Comparative Study of the Influence of Three-Dimensional Versus Two-Dimensional Urological Laparoscopy on Surgeons' Surgical Performance and Ergonomics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the use of three-dimensional (3D) vision systems with traditional two-dimensional systems in laparoscopic urological surgery, analyzing the benefits, limitations, and impact of introducing this medical technology with regard to surgical performance and the surgeon's ergonomics. Methods: A systematic review with a structured bibliographic search was conducted in the electronic libraries (PubMed and EMBASE) until August 2019 and with no language restrictions. Studies on 3D visualization technology in laparoscopic urologic surgery, randomized controlled trials, and observational comparative studies were included. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 25 articles were obtained, of which 4 were clinical studies with patients, 2 studies were carried out in experimental animal models, and the remaining 19 were conducted in simulated environments. Regarding the European training program in basic laparoscopic urological skills, the results showed no significant differences in execution time using either imaging system. Three-dimensional vision led to a significant reduction in surgery time in pyeloplasty and radical nephrectomy. In addition, there was a reported decrease in blood loss in adrenalectomy, nephron-sparing nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, simple nephrectomy, and pyeloplasty using 3D vision. Regarding ergonomics, the studies generally described no differences in side effects (headache, nausea, eye strain) when comparing the two types of visualization systems. Surgeons reported reduced workloads and stress with 3D vision than with traditional laparoscopy. Conclusions: Three-dimensional laparoscopic systems essentially advance surgical performance in less-experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Three-dimensional laparoscopy leads to improvements in surgery time, which is important for specific surgical procedures involving intracorporeal ligatures and sutures. The results achieved on the surgeons' ergonomics showed better depth perception and decreased stress and workloads during 3D vision with no differences in potential side effects.

Formación en cirugía laparoscópica urológica básica y avanzada: evaluación de 30 años de experiencia de un programa de formación en España / Training in basic and advanced laparoscopy: Evaluation of a 30-year experience in a training program in Spain

La falta de unos estándares globalmente establecidos para el aprendizaje en laparoscopia urológica no ha impedido que las técnicas laparoscópicas se mantengan en continuo desarrollo y evolución. En la actualidad, la laparoscopia convive junto a la cirugía robótica, y en la última década han sido múltiples las técnicas que han sufrido un auge con el empleo de un abordaje laparoscópico (nefrectomía total y parcial, pieloplastia, colposacropexia, etc.). Pretendemos evaluar la incorporación progresiva de diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas en el programa de aprendizaje laparoscópico y, por otra parte, proyectamos analizar la evolución de los programas de formación en laparoscopia urológica para lograr introducir este tipo de técnicas en la actividad quirúrgica hospitalaria. Presentamos nuestra experiencia de 30 años en diferentes programas de formación en laparoscopia urológica, auspiciados por la Asociación Española de Urología (AEU), y que han sido sometidos a varios estudios de validez para determinar su capacidad para evaluar eficazmente las habilidades laparoscópicas básicas y avanzadas. Asimismo, destacaremos la tendencia actual y futura hacia modelos de capacitación basados en las competencias quirúrgicas donde es trascendental la formación individualizada, la acreditación y especialización de tutores y donde el incremento en la utilización de métodos de capacitación y evaluación basados en la simulación son cada vez más comunes (AU)

The lack of globally established standards for learning urological laparoscopy has not prevented laparoscopic techniques from evolution and continuous development. Laparoscopy coexists with robotic surgery today, and in the last decade there have been many techniques that have undergone a boom with the use of a laparoscopic approach (total and partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, colposacropexy, etc.). We intend to evaluate the progressive incorporation of different surgical techniques in the laparoscopic learning program and, on the other hand, to analyze the evolution of training programs in urological laparoscopy to bring this type of techniques within the hospital surgical activity.We describe our 30-years experience in different training programs in urological laparoscopy that have been sponsored by the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU), and have undergone several validity studies to assess their capacity in order to evaluate effectively basic and advanced laparoscopic skills.We will also highlight the current and future trend towards training models based on surgical competences where individualized training, accreditation and specialization of tutors is crucial, and where the increase in the use of training and evaluation methods based on the simulation are increasingly common (AU)

Evaluación de competencias en Urología. Esscolap® basic, como aproximación a la mejora de las capacidades de los urólogos / Evaluation of competencies in urology. Esscolap® basic, as aproximation to urologists skills improvement

Introducción: La Urología necesita de modelos de evaluación de capacidades, a pesar de que existe una variada oferta de herramientas que no están integradas en los programas de formación. Contexto: No existe un criterio universal para medir el nivel de competencia. Los programas de formación deben proporcionar conocimientos y destrezas, y deben considerar las habilidades cognitivas, la formación basada sobre simulación y modelo animal. La validez es un concepto complejo que hace referencia a la capacidad del instrumento de evaluación, por lo que es necesario establecer varios tipos de validación para asegurar la capacidad de un método, reforzarse con distintos test de fiabilidad y cálculo de consistencia interna entre evaluadores. Objetivo: A partir de un dossier estructurado de competencias quirúrgicas, clasificadas por grupos, se planteó el sistema ESSCOLAP® Basic con 5 ejercicios sobre simulador, para la evaluación de las competencias básicas en Laparoscopia. Una vez validado, en el CCMIJU, se planteó ampliar el alcance e implementación del mismo en otras localizaciones. Resultados: Nuestro sistema no ha demostrado aún su validez en el ámbito clínico real, porque no presenta una validez predictiva con datos clínicos de resultados en salud. Existe, además, un cierto rango de subjetividad, por lo que se requiere establecer criterios claros y definidos para cualquier situación. El número de evaluadores y de los ejercicios a evaluar, va a influir en los test de fiabilidad que miden el grado de acuerdo entre evaluadores, de modo que sólo obteniendo un elevado número de casos evaluados, podremos acercarnos a una mayor fiabilidad de nuestro sistema. Por último, asumimos que la incorporación de este tipo de herramientas implica un coste añadido a cargo de las instituciones públicas y privadas responsables, que sólo se considerará rentable cuando se demuestre su trazabilidad real y positiva en resultados sanitarios. Conclusiones: ESSCOLAP® Basic, con capacidad de implementación rápida y sencilla, ha sido validado y contrastado para la evaluación de las habilidades técnicas básicas en laparoscopia (AU)

Introduction: Urology needs models of competencies assessment, although there is a wide range of tools not yet integrated into the official training programs. Context: At present, there is no universal framework for measuring surgeons ́ level of competence. Urology training programs should provide and consider knowledge, pyschomotor/cognitive skills, and simulator, cadaver or animal models-based training. Validity is a complex concept that refers to the capacity of the evaluation tool, so it is necessary to demonstrate several types of validation to assure the capacity of a method, reinforced with different reliability tests and calculation of internal consistency between evaluators. Objective: Based on a structured dossier of surgical skills, classified by groups, the ESSCOLAP® Basic system was proposed with 5 simulator tasks to evaluate basic laparoscopic skills. Once validated in the JUMISC (Spain), the tool was proposed to extend its scope and implementation in other locations. Results: Our system has not yet demonstrated a full validity in the real clinical setting because a predictive validity needs to be demonstrated on the basis of clinical data. It also suffers from a certain range of subjectivity, thus implying clear and defined criteria for any situation. Factors like the number of evaluators and tasks to assess will influence the reliability tests that measure the degree of agreement between evaluators, so that a higher number of evaluated cases would imply a greater reliability of our system. Finally, we assume that the incorporation of this type of tools implies an added cost, charged to the public and private responsible institutions, which will only be considered cost-effective when it is demonstrated its real and positive traceability in health outcomes. Conclusions: ESSCOLAP® Basic, of quick and simple implementation capacity, has been validated and calibrated for the evaluation of basic technical skills in laparoscopy (AU)

[Evaluation of competencies in urology. Esscolap® basic, as aproximation to urologists skills improvement.] / Evaluación de competencias en Urología. Esscolap® basic, como aproximación a la mejora de las capacidades de los urólogos.

Urology needs models of competencies assessment, although there is a wide range of tools not yet integrated into the official training programs. CONTEXT: At present, there is no universal framework for measuring surgeons' level of competence. Urology training programs should provide and consider knowledge, pyschomotor/cognitive skills, and simulator, cadaver or animal models-based training. Validity is a complex concept that refers to the capacity of the evaluation tool, so it is necessary to demonstrate several types of validation to assure the capacity of a method, reinforced with different reliability tests and calculation of internal consistency between evaluators. OBJECTIVE: Based on a structured dossier of surgical skills, classified by groups, the ESSCOLAP® Basic system was proposed with 5 simulator tasks to evaluate basic laparoscopic skills. Once validated in the JUMISC (Spain), the tool was proposed to extend its scope and implementation in other locations. RESULTS: Our system has not yet demonstrated a full validity in the real clinical setting because a predictive validity needs to be demonstrated on the basis of clinical data. It also suffers from a certain range of subjectivity, thus implying clear and defined criteria for any situation. Factors like the number of evaluators and tasks to assess will influence the reliability tests that measure the degree of agreement between evaluators, so that a higher number of evaluated cases would imply a greater reliability of our system. Finally, we assume that the incorporation of this type of tools implies an added cost, charged to the public and private responsible institutions, which will only be considered cost-effective when it is demonstrated its real and positive traceability in health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: ESSCOLAP® Basic, of quick and simple implementation capacity, has been validated and calibrated for the evaluation of basic technical skills in laparoscopy.

[Training in basic and advanced laparoscopy: Evaluation of a 30-year experience in a training program in Spain.] / Formación en cirugía laparoscópica urológica básica y avanzada: evaluación de 30 años de experiencia de un programa de formación en España.

The lack of globally established standards for learning urological laparoscopy has not prevented laparoscopic techniques from evolution and continuous development. Laparoscopy coexists with robotic surgery today, and in the last decade there have been many techniques that have undergone a boom with the use of a laparoscopic approach (total and partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, colposacropexy, etc.).We intend to evaluate the progressive incorporation of different surgical techniques in the laparoscopic learning program and, on the other hand, to analyze the evolution of training programs in urological laparoscopy to bring this type of techniques within the hospital surgical activity. We describe our 30-years experience in different training programs in urological laparoscopy that have been sponsored by the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU), and have undergone several validity studies to assess their capacity in order to evaluate effectively basic and advanced laparoscopic skills. We will also highlight the current and future trend towards training models based on surgical competences where individualized training, accreditation and specialization of tutors is crucial, and where the increase in the use of training and evaluation methods based on the simulation are increasingly common.

[Training and research in urologic laparoscopic surgery. Design of training programs and experimental models of renal tumor]. / Formación e investigación en cirugía laparoscópica urológica. Diseño de programas formativos y modelos experimentales de tumor renal.

We present our experience with surgical training programs development for basic and advanced laparoscopic urological surgery. Both training programs consist of 21 and 28 hours respectively. Basic surgical programs start with general knowledge of ergonomics and instrumentation, there after, attendants acquire basic skills on physical simulator. Posteriorly, techniques on animal model are undertaken, always assisted by an expert. Advanced activities start with surgical tasks on physical simulator. Posteriorly, reconstructive urological surgical techniques are undertaken on animal model, focused on partial nephrectomy, and always assisted by an expert tutor. We present our results on exophytic renal tumour model creation based chromatic Alginate.

Formación e investigación en cirugía laparoscópica urológica. Diseño de programas formativos y modelos experimentales de tumor renal / Training and research in urologic laparoscopic surgery. Design of training programs and experimental models of renal tumor

Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el desarrollo de programas de formación en cirugía laparoscópica urológica básica y avanzada. Ambos modelos formativos constan de 21 y 28 horas de duración respectivamente. El de tipo básico comienza con el conocimiento de aspectos generales de la ergonomía y del instrumental, tras lo cual los alumnos adquieren destrezas básicas mediante la práctica en simulador físico. Posteriormente se acometen las técnicas en modelo animal, siempre asistidos por profesorado experto. Las actividades avanzadas comienzan con prácticas directas en simulador físico. Posteriormente se acometen técnicas de urología reconstructiva en modelo animal, dando especial importancia a la nefrectomía parcial, siempre asistidos por profesorado experto. Así mismo presentamos los resultados de nuestra experiencia con un modelo basado en alginato cromático para la creación de pseudotumores exofíticos renales(AU)

We present our experience with surgical training programs development for basic and advanced laparoscopic urological surgery. Both training programs consist of 21 and 28 hours respectively. Basic surgical programs start with general knowledge of ergonomics and instrumentation, there after, attendants acquire basic skills on physical simulator. Posteriorly, techniques on animal model are undertaken, always assisted by an expert. Advanced activities start with surgical tasks on physical simulator. Posteriorly, reconstructive urological surgical techniques are undertaken on animal model, focused on partial nephrectomy, and always assisted by an expert tutor. We present our results on exophytic renal tumour model creation based chromatic Alginate(AU)

Utilidad del laser de holmium: yag en la sección endoscópica de la estenosis ureteral / Usefulness of the holmium: yag laser in the endoscopic section of ureteral stenosis

La incidencia de la estenosis ureteral es frecuente en nuestro medio. En los últimos tiempos, debido al masivo empleo de técnicas endourológicas, ha aumentado su incidencia. Su etiología representa un factor decisivo para el resultado final del tratamiento, pero existen además características comunes a todas las estenosis que influyen de forma muy importante en el éxito final: tiempo de evolución, longitud de la estenosis, localización de la misma y función de la unidad renal afecta. En los últimos años se ha incrementado la utilización de diferentes técnicas endourológicas para el tratamiento de las estenosis del aparato urinario superior, que vienen a sustituir a la técnica abierta tradicional. La endoureterotomía con láser de Holmium:YAG presenta ventajas frente a otras técnicas endourológicas empleadas, ya que permite una incisión precisa con visión directa sobre la estenosis ureteral. Además, con las fibras de láser se cosigue una flexibilidad/deflexión del ureteroscopio, que permite alcanzar, en la inmensa mayoría de los casos, la zona estenótica. A la hora de realizar la incisión sobre la pared ureteral, ésta debe ser completa, actuándose sobre todas las capas del uréter hasta visualizar la grasa periureteral, teniendo siempre en cuenta las relaciones del uréter con las estructuras vecinas, especialmente las vasculares, para evitar lesionarlas. Su efectividad y fácil manejo, permiten obtener una elevada tasa de éxitos, con resolución de la patología estenótica, y una muy baja tasa de complicaciones. Por todo ello, debe incluirse a la endoureterotomía retrógrada con láser de Holmium:YAG en la primera línea del tratamiento de las estenosis ureterales de tipo benigno (AU)

Objectives: The incidence of ureteral stenosis is frequent in our environment. Lately, due to the massive use of endourological techniques its incidence has increased. Etiology represents a decisive factor for the final result of treatment, but there are also common characteristics to all stenosis that influence very importantly the final success: time of evolution, length of the stenosis, side and function of the affected renal unit. Over the last years, the use of endourological techniques for the treatment of upper urinary tract stenosis, that substitute the traditional open technique, have increased. Holmium:YAG laser endoureterotomy presents advantages in comparison with other endourological techniques, because it enables a precise incision with direct vision of the ureteral stenosis. Moreover, with laser fibers ureteroscopes achieve a degree of flexibility/ deflection that enables us to reach in most cases the stenotic area. At the time of incision of the ureteral wall, it should be complete, acting on all ureteral layers down to the periureteral fat, always having in mind the anatomic relationships of the ureter with neighbour structures, mainly vascular, to avoid injuries. Its effectiveness and easy management permits a high success rate, with resolution of the stenosis and a very low complication rate. After all the anterior, holmium laser retrograde endoureterotomy should be included as a first line treatment for benign ureteral stenosis (AU)

Endopielotomía retrógrada con láser / Retrograde laser endopyelotomy

La Estenosis de la Unión Pieloureteral (EUPU) es la anomalía congénita más frecuente del tracto urinario superior. Hasta hace unos años, el tratamiento de primera elección era la pieloplastia abierta, pero el desarrollo de la cirugía endoscópica y la mejora técnica en la instrumentación de la misma, permite su tratamiento de forma minimamente invasiva, ofreciendo las ventajas de un menor tiempo operatorio, una menor morbilidad, disminución de analgesia en el postoperatorio, estancia hospitalaria más corta y un menor periodo de convalecencia. La Endopielotomía Retrógada representa la evolución natural del tratamiento quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo de la EUPU al eliminar la necesidad de un trayecto percutáneo renal y sus posibles complicaciones. Puede ser realizada de tres formas: con ureteroscopio semirrígido e incisión con electrocauterio, corte frío o láser; con ureteroscopio flexible e incisión con electrocauterio o láser; y bajo control de escopia con el catéter balón de corte AcuciseTM. En la actualidad, el desarrollo de ureterorrenoscopios de menor calibre (semirrígidos y flexibles) y el uso de fuentes de energía más seguras y eficaces, como el láser de holmium-YAG, han mejorado los resultados de esta técnica. Se presenta la técnica de realización y una revisión de la literatura (AU)

Ureteropyelic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the upper urinary tract. Until some years ago, the treatment of first choice was open pyeloplasty, but the development of endoscopic surgery and the clinical improvement on instruments, enables the treatment in a minimally invasive fashion, offering the advantages of shorter operative time, less morbidity, reduction of post operative analgesic requirements, shorter hospital stay, and shorter convalescence period. Retrograde endopyelotomy represents the natural evolution of the minimally invasive surgical treatment of the UPJO by eliminating the need of a percutaneous renal tract and its possible complications. It may be performed in three ways: semirigid ureteroscope and electrocautery, cold knife or laser incision; flexible ureteroscope and electrocautery or laser incision; and under x-ray control with the AcuciseTM cutting balloon catheter. Currently, the development of smaller ureterorenoscopes (semirigid and flexible) and the use of safer and more effective energy sources, such as holmium:YAG laser, have improved the results of this technique. We present the technique step-by-step and a bibliographic review (AU)

Litiasis en cáliz inferior: utilidad del Láser / Lower calyx lithiasis: usefulness of the laser

Todavía permanece en controversia cual es la mejor modalidad de tratamiento para las litiasis localizadas en el cáliz inferior. El rango de aclaramiento litásico de los cálculos situados en el cáliz inferior va a depender de diferentes factores como el tamaño y la composición del cálculo, el tipo de litotriptor utilizado, el tipo de transporte urinario y la anatomía del cáliz inferior. El papel de la Ureteroscopia (URS) flexible en el tratamiento de la patología intrarrenal ha experimentado una dramática evolución, impulsada por las mejoras en el diseño de los ureteroscopios flexibles, en su grado de deflexión y mejora de la calidad de imagen, en la gran diversificación de la intrumentación accesoria de pequeño calibre y en el uso del láser de Holmium (Ho: YAG) para la litotricia. Su desarrollo permite ofrecerla como modalidad terapeútica en los fracasos de la Litotricia Extracorpórea (LEC) en litiasis menores de 1 cm y como primera línea de tratamiento en las litiasis menores de 1 cm en casos de cálculos de cistina y en aquellos con niveles de atenuación mayores a 1000 HU; así como en pacientes obesos o con problemas de coagulación (AU)

There is controversy yet about which is the best treatment modality for lithiasis of the lower calyx. The range of lithiasis clearance of the stones localized in the lower calyx will depend on various factors such as size, composition of the stone, type of lithotripter employed, type of urinary transport, and anatomy of the lower calyx. The role of flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of intrarenal pathology has experimented a dramatic evolution, impulsed by the improvements in design of flexible ureterscopes, their degree of deflection, and better quality of image, in the great diversification of small calibre accessory instruments, and the use of the holmium laser for lithotripsy. Its development makes possible to offer it as a therapeutic option for the failures of extracorporeal lithotripsy in stones smaller than 1 cm and as first-line treatment for stones smaller than 1 cm in size if they are cystine stones or they have an attenuation level over 1000 HU; also in obese patients or those with coagulation problems (AU)

Dispositivos antimigración durante la litotricia endoscópica con láser de holmium: yag / Antimigration devices during endoscopic lithotripsy with holmium: yag laser

Objetivo: La patología litiásica continúa siendo muy prevalente en nuestro medio. Existen múltiples enfoques y tratamientos para resolverla dentro de la urología actual. En los últimos tiempos, las técnicas endourológicas han sufrido un espectacular avance que ha permitido aumentar su tasa de éxito, disminuyendo también de forma importante su comorbilidad. Sin embargo, a pesar de todas estas mejoras, nos encontramos aún con una serie de complicaciones que pueden reducir el éxito del procedimiento. Entre todas ellas, destacamos la retropulsión de la litiasis que ocurre durante la litofragmentación endoscópica, ya que aparece en un número importante de procedimientos y, no solo ocasiona un descenso del rango de «stone free», sino que además conlleva un alargamiento del tiempo quirúrgico y, en ocasiones, hará necesario el empleo de procedimientos adicionales que aumentarán el coste y la morbilidad del tratamiento. Para reducir la incidencia de esta retropulsión se han empleado maniobras clásicas: antitrendelenburg, disminución de la intensidad de flujo de irrigación, modificación de los parámetros del láser o balones neumáticos. Actualmente disponemos de otros mecanismos más eficaces para combatirla, entre ellos: dispositivos que ocluyen la luz ureteral y cestillas/fórceps de nitinol. La selección adecuada del dispositivo de extracción del cálculo puede ser decisiva para completar con éxito, y en el tiempo programado, un procedimiento ureteroscópico. La elección de un dispositivo inadecuado puede imposibilitar el procedimiento o causar un daño iatrogénico al tracto urinario. Por todo ello, el instrumental específico para atrapar y extraer litiasis (cestillas y dispositivos que ocluyen la luz ureteral) es un armamentarium con el que todo endourólogo debería estar familiarizado (AU)

Objectives: Lithiasic pathology continues being very prevalent in our environment. There are multiple approaches and treatments to solve it in current urology. Lately, endourological techniques have suffered a spectacular advance which has permitted to increase their success rates, diminishing also their comorbidity very much. Nevertheless, despite all improvements we still face a series of complications that may reduce the success of the procedure. Among all of them, we emphasize stone retropulsion during endoscopic lithotripsy, because it appears in an important number of procedures and, it does not only diminish the range of stone free patients, but also is associated with a longer surgical time, and occasionally will make necessary the employment of additional procedures that increase cost and treatment morbidity. To reduce the incidence of this retropulsion classical manoeuvres have been employed: antitrendelenburg, decrease of the intensity of the irrigaton flow, modification of laser parameters, or pneumatic balloons. Currently, we have other more effective mechanisms to combat it, among them: the devices that occlude the ureteral lumen, and nitinol baskets/forceps. Adequate selection of the stone extraction device may be definitive for completion of the ureterorenoscopic procedure with success, and in the programmed time. The election of an inadequate device may make the procedure impossible or cause iatrogenic damage to the urinary tract. For all it, specific instruments to entrap and extract stones (baskets and ureteral lumen occlusion devices) is an armamentarium that every endourologist should be familiar with (AU)

[Usefulness of the holmium:yag laser in the endoscopic section of ureteral stenosis]. / Utilidad del láser de holmium:yag en la sección endoscópica de la estenosis ureteral.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of ureteral stenosis is frequent in our environment. Lately, due to the massive use of endourological techniques its incidence has increased. Etiology represents a decisive factor for the final result of treatment, but there are also common characteristics to all stenosis that influence very importantly the final success: time of evolution, length of the stenosis, side and function of the affected renal unit. Over the last years, the use of endourological techniques for the treatment of upper urinary tract stenosis, that substitute the traditional open technique, have increased. Holmium:YAG laser endoureterotomy presents advantages in comparison with other endourological techniques, because it enables a precise incision with direct vision of the ureteral stenosis. Moreover, with laser fibers ureteroscopes achieve a degree of flexibility/deflection that enables us to reach in most cases the stenotic area. At the time of incision of the ureteral wall, it should be complete, acting on all ureteral layers down to the periureteral fat, always having in mind the anatomic relationships of the ureter with neighbour structures, mainly vascular, to avoid injuries. Its effectiveness and easy management permits a high success rate, with resolution of the stenosis and a very low complication rate. After all the anterior, holmium laser retrograde endoureterotomy should be included as a first line treatment for benign ureteral stenosis.

[Retrograde laser endopyelotomy]. / Endopielotomía retrógrada con láser.

Ureteropyelic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the upper urinary tract. Until some years ago, the treatment of first choice was open pyeloplasty, but the development of endoscopic surgery and the clinical improvement on instruments, enables the treatment in a minimally invasive fashion, offering the advantages of shorter operative time, less morbidity, reduction of post operative analgesic requirements, shorter hospital stay, and shorter convalescence period. Retrograde endopyelotomy represents the natural evolution of the minimally invasive surgical treatment of the UPJO by eliminating the need of a percutaneous renal tract and its possible complications. It may be performed in three ways: semirigid ureteroscope and electrocautery, cold knife or laser incision; flexible ureteroscope and electrocautery or laser incision; and under x-ray control with the Acucise cutting balloon catheter. Currently, the development of smaller ureterorenoscopes (semirigid and flexible) and the use of safer and more effective energy sources, such as holmium:YAG laser, have improved the results of this technique. We present the technique step-by-step and a bibliographic review.

[Lower calyx lithiasis: usefulness of the laser]. / Litiasis en cáliz inferior: utilidad del láser.

There is controversy yet about which is the best treatment modality for lithiasis of the lower calyx. The range of lithiasis clearance of the stones localized in the lower calyx will depend on various factors such as size, composition of the stone, type of lithotripter employed, type of urinary transport, and anatomy of the lower calyx. The role of flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of intrarenal pathology has experimented a dramatic evolution, impulsed by the improvements in design of flexible ureterscopes, their degree of deflection, and better quality of image, in the great diversification of small calibre accessory instruments, and the use of the holmium laser for lithotripsy. Its development makes possible to offer it as a therapeutic option for the failures of extracorporeal lithotripsy in stones smaller than 1 cm and as first-line treatment for stones smaller than 1 cm in size if they are cystine stones or they have an attenuation level over 1000 HU; also in obese patients or those with coagulation problems.

[Antimigration devices during endoscopic lithotripsy with holmium: yag laser]. / Dispositivos antimigración durante la litotricia endoscópica con láser de holmium:yag.

OBJECTIVES: Lithiasic pathology continues being very prevalent in our environment. There are multiple approaches and treatments to solve it in current urology. Lately, endourological techniques have suffered a spectacular advance which has permitted to increase their success rates, diminishing also their comorbidity very much. Nevertheless, despite all improvements we still face a series of complications that may reduce the success of the procedure. Among all of them, we emphasize stone retropulsion during endoscopic lithotripsy, because it appears in an important number of procedures and, it does not only diminish the range of stone free patients, but also is associated with a longer surgical time, and occasionally will make necessary the employment of additional procedures that increase cost and treatment morbidity. To reduce the incidence of this retropulsion classical manoeuvres have been employed: antitrendelenburg, decrease of the intensity of the irrigaton flow, modification of laser parameters, or pneumatic balloons. Currently, we have other more effective mechanisms to combat it, among them: the devices that occlude the ureteral lumen, and nitinol baskets/forceps. Adequate selection of the stone extraction device may be definitive for completion of the ureterorenoscopic procedure with success, and in the programmed time. The election of an inadequate device may make the procedure impossible or cause iatrogenic damage to the urinary tract. For all it, specific instruments to entrap and extract stones (baskets and ureteral lumen occlusion devices) is an armamentarium that every endourologist should be familiar with.

[Urological diseases in the works of Abulcasis]. / La patología urológica en la obra de Abulcasis.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a study on the surgical work of Abulcasis in the field of urology, to know the surgical tools and different techniques used, as well as the innovations applied to solve some features of urological diseases. METHODS: The part on urology from the book XXX by Tasrif, the edition from Strasbourg in 1532 was reviewed and translated from Latin. RESULTS: The author does not refer much to the clinical features of the various pathologies of the genitourinary apparatus; he focuses instead on the surgical treatment of them. The author usually used the "cautery" mainly to control hemorrhage in various operations. Some of these surgical practices are being used nowadays. CONCLUSIONS: Abulcasis was the first doctor born in Spain that studied the surgical treatment of urological diseases and performed a graphic study on the tools used. He introduced technical innovations on different operations and described for the first time the vesical lithotomy on women, and vesical and urethral lithotripsy.

La patología urológica en la obra de abulcasis / Urological diseases in the works of Abulcasis

OBJETIVO: Realizar un estudio de la obra quirúrgica de Abulcasis en el campo de la Urología, conocer el instrumental y las diferentes técnicas empleadas así como las innovaciones introducidas para solucionar algunos aspectos de la patología urológica. MÉTODOS: Se ha revisado y traducido del latín la parte urológica del libro XXX del Tasrif utilizando la edición editada en Estrasburgo en 1532. RESULTADOS: El autor apenas se refiere a los aspectos clínicos de las diferentes patologías del aparato genitourinario centrándose en el tratamiento quirúrgico de las mismas. Utiliza con asiduidad el cauterio sobre todo para controlar la hemorragia en las diferentes intervenciones. Se puede comprobar que algunos pasos quirúrgicos se continúan practicando en la actualidad. CONCLUSIONES: Abulcasis es el primer médico nacido en España que estudia el tratamiento quirúrgico de la patología urológica y que hace un estudio gráfico del instrumental utilizado. Aporta innovaciones técnicas en diversas intervenciones y describe por primera vez la talla vesical en la mujer, la litotricia vesical y uretral

OBJECTIVES: To perform a study on the surgical work of Abulcasis in the field of urology, to know the surgical tools and different techniques used, as well as the innovations applied to solve some features of urological diseases. METHODS: The part on urology from the book XXX by Tasrif, the edition from Strasbourg in 1532 was reviewed and translated from Latin. RESULTS: The author does not refer much to the clinical features of the various pathologies of the genitourinary apparatus; he focuses instead on the surgical treatment of them. The author usually used the «cautery» mainly to control hemorrhage in various operations. Some of these surgical practices are being used nowadays. CONCLUSIONS : Abulcasis was the first doctor born in Spain that studied the surgical treatment of urological diseases and performed a graphic study on the tools used. He introduced technical innovations on different operations and described for the first time the vesical lithotomy on women, and vesical and urethral lithotripsy (AU)