Comparison of Outcomes between Obese and Nonobese Patients in Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is usually considered a risk factor for surgical complications. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has replaced open adrenalectomy as the standard operation for adrenal tumors. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy to treat adrenal tumors in obese versus nonobese patients. METHODS: This observational cohort study analyzed consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy with a lateral transperitoneal approach at a single center (2003-2020). Data and outcomes of obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and nonobese patients were compared. To analyze the association between operative time and other variables, we used simple and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: N = 160 (90 obese/70 nonobese) patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Cushing syndrome and pheochromocytoma were the most frequent indications. Obese patients were older (58 vs. 52 years, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of obese patients were ASA grade III + IV (71.1 vs. 48.6%, p = 0.004). Obesity was associated with a longer operative time (72.5 vs. 60 min, p < 0.001) and greater blood loss (40 vs. 20 mL, p = 0.022). There were no differences in conversion, morbidity, or hospital stay. After adjustment for confounding factors, operative time was positively correlated with BMI ≥30 kg/m2, learning curve, estimated blood loss, 2D laparoscopy, and specimen size. CONCLUSION: Lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe in patients with a BMI 30-35 kg/m2, so these patients also benefit from this minimally invasive surgery.

[Impact of SARS-COV-2 pandemic on elective and emergency surgery in a university hospital]. / Estudio del impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la práctica quirúrgica urgente y electiva en un hospital de tercer nivel.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused an important impact in our country and elective surgery has been postponed in most cases. There's not known information about the decreasing and impact on surgery. Mortality of surgical patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is estimated to be around 20%. Methods: We conducted prospective data recruitment of people inpatient in our Digestive and General Surgery section of Girona's University Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta from 03/14 to 05/11. Our objective is to analyze the impact that SARS-CoV-2 pandemic over elective and urgent surgery. Results: During the peak occupation of our center Intensive Care Unit (303.8%) there was a reduction on elective (93.8%) and urgent (72.7%) surgery. Mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgery (n = 10) is estimated to be a 10%. An 80% of these patients suffer complications (sever complications in 30%). Conclusions: The actual study shows a global reduction of the surgical activity (elective and urgent) during de SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Global mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are low, but the severe complications have been over the usual.

Three-dimensional (3D) system versus two-dimensional (2D) system for laparoscopic resection of adrenal tumors: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopy is the standard technique for resecting adrenal tumors worldwide. The main drawbacks of conventional 2D laparoscopy are limited depth perception and tactile feedback. Currently available high-quality 3D laparoscopy systems might improve surgical outcomes for adrenalectomy. We compare the safety and efficacy of 3D versus 2D laparoscopy in the treatment of adrenal tumors. METHODS: This case-control study analyzed prospectively collected data from patients with benign or malignant adrenal tumors treated laparoscopically at a single academic medical center between April 2003 and March 2020. We collected demographic, diagnostic, preoperative, and operative variables, and used multiple linear and logistic regression to analyze differences in various short-term outcomes between the two approaches while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: We included 150 patients: 128 with benign tumors and 22 with malignant tumors; 95 treated with 3D laparoscopy (case group); and 55 with 2D laparoscopy (control group). After adjustment for patient, surgical, and tumor characteristics, a 2D vision was associated with a longer operative time (ß = 0.26, p = 0.002) and greater blood loss (ß = 0.20, p = 0.047). There was no significant difference in rates of conversion to open surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47 (95% CI 0.90-22.31); p = 0.549) or complications (3.6% vs. 2.1%; p = 0.624). CONCLUSIONS: With experienced surgeons, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was safer and more feasible with the 3D system than with the 2D system, resulting in less operative blood loss and shorter operative time with no differences in rates of conversion to open surgery or postoperative complications. For adrenal tumors, 3D laparoscopy offers advantages over 2D laparoscopy.

[Recommendations for the patient during the treatment of colorectal cancer through the enhanced recovery.] / Recomendaciones para el paciente durante el tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal mediante la vía de recuperación intensificada.

It is estimated that colorectal cancer is the cancer disease with the highest incidence in Spain  due to the increase in life expectancy and changes in the lifestyle of the population . Early detection through disease screening programs allows for more effective treatment and a higher survival rate . Advances in treatment have been made, such as targeted therapies, which focus on specifically attacking cancer cells and preventing their growth . However, much remains to be done in terms of prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. More research and medical advances are required to combat this disease.

Se estima que el cáncer colorrectal es la enfermedad oncológica que presenta mayor incidencia en España  debido al incremento en la esperanza de vida y a los cambios en el estilo de vida de la población . La detección precoz mediante los programas de cribado de la enfermedad permite un tratamiento más efectivo y una mayor tasa de supervivencia . Se han realizado avances en el tratamiento, como las terapias dirigidas, que se centran en atacar específicamente a las células cancerosas y prevenir su crecimiento . Sin embargo, todavía queda mucho por hacer en términos de prevención y tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal. Se requiere más investigación y más avances médicos para combatir esta enfermedad.

Factors associated with prolonged hospital stay after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopy is the standard technique for resecting adrenal tumors, but short-term outcomes such as length of stay (LOS) vary widely between centers. We aimed to identify factors associated with LOS after lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LTLA). We analyzed consecutive patients undergoing unilateral LTLA between April 2003 and April 2020. Prolonged LOS was defined as a stay longer than the 75th percentile of the overall cohort. To identify potential factors associated with prolonged LOS, we compared collected data from patients with LOS ≤ 2 days versus LOS > 2 days and elaborated multivariate logistic regression models. We included 150 patients (73 men and 77 women, median age 54 years), with benign (n = 128) and malignant tumors (n = 22). The median LOS after LTLA was 2 days; 64 (42.7%) patients had prolonged hospitalization. Variables significantly associated with prolonged LOS in the univariate analysis included ASA III + IV (p = 0.016), pheochromocytoma (p < 0.001), learning curve (p = 0.032), surgery on Thursday or Friday (p < 0.001), 2D laparoscopy (p = 0.003), operative time (p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), drainage (p < 0.001), specimen size (p = 0.011), conversions (p = 0.002), complications (p = 0.019), and hospital stay (p < 0.001). After adjustment for patient, surgical, and tumor characteristics, risk factors associated with prolonged LOS in the multivariate analysis were specimen size > 9 cm (OR:13.03, p = 0.005), surgery on Thursday or Friday (OR:6.92, p = 0.001), estimated blood loss ≥ 60 ml (OR:6.22, p = 0.021), and drainage (OR:5.29, p = 0.005). Prolonged length of stay after LTLA was associated with specimen size > 9 cm, operating on Thursday or Friday, estimated blood loss ≥ 60 mL, and drainage.

Impact of SARS-COV-2 pandemic on elective and emergency surgery in a university hospital. / Estudio del impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la práctica quirúrgica urgente y electiva en un hospital de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused an important impact in our country and elective surgery has been postponed in most cases. There's not known information about the decreasing and impact on surgery. Mortality of surgical patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is estimated to be around 20%. METHODS: We conducted prospective data recruitment of people inpatient in our Digestive and General Surgery section of Girona's University Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta from 03/14 to 05/11. Our objective is to analyze the impact that SARS-CoV-2 pandemic over elective and urgent surgery. RESULTS: During the peak occupation of our center Intensive Care Unit (303.8%) there was a reduction on elective (93.8%) and urgent (72.7%) surgery. Mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgery (n=10) is estimated to be a 10%. An 80% of these patients suffer complications (sever complications in 30%). CONCLUSIONS: The actual study shows a global reduction of the surgical activity (elective and urgent) during de SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Global mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are low, but the severe complications have been over the usual.

Delaying surgery by more than 10 weeks after long-course neoadjuvant radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer patients improves pathologic complete response.

BACKGROUND: We currently do not know the optimal time interval between the end of chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Longer intervals have been associated with a higher pathological response rate, worse pathological outcomes and more morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of the current trend of increasing time interval between the end of chemoradiotherapy and surgery (< 10 weeks vs. ≥ 10 weeks) on postoperative morbidity and pathological outcomes. This study analyzed 232 consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy from January 2012 to August 2018. 125 patients underwent surgery before 10 weeks from the end of chemoradiotherapy (Group 1) and 107 patients underwent surgery after 10 or more weeks after the end of chemoradiotherapy (Group 2). Results have shown that wait for ≥ 10 weeks did not compromise surgical safety. Pathological complete response and tumor stage was statistically significant among groups. The effect of wait for ≥ 10 weeks before surgery shown higher tumor regression than the first group (Group 1, 12.8% vs Group 2, 31.8%; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, wait for ≥ 10 weeks was associated with pathological compete response. Patients from the second group were four time more likely to achieve pathologic complete response than patients from the first group (OR, 4.27 95%CI 1.60-11.40; p = 0.004). Patients who undergo surgery after ≥ 10 weeks of the end of chemoradiotherapy are four time more likely to achieve complete tumor remission without compromise surgical safety or postoperative morbidity.

Lethal intestinal perforation after foreign body ingestion in a superobese patient.

Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is common in the general population. Most foreign bodies pass through the entire digestive tract without incidents. However, in some cases, the ingested foreign body can cause complications such as acute abdomen due to intestinal perforation and even death. Bowel perforation may not be more common in the massively obese than in the normal-weight population but may be more problematic. We describe a super-obese female (body mass index, 52.3 kg/m2) who underwent emergency surgery for small-bowel perforation caused by an ingested foreign body (fish bone); the patient died despite segmental intestinal resection and intensive care.

Transanal surgery: A tool in the colorectal anastomotic leakage. / La cirugía transanal como herramienta en la dehiscencia de la anastomosis colorrectal.

The treatment of anastomotic leakage after oncological surgery for rectal cancer is a surgical challenge. The goal of this study is to show how transanal surgery combined with the abdominal approach is a very useful tool to decide on individualized treatment depending on the degree of dehiscence and to assist us in its local management. We present three cases of patients with colorectal anastomotic dehiscence. In two, we demonstrate the treatment of acute colorectal leakage and how transanal surgery allows us to confirm its viability and rule out any underlying ischemia. Furthermore, it facilitates good drainage of the adjacent collection as well as the placement of a vacuum system, if necessary, and its subsequent replacements. The last case is a delayed dehiscence with chronic presacral sinus, and its treatment by transanal access for fenestration.

Incarcerated umbilical hernia in a super-super-obese patient.

Abdominal wall hernias are more prevalent in the morbidly obese. Incarceration of external hernias is a relatively common process in adults and is associated to a high rate of complications and mortality. We present the case of a morbidly super-super-obese patient (body mass index, 80 kg/m(2)) who underwent emergency surgery for an incarcerated umbilical hernia; the patient died despite segmental intestinal resection, hernia repair using mesh, and intensive care.

Hepatic evisceration after cholecystectomy in a super obese patient.

Gallbladder pathology in general and cholelithiasis in particular are more common in the morbidly obese. Obesity is a risk factor for conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Obesity is also a risk factor for evisceration after laparotomy in adults. Hepatic evisceration after cholecystectomy is rare. We describe a case of right liver lobe evisceration diagnosed by abdominal computed tomography (CT) in a super obese patient (BMI 57 kg/m2) after emergency laparoscopic surgery for acute calculous cholecystitis converted to open surgery.

Hepatic evisceration after cholecystectomy in a superobese patient.

Gallbladder pathology, in general, and cholelithiasis, in particular, are more common in the morbidly obese. Obesity is a risk factor for conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Obesity is also a risk factor for evisceration after laparotomy in adults. Hepatic evisceration after cholecystectomy is rare. We describe a case of right liver lobe evisceration diagnosed by abdominal computed tomography in a superobese patient (body mass index 57 kg/m(2)) after emergency laparoscopic surgery for acute calculous cholecystitis converted to open surgery.

Estudio del impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la práctica quirúrgica urgente y electiva en un hospital de tercer nivel / Impact of SARS-COV-2 pandemic on elective and emergency surgery in a university hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 ha causado un importante impacto en nuestro medio, con la necesidad de demorar la cirugía programada y urgente. Las cifras referentes a la disminución de la actividad quirúrgica y el impacto del periodo aún no se conocen con exactitud. Se estima una mortalidad de hasta un 20% en los pacientes operados con infección peroperatoria por SARS-CoV-2 MÉTODOS: Del 14/03 al 11/05 del 2020 se han recogido los datos de los pacientes ingresados en el servicio de Cirugía General y Digestiva del Hospital Universitari Dr. Josep Trueta de Girona, para analizar el impacto de la pandemia sobre la cirugía electiva y urgente. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de ocupación pico de la Unidad de Medicina Intensiva de nuestro centro (con un máximo de 303,8%), la cirugía electiva y la urgente se redujeron un 93,8% y un 72,7%, respectivamente. La mortalidad de los pacientes operados con infección por SARS-CoV-2 en nuestro estudio (n = 10) fue del 10%; las complicaciones fueron del 80% (siendo graves un 30%). CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio muestra una reducción global de la actividad quirúrgica tanto electiva como urgente durante la pandemia. La mortalidad global de los pacientes operados con infección por SARS-CoV-2 ha sido baja, pero la tasa de complicaciones graves ha sido superior a la global

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused an important impact in our country and elective surgery has been postponed in most cases. There's not known information about the decreasing and impact on surgery. Mortality of surgical patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is estimated to be around 20%. METHODS: We conducted prospective data recruitment of people inpatient in our Digestive and General Surgery section of Girona's University Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta from 03/14 to 05/11. Our objective is to analyze the impact that SARS-CoV-2 pandemic over elective and urgent surgery. RESULTS: During the peak occupation of our center Intensive Care Unit (303.8%) there was a reduction on elective (93.8%) and urgent (72.7%) surgery. Mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgery (n=10) is estimated to be a 10%. An 80% of these patients suffer complications (sever complications in 30%). CONCLUSIONS: The actual study shows a global reduction of the surgical activity (elective and urgent) during de SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Global mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are low, but the severe complications have been over the usual

La cirugía transanal como herramienta en la dehiscencia de la anastomosis colorrectal / Transanal surgery: A tool in the colorectal anastomotic leakage

El tratamiento de la dehiscencia de sutura después de cirugía oncológica del cáncer de recto supone un reto quirúrgico. El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar como la cirugía transanal combinada con el abordaje abdominal es una herramienta muy útil para decidir el tratamiento individualizado en función del grado de dehiscencia y ayudarnos al manejo local de la misma. Presentamos tres casos de pacientes con dehiscencia de sutura colorrectal. En dos de ellos se muestra el tratamiento de una dehiscencia colorrectal aguda y como la cirugía transanal nos permite comprobar la viabilidad y descartar isquemia subyacente. Por otro lado, nos facilita un buen drenaje de la colección adyacente, así como si es necesaria la colocación de un sistema vacuum y de sus recambios siguientes. El último caso se trata de una dehiscencia tardía con sinus presacro crónico y su tratamiento mediante acceso transanal para destechamiento del mismo

The treatment of anastomotic leakage after oncological surgery for rectal cancer is a surgical challenge. The goal of this study is to show how transanal surgery combined with the abdominal approach is a very useful tool to decide on individualized treatment depending on the degree of dehiscence and to assist us in its local management. We present three cases of patients with colorectal anastomotic dehiscence. In two, we demonstrate the treatment of acute colorectal leakage and how transanal surgery allows us to confirm its viability and rule out any underlying ischemia. Furthermore, it facilitates good drainage of the adjacent collection as well as the placement of a vacuum system, if necessary, and its subsequent replacements. The last case is a delayed dehiscence with chronic presacral sinus, and its treatment by transanal access for fenestration