Validez actual de la litotricia extracorpórea como tratamiento de primera línea de la litiasis / Is extracorporeal lithotripsy a first-line treatment for urinary stones today?

Objetivo Evaluar la eficacia y complicaciones de la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOCh) como tratamiento de primera línea de la litiasis renal y ureteral. Métodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo de todos los pacientes tratados con litotricia en un centro de tercer nivel entre enero de 2014 y enero de 2021. Se recogieron las características de los pacientes, de la litiasis, y las complicaciones y resultados de la LEOCh. Se realizó una regresión logística multivariante de los factores asociados a la reducción del tamaño litiásico. También se llevó a cabo un análisis estadístico de los factores asociados a la necesidad de tratamiento adicional tras la LEOCh y de los factores asociados a las complicaciones. Resultados Se incluyeron 1.727 pacientes. El tamaño litiásico medio fue de 9,5 mm. En 1.540 (89,4%) pacientes se observó la reducción del tamaño litiásico. En el análisis multivariante, el tamaño (OR=1,13; p=0,00), la localización de la litiasis en el uréter (OR=1,15; p=0,052) y el número de ondas (p=0,002; OR=1,00) utilizadas en la LEOCh son los factores asociados a la reducción del tamaño litiásico. Un total de 665 pacientes (38,5%) precisaron tratamiento adicional tras la litotricia. Los factores asociados a la necesidad de retratamiento fueron el tamaño litiásico (OR=1.131; p=0,000), el número de ondas (OR=1.000; p=0,000) y la energía administrada (OR=1.005; p=0,000). En 153 pacientes (8,8%) se produjeron complicaciones tras la LEOCh. Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el tamaño de la litiasis (p=0,024; OR=1.054) y la derivación urinaria previa (p=0,004; OR=0,571). Conclusión La litotricia sigue siendo eficaz como tratamiento de primera línea para la litiasis reno-ureteral, con un bajo porcentaje de complicaciones. (AU)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and complications of extracorporeal lithotripsy (SWL) as a first-line treatment for renal and ureteral stones. Methods Retrospective and observational study of all the patients treated with lithotripsy in a third level center between January 2014 and January 2021; characteristics of the patients, the stones, complications and results of SWL is recollected. Multivariate logistic regression of the factors associated with stone size reduction was performed. A statistical analysis of the factors associated with additional treatment after SWL and factors associated with complications is also executed. Results 1727 patients are included. Stone mean size was 9,5 mm. 1540 (89.4%) patients presented reduction in stone size. In multivariate analysis, stone size (OR=1.13; P=0.00), ureteral location of the lithiasis (OR=1.15; P=0.052) and number of waves (P=0.002; OR=1.00) used in SWL are the factors associated with reduction of stone size. Additional treatment after lithotripsy was needed in 665 patients (38.5%). The factors associated with the need for retreatment were stone size (OR=1.131; P=0.000), number of waves (OR=1.000; P=0.000), energy (OR=1.005; P=0.000). 153 patients (8.8%) suffered complications after SWL. A statistically significant association was found between the size of the lithiasis (P=0.024, OR=1.054) and the previous urinary diversion (P=0.004, OR=0.571). Conclusion Lithotripsy remains an effective treatment as the first line of therapy for reno-ureteral lithiasis with a low percentage of complications. (AU)

Is extracorporeal lithotripsy a first-line treatment for urinary stones today?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of extracorporeal lithotripsy (SWL) as a first-line treatment for renal and ureteral stones METHODS: Retrospective and observational study of all the patients treated with lithotripsy in a third level center between January 2014 and January 2021; characteristics of the patients, the stones, complications and results of SWL is recollected. Multivariate logistic regression of the factors associated with stone size reduction was performed. A statistical analysis of the factors associated with additional treatment after SWL and factors associated with complications is also executed. RESULTS: 1727 patients are included. Stone mean size was 9,5mm. 1540 (89.4%) patients presented reduction in stone size. In multivariate analysis, stone size (OR=1.13; p=0.00), ureteral location of the lithiasis (OR=1.15; p=0.052) and number of waves (p=0.002; OR=1.00) used in SWL are the factors associated with reduction of stone size. Additional treatment after lithotripsy was needed in 665 patients (38.5%). The factors associated with the need for retreatment were stone size (OR=1.131; p=0.000), number of waves (OR=1.000; p=0.000), energy (OR=1.005; p=0.000). 153 patients (8.8%) suffered complications after SWL. A statistically significant association was found between the size of the lithiasis (p=0.024, OR=1.054) and the previous urinary diversion (P=0.004, OR=0.571). CONCLUSION: Lithotripsy remains an effective treatment as the first line of therapy for reno-ureteral lithiasis with a low percentage of complications.

Litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOCh) Para litiasis de grupo calicial inferior: ¿cómo predecir el éxito del tratamiento? / Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower calyx stones: Predicting treatment success

Introducción El uso de la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOCh) en litiasis de grupo calicial inferior (GCI) se asocia con una alta tasa de fragmentos residuales. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la efectividad y complicaciones del tratamiento con LEOCh en litiasis de GCI. Métodos Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con litiasis en GCI tratadas con LEOCh entre enero 2014 y diciembre del 2020. Se determina anatomía favorable del GCI mediante longitud infundibular, ancho infundibular y ángulo infundibulopélvico. Se considera fracaso de LEOCh la presencia de fragmentos >3mm en radiografía simple, TC o ecografía a los 3 meses del procedimiento. Análisis de complicaciones, procedimientos auxiliares y factores de riesgo asociados con hematoma perirrenal. Análisis estadístico mediante software SPSS. Resultados En total, 512 pacientes con litiasis en GCI fueron tratados con LEOCh. El 80,3% de los pacientes tenía anatomía GCI favorable. La tasa libre de litiasis (TLL) fue 70,5%. Las principales complicaciones fueron: calle litiásica (5 pacientes) e infección del tracto urinario (3 casos). Se describen 10 hematomas perirrenales (2%). La toma de antiagregantes mostró asociación estadística con el riesgo de hematoma perirrenal (p=0,004). Mediante regresión logística binaria se demuestra asociación entre anatomía desfavorable del GCI (p=0,000), tamaño de litiasis (p=0,001), número de ondas de choque (p=0,003), energía aplicada (p=0,038) y necesidad de tratamiento adicional tras LEOCh. Conclusiones El tratamiento con LEOCh puede ser considerado de primera elección en litiasis de GCI. El tamaño de la litiasis, anatomía calicial desfavorable, número de ondas de choque y energía utilizadas pueden predecir la necesidad de retratamiento. (AU)

Introduction The use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for lower calyx stones is associated with a high rate of residual fragments. Our aim is to analyse the effectiveness and complications of ESWL for lower calyx stones. Methods Retrospective review of patients with lower renal calyx stones treated with ESWL between January-2014 and December-2020. Measurement of infundibular length, infundibular width and infundibulopelvic angle in lower renal pole to determine favourable anatomy. ESWL failure: fragments >3mm detected in plain abdominal film, CT scan and/or renal ultrasound 3 months after treatment. Complications after ESWL, auxiliary procedures along with risk factors associated with perirenal haematoma were analysed. SPSS statistical software was used. Results 512 patients with lower calyx stones were treated with ESWL. 80.3% of patients had a favourable anatomy. Overall stone-free rate was 70.5%. Regarding main complications after ESWL, stainstrasse was described in 5 patients and urinary tract infection in 3 patients. 10 perirenal haematomas (2%) were reported. Statistical association was found between antiplatelet treatment and the risk of perirenal haematoma (p=0.004). Logistic binary regression proved the association between unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal pole (p=0.000), size of the stone (p=0.001), number of shock waves (p=0.003), energy applied (p=0.038) and the need for additional treatment after ESWL. Conclusions ESWL can still be considered as the initial treatment option for lower renal pole stones. The size of the stone, an unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal calyx, number of shock waves and energy applied can help predict the need for additional treatment. (AU)

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower calyx stones: predicting treatment success.

INTRODUCTION: The use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for lower calyx stones is associated with a high rate of residual fragments. Our aim is to analyse the effectiveness and complications of ESWL for lower calyx stones. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with lower renal calyx stones treated with ESWL between January-2014 and December-2020. Measurement of infundibular length, infundibular width and infundibulopelvic angle in lower renal pole to determine favourable anatomy. ESWL failure: fragments >3 mm detected in plain abdominal film, CT scan and/or renal ultrasound 3 months after treatment. Complications after ESWL, auxiliary procedures along with risk factors associated with perirenal haematoma were analysed. SPSS statistical software was used. RESULTS: 512 patients with lower calyx stones were treated with ESWL. 80.3% of patients had a favourable anatomy. Overall stone-free rate was 70.5%. Regarding main complications after ESWL, stainstrasse was described in 5 patients and urinary tract infection in 3 patients. 10 perirenal haematomas (2%) were reported. Statistical association was found between antiplatelet treatment and the risk of perirenal haematoma (p = 0.004). Logistic binary regression proved the association between unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal pole (p = 0.000), size of the stone (p = 0.001), number of shock waves (p = 0.003), energy applied (p = 0.038) and the need for additional treatment after ESWL. CONCLUSIONS: ESWL can still be considered as the initial treatment option for lower renal pole stones. The size of the stone, an unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal calyx, number of shock waves and energy applied can help predict the need for additional treatment.

Surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas.

PURPOSE: To describe our current protocol for surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas (PGLs) and pheochromocytomas, with a special focus on multidisciplinary management in centres with experience. METHODS: The physicians involved in the management of patients with abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas of our hospital reviewed systematically current knowledge on the surgical management of abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. RESULTS: Currently, surgery is considered the treatment of choice for abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. The choice of surgical approach is determined based on the location of the lesion, size, patient́s body habitus and the likelihood of malignancy. Laparoscopic surgery is usually considered the gold standard approach for pheochromocytomas, but open access should be considered in invasive and/or potentially malignant tumours >8-10 cm and for abdominal PGLs. Postsurgical management of pheochromocytomas and PGLs includes close hemodynamic monitoring and treatment of postsurgical complications, the pathological study of the surgical specimen, reassessment of hormonal and/or radiological status and planning of follow-up based on the risk of recurrence and malignancy. CONCLUSION: Surgery represents the treatment of choice of most abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. Optimal postsurgical evaluation, including hemodynamic, pathological, hormonal, and radiological evaluation, should be performed by a multidisciplinary team specializing in PGL/pheochromocytoma management.

Manejo quirúrgico y posquirúrgico de paragangliomas abdominales y feocromocitomas / Surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas

Objetivo Describir nuestro protocolo actual para el manejo quirúrgico y posquirúrgico de los paragangliomas abdominales (PGL) y los feocromocitomas, con especial atención en el manejo multidisciplinar en centros con experiencia. Métodos Los facultativos implicados en el tratamiento de pacientes con PGL abdominales y feocromocitomas de nuestro hospital revisaron sistemáticamente la evidencia científica actualmente disponible sobre el tratamiento quirúrgico de los PGL abdominales y feocromocitomas. Resultados La cirugía se considera el tratamiento de primera elección para los PGL abdominales y feocromocitomas. La decisión sobre el tipo de abordaje quirúrgico se basa en la localización y el tamaño de la lesión, la constitución corporal del paciente y la probabilidad estimada de malignidad. La cirugía laparoscópica suele considerarse el abordaje de referencia para los feocromocitomas, pero en los tumores invasivos y/o potencialmente malignos de más de 8-10 cm y en los PGL abdominales debe considerarse el abordaje abierto. El tratamiento posquirúrgico de los feocromocitomas y los PGL incluye una monitorización hemodinámica estrecha, el tratamiento de las complicaciones posoperatorias, el estudio patológico de la muestra quirúrgica, la reevaluación del estado hormonal y/o radiológico y la planificación del seguimiento en función del riesgo de recurrencia y malignidad. Conclusión La cirugía representa el tratamiento de elección de la mayoría de los PGL abdominales y feocromocitomas. La evaluación posoperatoria óptima, que incluye la evaluación hemodinámica, patológica, hormonal y radiológica, debe ser realizada por un equipo multidisciplinar especializado en el tratamiento de PGL/feocromocitomas (AU)

Purpose To describe our current protocol for surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas (PGLs) and pheochromocytomas, with a special focus on multidisciplinary management in centres with experience. Methods The physicians involved in the management of patients with abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas of our hospital reviewed systematically current knowledge on the surgical management of abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. Results Currently, surgery is considered the treatment of choice for abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. The choice of surgical approach is determined based on the location of the lesion, size, patient́s body habitus and the likelihood of malignancy. Laparoscopic surgery is usually considered the gold standard approach for pheochromocytomas, but open access should be considered in invasive and/or potentially malignant tumours > 8-10 cm and for abdominal PGLs. Postsurgical management of pheochromocytomas and PGLs includes close hemodynamic monitoring and treatment of postsurgical complications, the pathological study of the surgical specimen, reassessment of hormonal and/or radiological status and planning of follow-up based on the risk of recurrence and malignancy. Conclusion Surgery represents the treatment of choice of most abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. Optimal postsurgical evaluation, including hemodynamic, pathological, hormonal, and radiological evaluation, should be performed by a multidisciplinary team specializing in PGL/pheochromocytoma management (AU)

Differences in intraoperative and surgical outcomes between normotensive pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PPGLs) and hypertensive PPGLs: results from the PHEO-RISK STUDY.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraoperative and surgical outcomes of normotensive pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PPGLs), hypertensive PPGLs and non-PPGL adrenal lesions. METHODS: This a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with PPGLs from 18 tertiary hospitals. A control group of histologically confirmed adrenocortical adenomas (non-PPGL group) was selected to compare intraoperative and surgical outcomes with of the normotensive PPGLs. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-six surgeries performed in 289 patients with PPGLs were included. Before surgery, 209 patients were classified as hypertensive PPGLs (70.6%) and 87 as normotensive PPGLs. A higher proportion of normotensive PPGLs than hypertensive PPGLs did not receive alpha presurgical blockade (P = 0.009). When we only considered those patients who received presurgical alpha blockers (200 hypertensive PPGLs and 76 normotensive PPGLs), hypertensive PPGLs had a threefold higher risk of intraoperative hypertensive crisis (OR 3.0 [95% 1.3-7.0]) and of hypotensive episodes (OR 2.9 [95% CI 1.2-6.7]) than normotensive PPGLs. When we compared normotensive PPGLs (n = 76) and non-PPGLs (n = 58), normotensive PPGLs had a fivefold higher risk of intraoperative complications (OR 5.3 [95% CI 1.9-14.9]) and a six times higher risk of postoperative complications (OR 6.1 [95% CI 1.7-21.6]) than non-PPGLs. CONCLUSION: Although the risk of intraoperative hypertensive and hypotensive episodes in normotensive PPGLs is significantly lower than in hypertensive PPGLs, normotensive PPGLs have a greater risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications than non-PPGL adrenal lesions. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the standard of care for presurgical and anesthetic management of PPGLs also in normotensive PPGLs.

Utilidad del Renograma Diurético tras la Pieloplastia en la Población Pediátrica. ¿Es Necesario de Rutina? / Usefulness of the Diuretic Renogram after Pyeloplasty in the Pediatric Population. Is It Necessary for Routine?

Purpose: The diuretic renal scan (MAG3) continues being the gold standard to test the improvement of the urinary drainage after pyeloplasty. Recent researches suggest that there are certain parameters of ultrasound (US) that may indicate an adequate urinary drainage during the follow-up. Our aim is to prove if the measurement of the anteroposterior diameter (APD) of renal pelvis by USS after the pyeloplasty may be a valid screening method to select those patients who also require a MAG3. Methods: We retrospectively study the patients who underwent pyeloplasty between 2010 and 2019. The sample was divided in two groups depending of the increase or non-increase in the pelvic APD on postoperative US. The results of the MAG3 and the US of both groups were compared in relation to the presence or absence of obstruction and the need for repyeloplasty. Results: We included a total of 124 pyeloplasty, with a median age of 6 months (IQR 4–36); 12 patients showed an increase in pelvic APD, of those 5 had an obstructive MAG3 and renal function >10%, requiring reoperation. Of the 112 patients in whom the pelvic APD did not increase, only one patient needed reoperation due to obstruction in the MAG3, showing the same pre and postoperative pelvic APD. The sensitivity (S) of the US was 83.33% and the specificity (E) was 94.07%. Conclusion: A decrease of the renal pelvic APD between US before and after surgery appears to be enough to exclude those patients who will not to develop a recurrence of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). In the rest of the patients, it would be necessary study the urinary drainage using MAG3, avoiding its inherent drawbacks in all patients undergoing pyeloplasty (AU)

Introducción: El renograma diurético (MAG3) continúa siendo la prueba principal para determinar la mejoradel drenaje urinario tras la pieloplastia. Trabajos recientessugieren que ciertos parámetros de la ecografía pueden indicar un adecuado drenaje urinario en el seguimiento. Nuestro objetivo es determinar si la medición del diámetro antero posterior (DAP) de la pelvis renal por ecografía trasla pieloplastia puede ser un método de cribado válido paraseleccionar a aquellos pacientes que requieren además unMAG3.Material y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos mediante pieloplastiaentre los años 2010 y 2019. En todos se realizó ecografíay MAG3 pre y postoperatorio recogiendo diferentes datos.La muestra se dividió en dos grupos en relación al aumentoo no aumento del DAP de la pelvis en la ecografía postoperatoria. Los resultados de la ecografía y MAG3 de ambosgrupos se compararon en relación a la presencia o ausenciade obstrucción y la necesidad de reintervención. A su vezse calcularon la sensibilidad y especificidad de la ecografíaen relación al aumento del DAP de la pelvis.Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 124 pieloplastias, con una mediana de edad de 6 meses (RIQ 4–36); 12pacientes mostraron un aumento del DAP de la pelvis, delos cuales el MAG3 fue obstructivo y con función renal>10% en 5, siendo necesario reintervención. De los 112pacientes en los que el DAP de la pelvis no aumentó, soloun paciente necesitó reintervención al tener obstrucción enel MAG3, mostrando un DAP de la pelvis pre y postoperatorio con el mismo valor. La sensibilidad de la ecografíafue de 83.33% y la especificidad de 94.07%.Conclusión: Una disminución en el DAP de la pelvisrenal entre la ecografía pre y postquirúrgica parece suficiente para descartar aquellos pacientes que no van a desarrollar una reestenosis de la unión ureteropélvica... (AU)

Tumour size in adrenal tumours: its importance in the indication of adrenalectomy and in surgical outcomes-a single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relevance of tumour size in adrenal tumours in the estimation of malignancy risk and in the outcomes of adrenalectomy. METHODS: We evaluate the histological results and surgical outcomes (intraoperative and postsurgical complications) in a retrospective single-centre cohort of patients without history of active extraadrenal malignancy with adrenal tumours consecutively operated in our centre during January 2010 and December 2020. We compared these results in lesions smaller and larger than 40, 50, and 60 mm. RESULTS: Of 131 patients with adrenal tumours who underwent adrenalectomy, 76 (58.0%) had adrenal masses measuring ≥ 40 mm; 47 were > 50 mm and 28 > 60 mm. The final diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in 7 patients, pheochromocytoma in 35, and benign lesions in the remaining. All patients with ACC had adrenal masses > 50 mm, with Hounsfield units > 40 and low lipidic content in the CT. The risk of ACC and pheochromocytoma increased as tumour size did. The diagnostic accuracy of tumour size was quite good for the prediction of ACC (AUC-ROC 0.883). Nevertheless, when only adrenal tumours with HU < 40 were considered, the risk of ACC was 0% independent of tumour size. For pheochromocytomas, the risk was of 8.6% independent of tumour size for lesions with < 20HU. The risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications was independent of tumour size. CONCLUSION: Risk of malignancy and of pheochromocytoma increased as tumour size increased, but, in the presurgical estimation of malignancy risk and of pheochromocytoma, not only tumour size, also lipidic content and other radiological features, should be considered. The risk of complications was independent of tumour size, but hospital stay was longer in patients with complication or open approach.

Protocol for presurgical and anesthetic management of pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas: a multidisciplinary approach.

OBJECTIVE: To offer a practical guide for the presurgical and anesthetic management of pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs). METHODS: This protocol was based on a comprehensive review of the literature and on our own multidisciplinary team's experience from managing pheochromocytoma and sympathetic PGLs at a referral center. RESULTS: Patients with pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs) may develop potentially life-threatening complications, especially during surgical procedures. A complete biochemical, radiological, genetic, and cardiological assessment is recommended in the preoperative stage as it provides an evaluation of the risk of surgical complications and malignancy, allowing individualization of the presurgical treatment. Treatment with α-blockade and proper volume expansion in the preoperative stage significantly reduces the perioperative morbidity. During surgery, the anesthesiologist should look for a deep anesthetic level that inhibits the cardiovascular effects of catecholamines to minimize the risk of intraoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: An optimal presurgical evaluation of pheochromocytomas/ sympathetic PGL requires a multidisciplinary approach, including a complete hormonal, radiological, cardiac, genetic, and functioning evaluation in most cases. A proper preoperative evaluation in combination with strict blood pressure and heart rate control, and blood volume status optimization, will significantly reduce the risk of intraoperative and perioperative complications. In those patients who unfortunately develop intraoperative complications, the role of the anesthesiologist is essential since the selection of the appropriate management has a direct impact on morbimortality reduction.

Repercusión de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la actividad quirúrgica de Urología Pediátrica: análisis de las complicaciones posquirúrgicas según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical activity of Pediatric Urology: analysis of postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: La coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ha ocasionado una pandemia de repercusión mundial que obligó a tomar medidas sociopolíticas, como la declaración del estado de alarma en España. Paralelamente se llevó a cabo la reestructuración de las actividades e infraestructuras médico-quirúrgicas pediátricas, con la consecuente suspensión de la actividad quirúrgica no urgente de Urología Pediátrica. Analizamos la repercusión de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la actividad quirúrgica en una sección de Urología Pediátrica, así como las complicaciones quirúrgicas, según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se procedió a la revisión sistemática de los datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y quirúrgicos, incluyendo las complicaciones y reingresos de todos los pacientes intervenidos en la sección de Urología Pediátrica desde la declaración del estado de alarma hasta el levantamiento del mismo. Para su estudio se procedió a la división en cinco bloques temporales acorde a las fases de desescalada. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 49 intervenciones quirúrgicas en 45 pacientes (ocho previos a la implantación de las fases de desescalada). La patología con prioridad alta fue la más frecuente en las primeras fases, siendo la estenosis de la unión pieloureteral (EPU) la más prevalente. Se registraron cuatro complicaciones (8,8%), ninguna de ellas de origen respiratorio. CONCLUSIONES: Las recomendaciones de la EAU para la reanudación de la actividad quirúrgica han permitido una correcta, segura y gradual transición al ritmo quirúrgico habitual en Urología Pediátrica. La clasificación de Clavien-Dindo es útil y válida para su aplicación en esta sección. No se han registrados complicaciones respiratorias que pudiesen ser atribuibles a la situación pandémica

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic of global impact that forced social-political measures to be taken, such as the declaration of the state of alarm in Spain. At the same time, the reorganization of the pediatric medical-surgical activities and infrastructures was carried out, with the consequent suspension of the non-urgent surgical activity of Pediatric Urology. We analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical activity in a Pediatric Urology division, as well as surgical complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of epidemiological, clinical and surgical data was carried out, including complications and readmissions of all patients operated on in the division of Pediatric Urology within the duration of the state of alarm. Five time periods have been created according to the de-escalation phases. RESULTS: Forty-nine surgical procedures were carried out on 45 patients (8 prior to the implementation of the de-escalation phases). High priority pathologies were the most frequent in the first phases, being the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction the most prevalent. Four complications were recorded (8.8%), none of them were respiratory. CONCLUSIONS: The EAU recommendations for the resumption of surgical activity have allowed a correct, safe and gradual transition to the routine surgical activity in Pediatric Urology. The Clavien-Dindo classification is useful and valid for application in this division. No respiratory complications have been reported that could be attributable to the pandemic situation

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical activity of Pediatric Urology: analysis of postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. / Repercusión de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la actividad quirúrgica de Urología Pediátrica: análisis de las complicaciones posquirúrgicas según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic of global impact that forced social-political measures to be taken, such as the declaration of the state of alarm in Spain. At the same time, the reorganization of the pediatric medical-surgical activities and infrastructures was carried out, with the consequent suspension of the non-urgent surgical activity of Pediatric Urology. We analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical activity in a Pediatric Urology division, as well as surgical complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of epidemiological, clinical and surgical data was carried out, including complications and readmissions of all patients operated on in the division of Pediatric Urology within the duration of the state of alarm. Five time periods have been created according to the de-escalation phases. RESULTS: Forty-nine surgical procedures were carried out on 45 patients (8 prior to the implementation of the de-escalation phases). High priority pathologies were the most frequent in the first phases, being the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction the most prevalent. Four complications were recorded (8.8%), none of them were respiratory. CONCLUSIONS: The EAU recommendations for the resumption of surgical activity have allowed a correct, safe and gradual transition to the routine surgical activity in Pediatric Urology. The Clavien-Dindo classification is useful and valid for application in this division. No respiratory complications have been reported that could be attributable to the pandemic situation.

Intelligent-assistant system for scleral spur location.

A system based on the use of two artificial neural networks (ANNs) to determine the location of the scleral spur of the human eye in ocular images generated by an ultrasound biomicroscopy is presented in this paper. The two ANNs establish a relationship between the distance of four manually placed landmarks in an ocular image with the coordinates of the scleral spur. The latter coordinates are generated by the expert knowledge of a subject matter specialist. Trained ANNs that generate good results for scleral spur location are incorporated into a software system. Statistical indicators and results yield an efficiency performance above 95%.

Consideraciones técnicas en el tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral tras reimplante tipo Cohen / Technical challenges of endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux after Cohen reimplantation

Introducción: El abanico de indicaciones del tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) se abre cada vez más hasta incluir la corrección del reflujo secundario tras cirugía de reimplante ureteral. No obstante, este escenario supone un reto técnico debido a los cambios posquirúrgicos. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento endoscópico del RVU en unidades ureterales con reimplante tipo Cohen, con especial interés en las particularidades técnicas del procedimiento. Material y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo de casos de RVU secundario tras cirugía de reimplante tratados mediante inyección subureteral. Técnica: Se coloca la aguja perpendicular al trayecto submucoso y se inyecta medial al orificio, formándose un habón en la cara anterior que ocluya el meato. Resultados: En el periodo comprendido entre 1993 y 2016 se realizaron 21 inyecciones sobre 15 unidades ureterales. La afección ureteral incluía el RVU primario (4), sistema dúplex con RVU al pielón inferior (4), megauréter (3) y ureterocele (2). La edad media de los pacientes fue de 5,7 años (rango: 2-12 años). El éxito se logró en 10 unidades ureterales (66,67%), disminución del grado de RVU en 4 (26,67%) y persistencia/no resolución en un caso (6,67%). Discusión: El mecanismo antirreflujo del reimplante depende de optimizar el trayecto submucoso. Este subgrupo de pacientes es pequeño y los estudios son escasos lo que dificulta el acuerdo sobre la técnica más adecuada. Conclusión: El tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo secundario tras cirugía de reimplante transtrigonal es un procedimiento con cierta particularidad técnica, pero seguro y eficaz que ofrece una alternativa previa a la reintervención quirúrgica

Introduction: The range of indications for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux opens more and more until including correction of secondary reflux (VUR) after ureteral reimplantation. However these cases suppose a technical challenge due to postoperative changes. The aim of this work is to present our experience on endoscopic treatment for VUR in ureteral units with Cohen reimplantation surgery, with special interest in the technical peculiarities of the procedure. Material and methods: A retrospective study of cases of secondary VUR after reimplantation surgery treated by subureteral injection. Technique: We put the needle perpendicular to submucous tunnel and inject medially to hole forming a wheal on the anterior face that occludes the meatus. Results: During the 1993-2016 period 21 injections were performed in 15 ureteral units. The ureteral pathology included primary VUR (4), duplex system with lower pole reflux (4), megaureter (3) and ureterocele (2). Average patient age was 5.7 years old (2-12). Succesful outcome had been got in 10 ureteral units (66.67%), a decrease of VUR grade in 4 (26.67%) and perseverance/no resolution of grade IV VUR in 1 (6.67%). Discussion: The anti-reflux mechanism of reimplantation depends on optimizing the submucosous tunnel. This subgroup of pacients is small and there are few studies, hindering the agreement on the most appropiate technique. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of secondary reflux after reimplantation surgery is a procedure with certain technical feature, but safe and effective offering an alternative prior to surgical reoperation

Technical challenges of endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux after Cohen reimplantation. / Consideraciones técnicas en el tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral tras reimplante tipo Cohen.

INTRODUCTION: The range of indications for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux opens more and more until including correction of secondary reflux (VUR) after ureteral reimplantation. However these cases suppose a technical challenge due to postoperative changes. The aim of this work is to present our experience on endoscopic treatment for VUR in ureteral units with Cohen reimplantation surgery, with special interest in the technical peculiarities of the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of cases of secondary VUR after reimplantation surgery treated by subureteral injection. TECHNIQUE: We put the needle perpendicular to submucous tunnel and inject medially to hole forming a wheal on the anterior face that occludes the meatus RESULTS: During the 1993-2016 period 21 injections were performed in 15 ureteral units. The ureteral pathology included primary VUR (4), duplex system with lower pole reflux (4), megaureter (3) and ureterocele (2). Average patient age was 5.7 years old (2-12). Succesful outcome had been got in 10 ureteral units (66.67%), a decrease of VUR grade in 4 (26.67%) and perseverance/no resolution of grade IV VUR in 1 (6.67%) DISCUSSION: The anti-reflux mechanism of reimplantation depends on optimizing the submucosous tunnel. This subgroup of pacients is small and there are few studies, hindering the agreement on the most appropiate technique. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of secondary reflux after reimplantation surgery is a procedure with certain technical feature, but safe and effective offering an alternative prior to surgical reoperation.

Pólipos fibroepiteliales como causa de hidronefrosis / Fibroepithelial polyps as a cause of hydronephrosis

Introducción: Los pólipos ureterales constituyen una causa poco frecuente de hidronefrosis en los niños. Presentamos un caso tratado en nuestro centro y realizamos una revisión de la literatura. Caso clínico: Varón de 5 años derivado a nuestra consulta por presentar episodios de dolor cólico en el flanco izquierdo. La ecografía mostró una hidronefrosis izquierda de grado II/IV, y el renograma con MAG-3 una curva de eliminación en la pelvis renal de tipo IIIb. Debido a la persistencia de la sintomatología, se decidió instaurar tratamiento quirúrgico, durante el cual se constató la presencia de pólipos fibroepiteliales en la pelvis renal que justificaban la sintomatología. Conclusión: El tratamiento de los pólipos ureterales en los niños presenta altas tasas de éxito; sin embargo, la inespecificidad de su presentación clínica, así como la dificultad de interpretación de las pruebas diagnósticas, pueden conllevar un importante retraso en el diagnóstico que afecte a la función renal

Introduction: Ureteral polyps are a strange cause of hydronephrosis in children. We report a case of a child treated in our hospital, and review of the related literature. Clinical case: A 5-year-old boy presented with severe, colicky, left lumbar pain. Renal ultrasound showed grade II/IV hydronephrosis, and the 99 m-Tc MAG-3 scan showed an obstructive drainage curve type IIIb. As the symptoms persisted, we decided surgical treatment, finding pyelic fibroepithelial polyps as the cause of the pain. Conclusion: Fibroepithelial polyp treatment in children is highly effective; nevertheless, the interpretation of diagnostic tests can be difficult, delaying the diagnosis and causing affectation of renal function

Factores implicados en el fracaso tardío del tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral / Factors involved in the late failure of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux

Introducción: Los resultados del tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) a corto plazo son excelentes. No obstante, con el paso de los años se ha identificado un número de pacientes en quienes el RVU que fue resuelto mediante esta técnica vuelve a aparecer. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los factores relacionados con este evento. Material y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio analítico retrospectivo tipo caso-control incluyendo 395 unidades ureterales con RVU primario tratadas con éxito en nuestro centro, con seguimiento mínimo de 3 años. Se han identificado los casos en los que el RVU reapareció y se han analizado variables demográficas, variables relativas al RVU (grado, lateralidad, estudio inicial) y a la intervención (material utilizado). Resultados: Se identificaron 77 unidades ureterales con recidiva de las 395 incluidas (19,5%). La incidencia de recidiva fue del 29,7% en los pacientes tratados con dextranómero/ácido hialurónico (Dx/HA), del 20,2% en los tratados con polidimetilxilosano (MP) y del 12,2% en el caso de politetrafluoroetileno (PTFE). La aparición de recidiva se eleva hasta el 35% en el caso de pacientes tratados antes del año de edad y aquellos con RVU de gradoV. La clínica de disfunción miccional también eleva la incidencia de recidiva al 34,9%. Conclusión: El uso del material reabsorbible Dx/HA está relacionado con la recidiva del tratamiento endoscópico del RVU. Los reflujos de alto grado, junto con el tratamiento en edades precoces, así como la presencia de disfunción miccional, también son factores asociados a la recurrencia

Introduction: The short-term results of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are excellent. Over time, however, a number of patients have been identified for whom VUR reappeared after being resolved with this technique. The aim of this study was to analyse the factors related to this event. Material and methods: A retrospective, analytical, case-control study included 395 ureteral units with primary VUR treated successfully at our centre, with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. We identified cases in which VUR reappeared and analysed the demographic variables, those related to VUR (grade, laterality, initial study) and those related to the operation (materials used). Results: We identified 77 ureteral units with recurrence in the 395 included uni:ts (19.5%). The recurrence rate was 29.7% for the patients treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA), 20.2% for those treated with polydimethylsiloxane (MP) and 12.2% for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The onset of recurrence rose to 35% for patients treated before 1 year of age and those with gradeV VUR. Urinary dysfunction symptoms also increased the recurrence rate to 34.9%. Conclusion: The use of resorbable dextranomer/hyaluronic acid material was related to recurrence in the endoscopic treatment of VUR. The high-grade reflux and treatment at an early age, as well as the presence of urinary dysfunction, are also factors associated with recurrence

Understanding the antimicrobial properties/activity of an 11-residue Lys homopeptide by alanine and proline scan.

Previous work demonstrated that lysine homopeptides adopt a polyproline II (PPII) structure. Lysine homopeptides with odd number of residues, especially with 11 residues (K11), were capable of inhibiting the growth of a broader spectrum of bacteria than those with an even number. Confocal studies also determined that K11 was able to localize exclusively in the bacterial membrane, leading to cell death. In this work, the mechanism of action of this peptide was further analyzed focused on examining the structural changes in bacterial membrane induced by K11, and in K11 itself when interacting with bacterial membrane lipids. Moreover, alanine and proline scans were performed for K11 to identify relevant positions in structure conformation and antibacterial activity. To do so, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) was conducted in saline phosphate buffer (PBS) and in lipidic vesicles, using large unilamellar vesicles (LUV), composed of 2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DMPG) or bacterial membrane lipid. Antimicrobial activity of K11 and their analogs was evaluated in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 exposed to the Lys homopeptide at MIC concentration showed blisters and bubbles formed on the bacterial surface, suggesting that K11 exerts its action by destabilizing the bacterial membrane. CD analysis revealed a remarkably enhanced PPII structure of K11 when replacing some of its central residues by proline in PBS. However, when such peptide analogs were confronted with either DMPG-LUV or membrane lipid extract-LUV, the tendency to form PPII structure was severely weakened. On the contrary, K11 peptide showed a remarkably enhanced PPII structure in the presence of DMPG-LUV. Antibacterial tests revealed that K11 was able to inhibit all tested bacteria with an MIC value of 5 µM, while proline and alanine analogs have a reduced activity on Listeria monocytogenes. Besides, the activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus was affected in most of the alanine-substituted analogs. However, lysine substitutions by alanine or proline at position 7 did not alter the activity against all tested bacterial strains, suggesting that this position can be screened to find a substitute amino acid yielding a peptide with increased antibacterial activity. These results also indicate that the PPII secondary structure of K11 is stabilized by the interaction of the peptide with negatively charged phospholipids in the bacterial membrane, though not being the sole determinant for its antimicrobial activity.

Factors involved in the late failure of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. / Factores implicados en el fracaso tardío del tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral.

INTRODUCTION: The short-term results of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are excellent. Over time, however, a number of patients have been identified for whom VUR reappeared after being resolved with this technique. The aim of this study was to analyse the factors related to this event. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, analytical, case-control study included 395 ureteral units with primary VUR treated successfully at our centre, with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. We identified cases in which VUR reappeared and analysed the demographic variables, those related to VUR (grade, laterality, initial study) and those related to the operation (materials used). RESULTS: We identified 77 ureteral units with recurrence in the 395 included units (19.5%). The recurrence rate was 29.7% for the patients treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA), 20.2% for those treated with polydimethylsiloxane (MP) and 12.2% for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The onset of recurrence rose to 35% for patients treated before 1 year of age and those with gradeV VUR. Urinary dysfunction symptoms also increased the recurrence rate to 34.9%. CONCLUSION: The use of resorbable dextranomer/hyaluronic acid material was related to recurrence in the endoscopic treatment of VUR. The high-grade reflux and treatment at an early age, as well as the presence of urinary dysfunction, are also factors associated with recurrence.

Fisiopatología de la nefropatía diabética: una revisión de la literatura / Pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy: a literature review

La enfermedad renal crónica es una complicación frecuente en la diabetes mellitus. Su importancia radica en la alta prevalencia y la proyección a futuro que ésta tiene. Se asocia a altos gastos en salud y además a deterioro cardiovascular global. La fisiopatología del desarrollo de esta enfermedad está siendo estudiada y se sabe que en ella participan una serie de vías moleculares complejas que determinan una enfermedad microvascular. En esta revisión se intenta abordar las vías conocidas en el desarrollo de nefropatía diabética, con el fin de comprender mejor posibles blancos terapéuticos que se podrían desarrollar.

Chronic kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes. Its importance lies in its high prevalence and future projection. It is associated with high health costs and global cardiovascular deterioration as well. The development of this disease pathophysiology is being studied and it is known that a series of complex molecular pathways determining a microvascular disease are involved. This review addresses the known pathways in the development of diabetic nephropathy aiming to improve the understanding of potential therapeutic targets that could be developed in the future.