Value of Prostate-Specific Antigen Kinetics in Patients with Low-Risk Prostate Cancer under Active Surveillance.

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzes the value of PSA kinetics, PSA speed (vPSA), and PSA doubling time (PSAdt), in patients with low-risk prostate cancer who are in an active surveillance (AS) program. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, and longitudinal study of a sample of 86 patients included in AS program between January 2014 and October 2021 was conducted. A review of their medical records was performed, and PSA kinetics were calculated, analyzing the causes of discontinuation of the AS program and its relationship with PSA kinetics. RESULTS: The mean age was 63.39 years, and the median follow-up was 62.55 months. The mean PSA at diagnosis was 8.27 ng/mL. A median of PSAdt of 62.55 months and 1.3 ng/mL/year for vPSA was obtained. 35 patients left the program, with a higher percentage of patients leaving with a PSAdt less than 36 months (73.7 vs. 31.1%) and a vPSA greater than 2 ng/mL/year (68.2 vs. 31.3%). The probability of permanence and the time of permanence in AS were statistically significantly higher for those patients with favorable kinetic parameters. CONCLUSION: PSA kinetics is a parameter to take into account when making decisions to keep patients in an AS program.

Prognostic Value of the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the predictive role of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prognosis and survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 96 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP). Clinical and histological data, bloodwork and disease evolution information were collected. We determined neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios and analyzed their relationship to prognosis and survival. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 72,1 years. The average follow-up time for the sample was 3,8 years (CI 95%: 3,0-4,6). Compared to patients with NLR <3, those with NLR >3 presented a higher proportion of cancers in stages cN1 (29.7% vs 6.8%; p = 0,004), stages pT3 and pT4 (24,3% vs 9,5%; p = 0,05), and stages TNM III and IV (32,4% vs 10,2%; p = 0,01); additionally, there were more cases of perineural invasion in the NLR >3 patients (29,7% vs 10,2%; p = 0,03). The mean overall survival (OS) was 7,9 years (CI 95%: 6,2-9,6) and the cancer-specific survival (CSS), 1,3 years (CI 95%: 0,7-1,9). There were no differences in OS, CSS or in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with NLR >3 compared to those with NLR <3 . However, in the Cox regression analysis, a higher NLR was independently associated (along with metastasis and need for adjuvant treatment) with lower PFS, with an HR: 1,27 (CI 95%: 1,02-1,57; p = 0,02). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of NLR in clinical practice can be considered an additional tool to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.

Prognostic Value of the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis

Introduction: To determine the predictive role of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prognosis and survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 96 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP). Clinical and histological data, bloodwork and disease evolution information were collected. We determined neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios and analyzed their relationship to prognosis and survival. Results: The mean age of patients was 72,1 years. The average follow-up time for the sample was 3,8 years (CI 95%: 3,0–4,6). Compared to patients with NLR <3, those with NLR >3 presented a higher proportion of cancers in stages cN1 (29.7% vs 6.8%; p = 0,004), stages pT3 and pT4 (24,3% vs 9,5%; p = 0,05), and stages TNM III and IV (32,4% vs 10,2%; p = 0,01); additionally, there were more cases of perineural invasion in the NLR >3 patients (29,7% vs 10,2%; p = 0,03). The mean overall survival (OS) was 7,9 years (CI 95%: 6,2–9,6) and the cancer-specific survival (CSS), 1,3 years (CI 95%: 0,7–1,9). There were no differences in OS, CSS or in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with NLR >3 compared to those with NLR <3 . However, in the Cox regression analysis, a higher NLR was independently associated (along with metastasis and need for adjuvant treatment) with lower PFS, with an HR: 1,27 (CI 95%: 1,02–1,57; p = 0,02). Conclusions: The utilization of NLR in clinical practice can be considered an additional tool to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (AU)

Cost-Effectiveness of a Sublingual Bacterial Vaccine for the Prophylaxis of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) affect 5-10% of women, resulting in an enormous healthcare and society burden. Uromune® is a polybacterial sublingual vaccine with an excellent clinical benefit in rUTI prophylaxis. This study assesses the impact of sublingual vaccination on healthcare resource use and expenditures associated with this pathology. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, single center study including women with rUTI and vaccinated with Uromune® in real-life clinical practice was performed. Variables were the need of healthcare resources, collected prospectively during two follow-up years, and the rUTI-associated expenditure, calculated using the micro-costing methodology; these were compared before and after vaccination. RESULTS: A total of 166 women {mean (standard deviation [SD]) urinary tract infection episodes/year 6.19 (2.15)} were included. After vaccination, annual consultations with a primary care physician (PCP) (43.9%), emergency room visits (71.8%), urinary analysis (90.0%), and ultrasound exams (35.6%) decreased compared to pre-vaccination (all p < 0.001). Per patient consumption in antibiotics, PCP consultations, emergency room visits, and complementary exams significantly decreased (all p < 0.02), resulting in a reduction in healthcare expenditure per patient/year from mean (SD) 1,001.1 (655.0) to 497.1 (444.4) EUR. CONCLUSION: Sublingual bacterial vaccination with Uromune® decreased healthcare resource use and associated expenditure in women with rUTI, representing an optimal strategy to reduce rUTI-associated healthcare and economic burden.

Evolución de las derivaciones desde atención primaria a la consulta de urología tras la aplicación de un protocolo de pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior por hiperplasia benigna de próstata / Urology clinics referral Patterns after initiation of a Primary Care BPH-LUTS protocol

OBJETIVO: Los médicos de Atención Primaria (MAP) son fundamentales en la regulación del flujo de pacientes desde Atención Primaria (AP), por tanto, es esencial buscar métodos de adecuada gestión de la demanda asistencial y así optimizar recursos. En la hipertrofia benigna de próstata (HBP) se estima que 2/3 de los pacientes pueden ser manejados íntegramente desde AP a lo largo de todo el proceso de la HBP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Hemos realizado un estudio pre experimental en dos períodos, antes (pre-test) y después (post-test) de la creación de un protocolo de manejo y derivación de pacientes con HBP. Analizamos la adecuación a los criterios de derivación y el uso de los estudios complementarios para llevar a cabo el diagnóstico, realizando un análisis estadístico (descriptivo, bivariante, multivariante y cálculo de tasas) utilizando SPSS (versión 21). RESULTADOS: La tasa de derivación disminuyó tras la aplicación del protocolo, pero no logró mejorar la adecuación. Los pacientes derivados por los MAP que asistieron al programa educativo fueron más jóvenes. Se remitieron menos pacientes con PSA elevado y más pacientes con progresión clínica. Se utilizaron menos estudios complementarios. Los MAP que no acudieron a la formación eran más jóvenes, principalmente mujeres, sin formación especifica en HBP y con contrato temporal. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de reducir la tasa de derivación no se consiguió mejorar la adecuación de la derivación de los pacientes. Consideramos necesario analizar la problemática de los MAP y valorar otras intervenciones que podrían mejorar la calidad en la transferencia de responsabilidades

OBJECTIVE: In the Spanish health system, General Practitioners (GPs) play a key role in regulating the flow of patients to hospital care. Most of patients with BPH can be managed throughout the evolution of the disease exclusively by the GPs. METHODS: A pre-experimental study was carried out in two periods, before (pre-test) and after (post-test) of the dissemination of a management protocol for patients with BPH. The protocol was trialled in the health area of Villarrobledo and included all referrals to the urology clinic for BPH from Primary Care. We analyzed the appropriate referrals according with the criteria set forth in the protocol and compared the complementary tests through statistical study (descriptive, a bivariate, multivariate analysis and rate calculation) using version 21 of the SPSS. RESULTS: Referral rate decreased after the application of the protocol but did not increase the rate of appropriated referrals. Patients referred after setting forth protocol by GPs that assisted to the education program were younger. There were referred less patients with elevated PSA and more patients with clinical progression. These GPs used less test to achieve diagnosis. The GPs who did not attend were significantly younger, mainly women, with no previous specific training in BPH and without a full time GP position. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a protocol has reduced the referral rate, but it has not improved the appropriate referrals. More research is required to understand the determinants of inequalities in referral from primary care

[Urology clinics referral Patterns after initiation of a Primary Care BPH-LUTS protocol.] / Evolución de las derivaciones desde atención primaria a la consulta de urología tras la aplicación de un protocolo de pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior por hiperplasia benigna de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: In the Spanish health system, General Practitioners (GPs) play a key role in regulating the flow of patients to hospital care. Most of patients with BPH can be managed through out the evolution of the disease exclusively by the GPs.  METHODS: A pre-experimental study was carried outin two periods, before (pre-test) and after (post-test) of the dissemination of a management protocol for patients with BPH. The protocol was trialled in the health area of Villarrobledo and included all referrals to the urology clinic for BPH from Primary Care. We analyzed the appropriate referrals according with the criteria set for thin the protocol and compared the complementary tests through statistical study (descriptive, a bivariate, multivariate analysis and rate calculation) using version 21of the SPSS. RESULTS: Referral rate decreased after the application of the protocol but did not increase the rate of appropriated referrals. Patients referred after setting forth protocol by GPs that assisted to the education program were younger. There were referred less patients with elevated PSA and more patients with clinical progression. These GPs used less test to achieve diagnosis. The GPs whodid not attend were significantly younger, mainly women, with no previous specific training in BPH and without a full time GP position. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a protocol has reduced the referral rate, but it has not improved the appropriate referrals. More research is required to understand the determinants of inequalities in referral from primary care.

OBJETIVO: Los médicos de Atención Primaria (MAP) son fundamentales en la regulación del flujo de pacientes desde Atención Primaria (AP), por tanto,es esencial buscar métodos de adecuada gestión de la demanda asistencial y así optimizar recursos. En la hipertrofia benigna de próstata (HBP) se estima que 2/3 de los pacientes pueden ser manejados íntegramentedesd e AP a lo largo de todo el proceso de la HBP.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Hemos realizado un estudio pre experimental en dos períodos, antes (pre-test) y después (post-test) de la creación de un protocolo de manejo y derivación de pacientes con HBP. Analizamos la adecuación a los criterios de derivación y el uso de los estudios complementarios para llevar a cabo el diagnóstico, realizando un análisis estadístico (descriptivo, bivariante, multivariante y cálculo de tasas) utilizando SPSS (versión 21). RESULTADOS: La tasa de derivación disminuyó tras la aplicación del protocolo, pero no logró mejorar la adecuación. Los pacientes derivados por los MAP que asistieron al programa educativo fueron más jóvenes. Se remitieron menos pacientes con PSA elevado y más pacientes con progresión clínica. Se utilizaron menos estudios complementarios. Los MAP que no acudieron a la formación eran más jóvenes, principalmente mujeres, sin formación especifica en HBP y con contrato temporal. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de reducir la tasa de derivación no se consiguió mejorar la adecuación de la derivación de los pacientes. Consideramos necesario analizar la problemática de los MAP y valorar otras intervenciones que podrían mejorar la calidad en la transferencia de responsabilidades.

Pólipo fibroepitelial de uretra anterior / Fibroepithelial polyp of the anterior urethra

No disponible

Analysis of the Efficacy of a Sublingual Bacterial Vaccine in the Prophylaxis of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent urinary tract infections (R-UTIs) are very common amongst women, and alternatives to antibacterial prophylaxis are necessary. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a sublingual bacterial vaccine for the prophylaxis of R-UTIs. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study of 166 women diagnosed with R-UTIs. Both before and after the start of treatment with the vaccine, we analysed the total number of R-UTI episodes, the urine culture results, and the type and number of antibiotic packages consumed. Symptoms and urine cultures were evaluated 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after initiating treatment with the vaccine. RESULTS: The mean time of follow-up after vaccination was 1.7 years. After vaccination, there was a 54.6% reduction in episodes of UTI, and a 56.2% reduction in positive urine cultures. At 3 months, 74.4% of the patients had no R-UTI, the rate falling to 68.1% at 6 months, 52.4% at 12 months, and 44.5% at 24 months. The cumulative probability of maintaining negative urine cultures was 76% at 3 months, 37% at 12 months, and 18% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a sublingual bacterial vaccine for the prophylaxis of R-UTIs in women is an effective treatment that contributes to a reduction in the number of UTI episodes.

Litiasis de gran tamaño impactada en meato uretral / Large size stone impacted in urethral meatus

No disponible

Uropatía obstructiva por acodamiento de catéter doble J / Obstructive uropathy due to double J catheter bending

No disponible

Ureterocele bilateral con litiasis / Bilateral ureterocele with lithiasis

El ureterocele es una dilatación quística del extremo intravesical del uréter, que puede asociarse a duplicación ureteral y a reflujo vésico-ureteral. Su diagnóstico suele realizarse en la edad pediátrica, siendo raro en la edad adulta. La mayoría de los casos sintomáticos debutan con infecciones de repetición, siendo más infrecuente la presencia de litiasis y excepcional el carácter bilateral. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 65 años en estudio por infecciones de repetición de difícil manejo con tratamiento antibiótico que finalmente fue diagnosticada y tratada quirúrgicamente de ureterocele bilateral con presencia de litiasis, presentando posteriormente resolución de sus infecciones urinarias de repetición (AU)

Ureterocele is a cystic dilatation of the intravesical end of the ureter, which may be associated with ureteral duplication and vesicoureteral reflux. Diagnosis is made usually in childhood, being rare in adulthood. Most symptomatic patients present recurrent infections, whereas the presence of lithiasis is more infrequent and the bilateral character is exceptional. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman under study for recurrent infections difficult to manage with antibiotic treatment who was finally diagnosed and treated surgically of bilateral ureterocele with presence of lithiasis, subsequently presenting resolution of her recurrent urinary tract infections (AU)

La vía supramesocólica de acceso al pedículo renal izquierdo: descripción de anatomía quirúrgica / Supramesocolic approach to the left renal pedicle: Description of the surgical anatomy

OBJETIVO: Exponer y recordar la vía de acceso supramesocólica al pedículo renal izquierdo, además de recordar las principales indicaciones de la misma. MÉTODO/RESULTADOS: Realizamos una descripción detallada de la técnica quirúrgica exponiendo sus indicaciones, la posición, incisión y sistemas de retracción utilizados y detallando los pasos llevados a cabo durante la disección. CONCLUSIÓN: El adecuado control vascular y la resección completa de grandes masas renales y suprarrenales precisan de una adecuada exposición; por lo que el conocimiento de técnicas quirúrgicas como el acceso supramesocólico al pedículo renal izquierdo es de gran utilidad y que puede facilitar el curso de cirugías retroperitoneales evitando complicaciones y aportando comodidad a actuaciones con frecuencia comprometidas

OBJECTIVE: To expose and remind the supamesocolic approach to the left renal pedicle, in addition to review its main indications. METHODS/RESULTS: We perform a detailed description of the surgical technique showing its indications, the position, the incision and retraction systems employed, detailing the steps followed during dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate vascular control and complete resection of large renal and adrenal masses require an adequate exposition; the knowledge of surgical techniques such as supramesocolic approach to the left renal pedicle is very useful and may ease the course of retroperitoneal operations avoiding complications and giving comfort in a frequently difficult operation

Tubulocystic renal carcinoma (low grade collecting duct carcinoma).

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of tubulocystic renal carcinoma diagnosed in an adult, after a work up study for hematuria. METHODS/RESULTS: 59-year-old male, CT scan was performed during a study for self-limited hematuria showing a 4.2 cm solid mass with areas suspicious of pseudocystic malignancy. Due to its debut with hematuria and renal sinus involvement laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed, establishing the diagnosis of tubulocystic carcinoma (low grade collecting duct carcinoma). CONCLUSION: Tubulocystic carcinoma presents histological characteristics and a natural history that makes it different from the classic type of Bellini duct carcinoma, the latter being a rapidly growing tumor with poor prognosis which is usually diagnosed in advanced stages.

Adrenal ganglioneuroma.

OBJECTIVE: To present one case of adrenal ganglioneuroma incidentally diagnosed in an adult. METHODS/RESULTS: 44-year-old woman with a 2.3 cm incidentaloma in the left adrenal gland diagnosed by CT scan. At 6 months, MRI was performed and a left adrenal nodule 3.7 cm was shown. Due to the progressive growth of the mass, surgery was indicated and left laparoscopic adrenalectomy was carried out. The final pathologic diagnosis was adrenal ganglioneuroma. CONCLUSIONS: The ganglioneuroma is a tumor composed of Schwann cells and ganglion cells. Its location in the adrenal gland is unusual, most frequently affecting other regions. Being asymptomatic lesions, they are often detected incidentally when performing imaging tests. There are radiological features that differentiate them from other adrenal masses. The treatment of choice is surgery, with adrenalectomy.

Carcinoma renal túbulo-quístico / Tubulocystic renal carcinoma (low grade collecting duct carcinoma)

OBJETIVO: Presentar el caso clínico de un carcinoma renal túbulo-quístico diagnosticado, en un adulto, tras estudio por hematuria. MÉTODO/RESULTADO: Varón de 59 años que durante un estudio por hematuria franca autolimitada se realizó un TAC que mostró una tumoración de 4,2 cm sólida con áreas pseudoquísticas sospechosa de malignidad. Debido al debut por hematuria y a la afectación del seno renal se realizó nefrectomía radical laparoscópica, estableciendo el diagnóstico de carcinoma túbulo-quístico (carcinoma de los ductos colectores de bajo grado). CONCLUSIÓN: El carcinoma túbulo-quístico presenta unas características tanto histológicas como de historia natural de la enfermedad que lo diferencia de la variante clásica del carcinoma de los ductos colectores de Bellini, siendo éste último un tumor de rápido crecimiento y mal pronóstico que suele diagnosticarse en estadios avanzados(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of tubulocystic renal carcinoma diagnosed in an adult, after a work up study for hematuria. METHODS/RESULTS: 59-year-old male, CT scan was performed during a study for self-limited hematuria showing a 4.2 cm solid mass with areas suspicious of pseudocystic malignancy. Due to its debut with hematuria and renal sinus involvement laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed, establishing the diagnosis of tubulocystic carcinoma (low grade collecting duct carcinoma). CONCLUSION: Tubulocystic carcinoma presents histological characteristics and a natural history that makes it different from the classic type of Bellini duct carcinoma, the latter being a rapidly growing tumor with poor prognosis which is usually diagnosed in advanced stages

Ganglioneuroma de glándula suprarrenal / Adrenal ganglioneuroma

OBJETIVO: Presentar el caso clínico de un ganglioneuroma de suprarrenal diagnosticado, en un adulto, de manera incidental. MÉTODOS/RESULTADOS: Mujer de 44 años diagnosticada de incidentaloma de 2,3 cm en la glándula suprarrenal izquierda en un TAC realizado por estudio de hemoptisis. Con estudio analítico completo de masa suprarrenal no funcionante, se realizó a los 6 meses una RMN en la que se objetiva un nódulo suprarrenal izquierdo de 3,7 cm. Ante el crecimiento progresivo de la masa se decide tratamiento quirúrgico mediante suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica izquierda, estableciendo el diagnóstico anatomopatológico definitivo de ganglioneuroma de glándula suprarrenal. CONCLUSIÓN: El Ganglioneuroma es un tumor caracterizado por una mezcla de células de Schwann y células ganglionares maduras. Su localización en la glándula suprarrenal es inusual, presentando predisposición por otras regiones. Al tratarse de lesiones asintomáticas suelen ser detectadas de manera incidental al realizar una prueba de imagen. Presenta unas características radiológicas que lo diferencian del resto de masas suprarrenales. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, mediante suprarrenalectomía (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To present one case of adrenal ganglioneuroma incidentally diagnosed in an adult. METHODS/RESULTS: 44-year-old woman with a 2.3 cm incidentaloma in the left adrenal gland diagnosed by CT scan. At 6 months, MRI was performed and a left adrenal nodule 3.7 cm was shown. Due to the progressive growth of the mass, surgery was indicated and left laparoscopic adrenalectomy was carried out. The final pathologic diagnosis was adrenal ganglioneuroma. CONCLUSIONS: The ganglioneuroma is a tumor composed of Schwann cells and ganglion cells. Its location in the adrenal gland is unusual, most frequently affecting other regions. Being asymptomatic lesions, they are often detected incidentally when performing imaging tests. There are radiological features that differentiate them from other adrenal masses. The treatment of choice is surgery, with adrenalectomy (AU)