High Volume Liposuction in Tumescence Anesthesia in Lipedema Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disease that occurs almost exclusively in women and leads to pathological, painful fat growths at the extremities. Only symptomatic therapy can be offered since the etiology of the disease has not yet been clarified. Liposuction in tumescent anesthesia has established itself as a surgical treatment method of choice. The complication rate associated with the procedure and the pharmacological course and safety of treatment in patients with lipedema has not yet been sufficiently studied. The aim of the study was to broaden the evidence on the safety of ambulatory high-volume liposuction in tumescent anesthesia in lipedema patients. Influencing factors of patients (weight, fat content, comorbidities) or the process technique (drug administration, volume of aspirates) should be investigated on the safety and risks of tumescent anesthesia. This was a retrospective data analysis in which data from 27 patients (40 liposuction procedures) treated at the Sandhofer and Barsch lipedema center between 2016 and 2018 were evaluated. The liposuctions were carried out in tumescent anesthesia and using a Power-Assisted Liposuction system. Clinical examinations and regular blood samples were carried out before the procedure, intra- and postoperatively. The procedures lasted an average of 118 minutes and an average of 6111 ml of aspirate was removed. For tumescent anesthesia, patients were given an average lidocaine dose of 34.23 mg/kg body weight and an epinephrine dose of 0.11 mg/kg body weight. No relevant complications associated with drug side effects, hypovolemia or hypervolemia or blood loss were detected. Liposuction under high volume tumescent anesthesia for the treatment of lipedema patients is, even for major intervention, a safe procedure. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(3):326-334. doi:10.36849/JDD.5828.

Office-Based Procedures for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Laryngeal Pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Since the development of distal chip endoscopes with a working channel, diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in the outpatient clinic in the management of laryngeal pathology have increased. Which of these office-based procedures are currently available, and their clinical indications and possible advantages, remains unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of literature on office-based procedures in laryngology and head and neck oncology. RESULTS: Flexible endoscopic biopsy (FEB), vocal cord injection, and laser surgery are well-established office-based procedures that can be performed under topical anesthesia. These procedures demonstrate good patient tolerability and multiple advantages. CONCLUSION: Office-based procedures under topical anesthesia are currently an established method in the management of laryngeal pathology. These procedures offer medical and economic advantages compared with operating room-performed procedures. Furthermore, office-based procedures enhance the speed and timing of the diagnostic and therapeutic process.

Office-based endoscopic revision using a microdebrider for failed endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

This article is to introduce office-based endoscopic revision surgery using a microdebrider for failed endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR). The authors conducted retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series analysis of 27 eyes of 24 patients, treated by office-based revision EN-DCR using a microdebrider. After local anesthesia, anatomical failures (cicatrization, granuloma, synechia) after primary EN-DCR were treated with a microdebrider (Osseoduo 120, Bien-Air Surgery, Le Noirmont, Switzerland) in an office setting, and a bicanalicular silicone tube was placed. Anatomical improvement and functional relief of epiphora were evaluated at 6-months after revision. The causes of failed EN-DCR were rhinostomy site cicatrization (17/27, 63.0 %), granulomatous obstruction (7/27, 25.9 %) and synechial formation (3/27, 11.1 %). The anatomical success rate was 100 %, and 85.2 % cases achieved complete relief of epiphora. The surgery did not exceed 10 min in any case and no complications were observed. Office-based revision EN-DCR using a microdebrider provided prompt management of post-DCR epiphora. The portable nature and all-round ability of the microdebrider allowed office-based surgery, which offered advantage to work with the surgeon's own well-trained office staff. Office-based revision EN-DCR can be both time- and money-saving, and might be regarded the treatment of choice for failed EN-DCR.

Tratamiento quirúrgico ambulatorio del cáncer de mama. Experiencia en el Hospital General de Ciudad Real / Breast cancer ambulatory surgery. Experience at General Hospital in Ciudad Real

Objetivo. Describir la casuística de pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama intervenidas en el Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real mediante un programa de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA). Pacientes y método. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo donde se presenta la serie de pacientes del Hospital General de Ciudad Real con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama e intervenidas quirúrgicamente en el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 2010 y el 1 de febrero de 2011. Resultados. Se intervinieron un total de 130 pacientes; de ellas, un 20% se consideraron larga estancia, un 32,3% corta estancia y un 47,7%, CMA. En el 69,4% de los casos, las técnicas quirúrgicas más asociadas a CMA fueron cirugías conservadoras. Conclusiones. La cirugía del cáncer de mama es factible en programas de cirugía mayor ambulatoria, con criterios establecidos de selección de pacientes. Las técnicas conservadoras fueron las más empleadas en nuestro programa (AU)

Objective. To describe the series of patients diagnosed with breast cancer that went to the operation room in the Ambulatory Surgery Program in the University General Hospital of Ciudad Real. Patients and methods. Retrospective descriptive study of patients diagnosed of breast cancer in University General Hospital of Ciudad Real and had been operated between 01-01-2010 to 01-02-2011. Results. 130 patients were analyzed. 20% were considered long stay more than 72 hours, 32,3% were short stay and 47,7% were ambulatory surgery. Conservative surgery were performed in 69,4% of all the cases included. Conclusion. Breast cancer surgery is feasible in ambulatory surgery programs with patients selection criteria. Conservative techniques were the most common surgery in our program (AU)

Estudio observacional sobre las técnicas de punción del bloqueo axilar para cirugía de mano en pacientes ambulantes en un hospital universitario: Aportes a la ecografía / No disponible

Objetivos: Valorar el aporte de la ecografía para la realización de bloqueos axilares en cirugía mayor ambulatoria con tres tipos de técnicas. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo en pacientes programados para cirugía de manos. Se construyó una base con datos demográficos, el tipo y eficacia de la técnica en cuanto al bloqueo motor y sensitivo, dolor posoperatorio, el grado de satisfacción y complicaciones asociadas. Las tres técnicas estudiadas fueron el uso de neuroestimulador, el uso de la ecografía y la combinación de ambas. Resultados: Se recogieron 151 casos. 77(51 %) se realizaron con NS solo, 36 (24 %) combinando la técnica de NS con Eco, y 38 (25 %) con Eco solo. 15 (20 %) pacientes puncionados con NS requerían un refuerzo de anestesia local versus 14 (38,9 %) en el grupo NS + Eco y 1 (2,6 %) en el grupo Eco solo (p < 0,001). La técnica combinada NS + Eco ha permitido bajar más el volumen de anestésico local comparado con la técnica Eco sola (NS + Eco: 26,2 ± 7,3; Eco solo: 31,4 ± 5,6; p = 0,001). En las 24 primeras horas posoperatorias, no hubo diferencias significativas en el consumo de analgésicos (p = 0,59). El índice de satisfacción era alto y comparable entre los tres grupos (NS: 8,4 ± 1,7/10; NS + Eco: 8,5 ± 1,9/10; Eco: 9,0 ± 1/10; p = 0,17). No hubo complicaciones ni reingresos a las 24 horas de la realización del bloqueo. Conclusión: La técnica ecográfica es segura y permite aumentar la seguridad del bloqueo con una eficacia equivalente o mejor a la técnica neuroestimulada. En cambio, la combinación de las 2 técnicas, da peores resultados, por lo que no recomendamos su uso (AU)

Objective: Asses the role of ultrasound guided axillary block in hand day case surgery with three different techniques. Materials and methods: we design a prospective, observational study in patients scheduled for day case hand surgery. Demographics data, type and efficiency of technique regarding sensitive and motor block, postoperative pain, satisfaction survey and complications were recorded. Block using neurostimulator (NS), ultrasound guide (US) and the combination of both was evaluated (NS+US). Results: 151 patients were included. 77 (51 %) were performed only by NS, 36 (24 %) using both techniques and 38 (25 %) with US solely. 15 (20 %) patients blocks by NS required an extra dose of local anesthetic in relation to 14 (38.9 %) in NS + US group and only 1 patient (2.6 %) block using US (p < 0.001). The combination technique allow to reduce total volume of local anesthetic used respect US guide block (NS + US: 26.2 ± 7.3; US: 31.4 ± 5.6; p = 0.001). In the first postoperative day, no different in analgesic consumption between three groups was found (p = 0.59).The satisfaction was high and comparable in all patients regardless of the technique used (NS: 8.4 ± 1.7/10; NS + US: 8.5 ± 1.9/10; US: 9.0 ± 1/10; p = 0.17). No complications and readmission was reported. Conclusion: US guided are a safe technique and make possible to increase block safety and efficiency. Nevertheless, the combination technique gives worse results and we should avoid their use (AU)

Comparación de la eficacia analgésica postoperatoria del bloqueo de los nervios tibial (a nivel de maléolo interno) y peroneo común con la infiltración de la herida quirúrgica en cirugía ambulatoria del hallux valgus / Comparison of the post-surgical analgesic effectiveness of tibial (at internal malleolus level) and common peroneal nerve block with infiltration of the surgical wound in Outpatient Surgery of the hallux valgus

Introducción. Comparar la eficacia analgésica postoperatoria del bloqueo de los nervios tibial a nivel del maléolo interno y peroneo común frente a la infiltración de la herida con anestésico local, en la cirugía ambulatoria del hallux valgus. Material y método. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Dos grupos de estudio, grupo BNP, bloqueo de los nervios peroneo común y tibial (con lidocaína 80mg y mepivacaína 100mg + levobupivacaína 25mg). y grupo INF, cirugía con anestesia intradural más infiltración de la herida quirúrgica (con 50mg de levobupivacaína). Se valoró mediante la escala visual analógica (1-10) el dolor durante las primeras 24h del postoperatorio, las necesidades de analgesia de rescate (tramadol), la incidencia de efectos secundarios y los reingresos por dolor. Resultados. Fueron incluidos un total de 111 pacientes (55 en el grupo BNP, 56 en el grupo INF). El 93% fueron mujeres con edad media de 59 (DE 10) años. El valor en la escala visual analógica promedio en las primeras 24h fue de 2,9 (DE 1,7) para el grupo BNP y de 2,7 (DE1,6) para el grupo INF (p=0,62). El 42% de los pacientes precisó analgesia de rescate con tramadol, sin que hubiera diferencias significativas entre grupos (p=0,28). Un 33% presentó efectos secundarios postoperatorios: náuseas, vómitos, retención urinaria, cefalea o dolor en la zona de punción, sin que existieran diferencias entre los 2 grupos. Un paciente del grupo INF tuvo que ingresar para tratamiento del dolor. Conclusiones. El bloqueo nervioso periférico y la infiltración de la herida son técnicas eficaces y equivalentes en el control domiciliario del dolor en la cirugía ambulatoria del hallux valgus, haciendo posible que estos procedimientos puedan ser realizados de forma segura en régimen ambulatorio(AU)

Introduction. To compare the post-operative analgesic effectiveness of blocking the posterior tibial and the common peroneal nerves against that of wound infiltration using local anaesthesia, in ambulatory surgery of hallux valgus. Material and methods. A randomised clinical study was conducted on ambulatory patients subjected to Hallux valgus surgery, assigned into two groups: BNP: peripheral nerve blockage: posterior tibial and the common peroneal with 80mg of lidocaine, 100mg of mepivacaine and 25mg of levobupivacaine. INF: surgical wound infiltration with 50mg of levobupivacaine. The following aspects were evaluated during the first 24h after surgery: pain level using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the need to use rescue analgesia, and the incidence of secondary effects and readmissions due to pain. Results. A total of 111 Patients were included (55 BNP, 56 INF), 93 per cent were women and the average age was 59 (SD10) years. The average VAS score in the first 24h was 2.9 (SD1.7) for the BNP group and 2.7 (SD1.6) for the INF group (P=.62). Less than half (42%) of patients needed rescue anaesthetic with tramadol, with no significant differences between the groups (P=.28). A 33 per cent had secondary postoperative effects were observed in 33% of cases, with a significant difference between INF and BNP (P=.01). One patient from INF group, had to be admitted for pain. Conclusions. The peripheral nerve block and wound infiltration are valid techniques for controlling pain at home after ambulatory surgery of hallux valgus, therefore both methods appear to be safe in an outpatient setting(AU)

[Outpatient treatment of menorrhagia]. / Behandling af menoragi i ambulant regi.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, is a common problem in premenopausal women. Thermal balloon ablation can be done with Thermablate. It is simple to use and can be done quickly in an outpatient setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have performed 116 treatments with Thermablate and followed the patients during a six month period. The treatment was primarily performed in paracervical block to outpatients. RESULTS: Few problems were observed. The general satisfaction was good, 76% was very or fairly satisfied. More than 80% reported reduced bleeding, but only 7% became amenorrheic. CONCLUSION: Thermablate is suitable in treatment of menorrhagia and can be done in paracervical block to outpatients. It is a simple treatment with few complications. Few became amenorrheic, the majority of patients experienced reduced bleeding and were satisfied.

Camera trocar lifting in office gasless laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia.

We evaluated 35 cases of a mechanical approach to abdominal wall lifting, used in office-based gasless laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia. Lifting of the abdominal wall, using the camera trocar as an anchoring device and complemented by suprapubic lifting by means of a towel clamp, led to passive intra-abdominal air filling, giving sufficient space to identify, anesthetize, coagulate and cut the Fallopian tubes. Only mild sedation was necessary. All women walked to and from the operating room. All had successful tubal ligation. The overall satisfaction rate was 97%. The mechanical lifting moment was not painful. With the exception of one woman with failed tubal anesthesia, all women had a low mean pain score of 2.6 (VAS 0-10). No complications occurred except one wound infection. The costs were < or = 1/4 of those of traditional laparoscopic sterilization and office hysteroscopic sterilization. This approach is effective for office-based laparoscopic sterilization. Room air, two strings and a needle replace active gas insufflation and narcosis.

La resección transuretral de próstata bajo anestesia local y sedación es segura y bien tolerada / Transurethral resection of the prostate under local anesthesia-sedation

El actual envejecimiento de la población comporta un incremento del número de varones afectados de hiperplasia benigna de próstata (HBP) con diversas enfermedades asociadas que limitan su tratamiento quirúrgico. Por otra parte, la creación de nuevas unidades de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) en España es un hecho imparable, pues cada vez es mayor el número de servicios de urología que se integran en este sistema organizativo de la asistencia quirúrgica. Con este estudio pretendemos poner de manifiesto la eficacia y seguridad del empleo de anestesia local y sedación para el tratamiento endoscópico de la HBP en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico-anestésico, así como en pacientes seleccionados susceptibles de ser intervenidos en régimen ambulatorio. Consideramos que tanto la incisión transuretral de próstata como la resección transuretral de próstata realizadas bajo anestesia local y sedación son métodos seguros, eficaces y bien tolerados, los cuales, aunque puedan emplearse en pacientes muy seleccionados en régimen de CMA, están fundamentalmente indicados en pacientes años os y cuando el riesgo quirúrgico- anestésico es elevado, ya que pueden ser realizados como cirugía de estadía breve.

La resección transuretral de próstata bajo anestesia local y sedación es segura y bien tolerada / Transurethral resection of the prostate under local anesthesia-sedation

El actual envejecimiento de la población comporta un incremento del número de varones afectados de hiperplasia benigna de próstata (HBP) con diversas enfermedades asociadas que limitan su tratamiento quirúrgico. Por otra parte, la creación de nuevas unidades de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) en España es un hecho imparable, pues cada vez es mayor el número de servicios de urología que se integran en este sistema organizativo de la asistencia quirúrgica. Con este estudio pretendemos poner de manifiesto la eficacia y seguridad del empleo de anestesia local y sedación para el tratamiento endoscópico de la HBP en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico-anestésico, así como en pacientes seleccionados susceptibles de ser intervenidos en régimen ambulatorio. Consideramos que tanto la incisión transuretral de próstata como la resección transuretral de próstata realizadas bajo anestesia local y sedación son métodos seguros, eficaces y bien tolerados, los cuales, aunque puedan emplearse en pacientes muy seleccionados en régimen de CMA, están fundamentalmente indicados en pacientes años os y cuando el riesgo quirúrgico- anestésico es elevado, ya que pueden ser realizados como cirugía de estadía breve.(AU)

Practical tips for office hysteroscopy and second-generation "global" endometrial ablation.

Hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation using the second-generation devices are safe, generally well tolerated, and effective when performed in the medical office as opposed to the ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room. Not only does this benefit the patient and physician in terms of convenience and cost savings, and the overall economic benefit to the health care system is great. The availability of modern hysteroscopic and video equipment, the advent of second-generation "global"endometrial ablation devices, and use of minimal sedation combined with effective local anesthesia have made office procedures possible. Several states have enacted specific regulations and requirements for office based surgery. It is incumbent on the physician to be aware of which local regulations are applicable and the level of procedure he or she is willing to perform before embarking on an office-based surgery program. The AAGL ListServ discussion forum provides members with an invaluable source of clinical opinion about patient care issues in minimally invasive gynecology. These opinions come from experts around the world representing both academic centers and clinical practice who respond to questions or issues posed by colleagues. This review discusses each of the second-generation endometrial ablation devices in detail and some of the more pertinent issues related to office hysteroscopy and global endometrial ablation that were posted on the ListServ. Rollerball and transcervical resection of the endometrium are not discussed because the overwhelming majority of these procedures are performed in the operating room and there is little potential for their becoming office procedures. Practical clinical tips based on the evidence in the literature are discussed.

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing ultrasound versus nerve stimulator guidance for interscalene block for ambulatory shoulder surgery for postoperative neurological symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Visualization with ultrasound during regional anesthesia may reduce the risk of intraneural injection and subsequent neurological symptoms but has not been formally assessed. Thus, we performed this randomized clinical trial comparing ultrasound versus nerve stimulator-guided interscalene blocks for shoulder arthroscopy to determine whether ultrasound could reduce the incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms. METHODS: Two hundred thirty patients were randomized to a standardized interscalene block with either ultrasound or nerve stimulator with a 5 cm, 22 g Stimuplex insulated needle with 1.5% mepivacaine with 1:300,000 epinephrine and NaCO3 (1 meq/10 mL). A standardized neurological assessment tool (questionnaire and physical examination) designed by a neurologist was administered before surgery (both components), at approximately 1 wk after surgery (questionnaire), and at approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery (both components). Diagnosis of postoperative neurological symptoms was determined by a neurologist blinded to block technique. RESULTS: Two hundred nineteen patients were evaluated. Use of ultrasound decreased the number of needle passes for block performance (1 vs 3, median, P < 0.001), enhanced motor block at the 5-min assessment (P = 0.04) but did not decrease block performance time (5 min for both). No patient required conversion to general anesthesia for failed block, and patient satisfaction was similar in both groups (96% nerve stimulator and 92% ultrasound). The incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms was similar at 1 wk follow-up with 11% (95% CI of 5%-17%) for nerve stimulator and 8% (95% CI of 3%-13%) for ultrasound and was similar at late follow-up with 7% (95% CI of 3%-12%) for nerve stimulator and 6% (95% CI of 2%-11%) for ultrasound. The severity of postoperative neurological symptoms was similar between groups with a median patient rating of moderate. Symptoms were primarily sensory and consisted of pain, tingling, or paresthesias. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound reduced the number of needle passes needed to perform interscalene block and enhanced motor block at the 5 min assessment; however, we did not observe significant differences in block failures, patient satisfaction or incidence, and severity of postoperative neurological symptoms.

Técnicas regionales en traumatología del miembro inferior en cirugía mayor ambulatoria / Regional anesthesia in traumatology ambulatory surgery for lower limb

Objetivo: Revisar las diferentes técnicas de anestesia loco regionales utilizadas en cirugía traumatológica y ortopédica mayor ambulatoria, analizando las ventajas, los inconvenientes así como las complicaciones y la forma redisminuir su incidencia. Las técnicas regionales especialmente los bloqueos periféricos y la anestesia local de rodilla son una excelente opción en CMA. De las neuroaxiales la epidural tiene unos resultados muy similares a la anestesia general y la intradural deberá realizarse con dosis bajas de anestésico. El control en la perfusión de líquidos perioperatorios es un factor de relevancia en la incidencia de la retención urinaria (AU)

Objetive: To review the different locoregional anesthetic techniques used in ambulatory major traumatologic and orthopedic surgery, analyzing the advantages, inconveniences and complications, with a view to reducing their incidence. Regional techniques, particularly peripheral blocks and local anesthesia of the knee, are an excellent option in ambulatory major surgery. Among the neuroaxial techniques, epidural anesthesia offers results very similar to those of general anesthesia, and the intradural technique must be performed with low anesthetic doses. Control of perioperative fluid perfusion is a relevant factor in terms of the incidence of urinary retention (AU)

Day surgery varicose vein treatment using endovenous laser.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety and efficacy of endovenous laser obliteration to treat varicose vein in a day surgery setting, using sedation and local anaesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Day surgery centre in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS: A total of 24 patients with duplex-confirmed long saphenous vein insufficiency underwent endovenous laser (940 nm) varicose vein treatment from July to November 2007 in a single day surgery centre. Adjuvant phlebectomy and injection sclerotherapy were performed in the same session if indicated. All patients had postprocedural venous duplex scan and clinic assessment on day 7 and day 10 respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Procedure success rate, unplanned hospital admissions and re-admissions, major complications, and long saphenous vein obliteration rate. RESULTS: A total of 31 limbs of the 24 patients were treated with endovenous laser varicose vein treatment under local anaesthesia and sedation. The procedural success rate was 100%. All but two patients were admitted on the day of treatment and none were re-admitted. The patients' mean visual analogue pain score for the whole procedure was 2.3 (standard deviation, 1.5; range, 0-5). Post-procedural duplex scans showed 100% thrombosis of the treated long saphenous veins with no deep vein thrombosis. There were no skin burns or instances of thrombophlebitis. Induration of the treated long saphenous vein was relatively common (54%). The majority of the patients (54%) experienced mild discomfort in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser varicose vein treatment performed under local anaesthesia and sedation in a day surgery setting is safe, and yields satisfactory clinical and duplex outcomes.

Ambulatory phlebectomy in the office.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minor, office-based surgical procedure designed to remove varicose veins. It is a perfect complement to endovenous thermal ablation of the saphenous vein. With this combination, patients can expect all varicose veins to vanish following a 1-hour procedure that employs only local anesthesia in the comfort of a physician's office. Advantages of office-based surgery are ease of scheduling for doctors and patients, less paperwork, elimination of travel time, and cost containment for the health care system. Furthermore, a procedure that is performed by the same staff daily is more streamlined and safe.

Tiroidectomía en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. Estudio prospectivo / Thyroidectomy in the ambulatory setting. A prospective study

Introducción. La reciente reintroducción de la anestesia locorregional para la tiroidectomía ha facilitado esta cirugía en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA). El objeto de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados de este tratamiento comparando 2 regímenes anestésicos. Pacientes y métodos. Se seleccionó a 125 pacientes que precisaban tiroidectomía y cumplían requisitos de CMA. A los pacientes se les ofreció anestesia locorregional más sedación (ALS); si no aceptaron, se les propuso un método de anestesia locorregional combinada con intubación orotraqueal (ALC). Cincuenta y ocho pacientes aceptaron ALS y 67 ALC. Ambos grupos fueron comparables en edad, sexo, riesgo anestésico, índice de masa corporal y función tiroidea. Se evaluaron los vómitos postoperatorios, el dolor al alta, la necesidad de ingreso, la morbilidad postoperatoria y los problemas surgidos en el domicilio. Resultados. Se realizaron 61 tiroidectomías bilaterales y 64 unilaterales, sin diferencia entre grupos. Tampoco hubo diferencias respecto al tiempo quirúrgico, la conversión a anestesia general, las incidencias operatorias, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico, el tamaño y el peso de las piezas de exéresis. La única diferencia entre grupos fue la hora del alta (ALS: 6,5 ± 1,2 h; ALC: 7,76 ± 2,07 h, p = 0,0003). Aunque la tasa de ingreso fue superior en ALC (22,4%), no alcanzó diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto a ALS (8,62%) (p = 0,06), cuya causa principal era la preferencia del paciente en el grupo ALC. No hubo diferencias respecto a vómitos (7,2%) o náuseas (6,4%), dolor (2,47 ± 1,85 en escala visual analógica), o necesidad de analgésicos. A las 36 h del alta se observó un hematoma asintomático no compresivo en el grupo ALS, que ingresó en observación y no requirió cirugía. Los problemas en domicilio fueron todos menores. El grado de satisfacción fue muy alto o alto en el 95% de los casos, sin diferencias entre grupos. Conclusiones. En casos seleccionados la tiroidectomía en régimen de CMA es segura y satisfactoria para los pacientes. Ambos regímenes anestésicos se mostraron válidos, pero la ALS mostró una recuperación más rápida que la ALC (AU)

Introduction. The recent reintroduction of local/regional anesthesia (LRA) for thyroidectomy has enabled this intervention to be performed in the outpatient setting. The aim of this study was to compare the results of thyroidectomy using two anesthesia methods. Patients and methods. One hundred twenty-five patients requiring thyroidectomy and who met the criteria for outpatient surgery were prospectively selected. The patients were offered LRA plus sedation; patients who did not accept this option were offered LRA combined with orotracheal intubation (CLRA). LRA was accepted by 58 patients and CLRA by 67. Age, sex, anesthesia risk, body mass index, and thyroid function were similar in both groups. Postoperative vomiting, pain at discharge, need for admission, postoperative morbidity, and complaints occurring at home were evaluated. Results. Sixty-one bilateral and 64 unilateral thyroidectomies were performed, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. There were no differences in surgical time, conversion to general anesthesia, intraoperative events, pathological diagnosis, or size and weight of the surgical specimen. The only difference between the two groups was the hour of discharge (LRA: 6.5 ± 1.2 hours; CLRA: 7.76 ± 2.07 hours; p = 0.0003). The admission rate was higher in the CLRA group (22.4%) than in the LRA group (8.62%); this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06) and the main cause was personal preference in patients in the CLRA group. Rates of postoperative morbidity, vomiting (7.2%) and nausea (6.4%), postoperative pain (2.47 ± 1.85 on a visual analog scale), and analgesic requirements showed no differences between the two groups. One patient in the LRA group developed a noncompressive asymptomatic neck hematoma 36 hours after discharge. The patient was admitted for observation but did not require reoperation. Complaints occurring at home were minor. Satisfaction with the procedure was high or very high in 95% of the patients, with no differences between the two groups. Conclusions. In selected patients, outpatient thyroidectomy is safe and produces good patient satisfaction. Both anesthesia methods were valid, but postoperative recovery was faster with LRA than with CLRA (AU)

UCMA ginecológica: experiencia de 10 años / Gynaecological ambulatory surgery: 10 years experience

INTRODUCCIÓN: Nuestro hospital dispone de una Unidad de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria (UCMA) autónoma, integrada al mismo, con la que comparte el área quirúrgica. Ginecología se incorporó a la UCMA en julio de 1994 y tras 10 años de actividad, habiendo sobrepasado las 1.000 intervenciones, hemos creido oportuno revisar y presentar nuestra casuística, con las nuevas indicaciones y las que hemos abandonado. Comentamos las posibilidades futuras de nuestra especialidad en Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria (cma). MATERIAL y Métodos. Efectuamos un estudio retrospectivo de nuestra experiencia durante 10 años (julio 1994 – junio 2004). Exponemos las indicaciones y su evolución. Efectuamos el control de calidad mediante los ingresos inmediatos y diferidos, anulaciones y llamadas telefónicas. Analizamos las repercusiones de la UCMA sobre nuestra actividad quirúrgica general y sobre la productividad. RSULTADOS: Durante este período efectuamos 4.369 intervenciones, 1.141 (26%) en la UCMA. El Servicio de Ginecología participó con el 7% en la actividad total de la UCMA, que recibió durante este período 16.513 pacientes. Las intervenciones más frecuentes fueron histerosocpia de flujo (47,5%), laparoscopia (19,5%) y cirugía mamaria (14%). Hemos dejado de efectuar el legrado uterino. Iniciamos la minilaparosocpia para la (..) (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Our hospital has an autonomous Ambulatory Surgical (ASU) which is into the main building and shares the Surgical Area with the rest of the hospital. The Department of Gynaecology was incorporated into this ASU in July 1994. After ten years of activity and having done over 1,000 operations, we have thought fit to review and present our case history, with the new procedures that have been included and those that were abandoned. We will comment onthe future possibilities of our speciality in Ambulatory Surgery (AS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: we carried out a retrospective study of our experience over 10 years (July 1994 – Jun 2004). We described the surgical indications and their evolution. The control of quality was evaluated by means of the most significant indicators: immediate hospital admission, delayed re-admissions, cancellations and phone calls to the ASU. We analyzed the influence of its activity on our general surgical activity and productivity. RESULTS: Over these 10 years we have carried out 4,369 gynaecological procedures, 1,141 (26%) of them were performed in the ASU. The Gynaecological Department took part with 7% of the total activity of the ASU, where 16,513 patients from all the surgical specialities were received. The most frequent procedures were: hysteroscopy (47.5%), laparosocpy (19.5%) and breast surgery (14%). We stopped doing uterine curettage. We recently started mini-laparosocpy for tubal occlusion, under local anesthesia and sedation, in 26 patients; we have increased the surgical indications for laparoscopy for treatment of adnexal pathology. In breast surgery, 3 cases of sentinel node biopsy were included, we decreased the number of biopsies of non-palpable lesions, previously marked with a needle. We started to perform vaginal hysterectomy at the end of this series. We had 37 (3.2%) immediate admissions, 5 (0.4%) delayed re-admissions, 10 (0.9%) cancellations and 138 (12%) telephone calls. During this time, we have improved our Ambulatory Surgery and Office Surgery activites, with the consequent increase inproductivity. DISCUSSION: Our speciality has great possibilities in AS. We have updated some resources procedures (Le Font operation and Manchester Operation), included some new techniques (continous flow histeroscopy, mini-laparoscopy, sentinel node biopsy), and we have abandoned some others (uterine curettage, breast biopsy with needle localization). Our Quality controls are appropriated, and we have increases our surgical productivity,. In the future. We want to add hysterosocpic tubal occlusion and the treatment of urinary stress incontinence with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) to our surgical indications (AU)

Secondary shunt procedure for alaryngeal patients in an outpatient clinic.

The shunt procedure used for laryngectomized patients undergoing secondary tracheo-esophageal (T-E) puncture is inconvenient and causes stress to the patient. In order to overcome these problems we developed a novel surgical T-E shunt technique using the Groningen voice prosthesis that does not require esophagoscopy or general anesthesia and can be performed in an outpatient clinic. In this procedure, a shunt is created using a pair of nasal forceps with the patient seated. An endoscope with biopsy forceps is used to insert the Groningen voice prosthesis. The procedure is usually completed within 20 min after inducing local anesthesia. Neither the technique itself nor the time taken to complete the procedure differed for T-E and tracheo-neoesophageal (reconstructed with flap) shunting. We believe that this procedure is suitable for patients who are afraid of esophagoscopy and/or are not considered suitable candidates for esophagoscopy and repeated general anesthesia. The procedure is also beneficial for both patients and surgeons with regard to its duration and the cost-effectiveness of treatment.