Consequences of a Dieulafoy's lesion in gastric surgery.

In relation to the articles published in this journal by Valdivielso-Cortázar and Relea-Pérez, we have recently operated a patient who presented a digestive hemorrhage in immediate postoperative period due to Dieulafoy´s lesion at the mechanical gastrojejunal anastomosis.

Role of micro-RNA in colorectal cancer screening.

MicroRNAs are involved in carcinogenesis through postranscriptional gene regulatory activity. These molecules are involved in various physiological and pathological functions, such as apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation, which indicates their functionality in carcinogenesis as tumour suppressor genes or oncogenes. Several studies have determined the presence of microRNAs in different neoplastic diseases such as colon, prostate, breast, stomach, pancreas, and lung cancer. There are promising data on the usefulness of quantifying microRNAs in different organic fluids and tissues. We have conducted a review of the determinations of microRNAs in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

[Radiological-surgical methods to identify celiac-mesenteric anomalies of the hepatic artery before duodenopancreatectomy]. / Métodos radiológico-quirúrgicos para la identificación de anomalías celiaco-mesentéricas de la arteria hepática ante una duodenopancreatectomía.

INTRODUCTION: Up to 45% anatomical variations are found in hepatic arterial system. Identifying these anatomical anomalies before or during surgery would prevent additional morbidity in performing a duodenopancreatectomy. They are routinely identified before surgery using CT imaging, but on certain occasions they are not reported and are only discovered during the surgical operation. The initial retroperitoneal access by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) will avoid a fairly useless intervention if there is superior mesenteric artery invasion, and will identify the anatomical variations originating in the superior mesenteric artery. These anomalies acquire importance in that their unnoticed injury could lead to severe vascular compromise and/or perioperative bleeding. OBJECTIVES: To analyse celiac-mesenteric anomalies of the hepatic artery before duodenopancreatectomy using the information from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using a non-standardised method, a standardised method with multidimensional reconstruction, and maximum intensity projection (MIP), after initial surgical access to the SMA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the clinical, histopathological and surgical variables was conducted on patients with an indication for duodenopancreatectomy in our Department from 2008 until April 2010. A study was performed on the reports made after image acquisition by MDCT. A blind, three-dimensional, MIP reconstruction was performed on all the patients to identify arterial anomalies. A description is given of hepatic artery anomalies after initial access to the SMA. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 65 ± 11 years, with 33 (54%) males and 28 (46%) females. Vascular anomalies, right hepatic artery (RHA) (SMA) substitute (subst), 5 (8%); RHA (SMA) accessory (acc), 4 (7%); left hepatic artery (LHA) (left gastric artery) (LGA) acc 3 (5%); common hepatic artery (CHA) (SMA) subst 3 (5%); RHA (SMA) acc+LHA (LGA) acc2 (3%); CHA (aorta) subst, 1 (2%); RHA+RGA+2 LHA (celiac trunk), 1 (2%); and CHA (SMA)+LHA (LGA) acc. CONCLUSION: On being able to identify arterial anomalies with a mixture of preoperative radiological and methodological criteria, with three-dimensional reconstruction, MIP, and initially performing a dissection of the superior mesenteric artery could avoid duodenopancreatectomies that may not benefit the patient and compromise bleeding.

Idiopathic thrombosis of the superficial scrotal veins (Mondor's disease) during the postoperative period of an umbilical herniorraphy.

OBJECTIVE: Mondor's disease is a superficial thrombophlebitis and usually occurs in the anterior and lateral chest. The scrotal vein thrombosis is a fairly rare disease. METHODS: Thirty-four year old male who consulted for inguinal tumor and pain in the postoperative period of an umbilical hernia repair, which resulted in a subsequent scrotal vein thrombosis treated conservatively. RESULTS: It was resolved with conservative treatment, with recanalization of the scrotal veins. CONCLUSION: Mondor's disease is a rare entity, related to multiple etiological factors. The diagnosis is made easily with Doppler ultrasound and most resolve with conservative treatment.

[Single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy in major ambulatory surgery (MAS)]. / Colecistectomía laparoscópica de puerto único en un programa de CMA.

INTRODUCTION: Natural orifice endoscopic surgery is a new surgical procedure still in the development phase. The most natural entry for surgeons is to use an already existing scar, such as the navel. The recent introduction of trocars designed for this purpose has made it possible to put this into practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present our preliminary experience in single trans-umbilical incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy, by means of a prospective study which included 26 patients operated on between January 2009 and January 2010. We also attempt to find out whether it can be performed in a MAS programme. RESULTS: All patients had uncomplicated cholelithiasis, although in 5 of them cholecystitis was identified during the surgery. The mean surgical time was 51.2 min. The mean hospital stay was 25.7h, and 76.92% of patients were admitted for less than 24h. There were no re-admissions or significant intra-operative or post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: On looking at our results, single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy could be included in a major ambulatory surgery programme.

[Long-term adverse effects on bladder filling phase in males submitted to the pelvic radiotherapy]. / EFECTOS ADVERSOS A LARGO PLAZO DE LA FASE DE LLENAGO VESICAL EN VARONES TRATADOS CON RADIOTERAPIA PÈLVICA.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and quantify the long-term adverse effects on filling phase of lower urinary tract function in males submitted to radiotherapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective comparative study on a cohort of 99 men undergoing EBRT a mean of 4.7 years before for clinically localized prostate, rectum or colon neoplasia, and another cohort formed by 97 men over 50 years who did not undergo radiotherapy. RESULTS: Cystometric bladder capacity and bladder capacity at first voiding desire were significantly lower in the radiotherapy group. Univariate analysis showed that the radiotherapy group evinced a risk to present a diminished compliance of 3.5 times more and 9.3 times more to find stress urinary incontinence, but we did not found increased risk for detrusor overactivity. In multivariate analysis the history of radical surgery acted as a confounding factor in the risk of stress urinary incontinence, but not to suffer diminished bladder compliance. CONCLUSIONS: The main long-term adverse effect of pelvic radiotherapy on male bladder function during filling is the increased risk of low bladder compliance.

[Tumor markers in colorectal cancer]. / Marcadores tumorales en el cáncer colorrectal.

INTRODUCTION: In 2008, colorectal cancer represented the third most commonly diagnosed tumor in Spain, and the second tumor with more deaths. Despite the new potential biomarkers in colorectal cancer, there are many challenges that need to be overcome, resulting in a need for the standardization of its determinations. DISCUSSION: The continuous advance in tumor disease knowledge makes this review a summary of the current accepted, recommended and studied tumor markers for the diagnosis and monitoring of colorectal cancer, such as fecal markers, tissue markers and serological markers, and various prognostic markers on which there are different lines of treatment in colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Oncological guidelines recommend only a minority of tumor markers for routine use, such as the study of fecal occult blood, CEA determination in the postoperative followup, microsatellite instability to identify people susceptible to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cáncer, and mutation of APC in the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis.

Serum VEGF and VEGF-C values before surgery and after postoperative treatment in gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are essential processes for the formation of blood and lymphatic vessels that allow tumour growth and spread. The binding of VEGF and VEGF-C factors with their receptors (VEGFR2, VEGFR3) in endothelial cells triggers signals that regulate these processes. We compared preoperative serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels with samples obtained after completion of surgery and adjuvant treatment in patients with gastric cancer. In addition, we determined the prognostic value and relationship to survival of serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels. METHODS: We used a prospective cohort study of 59 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery. Serum VEGF and VEGF-C were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) the day before surgery and 6 months later, after completion of adjuvant treatment. RESULTS: Serum VEGF values decreased after treatment in patients with resectable tumours (mean ± SD) (405.42 ± 298.38 vs. 306.38 ± 212.47 pg/ml; p < 0.01), poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumours (G3, G4) (438 ± 339.71 vs. 322.47 ± 210.71 pg/ml; p = 0.01), locally advanced gastric tumours (T4 stage) (424.27 ± 323.08 vs. 333.62 ± 221.72 pg/ml; p = 0.03) and tumours with a greater number of involved regional lymph nodes (N3) (442.38 ± 311.52 vs. 337.4 ± 203.64 pg/ml; p = 0.04). Serum preoperative VEGF values over 761 pg/ml were associated with shorter patient survival. The mean overall survival time for patients with serum VEGF levels higher than 761 pg/ml was 7 ± 2.99 months (95 % CI 1.14-12.86) while for patients with serum VEGF levels of less than 761 pg/ml was 21.18 ± 2.88 (95 % CI 15.54-26.83) The mean disease-specific survival time for patients with serum VEGF levels higher than 761 pg/ml was 6.25 ± 2.53 months (95 % CI 1.29-11.21) while for patients with serum VEGF levels of less than 761 pg/ml was 27.57 ± 3.45 (95 % CI 20.80-34.35). Multivariate analysis identified preoperative serum VEGF levels as an independent prognostic factor (HR = 0.144; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Serum VEGF levels decreased after the completion of treatment in patients with resected tumours, suggesting VEGF tracking may be useful in monitoring progression. Preoperative measurement of serum VEGF may help us identify patients with a poor prognosis.

Delayed intestinal obstruction due to posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic rupture can be missed during trauma diagnosis. Different pressures between the thorax and the abdomen allow the abdominal viscera to herniate into the chest cavity. Cardiorespiratory and abdominal symptoms may appear later due to passive compression and incarceration, respectively. CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a 52-year-old female with abdominal pain and vomiting. Chest x-ray demonstrated an elevation of the right hemidiaphragm, and computed tomography showed herniation of small bowel and colon into the chest cavity with dilated small bowel due to a diaphragmatic hernia. CONCLUSIONS: History of traumatic events should be considered with high suspicion in the diagnostic process to avoid delayed diagnosis of this condition. The nonspecific symptoms of this condition often lead the patient to consult different specialists. A multidisciplinary approach is required and aimed at preventing an unnecessary increase of morbidity and mortality.

Merkel cell carcinoma: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive neuroendocrine cell carcinoma arising in the epidermis of patients aged >60 years. This lesion is found in sun-exposed areas and presents as a small violet raised nodule. It is usually painless and rapidly growing. Although its clinical presentation and characteristic histology are usually sufficient, immunohistochemical features are helpful in making an accurate diagnosis. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 62-year-old male with epidermoid carcinoma of the lung who was treated with surgery and local radiation for 2 months. He presented a painless 8-cm subcutaneous mass of some weeks of evolution, without inflammatory signs. Computerized tomography demonstrated a mass of probable lymph node origin. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) reported malignant cells and excisional surgery of the mass was performed, revealing a subcutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare entity that develops in mature patients, often in sun-exposed areas, and presents cutaneous injury in intact skin. Definitive diagnosis is done using immunohistochemistry.

Gliomatosis peritonei: recurrence, treatment and surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Gliomatosis peritonei is the metastatic implantation of mature glial tissue within the peritoneal cavity of patients with ovarian teratomas. There is no clear guidance for how long these patients should be followed up. CLINICAL CASE: We report the follow-up imaging findings of a 33-year-old female with abdominal distension and abdominal pain and who was postoperatively diagnosed with immature ovarian teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei. CONCLUSIONS: Differentiation of peritoneal implants seems to be important for prognosis. Malignant transformations after several years cannot be excluded. Therefore, new studies will determine if it is necessary to create guidelines for the postsurgical monitoring of these patients.

Septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein due to acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: pylephlebitis is a rare complication of intraabdominal infections. Clinical presentation can be varied; therefore, it is necessary to carry out imaging tests for diagnosis. The treatment of choice is wide-spectrum antibiotic therapy and surgery for the source of infection. CLINICAL CASE: we report the case of a female with acute abdomen who was diagnosed with acute cholecystitis and right portal vein thrombosis. The patient underwent surgery and antibiotic treatment was necessary. CT scan showed hepatic infarction secondary to portal thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: pylephlebitis presents high mortality rates without treatment; therefore, early diagnosis is necessary in order to initiate appropriate medical and surgical treatment.

Angiomyofibroblastoma of the right ischiorectal fosa.

BACKGROUND: angiomyofibroblastoma is a soft-tissue lesion. The vulvovaginal region of middle-aged females is the most frequent localization. Angiomyofibroblastoma is a well-circumscribed subcutaneous tumor at the vulva and perineum region. It is a painful and slow-growing tumor. It is often thought to represent a Bartholin's gland cyst. Treatment of choice is surgical excision. CLINICAL CASE: We describe the case of a 49-year-old female with a right vulvar tumor that had been growing for 2 years. Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance revealed a tumor at the right ischiorectal fossa. Diagnosis after surgical excision was angiomyofibroblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: angiomyofibroblastoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of vulvovaginal tumors because its treatment differs from others lesions of that region.

Gastrointestinal bleeding and intussusception due to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

BACKGROUND: Small bowel tumors comprise 25% of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms, of which only between 0.2 and 1% correspond to gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). GI bleeding is the most common presentation of GIST, being responsible in 1% of the cases. This type of neoplasm can also be the origin of an intussusception, which is an infrequent process during adult age, representing only 5% of all intestinal obstructions. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of a patient who arrived at the emergency department due to abdominal pain and lower GI bleeding. The diagnostic process was not conclusive. After an exploratory laparotomy, the diagnosis was GI bleeding and intussusception due to GIST. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery must be the last diagnostic and therapeutic resource, but it is sometimes necessary to localize bleeding and intestinal obstruction site.

Hemorragia digestiva baja e intususcepción subsecuente a tumor del estroma gastrointestinal / Gastrointestinal bleeding and intussusception due to gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)

Introducción: Los tumores del intestino delgado representan 25 % de las neoplasias gastrointestinales, de ellos 0.2 y 1 % corresponde a tumores del estroma gastrointestinal. Su presentación clínica más frecuente es la hemorragia digestiva, siendo los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal responsables en 1 % de los casos. Este tipo de neoplasias también puede ser el origen de intususcepción, proceso patológico infrecuente en la edad adulta por representar únicamente 5 % de todas las obstrucciones intestinales. Caso clínico: Mujer que acudió al servicio de urgencias por dolor abdominal y hemorragia digestiva baja. Las pruebas complementarias no resultaron concluyentes. Tras laparotomía exploradora se diagnosticó intususcepción y hemorragia digestiva baja subsecuente a tumor del estroma gastrointestinal. Conclusiones: La cirugía debe ser el último recurso diagnóstico y terapéutico, pero es necesaria en ocasiones debido a la dificultad para determinar la causa etiológica de la hemorragia y la obstrucción intestinal.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel tumors comprise 25% of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms, of which only between 0.2 and 1% correspond to gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). GI bleeding is the most common presentation of GIST, being responsible in 1% of the cases. This type of neoplasm can also be the origin of an intussusception, which is an infrequent process during adult age, representing only 5% of all intestinal obstructions. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of a patient who arrived at the emergency department due to abdominal pain and lower GI bleeding. The diagnostic process was not conclusive. After an exploratory laparotomy, the diagnosis was GI bleeding and intussusception due to GIST. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery must be the last diagnostic and therapeutic resource, but it is sometimes necessary to localize bleeding and intestinal obstruction site.