[Training of residents in abdominal wall surgery in Spain]. / Consideraciones en torno a la formación del residente en cirugía de pared abdominal en España.

The training of residents in abdominal wall surgery is a fundamental aspect of surgical training, representing globally 20% of its activity. In this paper, we analyze the current state of resident training in this kind of surgery in Spain, taking into account the broad spectrum it covers: general services, specific functional units, ambulatory surgery programs. To do this, based on the specifications of the specialty program, specific data were used from several different sources of direct information and a review of the results obtained by residents in hernia surgery. In general, our residents agree with their training and the recorded results are in line with objectives outlined in the program. However, it would be important to structure their teaching schedules, a rotation period in any specific unit and their involvement in outpatient surgery programs.

Evaluation of surgical and anesthetic strategy as a key factor in the postoperative results of liver transplant.

Since the inauguration of our liver transplant program two years ago, retrospectively we can distinguish two different periods as regards postoperative results. The patients studied were distributed in two groups by chronological order and date of introduction of an improved surgical and anesthetic strategy: retrohepatic dissection during the veno-venous bypass phase and meticulous hemostasis in the anhepatic phase: Group A: 11 transplants in 10 patients and Group B: 22 transplants in 21 patients. Preoperatively, both groups were homogeneous with respect to the clinical situation. During the operation, significantly larger transfusion volumes were given in group A (25.4 +/- 10.5 ml/kg/hr) than in group B (10.0 +/- 5.7 ml/kg/hr) (p less than 0.01). The anhepatic phase lasted 1'50" +/- 20" in group B (p less than 0.05). The postoperative outcome of group B was better than that of A as regards hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, functional impairment of the graft and mortality (p less than 0.05). We conclude that the realization of retrohepatic dissection and careful hemostasis during the anhepatic phase, which prolongs the duration of venovenous by-pass but does not increase intraoperative morbidity, reduces the need for blood transfusion, and yields better postoperative results.

Results of surgical treatment of esophageal achalasia. Multicenter retrospective study of 1,856 cases. GEEMO (Groupe Européen Etude Maladies Oesophagéennes) Multicentric Retrospective Study.

A retrospective analysis of 1,856 patients treated by esophageal achalasia in 23 different surgical departments from seven countries is reported. The predominant symptom was dysphagia (100%), pain, vomiting and weight loss (76.1%). The most useful diagnostic methods were: barium meal (85%), manometry (100%), endoscopy (100%) and 99mTc (100%). Conservative treatment (5.45%) was useful in 5.8% only. Dilatation (16.9%) produced amelioration in 65.9%. Thoracotomy was used in 20.9% and middle line laparotomy in 79.2%. Heller esophagomyotomy was performed in 99.52% associated with anterior fundoplasty in 79.8% and postero-lateral (Mark IV) in 9.75%. Most of the patients were controlled through barium meal, esophagoscopy, esophageal manometry, pHmetry and 99mTc ingestion. Good results after Heller's myotomy with anterior fundoplication were 81.7% and poor 7.2%. Recurrence of achalasia was present in 184 patients. A new esophagomyotomy was performed on 58.6% and distal esophageal resection in 62 (35.3%). In total, 988 patients were reviewed once a year. Absence of gastroesophageal reflux was shown in 73.9% of the explored patients.

[Indications and results of surgical treatment of cavernous hemangioma of the liver]. / Indikationen und Resultate der chirurgischen Behandlung von cavernösen Hämangiomen der Leber.

Over a period of 6.5 years, 29 patients with liver hemangiomas have been examined. In 8 patients, the most frequent symptom was pain; in 11, a tumor was found. The diagnosis was made by means of scintigraphy with 99mTc, followed by real-time sonography, computed tomography using a contrast medium, and selective arteriography. In 16 patients (15 women, 1 man), the tumor radius was more than 6 cm and in 9 of these, more than 10 cm. In 3 patients, a left lobectomy was carried out, and in 5 a right lobectomy; in an additional 5 patients, a extended right lobectomy (three segments excised) was done. In the rest, a medial lobectomy, a segmentectomy on the left side, or a segmentectomy on the right was performed. The only complications observed in the whole series were: pleural effusion (1 case), subphrenic abscess (1), and transitory biliary fistula (1). All hemangiomas with a radius of more than 10 cm should be removed operatively, as should smaller symptomatic hemangiomas and tumors that are not clearly benign.

[Massive lithiasis of the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts. Presentation of a clinical case]. / Litiasis masiva de la vía biliar intra y extrahepática. Presentación de un caso clínico.

A case of massive intra and extrahepatic lithiasis in a 52 year-old-man is presented. Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography, CT and percutaneous cholangiography. The value of the different diagnostic procedures is analyzed. The need for elective surgical treatment is insisted on in order to remove the majority of the calculi, treatment of stenosis and adequate biliary drainage. Our case was treated with an hepatico-jejuno-duodenostomy (end to side) on an isolated jejunal loop with sphincteroplasty for drainage of the distal choledochus. In the postoperative period the patient was treated with Methyl-tert-butyl-ether for dissolution of the remaining calculi.

Injury patterns from major urban terrorist bombings in trains: the Madrid experience.

BACKGROUND: Terrorist urban mass casualty incidents (MCI) in the last 3 years have targeted commuter trains at rush hour, producing large numbers of casualties. Civilian care providers are usually not familiar with the types of blast injuries sustained by victims of these MCI. METHODS: We focus on the injury patterns sustained by casualties of the Madrid, 11 March 2004, terrorist bombings, at the seven hospitals that received most victims. Data were gathered of casualties who had injuries other than superficial bruises, transient hearing loss from barotrauma without eardrum perforation, and/or emotional shock. The degree of severity in critical patients was assessed with the ISS. RESULTS: The bombings resulted in 177 immediate fatalities, 9 early deaths, and 5 late deaths. Most survivors had noncritical injuries, but 72 (14%) of 512 casualties assessed had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15. The critical mortality rate was of 19.5%. The most frequently injured body regions were the head-neck and face. Almost 50% of casualties had ear-drum perforation, and 60% of them were bilateral. There were 43 documented cases of blast lung injury, with a survival rate of 88.3%. Maxillofacial and open long-bone fractures were most prevalent. Gustillo's grade III of severity predominated in tibia-fibular and humeral fractures. Upper thoracic fractures (D1-6 segment) represented 65% of all vertebral fractures and were associated with severe blast to the torso. Severe burns were uncommon. Eye injuries were frequent, although most were of a mild-to-moderate severity. Abdominal visceral lesions were present in 25 (5%) patients. A multidisciplinary approach was necessary in most operated patients, and orthopedic trauma procedures accounted for 50% of the caseload in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Ninety-three percent of the fatalities of the Madrid trains terrorist bombings were immediate, and most survivors had noncritical injuries. Closed doors increased the immediate fatality rate in the trains. Severely wounded casualties presented specific patterns of injuries, some of them life-threatening and unusual in other types of trauma mechanisms. Ear-lobe amputations and upper thoracic spine fractures were markers of critical injuries.

Resection of suprarenal inferior vena cava and dacron graft replacement without right nephrectomy for echinococcal cyst. Case report and review of the literature.

A case of a hepatic echinococcal cyst of the right lobe (diam. 16 cm.) involving the anterior wall of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava is reported. During surgery, the vein was occasionally damaged and suture of the lesion was not possible. Therefore resection of the retrohepatic vena cava was performed and the segmental continuity was replaced with a dacron graft (1,6 X 5 cm.). The patient had an uneventful recovery. The controls at 6, 12 and 24 months showed excellent permeability of the prosthesis. This report represents the second long-term survival case of the literature. The indications for graft replacement of the inferior vena cava, are discussed.

Surgical management of liver hydatidosis. 10-year experience with 269 patients.

A series of 269 patients with 371 surgically treated hydatid cysts of the liver is reported. Cystopericystectomy was performed in 45.2% of cases, liver resection in 7%, subtotal cystectomy in 26.9%, cystojejunostomy in 1.8% and drainage in 9.7%. Overall mortality and morbility were 2.9% and 31% respectively, with a mean hospital stay of 29 days. The highest mortality (6%) and morbility (45%) were observed in patients undergoing subtotal cystectomy. In the group of patients treated by conservative surgery the overall mortality was 32.5%, while in the group treated by radical surgery it was 27% (p less than 0.05). These data suggest that in the treatment of hydatid disease radical resection is followed by the lowest complication and mortality rates.

[Initial results of restoration of bile flow in liver transplant]. / Resultados iniciales en la restauración de la continuidad biliar en el trasplante hepático.

The initial results of biliary reconstruction in 72 liver transplants realized in 62 patients, 50 adults and 12 children, are presented. Three reconstruction techniques were used: end-to-end choledocho-choledochostomy on a Kehr tube in 44 transplants (61.1%); choledocho-jejunostomy on a Roux-en-Y loop in 24 transplants (33.3%); double derivation cholecysto-choledocho-jejunostomy in 2 transplants (2.7%). The number of early complications related to biliary reconstruction was 5 (7.14%): 3 fistulas in the choledocho-choledochostomy series (6.8%) and 2 fistulas among the choledocho-jejunostomies (8.3%). All complications required reoperation and mortality was nil. Thirty-two months after the onset of the program, no late complications of the biliary anastomosis have been registered.

Congenital oesophagobronchial fistula in an adult involving left main bronchus.

Congenital fistulae between the tracheobronchial tree and oesophagus usually originate from the lower end of the trachea or right main bronchus. The case history is presented of a man in whom a fistula between the oesophagus and left main bronchus was not diagnosed until the age of 48.

[Necrosis of the bile ducts as an expression of uncontrollable rejection in the liver transplant between ABO incompatible groups]. / Necrosis de los conductos biliares como expresión del rechazo incontrolable en el trasplante hepático entre grupos ABO incompatibles.

Two cases are presented of liver transplantation in adult patients with fulminant liver failure using grafts from incompatible blood group donors due to the urgency of the situation. The patients evolved well as first but later both developed ischemia and necrosis of the bile tract secondary to severe rejection. It is concluded that the use of incompatible grafts can save the patient's life in acute irreversible liver failure, but in most cases retransplantation may be necessary as the definitive treatment of postoperative complications.

[Role of liver transplant in the treatment of hepatic hydatidosis]. / Papel del trasplante de hígado en el tratamiento de la hidatidosis hepática.

Three patients are reported who had liver hydatidosis that was not resolved by conventional surgery and who eventually underwent liver transplantation. In view of the satisfactory results obtained, with 100% postoperative survival, possible indications for liver transplant in this type of patients are discussed, fundamentally for secondary sclerosing cholangitis, secondary biliary cirrhosis and acute Budd-Chiari syndrome.

[Reduction of transfusion needs by the early introduction of venovenous bypass in liver transplant]. / Disminución de las necesidades transfusionales mediante la introducción precoz del by-pass venovenoso en el trasplante hepático.

A study was made of 44 patients who underwent liver transplant, distributed into three groups: Group A: patients who had ample liver dissection before entering bypass. Group B: patients who entered bypass after dissection of the hepatic hilum and prior to any other dissection; bypass time was prolonged for meticulous hemostasia. Group C: patients with perfectly defined hemodynamic problems, not secondary to bleeding, during the anhepatic phase. Preoperatively the three groups were homogeneous as regards clinical situation. During the operation a significantly larger transfusion volume (p less than 0.01) was administered in group C during phase II (70.1 +/- 27.2 ml/kg/h), phase III (32.6 +/- 9.6 ml/kg/h) and throughout surgery (32.7 +/- 10.3 ml/kg/h) than in the other two groups. Group B received a smaller transfusion volume during phase II (14.6 +/- 8.1 ml/kg/h), phase III (12.7 +/- 5.5 ml/kg/h) and throughout surgery (11.6 +/- 4.9 ml/kg/h) than the other two groups (p less than 0.01). The transfusion needs of group A were 28.4 +/- 15.6 ml/kg/h in phase II, 26.8 +/- 17.1 ml/kg/h in phase III and 21.2 +/- 11.2 ml/kg/h throughout surgery. The duration of the anhepatic phase was significantly shorter (p less than 0.01) in group A (1 h 10' +/- 10) than in (1 h 50' +/- 10) and C (1 h 40' +/- 45'). In the postoperative period a higher mortality was associated with group C (37.5%) and a lower mortality with group B (3.33%), the mortality of group A being 16.6%. The differences were statistically significant with p less than 0.01.

[Evaluation of the socio-affective adaptation of patients with liver transplant]. / Valoración de la adaptación socioafectiva del paciente con trasplante del hígado.

The quality of the socio-affective adaptation of liver transplant patients is a fundamental assessment parameter in the context of postoperative recuperation. The patient's reinsertion into the socio-occupational environment, gradual recuperation of professional and recreational habits and psycho-affective reorganization represent, in our opinion, the most significant criteria for evaluation of the "modus vivendi" of the transplant patient. A total of 21 patients between 21 and 62 years were evaluated. They were divided into three groups for study and analysis. The remission of symptoms and normalization of organic activities, in addition to achievement of an adequate quality of life, constitute the basic rationale for any surgical intervention.

Consideraciones en torno a la formación del residente en cirugía de pared abdominal en España / Training of residents in abdominal wall surgery in Spain

La formación del residente en cirugía de la pared abdominal constituye un aspecto fundamental en la formación quirúrgica, representando globalmente un 20% de su actividad. En el presente artículo, se analiza el estado actual de la formación del residente en este tipo de cirugía en España teniendo en cuenta el amplio espectro en el que se desarrolla: servicios generales, unidades funcionales específicas, programas de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. Para ello, partiendo de las especificaciones del programa de la especialidad, se han utilizado datos concretos obtenidos de diversas fuentes de información directas, así como una revisión de los resultados obtenidos por los residentes en cirugía herniaria. En general los residentes en nuestro país manifiestan su conformidad con la formación recibida, y los resultados objetivos registrados se adecuan a los planteados en el programa. Sin embargo, sería importante estructurar en sus itinerarios docentes, un periodo de rotación en alguna Unidad específica y su implicación en programas de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (AU)

The training of residents in abdominal wall surgery is a fundamental aspect of surgical training, representing globally 20% of its activity. In this paper, we analyze the current state of resident training in this kind of surgery in Spain, taking into account the broad spectrum it covers: general services, specific functional units, ambulatory surgery programs. To do this, based on the specifications of the specialty program, specific data were used from several different sources of direct information and a review of the results obtained by residents in hernia surgery. In general, our residents agree with their training and the recorded results are in line with objectives outlined in the program. However, it would be important to structure their teaching schedules, a rotation period in any specific unit and their involvement in outpatient surgery programs (AU)