Distinct spatial landscapes in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma as revealed by whole transcriptome analysis.

Background: Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive form of renal cancer and a paradigm of inter- and intratumor heterogeneity. We carried out an exploratory digital spatial profiling of the tumor interior and periphery of two ccRCC tumor specimens and mapped spatially the molecular and cellular composition of their tumor microenvironment and ecosystem. Materials and methods: Digital spatial profiling of the whole transcriptome of 19 regions of interest (ROIs) was carried out from two selected highly immunogenic stage pT3a/grade 3 (G3) and stage pT3a/grade 4 (G4) ccRCC. A total of 9-10 ROIs were selected from distinct areas from each tumor, including tumor interior and tumor periphery, and differences in gene expression were analyzed by RNA sequencing, pathway enrichment analysis, and cell deconvolution. Results: The distinct areas from the two locally advanced tumors displayed unique gene expression spatial patterns defining distinct biological pathways. Dimensional reduction analysis showed that the G3 ccRCC, compared to the G4 ccRCC, correlated with more variability between regions from the tumor interior and tumor periphery. Cell deconvolution analysis illustrated higher abundance of immune cells, including macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells, and CD4 T cells, and lower abundance of regulatory T cells in the tumor periphery compared to the tumor interior. Conclusions: Transcriptome spatial profiling revealed high inter- and intratumor heterogeneity in the analyzed tumors and provided information with potential clinical utility. This included the finding of less intratumor heterogeneity and more tumor-infiltrated T cells in the ccRCC tumor specimen with a higher grade.

Development of castration resistance in prostate cancer patients treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa): results of the ANARESISTANCE study.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the percentage of patients with prostate cancer treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa) that develop castration resistance after a follow-up period of 3 years. The secondary objective is to evaluate the variables potentially related to the progression to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS: A post-authorization, nation-wide, multicenter, prospective, observational, and longitudinal study that included 416 patients treated with LHRHa between 2012 and 2017 is presented. Patients were followed for 3 years or until development of CRPC, thus completing a per-protocol population of 350 patients. A Cox regression analysis was carried out to evaluate factors involved in progression to CRPC. RESULTS: After 3 years of treatment with LHRHa 18.2% of patients developed CRPC. In contrast, in the subgroup analysis, 39.6% of the metastatic patients developed CRPC, compared with 8.8% of the non-metastatic patients. The patients with the highest risk of developing CRPC were those with a nadir prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > 2 ng/ml (HR 21.6; 95% CI 11.7-39.8; p < 0.001) and those receiving concomitant medication, most commonly bicalutamide (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1-3.1, p = 0.0431). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of metastatic patients developing CRPC after 3 years of treatment with LHRHa is consistent with what has been previously described in the literature. In addition, this study provides new findings on CRPC in non-metastatic patients. Concomitant medication and nadir PSA are statistically significant predictive factors for the time to diagnosis of CRPC, the nadir PSA being the strongest predictor.

Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: experience at an epilepsy centre.

OBJECTIVE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. CONCLUSION: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications.

Estereoelectroencefalografía en la evaluación prequirúrgica de epilepsias focales refractarias: experiencia de un centro de epilepsia / Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: Experience at an epilepsy centre

Objetivo: La estereoelectroencefalografía (E-EEG) es una técnica de evaluación prequirúrgica en pacientes con epilepsia focal refractaria de difícil localización (EFRDL) que permite explorar con electrodos profundos regiones cerebrales de difícil acceso y la profundidad de la corteza. Esta técnica, en auge en centros internacionales, apenas se ha desarrollado en España. Describimos nuestra experiencia con la E-EEG en la evaluación de pacientes con EFRDL. Material y métodos: En los últimos 8 años, 71 pacientes con EFRDL fueron evaluados con E-EEG en nuestro centro. Analizamos prospectivamente los resultados obtenidos en la localización, los resultados quirúrgicos y las complicaciones asociadas a la técnica. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 30 años (rango 4-59 años), 27 pacientes eran mujeres (38%). La RM cerebral fue negativa en 45 pacientes (63,4%). Se implantaron 627 electrodos (mediana de 9 electrodos por paciente, rango 1-17), con un 50% de implantaciones multilobares. En 64 (90,1%) pacientes se localizó la zona epileptógena (ZE), siendo extratemporal o temporal plus en el 66% de los casos. En 55 pacientes de los 61 intervenidos el seguimiento fue superior al año: en el último año de seguimiento 32/55 pacientes (58,2%) estaban libres de crisis (Engel I) siendo los resultados favorables (Engel I-II) en el 76,4% de las intervenciones. Tres pacientes (4,2%) presentaron una hemorragia cerebral. Conclusión: La E-EEG permite localizar la ZE en pacientes en quienes anteriormente no era posible, ofreciendo unos resultados quirúrgicos superiores a otras técnicas invasivas y una tasa de complicaciones relativamente baja. (AU)

Objective: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. Material and methods: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. Results: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. Conclusion: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications. (AU)

Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: Experience at an epilepsy centre. / Estereoelectroencefalografía en la evaluación prequirúrgica de epilepsias focales refractarias: experiencia de un centro de epilepsia.

OBJECTIVE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. CONCLUSION: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications.

Urethral reconstruction in patients previously treated with Memokath™ urethral endoprosthesis. / Reconstrucción uretral en pacientes previamente tratados con endoprótesis uretral Memokath™.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role and success rate of urethral reconstruction in patients with urethral stricture previously treated with thermos-expandable Memokath™ urethral endoprosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A case series of patients with urethral stricture and Memokath™ endoprosthesis treated with urethroplasty is presented. Reconstruction was decided due to stricture progression or complications derived from primary stent treatment. Age, stricture and stent length, time between stent placement and urethroplasty, mode of stent retrieval, type of urethroplasty, complications and voiding parameters before and after urethroplasty were evaluated. Successful outcome was defined as standard voiding, without need of any postoperative procedure. RESULTS: Eight cases with bulbar urethra stricture were included. Memokath™ was endoscopically retrieved before urethroplasty in 6 (75%) and by open urethrotomy at the time of urethroplasty in 2 (25%). Technique of urethroplasty was dorso-lateral onlay buccal mucosa graft in 5 (62.5%) cases and excision and primary anastomosis, anastomotic urethroplasty, and dorsal onlay buccal mucosa graft in one (12.5%) case each. There was no failure at 26±21.5 months median follow-up. Total IPSS, QoL, Qmax and postvoid residual significantly improved (P<.05). The only complication presented was epididymitis and penile shortening in one patient (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Urethroplasty after re-stricture or other complications in patients with temporary Memokath™ urethral stent is a viable and definite option of reconstruction with excellent results in the short term and few complications. One-side dorsolateral onlay buccal mucosa graft augmentation is the optimal technique for this indication.

Adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS®) as treatment of stress urinary incontinence secondary to transurethral resection of the prostate. / Sistema masculino transobturador ajustable (ATOMS®) como tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo secundaria a resección transuretral de la próstata.

OBJECTIVES: Feasibility study to evaluate efficacy and safety of Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS®) for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after transurethral resection of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were implanted ATOMS® for SUI caused by transurethral resection of the prostate with or without radiotherapy. Incontinence severity was evaluated as mild (2 pads/day), moderate (3-5 pads/day) or severe (≥6pads/day), and dryness as none or one security pad/day. Changes in pad-test and pad-count after adjustment were investigated, together with operative parameters, patient satisfaction with the procedure, and number and grade of complications (Clavien-Dindo). RESULTS: Median age was 76.5years. Five patients received previous pelvic radiation (3 prostate, 2 rectal cancer) and 2 (10%) previous failed artificial urinary sphincter with urethral erosion and mechanical failure, respectively. Preoperative SUI was mild in 4 (20%), moderate in 7 (35%) and severe in 9 (45%). Median filling of the system was 13.5ml. Median pad-test decreased from 375±855ml baseline to 10±31.5ml and pad-count from 4±3 to 0±1.5 after adjustment (1±3fillings). Postoperative SUI distribution was mild in 2 (10%), moderate in one (5%) and severe in 2 (10%). Satisfaction rate was 80%, equal for transurethral resection of the prostate with/without previous radiotherapy. No patient had urinary retention after catheter removal. Complications presented in 3 (15%) patients, all minor. After median 38.5mo follow-up no system has been removed, 19 (95%) self-considered better than before and 11 (55%) very much better. CONCLUSION: Based on short-term efficacy and patient satisfaction ATOMS® can be considered a realistic alternative for SUI after transurethral resection of the prostate, even after irradiation. Absence of urethral erosion and very limited problems make this alternative especially attractive for cases with diminished dexterity, advanced age and previous failed treatments.

Treatment of stress urinary incontinence after prostatectomy with the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS®) with preattached scrotal port. / Tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo tras prostatectomía con el sistema masculino transobturador ajustable (ATOMS®) con puerto escrotal premontado.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant sequela of prostate cancer surgery. In this article, we present the surgical technique and safety and efficacy of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS®) with preattached scrotal port. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An open prospective study was conducted at a university hospital with the main objective of changing the baseline condition after adjustment in the daily pad count and their wet weight (pad test). The secondary objectives were the quality-of-life assessment (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF] and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 [IIQ-7], baseline and after the adjustment), patient-perceived results (Patient Global Index [PGI] and Global Response Assessment [GRA] at 1 year) and assessment of complications according to Clavien-Dindo. The numerical values are expressed in median ± IQR. RESULTS: We analysed 60 consecutive patients with a follow-up of 21±22 months. The baseline pad-test was 465±450mL, and the pad-count was 5+3 pads/day. The baseline SUI was mild (11.6% of patients), moderate (25%) and severe (63.3%). The operative time was 60±25min, the hospital stay was 1±0 days, and the visual analogue scale of pain on day 1 after surgery was 0±1. The total filling was 16.5±7mL, and the number of refillings was 1±2. The pad-test and pad-count after the adjustment were 0±20mL and 0±1, respectively (both p<.0001 compared with baseline). SUI disappeared (81.7%) or remained mild (11.7%), moderate (5%) or severe (1.6%). We observed a reduction in the ICIQ-SF (p<.0001) and IIQ-7 scores (p=.0003). Both continence (p=.002) and satisfaction (p=.03) were lower in the irradiated patients. Complications occurred in 11 cases (18.6%), 8 (13.5%) of which were grade I and 3 (5.1%) of which were grade 3. The treatment satisfaction rate was 91.7%, and the patient-perceived overall improvement at 1 year was highly pronounced (PGI-I score, 1±1; GRA, 6±1). CONCLUSIONS: SUI treatment of men using third-generation ATOMS® is safe and effective in the short-term, even in patients with severe SUI. The rate of dry patients after the adjustment exceeded 80%, and the satisfaction rates exceeded 90%. The patients assessed this treatment highly positively.

The personal and professional face of the Basque urologist José Julián Guimón Rezola (1898-1980). / Semblante humano y profesional del urólogo vasco José Julián Guimón y Rezola (1898­1980).

OBJECTIVE: To understand certain outstanding aspects of the life of the Basque surgeon and urologist Julián Guimón Rezola. His personal and bibliographic documentary legacy helps reconstruct his works and personal character. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the written works of Julián Guimón Rezola and a collection of documents, letters, photographs, illustrations and objects from his personal and professional life, accessed through his family. We analysed the content of the author's main publications and related the documents to historic facts. RESULTS: Julián Guimón Rezola was an upstanding individual, a father, a family man and a nationalist before the struggle, who was dedicated to his work and particularly to teaching and health management. He started his urological career under the direction of Francisco Pérez Andrés in the Santo Civil Hospital of Bilbao. He endured unjust repression for participating in the creation of the Basque University in 1936. Sentenced to life imprisonment, he stated a new life as a reclusive surgeon in the prison of Puerto de Santa María. He was pardoned three years later but was deprived of all his offices and disqualified from civil service. He founded his clinic and maintained his training in the United States. He presided over the Medical-Surgical Insurance Group of Bilbao (Igualatorio Médico-Quirúrgico) and, on 2 occasions, the Bilbao Academy of Medical Sciences. He was considerably active professionally and focused on social medicine and modern urology. He wrote 104 scientific articles, a number of which were of considerable quality and impact. We observed an evolution in the subject matter of these articles, all with exquisite professionalism and humanity. He corresponded with renowned practitioners and was admitted to the Spanish Royal National Academy of Medicine in 1970. He ended his career with an appointment as honorary professor at the University of the Basque Country 2 years before his death. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon urologist Julián Guimón Rezola was a fundamental figure in Basque and Spanish medicine in the 20th century. He was the victim of a severe reprisal, not so much for political issues but rather for his institutional loyalty. However, he regained his professional and academic prestige. His written works reveal modern medicine with a considerable social foundation and the mind of a brilliant health manager.

Trends in the management of urolithiasis in Latin America, Spain and Portugal: results of a survey in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU). / Tendencias en el manejo de la litiasis urinaria en América Latina, España y Portugal: resultados de una encuesta en la Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in the current management of urolithiasis in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU) setting to recognise patterns of clinical practice and identify educational needs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An online survey was created with 31 multiple-choice questions (Spanish and Portuguese) through www.caunet.org, which revealed demographic data, patterns of clinical practice and approaches for specific clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 463 practitioners from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, Chile and other countries (3.96% of the members of CAU) completed the survey. All participants performed some type of urolithiasis treatment: 98.5% performed semirigid ureteroscopy (URS), 83.8% performed percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), 78.2% performed flexible URS, and 67.2% performed extracorporeal lithotripsy. The youngest physicians tended to perform PCNL (P<.001), and the proportion of users of flexible URS was greater in the Portuguese countries (P=.037). The main energy source was laser (60.7%). Small-calibre PCNL was performed by 15.3% of the respondents, more often in university hospitals (P<.01) and by older practitioners (P<.01). Only 3.2% of the respondents used percutaneous access to the kidney guided exclusively by ultrasound, especially the older practitioners (P<.001). The supine position was used by 40.4% of the respondents, more often in Spain (P<.001) and in the university setting (P=.017). PCNL without nephrostomy was practiced by 3.9% of the respondents. For flexible URS, 19.2% of the respondents did not use ureteral access sheaths, and the older practitioners preferred thinner calibre sheaths (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The management of lithiasis in the CAU setting follows a profile similar to that recognised in the European and American clinical guidelines, although there are interesting variations based on the practitioner's age and preferences. We identified potential areas for improvement in small-calibre PCNL and ultrasound-guided puncture.

Prospective study comparing laparoscopic and open radical cystectomy: Surgical and oncological results. / Estudio prospectivo comparativo entre cistectomía radical laparoscópica y abierta: resultados operatorios y oncológicos.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion is an increasingly widespread operation. Studies are needed to support the oncological effectiveness and safety of this minimally invasive approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A nonrandomised, comparative prospective study between open radical cystectomy (ORC) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) was conducted in a university hospital. The main objective was to compare cancer-specific survival. The secondary objective was to compare the surgical results and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo scale. RESULTS: We treated 156 patients with high-grade invasive bladder cancer with either ORC (n=70) or LRC (n=86). The mean follow-up was 33.5±23.8 (range 12-96) months. The mean age was 66.9+9.4 years, and the male to female ratio was 19:1. Both groups were equivalent in age, stage, positive lymph nodes, in situ carcinoma, preoperative obstructive uropathy, adjuvant chemotherapy and type of urinary diversion. There were no differences between the groups in terms of cancer-specific survival (log-rank; P=.71). The histopathology stage was the only independent variable that predicted the prognosis. The hospital stay (P=.01) and operative transfusion rates (P=.002) were less for LRC. The duration of the surgery was greater for LRC (P<.001). There were no differences in the total complications rate (p=.62) or major complications (P=.69). The risk of evisceration (P=.02), surgical wound infection (P=.005) and pneumonia (P=.017) was greater for ORC. The risk of rectal lesion (P=.017) and urethrorectal fistulae (P=.065) was greater for LRC. CONCLUSION: LRC is an equivalent treatment to ORC in terms of oncological efficacy and is advantageous in terms of transfusion rates and hospital stays but not in terms of operating room time and overall safety. Studies are needed to better define the specific safety profile for each approach.

Comparative study of the B-SAQ, OAB-V8 and OAB-V3 questionnaires as screening tools for overactive bladders in clinical practice. / Estudio comparativo entre los cuestionarios CACV, OAB-V8 y OAB-V3 como herramientas de cribado de vejiga hiperactiva en la práctica clínica.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the capacity shown by 3 self-assessment questionnaires validated in Spanish (B-SAQ, OAB-V8 and OAB-V3) for the screening of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A noninterventional observational study was conducted of men and women older than 30 years evaluated in primary care consultations. The clinical diagnosis of OAB was conducted through a case history review, physical examination, urine analysis, ultrasonography and voiding diary. The presence of coping strategies and discomfort was investigated. The differential diagnosis was established in patients with symptoms not due to OAB. We assessed the correlation between the clinical tests and diagnosis (kappa <.4 poor; .4-.6 moderate; >.6 good; >.8 excellent) and ROC curves to define the capacity to screen the assessed questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 411 patients were investigated. OAB was detected in 207 (50.4%) patients, other causes for the lower urinary tract symptoms were detected in 63 (15.3%), and 141 (34.3%) patients had no diagnosis. The voiding diary suggested OAB in 197 (47.9%) patients. The correlation between the clinical diagnosis and the diagnosis based on the voiding diary was .702. The correlation between the clinical diagnosis and B-SAQ, OAB-V8 and OAB-V3 was .59, .673 and .732, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was .799 for B-SAQ; .837 for OAB-V8 and .867 for OAB-V3 (OAB-V3 vs. OAB-V8, P=.02; OAB-V3 vs. B-SAQ, P<.0001). The AUC for the voiding diary was .852 (OAB-V3 vs. diary, P=.47). CONCLUSIONS: OAB-V3 is a simple questionnaire with excellent performance for screening OAB in a specific population and that is superior to the OAB-V8 and B-SAQ. The accuracy of the voiding diary for the same indication is equivalent to that of the OAB-V3 in our setting.

Survey on graduate education in the Confederación Americana de Urología: Opinions and reality. / Encuesta sobre la formación de postgrado en la Confederación Americana de Urología: opiniones y realidades.

OBJECTIVE: Quality graduate medical training is a concern of Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU), the third largest urological society worldwide. It is important to analyse the diversity in the state training programmes and the feasibility and implications of conducting a common CAU programme. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 20-item questionnaire was distributed to the directors of national societies who are members of the CAU concerning the graduate urological training in their institutions. RESULTS: A total of 28 presidents and expresidents representing 21 countries responded, the total number of independent states that constitute the confederation. In this setting, 664 residents start their training programme every year, in an area that treats 645.4 million inhabitants, with an active professional force of 16,752 specialists. We present data on the realities of the training (length of the programme, core curriculum) and occupation (job access, possible flow between countries) and on how accreditation and re-certification of specialists in these countries are conducted. We also present the opinions on the feasibility of a joint CAU degree, as well as a number of its implications. CONCLUSIONS: The actual graduate training in the CAU setting is heterogeneous in its programmes and in its accreditation and re-certification methods. There is a strong desire to achieve joint degrees, except in Spain and Portugal. To enable joint certification, there will need to be intervention on numerous aspects and levels, redefining the desire for healthcare coverage in each country and considering the possible flow of specialists.

Comparative study of multiport laparoscopy and umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with reusable platform for treating renal masses. / Estudio comparativo entre laparoscopia multipuerto y LESS umbilical con plataforma reutilizable en el tratamiento de las masas renales.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is an increasingly used modality for treating renal masses. We present a prospective comparison between LESS renal surgery and conventional laparoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A comparative paired study was conducted that evaluated the surgical results and complications of patients with renal neoplasia treated with LESS surgery (n=49) or multiport laparoscopy (n=53). The LESS approach was performed with reusable material placed in the navel and double-rotation curved instruments. An additional 3.5-mm port was employed in 69.4% of the cases. We assessed demographic data, the type of technique (nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy), surgical time, blood loss, haemoglobin, need for transfusion, number and severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo), hospital stay, histological data and prognosis. RESULTS: There were no differences in follow-up, age, sex, body mass index, preoperative haemoglobin levels or type of surgery. Conversion occurred in 2 cases (1 in each group). The surgical time was equivalent (P=.6). Intraoperative transfusion (P=.03) and blood loss (P<.0001) was lower with LESS, postoperative haemoglobin levels were higher (P<.0001) and haemostatic agents were used more frequently (P<.0001). There were no differences in the number (P=.6) or severity (P=.47) of complications. The length of stay (P<.0001), the proportion of patients with drainage (P=.04) and the number of days with drainage (P=.0004) were lower in LESS. Twenty-five percent of the lesions operated on with LESS were benign, but the mean size was similar in the 2 groups (P=.5). Tumour recurrence and/or progression were more frequent in multiport laparoscopy (P=.0013). CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical LESS surgery with reusable platform enables various surgical techniques to be performed when treating renal masses, with time consumption and safety comparable to conventional laparoscopy. The LESS approach is advantageous in terms of blood loss and hospital stay.

High-dose rate brachytherapy as monotherapy in prostate cancer: A systematic review of its safety and efficacy. / Braquiterapia de alta tasa de dosis como monoterapia en cáncer de próstata: una revisión sistemática sobre eficacia y seguridad.

CONTEXT: High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is an increasingly popular treatment for patients with localised prostate cancer (PC). OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of HDR-BT as monotherapy in PC. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A systematic literature review was conducted through searches on MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, CDR, ClinicalTrials and EuroScan. We assessed safety and efficacy indicators. SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE: We selected 2 reviews and 12 uncontrolled studies, included in these 2 reviews. In terms of efficacy, local control in 6 studies was 97-100%. The biochemical progression-free survival varied as follows: 85-100% for low risk and 79-92% for high risk. Survival free of metastases was >95% at 8 years, except in one study where the survival rate was 87% at 5 years. The overall survival was ≥95% in 8 studies. In terms of safety, most of the studies recorded acute and long-term genitourinary and gastrointestinal complications, especially grade ≥2. Only 3 studies found grade 4 complications. All studies, except for one without complications, observed genitourinary complications that were more frequent and severe than the gastrointestinal complications. Two studies assessed the quality of life and showed an initial reduction in various domains and subsequent partial or total recovery, except in the sexual domain. CONCLUSIONS: HDR-BT is effective as monotherapy, especially in cases of low to intermediate risk. There is insufficient information on high-risk patients. The short to medium-term toxicity was acceptable. Further research needs to be funded to provide more information on the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment.

Prospective study comparing laparoscopic and open adenomectomy: Surgical and functional results. / Estudio prospectivo comparativo entre adenomectomía laparoscópica y abierta: resultados operatorios y funcionales.

INTRODUCTION: Open adenomectomy (OA) is the surgery of choice for large volume benign prostatic hyperplasia, and laparoscopic adenomectomy (LA) represents a minimally invasive alternative. We present a long-term, prospective study comparing both techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study consecutively included 199 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate volumes>80g who were followed for more than 12 months. The patients underwent OA (n=97) or LA (n=102). We recorded and compared demographic and perioperative data, functional results and complications using a descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 69.2±7.7 years (range 42-87), and the mean prostate volume (measured by TRUS) was 112.1±32.7mL (range 78-260). There were no baseline differences among the groups in terms of age, ASA scale, prostate volume, PSA levels, Qmax, IPSS, QoL or treatments prior to the surgery. The surgical time (P<.0001) and catheter time (P<.0002) were longer in the LA group. Operative bleeding (P<.0001), transfusion rate (P=.0015) and mean stay (P<.0001) were significantly lower in the LA group. The LA group had a lower rate of complications (P=.04), but there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of major complications (Clavien score≥3) (P=.13) or in the rate of late complications (at one year) (P=.66). There were also no differences between the groups in the functional postoperative results: IPSS (P=.17), QoL (P=.3) and Qmax (P=.17). CONCLUSIONS: LA is a reasonable, safe and effective alternative that results in less bleeding, fewer transfusions, shorter hospital stays and lower morbidity than OA. LA has similar functional results to OA, at the expense of longer surgical times and longer catheter times.

Treatment of long anterior urethral stricture associated to lichen sclerosus. / Tratamiento de la estenosis larga de uretra anterior asociada a liquen escleroso.

INTRODUCTION: Panurethral stricture associated with lichen sclerosus is a therapeutic challenge. We present the analysis of our results using two urethroplasty techniques based on oral mucosa graft. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study in patients with long anterior urethral stricture (>8cm) associated with lichen sclerosus. Patients received urethroplasty with oral mucosa graft technique according Kulkarni (n=25) or two-step Johanson-Bracka urethroplasty (n=15). Demographics, operative time, complications (Clavien-Dindo), hospital stay, days with catheter, EAV postoperative pain, failure rate, need for retreatment and functional data including IPSS, QoL, Qmax, post void residual (PVR) are evaluated. RESULTS: In all cases there was involvement of glandular and penile urethra, and in 75% of bulbar urethra. A single graft was used in 22.5%, two in 72.5% and three in 5%. Patients treated at a single step were younger (P=.007). Although the length of the stenosis was equivalent in both techniques (P=.96), relapse and complication rates were higher in two-step surgery (P=.05 and P=.03; respectively) and so was operative time (P<.0001) and overall stay (P=.0002). There were no differences in preoperative IPSS, QoL, Qmax or PVR, neither in postoperative values of IPSS or Qmax; but there was a difference in QoL (P=.006) and PVR (P=.03) favouring single-step urethroplasty. VAS pain on postoperative day 1 was also lower in Kulkarni urethroplasty than in the first step of Johanson-Bracka technique (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with lichen sclerosus and long anterior urethral stricture Kulkarni urethroplasty provides more efficient and better patient reported outcomes than Johanson-Bracka urethroplasty. It also prevents cosmetic, sexual and voiding temporary deterioration inherent to 2-step surgery.