Guía práctica para el manejo y tratamiento ante la cistitis radical / Practical treatment approach of radiation induced cystitis

Objetivo: Establecer una pauta de actuación y un algoritmo terapéutico ante la aparición de hematuria en pacientes con antecedentes de radioterapia pélvica, revisando para ello las diferentes opciones de tratamiento reflejadas en la literatura médica. Material y métodos: A través de PubMed se realiza una revisión bibliográfica de artículos relacionados con la cistitis rádica, incluyendo términos de búsqueda referidos a las diferentes opciones de tratamiento: ácido hialurónico endovesical; estrógenos conjugados, pentosan polisulfato, ácido aminocaproico oral, factor VIIa recombinante, cámara hiperbárica, embolización, aluminio endovesical, balón Helmstein y formolización. Se limita la búsqueda a publicaciones en castellano e inglés y se excluyen aquellas referidas a la experimentación animal. Resultados: Se expone cada una de las opciones citadas, haciendo referencia al mecanismo de acción, pauta y dosis de administración, efectos secundarios y prevención de los mismos si es posible así como eficacia del tratamiento. Tras conseguir estabilizar hemodinamicamente al paciente y descartar la presencia de lesiones neoformativas vesicales y/o hematurias originadas en tramo urinario superior, se debe iniciar un tratamiento escalonado. Conclusiones: El conocer diferentes opciones de tratamiento y sus pautas de administración permitirá al urólogo obtener una mayor tasa de éxitos en el difícil manejo de esta patología (AU)

Objective: Establish a pattern of behavior and treatment algorithm at the onset of hematuria in patients with a previous history of pelvic radiation, checking for this different treatment options reflected in the literature. Material and methods: Through performing a PubMed literature review of articles related to IC lies, searching items includes the different treatment options: intravesical hyaluronic acid, conjugated estrogens, pentosan polysulfate, oral aminocaproic acid, recombinant factor VIIa, hyperbaric chamber, embolization, aluminum intravesical, Helmstein ball and formalin. Limits the search to english or spanish publications and excluding those related to animal experimentation. Results: Every option is exposed, referring to the physiopathology, dosage regimen and administration, side effects and treatment efficacy. Conclusions: Once patient hemodynamic stabilization is achieved, and after rule out bladder tumors injuries and /or haemathuria originating from the upper urinary tract, treatment should start rolling. To know different treatment options and patterns of administration will allow the urologist to obtain a higher rate of success in the difficult management of this condition (AU)

[Practical treatment approach of radiation induced cystitis]. / Guía práctica para el manejo y tratamiento ante la cistitis radical.

OBJECTIVE: Establish a pattern of behavior and treatment algorithm at the onset of hematuria in patients with a previous history of pelvic radiation, checking for this different treatment options reflected in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Through performing a PubMed literature review of articles related to IC lies, searching items includes the different treatment options: intravesical hyaluronic acid, conjugated estrogens, pentosan polysulfate, oral aminocaproic acid, recombinant factor VIIa, hyperbaric chamber, embolization, aluminum intravesical, Helmstein ball and formalin. Limits the search to english or spanish publications and excluding those related to animal experimentation. RESULTS: Every option is exposed, referring to the physiopathology, dosage regimen and administration, side effects and treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Once patient hemodynamic stabilization is achieved, and after rule out bladder tumors injuries and /or haemathuria originating from the upper urinary tract, treatment should start rolling. To know different treatment options and patterns of administration will allow the urologist to obtain a higher rate of success in the difficult management of this condition.

[Arteriovenous fistula of the renal stump after nephrectomy]. / Fistula arteriovenosa renal secundaria a la ligadura en bloque del pedículo renal.

An arteriovenous fistula of the renal pedicle is a rare complication after nephrectomy. Most of cases we identify it time along after surgery. We present a case of an arteriovenous fistula of the right renal pedicle after nephrectomy done for pyonephrosis 40 years before. We comment the clinical features, treatment and evolution of the patient. We also review the actual literature.

Fístula arteriovenosa renal secundaria a la ligadura en bloque del pedículo renal / Arteriovenous fistula of the renal stump after nephrectomy

La fístula o aneurisma arteriovenoso del pedículo renal después de la nefrectomía es una complicación poco frecuente. La mayoría de las veces se diagnostica muchos años después de la cirugía. Presentamos un caso de fístula arteriovenosa del pedículo renal derecho después de una nefrectomía realizada, por pionefrosis litiásica derecha, 40 años antes. Comentamos el cuadro clínico inicial, el tratamiento y la evolución del paciente. Se revisa la literatura actual

An arteriovenous fistula of the renal pedicle is a rare complication after nephrectomy. Most of cases we identify it time along after surgery. We present a case of an arteriovenous fistula of the right renal pedicle after nephrectomy done for pyonephrosis 40 years before. We comment the clinical features, treatment and evolution of the patient. We also review the actual literature

[Cystic lymphangioma. Our experience]. / Linfangioma quístico. Nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To comment on the most relevant aspects and to review the literature on this unusual pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present two cases of cystic lymphangioma, their clinical, diagnosis, therapy and development, and we review the actual literature. The first case is a young man with the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the scrotum and pelvis. The second case is one patient with a cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum. DISCUSSION: Cystic lymphangioma is a congenital lymphatic hamartoma of the lymphatic system that usually appears at childhood like a big mass at soft tissues that has a tendency to grow unless a completed excision is performed. CONCLUSIONS: There are few cases of scrotal cystic lymphangioma in the literature; they are often misdiagnosed as other common cystic scrotal conditions leading to an improper surgical approach and an incomplete surgery that predisposes later recurrence. Cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum is a rare entity diagnosis in most cases as an incidentaloma.

Linfangioma quístico. Nuestra experiencia / Cystic lymphangioma. Our experience

Objetivo: Comentar los aspectos más relevantes y revisar la literatura de esta patología tan poco frecuente. Material y métodos: Presentamos dos casos de linfangioma o higroma quístico, comentando la clínica, diagnóstico, tratamiento y la evolución de éstos y, revisando la literatura actual. El primer caso es el de un joven diagnosticado de linfangioma pélvico y escrotal. El segundo es el de un paciente con linfangioma quístico retroperitoneal. Discusión: El linfangioma quístico es una malformación congénita hamartomatosa del sistema linfático que suele aparecer en la infancia a modo de grandes masas a nivel de partes blandas, con tendencia a crecer, a no ser que se extirpen de forma completa. Conclusión: Son pocos los casos descritos de higroma quístico escrotal, muchas veces diagnosticados erróneamente, como otras patologías quísticas escrotales, lo que comporta indicaciones quirúrgicas erróneas y cirugías incompletas que predisponen a la recidiva posterior. El higroma quístico retroperitoneal aislado es una patología infrecuente diagnosticada a menudo de forma incidental

Objective: To comment on the most relevant aspects and to review the literature on this unusual pathology. Material and Methods: We present two cases of cystic lymphangioma, their clinical, diagnosis, therapy and development, and we review the actual literature. The first case is a young man with the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the scrotum and pelvis. The second case is one patient with a cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum. Discussion: Cystic lymphangioma is a congenital lymphatic hamartoma of the lymphatic system that usually appears at childhood like a big mass at soft tissues that has a tendency to grow unless a completed excision is performed. Conclusions: There are few cases of scrotal cystic lymphangioma in the literature; they are often misdiagnosed as other common cystic scrotal conditions leading to an improper surgical approach and an incomplete surgery that predisposes later recurrence. Cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum is a rare entity diagnosis in most cases as an incidentaloma

[Isolated intraepithelial prostatic neoplasia and positive prostate adenocarcinoma results at repeated biopsy. Review of our series]. / Neoplasia intraepitelial prostática aislada y positividad para adenocarcinoma en la rebiopsia. Revision de nuestra serie.

OBJECTIVE: To review the incidence of isolated prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) as well as the positive prostate cancer results in repeat biopsy in our series of transrectal biopsy of the prostate. We compare these results with the actual literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We review the 2.475 transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies of the prostate made in our department from January 1992 to June 2004 looking for intraepithelial neoplasia and looking in particular for isolated High-grade PIN (HGPIN). We review repeat biopsies made at this patients and the likelihood of detecting prostate cancer in them. RESULTS: The diagnosis of PIN was found in 31 biopsies, 13 of them were isolated HGPIN what means a 0.52% incidence of the total biopsies performed in our department. We performed 7 repeat biopsies of the 13 cases in a period from 3 months to 2 years after the first biopsy, and we found 3 cases of prostate cancer what means that 43% of isolated HGPIN with repeated biopsy showed prostate cancer. The mean age of the patients studied was 67 years (range 53-88). The median PSA value of the studied cases was 9.8 ng/ml. The Gleason score of the positive biopsies was always between 3 and 7. In our series, age and PSA levels did not have correlation with the positive results for prostate cancer in repeated biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of a lower number of HGPIN cases in our series, the positive for prostate cancer in repeated biopsy (43%) is similar to the incidence reported in literature so it is advisable rigorous controls and repeated biopsies for these patients.

Neoplasia intraepitelial prostática aislada y positividad para adenocarcinoma en la rebiopsia. Revisión de nuestra serie / Isolated prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and positive prostate cancer results at repeat biopsy. Our series review

Objetivo: Revisar la incidencia de neoplasia intraepitelial prostática ( PIN ) aislada, así como la positividad para adenocarcinomaprostático de estas lesiones en la rebiopsia en nuestra serie de biopsias transrectales, comparando los resultados con la bibliografía actual. Material y Método : Hemos analizado las 2.475 biopsias prostáticas transrectales ecodirigidas realizadas en nuestro Servicio desde enero de 1992 hasta junio del 2004 en búsqueda de neoplasia intraepitelial prostática y en concreto de PIN de alto grado (PINAG) aislado, revisando las rebiopsias realizadas a estos pacientes y la probabilidad de detectar en ellas adenocarcinoma. Resultados: De un total de 31 biopsias en las que se halló el diagnóstico de PIN, 13 de ellas corresponde a PIN de alto grado aislado, lo que supone una incidencia de 0,52% del total de las biopsias realizadas en el Servicio. Se han rebiopsiado7 de estos 13 casos en un período de 3 meses a 2 años tras la primera biopsia, hallando en 3 adenocarcinoma; lo que supone que el 43 % de los PINAG aislados rebiopsiados en la serie mostraron adenocarcinoma. La edad media de los pacientes estudiados fue de 67 años (rango 53-88). El PSA medio de los pacientes estudiados fue de 9,8 ng/ml. El Gleason de las biopsias con carcinoma estuvo siempre entre 3 y 7. En nuestra muestra, la edad y los niveles de PSA no guardaban relación con la positividad a adenocarcinoma en las rebiopsias. Conclusiones: A pesar de una cifra inferior de PIN de alto grado en nuestra serie, la positividad para carcinoma en la rebiopsia (43%) es semejante a la descrita en la literatura, por lo que son aconsejables los controles rigurosos y las rebiopsias a estos pacientes (AU)

Objetive: To review the incidence of isolated prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) as well as the positive prostate cancer results in repeat biopsy in our series of transrectal biopsy of the prostate. We compare these results with the actual literature. Materials and Methods: We review the 2.475 transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies of the prostate made in our department from January 1992 to June 2004 looking for intraepithelial neoplasia and looking in particular for isolated High-grade PIN (HGPIN). We review repeat biopsies made at this patients and the likelihood of detecting prostate cancer in them. Results: The diagnosis of PIN was found in 31 biopsies, 13 of them were isolated HGPIN what means a 0,52% incidence of the total biopsies performed in our department. We performed 7 repeat biopsies of the 13 cases in a period from3 months to 2 years after the first biopsy, and we found 3 cases of prostate cancer what means that 43% of isolated HGPIN with repeated biopsy showed prostate cancer. The mean age of the patients studied was 67 years (range 53-88).The median PSA value of the studied cases was 9,8 ng /ml. The Gleason score of the positive biopsies was always between3 and 7. In our series, age and PSA levels did not have correlation with the positive results for prostate cancer in repeated biopsies. Conclusions: In spite of a lower number of HGPIN cases in our series, the positive for prostate cancer in repeated biopsy ( 43%) is similar to the incidence reported in literature so it is advisable rigorous controls and repeated biopsies for these patients (AU)

Diverticulos de uretra femenina / Female urethra diverticula

OBJETIVO: Recordar los aspectos más relevantes sobre la forma de presentación, el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta patología no tan infrecuente aunque muchas veces no sea sospechada. MÉTODOS: Revisamos cinco casos de divertículo de uretra femenina diagnosticados en nuestro servicio en los últimos cinco años. Describimos la clínica, la exploración física, las pruebas diagnósticas, así como el tratamiento utilizado en cada situación, comparándolos con la bibliografía presente hasta el momento. RESULTADOS:1-De las cinco pacientes diagnosticadas, tres presentaron clínica de tumoración a nivel de pared vaginal anterior, una de incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo y otra de infección de repetición. 2-Como métodos diagnósticos dispusimos de la uretroscopia, la uretrografía retrógrada y miccional, la ecografía transvaginal y la resonancia magnética pélvica. Los dos casos más recientes se diagnosticaron mediante RNM como única prueba diagnóstica. 3-En todos los casos se eligió el tratamiento quirúrgico, siendo la diverticulectomía transvaginal el método empleado. En un caso se realizó diverticulectomía transuretral con uretrotomo de Sachse para tratar una recidiva postquirúrgica. CONCLUSIONES: El divertículo de uretra femenino es una entidad muchas veces infradiagnosticada que debemos sospechar ante toda paciente con síntomas crónicos del tracto urinario inferior. Disponemos de varias pruebas de imagen que solas o combinadas pueden llegar a confirmar el diagnóstico de sospecha, siendo la resonancia magnética la más novedosa El tratamiento quirúrgico ha demostrado ser curativo, siendo la técnica trasnvaginal la más eficaz y por tanto la de elección (AU)

The value of endorectal MRI in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the value of endorectal MR imaging (EMRI) in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) and compare this test to prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) in the prediction of negative biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 92 patients with elevated PSA (>4 ng/ml) and/or abnormal DRE were studied. All patients underwent an EMRI previous to transrectal ultrasound guided needle sextant biopsies (3 cores in each peripheral zone), and were followed up. We performed a total of 184 biopsies: 92 patients underwent 1 biopsy; out of them, 61 patients underwent 2 biopsies, 27 patients 3 biopsies, 3 patients 4 biopsies and 1 patient 5 biopsies. 67 patients had a final negative biopsy and 25 had a final positive biopsy. Mean PSA was 10.44 ng/ml, and the mean % fPSA/tPSA was 0.20. Uni- and multivariate analysis and ROC curves were used to compare the accuracy of the different tests. The probability of positive biopsy with each technique was also assessed. RESULTS: EMRI had a high negative predictive value (91.07%) and the highest accuracy (77%) of all tests, higher than PSA (62%). Mean PSA was not statistically different in patients with negative biopsies (9.44 ng/ml) and positive biopsies (11.8 ng/ml) (p=0.064). The association of EMRI-DRE-PSA had the highest accuracy (83%) significantly higher than DRE-PSA (70%). The probability of positive biopsy in patients with negative DRE and EMRI, and PSA values between 5 and 15 ng/ml was 5-10% at first and second biopsies, but decreased progressively on subsequent biopsies (<8% at third biopsy, <5% at fourth biopsy and <3% at fifth biopsy). CONCLUSION: In patients with elevated PSA and/or abnormal DRE with two previous negative biopsies, an EMRI is a useful test to rule out PCa, when negative, and avoid subsequent biopsies, as they have a low chance of positive biopsy.

Mesotelioma maligno de túnica vaginal / Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis

Presentamos el caso de un paciente afecto de mesotelioma maligno de túnica vaginal, del cual existen menos de 80 casos descritos en la literatura. Se trata de un varón de 62 años, remitido por masa escrotal de 3 meses de evolución , comprobando tumoración escrotal izquierda, con signos flogóticos y erupción pápulovesicular en escroto-hipogastrio. Se realizó orquiectomía, con escrototomía parcial. Tras la exéresis quirúrgica y diagnóstico anatomopatológico de mesotelioma maligno infiltrante, se constató mediante TAC, la presencia de metástasis retroperitoneales, pulmonares y hepáticas. El paciente está recibiendo tratamiento combinado de Quimioterapia y Radioterapia con un pronóstico sombrío. Revisamos el diagnóstico, histología y opciones de tratamiento de este tipo infrecuente de tumor paratesticular (AU)

[Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis]. / Mesotelioma maligno de túnica vaginal.

Case report of a new case of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. A mediterranean male age 62, presented with enlargement and swelling of the scrotum, treated as orchiepydidymitis within the previous 3 months. Physical and ultrasonography examination showed a left scrotal mass with extension to the skin of the scrotum. After surgery (orchiectomy and partial hemiscrotectomy) and histopathology diagnosis of locally advanced malignant mesothelioma, CT showed metastasis in retroperitoneum, Lung and Liver. The patient undergoes chemotherapy and radiotheraphy with a poor prognose. We review the diagnosis, histopathology and therapeutical approach for this uncommon kind of paratesticular tumor (less than 80 cases reported in the last 30 years).

[Supraselective embolization of renal pseudoaneurysm caused by an abdominal stab wound]. / Embolización supraselectiva de pseudoaneurisma renal por herida incisa abdominal.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of conservative management of post-traumatic (abdominal stab wound) pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula in segmental artery of left kidney and secondary persistent hematuria in an HIV positive patient. METHODS/RESULTS: A supraselective left renal arteriography revealed a pseudoaneurysm. We performed embolization of the aneurysmal artery with coils and fibrin particles. Resolution of the hematuria was immediately achieved with no side effects or significant complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our view, supraselective embolization is the first option in the treatment of post-traumatic renal artery aneurysms due to its low morbidity and limited aggressiveness.

Experimental assessment of ureteral free autograft.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the sequence of ureteral events under ischemic and desvascularized conditions but without immunologic interference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two rats were divided into four groups. NU group (n 20) control group, normal ureter; SC group (n 15) only surgical control ureterolysis; NIAFG group (n 13) ureter used as non integrated autologous free graft; IAFG group (n 14): ureter used as integrated autologous free graft. Urographic, histologic and histomorphometric studies were performed. RESULTS: We established ureteral changes in the NIAFG and IAFG groups, compared to the control groups (NU, SC). Surgical findings and urographic assessment revealed normal peristalsis with no ectasia in some cases, and no ureteral fistulas or extravasations were found in the IAFG group. Histologic findings showed preservation of the architecture of the three normal layers. Histomorphometric studies showed that ureterolysis caused edema in the lamina propria, while changes in ureter free graft depended on whether the ureter was integrated or not. In the NIAFG group only the urothelial layers showed differences and in the IAFG group the ureteral wall appeared thicker. Histomorphometric studies showed preservation of the normal histologic structures in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The rat ureter can be used as a free autologous graft and represents an experimental model for immunologic events. We may assume that the necrosis and fibrosis observed in transplanted ureters are secondary to rejection in some cases.

[Dermatomyositis and small cell tumor of the kidney]. / Dermatomiositis y tumor renal de células pequeñas.

Dermatomyositis is an inflammation of the striated muscle with an important leukocyte infiltrate which is accompanied by a characteristic cutaneous exanthema. In the international classification we find DM associated with neoplasm in 10% of cases. It is accepted that neoplasms are related to DM if it does not exceed it in two years (prior o after the onset of the disease. The most commonly associated are lung, ovary and breast cancers. In the pas ten years only two cases of DM associated to renal cancer (both in renal cell cancers) have been published. In this article we present a case history of a woman with a DM associated to a renal oat-cell carcinoma. Also, we will review the literature on this theme and will evaluate the predictive parameters of the presence of malignancies in this pathology.

Experimental study of ureteral free grafts. IV. Histomorphometric study.

OBJECTIVES: The ureteral changes that occur when rat ureter is used as an autologous free graft were evaluated using histomorphometrical methods. METHODS: The normal values were determined in ureters from normal rats (NU group) and compared with those of a control group undergoing ureterolysis, as well as with two groups in which the ureter was used as an autologous free graft (in one of these groups the ureter was integrated into the urinary tract by anastomosis, whereas in the other group the ureter was not integrated). The main histomorphometrical parameters were thickness or length and surface or area. Thickness measurements were made using a micrometer. For area determinations, paper prints of light micrographs from each segment were measured using a Koizumi KP-90 digital planimeter. A non-parametric variance analysis (Kruskal-Wallis test) was used to compare the results. These results were compared with those of the Wilcoxon test. The results are expressed as different levels of alpha, (0.05, 0.01 and 0.001). RESULTS: When p < 0.01, there were practically no statistically different variables between NU and AU. Comparison of NU to SC and SC to AU showed only seven statistically different variables. Muscle layer thickness was different only when the comparison was made with the RUb group. When p < 0.001, RUa and RUb were not different, nor were NU and AU or SC and NU. Differences were observed between RUb and all the other groups. RUa was different from NU, SC, or AU in 3, 4 or 5 of the 18 variables analyzed. Most of the surface variables were significantly different in RUb in comparison to the other groups. There were also differences between RUa and NU, as well as between NU and SC, in the area of the lamina propria. CONCLUSIONS: Initial ischemia and denervation are not the cause of the observed changes, as these changes are different in both types of free graft. Histomorphometrical studies constitute a useful method in the assessment of differences between ureteral free graft groups. None of the histomorphometric findings is inconsistent with the use of the rat ureter as a free graft.

Experimental study of ureteral free grafts. III. Histological findings.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze histological findings in rat ureter used as free autologous graft and compare them with two controls. METHODS: They were randomly distributed into four groups: NU group (n = 20), ureter from healthy rats; SC group (n = 15), ureter from rats undergoing ureterolysis, the surgical control group; AU group (n = 13), rats with ureter used as ANIFG (autologous non-integrated free graft); RU group (n = 14), rats with ureter used as AIFG (autologous integrated free graft). For the histological study, ureteral cross sections were obtained (A proximal, B middle, and C distal) and kidney (K) was studied. In addition, in the RU group, we obtained one cross section above the proximal suture (D), one below the distal suture (E), and two longitudinal sections of the surgical anastomoses (F and G). RESULTS: The results showed a histological similarity between the NU, SC and AU groups and an apparent viability of all RU group ureters in which necrosis has not been found. SC group: Mild edema could be noted in the lamina propria in some of the sections. None of the three ureteral layers showed any fibrosis or other lesions. AU group: All layers were preserved. The urothelium showed changes from mild hyperplasia to a wider area of denudation. Some of the sections showed mild fibrosis in the lamina propria. Nearly all sections showed an increased number of blood vessels in comparison to the NU group. Necrosis, fibrosis or loss of ureteral lumen were not usually observed. RU group with correct functional result (RUa): This group consisted of seven cases. The three layer structure was preserved, although some sections showed some ureteral disorganization. Three cases showed foci of fibrosis in the lamina propria. Some ureteral segments had abundant subepithelial blood vessels. The muscle layer was also preserved, with increased vasculature and in some cases partial fibrosis. The RU group with poor functional results comprised six animals. All the ureteral layers could be identified, although they had more abnormalities and "disorderly" appearance than the RUa. CONCLUSIONS: Rat ureter can be used as a free autologous graft. Both AIFG and ANIFG can be utilized as homologous grafts in order to study ureteral immunological changes. When the ureter was used as ANIFG, no significant necrosis or fibrosis were observed and only a slight reduction in diameter was noted. The AIFG graft can result in ureteral integration that allows normal function.

[Barcelona pouch. An external continent urinary diversion]. / Barcelona Pouch. Una derivación urinaria externa continente.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new technique for external continent urinary diversion based on the Vesica Ileale Padovana technique (VIP) with a continent hydraulic valve, which obviates the need for external permanent collecting urinary systems. METHODS: An ileal neobladder was created following the VIP technique to which we added a modified Benchekroun continent hydraulic valve utilizing mechanical sutures. RESULTS: A continent heterotopic neobladder was achieved. The technique was easy to perform and permitted preservation of the upper urinary tract due to the pouch's low internal pressures. CONCLUSIONS: In our view, this technique is a valid alternative in patients unamenable to orthotopic diversion and are able to perform self-catheterization.

Experimental study of ureteral free grafts. II. Urographic findings of integrated graft.

OBJECTIVE: An experimental study was conducted in rats to assess urographically the function of the integrated autologous free graft (IAFG) of the ureter, in which the ureter is reimplanted after being extracted from the animal's body and involves complete devascularization and ureteral ischemia. METHODS: The technique employed included direct vascular injection of contrast (iliac vein). The 40 rats were randomly distributed into three groups: NU group (n = 20), normal ureter; SC group (n = 15), surgical control, only ureterolysis; RU group (n = 14), reimplanted ureter as IAFG. RESULTS: The results show the urographic characteristics of the normal ureter (NU). The SC group IVUS were not distinct from those of the NU group. In the RU group, the segment of the ureter used as IAFG showed a normal or abnormal urographic image, depending on the result of the anastomosis. No ureteral fistula or leakage was observed in the urograms.