Baltasar Llopis Mínguez (1934-1990). Pionero en la investigación del cáncer vesical y en la introducción de la informática en Urología

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

Análisis de los indicadores de calidad en la cirugía de cáncer colorrectal de unidades acreditadas por la Asociación Española de Coloproctología

Introduction

Currently, there is growing interest in analyzing the results from surgical units and the implementation of quality standards in order to identify good healthcare practices. Due to this fact, the Spanish Association of Coloproctology (AECP) has developed a unit accreditation program that contemplates basic standards. The aim of this article is to evaluate and analyze the specific quality indicators for the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer, established by the program. Data were collected from colorectal units during the accreditation process.

Estudio poblacional de casuística y morbimortalidad de la prostatectomía radical en España

IntroductionThere is no population-based study that accounts for the number of radical prostatectomies (RP) carried out in Spain, nor regarding the morbidity and mortality of this intervention.Our objective is to study the morbidity and mortality of RP in Spain from 2011 to 2015 and to evaluate the geographic variation.Material and methodsWe designed a retrospective observational study of all patients submitted to RP in Spain during five consecutive years (2011-2015). The data was extracted from the «Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos» (CMBD).We have evaluated geographic variations in terms of morbidity and hospital stay, and the impact of the mean annual surgical volume for each center on these variables.ResultsBetween 2011-2015, a total of 37,725 RPs were performed in 221 Spanish public hospitals. The mean age of the series was 63.9 ± 3.23 years. Of all RPs, 50% were performed through an open approach, and 43.4% have been operated on in hospitals with < 500 beds. We observed an important variability in the distribution of the cases operated on in the different regions. The regions that perform more RPs are Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid. Our study shows a complication rate of 8.6%, with hemorrhage and the need for transfusion being the most frequent (5.3 and 4%, respectively). There are significant differences in bleeding rates and hospital stay among regions, which are maintained after adjusting for patient characteristics and type of hospital. When studying the annual surgical volume of each hospital, we find that the impact on the rate of hemorrhage or transfusion is linear; however, hospital stay remains stable at around 5 days from 60 RPs/year.ConclusionsIn national terms, morbidity and mortality rates after RP are comparable to those described in the literature. This study reveals a clear dispersion in the hospitals that carry out this intervention, showing clear differences in terms of morbidity and hospital stay between the different regions.     

Desafío y futuro de la cirugía robótica hepática y pancreática. Análisis de 64 casos en una unidad especializada

IntroductionRobotic surgery has proven effective in certain surgical procedures. However, in liver and pancreatic surgery (HBP) its use is still rare. The initial experience in HBP robotic surgery of a specialized unit of a tertiary hospital is presented.MethodThe results of patients undergoing robotic HBP surgery between April 2018 and October 2020 have been prospectively studied. The data analyzed correspond to demographic data, surgical techniques performed, associated morbidity and mortality.Results64 patients were operated, corresponding to 35 hepatectomies (major [6.7%], anatomic [52.9%], limited [34.4%], cystectomies [3%] and marsupialization [3%]), 29 pancreatectomies (distal [48.2%], central [6.9%], cephalic [13.8%], enucleations [24.1%], ampullectomies [3.5%] and duodenal resections [3.5%]).In liver surgery the mean operative time was 204.4 minutes (100-265 min), the median postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo scale was one (1-4), the mean blood losses 166.7 mL (100-300 mL), there was no conversion and the mean postoperative stay was four days (2-14 days).In pancreatic surgery, the mean operative time was 243.8 minutes (125-460 min), the median of postoperative complications was two (1-4), blood loss of 202.3 mL (100-500 mL) associated to a conversion rate 17.8% and an average stay of seven days (3-23 days).ConclusionsRobotic HBP surgery is safe and feasible. It is suggested that its use facilitates parenchymal sparing surgery, access to posterior liver segments and anastomosis in pancreatic reconstruction compared to laparoscopic surgery.     

Encuesta a los jefes de Unidad y residentes de Cirugía sobre la accesibilidad y el trabajo en los equipos de trasplante hepático en España

IntroductionThe access of surgeons to liver transplant teams in Spain is heterogeneous. This study aims to portray the current human resources of Spanish transplant teams, distribution of transplant duties among team members, how transplant team members acquire their skills, their leaders’ view of their future, as well the motivations of Spanish General Surgery residents to choose transplantation as their future career choice.MethodsTwo different surveys were created, one for head surgeons and one for residents, about the number of team members and their training, recruitment, organization of tasks and motivation to work in transplantation. The questionnaires were e-mailed to both the transplant program directors and the surgical residents.ResultsThere are on average 8 surgeons in each transplant unit. More than four surgeons perform the hepatectomy in 54.2% of the groups, while the graft implantation is performed by more than 4 surgeons at just 25% of the centers. Forty-two percent of the transplant chiefs advocated a fellowship training system, and 87.5% believe that generational turnover is guaranteed.Out of 525 residents, 101 responded. Regarding training, 12.8% had no interest in transplantation. Concerning their work preferences, 37.6% were not interested in transplantation because it is excessively demanding, and 52.5% would not like to be part of a liver transplant team in the future.ConclusionsThe generational turnover seems to be guaranteed according to liver transplant program directors. The new generations of surgeons generally opt for other areas of surgery other than transplantation. Studies with a greater number of responses are necessary to validate these results     

Estándares de calidad en la cirugía oncológica pancreática en España

Introduction

To establish quality standards in oncologic surgery is a complex but necessary challenge to improve surgical outcomes. Unlike other tumors, there are no well-defined quality standards in pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to identify quality indicators in pancreatic oncologic surgery in Spain as well as their acceptable limits of variability.

Valor pronóstico de la ploidía del adn en el cáncer de próstata

ObjetiveTo asses the prognostic value of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy in a group of patients with prostate cancer treated with adrogenic blockadeMaterial and methodA retrospective study on 136 patients with prostatic cancer having undergone androgenic blockade was carried out. The prognostic influence of age, T and M categories, Gleason score and flow cytometry-determined DNA ploidy from survival analyses. Univariate survival analysis was carried out following Kaplan-Meier’s method, while for multivariate survival analysis Cox’s proportional hazard model was usedResultsThe univariante analysis showed that T and M categories, Gleason score and DNA ploidy have prognostic value. The Cox’s regression analysis identified DNA ploidy, metastasis and Gleason score as independent variables having prognostic potentialConclusionsDNA ploidy has independent prognostic value in prostate cancer treated with androgenic blockade and improves the predictive potential of classical prognostic factors     

Expresión de PD-L1 en cáncer renal,características pronósticas y utilidad en la práctica clínica habitual

IntroductionThe expression of PD-L1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with worse survival and prognostic clinical-pathological features. However, they seem to respond better to new therapeutic agents. Knowing the behavior of RCC according to the presence of PD-L1 may have implications for medical counseling and therapeutic approaches.ObjectiveTo identify the presence of PD-L1 in renal tumor cells and analyze its association with patientś prognostic factors, overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).MethodologyRetrospective analysis of RCC tissue samples, obtained between 2018 and 2021. Immunohistochemistry analysis with mouse monoclonal Anti PD-L1, clone 22C3. Definition of PD-L1 “positive” as a Tumor Proportion Score ≥ 1%. Comparison of prognostic factors according to the presence or absence of PD-L1, and univariate analysis for OS and CSS.Results14% (n = 11) of the sample were PD-L1(+). Average age was 59 years. There were no statistically significant differences between PD-L1 status and TNM stages, nuclear grade and histology. PD-L1(+) had worse OS with a HR of 5.27 (CI: 1.1-23.7; p = 0.03) and CSS showed a unfavorable tendency for PD-L1(+) with a HR of 4.79 (CI: 0.79-28.95; p = 0.08).ConclusionThe prevalence of PD-L1 in RCC is considerable. In this study PD-L1(+) was associated with unfavorable OS and CSS. It seems reasonable to incorporate its routine use in RCC.     

Papel de PCA3 y SelectMDx en la optimización de la vigilancia activa en el cáncer de próstata

Introduction and objectivesA not negligible percentage of patients included in active surveillance (AS) for low and very low risk prostate cancer (PCa) are reclassified in the confirmatory biopsy or have disease progression during follow-up. Our aim is to evaluate the role of PCA3 and SelectMDx, in an individual and combined way, in the prediction of pathological progression (PP) in a standard AS program.Materials and methodsProspective and observational study comprised of 86 patients enrolled in an AS program from 2009 to 2019, with results for PCA3 and SelectMDx previous to PCa diagnosis or during their confirmatory period. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to correlate PCA3 and SelectMDx scores as well as clinical and pathological variables with PP-free survival (PPFS). The most reliable cut-offs for both biomarkers in the context of AS were defined.ResultsSelectMDx showed statistically significant differences related to PPFS (HR: 1.035; 95% CI: 1.012-1.057) (P = .002) with a C-index of 0.670 (95% CI: 0.529-0.810) and AUC of 0.714 (95% CI: 0.603-0.825) at 5 years. In our series, the most reliable cut-off point for SelectMDx was 5, with a sensitivity and specificity for PP of 69.8% and 67.4%, respectively. Same figure for PCA3 was 65, with a sensitivity and specificity for PP of 51.16% and 74.42%, respectively. The combination of both biomarkers did not improve the prediction of PP, C-index 0.630 (95% CI: 0.455-0.805).ConclusionsIn the context of low or very low risk PCa, SelectMDx > 5 predicted 5 years PP free survival with a moderate discrimination ability outperforming PCA3. The combination of both tests did not improved outcomes.     

Encuesta sobre la práctica de los anestesiólogos en la cirugía de hernia inguinal en Galicia

Objectives

To evaluate the preference in the anaesthetic technique by anaesthesiologists for the management of inguinal hernia surgery in Galicia.

Seguridad de nivolumab en pacientes con carcinoma de células renales metastásico: experiencia española en urología en la práctica clínica real

Introduction and objectivesNivolumab is an immunotherapy agent that has been an approved treatment for previously treated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Experience in real-life settings, especially regarding immune- related adverse events, is scarce. We present our experience with reference to the safety of nivolumab in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) treated in 9 hospitals in Spain.Material and methodsRetrospective, multicentre study of patients with mRCC treated with nivolumab between 2016 and 2018. Data on baseline socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and drug-related adverse events were collected.ResultsThe mean age of the 26 patients included was 63.7 ± 11.5 years; 96% were ECOG 0-1 and 78% had favourable or intermediate MSKCC risk scores; 73% had the clear cell histological subtype and 30% metastatic disease. Median follow-up was 9 months (range 1-14). All patients experienced an adverse event at different grades, with fatigue, fever and anaemia being the most common (27%). Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 23% of patients. Adverse reactions led to treatment suspension in 3 patients (11%).ConclusionIn the real-life clinical setting, nivolumab shows favourable outcomes, similar to those reported by other studies.     

Tratamiento de las complicaciones hemorrágicas de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en posición de Galdakao

ObjetivePercutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a technique with good results for the treatment of kidney stones, however, bleeding complications derived can be serious if not diagnosed and treated effectively. The aim of this study is to assess bleeding complications resulting from PCNL in Galdakao position and therapeutic management.Material and methodsRetrospective-longitudinal study of 172 PCNL performed in La Ribera Hospital between January 2005 and December 2011, analyzing their bleeding complications and the treatment provided for resolution.ResultsHad bleeding complications 20 patients (11.6%). The need for transfusion in this series was 8.1% and the most common cause of blood transfusion the presence of postoperative retroperitoneal (7.5%). There were 6 arterial injuries (3.5%), 5 of them successfully treated with angiography and arterial selective embolization.ConclusionsThe arterial injuries following PCNL are rare but can be serious. The possibility of an urgent arteriography and selective embolization to the diagnosis permits an effective and safe treatment of bleeding without risk to the affected renal unit.     

Análisis y descripción de la calidad de vida específica en pacientes con fístula anal

Introduction

In patients diagnosed with anal fistula, knowing the quality of life specifically related to the disease can help coloproctology specialists to choose the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for each case. The aim of our study is to analyzse and describe the factors related to the specific quality of life in a consecutive series of patients diagnosed with anal fistula.

Análisis de los factores que influyen en la pérdida hemática en la nefrolitotomía percutánea: registro de la Asociación Española de Urología sobre la posición supina

ObjectivePercutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the minimally invasive procedure of choice for removing renal stones larger than 2 cm. This study has aimed to identify the different variables that might influence decrease of hemoglobin during the surgery performed in supine position.Material and methodsA prospective, multicenter, observational study of supine PCNL, based on the Spanish Association of Urology database, was analyzed. The different preoperative and postoperative factors that might affect the decrease of hemoglobin were assessed: demographics and anthropometric data, comorbidities, size and location of the stones, anatomical variants and technical aspects of the procedure.ResultsFrom September 2008 to December 2012, 397 supine PCNL procedures performed in 15 Spanish centers were registered. Mean hemoglobin decrease was 2.3 ± 1.5 g/dl and overall blood transfusion rate was 5.5%. No statistically significant differences were found between genders, body mass index (BMI) and age in terms of blood loss. There were also no differences between patients with cardiovascular, hypertensive, diabetic and anticoagulant treatment background. Blood loss was not significantly influenced by stone size and location. Technical aspects of the procedure as operative time (> 120 min ≤), access to the pelvi-caliceal system (ultrasound, fluoroscopy), percutaneous tract dilation technique (Alken, balloon or Amplatz) or placement of nephrostomy (tube versus tubeless) were not associated with differences in pre-op/post-op hemoglobin. Only multiple percutaneous tracts (≥ 2) and middle calix access were statistically significantly (P = .03 and P = .01) related with less blood loss.ConclusionsPCNL in supine position is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of large (≥ 2 cm) and multiple renal stones, with a low incidence of blood loss and minimal transfusion rate. Multiple percutaneous tracts and middle calix puncture were the only statistically significant variables associated with decrease in hemoglobin levels.     

Análisis de la pérdida ponderal a medio plazo después del bypass gastroyeyunal en Y de Roux y de la gastrectomía vertical: propuesta de gráficos de percentiles del porcentaje de peso total perdido para su uso en la práctica clínica diaria

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to analyze weight evolution after the main bariatric surgical techniques (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB] and sleeve gastrectomy [SG]) performed at a representative sample of Spanish hospitals in order to develop percentile charts for the percentage of total weight loss during the first 3 years after surgery.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted based on the data provided by 9 Spanish hospitals. Weight data were analyzed both in % total weight loss and % excess weight lost corresponding to the RYGB (n = 1,887) and SG (n = 1,210).ResultsRYGB continues to be the most frequently performed technique in our sample. In both surgical techniques, maximum weight loss occurred 18 months after surgery. Both techniques followed the same weight evolution, although the % total weight loss values were lower in the case of the SG after 36 months (29.3 ± 10 vs. 33.6 ± 10). Age and gender are decisive in the weight results (better in younger patients for both techniques and better in women for RYGB).ConclusionsPercentile charts of % total weight loss after bariatric surgery represent a very useful tool and an important advance in the quality of patient management.