Prospective analysis of clinician accuracy in the diagnosis of benign anorrectal pathology: the value of clinical information.

AIM: the prevalence of anorectal disorders in general population is high. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of clinical symptoms on diagnostic accuracy for benign anorectal pathology among different specialists and evaluate the relationship between diagnostic accuracy and years of professional experience. METHODS: seven typical cases were selected. In a first interview, participants were shown images and asked to make a diagnosis. Afterwards, images with additional information (clinical symptoms) were used. Two groups (group 1 = general surgeons and group 2 = medical specialists who attended emergency department) completed both phases of the study to analyze the influence of clinical symptoms on the final diagnosis. RESULTS: forty four specialists were interviewed. The percentage of participants making a correct diagnosis in groups 1 and 2, respectively, was as follows: case 1 (perianal abscess): 100 vs. 80.6%, (p = 0.157); case 2 (fissure): 92.3 vs. 51.6% (p = 0.015); case 3 (thrombosed hemorrhoid): 92.3 vs. 74.2% (p = 0.321); case 4 (anal condyloma): 100 vs. 87.1% (p = 0.302); case 5 (rectal prolapse): 100 vs. 83.9% (p = 0.301); case 6 (prolapsed hemorrhoid): 92.3 vs. 29% (p = 0.001), and case 7 (fistula): 100 vs. 67.7% (p = 0.021). There were significant differences in the number of correctly diagnosed cases between groups (p < 0.001). Information about clinical symptoms significantly increased overall and specific accuracy. There was no correlation between experience and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: clinical symptoms are important for diagnostic accuracy in anorectal pathology. Training in anorectal pathology in medical specialists is warranted.

[Changes in the complaints made to a General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Department after a change in hospital structure and function]. / Variación en las reclamaciones dirigidas a un Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo tras un cambio estructural y funcional hospitalario.

OBJECTIVE: The complaints to a medical service are a measure of the quality of health care perceived by the patients. The aim of this study was to analyse the differences found in the percentage of complaints made to the General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Department (GGSD) with the changes made due to moving to a new hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study of the percentage of complaints made to the GGSD in two 6 month periods in the same year (periods A and B). The Department was moved to a new hospital between the two periods. The percentage complaints associated with the hospital and outpatient activity is compared. RESULTS: The percentage complaints made to the GGSD was 3.02% directed at the hospital service and 0.44% to outpatient care. When both periods were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed in the hospital complaints (A: 3.74% vs B: 2.20%, P=.006) and in the outpatient complaints (A: 0.53% vs. B: 0.34%, P=.005). It could also be shown that there was a continuous significant correlation in the parallel decrease in the hospital and outpatient complaints (R:0.988 P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The structural and functional change due to moving to a new hospital showed that the percentage of complaints made to the GGSD changed significantly in the period studied. Prospective multicentre studies are required to evaluate whether these results can be extrapolated to other services.

Correlation between intraoperative surgical diagnosis of complicated acute appendicitis and the pathology report: clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: The post-operative management of appendectomy for acute appendicitis is based primarily on the operative findings. The surgeon describes the severity of the disease, and antibiotic therapy is administered accordingly. The histologic findings are not always considered in the decision about the management and may not be correlated with the clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between the surgeon's intra-operative visual description of the appendix and the pathologist's report in a consecutive series of patients with acute appendicitis. Complications were analyzed in relation to the classification. METHODS: A comparative observational study was performed in 69 patients who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis at the same hospital during a one-year period (the entire year of 2011). The surgeon's classification of the severity of appendicitis was compared with the pathologist's report using the kappa coefficient. Patient demographics, surgical techniques, and post-operative complications also were analyzed. RESULTS: Complicated appendicitis (gangrenous or perforated) was considered to be present in 36.2% of patients in the surgeon's classification and 43% of the patients in the histopathologic reports (p=0.033). The kappa coefficient showed only a weak correlation between the surgeons' and pathologists' descriptions (κ=0.25). Significant differences in post-operative complications were found only in the surgeon's classification. CONCLUSION: We found a weak correlation between the surgeon's macroscopic diagnosis and the pathologic findings. However, the differences did not have meaningful clinical implications. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical meaning of these results.

Neoplasia mucinosa apendicular / Mucinous neoplasia of the appendix

No disponible

Análisis prospectivo de la precisión diagnóstica en la patología anorrectal benigna: importancia de la información clínica / Prospective analysis of clinician accuracy in the diagnosis of benign anorectal pathology: the value of clinical information

Objetivo: la prevalencia de los trastornos anorrectales benignos en la población general es alta. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la influencia de los síntomas clínicos en la precisión diagnóstica de la patología benigna anorrectal entre los diferentes especialistas y evaluar la relación entre el diagnóstico de la enfermedad y los años de experiencia profesional entre los profesionales participantes. Pacientes y métodos: se seleccionaron 7 casos típicos. En una primera entrevista, se mostró a los participantes las imágenes clínicas de cada caso y se les pidió que formularan un diagnóstico. Posteriormente, se volvió a mostrar las mismas imágenes con información clínica adicional. Dos grupos (grupo 1 = especialistas en cirugía general y digestiva y grupo 2 = especialistas de especialidades médicas con asistencia en el área de urgencias) completaron las dos fases del estudio para analizar la influencia de los síntomas clínicos en el diagnóstico final. También se analizó la relación entre la precisión diagnóstica y los años de experiencia de cada profesional. Resultados: se entrevistaron a 44 especialistas. El porcentaje de participantes que realizó un diagnóstico correcto en el grupo 1 y 2, fue respectivamente: caso 1 (absceso perianal): 100 vs. 80.6%, (p = 0,157); caso 2 (fisura anal): 92,3 vs. 51.6% (p = 0,015); caso 3 (hemorroide trombosada): 92,3 vs. 74,2% (p = 0,321); caso 4 (condiloma anal): 100 vs. 87,1% (p = 0,302); caso 5 (prolapso rectal): 100 vs. 83.9% (p = 0,301); caso 6 (prolapso hemorroidal): 92,3 vs. 29% (p = 0,001), y caso 7 (fístula perianal): 100 vs. 67,7% (p = 0,021). Se observaron diferencias en el número de los diagnósticos correctos entre grupos (p < 0,001). Globalmente, la información sobre síntomas clínicos incrementó significativamente la precisión específicamente, no observándose correlación entre experiencia profesional y precisión. Conclusiones: los síntomas clínicos son importantes para la precisión diagnóstica de la patología anorrectal benigna. La formación específica de especialistas médicos en esta patología anorrectal está claramente justificada(AU)

Aim: the prevalence of anorectal disorders in general population is high. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of clinical symptoms on diagnostic accuracy for benign anorectal pathology among different specialists and evaluate the relation ship between diagnostic accuracy and years of professional expe rience. Methods: seven typical cases were selected. In a first interview, participants were shown images and asked to make a diagnosis. Afterwards, images with additional information (clinical symptoms) were used. Two groups (group 1 = general surgeons and group 2 = medical specialists who attended emergency department) completed both phases of the study to analyze the influence of clinical symptoms on the final diagnosis. Results: forty four specialists were interviewed. The percentage of participants making a correct diagnosis in groups 1 and 2, respectively, was as follows: case 1 (perianal abscess): 100 vs. 80.6%, (p = 0.157); case 2 (fissure): 92.3 vs. 51.6% (p = 0.015); case 3 (thrombosed hemorrhoid): 92.3 vs. 74.2% (p = 0.321); case 4 (anal condyloma): 100 vs. 87.1% (p = 0.302); case 5 (rectal prolapse): 100 vs. 83.9% (p = 0.301); case 6 (prolapsed hemorrhoid): 92.3 vs. 29% (p = 0.001), and case 7 (fistula): 100 vs. 67.7% (p = 0.021). There were significant differences in the number of correctly diagnosed cases be - tween groups (p < 0.001). Information about clinical symptoms significantly increased overall and specific accuracy. There was no correlation between experience and accuracy. Conclusions: clinical symptoms are important for diagnostic accuracy in anorectal pathology. Training in anorectal pathology in medical specialists is warranted(AU)

Resultados de la implementación del circuito de diagnostico rápido de cáncer colorrectal / Results of implementation of a fast track pathway for diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Introducción: los circuitos de diagnóstico rápido de cáncer (CDRC) pretenden disminuir las demoras en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal (CCR). Se recomienda el inicio del primer tratamiento en un plazo de 30 días desde la entrada en el circuito de diagnóstico rápido. Objetivos: conocer las características y fluidez de nuestro circuito de diagnóstico rápido del cáncer colorrectal (CDRC), centrando el interés en los pacientes cuyo primer tratamiento va a ser el quirúrgico. Material y método: se analizan los pacientes que ingresan el circuito de diagnóstico rápido durante un periodo de 2 años (2008- 2009) y también los pacientes diagnosticados durante el tiempo del estudio por otras vías. Resultados: acceden al circuito de diagnóstico rápido 316 pacientes, 78 pacientes (24,7%) presentan cáncer digestivo, siendo finalmente diagnosticados de CCR 61 pacientes (19,3%). El intervalo de tiempo desde la entrada al CDRC hasta la primera visita en el hospital fue de 3 días (rango 1-8), y el intervalo hasta la realización de la colonoscopia fue de 11,5 días (rango 1-41). Los pacientes candidatos a cirugía que fueron intervenidos en un intervalo inferior a 30 días fueron 14 (41,1%), 28 pacientes (82,3%) fueron intervenidos antes de los 45 días. Conclusiones: la rapidez del circuito es aceptable pero cualquier aumento de la demanda puede generar retrasos, con lo que un responsable de seguimiento del proceso posiblemente evitará demoras y mejorará la coordinación en las diferentes fases del circuito y tratamiento. El rendimiento diagnóstico es bajo por lo que hay que pensar en la aplicación de alternativas ya existentes, como el cribado poblacional, que permitan el diagnóstico precoz en pacientes que aún no presentan sintomatología(AU)

Introduction: fast track pathways for diagnosis of cancer intend to decrease delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It is recommended to initiate treatment in a period no longer than 30 days since admission in these circuits. Aims: to know the characteristics and fluency of our Fast Track Diagnostic Pathway (FTDP) for Colorectal Cancer (CRC), with special attention to those patients selected for surgical treatment as a first choice. Material and method: all patients who entered the FTDP for CRC during a period of 2 years (2008-2009) were analyzed as well as the rest of patients also diagnosed with CRC but never seen in the FTDP. Results: of the 316 patients referred to the FTDP only 78 (24.7%) were diagnosed as having some kind of cancer derived from the digestive system. At the end 61 patients (19.3%) were diagnosed with CCR. The time interval from entry into the FTDP to the first hospital visit was 3 days (range 1-8), and the interval until colonoscopy was performed was 11.5 days (range 1-41). Fourteen (41.1%) of those patients chosen for surgery were operated on in a period lesser than 30 days while 28 patients (82.3%) underwent surgery before day 45 since admission into the circuit. Conclusions: though the functioning of the FTDP is acceptable, any increase in number of patients can generate delays. For this reason it is advisable to have a team to assure a good functioning of the FTDP. A proper follow-up of the whole process will possibly avoid unnecessary delays and it will improve coordination of the different phases of the fast track pathway and treatment. As the diagnostic outcome is poor it is mandatory to implement alternatives programs like screening of asymptomatic population, allowing an early detection of this condition(AU)

Variación en las reclamaciones dirigidas a un Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo tras un cambio estructural y funcional hospitalario / Changes in the complaints made to a General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Department after a change in hospital structure and function

Objetivo Las reclamaciones de un servicio médico son una medida de la calidad asistencial percibida por los pacientes. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la variación producida en el porcentaje de reclamaciones dirigidas al Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo (CGD) en relación a los cambios producidos por el traslado a un nuevo hospital. Material y métodos Estudio longitudinal del porcentaje de reclamaciones dirigidas al Servicio de CGD en dos periodos de 6 meses de un mismo año (periodos A y B). Entre uno y otro periodo se realizó el traslado a un nuevo hospital. Se compara el porcentaje de reclamaciones asociadas a la actividad hospitalaria y en consultas externas. Resultados El porcentaje de reclamaciones dirigidas al Servicio de CGD fue del 3,02% dirigidas a las altas de hospitalización y 0,44% dirigidas a la atención en consultas externas. Cuando se compararon ambos periodos, se observó una disminución estadísticamente significativa de las reclamaciones en hospitalización (A: 3,74% vs B: 2,20%, p=0,006) y en consultas externas (A: 0,53% vs. B: 0,34%, p=0,005). Se pudo constatar también que la disminución paralela de las reclamaciones de hospitalización y de consultas externas siguió una correlación lineal significativa (R:0,988 p<0,001).Conclusiones El cambio estructural y funcional por el traslado a un nuevo hospital comportó que el porcentaje de reclamaciones dirigidas al Servicio de CGD disminuyera de manera significativa en el periodo estudiado. Son necesarios estudios prospectivos y multicéntricos que permitan evaluar si estos resultados son superponibles a otros medios (AU)

Objective The complaints to a medical service are a measure of the quality of health care perceived by the patients. The aim of this study was to analyse the differences found in the percentage of complaints made to the General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Department (GGSD) with the changes made due to moving to a new hospital. Material and methods A longitudinal study of the percentage of complaints made to the GGSD in two 6 month periods in the same year (periods A and B). The Department was moved to a new hospital between the two periods. The percentage complaints associated with the hospital and outpatient activity is compared. Results The percentage complaints made to the GGSD was 3.02% directed at the hospital service and 0.44% to outpatient care. When both periods were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed in the hospital complaints (A: 3.74% vs B: 2.20%, P=.006) and in the outpatient complaints (A: 0.53% vs. B: 0.34%, P=.005). It could also be shown that there was a continuous significant correlation in the parallel decrease in the hospital and outpatient complaints (R:0.988P<.001).Conclusions The structural and functional change due to moving to a new hospital showed that the percentage of complaints made to the GGSD changed significantly in the period studied. Prospective multicentre studies are required to evaluate whether these results can be extrapolated to other services (AU)