Pilot study for low-cost model validation in laparoscopic pediatric pyeloplasty simulation. / Estudio piloto para la validación de un modelo de bajo coste en la simulación de la pieloplastia laparoscópica pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the creation of an original 3D-printed liquid latex model designed for laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) simulation in infants, and to assess its usefulness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3D model of a dilated pelvis and a ureter with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was designed. It was covered in liquid latex, which allowed flexible models to be achieved in order to conduct pyeloplasty in a pelvitrainer. The total price of each model was 6 euros. A nearly-experimental, non-randomized, blind study was carried out, while measuring operating times and OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills) scores. Following simulation completion, a survey based on Likert scale was conducted to assess overall appearance, texture, usefulness, and probability of recommending the model for regular training. RESULTS: 8 pediatric surgeons spent a median of 71.5 minutes (range: 50-86), and rated the model with a median 20.1/30 (range: 17-24) OSATS score. The model received a 4.25 (range: 3-5) score in terms of overall appearance, a 4.37 (range: 3-5) score in terms of texture, a 4.5 (range: 4-5) score in terms of usefulness, and a 4.6 (range: 4-5) score in terms of probability of recommending the model for regular training. CONCLUSIONS: Our liquid latex model for laparoscopic pyeloplasty simulation is feasible, with favorable preliminary results. Its usefulness in laparoscopic pyeloplasty training is promising.

OBJETIVOS: Describir la creación de un modelo original de látex líquido diseñado para la simulación de la pieloplastia laparoscópica (PL) en lactantes, construido a partir de una impresión tridimensional (3D), y valorar su utilidad. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se diseñó un modelo 3D de una pelvis dilatada y un uréter con estenosis pieloureteral (EPU), que fue recubierto por látex líquido obteniendo modelos flexibles para realizar la pieloplastia en un pelvitrainer. El precio total de cada modelo fue de 6 euros. Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, ciego y no aleatorizado, midiendo el tiempo quirúrgico y la puntuación OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills). Tras completar la simulación, se realizó una encuesta utilizando la escala de Likert, en la cual se valoró el aspecto general, la textura, la utilidad del modelo y el grado de recomendación en el entrenamiento habitual. RESULTADOS: 8 cirujanos pediátricos dedicaron una mediana de 71,5 minutos (R 50-86), y puntuaron una mediana de 20,1/30 (R 17-24) en la escala OSATS. El modelo obtuvo una valoración de 4,25 (R3-5) en aspecto general, 4,37 (R3-5) en textura, 4,5 (R 4-5) en utilidad y 4,6 (R 4-5) en recomendación para incorporar al entrenamiento habitual. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de nuestro modelo de látex líquido para la simulación de la pielopalstia laparoscópica es factible y los resultados preliminares han sido favorables. Su utilidad como herramienta en el entrenamiento de la pieloplastia laparoscópica es prometedora.

Acrometástasis óseas, serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Bone acrometástasis, case series and literature review

Resumen: Las acrometástasis se definen como metástasis óseas localizadas distales al codo y la rodilla. Su prevalencia es muy baja, aproximadamente el 0,1% de todas las metástasis óseas y se presentan en pacientes con enfermedad avanzada y son indicador de mal pronóstico. Hasta en el 10% de los casos se presentan como el primer signo de neoplasia oculta. Su forma de presentación clínica y radiológica es inespecífica, lo que genera retraso en su diagnóstico y tratamiento. La resonancia magnética es la imagen de elección para el diagnóstico. El tratamiento en la mayoría de los casos es paliativo. Presentamos cuatro pacientes con acrometástasis y una revisión de la literatura.

Abtract: Acrometastasis are defined as localized bone metastases distal to the elbow and knee. Its prevalence is very low, approximately 0.1% of all bone metastases and they present in patients with advanced disease and are considered indicators of poor prognosis. In up to 10% of cases are the first sign of undiagnosed neoplasia. Its clinical and radiological presentation is non-specific which generates delays in its diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance is the image of choice for diagnosis. The treatment in most cases is palliative. We present four patients with acrometastasis and a review of the literature.

Cost analysis of skeletal-related events in Spanish patients with bone metastases from solid tumours.

PURPOSE: To estimate the cost per skeletal-related event (SRE) in patients with bone metastases secondary to solid tumours in the Spanish healthcare setting. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with bone metastases secondary to breast, prostate or lung cancer were included in this multicentre, observational study. SREs are defined as pathologic fracture (vertebral and non-vertebral fracture), radiation to bone, spinal cord compression or surgery to bone. Health resource utilisation associated with these events (inpatient stays, outpatient, emergency room and home health visits, nursing home stays and procedures) were collected retrospectively for all SREs that occurred in the 97 days prior to enrolment and prospectively during follow-up. Unit costs were obtained from the 2010 eSalud healthcare costs database. RESULTS: A total of 93 Spanish patients with solid tumours were included (31 had breast cancer, 21 prostate cancer and 41 lung cancer), contributing a total of 143 SREs to this cost analysis. Inpatient stays (between 9.0 and 29.9 days of mean length of stay per inpatient stay by SRE type) and outpatient visits (between 1.7 and 6.4 mean visits per SRE type) were the most frequently reported types of health resources utilised. The mean cost per SRE was between 2,377.79 (radiation to bone) and 7,902.62 (spinal cord compression). CONCLUSION: SREs are associated with a significant consumption of healthcare resources that generate a substantial economic burden for the Spanish healthcare system.

Sarcoma embrionario hepático: reporte de un caso / Embryonal sarcoma of the liver: case report

El sarcoma embrionario hepático ocupa el tercer lugar en frecuencia de aparición entre los tumores hepáticos primarios de la edad pediátrica. Su presentación clínica es inespecífica y su apariencia en imágenes es una lesión sólida con componente quístico. Aunque es necesaria la confirmación histológica, el manejo inicial se orienta con base en los hallazgos de las imágenes. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una niña de 9 años de edad con este diagnóstico y se describen las principales características clínicas, histológicas y de imagen.

Embryonal hepatic sarcoma occupies the third place in frequency among hepatic tumors in the pediatric population. Its clinical symptoms are usually non specific, and its appearance in diagnostic images is of a solid mass with a cystic component. Even though a histological confirmation is necessary, the initial management is oriented based on the imaging findings. This article presents a case report of a 9 year old girl with the diagnosis of an embryonal hepatic sarcoma; a description is done of the main clinical, histological and imaging characteristics.

Comparison of unidimensional and bidimensional measurements in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Tumour response evaluation after chemotherapy has become crucial in the development of many drugs. In contrast to the standard bidimensional WHO criteria, the recently described Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors are based on unidimensional measurements. The aim of the present study was to compare both methods in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. One hundred and sixty-four patients treated with two cisplatin-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy schedules between June 1994 and December 2000 were analysed. The measurements were reviewed by an independent panel of radiologists. Patient characteristics were: median age of 55 years (range 24-77 years) and a male to female ratio of 129 : 35. Adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma were the most common histologies. Vinorelbine was the third drug used in 77 patients and gemcitabine in 87. The ratio unidimensional/bidimensional was as follows: response 85 : 85; stable disease 32 : 32; progression 47 : 42 and not assessable 0 : 5. Kappa for agreement between responders was 0.951 (95% CI: 0.795-1.0) (P<0.001). Both WHO criteria and Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors give similar results in assessing tumour response in patients with non-small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy. The unidimensional measurement could replace the more complex bidimensional one.

Paclitaxel, cisplatin, and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy within a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach in metastatic nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy combinations improve quality of life and survival in advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The emergence of new active drugs might translate into more effective regimens for the treatment of this disease. METHODS: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility, response rate, and toxicity of a paclitaxel, cisplatin, and gemcitabine combination to treat metastatic NSCLC. Thirty-five consecutive chemotherapy-naive patients with Stage IV NSCLC and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2 were treated with a combination of paclitaxel (135 mg/m(2) given intravenously in 3 hours) on Day 1, cisplatin (120 mg/m(2) given intravenously in 6 hours) on Day 1, and gemcitabine (800 mg/m(2) given intravenously in 30 minutes) on Days 1 and 8, every 4 weeks. Although responding patients were scheduled to receive consolidation radiotherapy and 24 patients received preplanned second-line chemotherapy after disease progression, the response and toxicity rates reported refer only to the chemotherapy regimen given. RESULTS: All the patients were examined for toxicity; 34 were examinable for response. An objective response was observed in 73.5% of the patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.6-87.1%), including 4 complete responses (11.7%). According to intention-to-treat, the overall response rate was 71.4% (95% CI, 53. 7-85.4%). After 154 courses of therapy, the median dose intensity was 131 mg/m(2) for paclitaxel (97.3%), 117 mg/m(2) for cisplatin (97.3%), and 1378 mg/m(2) for gemcitabine (86.2%). World Health Organization Grade 3-4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 39.9% and 11.4% of patients, respectively. There was one treatment-related death. Nonhematologic toxicities were mild. After a median follow-up of 22 months, the median progression free survival rate was 7 months, and the median survival time was 16 months. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and gemcitabine is well tolerated and shows high activity in metastatic NSCLC. This treatment merits further comparison with other cisplatin-based regimens.