Alfonso de la Peña Pineda y el Intercambio urológico por correspondencia / Alfonso de la Peña Pineda and the Urology exchange by correspondence

Introducción: Los hermanos Alfonso y Emilio de la Peña Pineda propusieron en 1943 crear un sistema de comunicación por correspondencia como en Norteamérica, idea bien aceptada por los urólogos españoles, y que llevó por título Intercambio urológico por correspondencia. Material y métodos: Lectura minuciosa y análisis pormenorizado del contenido de 1944 a 1953, con un promedio de 3 páginas tamaño folio de cada ejemplar. Resultado: Se enviaron 105 números que contienen 234 comunicaciones urológicas, firmadas por 67 urólogos españoles, 2 portugueses y un cirujano general, 39 son traducciones de la publicación similar norteamericana. La temática corresponde a casos personales curiosos o raros, sobre situaciones o problemas de la enfermedad urológica más habitual en la época, de los que únicamente destacan una veintena de artículos. En general el contenido es de poca utilidad e interés, motivo por el que decreció paulatinamente la colasiiboración hasta desaparecer. Conclusión: La propuesta fue respondida mayoritariamente por quienes mantenían relación con la cátedra de Urología de la Facultad de Medicina de Madrid, dirigida por Alfonso de la Peña. La temática cifrada en casos clínicos personales, faltos de interés en su mayoría, llevó a disminuir paulatinamente la aportación de comunicaciones hasta su cese. Sobresalen únicamente unos pocos artículos. El mayor valor del trabajo lo constituye recoger y analizar el contenido de la que sea muy probablemente la única colección completa existente, ya que al no ser editada por imprenta y ser su distribución solo como correspondencia no se ha encontrado en las bibliotecas públicas

Introduction: In 1943, the brothers Alfonso and Emilio de la Peña Pineda proposed creating a communication system by correspondence as in North America, an idea welcomed by Spanish urologists, a system that was named the Urology Exchange by Correspondence. Material and methods: A thorough reading and detailed analysis was conducted of content from 1944 to 1953, with an average of 3 pages of folio size of each copy. Result: A total of 105 issues containing 234 urological presentations were sent, signed by 67 Spanish urologists, 2 Portuguese urologists and 1 general surgeon. Thirty-nine of these presentations were translations of a similar U.S. publication. The subject matter corresponded to curious or rare personal cases, concerning conditions or problems of the most common urological diseases in that era, of which only 20 of those articles stand out. In general, the content is of little use and interest, which prompted the gradual decline in the collaboration until it disappeared. Conclusion: The proposal was answered mostly by those who had a professional relationship with the chair of Urology of the Faculty of Medicine of Madrid directed by Alfonso de la Peña. The subject matter of the personal case studies, most of which lacked importance, lead to the gradual decline in the contribution of presentations until its eventual end. Only a few articles stand out. The study's major value consists of collecting and analysing the content of what is highly likely the only complete collection in existence, given that it was not edited for printing and was distributed only as correspondence and cannot therefore be found in public libraries

Escuelas urológicas españolas (1880-1970) / Spanish urological schools (1880-1970)

Introducción y objetivos: Investigamos el comienzo de la especialización urológica en España, desde finales del siglo xix hasta la institución del sistema de formación (MIR), con el objetivo de dar a conocer los centros y las personas que crearon unidades docentes o escuelas de adiestramiento urológico en las que se especializaron los primeros urólogos españoles. Material y métodos: Extraemos las referencias de los libros de historia de urología, de las publicaciones periódicas urológicas y de los pósteres sobre historia presentados en los congresos de la Asociación Española de Urología, completamos los datos y las fechas con el diccionario histórico de urólogos españoles. Resultado: Son 30 los focos de especialización urológica, 8 contaron con acreditación oficial reconocida por el ministerio correspondiente; de los que no nos consta su oficialidad, son en los servicios de urología de los grandes hospitales del país, los hospitales clínicos universitarios y en escuelas privadas dirigidas por destacados urólogos. Catorce son los núcleos principales, que corresponden cronológicamente a las ciudades de: Madrid, Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Sevilla, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cádiz, Santander, Valencia, Granada, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Oviedo, Zaragoza y Salamanca. Conclusión: La formación urológica en España desde finales del siglo xix y la primera mitad del xx estuvo bien establecida, tanto en centros acreditados oficialmente como en los servicios de urología de los principales hospitales, en los clínicos universitarios y en escuelas y clínicas privadas, dirigidas por urólogos bien preparados, que garantizaba una adecuada docencia y adiestramiento, método que persistió hasta la institución del sistema MIR en 1970

Introduction and objectives: We researched the start of urological specialisation in Spain, from the end of the 19th century to the institution of the education system (resident medical intern) to learn about the centres and individuals who created the urological teaching units and training schools in which the first Spanish urologists specialised their training. Material and methods: We extracted the references from books on the history of urology, from periodic urological publications and from the posters on history submitted to the congresses of the Spanish Urological Association and filled in the data and dates with the Historical Dictionary of Spanish Urologists. Result: There are 30 urological specialization centres, 8 with official accreditation recognised by the corresponding ministry but whose official status is unknown. These centres are in the urology departments of large Spanish hospitals, university clinic hospitals and in private schools directed by notable urologists. There are 14 main centres, corresponding chronologically to the following cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Cadiz, Santander, Valencia, Granada, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Oviedo, Zaragoza and Salamanca. Conclusion: Urological training in Spain from the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century was well-established, both in officially accredited centres and in the urology departments of the main hospitals, in university clinic hospitals and in private schools and clinics. The training was directed by experienced urologists who ensured proper teaching and training, a method that persisted until the institution of the resident medical intern system in 1970

Spanish urological schools (1880-1970). / Escuelas urológicas españolas (1880-1970).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We researched the start of urological specialisation in Spain, from the end of the 19th century to the institution of the education system (resident medical intern) to learn about the centres and individuals who created the urological teaching units and training schools in which the first Spanish urologists specialised their training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We extracted the references from books on the history of urology, from periodic urological publications and from the posters on history submitted to the congresses of the Spanish Urological Association and filled in the data and dates with the Historical Dictionary of Spanish Urologists. RESULT: There are 30 urological specialization centres, 8 with official accreditation recognised by the corresponding ministry but whose official status is unknown. These centres are in the urology departments of large Spanish hospitals, university clinic hospitals and in private schools directed by notable urologists. There are 14 main centres, corresponding chronologically to the following cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Cadiz, Santander, Valencia, Granada, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Oviedo, Zaragoza and Salamanca. CONCLUSION: Urological training in Spain from the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century was well-established, both in officially accredited centres and in the urology departments of the main hospitals, in university clinic hospitals and in private schools and clinics. The training was directed by experienced urologists who ensured proper teaching and training, a method that persisted until the institution of the resident medical intern system in 1970.

Alfonso de la Peña Pineda and the Urology exchange by correspondence. / Alfonso de la Peña Pineda y el Intercambio urológico por correspondencia.

INTRODUCTION: In 1943, the brothers Alfonso and Emilio de la Peña Pineda proposed creating a communication system by correspondence as in North America, an idea welcomed by Spanish urologists, a system that was named the Urology Exchange by Correspondence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A thorough reading and detailed analysis was conducted of content from 1944 to 1953, with an average of 3 pages of folio size of each copy. RESULT: A total of 105 issues containing 234 urological presentations were sent, signed by 67 Spanish urologists, 2 Portuguese urologists and 1 general surgeon. Thirty-nine of these presentations were translations of a similar U.S. publication. The subject matter corresponded to curious or rare personal cases, concerning conditions or problems of the most common urological diseases in that era, of which only 20 of those articles stand out. In general, the content is of little use and interest, which prompted the gradual decline in the collaboration until it disappeared. CONCLUSION: The proposal was answered mostly by those who had a professional relationship with the chair of Urology of the Faculty of Medicine of Madrid directed by Alfonso de la Peña. The subject matter of the personal case studies, most of which lacked importance, lead to the gradual decline in the contribution of presentations until its eventual end. Only a few articles stand out. The study's major value consists of collecting and analysing the content of what is highly likely the only complete collection in existence, given that it was not edited for printing and was distributed only as correspondence and cannot therefore be found in public libraries.

Análisis de los artículos de Historia publicados en Actas Urológicas Españolas / Analysis of historical articles published in Actas Urológicas Españolas

Objetivo: Al cumplirse el cuadragésimo aniversario de la edición de Actas Urológicas Españolas, evaluamos los artículos aparecidos sobre Historia, con la finalidad de conocer la proporción que representan, analizar la temática investigada y su relevancia, conocer a los autores, los principales centros de estudio y el interés que los trabajos ofrecen para el conocimiento de la especialidad. Material y métodos: Extraemos de sus páginas cuantos temas de contenido histórico aparecen publicados entre enero de 1976 y diciembre de 2016. Resultado: Son 103 los trabajos de Historia, que representan un 3% del total de artículos, con una media de 2,57 publicados anualmente, escritos por 127 urólogos diferentes, como primer autor hay 59 y como coautores 68; ejercen sobre todo en 21 de los principales hospitales universitarios del país; 43 de los artículos son obra personal firmada por uno solo. Abarcan en su contenido principalmente los hechos de la urología española desde el Renacimiento hasta el siglo xx, con especial énfasis en la semblanza de los especialistas españoles, de 22 de ellos se aportan datos en 37 artículos. La evolución de los procedimientos de diagnóstico y de tratamiento, tanto médicos como quirúrgicos expuestos, se ve bien reflejada, al igual que algunas enfermedades. Conclusión: La mayoría son trabajos personales de investigación histórica y representan un 3% del total de artículos. En su conjunto la calidad es alta y aportan datos con interesantes detalles y provechosas reseñas, que les confieren un gran valor, además de conformar un preciado compendio para el conocimiento de la Historia de la urología española, de muy recomendable lectura

Objective: On the 40 th anniversary of the edition of Actas Urológicas Españolas, we assess the articles on history to determine the proportion represented, analysing the study subjects and their relevance, getting to know the authors, the main study centres and the interest that the studies offer for understanding the specialty. Material and methods: We extracted as many subjects of historic content from the journal as were published between January 1976 and December 2016. Result: There were 103 historical studies representing 3% of the total number of articles, with a mean of 2.57 articles published annually, written by 127 separate urologists. As first author, there were 59 articles, and as coauthors, there were 68. The main activity came from 21 of the main university hospitals in Spain, and 43 of the articles were personal articles signed by a single individual. Their content mainly covers the facts of Spanish urology from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with special emphasis on the profile of Spanish specialists. Data on 22 of these specialists are provided in 37 articles. The evolution of diagnostic and treatment procedures, both medical and surgical, are well reflected, as are a number of diseases. Conclusion: Most of the studies are personal works of historical research and represent 3% of the total number of articles. As a whole, the quality is high, and the articles provide data with interesting details and useful reviews, giving them considerable value, as well as forming a precious compendium for the understanding of the history of Spanish urology. These articles are highly recommended Reading

Analysis of historical articles published in Actas Urológicas Españolas. / Análisis de los artículos de Historia publicados en Actas Urológicas Españolas.

OBJECTIVE: On the 40th anniversary of the edition of Actas Urológicas Españolas, we assess the articles on history to determine the proportion represented, analysing the study subjects and their relevance, getting to know the authors, the main study centres and the interest that the studies offer for understanding the specialty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We extracted as many subjects of historic content from the journal as were published between January 1976 and December 2016. RESULT: There were 103 historical studies representing 3% of the total number of articles, with a mean of 2.57 articles published annually, written by 127 separate urologists. As first author, there were 59 articles, and as coauthors, there were 68. The main activity came from 21 of the main university hospitals in Spain, and 43 of the articles were personal articles signed by a single individual. Their content mainly covers the facts of Spanish urology from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with special emphasis on the profile of Spanish specialists. Data on 22 of these specialists are provided in 37 articles. The evolution of diagnostic and treatment procedures, both medical and surgical, are well reflected, as are a number of diseases. CONCLUSION: Most of the studies are personal works of historical research and represent 3% of the total number of articles. As a whole, the quality is high, and the articles provide data with interesting details and useful reviews, giving them considerable value, as well as forming a precious compendium for the understanding of the history of Spanish urology. These articles are highly recommended reading.

Luis Sánchez Granjel (1920-2014) y su contribución a la Historia de la urología española / Luis Sánchez Granjel (1920-2014) and his contribution to the History of Spanish urology

No disponible

El proceso de producción de "Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires", tesis doctoral de Joaquin Albarrán en la Facultad de Medicina de París / The production process of "Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires", Doctoral Thesis of Joaquin María Albarrán at the Faculty of Medicine in Paris

Objetivos: El manuscrito de la tesis doctoral de Joaquín Albarrán de la Facultad de Medicina de París «Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires» ha sido donado a la Asociación Española de Urología. La comparación directa del material original e impreso da información del proceso de producción de esta obra maestra. Material y métodos: La comparación directa entre el trabajo original escrito a mano, un solo volumen de tapa dura con lomo de tela y papel de agua, estaba compuesta por 145 páginas numeradas y 206 páginas numeradas de nuevo de datos clínico-patológicos (37 sujetos) y experimentales (19 ensayos en 20 conejos) y el trabajo impreso editado por Georges Steinheil en 1889. Las impresiones incluían 4 láminas con 14 figuras, 9 gráficos de temperatura y 5 tablas que describen los exámenes de orina. Las figuras eran tricrómicas y los gráficos y tablas en blanco y negro. Las cromolitografías fueron producidas por el Sr. Leuba en la impresión propiedad de Lemercier et Cie, París. Resultados: El trabajo original fue terminado en 1888 sin ningún tipo de corrección o supresión. Las diferencias son notables entre el texto en el trabajo original e impreso: reordenamiento de los datos e inclusión de una nueva observación clínica, 5 nuevos experimentos, resumen y dedicatorias. Los cambios en la iconografía son notables. La obra maestra incluía 24 láminas (numeradas del 1 al 22, 13bis, 16bis) con 46 figuras (44 en color) integradas en el texto y 26 registros de temperatura a doble página que acompañan a las observaciones clínicas. Ilustraciones anatómicas, histológicas y microbiológicas, incluidos los medios de cultivo, tintes microbiológicos y preparados histobacteriológicos se representaron como acuarelas (44%), acuarelas compuestas con lápiz o tinta (52%), o dibujos a lápiz (4%). Cuatro (9%) fueron firmadas por el autor, 5 (11%) tenían anotaciones numéricas y solo 14 (30%) fueron definitivamente impresas con pérdida del componente negro y vueltas a dibujar de 4/14 (29%) imágenes. No se imprimieron las imágenes más grandes. Conclusiones: Joaquín Albarrán describió e ilustró a la perfección el papel que E. coli (pyogenic bacillus) desempeña en la infección renal, la bacteriemia, la insuficiencia renal por sepsis y la muerte del paciente. La evolución de la pielonefritis a perinefritis y absceso perinéfrico se interpretó magistralmente, describiendo por primera vez la infección ascendente y la diseminación peritubular linfática de las bacterias. Las diferencias detectadas entre el trabajo escrito e impreso son numerosas, y pueden explicarse por las correcciones del profesor Guyon antes de la presentación definitiva y por el proceso técnico para llevar a cabo las litografías

Objectives: The manuscript of the Doctoral Thesis of Joaquín Albarrán in the Faculty of Medicine in Paris "Étudesur le Rein des Urinaires" has been donated to Asociación Española de Urología. Direct comparison of the original and printed material gives information of the production process of this master work. Material and Methods: Direct comparison between the original hand-written work, a single hard bound volume covered with loin cloth and water paper composed of 145 numbered pages plus 206 newly numbered pages of clinico-pathological (37 subjects) and experimental (19 assays in 20 rabbits) data, and the printed work edited by Georges Steinheil in 1889. Prints included 4 plates with 14 figures, 9 temperature charts and 5 tables describing urine examinations. Figures were trichromic and charts and tables black & white. Chromolithographs were produced by Mr. Leuba in the printing owned by Lemercier et Cie, Paris. Results: The original work was completed in 1887 without any correction or deletion. Differences are noticeable between the text in the master and printed works: rearrangement of data and inclusion of a new clinical observation, 5 new experiments, summary and dedications. Changes in iconography are noticeable. The masterwork included 24 plates (numbered from 1 to 22, 13bis, 16bis) with 46 figures (44 colored) integrated within the text and 26 double-page temperature registries that accompany clinical observations. Anatomical, histological and microbiological illustrations, including culture media, microbiological stains and histobacteriological preparations were depicted as watercolors (44%), watercolors mixed with pencil or ink (52%) or pencil drawings (4%). Four (9%) were signed by the author, 5 (11%) had numerical annotations and only 14 (30%) were definitely printed with loss of the black component and redrawn of 4/14 (29%) images. The largest images were not printed. Conclusions: Joaquín Albarrán described and beautifully illustrated himself the role "pyogenic bacillus" (E. coli) played in renal infection, bacteriemia, renal failure sepsis and patient death. The evolution of pyelonephritis to perinephritis and perinephric abscess was masterly interpreted, with new description of ascending infection and lymphatic peritubular dissemination of bacteria. The differences detected between written and printed work are numerous and can be explained by the corrections of Prof. Guyon before definite presentation and the technical process to perform the lithographs

The production process of "Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires", doctoral thesis of Joaquin María Albarrán at the Faculty of Medicine in Paris.

OBJECTIVES: The manuscript of the Doctoral Thesis of Joaquín Albarrán in the Faculty of Medicine in Paris "Étudesur le Rein des Urinaires" has been donated to Asociación Española de Urología. Direct comparison of the original and printed material gives information of the production process of this master work. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Direct comparison between the original hand-written work, a single hard bound volume covered with loin cloth and water paper composed of 145 numbered pages plus 206 newly numbered pages of clinico-pathological (37 subjects) and experimental (19 assays in 20 rabbits) data, and the printed work edited by Georges Steinheil in 1889. Prints included 4 plates with 14 figures, 9 temperature charts and 5 tables describing urine examinations. Figures were trichromic and charts and tables black & white. Chromolithographs were produced by Mr. Leuba in the printing owned by Lemercier et Cie, Paris. RESULTS: The original work was completed in 1887 without any correction or deletion. Differences are noticeable between the text in the master and printed works: rearrangement of data and inclusion of a new clinical observation, 5 new experiments, summary and dedications. Changes in iconography are noticeable. The masterwork included 24 plates (numbered from 1 to 22, 13bis, 16bis) with 46 figures (44 colored) integrated within the text and 26 double-page temperature registries that accompany clinical observations. Anatomical, histological and microbiological illustrations, including culture media, microbiological stains and histobacteriological preparations were depicted as watercolors (44%), watercolors mixed with pencil or ink (52%) or pencil drawings (4%). Four (9%) were signed by the author, 5 (11%) had numerical annotations and only 14 (30%) were definitely printed with loss of the black component and redrawn of 4/14 (29%) images. The largest images were not printed. CONCLUSIONS: Joaquín Albarrán described and beautifully illustrated himself the role "pyogenic bacillus" (E. coli) played in renal infection, bacteriemia, renal failure sepsis and patient death. The evolution of pyelonephritis to perinephritis and perinephric abscess was masterly interpreted, with new description of ascending infection and lymphatic peritubular dissemination of bacteria. The differences detected between written and printed work are numerous and can be explained by the corrections of Prof. Guyon before definite presentation and the technical process to perform the lithographs.

Semblante humano y profesional de D. Pedro Cifuentes Díaz (1881-1960) / Human and Professional Aspects of Mr. Pedro Cifuentes Díaz (1881-1960)

Objetivo: Dar a conocer algunos aspectos sobresalientes de la vida de Pedro Cifuentes Díaz, figura destacada de la Urología española, quien sirvió a la Asociación Española de Urología un total de 31 años. Su legado iconográfico y documental personal nos permite recomponer mejor su vida y su semblanza humana. Material y métodos: Se analiza la obra escrita de Pedro Cifuentes Díaz y una colección de 64 documentos personales obtenidos a través del círculo de bibliófilos, 5 de los cuales fueron desestimados como de su propiedad por no haber podido detectarse contexto alguno compatible. El contenido de las principales publicaciones del autor se analiza en su entorno cultural y los documentos gráficos se relacionan con los hechos históricos acontecidos. Resultados: Hijo de médico forense, buen estudiante y opositor. Desarrolló toda su carrera urológica al frente del Servicio de Urología del Hospital de la Princesa de Madrid desde 1910 hasta 1950; adquirió sólida formación en Francia y desarrolló una larga vida profesional con importantes cargos y distinciones. Además, llevó a cabo una gran actividad clínica y científica como publicista, académico, docente y gestor. Fue un pilar fundamental en la Asociación Española de Urología desde su fundación, y llevó a cabo la reorganización de la misma tras la Guerra Civil. Construyó una de las principales escuelas urológicas en nuestro país, donde destacó su hijo Luis Cifuentes Delatte. Conclusiones: Pedro Cifuentes Díaz, de raíces castellanas, fue un infatigable trabajador, académico liberal, comunicador y docente fuera del círculo universitario. Gozó de excelente formación y adquirió una importante proyección internacional y reconocimiento profesional ejerciendo muchos e importantes cargos administrativos y recibiendo numerosos galardones. Fue una de las figuras más destacadas de la Urología española y madrileña durante la primera mitad del siglo xx (AU)

Objectives: Reveal some outstanding aspects from the life of Pedro Cifuentes Díaz, remarkable personality of Spanish Urology, who served the ‘‘Asociación Española de Urología’’ for 31 years. His personal documental iconographic legacy allow us to better recompose his life and human size. Material and methods: Written material and a collection of 64 personal documents that belonged to Pedro Cifuentes Díaz obtained from bibliophiles, 5 of which were not accepted as his property due to the absence of a compatible context, are analyzed. The content of the main publications of the author is contrasted with his cultural environment, and the graphic documents are related with the historical happenings. Results: Son of a forensic doctor, good student and opponent. Pedro Cifuentes spent his entire urologic career heading the service of Urology of the Hospital de la Princesa in Madrid from 1910to 1950. He acquired a solid formation in France and developed a long professional life with important charges and distinctions. Besides, he underwent great clinic and scientific activity as publicist, academic, docent and manager. He was essential in Asociación Española de Urología since its foundation, and conducted its reorganization after Spanish Civil War. He built one of the main urologic schools of Spain, where his son Luis Cifuentes Delatte highlighted. Conclusions: Pedro Cifuentes Díaz was a Castilian man, inexhaustible worker, liberal academic, communicator and teacher outside the university environment. With excellent formation he acquired important international projection and professional acceptance; held many and important administrative charges, and received multiple awards. He was one of the most remarkable figures of Urology in Madrid and Spain during the first half of the 20th Century (AU)

Joaquín María Albarrán y Domínguez (1860-1912). En el centenario de su fallecimiento / Joaquín María Albarrán y Domínguez (1860-1912). In the Centenary of His Death

Contexto: En homenaje a la memoria de Joaquín Albarrán, en el centenario de su fallecimiento, repasamos su biografía, comentamos su obra y resaltamos su actividad urológica como una de las personalidades más importantes de la Urología internacional. Se lleva a cabo la revisión de la bibliografía sobre su persona y de sus textos. Resumen de evidencia: Nacido en Cuba, estudió Medicina en Barcelona; se licenció con sobresaliente en 1877 y marchó a ampliar estudios a París, donde se afincó y comenzó una extraordinaria carrera profesional que lo llevó a ser profesor de Vías Urinarias en la Universidad parisina y jefe de la Clínica de Urología en el Hospital Necker, centro pionero de especialización al que acudían a formarse multitud de médicos de todas las naciones. Escribió 5 libros sobre patología urológica, de gran trascendencia y considerados fundamentales en la literatura de la especialidad; clásicos hoy día, conservan aún vigencia debido a los profundos conocimientos anatomoclínicos y fisiopatológicos expuestos y por la extraordinaria descripción de las técnicas operatorias de las vías urinarias. Conclusiones: Urólogo eminente no solo por la trascendencia que tuvo su obra y por el diseño de la uña que lleva su nombre, además de diversos epónimos urológicos, sino también por su talla humana, su categoría como investigador y su excelencia científica. Su presencia en París hizo que los más destacados urólogos españoles se preparasen a su lado, lo que contribuyó al renacimiento y auge de la Urología en España (AU)

Context: In tribute to the memory of Joaquín Albarrán in the centenary of his death, we review his biography, comment his work and highlight his urological activity as one of the most important persons of international Urology. The literature on his person and texts has been reviewed. Evidence synthesis: Born in Cuba, he studied Medicine in Barcelona, graduating with an outstanding level 1877. He went to Paris to extend his studies where he settled and began an extraordinary professional career that led him to be a Professor of the Urinary Tract in the Parisian University and Chief of the Urology Clinic in the Hospital Necker, a pioneer center of specialization that was attended by many physicians from all nations world. He wrote five books on urology disease, of great importance in the literature on the specialty. These books are currently classics and still maintain their validity due to the profound anatomy-clinical and pathophysiological knowledge explained and the extraordinary description of the urinary tract operation techniques. Conclusions: An eminent urologist, not only because of the importance of his word but also due to design of the nail that carries his name as well as different urological eponyms, his human stature, his category as an investigator and his scientific excellence. Because of presence in Paris, the most important Spanish urologists were prepared at his side, this contributing to the rebirth and boom of the Urology in Spain (AU)

[Human and professional aspects of Mr. Pedro Cifuentes Díaz (1881-1960)]. / Semblante humano y profesional de D. Pedro Cifuentes Díaz (1881-1960).

OBJECTIVES: Reveal some outstanding aspects from the life of Pedro Cifuentes Díaz, remarkable personality of Spanish Urology, who served the "Asociación Española de Urología" for 31 years. His personal documental iconographic legacy allow us to better recompose his life and human size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Written material and a collection of 64 personal documents that belonged to Pedro Cifuentes Díaz obtained from bibliophiles, 5 of which were not accepted as his property due to the absence of a compatible context, are analyzed. The content of the main publications of the author is contrasted with his cultural environment, and the graphic documents are related with the historical happenings. RESULTS: Son of a forensic doctor, good student and opponent. Pedro Cifuentes spent his entire urologic career heading the service of Urology of the Hospital de la Princesa in Madrid from 1910 to 1950. He acquired a solid formation in France and developed a long professional life with important charges and distinctions. Besides, he underwent great clinic and scientific activity as publicist, academic, docent and manager. He was essential in Asociación Española de Urología since its foundation, and conducted its reorganization after Spanish Civil War. He built one of the main urologic schools of Spain, where his son Luis Cifuentes Delatte highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: Pedro Cifuentes Díaz was a Castilian man, inexhaustible worker, liberal academic, communicator and teacher outside the university environment. With excellent formation he acquired important international projection and professional acceptance; held many and important administrative charges, and received multiple awards. He was one of the most remarkable figures of Urology in Madrid and Spain during the first half of the 20(th) Century.

Urología Clínica, boletín del servicio de Urología del Dr. Sánchez Covisa del Hospital Provincial de Madrid, editado entre 1928 y 1936 / Urología Clínica, bulletin of the Urology Service of Dr. Sánchez Covisa of the Hospital Provincial of Madrid, edited between 1928 and 1936

Objetivo: Dar a conocer la gran labor urológica realizada por Sánchez Covisa, tercer jefe del Servicio de Urología del Hospital Provincial de Madrid, que a partir de 1928 consiguió trasformarlo y convertirlo en posiblemente el más destacado de España en ese momento, equiparable al de los mejores hospitales del extranjero. Material y métodos: Analizamos el contenido de la publicación Urología Clínica, que recoge los cambios introducidos y el trabajo llevado a cabo en dicho Servicio entre 1928 y 1936, reflejados en una cuidadosa estadística anual de la asistencia, de las operaciones y de la mortalidad, además de los artículos publicados por los miembros del Servicio junto con una breve reseña biográfica de cada uno. Resultados: En 1914 accedió a la jefatura del Servicio y, tras 14 años, consiguió vencer todos los obstáculos y lograr la ampliación y modernización de sus quirófanos, salas de hospitalización y medios de exploración. En 1931, una vez ultimados los cambios, inició una gran actividad clínica y científica y constituyó una de las principales escuelas urológicas de la primera mitad del siglo XX en nuestro país. Conclusiones: El prestigio que alcanzó la Unidad de Urología del Hospital Provincial de Madrid atrajo pacientes de toda España, muchos de ellos ya tratados u operados en su lugar de origen, lo que ocasionaba que la patología fuera complicada, obteniendo unos aceptables resultados; la calidad y honestidad de su exposición lo hacen merecedor del calificativo asignado. Los trabajos en general son meras revisiones y, en la exposición de casos clínicos, destacan los relativos a la cirugía derivatriz ureterointestinal (AU)

Objective: Make known the important urological work of Sanchez Covisa, third chief of the Urology Service of the Hospital Provincial de Madrid, who beginning in 1928 was able to transform and convert it into possibly the more outstanding one of its time in Spain, comparable to the best hospitals in foreign countries. Material and methods: We have analyzed the contents of the publication Urología Clínica, that collect the changes introduced and the work carried out in said service between 1928 and 1936, reflected in a careful yearly statistics on the care, operations and mortality in addition to the articles published by the members of the Service together with a short bibliographic review of each one. Results: In 1914, he became chief of the Service, and after 14 years, was able to overcome all the obstacles and to extend and modernize the surgery rooms, hospitalization wards and examination resources. In 1931, once the changes were made, he began important clinical and scientific activity, and constituted one of the principal urological schools of the first half of the XXth century in our country. Conclusions: The prestige reached by the Urology Unit of the Hospital Provincial of Madrid attracted patients from all over Spain, many of them treated or operated on in their place of origin. This explains why the condition was complicated with some acceptable results. The quality and honesty of the Urology unit justify its qualification. The works in general are mere reviews and those regarding surgery of the uretero-intestinal shunt stand out (AU)

[Joaquín María Albarrán y Domínguez (1860-1912): in the centenary of his death]. / Joaquín María Albarrán y Domínguez (1860-1912). En el centenario de su fallecimiento.

CONTEXT: In tribute to the memory of Joaquín Albarrán in the centenary of his death, we review his biography, comment his work and highlight his urological activity as one of the most important persons of international Urology. The literature on his person and texts has been reviewed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Born in Cuba, he studied Medicine in Barcelona, graduating with an outstanding level 1877. He went to Paris to extend his studies where he settled and began an extraordinary professional career that led him to be a Professor of the Urinary Tract in the Parisian University and Chief of the Urology Clinic in the Hospital Necker, a pioneer center of specialization that was attended by many physicians from all nations world. He wrote five books on urology disease, of great importance in the literature on the specialty. These books are currently classics and still maintain their validity due to the profound anatomy-clinical and pathophysiological knowledge explained and the extraordinary description of the urinary tract operation techniques. CONCLUSIONS: An eminent urologist, not only because of the importance of his word but also due to design of the nail that carries his name as well as different urological eponyms, his human stature, his category as an investigator and his scientific excellence. Because of presence in Paris, the most important Spanish urologists were prepared at his side, this contributing to the rebirth and boom of the Urology in Spain.

[Urología Clínica, bulletin of the Urology Service of Dr. Sánchez Covisa of the Hospital Provincial of Madrid, edited between 1928 and 1936]. / Urología Clínica, boletín del servicio de Urología del Dr. Sánchez Covisa del Hospital Provincial de Madrid, editado entre 1928 y 1936.

OBJECTIVE: Make known the important urological work of Sanchez Covisa, third chief of the Urology Service of the Hospital Provincial de Madrid, who beginning in 1928 was able to transform and convert it into possibly the more outstanding one of its time in Spain, comparable to the best hospitals in foreign countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have analyzed the contents of the publication Urología Clínica, that collect the changes introduced and the work carried out in said service between 1928 and 1936, reflected in a careful yearly statistics on the care, operations and mortality in addition to the articles published by the members of the Service together with a short bibliographic review of each one. RESULTS: In 1914, he became chief of the Service, and after 14 years, was able to overcome all the obstacles and to extend and modernize the surgery rooms, hospitalization wards and examination resources. In 1931, once the changes were made, he began important clinical and scientific activity, and constituted one of the principal urological schools of the first half of the XXth century in our country. CONCLUSIONS: The prestige reached by the Urology Unit of the Hospital Provincial of Madrid attracted patients from all over Spain, many of them treated or operated on in their place of origin. This explains why the condition was complicated with some acceptable results. The quality and honesty of the Urology unit justify its qualification. The works in general are mere reviews and those regarding surgery of the uretero-intestinal shunt stand out.

[Thirty years of the Oncological Urology Work Group of the Spanish Association of Urology (1978-2008)]. / Treinta años del Grupo de Trabajo de Urología Oncológica de la Asociación Española de Urología (1978-2008).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: June 2008 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the creation of the Oncological Urology Work Group of the AEU in June 1978. A historical review is thus made of the circumstances leading to its creation, with a special focus on the role played by coordinators and the activities carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review is made of the Group's rules, the agendas of its annual meetings, and AEU publications since 1968. Any news about and references to the Group included are analyzed, and direct information from coordinators, as well as personal experiences, are provided. RESULTS: The board of Directors of the AEU created this first Work Group in response to the requests by urologists who wanted to work together to achieve a deeper understanding of urological cancer. Twenty-five meetings directed by seven coordinators who have strived for updating oncological pathology and consolidating the group have been held over these 30 years. CONCLUSIONS: The board of Directors initially suggested the Group's activities, but the personality and scientific quality of the coordinators soon caused them to mark the pace of the work, in which review of all urological tumors, with special emphasis on those of most interest and most controversial at each given point in time, is the primary objective. The most outstanding achievements of the Group have been the publishing of a diagnostic protocol and several books on cancer of the urinary tract, joint work with oncologists, and opening of new research and study lines.

[Baltasar Llopis Mínguez (1934-1990). A pioneer in research on bladder cancer and introduction of computing in Urology]. / Baltasar Llopis Mínguez (1934-1990). Pionero en la investigación del cáncer vesical y en la introducción de la informática en Urología.

OBJECTIVE: To recall the figure of a great Valencian urologist, to emphasize his great personality and humanity, and to draw particular attention to his significant contribution to the study of prognostic factors in urology and estimation of individual oncological risk, as well as to introduction of computing in urology. METHOD: His work, the testimony of colleagues who treated him, and data obtained from his close relatives, as well as our own personal knowledge, are reviewed. Result. Baltasar Llopis was born in Valencia, and obtained his degree and doctorate in Medicine at the Valencia University. He specialized in urology with Dr. Tramoyeres Cases, for whom he acted as assistant surgeon and with whom he shared work at La Fe Hospital, where he carried out his complete urological activity, since its inception. Dr. Llopis opted for oncological research, with a special focus on urothelial tumors. He pioneered diagnosis of these tumors using tumor markers and the study of prognostic factors to assess the individual risk of relapse and to implement a specific chemotherapeutic treatment, which he introduced in clinical practice at La Fe Hospital. He thus demonstrated the two essential components of his personality, his investigative and human sides. CONCLUSION: A multi-faceted person with great skills and intelligence, Dr. Llopis eagerly devoted himself to research aimed at understanding the biological behavior of cancer, particularly urothelial tumors. In the early 80s he pioneered worldwide the development of specific markers, estimations of individual oncological risk, and prognostic factors useful for planning treatment. He was 20 years ahead of the era of predictive nomograms and their clinical INTRODUCTION: In addition to being a forerunner of computing applications in Urology, he designed a database for registration of superficial bladder tumors, which allowed him to perform statistical and multivariate analyses using multiple regression models to predict the risk of relapse.

[Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in challenging cases]. / Nefrectomía laparoscópica asistida por la mano en casos difíciles.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with significant complicating clinical factors. METHODS: A retrospective assessment was made of 100 laparoscopic nephrectomies performed at a single hospital from 2001 to 2005. Patients with a history of prior abdominal surgery, prior procedures on the involved kidney, evidence of perirenal inflammation, renal lesions 10 cm or more in diameter, or level I renal vein thrombosis were enrolled. RESULTS: Twelve patients were enrolled. Of these, 5 had a lesion at least 10 cm in diameter, 2 had renal vein thrombosis, and 5 reported major abdominal surgery. Most patients had more than one of these findings. Three patients showed inflammatory conditions (staghorn calculi) and a T4 renal tumor was successfully treated without conversion to open surgery. Mean operating time and blood loss were 210 minutes and 310 ml respectively, while mean length of hospital stay was 3 days. No patient required conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy is an attractive minimally invasive option for technically challenging tumors and has reasonable operating times, blood losses, and complication rates.

[Does cystocele have a role in bladder outlet obstruction]. / ¿Es realmente el cistocele un factor de obstrucción infravesical?

INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists as to whether cystocele has a causative role in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between cystocele and bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred women undergoing a urodynamic study from December 2007 to December 2008 were retrospectively assessed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A: Patients with no cystocele (Grade 0) and Grade I cystocele Group B: Patients with Grade II-IV cystocele. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Absence of flowmetry or voided volume < 150 ml. 2. Neurological disorders. 3. History of urogenital surgery. Bladder outlet obstruction was defined as follows: Postvoid residue (PVR) > 20%; peak flow (Qmax) < 15 ml/sec; detrusor pressure at maximum flow (PdetQmax) > 25 cm H2O. RESULTS: Group A included 64% of patients, and Group B the remaining 36%. A pathological PVR > 20% was found in 26.6% and 40.3% of patients in Group A and Group B respectively (p=0.04). A Qmax < 15 mL/sec was seen in 15.6% and 27.8% of Group A and Group B patients respectively (p=0.03). A PdetQmax > 25 cm H2O was found in 26.3% and 47.8% of Group A and Group B patients respectively (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant association exists between cystocele and bladder outlet obstruction.