[Mitochondrial DNA diversity in prehispanic bone remains on the eastern Colombian Andes].

Introduction: DNA extracted from ancient human bones allows to analyze the genetic makeup of pre-Columbian populations and to determine the dynamics that gave rise to the diversity of contemporary populations.

Objective: To determine the genetic diversity of skeletal remains associated with the Templo del Sol (Sun Temple) and their relationship with other contemporary and ancient communities of America.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed 13 individuals belonging to the pre-Columbian Muisca Period (IX-XVI centuries AD) from the vicinities of the Templo del Sol (Sun Temple) (Sogamoso, Boyacá) in the eastern Colombian Andes.

High genetic diversity on a sample of pre-Columbian bone remains from Guane territories in northwestern Colombia.

Ancient DNA was recovered from 17 individuals found in a rock shelter in the district of "La Purnia" (Santander, Colombia). This region is the homeland of pre-Columbian Guane, whom spread over the "Río Suarez" to the "Río de Oro", and were surrounded to the west by the Central Andes, south and east by foothills of Eastern Andes, and north by the "Chicamocha" river canyon. Guanes established in a region that straddles the Andes and the northern Amazon basin, possibly making it an unavoidable conduit for people moving to and from South America.

[Mitochondrial DNA analysis on pre-Columbian bone remains of the Herrera period].

Introduction: Ancient bone remains constitute an important source of biological information, and their genetic characterization allows the confirmation or rebuttal of human affiliations proposed on the basis of non-molecular approaches. Pre-Columbian history of the Eastern Andes in Colombia has been divided into three main periods: (i) an early colonization by groups of hunter-gatherers, (ii) an intermediate period "Herrera" characterized by primitive agriculture and (iii) a late stage of Chibcha-speaking groups, with agriculture and ceramics ("agroalfarero").

Objective: The mitochondrial DNA on ancient bone remains of the Herrera period were analyzed for comparison with modern and other ancient DNAs.

[Radical or conservative surgery for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinomas (TCC)?].

Objective: We expose the arguments supporting radical and conservative surgery based on international bibliography and our own experience, with special citation of endoscopic surgery (percutaneous and ureteroscopy).

Methods/results: We evaluate the criteria of multifocality, cell seeding and number of recurrences separately, as well as the diagnostic difficulties establishing tumor grade and stage, by connecting the various techniques and their results.

Conclusion: the choice between radical or conservative surgery for upper urinary tract TCC is conditioned by precise indications and the surgical technique chosen does not influence the final outcome of low grade/stage tumors.

[Current view and critic of alternatives to transurethral surgery of prostatic benign prostate].

Objectives: Critical update of transurethral surgery options based on the last decade most relevant bibliography.

Methods: Comparative study between Incision/TUR of the prostate and alternative techniques, accordingly to data from 30 randomized studies and 28 clinical studies. We evaluate efficiency, retreatment index, morbidity, post operative number of days with catheter, anesthetic requirements, and cost.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy].

Objectives: To review indications, techniques and results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Methods: We retrospectively review our experience with 8 cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (2 pheochromocytomas, 4 aldosteromas, 1 myelolipoma and 1 non functioning adenoma).

Results: Mean operative time was about 3 hours, with an mean estimated blood loss of 200 cc.

[Radical cystectomy for superficial tumors in the BCG era].

Objective: To analyze the indications and outcome of cystectomy for superficial bladder cancer since the introduction of BCG therapy.

Methods: From June 1990 to December 1996, 384 patients underwent cystectomy for transitional cell bladder tumor. A retrospective study was carried out on 43 cases (11.