Detecting in-hospital stroke: Assessment of results from a training programme for medical personnel.

INTRODUCTION: In-hospital stroke (IHS) is a frequent event, but its care priority level is not well established in many hospitals. IHS care at our centre has been redefined by implementing a training programme for medical personnel not usually involved in stroke management, in order to optimise IHS detection and treatment. This study evaluates results from the training programme. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal intervention study. Neurologists experienced in vascular diseases developed a training programme for medical personnel. We recorded incidence, epidemiological data, reason for hospitalisation, department, aetiology, severity (NIHSS), time from symptom onset to neurological assessment, use of endovascular thrombolysis, exclusion criteria for untreated patients, and 90-day outcome (mortality/disability) in 2 patient groups: patients experiencing IHS in the 6 months before (PRE) and the 6 months after the training programme (POST). RESULTS: Sixty patients were included (19 PRE, 41 POST) with a mean age of 75.3 ± 12.5; 41% were male. There were no differences between groups regarding assessment time, treatment administered, or morbidity/mortality. Overall, 68.3% of the patients were assessed in < 4.5hours; however, only 6 patients (10%) were able to undergo endovascular therapy. This situation was mainly due to pre-existing disability (26%) and comorbidity (13%). CONCLUSIONS: More IHS code activations were recorded after the training programme. However, that increase was not accompanied by a higher percentage of treated patients or improvements in patient prognosis during the study period, and these findings could probably be explained by the high rates of pre-existing disability and comorbidity in this series.

Bladder cancer in Spain 2011: population based study.

PURPOSE: We estimate the annual incidence of bladder cancer in Spain and describe the clinical profile of patients with bladder cancer enrolled in a population based study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the structure of the Spanish National Health System as a basis, in 2011 the AEU (Spanish Association of Urology) conducted this study with a representative sample from 26 public hospitals and a reference population of 10,146,534 inhabitants, comprising 21.5% of the Spanish population. RESULTS: A total of 4,285 episodes of bladder cancer were diagnosed, of which 2,476 (57.8%) were new cases and 1,809 (42.2%) were cases of recurrence, representing an estimated 11,539 new diagnoses annually in Spain. The incidence of bladder cancer in Spain, age adjusted to the standard European population, was 20.08 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 13.9, 26.3). Of patients diagnosed with a first episode of bladder cancer 84.3% were male, generally older than 59 years (81.7%) with a mean ± SD age of 70.5 ± 11.4 years. Of these patients 87.5% presented with some type of clinical symptom, with macroscopic hematuria (90.8%) being the most commonly detected. The majority of primary tumors were nonmuscle invasive (76.7%) but included a high proportion of high grade tumors (43.7%). According to the ISUP (International Society of Urologic Pathology)/WHO (2004) classification 51.1% was papillary high grade carcinoma. Carcinoma in situ was found in 2.2% of primary and 5.8% of recurrent cases. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of bladder cancer in Spain, age adjusted to the standard European population, confirms that Spain has one of the highest incidences in Europe. Most primary nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer corresponded to high risk patients but with a low detected incidence of carcinoma in situ.

The need for re-TUR of the bladder in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: risk factors of tumor persistence in re-TUR specimens.

AIM: This study evaluated the need for re-TUR of the bladder in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with complete transurethral resection (TUR) and examined the risk factors for disease occurrence in re-TUR of the bladder. METHODS: A cohort of 211 patients diagnosed consecutively of NMIBC (July 2009 to October 2011) underwent re-TURB 4-6 weeks after the initial TURB. Association with tumor presence in re-TURB of the following parameters was analyzed: sex, primary/recurrent, number, size, stage, grade, association of carcinoma in situ, early instillation of Mitomycin C, and its classification according to the EORTC risk groups. RESULTS: Fifty-seven (27%) cases exhibited residual tumors in the re-TURB and understaging was observed in 3 (1.4%) patients. The EORTC classified 151 (71.6%) patients as high risk; 124 (58.7%) patients received postoperative instillations of Mitomycin C. 31.8% of high risk patients exhibited tumors in the re-TUR compared to 14% of the low/intermediate risk (P<0.05). A total of 19.4% of patients with early instillation of Mitomycin C had tumor in re-TURB compared to 38.4% of patients without it (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that high-risk tumors behaved as an independent risk factor for the tumor presence in re-TURB (HR=12.65, P=0.008), but early postoperative instillation of Mitomycin C was a protective factor (HR=2.16, P=0.02). The limitations of the study are the absence of randomization and its unicentric character. CONCLUSION: Patients who were at a high risk of tumor recurrence and/or progression according to the EORTC classification exhibited a higher percentage of tumors in re-TURB. Therefore, these patients are optimal candidates for re-TURB.

Prevalence and management of urinary incontinece after pelvic organ prolapse surgery (sacrocolpopexy). A literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and may occur after its surgical treatment. AIM: To determine the incidence, risk factors and management of SUI during and after POP surgery through a review of the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Narrative literature review on the incidence and management of SUI after POP surgery after search of relevant manuscripts indexed in PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo published in Spanish and English between 2013 and 2023. RESULTS: Occult SUI is defined as visible urine leakage when prolapse is reduced in patients without SUI symptoms. De novo SUI develops after prolapse surgery without having previously existed. In continent patients, the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one case of de novo SUI is estimated to be 9 patients and about 17 to avoid repeat incontinence surgery. In patients with occult UI, the NNT to avoid repeat incontinence surgery is around 7. Patients with POP and concomitant SUI are the group most likely to benefit from combined surgery with a more favorable NNT (NNT 2). CONCLUSION: Quality studies on combined surgery for treatment SUI and POP repair are lacking. Continent patients with prolapse should be warned of the risk of de novo SUI, although concomitant incontinence treatment is not currently recommended. Incontinence surgery should be considered on an individual basis in patients with prolapse and SUI.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis after partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: Our experience and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal carcinomatosis associated with renal cell carcinoma is an infrequent entity, usually associated with large renal masses, and with a very rare presentation after surgery of localized renal tumors. Our objective is to review the literature and analyze the factors involved in the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in localized tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present our experience with two cases of peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. We reviewed the literature and analyzed the factors associated with the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial surgery in renal cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Between 2005-2018, 225 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for localized renal neoplasia in our service. Two patients developed peritoneal carcinomatosis during follow-up, at 1.5 and 7 years after surgery. Few cases of postoperative peritoneal carcinomatosis for renal neoplasia have been described in the literature, being more frequently associated with large renal masses, with multiple metastases at diagnosis, with a poor prognosis. The dissemination of tumor cells during surgery, direct tumor extension or metastasis by hematogenous route, are among the factors involved in the development of this condition. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy constitutes a very rare event. However, it should be taken into consideration, and, since it is the only factor we can influence, we must maximize precautions during the surgical act, following oncological principles.

Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery and radical nephrectomy in cT1 renal tumors. Comparative analysis of complications and survival.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Comparative analysis of postoperative complications and survival between laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) in cT1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with two kidneys and single renal tumor cT1 treated in our center between 2005 and 2018 by laparoscopic PN or RN. RESULTS: 372 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. RN was performed in 156 (41.9%) patients and PN in 216 (58.1%). Clavien Dindo III-V complications were observed in 10 (4,6%) PN and 6 (3,9%) RN patients (p = 0.75). The comorbidity Charlson index (CCI) was identified as an independent predictor variable of complications (p = 0.02) and surgical approach did not affect multivariate analysis. Estimated overall survival (OS) was 81.2% and 56.8% at 5 and 10 years in the RN group and 90.2% and 75.7% in the PN group, respectively (p = 0.0001). Obesity (HR 2.77, p = 0.01), CCI ≥ 3 (HR 3.69, p = 0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge (HR 1.87, p = 0.03) were identified as predictors of overall mortality. Nephrectomy approach showed no influence on OS. Estimated recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 86.1% at 5 and 10 years in the RN group and 93.5% and 83.6% in the PN group, respectively (p = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic PN is not inferior to RN in terms of oncologic and surgical safety in cT1 RCC. Nephrectomy approach did not influence patient OS, however, obesity, CCI ≥ 3 and GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge did behave as predictors.

Stuttering priapism: case report and bibliographic review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the presentation, physiopathology, diagnosis and therapeutic alternatives of stuttering priapism with the contribution of a new clinical case. METHODS: A 25 year old man, studied in another center for recurrent episodes of priapism for about 18 months. These episodes occur daily, significantly interfering with patient's quality of life. RESULTS: Initially he was treated with Bicalutamide 50mg/24h with no improvement. Blood test, penile Doppler ultrasound and selective arteriography of pudendal arteries showed no abnormalities. Tadalafil 5mg/24h was given for two months without response. Subsequently were treated with Diazepam 10 mg/24h and Terbutaline 5 mg/24h allowing control of the disease, remaining asymptomatic at present. CONCLUSIONS: Stuttering priapism is a rare form of presentation of this disease, caused by an alteration in the regulatory mechanisms of erection mediated by 5PDE and cGMP. Several drugs have been proposed in treatment with variable effectiveness, though there is no series long enough to recommend either as first choice. The use of inhibitors 5PDE so long, has been used successfully by some groups. Knowledge of these alternatives is important for the treatment of this complex and unusual pathology.

Recurrence risk groups after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. / Clasificación en grupos de riesgo de recurrencia tras nefrectomía por cáncer renal.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on the follow-up protocol after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and the identification of recurrence risk groups (RRG) is required. OBJECTIVE: Establish recurrence risk groups (RRG). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 696 patients with renal cancer submitted to surgery between 1990-2010; 568 (81.6%) patients treated with radical nephrectomy and 128 (18.4%) treated with partial nephrectomy. Pathological variables were classified as: 1st-level variables (1LPV): pTpN stage and Fuhrman grade (FG); and 2nd level pathological variables (2LPV): sarcomatoid differentiation (SD), tumor necrosis (TN), microvascular invasion (MVI) and positive surgical margins (PSM). Univariate and multivariate analysis have been performed using Cox regression to determine 1LPV related to recurrence. Based on 1LPV, we classified patients into three RRG: Low (LRG)<25%; Intermediate (IRG) 26-50% and High (HRG)>50%. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis with the 2LPVs for each RRG. With these data, patients were reclassified as RRG+. ROC curves were used for comparison of RRG and RRG+. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 105 months (range 63 to 148). There were 177 (25.4%) patients with recurrence: 111 (15.9%) distant, 34 (4.9%) local and 32 (4.6%) distant and local. In the multivariable analysis, Fuhrman grade (HR=2,75; P=.0001) and pTpN stage (HR=2,19; P=.0001) behaved as independent predictive variables of recurrence. Patients were grouped as RRG (AUC=0,76; p=0,0001): - LRG (pT1pNx-0 G1-4; pT2pNx-0 G1-2): 456 (65,5%) patients. - IRG (pT2pNx-0 G3-4; pT3-4pNx-0 G1-2): 110 (15,8%) patients. - HRG (pT3-4pNx-0 G3-4; pT1-4pN+): 130 (18,6%) patients. After multivariate analysis with 2LPV, RRG were reclassified (RRG+) (AUC=.84, P=.0001): -LRG+(LRG without TN, SD and/or PSM(+)). -IRG+(IRG; LRG with TN) -HRG+(HRG; LRG with SD and/or PSM(+); IRG with TN and/or SD) CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of 2LPV to the classification according to VP1N improves the discriminating capacity of RRG classification.

Evaluation of laparoscopic approach in radical cystectomy from implementation to consolidation: Internal validation. / Evaluación del abordaje laparoscópico en la cistectomía radical desde la implantación hasta su consolidación: validación interna.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The AEU Guidelines of 2017 consider laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches as investigational procedures. The surgical learning curve is defined as the minimum number of cases that a surgeon has to perform in order to reproduce a technique considered as standard. The aim of this study is to analyze, within our department, the implementation of a laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) program compared with a well consolidated and standardized open radical cystectomy (ORC) program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of two cystectomy groups: LRC (n=196) (20062016) vs. ORC (n=96) (2003-2005). Comparison of the evolution over time of the following parameters: operative time, blood transfusion rates, resection margins, postoperative complications, hospital stay and recurrence. Three time periods have been defined for LRC: implementation (2006-09) (LRC-I), development (2010-14) (LRC-D) and consolidation (2015-16) (LRC-C); comparing each of them with the control group (ORC). The chi-square test was used for the comparison of the qualitative variables and the Anova test for the numerical ones. RESULTS: When compared to ORC, LRC presented longer operative times in LRC-I and LRC-D periods. We observed a trend toward shorter operative time than ORC in the consolidation period (LRC-C). LRC also presented lower intraoperative transfusion rates in all periods and lower postoperative rates in CRL-D and CRL-C. Overall complications in LRC-D and LRC-C were lower in LRC, having fewer major complications (Clavien≥3) in the 3 periods. A decrease in mortality and hospital stay after the LRC-I phase was also observed. These results were consolidated during the two last periods of the study. We have not observed significant differences between ORC and LRC when comparing surgical margins and recurrence rates, neither in the total series, nor in the comparison between the different periods. These results endorse the oncologic safety of LRC from the beginning of the implementation process. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to ORC, LRC improves perioperative transfusion rates, complications and hospital stay from its implementation period, maintaining oncological safety. On the contrary, longer operative times during implementation and development were observed. However, in our series, we observed a trend toward shorter operative times than ORC approach in the consolidation period. We have validated the laparoscopic approach for radical cystectomy in our service.

Effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced urothelial carcinoma of the bladder treated with cystectomy. / Efecto de la quimioterapia adyuvante en el carcinoma urotelial de vejiga localmente avanzado tratado con cistectomía.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy (ADJ) in muscle invasive bladder tumor remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of ADJ on cancer specific survival of muscle invasive bladder tumor after radical cystectomy (RC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 292 patients diagnosed with urothelial bladder tumor pT3-4pN0 / + cM0 stage, treated with RC between 1986-2009. Total cohort was divided in two groups: 185 (63.4%) patients treated with ADJ and 107 (36.6%) without ADJ. Median follow-up was 40.5 months (IQR 55-80.5). Comparative analysis was performed with Chi-square test and Student's t test /ANOVA. Survival analysis was carried out with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Multivariate analysis (Cox regression) was made to identify independent predictors of cancer-specific mortality (CSM). RESULTS: 42.8% of the series presented lymph node involvement after RC. At the end of follow-up, 22.9% were BC-free and 54.8% had died due to this cause. The median cancer specific survival was 30 months. No significant differences were observed in cancer specific survival regarding the treatment with ADJ in pT3pN0 (p=.25) or pT4pN0 (p=.29) patients, but it was significant in pT3-4pN+ (p=.001). Multivariate analysis showed pathological stage (p=.0001) and treatment with ADJ (p=.007) as independent prognostic factors for CSM. ADJ reduced the risk of CSM (HR:0.59,95% CI 0.40-0.87, p=.007). CONCLUSIONS: pT and pN stages were identified as independent predictors of CSM after RC. The administration of ADJ in our series behaved as a protective factor reducing the risk of CSM, although only pN+ patients were benefited in the stage analysis.

Mortality prediction model for patients with bladder urothelial tumor after radical cystectomy. / Modelo predictivo de mortalidad en pacientes con tumor urotelial de vejiga tras cistectomía radical.

OBJECTIVE: Based on preoperative clinical and postoperative pathological variables, we aim to build a prediction model of cancer specific mortality (CSM) at 1, 3, and 5 years for patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma treated with RC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 517 patients with diagnosis of cell carcinoma treated by RC (1986-2009). Demographic, clinical, surgical and pathological variables were collected, as well as complications and evolution after RC. Comparative analysis included Chi square test and ANOVA technique. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to identify the independent predictors of CSM. The individual probability of CSM was calculated at 1, 3 and 5 years according to the general equation (logistic function). Calibration was obtained by the Hosmer-Lemeshow method and discrimination with the elaboration of a ROC curve (area under the curve). RESULTS: BC was the cause of death in 225 patients (45%). One, three and five-year CSM were 17%, 39.2% and 46.3%, respectively. The pT and pN stages were identified as independent prognostic variables of CSM at 1, 3 and 5 years. Three prediction models were built. The predictive capacity was 70.8% (CI 95% 65-77%, p=.000) for the 1st year, 73.9% (CI95% 69.2-78.6%, p=.000) for the third and 73.2% (CI% 68.5-77.9%, p=.000) for the 5th. CONCLUSIONS: The prediction model allows the estimation of CSM risk at 1, 3 and 5 years, with a reliability of 70.8, 73.9 and 73.2%, respectively.

Influence of laparoscopic access in cancer-specific mortality of patients with pTa-2pN0R0 bladder cancer treated with radical cistectomy. / Influencia del acceso laparoscópico en la mortalidad cáncer-específica de los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga en un estadio pTa-2pN0R0 tratados con cistectomía radical.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive surgery represents an attractive surgical approach in radical cystectomy. However, its effect on the oncological results is still controversial due to the lack of definite analyses. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the laparoscopic approach on cancer-specific mortality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective cohort study of two groups of patients in a pT0-2pN0R0 stage, undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC) (n=191) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) (n=74). Using Cox regression, an analysis has been carried out to identify the predictor variables in the first place, and consequently, the independent predictor variables related to survival. RESULTS: 90.9% were males with a median age of 65years and a median follow-up period of 65.5 (IQR27.75-122) months. Patients with laparoscopic access presented a significantly higher ASA index (P=.0001), a longer time between TUR and cystectomy (P=.04), a lower rate of intraoperative transfusion (P=.0001), a lower pT stage (P=.002) and a lower incidence of infection associated with surgical wounds (P=.04). When analyzing the different risk factors associated with cancer-specific mortality, we only found the ORC approach (versus LRC) as an independent predictor of cancer-specific mortality (P=.007). Open approach to cystectomy multiplied the risk of mortality by 3.27. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the laparoscopic approach does not represent a risk factor compared to the open approach in pT0-2N0R0 patients.

Influence of the laparoscopic approach on cancer-specific mortality of patients with stage pt3-4 bladder cancer treated with cystectomy. / Influencia del acceso laparoscópico en la mortalidad cáncer específica de los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga en un estadio pT3-4 tratados con cistectomía.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The main aim of the study was to establish the oncological safety of the laparoscopic approach to radical cystectomy for high-risk, non-organ-confined urothelial tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 216 stage pT3-4 cystectomies operated between 2003 and 2016; using an open approach (ORC, n=108), and using a laparoscopic approach (LRC, n=108). RESULTS: Both groups have similar pathological features except, in G3 TUR, there were more lyphadenectomies and greater pN+, and more adjuvant chemotherapies using the LRC. The median follow-up of the series was 15 (IQR: 8-10.5) months. Sixty-eight point one percent of the series relapsed, with no differences between either group (p=.11). The estimated differences for cancer-specific survival was greater in the LRC group (p=.03), as was overall survival (p=.009). There were no differences between either group in estimated recurrence-free survival (p=.26). The type of surgical approach (p=.03), pTpN stage (p=.0001), and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (p=.003) were related to cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in the univariate analysis. Only the pTpN stage (p=.0001), and not giving adjuvant chemotherapy (p=.003) behaved as independent predictive factors of CSM. CONCLUSION: The type of surgical approach to cystectomy (ORC vs. LRC) did not influence CSM. Lymph node involvement and not giving adjuvant chemotherapy were identified as predictive factors of CSM. Our study supports the oncological safety of the laparascopic approach for cystectomy in patients with locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder tumours.

Post-surgical complications in patients with bladder cancer treated with cystectomy: Differences between open and laparoscopic approach. / Complicaciones posquirúrgicas en los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga tratados con cistectomía: Diferencias entre el abordaje abierto y laparoscópico.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery regarding cystectomy has not had the same development as other urological surgeries. This could be due to the lack of published studies defining the advantages of this approach versus open surgery. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to establish the role of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic radical cystectomy, versus open surgery by analyzing their perioperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective cohort analysis of perioperative complications of 2homogeneous series of cystectomies: laparoscopic (n = 196) versus open (n = 197). Identification of independent predictors of perioperative complications by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In the comparative analysis between laparoscopic cystectomies and open cystectomies we observed a lower rate of perioperative blood transfusion (P < 0.0001), a lower rate of global postoperative complications (P < 0.0001) and a lower rate of serious complications (Clavien > 3; P < 0.001) in the LRC group. There was also a lower mortality rate in the laparoscopic series compared to open ones (P < 0.0001). Surgical approach and surgical time (P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of complications. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified the laparoscopic approach as a complication shield for radical cystectomy. The open approach almost triples the risk of complications.

[TVA and TOA. New adjustable mesh for the treatment of female stress incontinence. Preliminaries results]. / TVA y TOA. Nuevas mallas ajustables de tensión en el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo. Resultados preliminares.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of a new mesh for incontinence (TVA/TOA) which enables the degree of tension applied during surgery to be readjusted at the post-operative stage. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 62 patients treated with the TVA mesh and monitored over a 14-month period (SD 7.8, range 6-38). In 33 patients (53%) some other pelvic prolapse was corrected. Evaluation was carried out by clinical report, examination of bladder full of 250 saline solution, flowmetry and urinary residue. 40 patients filled in 4 quality of life questionnaires (QoL; ICIQ-SF; PGI-S; PGI-I). RESULTS: 42 patients were found to be objectively continent in the post-operative evaluation. Of these, it was necessary to reduce tension in 7 cases (11%) due to urinary obstruction (flow < 10 ml/sec and/or residue). The tension of the mesh was tightened in 20 patients (32%) due to continue with a certain degree of incontinence. All patients were discharged as continent and with no residue. In the last revision, 58 patients (93%) proved to be objectively continent and 4 (6.5%) showed a notable improvement in their incontinence. The Q(MAX) is 19.8 ml/sec (SD 9.8). The mictional urgency had disappeared or improved in 32 of the patients who had this prior to operation (76%) and had appeared in 3 of the patients who didn't (15%). The clinical report showed a high level of consensus with the ICIQ-SF survey (Kappa = 0.89) regarding stress incontinence, diminishing clearly (Kappa= 0.13) when urge incontinence was taken into account. 34 (85%) patients scored over 95 out of 110 in the QoL. 30 (75%) scored less than 6 in ICIQ-SF. 32 (80%) showed a perception of normality and 4 (10%) slight illness in the PGI-S. In the PGI-I 29 (72.5%) were much better and 11 (27.5%) quite a lot better. A relation exists between urgency and dismissed quality of life. CONCLUSION: With the TVA (trans-vaginal adjustable) mesh it is possible to adjust the tension originally applied during surgery at the post-operative stage, so that any defects or excesses can be corrected.

Thiourea, triazole and thiadiazine compounds and their metal complexes as antifungal agents.

Many currently available antifungal and antibacterial agents have undesirable toxic effects, and a wide spread use of these drugs has lead to rapid development of drug resistant strains which are the leading cause for treatment failure in both clinical and agricultural applications. The present article provides a synopsis of recent progress in investigations of new classes of antifungal compounds: disubstituted aliphatic and aromatic thioureas, triazole and thiazine compounds which act as ligands for transition metals. Antifungal effects of these compounds and selected metallic complexes versus representative plant pathogenic fungi are reviewed.

New organotropic compounds. Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of Pt(II) and Au(III) complexes with bile acids: DNA interactions and 'in vitro' anticancer activity.

Based on the ability of bile acids to vectorialize the cytostatic activity of other agents, we have designed and synthesized a new series of platinum and gold complexes. These compounds were studied and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, FAB(+)/MS, 1H, 13C and 195Pt NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and conductivity measurements in solution, among other techniques. Kinetic studies carried out in aqueous solution and in the presence of different NaCl concentrations: 4 mM (similar to cytoplasmic concentration), 150 mM (similar to plasmatic concentration). The effects on the electrophoretic mobility of the pUC18 plasmid, the DNA denaturation temperature, and ethidium bromide (EtBr) binding to DNA were studied. The complexes are able to inter-react with DNA to inhibit DNA synthesis and hence, to reduce cell proliferation. The complexes were evaluated for in vitro cytostatic activity against human colon adenocarcinoma, mouse hepatoma, human hepatoma, mouse leukemia, etc. The antitumor effect of some of the compounds prepared was similar to that of cisplatin. However, other compounds had lower cytostatic activity. This different behavior can be accounted for by the structure/activity relationship (SAR), although other factors, such as uptake and the different kinetic behavior in solution, may be responsible for these differences.

Thiourea derivatives and their nickel(II) and platinum(II) complexes: antifungal activity.

We have synthesized two thiourea derivatives of methyl anthranilate (1, 2) and their complexes with nickel (3) and platinum(II) (4). We have also prepared the complexes of nickel(II) with two benzoylthiourea derivatives (5, 6). The obtained compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, UV-vis, NMR), mass spectrometry and thermal analysis. Compound 1, C(20)H(23)N(3)O(2)S, crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/n, with Z=4, and unit cell parameters, a=8.8042(4) A, b=7.6608(3) A, c=28.834(2) A, alpha=gamma=90 degrees, beta=90.94(1) degrees. Compound 2, C(20)H(21)N(3)O(3)S, crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c, with Z=4, and unit cell parameters, a=7.7345(4) A, b=8.6715(4) A, c=29.113(2) A, alpha=gamma=90 degrees, beta=90.67(1) degrees. Compound 5, C(24)H(30)N(4)NiO(2)S(2), crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/n, with Z=4, and unit cell parameters, a=10.4317(8) A, b=18.517(2) A, c=13.299(1) A, alpha=gamma=90 degrees, beta=104.53(1) degrees. Compound 6, C(25)H(28)Cl(2)N(4)NiO(4)S(2), crystallizes with a molecule of CH(2)Cl(2) in triclinic space group P-1, with Z=2, and unit cell parameters, a=10.362(1) A, b=11.849(2) A, c=12.536(2) A, alpha=90.04(2) degrees, beta=84.73(1) degrees, gamma=113.43(2) degrees. Compounds 1 and 2 show antifungal activity against the major pathogens responsible for important plant diseases (Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum fragariae, Fusarium oxysporum and Phoma betae). The antifungal activity is practically the same for morpholine and ethyl derivatives.

Chloride and ethyl ester morpholine thiourea derivatives and their Ni(II) complexes. Crystal and molecular structures of the thiourea derivative L-leucine methyl ester and its complexes with Cu(II) and Pt(II). Growth of the pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea.

We have synthesized a series of ligands (1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) and some of their complexes with Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pt(II) (2, 5, 8 and 9). These compounds were studied and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectra, conductivity measurements in solution, FAB+/MS, 1H and 13C NMR, ESR, etc. Compound 7 crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with Z = 4. Unit cell parameters were as follows: a = 21.307(2) A, alpha = 90 degrees, b = 12.498(1) A, beta = 90 degrees, c = 7.7232(4) A, gamma = 90 degrees. For seven of these compounds, the antifungal activity of a major pathogen responsible for important crop damage was studied. In general, inhibition by the ligands was higher than that of the complexes. When the thiourea was linked to some diethyl groups, the compounds showed higher antifungal activity than the morpholine groups. Compound 3 achieved total inhibition (100%).