Pielopastia Laparoscópica: Técnica Robótica / Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: Robotic Technique

Múltiples series de pieloplastia laparoscópica han demostrado altos niveles de éxito y escasas complicaciones para población adulta. El uso de robótica facilita la reconstrucción pieloureteral debido a la superioridad en cuanto a visión estereoscópica, precisión de movimientos y filtros anti temblor . Lo que permite además del éxito quirúrgico, una ventaja en términos de técnica mínimamente invasiva y consecuentemente menor estadía hospitalaria. El objetivo del presente video es demostrar la técnica utilizada en nuestro centro para pieloplastia robótica y mostrar una sistematización que simplifica el procedimiento.AU

Multiple series of laparoscopic pyeloplasty have demonstrated high success levels and few complications in the adult population. The use of robotics facilitates pyeloureteral reconstruction due to the superiority in stereoscopic vision, movement precision and anti-tremor filters. The previous provides not only surgical success but also an advantage in terms of minimally invasive technique and consequently less hospital stay. The objective of this video is to demonstrate the technique used in our facilities in robotic pyeloplasty and to show a systematization that simplifies the procedure.

Prostatectomía radical: técnica robotica / Radical Prostatectomy: robotic technique

INTRODUCCIÓN: El constante avance de la tecnología y el desarrollo de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas en cirugía robótica han dado mayores opciones de tratamiento quirúrgico a pacientes con Cáncer de Próstata. Debido a la complejidad anatómica y reducido espacio de la pelvis la cirugía robótica facilita realizar la prostatectomía . La superioridad técnica del sistema con robot en cuanto a visión, libertad de movimiento y precisión, permite una cirugía más segura además de mejorar resultados quirúrgicos, oncológicos y funcionales. El objetivo del presente video es demostrar la técnica utilizada en nuestro centro para prostatectomía radical robótica y mostrar una sistematización que simplifica el procedimiento. DESARROLLO: Se exponen las características del instrumento Madajet, así como su carga y armado. Se realiza el aislamiento y superficialización del conducto deferente derecho mediante técnica de tres dedos, en la cual el cirujano coloca sus dedos índice y medio en la cara posterior del escroto, fijando el deferente con el dedo pulgar en la cara anterior de la pared escrotal. Una vez aislado el deferente se realiza la anestesia local mediante del disparo del dispositivo sobre la pared anterior del escroto, repitiendo el proceso sobre el deferente izquierdo. Se realiza vasectomía sin bisturí mediante aislamiento del deferente en el rafe medio escrotal con clamp de anillo Li Brand®, con posterior punción y divulsión de la piel con pinza aguzada Li Brand® . Se efectúa la exteriorización del conducto deferente y posterior separación de éste de los vasos deferenciales, finalizando con la oclusión y sección del deferente. CONCLUSIONES: La vasectomía con técnica sin bisturí ­ sin aguja con dispositivo Madajet es una cirugía sencilla y reproducible que simplifica y disminuye los costos del procedimiento, lo que podría producir una mayor masificación de la vasectomía como método de control de fertilidad.(AU)

Prevalencia de microdeleciones del cromosoma Y en hombres chilenos infértiles / Y chromosome microdeletion prevalence in infertile Chilean men

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de microdeleciones del cromosomaY en hombres chilenos infértiles. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron 102 hombres con diagnóstico de azoospermia u oligozoospermia severa que consultaron en la Unidad de Andrología por infertilidad. Se llevó a cabo análisis de microdeleciones de la región del factor de azoospermia (AZF) del cromosomaY a través de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, utilizando ADN genómico extraído de leucocitos de sangre periférica. Cada paciente fue analizado utilizando sequence tagged sites para las regiones AZFa, AZFb y AZFc. Resultados. Sesenta y siete pacientes presentaron azoospermia y 35 oligozoospermia severa. Se encontraron microdeleciones del cromosomaY en el 9,8% de los pacientes. La mutación más prevalente fue AZFc, afectando al 3,9% de la muestra, seguida por AZFbc (2,9%), AZFa (2,0%) y AZFb (1,0%). Solo los hombres azoospérmicos presentaron las mutaciones. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de microdeleciones del cromosomaY en hombres chilenos infértiles es similar a la presentada en estudios internacionales. Estas mutaciones deben ser buscadas cuando se enfrenta a un paciente infértil con alteraciones cuantitativas severas del seminograma, ya que AZFa y AZFb están asociados con ausencia completa de gametos viables, y la portación de AZFc tiene importantes consecuencias en el potencial de fertilidad de la descendencia masculina (AU)

Objective. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Ychromosome microdeletions in infertile Chilean men. Material and methods. A group of 102 infertile men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia were screened while attending a fertility clinic for microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region of Ychromosome by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Each patient was analysed for the presence of sequence tagged sites in the AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc regions. Results. Azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia was found in 67 and 35 patients, respectively. Microdeletions were found in 9.8% of patients. The most prevalent mutation was AZFc, affecting 3.9% of the sample. This was followed by AZFbc with 2.9%, AZFa with 2.0%, and AZFb with 1.0%. Only azoospermic men were found to have these genetic alterations. Conclusions. Prevalence of Ychromosome microdeletions in infertile Chilean men is similar to the prevalence presented in international studies. As AZFa and AZFb mutations are associated with complete absence of viable gametes, and AZFc has important consequences in the fertility potential of the offspring, these mutations have to be searched when presented with an infertile patient with severe sperm alterations (AU)

Nefrolitectomía endoscópica transpiélica durante pieloplastía laparoscópica asistida por robot: Combinación de técnicas endourológicas para la resolución de un caso de estenosis pieloureteral asociado a nefrolitiasis / Endoscopic nephrolithotomy transpielic during a robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty: Combination of endourological techniques for solving a case of pelvi-ureter stenosis associated with nephrolithiasis

La estenosis pieloureteral (EPU) puede predisponer al desarrollo de nefrolitiasis debido a estasis urinaria. Inicialmente la endopielotomía percutánea fue la alternativa mínimamente invasiva de elección frente a la cirugía abierta para la resolución de los casos de EPU con nefrolitiasis concomitante. Sin embargo, el bajo éxito de la endopielotomía percutánea ha favorecido el uso de la laparoscopía convencional o asistida por robot para el tratamiento de las EPU. Se han reportado casos de pieloplastías laparoscópicas en los cuales se ha introducido un nefroscopio flexible a través de un trócar para resolver la nefrolitiasis por vía transpiélica. Acá reportamos nuestra experiencia en un caso.(AU)

The pelvi-ureter stenosis may predispose to the development of nephrolithiasis due to urinary stasis. Initially, a percutaneous endopyelotomy was minimally invasive alternative of choice versus open surgery for resolving cases of EPU with concomitant nephrolithiasis. However, the low success of percutaneous endopyelotomy has favored the use of conventional laparoscopy or robot-assisted treatment of the pelvi-ureter stenosis. There have been reports of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in which a flexible nephroscope is inserted through a trocar to solve nephrolithiasis by a transpielic via. Here we report our experience in one case.(AU)

Evaluación de la calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de próstata tratados mediante prostatectomía radical: estudio prospectivo y resultados a dieciocho meses de seguimiento / Evaluation of quality of life in patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy: prospective study and results after eighteen months of follow-up

El cáncer de próstata (CaP) representa un grave problema de salud en el mundo occidental. Actualmente se dispone de diferentes alternativas terapéuticas para el cáncer localizado, por lo que cobra gran importancia la calidad de vida (CDV) de los pacientes. Nuestro objetivo consistió en evaluar la CDV de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata localizado antes y después de ser tratados mediante prostatectomía radical (PR). Estudio de cohorte abierta prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a PR por CaP localizado en el servicio de Urología de dos instituciones de salud. Se evaluaron parámetros de CDV mediante la aplicación del cuestionario UCLA-PCI previo al tratamiento, y luego de la cirugía a los 3, 6, 9, 12 y 18 meses. Se compararon los puntajes obtenidos mediante U Mann Whitney, estableciendo como significativo un p < 0,05. Mediante análisis multivariado se estudiaron factores protectores para recuperar al menos un 70 por ciento de la función inicial. Fueron incluidos cincuenta y cinco pacientes con un seguimiento mínimo de doce meses. La media de edad fue de 65.3 años (rango 44-78; DE: 7.8). En la evaluación de los 3 meses, se obtuvo una caída significativa en la función urinaria (80 v/s 59; p<0.001) y sexual (53 v/s 24; p<0.001) con respecto al basal. La función intestinal no sufrió un detrimento significativo durante todo el tiempo de evaluación. Tanto la función urinaria (59 v/s 69.1; p=0.03) y sexual (24 v/s 33.8; p=0.02) muestran una recuperación significativa a los 18 meses, con respecto a la caída evidenciada al tercer mes. El análisis multivariado determinó que la edad, el nivel de APE, el no recibir radioterapia postoperatoria y la preservación de haces neurovascualres (HNV) constituyen factores protectores para presentar un deterioro menor al 30 por ciento de la función sexual y urinaria inicial. Las funciones urinaria y sexual presentan una caída significativa en pacientes sometidos a PR, sin embargo tienden a recuperarse...

Prostate cancer continues to be a major public health problem in both industrialized and developing countries worldwide. Use of PSA has increased significantly the number of tumors diagnosed in early stages. Men undergo different therapeutics methods can generally expect excellent long-term survival, thus consideration of health related quality of life (HRQOL) after treatment is of great importance. Our objective was to evaluate HRQOL after radical prostatectomy in men with localized prostate cancer. Prospective cohort study with duration of two years (study ongoing). A total of 52 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were prospectively enrolled at two institutions (Clinica Las Condes and Hospital San Borja, Santiago, Chile) between august 2011 and January 2012. HRQOL parameters were evaluated (sexual potency, urinary continence and bowel function) by applying the UCLA-PCI questionnaire before treatment and after surgery at 3 and 6 months. T-student was used to compare means. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant Results: A total of fifty two patients were recruited with a minimum follow up of nine months. The mean age was 65.6 years (range 44-78, SD: 8.5). The evaluation conducted at three months showed a significant decline in urinary function (74.7 v / s 58.4, P = 0.046) and sexual (55.9 v / s 19.2; p = 0,001) compared to baseline. The domain assessed that showed the highest decline in three months evaluation, was the sexual function, showing a fall of 78.2 percent compared to baseline. Of the three domains evaluated, urinary function (74.7 v / s 73.1, P = 0.83) and bowel function (80.1 v / s85.8, P = 0.86) showed a significant recovery at six months, with respect to the initia measurement. Sexual function when measured at six months showed a significant recovery in the three months evaluation (55.9 v / s 40, p = 0.048); however, did not reach the baseline.Although there is a pronounced worsening in three months evaluation, the...

Azoospermia y fertilización asistida: rol de la histología testicular en el éxito de icsi / Azoospermia and assisted reproduction: role of testicular histology in the success of ICSI

Introducción: La infertilidad masculina afecta aproximadamente al 7por ciento de los hombres, presentándose hasta el 15 por ciento de ellos con azoospermia. El conocimiento del tipo de azoospermia (obstructiva o no obstructiva) y la localización de la falla (pre-testicular, testicular o post-testicular) es vital para conocer el pronóstico de fertilidad de la pareja y plantear un plan terapéutico adecuado. Actualmente, la extracción de espermatozoides desde epidídimo o testículo de pacientes azoospérmicos, y la posterior inyección intracitoplásmática de éstos (ICSI, por sus siglas en inglés) ha permitido obtener embriones viables para su posterior transferencia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 42 parejas infértiles con diagnóstico de azoospermia; que se sometieron a biopsia testicular, ICSI y posterior transferencia de embriones, entre los años 2004 y 2012. Se lleva a cabo un análisis de la edad de los pacientes, resultados de la histopatología testicular y su asociación con los resultados de la fertilización asistida. Resultados: 42 pacientes azoospérmicos se sometieron a biopsia testicular y extracción de espermatozoides en el mismo acto quirúrgico. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 36 años para los hombres y 32 años para las mujeres. En el análisis histológico de los tejidos testiculares, el 31por ciento de los pacientes presentaban espermatogénesis conservada (EC), el 35.7 por ciento atrofia mixta (AM), el 14.3 por ciento hipoespermatogénesis (HE), el 14.3 por ciento detención de la maduración (DM) y un 4.8 por ciento presentaba otras histologías. Lograron embarazo clínico 14 de 42 parejas (33,3 por ciento), siendo la tasa de embarazo específica por patología de 38,5 por ciento para EC, 26.7 por ciento para AM, 50 por ciento para HE, 16,7 por ciento para DM y 50 por ciento para las otras histologías. 12 de las 42 parejas realizaron más de un ciclo de transferencias...

Introduction: Male infertility affects approximately 7percent of men, presenting up to 15 percent with azoospermia. Knowing the type of azoospermia (obstructive or non-obstructive) and the location of the problem (pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular) is vital to recognize the fertility prognosis of the couple and present a proper treatment plan. Currently, the extraction of sperm from epididymis or testis of azoospermic patients, and subsequent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has yielded viable embryos for transfer. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of 42 infertile couples diagnosed with azoospermia, who underwent testicular biopsy, ICSI and subsequent embryo transfer, between 2004 and 2012. We performed an analysis of the patients’ age, testicular histopathology results and their association with assisted fertilization outcome. Results: 42 azoospermic patients underwent testicular biopsy and sperm extraction in the same surgery. The average age of patients was 36 years for men and 32 years for women. Histologic analysis of testicular tissue showed that 31 percent of patients had normal spermatogenesis (NS), 35.7 percent mixed atrophy (MA), 14.3 percent hypospermatogenesis (HS), 14.3 percent maturation arrest (MTA) and 4.8 percent had other histologies. 14 of 42 couples achieved clinical pregnancy (33.3 percent), with a specific pregnancy rate of 38.5 percent for NS, 26.7 percent for MA, 50 percent for HS, 16.7 percent for MTA and 50 percent for other histologies. 12 of 42 couples underwent more than one transfer cycle. Conclusions: The use of ICSI is a suitable alternative for infertile couples with severe male factor. The results of this technique are favorable for most histologies. Patients with MA exhibit sertoli solo syndrome and / or tubular sclerosis foci associated to regions with normal spermatogenesis, enabling the sperm extraction for ICSI.

Nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica: experiencia de 135 casos / Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: experience of 135 cases

Introducción: La nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica (NPL) es considerada hoy una alternativa terapéutica para el manejo de tumores renales menores de 4 cm. Sus principales ventajas son permitir un excelente control oncológico, además de preservar la unidad renal. Por otro lado ha permitido acortar los tiempos de hospitalización, disminuir el dolor postquirúrgico y lograr menores tiempos de recuperación en los pacientes. El objetivo del presente estudio es presentar nuestra experiencia en nefrectomías parciales laparoscópicas durante los últimos 12 años. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de sometidos a NPL entre los años 2000 y 2012. En todos los casos la cirugía fue realizada por un mismo cirujano. Se obtuvo información demográfica de los pacientes, tamaño y ubicación del tumor, vía de abordaje, tiempo quirúrgico, sangrado intraoperatorio, tiempo de hospitalización y complicaciones. El análisis de los datos se llevo a cabo con el programa SPSS v17. Se consideró significativo un p<0.05.Resultados: En el periodo descrito se realizaron NPL en 135 pacientes (70.4 por ciento hombres). El promedio de edad fue de 56.9+/-12.8 años. Ochenta y dos cirugías fueron izquierdas y 53 derechas. Con respecto a la ubicación de la masa dentro del riñón, se encontraron un 25.2 por ciento en el polo superior, 46.7 por ciento en la porción media y 28.1 por ciento en el polo inferior. En el 40 por ciento de los casos los tumores se ubicaron en una posición calificada como técnicamente compleja. Con respecto al abordaje quirúrgico, un 42.2 por ciento fueron realizadas por vía transperitoneal y un 57.8 por ciento por vía retroperitoneal. Se realizaron 8 conversiones a cirugía abierta. El tamaño promedio de los tumores fue de 3.26+/-1.6 cm...

Introduction: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has become the first-line surgical technique for the management of renal tumors smaller than 4 cm. Its main advantages are an excellent oncologic control together with the preservation of nephron units. Moreover it implies a shorter-length of hospital stay, less postoperative pain and shorter recovering times for patients. The aim of this report is to show our experience and compare it with the resuls reported in the international literature. Materials and methods: All patients that underwent LPN within years 2000 and 2010 were retrospectively studied. In all cases surgery was performed by the same surgeon. Data was collected retrospectively, including clinical and histopathologic information, as well as surgical and functional results. Results: One hundred and thirty five were included (70.4 percentmale). Mean age was 56.9 +/- 12.8 years. Eighty-two surgeries were left and 53 right. Regarding to the location of the mass within the kidney, 25.2 percent were found at the upper pole, 46.7 percent in the middle portion, and 28.1percent at the lower pole. In 40 percent of cases the tumor was located in a position described as technically complex. Regarding to the surgical approach, 42.2 percent were performed by transperitoneal and retroperitoneal 57.8 percent for. There were eight conversions to open surgery. The average tumor size was 3.26 +/- 1.6 cm. Mean operative time was 106.2 +/- 38.2 minutes. The median blood loss was 100cc (range <50-3000). Two patients required transfusion. Median hospital stay was 48 hours (range 23-120). Eleven patients (8.14 percent had complications related to surgery. The most of the cases (n = 5) were due to intraoperative bleeding. Conclusions: The LPN is a challenging surgical technique. The results of this study confirm that laparoscopic surgery is a safe technique for the management of renal tumors with a low rate of complications and shorter hospital stays.

Porcentaje de subgraduación del puntaje de Gleason en la biopsia transrectal de pacientes candidatos a vigilancia activa / Percentage of Gleason score under grading in transrectal biopsies of patients candidates to active surveillance

La vigilancia activa (VA) constituye una alternativa de manejo válida para pacientes con cáncer de próstata que cumplen con ciertos criterios que incluyen las características anatomopatológicas de la biopsia preoperatoria transrectal. La subgraduación del puntaje de Gleason en la biopsia preoperatoria respecto de la biopsia definitiva se reporta en un 24-39 por ciento de los casos, lo que constituye un problema al momento de querer incluir a un paciente en un protocolo de vigilancia. El objetivo principal de este estudio consistió en determinar el porcentaje de subgraduación del score de Gleason en biopsias preoperatorias de pacientes que cumplían criterios para VA pero que fueron sometidos a prostatectomía radical y la relación con el número de punciones realizadas y el porcentaje de subgraduación. Se incluyó restrospectivamente a 167 pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical, que por sus características preoperatorias cumplían criterios para ingresar a un protocolo de VA. Se evaluó la concordancia entre las biopsias preoperatorias y definitivas y además la relación entre el número de punciones realizadas y el nivel de subgraduación. 52 pacientes (31,1 por ciento) tuvieron un puntaje de Gleason mayor a 6 (GS 7 n=49; GS 8 n=3) en la biopsia definitiva. El menor porcentaje de subgraduación (23.4 por ciento) se observó en el grupo de pacientes que se sometió a biopsias preoperatorias que incluyeron 15 o más punciones. La biopsia prostática preoperatoria presenta un significativo porcentaje de subgraduación respecto a la biopsia definitiva, que tiende a disminuir al aumentar el número de punciones realizadas. Estos factores deben ser considerados al momento de ofrecer al paciente su ingreso a un protocolo de VA.

Active surveillance (AS) is a validated alternative for the management of patients with prostate cancer that meet certain criteria including the histopathological characteristics of preoperative transrectal biopsy. The down-grading of preoperative Gleason score compared to postoperative biopsy is reported in 24-39 percent of cases, which represents a significative problem to include a patient in a AS protocol. The main objective of this study was to determine the percentage of down-grading Gleason score compared to postoperative biopsy is reported in 24-39 percent of cases, which represents a significative problem to include a patient in a AS protocol. The main objective of this study was to determine the percentage of down-grading of the preoperative Gleason score compared to the definitive score in biopsy specimens from patients that met criteria for AS but that were subjected to a radical prostatectomy, and the relation between the number of punctures and the percentage of downgrading. 167 patients subjected to radical prostatectomy were retrospectively included, all of them having preoperative characteristics that fulfilled the criteria for entry into an AS protocol. We evaluated the correlation between preoperative and postoperative biopsies. We also evaluated the relationship between the number of punctures and the percentage of down-grading in the preoperative biopsy. RESULTS: 52 patients (31.1 percent) were found to have a Gleason score higher than 6 (GS 7 n=49; GS 8 n=3) in the definitive biopsy. The lowest percentage of downgrading (23.4 percent) was observed in the group of patients with preoperative biopsies that included 15 or more punctures. The preoperative prostatic biopsy has a significant percentage of downgrading compared to the definitive biopsy, which tends to decrease with increasing the number of punctures. These factors must be considered when offering AS to a patient.

Riesgo de malignidad en masas renales sólidas menores a cuatro centímetros / Risk of malignancy in solid renal masses less than four centimeters

El tratamiento de las masas renales sólidas menores de cuatro centímetros constituye un tema de debate. La “vigilancia activa” se ha propuesto como alternativa para su manejo, sin embargo, estudios publicados recientemente, señalan que un porcentaje no despreciable de estos tumores resultan ser malignos, e incluso en un 6 por ciento de los casos pueden producir metástasis. El objetivo del presente estudio consiste en determinar el riesgo de malignidad en masas renales sólidas menores de cuatro centímetros en un grupo de pacientes sometidos a Nefrectomía Parcial Laparoscópica (NPL). Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidos a NPL. Se seleccionaron aquellos que presentaron lesiones renales sólidas menores a 4 cm informadas por TAC y/o RMN. Se crearon intervalos de tamaño (<2 cm, 2-2.9 cm, 3-4 cm). Se realizó un análisis univariado para determinar el riesgo de malignidad de acuerdo al tamaño del tumor, estableciendo el Odds Ratio correspondiente y el intervalo de confianza (95 por ciento). Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados mediante el programa SPSS v17. Se consideró como significativo un p< 0.05. Entre los años 2000 y 2012 se efectuaron 135 nefrectomías parciales laparoscópicas por la presencia de una masa renal sólida. Noventa y dos casos presentaron lesiones menores a cuatro centímetros, los que fueron incluidos en este estudio. Del total de tumores el 9.8% resultó ser benigno en el estudio histopatológico definitivo. No existieron diferencias significativas (p=0,67) con respecto a la media del tamaño (2,2 y 2,57 cm respectivamente) entre los tumores benignos y malignos. El porcentaje de tumores malignos aumentó significativamente (p = 0,025) en las masas mayores de 2 cm, al compararlo con aquellas de menor tamaño (69 por ciento v/s 86.7 por ciento). Mediante el análisis univariado se estableció que el riesgo de malignidad se incrementa 4.9 veces (p=0.027) en aquellas masas renales sólidas mayores de 2 cm...

The treatment of solid renal masses less than four centimeters (cm) is a subject of debate. Active surveillance has been proposed as a management option, however, recently published studies indicate that, in a substantial proportion, these tumors are malignant; and even at 6 percent of the cases can produce metastases. The aim of this study was to determine the malignancy risk in solid renal masses less than four cm in a group of patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).A retrospective study of patients undergoing LPN was performed. We selected those who had solid renal lesions smaller than 4 cm reported by CT and/or MRI. Size ranges were set (<2 cm, 2-2.9 cm, 3-4 cm). Univariate analysis was performed to determine the risk of malignancy according to tumor size, obtaining the corresponding odds ratio and confidence interval (95 percent). Data were analyzed using SPSS v17. P-value < 0.05 was considered stadistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty five laparoscopic partial nephrectomies were performed due to a solid renal mass between 2000 and 2012. Of them, ninety-two cases had a lesion less than four cm, which were included in this study. From the total of tumors, 9.8 por ciento were proved benign on final histopathology. No significant difference was found between benign and malignant tumors when mean sizes were compared (2.2 and 2.57 cm, respectively, p =0.67). The percentage of malignant tumors was significantly higher in masses larger than 2 cm, compared with those of smaller size (86.7 percent v/s 69 percent respectively, p=0.025). Univariate analysis established that the malignancy risk is increased 4.9 times in solid renal masses larger than 2 cm (p = 0.027). Our study shows that although the risk of cancer increases significantly in renal masses from the 2 cm there is a considerable percentage of malignancy in masses below this size.

Evaluación de la calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de próstata tratados mediante prostatectomía radical: estudio prospectivo y resultados a seis meses de seguimiento / Assessment of quality of life in patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy: prospective study and results at six months of follow-up

El cáncer de próstata representa un grave problema de salud en el mundo occidental. Actualmente disponemos de diferentes alternativas terapéuticas para el cáncer localizado, por lo que cobra gran importancia la calidad de vida (CDV) de los pacientes al momento de ofrecerles las diferentes modalidades de tratamiento. Nuestro objetivo consistió en evaluar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata localizado antes y después de ser tratados mediante prostatectomía radical, analizando su evolución a través del tiempo.Estudio de cohorte abierta prospectivo con una duración de dos años (estudio aún no concluido). Se incluyeron un total de cuarenta pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical por cáncer de próstata localizado en el servicio de Urología de dos instituciones de salud. Se evaluaron parámetros de CDV (potencia sexual, continencia urinaria y defecatoria) mediante la aplicación del cuestionario UCLA-PCI previo al tratamiento, y luego de la cirugía a los 3 y 6 meses. Se utilizó T-student para la comparación de medias, estableciendo como significativo un p < 0,05. Mediante análisis multivariado se estudiaron factores protectores de recuperación precoz de las diferentes funciones. Fueron reclutados un total de cuarenta pacientes, todos con un seguimiento mínimo de seis meses. La media de edad fue de 64.9 años (rango 44-78; DE: 8.5). En la evaluación de los 3 meses, se obtuvo una caída significativa en la función urinaria (74.7 v/s 58.4; p=0.046) y sexual (55.9 v/s 25.98; p=0.001) con respecto al basal. El ámbito evaluado que presentó el mayor deterioro a los tres meses, fue la función sexual, observándose una caída promedio de un 78.2 por ciento con respecto a la evaluación inicial. De los tres ámbitos evaluados, la función urinaria (74.7 v/s 73.1; p=0.83) y defecatoria (80.1 v/s 85.8; p=0.86) muestran una recuperación significativa a los seis meses, con respecto a la medición inicial, no así, la función sexual (25.98 v/s 30,5; p=0.89)...

Prostate cancer is asignificant health problem in Western countries. Use of PSA has increased significantly the number of tumors diagnosed in early stages. Men undergo different therapeutics methods can generallyexpect excellent long-term survival, thus consideration of health related quality of life (HRQOL) after treatment is of great importance. Our objective was to evaluate HRQOL after radical prostatectomy in men with localized prostate cáncer. Prospective open cohort study with duration of two years (study ongoing). A total of 40 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were prospectively enrolled at two institutions (Clinica Las Condes and Hospital San Borja) between august 2011 and december 2011. HRQOL parameters were evaluated (sexual potency, urinary continence and bowel function) by applying the UCLA-PCI questionnaire before treatment and after surgery at 3 and 6 months. T-student was used to compare means. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significantRESULTS: A total of forty patients were recruited with a minimum follow up of six months. The mean age was 64.9 years (range 44-78, SD: 8.5). The evaluation conducted at three months showed a significant decline in urinary function (74.7 v / s 58.4, P = 0.046) and sexual (55.9 v / s 19.2; p = 0,001) compared to baseline...

Inmunoterapia con células presentadoras de antígenos en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración / Antigen presenting cells immunotherapy in the treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer

El cáncer de próstata es el tumor más frecuentemente diagnosticado en hombres en países industrializados y es segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en hombres en Norteamérica y Europa. En Chile, según las estadísticas del año 2009, el cáncer de próstata es también la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en hombres, y se espera que la mortalidad aumente un 30 por ciento en los próximos 10 años. Esta elevada mortalidad se explica por la presencia de pacientes con enfermedad avanzada, tanto por compromiso extraprostático o por diseminación a distancia, así como pacientes que presentan recurrencia de la enfermedad después de tratados como cáncer órgano-confinado. En estos casos, la principal medida terapéutica es el uso de la terapia de deprivación androgénica (TDA). La TDA tiene una efectividad de un 80 a 85 por ciento en el control de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, no es una terapia curativa y su efecto tiene una mediana de duración de 14 a 30 meses, debido al desarrollo de células neoplásicas cuya proliferación es independiente del estímulo androgénico, por lo que prácticamente todos los pacientes se vuelven resistentes al tratamiento. El cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración (CPRC) comprende un grupo heterogéneo de pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado, que sometidos a TDA presentan una enfermedad progresiva, tanto bioquímica como aumento o aparición de nuevas lesiones metastásicas. Múltiples denominaciones se han utilizado para categorizar a estos pacientes, además de CPRC, como andrógeno-independiente, hormono-refractario u hormono-independiente, aunque sutiles diferencias existen entre los diferentes términos. El pronóstico de los pacientes con CPRC es poco alentador, ya que presentan una progresión progresiva, con una mediana de sobrevida general entre 12 y 24 meses...

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed tumor in men in industrialized countries and is second leading cause of cancer death in men in North America and Europe. In Chile, according to the statistics of 2009, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, and mortality is expected to increase by 30 percent in the next 10 years. This high mortality is explained by the presence of patients with advanced disease, both with extraprostatic or distant spread and patients with recurrent disease after been treated as organ-confined cancer.In these cases, the primary therapeutic measure is the use of androgen deprivation therapy (TDA). TDA has an effectiveness of 80 to 85 percent control of the disease. However, it is not a curative therapy and its effect has a median duration of 14 to 30 months, due to the development of neoplasic cells whose proliferation is independent of androgen stimulus, so that virtually all patients become resistant to treatment. Cancer castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) comprises a heterogeneous group of patients with advanced prostate cancer who alter undergoing TDA exhibit both an increase or appearance of biochemical failure as of new or progressive metastatic lesions. Multiple names have been used to categorize these patients, one is CPRC, other examples are androgen-independent, hormone-refractory or hormone independent, although there are subtle differences between different names. The prognosis of patients with CRPC is poor, as they have a gradual progression, with a median overall survival between 12 and 24 months. Therapeutic options are limited in the CPRC and include different hormonal measures and act as rescue treatment...

Greater prevalence of Y chromosome Q1a3a haplogroup in Y-microdeleted Chilean men: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of South Amerindian Y chromosome in Chilean patients with spermatogenic failure and their association with classical and/or AZFc-partial Y chromosome deletions. METHODS: We studied 400 men, 218 with secretory azo/oligozoospermia (cases) and 182 controls (116 fertile and/or normozoospermic, and 66 azoospermic with normal spermatogenesis). After a complete testicular characterization (physical evaluation, hormonal and/or biopsy) peripheral blood was drawn to obtain DNA for Y chromosome microdeletions, AZFc-partial deletions and biallelic analysis by allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the M3 (rs3894) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). RESULTS: Classical AZF microdeletions were found in 23 cases (Y-microdeleted). AZFc-partial deletions were observed in 10 cases (6 "gr/gr", 3 "b2/b3" and 1 "b1/b3") and 4 controls (4 "gr/gr"). The AZFc-partial deletions were mainly associated with the absence of DAZ1/DAZ2 (64 %). No significant differences in the prevalence of AZFc-partial deletions were observed between cases and controls. We observed a significant higher proportion of the Q1a3a haplogroup in Y-microdeleted men compared to patients with spermatogenic failure without deletions and control men (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively by Bonferroni test). Among them, patients with AZFb deletions had an increased prevalence of the Q1a3a haplogroup compared to controls, cases without deletions and to those with complete or partial-AZFc deletions (P<0.01, Bonferroni test). CONCLUSIONS: The Q1a3a South Amerindian lineage seems to increase the susceptibility to non AZFc microdeletions. On the other hand, in Chilean population the AZFc-partial deletions ("gr/gr", "b1/b3" and/or "b2/b3") does not seem to predispose to severe spermatogenic impairment.

PCA3 sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer detection in patients with abnormal PSA and/or suspicious digital rectal examination. First Latin American experience.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate Cancer Gene 3 (PCA3) is a recently described and highly specific urinary marker for prostate cancer (CaP). Its introduction in clinical practice to supplement low specificity of prostate specific antigen (PSA) can improve CaP diagnosis and follow-up. However, before its introduction, it is necessary to validate the method of PCA3 detection in distinct geographic populations. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to describe for the first time in Latin America, the application of the PROGENSA PCA3 assay for PCA3 detection in urine in Chilean men and its utility for CaP diagnosis in men with an indication of prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four Chilean patients (mean age, 64 years) with indication of prostate biopsy because of elevated PSA and/or suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) were prospectively recruited. PCA3 scores were assessed from urine samples obtained after DRE, before biopsy, and compared with PSA levels and biopsy outcome. RESULTS: The median PSA value and mean PCA3 score were 5.8 ng/ml and 31.7, respectively. Using a cutoff PCA3 score of 35, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting CaP were 52% and 87%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.77 for PCA3 and 0.57 for PSA, for the same group of patients. In patients with previous negative biopsy, PCA3 specificity increased by 2.2%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report in Latin America on the use of PCA3 in diagnosing CaP. Our results are comparable to those reported in other populations in the literature, demonstrating the reproducibility of the test. PCA3 score was highly specific and we specially recommend its use in patients with persistent elevated PSA and prior negative biopsies.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: A series of one hundred cases performed by the same surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has become the first-line surgical technique for the management of renal tumors smaller than 4 cm. Its main advantages are an excellent oncologic control together with the preservation of nephron units. Moreover, it implies a shorter length of hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and shorter recovering times for patients. CONTEXT: We included 100 patients who consecutively underwent LPN between years 2000 and 2010 in our institution. AIMS: The aim was to present our experience and to compare it with the results reported in the literature by other centers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients (67 men and 33 women) who underwent LPN within years 2000 and 2010 were included in the study. In all cases, surgery was performed by the same surgeon (JMC). Data were collected retrospectively, including clinical and histopathologic information, as well as surgical and functional results. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and SPSS v17 software. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant in all the analyses. RESULTS: The indication for LPN was a renal tumor or a complex renal cyst in the 96% of the cases. A retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach was performed in the 62% and 38% of the cases, respectively. The average size of the tumor was 3.3 cm (range 1-8). The mean surgical time was 103.5 min (range 40-204). The mean estimated blood loss was 193.7 cc. The average hospital length of stay was 50.2 h. Six (6%) patients had complications related to the surgery. The majority (n = 2) was due to intraoperative bleeding. With an average follow-up time of 42.1 months, there is no tumor recurrence reported up to now. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to those reported in the international literature. LPN is a challenging surgical technique that in hands of a trained and experienced surgeon has excellent and reproducible results for the management of small renal masses and cysts.

Analysis of 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene in Chilean patients with primary spermatogenic failure.

Androgens are essential for spermatogenesis. It has been postulated that androgen activity is modulated directly or indirectly by genetic variability in the androgen receptor gene sequence, including CAG/GGN polymorphisms and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). In this study, the frequency of 6 SNPs that constitute a haplotype in the androgen receptor sequence was determined by enzyme restriction assays and allele-specific polymerase chain reactions in 117 secretory azo/oligozoospermic men (93 idiopathic and 24 excryptorchidic), and in 121 controls with normal spermatogenesis (42 obstructive and 79 normozoospermic men) whose hormonal measurements and length of CAG/GGN polymorphisms were previously determined. The frequency of these 6 SNPs was not different between patients and controls. A total of 10 haplotypes (HAPs 1-10) formed by these 6 SNPs were found, and one of these haplotypes was observed with high frequency in the total population (HAP1, 83.2%; P < .001, χ(2) test). The frequency of the 10 haplotypes was not different between patients and controls, except for HAP5, which was only detected in one patient with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism (P = 0.014, Bonferroni test). On the other hand, no associations were found between the haplotypes studied and shorter or longer CAG or GGN polymorphisms. Interestingly, we found that the CAG 21 allele, which was previously correlated with an increased risk of idiopathic spermatogenic impairment, was more frequently found among the less common haplotypes that have higher follicle-stimulating hormone serum levels. In summary, we did not find an increased frequency of particular haplotypes in infertile men with idiopathic spermatogenic impairment compared with control men; however, we found that the CAG 21 allele, which appears to be associated with male infertility, is observed at a significantly higher proportion among the less common androgen receptor haplotypes.

Androgen receptor gene CAG and GGN repeat polymorphisms in Chilean men with primary severe spermatogenic failure.

There is ample documentation supporting the fact that androgens are required for normal spermatogenesis. A minority of infertile men have abnormal testosterone blood levels or mild androgen receptor mutations. We investigated the androgen receptor CAG and GGN repeat lengths in Chilean men with spermatogenic impairment. We studied 117 secretory azoospermic/oligozoospermic men (93 idiopathic and 24 excryptorchidic), without Y-chromosome microdeletions, and 121 controls with normal spermatogenesis (42 obstructive and 79 normozoospermic men). Peripheral blood was drawn to obtain genomic DNA for polymerase chain reaction and automated sequencing of CAG and GGN repeats. Testicular characterization included hormonal studies, physical evaluation, and seminal and biopsy analysis. The CAG and GGN polymorphism distributions were similar among idiopathic men, excryptorchidic men, and controls and among the different types of spermatogenic impairment. However, the proportion of the CAG 21 allele was significantly increased in idiopathic cases compared to controls (P = .012 by Bonferroni test, odds ratio = 2.99, 95% confidence interval, 1.27-7.0) and the CAG 32 allele only was observed in excryptorchidic patients (P < .0002, Bonferroni test). Idiopathic cases with Sertoli cell-only syndrome showed the highest proportion of the CAG 21 allele (P = .024, χ(2) test). On the other hand, in idiopathic cases and controls the most common GGN allele was 23, followed by 24, but an inverse relation was found among excryptorchidic cases. The joint distribution of CAG and GGN in control, idiopathic, and excryptorchidic groups did not show an association between the 2 allele repeat polymorphisms (P > 0.05, χ(2) test). Our results suggest that the CAG 21 allele seems to increase the risk of idiopathic Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Moreover, the GGN 24 allele could be contributing to deranged androgen receptor function, associated with cryptorchidism and spermatogenic failure.

AZFc partial deletions in Chilean men with severe spermatogenic failure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of AZFc subdeletions in infertile Chilean men with severe spermatogenic impairment. DESIGN: Prospective analysis. SETTING: University infertility clinic. PATIENT(S): Ninety-five secretory azo/oligozoospermic men without AZFc Y chromosome microdeletions: 71 whose testicular histology showed severe spermatogenic impairment and 24 who exhibited reduced testicular volume and elevated serum FSH levels. As controls, we studied 77 men (50 fertile and/or normozoospermic, and 27 with azoospermia and normal spermatogenesis). INTERVENTION(S): Peripheral blood was drawn to obtain genomic DNA for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) digestion assays of DAZ-sequence nucleotide variants and for AZFc-STS PCR after a complete testicular characterization (biopsy, hormonal, and physical evaluation). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): DAZ genes and AZFc subdeletion types. RESULT(S): In cases we observed two "gr/gr" subdeletions (2.1%), one with absence of DAZ1/DAZ2 (g1/g2 subtype), and the other with absence of DAZ3/DAZ4 (r2/r4 subtype). Additionally, we found a g1/g3 subdeletion in a patient with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. In controls, we observed two gr/gr subdeletions with absence of DAZ1/DAZ2 (2.6%) in a fertile/normozoospermic and in an obstructive azoospermic man. CONCLUSION(S): AZFc subdeletions do not seem to cause severe impairment of spermatogenesis. Moreover, gr/gr-DAZ1/DAZ2 subdeletions do not appear to affect fertility in Chilean men.

[Discontinuous oral ciprofloxacin for transurethral resection of the prostate. Initial results]. / Ciprofloxacino oral discontinuo en resección transuretral de prostata. Resultados iniciales.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the rate of infectious complications using a discontinuous scheme of oral ciprofloxacin in transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P). To try to weigh the influence of clinical background, operative complications and postoperative outcome on the development of such complications. To compare the results to those obtained with equal methodology using antibiotics in a continual scheme until the catheter removal. METHOD: A prospective open study was designed including 53 consecutive patients with sterile urine and without indwelling catheter subjected to TUR-P. Patients received oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg (4 doses) before going to the surgical room, the night of surgery, next morning of surgery and before catheter removal. Three patients were excluded after incorporation (5.6%) and all the remainders completed follow up. RESULTS: Fifty patients are analyzed. Fever was present in 8 patients (16%). Systemic clinical infection was present in 3 patients (6%). No isolated-germ postoperative bacteriuria was present. Previous urinary infection (UTI) was statistically associated to systemic clinical infection (p = 0.007) and to active chronic prostatitis on operative biopsy (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Probably previous UTI antecedent made less advisable the discontinuous scheme use in TUR-P, although a greater number of patients is needed to confirm these statement. When these results are compared to those using antibiotics in a continual scheme until catheter removal, a significant higher frequency of fever is seen (p = 0.022).