Evaluating the impact of the learning curve on the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) is a technically difficult procedure. Our aim was to evaluate the potential impact of the learning curve (LC) on perioperative and pathological outcomes of RARC with ICUD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 62 consecutive patients who underwent RARC with ICUD for bladder cancer between 2015-2020. We compared 3 consecutive groups of 20 (G1), 20 (G2), and 22 (G3) patients to analyze the impact of the LC. G1 cases were performed by a senior surgeon experienced in robotic surgery, while G2-G3 were performed by 2 junior surgeons without experience under the mentorship of the senior surgeon. RESULTS: The 3 groups had similar clinical and pathological characteristics. A total of 15 patients (24%) received a neobladder and 47 (75%) an ileal conduit. The mean operative time decreased 60 min between G1-G3 (p = 0.001). No conversions to open approach or intraoperative complications were reported. There were no differences between groups regarding positive margin rates (p = 0.6) or the number of lymph nodes removed (p = 0.061). The postoperative complication rate was 77% and did not change during the LC (p = 0.49). Uretero-enteric stricture rate decreased from 25% in G1 to 9% in G3 (p = 0.217). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of junior surgeons to a RARC with ICUD program after the initial 20 cases does not have an impact on the perioperative and pathological outcomes of the procedure. The operative time and the uretero-enteric stricture rate could be reduced during the LC.

Evaluating the impact of the learning curve on the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion. / Análisis del impacto de la curva de aprendizaje de la cistectomía radical asistida por robot con derivación urinaria intracorpórea sobre los resultados perioperatorios.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) is a technically difficult procedure. Our aim was to evaluate the potential impact of the learning curve (LC) on perioperative and pathological outcomes of RARC with ICUD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 62 consecutive patients who underwent RARC with ICUD for bladder cancer between 2015-2020. We compared 3 consecutive groups of 20 (G1), 20 (G2), and 22 (G3) patients to analyze the impact of the LC. G1 cases were performed by a senior surgeon experienced in robotic surgery, while G2-G3 were performed by 2 junior surgeons without experience under the mentorship of the senior surgeon. RESULTS: The 3 groups had similar clinical and pathological characteristics. A total of 15 patients (24%) received a neobladder and 47 (75%) an ileal conduit. The mean operative time decreased 60minutes between G1-G3 (P=0.001). No conversions to open approach or intraoperative complications were reported. There were no differences between groups regarding positive margin rates (P=0.6) or the number of lymph nodes removed (P=0.061). The postoperative complication rate was 77% and did not change during the LC (P=0.49). Uretero-enteric stricture rate decreased from 25% in G1 to 9% in G3 (P=0.217). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of júnior surgeons to a RARC with ICUD program after the initial 20 cases does not have an impact on the perioperative and pathological outcomes of the procedure. The operative time and the uretero-enteric stricture rate could be reduced during the LC.

Evaluation of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery after 10 years of clinical application. / Evaluación de la cirugía de la catarata asistida con láser femtosegundo tras 10 años de aplicación clínica.

INTRODUCTION: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has been considered a technological advance in modern cataract surgery. After years of experience, it has been observed that clinical outcomes had more complications than expected at the beginning. The aim of this study is to compare the benefits and disadvantages of the FLACS technique with conventional cataract surgery. METHOD: The PubMed and Web of Science platforms were used to search for scientific literature. RESULTS: The FLACS has currently improved the surgical technique in terms of the shorter ultrasound time used and the lower loss of endothelial cells. Likewise, the centration of capsulotomy and the correction of astigmatism with arcuate incisions have also been improved. As disadvantages, are the high cost of the laser, the intraoperative capsular complications, the induction of intraoperative myosis, and the learning curve of the technique. CONCLUSIONS: The FLACS technique is considered beneficial for specific cases, such as patients with scheduled premium surgery, or with low endothelial cell count. However, it is believed that given the technological cost it is not a cost effective technique for most standard cases in our daily clinical practice.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes and complications of robot assisted radical cystectomy with extracorporeal vs intracorporeal urinary diversion. / Comparación de los resultados perioperatorios de la cistectomía radical asistida por robot con derivación urinaria extracorpórea vs. intracorpórea.

OBJECTIVES: To compare perioperative outcomes and complications of robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with extracorporeal (ECUD) vs. intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) for bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective revision of 43 patients who underwent RARC for bladder cancer between 2015-2018 with at least 3 months of follow-up. The analysis included the initial series of RARC performed by one surgeon with extensive experience in open radical cystectomy. RESULTS: Forty-three patients, 40 men (93%) and 3 women (7%), with a median age of 65 years (44-83) and mean follow-up of 27.7 months (±20.1) underwent RARC. A ECUD was performed in 22 cases (51%), of whom 10 were ileal conduits (45.5%) and 12 neobladders (54.5), and ICUD in 21 cases (49%), of whom 14 were ileal conduits (66.7%) and 7 neobladders (33.3%). Clinical and preoperative characteristics were similar in both groups. The median operative time was 360 minutes (240-540) and length of hospital stay was 12 days (7-73). Thirty-five patients (81%) had postoperative complications, of whom 10 (23%) were major. Operative time, peroperative complications, pathological stage, positive margins, and number of lymph nodes removed did not significantly differ among groups. Patients who underwent ECUD had a higher rate of uretero-ileal strictures than those with ICUD (45.5% vs. 14.3%, P=.026). Among the neobladders, the ECUD developed a higher rate of urethro-neobladder stricture than the ICUD (33% vs. 0%, P=.044). CONCLUSIONS: RARC with ICUD achieved peroperative outcomes and complication rates comparable than those with ECUD. The ICUD could reduce the risk of developing uretero-ileal and urethro-neobladder strictures.

The use of the acute Pd/Pa drop after intracoronary nitroglycerin infusion to rule out significant FFR: CANICA (Can intracoronary nitroglycerin predict fractional flow reserve without adenosine?) multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis is performed by measuring the fractional flow reserve (FFR) under hyperemic conditions (Adenosine). However, the use of adenosine portends limitations. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the relationship and correlation between FFR and the Pd/Pa value obtained just after the intracoronary infusion (acute drop) of nitroglycerin (Pd/Pa-NTG) and if this parameter enhances diagnostic accuracy for FFR prediction compared to the resting baseline Pd/Pa. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter study including prospectively patients presenting intermediate coronary artery stenosis (30-70%) evaluated with pressure wire. Resting baseline Pd/Pa, Pd/Pa-NTG and FFR were measured. RESULTS: 283 patients (335 lesions) were included. Resting baseline Pd/Pa value was 0.72 to 1.0 (0.93 ± 0.04), Pd/Pa-NTG was 0.60 to 1.0 (0.87 ± 0.07) and FFR 0.55 to 1.0 (0.83 ± 0.08). The ROC curves for resting baseline Pd/Pa and for Pd/Pa-NTG, using a FFR ≤ 0.80 showed an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.92, P < 0.001) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96, P < 0.001) respectively. The optimal cutoff values of resting baseline Pd/Pa and Pd/Pa-NTG for an FFR > 0.80, were >0.96 and >0.88, respectively. These values were present in a 29.8% (n = 100) and a 47.1% (n = 158), of the total lesions. Scatter plots showed a better correlation and agreement points with Pd/Pa-NTG than resting baseline Pd/Pa. The cutoff value of Pd/Pa-NTG > 0.88 showed an excellent NPV (96.2% for FFR > 0.8 and 100% for FFR > 0.75) and sensitivity (95% for FFR > 0.8 and 100% for FFR > 0.75) which were consistently high across all the subgroups analysis. CONCLUSION: The cutoff value of acute Pd/Pa-NTG > 0.88 has a high NPV meaning adenosine-FFR can be avoided in almost half of lesions.

[Physical activity programmes to reduce overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; a systematic review]. / Programas de actividad física para reducir sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes; revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity treatment has been the subject of much controversy; various authors have recommended the application of a comprehensive treatment programme, and in the light of this previous research, we consider the question of what is the most effective programme of physical activity to reduce overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. AIMS: To analyse major studies on the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. METHOD: Systematic review of the results of physical activity programmes, published in scientific articles, to reduce overweight and obesity. Using an automated database search in PubMed and Google Scholar, conducted from October 2013 to March 2014, we identified 85 valid items. In selecting the items, the criteria applied included the usefulness and relevance of the subject matter and the credibility or experience of the research study authors. The internal and external validity of each of the articles reviewed was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirmed the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The most effective programmes were those combining aerobic and anaerobic exercises. It is generally accepted that at least 180 minutes per week should be dedicated to exercise, in the form of three 60-minute sessions of moderate intensity. Such programmes could be sufficient for persons with overweight or obesity. Researchers in this field agree that when a diet based on an appropriate distribution of meals is combined with regular physical activity, they reinforce each other, and thus optimum results are obtained. Weight reduction programmes that take account of family involvement are more effective than nutrition education itself or other routine interventions that fail to consider family involvement. The role of pa rents and of the persons around the child or adolescent is essential to reinforce positive behaviour toward lifestyle change.

Introducción: El tratamiento contra la obesidad ha sido muy discutido y varios autores abogan por un tratamiento integral de la obesidad. Todos los referentes conducen a plantear ¿cuál es el programa de actividad física más efectivo para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad de niños y adolescentes? Objetivo: Analizar los principales estudios sobre la eficacia de la actividad física para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad de niños y adolescentes. Método: Revisión sistemática de los resultados de programas de actividad física para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad publicados en artículos científicos. Se identificaron 85 artículos a través de la búsqueda automatizada en las bases de datos PUBMED y Google Scholar; se llevó a cabo entre los meses de octubre de 2013 y marzo de 2014. Para seleccionar los artículos fue preciso considerar la utilidad y la relevancia del tema estudiado y la credibilidad o experiencia de los autores en la temática. Se tuvo en cuenta la validez interna y externa de cada uno de los artículos revisados. Conclusiones: Se identificó la efectividad de la actividad física para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad de niños y adolescentes. El programa de actividad física más efectivo es el que combina ejercicios aeróbicos y anaeróbicos. Existe consenso en acumular más de 180 minutos a la semana dedicados a estos fines, con 3 sesiones de 60 minutos cada una de ejercicio físico a la semana. De una intensidad moderada, podrían ser suficientes para ejecutar un programa de ejercicio físico para esas personas con sobrepeso y obesidad. Coinciden los autores en que, cuando se combina una dieta controlada por una adecuada distribución de las comidas y con la práctica de actividad física, se potencian mutuamente, con lo que se obtie nen los mejores resultados. Los programas de reducción de peso que tengan en cuenta la participación familiar son más eficaces que la propia educación alimentaria y otras intervenciones de rutina que no consideren esa participación familiar. El rol de los padres y de las personas que rodean al niño y al adolescente es fundamental para reforzar las conductas positivas hacia el cambio de estilo de vida.

Sonographically guided triamcinolone injection for the treatment of chronic post-operative mammillary fistula.

We describe ultrasound-guided intralesional triamcinolone (ILT) injection for the management of chronic post-operative mammillary fistula (MF). Seven patients with chronic post-operative intraglandular MF were enrolled in this study. The initial response to treatment was assessed as complete in three cases; of the remaining four, three were resolved successfully with an additional ILT injection and the other had no resolution with an additional ILT injection. In five cases there was no recurrence after more than 1 year of follow-up. One patient had recurrence at 7 months, which was treated with a further ILT injection; this patient is without recurrence after a further 9 months' follow-up. This simple, safe procedure is suggested as an option for the treatment of chronic post-operative intraglandular MF and may be an alternative to surgery.

Cambios mínimos esofágicos: ¿desapercibidos en la video endoscopia de pacientes con enfermedad de reflujo gastroesofágico no erosiva? / Esophagus minimal changes: unobserved in the video-endoscopy of patients with non erosive gastroesophageal reflux?

La mayoría de pacientes con enfermedad de reflujo gastroesofágico no tienen lesiones erosivas en esófago. Los cambios mínimos esofágicos que incluyen alteraciones blancas, rojizas, edematosas y/o acantósicas usualmente no percibidos durante la endoscopia se incluyen en Japón como parte de la enfermedad de reflujo no erosiva. Previo consentimiento se incluyeron a los individuos con síntomas de reflujo gastroesofágico y se compararon con un grupo sin éstos. Se utilizó equipo Fujinon HR250. La endoscopia se grabó en DVD y de rutina se fotografió la unión Esófago Gástrica y la Escamo Columnar. Se empleó la clasificación de Los Ángeles modificada por los japoneses que incluye Cambios Mínimos Esofágicos. Se practicó endoscopia digestiva superior en 146 pacientes 86 hombres y 60 mujeres con rango de edad 15-83 años y promedio 38,71 años. Se diferenciaron tres grupos: I) Sin cambios esofágicos, II) Con cambios esofágicos erosivos y III) Con cambios mínimos esofágicos. Los Cambios Mínimos Esofágicos se pudieron haber reportado en 53,44% y en 36,66% de pacientes con y sin síntomas de reflujo gastroesofágico respectivamente. Los Cambios Mínimos Esofágicos son frecuentes y pasan desapercibidos si no sabemos que investigar y no insistimos en buscarlos en pacientes con Enfermedad de Reflujo No Erosiva...

Most patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease do not show erosive lesions in the esophagus. The esophagus minimal changes, which include white, reddish, edematous and/or acanthotic disturbances, are usually not perceived during endoscopic procedure and in Japan are included as part of the non erosive reflux disease. With prior consent, subjects with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux were included, and were compared with a group without said symptoms. Fujinon HR250 equipment was used. The endoscopy was recorded on DVD and, routinely, photographs of the gastroesophageal and the squamous columnar junctions were taken. Los Angeles classification was used, as modified by the Japanese which includes Esophagus Minimal Changes. Upper digestive endoscopy was used in 146 patients: 86 men and 60 women, with ages ranging between 15 and 83, and an average of 38.71. Three groups were distinguished: I) Without changes in the esophagus; II) With erosive changes in the esophagus; and III) With esophagus minimal changes. Esophagus Minimal Changes might be reported in 53.44% and in 36.66% of patients with and without gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, respectively. Esophagus Minimal Changes are frequent but are unobserved if researcher does not know what the investigation must be on and if researcher does not insist in looking for them in patients with a diagnosis of Non Erosive Reflux Disease...

Utilidad del acido acético en la endoscopia del esófago / Utility of acetic acid in esophagus endoscopy

El Acido Acético produce desnaturalización intracelular reversible de las proteínas citoplasmáticas. Al ser rociado en Esófago distal a nivel de la Unión Escamo Columnar permite con el video endoscopio de alta resolución, la detección de áreas no visibles de Epitelio Columnar y resalta la unión Escamo Columnar. Previo consentimiento se incluyeron a los individuos que tenían indicación de endoscopia digestiva superior. El procedimiento endoscópico se realizó con equipo Fujinon HR250. Se instiló a través del canal de biopsia, con catéter de polietileno, los 5cm distales del tercio inferior del esófago, 5cc-10cc de Acido Acético al 5%, seguido de lavado con 20cc de agua a temperatura ambiente. En todos los casos se observó blanquecimiento de la zona irrigada con Acido Acético. Casi inmediatamente se identificó la demarcación de la Unión Escamo Columnar. La porción gástrica proximal y el Epitelio Columnar en Esófago se enrojecieron al lavar con agua permitiendo observar el Patrón Pit resaltado y magnificado. No hubo efectos adversos durante ni después del procedimiento. El Acido Acético es un método fácil, rápido, seguro y barato que en Esófago resalta la Unión Escamo Columnar, aumenta la detección e identificación de Epitelio Columnar y de su Patrón Pit...

Acetic Acid produces reversible intracellular denaturalization of cytoplasmic proteins. When sprayed at distal esophagus, at squamous columnar junction, by using a high-resolution endoscopy video, it allows the detection of non-visible areas of the columnar epithelium and highlights the squamous columnar junction. After letting them know, subjects who had been prescribed an upper digestive endoscopy were included. The equipment used to perform the endoscopic procedure was Fujinon HR250. 5-10cc 5% acetic acid was instilled with a polyethylene catheter through the biopsia channel in the distal 5cm of the esophagus further washed away by water at room temperature. Whitening of the acetic-acid-irrigated zone was observed in all cases. Almost immediately the squamous columnar junction demarcation was identified. The proximal gastric portion and the esophagus columnar epithelium were reddened with the water washing, allowing a highlighted and enhanced pit pattern to be observed. No adverse effects showed during or after the procedure. Acetic acid is an easy, rapid, safe, and inexpensive that, in the esophagus, highlights the squamous columnar junction, improves the detection and identification of the columnar epithelium and of its pit pattern as well...

Digoxin and digoxin-like immunoreactive factors (DLIF) modulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin and their endogenous counterpart digoxin-like immunoreactive factor (DLIF) may possess anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS: Pro-inflammatory cytokines from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured by ELISA using specific antibodies. Immunocytochemistry was used to localize NF-K: B. RESULTS: Non-stimulated PBMC constitutively secreted minimum amounts of cytokines. LPS (1 mg/L) stimulation lead to steep increases in TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations with peak rises at 8 h. An 8 h delay was observed for IL-10. Increases in IL-10 were sustained for18 h period. Significant inhibition (P > 0.05) of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 at non-toxic of digoxin concentration (< 100 nM) and DLIF (10 nM digoxin equivalent (de)) was observed whereas no such effect was seen for IL-10. Inhibition of the degradation of activated NF-K: B in the PBMC was observed with the indicated concentrations of digoxin, DLIF or Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). CONCLUSION: Digoxin and DLIF inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines from PBMC via NF-K: B-dependent pathway suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis. Related to a case]. / Pancreatitis autoinmune. A propósito de un caso.

Autoimmune pancreatitis is an entity that has recently been included in the differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis-pancreatic mass. The presence of diffuse, irregular Wirsung's duct stenosis, together with high levels of IgG4, the existence of certain autoantibodies and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the pancreas are key factors in the diagnosis. An early diagnostic suspicion and multidisciplinary collaboration are vital in these cases to avoid unnecessary surgery as the differential diagnosis is established with such entities as pancreas cancer, chronic pancreatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis has an excellent response to steroid therapy, with complete resolution of clinical, analytical and radiological parameters, as occurred in our patient. The very few cases reported so far suggest the need for the elaboration of long-term follow-up studies to determine the prognosis and frequency of its association with other diseases.

[Urgent retinal detachment management by the National Health System of Spain. Project Retina 2]. / Manejo de los desprendimientos de retina regmatógenos urgentes en el Sistema Nacional de Salud de España. Proyecto Retina 2.

OBJECTIVE: To identify problems in the urgent management of retinal detachments (RD) in hospitals of the Spanish National Health System (NHS). METHODS: A questionnaire was submitted confidentially to the heads of Ophthalmic Departments of 217 hospitals of the NHS to obtain information on the management of urgent RD during the last year. Data was stored in a Microsoft Access database and statistically analyzed by Excel and Statgraphics. Qualitative variables were analyzed by Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests and quantitative variables by the Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS: A global response rate of 54.8% was achieved with higher participation of the Teaching Hospitals (TH). District Hospital and non-Teaching Hospital responses were similar and grouped as non-TH. Eighteen percent of centers, mostly non-TH, had no ophthalmologist on duty. Thirty-six percent had a vitreoretinal specialist on call. Eighty percent of centres admitted to have problems handling urgent RD during weekends. Twenty-four had no ophthalmic surgical theatre available. Fifty percent referred to have problems having an anaesthesiologist available and only 22% had ophthalmic trained personnel (nurses) available. Sixty-four percent of centres performed pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and 77% of those were able to perform an urgent PPV. Ninety percent admitted that a patient with a macula-threatening RD occurring at the beginning of the week-end would not be treated until at least 24 hours had elapsed, although 84% considered this to be inadequate. CONCLUSION: Despite the methodological problems and bias of this questionnaire, we did identify several important problems in the management of urgent RD by NHS hospitals. The data obtained provides useful information to enable the quality of the NHS care of RD to be improved, particularly that available at the week-end.

[Consensus meeting on selective biopsy of the sentinel node in breast cancer. Spanish Society of Senology and Breast Disease]. / Reunión de Consenso sobre la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en el cáncer de mama. Sociedad Española de Senología y Patología Mamaria.

Selective biopsy of the sentinel node is a useful diagnostic technique in the management of breast cancer that has been introduced into the clinical practice and is widely used and accepted. Based on its results, adequate staging can be made with less associated morbidity. However, at present, there are many methodological variations in how it is done that are pending to be answered in on-going trials and investigations. This involves making Consensus Meetings to try to homogenize the aspects related with the method and indication of the technique. The conclusions of the Consensus Meeting held in Murcia and organized by The Spanish Society of Senology and Breast Disease are expressed in this document.

Malignant melanomas of the nasolacrimal duct.

Two patients with a history of epistaxis who were both found to have a nasolacrimal duct melanoma are presented. A literature review revealed that no previous cases of primary nasolacrimal duct melanoma have been reported. Current therapeutic modalities are discussed.