The effects of tobacco consumption on paternity rates of adults with a history of cryptorchidism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of tobacco consumption on paternity rates in men with a history of cryptorchidism. To compare the paternity rates between formerly unilateral, bilateral cryptorchid smokers, and nonsmokers. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 153 men who had undergone orchiopexy between 1961 and 1985 at the Miguel Servet University Hospital (116 unilateral and 37 bilateral) and a control group of 100 men were evaluated by review of medical records and a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 197 men filled the questionnaire (76.7%). There was no difference in paternity rates between smokers compared to nonsmokers (P = 0.21). In the unilateral cryptorchid men (ULC) group, there is no difference in paternity rates when compared with the controls (P = 0.079) or when comparing ULC smokers to ULC nonsmokers (P = 0.35). In the bilateral cryptorchid men (BLC) group, there is no difference in paternity rates when compared to controls (P = 0.075) or when comparing BLC smokers to BLC nonsmokers (P = 0.36). When comparing according to consumption, there is no difference between mild, moderate or heavy smoker cases and controls. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in paternity rates between men with a history of cryptorchidism that consume tobacco compared to nonsmokers or controls. More studies are needed to determine the impact of tobacco consumption in formerly cryptorchid men.

Correlation of Prenatal and Postnatal Diagnosis in Umbilical-Portal-Systemic Venous Shunts.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts (UPSVS) are rare anomalies in the development of the fetal venous system. There are several postnatal and prenatal classifications of hepatic venous anomalies but the link between them is missing. We aimed to review the prenatal to postnatal diagnosis correlation in UPSVS at our center. METHODS: It is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with UPSVS between 2019 and 2021 at our institution. Demographic, obstetric, genetic, and neonatal data were reviewed with special focus on prenatal and postnatal ultrasounds. RESULTS: A total of seven patients were diagnosed with UPSVS at a median of 24 (20-34) weeks of gestational age. All patients were male and 62% were Caucasian. None of the patients had chromosomopathies or cardiac anomalies. One patient had renal ectopia, another one had a single umbilical artery, and a third one suffered from intrauterine growth retardation. An umbilico-systemic shunt (USS) was found in two patients and a ductus venosus-systemic shunt (DVSS) in the rest. Patients with USS were diagnosed postnatally with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. One of the DVSS patients was transferred to another hospital and the other four had normal postnatal cardiac ultrasounds, with normal abdominal ultrasounds in two patients and lack of postnatally abdominal control in the other two. All babies were found to be doing well at a median follow-up of 1 month (0-24). CONCLUSION: There is a knowledge gap in the natural history of UPSVS between fetal and neonatal life. Building bridges between prenatal and postnatal research is mandatory in order to understand these rare anomalies.

Efficacy and Safety of Taulinoplasty Compared with the Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum Approach to Correct Pectus Excavatum.

Background: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) technique is the current most used surgical method for pectus excavatum (PE) correction. To avoid MIRPE-required invasion of the mediastinum or pleural cavity, we developed taulinoplasty approach as an alternative option for the reduction of the sunken chest. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center unblind nonrandomized prospective pilot study, involving 26 MIRPE and 23 taulinoplasty patients. The primary safety endpoint was the presence of surgical complications, and the primary efficacy endpoint was Haller index measured postoperatively in taulinoplasty patients. Secondary endpoints were intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), duration of surgical procedure, and postoperative pain management. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, or Student "t" tests were used for comparison as appropriate. Results: There were no difference in median age (14.5 and 14 years), Haller index (4.63 and 4.17), or comorbidities. MIRPE and taulinoplasty procedures showed no difference regarding major or minor surgical complications. The efficacy endpoint of taulinoplasty was measured 5.5 (1.5-12) months after the procedure, exhibiting a significant reduction in the Haller index [4.17 (3.7-4.7) at baseline and 3.7 (2.9-4.1) postoperatively, P = .03]. Taulinoplasty required less surgical time (60.4 ± 15.5 versus 70.7 ± 15.9 minutes, P < .01); shorter ICU and hospital LOS (P < .01, respectively); and required fewer days of peridural, intravenous, and oral analgesia (P < .01, respectively). Conclusions: In this pilot study, taulinoplasty technique was as safe as the MIRPE approach and effective for the correction of PE, reducing surgical time, ICU and hospital LOS, and achieving better postoperative pain control.

Close Examination of the Bar Removal Procedure: The Surgeons' Voice.

INTRODUCTION: Complications of the Nuss procedure are well known. However, publications about intraoperative and postoperative complications of the bar removal procedure (BRP) are scarce. Are they uncommon, unknown, or underreported? Are we ready to face them? OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the profile of complications of the BRP, risk perception, and preventive actions undertaken by the Chest Wall International Group (CWIG) surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 14-question online survey was posted to the members of the CWIG from February 1 to 28, 2016. A qualifying question was setup to ensure respondents performed Nuss' procedure/variations. Overall, 96.5% of respondents (n = 116) qualified. RESULTS: Despite being experts in the field of chest wall surgery 62.5% of respondents had performed ≤ 100 BRP and only 37.5% ≥ 100 BRP. Intraoperative complications: Severe bleeding from the bar tunnel was experienced at least one time by 28% of respondents and other serious complications, even death, were reported by 12%. Major surgical maneuvers to treat complications (sternotomy, thoracotomy, life-support maneuvers) were implemented by 62% of the surgeons who had experienced acute complications. Postoperative complications: Overall they were experienced at least once by 73.5% of surgeons. Wound seroma was the most cited complication (42%), followed by pneumothorax (27.5%). Surprisingly, one in every four surgeons acknowledged not requesting a routine chest X-ray before patient discharge. Complications versus experience: The report of acute complications increased with cumulative experience: Close to 50% for surgeons with < 100 BRP and as high as 100% for surgeons with > 1,000 BRP. Prevention of complications: Although 64% of surgeons defined the BRP as of intermediate/high risk, most of them (61%) do not prepare the operating room accordingly (availability of blood products, cardiac surgical backup, and perfusionist support). CONCLUSION: BRP complications are being underestimated and underreported. Publications do not reflect the real spectrum of complications, which includes life-threatening conditions, even death. Preoperative planning and preparation of the operating room should not be disregarded.

Impact of using an evidence-based clinical guideline for the management of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children. / Impacto de la apación de una guía clínica basada en la evidencia en el tratamiento del reflujo vesicoureteral primario en el niño.

OBJETIVE: To analyze changes in the therapeutic approach at a tertiary care hospital following the implementation of a clinical guideline for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children. POPULATION AND METHODS: Retrospective study conducted in a cohort of patients with primary VUR (1989-2015) aged 0-15 years at a tertiary care hospital. The therapeutic approach before and after the development of the clinical guideline (2008) was compared. RESULTS: A total of 297 patients (49.8% boys, 50.2% girls) were included; their mean age at the time of diagnosis was 21.71 months. VUR grading was: VUR I-III 45.1%, VUR IV-V 54,9%; 124 were treated after the implementation of the clinical guideline (group 1), and 173, before (group 2). The mean follow-up period was 124.32 months. A conservative approach was the initial treatment in 70.3% of group 1 patients and 67.9% of group 2 patients. The number of surgeries remains constant (31.45% versus 31.79%), with an increase in the number of endoscopic surgeries (p < 0.005). The profile of patients has changed based on the application of the algorithm proposed by the guideline. Fewer surgeries were done in patients with VUR IV-V (82.32% versus 59.9%, p= 0.000) and there were fewer cases of kidney damage at diagnosis (49.4% versus 9.8%, p= 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the clinical guideline has favored an initially conservative approach in patients with severe grade VUR and nephropathy, for whom surgery was traditionally indicated initially. Using clinical guidelines favors a unanimous, evidencebased approach that reduces the performance of unnecessary invasive procedures.

OBJETIVO: Analizar en qué manera se ha modificado la actitud terapéutica en un hospital de tercer nivel tras la implementación de la guía clínica para el tratamiento del reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) primario en niños. POBLACIÓN Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo sobre una cohorte de pacientes con RVU primario (1989-2015), de entre 0 y 15 años, en un hospital terciario. Se comparó la conducta terapéutica antes y después de la aparición de la guía clínica (2008). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 297 pacientes (49,8% de niños, 50,2% de niñas), edad media al momento del diagnóstico de 21,71 meses. El grado de RVU fue: RVU I-III 45,1%, RVU IV-V 54,9%; 124 fueron tratados tras la implementación de la guía clínica (grupo 1), 173, con anterioridad (grupo 2). El período medio de seguimiento fue de 124,32 meses. El tratamiento conservador fue la terapia de inicio en el 70,3% de los pacientes del grupo 1 y en el 67,9% del grupo 2. El número de cirugías se mantuvo constante (31,45% vs. 31,79%), con un incremento en el número de procedimientos endoscópicos (p < 0,005). El perfil de paciente se ha modificado a raíz de la aplicación del algoritmo propuesto por dicha guía. Hubo menos intervenciones en pacientes con RVU IV-V (82,32% vs. 59,9%, p= 0,000) y daño renal al momento del diagnóstico (49,4% vs. 9,8%, p= 0,000). CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de la guía clínica ha favorecido una conducta conservadora inicial en pacientes con RVU de alto grado y nefropatía, en los que, tradicionalmente, se indicaba la cirugía desde el inicio. La utilización de las guías clínicas favorece una conducta unánime basada en la evidencia, que disminuye los procedimientos invasivos innecesarios.

Brain metastasis in basaloid undifferentiated anal carcinoma: A case report.

Anal cancer is a rare tumor that accounts for 2% of all colorectal neoplasms. The brain is a rarely affected organ. The aim of the present study was to the review the only four cases of anal cancer brain metastases previously published in the literature. In addition, the current study presents the case of a 69-year-old male diagnosed with basaloid undifferentiated carcinoma of the anal canal (stage IV with liver, lung and bone metastasis). Despite the patient's good response to chemotherapy and the achievement of a partial response that was maintained for 14 months, brain metastases developed. Although radiotherapy was administered, the patient succumbed to the condition 12 weeks after the diagnosis of brain metastasis.

Impacto de la aplicación de una guía clínica basada en la evidencia en el tratamiento del reflujo vesicoureteral primario en el niño / Impact of using an evidence-based clinical guideline for the management of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children

Objetivo: Analizar en qué manera se ha modificado la actitud terapéutica en un hospital de tercer nivel tras la implementación de la guía clínica para el tratamiento del reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) primario en niños. Población y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo sobre una cohorte de pacientes con RVU primario (1989-2015), de entre 0 y 15 años, en un hospital terciario. Se comparó la conducta terapéutica antes y después de la aparición de la guía clínica (2008). Resultados: Se incluyeron 297 pacientes (49, 8% de niños, 50, 2% de niñas), edad media al momento del diagnóstico de 21, 71 meses. El grado de RVU fue: RVU I-III 45, 1%, RVU IV-V 54, 9%; 124 fueron tratados tras la implementación de la guía clínica (grupo 1), 173, con anterioridad (grupo 2). El período medio de seguimiento fue de 124, 32 meses. El tratamiento conservador fue la terapia de inicio en el 70, 3% de los pacientes del grupo 1 y en el 67, 9% del grupo 2. El número de cirugías se mantuvo constante (31, 45% vs. 31, 79%), con un incremento en el número de procedimientos endoscópicos (p < 0, 005). El perfil de paciente se ha modificado a raíz de la aplicación del algoritmo propuesto por dicha guía. Hubo menos intervenciones en pacientes con RVU IV-V (82, 32% vs. 59, 9%, p= 0, 000) y daño renal al momento del diagnóstico (49, 4% vs. 9, 8%, p= 0, 000). Conclusiones: La aplicación de la guía clínica ha favorecido una conducta conservadora inicial en pacientes con RVU de alto grado y nefropatía, en los que, tradicionalmente, se indicaba la cirugía desde el inicio. La utilización de las guías clínicas favorece una conducta unánime basada en la evidencia, que disminuye los procedimientos invasivos innecesarios.

Objective: To analyze changes in the therapeutic approach at a tertiary care hospital following the implementation of a clinical guideline for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children. Population and methods: Retrospective study conducted in a cohort of patients with primary VUR (1989-2015) aged 0-15 years at a tertiary care hospital. The therapeutic approach before and after the development of the clinical guideline (2008) was compared. Results: A total of297 patients (49.8% boys, 50.2% girls) were included; their mean age at the time of diagnosis was 21.71 months. VUR grading was: VUR I-III 45.1%, VUR IV-V 54, 9%; 124 were treated after the implementation of the clinical guideline (group 1), and 173, before (group 2). The mean follow-up period was 124.32months. A conservative approach was the initial treatment in 70.3% of group 1 patients and 67.9% of group 2 patients. The number of surgeries remains constant (31.45% versus 31.79%), with an increase in the number of endoscopic surgeries (p < 0.005). The profile of patients has changed based on the application of the algorithm proposed by the guideline. Fewer surgeries were done in patients with VUR IV-V (82.32% versus 59.9%, p= 0.000) and there were fewer cases of kidney damage at diagnosis (49.4% versus 9.8%, p= 0.000). Conclusions: The implementation of the clinical guideline has favored an initially conservative approach in patients with severe grade VUR and nephropathy, for whom surgery was traditionally indicated initially. Using clinical guidelines favors a unanimous, evidence-based approach that reduces the performance of unnecessary invasive procedures.