[An elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor prognosis in stage II resected colon cancer]. / Un índice neutrófilo/linfocito elevado se asocia a peor pronóstico en cáncer de colon etapa II resecado.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is an effective marker of inflammation ana can have prognostic value in surgical patients. AIM: To evaluate the effect of an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on perioperative complications ana overall ana disease-free survival in patients undergoing elective resection for stage II colon cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was obtained from clinical charts, preoperative blood results and hospital records of all patients undergoing an elective curative resection for colon cancer, between 2000 and 2007. Preoperative NLR was calculated. Follow-up was obtained from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database, clinical records and questionnaires. Uni and multivariable analysis were performed to identify associations, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: One hundred twenty two patients with a mean age of 69 years (52% males), were evaluated. Median follow-up was 73 months, and overall survival for 1 and 5 years was 95% and 68%, respectively. On a multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, sex, tumor depth invasion, use of adjuvant therapies and American Society of Anesthesiology preoperative risk score, an NLR > 5 was associated with an increased perioperative complication rate (odds ratio: 3.06, p = 0.033). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a worse overall and disease-free survival for patients with NLR greater than five. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative NLR of five or more is associated with greater perioperative morbidity and worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing resection for elective stage II colon cancer.

[Laparoscopic approach for intestinal passage reconstruction after Hartmann's operation: experience with 30 patients]. / Abordaje laparoscópico para la reconstrucción de tránsito intestinal post-Hartmann: experiencia de un centro sobre 30 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal passage reconstruction after Hartmann's (PRH) operation is associated with a high morbidity and mortality of about 1%. Despite the increasing use of laparoscopy as an alternative in PRH, there is a lack of patient series at international level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective series of patients subjected to (PRH) by laparoscopy was analysed using the demographic parameters, ASA classification, reason for primary surgery, time between initial surgery and reconstruction, operation time, conversion to open surgery, bowel rest recovery time, complications, hospital stay and follow up. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 61.5 ± 13 years were operated on using laparoscopy. The ASA classification was 1.8 ± 0.3 the BMI was 26.1 ± 2 Kg/m(2). A total of 63% were admitted due to complicated Hinchley III or IV acute diverticulitis. The interval between initial surgery and the passage reconstruction was 7.1 ± 2 months. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in three cases. The mean intestinal passage recovery was 2.1 ± 1 days and the hospital stay was 5.6 ± 1 days. The long-term complications were one mechanic ileum due to bridles and one case of anastomotic stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The post-Hartmann laparoscopic passage reconstruction is associated with a short intestinal motility recovery time, as well as a less prolonged hospital stay compared to an open surgery series. Randomised studies are needed to determine whether laparoscopic reconstruction is superior to the conventional technique.

Laparoscopic total colectomy for colonic inertia: surgical and functional results.

BACKGROUND: Total colectomy is the surgery of choice for colonic inertia (CI) when medical treatment has failed. Laparoscopic total colectomy has demonstrated to be a feasible technique. OBJECTIVE: Present our experience in patients with CI who underwent laparoscopic total colectomy (TC) + ileorectoanastomosis (IRA) and evaluate the functional results and medium-term follow-up after this surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with CI were included in a prospective laparoscopic surgical protocol, from 2002 to 2007. These patients had a complete work-up for chronic constipation (clinical records, barium enema, colonic transit time, defecography, anorectal manometry, small bowel follow through). All patients were evaluated with Wexner's score for constipation pre- and postoperatively, asked if they would recommend surgery to other patients, and if they were satisfied with the procedure (on a scale from 1 to 10). Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's T-test. RESULTS: In this period 20 patients were operated with diagnosis of CI. All patients were females with an average age of 41.5 years (range 18-52 years). Mean operative time was 248 min (range 170-360 min). One (5%) patient was converted to open surgery. The medium time to flatus per anum and feeding was 2 (range 1-6) and 3 (range 2-6) days, respectively. The medium postoperative stay was 7 days. Seven patients (35%) presented surgical postoperative complications (three postoperative ileus, one portal thrombosis, one rectal hemorrhage, one anastomotic leakage, and one hemoperitoneum). There was no postoperative mortality. The average follow-up was 25 months (range 1-60 months). Preoperative Wexner's constipation score was 22.3 (range 19-29 months) pre surgery and at the end of follow-up was 1.8 (range 0-6) (p < 0.01). The medium level of satisfaction was 8 (range 2-10) and only one patient would not recommend surgery to other patients. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic access is a safe technique with satisfactory functional results after medium-term follow-up.

The volume of lactated Ringer's solution required to maintain preload and cardiac index during open and laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have emphasized the importance of perioperative fluid restriction. However, fluid restriction regimens may increase the likelihood of insufficient perioperative fluid administration or may result in excess intravascular crystalloid replacement. We postulate that the use of transesophageal echocardiography may reduce the amount of crystalloid administered during open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: Fifteen ASA I and II patients scheduled for open colorectal surgery, and 15 patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery were studied. Lactated Ringer's solution was infused during the procedures. Left ventricular end diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and cardiac index were assessed throughout surgery and used to guide the rate of lactated Ringer's solution administration. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test for unpaired samples. RESULTS: The rate of crystalloid administration required to maintain baseline LVEDVI and cardiac index was 5.9 +/- 2 mL x kg(-1) x h(-1) for open surgery and 3.4 +/- 0.8 mL x kg(-1) x h(-1) for laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.01). This slower rate for laparoscopic surgery was offset by the longer surgical duration. CONCLUSION: The rate of crystalloid solution to maintain baseline LVEDVI and cardiac index was greater in open surgery than laparoscopic surgery, and lower than commonly recommended for colorectal surgery.

Increased production of soluble TLR2 by lamina propria mononuclear cells from ulcerative colitis patients.

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a type I pattern recognition receptor that has been shown to participate in intestinal homeostasis. Its increased expression in the lamina propria has been associated with the pathogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Recently, soluble TLR2 (sTLR2) variants have been shown to counteract inflammatory responses driven by the cognate receptor. Despite the evident roles of TLR2 in intestinal immunity, no study has elucidated the production and cellular source of sTLR2 in IBD. Furthermore, an increase in the population of activated macrophages expressing TLR2 that infiltrates the intestine in IBD has been reported. We aimed first to assess the production of the sTLR2 by UC and CD organ culture biopsies and lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) as well as the levels of sTLR2 in serum, and then characterize the cell population from lamina propria producing the soluble protein. Mucosa explants, LPMCs and serum were obtained from UC, CD patients and control subjects. The level of sTLR2 was higher in conditioned media from organ culture biopsies and LPMCs from UC patients in comparison to CD and controls. Moreover, an inverse correlation between the content of intestinal and serum sTLR2 levels was observed in UC patients. Additionally, when characterizing the cellular source of the increased sTLR2 by LPMCs from UC patients, an increase in TLR2(+)/CD33(+) cell population was found. Also, these cells expressed CX3CR1, which was related to the increased levels of intestinal FKN in UC patients, suggesting that a higher proportion of TLR2(+) mononuclear cells infiltrate the lamina propria. The increased production of sTLR2 suggests that a differential regulating factor of the innate immune system is present in the intestinal mucosa of UC patients.

[Outcome of surgical treatment of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer]. / Resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de las metástasis hepáticas por cáncer colorrectal.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the only treatment associated with long-term cure in patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer, achieving a 30% to 40% five years survival. AIM: To evaluate the results of liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer in our centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study. Epidemiological, perioperative and follow up data of patients undergoing liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer between January 1990 and July 2007 were assessed. We compared the results between two periods; period 1 (1990-1997) and period 2 (1998-2007). RESULTS: Sixty six patients aged 61+/- 12 years (46 males) underwent 75 resections. An anatomical excision was performed in 54 (72%) cases, a right hepatectomy in 18, an extended right hepatectomy in 11, a left hepatectomy in 1, and a segmentectomy in 24. In 24 (32%) patients the liver resection was simultaneous with the colorectal cancer resection. Operative time was 221+/-86 min. Hospital stay was 11+/-5 days. Postoperative morbidity was 35% and surgical mortality was 0%. Resection margin was free of tumor in 53 (80%) patients. Five years overall and hepatic disease-free survival was 38% and 23%, respectively. In period 2, more anatomical resections than in period 1 were performed (77% and 55%, respectively, p =0.04), without an increase in complications (35% and 34%, respectively; p =ns), but with a better five years survival (45% and 21 %, respectively, p =0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Five years survival for excision of liver metastatic colorectal cancer in our center is similar to that reported abroad. During the second period there has been a trend toward more extensive resections which was associated with a better survival, without an increase in complications or mortality .

[Results of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of diverticular disease of the colon]. / Resultados de la cirugía laparoscópica en el tratamiento electivo de la enfermedad diverticular de colon.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach is an alternative for the elective treatment of diverticular colon disease (DCD). AIM: To analyze the results of patients electively operated for DCD using a laparoscopic technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of patients with DCD operated using laparoscopy at the Catholic University of Chile Clinical Hospital were prospectively recorded from January 1999 to August 2006. Indications for surgery were repetitive crises of acute diverticulitis, the persistence of the symptoms or anatomic deformity after the first crisis and complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey 1-2) that responded to the medical treatment. The laparoscopic technique used five ports and the surgical specimen was extracted through a suprapubic approach. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients aged 32 to 82 years (49% females) were operated in the study period. Fifty five percent had a previous abdominal surgery. The mean operative time was 213 minutes (range: 135-360). Four patients were converted to open surgery (3.7%). One or more early post-operative complications were observed in five patients (4.7%). The mean time for passing gases and reinitiate liquid diet was 1.7 and 2.4 days respectively. The median post operative stay after surgery was 4 days. There was no operative mortality. Mean follow-up time was 27 months and only one patient (0.9%) had a new episode of acute diverticular disease, with a satisfactory response to medical treatment. No patient has developed bowel obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is a safe alternative in the elective surgical treatment of DCD.

A novel surgical approach to slow-transit constipation: report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Slow-transit constipation after proper diagnosis and extensive medical therapy may have a surgical solution. Total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, at our institution, is the surgical procedure of choice. Nonetheless, patients may reject this alternative because of morbidity. DISCUSSION: We report two cases of slow-transit constipation diagnosed after a thorough investigation with two colonic transit tests showing slow-transit constipation, a normal anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, small-bowel follow-through, defecography, laboratory and psychologic tests. The patients rejected standard surgical treatment (total colectomy + ileorectal anastomosis). A colonic bypass with an ileorectal anastomosis, leaving the colon in situ, was offered and accepted by the two patients. This was performed laparoscopically liberating the cecum and terminal ileum, transecting the terminal ileum through a small suprapubic incision, and anastomosing the terminal ileum to the rectosigmoid junction intracorporeally. The total surgical time was 50 and 60 minutes, respectively. Both patients made uneventful recoveries and were discharged on the fourth postoperative day. They have completed four and two months of close follow-up and at present have one to four bowel movements per day with mild abdominal distension and pain. To our knowledge this is the first report of colonic bypass for the treatment of slow-transit constipation.

Un índice neutrófilo/linfocito elevado se asocia a peor pronóstico en cancer de colon etapa II resecado / An elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor prognosis in stage II resected colon cancer

Background: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is an effective marker of inflammation ana can have prognostic value in surgical patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on perioperative complications ana overall ana disease-free survival in patients undergoing elective resection for stage II colon cancer. Material and Methods: Data was obtained from clinical charts, preoperative blood results and hospital records of all patients undergoing an elective curative resection for colon cancer, between 2000 and 2007. Preoperative NLR was calculated. Follow-up was obtained from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database, clinical records and questionnaires. Uni and multivariable analysis were performed to identify associations, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: One hundred twenty two patients with a mean age of69years (52% males), were evaluated. Median follow-up was 73 months, and overall survival for 1 and 5years was 95% and 68%, respectively. On a multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, sex, tumor depth invasion, use of adjuvant therapies and American Society of Anesthesiology preoperative risk score, an NLR > 5 was associated with an increased perioperative complication rate (odds ratio: 3,06, p = 0,033). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a worse overall and disease-free survival for patients with NLR greater than five. Conclusions: A preoperative NLR of five or more is associated with greater perioperative morbidity and worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing resection for elective stage II colon cancer.

[Increase in colon cancer mortality rates in Chile, during the period 1990-2003]. / Aumento de la mortalidad por cáncer de colon en Chile, 1990-2003.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, colorectal cancer is the third cause of mortality due to digestive cancer. AIM: To assess the evolution of colon cancer mortality rates in the period 1990-2003. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information was obtained from demography and vital statistics yearbooks, published by the Chilean National Statistics Institute. Mortality tendecies and slopes, were calculated using Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression. Proportions were compared using Chi square. RESULTS: There was a significantly rising tendency in mortality for colon cancer in the general population (r= 0.964, p <0.001), in men (r=0.926, p <0.001) and in women (r=0.943, p <0.001). This tendency was not modified if rates were corrected by age. Mortality among women was significantly higher in all study years. The increase in mortality rates in the period was 0.175/100,000 inhabitants per year. The higher mortality rates were observed during 2003, reaching 6.2/100,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: There was a steady increase in colon cancer mortality during the studied period.

[Elective laparoscopic surgery in diverticular disease. A comparative study with conventional operative surgery ]. / Cirugía laparoscópica electiva en enfermedad diverticular. Un estudio comparativo con la cirugía convencional.

BACKGROUND: Elective surgery in diverticular disease (DD) consists classically in performing an open sigmoidectomy. Laparoscopic surgery of the colon can have results that are comparable to those of open surgery. AIM: To compare the results of laparoscopic and conventional surgery for DD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of preoperative, operative and postoperative variables of patients operated by laparoscopic surgery between the years 2000 and 20002. These results were compared with those of patients treated with conventional surgery in the same period. RESULTS: Thirty nine patients, mean age 59 years old, were operated via laparotomy and 18 patients, mean age 47 years old, were treated with laparoscopic surgery. Both groups were comparable in gender, amount of previous laparotomies, type of surgery performed and American Society of Anestesiologists classification. The operative time was significantly higher in the laparoscopic surgery group (230 v/s 130 min), but the opioid requirements, stay in an intensive surgical care ward, postoperative ileus and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group. Eleven percent of the patients included in the laparoscopic group and 31% of the patients treated with operative surgery had complications (p = 0.07). The length of the excised colon, the degree of inflammation and treatment costs were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery in DD is feasible, safe, requires less analgesia and allows a faster recovery of post-operative ileus and a lower hospital stay.

Resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de las metástasis hepáticas por cáncer colorrectal / Outcome of surgical treatment of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer

Background: Surgical resection is the only treatment associated with long-term cure in patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer, achieving a 30% to 40% five years survival. Aim: To evaluate the results of liver resection for metastatic colorectalcancer in our centre. Patients and methods: Retrospective study. Epidemiological, perioperative and follow up data of patients undergoing liver resection for metastatic colorectalcancer between January 1990 and July 2007 were assessed. We compared the results between two periods; period 1 (1990-1997) and period 2 (1998-2007). Results: Sixty six patients aged61±12 years (46 males) underwent 75 resections. An anatomical excision was performed in 54 (72%) cases, a right hepatectomy in 18, an extended right hepatectomy in 11, a left hepatectomy in 1, and a segmentectomy in 24. In 24 (32%) patients the liver resection wassimultaneous with the colorectal cancer resection. Operative time was 221±86 min. Hospital stay was 11±5 days. Postoperative morbidity was 35% and surgical mortality was 0%. Resectionmargin was free of tumor in 53 (80%) patients. Five years overall and hepatic disease-free survival was 38% and 23%, respectively. In period 2, more anatomical resections than in period1 were performed (77% and 55%, respectively, p =0.04), without an increase in complications (35% and 34%, respectively; p =ns), but with a better five years survival (45% and 21%, respectively, p =0.04). Conclusions: Five years survival for excision of liver metastatic colorectal cancer in our center is similar to that reported abroad. During the second period there has been a trend toward more extensive resections which was associated with a better survival, without an increase in complications or mortality.

Resultados de la cirugía laparoscópica en el tratamiento electivo de la enfermedad diverticular de colon / Results of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of diverticular disease of the colon

The laparoscopic approach is an alternative for the elective treatment of diverticular colon disease (DCD). Aim: To analyze the results of patients electively operated for DCD using a laparoscopic technique. Material and Methods: Data of patients with DCD operated using laparoscopy at the Catholic University of Chile Clinical Hospital were prospectively recorded from January 1999 to August 2006. Indications for surgery were repetitive crises of acute diverticulitis, the persistence of the symptoms or anatomic deformity after the first crisis and complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey 1-2) that responded to the medical treatment. The laparoscopic technique used five ports and the surgical specimen was extracted through a suprapubic approach. Results: One hundred and six patients aged 32 to 82 years (49 percent females) were operated in the study period. Fifty five percent had a previous abdominal surgery. The mean operative time was 213 minutes (range: 135-360). Four patients were converted to open surgery (3.7 percent). One or more early post-operative complications were observed in five patients (4.7 percent). The mean time for passing gases and reinitiate liquid diet was 1.7 and 2.4 days respectively. The median post operative stay after surgery was 4 days. There was no operative mortality. Mean follow-up time was 27 months and only one patient (0.9 percent) had a new episode of acute diverticular disease, with a satisfactory response to medical treatment. No patient has developed bowel obstruction. Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach is a safe alternative in the elective surgical treatment of DCD.

Resultados preliminares de la cirugía laparoscópica del cáncer colorrectal / Laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer

Han pasado 15 años desde la primera publicación de una cirugía laparoscópica por cáncer colorrectal (CLCC) y finalmente parece ser que la evidencia la apoya, e incluso para algunos autores es indiscutible que se obtendrían mejores resultados. En nuestra institución, el año 1998 se dio inicio a un protocolo en cirugía laparoscópica de colon, para abordar los casos oncológicos en forma progresiva y de acuerdo al avance en la curva de aprendizaje. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los resultados inmediatos y la seguridad de la resección oncológica en pacientes sometidos a una CLCC. Material y Método: Este es un trabajo prospectivo que incluye a todos los pacientes operados por cáncer colorrectal en el marco de un protocolo de desarrollo de la cirugía laparoscópica. Resultados: Entre septiembre de 1998 y agosto de 2004 se efectuaron 131 cirugías laparoscópicas colorrectales; en 32 (24 por ciento) de ellos el motivo de la intervención fue un cáncer colorrectal. La edad promedio fue 64 años (i: 26-88) y el 47 por ciento correspondió al sexo femenino. El tumor se encontraba localizado en el recto en 9 pacientes y en los 23 restantes en el colon (derecho 6, izquierdo 7 y sigmoides 10). La resección del tumor fue realizada con intención curativa en 29 pacientes. Las operaciones practicadas fueron: resección de colon sigmoides en 10 pacientes, hemicolectomía izquierda en 7, hemicolectomía derecha en 6, resección anterior baja en 4, resección abdóminoperineal en 3 y proctocolectomía más reservorio ileal en 2 pacientes. En 4 pacientes fue necesario convertir a cirugía convencional (12 por ciento) por dificultad anatómica. Una o más complicaciones se observaron en 8 pacientes (morbilidad de 25 por ciento) y un paciente fallece en la serie. El promedio de ganglios recuperados en la pieza operatoria fue 23 (4-86) y en ningún paciente se observó un margen microscópico positivo. De acuerdo a la etapificación TNM, los pacientes fueron clasificados como etapa I, II, III y IV el 31 por ciento, 28 por ciento, 28 por ciento y 13 por ciento respectivamente. La mediana del restablecimiento del tránsito a gases, realimentación con sólidos y estadía hospitalaria fue 2 días, 3 días y 5 días. Todos los pacientes han acudidos a controles postoperatorios regulares (promedio de seguimiento 16.4 meses) sin observar implantes en sitios de trocares en ninguno de ellos. No se ha observado progresión tumoral en ninguno de los pacientes etapa I y II...

Traumatismo rectoperineal por succión / Rectoperineal trauma by suction

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de sexo femenino de 18 años, sin antecedentes mórbidos de importancia, que sufre traumatismo de la región rectoperitoneal al ser succionada por filtro de piscina. Ingresa al servicio de urgencia, en shock hipovolémico, con gran herida contusa de región perineal a través de la cual se exteriorizan asas de intestino delgado. A los 30 minutos de su ingreso es llevada a pabellón practicando: 1) resección intestinal de yeyuno e íleon a anastomosis terminoterminal; 2) aseo perineal y hemostasia; 3) resección del segmento rectal, que presentaba amplia dislaceración de la pared anterior a través de la cual se evisceró el intestino delgado; 4) desfuncionalización tipo Hartmann; 5) colporrafía. Al 5§ día de postoperatorio nueva cirugía para completar aseo perineal y perineoplastia. No se presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias y es dada de alta a los 21 días de su ingreso. Rehospitalización a los 4 meses para reconstitución del tránsito sin complicaciones postoperatorias