Facilitating Factors and Barriers in the Return to Work of Working Women Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

Several studies have identified the main barriers and facilitators that breast cancer survivors experience in the return to work (RTW). The authors conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions with a group of female non-metastatic breast cancer survivors (n = 6), a group of health professionals from different medical specialties (n = 8), and a third group of company managers mainly composed of human resources managers (n = 7). The study was carried out between March and December 2021 in Zaragoza (Spain). Transcripts were analyzed using inductive content analysis to identify work-related barriers and facilitators and coded by the research team. Barriers identified included physical and cognitive symptoms, psychosocial problems, lack of knowledge and coordination (health professional, patients, and managers), legal vacuum, physical change, time constraints, work characteristics (lower skilled jobs), unsupportive supervisors and coworkers, family problems and self-demand. Facilitators included family and work support, physical activity and rehabilitation, personalized attention, interdisciplinary collaboration, legal advice for workers, knowledge about breast cancer in companies, positive aspects of work, elaboration of protocols for RTW in women with breast cancer. RTW in working women with breast cancer requires a personalized and holistic view that includes the perspectives of patients, healthcare professionals and company managers.

Análise de diagnósticos, intervenções e atividades de enfermagem em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise secundária à COVID-19: estudo descritivo / Analysis of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and activities in patients undergoing hemodialysis secondary to COVID-19: a descriptive study

OBJETIVO: Analisar os diagnósticos, as intervenções e atividades de enfermagem em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise secundária à COVID-19. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e de natureza quantitativa. A população do estudo foi representada pelos prontuários de pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise secundária à COVID-19, totalizando cerca de 64 registros. Consultaram-se os dados do instrumento de coleta de dados, bem como dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e indicadores dos diagnósticos de enfermagem. Para análise, utilizou-se da estatística descritiva e inferencial. RESULTADOS: Os principais diagnósticos de enfermagem encontrados foram: risco de infecção, risco de volume de líquidos desequilibrado, déficit no autocuidado para banho/higiene íntima e troca de gases prejudicada. As intervenções e atividades assinaladas foram correspondentes aos diagnósticos traçados. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo possibilitou identificar os principais diagnósticos, as intervenções e atividades de enfermagem em pacientes acometidos pela COVID-19 que desenvolveram lesão renal aguda.

Objective: To analyze nursing diagnoses, interventions, and activities in patients undergoing hemodialysis secondary to COVID-19. METHOD: This is a descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study. The study population was represented by the medical records of patients undergoing hemodialysis secondary to COVID-19, totaling about 64 records. Data from the data collection instrument, sociodemographic and clinical data, and indicators of nursing diagnoses were consulted. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: The main nursing diagnoses found were risk for infection, risk for imbalanced fluid volume, bathing/toileting self-care deficit, and impaired gas exchange. The registered interventions and activities corresponded to the outlined diagnoses. CONCLUSION: The study identified the main diagnoses, interventions, and nursing activities in patients affected by COVID-19 who developed acute kidney injury.

Climate seasonality and lower respiratory tract diseases: a predictive model for pediatric hospitalizations.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the climate seasonality of respiratory diseases in children aged 0-9 years and present a model to predict hospital admissions for 2021 to 2022. METHODS: verify, in a temporal manner, the correlation of admissions for pneumonia, bronchitis/bronchiolitis, and asthma with meteorological variables, aiming to demonstrate seasonality with the adjustment of temporal series models. RESULTS: there was a seasonal effect in the number of registered cases for all diseases, with the highest incidence of registrations in the months of autumn and winter. CONCLUSIONS: it was possible to observe a tendency towards a decrease in the registration of pneumonia cases; In cases of admissions due to bronchitis and bronchiolitis, there was a slight tendency towards an increase; and, in occurrence rates of asthma, there was no variation in the number of cases.

Climate seasonality and lower respiratory tract diseases: a predictive model for pediatric hospitalizations / Estacionalidad climática y enfermedades de las vías respiratorias bajas: utilización de modelo predictor de hospitalizaciones pediátricas / Sazonalidade climática e doenças das vias respiratórias inferiores: utilização de modelo preditor de hospitalizações pediátricas

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the climate seasonality of respiratory diseases in children aged 0-9 years and present a model to predict hospital admissions for 2021 to 2022. Methods: verify, in a temporal manner, the correlation of admissions for pneumonia, bronchitis/bronchiolitis, and asthma with meteorological variables, aiming to demonstrate seasonality with the adjustment of temporal series models. Results: there was a seasonal effect in the number of registered cases for all diseases, with the highest incidence of registrations in the months of autumn and winter. Conclusions: it was possible to observe a tendency towards a decrease in the registration of pneumonia cases; In cases of admissions due to bronchitis and bronchiolitis, there was a slight tendency towards an increase; and, in occurrence rates of asthma, there was no variation in the number of cases.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar la estacionalidad climática de las enfermedades respiratorias en niños de 0 a 9 años y presentar un modelo para previsión de internaciones hospitalarias para los años de 2021 a 2022. Métodos: se propuso verificar, de manera temporal, la correlación de internaciones para neumonitis, bronquitis/bronquiolitis y asma con variables meteorológicas, visando verificar la estacionalidad con el ajuste de modelos de series temporales. Resultados: se percibió, para todas las enfermedades, el efecto estacional en el número de casos registrados, con el mayor número de registros en los meses de otoño e invierno. Conclusiones: fue posible constatar una tendencia de disminución en el registro de casos de neumonitis; ya para los casos de internaciones por bronquitis y bronquiolitis, se observó una leve tendencia de aumento; y, en relación las tasas de ocurrencia de asma, no hubo variación.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar a sazonalidade climática das doenças respiratórias em crianças de 0 a 9 anos e apresentar um modelo para previsão de internações hospitalares para os anos de 2021 a 2022. Métodos: propôs-se verificar, de maneira temporal, a correlação de internações para pneumonia, bronquite/bronquiolite e asma com variáveis meteorológicas, visando verificar a sazonalidade com o ajuste de modelos de séries temporais. Resultados: percebeu-se, para todas as enfermidades, o efeito sazonal no número de casos registrados, com o maior número de registros nos meses de outono e inverno. Conclusões: foi possível constatar uma tendência de diminuição no registro de casos de pneumonia; já para os casos de internações por bronquite e bronquiolite, observou-se uma leve tendência de aumento; e, em relação as taxas de ocorrência de asma, não houve variação.

Quality of Life and Alleviation of Symptoms After Breast Reduction for Macromastia in Obese Patients: Is Surgery Worth It?

BACKGROUND: Breast hypertrophy can cause a variety of symptoms and affect lifestyle and quality of life. Breast reduction, being the most effective treatment, is sometimes difficult to establish as standard treatment in obese patients (difficulties to differentiate symptoms from macromastia or from obesity, higher rate of complications). AIM: To evaluate the effect of reduction mammaplasty (quality of life and symptoms) in obese patients comparing with non-obese. METHODS: This is a prospective study of patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Patients were allocated in non-obese (BMI < 29) and obese (BMI > 30). Demographic data, comorbidities, specific symptoms questionnaire, data from the surgical procedure, Spanish version of the Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36) questionnaire, complications and sequels were recorded and collected before the operation and at 1 month and 1 year after. Chi-square, Fisher's exact t test, McNemar, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients were operated on; 54 (44.6 %) obese and 67 (55.4 %) non-obese. The average age of patients was 40.7 (18-78), average volume of resected tissue was 1.784 g (401-5.790), and average hospital stay was 2.94 days (1-11). There were no differences between obese and normal BMI patients with regard to length of hospital stay, complications, sequels, or reoperations. Symptoms improved in both groups. Physical and mental components of the SF-36 improved at 1 year in both groups (p < 0.001). The mental health component improved at 1 month (p < 0.001) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients should be considered for reduction mammaplasty surgery in the same way as women of normal weight. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Lymphoscintigraphic SPECT/CT localization of a sentinel node in an unusual position: Rotter's node.

A 57-year-old woman with infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the right breast underwent lymph node scintigraphy with Tc-99m-nanocolloid for preoperative sentinel node localization. On planar images, an unusual pattern of lymphatic drainage was observed. We performed a chest SPECT/CT, revealing an interpectoral sentinel node, ie, Rotter's node. The patient underwent radioguided surgery and the sentinel node was located intraoperatively, and found to be disease-free. SPECT/CT fusion techniques have enhanced precision in locating sentinel nodes, enabling the surgeon to shorten surgical times.

Research and development of a new RF-assisted device for bloodless rapid transection of the liver: computational modeling and in vivo experiments.

BACKGROUND: Efficient and safe transection of biological tissue in liver surgery is strongly dependent on the ability to address both parenchymal division and hemostasis simultaneously. In addition to the conventional clamp crushing or finger fracture methods other techniques based on radiofrequency (RF) currents have been extensively employed to reduce intraoperative blood loss. In this paper we present our broad research plan for a new RF-assisted device for bloodless, rapid resection of the liver. METHODS: Our research plan includes computer modeling and in vivo studies. Computer modeling was based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and allowed us to estimate the distribution of electrical power deposited in the tissue, along with assessing the effect of the characteristics of the device on the temperature profiles. Studies based on in vivo pig liver models provided a comparison of the performance of the new device with other techniques (saline-linked technology) currently employed in clinical practice. Finally, the plan includes a pilot clinical trial, in which both the new device and the accessory equipment are seen to comply with all safety requirements. RESULTS: The FEM results showed a high electrical gradient around the tip of the blade, responsible for the maximal increase of temperature at that point, where temperature reached 100 degrees C in only 3.85 s. Other hot points with lower temperatures were located at the proximal edge of the device. Additional simulations with an electrically insulated blade produced more uniform and larger lesions (assessed as the 55 degrees C isotherm) than the electrically conducting blade. The in vivo study, in turn, showed greater transection speed (3 +/- 0 and 3 +/- 1 cm2/min for the new device in the open and laparoscopic approaches respectively) and also lower blood loss (70 +/- 74 and 26 +/- 34 mL) during transection of the liver, as compared to saline-linked technology (2 +/- 1 cm2/min with P = 0.002, and 527 +/- 273 mL with P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: A new RF-assisted device for bloodless, rapid liver resection was designed, built and tested. The results demonstrate the potential advantages of this device over others currently employed.

Laparoscopic blood-saving liver resection using a new radiofrequency-assisted device: preliminary report of an in vivo study with pig liver.

BACKGROUND: The aim of any device designed for liver resection is to allow blood saving and quick resections. This may be optimized using a minimally invasive approach. A radiofrequency-assisted device is described that combines a cooled blunt-tip electrode with a sharp blade on one side in an in vivo preliminary study using hand-assisted laparoscopy to perform partial hepatectomies. METHODS: Eight partial hepatectomies were performed on pigs with hand-assisted laparoscopy using the radiofrequency-assisted device as the only method for transection and hemostasis. The main outcome measures were transection time, blood loss, transection area, transection speed, blood loss per transection area, and tissue coagulation depth. The risk for biliary leak also was assessed using the methylene blue test. RESULTS: The transection time was 13 +/- 7 min for a mean transected area of 34 +/- 11 cm(2). The mean total blood loss was 26 +/- 34 ml. The mean transection speed was 3 +/- 1 cm(2)/min, and the blood loss per transection area was 1 +/- 1 ml/cm(2). Abdominal examination showed no complications in nearby organs. One biliary leak was identified in one case using the methylene blue test. The transection surface was 34 +/- 11 cm(2), and the mean tissue coagulation depth was 9 +/- 2 mm. The inviability of the coagulated surface was assessed by adenine dinucleotide (NADH) staining. CONCLUSIONS: The radiofrequency-assisted device has shown with a laparoscopic approach that it can perform liver resections faster and with less blood loss using a single device in a minimally invasive manner without vascular control than other commercial devices. The results show no significant differences with the same device used in an open procedure.

[Minimally invasive breast surgery. Breast reconstruction using pure muscular latissimus dorsi flap]. / Cirugía mamaria mínimamente invasiva: reconstrucción mamaria mediante colgajo muscular puro del gran dorsal.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgical techniques have extended to all the fields of surgery. Breast surgery can also benefit from these concepts because of their special characteristics, reduction of aggressiveness, avoiding or hiding scars. The aim of our work is to introduce a new surgical approach for the resection of a large volume of breast parenchyma, including complete subcutaneous mastectomy and reconstruction using a pure muscular latissimus dorsi flap, with or without prosthetic material, through a minimal cutaneous incision. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of our series of 5 cases using our surgical technique which allows us to establish proper indications. We analyse the technical details, complications and results. RESULTS: Five patients were operated using this technique (1 giant hamartoma, 1 multicentred in situ carcinoma with Paget's disease, 1 multicentred infiltrating carcinoma and 2 malignant tumours arising in the external part of the breast). We performed oncological resections (2 partial resections and 3 complete subcutaneous mastectomies) including sentinel lymph node biopsy or total axillary lymphadenectomy. After a mean follow-up of 10 months no local relapses were found and the cosmetic results were excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgical techniques through a posterior axillary line vertical incision enable total or partial subcutaneous mastectomy and a breast reconstruction, using muscular flaps or prosthetic material, to be performed.

Small ablation zones created previous to saline infusion result in enlargement of the coagulated area during perfusion RF ablation: an ex vivo experimental study.

One of the strategies for enlarging coagulation zone dimensions during RF ablation of liver tumours is to infuse saline solutions into the tissue during ablation. The aim of this study was to evaluate experimentally whether the creation of a small coagulation adjacent to a bipolar RF applicator and prior to perfused RF ablation would allow enlargement of the coagulation zone. Thirty bipolar RF ablations (group A, n = 15; group B, n = 15) were performed in excised bovine livers. Additionally, in group B a monopolar RF application (60 W, 20 s) was performed before bipolar ablation using three small additional electrodes. Electrical parameters and dimensions of the ablation zone were compared between groups. Despite the fact that all three ablation zone diameters were greater in group B, only one of the minor diameters was significantly longer (5.52 +/- 0.66 cm versus 4.87 +/- 0.47 cm). Likewise, volume was significantly bigger in group B (100.26 +/- 24.10 cm(3) versus 79.56 +/- 15.59 cm(3)). There were no differences in the impedance evolution, allowing a relatively high constant power in both groups (around 90 W). The efficacy of delivering energy (expressed as the delivered energy per coagulation volume) was significantly better in group B, showing a lower value (578 J cm(-3) versus 752 J cm(-3)). These results suggest that the creation of small ablation zones prior to saline infusion improves the performance of this perfusion system, and hence the total volume.

RF tumor ablation with internally cooled electrodes and saline infusion: what is the optimal location of the saline infusion?

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of tumors by means of internally cooled electrodes (ICE) combined with interstitial infusion of saline may improve clinical results. To date, infusion has been conducted through outlets placed on the surface of the cooled electrode. However, the effect of infusion at a distance from the electrode surface is unknown. Our aim was to assess the effect of perfusion distance (PD) on the coagulation geometry and deposited power during RFA using ICE. METHODS: Experiments were performed on excised bovine livers. Perfusion distance (PD) was defined as the shortest distance between the infusion outlet and the surface of the ICE. We considered three values of PD: 0, 2 and 4 mm. Two sets of experiments were considered: 1) 15 ablations of 10 minutes (n > or = 4 for each PD), in order to evaluate the effect of PD on volume and diameters of coagulation; and 2) 20 additional ablations of 20 minutes. The effect of PD on deposited power and relative frequency of uncontrolled impedance rises (roll-off) was evaluated using the results from the two sets of experiments (n > or = 7 for each PD). Comparisons between PD were performed by analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test. Additionally, non-linear regression models were performed to elucidate the best PD in terms of coagulation volume and diameter, and the occurrence of uncontrolled impedance rises. RESULTS: The best-fit least square functions were always obtained with quadratic curves where volume and diameters of coagulation were maximum for a PD of 2 mm. A thirty per cent increase in volume coagulation was observed for this PD value compared to other values (P < 0.05). Likewise, the short coagulation diameter was nearly twenty five per cent larger for a 2 mm PD than for 0 mm. Regarding deposited power, the best-fit least square function was obtained by a quadratic curve with a 2 mm PD peak. This matched well with the higher relative frequency of uncontrolled impedance rises for PD of 0 and 4 mm. CONCLUSION: Saline perfusion at around 2 mm from the electrode surface while using an ICE in RFA improves deposition of energy and enlarges coagulation volume.

Results of a pilot trial of immunotherapy with dendritic cells pulsed with autologous tumor lysates in patients with advanced cancer.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to test the immunological and clinical effects of infusions of dendritic cells pulsed with autologous tumor lysate in patients with advanced cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 15 patients with metastatic cancer (melanoma in 10, lung cancer in 2, renal cell carcinoma in 1, sarcoma in 1, breast cancer in 1) were harvested by leukapheresis after mobilization with GM-CSF (5 microg/kg/day s.c. for 4 days). Mononuclear cells were separated and cultured in GM-CSF (1000 U/ml) and interleukin-4 (1000 U/ml) for 7 days. Phenotype was assessed by 2-color flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. On day 6, dendritic cells were pulsed with 1 g of fresh autologous tumor lysate for 24 h and infused intravenously. Interleukin-2 (6 million IU), interferon a (4 million IU) and GM-CSF (400 microg) were injected s.c. daily for 10 days beginning on the day of dendritic cell infusion. Treatment was repeated every 21 days for 3 courses. RESULTS: The morphology, immunocytochemistry and phenotype of cultured cells was consistent with dendritic cells: intense positivity for HLA-DR and CD86, with negativity for markers of other lineages, including CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD14. More than 5 x 10(7) dendritic cells were injected in all patients. Nine patients developed >5 mm delayed type cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to tumor lysate+/-GM-CSF after the first immunization (larger than GM-CSF in all cases). Median delayed type cutaneous hypersensitivity to lysate +/- GM-CSF was 3 cm after the third immunization. One melanoma patient with skin, liver, lung and bone metastases had a partial response lasting 8 months (followed by progression in the brain). Seven patients had stable disease for >3 months, and 7 had progression. CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cells induces a strong cell-mediated antitumor immune reaction in patients with advanced cancer and has some clinical activity.

Improved perfusion system for bipolar radiofrequency ablation of liver: preliminary findings from a computer modeling study.

Current systems for radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors are unable to consistently treat tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter with a single electrode in a single application. One of the strategies for enlarging coagulation zone dimensions is to infuse saline solutions into the tissue through the active electrodes. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled and undirected diffusion of boiling saline into the tissue has been associated with irregular coagulation zones and severe complications, mainly due to reflux of saline along the electrode path. In order to improve the perfusion bipolar ablation method, we hypothesized that the creation of small monopolar coagulation zones adjacent to the bipolar electrodes and previous to the saline infusion would create preferential paths for the saline to concentrate on the targeted coagulation zone. Firstly, we conducted ex vivo experiments in order to characterize the monopolar coagulation zones. We observed that they are practically impermeable to the infused saline. On the basis of this finding, we built theoretical models and conducted computer simulations to assess the feasibility of our hypothesis. Temperature distributions during bipolar ablations with and without previous monopolar coagulation zones were obtained. The results showed that in the case of monopolar coagulation zones the temperature of the tissue took longer to reach 100 degrees C. Since this temperature value is related to rise of impedance, and the time necessary for this process is directly related to the volume of the coagulation zone, our results suggest that monopolar sealing would allow larger coagulation zones to be created. Future experimental studies should confirm this benefit.

Evolving technology in bipolar perfused radiofrequency ablation: assessment of efficacy, predictability and safety in a pig liver model.

Bipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation, especially with perfusion of saline, has been shown to increase volume over monopolar conventional methods. The aims of this study are to study whether this method is linked to too flattened thermal lesions and premature rise of impedance and to elucidate some safety concerns. Eighteen RF ablations were performed using a 1.8-mm-diameter bipolar applicator in the liver of nine healthy pigs through laparotomy with or without temporary vascular occlusion [the Pringle maneuver (PGM)]: group A (n=9), without PGM; group B (n=9), with PGM. Hypertonic saline solutions (3% and 20 %) were injected through the applicator at a rate of 400 ml/h during the procedure. The pigs were followed up and they were euthanased on the 15th day. Impedance, current, power output, energy output, temperatures, diameters of thermal lesion, volume, sphericity ratio of thermal lesion were correlated among groups. Impedance at the end of the procedure (50.00 Omega+/-28.39 and 52.88 Omega+/-26.77, for groups A and B, respectively) was very similar to the starting impedance (50 Omega). In a median of 1 (range, 0-6) time per RF ablation procedure a reduction of 30 W from the selected power supply was observed during the RF ablation procedure linked to a slight increase of impedance. Volume and short diameter of thermal lesion were 21.28 cm3+/-11.78 and 2.85 cm+/-0.87 for group A, 87.51 cm3+/-25.20 and 4.31 cm+/-0.65 for group B. Continuous thermal between both electrodes were described with a global sphericity ratio of 1.91. One major complication (thermal injury to the stomach) was encountered in a case of cross-sectional necrosis of the targeted liver and attributed to heat diffusion after the procedure. This method has been shown to determine: (1) the relative control of impedance during the procedure; (2) ovoid and relatively large thermal lesions with less dependence upon closest vessels.

Bipolar saline-enhanced electrode for radiofrequency ablation: results of experimental study of in vivo porcine liver.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether a bipolar saline-enhanced radiofrequency (RF) ablation system embedded in one needle is able to consistently produce homogeneous and predictable areas of coagulation necrosis with or without the Pringle maneuver of vascular inflow occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RF ablation (480 kHz) of the liver was performed in 24 healthy pigs by means of laparotomy: group A (n = 5), 4-cm distance between electrodes 1 and 2; group B (n = 7), 4-cm distance and the Pringle maneuver; group C (n = 5), 2-cm distance; and group D (n = 7), 2-cm distance with the Pringle maneuver. Twenty percent NaCl solution was infused continuously at a rate of 100 mL/h via each electrode during the procedure. The pigs were followed up, and they were euthanized on the 7th day. Livers were removed for histologic assessment. Time, impedance, current, power output, specific voltage of the contacts, energy output, temperatures in the liver, volume of the lesion, and energy delivered per lesion volume were determined and compared among groups. Predictability of lesion volume was evaluated with the coefficient of variability. Mean values of the variables were compared among the groups by means of one-way analysis of variance or Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS: Impedance at the end of the RF ablation procedure was almost twofold lower than the corresponding initial value in all groups. In Pringle groups B and D, regular ellipsoids of coagulation necrosis were created (mean lesion volume, 149.50 cm3 +/- 34.26 and 69.43 cm3 +/- 15.48, respectively). In non-Pringle groups A and C, the shape of coagulation necrosis was influenced by the vessels encountered, and mean lesion size was lower than that in the Pringle groups (P <.01). The coefficient of variability of lesion size was lower in the Pringle groups (23% and 22%, respectively) than that in the non-Pringle groups (75% and 30%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The bipolar saline-enhanced RF ablation method produces homogeneous and predictable areas of coagulation necrosis between two electrodes, regardless of the distance between them, preferably with vascular inflow occlusion.

Large hepatic ablation with bipolar saline-enhanced radiofrequency: an experimental study in in vivo porcine liver with a novel approach.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively new technology for the local destruction of liver tumors. Development of recent devices has enabled the creation of larger lesions. Nevertheless, treating liver tumors larger than 2.5 cm in diameter often requires multiple overlapping ablations to encompass the tumor and the surrounding healthy tissue rim with an increasing risk of local recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: RFA (480 kHz) of the liver using our method was undertaken on a total number of 15 healthy farm pigs with (Group B, n = 8) or without (Group A, n = 5) the Pringle maneuver via laparotomy. The pigs were followed and euthanized on the seventh day of the experiment. Livers were removed for histological assessment. Time of the procedure, impedance, current, power output, energy output, temperatures in the liver, central temperature of the animal, volume size of the lesion, and delivered energy per lesion volume were determined and compared among groups. Additionally a regularity ratio (RR) was determined by gross examination of the specimen and scored (0-3) taking into account regularity and predictability of the ablation with pathologic assessment. RESULTS: With both methods, ellipsoid lesions were created between the two probes. In both groups tissue impedance fell with time (r = -0.47, P < 0.01 and r = -0.34, P < 0.05, in Groups A and B, respectively). The mean lesion size achieved with the Pringle maneuver was the largest lesion size described in the literature for any RFA method in vivo and was greater in Group B than in Group A (123.22 cm(3) +/- 49.62 and 52.40 cm(3) +/- 23.59, respectively, P < 0.05). A better regularity and predictability evaluated by RR was observed in Group B compared to Group A (1.88 +/- 1.35 and 0.40 +/- 0.55, respectively, P < 0.05). Five major complications were described and attributed primarily to failure in isolation from hypertermic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our new bipolar saline-enhanced electrode with Pringle maneuver achieves large hepatic ablations in in vivo pig liver. These large lesions are well-tolerated by the animal when thermal injuries to adjacent structures are avoided.

Musculoskeletal hydatid disease: a report of 13 cases.

This is a retrospective study of 13 patients with muscular hydatidosis--i.e., 4% of the 309 cases of hydatid disease treated in our department during 1983-1999. The commonest clinical finding was an asymptomatic and slowly growing mass (7). Puncture or incision of the mass was followed by an infection of the cystic cavity with fistulization in 2 patients. The immunological findings were false negative in 4 patients. MR images were obtained in 4 patients before diagnosis, and were highly suggetive of hydatid disease. The cystic cavities in all 9 patients subjected to radical surgery healed without chemotherapy. Radical surgery was not possible in 4 cases, in 3 of whom the sacrum was involved. Medical treatment of these patients did not eliminate the disease and new operations were necessary.