Objetivo: Avaliar um protocolo de espectroscopia por ressonância magnética (ERM) do próton de hidrogênio (1H) bidimensional (2D) disponível comercialmente (Siemens Medical Systems; Erlangen, Alemanha), aplicado para nódulos adrenais e diferenciação das massas (adenomas, feocromocitomas, carcinomas e metástases). Materiais e Métodos: Um total de 118 pacientes (36 homens e 82 mulheres), apresentando-se com 138 nódulos/massas adrenais, foi avaliado prospectivamente (média de idade: 57,3 ± 13,3 anos). Uma sequência de ERM-1H-PRESS-CSI (espectroscopia por resolução de ponto-imagem por desvio químico) multivoxel foi utilizada. Análise espectroscópica foi realizada da esquerda-direita, sentido crânio-caudal, usando três sequências sagitais, além de sequências axiais e coronais T2-HASTE. Os seguintes índices foram calculados: colina (Cho)/creatina (Cr), 4,0–4,3 ppm/Cr, lipídio (Lip)/Cr, Cho/Lip e lactato (Lac)/Cr. Resultados: ERM-1H-2D foi bem sucedida em 123 (89,13%) lesões. Os valores de sensibilidade e especificidade encontrados para as proporções e pontos de corte avaliados foram: Cho/Cr ≥ 1,2, sensibilidade de 100% e especificidade de 98,2% (diferenciação de adenomas e carcinomas de feocromocitomas e metástases); 4,0–4,3 ppm/Cr ≥ 1,5, 92,3% de sensibilidade, especificidade de 96,9% (diferenciação de carcinomas e feocromocitomas de adenomas e metástases); Lac/Cr ≤ –7,449, sensibilidade de 90,9% e especificidade de 77,8% (diferenciação de feocromocitomas contra carcinomas e adenomas). Conclusão: Os dados da ERM-1H-2D foram eficazes e permitiram a diferenciação entre massas adrenais e nódulos na maioria das lesões com diâmetro > 1,0 cm.

Objective: To evaluate a protocol for two-dimensional (2D) hydrogen proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) (Siemens Medical Systems; Erlangen, Germany) in the detection of adrenal nodules and differentiation between benign and malignant masses (adenomas, pheochromocytomas, carcinomas and metastases). Materials and Methods: A total of 118 patients (36 men; 82 women) (mean age: 57.3 ± 13.3 years) presenting with 138 adrenal nodules/masses were prospectively assessed. A multivoxel system was utilized with a 2D point-resolved spectroscopy/chemical shift imaging sequence. The following ratios were calculated: choline (Cho)/creatine (Cr), 4.0–4.3/Cr, lipid (Lip)/Cr, Cho/Lip and lactate (Lac)/Cr. Results: 2D-1H-MRS was successful in 123 (89.13%) lesions. Sensitivity and specificity values observed for the ratios and cutoff points were the following: Cho/Cr ≥ 1.2, 100% sensitivity, 98.2% specificity (differences between adenomas/pheochromocytomas and carcinomas/ metastases); 4.0–4.3 ppm/Cr ≥ 1.5, 92.3% sensitivity, 96.9% specificity (differences between carcinomas/pheochromocytomas and adenomas/metastases); Lac/Cr ≤ –7.449, 90.9% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity (differences between pheochromocytomas and carcinomas/adenomas). Conclusion: Information provided by 2D-1H-MRS were effective and allowed for the differentiation between adrenal masses and nodules in most cases of lesions with > 1.0 cm in diameter.

Objectives Validation of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire translated to Portuguese. This is an evaluation tool of the effects of treatment on quality of life of patients with prostate cancer. Materials and Methods In order to translate and validate, several recommended methodological techniques in the literature were included: initial translation, synthesis of translation, board committee review and back translation. Sample included 40 patients with localized prostate cancer submitted to surgical retropubic radical prostatectomy from 2008 to 2010. Results The internal consistency analysis of the scales of the questionnaire resulted in alpha Cronbach coefficients “very good” (> 0.9) and “good” (> 0.8) to 8 of 14 domains. The higher coefficients (0.94) were assigned to sexual score, subscales incontinence and sexual function. Post-operatory follow-up ranged from 3 to 35 months, median 18.7 months. Conclusions The Brazilian version of EPIC is reliable and valid, and is a useful tool to evaluate the impact of retropubic radical prostatectomy on quality of life of Brazilian patients with localized prostate cancer, in national and internationals studies.

Despite significant advances in laparoscopic technique and technologies, laparoscopic Urologic surgery remains technically demanding regarding various surgical steps including the challenge of specimen retrieval and extraction, whether to install a drainage system and the best option for wound closure. Laparoscopic specimen entrapment and extraction occurs at what is falsely considered the "end of the procedure". During open surgery, after the specimen has been mobilized, the specimen is simply lifted out of the larger incision which has been made to achieve the surgical objectives. In contrast, significant laparoscopic skill is required to entrap and safely extract laparoscopic specimens. Indeed, the Urologist and surgical team which are transitioning from open surgery may disregard this important part of the procedure which may lead to significant morbidity. As such, it is imperative that during laparoscopic procedures, the "end of the procedure" be strictly defined as the termination of skin closure and dressing placement. Taking a few minutes to focus on safe specimen entrapment and extraction will substantially reduce major morbidity. The following review focus on the technology and technique of specimen entrapment and extraction, on the matter of whether to install a drainage system of the abdominal cavity and the options for adequate closure of trocar site wounds. This article's primary objectives are to focus on how to minimize morbidity while maintain the advantages of a minimally invasive surgical approach.

OBJETIVO: Determinar o valor agregado da fase sem meio de contraste da tomografia computadorizada do abdome em pacientes sem diagnóstico determinado ou em estadiamento tumoral. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e transversal em 100 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a tomografia computadorizada abdominal sem e com meio de contraste intravenoso. Dois examinadores avaliaram todos os exames, procurando estabelecer, através da fase com meio de contraste intravenoso (primeira análise) e posteriormente através da fase sem contraste (segunda análise), o diagnóstico principal e os secundários em função da indicação clínica do exame. Mediu-se a freqüência de mudança diagnóstica decorrente da análise combinada das fases pré- e pós-contraste intravenoso. Casos que tiveram mudança diagnóstica foram avaliados por especialistas clínicos para determinar se implicaria mudanças de conduta. RESULTADOS: Diagnósticos principal e secundário foram modificados em 1 e 18 casos, respectivamente (p = 1,000; p = 0,143). Os diagnósticos modificados foram: esteatose, definição de nódulo em adrenal, nefrolitíase, classificação de cistos renais e calcificação hepática. Nos casos em que a fase sem contraste modificou o diagnóstico, os especialistas mudaram sua conduta em 14/19 (73%) dos pacientes (p = 0,038). CONCLUSÃO: A fase sem contraste não modificou significativamente o diagnóstico principal ou secundário. Porém, as mudanças nos diagnósticos secundários influenciaram na conduta adotada pelos especialistas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of the unenhanced phase of abdominal computed tomography in patients without a definite diagnosis or undergoing tumor staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective and transversal study was developed with 100 consecutive patients submitted to unenhanced and contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography. Two observers evaluated all the computed tomography images in the contrast-enhanced phase (first analysis) and, later, in the unenhanced phase (second analysis) in an attempt to establish the primary and secondary diagnoses as a function of the clinical indication for the study. The frequency of changes in the diagnoses resulting from a combined analysis of the images in the pre- and post-contrast phases was evaluated. Cases with changes in the diagnosis were reviewed by clinical specialists for determining possible changes in the therapeutic approach. RESULTS: Primary and secondary diagnoses were changed in respectively 1 and 18 cases (p = 1.000; p = 0.143) as follows: steatosis, adrenal nodules, nephrolithiasis, renal cysts and hepatic calcification. In the cases where the unenhanced phase changed the diagnosis, the specialists changed the therapeutic approach in 14 of the 19 patients (73%) (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: No significant change was observed in the primary or secondary diagnosis as a result of the findings in the unenhanced phase. However, changes in secondary diagnoses affected the therapeutic approach adopted by the specialists.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the possible association of insertion/deletion (2G/G) polymorphism at nucleotide -1607 of the MMP-1 promoter with the development and progression of renal cancer MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we genotyped 217 individuals, 99 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and 118 controls without cancer. DNA specimens were extracted from epithelial buccal cells and paraffin-embedded tissue of RCC patients and from epithelial buccal cells and blood cells of healthy controls RESULTS: The difference in frequency of 2G/2G genotype between controls (22.9%) and RCC patients (28.6%) was not statistically significant (p = 0.461). We also did not find correlation between 2G/2G and histological type of RCC. The comparison of genotype distribution and frequency of 2G allele in different populations showed a strong variability of 2G allele frequency among the different ethnic groups. This fact may influence on the collaboration of this 2G allele in RCC or others diseases CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) promoter polymorphism may not play a significant role in renal cell carcinoma patients in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Os autores apresentam e descrevem uma adaptação original para o uso do nó de barqueiro na ligadura da veia renal durante a nefrectomia laparoscópica. O procedimento pode substituir a necessidade da sutura mecânica endovascular, considerada o tratamento padrão, mas não disponível em muitas instituições no Brasil. Este nó é tembém conhecidocomo "nó de porco" em várias fazendas no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Quatorze nefrectomias laparoscópicas foram realizadas pou um único cirurgião utilizando a técnica padrão em sete porcas. A veia e a artéria renal foram ligadas utilizando o "nó de barqueiro" como o único método de hemostasia. Dois nós foram colocados tanto na artéria quanto na veia renal, um deles proximal e o outro distal, e os vasos seccionados entre os nós. Esta técnica é baseada a confecção intra-corpórea de duas alças pela mão direito com um par de pinças, com o auxílio da mão esquerda. Após a secção dos vasos, as condições da hemostasia foram observadas. RESULTADOS: Todas as nefrectomias laparoscópicas foram realizadas com sucesso. O "nó de barqueiro" foi realizado pelo mesmo cirurgião sem complicações nem dificuldades, obtendohemostasia completa em todos os casos como técnica única. CONCLUSÃO: O nó de barqueiro é uma técnica factível e segura para o controle do hilo renal durante a nefrectomia laparoscópica em porcos. Entretanto, a eficácia e segurança desta técnica deve ser avaliada por outros cirurgiões antes da recomendadção do emprego na prática clínica.

PURPOSE: The authors present and describe an original adaptation for the use of "boatman's knot" in renal vein ligation during laparoscopic nephrectomy. This procedure may replace the need for the endovascular stapler, which is considered the standard of care, but not available in several institutions in Brazil. The knot presented is also known as the " pig's knot" in several farms in Brazil. METHODS: Fourteen laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed by the same surgeon in a standard fashion in seven female pigs. Both the renal artery and vein were ligated using the "boatman's knot" as the only method for hemostasis with conventional intracorporeal technique. Two knots were applied in each artery and vein; one knot was tied proximally and the other distally. The vessels were then sectioned in between both knots. This technique is based on the intracorporeal confection of two loops by the right hand pair of dissectors with the help of the left hand. The arteries and the veins were then sectioned and the capability to accomplish full hemostasis was observed. RESULTS: All the laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed successfully. The "boatman's knot" was performed by the same surgeon with neither complications nor difficulties during the confection of the knot. In all cases hemostasis was fully achieved using only the "boatman's knot" as the hemostatic method. CONCLUSION: The "boatman's knot" is feasible and safe for hilum control during laparoscopic nephrectomy in pigs and total hemostasis can be achieved using it as the only method of hemostasis. However, the safety and the capacity of others to learn how to apply it should be tested before it may be advised to use it routinely.

A cirurgia totalmente robotizada é uma opção à laparoscopia que pode proporcionar alguns benefícios, entre os quais a realização dos incansáveis movimentos de repetição com maior precisão e rapidez e com o cirurgião localizado em ambiente geograficamente diferente do paciente. Relatamos, em nossa instituição, a primeira cistectomia totalmente robotizada à distância em um porco (raça Landrace) doméstico com o sistema robótico Zeus® (Computer Motion, EUA). A cirurgia foi realizada em duas salas geograficamente separadas, sendo que em uma delas, o porco foi posicionado na mesa cirúrgica bem como os braços do sistema Zeus® fixados de forma segura. Na seqüência, o assistente introduziu os cinco trocateres em forma de leque pela via transperitoneal após obtenção do pneumoperitônio pelo método fechado. Em outra sala, o cirurgião principal comandava os braços do robô através de controles manuais sentado dentro do console de comando do sistema Zeus ®, auxiliado por imagem de vídeo em três dimensões transmitida pelo laparoscópio, que era comandado por sistema de voz, pelo cirurgião. A distância do console de comando e da mesa cirúrgica era de 5 metros e estes estavam conectados por cabos elétricos. A cistectomia total foi realizada em 25 minutos sem intercorrências. O assistente auxiliou apenas nas manobras de troca de instrumento do sistema Zeus ®, apresentação dos tecidos e introdução do clipador, utilizando apenas dois trocartes. Os reais benefícios do sistema robótico em nosso meio ainda será determinado através da aquisição de maior experiência com o sistema e pelo início da realização deste procedimento em humanos.

Robotic surgery is an option to laparoscopy that may offer some benefits including the possibility of performing surgery when the surgeon is geographically away from the patient and faster tireless repetitive movements with greater precision. At present, robot-assisted surgery has been done routinely in several institutions around the world, however, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first time such procedure is performed in our academic environment and herein is reported the first telerobotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy performed in a domestic pig at our institution using the Zeus®robotic system (Computer Motion, EUA). The procedure was performed using two different operating rooms geographically apart from each other. The assistant was in an operating room that was set with the operating table and the pig as well as with the Zeus® robotic arms. In the other operating room, the surgeon was seated in the control console with a three-dimensional imaging five meters away from the operating table connected with electric cables. The assistant surgeon established the pneumoperitoneum and five trocars were placed in a fan configuration. The surgeon started performing the surgery using three out of the five ports taking control of the laparoscope (voice control) and manual control of laparoscopic instruments connected to the robotic arms using the joysticks. The other two ports were used by the assistant for traction and clips placement that was also necessary for exchanging the many laparoscopic instruments connected to the robot. The laparoscopic total cystectomy was successfully performed in 25 minutes with no complications. The truly benefits as well as the cost-effectiveness of the robotic surgery in our environment is yet to be determined after experience acquisition with telerobotic before start performing such procedures routinely in humans. The present report shows the technical feasibility of telerobotic surgery in a developing country.

PURPOSE: The study here presented was done to test the technical reliability and immediate efficacy of the Acucise device using a standardized technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 56 Acucise procedures were performed in pigs by a single surgeon who used a standardized technique: insert 5F angiographic catheter bilaterally up to the midureter, perform retrograde pyelogram, Amplatz super-stiff guidewire is advanced up to the level of the renal pelvis, angiographic catheters are removed, Acucise catheter balloon is advanced to the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) level, the super-stiff guide-wire is removed and the contrast medium in the renal pelvis is aspirated and replaced with distilled water, activate Acucise at 75 watts of pure cutting current, keep the balloon fully inflated for 10 minutes, perform retrograde ureteropyelogram to document extravasation, remove Acucise catheter and pass an ureteral stent and remove guide-wire. RESULTS: In no case did the Acucise device present malfunction. The electrocautery activation time was 2.2 seconds (ranging from 2 to 4 seconds). The extravasation of contrast medium, visible by fluoroscopy, occurred in 53 of the 56 cases (94.6%). In no case there was any evidence of intraoperative hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that performing Acucise endopyelotomy routinely in a standardized manner could largely preclude intraoperative device malfunction and eliminate complications while achieving a successful incision in the UPJ. With the guidelines that were used in this study, we believe that Acucise endopyelotomy can be completed successfully and safely in the majority of selected patients with UPJ obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of quantifying the adenocarcinoma in prostate biopsies when determining the tumor's final stage in patients who undergo radical prostatectomy. To identify the best methodology for obtaining such data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prostate biopsies from 132 patients were examined, with determination of Gleason histological grade and tumor volume in number of involved fragments, tumor extent of the fragment mostly affected by the tumor and the total percentage of tumor in the specimen. Theses parameters were statistically correlated with the neoplasia's final stage following the evaluation of radical prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: An average of 12 and a median of 14 biopsy fragments were evaluated per patient. In the univariate analysis the Gleason histological grade, the largest tumor extent in one fragment and the total percentage of tumor in the specimen were correlated with tumor stage of the surgical specimen. In the multivariate analysis, the Gleason histological grade and the total percentage of tumor were strongly correlated with the neoplasia's final stage. The risk of the tumor not being confined was 3 for Gleason 7 tumors and 10.6 for Gleason 8 tumors or above. In cases where the tumor involved more than 60% of the specimen, the risk of non-confined disease was 4.4 times. Among 19 patients with unfavorable histological parameters, Gleason > 7 and extension greater than 60% the tumor final stage was pT3 in 95%. CONCLUSION: When associated to the Gleason histological grade, tumor quantification in prostate biopsies is an important factor for determining organ-confined disease, and among the methods, total percentage of tumor is the most informative one. Such data should be included in the pathological report and must be incorporated in future nomograms.

OBJECTIVE: Rupture of vesicourethral anastomosis following radical retropubic prostatectomy is a complication that requires immediate management. We evaluated the morbidity of this rare complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively 5 cases of disruption of vesicourethral anastomosis during post-operative period in a consecutive series of 1,600 radical retropubic prostatectomies, performed by a single surgeon. RESULTS: It occurred in a ratio of 1:320 prostatectomies (0,3%). Management was conservative in all the cases with an average catheter permanence time of 28 days, being its removal preceded by cystography. Two cases were secondary to bleeding, 1 followed the change of vesical catheter and 2 by unknown causes after removing the Foley catheter. Only one patient evolved with urethral stenosis, in the period ranging from 6 to 120 months. CONCLUSION: Rupture of vesicourethral anastomosis is not related to the surgeon's experience, and conservative treatment has shown to be effective.