Health questionnaire analysis and development of satisfaction questionnaire for patients treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SATISLIT). / Análisis de cuestionario de salud y desarrollo de cuestionario de satisfacción en pacientes tratados con litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (SATISLIT).

INTRODUCTION: Due to the absence of specific instruments to study the psychosocial sphere of patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), the objective of this study is to develop a satisfaction questionnaire regarding the SWL treatment from a health questionnaire which was already designed and had been previously validated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The design of the satisfaction questionnaire was carried out in 5 phases, based on a previously validated health scale in patients treated with SWL (ESPTL), including a total cohort of 135 patients treated at our center who received a phone interview. Phase 1: descriptive analysis of the series and scores of the 8 items of ESPTL. Phase 2: U-Mann Whitney comparison of ESPTL based on the patients' sex. Phase 3: study of ESPTL correlation with age using Spearman's Rho. Phase 4: grouping by factors of ESPTL, comparison by sex and correlation with age, as performed in phases 2 and 3 with the global score. Phase 5: obtaining the satisfaction subscale -SATISLIT-, descriptive analysis, comparison according to sex, correlation with age and linear regression model of SATISLIT with respect to ESPTL. RESULTS: 135 patients, 85(63%) men, 50(37%) women. Median (minimum-maximum) age 56 (27-79) and ESPTL score 31 (8-39). Differences in global ESPTL score between men and women (p <.001), as well as in items 1 (p =.029), 3 (p =.002), 6 (p =.006), 7 (p =.005) and 8 (p =.025). Non-significant correlation of ESPTL regarding age. Significant correlation in items 2, 4, 5 and 8 but, very weak (<0.2). 4 factors, each one with 2 items, with statistically significant differences regarding sex in F2 (p =.001), F3 (p =.007) and F4 (p =.001). Significant correlation with age only in F1 and F3, but very weak (<0.2). Median (minimum-maximum) SATISLIT 18 (4-20). Statistically significant differences regarding patients' sex (p =.001). Non- significant correlation with age (p =.836). Significant linear regression of SATISLIT with respect to ESPTL (p <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on validated health questionnaire, the present work has provided a new instrument called SATISLIT for assessing patients' satisfaction after treatment with SWL. Future studies with external and temporal validation will be necessary to contrast its real clinical usefulness.

Risk models for patients with localised renal cell carcinoma. / Modelos de riesgo en pacientes con carcinoma de células renales localizado.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a retrospective analysis of our series to assess the factors that influenced disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with localised renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We also created our own risk groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and December 2012, 596 patients underwent surgery for localised RCC (clear cell, papillary or chromophobe). Using Cox regression models, we analysed the clinical-pathological variables that influenced DFS and CSS and designed risk groups for DFS and CSS with the variables. RESULTS: The median follow-up for the series was 5.96 years. By the end of the study, 112 patients (18.8%) had a recurrence of the disease, with DFS rates of 82%, 77% and 72% at 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. The independent factors that influenced DFS in the multivariate study were the following: A Furhman grade of 3-4, haematuria, lymphocytic or vascular invasion, the presence of tumour necrosis and a disease stage pT3-pT4. Furthermore, by the end of the study, 57 patients (9.6%) died due to renal cancer, with CSS rates of 92%, 86% and 83% at 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. The independent factors that influenced CSS in the multivariate study were the following: A Furhman grade of 3-4, perinephric fat invasion and the presence of tumour necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Factors in addition to the disease stage pT3-pT4 in patients with localised RCC are important, such as the presence of haematuria and lymphocytic or vascular invasion for DFS. A Furhman grade of 3-4 and the presence of tumour necrosis are especially relevant for DFS and CSS.

Predicting the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on urinary tract stones. Risk groups for accurate retreatment. / Predicción de efectividad de litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque en cálculos del tracto urinario. Grupos de riesgo para precisar retratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment for urinary tract lithiasis. Its effectiveness varies depending on the location and size of the stones as well as other factors; several sessions are occasionally required. The objective is to attempt to predict its success or failure, when the influential variables are known beforehand. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed 211 patients who had had previous CT scans and were treated with ESWL between 2010 and 2014. The influential variables in requiring retreatment were studied using binary logistic regression models (univariate and multivariate analysis): maximum density, maximum diameter, area, location, disintegration and distance from the adipose panniculus. With the influential variables, a risk model was designed by assessing all possible combinations with logistic regression (version 20.0 IBM SPSS). RESULTS: The independent influential variables on the need for retreatment are: maximum density >864HU, maximum diameter >7.5mm and pyelocaliceal location. Using these variables, the best model includes 3risk groups with a probability of requiring significantly different retreatment: group 1-low risk (0 variables) with 20.2%; group 2-intermediate risk (1-2 variables) with 49.2%; and group 3-high risk (3 variables) with 62.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The density, maximum diameter and pyelocaliceal location of the stones are determinant factors in terms of the effectiveness of treatment with ESWL. Using these variables, which can be obtained in advance of deciding on a treatment, the designed risk model provides a precise approach in choosing the most appropriate treatment for each particular case.

Prognostic value of seminal vesicle involvement due to prostate cancer in radical prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence, in terms of prognosis, of the finding of seminal vesicle involvement in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma treated with radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed a series of patients with seminal vesicle involvement with clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1989 and 2009, focusing on their clinical-pathological characteristics, biochemical progression-free survival (BPFS) and specific survival (SS). We assessed the variables that influenced BPFS and designed a risk model. RESULTS: A total of 127 out of 1,132 patients who underwent surgery (11%) presented seminal vesicle invasion (i.e., pT3b). In the multivariate study of the entire series (Cox model), pT3b affects the BPFS (HR: 2; 95% CI: 1.4-3.3; P=.001). Other influential factors were the affected borders, initial prostate-specific antigen levels, pathological Gleason score and the presence of palpated tumor. The pT3b tumors have poorer clinical-pathological variables when compared with pT2 and pT3a tumors. Sixty-five percent of the patients evidenced biochemical progression. The BPFS was significantly poorer for pT3b (40 ± 4% and 28 ± 4% at 5 and 10 years, respectively) than for pT2 and pT3a (P<.0001). The SS was also poorer in patients with pT3b tumors (91 ± 2% and 76 ± 4% at 5 and 10 years, respectively) (P<.0001). The predictors within the pT3b patient group were: PSA levels >10 ng/mL (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.04-3.6; P=.04) and pathological Gleason score 8-10 (HR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2-3.5; P=.03). We designed a risk model that accounts for the variables involved, which entails 2 groups with different BPFS (P=.004): Group 1 (0-1 variable), with a BPFS of 46 ± 7% and 27 ± 8% at 5 and 10 years, respectively; and Group 2 (2 variables), with a BPFS of 14 ± 7% and 5 ± 5% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Seminal vesicle involvement severely and negatively affects the BPFS and SS. We designed a risk model with the independent influential variables in BPFS (pathological Gleason score 8-10 and PSA levels >10 ng/mL). This model confirms that pT3b tumors are a heterogeneous group, which includes an important group with better prognosis when surgical treatment is performed.

Influential factors in the response to salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influential factors in the response in prostatectomized patients with subsequent biochemical relapse (BCR) and treated with salvage radiotherapy (RTP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 313 patients with pT2/pT3 prostate cancer who were receiving salvage therapy due to biochemical relapse (from a series of 1,310 radical prostatectomies between 1989-2012). Of the 313 patients; 159 (50.8%) only received androgen deprivation (AD), 63 (20.1%) Radiotherapy (RTP) plus concomitant AD and 91 (29.1%) only RTP. Of these, 57 (62.6%) have maintained complete response and 34 (37.4%) had failure response with post-RTP BCR. RESULTS: Study of the group treated exclusively with salvage RTP. Ninety-one patients were treated with salvage RTP. Median follow-up was 6.4 years and median to recurrence 11 months. Post-RTP biochemical relapse-free survival (PRBRFS) was 68 ± 7% and 30 ± 10% in 5 to 10 years. Median PRBRFS was 7.3 years (6.3-8.3). Initial PSA (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01-1.1 P=.02) with best PSA cut-off point PSA>20 ng/ml (HR: 13.6; 95% CI: 2.1-86 P=.005) and PSA pre-RTP (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-3.3; P=.009), best PSA cut-off point PSA preRTP 0.92 ng/ml (HR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.3-15.6; P=.01) showed independent influence in the response in the multivariate study. PRBRFS at 5 years, 81 ± 9% versus 58 ± 9% with initial PSA <20 or >20 ng/ml (P=.03). PRBRFS at 5 years, 93 ± 5% versus 53 ± 10% according to PSA pre-RTP <0.9 or >0.9 ng/ml (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with salvage RTP after radical prostatectomy, the preoperative PSA>20 ng/ml and PSA preRTP>0.92 ng/ml shows an independent influence on the response.

Evolución del tipo de paciente candidato a prostatectomía radical a lo largo de 2 décadas (1989-2009) / Course of the Type of Patient who is Candidate for Radical Prostatectomy Over 2 Decades (1989-2009)

Objetivo: Conocer los cambios que ha experimentado el perfil de paciente candidato a prostatectomía radical a lo largo de las últimas 2 décadas en nuestra institución. Material y métodos: Analizamos retrospectivamente una serie de 1.132 pacientes con cáncer de próstata estadio T1-T2, sometidos a prostatectomía radical durante el periodo 1989-2009. La serie se divide en 5 grupos homogéneos en cuanto al número de pacientes y ordenados cronológicamente. Se emplea la supervivencia libre de progresión bioquímica (SLPB) como criterio pronóstico principal. Resultados: A pesar de los cambios en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la enfermedad, desde el punto de vista del pronóstico (SLPB) apreciamos 2 grupos diferentes de pacientes: los primeros 250 intervenidos y el resto. El punto de corte cronológico se sitúa en esta serie en 1999. Encontramos diferencias significativas en la mayoría de las variables clínico-patológicas como nivel de PSA al diagnóstico (p < 0,001), porcentaje de tumores palpables (p < 0,001), estadio clínico (p < 0,001), Gleason en la biopsia prostática (p = 0,004), grupos de riesgo de D’Amico (p < 0,001), estadio patológico (p < 0,001) y porcentaje de pacientes con afectación ganglionar (p < 0,001). No obstante, no se detectan diferencias de significación estadística en el Gleason del espécimen de prostatectomía (p = 0,06) y en el porcentaje de márgenes quirúrgicos (p = 0,6). Conclusiones: Este estudio analiza una muestra amplia de pacientes procedente de toda la geografía española y presenta algunos datos importantes que reflejan la evolución que ha sufrido el cáncer de próstata localizado, tanto en lo que respecta al diagnóstico como al pronóstico, en nuestro país en los últimos 20 años (AU)

Objective: To know the changes that there has experienced the profile of patient candidate to prostatectomía radically throughout last 2 decades in our institution. Material and methods: We analyze retrospectively a series of 1.132 patients with prostate cancer stadium T1-T2, submitted to radical prostatectomy during the period 1989-2009. The series divides in five homogeneous groups as for the number of patients and arranged chronologically. There uses the free survival of biochemical progression (SLPB) as criterion principal forecast. Results: In spite of the changes in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, from the point of view of the forecast (SLPB) we estimate two groups different from patients: the first 250 controlled ones and the rest. The point of chronological cut places in this series in 1.999. We find significant differences in the majority of the clinical - pathological variables as PSA's level to the diagnosis (P <0,001), percentage of palpable tumors (P <0,001), clinical stadium (P <0,001), Gleason in the prostate biopsy (P =0,004), groups at risk of D’Amico (P <0,001), pathological stadium (P <0,001) and percentage of patients mincingly ganglionar (P <0,001). Nevertheless, there are not detected differences of statistical significance in the Gleason of the specimen of prostatectomy (P =0,06) and in the percentage of surgical margins (P =0,6). Conclusions: This study analyzes a patients’ wide proceeding sample from the whole Spanish geography and presents some important information that reflect the evolution that has suffered the cancer of prostate located, so much regarding the diagnosis as to the forecast, in our country in the last 20 years (AU)

[Malignant priapism: conservative management of a case]. / Priapismo maligno: un caso manejado de forma conservadora.

Priapism is an urological emergency which requires investigation, especially to differentiate between ischemic and non-ischemic priapism. Initial management is carried out through aspiration and gasometry of blood from the corpus cavernosum. We report the case of a 69-year-old patient with urothelium carcinoma of the bladder T2 G3 and metastasis in urethra/corpus cavernosum who requested an emergency consultation because of edema and a penile erection lasting several days. Due to the poor prognosis and the imaging test, a conservative management was carried out.

Course of the type of patient who is candidate for radical prostatectomy over 2 decades (1989-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To know the changes experienced by the patient profile candidate for radical prostatectomy over the last 2 decades in our institution.. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyze retrospectively a series of 1.132 patients with prostate cancer stadium T1-T2, submitted to radical prostatectomy during the period 1989-2009. The series divides in five homogeneous groups as for the number of patients and arranged chronologically. There uses the free survival of biochemical progression (SLPB) as criterion principal forecast. RESULTS: In spite of the changes in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, from the point of view of the forecast (SLPB) we estimate two groups different from patients: the first 250 controlled ones and the rest. The point of chronological cut places in this series in 1.999. We find significant differences in the majority of the clinical-pathological variables as PSA's level to the diagnosis (P <0,001), percentage of palpable tumors (P <0,001), clinical stadium (P <0,001), Gleason in the prostate biopsy (P =0,004), groups at risk of D'Amico (P <0,001), pathological stage (P <0,001), and percentage of patients with lymph node (P <0,001). Nevertheless, there are not detected differences of statistical significance in the Gleason of the specimen of prostatectomy (P =0,06) and in the percentage of surgical margins (P =0,6). CONCLUSIONS: This study analyzes a patients' wide proceeding sample from the whole Spanish geography and presents some important information that reflect the evolution that has suffered the cancer of prostate located, so much regarding the diagnosis as to the forecast, in our country in the last 20 years.

New immunosuppressive therapies and surgical complications after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the association between the principal immunosuppressive drugs (mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR] inhibitors) used in the routine management of kidney transplant patients and the development of postoperative surgical complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 415 kidney transplants, studying the influence of various immunosuppressive regimens on the main postoperative surgical complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up for the entire group was 72.8 months (± 54.2 SD). Patients treated with myeophonolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclosporine (n = 121) experienced a higher frequency of wound eventration odds ratio [OR], 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-23.5; P = .03) compared with azathioprine and cyclosporine (n = 71). Compared with transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus and MMF (n = 181), transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine and MMF (n = 121) had a significantly greater frequency of wound eventration (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.5-9.5; P = .005), urologic (OR, 2; 95% CI; 1.02-3.9; P = .04), wound (OR; 2.2; 95% CI; 1.07-4.6; P = .03), late (OR, 1.7; 95% CI; 1.01-3.03; P = .04), and Clavien grade 3 surgical complications (OR; 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.37; P = .01). Patients treated with mTOR inhibitors (n = 26) had higher rates of lymphocele (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, (1.1-11.4; P = .002) compared with those who received tacrolimus (n = 197). CONCLUSIONS: New immunosuppressive drugs have improved short-term functional results; however, in some cases they seem to increase surgical complications rates.

[Radical prostatectomy for high risk localized prostate cancer. Prognosis and study of influential variables]. / Cáncer de próstata localizado de alto riesgo tratado mediante prostatectomía radical. Pronóstico y estudio de variables influyentes.

BACKGROUND: To study the biochemical progression-free survival (BPFS) achieved by a group of high risk patients in accordance with D'Amico's classification treated with radical prostatectomy. To identify the clinical-pathological variables which are influential in biochemical progression-free survival and, if possible, use them to design a prognostic model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involves 232 patients, out of a series of 1,054, diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer, qualified as high risk on D'Amico's classification (PSA>20 ng/ml or Gleason score 8-10 or T3) treated with radical prostatectomy. The BPFS is studied and the clinical-pathological variables obtained (PSA, Gleason score of the biopsy and of the piece, clinical and pathological study, unilateral or bilateral affectation, margins of the prostatectomy piece, Ki-67 expression) are analyzed to identify whether they influenced the BPFS. Contingency tables and tables for survival analysis: Kaplan-Meyer, log-rank and Cox models were used for the statistical study. RESULTS: Descriptive study: PSA: 23.3 ng/ml (median); cGleason 2-6: 33%; 7: 13%; 8-10: 54%; T2: 58%; Bilateral affectation in the diagnostic biopsy: 59%; RNM T2: 60%; RNM T3: 40%. pGleason 2-6: 24%; 7: 28%; 8-10: 48%; pT2: 43%; pT3a: 30%; pT3b: 27%; Affected margin: 51%; N1:13%. Progression-free survival: with a mean and median follow-up of 64 months; 53% show biochemical progression. The median until progression: 42 months. Progression-free survival at 5 and 10 years is 43±3% and 26±7%. The multivariate study (Cox models) shows that the variables that are independently influential in the BPFS are the affectation of margins (HR: 3.5; 95% IC.1.9-6.7; p<0001); and Ki67 >10% (HR: 2.3; 95% IC: 1.2-4.3; P: 0.009). Risk groups: using the two influential variables and employing Cox models, three risk groups emerged as the best model: Group 1 (0 variables present); Group 2 (1 variable); Group 3 (2 variables). The progression-free survival is 69±8%; 27±6% and 18±11% at 5 years. The differences amongst the three groups are significant. CONCLUSION: The high risk group according to the D'Amico classification is heterogeneous in relation to biochemical progression and can be broken down into three risk groups using the two independently influential variables (affected margins and Ki67 percentage).

[Is there a safe cold ischemia time interval for the renal graft?]. / ¿Existe un intervalo de tiempo de isquemia fría seguro para el injerto renal?

OBJECTIVE: It is aimed to characterize the true relationship of the cold ischemia time (CIT) with graft survival and with the principal post-transplantation events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 378 kidney transplants, studying the relationship of the CIT with graft survival using a univariate analysis according to the COX model and seeking the optimum cutoff according to the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The relationship between CIT and the principal events of the post-transplant was studied using the binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of all the group was 77.8 months (± 51 SD) and the mean CIT was 14.8 hours (± 5.1 SD). The univariate analysis revealed that the CIT was not related with the graft survival as a continuous variable (OR=1.04; 95% CI: 0.9-1.08; p>0.05). On establishing the cutoff at 18 hours, we found differences in the actuarial survival. Survival at 5 years was 91% with CIT < 18 h versus 84% with CIT >18 h. Each hour of cold ischemia increased risk of delay in the graft function by 10% (OR=1.1; 95% CI: 1.05-1.15; p<0.001) and also conditioned a greater incidence of acute rejection (41.5% vs. 55.3%; p=0.02) and less time to the first rejection episode (72.6 days±137 vs. 272.2 days±614.8; p=0.023) after 18 hours. The CIT did not seem to be related (p<0.05) with the rest of the post-transplantation events, such as surgical complications or hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, cold ischemia under 18 hours does not seem to negatively affect graft survival.

[Study on the findings of an immediate renal gammagraphy and its effect on the survival of a kidney graft]. / Estudio de los hallazgos de la gammagrafía renal inmediata y su influencia en la supervivencia del injerto renal.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the effect of the findings of the renal gammagraphy (99mTc-DTPA) taken in the first 24 hours after the transplant in the survival of the kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We retrospectively studied 413 kidney transplants carried out between January 1994 and December 2008, with emphasis on normal gammagraphic findings or alterations in the vascular, parenchymal and excretory stages, as well as their effect on the survival of the graft. RESULTS: Of the 413 transplants, 44 (10.7%) presented alterations in the vascular stage, 256 (62%) in the parenchymal stage and 269 (65.1%) in the excretory stage. The mean follow-up of the entire group was 72.5 months (± 54.1 DE). The univariate analysis shows that the survival of the graft is significantly less in patients with alterations in the vascular stage (OR: 3; IC 95% 1.9 - 4.9 p<0.001), in the excretory stage (OR: 2.5; IC 95% 1.5 - 4; p=<0.001) in the parenchymal stage (OR: 2.21; IC 95% 1.3-3.36; p=0.001). The multivariate studies of the gammagraphic variables that affect the survival of the graft show that the presence of alterations in the vascular stage (OR: 3; IC 95% 1.9-4.9; p<0.001) in the parenchymal stage (OR: 2; IC 95% 1.2-3.3; p=0.005) are directly related to survival. This data is also confirmed by means of the actuarial survival analysis of the graft at 3 and 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of alterations in the vascular stage and in the parenchymal stage of the renal gammagraphy immediately after the transplant are variables that affect the survival of the graft.

[Time-influencing factors for biochemical progression following radical prostatectomy]. / Factores influyentes en el tiempo hasta la progresión bioquímica después de prostatectomía radical.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the time-influencing clinical-pathological factors for biochemical progression of an equal series of patients from a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 278 patients with biochemical progression following prostatectomy. We considered biochemical progression to be PSA>0.4 ng/ml. We performed the trial using the Cox model (univariate and multivariate) and using the Student's t-test to compare averages. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 4 (±3 DE) years, the univariate study showed a mean until progression for the Gleason score 2-6 in the biopsy of 824 days and 543 for the Gleason score 7-10 (p=0.003). For negative surgical margins, the mean was 920 days and 545 for positive margins (p=0.0001). In the case of a Gleason score 2-7 in the specimen, the mean was 806 days and 501 for a Gleason score 8-10 (p=0.001). Lastly, the mean for the cases with Ki-67 negative in the specimen (< 10%) was 649 days and 345 for Ki-67 positive (> 10%) (p=0.003). In the multivariate study, Ki-67 (OR 1.028; IC 95% 1-1.01; p=0.0001) and Gleason score 8-10 (OR 1.62; IC 95% 1.5-2.45; p=0.026) in the specimen, and initial PSA >10 ng/ml (OR 1.02; IC 95% 1.01-1.04; p=0.0001) were independent variables. Using these variables, we designed a predictive model with three groups. The time until the progression of each group was 1,081, 551 and 218 days respectively. CONCLUSION: The Gleason score 7-10 in the prostate biopsy, the presence of Ki-67, the positive margins and the Gleason score 8-10 in the specimen, and the initial PSA > 10 ng/ml are time-influencing factors until biochemical progression. Pathological Gleason score 8-10, PSA > 10 ng/ml and Ki-67 are independent factors.

Collagen graft interposition in vesicovaginal fistula treatment.

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a quite rare complication of gynecological surgery. The first attempt to repair the fistulous tract offers the best opportunity for cure. We report the successful repair of VVF in 2 patients using a combined anterior vaginal approach and porcine dermal collagen grafting as interposition tissue. Favorable results confirm technical simplicity, safety and efficacy of this procedure.

[Urinary incontinence]. / La incontinencia urinaria.

Urinary incontinence, understood as any involuntary loss of urine, constitutes an important medical and social problem. It can be classified as stress urinary incontinence, urgent urinary incontinence or mixed urinary incontinence. The proportions of these three types of urinary incontinence are difficult to establish and vary notably between sources, but they might be about 40, 33 and 20% respectively. Its diagnosis requires a correct clinical history and physical exploration, together with some complementary explorations. The first therapeutic step consists of hygienic-dietary measures and behaviour modification techniques. Pharmacological treatment is specific for each type of urinary incontinence, using anticholinergics and inhibitors of serotonin reuptake. Finally, different surgical techniques have a role in cases where conservative treatments fail or when dealing with severe urinary incontinence.

[Cell transplant and regenerative therapy with stem cells]. / Trasplante celular y terapia regenerativa con células madre.

One of the fields of medicine that has raised the most expectations in recent years is cell therapy with stem cells. The isolation of human embryo cells, the apparent and unexpected potentiality of adult stem cells and the development of gene therapy lead us to imagine a hopeful future for a significant number of diseases that are at present incurable. In this article we will sketch out the panorama of stem cell research, describing the main achievements in this field as well as some of the questions that await an answer. In spite of the great expectations, it is essential that we maintain a critical and realistic spirit when it comes to analysing the scientific advances in this area.

La incontinencia urinaria / Urinary incontinence

La incontinencia urinaria, entendida como cualquierpérdida involuntaria de orina, constituye un problemamédico y social importante. Puede clasificarse enincontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo, incontinencia urinariade urgencia e incontinencia urinaria mixta, principalmente.Las proporciones de estos tres tipos principalesde incontinencia urinaria son difíciles de establecer yvarían notablemente según las fuentes, pero, podríanestar en torno a 40, 33 y 20%, respectivamente.Su diagnóstico requiere una correcta historia clínicay exploración física, junto con algunas exploracionescomplementarias.El primer escalón terapéutico lo constituyen lasmedidas higiénico-dietéticas y las técnicas de modificaciónde la conducta. El tratamiento farmacológico esespecífico para cada tipo de incontinencia urinaria, utilizándoseanticolinérgicos e inhibidores de la recaptaciónde serotonina.Por último, las diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas tienensu papel ante el fracaso de los tratamientos conservadoreso frente a incontinencia urinaria severa

Urinary incontinence, understood as any involuntary loss of urine, constitutes an important medical and social problem. It can be classified as stress urinary incontinence, urgent urinary incontinence or mixed urinary incontinence. The proportions of these three types of urinary incontinence are difficult to establish and vary notably between sources, but they might be about 40, 33 and 20% respectively. Its diagnosis requires a correct clinical history and physical exploration, together with some complementary explorations. The first therapeutic step consists of hygienicdietary measures and behaviour modification techniques. Pharmacological treatment is specific for each type of urinary incontinence, using anticholinergics and inhibitors of serotonin reuptake. Finally, different surgical techniques have a role in cases where conservative treatments fail or when dealing with severe urinary incontinence

Trasplante celular y terapia regenerativa con células madre / Cell transplant and regenerative therapy with stem cells

Uno de los campos de la medicina que más expectativas ha levantado en los últimos años es la terapia celular con células madre. El aislamiento de células embrionarias humanas, la aparente e inesperada potencialidad de las células madre adultas y el desarrollo de la terapia génica nos lleva a imaginar un futuro esperanzador para un importante número de enfermedades actualmente incurables. A lo largo de las siguientes páginas vamos a tratar de dibujar el panorama de la investigación con células madre, describiendo los principales logros en este campo así como algunas de las preguntas pendientes de responder. A pesar de las grandes expectativas, es fundamental que mantengamos un espíritu crítico y realista a la hora de analizar los avances científicos en este área

One of the fields of medicine that has raised the most expectations in recent years is cell therapy with stem cells. The isolation of human embryo cells, the apparent and unexpected potentiality of adult stem cells and the development of gene therapy lead us to imagine a hopeful future for a significant number of diseases that are at present incurable. In this article we will sketch out the panorama of stem cell research, describing the main achievements in this field as well as some of the questions that await an answer. In spite of the great expectations, it is essential that we maintain a critical and realistic spirit when it comes to analysing the scientific advances in this area

[Female incontinence: urodynamic evaluation]. / Incontinencia femenina: evaluación urodinámica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional studies in women with stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: Emphasis is placed on comprehensive understanding of stress urinary incontinence in women as well as Urodynamic techniques and findings which apply to women with this condition. RESULTS: Although prospective randomized controlled trials to evaluate the clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness and effect on quality of life of a pre-operative Urodynamic assessment are necessary, to date only Urodynamic Investigation (Non-invasive uroflowmetry, filling cystometrogram, valsalva leak point pressure, pressure-flow studies and urethral profile) provide enough information for treatment decisions and prognosis in cases of female urinary incontinence.

18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography in the evaluation of nonseminomatous germ cell tumours at relapse.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and computed tomography (CT) in the follow-up of nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT) in the retroperitoneum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: FDG-PET was used 25 times in 15 patients diagnosed with NSGCT. At the time of diagnosis five patients each were in stage I, II and III. Five patients had pure embryonal carcinoma, two had yolk sac tumours, one choriocarcinoma and seven had mixed tumours. RESULTS: Eleven patients either presented with retroperitoneal disease or this did not disappear after chemotherapy. The results of both examinations coincided in 18 cases and were contradictory in the other seven, the difference being statistically significant (P=0.042). CONCLUSION: In these patients FDG-PET detected the retroperitoneal relapse of NSGCT, in advanced stages treated with surgery plus chemotherapy, earlier than did CT; it also detected the presence of mature teratoma in residual retroperitoneal masses more accurately than CT. More extensive trials are needed before making conclusions about FDG-PET imaging as a routine method for NSGCT.