Usefulness of indocyanine green in the laparoscopic Palomo technique: a comparative study. / Utilidad del verde de indocianina en el procedimiento de Palomo laparoscópico: estudio comparativo.

OBJECTIVE: To find out whether the use of indocyanine green for lymphatic sparing in the laparoscopic Palomo technique reduces the incidence of postoperative hydrocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative cohort study of varicocele patients treated with the laparoscopic Palomo technique from 2008 to 2023 was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether fluorescence lymphography (intratesticular indocyanine green) had been performed or not. Epidemiological, surgical, and clinical data, as well as complications, were recorded. A hypothesis test was conducted using the SPSS software. RESULTS: 30 patients undergoing varicocele surgery through the laparoscopic Palomo technique were included. They were divided into two groups -lymphatic sparing (n= 13) vs. spermatic vessel ligation without sparing (n= 17). Mean age at surgery was 14 years. 5 cases of postoperative hydrocele were identified in the no lymphatic sparing group. 1 of them required surgery for hydrocele treatment. No hydrocele cases were noted in the lymphography group. The difference was statistically significant (p= 0.032). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of operating times or mean hospital stay. No recurrences, postoperative testicular atrophies, or indocyanine-green-related complications were recorded. Mean follow-up was 11.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of indocyanine green for lymphatic sparing in the treatment of varicocele through the laparoscopic Palomo technique significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative hydrocele.

OBJETIVOS: Comprobar si el uso del verde de indocianina para la preservación linfática en la técnica de Palomo laparoscópico reduce la incidencia de hidrocele postoperatorio. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se realizó un estudio comparativo de cohortes históricas incluyendo los pacientes tratados de varicocele mediante Palomo laparoscópico entre 2008 y 2023. Se dividieron en 2 grupos en función de la realización de linfografía con fluorescencia (verde de indocianina intratesticular). Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, quirúrgicos, clínicos y complicaciones. Se realizó un análisis de contraste de hipótesis utilizando el programa SPSS. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 30 pacientes intervenidos de varicocele mediante la técnica de Palomo laparoscópico divididos en 2 grupos: en 13 se realizó preservación linfática y en 17 ligadura de vasos espermáticos sin preservación. La edad media en el momento de la cirugía fue de 14 años. Se identificaron 5 casos de hidrocele postoperatorio en el grupo sin preservación linfática. Uno requirió intervención quirúrgica para el tratamiento del hidrocele. No se identificó ningún caso de hidrocele en el grupo de la linfografía. La diferencia resultó estadísticamente significativa, p= 0,032. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el tiempo quirúrgico ni en la estancia media. No se objetivaron recidivas, atrofias testiculares postquirúrgicas ni complicaciones asociadas al uso del verde de indocianina. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue 11,4 meses. CONCLUSIONES: El uso del verde de indocianina para la preservación linfática en el tratamiento del varicocele mediante Palomo laparoscópico reduce significativamente la incidencia de hidrocele postoperatorio.

Endourological treatment of symptomatic ureteral stump posnephrectomy. / Tratamiento endourológico del muñón ureteral sintomático posnefrectomía.

INTRODUCTION: ureteral stump syndrome is defined as a recurrent urinary infection, low abdominal pain and haematuria in patients with a history of nephrectomy. Its incidence is low and the symptoms are non-specific. The aim of our paper was to present our results with endoscopic treatment of symptomatic ureteral remnants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients with ureteral remnant syndrome after nephrectomy treated in our centre between 2004 and 2015. We present a series of 10 patients. The patients were treated endoscopically with electrofulguration of the ureter and edges of the affected meatus, with subsequent injection of filler material into the suburetheral submucosa to aid in the coaptation of the ureteral remnant walls. RESULTS: The mean age at treatment was 2 years. The right ureteral remnant was treated in 6 patients and the left in 4. Seven meatuses were ectopic and 3 orthotopic. Follow-up was 8 years. After endoscopic treatment only 2patients relapsed. CONCLUSION: Endourological treatment of ureteral stump syndrome is a simple, safe, rapid and effective option that can be performed as an outpatient, for orthotopic and ectopic stumps. It does not compromise subsequent open resection of the ureteral remnant if required, and therefore we believe that it should be considered a valid alternative for the initial treatment of this disorder.

Endoscopic treatment of urethrodeferential reflux in children. / Tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo uretrodeferencial en niños.

INTRODUCTION: Urethrodeferential reflux is an underdiagnosed condition, and there is no consensus on its treatment. Our objective is to show our experience in the minimally invasive treatment of this disease using endoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present 8 patients with recurrent suppurative orchitis due to urethrodeferential reflux treated endoscopically during the period 2008-2013. All patients presented unilateral orchitis. The minimum number of episodes of orchitis per patient prior to the operation was 3. The endoscopic treatment consists of ureteroscopy, locating the ejaculatory orifices and conducting an intraoperative contrast study to demonstrate the urethrodeferential reflux. Subejaculatory dextranomer/hyaluronic acid was subsequently injected in all the cases. RESULTS: The mean surgical time was 15min, and the procedure was outpatient for all patients. There were no postoperative complications, and the patients had good clinical progression. Only one case required a second injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid. The follow-up of these patients showed a complete resolution of the epididymitis and good testicular development, with a follow-up longer than 4 years in all cases. CONCLUSION: We propose this form of treatment as a minimally invasive, easily reproducible alternative that shows good long-term results in our small series of patients.

[Evaluation of testicular growth after varicocele treatment in early childhood and adolescence based on the technique used (Palomo, Ivanissevich and embolization)]. / Valoración del crecimiento testicular tras el tratamiento del varicocele en la infancia y adolescencia en función de la técnica empleada (Palomo, Ivanissevich y embolización).

OBJECTIVES: To analyze, depending on the technique employed, recurrence, symptomatic improvement and testicular growth following treatment of testicular varicocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study of 69 pediatric and adolescent males diagnosed with varicocele treated in our center by open technique according Ivanissevich technique (IT), Palomo (PT) and percutaneous embolization (PE) between 2000-2014. Variables analyzed were age, symptoms, differential testicular volume (RV), employed technique, recurrence, symptomatic improvement and RV after treatment. Association between qualitative variables was evaluated (chi-square test or Fisher's exact test). RESULTS: 69 patients with a median age of 14 years (7-19) were studied. PE was performed in 37 patients (53,6%), PT in 23 (33,3%) and IT in 9 (13%). Recurrence occurred in 16 patients (23,2%), 80% of them had been treated with PE. Eleven patients had pain (15.9%), there was improvement in 100% of patients treated with PE, but none of those treated by PT or IT improved. At diagnosis, 37 patients (53.6%) had decreased testicular volume (left testicular hypotrophy), in 28 cases the RV was >20%. After treatment, the RV was normalized in 11 cases (39,2%). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of therapeutic technique in pediatric varicocele should be based on patient characteristics, symptoms, experience center for embolization and previous recurrence. Regardless of the chosen technique, 39,2% of testicular hypotrophy with VD >20% present at diagnosis normalized after treatment.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar en función de la técnica empleada para tratamiento de varicocele, la recurrencia, alivio sintomático y crecimiento testicular en pacientes pediátricos y adolescentes. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 69 pacientes pediátricos y adolescentes diagnosticados de varicocele tratados en nuestro centro mediante abordaje abierto según técnica de Ivanissevich (TI), Palomo (TP) y embolización percutánea (EP) entre 2000-2014. Las variables fueron edad, síntomas, volumen testicular diferencial (VD), técnica empleada, recurrencia, mejoría sintomática y VD tras el tratamiento. Se evaluó la asociación entre variables cualitativas (test de Chi cuadrado o prueba exacta de Fisher). RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 69 pacientes con mediana de edad de 14 años (7-19). Se realizó EP a 37 pacientes (53,6%), TP a 23 (33,3%) y TI a 9 (13%). Presentaron recurrencia 16 (23,2%), de ellos el 80% habían sido tratados mediante EP. Once pacientes tenían dolor al diagnóstico (15,9%), tras el tratamiento 100% de los tratados mediante EP presentaron alivio, mientras que en ninguno de los tratados mediante TI o TP mejoró el dolor. Al diagnóstico 37 pacientes (53,6%) presentaron hipotrofia testicular izquierda, en 28 casos el VD fue >20%. Tras el tratamiento, el VD se normalizó en 11 casos (39,2%). CONCLUSIONES: La elección de la técnica terapéutica de varicocele en pacientes pediátricos y adolescentes debería depender de las características del paciente, presencia de síntomas, experiencia del centro y recurrencia previa. Independientemente de la técnica elegida el 39,2% de hipotrofias testiculares con DV >20% al diagnóstico alcanzaron la normalización del volumen testicular tras el tratamiento.

[Evaluation of radiological risk associated to pieloureteral surgery in paediatric patients]. / Estimación del riesgo radiológico asociado a la dilatación endourológica de la estenosis pieloureteral congénita en pacientes pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Because of the application of ionising radiation in surgical procedures, it is necessary to perform an evaluation of the radiological risks. Potential hazards are of greater influence in paediatric patients, due to their longer life expectancy and greater radiosensibility. The aim of this paper was, with the exception of deterministic injuries, trying to evaluate patient doses and stochastic risks induced by ionising radiations in paediatric pieloureteral surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty paediatric patients of both sexes, from 2 months to 9 years, were included in the study. All the procedures were performed in 2006 and 2007. The X-Ray equipment shows fluoroscopy time and dose area product in each procedure, thermoluminiscent dosimeters (TLD's) measure patient's skin dose and non screen films verify the radiated field and dose. RESULTS: The average effective dose per minute was 0.36 mSv for patients under 5-year-old and 0.43 mSv for over 5. These figures were lower than previously published results for this kind of surgery. The average total risk of fatal cancer induction in any location, for each study group, was 0.012%. Maximum skin dose was 19.81 mGy, which is well bellow the threshold for deterministic injuries (2 Gy). CONCLUSIONS: Although stochastic risks were small, it's highly recommended to employ all the available methods and techniques developed for patient radiological protection. A strong coordination between team members is advisable for improving the dose optimization.

[Management endourologic of pyeloureteral junction stenosis]. / Tratamiento endourológico de la estenosis pieloureteral congénita.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with endourologic methods in the treatment of pyeloureteral stenosis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2004, 7 patients from 9 months to 15 years old with pyeloureteral junction stenosis (PUJ) diagnosis underwent endourologic repair. An endourological dilatation was made under radioscopic control. The procedures consist of an initial cystoscopy with a retrograde placement of catheter (4 or 5 Fr) and the guide wire (0,014''-or 0,035''). The high pressure balloon (3 to 5 Fr) was then railroad over the wire and positioned across the stenosis for dilatation. A double J stent (3 to 6 Fr) was then introduced, remaining it during 6 weeks. RESULTS: There was no intraoperative complications. Median inhospital stay was 2 days (range, 2 to 8). The double J stent was removed without complications. All patients are asymptomatic with improvement in excretion times (MAG3 renography) and antero-posterior renal pelvis diameter (ultrasound measurement). CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilatation is a viable option in the management of PUJ obstruction even in children under one year old, with minimal morbidity.

Tratamiento endourológico de la estenosis pieloureteral congénita / Management endourologic of pyeloureteral junction stenosis

Objetivo: Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento endourológico de la estenosis pieloureteral (EPU) en niños. Material y Métodos: Revisamos 7 pacientes con EPU congénita (edades comprendidas entre 9 meses y 15 años) tratados mediante dilatación endourológica en nuestro centro desde Julio de 2004. El tratamiento se realizó mediante dilatación endourológica retrógrada bajo control radioscópico. En todos se realizó cistoscopia, se tutorizó el uréter (4Fr ó 5Fr), realizándose pielografía retrógrada y colocación de guía ureteral de 0,014´´ ó 0,035´´. Se realizó la dilatación de la EPU mediante balón de alta presión con perfil de 3Fr ó 5 Fr. Se colocaron stents tipo doble J de 3Fr, 4Fr, 4,8Fr ó 6 Fr, manteniéndolo durante 6 semanas. Resultados: En ningún caso hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue 2 días (2-8 días). La retirada del stent tipo doble J se llevó a cabo sin incidencias a las 6 semanas de forma ambulatoria. Todos los pacientes permanecen asintomáticos, con disminución del diámetro anteroposterior de pelvis en el seguimiento ecográfico y mejoría del patrón obstructivo en el renograma. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de la EPU congénita mediante dilatación endourológica retrógrada es posible incluso por debajo del año de edad. La estancia hospitalaria es mínima, sin existir complicaciones intraoperatorias

Objetives: To report our experience with endourologic methods in the treatment of pyeloureteral stenosis in children. Materials and Methods: From July 2004, 7 patients from 9 months to 15 years old with pyeloureteral junction stenosis (PUJ) diagnosis underwent endourologic repair. An endourological dilatation was made under radioscopic control. The procedures consist of an initial cystoscopy with a retrograde placement of catheter (4 or 5 Fr) and the guide wire (0,014´´or 0,035´´). The high pressure balloon (3 to 5 Fr) was then railroad over the wire and positioned across the stenosis for dilatation. A double J stent (3 to 6 Fr) was then introduced, remaining it during 6 weeks. Results: There was no intraoperative complications. Median inhospital stay was 2 days (range, 2 to 8). The double J stent was removed without complications. All patients are asymptomatic with improvement in excretion times (MAG3 renography) and antero-posterior renal pelvis diameter (ultrasound measurement). Conclusions: Balloon dilatation is a viable option in the management of PUJ obstruction even in children under one year old, with minimal morbidity

Estrategia terapéutica en la extrofia de cloaca femenina / Therapeutic strategy in cloacal exstrophy

La extrofia de cloaca femenina enfrenta al cirujano pediá- trico con un reto en el que está implicada la reconstrucción del tracto genitourinario y digestivo así como su manejo funcional. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de las malformaciones genitales en niñas con extrofia de cloaca así como de la continencia urinaria y fecal. Revisamos las historias clínicas de las pacientes tratadas en nuestro centro en las que se ha llegado a una corrección definitiva del espectro malformativo de la extrofia de cloaca. En las tres pacientes se ha realizado un cierre del cuello vesical y un estoma cateterizable continente a través del cual llevan a cabo un programa de autocateterismo vesical intermitente, manteniéndose secas. Con respecto a la integración psicosexual, las tres pacientes están satisfechas con el resultado cosmético obtenido, aunque sólo una de ellas mantiene relaciones sexuales. El manejo de la extrofia de cloaca femenina debe tener en cuenta tanto los factores anatómicos como funcionales. La reconstrucción genital en niñas con extrofia de cloaca requiere un plan ajustado en cada paciente y en ocasiones realizar varias intervenciones hasta que la paciente esté satisfecha con el resultado tanto cosmético como funciona (AU)

Cloacal exstrophy is a complex multisistemic anomaly thatinvolves gastrointestinal and genitourinary issues. The aim of our paper is to report our experience in dealing with genital reconstruction and faecal and urinary continence in patients with female cloacal anomalies. We reviewed the clinical records from the three patients we have achieved a final reconstruction. We recorded the surgical management and both functional and anatomic results. The three of them required a bladder neck closure associated with a continent stoma, they are dry with intermittent catheterization and free of upper urinary complications. Genital reconstruction required a unique plan for each one, according to their anatomy and their cosmetic desires. One of the patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse. Management of patients with cloacal exstrophy has major concerns about urinary and fecal continence and about genital reconstruction and function. Knowing the long-term results may help to develop management strategies and improve counselling for patients who have undergone reconstruction (AU)

[The paraurethral cyst or Skene's duct cyst in the female newborn]. / Quiste parauretral de Skene en niña recién nacida.

The paraurethral cyst or Skene's duct cyst is a rare congenital anomaly in the female newborn. It appears like a round, yellow or orange-colored cystic mass on either side of the urethral meatus. The reported incidence is 1 in 2.000 to 7.000 female births. The low frequency of the Skene's duct cyst and the little awareness of it and its benignity may lead to wrong diagnosis that underestimates its incidence. There are authors that agree with surgical treatment of paraurethral cyst to obtain an early resolution, even though a majority agrees to manage conservatively.

Quiste parauretral de Skene en niña recién nacida / The paraurethral cyst or Skene´s duct cyst in the female newborn

El quiste parauretral o quiste del conducto de Skene es una rara anomalía congénita descrita en neonatos de sexo femenino. Se trata de una formación quística que se muestra como una tumoración redonda, amarillenta o anaranjada, que se presenta adyacente al meato externo uretral. Su incidencia en la población se cifra entre 1 de cada 2.000 y 1 de cada 7.000 recién nacidos vivos femeninos. Sin embargo, sólo se recogen 47 ejemplos anteriores en la literatura en inglés. Es posible que el desconocimiento de esta patología entre la población médica y su benignidad produzcan fallos diagnósticos que infravaloren esta incidencia. Aunque existen autores que apoyan el tratamiento quirúrgico del quiste para lograr su curación, más aún a partir de los 6 meses de edad, la mayoría se ponen de acuerdo en la indicación de un tratamiento expectante dada la tendencia a la resolución espontánea

The paraurethral cyst or Skene´s duct cyst is a rare congenital anomaly in the female newborn. It appears like a round, yellow or orange-colored cystic mass on either side of the urethral meatus. The reported incidence is 1 in 2.000 to 7.000 female births. The low frequency of the Skene´s duct cyst and the little awareness of it and its benignity may lead to wrong diagnosis that underestimates its incidence. There are authors that agree with surgical treatment of paraurethral cyst to obtain an early resolution, even though a majority agrees to manage conservatively

[Therapeutic strategy in cloacal exstrophy]. / Estrategia terapéutica en la extrofia de cloaca femenina.

Cloacal exstrophy is a complex multisistemic anomaly that involves gastrointestinal and genitourinary issues. The aim of our paper is to report our experience in dealing with genital reconstruction and faecal and urinary continence in patients with female cloacal anomalies. We reviewed the clinical records from the three patients we have achieved a final reconstruction. We recorded the surgical management and both functional and anatomic results. The three of them required a bladder neck closure associated with a continent stoma, they are dry with intermittent catheterization and free of upper urinary complications. Genital reconstruction required a unique plan for each one, according to their anatomy and their cosmetic desires. One of the patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse. Management of patients with cloacal exstrophy has major concerns about urinary and fecal continence and about genital reconstruction and function. Knowing the long-term results may help to develop management strategies and improve counselling for patients who have under-gone reconstruction.

[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: possibilities of diagnostic imaging]. / Pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa: posibilidades de diagnóstico por la imagen.

We report on two cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) in children. In one patient preoperative diagnosis could be made on the basis of computerized tomography. Although XGP is a pathology diagnosis, new imagine techniques should allow its suspicion in a growing number of cases. This unusual disease should be suspected in from of a IVP showing non-functioning kidney specially when associated with urinary infection and/or lithiasis. Nephrectomy should be performed in all cases.