Effects of preoperative dexamethasone on postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting and respiratory function in women undergoing conservative breast surgery for cancer: Results of a controlled clinical trial.

The objective was to evaluate whether preoperative administration of dexamethasone improved postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain and respiratory function tests in women undergoing conservative surgery for breast cancer. This was a controlled clinical trial conducted between June 2013 and October 2014. Eighty patients were evaluated. Patients received a preoperative dose of 8 mg of dexamethasone (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40). The data on PONV and pain intensity was obtained and forced spirometry tests were performed, 1 hr before and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 hr after surgery. Any use of additional analgesic/antiemetic drugs was recorded. Patients were followed until 30 days after surgery for any surgical or medical complications. The pain intensity was lower in the treatment group for all periods; PONV was lower at 6, 12 and 24 hr; Additional analgesics/antiemetics were required less frequently (all p < .05). Both groups exhibited a restrictive ventilatory pattern immediately after surgery, which was reversed in the following hours. However, spirometric values were higher in the dexamethasone group. There were no pulmonary or metabolic complications after surgery. Our conclusions were that dexamethasone significantly reduced the incidences of PONV, pain and improved respiratory parameters, and reduced the need for additional postoperative analgesic and antiemetic drugs.

Body weight changes after adjuvant chemotherapy of patients with breast cancer: results of a Mexican cohort study.

Weight gain is observed in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and is a well-known complication. Several factors that contributing to weight gain have been identified. However, there is a lack of information about factors associated with weight changes following adjuvant chemotherapy. A retrospective cohort of 200 pre- and post-menopausal Mexican patients treated for breast cancer was made. Anthropometric variables were measured before/after treatment. Biomarkers, cellular differentiation and chemotherapy were similar between groups. Weight gain occurred in 85.6% of pre-menopausal and 72.6% of post-menopausal women (p = .03). At the end of chemotherapy, weight and body mass index (BMI) did not differ significantly between pre-menopausal (69.3 ± 12.6 kg; 26.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2 ) and post-menopausal women (69.5 ± 10.9 kg; 27.3 ± 4.4 kg/m2 ) (p = .91 and 0.34). Dexamethasone doses were higher in pre-menopausal (85.7 ± 39.1 g) than post-menopausal patients (79.2 ± 22.5 g; p = .13). Weight loss was observed in 9.2% of pre-menopausal and 20.2% of post-menopausal patients (p = .04). A multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.26-5.79; p = .01), menopausal status (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.09-4.80; p = .03), dexamethasone dosage (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.04-4.23; p = .03) and daily caloric intake (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.12-5.10; p = .02) were independent variables that inducted weight gain. Pre- and post-menopausal women gained weight, but more pre-menopausal patients showed gain. An effort should be made to administer lower steroid doses to reduce weight gain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Photodamage of the Skin of the Hands. / Plasma rico en plaquetas en el tratamiento del fotodaño cutáneo en las manos.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides growth factors that stimulate fibroblast activation and induce the synthesis of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PRP in the treatment of photodamage of the skin of the hands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental study enrolling persons with photoaged skin on the dorsum of the hands (Glogau photoaging scale, type III, or Fitzpatrick wrinkle classification, type II) were included between August 2012 and January 2013. A histological comparison was made of skin biopsies taken before and after the application of PRP to the skin of the dorsum of the hands. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the 18 women enrolled was 47.9 (4.3) years. Histological analysis showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts (P<.001), number of vessels (P<.001), and collagen density (P=.27). These changes produced significant improvements in the Fitzpatrick wrinkle and elastosis scale (P<.001) and in the Glogau photoaging scale (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: PRP induced a reduction in the manifestations of skin aging, including an improvement in wrinkles and elastosis.

External urology consultation quality at a third-level public hospital in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Patient satisfaction is the degree of conformity with the healthcare they receive. It is real evidence and one of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness and quality of healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE: To identify the quality of care in the Urology outpatient department of a third-level hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NHS (National Health Service) 2018 quality of care questionnaire with 11 sections, 133 items, and duration of approximately 25min was randomly administered to 250 patients attending Urology outpatients at a third-level public hospital in Mexico. RESULTS: According to responses, 92% (n=230) knew the reason for the consultation. 64.8% (n=162) had a consultation with the same physician by whom they were initially seen. The longest reported hospital wait time before being seen was more than 2h in 29.6% (n=74). As for consultation time, 212 patients responded and the duration was 11-20min in 52.8% (n=112). Finally, 33.2% (n=83) considered the quality of service to be good. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the NHS 2018 survey in the Urology service at a third-level public hospital in Mexico is feasible, since we managed to obtain a significant and continuous improvement in all its indicators which is satisfactory for all.

Prospective study of the modified Atkins diet in adult drug-resistant epilepsy: effectiveness, tolerability, and adherence.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-resistant epilepsy presents high worldwide prevalence and is difficult to control despite the wide variety of available antiepileptic drugs (AED). The modified Atkins diet (MAD) is an additional treatment alternative. Several studies have addressed the use of the ketogenic diet and MAD in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, but insufficient research has been conducted into adults with the same condition. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of, and adherence to, the MAD in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a 6-month pre-post prospective study at a reference hospital. Patients were prescribed the MAD with limited carbohydrate intake and unlimited fat intake. We conducted clinical and electroencephalographic follow-up according to the relevant guidelines, and assessed adverse effects changes in laboratory findings, and adherence. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with drug-resistant epilepsy were included in the study. Patients' mean age was 30 years, mean disease progression time was 22 years, and all patients had focal or multifocal epilepsy. Thirty-four percent of patients presented > 50% decreases in overall seizure frequency (P =  .001); seizure control was greater in the first month and subsequently declined. These patients presented weight loss (RR: 7.2; 95% CI, 1.3-39.5; P = .02), good to fair adherence only in the first and third months (RR: 9.4; 95% CI, 0.9-93.6; P = .04 and RR: 0.4; 95% CI, 0.30-0.69; P = .02, respectively). Tolerability data showed that the MAD is safe: adverse effects were minor and short-lived in most cases, with the exception of mild to moderate hyperlipidaemia in one-third of patients. The adherence rate was 50% at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, the MAD showed adequate tolerability and moderate but decreasing effectiveness and adherence, probably due to a preference for a carbohydrate-based diet.

Evaluation of the quality of life related to vision after penetrating keratoplasty. / Evaluación de la calidad de vida relacionada con la visión posterior a queratoplastia penetrante.

INTRODUCTION: Organ and tissue donation and transplantation represent the most important therapeutic advance of current times. The cornea is, by far, one of the most transplanted tissues worldwide due to the immune privilege of this tissue, as well as the advances in microsurgery, existence of cornea banks, preservation of corneas, and use of anti-rejection therapy. However, many patients with successful corneal transplants (with clear corneas) experience poor vision in the post-operative period due to irregular astigmatism, or other complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life related to vision in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-analytical study including patients with a history of penetrating keratoplasty, over 18years of age, and at least 6months after surgery. The patients answered the Visual Function Questionnaire25 (VFQ-25) of visual function, a tool validated for use in Spanish, in which the higher the score, the better the quality of life. RESULTS: Thirty patients (20men and 10women), with a mean age of 61.2±18.7years, were included. The time of evolution after the transplant was 17.7±4months. The total quality of life score was 74.9±21.9, with significance in visual acuity (P<.001), and the presence of systemic comorbidities (P=.018). There was no significance between the transplant reason (P=.098) or ocular comorbidities (P=.119). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that visual acuity, as well as the presence of systemic comorbidities, has a significant impact on quality of life.

Double-balloon enteroscopy: Indications, approaches, diagnostic and therapeutic yield, and safety. Early experience at a single center. / Enteroscopia de doble balón: indicaciones, abordajes, eficacia diagnóstica y terapéutica y seguridad. Experiencia temprana de un solo centro.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Double-balloon enteroscopy has been improving the visualization of the entire intestine for more than a decade. It is a complementary method in the study of intestinal diseases that enables biopsies to be taken and treatments to be administered. Our aim was to describe its main indications, insertion routes, diagnostic/therapeutic yield, and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients referred to our unit with suspected small bowel pathology were included. The insertion route (oral/anal) was determined through diagnostic suspicion. The variables measured were: insertion route, small bowel examination extent, endoscopic diagnosis/treatment, biopsy/histopathology report, complications, and surgical findings. RESULTS: The study included 28 double-balloon enteroscopies performed on 23 patients, of which 10 were women and 13 were men (mean age of 52.95 years). The oral approach was the most widely used (n=21), the main indication was overt small bowel bleeding (n=16), and the general diagnostic yield was 65.21%. The therapeutic intervention rate was 39.1% and the procedure was effective in all the cases. The most widely used treatment was argon plasma therapy (n=7). The complication rate was 8.6%; one patient presented with low blood pressure due to active bleeding and another had deep mucosal laceration caused by the argon plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Double-balloon enteroscopy is a safe and efficacious method for the study and management of small bowel diseases, with an elevated diagnostic and therapeutic yield.

[Effect of the administration of rectal indomethacin on amylase serum levels after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and its impact on the development of secondary pancreatitis episodes]. / Efecto de la administración de indometacina rectal sobre los niveles séricos de amilasa posteriores a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica y su impacto en la aparición de episodios de pancreatitis secundaria.

BACKGROUND: Hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis represent the most frequent major complication after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), developing in 1-30% of cases. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis after ERCP, and to assess the utility of rectal indomethacin to prevent these events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial. During a 12-month period 150 patients were included. They were divided up into a study group (n = 75), where 100 mg of rectal indomethacin were administered 2 hours prior to the procedure, and a control group (n = 75), which received rectal glycerin. Two hours after ERCP serum amylase levels were measured and classified as follows: 0or=600 IU/L. Clinical pancreatitis episodes were quantified and classified according to Ranson's criteria. RESULTS: Gender distribution: 100 women and 50 men. Mean age: 55.37 +/- 18.0 for the study group, and 51.1 +/- 17.0 for the control group. A diagnosis of benign pathology was present in 56 (74.7%) cases in the study group, and 59 (78.7%) controls. After ERCP 13 (17.3%) patients in the study group and 28 (37.3%) in the control group developed hyperamylasemia (p (2) 0.05). Hyperamylasemia > 600 IU/L was found in 3 patients in the study group, and in 10 in the control group (p = 0.001). Mild pancreatitis was detected in 4 (5.3%) patients in the study group, and in 12 (16%) patients in the control group (p = 0.034). There were no deaths or adverse drug reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal indomethacin before ERCP decreases the risk of hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis. Indomethacine is a feasible, low-cost drug with minimal or nil side effects.

Direct trocar insertion without pneumoperitoneum and the Veress needle in laparoscopic cholecystectomy : a comparative study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and complications of direct trocar insertion without pneumoperitoneum (DTI) with Veress needle (VN) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: We studied 84 patients admitted to our hospital for LC, in a random simple blind design, 42 patients were assigned to DTI and 42 to VN. The variables analysed were : procedure complications, laparoscope insertion time and duration of surgery. RESULTS: Complication percentages between the groups were significantly different (DTI 2.3% versus VN 23.8%, p = 0.009). The duration of surgery between the two groups was also significantly different (DTI 56+/-31 versus VN 71+/-28 minutes, p < 0.02). Finally, laparoscope insertion time between the two techniques was significantly different (DTI 1.5+/-0.5 versus VN 3.0+/-0.4 minutes p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show DTI to be a safe, efficient, rapid and easily-learned alternative technique, reducing the number of procedure-related complications.

Tuberculosis of the pancreas.

A 67-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of intermittent pain in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a mass in the body of the pancreas, and angiography demonstrated encasement of the celiac trunk and splenic vein thrombosis. She was thought to have a pancreatic carcinoma and was surgically explored to obtain tissue for diagnosis. A hard and irregular tumor was found, and biopsies revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis. The final diagnosis was tuberculosis, and treatment with rifampicin, isoniazid, and ethambutol was undertaken. One year later the patient is asymptomatic and new CT scan shows disappearance of the pancreatic mass.

Effects of behavior-modifying education in the metabolic profile of the type 2 diabetes mellitus patient.

To demonstrate the advantages of behavior-modifying education in the metabolic profile of the type-2 diabetes mellitus patient. A quasi-experimental study was performed with a control group. The experimental group was made up of 25 type-2 diabetic patients and the control group consisted of 24. The type of education carried out was a behavior modification. Baseline measurements and subsequent monthly measurements of serum glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides were carried out during 9 months after the intervention. The groups were controlled according to age and sex. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student's and Wilcoxon's test to determine the difference. The experimental group in comparison with the control group in the measurement after the intervention achieved a mean difference in serum glucose of 64.2 mg/dl (p=0.001), in the cholesterol of 31.6 (p=0.008), and in the triglycerides of 50.8 (p=0.006). The behavior-modifying education is a better option than traditional intervention for metabolic control in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Exogenous nitric oxide protects kidney from ischemia/reperfusion.

Blockade of NO production is followed by an increase in leukocyte rolling and adhesion resulting in some deleterious effects of ischemia. Preischemic administration of NO protects vascular integrity after reperfusion. Exogenous NO causes a direct reduction in leukocyte adhesion. This work was performed to test the hypothesis that exogenous NO administered during the preischemic period to the kidney alone, without coming into contact with the leukocytes, could also reduce leukocyte-endothelium adhesion. Adult rats were subjected to in situ isolation of the left kidney. Solutions were infused through the renal artery and drained through an incision in the renal vein, thus avoiding the systemic circulation. Group IC rats served as an ischemic control, and received 0.9% saline. Group NP received Na nitroprusside. Group S was a nonischemic control. Groups IC and NP were subjected to 75 min of renal ischemia. After this period, vascular structures were repaired and reperfusion allowed. A right nephrectomy was performed. Serum urea and creatinine, myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathological studies were carried out at different intervals after reperfusion. Survival at 15 days was 46%, 80%, and 100% in groups IC, NP, and S, respectively. Differences between groups for serum urea and creatinine were significant only during the first seven days. Myeloperoxidase values were significantly higher in group IC. All rats from group IC and only 20% from group NP showed histological evidence of necrosis. Thus, exogenous NO is protective and acts selectively upon the kidney, modulating its interactions with polymorphonuclear cells after ischemia/reperfusion.

Combined transurethral prostatectomy and mesh-based tension-free inguinal hernia repair.

Previous reports have recognized the benefits of combining prostatic resection and inguinal hernia repair. This study reports the surgical management of bladder-outlet obstruction with simultaneous transurethral prostatectomy and mesh-based tension-free inguinal hernia repair. A prospective study was undertaken of 31 consecutive patients seen from January 1993-December 1998 at the Western Medical Center. All surgery was performed electively under epidural anesthesia, and prophylactic antimicrobial agents were given routinely. Two hernia repair techniques were used: the mesh-plug technique and the Lichtenstein repair. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Over a 5-year period, in 31 consecutive patients without urinary tract infection, 36 groin hernias were diagnosed. The mean+/-SD age of patients was 65.9+/-6.3 years. Twenty-four (66.7%) hernias were direct, and 12 (33.3%) were indirect; 61.1% (22) were primary hernias, and 38.8% (14) were recurrent. The mesh-plug and Lichtenstein repair techniques were used to treat 22 (61.1%) and 14 (38.8%) hernias, respectively. Wound hematoma developed after three hernioplasties (8.3%) and wound infection in one (2.7%). Hospital stays ranged between 2 and 4 days. The mean follow-up period was 69 months. The recurrence rate was 2.7% (one hernia). Simultaneous mesh-based tension-free herniorrhaphy and transurethral prostatectomy is a reliable and safe alternative for patients with both prostate enlargement and groin hernia. Hospital stay is not affected by the combined procedure, and the infection rate is acceptably low.

Esophagopericardial fistula attributed to a barogenic rupture of the esophagus. Report of a case and review of the literature.

In this case we describe a fatal condition of esophagopericardial fistula secondary to barogenic rupture of the esophagus. The review of the literature disclosed only one fatal case (reported in 1968) of esophagopericardial fistula attributed to barogenic rupture of the esophagus. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment including pericardiocentesis along with intermittent drainage of the pericardium, full-course antibiotic therapy and a timely, well-planned surgical intervention will substantially improve the prognosis in this type of pathology. Patients similar to our case should be treated with either surgical bipolar esophageal exclusion (conservative disconnection) or esophagectomy combined with large drainage of the pericardial and mediastinal spaces. This case report reinforces the complexity of the diagnosis, and perhaps the need for clinical awareness and the inclusion of this entity in a differential diagnosis.

Retained foreign bodies following intra-abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A retained foreign body in the abdominal cavity following surgery is a continuing problem. Despite precautions, the incidence is grossly underestimated. The purpose of this study is to report the result of surgical treatment on 24 consecutive cases treated by the authors during a 10-year period. METHODOLOGY: All consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of foreign body after abdominal surgery were studied. Data collected included the patients' age and sex, the initial diagnosis and primary surgical treatment, period of time between the probable causative operation and the definitive treatment, nature of the foreign body, clinical presentation, predisposing factors, and diagnosis and management; morbidity and mortality are presented as well as guidelines for prevention. RESULTS: All patients were symptomatic. Eight patients presented as intraabdominal sepsis (4 with intestinal obstruction, 4 with entero- or colo-cutaneous fistula), non-specified abdominal pain in 3, persistent sinus and granuloma in 2, abdominal palpable mass in another 2 cases, and 1 patient with vaginal discharge. The diagnosis was established pre-operatively in 15 cases by means of plain abdominal radiographs, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan. Morbidity was observed in 50% and the rate of surgical reinterventions because of fistulas or residual sepsis in 18%. The mortality was almost 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations ranged from mild abdominal pain, palpable mass, persistent drainage and granuloma to intestinal obstruction secondary to adhesions or occlusion of the intestinal lumen because of migration of the foreign body and intraabdominal sepsis. Despite this being a rare situation, when it happens it presents as a very serious problem to patients with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Prevention remains the key to the problem.

[Results of the participation of resident physicians in the surgical treatment of gallbladder lithiasis]. / Resultados de la participación de médicos residentes en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la litiasis vesicular.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of resident participation in the results of surgical treatment in 1149 consecutive patients operated for biliary disease between January, 1980 and December, 1987 at the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán". Patients were divided in three groups: GROUP I. 640 cases treated by surgical residents under a senior surgeon supervision. GROUP II. 168 patients operated by the chief surgical resident. GROUP III. 341 patients treated by senior staff surgeons. Age, sex and risk factors were similar between groups. Residents performed more operative cholangiograms (p less than 0.05). In general, senior surgeons performed more transduodenal sphincteroplasties (p less than 0.05) and other additional procedures like appendectomies and gastrostomies during the same surgery. Wound infection was more frequent in group III patients (p less than 0.005) but there was no significant clinical difference in other postoperative complications like intraabdominal abscess, bile fistula, wound dehiscence, intraabdominal bleeding, iatrogenic injury of the biliary tract, and residual common duct stone. The duration of the in-hospital convalescence period was similar in all three groups. The mortality rate for the total series was 2.2%. In group II there were more patients affected for acute cholecystitis, and more patients died postoperatively (p = less than 0.01). We may consider this difference attributable to the more complex patients handled by the chief resident. Mortality rate among patients with chronic biliary tract disease was less than 1%. We were not able to demonstrate any significant difference in mortality and complication rates between those patients operated by residents, chief residents and senior surgeons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Efficient use of the operating room]. / Uso eficiente del quirófano.

BACKGROUND: To know whether the operating room is efficient requires continual evaluation of the equipment, the competency of personnel included and the level of complexity of the surgical procedures. This evaluation is in the institutional hospital center. The centers. The centers use them for internal control. However, they are slightly or not at all going in the productivity analysis of the operating room for decision making. OBJECTIVE: To identify the elements that favor suboptimal use of operating rooms and in each case, to propose solution for more efficient use. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, observational, transversal and comparative. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out means of structured questionnaires with the times for surgical interventions in two operating rooms over sixty days. They were conducted the gynecology and general surgery areas. We compared real times against ideal times, and also the complexity levels. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Fisher's test p < 0.05 was considerate significant. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five surgical procedure were performed, 57.6% during the morning shift (MS) and 42.2% during the evening shift (ES). A total of 66.4% corresponded to complexity level IIII, 84.8% were elective surgeries, 58.4% corresponded to general surgeries, and 41.6% to gynecologic surgical interventions. The delay in times entering the operating room was 20.5 min in MS compared to 4.3 min in ES p < 0.05. In more complex procedures, we found greater delay in surgical time. CONCLUSIONS: The efficient use of the operating room depends on the complying of specific functions in the programmed time of the surgical equipment involved, systematic supervision, and the complexity level.

[Spontaneous hemorrhage in liver neoplasms. Experience at an institution]. / Hemorragia espontánea en neoplasias hepáticas. Experiencia de una institución.

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective review of a single Institution experience with the management of hepatic neoplasms complicated with spontaneous bleeding. METHODS: In a 11 years period from 1980 to 1990 we reviewed the medical charts of patients treated at our Institution with the diagnosis of hepatic neoplasms complicated with sudden bleeding. We recorded demographic information, clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome. A review of the world literature was done. RESULTS: We found six patients with the diagnosis of liver tumors complicated with sudden bleeding. Five patients were female with a age range from 30 to 67 years old. Four of them had an adenoma (three of them single and one multiple) and the fifth had a non-parasitic cyst. Seventy-five per cent of the patients with the diagnosis of adenoma had used in the past oral contraceptives for at least three years. The sixth patient was a male with a ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma. Three patients were admitted in shock. Successful transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization was performed in two patients; the third required operative hemostasis. Major hepatic resections were performed in three patients including a total hepatectomy and liver transplant. All patients recovered satisfactorily. CONCLUSIONS: The spontaneous rupture of benign and malignant tumors of the liver is not a common phenomenon, but is a serious complication. The experience of our Institution and the reports of literature favor CT scan and arteriogram as the most effective diagnostic methods in this group of patients, but arteriogram has the advantage of its therapeutic potential. The long term prognosis of this patients depends of their pathological diagnosis.

[Surgical treatment of biliary lithiasic disease in elderly patients]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad litiásica biliar en pacientes ancianos.

A transversal retrolective analysis of all patients undergoing surgical treatment for cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis between 1980 and 1987 was performed. The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors for the development of postoperative complications and mortality in elderly patients. A group of 187 patients above 70 years old were comparatively analyzed with 962 younger patients (total group: 1,149). Medical records were evaluated with emphasis to the diagnosis, associated diseases, characteristics of the surgical treatment, postoperative complications and mortality. Fifty percent of the elderly patients presented one or more concomitant diseases which significantly contributed to their operative risk. Acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis and cholangitis were more frequently found in aged patients (p < 0.05). In this group more patients also required bile duct exploration (p < 0.005). Major complications occurred in 16% and nine developed wound infection (5%). Operative mortality was 5.3%. In contrast, operative mortality of patients under 70 years of age was 1.5% and postoperative complications occurred infrequently. Acute cholecystitis, congestive heart failure, a history of myocardial infarction, and liver insufficiency were found as specific risk factors in the elderly.

[Acute acalculous cholecystitis in patients with severe trauma]. / Colecistitis aguda acalculosa en el paciente con trauma grave.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of AAC on patients with traumatic lesions fluctuates between 0.5 to 5%, with mortality which varies between 7 and 75%. These values are determined by case reports or retrospective series. AIM: To determine the incidence of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in a number of patients with severe trauma and its clinical implications, as well as the risk factors that can favour the development of this pathology, evaluation of early morphological changes, surgical treatment and morbidity and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational, longitudinal and descriptive inferential study conducted from October 1994 to June 1995. Twenty eight consecutive adult patients with contusion severe trauma on at least two corporal regions were included. The severity of lesions was estimated with a physiologic scale (Revised Trauma Score = RTS) and an anatomic one (Injury Severity Score = ISS). All patients were submitted to ultrasound of the liver and biliary tract on their admittance and every 5 or 7 days for an early detection of sonographic changes or conclusive of AAC. Each patient was treated conveniently in accordance with his or her lesions. The patients were evaluated clinically, with laboratory exams, and for possible risk factors for the development of this pathology. MEASUREMENTS: Two Tailed Fisher's Exact Test for qualitative variables and Mann-Withney U Test for the quantitatives. RESULTS: Twenty one patients were male (75%) and 7 were female (25%), average age 45.5 years and an average observation period of 22.5 days. Seven of these patients (25%) developed sonographic changes starting the 9th day after admission, 4 were conclusive of AAC proved histologically, three of these underwent open cholecystectomy with no morbidity and mortality and improvement of their clinical conditions. The other patient died due to hypovolemia without having been offered surgical treatment. The risks factors with statistical significance were: Long in-hospital stay, fever, abdominal pain, elevation of alkaline phosphatase, hypoalbuminemia, use of parenteral nutritional support and nosocomial pneumonia (P = < 0.05). There was a marginal significance with the use of sedatives and analgesics. Global mortality was 18%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence is more than the one previously informed and there was no mortality related the presence of AAC. The ultrasound easily detects the gallbladder morphological changes. There was no morbidity or mortality due to the cholecystectomy.