[A prospective, randomised, controlled study on the need to mechanically prepare the colon in scheduled colorectal surgery]. / Estudio prospectivo controlado y aleatorizado sobre la necesidad de la preparación mecánica de colon en la cirugía programada colorrectal.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical preparation of the colon (MPC) in colorectal surgery has been a dogma that has been questioned over the last few years. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that morbidity in scheduled colorectal surgery is the same or lower without MPC. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients subjected to scheduled left colon and rectal surgery with primary anastomosis randomised into two groups. The "Preparation" group (MPC) received MPC and the "non-preparation" group (No-MPC) had only cleaning enemas. The variables collected were: demographic, oncological, nutritional, risk prediction models and morbidity-mortality. RESULTS: Of the 193 patients included: 69 received MPC and 71 did not; 89 patients with colocolic anastomosis (MPC, 38; no MPC, 51) and 50 colorectal (MPC, 31; no MPC, 19). Statistically significant differences were seen in the overall analysis in favour of "no preparation" as regards morbidity (43.55 % with MPC and 27% with No MPC) and nosocomial infection (27.5% and 11.4%). There was 11.6% wound infections in the MPC compared to 5.7% in the no MPC, which was not statistically significant. The only mortalities were in the MPC group 2/69 (2.9% of patients). As regards the location of the anastomosis, in the colocolics the differences were more pronounced, with statistically significant differences in the morbidity, anastomosis dehiscence, and nosocomial infection variables. The effect of no MPC was not so evident in colorectal anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there is no benefit in MPC before surgery in colocolic anastomosis. No-MPC is not associated with a higher morbidity in wound infection or anastomotic dehiscence. In colorectal anastomosis the differences are not so evident, therefore a much bigger series needs to be studied.

[Four years experience with the AEC residents E-Book]. / Cuatro años de experiencia con el libro informático del residente de la AEC.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of the Spanish Association of Surgeons resident's electronic book (AEC-E-Book), has meant that we can perform particular and overall assessments of each resident. The objective of this article has been to find out the mean health care, scientific and surgical activities according to the speciality program. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A register of the activities of residents in the AEC-E-Book. The overall activity per year and per rotation has been measured. The relationships of assisted interventions performed and their level of complexity have been analysed. The mean scientific and health care activities and the mean on-call periods per month. RESULTS: A total of 8 residents have registered their activity in the AEC-E-Book since the year 2004. They assisted in a mean of 1514 operations, of which 922 were performed as surgeon (62%). They assisted in 185 laparoscopic interventions, of which they performed 72 (39%). As surgeon, 864 (94%) of the 922 procedures 64% were level 1, 75% level 2, and 53% were level 3. They were on-call a mean of 5.75 times per month. They attended a total of 21 courses and congresses during residency. They took part in 24 presentations and posters, as well as in 6 journal publications during residence. CONCLUSIONS: The AEC-E-Book enables the activity of the resident to be continually assessed. We have been able to find out the mean activities carried out by each resident during a particular rotation and year, thus being able to know exactly if they have fulfilled the defined minimums.

[How are resident physicians evaluated? The residents' computerized activity record]. / 'Cómo evaluamos la actividad de los médicos internos residentes? El libro informático del residente.

INTRODUCTION: Because of the developments that have occurred in surgery in the last few years, updates are required not only in the content of resident physicians' training but also in evaluation of the knowledge acquired. The present article aims to present our experience of an integral evaluation model. This model is based on evaluation of theoretical knowledge and surgical skills. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The training program for resident physicians (medico interno residente [MIR]) has four main branches: clinical work, continuing training, research (doctorate) and evaluation of the activity performed (computerized activity record). This record allows the theoretical knowledge and skills acquired to be evaluated at the end of each rotation. Through 6-monthly evaluations, each resident's activity can be quantified over time and compared with that of other residents. RESULTS: The system was introduced in July 2004. Each resident was given his or her own database. All the activities performed were then introduced into the database. The results of overall activity and that of each resident are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The method used allows residents' integral progress to be followed-up and a completely objective evaluation to be made at the end of each year and at the end of the residency period. Widespread use of this system, or a similar system, would enable comparisons with other centers to be made under similar premises. This system could also help to unify criteria and identify deviations in training.