Hospitalization Burden of Patients with Kidney Stones and Metabolic Comorbidities in Spain during the Period 2017-2020.

Nephrolithiasis has become an increasing worldwide problem during the last decades. Metabolic syndrome, its components, and related dietary factors have been pointed out as responsible for the increasing incidence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trends in the hospitalization rates of patients with nephrolithiasis, hospitalization features, costs, and how metabolic syndrome traits influence both the prevalence and complications of lithiasic patients. An observational retrospective study was conducted by analyzing hospitalization records from the minimum basic data set, including all patient hospitalizations in Spain in which nephrolithiasis has been coded as a main diagnosis or as a comorbidity during the period 2017-2020. A total of 106,407 patients were hospitalized and coded for kidney or ureteral lithiasis in this period. The mean age of the patients was 58.28 years (CI95%: 58.18-58.38); 56.8% were male, and the median length of stay was 5.23 days (CI95%: 5.06-5.39). In 56,884 (53.5%) patients, kidney or ureteral lithiasis were coded as the main diagnosis; the rest of the patients were coded mostly as direct complications of kidney or ureteral stones, such as "non-pecified renal colic", "acute pyelonephritis", or "tract urinary infection". The hospitalization rate was 56.7 (CI95%: 56.3-57.01) patients per 100,000 inhabitants, showing neither a significant increasing nor decreasing trend, although it was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The mortality rate was 1.6% (CI95%: 1.5-1.7), which was higher, if lithiasis was coded as a comorbidity (3.4% CI95%: 3.2-3.6). Metabolic syndrome diagnosis component codes increased the association with kidney lithiasis when age was higher, reaching the highest in the eighth decade of life. Age, diabetes, and hypertension or lithiasis coded as a comorbidity were the most common causes associated with the mortality of lithiasic patients. In Spain, the hospitalization rate of kidney lithiasis has remained stable during the period of study. The mortality rate in lithiasic patients is higher in elderly patients, being associated with urinary tract infections. Comorbidity conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension are mortality predictors.

[Local and systhemic immunotherapy for bladder cáncer: from bench to bedside.] / Inmunoterapia local y sistémica en cáncer de vejiga: bases moleculares y traslación clínica.

Therapeutic approaches for treatment of urothelial transitional cell carcinoma based on immune system modulation, as well as the contribution of intravesica Bacillus de Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and the recentin corporation of checkpoint inhibitors had found irrefutable proofs of concept for the indication of antitumoral immunontherapy in such tumors. Its extension and development at the present time covers all the locations of the wide spectrum of presentation and evolution of these tumors. Nowadays, apart for the low grade non muscle-invasive tumors, we are facingan unpredictable development of antitumoral immunotherapy in bladder cancer not only as an option in the primary treatment, but also in other scenarios such asnon-responders when it comes to BCG, or the situation of ineligibility for systemic chemotherapy indication. The main objective of this review article is trying to translate the current basic mechanisms involved in different phases of transitional cell carcinomas antitumoral response, regardless of whether they are muscle-invasive or not, and to establish the rationale for their therapeutic intravesical or systemic administration. The role of the interactions established between urothelial tumor cells and the cellular and molecular elements of the immune system of patients is described, incorporating the relevant and recent advances in immunobiology and the molecular characterization of these tumors thatwill undoubtedly introduce far-reaching modifications intherapeutic regimes that will contrast with the traditional options available. Investigational lines that are already active in the clinical research phase with BCG and, checkpoints inhibitors ofthe immune response are also analyzed, high lighting theneed to find predictive response markers as a real option for treatments personalization. The approach to the knowledge of the individual reactivity of the immune system of each patient as a determining factor to achieve it is proposed.

Los abordajes terapéuticos para los carcinomas de células transicionales del urotelio desarrollados en torno a la modulación del sistema inmune encuentran, en la contribución del Bacillus de Calmettey Guérin (BCG) intravesical y más reciente la de los fármacos inhibidores de los puntos de control de la respuesta inmunitaria, indiscutibles pruebas de concepto de la indicación inmunoterapia antitumoral. Su extensión y desarrollo en el momento actual abarca todas las localizaciones del amplio espectro de presentación y evolución de estos tumores. A excepción, por el momento, de los tumores no-músculo infiltrantes debajo grado, acudimos a un desarrollo impredecible de la inmunoterapia antitumoral en el cáncer de vejiga no solo como opción en el tratamiento primario de alguno de ellos sino también en pacientes no-respondedores cuando se trata del BCG, de la quimioterapia sistémicao la situación de no-elegibilidad para su indicación. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es intentar trasladar los mecanismos básicos actuales implicados en las distintas fases de la respuesta antitumoral de los carcinomas de células transicionales con independencia de que sean o no músculo infiltrantes y establecer los fundamentos para su traslación terapéutica por vía intravesical o sistémica. Se describe el papel de las interacciones que se establecen entre las células tumorales uroteliales y los elementos celulares y moleculares del sistema inmune de los pacientes incorporando los relevantes y recientes avances de la inmunobiológica y la caracterización molecular de estos tumores que sin duda introducirán modificaciones de alcance en su evolución y tratamiento que contrastaran con las opciones hasta hace poco tiempo disponibles. También se analizan las líneas de futuro ya activas en fase de investigación clínica con BCG y con inhibidores de los puntos de control de la respuesta inmunitaria destacando la necesidad de avanzar en la búsqueda de marcadores predictivos de respuesta como opción real para la personalización de los tratamientos planteando la aproximación al conocimiento de la reactividad individual del sistema inmune de cada paciente como factor determinante para poder alcanzarla.

Inmunoterapia local y sistémica en cáncer de vejiga: bases moleculares y traslación clínica / Local and systhemic immunotherapy for bladder cáncer: from bench to bedside

Los abordajes terapéuticos para los carcinomas de células transicionales del urotelio desarrollados en torno a la modulación del sistema inmune encuentran, en la contribución del Bacillus de Calmette y Guérin (BCG) intravesical y más reciente la de los fármacos inhibidores de los puntos de control de la respuesta inmunitaria, indiscutibles pruebas de concepto de la indicación inmunoterapia antitumoral. Su extensión y desarrollo en el momento actual abarca todas las localizaciones del amplio espectro de presentación y evolución de estos tumores. A excepción, por el momento, de los tumores no-músculo infiltrantes de bajo grado, acudimos a un desarrollo impredecible de la inmunoterapia antitumoral en el cáncer de vejiga no solo como opción en el tratamiento primario de alguno de ellos sino también en pacientes no-respondedores cuando se trata del BCG, de la quimioterapia sistémica o la situación de no-elegibilidad para su indicación. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es intentar trasladar los mecanismos básicos actuales implicados en las distintas fases de la respuesta antitumoral de los carcinomas de células transicionales con independencia de que sean o no músculo infiltrantes y establecer los fundamentos para su traslación terapéutica por vía intravesical o sistémica. Se describe el papel de las interacciones que se establecen entre las células tumorales uroteliales y los elementos celulares y moleculares del sistema inmune de los pacientes incorporando los relevantes y recientes avances de la inmunobiológica y la caracterización molecular de estos tumores que sin duda introducirán modificaciones de alcance en su evolución y tratamiento que contrastaran con las opciones hasta hace poco tiempo disponibles. También se analizan las líneas de futuro ya activas en fase de investigación clínica con BCG y con inhibidores de los puntos de control de la respuesta inmunitaria destacando la necesidad de avanzar en la búsqueda de marcadores predictivos de respuesta como opción real para la personalización de los tratamientos planteando la aproximación al conocimiento de la reactividad individual del sistema inmune de cada paciente como factor determinante para poder alcanzarla

Therapeutic approaches for treatment of urothelial transitional cell carcinoma based on immune system modulation, as well as the contribution of intravesical Bacillus de Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and the recent incorporation of checkpoint inhibitors had found irrefutable proofs of concept for the indication of antitumoral immunontherapy in such tumors. Its extension and development at the present time covers all the locations of the wide spectrum of presentation and evolution of these tumors. Nowadays, apart for the low grade non muscle-invasive tumors, we are facing an unpredictable development of antitumoral immunotherapy in bladder cancer not only as an option in the primary treatment, but also in other scenarios such as non-responders when it comes to BCG, or the situation of ineligibility for systemic chemotherapy indication. The main objective of this review article is trying to translate the current basic mechanisms involved in different phases of transitional cell carcinomas antitumoral response, regardless of whether they are muscle-invasive or not, and to establish the rationale for their therapeutic intravesical or systemic administration. The role of the interactions established between urothelial tumor cells and the cellular and molecular elements of the immune system of patients is described, incorporating the relevant and recent advances in immunobiology and the molecular characterization of these tumors that will undoubtedly introduce far-reaching modifications in therapeutic regimes that will contrast with the traditional options available. Investigational lines that are already active in the clinical research phase with BCG and, checkpoints inhibitors of the immune response are also analyzed, highlighting the need to find predictive response markers as a real option for treatments personalization. The approach to the knowledge of the individual reactivity of the immune system of each patient as a determining factor to achieve it is proposed

Complications of ureteroscopy: a complete overview.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper was to give a complete overview of all published complications associated with ureteroscopy and their according management and prevention in current urological practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42018116273. A bibliographic search of the Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases was performed by two authors (V.D.C. and E.X.K.). According to the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome (PICO) study design approach and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards, a consensus between these authors was found relating to the thematic structure of this review. RESULTS: Ureteral stent discomfort, ureteral wall injury and stone migration are the most frequently reported complications. The worst complications include urosepsis, multi-organ failure and death. Incidence rates on these and other complications varied extensively between the reviewed reports. CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopy seems to be associated with more complications than currently reported. The present overview may help urologists to prevent, recognize and solve complications of ureteroscopy. It may also stimulate colleagues to perform prospective studies using standardized systems for classifying complications. These are warranted to compare results among different studies, to conduct meta-analyses, to inform health care workers and to counsel patients correctly about possible risks of ureteroscopy.

Supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy: tips and tricks.

This paper aims to give an exhaustive overview of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) illustrating some tips and tricks in order to optimize its execution in full safety. Critical review of Pros and cons of supine PCNL is accomplished to allow the urologist to experience the beauty of this position while being ready to overcome its minimal shortcomings.

[The role of intraoperatory ultrasound in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for intrarenal tumors.] / Nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica en tumores intrarrenales. Papel de la ecografía intraoperatoria.

OBJECTIVES: The use of intraoperatory laparoscopic ultrasound for nephron sparring surgery (partial nephrectomy) in patients with technically challenging tumors has emerged during the last years. The objective of this work is to present a literature review and analysis of the published series, as well as the surgical technique of intraoperatory laparoscopic guided partial nephrectomy. METHODS: Pubmed and Scopus serch was performed in January 2019 including the following keywords: "intraoperative ultrasonography", "laparoscopic ultrasonography" and "partial nephrectomy", the published series are presented. We describe the laparoscopic technique of intraoperatory ultrasound during partial nephrectomy. RESULTS: All the published series present similar results in terms of tumour size which varies from 2.3 to 4 cm. Complications results are also very similar in the comparative series to the ones published in partial nephrectomies. They show promising oncological results during follow up with a rate superior to 90% of negative margins, comparable to those of exophytic tumor partial nephrectomies. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intraoperatory ultrasound during laparoscopic surgery to localize intraparenchymatous renal lesions can expand the indications of partial nephrectomy to more technically challenging tumors. These indications are not yet well standardized. Due to its complexity, the need of previous surgical experience is required to achieve good results and corroborate the security and feasibility of this procedure. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the benefits of intraoperatory laparoscopic ultrasound for nephron sparring surgery (partial nephrectomy).

OBJETIVO: En los últimos años ha emergido el uso de la ecografía laparoscópica intraoperatoria en pacientes con tumores inicialmente complejos para la realización de nefrectomías parciales. El objetivo es realizar una revisión bibliográfica de las series publicadas analizando sus resultados y presentar la técnica quirúrgica de la nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica en los tumores intrarrenales.MÉTODOS: Se realiza una búsqueda bibliográfica en Pumbed y Scopus en Enero de 2019 incluyendo los términos "intraoperative ultrasonography", "laparoscopic ultrasonography" y "partial nephrectomy" en lengua inglesa y se presentan las series de casos publicadas. Descripción de la técnica laparoscópica de ecografía intraoperatoria renal durante la nefrectomía parcial. RESULTADOS: Las diez series publicadas presentan resultados acerca del tamaño medio de las masas intervenidas que oscilan entre los 2,3 y 4 cm. Los resultados de complicaciones son muy similares en las series comparativas a los del resto de nefrectomías parciales. Respecto a la tasa de márgenes negativos en todas las series presenta una tasa superior al 90% con buenos resultados oncológicos en el seguimiento equiparables a la nefrectomía parcial de tumores periféricos. CONCLUSIONES: La utilización durante la cirugía laparoscópica renal de la ecografía intraoperatoria para localización de masas intraparenquimatosas puede expandir la indicación de la nefrectomía parcial a tumores técnicamente más complejos. Las indicaciones de uso de esta técnica no están aún estandarizadas y dada la complejidad precisan de una experiencia quirúrgica previa para ser llevadas a cabo asegurando buenos resultados que corroboren la seguridad y factibilidad de este procedimiento. Son necesarios estudios prospectivos randomizados para confirmar los beneficios de la nefrectomía parcial asistida con ecografía intraoperatoria.

Virtual reality and intracorporeal navigation in urology. / Realidad virtual y navegación intraquirúrgica en urología.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the meaning and types of virtual reality (VR) system, its current applications in the field of urology and future implications. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: The concept of VR involves the generation of computer environments with which a user can interact directly. Urology technologies and surgical practices are constantly evolving and RV simulation has become an important complement in urologist training curricula, taking into account not only simulations in surgical techniques, but also in non-surgical techniques such as communication and decision making. VR approaches for image-guided surgery have demonstrated potential in the field of urology by supporting guidance for various disorders. An increasing number of pre and intraoperative imaging modalities have been used to create detailed surgical route maps. The tracing of these surgical roadmaps with the surgical vision of real life has been produced in different ways (electromagnetic, acoustic, optical ...), recommending the combination of several approaches to provide a superior result. One of the disadvantages of navigation systems is soft tissue deformations, requiring confirmatory images. Although early studies report that navigation surgeries provide results equal to or greater than conventional approaches, most of the work has been done in relatively small groups of patients, thus requiring studies with larger sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The development of VR offers urologists many opportunities, with surgical simulation being one of its most important applications today. Likewise, the first clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of augmented reality (2D and 3D models) to improve surgical accuracy, describing different navigation systems for different urological surgical interventions.

OBJETIVO: Proporcionar una visión general sobre el significado y tipos de sistemas de realidad virtual (RV), sus aplicaciones actuales en el campo de la urología y las implicaciones futuras.SÍNTESIS DE LA EVIDENCIA: El concepto de RV implica la generación de entornos informáticos con los que un usuario puede interactuar directamente. Las tecnologías de urología y las prácticas quirúrgicas están en constante evolución y la simulación de RV se ha convertido en un complemento importante en los planes de estudio de formación de urólogos, teniendo en cuenta no sólo simulaciones en técnicas quirúrgicas, sino también en técnicas no quirúrgicas como comunicación y toma de decisiones.Los enfoques de la RV para la cirugía guiada por imagen han demostrado potencial en el campo de la urología, al apoyar la orientación para diversos trastornos. Se ha utilizado un número cada vez mayor de modalidades de imagen pre e intraoperatorias para crear mapas de ruta quirúrgicos detallados. El rastreo de estas hojas de ruta quirúrgicas, con la visión quirúrgica de la vida real, se ha producido de diferentes formas (electromagnético, acústico, óptico….), recomendándose la combinación de varios enfoques para proporcionar un resultado superior. Uno de los inconvenientes de los sistemas de navegación son las deformaciones de los tejidos blandos, precisando imágenes confirmatorias. Aunque los primeros estudios reportan que las cirugías con navegación proporcionan resultados iguales o superiores a los enfoques convencionales, la mayoría de los trabajos se han realizado en grupos de pacientes relativamente pequeños, precisando por tanto, estudios con mayor tamaño muestral. CONCLUSIONES: El desarrollo de la RV ofrece a los urólogos muchas oportunidades, siendo la simulación quirúrgica una de sus aplicaciones más importantes actualmente. Así mismo, los primeros estudios clínicos han demostrado el potencial de la realidad aumentada (modelos 2D y 3D) para mejorar la precisión quirúrgica, describiéndose diferentes sistemas de navegación para diferentes intervenciones quirúrgicas urológicas.

Nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica en tumores intrarrenales. Papel de la ecografía intraoperatoria / The role of intraoperatory ultrasound in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for intrarenal tumors

Objetivo: En los últimos años ha emergido el uso de la ecografía laparoscópica intraoperatoria en pacientes con tumores inicialmente complejos para la realización de nefrectomías parciales. El objetivo es realizar una revisión bibliográfica de las series publicadas analizando sus resultados y presentar la técnica quirúrgica de la nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica en los tumores intrarrenales. Métodos: Se realiza una búsqueda bibliográfica en Pumbed y Scopus en Enero de 2019 incluyendo los términos "intraoperative ultrasonography", "laparoscopic ultrasonography" y "partial nephrectomy" en lengua inglesa y se presentan las series de casos publicadas. Descripción de la técnica laparoscópica de ecografía intraoperatoria renal durante la nefrectomía parcial. Resultados: Las diez series publicadas presentan resultados acerca del tamaño medio de las masas intervenidas que oscilan entre los 2,3 y 4 cm. Los resultados de complicaciones son muy similares en las series comparativas a los del resto de nefrectomías parciales. Respecto a la tasa de márgenes negativos en todas las series presenta una tasa superior al 90% con buenos resultados oncológicos en el seguimiento equiparables a la nefrectomía parcial de tumores periféricos. Conclusiones: La utilización durante la cirugía laparoscópica renal de la ecografía intraoperatoria para localización de masas intraparenquimatosas puede expandir la indicación de la nefrectomía parcial a tumores técnicamente más complejos. Las indicaciones de uso de esta técnica no están aún estandarizadas y dada la complejidad precisan de una experiencia quirúrgica previa para ser llevadas a cabo asegurando buenos resultados que corroboren la seguridad y factibilidad de este procedimiento. Son necesarios estudios prospectivos randomizados para confirmar los beneficios de la nefrectomía parcial asistida con ecografía intraoperatoria

Objectives: The use of intraoperatory laparoscopic ultrasound for nephron sparring surgery (partial nephrectomy) in patients with technically challenging tumors has emerged during the last years. The objective of this work is to present a literature review and analysis of the published series, as well as the surgical technique of intraoperatory laparoscopic guided partial nephrectomy. Methods: Pubmed and Scopus serch was performed in January 2019 including the following keywords: "intraoperative ultrasonography", "laparoscopic ultrasonography" and "partial nephrectomy", the published series are presented. We describe the laparoscopic technique of intraoperatory ultrasound during partial nephrectomy. Results: All the published series present similar results in terms of tumour size which varies from 2.3 to 4 cm. Complications results are also very similar in the comparative series to the ones published in partial nephrectomies. They show promising oncological results during follow up with a rate superior to 90% of negative margins, comparable to those of exophytic tumor partial nephrectomies. Conclusions: The use of intraoperatory ultrasound during laparoscopic surgery to localize intraparenchymatous renal lesions can expand the indications of partial nephrectomy to more technically challenging tumors. These indications are not yet well standardized. Due to its complexity, the need of previous surgical experience is required to achieve good results and corroborate the security and feasibility of this procedure. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the benefits of intraoperatory laparoscopic ultrasound for nephron sparring surgery (partial nephrectomy)

Realidad virtual y navegación intraquirúrgica en urología / Virtual reality and intracorporeal navigation in urology

Objetivo: Proporcionar una visión general sobre el significado y tipos de sistemas de realidad virtual (RV), sus aplicaciones actuales en el campo de la urología y las implicaciones futuras. Síntesis de la evidencia: El concepto de RV implica la generación de entornos informáticos con los que un usuario puede interactuar directamente. Las tecnologías de urología y las prácticas quirúrgicas están en constante evolución y la simulación de RV se ha convertido en un complemento importante en los planes de estudio de formación de urólogos, teniendo en cuenta no sólo simulaciones en técnicas quirúrgicas, sino también en técnicas no quirúrgicas como comunicación y toma de decisiones. Los enfoques de la RV para la cirugía guiada por imagen han demostrado potencial en el campo de la urología, al apoyar la orientación para diversos trastornos. Se ha utilizado un número cada vez mayor de modalidades de imagen pre e intraoperatorias para crear mapas de ruta quirúrgicos detallados. El rastreo de estas hojas de ruta quirúrgicas, con la visión quirúrgica de la vida real, se ha producido de diferentes formas (electromagnético, acústico, óptico...), recomendándose la combinación de varios enfoques para proporcionar un resultado superior. Uno de los inconvenientes de los sistemas de navegación son las deformaciones de los tejidos blandos, precisando imágenes confirmatorias. Aunque los primeros estudios reportan que las cirugías con navegación proporcionan resultados iguales o superiores a los enfoques convencionales, la mayoría de los trabajos se han realizado en grupos de pacientes relativamente pequeños, precisando por tanto, estudios con mayor tamaño muestral. Conclusiones: El desarrollo de la RV ofrece a los urólogos muchas oportunidades, siendo la simulación quirúrgica una de sus aplicaciones más importantes actualmente. Así mismo, los primeros estudios clínicos han demostrado el potencial de la realidad aumentada (modelos 2D y 3D) para mejorar la precisión quirúrgica, describiéndose diferentes sistemas de navegación para diferentes intervenciones quirúrgicas urológicas

Objective: To provide an overview of the meaning and types of virtual reality (VR) system, its current applications in the field of urology and future implications. Synthesis of the evidence: The concept of VR involves the generation of computer environments with which a user can interact directly. Urology technologies and surgical practices are constantly evolving and RV simulation has become an important complement in urologist training curricula, taking into account not only simulations in surgical techniques, but also in non-surgical techniques such as communication and decision making. VR approaches for image-guided surgery have demonstrated potential in the field of urology by supporting guidance for various disorders. An increasing number of pre and intraoperative imaging modalities have been used to create detailed surgical route maps. The tracing of these surgical roadmaps with the surgical vision of real life has been produced in different ways (electromagnetic,acoustic, optical ...), ecommending the combination of several approaches to provide a superior result. One of the disadvantages of navigation systems is soft tissue deformations, requiring confirmatory images. Although early studies report that navigation surgeries provide results equal to or greater than conventional approaches, most of the work has been done in relatively small groups of patients, thus requiring studies with larger sample sizes. Conclusions: The development of VR offers urologists many opportunities, with surgical simulation being one of its most important applications today. Likewise, the first clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of augmented reality (2D and 3D models) to improve surgical accuracy, describing different navigation systems for different urological surgical interventions

Surgical Technique for Complex Cases of Peyronie's Disease With Implantation of Penile Prosthesis, Multiple Corporeal Incisions, and Grafting With Collagen Fleece.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) concomitant with shortening or other malformations benefit from prosthesis implantation and penile lengthening procedures. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a multi-incisional technique with penile prosthesis implantation with multiple corporeal incisions and collagen grafting for the surgical management of complex cases of PD with ED and severe penile shortening. METHODS: From February 2015-May 2018, 43 consecutive patients with complex PD were treated using this technique. Implantation of a penile prosthesis (malleable or inflatable [IPP]) together with multiple relaxing tunica albuginea incisions and grafting with a self-adhesive collagen-fibrin fleece (TachoSil, Baxter Healthcare) was performed in all patients by a single surgeon (J.I.M.S.). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Penile length and curvature correction, operative time, and incidence of postoperative complications were recorded as outcome measures. Functional outcomes were measured with questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function-5, Erection Hardness Score, modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire, PD Questionnaire) before and 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 21 months (range 10-31), mean postsurgical penile lengthening was 2.5 (range 1-5) cm, with an improvement in the Bother domain of the PD Questionnaire of 4.4 (range 2-5) points. The average operative time was 86.7 and 71.6 minutes for the IPP and malleable penile prosthesis procedure, respectively. No glans ischemia was recorded; however, 1 IPP infection and 1 delayed distal corporeal erosion were recorded. Hematoma or bruising was observed in 23.2% of patients. The modified Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire was completed by 39 (90.7%) patients. Overall, 89.7% would recommend this surgery. Patient satisfaction with straightness and length was 94.9% and 82.1%, respectively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The described technique helps restoration of penile length and erectile function in patients with complex PD. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The strength of the study is that it offers a simple, easy-to-apply technique for surgeons to correct shortening and other malformations in patients with ED and complex PD. The study is limited by the small number of patients, the short follow-up period and the performance of the technique by a single high-volume implanter. CONCLUSION: The implantation of a penile prosthesis (malleable or inflatable) together with multiple incisions of the plaque/tunica albuginea and grafting with a collagen fleece is a safe and efficient treatment for patients with complex PD in addition to ED and significant shortening. Fernández-Pascual E, Gonzalez-García FJ, Rodríguez-Monsalve M, et al. Surgical Technique for Complex Cases of Peyronie's Disease With Implantation of Penile Prosthesis, Multiple Corporeal Incisions, and Grafting With Collagen Fleece. J Sex Med 2019;16:323-332.

[Mechanism of action of intravesical BCG. Biological bases and clinical applicability.] / Mecanismo de acción de la BCG intravesical. Bases biológicas y aplicabilidad clínica.

The therapeutic approaches developed around immune system modulation find the therapeutic contribution of intravesical Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) for transitional cell bladder cancer an unquestionable example as a proof of concept of antitumor immunotherapy since more than 30 years ago. Intravesical immunotherapy for urothelial carcinomas is considered with periodic intravesical instillations schedules, and the one with longer historic development and wider diffusion is BCG in the form of suspension. BCG is a unique strain obtained from Mycobacterium bovis at the end of the first third of the XX century and represents the historically most successful immunotherapeutic modality of all tumors with a high level body of evidence. Currently, we even see an unpredictable development potential of this therapeutic modality based on immunomodulation related with activation or suppression of T lymphocytes by blocking the immune system checkpoints. This option is at this time a decisive step in the treatment of chemotherapy refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Over the last years, there have been advances in the intimate mechanism of action of intravesical BCG, but there are many open questions that will only be answered from complex basic and translational research platforms. The objective of this review article is to try to translate the basic mechanisms currently implicated in the different phases of antitumor response of BCG in its routine use in clinical practice. Also, to analyze the future lines already active under clinical research with and without implications of the mechanisms of action of BCG. We describe the role of interactions basally established between urothelial tumor cells and cellular and molecular elements of the immune system of the patients with ulterior antitumor effector capacity. After intravesical BCG therapy and its interaction, we describe the various phases of its mechanism of action, namely fixation, internalization and triggering of the lytic cytotoxic antitumor response, and its integration in the current intravesical treatment regimens The implication of all these mechanisms in the varied capacity of clinical response observed in patients, reviewing the current status of knowledge of BCG mechanisms of action, leads unavoidably to the search of better clinical efficacy through eventual immune response markers and to set the approach to the knowledge of the individual reactivity of the immune system of each patient as a determinant factor to be able to adopt adjusted therapeutic patterns.

Systematic review of ureteral access sheaths: facts and myths.

The aim of the present paper was to review the literature on all available ureteral access sheaths (UASs) with their indications, limitations, risks, advantages and disadvantages in current modern endourological practice. Two authors searched Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases to identify studies on UASs published in English. No time period restriction was applied. All original articles reporting outcomes or innovations were included. Additional articles identified through references lists were also included. Case reports, editorials, letters, review articles and meeting abstracts were excluded. A total of 754 abstracts were screened, 176 original articles were assessed for eligibility and 83 articles were included in the review. Based on a low level of evidence, UASs increase irrigation flow during flexible ureteroscopy and decrease intrapelvic pressure and probably infectious complications. Data were controversial and sparse on the impact of UASs on multiple reinsertions and withdrawals of a ureteroscope, stone-free rates, ureteroscope protection or damage, postoperative pain, risk of ureteral strictures, and also on its cost-effectiveness. Studies on the benefit of UASs in paediatrics and in patients with a coagulopathy were inconclusive. In the absence of good randomized data, the true impact of UASs on surgery outcome remains unclear. The present review may contribute to the evidence-based decision-making process at the individual patient level regarding whether or not a UAS should be used.

Mecanismo de acción de la BCG intravesical. Bases biológicas y aplicabilidad clínica / Mechanism of action of intravesical BCG. Biological bases and clinical applicability

Los abordajes terapéuticos desarrollados en torno a la modulación del sistema inmune encuentran, en la contribución terapéutica del Bacillus de Calmette y Guérin (BCG) intravesical en el carcinoma vesical de células transicionales, es desde hace poco más de treinta años, un ejemplo indiscutible como prueba de concepto de la inmunoterapia antitumoral. La modalidad de tratamiento inmunoterápico de los carcinomas uroteliales por vía intravesical se contempla con pautas de instilaciones intravesicales periódicas y las de mayor desarrollo histórico y difusión son las que se llevan a cabo con preparaciones en suspensión de la BCG, una cepa única obtenida del Mycobacterium bovis a finales del primer tercio del siglo XX y constituye la modalidad inmunoterapica con mayores logros históricos de toda la patología tumoral con un cuerpo de evidencia de alto nivel. Incluso actualmente acudimos a un potencial de desarrollo impredecible de esta modalidad terapéutica basada la inmunomodulación relacionada con la activación o supresión de los linfocitos T a través del bloqueo de los puntos de control del sistema inmunitario. Opción que en el momento actual supone un paso decisivo en el tratamiento del carcinoma urotelial metastático refractario a quimioterapia. En el mecanismo íntimo de acción de la BCG intravesical se ha avanzado en los últimos años, pero todavía son muchas las interrogantes abiertas y que solo podrán contestarse desde complejas plataformas de investigación básica y traslacional. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es intentar trasladar los mecanismos básicos actuales implicados en las distintas fases de la respuesta antitumoral de la BCG a su utilización rutinaria en la práctica clínica. También analizar las líneas de futuro ya activas en fase de investigación clínica con y sin implicaciones con los mecanismos de acción de la BCG. Se describe el papel de las interacciones que basalmente se establecen entre las células tumorales uroteliales y los elementos celulares y moleculares del sistema inmune de los pacientes con ulterior capacidad efectora antitumoral. Tras el tratamiento con BCG intravesical y su interaccion se describen las diferentes fases de su mecanismo de acción, a saber, fijación, internalización y desencadenamiento de la respuesta lítica citotóxica antitumoral y también su integración en los regímenes de tratamientos intravesicales actuales. La implicación de todos estos mecanismos en la variada capacidad de respuesta clínica observada en los pacientes, repasando el estado actual del conocimien to de los mecanismos de acción de la BCG, conduce inexorablemente a la búsqueda de mayor eficacia clínica a través de eventuales marcadores inmunes de la respuesta y a plantear la aproximación al conocimiento de la reactividad individual del sistema inmune de cada paciente como factor determinante para poder adoptar pautas terapeuticas ajustadas

The therapeutic approaches developed around immune system modulation find the therapeutic contribution of intravesical Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) for transitional cell bladder cancer an unquestionable example as a proof of concept of antitumor immunotherapy since more than 30 years ago. Intravesical immunotherapy for urothelial carcinomas is considered with periodic intravesical instillations schedules, and the one with longer historic development and wider diffusion is BCG in the form of suspension. BCG is a unique strain obtained from Mycobacterium bovis at the end of the first third of the XX century and represents the historically most successful immunotherapeutic modality of all tumors with a high level body of evidence. Currently, we even see an unpredictable development potential of this therapeutic modality based on immunomodulation related with activation or suppression of T lymphocytes by blocking the immune system checkpoints. This option is at this time a decisive step in the treatment of chemotherapy refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Over the last years, there have been advances in the intimate mechanism of action of intravesical BCG, but there are many open questions that will only be answered from complex basic and translational research platforms. The objective of this review article is to try to translate the basic mechanisms currently implicated in the different phases of antitumor response of BCG in its routine use in clinical practice. Also, to analyze the future lines already active under clinical research with and without implications of the mechanisms of action of BCG. We describe the role of interactions basally established between urothelial tumor cells and cellular and molecular elements of the immune system of the patients with ulterior antitumor effector capacity. After intravesical BCG therapy and its interaction, we escribe the various phases of its mechanism of action, namely fixation, internalization and triggering of the lytic cytotoxic antitumor response, and its integration in the current intravesical treatment regimens The implication of all these mechanisms in the varied capacity of clinical response observed in patients, reviewing the current status of knowledge of BCG mechanisms of action, leads unavoidably to the search of better clinical efficacy through eventual immune response markers and to set the approach to the knowledge of the individual reactivity of the immune system of each patient as a determinant factor to be able to adopt adjusted therapeutic patterns

Evaluation of a Portable Urinary pH Meter and Reagent Strips.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a portable electronic pH meter and to put its accuracy in perspective with reagent strips read by a layperson, a healthcare professional, and an electronic reading device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a preanalysis on 20 patients, a sample size of 77 urine aliquots from healthy volunteers was necessary to obtain sufficient study power. Measurements of urinary pH were obtained by use of reagent strips, a portable pH meter and a laboratory pH meter (gold standard). Reagents strips were read by a professional experienced in interpreting strips, a layperson, and an electronic strip reader. The mean matched pair difference between measurement methods was analyzed by the paired t-test. The degree of correlation and agreement were evaluated by the Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots, respectively. RESULTS: The mean matched pair difference between the gold standard and all other pH measurement methods was the smallest with the portable electronic pH meter (bias 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.07 to 0.08; p = 0.89), followed by strips read by a professional (bias -0.09, 95% CI -0.21 to 0.02; p = 0.10), layperson (bias -0.17, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.04; p = 0.015), and electronic strip reader (bias -0.29, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.16; p < 0.001). The portable electronic pH meter achieved the highest Pearson's correlation coefficient and narrowest 95% limits of agreement, followed by strip interpretation by a professional, electronic strip reader, and layperson. To quantify the ability of pH measurement methods to correctly classify values within a predefined urinary pH target range, we performed classification tests for several stones. The portable electronic pH meter outperformed all other measurement methods for negative predictive values. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study support that the portable electronic pH meter is a reliable pH measuring device. It appears to be more accurate compared to reagent strips readings.