[The use of laser for percutaneous nephrolithotomy].

Objectives: The non negligible number of residual stones after extracorporeal lithotripsy is leading to a revision of the indications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The laser, managed with flexible nephroscopes, plays an important role in this field. Pulsed Nd: YAG, dye and alexandrite lasers have given way to the holmium:yag laser in the endourological treatment of urinary lithiasis.

[Transurethral resection with saline solution: a technological achievement not yet assimilated by the urological community].

Objectives: To objectively demonstrate the advantages provided by TURP with saline solution (an adjustment made possible thanks to the technological development of new high frequency current generators), although it surprisingly has been received with scepticism in the urological community.

Methods: A first group of 51 patients (group A) underwent low hydraulic pressure TURP with a pulsed bipolar system (Gyrus Plasmakinetic, with large loop) using physiologic saline solution as irrigation. A second group of 49 patients underwent low hydraulic pressure TURP with a conventional monopolar system (Erbe 350) using glycine-ethanol solution.

[Laparoscopic treatment of varicocele].

Objectives: Current trends in the treatment of varicocele are focused on outpatient procedures of high and complete ligature of the spermatic vascular pedicle or percutaneous embolization. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy competes with them and other minimally invasive techniques such as chemical or thermal sclerosing therapy of the spermatic veins.

Methods: We perform a bibliographic review of the Spanish and Anglo-Saxon literature with the aim of evaluating the real weight of the laparoscopic technique, and at the same time show our personal experience.