Transitioning from conformal radiotherapy to intensity-modulated radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy: Clinical benefit, oncologic outcomes and incidence of gastrointestinal and urinary toxicities.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to review genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity associated with high-dose radiotherapy (RT) delivered with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) following radical prostatectomy (RP). BACKGROUND: RP is a therapeutic option for the management of prostate cancer (PrCa). When assessing postoperative RT techniques for PrCa, the published literature focuses on patients treated with 2-dimensional conventional methods without reflecting the implementation of 3D-CRT, IMRT, or VMAT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 83 patients were included in this analysis; 30 patients received 3D-CRT, and 53 patients received IMRT/VMAT. Acute and late symptoms of the GU and lower GI tract were retrospectively graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer radiation toxicity grading systems. The relapse failure-free rate and overall survival were also evaluated. RESULTS: The rate of acute GU toxicity was 9.4% vs. 13.3% for the IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT groups (p = 0.583). The 5-year actuarial rates of late GI toxicity for IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT treatments were 1.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The rate of late GU toxicity for the IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT treatment groups was 7.5% and 16.6%, respectively (p = 0.199). We found no association between acute or late toxicity and the RT technique in univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Postprostatectomy IMRT/VMAT and 3D-CRT achieved similar morbidity and cancer control outcomes. The clinical benefit of highly conformal techniques in this setting is unclear although formal analysis is needed.

[Use of a virtual immersion computer simulator as a model for basic training in laparoscopic urology]. / Simulador computarizado de inmersión virtual como modelo de inicio de entrenamiento de laparoscopia urológica.

BACKGROUND: to date, it has not been defined the best method for teaching urologic laparoscopy, however it is well recognized that it involves a steep learning curve. METHODS: A course of Laparoscopic Urology was done in our Institute. The program included skill practices in a virtual immersion simulator which evaluated, the score and time to complete each activity. This was done in a group of residents with previous experience with this virtual simulator (group 1) and another group of residents with no experience (group 2). Four different basic tasks were performed in the virtual simulator, which included: coordination, cutting, clip application and performing a simple suture. RESULTS: When we compared the scores between both groups the mean scores for each task were superior in group 1 compared to the group 2, with no statistically significant difference, however when we compared the time to complete each task, it was shorter in group 1 compared to group 2 with a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of residents without experience in a virtual simulator was similar to that of previously trained residents, however it takes less time to complete each task as the resident gains experience in these simulators. The use of virtual simulators for laparoscopy training are useful when learning basic techniques allowing the surgeon to improve hand dexterity and coordination in laparoscopic surgery.

Surgical treatment of renal-cell carcinoma in elderly people. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del carcinoma de células renales en personas de edad avanzada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the oncological characteristics and evolution of patients 65 years or older who underwent surgery for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: We reviewed our prospectively maintained database of patients with RCC treated surgically. Those ≥ 65 years old were selected. We analyzed clinical and pathological characteristics as well as oncological and functional outcomes. Overall survival (OS) was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of OS. RESULTS: A total of 156 elderly patients with mean age 72.0±5.5 years (range 65-92) and median follow-up of 33 months were included. Surgical approach was open radical nephrectomy in 114 (73.5%), laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in 13 (8.4%), open partial nephrectomy in 23 (14.2%) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in 6 (3.9%). Pathological stage was: Stage I, 71 (45.5%); Stage II, 27 (17.3%); Stage III, 48 (30.8%); and Stage IV, 10 (6.4%). Lastly, 51 (32.6%) patients died, 22 (43.1%) from cancer. The 5-year OS according to pathological stage was 77.6%, 71.9%, 45.1% and 11.7% for stage I, II, III and IV, respectively (P<.001). On multivariate analysis, pathological stage independently predicted OS (HR 1.96, 95% CI [1.36-2.84], P=.0003). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical management of RCC appears to be safe in properly selected patients 65 years or older. Pathological stage predicts survival in this population.

[Primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with partial cystectomy. Case report]. / Carcinoma de células pequeñas primario de vejiga tratado mediante cistectomia parcial. Presentación de un caso.

Primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder are extremely rare tumors with an aggressive behavior. To date, no standard therapy has been proposed. There are some brief reports about the role of conservative surgery in patients not suitable for radical surgery. We report a case of a primary bladder small cell carcinoma treated with partial cystectomy.

Natural history of pyuria and microhematuria after prostate surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Urinalysis alterations are common after prostatic surgery. However, time to normalization has not been established. Presence of pyuria and microhematuria can lead to unnecessary diagnostic procedures. The objective of this study is to determine the time to normalization for both parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed medical records of patients who underwent prostatic surgery without infectious complications during follow-up. We included patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with either monopolar or bipolar energy, or open prostatectomy (OP). Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine the time of persistence of both parameters. ANOVA was used to compare the 3 groups according to the type of surgery. We analyzed the impact of preoperative use of 5-α-reductase inhibitors, and searched for a correlation between the weight of resected tissue and persistence of both parameters. RESULTS: 85 patients were analyzed: 44 underwent monopolar TURP, 27 bipolar TURP, and 14 OP. Persistence of pyuria was significantly longer than microhematuria with a median of 274 days vs. 176 days. Neither the use of monopolar or bipolar energy, nor the use of preoperative 5α-reductase inhibitors affected the persistence time. We found a positive correlation between the resected tissue weight and the persistence of leukocyturia after endoscopic surgery: 23 g was the best cut-off point. CONCLUSIONS: Pyuria persists longer than microhematuria regardless of the type of surgery. There is a correlation between the resected tissue weight and the persistence of pyuria. The presence of pyuria and microhematuria after prostatic surgery is not always a pathological finding.

[Prognostic factors in emphysematous pyelonephritis]. / Factores pronósticos en pielonefritis enfisematosa.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to analyze our experience with 18 cases of Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) in a tertiary care center and describe our treatment strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 262 patients admitted with acute pyelonephritis, 18 had CT findings of EPN. The Wan and Huang classifications were used. We assessed the clinical, radiological, and therapeutic characteristics of these patients and investigated potential prognostic factors of mortality. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010, 17 women and 1 man with EPN were treated. Mean age was 52.4 years. Diabetes was found in 66% and hypertension in 72%. The most common clinical findings were tachycardia (11), fever (11) and flank pain (9); 66% (12) presented with severe sepsis and 2 had septic shock. Acute renal injury developed in 61%. Nine patients were treated exclusively with conservative management; 5 had double J stenting, 3 had CT-guided PCD and 1 required nephrectomy after unsuccessful medical management. Mortality was 11%. Altered consciousness (P=.0001), multiple organ failure (P=.0004), hyperglycemia (P=.003) and elevated leukocyte count (> 20000 K) (P=.01) were more frequent among patients dying from EPN. No difference in mortality was found between patients managed conservatively and those undergoing invasive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, EPN should be suspected in patients with multiple comorbidities presenting with severe sepsis. Altered consciousness, multiple organ failure, hyperglycemia and elevated leukocyte count are poor prognosis indicators. Invasive management should be used judiciously and medical treatment can be a safe strategy in selected cases.

Performance of computed tomographic urography for the detection of bladder tumors in patients with microscopic hematuria.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy of computed tomographic urography for the detection of bladder tumors in patients with microscopic hematuria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with microscopic hematuria initially evaluated with computed tomography and cystoscopy from January 2006 to December 2009 were evaluated. Computed tomography detecting a bladder lesion suspicious of malignancy was considered positive. Cystoscopy was classified as positive when a lesion requiring biopsy or resection was found. Performance characteristics of computed tomography were determined by comparing with cystoscopic and pathological findings. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were eligible for analysis. Seven tumors were found on cystoscopy; of these, 2 were correctly diagnosed by computed tomography and 5 were missed. An additional case was considered erroneously positive. The results are a sensitivity of 29%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 67%, negative predictive value of 95%, and accuracy of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: Although computed tomography has a high specificity its sensitivity is limited. For this reason conventional cystoscopy should be considered the standard for bladder evaluation of patients with microscopic hematuria.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open donor nephrectomy: a retrospective comparison of perioperative and functional results in a tertiary care center in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic nephrectomy for living donors is the current procedure of choice. Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) is the variation of this technique currently used in our institution. Though the advantages and disadvantages have been described for this procedure, the graft function compared with open surgery has been shown to be equal. We compared the outcomes of patients undergoing the former standard open donor nephrectomy (ODN) versus the current HALDN technique. METHODS: In this retrospective, comparative, and analytic study we reviewed our institutional database of renal transplantation procedures from January 2005 to April 2011 for perioperative variables and 1-year follow-up data. Donor renal function was evaluated with serum creatinine concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rates with the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology formula. Complications were reported with the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The 190 consecutive donors included 99 ODN and 91 HALDN, who did not show baseline differences. ODN had a shorter mean operative time (217 ± 57.5 vs 270 ± 60.1 minutes) and shorter warm ischemia time (2.12 ± 1.4 vs 4.62 ± 2.7 minutes). HALDN had less operative blood loss (274.4 ± 198.1 vs 202.99 ± 157.1 mL) and shorter in-hospital stay (5.58 ± 2.2 vs 4.23 ± 1.8 days). There were no significant differences in 30-day surgical complications or transfusion requirements. No graft loss was reported. No difference in renal function was observed between the groups at days 1-2 or months 1, 6, or 12 after nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery has replaced conventional open surgery for living renal donors. HALDN is a safe and successful procedure compared with ODN. It is now the procedure of choice in our institution.

Invasion of bladder neck after radical prostatectomy: one definition for different outcomes.

The aim of the study was to evaluate factors of progression after radical prostatectomy in patients with bladder neck invasion (BNI). From 1988 to 2006, 1395 patients underwent radical prostatectomy, 120 (8.6%) had microscopic BNI (pT4 N0, TNM 2002). Group 1 was defined as BNI alone, group 2 as BNI plus extracapsular extension and group 3 as BNI plus seminal vesicle invasion (SVI). Postoperative follow-up data were obtained through routine serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination. Biochemical progression was defined as a single detectable PSA level postoperatively (>0.2 ng ml(-1)). Groups 1, 2 and 3 included 38 (31%), 35 (30%) and 47 (39%) patients, respectively. Preoperative PSA (11.1 vs 24.7 and 23.3 ng ml(-1), P=0.01), biopsy Gleason score (5 vs 6 and 6, P=0.003) and specimen Gleason score (6 vs 7 and 7, P=0.02) were statistically different between three groups. None of the patients had a specimen Gleason score >or=8 in group 1. After a mean follow-up of 27 months, 51 (42.5%) patients had biochemical progression. The 5-year progression-free survival was 87, 53 and 17% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P<0.001). Within pT4 prostate cancer, those tumors with isolated microscopic BNI appear to have better prognosis than those with associated extracapsular extension and/or seminal vesicle invasion, and should be distinguished in TNM classification.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del carcinoma de células renales en personas de edad avanzada / Surgical treatment of renal-cell carcinoma in elderly people

Objetivo: Describir las características oncológicas y evolución de los pacientes con 65 años o más que son sometidos a cirugía por cáncer de células renales (CCR). Métodos: Revisamos en nuestra base de datos a todos los pacientes con CCR tratados quirúrgicamente. Aquellos mayores de 65 años fueron seleccionados. Se analizaron las características clínicas y patológicas, así como los desenlaces oncológicos y funcionales. La supervivencia global (SG) fue estimada con el método de Kaplan-Meier. El análisis multivariado fue hecho con el modelo de Cox para determinar los predictores de SG. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 156 pacientes ancianos con una edad media de 72,0 ± 5,5 años (rango 65-92) y una mediana de seguimiento de 33 meses. El abordaje quirúrgico fue nefrectomía radical abierta en 114 (73,5%) pacientes, nefrectomía radical laparoscópica en 13 (8,4%), nefrectomía parcial abierta en 23 (14,2%) y nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica en 6 (3,9%). El estadio patológico fue: estadio i 71 (45,5%), estadio ii 27 (17,3%), estadio iii 48 (30,8%) y estadio iv 10 (6,4%). Finalmente, 51 (32,6%) pacientes murieron, 22 (43,1%) por cáncer. La SG a 5 años de acuerdo al estadio patológico fue 77,6%, 71,9%, 45,1% y 11,7% para los estadios i, ii, iii y iv, respectivamente (p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariado el estadio patológico fue un factor independiente para predecir la SG (HR: 1,96, IC 95% [1,36-2,84], p = 0,0003). Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico del CCR parece seguro en pacientes mayores de 65 años debidamente seleccionados. El estadio patológico predice la supervivencia en esta población

Objective: To describe the oncological characteristics and evolution of patients 65 years or older who underwent surgery for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: We reviewed our prospectively maintained database of patients with RCC treated surgically. Those ≥ 65 years old were selected. We analyzed clinical and pathological characteristics as well as oncological and functional outcomes. Overall survival (OS) was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of OS. Results: A total of 156 elderly patients with mean age 72.0 ± 5.5 years (range 65-92) and median follow-up of 33 months were included. Surgical approach was open radical nephrectomy in 114 (73.5%), laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in 13 (8.4%), open partial nephrectomy in 23 (14.2%) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in 6 (3.9%). Pathological stage was: Stage I, 71 (45.5%); Stage II, 27 (17.3%); Stage III, 48 (30.8%); and Stage IV, 10 (6.4%). Lastly, 51 (32.6%) patients died, 22 (43.1%) from cancer. The 5-year OS according to pathological stage was 77.6%, 71.9%, 45.1% and 11.7% for stage I, II, III and IV, respectively (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, pathological stage independently predicted OS (HR 1.96, 95% CI [1.36-2.84], P = .0003). Conclusions: The surgical management of RCC appears to be safe in properly selected patients 65 years or older. Pathological stage predicts survival in this population

Historia natural de la piuria y microhematuria después de la cirugía de próstata / Natural History of Pyuria and Microhematuria After Prostate Surgery

Objetivo: Las alteraciones del examen general de orina (EGO) son comunes después de la cirugía prostática. Sin embargo, el tiempo de normalización no ha sido establecido. La presencia de estas alteraciones puede propiciar abordajes diagnósticos innecesarios. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el tiempo de normalización para ambos parámetros. Material y métodos: Estudiamos pacientes sometidos a cirugía prostática sin complicaciones infecciosas durante su seguimiento. Incluimos pacientes sometidos a resección transuretral de próstata (RTUP) con energía monopolar y bipolar y a prostatectomía abierta (PA). Se utilizaron curvas de Kaplan-Meier para determinar el tiempo de persistencia. Se utilizó ANOVA para comparar los 3 grupos de acuerdo a la cirugía. Analizamos el impacto del uso preoperatorio de inhibidores de la 5-alfa reductasa y correlacionamos el peso del tejido resecado con la persistencia de ambos parámetros. Resultados: Analizamos 85 pacientes: 44 sometidos a RTUP monopolar, 27 a RTUP bipolar y 14 a PA. El tiempo de persistencia de piuria fue significativamente mayor que el de microhematuria, con una mediana de 274 vs 176 días. Estos resultados no se vieron afectados por el tipo de energía utilizada, ni por el uso de inhibidores de la 5-alfa reductasa. Encontramos una correlación entre el peso del tejido resecado y la persistencia de piuria posterior a cirugía endoscópica: 23 g (fue el mejor punto de corte). Conclusiones: La piuria persiste más que la microhematuria independientemente del tipo de cirugía. Existe una correlación entre el tejido resecado y la persistencia de piuria. La presencia de estas alteraciones después de la cirugía prostática no siempre es un hallazgo patológico (AU)

Objective: Urinalysis alterations are common after prostatic surgery. However, time to normalization has not been established. Presence of pyuria and microhematuria can lead to unnecessary diagnostic procedures. The objective of this study is to determine the time to normalization for both parameters. Materials and methods: We reviewed medical records of patients who underwent prostatic surgery without infectious complications during follow-up. We included patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with either monopolar or bipolar energy, or open prostatectomy (OP). Kaplan–Meier curves were used to determine the time of persistence of both parameters. ANOVA was used to compare the 3 groups according to the type of surgery. We analyzed the impact of preoperative use of 5-α-reductase inhibitors, and searched for a correlation between the weight of resected tissue and persistence of both parameters. Results: 85 patients were analyzed: 44 underwent monopolar TURP, 27 bipolar TURP, and 14 OP. Persistence of pyuria was significantly longer than microhematuria with a median of 274 days vs. 176 days. Neither the use of monopolar or bipolar energy, nor the use of preoperative 5α-reductase inhibitors affected the persistence time. We found a positive correlation between the resected tissue weight and the persistence of leukocyturia after endoscopic surgery: 23 g was the best cut-off point. Conclusions: Pyuria persists longer than microhematuria regardless of the type of surgery. There is a correlation between the resected tissue weight and the persistence of this feature. The presence of pyuria and microhematuria after prostatic surgery is not always a pathological finding (AU)

Factores pronósticos en pielonefritis enfisematosa / Prognostic Factors in Emphysematous Pyelonephritis

Objetivos: Analizar nuestra experiencia con 18 casos de pielonefritis enfisematosa (PE) en un centro de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: De 262 pacientes hospitalizados por pielonefritis aguda, 18 mostraron hallazgos radiológicos de PE. Utilizamos la clasificación de Wan y Huang. Analizamos las características clínicas, radiológicas y terapéuticas de los pacientes. Buscamos factores pronósticos de mortalidad. Resultados: De 2005 a 2010 17 mujeres y un hombre recibieron tratamiento por PE. La media de edad fue de 52,4 años. El 72% de los pacientes padecían hipertensión y el 66% diabetes tipo 2. Los hallazgos clínicos más comunes fueron: taquicardia (11), fiebre (11) y dolor en flanco (9). Doce pacientes presentaron sepsis grave y 2 choque séptico. El 61% de los pacientes tuvo insuficiencia renal aguda a su ingreso. Nueve sujetos recibieron manejo conservador; se colocó catéter doble J a 5 pacientes y drenaje percutáneo a 3. Solo realizamos una nefrectomía después de un manejo conservador no exitoso. La mortalidad fue del 11%. Las alteraciones en el estado de conciencia (p=0,0001), disfunción orgánica múltiple (p=0.0004), hiperglucemia (p=0,003) y leucocitosis (> 20.000 K) (p=0,01) fueron más comunes en aquellos pacientes que no sobrevivieron. No hubo diferencias en mortalidad entre los pacientes tratados de forma conservadora (solo manejo médico) y aquellos que recibieron tratamiento invasivo. Conclusiones: La PE debe sospecharse en pacientes con múltiples comorbilidades que se presentan con sepsis grave. La alteración en el estado de alerta, la disfunción orgánica múltiple, la hiperglucemia y la leucocitosis son factores de mal pronóstico. El tratamiento invasivo debe utilizarse de forma juiciosa, y el tratamiento conservador puede ser una estrategia segura en casos seleccionados (AU)

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze our experience with 18 cases of Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) in a tertiary care center and describe our treatment strategy. Material and methods: Of 262 patients admitted with acute pyelonephritis, 18 had CT findings of EPN. The Wan and Huang classifications were used. We assessed the clinical, radiological, and therapeutic characteristics of these patients and investigated potential prognostic factors of mortality. Results: Between 2005 and 2010, 17 women and 1 man with EPN were treated. Mean age was 52.4 years. Diabetes was found in 66% and hypertension in 72%. The most common clinical findings were tachycardia (11), fever (11) and flank pain (9); 66% (12) presented with severe sepsis and 2 had septic shock. Acute renal injury developed in 61%. Nine patients were treated exclusively with conservative management; 5 had double J stenting, 3 had CT-guided PCD and 1 required nephrectomy after unsuccessful medical management. Mortality was 11%. Altered consciousness (P=0.0001), multiple organ failure (P=.0004), hyperglycemia (P=0.003) and elevated leukocyte count (> 20000 K) (P=0.01) were more frequent among patients dying from EPN. No difference in mortality was found between patients managed conservatively and those undergoing invasive therapy. Conclusions: Although rare, EPN should be suspected in patients with multiple comorbidities presenting with severe sepsis. Altered consciousness, multiple organ failure, hyperglycemia and elevated leukocyte count are poor prognosis indicators. Invasive management should be used judiciously and medical treatment can be a safe strategy in selected cases (AU)

Exactitud de la urotomografía computarizada para detectar tumores vesicales en pacientes con hematuria microscópica / Performance of Computed Tomographic Urography for the Detection of Bladder Tumors in Patients With Microscopic Hematuria

Objetivo: Evaluar la sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos y exactitud de la tomografía computarizada en la detección de tumores vesicales en pacientes con hematuria microscópica. Material y métodos: Analizamos retrospectivamente los casos de hematuria microscópica evaluados con tomografía computarizada y cistoscopia de enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2009. Ambos estudios se consideraron como positivos en caso de identificarse una lesión sospechosa de neoplasia. El desempeño de la tomografía computarizada fue determinado mediante los resultados de la cistoscopia y los hallazgos histológicos. Resultados: Ciento doce pacientes fueron analizados. En 7 de ellos se identificó un tumor vesical por cistoscopia. La tomografía computarizada solo diagnosticó correctamente 2 casos y falló en 5. Un caso más fue considerado erróneamente como positivo en la tomografía computarizada. Esto resulta en una sensibilidad del 29%, especificidad del 99%, valor predictivo positivo del 67%, valor predictivo negativo del 95% y exactitud del 95%. Conclusiones: Aunque la tomografía computarizada tiene una especificidad alta en la evaluación de pacientes con hematuria microscópica, su sensibilidad es limitada. Por tal motivo la cistoscopia debe seguir siendo el estándar en estos casos (AU)

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy of computed tomographic urography for the detection of bladder tumors in patients with microscopic hematuria. Material and methods: Patients with microscopic hematuria initially evaluated with computed tomography and cystoscopy from January 2006 to December 2009 were evaluated. Computed tomography detecting a bladder lesion suspicious of malignancy was considered positive. Cystoscopy was classified as positive when a lesion requiring biopsy or resection was found. Performance characteristics of computed tomography were determined by comparing with cystoscopic and pathological findings. Results: A total of 112 patients were eligible for analysis. Seven tumors were found on cystoscopy; of these, 2 were correctly diagnosed by computed tomography and 5 were missed. An additional case was considered erroneously positive. The results are a sensitivity of 29%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 67%, negative predictive value of 95%, and accuracy of 95%. Conclusions: Although computed tomography has a high specificity its sensitivity is limited. For this reason conventional cystoscopy should be considered the standard for bladder evaluation of patients with microscopic hematuria (AU)

Simulador computarizado de inmersión virtual como modelo de inicio de entrenamiento de laparoscopia urológica / Use of a virtual inmersion computer simulator as a model for basic training in laparoscopic urology

Antecedentes: En la actualidad aún no está definido el mejor método de enseñanza para laparoscopia aplicada en urología, sin embargo se sabe que implica una larga curva de aprendizaje. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo en nuestro Instituto un Curso de Laparoscopia Urológica que incluyó prácticas en un simulador computarizado de inmersión virtual en el que se evaluó las aptitudes de residentes que utilizaron rutinariamente el simulador como el grupo con experiencia (grupo 1) contra otro grupo sin experiencia (grupo 2). Se utilizaron diferentes modalidades en el simulador calificando la destreza y el tiempo para completar 4 tareas: coordinación, corte, colocación de clips y suturas endoscópicas. Resultados: Las calificaciones promedio en las cuatro tareas fueron superiores en el grupo 1 comparado con el grupo 2, sin embargo nunca existió una diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Por otra parte en lo que corresponde al tiempo para realizar las prácticas fue menor en el grupo 1 comparado con el grupo 2, con diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: El desempeño de los alumnos sin experiencia en el uso de simuladores fue similar al de los alumnos habituados a este tipo de entrenamiento, sin embargo, se observó una mayor velocidad en la realización de las tareas conforme se aumenta el tiempo del uso de estos simuladores. El uso de simuladores permite el aprendizaje de técnicas básicas permitiendo mejorar la destreza y coordinación para la práctica de laparoscopia

Background: to date, it has not been defined the best method for teaching urologic laparoscopy, however it is well recognized that it involves a steep learning curve. Methods: A course of Laparoscopic Urology was done in our Institute. The program included skill practices in a virtual immersion simulator which evaluated, the score and time to complete each activity. This was done in a group of residents with previous experience with this virtual simulator (group 1) and another group of residents with no experience (group 2). Four different basic tasks were performed in the virtual simulator, which included: coordination, cutting, clip application and performing a simple suture. Results: When we compared the scores between both groups the mean scores for each task were superior in group 1 compared to the group 2, with no statistically significant difference, however when we compared the time to complete each task, it was shorter in group 1 compared to group 2 with a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: The performance of residents without experience in a virtual simulator was similar to that of previously trained residents, however it takes less time to complete each task as the resident gains experience in these simulators. The use of virtual simulators for laparoscopy training are useful when learning basic techniques allowing the surgeon to improve hand dexterity and coordination in laparoscopic surgery

Carcinoma de células pequeñas primario de vejiga tratado mediante cistectomía parcial. Presentación de un caso / Primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with partial cystectomy. Case report

El carcinoma de células pequeñas de vejiga es una neoplasia poco común y sumamente agresiva. Aún no se ha definido el tratamiento ideal, sin embargo la cirugía preservadora de vejiga parece ser una opción viable en pacientes que no son candidatos a cirugía radical. Presentamos un caso de carcinoma vesical de células pequeñas tratado con cistectomía parcial (AU)

Primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder are extremely rare tumors with an aggressive behavior. To date, no standard therapy has been proposed. There are some brief reports about the role of conservative surgery in patients not suitable for radical surgery. We report a case of a primary bladder small cell carcinoma treated with partial cystectomy (AU)