frequently in patients undergoing bladder augmentation or substitution than in the normal population. We analyzed the etiological factors influencing bladder stone formation in patients submitted to the foregoing procedures. METHODS: Between December 1986 and October 1994, 12 augmentation cystoplasties with detubularized ileum or colon (group I) and 24 substitution ileocystoplasties (group II) were performed. None of the patients were known to have urinary stone formation. The possible causes of bladder stone formation were analyzed in both patients groups. The patients were evaluated for urinary infection, post micturition bladder residue, urinary pH, and stone forming metabolic alterations in blood or urine. The latter consisted in determining the blood levels of creatinine, calcium, uric acid and phosphorus and the 24-hr urine levels of calcium uric acid, phosphorus, creatinine, urea, oxalic acidi citric acid and magnesium. The statistical analysis consisted of an unweighted logistic regression test and a chi square test between each of the above variables and the existence of bladder stones. RESULTS: In group I, 10 patients revealed recurrent urinary infections, 0 showed a significant post-micturition bladder residue, a pathologically alkaline pH was observed in 2 and the metabolic study of blood and urine revealed alterations in 9 patients. In group II, 18 patients revealed recurrent urinary infection, 13 patients had post-micturition bladder residue, a pathologically alkaline pH was observed in 1, and the metabolic study of blood and urine revealed alterations in 13 patients. The statistical analysis using the unweighted logistic regression test showed no significant relation between any of the parameters and the presence of stones, for the substitution group pr augmentation group. However, the chi-square test to determine the relation between the different varikables and the existence of stones, showed a statistically significant relation between an elevated urinary pH, recurrent urinary infection, post-micturition bladder residue and bladder stone formation for groups I. Concerning the type of suture employed, some degree of relation between the use of non-resorbable suture and stone formation was found, although it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We can therefore conclude that urinary pH, recurrent urinary infection annd post-micturition bladder residue, and probably use of nonreabsorbable suture, are among the etiological factors that we should avoid and treat in order to prevent the formation of bladder stones in patients undergoing augmentation or substitution cystoplasty.

[Bladder tumor. Presentation of 2 patients with soft tissue involvement]. / Tumor vesical Presentación de dos pacientes con extensión a tejidos blandos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe two uncommon cases of bladder tumor metastasizing to soft tissues. METHODS/RESULTS: Two patients with bladder tumor and cystic metastases in the abdominal wall are described. The cysts were easily palpable and were confirmed histologically. CONCLUSION: Soft tissues, like the abdominal wall, are unusual sites of metastasis of bladder tumor. The foregoing, however, should be considered in order to make an early diagnosis.

[Leydig cell tumor. Comments on 5 cases]. / Tumor de células de Leydig. Comentarios sobre cinco casos.

Leydig's cells tumours are a variant of testicular tumours. Its has a low incidence, accounting for just 1-3% of all testicular tumours. This tumour is characterized by its endocrine manifestations, and it is an element in the differential diagnosis of many endocrine sexual dysfunctions both in adults and children, due to the tumour's capacity to secrete hormones. This paper contributes 5 cases of Leydig's cells tumours diagnosed in our hospital between 1977 and 1993.

[Epidemiologic study of complicated urinary calculi: an analysis of 164 cases]. / Estudio epidemiológico de la litiasis urinaria complicada: análisis de 164 casos.

We report a clinical and epidemiological study of 164 cases of complex urinary calculi which were seen in our hospital between 1984 and 1988. The highest incidence was found in patients aged between 40 and 50 years, with a female:male ratio of 1.27/1. In 37% of patients there were first degree relatives with calculi. The most common type were calculi with a calcium component, with a remarkably high proportion of struvite calculi and a low one of uric acid. Housewives had a high rate of struvite calculi associated with infections during pregnancy. Qualified professions have been associated with calcium oxalate and phosphate calculi. 13% has congenital renoureteral malformations, 4% had hyperuricemia and 1.2% had hyperparathyroidism. Pain was the most consistent symptom, followed by fever and urinary tract infection. 50% of patients had previously passed stones. 90% of calculi were visible in the plain abdomen X-ray film. 65% of patients required aggressive therapy.