Laparoscopic treatment of genitourinary fistulae.

We present the laparoscopic management of genitourinary fistulae, mainly five types of fistulae, vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal, vesicouterine, rectourethral and rectovesical fistula. Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is mostly secondary to urogynecologic procedures in developed countries, abdominal hysterectomy being the main cause of this condition; they represent 84.9% of the genitourinary fistulae (1).Management has been described for this type of fistula, where low success rate (7-12%) has been reported. Ureterovaginal fistulas may occur following pelvic surgery, particularly gynecological procedures, or as a result of vaginal foreign bodies or stone fragments after shock wave lithotripsy, patients typically present with global and persistent urine leakage through the vagina, this causes patient discomfort, distress, and typically protection is used to stay dry, the initial management is often conservative but typically fails. Vesicouterine fistula is a rare condition that only occurs in 1 to 4% of genitourinary fistulas, the primary cause is low segment cesareansection, and clinically presents in three different forms, which will be described. Treatment of this type of fistulae has been conservative,with hormone therapy and surgery, depending on the presenting symptoms. Recto-urinary (rectovesical and rectourethral) fistulae (RUF) are uncommon and can be difficult to manage clinically. Although they may develop in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and perirectal abscesses, rectourethral fistula frequently result as an iatrogenic complication of extirpative or ablative prostate procedures. Rectovesical fistula usually develops following radical prostatectomy, and occurs along the vesicourethral anastomotic line or along the suture line of a posterior "racquet-handle" closure of the bladder. Conservative management consisting of urinary diversion, broad-spectrum antibiotics and parenteral nutrition is often initially attempted but these measures often fail. Timing of repair is often individualized mainly according to the etiology, delay of diagnosis, size of fistula, the first or subsequent repairs, and the general condition of the patient. Different surgical techniques for the management of RUF have been reported. Encouraged by our experience in minimally invasive surgery we present the laparoscopic approach.

Assessment of biodiversity goods for the sustainable development of the chagra in an indigenous community of the Colombian Amazon: local values of crops.

BACKGROUND: The chagra is the agroforestry system adapted to the characteristics of the Amazon region. Recently, there has been a reported loss of biodiversity and traditional knowledge associated with the chagras. This paper characterizes the cultivators, exploring knowledge and expressed value perception in the context of the Amazonian chagra of an indigenous community; also, this prioritizes species, under the optics of commercial opportunity. METHODS: A semi-structured instrument was applied to 14 volunteers, asking about marketing preferences and use values of the species; later, a floristic inventory and prioritization workshop was developed. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent of the participants were 50 years or older at the time of the interview. Open conversations showed that traditional knowledge is a matter of practice; and is maintained mainly by the older "grandfathers". Thirty-eight species, belonging to 28 different families, were reported, showing considerable diversity. Seventy-nine percent of the participants consider the Leticia market and sales to tourists as the main marketing scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The Ziora-Amena community centralizes the handling of chagras in the community's older adults, who transmit their traditional knowledge to new generations through oral tradition. Indicators of preference, use, and abundance highlight the food species. The perception of the trade stakeholder encourages research and development of endemic species, with health properties or ingredients for industry, which represent an opportunity of high added value for the region.

Endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection for penile carcinoma: the developing of a novel technique.

OBJECTIVE: The present article discusses endoscopic approach for inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile carcinoma (ELPC): its arrival to urological practice, development, accomplishments, and future endeavors. Our aim is to highlight the development of this novel technique, which offers a possible option for a less morbid surgical approach. METHOD: Review of the available medical literature in ELPC. RESULTS: Regional surgical therapy constitutes a mainstay element of therapeutics for penile carcinoma. Elevated morbidity remains an issue for the traditional surgical approach. Endoscopic lymphadenectomy for penile carcinoma emerged as surgical option to accomplish cancer objectives while avoiding substantial morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic approach for inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile carcinoma is still in a developing stage in which it is mandatory to evaluate larger series of patients with longer follow-up. Initial series present promising results.

Robotic simple prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive approaches for large, symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia are replacing the gold standard open surgical approach, duplicating its results with lower morbidity. We describe our initial experience with robotic simple prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since January 2007, robotic simple prostatectomy was performed via a transperitoneal approach in 7 patients with symptomatic significant prostatomegaly on transrectal ultrasound (mean 77.66 gm). Demographic, perioperative and outcome data were recorded and all procedures were performed by the same surgeon. RESULTS: Average patient age was 63.2 years (range 56 to 72) and estimated blood loss was 298 ml (range 60 to 800). Average operative time was 205 minutes (range 120 to 300). Average hospital stay was 1.4 days (range 1 to 2), average Foley catheter duration was 7 days (range 6 to 9) and drains were removed after an average of 3.75 days (range 3 to 4). Mean specimen weight on pathological examination was 50.48 gm (range 40 to 64.5). Transfusion was necessary in 1 patient. No complications were documented. Considerable improvement from baseline was noted in International Prostate Symptom Score (preoperative vs postoperative 22 vs 7.25) and maximum urine flow (preoperative vs postoperative 17.75 vs 55.5 ml per minute). Four patients were in acute urinary retention preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic simple prostatectomy is a feasible, reproducible procedure. Further publications are expected with larger series and larger prostatic adenomas.

Single port radical prostatectomy: current status.

The aim of this study is to analyze the current literature on single port radical prostatectomy (LESS-RP). Single port radical prostatectomy laparoendoscopic (LESS-RP) has established itself as a challenge for urological community, starting with the proposal of different approaches: extraperitoneal, transperitoneal and transvesical, initially described for laparoscopy and then laparoscopy robot-assisted. In order to improve the LESS-RP, new instruments, optical devices, trocars and retraction mechanisms have been developed. Advantages and disadvantages of LESS-RP are controversial, while some claim that it is a non-trustable approach, regarding the low cases number and technical difficulties, others acclaim that despite this facts some advantages have been shown and that previous described difficulties are being overcome, proving this is novel proposal of robotics platform, the Da Vinci SP, integrating the system into "Y". The LESS-RP approach gives us a new horizon and opens the door for rapid standardization of this technique. The few studies and short series available can be result of a low interest in the application of LESS-RP in prostate, probably because of the technical complexity that it requires. The new robotic platform, the da Vinci SP, shows that it is clear that the long awaited evolution of robotic technologies for laparoscopy has begun, and we must not lose this momentum.

Gastrocystoplasty and Hematuria-dysuria Syndrome. What Role Plays Helicobacter Pylori? Case Report and Literature Review.

49 years male, who comes to the urology department, complaining of 8 months of lower abdominal pain, burning and oppressive type, of variable intensity reaching 9/10, which is occasionally exacerbated by urination, associated with intermittent gross hematuria, dysuria, refers no fever at any time. Patient with past medical history of bladder and right kidney Tuberculosis (TBC) 25 years ago, treated with a simple right nephrectomy and bladder augmentation with antrum segment of stomach, for low bladder capacity. Never showed any symptom during those 25 years lapsing time.

Do Not Be Afraid of the Robot / No le tenga miedo al robot

Minimally invasive surgery is one of the areas of greatest development in surgical specialties in several parts of the world, and Colombia has not been the exception. In urology, as in all specialties, the evolution in technology has optimized the diagnosis and the treatment of most of the pathologies. The purpose has always been that the patients who undergo surgery have a pleasant, less stressful experience, without compromising the perioperative and postoperative results

La cirugía mínimamente invasiva es una de las áreas de mayor desarrollo en las especialidades quirúrgicas en varias partes del mundo, y Colombia no ha sido la excepción. En urología, como en todas las especialidades, la evolución en la tecnología ha optimizado el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la mayoría de las patologías. El propósito siempre ha sido que los pacientes sometidos a cirugía tengan una experiencia agradable, menos estresante, sin comprometer los resultados perioperatorios y postoperatorios.

Robot-assisted intrafascial simple prostatectomy: novel technique.

PURPOSE: We describe our initial experience with intrafascial robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (IF-RSP). Potential advantages include reduced blood loss, elimination of the need for postoperative bladder irrigation, and elimination of the risk of residual or future prostate cancer, without interrupting potency or continence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2011 to March 2012, 10 patients with symptomatic prostatomegaly on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) (mean 81 g) underwent IF-RSP. Three patients had acute urinary retention. Demographic perioperative and outcome data were recorded up to 1 month follow-up. RESULTS: Average age was 71.7 years (range 60-79 years), estimated blood loss was 375 mL (range 150-900 mL), operative time was 106 minutes (range 60-180 min), hospital stay was 1 day (range 0-3 days), and Foley catheter duration was 8.9 days (range 6-14 days). The drain was removed at a mean 2.8 days (range 0-8 days). Mean prostate volume on preoperative TRUS was 81 cc (range 47-153 cc). Mean specimen weight was 81 g (range 50-150 g). Improvement was noted in the International Prostate Symptom Score (preoperative vs postoperative 18.8 vs 1.7) and peak flow rate (12.4 vs 33.49 mL/min). Sexual Health Inventory for Men score ranged from 12 to 24. All patients were completely continent within 1 month postoperatively, and sexual function was preserved. One patient had urinary tract infection and one patient needed blood transfusion postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: IF-RSP appears to be a feasible procedure in large-volume prostatomegaly. The entire prostate tissue is removed without compromising continence and potency. Larger series and longer-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the proper place of this approach.

Laparoendoscopic single site in pelvic surgery.

Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) has recently gained momentum as feasible techniques for minimal access surgery. Our aim is to describe the current status of laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) in pelvic surgery. A comprehensive revision of the literature in LESS pelvic surgery was performed. References for this manuscript were obtained by performing a review of the available literature in PubMed from 01-01-01 to 30-11-11. References outside the search period were obtained selected manuscript΄s bibliography. Search terms included: pelvic anatomy, less in gynecology, single port colectomy, urological less, single port, single site, NOTES, LESS and single incision. 314 manuscripts were initially identified. Out of these, 46 manuscripts were selected based in their pelvic anatomy or surgical content; including experimental experience, clinical series and literature reviews. LESS drastically limit the surgeon's ability to perform in the operative field and the latter becomes hardened by the lack of space in anatomical location like the pelvis. Potential advantages of LESS are gained with the understanding that the surgical procedure is more technically challenging. Pelvic surgical procedures related to colorectal surgery, gynecology and urology have been performed with LESS technique and information available is mostly represented by case reports and short case series. Comparative series remain few. LESS pelvic surgery remain in its very beginning and due to the very specific anatomical conditions further development of LESS surgery in the mentioned area can be clearly be facilitated by using robotic technology. Standardization ad reproducibility of techniques are mandatory to further develop LESS in the surgical arena..

Robotic extended pyelolithotomy for complete staghorn calculus.

Staghorn stones represent a therapeutic challenge to urologists. We present our experience with laparoscopic extended pyelolithotomy for treatment of staghorn and complex renal calculi in highly selected cases. This approach provides the principles of open surgery with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. We describe our experience with robot-assisted extended pyelolithotomy for complex coralliform calculi. Since January 2007, robotic extended pyelolithotomy has been performed by transperitoneal approach in two patients with complete coralliform lithiasis (calculi average size 8 cm). One patient had history of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Demographic and operative data were collected. All procedures were technically successful without need for open conversion. Mean estimated blood loss was 175 ml (range 50-300 ml), and mean operative time was 150 min (range 120-150 min). A perinephric drain was employed in one patient with duration of 5 days. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete stone clearance. Robotic extended pyelolithotomy is a feasible and reproducible procedure for removal of complete and partial staghorn calculi in selected patients with complex nephrolithiasis. This approach might limit the role of open surgery for these calculi, but further publications with more cases are necessary to further define its utility.

Tratamiento laparoscópico de fístulas genitourinarias / Laparoscopic treatment of genitourinary fistulae

Presentamos el manejo laparoscópico de fístulas genitourinarias, principalmente cinco tipos de fístulas, vesico-vaginal, uretero-vaginal, vesico-uterina, recto uretral y recto vesical. La fístula vesico-vaginal (FVV) es secundaria principalmente a procedimientos de uroginecología en los países desarrollados, siendo la principal causa de esta enfermedad la histerectomía abdominal, que representa un 84,9% de las fístulas genitourinarias (1). Se ha publicado el bajo índice (7-12%) de éxito en el manejo de este tipo de fístula. Las fístulas uretero-vaginales pueden presentarse después de cirugía pélvica, especialmente procedimientos ginecológicos, o como resultado de cuerpos extraños en la vagina o fragmentos litiásicos residuales después de la litotricia. Estos pacientes presentan típicamente pérdidas globales y persistentes de orina a través de la vagina, esto provoca molestias y angustia al paciente, el tratamiento inicial es conservador, pero a menudo insuficiente. La fístula vesico-uterina es una enfermedad rara que sólo ocurre entre el 1 al 4% de las fístulas genitourinarias, la causa principal es la cesárea del segmento bajo. Se presenta clínicamente de tres formas diferentes, que se describirán. El tratamiento de este tipo de fístulas ha sido conservador, con la terapia hormonal y cirugía, dependiendo de los síntomas presentes. Las fístulas recto urinarias (recto vesical y recto uretral) (FRU) son poco comunes y pueden ser difíciles de manejar clínicamente. A pesar de que se pueden desarrollar en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y abscesos peri rectales, las fístulas recto uretrales se producen con frecuencia como una complicación iatrogénica de procedimientos de próstata. La fístula recto vesical generalmente se desarrolla después de prostatectomía radical, y se produce a lo largo de la línea anastomótica vesico-uretral o a lo largo de la línea de sutura de un cierre posterior (raqueta posterior) de la vejiga (...) (AU)

We present the laparoscopic management of genitourinary fistulae, mainly five types of fistulae, vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal, vesicouterine, rectourethral and rectovesical fistula. Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is mostly secondary to urogynecologic procedures in developed countries, abdominal hysterectomy being the main cause of this condition; they represent 84.9% of the genitourinary fistulae (1).Management has been described for this type of fistula, where low success rate (7-12%) has been reported. Ureterovaginal fistulas may occur following pelvic surgery, particularly gynecological procedures, or as a result of vaginal foreign bodies or stone fragments after shock wave lithotripsy, patients typically present with global and persistent urine leakage through the vagina, this causes patient discomfort, distress, and typically protection is used to stay dry, the initial management is often conservative but typically fails. Vesicouterine fistula is a rare condition that only occurs in 1 to 4% of genitourinary fistulas, the primary cause is low segment cesareansection, and clinically presents in three different forms, which will be described. Treatment of this type of fistulae has been conservative,with hormone therapy and surgery, depending on the presenting symptoms. Recto-urinary (rectovesical and rectourethral) fistulae (RUF) are uncommon and can be difficult to manage clinically. Although they may develop in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and perirectal abscesses, rectourethral fistula frequently result as an iatrogenic complication of extirpative or ablative prostate procedures. Rectovesical fistula usually develops following radical prostatectomy, and occurs along the vesicourethral anastomotic line or along the suture line of a posterior "racquet-handle" closure of the bladder (...) (AU)