[The devices used to correct the urinary incontinence by tension-free meshes. Are all them equals?]. / Son iguales todos los sistemas empleados para corregir la incontinencia urinaria mediante mallas libres de tensión?

Since 1996, when Ulmsten described the TVT procedure (Tension-free Vaginal Tape) for correction of women urinary stress incontinence, a large number of different devices have been manufactured with that purpose. Results depend not only of the surgical procedure but also of two principal factors: 1. Characteristics and properties of the mesh. 2. System and way for the implantation. Properties of the mesh used are probably as important as surgical technique. It's not possible to assume that results achieved with the TVT device will be similar with other meshes. Further randomized studies will be necessary to make these affirmations. In this paper we analyse properties of the mesh, characteristics of the implantation system and the influence of those factors in the surgical results. Finally, we describe some of the devices available and the mesh characteristics of each one.

¿Son iguales todos los sistemas empleados para corregir la incontinencia urinaria mediante mallas libres de tensión? / The devices used to correct the urinary incontinence by tension-free meshes. Are all them equals?

Desde el año 1996 en que Ulmsten describe la técnica del TVT (Tension-free vaginal tape) para la corrección de la Incontinencia Urinaria de Esfuerzo (IUE), han sido numerosas las variantes descritas y los dispositivos existentes en el mercado que tratan de reproducir la técnica original. Sin embargo, los resultados no van a depender exclusivamente de la técnica quirúrgica sino también de otros dos factores fundamentales que son: 1. Características y tipo de malla utilizada. 2. Sistema y vía de implantación de la misma. Las características de la malla empleada posiblemente sean tan importantes o más que la propia técnica quirúrgica. No es posible extrapolar los datos relativos al TVT para otros dispositivos. Sería necesario realizar estudios randomizados en los que se comparen las diferentes técnicas para poder hacer afirmaciones semejantes. La vía de implantación tiene también una gran importancia en los resultados obtenidos. En el presente trabajo se hace una revisión de las características de las mallas y sus propiedades así como de las diferentes vías de abordaje y colocación de las mismas. Se analiza también la influencia decada uno de estos factores sobre los resultados quirúrgicos. Finalmente se repasan los principales dispositivos existentes en el mercado, las propiedades de la malla y del sistema de implantación de cada uno de ellos

Since 1996, when Ulmsten described the TVT procedure (Tension-free Vaginal Tape) for correction of women urinary stress incontinence, a large number of different devices have been manufactured with that purpose. Results depend not only of the surgical procedure but also of two principal factors: 1. Characteristics and properties of the mesh. 2. System and way for the implantation. Properties of the mesh used are probably as important as surgical technique. It’s not possible to assume that results achieved with the TVT device will be similar with other meshes. Further randomized studies will be necessary to make these affirmations. In this paper we analyse properties of the mesh, characteristics of the implantation system and the influence of those factors in the surgical results. Finally, we describe some of the devices available and the mesh characteristics of each one

[Usefulness and necessity of the andrologist in assisted reproductions units]. / Utilidad y necesidad del andrologo en las unidades de reproducción asistida.

In this issue we make a review of our experience in the management of the sterile men: protocols used for the study of men's sterility, causes and specific treatments, surgical recovery of spermatozoa and screening before IVF or IVF-ICSI. We concluded that with an adequate protocol, it's possible to establish the aetiology of men's infertility in a 78.8% of the cases and it's also possible to initiate a specific treatment in almost a 47.8% of men. Results of specific treatment, with a previous selection of patients, could be better than those of assisted reproduction techniques. Best results are obtained in cases of vaso-vasostomy (vasectomy reversal) and obstruction of ejaculatory duct. It's also needed a study of genetics causes and bad prognostic circumstances in those men whose partner is going on with an IVF or IVF-ICSI cycle.

Utilidad y necesidad del andrólogo en las unidades de reproducción asistida / Usefulness and necesity of the andrologist in Assisted Reproductions Units

En el presente trabajo se recoge la experiencia del autor relacionada con el estudio y tratamiento de la patología del varón en el seno de una unidad de reproducción asistida. Se hace una revisión de los protocolos de estudio, las causas de la esterilidad masculina, los posibles tratamientos etiológicos, la participación del andrólogo en la recuperación quirúrgica de espermatozoides y la valoración o "screening" previa a cualquier ciclo de FIV o FIV-ICSI. Como conclusiones, podemos afirmar que aplicando un adecuado protocolo de estudio es posible llegar al diagnóstico etiológico de la esterilidad masculina en un 78,8% de los casos, e instaurar un tratamiento específico en casi la mitad de los varones (47,8%). Los resultados conseguidos con dichos tratamientos, haciendo una selección previa de los casos a tratar, pueden igualar e incluso superar a los ofrecidos por las técnicas de reproducción asistida. Los mejores resultados, en porcentaje de embarazos, se han conseguido con las vaso-vasostomías y con la cirugía desobstructiva de los conductos eyaculadores. Por otra parte, también resulta aconsejable el estudio de posibles alteraciones genéticas y factores de mal pronóstico en aquellos varones cuyas parejas vayan a someterse a ciclos de FIV-ICSI (AU)

In this issue we make a review of our experience in the management of the sterile men: protocols used for the study of men’s sterility, causes and specific treatments, surgical recovery of spermatozoa and screening before IVF or IVF-ICSI. We concluded that with an adequate protocol, it’s possible to establish the aetiology of men’s infertility in a 78.8% of the cases and it’s also possible to initiate a specific treatment in almost a 47.8% of men. Results of specific treatment, with a previous selection of patients, could be better than those of assisted reproduction techniques. Best results are obtained in cases of vaso-vasostomy (vasectomy reversal) and obstruction of ejaculatory duct. It’s also needed a study of genetics causes and bad prognostic circumstances in those men whose partner is going on with an IVF or IVF-ICSI cycle (AU)

Testicular biopsy in patients with obstructive azoospermia.

The present report studies the testicular biopsy lesions (histologic and semiquantitative) in a series of 48 patients with obstructive azoospermia of known etiology (vasectomy, congenital absence of vas deferens, herniorrhaphy, hydrocelectomy, Young's syndrome, and ejaculatory duct obstruction) in order to establish objective testicular data that permit the pathologist to diagnose an obstructive process, which should not be mistaken with a primary testicular lesion. The semiquantitative study included determinations of the average numbers of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, young spermatids (Sa + Sb), and differentiated spermatids (Sc + Sd). According to this study, the testes were classified into the following groups: (1) normal testes whose germ cell numbers were within normal limits (27 testes); (2) testes with lesions in the adluminal compartment; these lesions comprise two subgroups: (2a) late sloughing of primary spermatocytes (both spermatid types were greatly reduced in number while the other germ cell types were in normal numbers) (45 testes); and (2b) early sloughing of primary spermatocytes (normal spermatogonial number, reduced number of spermatocytes, and scanty spermatids) (9 testes); and (3) lesions in the basal compartment; these lesions comprise two subgroups: (3a) pure hypospermatogenesis (a proportionate decrease in the numbers of all germ cell types) (8 testes); and (3b) hypospermatogenesis associated with sloughing of primary spermatocytes (decreased numbers of all germ cell types with a very scanty number spermatids) (4 testes). Two testes appeared hyalinized and one testis was removed owing to cryptorchidism. The most frequent testicular lesion observed (alteration in the adluminal compartment of seminiferous tubules) seems to be related to the increase in hydrostatic pressure in the tight compartment formed by seminiferous tubules, rete testis, efferent ducts, the epididymal duct, and the initial portion of the vas deferens. The severity of the lesions is probably related to the cause and span of the obstruction. In addition, two azoospermic men without obstructive azoospermia and whose testicular biopsy study revealed meiotic anomalies (with the subsequent bad prognosis) were also studied for comparison. The semiquantitative study of these patients permitted the differential diagnosis between two lesion types. Testes with meiotic anomalies had a disproportionately elevated number of primary spermatocytes, and an extremely low number of young spermatids.

[Potential of ultrasonography in urologic diagnostic algorithms]. / Posibilidades de la ecografía en los algoritmos diagnósticos urológicos.

OBJECTIVES: The present study analyzed the place of ultrasound in the urological diagnostic protocols. Currently, most of the patients undergo some type of ultrasonographic evaluation at the outset or at some time during follow up. Our experience concerning the results, limitations and errors of this imaging technique are presented. METHODS: We reviewed the indications for US in different pathologies and its use together with other diagnostic techniques. Simple, cost-efficient algorithms are described. RESULTS: Its excellent performance permits making a correct diagnosis in many patients and remarkably simplifies evaluation in others. Its accuracy obviates the need for other explorations in certain pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound must be included in the urological armamentarium and should be considered as an extension of physical examination. Its accuracy and efficacy have been demonstrated. Furthermore, it is simple and easy to use, low-cost, and remarkably simplifies our diagnostic algorithms.

[Endourologic treatment of uretero-ileal stenosis]. / Tratamiento endourológico de las estenosis ureteroileales.

OBJECTIVES: Ureterointestinal stricture represents a serious problem whose management has traditionally been by open surgery. Endourological treatment is an alternative that is generally free from the complications of open surgery, but with a lower success rate. The efficacy of endourological treatment is analyzed in 14 cases of ureteroileal stricture (12 patients) and the different treatment options are discussed. METHODS: Ureteroileal stricture was managed endourologically in 9 of 13 cases (69%) by dilatation (6 cases), incision+dilatation (2 cases) and stenting (1 case). RESULTS: Of the 6 cases submitted to dilatation, 3 recurred at 6 months, 2 remained patent at 18 and 24 months, respectively, and 1 was lost to follow up because the patient underwent reimplantation (40% success rate). The two cases submitted to incision are patent at 18 and 19 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall success rate for endourological treatment of ureteroileal stricture is 28% (4/14 cases) at 19 months mean follow up.

[Endoscopic treatment of congenital paraureteral diverticuli and cavities]. / Tratamiento endoscópico de los divertículos y cavidades paraureterales congénitos.

We report 4 cases of primary congenital paraurethral diverticula or cavities (3 diverticula and 1 cyst of Cowper's glands) that were treated by endoscopic surgery. All the foregoing cases were diagnosed as primary in the absence of coexisting pathologies or associated disorders. The wall between the diverticulum and the urethral lumen was sectioned endoscopically. All patients recovered normal clinical and morphological status.

[Abnormalities of the inferior vena cava: the retrocaval ureter]. / Malformaciones de la vena cava inferior: el uréter retrocavo.

We report three cases of retrocaval ureter with a clear indication for surgery: one patient with severe hydronephrosis and two cases with mild dilatation of the renal pelvis, calyces and upper ureter, both complicated by renal stones. The initial diagnosis was based on the ultrasound and the intravenous urogram findings, and was confirmed by a retrograde pyelogram in combination with cavography and CT. All patients were submitted to surgery (1 nephrectomy and 2 uretero-ureteric anastomosis). Renal stone was resolved at the same time in one case, and by ESWL after surgery in the other.

[Treatment of recurrent bladder surface tumors with laser Nd:Yag: a single-year experience]. / Tratamiento de los tumores vesicales superficiales recidivantes con laser Nd:Yag: un año de experiencia.

Management of surface vesical tumours using laser photocoagulation has proven to be a safe and effective method. The technique can be performed under anaesthetic sedation and in the outpatient clinic environment thus allowing a considerable cost saving and the reduction of hospital's waiting lists. Throughout 1990, 47 patients with relapsing vesical tumours were treated in 55 sessions. Most cases were performed on ambulatory patients with a low complications rate and an estimated saving of 18,326,400 pesetas as compared to transurethral resection.

[True value of the liquid supply and its quality, in the lithiasic population]. / Valor real del aporte de líquidos y sus cualidades, en la población litiásica.

The chemical composition of 29 of the bottled mineral waters available in the Spanish market are analyzed, including composition of the tap water supplied by Canal de Isabel II, which provides drinkable water to Madrid with a population close to 5 million inhabitants. The literature relevant to the influence water and its composition may have on the lithiatic prophylaxis is reviewed, exploring data related to our waters, and offering an approach on their use in the different types of lithiasis.