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Objectives: Ultrasound guided prostatic biopsy is still the reference method for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has become the best imaging method to identify clinically significant tumors. Form this new situation derives the search of the best method to enable the biopsy of the lesions identified by mpMRI and are not visible on ultrasound. The objective of this work is to review the current role of MRI and the various modalities of MRI based biopsies., Methods: Non-structured literature review about the current status of prostatic mpMRI and the various methods of biopsy of the lesions identified with it: in bore, cognitive and different commercial fusion software biopsy methods available for directed biopsies., Results: Although results in the literature are very heterogeneous, all three bore biopsy, cognitive biopsy in experienced hands and the various fusion/biopsy software platforms enable a precise biopsy of mpMRI/identified lesions, increasing the yield of each sample obtained. Fusion systems do not imply a clear advantage in global detection over systematic biopsy, except in the subgroup of patients with previous negative biopsy. Nevertheless, they do demonstrate a higher detection rate for clinically significant tumors that increases in patients with a first negative biopsy. Its role in the new therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer is yet to be defined, but it will be growing and essential in a near future., Conclusions: Multiparametric MRI is already an essential test in diagnostic algorithms for prostate cancer and the systems that enable to biopsy the lesion identified are day by day a more integrated tool in the urological daily practice, and urological procedures that will enable a more precise diagnosis leading to a personalized treatment for each patient.

Objectives: The microbubbles enhanced ultrasound contrast is a novel technique that informs us in real time of renal perfusion and microcirculation., Method: We reviewed the literature about its use in the study of renal masses in order to show their actual clinical performance in this condition., Result: This technique is useful in the differential diagnosis of pseudotumors, characterization and monitoring of small renal masses, the study of complex renal cysts and controlling the progression of renal masses that underwent ablative treatments. Like any diagnostic technique has some limitations on usage;its rapid contrast wash, being operator-dependent, require some experience and need special software to be correctly interpreted., Conclusions: The microbubbles enhanced ultrasound contrast is a useful and economic technique for the study and differential diagnosis of the renal masses.

Objectives: To perform an update on the usefulness of ultrasound in the study of small size renal tumors and its current possibilities., Methods: We review the results of ultrasound in this pathology with the addition of the most recent technological advances such as a harmonic digital converters and power color Doppler. We analyze its contribution to the differential diagnosis of the cystic pathology, to the definition of solid masses, to the detection and characterization of small size masses, and to the definition of the vascular patterns of various tumors., Results: Ultrasonography offers a diagnostic safety of 98% in cystic masses, being able to detect them from 0.5 cm diameter in favourable conditions. The differential diagnosis of multiloculated masses, multivesicular hydatid cyst, multiloculated cystic nephroma, and multiloculated cystic carcinoma still poses great difficulty, the same way it happens with other radiological tests. For solid masses, the greater image resolution has lead to a progressive increase in the incidental detection of tumors and the percentage of patients candidates to conservative surgery due to the decrease in size. It is easy to differentiate between adenocarcinoma and angiomyolipoma, up to 85% of the cases, but the rest of the tumors do not have specific characteristics. For small size masses, smaller than 3 cm, ultrasound sensitivity is clearly inferior to CT scan. Power color Doppler helps to confirm the existence of solid masses and helps a better differential diagnosis with pseudo tumors., Conclusions: The modern ultrasound techniques provide a high cost-effectiveness both in detection and definition of the nature of small size renal masses.

Objectives: Although transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostatic biopsy is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC), neither the ideal number of cores nor the number of repeated biopsies, nor the required diagnostic yield have been established. After our experience of ten years with TRUS biopsy we perform a review of the technique and its indications., Methods: PSA, ultrasound features, and pathologic data of 6000 patients undergoing modified sextant TRUS biopsy between 1994 to December 2002 were collected. 222 patients undergoing ten-core TRUS biopsy were included in an experimental group to study the role of the extended biopsy. The contribution of the extra cores to the diagnostic yield in the experimental group was studied to determine the effectiveness of the extended biopsy, using as a control group 552 patients undergoing sextant TRUS biopsy during 2002. Both groups were comparable for the study variables at the start of the study., Results: The incidence of PC in the first biopsy in the group of 6000 patients was 39.1% (2345/6000). Patients with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml have an incidence of PC greater than 50% among prostates smaller than 20 cc, diminishing down to 8.9% in those greater than 50 cc. The percentage of PC among patients with negative digital rectal examination (DRE), normal TRUS, and PSA below 4 ng/ml was 16.7%. The diagnostic yield for PSA density lower than 0.11 ng/ml/cc was lower than 8%. The free/total PSA ratio shows a 13.7% incidence of PC with values higher than 0.24. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the only non-significant parameter was free/total PSA. Sixty (27.15%) patients of the extended TRUS biopsy group had PC. Only 2.25% of the 221 patients benefited from the augmented number of biopsies. There were no significant differences in the figures of prostate cancer between groups. Only PSA and volume where significant in the multivariate logistic regression analysis; number of samples, PSA density and age lacked of influence in the detection of PC., Conclusions: The sextant biopsy model obtaining cores from the lateral horns of the prostate continues to be the reference for TRUS biopsy, and the extended biopsy is not applicable to all patients from the beginning do to the small increase in the diagnostic yield. Isolated PSA may not be the unique reference to indicate TRUS biopsy, being volume, in our experience, a definitive factor for the adjustment of high risk levels.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to analyze the utility of ultrasound in the evaluation and treatment selection of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)., Methods: A total of 5000 patients older than 50 years and with prostatic symptoms were evaluated with abdominal ultrasound and in selected cases with transrectal ultrasound., Results: The first ultrasonographic sign of BPH is the increase of anteroposterior and longitudinal diameters. Prostatic volume is measured with a safety of 80%, post-void volume and indirect signs of bladder obstruction are also determined by ultrasound. Upper urinary tract pathological conditions can be also detected., Conclusions: Ultrasound associated with PSA and urinary flow are adequate to evaluate and select treatment in patients with BPH.

Objectives: Transrectal ultrasound is the method that gives a direct image of the prostate, its limits, structural and morphologic anomalies, and anatomical relations. Therefore, prostate volume is easily determined, being the first step for the application of certain therapeutic procedures. Prostatic cryotherapy and brachytherapy have been developed over the last years as minimally invasive options for the treatment of prostate cancer. Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate has allowed the application of these technologies in the daily practice, guaranteeing high efficacy and safety indexes. Cryosurgery is the controlled freezing of tissues. Prostatic transrectal ultrasound is the only method able to show the real-time evolution of prostatic cryoablation, allowing the urologist to control the evolution of the ice ball and to reach the targeted anatomical structures guaranteeing the oncological objectives, and diminishing complications and sequels. Brachytherapy, as a local intraprostatic radiotherapy, needs exact volume and dose calculations before the implant of the radioactive source within the gland. With transrectal ultrasound of the prostate, ultrasound-tomographic cuts are made for prostatic volume calculation and planimetry Once dosimetry is completed, real-time transrectal ultrasound control is necessary to perform the implant of the needles loaded with the seeds. Today, prostate cryotherapy and brachytherapy would be inconceivable without transrectal ultrasound.

Objectives: To review the contribution of ultrasound to the differential diagnosis of scrotal pathology, both testicular and adnexal., Methods: We performed a bibliographic review on the topic, adding the experience of our Unit over the years; we classified the pathology in testicular and extratesticular, separating liquid and solid lesions, and a miscellaneous group of unclassifiable cases., Results: Currently, ultrasonography with high frequency equipment allows not only to differentiate between intra and extratesticular lesions, but also to identify specific lesions, the manage of which may include follow-up without need of unavoidable surgery., Conclusions: Ultrasonography is a painless simple test that may be repeated without inconvenience so that it is the first test to be indicated for any problem of the scrotal content.

Objectives: The number of biopsy samples for a proper prostate cancer diagnosis has not yet been established. We report our experience with the 10-sample extended biopsy., Methods: We collected the results of a group of 222 patients undergoing extended ultrasound guided prostate biopsy with 10 samples. In addition to the sextant biopsies 2 extra samples were obtained from the dorsal-apex area on each lobe. Results of this group were compared with a control group of 552 patients undergoing sextant biopsy in 2002 with the same inclusion in criteria., Results: 60 patients had cancer (27.15%). The extra samples gave the diagnosis in 5 out of 60 patients, 8.33% of the tumors and 2.25% of all patients. Control group showed cancer in 24.5%, not having the difference statistical significance. The incidence in prostates smaller than 20 cc was 69.2%, 11.6% in prostates bigger than 50 cc. 80% of the patients with prostate cancer only in the extra samples have a volume smaller than 35 cc. Multivariate logistic regression study for the probability of prostate cancer only showed association with serum PSA and prostate volume but not with the number of samples., Conclusions: The extended biopsy is not indicated as an initial diagnostic technique, being reserved for specific cases such as repeated biopsies in patients with high risk pathology reports. Neither it is indicated in the bigger volume prostates.

Objectives: To perform a bibliographic review of the main features of cryotherapy as a therapeutic option in the monagemente of prostate cancer and to report our initial experience., Methods: We employed the Endocare Fast-Trac system (Medipro) with 2.4 mm needles implanted in a single maneouvre without rack or transrectal U.S. transducer support. Two cycles of freezing thawing were employed, with apex backward movement when necessary. Freezing cycle duration was between 7-10 minutes or more. The Onik maneouvre--injection of saline into the Denonvillier's space-diminishes the risk of rectal injury and fistula allowing reaching posterior limits of the icaball beyond the prostatic capsule., Results: We treated 20 patients. Follow-up was between 3036 months. 58% of the patients had unilateral prostate cancer, 42% bilateral. In accordance to the classic definition 9 patients were classified as low risk of extraprostatic disease, 6 medium risk and 5 high risk; using number of positive cores as the criterion for risk 5, 6 and 9 were low, medium and high risk respectively. Per protocol prostate biopsies were performed in 18 patients 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment. Two patients underwent a second treatment due to persistence of cancer cells in the 6-month biopsy (11%). 3-month PSA nadirs after a total of 21 cryo treatments administered were < 0,2 ng/cc in 15 cases (78.9%), < 0.5 ng/cc in 17 (89.4%) and < or = 1.0 ng/cc in 18 (94.7%); it was over 1 ng/cc in only 5.6%. 30 month PSA for the same cutoff values was 27.8%, 50.0%, 66.6% and 33.3%, respectively. Prostate cancer cells were detected in the 12-month biopsies of 5.5% cases. All 24-month biopsies were negative., Complications: We observed scrotal edema, hematoma, perineal pain and constipation which lasted 2-3 weeks. 1 patient suffered injury of the mucosa at the prostatic urethra, which did not result in rectal fistula and was treated with bladder catheter for 3 months. 4 patients had erectile dysfunction before treatment. All others presented erectile dysfunction after treatment; 3 of them (20%) recovered rigidity enough to have intercourse over the 30 month period. No urethral sloughing or acute urinary retention appeared and all patients are continent., Conclusions: Prostatic cryosurgery is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer with very low surgical risk, low morbidity and almost null mortality.

Objectives: To perform a bibliographic review of the main features of cryotherapy as a therapeutic option in the managemente of prostate cancer and to report our initial experience., Methods: We employed the Endocare Fast-Trac system (Medipro) with 2,4 mm needles implanted in a single maneouvre without rack or transrectal US transducer support. Two cycles of freezing--hawing were employed, with apex backward movement when necessary. Freezing cycle duration was between 7-10 minutes or more. The Onik maneouvre-injection of saline into the Denonvillier's space--diminishes the risk of rectal injury and fistula allowing reaching posterior limits of the ica-ball beyond the prostatic capsule., Results: We treated 20 patients. Follow-up was between 30-36 months. 58% of the patients had unilateral prostate cancer, 42% bilateral. In accordance to the classic definition 9 patients were classified as low risk of extraprostatic disease, 6 medium risk and 5 high risk; using number of positive cores as the criterion for risk 5, 6 and 9 were low, medium and high risk respectively. Per protocol prostate biopsies were performed in 18 patients 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment. Two patients underwent a second treatment due to persistence of cancer cells in the 6-month biopsy (11%). 3-month PSA nadirs after a total of 21 cryo treatments administered were < 0,2 ng/cc in 15 cases (78,9%), < 0,5 ng/cc in 17 (89,4%) and < or = 1.0 ng/cc in 18 (94,7%); it was over 1 ng/cc in only 5,6%. 30 month PSA for the same cutoff values was 27.8%, 50.0%, 66.6% and 33.3%, respectively. Prostate cancer cells were detected in the 12-month biopsies of 5.5% cases. All 24-month biopsies were negative., Complications: We observed scrotal edema, hematoma, perineal pain and constipation which lasted 2-3 weeks. 1 patient suffered injury of the mucosa at the prostatic urethra, which did not result in rectal fistula and was treated with bladder catheter for 3 months. 4 patients had erectile dysfunction before treatment. All others presented erectile dysfunction after treatment; 3 of them (20%) recovered rigidity enough to have intercourse over the 30 month period. No urethral sloughing or acute urinary retention appeared and all patients are continent., Conclusions: Prostatic cryosurgery is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer with very low surgical risk, low morbidity and almost null mortality.

Objectives: The limitations of PSA to identify patients with prostate cancer prompted the definition of different parameters trying to increase specificity without reducing sensitivity. This paper studies the relationship of volume and presence of prostate cancer in sextant biopsies., Methods: We collected the results of prostate biopsies performed to 6000 patients between 1994 and 2002. 861 of them underwent more than one biopsy, adding up for a total of 7127 biopsies. Various predictive models to identify factors related to positive biopsy were constructed., Results: Mean prostate volume is 14.6 +/- 66.2 cc for the first biopsy, increasing in successive biopsies to 85.17 cc. A high incidence of prostate cancer was observed in small prostates, reaching 67.2% of those with normal size (< 20 cc) and diminishing with the increase of volume down to only 19.7% in those larger than 50 cc (p < 0.0001). In second biopsies of patients with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml and gland volume higher than 50 cc percentage of biopsies positive for cancer was below 10%. Multivariant logistic regression showed that PSA, volume and PSA density were related with positive biopsies, but not free/total PSA ratio., Conclusions: Standard PSA cutoffs are not adequate for a proper diagnosis of prostate cancer by ultrasound guided transrectal biopsy Volume (BPH) has a significant influence in PSA values and results of the biopsy, so that it should be taken into consideration when indicating biopsies.

Objectives: To analyze the results of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy of the prostate in 6000 patients, and their relation to common-use clinical parameters., Methods: We collected PSA, digital rectal examination, TRUS characteristics, and pathology report in a data- base including 6000 patients who underwent sextant TRUS biopsy from 1994 to December 2002. 861 of them underwent more than one biopsy, accounting for a total of 7127 biopsies. Sextant biopsy with samples from the most lateral portions of the prostate was the standard procedure so that they included peripheral zone only. We analyze pathological results and their relation with clinical variables., Results: Total percentage of cancer in biopsy samples was 42.6%, with 39.1% in the first biopsy. Overall, repeated biopsies resulted in a 3.5% diagnostic yield increase. PIN or focal glandular atypia were detected in 2.0% and 2.1% of the cases respectively. The percentage of patients with Gleason score =<6 increased from 41.8% in the first biopsy to 70% in the third. Similarly, single core involvement increased from 21.% to 65%. Digital rectal examination and presence of hypoechogenic nodules specificity were 82.6 and 78.2% respectively. The incidence of prostate cancer with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml was 29.6%, 16.7% in those with PSA lower than 4 ng/ml., Conclusions: TRUS biopsy of the lateral prostatic areas offers a good diagnostic yield in comparison with most series of extensive biopsies. The sensitivity of TRUS has decreased but it maintains a high specificity which should not be forgotten when planning the TRUS strategy

Objectives: We review the results of 6000 patients with the clinical suspect of prostate cancer who underwent one or more prostate, biopsies, analyzing the role of PSA derived parameters in the probability of having prostate cancer in the TRUS biopsy., Methods: We selected 6000 patients who under- went TRUS biopsy between 1994 and 2002. 861 of them underwent more than one is biopsy, adding up to a total of 7127 biopsies. For the study of PSA derived indexes we established ranges based on the 10th percentile for the first biopsy for all patients and also for those with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml. Several predictive models were determined by logistic regression of the variables related with presence/no presence of cancer., Results: For first biopsies the ranges of PSAD established showed a diagnostic effectiveness below 8% with PSA densities lower than 0.11 ng/ml/cc. The free/total PSA ratio is less discriminant in the ranges obtained with a 13.7% incidence of prostate cancer for values above 0.24. In the case of second biopsies the group of patients with PSAD below 0.12 had only a 5.3% incidence, and only one patient with F/T PSA ratio higher than 0.24 had a prostate cancer (2.9%). All studied parameters but F/T PSA ratio showed statistical significance in the multivariant analysis., Conclusions: Although the establishment of a cut point for PSAD diminishes sensitivity, prostate biopsy habits should be modified assuming the loss of tumors in patients with low PSAD and increasing the number of biopsies in patients with total PSA values below 4 ng/ml with higher densities.

Objectives: To report the 7th case of pararenal angiomyolipoma published in the world literature and to review the international bibliography., Methods: We report the case of a 46-year-old female with history of renal colic and a complex mass on radiological tests., Results/conclusions: Extrarenal retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma is a rare pathology with no more than 7 published cases. The diagnostic difficulty and radiological similarities with liposarcoma make surgery the treatment of choice.

Objectives: Cryosurgery is defined as in situ freezing of tissues. Criosurgery in the treatment of prostate cancer aims to: 1- Eliminate all the glandular tissues and completely destroy the adenocarcinoma, 2- With a minimum number of complications. a) Preserving neighbour structures: bladder neck, striated sphincter, and rectum. b) Preserving urethral mucosa to reduce the elimination of sloughing tissues., Methods: We describe the technique of prostatic cryosurgery including all innovations introduced during the last ten years. The map with the number and situation of the 6-8 crioprobes should be done in such a way that the iceball created around each of them overlaps the contiguous ones. Probe-mapping and icing strategy together get the prostate included in a unique, solid mass, in which temperature descents homogeneously and spreads out of its limits, so that intraprostatic and extraprostatic temperatures (sensors at the apex, Denonvilliers fascia and both neurovascular bundles) are below -40 degrees C., Results: The standardized technique is based on: Substitution of liquid nitrogen by argon. Use of 6 to 8 cryoprobes. The probes are properly inserted into the perineum percutaneously under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Ice ball evolution control by biplane transrectal ultrasound. Separation of the two layers of Denonvilliers' fascia by injection of saline solution. Real-time measurement of temperature descent. Minimal temperature lower than -40 degrees C Commercial ureteral heating system. Double cycle of freezing-unfreezing Administration of hormonal therapy during time enough to avoid the gland size to exceed 45-50 cc., Conclusions: We describe the most advanced technique for prostatic freezing, highlighting the basic requirements to achieve the objectives pursued. It has improved oncologic results, in relation to PSA and percentage of negative biopsies, and has dramatically reduced complications.

Objectives: To report one case of lithiasis transference from the donor associated with renal transplant., Methods: 53-year-old female with obstructive uropathy within the first post transplant month., Results/conclusions: Lithiasis transference after transplant is a cause of early obstructive uropathy after kidney transplantation. The low the incidence of lithiasis transference does not justify the performance of x-ray and/or ultrasound of the donor organ in terms of cost effectiveness. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is a valid therapeutic option on transplanted kidneys.

Objectives: To report one clinical case of obstructive uropathy secondary to bladder pseudotumor., Methods: We report the case of a 74-year-old male with obstructive acute renal failure of unknown etiology., Results: After resolution of the acute renal failure by percutaneous nephrostomy, action was undertaken to control possible etiologic causes, resolving the bilateral ureter entrapment and bladder inflammatory process., Conclusions: Glandular cystitis is a nosological entity which in its severe forms behaves clinically and radiologically as a bladder pseudotumor, so that should be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis with bladder tumors. Final diagnosis comes from pathology. For treatment, it is basic to eliminate any predisposing factor, either infectious, or irritative, or obstructive; if no action is carried out on these factors other therapeutic measures as the aforementioned are not effective. Strict follow-up should be undertaken (every six months) because of the high incidence of bladder adenocarcinoma.

Objectives: To review the main images that can be observed by ultrasound, trying to highlight what decision to take after their finding: exploratory surgery, orchyectomy, or follow-up., Methods: We performed a bibliographic review about the topic and incorporated our personal experience with scrotal ultrasound. Given that there is an extensive variety of anomalies that can be observed we divide them in liquid and solid lesions, and these in intra or extratesticular, plus a group of lesions that do not qualify in the previous groups., Results: The development of high frequencies transducers (8-10 Mhz) and a greater experience today allows to diagnose not only testicular tumors but also a number of benign clinical entities, with enough specificity in some of them as to avoid surgery., Conclusions: Ultrasound is a simple test, painless, and can be repeated without trouble, so that it is the first test that should be ordered when managing any intra scrotal problem.

Objectives: We report six cases of adrenal cyst, a rare pathologic entity which poses diagnostic problems and therapeutic controversies., Methods: We report six cases of adrenal cysts in 4 female and 2 male patients ages 26 to 68 years. All cases underwent surgical treatment., Results: Pathologic studies showed that all were adrenal cysts without malignancy in any case., Conclusions: Adrenal cysts are a rare disease of which correct diagnosis is difficult so that many times patients undergo surgery without a proper preoperative diagnosis. There are controversies about the right management of adrenal cysts.

Objectives: Bleeding secondary to severe vesicoprostatic pathology (mainly neoplasic disease and radiation cystitis) may be a serious clinical management problem due to its morbidity and associated increased resources demand in the form of admissions, transfusions and other measures. We review a series of patients embolized for this purpose, its efficacy, tolerability and adverse events., Methods: We review 8 patients who underwent hypogastric arteries embolization between July 1998 and December 2001, analyzing indications, efficacy and duration, tolerability, and consequences. Right femoral artery access was undertaken in all except one case that needed bilateral femoral accesses. Embolization was achieved by means of coils and particles. All procedures were performed under local anaesthesia., Results: 9 procedures were performed in 8 patients. 3 patients presented with hematuria due to radiation cystitis, 3 from prostatic carcinoma, and 2 with urethrorragy from urethral relapses after cystectomy. 7/9 embolizations were effective achieving immediate complete or almost complete bleeding control; in one case control was partial; another one had limited or no effect. Selective embolization of distal arteries was performed in 3 cases; all the remainders underwent direct hypogastric trunk embolization sparing the superior gluteal artery. Effect lasted between 1 and 31 months. 4 patients died, 3 of them without haematuria, 1 because of an intercurrent disease, and the others from disease progression. 2 patients underwent posterior surgery, one due to recurrent haematuria, and the other, a case of urethral tumour, due to partial failure; partial cystectomy and urethrectomy were performed respectively. 2 patients needed administration of morphic derivatives after embolization, all the others were managed with magnesium metamizol. Only one patient referred mild transitory gluteal claudication., Conclusions: Percutaneous arterial embolization is an effective instrument to treat patients with haematuria or urethrorragy and severe lower urinary tract pathology in whom curative treatments are not applicable due to their general status, life expectancy, or tumor status.

Objectives: Ultrasound guided prostate biopsy is the most effective test for prostate cancer diagnosis, but its sensitivity is not higher than 80% so that biopsy repetition must be considered in patients with persistent diagnostic doubts after a previous negative one. However, the majority will be negative as it happened in the first biopsy and the percentage of normal biopsies increases successively. Various indexes based on PSA are proposed to determine which patients have a higher risk of cancer detection by biopsy. We evaluate the efficacy of PSA density (PSAD), free/total PSA ratio (F/T PSA) and PSA velocity (PSAV) to select patients with high PSA and previous negative biopsy., Methods: 546 patients who underwent more than one prostate biopsy were included in the study. 121 patients underwent 3 biopsies, 25 underwent 4 biopsies and 7 five biopsies, for a total of 1245 biopsies. Patients already diagnosed of prostate cancer who had received treatment, and postoperative urethrovesical anastomosis biopsies were excluded. Between 4 and 6 samples were obtained; transitional zone was included if previous biopsy was negative; sextant biopsy was repeated in high grade PIN, and 4 or 5 cores were taken from the affected side in cases with non conclusive glandular atypia. The relationship between PSAD, PSAV and F/T PSA and the diagnosis of cancer was evaluated, as well as its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values., Results: 21.2% patients presented cancer on 2nd biopsy and 26% overall. Mean age was 68.3 years (51-84). Patients with cancer and negative biopsy showed significant differences in F/T PSA and PSAD, but not in PSAV. Sensitivities for PSAD higher than 0.15 ng/ml/ml, F/T PSA lower than 0.18 and PSAV higher than 0.75 ng/ml/year were 0.89, 0.9 and 0.49 respectively and specificities were 0.28, 0.2 and 0.4 respectively. ROC curve areas were calculated for these indexes being 0.63 for F/T PSA, and 0.47 for PSAV., Conclusions: Although their specificity is low, free to total PSA ratio and PSA density showed the highest sensitivity; PSAV is almost non valid to discriminate the result in the biopsy. Although we could slightly diminish the number of repeat biopsies loosing a few tumors, only the urologist can determine when biopsies should be repeated in patients with elevated PSA, taking into consideration all concurrent factors (Baseline status, age, risk-benefit ratio of new biopsies...).

Objective: To compare PSA density (PSAD) results based on prostate volume measurements obtained by either transrectal or abdominal ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer., Methods: We prospectively selected 420 consecutive subjects whom at the time of a transrectal US (TRUS) guided biopsy or an abdominal US had the other US evaluation done within the previous 6 months and who did not undergo hormonal, surgical o radiotherapeutic therapy. For both abdominal and transrectal US PSAD (PSA/volume) were obtained from this data and compared, with volumes calculated using the formula: V = antero-posterior diameter2 x transverse diameter/2., Results: 140 patients had prostate cancer (33.8%). Using Student's t test mean differences were 0.27 cm for anteroposterior diameter, 0.39 cm for transverse diameter, 3.36 cc for volume and 0.014 for PSAD, being the differences significative in all cases (p < 0.001). When ROC curves were calculated for TRUS PSAD and abdominal PSAD areas obtained were 0.66 and 0.67 respectively. For a PSAD cut off point of 0.15, in patients with PSA values between 4-10 ng/ml Sensitivity was 0.77 for TRUS and 0.75 for abdominal US, and specificity was 0.40 and 0.49 respectively., Conclusions: Although statistically significative differences were found in all measurements between TRUS and abdominal US, most probably due to the high number of patients, these differences have little clinical relevance as the other results show. In our experience PSAD calculation by abdominal US has the same utility than by transrectal US and avoids its mayor inconvenience which is to perform TRUS.

Objective: Ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy of the prostate is generally considered to be well-tolerated and with few complications. The results of a prospective study that evaluated patient and biopsy performer's perception of the foregoing aspects are presented., Methods: The records of 305 consecutive patients submitted to ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy were analyzed. Aspects of the physical examination and biopsy performer's assessment of patient tolerance were recorded in 290 cases. 264 patients filled out a questionnaire on different aspects of the test. A telephone interview was carried out to obtain data on side-effects and complications of the biopsy procedure. Patient and biopsy performer's perception of tolerance and complications of ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy were analyzed., Results: Biopsy could not be performed in 1% of the cases due to pain. Before biopsy 34.5% of the patients thought the procedure would be painful, while only 6.8% sustained this view after biopsy. Insertion of the transducer and punction were considered to be painful by 8% and 12.9% of the patients, respectively, and 2.9% considered anesthesia should be used for the procedure. Tolerance of biopsy punction remained unchanged throughout the procedure in 53.2% and became worse as the test proceeded in the remaining patients. Anxiety and increased anal tone were found to be the only factors that had an impact on tolerance. The complications were: fever > 38 degrees C (0.7%), rectal bleeding that required admission to the observation ward (1%), hematuria (51.1%), hemospermia (21.3%), difficulty in voiding (2.5%) and urinary retention (0.3%). Moderate vagal reactions were the most common immediate complications (2.4%)., Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy is generally well-tolerated and with few complications. Rectal bleeding is the complication that most frequently requires management and causes more anxiety to patients, but infection is the most severe.

Objective: To compare the results of US-guided transrectal biopsy in 1,900 patients with the diagnostic yield of DRE, transrectal US, PSA, PSA density and free PSA/total PSA ratio and to describe our approach based on the results of the comparative study., Methods: Over the last two years 1,900 patients have undergone biopsy; 4 to 6 specimens were obtained randomly from both prostatic lobes and areas identified by transrectal US and/or DRE as being suspicious. All patients underwent transrectal US, DRE and determination of serum total PSA and PSA density. Free PSA and free PSA/total PSA ratio were determined in 128 patients with PSA 4-10 ng/ml. Seventy had a second biopsy, 8 a third and 3 had a fourth biopsy., Results: The overall diagnostic yield was 40%. Biopsy was positive in 27% of patients with PSA 4-10 ng/ml; of these, 64% showed a positive DRE, 21% showed a negative DRE and 13% were negative for both DRE and transrectal US. DRE was positive in 32% of patients with PSA greater than 10 ng/ml, 39% of those with PSA 10-20 ng/ml and 62% of those with PSA greater than 20 ng/ml; transrectal US was positive in 58% of patients with PSA 10-20 ng/ml and in 77% of those with PSA greater than 20 ng/ml. A high specificity was found for both DRE and transrectal US. In patients with PSA 4-10 ng/ml, PSA density at a cutoff of 0.15 ng/ml/cc showed a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 20%, respectively. A second biopsy was positive in 20% of patients with a persistently elevated PSA and the incidence of tumors theoretically of little importance was 13%., Conclusions: Patients aged less than 70 years whose general condition permit aggressive treatment of prostate cancer should undergo US-guided transrectal biopsy if PSA is greater than 4 ng/ml, regardless of DRE and ultrasound findings. PSA less than 20 ng/ml, PSA density and free PSA/total PSA ratio must be considered for a second biopsy. Sextant biopsy appears to have a good diagnostic accuracy and does not require taking additional specimens or including the transitional zone in the first biopsy. Before classifying a tumor as being of little importance on the basis of the biopsy findings, another biopsy must be performed.