Causas de mortalidad por colecistectomía tradicional y laparoscópica 1991-2010 / Mortality associated with open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is nowadays the standard surgical treatment for cholelithiasis. Aim: To determine surgical mortality of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as compared with the open procedure. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of all patients subjected to open or laparosco-pic surgery in a surgical service of a clinical hospital, in a period of 20 years. Results: The records of 26.441 patients were reviewed. The figures for overall, open and laparoscopic surgery mortality were 0.16, 0.39 and 0.07 percent respectively. Only two of the 43 deceased patients, died as a direct complication of the surgical procedure. In the rest, the causes of mortality were underlying severe medical conditions. Conclusions: La-paroscopic cholecystectomy has a very low mortality that depends mostly on underlying medical conditions and advanced age.

Introducción: La colecistectomía laparoscópica se ha convertido en el gold standard de la cirugía biliar y se emplea masivamente en todo Chile. Objetivos: Determinar la mortalidad operatoria en 4 períodos de 5 años de la colecistectomía laparoscópica comparada con la colecistectomía tradicional. Material y Método: Se incluyó a todos los pacientes sometidos a colecistectomía, ya sea laparotómica o laparoscópica, entre enero de 1991 y diciembre de 2010 (20 años). Se analizó las causas de mortalidad, el grupo etario en que ocurrió y el tipo de abordaje quirúrgico. Resultados: Se operaron un total de 26.441 pacientes, con un promedio de 1.322 operados por año. La mortalidad global de la colecistectomía laparotómica fue de 0,39 por ciento y de la laparoscópica de 0,07 por ciento, con un promedio general de 0,16 por ciento. Las principales causas de mortalidad fueron patologías médica severas. Sólo 2 pacientes de los 43 fallecidos (5 por ciento) tuvieron una complicación directamente derivada de la cirugía como causa de la mortalidad. Conclusiones: La colecistectomía laparoscópica es una operación de muy baja mortalidad (7 de 10.000 operados). Esta complicación se presenta principalmente en pacientes con grave patología biliar, de edad avanzada y con múltiples complicaciones médicas.

Cirugía Bariátrica / Bariatric surgery

La cirugía de la obesidad ha tenido un impresionante desarrollo en los últimos 20 años, debido a la necesidad de tratamiento efectivo y duradero para esta enfermedad crónica epidémica. La introducción de la técnica laparoscópica a las cirugías bariátricas contribuyó en forma importante a disminuir sus complicaciones y mortalidad. Las operaciones más frecuentes en el mundo son el bypass gástrico, la gastrectomía vertical, la banda gástrica ajustable y la derivación biliopancreática, aunque en la actualidad en nuestro país se utilizan solo las dos primeras. Se describen estas cirugías bariátricas, su técnica, complicaciones y resultados. El tratamiento quirúrgico de la obesidad logra bajas de peso y control de las comorbilidades muy superiores a las logradas por el tratamiento médico y terapia farmacológica. Por ello, el tratamiento quirúrgico es la terapia estándar para pacientes con obesidad.

Obesity surgery has had an impressive development in the last 20 years, due to the need for effective and lasting treatment for this epidemic cronic disease. The introduction of laparoscopic technique in bariatric surgical interventions contributed significantly on reducing surgical complications and mortality. The most common operations in the world are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion, though only the first two mentioned are used in our country today. These bariatric surgery, their technique, complications and results are described. Surgical treatment of obesity achieves weight loss and comorbidities control far superior to those achieved by medical treatment and pharmacologic therapy. Therefore, surgical treatment is the standard therapy for obese patients.

Gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica transumbilical / Transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy: experience in six patients

Background: The transumbilical route can be used to perform sleeve gastrectomies. Aim: To report the experience with transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy. Material and Methods: A prospective protocol of transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy was applied among patients with a body mass index of 36 kg/m² or less, and a distance between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus of less than 22 cm. Results: Six female patients, with a body mass index between 32.5 and 35.3 kg/m² have been operated. The operative time ranged from 90 to 170 min. An additional 5 mm trochar was required in the first two patients. The postoperative barium swallow showed a good distal passage and the absence of stenosis, residual fundus or nitrations in all patients. No patient had complications. Conclusions: Transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy is feasible among patients with a body mass index of less than 36 kg/m².

Introducción: La cirugía laparoscópica ha estado orientada los últimos años a buscar otras alternativas mínimamente invasivas de acceso abdominal. La transumbilical es una vía que ha comenzado a ser aplicada clínicamente, con o sin dispositivos de acceso único. Hemos comenzado a realizar la gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica (GVL) por vía transumbilical, en ciertos casos seleccionados. Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad de realizar la GVL por vía transumbilical, utilizando un dispositivo de acceso único y el resto del instrumental laparoscópico tradicional. Método: Protocolo prospectivo aplicado a pacientes que cumplan con criterios de inclusión como: ser candidato a GVL, tener IMC igual o menor a 36 kg/m², distancia entre apéndice xifoides y ombligo menor a 22 cm. El peso promedio de las pacientes operadas fue de 90,5 kg, (82,5-98), IMC promedio de 33,8 kg/m² (32,5-35,3). Se describe la técnica de inserción del dispositivo, de la gastrectomía y del manejo postoperatorio. Resultados: Se logró realizar GVL en las 6 pacientes en las que se intentó. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 127 min (90 a 170 min), en las dos primeras pacientes se requirió el uso de un trocar adicional de 5 mm. En todas las pacientes, la radiografía baritada de esófago, estómago y duodeno mostró buen paso a distal y ausencia de estenosis, fondo residual o filtraciones. No hubo morbilidad en este grupo. Conclusiones: La GVL es factible de realizar en pacientes portadores de obesidad menor a 36 kg/ m²de superficie corporal, usando un dispositivo de acceso único e instrumental laparoscópico tradicional.

Gastrectomía vertical posterior a retiro de banda gástrica / Sleeve gastrectomy performed simultaneously to extraction of a gastric band: experience in 10 patients

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy is replacing gastric banding in the management of morbid obesity. Aim: To report the results of sleeve gastrectomy performed simultaneously with the extraction of a gastric band. Material and Methods: We report ten patients aged 34 to 53 years (nine women) operated between 2008 and 2009. Results: The main indication for sleeve gastrectomy was the failure of the gastric band. No complications were recorded and patients were discharged 72 hours after the procedure. Conclusions: Sleeve gastrectomy can be carried out simultaneously with the extraction of a gastric band, without increasing operative complications.

Introducción: La Gastrectomía Vertical ha reemplazado a la banda gástrica en el manejo de un importante número de pacientes portadores de obesidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar los resultados de una serie de pacientes, en los que se realizó una Gastrectomía Vertical posterior a la extracción de una banda gástrica en un mismo tiempo operatorio. Método: La serie incluye a 10 pacientes operados entre Mayo de 2008 y Noviembre de 2009. La principal indicación de la Gastrectomía Vertical fue el fracaso de la banda como tratamiento de la obesidad. Resultados: En los 10 pacientes estudiados, la gastrectomía se pudo efectuar sin mayores dificultades ni diferencias con respecto al procedimiento habitual. No existieron complicaciones post operatorias, siendo la totalidad de los pacientes dados de alta dentro de las 72 horas. Conclusión: La Gastrectomía Vertical representa una alternativa de manejo en pacientes portadores de una banda gástrica con indicación de extracción de esta, ya sea por fracaso o por síntomas asociados a su presencia. El procedimiento puede efectuarse de manera segura en el mismo acto operatorio y sus resultados son comparables a los observados cuando la técnica se efectúa en pacientes que no han sido intervenidos previamente.

Tumor sólido pseudopapilar del páncreas: caso clínico / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas

Se describe una paciente de 16 años portadora de un tumor solido pseudopapilar del páncreas. (TSP) La paciente fue referida a nuestro hospital por un cuadro de dolor abdominal y la existencia a la tomografía computada de una masa de contenido heterogéneo en la cabeza del páncreas. La paciente fue sometida a una resección pancreatoduodenal , extirpando una masa que pudo ser resecada con bordes negativos. La paciente evoluciona en buena forma en su post operatorio. El estudio histológico confirmó la existencia de un tumor solido pseudopapilar del páncreas.

We report on a 16 year-old girl with a solid pseudopapillary tumor. Se was referred to our hospital with abdominal pain and a computed tomography that showed an heterogeneous mass in the pancreas head compatible with a solid pseudopapillary tumor. Physical examination did not show any abnormal finding. CT sean did not show neither regional or distant compromise. A pancreatoduodenectomy was performed with an uneventful postoperative course. Light microscopy confirmed diagnosis of a pancreatic pseudopapillary tumor.

Optimización de cultivos de hepatocitos humanos para estudios de citotoxicidad / Optimization of human hepatocyte cultures for citotoxicity studies

Los cultivos de hepatocitos entregan un valioso acercamiento al estudio de las funciones metabólicas específicas del hígado, evaluación de citotoxicidad. No existen líneas humanas inmortales con función normal. La inmortalización de hepatocitos humanos con el método UCHT1(medio de cultivo condicionado por células tumorales de tiroides) permitirá prolongar la sobrevida y función de estos, siendo útil para evaluar funcionalidad y citotoxicidad. Objetivo: Optimizar el cultivo de hepatocitos humanos. Metodología: En cultivos primarios de hepatocitos humanos, se agregó medio UCHT1 cultivando en superficies de colágeno, polilisina, gelatina y matrigel. Como control positivo, se utilizó línea Gherschenson (GER) para evaluar curva de crecimiento y producción de Glucógeno (PAS). Se evaluó citotoxicidad (LIVE/DEAD) en hepatocitos GER expuestos a Metotrexato (10, 100 y 1000 mM) a 24, 48 y 72 hrs. Resultados: Se realizó 3 cultivos primarios. Fue efectiva la utilización de Polilisina y Colágeno. Duración 8 meses. No se ha realizado la curva de crecimiento, ni evaluación de funcionalidad en hepatocitos humanos. La línea GER tiene un crecimiento exponencial (tiempo duplicación: 36 hrs). Se observó producción de glucógeno en condiciones de diferenciación hasta 120 hrs. La citotoxicidad por Metotrexato tiene una curva dosis dependiente, significativa en todas las concentraciones (p<0,001) (CL50 a 1000 mM a 24 hrs). Conclusiones: Se logró establecer una línea primaria de hepatocitos humanos. La polilisina y el colágeno han optimizado el establecimiento de cultivos primarios. El método PAS permitió evaluar producción de glucógeno (diferenciación). Los valores de citotoxicidad demostraron un efecto dosis dependiente en las condiciones experimentales. Logrando estandarizar el método para evaluación futura de líneas celulares humanas.

Background: Hepatocyte cultures are a valuable tool to study specific metabolic liver functions and cytoxicity. Human hepatocyte cell lines with normal function do not exist. Immortalization of human hepatocytes with a rat thyroid cell line (UCHT1) allows long-term survival and function of these cells, becoming useful to evaluate functionality and cytotoxicity. Aim: To optimize long-term culture of human hepatocytes. Material and Methods: UCHT1 media was added to primary cultures of human hepatocytes, seeding in collagen, gelatin, matrigel and polilisine surfaces. Gherschenson cell line (GER) was used as a positive control to evaluate the growth curve and Glycogen production (PAS). Cytotoxicity was evaluated (LIVE/ DEAD) in GER hepatocytes exposed to Metotrexate (10, 100 and 1000 µM) 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Results: Three primary cultures were made. The use of Polilisine and Collagen was effective. Cultures were kept for 8 months. Growth curves or evaluation of functionality in human hepatocytes, were not carried out. GER cell line had an exponential growth (duplication time: 36 hrs). Production of glycogen in differentiation conditions was observed up to 120 hrs. Cytotoxicity by Metotrexate had a dose dependent curve with a 50% lethal dose calculated as 1000 µM at 24 hrs. Conclusions: A primary line of human hepatocytes was obtained. Polilisine and collagen optimized the establishment of primary cultures. PAS method allowed the evaluation of glycogen production (differentiation). Cytotoxicity demonstrated a dose dependent effect in experimental conditions.

Alteraciones de la tolerancia a la glucosa y frecuencia de síndrome metabólico en pacientes con enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico / Glucose tolerance alterations and frequency of metabolic syndrome among patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated to diabetes mellitus, obesity, disturbances in serum lipid levels, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Aim: To assess glucose tolerance and the presence of metabolic syndrome among patients with biopsy proven NAFLD. Patients and methods: Serum lipid levels, hepatic function tests were measured and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 46 patients (mean age 45±12 years, 36 females) without history of diabetes mellitus and with steatosis in a liver biopsy. Results: Mean body mass index of the sample was 37±12 kg/m². Seventeen percent had pure steatosis, 78 percent had steatohepatitis with or without fibrosis and 50 percent had fibrosis in the liver biopsy. Glucose intolerance and diabetes was found in 57 percent and 15 percent of cases, respectively. The presence of steatohepatitis was higher in diabetics, compared with subjects with glucose intolerance or a normal glucose response (43, 38 and 8 percent, respectively, p <0.0001). Ninety three percent had a metabolic syndrome and the proportion of biopsies with fibrosis was higher among subjects with more than three diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome compared with those with three or less criteria (59 and 46 percent, respectively, p <0.05). Conclusions: Glucose intolerance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome are common among patients with NAFLD, even when they are not obese.

Riesgo perioperatorio del bypass gástrico reseccional en pacientes con obesidad mórbida: Estudio prospectivo de 684 pacientes / Perioperative risk among morbid obese patients subjected to gastric bypass

Background: Bariatric surgery is a complex procedure not exempt of complications. Aim: To assess mortality and complications of excisional gastric bypass among morbidly obese subjects. Material and methods: Prospective analysis of 684 morbid obese patients (age range 14-70 years, 525 females) subjected to an excisional gastric bypass. Major postoperative complications and mortality were registered. Results: Mean body mass index (BMI) of the subjects was 43.7 kg/m2. One hundred sixty two patients had a BMI between 35 and 39.9 kg/m2, 419 had a BMI between 40 and 49.9 kg/m2 and 103 had a BMI over 50 kg/m2. Two patients with a BMI of 52 and 56 kg/m2 respectively, died in the postoperative period (0.3%). Thirty six patients had major complications. Anastomotic fistula was the most common complication in 12 patients (1.7%). Fourteen patients required a new operation due to complications. None of these died. The mean operative volume of the surgical team was 124 patients per year. Conclusions: Excisional gastric bypass has a low rate of mortality and complications, if the surgical team operates a large volume of patients.

Resecabilidad y mortalidad operatoria de la gastrectomía subtotal y total en pacientes con cáncer gástrico avanzado, entre 1969 y 2004 / Evolution of resectability and mortality rates of total and subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Background: The only curative treatment for gastric cancer is its surgical excision associated to a lymph node dissection. Aim: To study the evolution of resectability and operative mortality of total and subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, in a period of 35 years. Material and methods: Review of medical records of 3000 patients with gastric cancer, operated between 1969 and 2004. Resectability and mortality of total and subtotal gastrectomy was compared in four successive periods (1969 to 1979, 1980 to 1989, 1990 to 1999 and 2000 to 2004). Results: In the four periods there was a steady and significant increase in resectability rate from 49 to 85%. Mortality of total and subtotal gastrectomy decreased significantly from 17 to 2% and from 25 to 1%, respectively. Conclusions: Resectability and mortality rates of total and subtotal gastrectomy have improved with time. Probably a better pre and postoperative care and the experience of the surgical team have an influence in this favorable change.

Reducción de peso a 2 años según índice de masa corporal preoperatoria en 286 pacientes con obesidad mórbida sometidos a bypass gástrico con resección del segmento gástrico distal / Weight loss two years after gastric bypass and gastrectomy in morbid obese patients

Introducción: La obesidad severa y mórbida ha aumentado en forma muy importante en Chile durante la última década. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados del bypass gástrico con gastrectomía en cuanto al riesgo quirúrgico y los resultados de perdida de peso a 20 meses después de la cirugía. Material y Método: Es un estudio prospectivo descriptivo que incluye 286 pacientes consecutivos operados en un período de casi 4 años. Todos fueron sometidos a un bypass gástrico con asa en Y-de-Roux de 125 a 150 cm, resecando segmento distal excluido del estomago. Se realizó un seguimiento promedio de 20 meses, determinando la baja de peso, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) antes y después de la cirugía y la perdida del exceso de peso preoperatorio. Resultados: El grupo comprendió 233 mujeres y 51 hombres con una edad promedio de 39,9 años. Hubo 62 por ciento de los pacientes con IMC entre 40 y 49, 23 por ciento entre 35 y 39 y 11 por ciento con un IMC sobre 50 Kg/m². Se controló a todos los pacientes por 20 meses promedio, apreciando una significativa baja de peso y del IMC en todos los grupos. La baja del exceso de peso preoperatorio fue de 71 por ciento. Conclusiones: El bypass gástrico con gastrectomía puede ser una alternativa quirúrgica para pacientes con obesidad mórbida, especialmente en países con alta prevalencia de patología gastroduodenal.

Aspectos quirúrgicos del cáncer de vesícula biliar / Strategies for the surgical treatment of gallbladder cancer

There is controversy in some aspects of the surgical treatment of non-mucosal gallbladder carcinoma. An accurate staging based on T (wall) involvement is crucial, otherwise understanding may yield falsely pessimistic results. The decision about the type of resection to be performed should be based on patient status (age, performance, comorbidities, etc) and tumor characteristics (histological type, vascular, neural or lymphatic spread, cell differentiation, tumor involvement of surgical margins in cystic duct, etc). For muscular (T1b) involvement, there is a great controversy about performing a simple cholecystectomy or en-block radical resection. For T2 there is consensus that an en-block radical surgery including liver resection (IVb - V) and lymphonodal clearance should be performed, since this approach has a great impact in survival. The role of surgical excision for tumors with serosal or liver involvement is controversial, due to the poor survival of these patients. However we have observed a 13% actuarial survival at 5 years, in this subset of patients.

Evolución de comorbilidades metabólicas asociadas a obesidad después de cirugía bariátrica / Effects of gastric bypass on weight, blood glucose, serum lipid levels and arterial blood pressure in obese patients

Background: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and serum lipid abnormalities are common among obese people and they should improve with weight reduction. Aim: To study the outcome of these abnormalities after bariatric surgery in morbid obesity patients. Material and methods: Two hundred thirty two morbid obese patients subjected to gastric bypass, were evaluated in the preoperative period and every three months after surgery, during a minimum of 12 months. Clinical evolution, blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance measured with the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and serum lipid levels were analyzed. Results: In the preoperative period, 17% had type 2 diabetes, 49% had abnormal serum lipid levels and 25% had high blood pressure. Sixty six percent had at least one of these abnormalities and 20% had more than one. During follow up, body mass index decreased from 44 to 29.3 kg/m2. Total and HDL cholesterol, blood glucose and insulin resistance significantly decreased from the third month after surgery. Diabetes disappeared in 97% of diabetic subjects, blood pressure normalized in 53% of subjects with hypertension and serum lipid levels returned to normal in 88% of subjects with dyslipidemia. Conclusions: Gastric bypass in morbid obese patients achieves a significant and important weight reduction that results in significant reductions in the frequency of diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension among operated obese subjects.

Esplenectomía laparoscópica en enfermedades hematológicas / Laparoscopic splenectomy in hematological diseases

Background: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common indication for elective splenectomy. The laparoscopic approach has been used over the past ten years. Aim: To report our experience with laparoscopic splenectomy. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of 27 patients subjected to splenectomy due to hematological diseases. Among them, 17 patients (78 percent female, age range 17-70 years old) were subjected to a laparoscopic splenectomy. Eligibility criteria were the presence of benign disease, an informed consent by the patient, a spleen size of less than 20 cm by ultrasound and absence of previous surgery in the upper left quadrant. The rest of the patients were subjected to an open splenectomy. Results: Seventy one percent of patients subjected to laparoscopic splenectomy had an ITP. Mean operating time was 184 minutes. The mean spleen size was 11 cm and the mean weight was 186 g (70-450). No patient died or had complications. No patient required a conversion to an open surgery. Transfusions were not required. The median hospital stay was 3 days. Conclusions: Elective laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and low risk surgical procedure.