Thrombocytosis and Hyponatremia as Predictors of Complicated Acute Appendicitis: Predictors of Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple serologic markers have been studied to predict complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) (C-reactive protein and procalcitonin); these increase health care costs and are not always available in medical centers in Mexico. There is a need for low-cost serologic markers to predict CAA and guide the preoperative management of patients. Our objective was to analyze the predictive value of hyponatremia and thrombocytosis for complicated acute appendicitis. METHODS: We analyzed 274 patients with AA surgically treated and divided them into two groups: the CAA group and the uncomplicated AA group. We compared the serum values of sodium and platelet blood counts on presentation in the emergency room between the two groups and the proportion of patients with hyponatremia and/or thrombocytosis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed for the two biochemical markers. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for complicated appendicitis in the presence of hyponatremia and thrombocytosis. RESULTS: We found 87 patients with CAA and 187 with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Patients with CAA presented with lower serum sodium values and higher platelet counts than uncomplicated patients. Hyponatremia was found in 54.8% of complicated patients and 29.2% in the uncomplicated group. Thrombocytosis was present in 11.6% of the complicated group and 3.2% in uncomplicated patients. We found a specificity and positive predictive value of 100% for complicated appendicitis in patients with hyponatremia and thrombocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with abdominal pain and suspected acute appendicitis, the presence of hyponatremia and thrombocytosis is a strong predictive tool for the complicated disease. This is the first study to analyze the association between thrombocytosis and complicated appendicitis.

Frailty index as a predictive preoperative tool in the elder population undergoing major abdominal surgery: a prospective analysis of clinical utility.

PURPOSE: The geriatric population has increased considerably in the last decades. Such increases come along with new challenges for surgical practitioners, who now face a risen number of frail patients in need of major operations. The value of frailty indexes in this setting has been discussed recently. This study assessed the modified Rockwood frailty index (mRFI) as a predictive tool for postoperative complications in older adults subjected to major abdominal operations and correlated it with other scores widely utilized for this purpose. METHODS: We performed a prospective study utilizing the mRFI including all patients older than 65 years subjected to major abdominal surgery between May 2017 and May 2019 in a third-level academic center. A comparison between frail (mRFI >0.25) and non-frail patients (mRFI <0.25) was performed. We performed logistic regression to identify predictors of postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. We analyzed the correlation between mRFI and ACS-NSQIP, P-POSSUM, PMP, and Charlson score risk calculators. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients were included in our study, of whom 49 (35%) were identified as frail. Frail patients demonstrated significantly prolonged hospital stay (p<.0001), ICU admission rates (p=0.004), hospital readmissions (p=0.007), and higher mortality rates (p=0.02). Our univariate analysis associated frailty (mRFI>0.25), ASA >III, increased age, and BMI with postoperative complications. In our multivariate analysis, frailty remained an independent predictor for postoperative complications (OR 6.38, 95% CI [2.45-16.58], p<0.001). Frailty was also associated with length of stay (LOS) regardless of the type of surgery (OR 3.35, 95% CI [0.37-6.33], p= 0.03). mRFI>0.25 demonstrated a sensitivity (Se) of 70% and specificity (Sp) 67% with area under the curve (AUC) 0.75 for perioperative complications, Se 69% and Sp 70% with AUC 0.74 for ICU admissions, and Se 83% and Sp 68% with AUC 0.83 for mortality. CONCLUSION: Frail patients demonstrated significantly prolonged hospital stay, ICU admission rates, hospital readmissions, and higher mortality rates. mRFI is an independent predictor for perioperative complications with a Se of 70% and Sp 67% and AUC 0.75.

Establishing consensus on the perioperative management of cholecystectomy in public hospitals: a Delphi study with an expert panel in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Several guidelines have put forward recommendations about the perioperative process of cholecystectomy. Despite the recommendations, controversy remains concerning several topics, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to develop uniform recommendations for perioperative practices in cholecystectomy in Mexico to standardize this process and save public health system resources. METHODS: A modified Delphi method was used. An expert panel of 23 surgeons anonymously completed two rounds of responses to a 29-item questionnaire with 110 possible answers. The consensus was assessed using the percentage of responders agreeing on each question. RESULTS: From the 29 questions, the study generated 27 recommendations based on 20 (69.0%) questions reaching consensus, one that was considered uncertain (3.4%), and six (20.7%) items that remained open questions. In two (6.9%) cases, no consensus was reached, and no recommendation could be made. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides recommendations for the perioperative management of cholecystectomy in public hospitals in Mexico. As a guide for public institutions in low- and middle-income countries, the study identifies recommendations for perioperative tests and evaluations, perioperative decision making, postoperative interventions and institutional investment, that might ensure the safe practice of cholecystectomy and contribute to conserving resources.

Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Bacterial Colonization of Surgical Drains with the Use of Chlorhexidine-Coated Dressings After Breast Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Breast surgery is considered a clean surgery. However, surgical-site infection (SSI) rates are currently higher than predicted. Postoperative drains remain in situ for several days, with inevitable bacterial colonization and increased SSI risk. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial from October 2016 to January 2018 analyzed patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. The patients were randomized to either the standard drain care group or the antiseptic dressing group (3M® Tegaderm® CHG). Drain samples taken on postoperative days (PODs) 7 and 14 were cultured as standardized in the laboratory. Colonization rates and SSI were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The study enrolled 104 patients with 167 surgical drains. The patients' clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups, with no statistically significant differences. Bulb fluid cultures at postoperative week (POW) 1 were positive for 42.9% of the control group and 28.9% of the antiseptic group (p = 0.06). Cultures from the POW 2 assessment were positive for 79.7% of the control group versus 54.9% of the antiseptic group (p = 0.001). Cultures from drain tubes were positive for 79.8% of the control group and 50.7% of the antiseptic group (p = < 0.001). In 11 patients, an SSI developed, 3 (5.8%) from the intervention and 8 (15.4%) from the control procedure (p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrated that the use of antiseptics at the drain exit site significantly reduced bacterial colonization of the closed drainage system in breast cancer surgery. Semi-permeable occlusive chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings provide an opportunity to test simple, safe, and low-cost interventions that may reduce drain bacterial colonization and SSI after breast surgery.

II. THE RESEARCH ETHICS INVOLVING VULNERABLE GROUPS.

Vulnerability in research occurs when the participant is incapable of protecting his or her interests and therefore, has an increased probability of being intentionally or unintentionally harmed. This manuscript aims to discuss the conditions that make a group vulnerable and the tools and requirements that can be used to reduce the ethical breaches when including them in research protocols. The vulnerability can be due either to an inability to understand and give informed consent or to unequal power relationships that hinder basic rights. Excluding subjects from research for the only reason of belonging to a vulnerable group is unethical and will bias the results of the investigation. To consider a subject or group as vulnerable depends on the context, and the investigator should evaluate each case individually.

I. THE ROLE OF RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEES IN OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL REGISTRIES, CASE REPORTS, INTERVIEWS, AND RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES.

It is often unclear to the clinical investigator whether observational studies should be submitted to a research ethics committee (REC), mostly because, in general, no active or additional interventions are performed. Moreover, obtaining an informed consent under these circumstances may be challenging, either because these are very large epidemiological registries, or the subject may no longer be alive, is too ill to consent, or is impossible to contact after being discharged. Although observational studies do not involve interventions, they entail ethical concerns, including threats such as breaches in confidentiality and autonomy, and respect for basic rights of the research subjects according to the good clinical practices. In this context, in addition to their main function as evaluators from an ethical, methodological, and regulatory point of view, the RECs serve as mediators between the research subjects, looking after their basic rights, and the investigator or institution, safeguarding them from both legal and unethical perils that the investigation could engage, by ensuring that all procedures are performed following the international standards of care for research. The aim of this manuscript is to provide information on each type of study and its risks, along with actions to prevent such risks, and the function of RECs in each type of study.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Increases R0 Cytoreduction Rate But Does Not Improve Final Outcome in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Most epithelial ovarian cancers present in advanced stages. Traditional management is maximum cytoreductive effort followed by platinum-taxane-based chemotherapy. We hypothesized that providing all chemotherapy before surgery will increase the R0 cytoreductive rate and improve prognosis. METHODS: Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages IIIC and IV without parenchymal metastasis] were included in a comparative study. Group A underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by six cycles of chemotherapy, and group B completed six cycles of preoperative systemic therapy followed by cytoreduction. Demographic, clinical, surgical and pathologic variables were recorded and analyzed. Main outcome end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Complete cytoreduction (R0) was defined as absence of macroscopic disease. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for survival analysis and univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred five patients were included: 42 in group A and 63 in group B. Mean patient age was 56 years (range 32-85 years). There were no significant differences between groups regarding demographic, clinical, surgical or pathologic variables. Surgical morbidity was low and not different between groups and there was no surgical mortality. R0 cytoreduction was obtained in 35.5 versus 64.5% in groups A and B, respectively. Median PFS and OS for the entire cohort were 16.17 and 38 months, respectively. Median PFS were 14.71 and 17.52 months for groups A and B, respectively (p = NS), and OS were 33.59 and 56.4 months for groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.08). Factors significantly associated with decreased survival on multivariate analysis were non-R0 resection (p < 0.001), anemia (Hb < 12 g/dL; p = 0.004) and comorbidities (Charlson score > 2; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of nearly doubling the rate of complete cytoreduction and reduce severe surgical complications, preoperative chemotherapy does not improve long-term outcome in advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Primary breast cancer cell culture yields intra-tumor heterogeneous subpopulations expressing exclusive patterns of receptor tyrosine kinases.

BACKGROUND: It has become evident that intra-tumor heterogeneity of breast cancer impact on several biological processes such as proliferation, migration, cell death and also might contribute to chemotherapy resistance. The expression of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) has not been analyzed in the context of intra-tumor heterogeneity in a primary breast cancer cell culture. Several subpopulations were isolated from the MBCDF (M serial-breast cancer ductal F line) primary breast cancer cells and were successfully maintained in culture and divided in two groups according to their morphology and RTKs expression pattern, and correlated with biological processes like proliferation, migration, anchorage-independent cell growth, and resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). METHODS: Subpopulations were isolated from MBCDF primary breast cancer cell culture by limiting dilution. RTKs and hormone receptors were examined by Western blot. Proliferation was measure by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT assay). Cell viability was evaluated by Crystal Violet. Migration was assessed using Boyden chambers. Anchorage-independent cell growth was evaluated by colony formation in soft agar. RESULTS: Several subpopulations were isolated from the MBCDF breast cancer cells that were divided into two groups according to their morphology. Analysis of RTKs expression pattern showed that HER1, HER3, c-Met and VEGFR2 were expressed exclusively in cells from group 1, but not in cells from group 2. PDGFR was expressed only in cells from group 2, but not in cells from group 1. HER2, HER4, c-Kit, IGF1-R were expressed in all subpopulations. Biological processes correlated with the RTKs expression pattern. Group 2 subpopulations present the highest rate of cell proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent cell growth. Analysis of susceptibility to chemotherapy drugs and TKIs showed that only Paclitaxel and Imatinib behaved differently between groups. Group 1-cells were resistant to both Paclitaxel and Imatinib. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that subpopulations from MBCDF primary cell culture could be divided into two groups according to their morphology and a RTKs excluding-expression pattern. The differences observed in RTKs expression correlate with the biological characteristics and chemoresistance of each group. These results suggest that intra-tumor heterogeneity contributes to generate groups of subpopulations with a more aggressive phenotype within the tumor.

Morbidity and mortality following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at a tertiary care center: initial experience.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases progression-free and overall survival in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendicular or colorectal origin. The morbidity associated with this procedure is significant (30-52%). This modality is also routinely used in other peritoneal diseases with improvement of outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze the morbidity and mortality associated with this procedure. MATERIAL & METHODS: Thirteen patients had cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in a period from May 2011 to March 2013 and were followed up prospectively. Demographic, pathologic, and surgical variables were recorded. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to assess surgical complications. The main outcome variable was 30-day morbidity and mortality. Descriptive statics were used. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 52.4 ± 11.1 years. The most common diagnosis was epithelial ovarian cancer (46.2%). Most patients had an adequate preoperative functional status (77% with ECOG 0). Mean hospital stay was 13.5 ± 11.2 days and 2.7 ± 4.2 days in the intensive care unit. Major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III or IV) observed in this series was 23%, with 0% mortality. CONCLUSION: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a feasible option with acceptable morbidity and mortality for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis in Mexico.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as predictor of surgical mortality and survival in complex surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a marker of inflammatory response and as a prognostic tool in surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of high preoperative NLR (> 4.5) as predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with upper gastrointestinal tract resection, and survival in cancer patients. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract surgery from 2007 to 2012. Variables associated with morbidity, mortality, and survival were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: 548 patients were included. The most common surgical procedures were Whipple (44.3%) and gastrectomy (30.7%). Surgical morbidity was 40.5% and mortality 6.4%. Factors associated with significant surgical complications were: low body mass index, AJCC stage ≥ III and ASA ≥ III. Factors associated with mortality were older patient age, high NLR, AJCC stage ≥ III, ASA ≥ III, blood transfusion and Charlson > 4. On multivariate analysis, only high NLR and Charlson > 4 remained significant. High NLR was significantly associated with reduced survival in patients with malignant neoplasms (three-year survival 76.1 vs. 65.7%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: High preoperative NLR appears to be a biomarker to predict surgical mortality and survival in patients undergoing complex surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Randomized Phase II Study of Talc Versus Iodopovidone for the Prevention of Seroma Formation Following Modified Radical Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: The most common complication following modified radical mastectomy is seroma formation. Numerous approaches have been attempted to prevent this complication, ranging from the use of chemical substances to mechanical means, and none of these have proven to be consistently reliable. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of talc in preventing postoperative seromas compared with iodine and standard care. METHODS: Patients with breast cancer undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomly assigned to one of three study groups: control, subcutaneous talc, or iodine application. The primary endpoint was frequency of seroma formation. Secondary outcomes included wound complications (surgical site infection, flap necrosis, and wound dehiscence), analgesic use, postoperative pain, total drain outputs, and drainage duration. RESULTS: Of the 86 patients randomized in the study, 80 were analyzed. After interim analysis, the iodine intervention was discontinued because of increased adverse outcomes (drainage duration and total amount of fluid drained). Talc failed to demonstrate that its application in subcutaneous breast tissue prevents seroma formation (19.4% for talc group vs. 23.3% for control group; p = 0.70). However, patients who developed seroma in the talc group had fewer aspirations per patient seroma and less volume drained when compared with the control group (88.2 ± 73 vs. 158.3 ± 90.5; p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous talc application was safe in the short term, but there was not sufficient evidence to support its use for seroma prevention following modified radical mastectomy in patients with breast cancer.

Calcitriol restores antiestrogen responsiveness in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells: a potential new therapeutic approach.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of breast tumors do not express the estrogen receptor (ER) α, which is necessary for endocrine therapy approaches. Studies are ongoing in order to restore ERα expression in ERα-negative breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine if calcitriol induces ERα expression in ER-negative breast cancer cells, thus restoring antiestrogen responses. METHODS: Cultured cells derived from ERα-negative breast tumors and an ERα-negative breast cancer cell line (SUM-229PE) were treated with calcitriol and ERα expression was assessed by real time PCR and western blots. The ERα functionality was evaluated by prolactin gene expression analysis. In addition, the effects of antiestrogens were assessed by growth assay using the XTT method. Gene expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1), and Ether-à-go-go 1 (EAG1) was also evaluated in cells treated with calcitriol alone or in combination with estradiol or ICI-182,780. Statistical analyses were determined by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Calcitriol was able to induce the expression of a functional ERα in ER-negative breast cancer cells. This effect was mediated through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), since it was abrogated by a VDR antagonist. Interestingly, the calcitriol-induced ERα restored the response to antiestrogens by inhibiting cell proliferation. In addition, calcitriol-treated cells in the presence of ICI-182,780 resulted in a significant reduction of two important cell proliferation regulators CCND1 and EAG1. CONCLUSIONS: Calcitriol induced the expression of ERα and restored the response to antiestrogens in ERα-negative breast cancer cells. The combined treatment with calcitriol and antiestrogens could represent a new therapeutic strategy in ERα-negative breast cancer patients.

Robotic versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a comparative study in a high-volume center.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has become more popular in recent years. The da Vinci robot is one of the new technologies the use of which has gained popularity in a host of different specialties. Originally used in cardiac surgery, marked increases in utilization have been seen in urology, gynecology, and thoracic surgery. Use in general surgical procedures has now become more common. The objective benefits of the robot are unclear compared to those of laparoscopy in many procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the benefits and disadvantages of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for adrenalectomy in a high-volume center compared to routine laparoscopic techniques. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive adrenalectomy in a tertiary referral center at the University of Alabama Birmingham. Demographic, clinical, histopathological, and surgical variables were recorded. Patients were divided in two groups: laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RA). Groups were compared using the χ(2) test for categorical variables and Student's t-test for continuous variables. Significance was considered p < 0.05. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included, with 30 patients in each group. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to demographic variables except there were more pheochromocytoma patients in the LA group than in the RA group (13/30 vs. 5/30, respectively; p = 0.02). This study demonstrated increased operative time in the robotic group (190 ± 33 min) versus the laparoscopic group (160 ± 41 min) (p = 0.003). There was a trend for less blood loss in RA versus LA (30 ± 5 ml vs. 55 ± 74 ml; p = 0.07). There was no mortality. Morbidity and length of hospital stay were similar for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic adrenalectomy is as safe and technically feasible as laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Subjective benefits for the surgeon with robot-assisted surgery include three-dimensional operative view, ergonomically comfortable position, and elimination of the surgeon's tremor. The operating time is significantly longer but patient outcomes are similar to those of the laparoscopic technique.

Infrarenal transcaval extraction of intracardiac leiomyomatosis.

Intravascular leiomyomatosis is a rare, histologically benign disease, and can spread through the venous system to the right cavities of the heart. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with intravenous leiomyomatosis with extension to the right ventricle, causing heart failure. She underwent surgery successfully, undergoing a total resection of this tumor through the infrarenal cava and the hysterectomy in one surgical stage. Surgical technique considerations are discussed and the literature is reviewed.

[Phyllodes tumor of the breast: clinicopathologic analysis of 22 cases]. / Tumor filodes de la mama. Anláisis clínico e histopatológico de 22 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Phyllodes tumors of the breast are uncommon fibroepithelial neoplasms that have potential for recurrence. They are classified as benign, borderline, and malignant, based on a constellation of histologic characteristics that includes the degree of stromal hypercellularity, cytologic atypia and mitotic activity. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and pathological features of 22 women treated at a referral center in Mexico City. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of women with phyllodes tumors of the breast treated at our institution between 1998 and 2011. Age, tumor size, surgical method, stromal cellular atypia, mitotic activity, stromal overgrowth, histological classification and surgical margin status were analyzed to determine their possible association with tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Mean patient age at presentation was 42 years. Ten of them (43.5%) had late menarche. Six patients (27.27%) used hormones. Twenty patients (91%) had tumor detected by self-examination. Mean size of the lesion was 7.4 cm. Most lesions were located in the upper outer quadrant (77.3%) and in the left breast (59.1%). Fourteen patients (63.6%) were treated with conservative surgery. Three patients (13.6%) presented local recurrence, two as benign tumors and one patient with two recurrences, first as benign tumor thereafter as malignant phyllodes tumor at 72 and 108 months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: . In our study, surgical positive margin status is the main prognostic factor for recurrence.

Factors associated with breast symmetry after breast conserving surgery for cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is the standard of care for treatment of early breast cancer. Factors associated with poor cosmetic results are not well described. The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors associated with breast asymmetry after BCS for invasive breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent unilateral BCS for invasive breast cancer and completed at least six months after radiation therapy were included. After informed consent, patients answered a validated questionnaire for breast symmetry. Demographic, clinical-pathological and surgical variables were recorded. Bilateral breast volume was measured in office and volume difference > 20% was considered objective asymmetry. Variables were analyzed with χ(2) test and significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirtythree patients were included. Mean patient age was 56 ± 9 years. Most patients were married (78%) with educational level of high school or greater (50.8%). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25 ± 8. Twelve percent of patients underwent ≥ 2 surgical procedures. Eighty-one percent of patients had tumors > 1 cm. Twenty-two percent of patients had objective breast asymmetry and 27% perceived themselves with asymmetry. There were no significant relationship between objective and subjective asymmetry. The only variable significantly associated with perception of breast asymmetry was educational level ≥ high school. CONCLUSIONS: There was no relationship between subjective and objective breast asymmetry after BCS, suggesting that cosmetic results are mainly related to patient subjective perception. The only variable associated with subjective breast asymmetry was high educational level, possibly because higher cosmetic expectations in this group of patients.

Glisson's capsule blistering after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a treatment option after cytorreduction of certain types of malignancies with peritoneal spread. Blistering of the Glisson's capsule has not been previously reported as a consequence of this treatment modality. Patient do not experiment any associated morbidity.

[Role of surgery in metastatic breast cancer]. / Papel de la cirugía en pacientes con cáncer de mama metastásico.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in Mexican women and very often patients present with advanced stages. Patients with metastatic breast cancer have limited therapeutic options and the mainstay of treatment in this disease stage is systemic chemotherapy Traditionally, the role of surgery in this context is limited to symptom palliation. The increase in efficiency of chemotherapy drugs and the new endocrine and molecular targeted therapy has prolonged the life expectancy of this group of patients and has expanded surgical indications beyond palliation. Some recent institutional reports suggest increasing survival of patients who undergo resection of limited metastatic disease. On another hand, there are reports of survival benefit when the primary tumor is removed even in presence of metastatic disease. We conducted a systematic review of the literature with the objective to analyze the role of surgery in the multidisciplinary management of metastatic breast cancer in order to improve the prognosis of this increasing group of patients.

Risk Factors Associated to Residual Tumor in Re-excision for Positive Margins in Breast Conservative Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Breast conservative surgery (BCS) is an adequate treatment for patients with early breast cancer. Local recurrence is associated with diverse factors. Our objective was to evaluate risk factors associated with finding residual tumor in patients with positive margins in BCS. METHODS: Observational retrospective study, including patients diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing BCS between 2000 and 2016. Clinicopathological and treatment variables were collected. Main outcome was the finding of residual tumor on re-excision. Positive margins were defined as tumor present on ink. RESULTS: Three hundred and six patients underwent BCS. Mean age was 57 ± 12.2 years. Positive margins were found in 84 (27.4%) patients, 15 (4.9%) had unknown margin status, and 207 (67.6%) had negative margins. Seventy-eight patients from the positive margin group and 23 patients from the unknown/negative margin group were reintervened. Residual tumor was present in 41% of patients with positive margins and in 45% of patients with negative margins (P = .192). In univariate analysis, overweight (P = .04) and positive axillary lymph nodes (P = .02) were associated with residual tumor on re-excision. In multivariate analysis, postmenopausal status was a protective factor (HR .047, P = .30). Mean follow-up was 58.4 months and mean local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was 56.4 months (.1-203.2), with no difference regarding margin status or residual tumor. DISCUSSION: Postmenopausal status was associated with a decreased rate of residual tumor in patients with positive margins. The presence of residual tumor on re-excision was not associated with a lower LRFS. These factors must be considered when positive margins are present in BCS.