Computer vision-based system for early diagnosis of stereoscopic vision alterations.

Stereopsis is the three-dimensional perception capability, which is possible when binocular vision is present. Development of binocular vision system ends around 7-year-old, and after this time brain connections are already set, therefore, it will be difficult to recover stereopsis. Early diagnosis of Stereoscopic Visual Alterations (SVA) in the childhood is paramount to receive an appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Currently, to detect SVA, ophthalmologists commonly carry out tests based on cards. All these tests are based on the random-dot-stereogram principle, with different seconds of arc images, which allows doctors to graduate stereopsis. Some limits of this tests have been identified, such as monocular clues (e.g., the contours of the objects), or the non-standardized range levels depending on the test. This paper presents a novel concept of measuring stereopsis based on computer vision techniques. The system detects SVA in patients and calculates the degree of the perceived depth. As early diagnosis of SVA may suppose a therapeutic possibility, this platform is aimed at children by using stereoscopic models with varied and attractive designs. To validate the proposal, an early-stage prototype has been implemented and an objective evaluation of the measurement accuracy and reliability has been carried out with satisfactory results.

Oral quality of life after buccal mucosal graft harvest for substitution urethroplasty. More than a bite?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to analyze the oral quality of life (QoL) in patients with urethral stricture treated with BMG by using a validated questionnaire (OIDP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, single-arm, observational single-centre study of a cohort of patients scheduled for BMG Urethroplasty was conducted. OIDP assesses the impact of oral conditions on daily activities including an oral QoL question (0-10). The questionnaire was self-administered before, 3 months postoperatively and at the end of the study. Means, pre- and postoperatively, were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for a low quality of life (<8) after surgery. RESULTS: We included 41 patients (2013-2017). The mean preoperative oral QoL was 9.33 points (SD1.16). Preoperative mean OIDP dimensional score and global score were 0,5 (SD:0.02) and 0,8%. The most frequently preoperative altered aspect was hygiene. Mean oral QoL, 3 months after surgery, was 8,56 (SD1.89) and OIDP dimensional score and global score were 0,67 (SD0.21) and 1,1%. Mean oral QoL at the end of the study (mean 3,12 years) was 8,50 (SD1.13). OIDP dimensional score and global score were 0,7 (SD 0.16) and 1,1%.The most frequently altered aspect at the end of the study was eating. No statistical (p = 0.07) decrease in oral QoL was found. The increase in OIDP dimensional and global score was also not statistically significant. Neither age nor smoking, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular morbidity, previous OIDP score, width, length of the graft, or surgery success could explain a low oral QoL alter graft harvesting. CONCLUSIONS: BMG harvesting is not free of problems at the donor site. Eating seems to be the most affected aspect after surgery. Nevertheless, those sequelae do not induce a reduction in oral QoL.

Aplicación de la metodología Lean healthcare en un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario como herramienta de mejora de la eficiencia / Application of Lean Healthcare methodology in a urology department of a tertiary hospital as a tool for improving efficiency

Objetivo: Descripción de la aplicación de la metodología Lean como método de mejora continua de la eficiencia en un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario. Material y métodos: La aplicación de la metodología Lean healthcare en un servicio de urología se realizó en 3 fases: 1) formación de equipo y mejora del feedback entre los profesionales; 2) gestión por procesos y súper-especialización; y 3) mejora de indicadores (mejora continua). La obtención de los indicadores se realizó a partir de los sistemas de información del hospital. La principal fuente de información fue el Cuadro integral de dirección de sistemas sanitarios. La comparación con otros servicios de urología autonómicos o nacionales se realizó a través de la misma plataforma, con la ayuda del servicio de documentación del hospital (IASIST). Se estableció una línea de base con los indicadores obtenidos en el año 2011 para el análisis comparativo de los resultados tras la implantación de la metodología Lean healthcare. Resultados: La aplicación de esta metodología se tradujo en una alta satisfacción de los profesionales, una mejora de los indicadores de calidad alcanzando en 4 años un ICAR de 0,59 y un IMAR de 0,24. En el indicador de eficiencia IEAR se alcanzó un valor de 0,61, con un ahorro de 2.869 estancias frente al Benchmarking nacional (IASIST). El IRAR fue el único indicador por encima del estándar, con un valor de 1,36, pero con una mejora evolutiva anual del mismo. Conclusiones: La metodología Lean puede aplicarse de manera efectiva a un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario para mejorar la eficiencia, obteniéndose una mejora importante y continua de todos sus indicadores, y de la satisfacción de sus profesionales. La formación de equipo, la gestión por procesos, la mejora continua y la delegación de responsabilidades se muestran como pilares fundamentales en dicha metodología

Objective: To describe the application of the Lean methodology as a method for continuously improving the efficiency of a urology department in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods: The implementation of the Lean Healthcare methodology in a urology department was conducted in 3 phases: 1) team training and improvement of feedback among the practitioners, 2) management by process and superspecialisation and 3) improvement of indicators (continuous improvement). The indicators were obtained from the Hospital's information systems. The main source of information was the Balanced Scorecard for health systems management (CUIDISS). The comparison with other autonomous and national urology departments was performed through the same platform with the help of the Hospital's records department (IASIST). A baseline was established with the indicators obtained in 2011 for the comparative analysis of the results after implementing the Lean Healthcare methodology. Results: The implementation of this methodology translated into high practitioner satisfaction, improved quality indicators reaching a risk-adjusted complication index (RACI) of 0.59 and a risk-adjusted mortality rate (RAMR) of 0.24 in 4 years. A value of 0.61 was reached with the efficiency indicator (risk-adjusted length of stay [RALOS] index), with a savings of 2869 stays compared with national Benchmarking (IASIST). The risk-adjusted readmissions index (RARI) was the only indicator above the standard, with a value of 1.36 but with progressive annual improvement of the same. Conclusions: The Lean methodology can be effectively applied to a urology department of a tertiary hospital to improve efficiency, obtaining significant and continuous improvements in all its indicators, as well as practitioner satisfaction. Team training, management by process, continuous improvement and delegation of responsibilities has been shown to be the fundamental pillars of this methodology

Application of Lean Healthcare methodology in a urology department of a tertiary hospital as a tool for improving efficiency. / Aplicación de la metodología Lean healthcare en un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario como herramienta de mejora de la eficiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the application of the Lean methodology as a method for continuously improving the efficiency of a urology department in a tertiary hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The implementation of the Lean Healthcare methodology in a urology department was conducted in 3 phases: 1) team training and improvement of feedback among the practitioners, 2) management by process and superspecialisation and 3) improvement of indicators (continuous improvement). The indicators were obtained from the Hospital's information systems. The main source of information was the Balanced Scorecard for health systems management (CUIDISS). The comparison with other autonomous and national urology departments was performed through the same platform with the help of the Hospital's records department (IASIST). A baseline was established with the indicators obtained in 2011 for the comparative analysis of the results after implementing the Lean Healthcare methodology. RESULTS: The implementation of this methodology translated into high practitioner satisfaction, improved quality indicators reaching a risk-adjusted complication index (RACI) of 0.59 and a risk-adjusted mortality rate (RAMR) of 0.24 in 4 years. A value of 0.61 was reached with the efficiency indicator (risk-adjusted length of stay [RALOS] index), with a savings of 2869 stays compared with national Benchmarking (IASIST). The risk-adjusted readmissions index (RARI) was the only indicator above the standard, with a value of 1.36 but with progressive annual improvement of the same. CONCLUSIONS: The Lean methodology can be effectively applied to a urology department of a tertiary hospital to improve efficiency, obtaining significant and continuous improvements in all its indicators, as well as practitioner satisfaction. Team training, management by process, continuous improvement and delegation of responsibilities has been shown to be the fundamental pillars of this methodology.

Costes y procesos hospitalarios en un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario. Análisis de los grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico / Costs and hospital procedures in an urology department of a tertiary hospital. Analysis of groups related by their diagnosis

Introducción: El sistema sanitario tiene disponibles herramientas de gestión en los hospitales que facilitan la valoración de la eficiencia mediante el estudio de los costes y el control de gestión con la finalidad de sacar un mayor provecho de los recursos. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio ha sido el cálculo y análisis del coste total de un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario, tanto de la actividad ambulatoria como de hospitalización y quirúrgica, así como la realización de una cuenta de resultados donde se compararon los costes del servicio con los ingresos obtenidos a partir de la Ley de Tasas durante el año 2014. Material y métodos: A partir de la información registrada por el Sistema de Información Económica de la Consellería de Sanidad, se aplicó el método ABC y top-down para el cálculo de costes por proceso de la actividad asistencial de 2014. Los resultados de costes obtenidos se compararon con las tarifas establecidas para la producción ambulatoria y hospitalaria en la Ley de Tasas de la Generalitat Valenciana. La producción se estructuró en ambulatoria (consultas externas y técnicas) y hospitalaria (estancias e intervenciones quirúrgicas). Resultados: Se realizaron 32.510 consultas externas, 7.527 técnicas, 2.860 intervenciones y 4.855 estancias hospitalarias. El coste total fue de 7.579.327 € consultas externas 1.748.14 5 €, consultas técnicas 1.229.836 €, cirugía 2.621.036 € e ingresos hospitalarios 1.980.310 €. Considerándose como ingresos económicos las tarifas aplicadas vigentes el año 2014 (un total de 15.035.843 €), la diferencia entre ingresos y gastos fue de 7.456.516 €. Conclusiones: La cuenta de resultados fue positiva, con un ahorro producido sobre las tasas cercano al 50% y mejor que el índice de estancias medias ajustadas por casuística, que fue de 0,67 (un 33% mejor que el estándar). El incremento de la cirugía mayor ambulatoria CMA repercute favorablemente en el control de costes

Introduction: The health care system has management tools available in hospitals that facilitate the assessment of efficiency through the study of costs and management control in order to make a better use of the resources. Objective: The aim of the study was the calculation and analysis of the total cost of a urology department, including ambulatory, hospitalization and surgery activity and the drafting of an income statement where service costs are compared with income earned from the Government fees during 2014. Material and methods: From the information recorded by the Economic Information System of the Department of Health, ABC and top-down method of cost calculation was applied by process care activity. The cost results obtained were compared with the rates established for ambulatory and hospital production in the Tax Law of the Generalitat Valenciana. The production was structured into outpatient (external and technical consultations) and hospital stays and surgeries (inpatient). Results: A total of 32,510 outpatient consultations, 7,527 techniques, 2,860 interventions and 4,855 hospital stays were made during 2014. The total cost was 7,579,327 €; the cost for outpatient consultations was 1,748,145 €, 1,229,836 € for technical consultations, 2,621,036 € for surgery procedures and 1,980,310 € for hospital admissions. Considered as income the current rates applied in 2014 (a total of 15,035,843 Euros), the difference between income and expenditure was 7,456,516 Euros. Conclusions: The economic balance was positive with savings over 50% and a mean adjusted hospitalization stay rate (IEMAC) rate of 0.67 (33% better than the standard). CMA had a favorable impact on cost control

Papel del IGF-1 y la distribución de la grasa corporal para disminuir el número de rebiopsias prostáticas / The role of IGF-1 and the distribution of body fat in decreasing the number of prostate rebiopsies

Objetivo: Valorar la utilidad del IGF-1 y la grasa en órganos internos medida por impedanciometría bioeléctrica para el ahorro de rebiopsias innecesarias en pacientes con persistencia de PSA elevado. Material y método: Estudio prospectivo en 92 pacientes sometidos a rebiopsia de próstata por PSA elevado con tacto rectal negativo y ausencia de lesiones preneoplásicas. Previamente se determinó el valor de IGF-1 y se realizó un test de impedanciometría mediante el sistema abdominal Fat Analyser AB-140 TANITA. Se calcularon las curvas ROC para el PSA, % PSA, grasa en órganos internos e IGF-1 y PSA densidad. Resultados: Veinticinco pacientes fueron diagnosticados de cáncer de próstata. Estos presentaron de forma significativa mayores valores de PSA, PSAd e IGF-1 y una tendencia a mayores valores de grasa en órganos internos y menores cifras de %PSA (p = 0,001; p = 0,003; p = 0,001; p = 0,24 y p = 0,28 respectivamente). La curva ROC mostró un área bajo la curva del IGF-1 y del PSA de 0,82 y 0,81. Empleando los puntos de corte para la sensibilidad del 95% y usando los 3 criterios como indicación de rebiopsia se habría ahorrado un 74% de las biopsias dejando de diagnosticar únicamente a un paciente con cáncer clínicamente significativo ->Gleason 7(4 + 3)-. Los valores predictivos positivo y negativo para el conjunto de las variables fue superior a las de cada una por separado (VPP: 66/VPN: 63). El coste de ambas determinaciones es de 82 euros. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que la medición de IGF-1 podría disminuir el número de rebiopsias innecesarias de forma significativa, barata e inocua

Objective: To assess the usefulness of IGF-1 and internal organ fat measured by bioelectrical impedance audiometry to avoid rebiopsies in patients with persistently high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Material and method: A prospective study was conducted with 92 patients who underwent prostate rebiopsy due to high PSA levels with negative results in the rectal examination and a lack of preneoplastic lesions. The patients previously had their IGF-1 levels measured and had undergone an impedance audiometry test using the abdominal Fat Analyser AB-140 TANITA system. We calculated the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the PSA levels, %PSA, internal organ fat and IGF-1 and PSA density. Results: Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer. These patients had significantly higher PSA, PSAd and IGF-1 values and a tendency towards higher internal organ fat levels and lower %PSA readings (p = .001, p = .003, p = .001, p = .24 and P = 0.28, respectively). The ROC curve showed an area under the curve for IGF-1 and PSA of .82 and .81, respectively. Using the cutoff points for 95% sensitivity and using the 3 criteria as an indication of rebiopsy, 74% of the biopsies would have been spared, leaving undiagnosed only 1 patient with clinically significant cancer -Gleason score > 7 (4+3)-. The positive and negative predictive values for the set of variables were higher than for each one separately (PPV: 66/NPV: 63). The cost of both determinations was 82 euros. Conclusions: Our results suggest that measuring IGF-1 could significantly decrease the number of unnecessary rebiopsies in an inexpensive and safe manner

The role of IGF-1 and the distribution of body fat in decreasing the number of prostate rebiopsies. / Papel del IGF-1 y la distribución de la grasa corporal para disminuir el número de rebiopsias prostáticas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of IGF-1 and internal organ fat measured by bioelectrical impedance audiometry to avoid rebiopsies in patients with persistently high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was conducted with 92 patients who underwent prostate rebiopsy due to high PSA levels with negative results in the rectal examination and a lack of preneoplastic lesions. The patients previously had their IGF-1 levels measured and had undergone an impedance audiometry test using the abdominal Fat Analyser AB-140 TANITA system. We calculated the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the PSA levels, %PSA, internal organ fat and IGF-1 and PSA density. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer. These patients had significantly higher PSA, PSAd and IGF-1 values and a tendency towards higher internal organ fat levels and lower %PSA readings (p=.001, p=.003, p=.001, p=.24 and P=0.28, respectively). The ROC curve showed an area under the curve for IGF-1 and PSA of .82 and .81, respectively. Using the cutoff points for 95% sensitivity and using the 3 criteria as an indication of rebiopsy, 74% of the biopsies would have been spared, leaving undiagnosed only 1 patient with clinically significant cancer -Gleason score>7 (4+3)-. The positive and negative predictive values for the set of variables were higher than for each one separately (PPV: 66/NPV: 63). The cost of both determinations was 82 euros. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that measuring IGF-1 could significantly decrease the number of unnecessary rebiopsies in an inexpensive and safe manner.

Costs and hospital procedures in an urology department of a tertiary hospital. Analysis of groups related by their diagnosis. / Costes y procesos hospitalarios en un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario. Análisis de los grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico.

INTRODUCTION: The health care system has management tools available in hospitals that facilitate the assessment of efficiency through the study of costs and management control in order to make a better use of the resources. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was the calculation and analysis of the total cost of a urology department, including ambulatory, hospitalization and surgery activity and the drafting of an income statement where service costs are compared with income earned from the Government fees during 2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the information recorded by the Economic Information System of the Department of Health, ABC and top-down method of cost calculation was applied by process care activity. The cost results obtained were compared with the rates established for ambulatory and hospital production in the Tax Law of the Generalitat Valenciana. The production was structured into outpatient (external and technical consultations) and hospital stays and surgeries (inpatient). RESULTS: A total of 32,510 outpatient consultations, 7,527 techniques, 2,860 interventions and 4,855 hospital stays were made during 2014. The total cost was 7,579,327€; the cost for outpatient consultations was 1,748,145€, 1,229,836 Euros for technical consultations, 2,621,036€ for surgery procedures and 1,980,310€ for hospital admissions. Considered as income the current rates applied in 2014 (a total of 15,035,843€), the difference between income and expenditure was 7,456,516€. CONCLUSIONS: The economic balance was positive with savings over 50% and a mean adjusted hospitalization stay rate (IEMAC) rate of 0.67 (33% better than the standard). CMA had a favorable impact on cost control.

Hidrodistensión bajo anestesia más inyección de Onabotulinumtoxin A en pacientes con síndrome de dolor vesical refractario a tratamiento conservador / Hydrodistension plus Onabotulinumtoxin A in bladder pain syndrome refractory to conservative treatments

Introducción: En el síndrome de dolor vesical (SDV) refractario a tratamientos conservadores, la guía europea contempla la hidrodistensión (HD) vesical bajo anestesia y la inyección de Onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA) de manera conjunta. El objetivo fue evaluar nuestra experiencia en la aplicación de la técnica. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 25 pacientes con SDV sometidos a HD más inyección submucosa de 100 U de OnabotA en trígono. Las lesiones de Hunner fueron tratadas endoscópicamente mediante resección o electrocoagulación. Se realizaron 38 procedimientos (25 primeras intervenciones y 13 reintervenciones). Para estudiar la modificación clínica se evaluó la mejoría subjetiva (escalas TBS y PGIC), la escala visual analógica (EVA) para dolor, el cuestionario BPIC-SS y el diario miccional de 3 días. Para el análisis de datos se emplearon los test de Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Kaplan-Meier y Log-Rank. Resultados: Observamos mejoría subjetiva en 21 pacientes (84%), en 47% de ellos mejoría importante, en 41,2% moderada y en 11,8% leve. No hubo mejoría en 4 pacientes. Se objetivó una reducción postratamiento en la EVA de dolor (de 7,1 a 1,8 puntos; p = 0,001), en la frecuencia miccional diurna (de 11,8 a 7,5; p = 0,012) y nocturna (de 5,9 a 3,6; p = 0,003) y en el cuestionario BPIC-SS (de 27,9 a 11,2 puntos; p = 0,042). El grado de mejoría no tuvo relación con la edad, con la presencia de lesiones vesicales ni con el tratamiento de las recaídas. La mediana en la duración de la mejoría fue de 7 meses (IC 95%: 5,69-8,31) de manera global, aunque en los pacientes menores de 65 años fue algo mayor. Se produjeron complicaciones leves en el 23,7% de los casos. Conclusiones: La realización conjunta de HD más inyección de OnabotA es una opción terapéutica válida en el SDV refractario, con buenos resultados clínicos y manteniendo la efectividad en los retratamientos

Introduction: For bladder pain syndrome (BPS) refractory to conservative treatment, the European guidelines consider bladder hydrodistention (HD) under anaesthesia and the injection of Onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA) jointly. The objective of this study was to assess our experience in implementing this technique. Material and methods: A prospective study of 25 patients with BPS who underwent HD plus a submucosal injection of 100 U of OnabotA in trigone. The Hunner lesions were treated endoscopically using resection or electrocoagulation. Thirty-eight procedures were performed (25 first interventions and 13 reoperations). To study the clinical change, we evaluated the subjective improvement (Treatment Benefit Scale [TBS] and Patient Global Impression of Change [PGIC] scales), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS) questionnaire and the voiding diary for 3 days. For the data analysis, we employed the Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Results: We observed subjective improvement in 21 patients (84%), which was significant in 47% of these patients, moderate in 41.2% and slight in 11.8%. Four patients did not improve. A post-treatment reduction in the pain VAS (from 7.1 to 1.8 points; P = .001), in daytime (from 11.8 to 7.5; P = .012) and night-time (from 5.9 to 3.6; P = .003) voiding frequency and in the BPIC-SS (from 27.9 to 11.2 points;P = .042). The degree of improvement was not related to age, the presence of bladder lesions or the treatment of relapses. The median duration of improvement was 7 months (95% CI 5.69-8.31), although this duration was somewhat longer for the patients younger than 65 years. Mild complications occurred in 23.7% of the cases. Conclusions: The joint implementation of HD plus OnabotA is a valid therapeutic option in refractory BPS, which provides good clinical results and maintains its effectiveness in retreatments

Hydrodistension plus Onabotulinumtoxin A in bladder pain syndrome refractory to conservative treatments. / Hidrodistensión bajo anestesia más inyección de Onabotulinumtoxin A en pacientes con síndrome de dolor vesical refractario a tratamiento conservador.

INTRODUCTION: For bladder pain syndrome (BPS) refractory to conservative treatment, the European guidelines consider bladder hydrodistention (HD) under anaesthesia and the injection of Onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA) jointly. The objective of this study was to assess our experience in implementing this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study of 25 patients with BPS who underwent HD plus a submucosal injection of 100 U of OnabotA in trigone. The Hunner lesions were treated endoscopically using resection or electrocoagulation. Thirty-eight procedures were performed (25 first interventions and 13 reoperations). To study the clinical change, we evaluated the subjective improvement (Treatment Benefit Scale [TBS] and Patient Global Impression of Change [PGIC] scales), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS) questionnaire and the voiding diary for 3 days. For the data analysis, we employed the Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. RESULTS: We observed subjective improvement in 21 patients (84%), which was significant in 47% of these patients, moderate in 41.2% and slight in 11.8%. Four patients did not improve. A post-treatment reduction in the pain VAS (from 7.1 to 1.8 points; P=.001), in daytime (from 11.8 to 7.5; P=.012) and night-time (from 5.9 to 3.6; P=.003) voiding frequency and in the BPIC-SS (from 27.9 to 11.2 points; P=.042). The degree of improvement was not related to age, the presence of bladder lesions or the treatment of relapses. The median duration of improvement was 7 months (95% CI 5.69-8.31), although this duration was somewhat longer for the patients younger than 65 years. Mild complications occurred in 23.7% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The joint implementation of HD plus OnabotA is a valid therapeutic option in refractory BPS, which provides good clinical results and maintains its effectiveness in retreatments.

Onco-TESE: obtención de espermatozoides tras orquiectomía radical por tumor testicular y azoospermia / ONCO-TESE: Obtaining spermatozoa after radical orchiectomy for testicular tumour and azoospermia

Objetivo: Existe la posibilidad de diagnosticar una azoospermia en caso de tumor testicular en pacientes que desean preservar su fertilidad. Nuestro objetivo es presentar una técnica de obtención de espermatozoides del testículo con tumor ex-vivo con el fin de preservar la fertilidad en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: Paciente de 34 años, remitido por azoospermia. A la exploración física presenta nódulo en polo inferior del testículo izquierdo. En la ecografía escrotal, el testículo presentaba microcalcificaciones dispersas y una masa hipoecoica de 1 cm en el polo inferior. Los marcadores tumorales fueron negativos y el TC no evidenció enfermedad a distancia. Se realizó orquiectomía radical izquierda más colocación de prótesis testicular. Posteriormente se practicó cirugía de banco con extracción de túbulos seminíferos en el polo superior. Resultados: De las muestras remitidas se identificaron 4 espermatozoides móviles progresivos y uno no progresivo por campo, realizando criopreservación de 2 muestras. El informe anatomopatológico informó de la presencia de un seminoma de 1,3 × 1 cm con márgenes libres y sin invasión de la rete testis (estadio I). Se realizó una técnica de reproducción asistida tipo ICSI a su pareja con los espermatozoides congelados con el resultado de embarazo, y posterior nacimiento de un niño vivo y sano. Conclusión: Proponemos que la realización de esta técnica es el método de elección para la obtención de espermatozoides en pacientes que presenten conjuntamente una azoospermia con tumor testicular y que deseen preservar su fertilidad

Objective: There is the possibility of diagnosing azoospermia in cases of testicular tumours in patients who wish to preserve fertility. Our objective is to present a technique for obtaining spermatozoa from testicles with ex vivo tumours in order to preserve fertility in these patients. Material and methods: A 34-year-old patient was referred for azoospermia. The physical examination revealed a node in the lower pole of the left testicle. In the scrotal ultrasound, the testicle presented disperse microcalcifications and a 1-cm hypoechoic mass in the lower pole. The tumour markers were negative, and the CT showed no distant disease. Left radical orchiectomy was performed, along with the placement of a testis prosthesis. Bench surgery was then performed, with extraction of the seminiferous tubules in the upper pole. Results: Of the submitted samples, 4 progressive and 1 nonprogressive motile spermatozoa were identified per field. Two samples were cryopreserved. The pathological report indicated the presence of a seminoma measuring 1.3 × 1 cm, with free margins and with no invasion of the rete testis (stage I). An assisted reproduction technique (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) was performed on the patient's partner with the frozen spermatozoa, which resulted in pregnancy and the subsequent birth of a healthy child. Conclusion: We propose this technique as the method of choice for obtaining spermatozoa from patients who simultaneously present azoospermia and testicular tumours and who wish to preserve their fertility

ONCO-TESE: Obtaining spermatozoa after radical orchiectomy for testicular tumour and azoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: There is the possibility of diagnosing azoospermia in cases of testicular tumours in patients who wish to preserve fertility. Our objective is to present a technique for obtaining spermatozoa from testicles with ex vivo tumours in order to preserve fertility in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 34-year-old patient was referred for azoospermia. The physical examination revealed a node in the lower pole of the left testicle. In the scrotal ultrasound, the testicle presented disperse microcalcifications and a 1-cm hypoechoic mass in the lower pole. The tumour markers were negative, and the CT showed no distant disease. Left radical orchiectomy was performed, along with the placement of a testis prosthesis. Bench surgery was then performed, with extraction of the seminiferous tubules in the upper pole. RESULTS: Of the submitted samples, 4 progressive and 1 nonprogressive motile spermatozoa were identified per field. Two samples were cryopreserved. The pathological report indicated the presence of a seminoma measuring 1.3 × 1 cm, with free margins and with no invasion of the rete testis (stage I). An assisted reproduction technique (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) was performed on the patient's partner with the frozen spermatozoa, which resulted in pregnancy and the subsequent birth of a healthy child. CONCLUSION: We propose this technique as the method of choice for obtaining spermatozoa from patients who simultaneously present azoospermia and testicular tumours and who wish to preserve their fertility.

Afectación vesical metastásica del cáncer de mama / Metastatic urinary bladder involvement in breast cancer

OBJETIVO: Aportar a la literatura tres casos poco habituales de tumor primario de mama con metástasis a vejiga. MÉTODO: Presentación de los tres casos clínicos y revisión de la literatura. RESULTADO: Se trataba de tres mujeres con una edad media de 49,3 años, diagnosticadas de carcinoma mamario lobulillar infiltrante. Dos de ellas presentaron hematuria tras el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama. La tercera se diagnostica como hallazgo incidental tras TAC de control. Al diagnóstico de las metástasis vesicales ya presentaban implantes en otros órganos. El tratamiento en los tres casos fue paliativo. Las pacientes fallecieron por enfermedad cáncer específica. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de metástasis vesicales por cáncer de mama son infrecuentes. La aparición de síntomas del tracto urinario en estas pacientes requiere de un estudio diagnóstico con el fin de descartar dichas metástasis

OBJECTIVE: To contribute to the literature with three unusual cases of primary breast tumor with metastasis to the urinary bladder. METHODS: Presentation of the three clinical cases and bibliographic review. RESULTS: Three women, with an average age of 49.3 years, were diagnosed with invasive lobular breast carcinoma. Two of them suffered from hematuria after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The third patient was diagnosed incidentally after a routine CT scan. Upon diagnosis of the bladder metastases, they already had metastasis in other locations. The treatment of the three cases was palliative. The cause of death was due to additional pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of bladder metastases due to breast cancer is infrequent. The appearance of urinary tract symptoms in these patients requires a diagnostic study in order to rule out metastases

Microdeleciones del gen AZF: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / AZF gene microdeletions: Case series and literature review

Objetivo: Aproximadamente un 10% de los pacientes con azoospermia no obstructiva y un 5% de pacientes con oligozoospermia severa presentan microdeleciones en las regiones azoospermic factor (AZF) del cromosoma Y. El objetivo principal de este estudio es analizar las características clínicas y patológicas de estos pacientes y compararlos con la literatura previa. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 11 pacientes con diagnóstico de azoospermia u oligozoospermia y presencia de microdeleciones AZFa, AZFb, AZFc o sus combinaciones. Resultados: La microdeleción en la región AZFc apareció en un 45% de pacientes, AZFa en el 33% y un 10% presentaron mutación en las 3 regiones analizadas (AZFa, b y c). El 91% de los pacientes con estas microdeleciones presentaron azoospermia con un volumen testicular disminuido en el 62,5%. Conclusión: Las microdeleciones de la región AZF se asocian a azoospermia y una baja expectativa de recuperación de espermatozoides en la biopsia testicular, sin alterar significativamente la función hormonal

Objective: Aproximately 10% of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and 5% with non-obstructive severe oligozoospermia carry AZF region microdeletions (AZoospermic Factor) in the Y chromosome. The aim of this study is to analize the clinical and pathological findings in this group of patients and compare them with the previous evidence. Material and methods: Retrospective study of 11 patients with diagnosis of azoospermia or oligozoospermia and the presence of AZFa, AZFb, AZFc microdeletions or any combination of them. Results: Microdeletions of AZFc region were found in 45% of cases, AZFa in 33% and a 10% showed a deletion of the three regions (a,b and c). 91% of them demonstrated azoospermia with low testicular volume in 62,5% cases. Conclusion: Microdeletions of AZF regions are associated with azoospermia and a low expectation of sperm retrieval in testicular biopsy. On the other hand, they seem not related with significative modifications on the hormone profile

AZF gene microdeletions: case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Aproximately 10% of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and 5% with non-obstructive severe oligozoospermia carry AZF region microdeletions (AZoospermic Factor) in the Y chromosome. The aim of this study is to analize the clinical and pathological findings in this group of patients and compare them with the previous evidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 11 patients with diagnosis of azoospermia or oligozoospermia and the presence of AZFa, AZFb, AZFc microdeletions or any combination of them. RESULTS: Microdeletions of AZFc region were found in 45% of cases, AZFa in 33% and a 10% showed a deletion of the three regions (a,b and c). 91% of them demonstrated azoospermia with low testicular volume in 62,5% cases. CONCLUSION: Microdeletions of AZF regions are associated with azoospermia and a low expectation of sperm retrieval in testicular biopsy. On the other hand, they seem not related with significative modifications on the hormone profile.

Fitoterapia en Urología. Evidencia científica actual de su aplicación en urolitiasis, dolor pélvico crónico, disfunción eréctil e infecciones urinarias / Phytotherapy in Urology. Current Scientific Evidence of its Application in Urolithiasis, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Erectile Dysfunction and Urinary Tract Infections

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la fitoterapia en urolitiasis, infecciones urinarias, disfunción eréctil (DE) y prostatitis crónica/dolor pélvico crónico (PC/DPC). Adquisición de la evidencia: Revisión sistemática de la evidencia publicada hasta enero del 2011 empleando los términos científicos: fitoterapia, litiasis urinaria, prostatitis crónica, dolor pélvico crónico, disfunción eréctil, infección urinaria, cistitis y los nombres científicos de los compuestos siguiendo las normas del Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Botánica. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron Medline y The Cochrane Library. Se incluyeron artículos publicados hasta enero del 2011 en español/inglés. Se incluyeron estudios in vitro/in vivo sobre modelos animales o seres humanos. Los criterios de exclusión fueron literatura no española/inglesa o artículos con graves defectos metodológicos. Síntesis de la evidencia: Se incluyeron 86 artículos y se seleccionaron 40 que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. En urolitiasis hay pocos trabajos en humanos. El fitato tiene su principal utilidad como prevención y en la disminución del crecimiento de fragmentos residuales tras litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOCH). En PC/DPC el único compuesto que ha demostrado eficacia fue el extracto de polen en un ámbito de tratamiento multimodal. En DE no hay evidencia a favor del uso de la fitoterapia. La mayoría de los trabajos presentan limitaciones en el diseño o escaso tamaño muestral. En infecciones urinarias la mayoría de los productos son diuréticos. Solo existe evidencia para el arándano rojo como prevención en mujeres jóvenes o embarazadas. No debe emplearse como tratamiento de las infecciones urinarias. Conclusiones: La fitoterapia muestra utilidad en las infecciones urinarias de repetición y en la PC/DPC. Tiene cierto papel en la urolitiasis y carece de utilidad en la DE (AU)

Objective: To assess the usefulness of phytotherapy in urolitiasis, urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction (ED) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain (CP/CPP). Acquisition of the evidence: Systematic review of the evidence published until January 2011 using the following scientific terms: phytotherapy, urinary lithiasis, Chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infection, cystitis and the scientific names of compounds following the rules of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. The databases used were Medline and The Cochrane Library. We included articles published until January 2011 written in English and Spanish. We included studies in Vitro/in vivo on animal models or human beings. Exclusion criteria were literature not in English and Spanish or articles with serious methodological flaws. Synthesis of the evidence: We included 86 articles selecting 40 that met the inclusion criteria. In Urolitiasis there are few works in humans. The phytate has its main use as prevention and in reducing the growth of residual fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In CP/CPP the only compound that has shown effectiveness was the extract of pollen in a field of multimodal treatment. In DE ther is no evidence for the use of herbal medicine. Most of the works have limitations in the design or low sample size. In urinary tract infections most of the products are diuretics .There is only evidence for the cranberry as prevention in young or pregnant women. It must not be used as a treatment for urinary tract infections. Conclusions: Phytotherapy is usefull in repeat urinary tract infections and the CP/CPP. It has some role in the urolitiasis and lacks useful in the DE (AU)

Fitoterapia en Urología. Evidencia científica actual de su aplicación en hiperplasia benigna de próstata y adenocarcinoma de próstata / Phytotherapy in Urology. Current Scientific Evidence of its Application in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la fitoterapia en el tratamiento de la hiperplasia benigna de próstata (HBP) y el adenocarcinoma prostático (ADCP). Adquisición de la evidencia: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la evidencia publicada hasta enero del 2011, empleando los términos científicos fitoterapia, hiperplasia benigna de próstata, adenocarcinoma prostático, cáncer de próstata, y los nombres científicos de los compuestos siguiendo las normas del Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Botánica. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron Medline y The Cochrane Library. Se incluyeron artículos publicados hasta enero del 2011, escritos en español e inglés. Se incluyeron estudios in vitro/in vivo sobre modelos animales o seres humanos. Los criterios de exclusión fueron literatura no española/inglesa o artículos con graves defectos metodológicos. Síntesis de la evidencia: Se incluyeron 65 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 40 que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. HBP: los productos más estudiados son la Serenoa repens y Pygeum africanum. Existen muchos estudios a favor del empleo de la fitoterapia; no obstante, sus conclusiones son poco consistentes debido al escaso número de pacientes, la falta de control con placebo o el escaso seguimiento. A pesar de ello el empleo de estos productos es habitual en nuestro medio. ADCP: no existe evidencia para recomendar la fitoterapia en el tratamiento del ADCP. Existen trabajos respecto de la prevención, aunque únicamente a nivel experimental, por lo que tampoco existe evidencia para su recomendación. Conclusiones: La evidencia científica acerca del empleo de la fitoterapia en la afección prostática es concluyente a la hora de no recomendarla en el empleo de la HBP o el ADCP (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of phytotherapy in the treatment of the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic adenocarcinoma (ADCP). Acquisition of evidence: Systematic review of the evidence published until January 2011 using the following scientific terms: phytotherapy, benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatic adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer and the scientific names of compounds following the rules of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. The databases used were Medline and The Cochrane Library. We included articles published until January 2011 written in English and Spanish. We included studies in vitro/in vivo on animal models or human beings. Exclusion criteria were literature not in English and Spanish or articles with serious methodological flaws. Synthesis of the evidence: We included 65 articles of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. BPH: the most studied products are serenoa repens and pygeum africanum. There are many studies in favour of the use of phytotherapy but its conclusions are inconsistent due to the small number of patients, the lack of control with placebo or short follow-up. However the use of these products is common in our environment. ADCP: there is no evidence to recommend phytotherapy in the treatment of the ADCP. There are works on prevention but only at experimental level so there is no evidence for its recommendation. Conclusions: The scientific evidence on the use of phytotherapy in prostatic pathology is conclusive not recommend ing the use of it for BPH or the ADCP (AU)

[Phytotherapy in urology. Current scientific evidence of its application in urolithiasis, chronic pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction and urinary tract infections]. / Fitoterapia en Urología. Evidencia científica actual de su aplicación en urolitiasis, dolor pélvico crónico, disfunción eréctil e infecciones urinarias.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of phytotherapy in urolitiasis, urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction (ED) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain (CP/CPP). ACQUISITION OF THE EVIDENCE: Systematic review of the evidence published until January 2011 using the following scientific terms:phytotherapy, urinary lithiasis, Chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infection, cystitis and the scientific names of compounds following the rules of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. The databases used were Medline and The Cochrane Library.We included articles published until January 2011 written in English and Spanish. We included studies in Vitro/in vivo on animal models or human beings. Exclusion criteria were literature not in English and Spanish or articles with serious methodological flaws. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: We included 86 articles selecting 40 that met the inclusion criteria. In Urolitiasis there are few works in humans. The phytate has its main use as prevention and in reducing the growth of residual fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In CP/CPP the only compound that has shown effectiveness was the extract of pollen in a field of multimodal treatment. In DE ther is no evidence for the use of herbal medicine.Most of the works have limitations in the design or low sample size. In urinary tract infections most of the products are diuretics .There is only evidence for the cranberry as prevention in young or pregnant women. It must not be used as a treatment for urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: Phytotherapy is usefull in repeat urinary tract infections and the CP/CPP. It has some role in the urolitiasis and lacks useful in the DE.

[Phytotherapy in urology. Current scientific evidence of its application in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate adenocarcinoma]. / Fitoterapia en Urología. Evidencia científica actual de su aplicación en hiperplasia benigna de próstata y adenocarcinoma de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of phytotherapy in the treatment of the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic adenocarcinoma (ADCP). ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review of the evidence published until January 2011 using the following scientific terms: phytotherapy, benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatic adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer and the scientific names of compounds following the rules of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. The databases used were Medline and The Cochrane Library. We included articles published until January 2011 written in English and Spanish. We included studies in vitro/in vivo on animal models or human beings. Exclusion criteria were literature not in English and Spanish or articles with serious methodological flaws. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: We included 65 articles of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. BPH: the most studied products are serenoa repens and pygeum africanum. There are many studies in favour of the use of phytotherapy but its conclusions are inconsistent due to the small number of patients, the lack of control with placebo or short follow-up. However the use of these products is common in our environment. ADCP: there is no evidence to recommend phytotherapy in the treatment of the ADCP. There are works on prevention but only at experimental level so there is no evidence for its recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: The scientific evidence on the use of phytotherapy in prostatic pathology is conclusive not recommend ing the use of it for BPH or the ADCP.

Ureteral avulsion as a complication of ureteroscopy

PURPOSE: Report and review the literature on ureteral avulsion as a rare complication of ureteroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 3 cases of ureteral avulsion in a series of 4,645 ureteroscopic procedures performed from January 1990 to December 2001. We especially report the different managements for this complication. RESULTS: Due to the different extent of the injury, each patient was treated in a particular way, including a patient managed by means of an endourological approach. CONCLUSIONS: When performing ureteroscopy or using Dormia baskets, one should always bear in mind the possibility of serious complications, including ureteral avulsion or perforation. The use of an extremely careful technique of ureteral insertion, the mandatory placement of a safety guidewire, and a working guidewire, all minimize the risk of untoward events