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Biomedical subjects

Ricardo González

Publications and source records attributed to Ricardo González.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Ozone/oxygen mixture modifies the subcellular redistribution of Bax protein in renal tissue from rats treated with cisplatin.

BACKGROUND: Cellular events in cisplatin-mediated nephrotoxicity include apoptosis induction, decreased protein synthesis, changes in the subcellular redistribution of Bax mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA injury, increased lipid peroxidation, depletion of glutathione and decrease in enzymatic activity of renal antioxidant enzymes. In previous papers we have shown that intra-rectal (i.r.) ozone/oxygen mixture protected and induced a significant recovery in cisplatin-induced renal damage and was related to a significant increase in the antioxidant system in renal tissue. METHODS: This study was undertaken to examine the effect of the ir applications of ozone/oxygen mixture in the renal expression pattern of Bax proteins in rats treated with cisplatin. A group of male Sprague-Dawley rats was pretreated with 15 i.r. applications of ozone/oxygen (1.1 mg/kg) before intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (6 mg/kg). Another group was treated with five i.r. applications of ozone/oxygen mixture after cisplatin administration. Serum creatinine was measured thereafter. Subcellular distribution of Bax in renal tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Ozone pretreatment prevented the increase in serum creatinine levels and completely inhibited the acute tubular necrosis induced by cisplatin in renal tissue, diminishing the expression of Bax. Ozone treatment after cisplatin application reduced the increase in serum creatinine levels and the renal necrosis, inducing a lesser decrease of the Bax expression in cisplatin-treated kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of Bax in renal tissue seems to play an important role in the protection and recovery in cisplatin-nephrotoxicity achieved by ozone/oxygen mixture.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Simplified technique to create a concealed catheterizable stoma: the VR flap.

PURPOSE: We describe a surgical modification of VQZ plasty, the VR flap. In addition to avoiding skin surface mucosal prolapse and preventing stenosis, this procedure is easier to describe and perform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 patients (4 males and 8 females) 6 to 14 years old (mean age 11.6) underwent simultaneous creation of a continent catheterizable channel using the Mitrofanoff principle and MACE procedure. VQZ plasty was modified by using a quadrilateral flap positioned at a 90-degree angle from the V flap instead of immediately next to it. The quadrilateral flap is used to create a skin channel allowing the use of a shorter conduit and avoiding exposed mucosa. The modification creates a linear closure. RESULTS: A total of 24 CCCs (Mitrofanoff 12, MACE 12) were done simultaneously in 12 patients. Of the channels 12 were implanted in the umbilicus (CCC 6, MACE 6) and 12 in a stoma created by the VR flap. There were no significant complications. One patient required surgical revision and 1 required stomal dilation for stomal stenosis. All patients were continent through all channels. Mean followup was 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: This modification offers good cosmetic and functional results, and the outcome compares favorably with other series. The procedure is easy to understand and perform, and its application is not limited by the thickness of the abdominal wall. Moreover, it allows for an easier closure and limits the Z-shaped appearance of the closure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy for duplication anomalies in children.

PURPOSE: We compared the outcome of laparoscopic vs open PN for duplication anomalies at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients undergoing PN within the last 4 years. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (16 females) were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients undergoing open PN between 2000 and 2003, and group 2 consisted of 14 patients undergoing laparoscopic PN between 2003 and 2004. Mean patient age was 21 months in group 1 and 18 months in group 2. Diagnosis was ectopic ureter in 18 patients, ureterocele in 11, VUR in 4 and ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 1. Cystoscopy was performed as part of the procedure in 30% of the patients in group 1 and 100% of those in group 2. Simultaneous lower tract procedures were performed in 3 patients in group 1 and 2 patients in group 2. Mean duration of PN was 115 minutes for group 1 and 180 minutes for group 2. There was no significant bleeding or need for transfusion except in 1 patient in the open group. Median hospitalization was 3 days for group 1 and 2 days for group 2. Mean analgesic requirement was 2.3 doses of opioids and 2 doses of ketorolac for group 1, and 3.2 doses of opioids for group 2. Acetaminophen only was used in 3 of 20 patients in group 1 and 5 of 14 in group 2. There were 2 complications in each group, namely 1 case of ureteral bleeding and 1 lower pole ureteral injury in group 1, and 1 omental hernia and 1 urinoma in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic PN is feasible even in small infants, and the results are comparable to the open procedure. Length of hospitalization was shorter in the laparoscopic group. In our series the learning curve for this technique was rapid, and after a few cases the procedure could be done in the same time as open surgery, with the advantages offered by laparoscopy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Ambiguous genitalia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the relevant publications since 2004 on surgery for female pseudohermaphroditism. Current controversies exist regarding the timing and technical aspects of female genital reconstruction and indeed the wisdom of performing these procedures in childhood. RECENT FINDINGS: Nine articles, published between 2004 and the present time, were found worthy of being included in this review. The topics include surgical technique, short-term and long-term results, voiding function after feminizing genitoplasty, and the timing of surgery. SUMMARY: Although results for surgery for congenital adrenal hyperplasia have been less than satisfactory when adults who had surgery in childhood are evaluated, all present reports include patients operated on using a variety of techniques many years ago. Rather than abandoning the efforts to repair this malformation early, we favor the continued development of more refined surgical techniques that may yield better results in the future.

Disorders of Sex Development↗
PubMed2006

A new blend of white sapote fruit volatiles as potential attractant to Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The behavioral and electrophysiological responses of nonirradiated male and female Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), to white sapote, Casimiroa edulis Oerst. (Rutaceae), volatiles were investigated. Females flew upwind and landed more often on fruit than on artificial fruit in wind tunnel bioassays. Males flew upwind (but not landed) more frequently on fruit than on artificial fruit. Porapak Q volatile extracts of white sapote also elicited upwind flight and landing on artificial fruit for both sexes. Gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection analysis of white sapote extracts revealed that antennae of both sexes responded to eight compounds. Two peaks were unidentified because they did not separate from the solvent. Subsequent peaks were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as styrene, myrcene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, 1,8-cineole, and linalool in a proportion of 50: 21: 0.5: 27: 1.5, respectively. Eight peaks were tentatively identified as beta-trans-ocimene. The number of A. ludens captured in multilure traps baited with the synthetic white sapote blend was higher than the flies captured by the multilure unbaited traps (control) in field cages. However, the number of flies captured by traps baited with the white sapote blend was not different from that of flies captured by traps baited with hydrolyzed protein. Using standard chemical ecology techniques, we found potential attractants from wild sapote fruit for monitoring and management of A. ludens population.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzymes in cisplatin-induced chronic nephrotoxicity in rats.

Cisplatin (CDDP), an anticancer drug, induces remarkable toxicity in the kidneys of animals and humans and it has been well documented that reactive oxygen species and the renal antioxidant system are strongly involved in acute renal damage induced by CDDP. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not the renal antioxidant system plays also an important role in chronic renal damage induced by repeated doses of CDDP (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice weekly during 10 weeks in rats). In order to elucidate it, serum creatinine and urea levels, renal glutathione and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) content, as well as renal superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured in the kidney homogenates of chronically CDDP-treated rats and additionally histological studies were performed in the rat kidneys. The chronic treatment with CDDP induced a significant increase in creatinine and urea levels in serum, but the other parameters mentioned above were not significantly modified as compared to the values in nontreated rats. Taking into account these results, we conclude that chronic CDDP administration induces also severe nephrotoxicity, in contrast to CDDP acute application, without any significant modification in the activity of relevant antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, renal glutathione and lipid peroxides, by which the role of the antioxidant system in chronic nephrotoxicity induced by CDDP in rats is uncertain.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Multiplex-PCR for detection of natural Leishmania infection in Lutzomyia spp. captured in an endemic region for cutaneous leishmaniasis in state of Sucre, Venezuela.

We studied the natural infection of Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) sp. with Leishmania in endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Paria peninsula, state of Sucre, Venezuela. Sand flies were collected between March 2001 and June 2003, using Shannon light-traps and human bait. Of the 1291 insects captured, only two species of phlebotomines were identified: L. ovallesi (82.75%) and L. gomezi (17.42%). A sample of the collected sand flies (51 pools of 2-12 individuals) were analyzed by using a multiplex-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of New Word Leishmaniaand Viannia subgenera. The results showed a total of 8 pools (15.68%) infected; of these, 7 were L. ovallesi naturally infected with L. braziliensis (2 pools) and L. mexicana (5 pools) and 1 pool of L. gomezi infected by L. braziliensis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effects of ozone oxidative preconditioning on TNF-alpha release and antioxidant-prooxidant intracellular balance in mice during endotoxic shock.

Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which favors the antioxidant-prooxidant balance for preservation of cell redox state by the increase of antioxidant endogenous systems in both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Our aim is to analyze the effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning on serum TNF-alpha levels and as a modulator of oxidative stress on hepatic tissue in entodoxic shock model (mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture which was administered intraperitoneally (0.2, 0.4, and 1.2 mg/kg) once daily for five days before LPS (0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). TNF-alpha was measured by cytotoxicity on L-929 cells. Biochemical parameters such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), enzymatic activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S transferase were measured in hepatic tissue. One hour after LPS injection there was a significant increase in TNF-alpha levels in mouse serum. Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture reduced serum TNF-alpha levels in a dose-dependent manner. Statistically significant decreases in TNF-alpha levels after LPS injection were observed in mice pretreated with ozone intraperitoneal applications at 0.2 (78%), 0.4 (98%), and 1.2 (99%). Also a significant increase in TBARS content was observed in the hepatic tissue of LPS-treated mice, whereas enzymatic activity of glutathion-S transferase and glutathione peroxidase was decreased. However in ozone-treated animals a significant decrease in TBARS content was appreciated as well as an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These results indicate that ozone oxidative preconditioning exerts inhibitory effects on TNF-alpha production and on the other hand it exerts influence on the antioxidant-prooxidant balance for preservation of cell redox state by the increase of endogenous antioxidant systems.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Magnetic studies on hexahalorhenate(IV) salts of ferrocenium cations [Fe(C5R5)2]2[ReX6] (R = H, CH3; X = Cl, Br, I).

The hexahalorhenate(IV) salts of formula [Fe(C5H5)2]2[ReX6], with X = Cl (1), Br (2), and I (3), and [Fe(C5Me5)2]2[ReX6], with X = Cl (4), Br (5), and I (6) ([Fe(C5Me5)2]+ = decamethylferrocenium cation), have been synthesized and the structures of 1, 2, and 4 determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1, 2, and 4 crystallize in the orthorhombic system, space groups Pbca (1 and 2) and Ibam (4), with a = 14.099(2) A, b = 16.125(2) A, and c = 22.133(15) A, for 1, a = 14.317(3) A, b = 16.848(3) A, and c = 22.099(2) A for 2, and a = 15.8583(5) A, b = 15.9368(5) A, and c = 16.9816(6) A for 4. The three structures are made up of discrete [ReX6]2- anions and ferrocenium cations held together by electrostatic forces. There are anion-anion contacts in 1 and 2 but only through one direction. The [ReX6]2- octahedra are arranged along the y axis forming chains of Re and X atoms, -Re-X...X-Re-X...X-Re-, where the intermolecular X...X distances are shorter than the van der Waals distances. A somewhat greater separation between the anions occurs in 4. The magnetic properties of 1-6 were investigated in the temperature range 2.0-300 K. 1, 2, 4, and 5 exhibit an antiferromagnetic coupling between the anions, whereas a ferromagnetic coupling between anions and cations is the dominant interaction in 3. 6 behaves as a magnetically isolated compound, its susceptibility being the simple addition of the independent contributions of the uncoupled paramagnetic cations and anions.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Renal transplantation in children with reconstructed bladders.

In this article, we review the outcome and complications of renal transplantation in patients with reconstructed bladders and address specific issues and controversies regarding the management of such cases. Twenty-five articles covering the subjects of renal transplantation, lower urinary tract anomalies, and bladder reconstruction have been selected. Although urologic complications are higher when kidneys are transplanted into reconstructed bladders or urinary diversions, the graft and patient survival rates in most series are comparable with those transplanted into nonreconstructed bladders. The reported series of renal transplantation into abnormal bladders are small, and controlled studies are lacking. Bladder reconstruction should be performed before transplantation when clinically indicated.

Child↗
PubMed2004

Reversion by ozone treatment of acute nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ozone therapy has become a useful treatment for pathological processes, in which the damage mediated by reactive oxygen species is involved. Several lines of evidence suggest that cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity is partially mediated by reactive oxygen species AIMS: To analyze the effect of ozone administration after cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with five intra-rectal applications of ozone/oxygen mixture at 0.36, 1.1 and 1.8 mg/kg after cisplatin intraperitoneal injection (6 mg/kg). Serum and kidneys were taken off 5 days after cisplatin treatment. Creatinine was measured in the serum and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione content were analyzed in renal homogenate. RESULTS: Ozone treatment diminished the increase in serum creatinine levels, the glutathione depletion and also reversed the inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities induced by cisplatin in the rat kidney. Also, the renal content of thiobarbituric reactive substances was decreased by ozone/oxygen mixture applied after cisplatin. CONCLUSION: Intrarectal applications of ozone reversed the renal pro-oxidant unbalance induced by cisplatin treatment by the way of stimulation to some constituents of antioxidant system in the kidney, and thereby it decreased the renal damage.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2004

Protection by ozone preconditioning is mediated by the antioxidant system in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure is a dose-limiting factor of cisplatin chemotherapy. Here, we show the protective effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning against cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction in rats. Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which favors the antioxidant-pro-oxidant balance for preservation of the cell redox state by increasing antioxidant endogenous systems in various in vivo and in vitro experimental models. AIMS: To analyze the protective role of ozone oxidative preconditioning against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 15 intrarectal applications of ozone/oxygen mixture at 0.36, 0.72, 1.1, 1.8 and 2.5 mg/kg before cisplatin intraperitoneal injection (6 mg/kg). Serum and kidneys were extracted and analyzed 5 days after cisplatin treatment for determinations of the renal content of glutathione, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, renal concentration and enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. RESULTS: Ozone pretreatment prevented the increase in serum creatinine levels, the glutathione depletion and the inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities induced by cisplatin in the rat kidney. Also, the renal content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was decreased by ozone therapy. These protective effects of ozone were dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Intrarectal ozone therapy prevented effectively the renal antioxidant unbalance induced by cisplatin treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Urinary continence is well preserved after total urogenital mobilization.

PURPOSE: Total urogenital sinus mobilization (TUM) has been advocated as a successful technique in the repair of common urogenital sinus anomalies. To our knowledge the long-term effects on continence, voiding pattern and bowel control have not been published. We present our experience and assessment regarding these issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with TUM. Medical records were reviewed for each patient along with long-term followup by telephone questionnaire and clinical visits. Uroflowmetry was performed in recent patients who were old enough to cooperate in the study. RESULTS: A total of 13 females underwent TUM. Medical records were reviewed for all patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 7 patients who underwent surgery before the age of achieving continence, and group 2 consisted of 6 patients who were incontinent before surgery. One patient in group 2 was lost to long-term followup. Two children in group 1 have enuresis, a 27-month-old with day and nighttime enuresis and a 3-year-old with only nocturnal enuresis. All patients in group 2 were continent immediately postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: TUM preserves urinary continence immediately postoperatively among patients who are continent before surgery. Furthermore, it does not appear to delay the natural development of continence among patients undergoing surgery before the age of toilet training.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Magnetic studies on hexaiodorhenate(IV) salts of univalent cations. Spin canting and magnetic ordering in K2[ReI6] with Tc = 24 K.

The ionic salts of rhenium(IV) of formula (Cat)(2)[ReI(6)] with Cat = Li(+) (1), Na(+) (2), K(+) (3), Rb(+) (4), Cs(+) (5), NH(4)(+) (6), and AsPh(4)(+) (7) [AsPh(4)(+) = tetraphenylarsonium cation] have been synthesized, and the structures of two of them (namely, 3 and 6) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group Pn, with a = 7.815(1) A, b = 7.874(1) A, c = 11.335(1) A, beta = 90.38(1) degrees, and Z = 2 whereas 6 crystallizes in the tetragonal system, space group P4/mnc, with a = 7.881(1) A, b = 7.881(1) A, c = 11.474(2) A, and Z = 2. The structures of 3 and 6 are made up of discrete [ReI(6)](2)(-) anions and K(+) (3) or NH(4)(+) (6) cations held together by electrostatic forces (3 and 6) and N-H.I hydrogen bonds (6). The rhenium(IV) cation in 3 and 6 is surrounded by six iodide ligands in an octahedral environment with the Re-I bond lengths varying in a very narrow range [2.704(3)-2.738(3) and 2.716(1)-2.722(2) A for 3 and 6, respectively]. The [ReI(6)](2)(-) anions in 6 describe a tetragonally distorted body-centered cubic structure. In 3, the arrangement of these units is similar but more distorted. The different arrangement of the anions in 3 and 6 accounts for the centrosymmetric (6) and non-centrosymmetric (3) structures observed. The magnetic properties of 1-7 were investigated in the temperature range 2.0-300 K. The magnetic behavior of 7 is that of a magnetically diluted Re(IV) complex with a large value of the zero-field splitting of the ground level (|2D| = 49.8 cm(-)(1)) whereas those of 1, 2, and 4-6 are typical of antiferromagnetically coupled systems with susceptibility maxima at 28 (1), 27 (2), 21 (4), 16 (5), and 20 K (6). In the case of compound 3, its magnetic behavior in the high-temperature range is parallel to that observed in the parent salts but below 24 K it is a weak ferromagnet with a canting angle of ca. 1.2 degrees.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Heterobimetallic oxalato-bridged M(II)Re(IV) complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni): synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties.

Four rhenium(IV)-M(II) bimetallic complexes of formula [ReCl(4)(mu-ox)M(dmphen)(2)].CH(3)CN with M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), and Ni (4) (ox = oxalate anion, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and the crystal structures of 1 and 3 determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 and 3 are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 16.008(4) A, b = 12.729(2) A, c = 18.909(5) A, beta = 112.70(2) degrees, and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 15.998(4) A, b = 12.665(2) A, c = 18.693(5) A, beta = 112.33(2) degrees, and Z = 4, for 3. The structure of 1 and 3 is made up of neutral [ReCl(4)(mu-ox)M(dmphen)(2)] bimetallic units (M = Mn (1), Co (3)) and acetonitrile molecules of crystallization. M(II) and Re(IV) metal ions exhibit distorted octahedral coordination geometries being bridged by a bis(bidentate) oxalato ligand. The magnetic behavior of 1-4 has been investigated over the temperature range 2.0-300 K. A very weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Re(IV) and Mn(II) occurs in 1 (J = -0.1 cm(-)(1)), whereas a significant ferromagnetic interaction between Re(IV) and M(II) is observed in 2-4 [J = +2.8 (2), +5.2 (3), and +5.9 cm(-)(1) (4)].

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Management of urinary extravasation in 18 boys with posterior urethral valves.

PURPOSE: Urinary extravasation with associated posterior urethral valves is uncommon and published articles are restricted to case reports. We propose a management algorithm on the basis of presentation of 18 boys with this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective review we analyze the clinical features, diagnostic radiological imaging (voiding cystourethrogram and (99m)technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine scan) and measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for assessment of renal function in boys presenting with posterior urethral valves and urinary extravasation. Indications for surgical intervention and long-term outcome were evaluated. Results are presented as mean +/- SD. RESULTS: Patient age at presentation was 4 days (range 1 to 28). Salient features at presentation were abdominal distention in 55.5% of cases, flank mass in 55.5%, respiratory distress in 16.6% and septicemia in 22.2%. Patients were categorized into group 1 with ascites (6 boys) and group 2 without ascites (12). Followup was 70.8 +/- 5.6 months. In group 1 the 3 boys with ascites alone had a followup GFR of 29 versus 74 ml. per minute per 1.73 m.2 in 3 with urinoma plus ascites (p = 0.001) at 64 +/- 4.9 months. In group 2 the GFR in 3 boys with bilateral urinoma was 104.7 +/- 30.4 versus 54.3 +/- 29.4 ml. per minute per 1.73 m.2 in the other 9 with unilateral urinoma (p = 0.001) at 36 +/- 4.2 and 81.3 +/- 4.7 months, respectively. The ipsilateral kidney showed reduced function in 6 of 12 boys with unilateral urinoma from both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function on the side of the urinoma is impaired, and the majority of patients have impaired global renal function. A management algorithm is proposed.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

Experience with the Bailez technique for laparoscopic access in children.

PURPOSE: We describe a variation of the Hasson technique for laparoscopic access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All laparoscopic procedures performed in children and completed between September 1999 and May 2002 at 2 institutions were reviewed retrospectively. All access to the peritoneal cavity was accomplished in the same manner using the following approach-a small semicircumferential incision was made in the inferior part of the umbilicus, and the umbilical skin was dissected to expose the area of the umbilical scar where the peritoneum and the skin meet. At this point the peritoneum was opened under direct vision without an incision. A blunt trocar was then easily introduced into the peritoneal cavity without forceful manipulation. The rest of the procedure was accomplished as usual. RESULTS: Seventy-seven laparoscopic procedures were completed in 77 patients (mean age 4.8 years, range 1 month to 17.75 years). Patient weight ranged from 8 to 66 kg. The procedures included diagnostic laparoscopy for undescended testis (52), varicocelectomy (11), nephrectomy (6), nephroureterectomy (1) and others (7). All attempts were successful. Mean followup was 15.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: The most important advantage of this technique is that it offers easy and safe access to the peritoneal cavity even in obese individuals. In addition, this access is rapidly accomplished and offers good cosmetic results.

Adolescent↗