Locally-advanced primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast is a heterogeneous group of rare tumors with positive immunoreactivity to neuroendocrine markers in at least 50% of cells. Diagnosis also requires that other primary sites be ruled out and that the same tumor show histological evidence of a breast in situ component. Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast rarely presents as locally advanced disease and less frequently with such widespread metastatic disease as described herein. The review accompanying this case report is the first to provide an overview of all the cases of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast published in the literature and encompasses detailed information regarding epidemiology, histogenesis, clinical and histologic diagnosis criteria, classification, surgical and adjuvant treatment, as well as prognosis. We also provide recommendations for common clinical and histologic pitfalls associated with this tumor. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a 51-year-old Hispanic woman initially diagnosed with locally-advanced invasive ductal carcinoma that did not respond to neoadjuvant treatment. After undergoing modified radical mastectomy the final surgical pathology showed evidence of alveolar-type primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast. The patient was treated with cisplatin/etoposide followed by paclitaxel/carboplatinum. Thirteen months after surgery the patient is alive, but developed pulmonary, bone, and hepatic metastasis. CONCLUSION: The breast in situ component of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast may prevail on a core biopsy samples increasing the probability of underdiagnosing this tumor preoperatively. Being aware of the existence of this disease allows for timely diagnosis and management. Optimal treatment requires simultaneous consideration of both the neuroendocrine and breast in situ tumor features.

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment among general surgery residents in Colombia / Acoso laboral y sexual en residentes de cirugía general en Colombia

INTRODUCTION: Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are concerns among general surgery residents in Colombia. OBJETIVE: To explore the prevalence and impact of workplace bullying and sexual harassment incidents among general surgery residents in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This nationwide study was conducted in 2020. Residents selfrated their exposure to workplace bullying and to sexual harassment in the forms of gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion. We analyzed demographic variables, perpetrator's characteristics, and differences between victims and non-victims. RESULTS: The study included 302 residents. It found that 49% of general surgery residents in Colombia suffered from workplace bullying and 14.9% experienced sexual harassment. The main forms of sexual harassment were gender harassment (47%) and unwanted sexual attention (47%). Women reported significantly higher rates of being sexually harassed. Surgeons were the main perpetrators of sexual harassment. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are frequent events in general surgery residency in Colombia. These findings suggest the need for interventions to improve the educational culture of surgical departments and decrease the prevalence of these behaviors.

Introducción: El acoso laboral y el acoso sexual son preocupaciones en la formación quirúrgica. Objetivo: Exploramos la magnitud de estos problemas entre los residentes de cirugía general en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio nacional en junio de 2020. Los residentes autoevaluaron su exposición a la intimidación y el acoso sexual en forma de acoso de género, atención sexual no deseada y coerción sexual. Se analizaron variables demográficas y perpetradores entre víctimas y no víctimas. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 302 residentes. Las tasas de acoso laboral y sexual fueron del 49% y 14,9%, respectivamente. Las principales formas de acoso sexual correspondieron al acoso de género (47%) y la atención sexual no deseada (47%). El acoso sexual fue significativamente mayor entre las mujeres. Los cirujanos fueron los principales perpetradores. Conclusiones: El acoso laboral y el acoso sexual son frecuentes en la formación quirúrgica en Colombia. Estos hallazgos conducen a intervenciones para mejorar la cultura educativa de los departamentos quirúrgicos para disminuir la prevalencia de estos comportamientos.

Safety and efficacy of P2Et extract from Caesalpinia spinosa in breast cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized double blind phase II clinical trial (CS003-BC).

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy in breast cancer is effective but can generate significant toxicity and lead to tumor resistance. Joint treatment with standardized plant extracts can be an alternative to improve the response and allow an effective activation of the antitumor immune response that favors recovery in the short and long term. The P2Et extract of Caesalpinia spinosa presents antitumor activity in cells and animal models of breast cancer, improves the tumor microenvironment, and induces activation of the specific immune response against the tumor and is synergistic when used together with anthracyclines, which makes it a good candidate for evaluation in patients. METHODS: Conducted at a single center, this phase II study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed at assessing the safety and efficacy of P2Et extract in patients diagnosed with stage II and III breast cancer, who are eligible for neoadjuvant treatment. The study aims to determine the safety profile at the previously established optimal biological dose from phase I trial while investigating various efficacy outcomes. These outcomes include improvements in quality of life, immunomodulation, metabolic profile, microbiome, as well as clinical indicators such as tumor reduction, disease-free survival, and pathological response, assessed at different stages of the treatment regimen. DISCUSSION: Treatment with the P2Et extract in breast cancer patients is hypothesized to enhance overall well-being, positively influencing their quality of life, while also triggering an antitumor immune response and enhancing immune infiltration. These combined effects have the potential to contribute to improved long-term survival outcomes for patients receiving the phytomedicine alongside neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the US National Library of Medicine with identifier NCT05007444. First Registered August 16th, 2021. Last Updated: August 9th, 2022.

Translation, adaptation, and validation of the MeNTS score in colombian population: The MeNTS Col score.

Objective: To evaluate and validate the medically necessary and time sensitive score by testing the variables, in order to create a surgical preoperative score for procedure prioritization in COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study of instrument validation with a cultural adaptation and translation into the Spanish language was carried out in Bogota, Colombia. Patients over 18 years of age who had undergone elective procedures of general surgery and subspecialties were included. The translation of the medically necessary and time sensitive score into Spanish was performed independently by two bilingual surgeons fluent in both English and Spanish. A final version of the Spanish questionnaire (MeNTS Col) for testing was then produced by an expert committee. After translation and cultural adaptation, it was submitted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the medically necessary and time sensitive score. Cronbach's α was used to represent and evaluate the internal consistency and assess reliability. Results: A total of 172 patients were included, with a median age of 54 years; of which 96 (55.8%) patients were females. The vast majority of patients were treated for general surgery (n = 60) and colon and rectal surgery (n = 31). The evaluation of the internal consistency of the scale items in Spanish version was measured, and values of 0.5 for 0.8 were obtained. In the reliability and validation process, Cronbach's α values in all items remained higher than 0.7. The new MeNTS Col model was analyzed, and a result of 0.91 was obtained. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the medically necessary and time sensitive, the MeNTS Col score, and its respective Spanish translation perform similarly to the original version. Therefore, they can be useful and reproducible in Latin American countries.

Determining the use of prophylactic antibiotics in breast cancer surgeries: a survey of practice.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic antibiotics (PAs) are beneficial to breast cancer patients undergoing surgery because they prevent surgical site infection (SSI), but limited information regarding their use has been published. This study aims to determine the use of PAs prior to breast cancer surgery amongst breast surgeons in Colombia. METHODS: An online survey was distributed amongst the breast surgeon members of the Colombian Association of Mastology, the only breast surgery society of Colombia. The scope of the questions included demographics, clinical practice characteristics, PA prescription characteristics, and the use of PAs in common breast surgical procedures. RESULTS: The survey was distributed amongst eighty-eight breast surgeons of whom forty-seven responded (response rate: 53.4%). Forty surgeons (85.1%) reported using PAs prior to surgery of which >60% used PAs during mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and/or breast reconstruction. Surgeons reported they targeted the use of PAs in cases in which patients had any of the following SSI risk factors: diabetes mellitus, drains in situ, obesity, and neoadjuvant therapy. The distribution of the self-reported PA dosing regimens was as follows: single pre-operative fixed-dose (27.7%), single preoperative dose followed by a second dose if the surgery was prolonged (44.7%), single preoperative dose followed by one or more postoperative doses for >24 hours (10.6%), and single preoperative weight-adjusted dose (2.1%). CONCLUSION: Although this group of breast surgeons is aware of the importance of PAs in breast cancer surgery there is a discrepancy in how they use it, specifically with regards to prescription and timeliness of drug administration. Our findings call for targeted quality-improvement initiatives, such as standardized national guidelines, which can provide sufficient evidence for all stakeholders and therefore facilitate best practice medicine for breast cancer surgery.

The breast cancer immune microenvironment is modified by neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) in breast cancer (BC) has been used to reduce tumor burden prior to surgery. However, the impact on prognosis depends on the establishment of Pathological Complete Response (pCR), which is influenced by tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte levels and the activation of the antitumor immune response. Nonetheless, NAT can affect immune infiltration and the quality of the response. Here, we showed that NAT induces dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). After NAT, an increase of regulatory T cells and a decrease of CD8+ T cells was found in tumor, correlated with the presence of metastatic cells in lymph nodes. In addition, an increase of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor like cells was found in luminal patients post-NAT. pCR patients showed a balance between the immune populations, while non-pCR patients presented an inverse relationship in the frequency of CD68+ versus CD3+, CD8+, and CD20+ cells. Moreover, activated T cells were found in peripheral blood, as well as an increase in T cell clonality with a lower diversity post-NAT. Overall, these results shown that NAT induces an activation of immune response, however, a balance in the TME seems to be related to a better antigenic presentation and therefore a better response to treatment.

Safety Evaluation in Healthy Colombian Volunteers of P2Et Extract Obtained from Caesalpinia spinosa: Design 3+3 Phase I Clinical Trial.

The polyphenol-enriched extract called P2Et derived from Caesalpinia spinosa (C. spinosa) had antitumor and immunomodulatory activities reported in breast cancer, leukemia, and melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and maximum tolerated dose of P2Et extract in Colombian healthy volunteers in a phase 1 clinical trial, open labelled, single-arm, dose-escalation design 3 + 3. Seven healthy volunteers were included; P2Et was administrated in capsules of 600 mg/d for 28 days. Analysis by intention to treat was performed. 4 volunteers showed adverse events and discontinued the intervention. 94.6% of AE were grade 1, and most of AE had a reasonable possibility of a relationship with the P2Et (83.8%). We found that the oral administration of P2Et is safe in healthy humans with a maximum tolerated dose of 600 mg/d. There was no severe toxicity; most of the adverse events were mild, without significant changes in the safety parameters evaluated.

Recommendations for streamlining precision medicine in breast cancer care in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of breast cancer (BC) in LMICs has increased by more than 20% within the last decade. In areas such as Latin America (LA), addressing BC at national levels evoke discussions surrounding fragmented care, limited resources, and regulatory barriers. Precision Medicine (PM), specifically companion diagnostics (CDx), links disease diagnosis and treatment for better patient outcomes. Thus, its application may aid in overcoming these barriers. RECENT FINDINGS: A panel of LA experts in fields related to BC and PM were provided with a series of relevant questions to address prior to a multi-day conference. Within this conference, each narrative was edited by the entire group, through numerous rounds of discussion until a consensus was achieved. The panel proposes specific, realistic recommendations for implementing CDx in BC in LA and other LMIC regions. In these recommendations, the authors strived to address all barriers to the widespread use and access mentioned previously within this manuscript. CONCLUSION: This manuscript provides a review of the current state of CDx for BC in LA. Of most importance, the panel proposes practical and actionable recommendations for the implementation of CDx throughout the Region in order to identify the right patient at the right time for the right treatment.

Ethical guidelines on cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia / [Pautas éticas para la reanimación cardiopulmonar en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia].

The pandemic caused by COVID19 is associated with an increase in the number of cases of cardiorespiratory arrest, which has resulted in ethical concerns regarding the enforceability of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as the conditions to carry it out. The risk of aerosol transmission and the clinical uncertainties about the efficacy, the potential sequelae, and the circumstances that could justify limiting this procedure during the pandemic have multiplied the ethical doubts on how to proceed in these cases. Based on ethical and legal grounds, this paper offers a practical guide on how to proceed in the clinical setting in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest during the pandemic. The criteria of justice, benefit, no harm, respect for autonomy, precaution, integrity, and transparency are asserted in an organized and practical framework for decision-making regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

La pandemia de COVID-19 se ha asociado con un incremento en el número de casos de paro cardiorrespiratorio y con ello han aumentado las inquietudes éticas en torno a la exigencia de la reanimación cardiopulmonar, así como sobre las condiciones para realizarla. El riesgo de contagio por aerosoles y las incertidumbres clínicas sobre la eficacia, las potenciales secuelas y las circunstancias que podrían justificar la limitación del procedimiento durante la pandemia, han multiplicado las dudas éticas sobre cómo proceder en estos casos. Con base en fundamentos éticos y jurídicos, en el presente artículo se ofrece una guía práctica sobre cómo proceder en los casos de paro cardiopulmonar en el contexto de la pandemia. Los criterios de justicia, beneficio, no daño, respeto a la autonomía, precaución, integridad y transparencia, se presentan de forma organizada y práctica para la adopción de decisiones en materia de reanimación cardiopulmonar.

Evaluation of chemotherapy and P2Et extract combination in ex-vivo derived tumor mammospheres from breast cancer patients.

The main cause of death by cancer is metastasis rather than local complications of primary tumors. Recent studies suggest that breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), retains the ability to self-renew and differentiate to repopulate the entire tumor, also, they have been associated with resistance to chemotherapy and tumor recurrence, even after tumor resection. Chemotherapy has been implicated in the induction of resistant phenotypes with highly metastatic potential. Naturally occurring compounds, especially phytochemicals such as P2Et, can target different populations of cancer cells as well as BCSC, favoring the activation of immune response via immunogenic tumor death. Here, we evaluated the presence of BCSC as well as markers related to drug resistance in tumors obtained from 78 patients who had received (or not) chemotherapy before surgery. We evaluated the ex vivo response of patient tumor-derived organoids (or mammospheres) to chemotherapy alone or in combination with P2Et. A xenotransplant model engrafted with MDA-MB-468 was used to evaluate in vivo the activity of P2Et, in this model P2Et delay tumor growth. We show that patients with luminal and TNBC, and those who received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery have a higher frequency of BCSC. Further, the treatment with P2Et in mammospheres and human breast cancer cell lines improve the in vitro tumor death and decrease its viability and proliferation together with the release of immunogenic signals. P2Et could be a good co-adjuvant in antitumor therapy in patients, retarding the tumor growth by enabling the activation of the immune response.

Síndrome de desgaste profesional en residentes de cirugía: estudio transversal colombiano en 2020 / Professional burnout syndrome in surgical residents: 2020 Colombian cross-sectional study

Introducción. El síndrome de desgaste profesional incluye un estado de agotamiento físico y mental relacionado con las actividades del trabajo. El personal en formación de residencias médicas puede experimentar una salud mental y un rendimiento laboral adverso, con una alta prevalencia del síndrome. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar los resultados publicados del desgaste profesional en residentes de cirugía con los obtenidos en el presente estudio. Métodos. Se hizo una encuesta anónima en línea a los residentes de los veinte programas de Cirugía general en Colombia, entre junio y julio del 2020. El desgaste profesional se evaluó con el cuestionario de Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI). Se calcularon las puntuaciones para las subescalas de agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y realización personal, así como la frecuencia del síndrome según las variables demográficas. Resultados. Participaron 302 residentes en el estudio; el 20,2 % presentaron síndrome de desgaste profesional, 43,7 % agotamiento emocional, 23,2 % despersonalización y 45 % baja realización personal. Al comparar el grupo con desgaste frente al grupo sin desgaste, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las variables demográficas. Conclusiones. Aunque el porcentaje de síndrome de desgaste profesional entre los residentes de Cirugía general en Colombia fue menor al encontrado en otros estudios, es preocupante. Dado su posible impacto en la práctica médica y los resultados en el paciente, es necesario continuar describiendo la aparición del síndrome en el personal en formación, comprender el desarrollo del mismo y, de esta forma, crear intervenciones específicas para controlarlo

Introduction. Burnout syndrome includes a state of physical and mental exhaustion related to work activities. Medical residency trainees, especially surgical specialties, may experience adverse mental health and job performance, with a high prevalence of the syndrome. This work aims to compare the published results of the national and international prevalence of professional burnout in surgical residents, with those obtained in the present study. Methods. A national survey about burnout was carried out in general surgery residents in the twenty active general surgery programs in Colombia, during the period from June to July 2020 through an anonymous online survey. Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI) questionnaire. Total scores were calculated for the emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment subscales, as well as the frequency of the syndrome according to demographic variables. Results. 302 residents participated in the study; 20.2% presented BS, 43.7% presented emotional exhaustion, 23.2% depersonalization and 45% low personal fulfillment. When comparing the group with attrition versus the group without attrition, no statistically significant differences were found in any of the demographic variables. Conclusions. The percentage of burnout among general surgery residents, although lower than that found in other national or international studies, is worrisome. Given the possible impact of this on medical practice and patient outcomes, it is necessary to continue describing the appearance of the syndrome in trainees, understand its development and thus create specific interventions to control it

Fuentes de energía en apendicectomía laparoscópica en un programa académico de Cirugía general en Colombia / Energy sources in laparoscopic appendectomy in an academic program of General Surgery in Colombia

Introducción. La apendicectomía por laparoscopia se considera el patrón de oro en el tratamiento de la apendicitis aguda. Sin embargo, su disponibilidad es limitada en nuestro sistema de salud, principalmente por los costos asociados. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación entre el uso de los diferentes tipos de energía y los métodos de ligadura de la base apendicular, con las complicaciones postoperatorias, al igual que describir los costos asociados. Métodos. Estudio observacional analítico de una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes mayores de 15 años a quienes se les realizó apendicectomía por laparoscopia, en un hospital universitario entre los años 2014 y 2018. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística y lineal para evaluar la relación entre métodos de ligadura del meso y base apendicular, desenlaces operatorios y costos. Resultados. Se realizaron 2074 apendicectomías por laparoscopia, 58,2 % (n=1207) en mujeres, la edad mediana fue de 32 años. En el 71,5 % (n=1483) la apendicitis aguda no fue complicada. La energía monopolar para la liga-dura del meso apendicular fue la utilizada más frecuentemente en 57,2 % (n=1187) y el Hemolok® el más utilizado para la ligadura de la base apendicular en el 84,8 % (n=1759) de los pacientes. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la tasa de infección del sitio operatorio, reintervención o íleo. El uso de energía simple redujo los costos del procedimiento de manera significativa durante el período evaluado. Discusión. El uso de energía monopolar demostró ser una técnica segura, reproducible y de menor costo en comparación con el uso de energía bipolar, independientemente de la fase de la apendicitis aguda. Lo anterior ha permitido que se realicen más apendicectomías por laparoscopia y que los médicos residentes de cirugía general puedan realizar procedimientos laparoscópicos de forma más temprana

Introduction. Laparoscopic appendectomy is considered the gold standard in the treatment of acute appendicitis. However, its availability is limited in our health system mainly due to the associated costs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the use of different types of energy and the methods of ligation of the appendicular base with postoperative complications, as well as to describe the associated costs. Methods. Retrospective observational study of a cohort of patients older than 15 years old who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in a university hospital between 2014 and 2018. Logistic and linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between methods of ligation of the meso and appendicular base, operative outcomes and costs. Results: 2074 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed. Of those, 58.2% (n=1207) were women, median age was 32 years. In 71.5% (n=1483), acute appendicitis was uncomplicated. Monopolar energy for ligation was the most frequently used for ligation of the appendicular meso in 57.2% (n=1187) and Hem-o-lok® the most used for ligation of the appendicular base in 84.8% (n=1759) of the patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of surgical site infection, reoperation, or ileus. The use of simple energy reduced the costs of the procedure significantly during the study period. Discussion. The use of monopolar energy proved to be a safe, reproducible and a lower cost technique compared to the use of bipolar energy, regardless of the phase of acute appendicitis. This has allowed more laparoscopic appendectomies to be performed and the general surgery residents to perform laparoscopic procedures earlier

Cirugía durante la pandemia del SARS-COV-2 / COVID-19: el efecto de la generación de aerosoles de partículas en escenarios quirúrgicos / Surgery during the SARS-COV-2 / COVID-19 pandemic: the effect of particle aerosol generation on surgical scenarios

Hasta el momento no se ha publicado información conclusiva que respalde la teoría de que los virus respiratorios se transmitan a través del humo quirúrgico o el neumoperitoneo. Por lo tanto, las alertas sobre los riesgos de la laparoscopia emitidas durante las primeras semanas de la pandemia deben ser analizadas con precaución y a la luz de la evidencia cambiante sobre el tema. Tanto la cirugía abierta como la laparoscópica tienen el potencial de generar aerosoles de partículas y por lo tanto, en ambos escenarios es fundamental la protección de todo el equipo de trabajo dentro del quirófano. En todos los procedimientos durante la época de pandemia, se deben buscar las estrategias más efectivas para controlar las potenciales fuentes de trasmisión y minimizar la exposición del personal en los momentos de mayor riesgo, relacionados con el manejo de la vía aérea y las cavidades del paciente. La siguiente es una revisión narrativa de literatura sobre las cirugías durante la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 y el efecto de los aerosoles durante estos procedimientos, con el fin de integrar y dar a conocer las principales medidas que se han propuesto a nivel global, para manejar este nuevo grupo de pacientes

To date no conclusive information has been published to support the theory that respiratory viruses are transmitted through surgical smoke or pneumoperitoneum. Therefore, alerts about the risks of laparoscopy issued during the first weeks of the pandemic should be viewed with caution and in light of changing evidence on the subject. Both open and laparoscopic surgery have the potential to generate aerosols of particles and therefore, in both scenarios, the protection of all the surgical team within the operating room is essential. In all procedures during the pandemic season, the most effective strategies should be sought to control potential sources of transmission and minimize staff exposure at times of greatest risk related to the management of the patient's airway and cavities. The following is a narrative review of the literature on surgeries during the SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of aerosols during these procedures, in order to integrate and publicize the main measures that have been proposed globally, to manage this new group of patients

Futilidad en cirugía: el caso de la gastrostomía / Futility in surgery: the case of the gastrostomy

Introducción. La nutrición se ha considerado tradicionalmente una necesidad básica y el garantizarla se ha asumido como una responsabilidad médica. Se cuestiona la utilización de procedimientos que permitan la nutrición artificial en situaciones clínicas limítrofes, en las cuales su beneficio puede ser limitado o nulo. En el presente estudio se busca determinar el éxito de un procedimiento quirúrgico, la gastrostomía, desde la perspectiva del beneficio para el paciente y, así, aproximarse a una definición de gastrostomía fútil. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, retrospectivo y analítico, basado en la revisión de las historias clínicas de los pacientes sometidos a gastrostomía abierta o endoscópica en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. El grupo de investigadores principales analizaron los datos para determinar si las gastrostomías practicadas fueron fútiles o no lo fueron. Resultados. Se incluyeron 145 pacientes tratados durante el periodo del 2015 al 2018 y en el 53 % de los cuales se cumplieron los criterios para considerar el procedimiento como fútil. Los procedimientos ­108 endoscópicos y 37 abiertos­fueron practicados principalmente en pacientes con neoplasias de cabeza y cuello, y enfermedades neurológicas. Si bien no hubo mortalidad asociada con el procedimiento, 26 de los pacientes fallecieron en los primeros 15 días después de la intervención. Discusión. El determinar en qué condiciones se debe considerar la gastrostomía una intervención realmente beneficiosa es un desafío. Es necesario incorporar un análisis ético, antes de ofrecer este procedimiento, con el fin de minimizar las gastrostomías innecesarias que actualmente constituyen un problema global

Introduction. Nutrition has traditionally been considered a basic need and ensuring it has been assumed as a medical responsibility. The use of procedures that allow artificial nutrition in borderline clinical situations is questioned, in which their benefit may be limited or null. The present study seeks to determine the success of a surgical procedure, gastrostomy, from the perspective of benefit to the patient and, thus, to approximate a definition of futile gastrostomy. Methods. An observational, retrospective and analytical study was carried out, based on the review of the medical records of patients undergoing open or endoscopic gastrostomy at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. The group of main researchers analyzed data to determine if the gastrostomies performed were futile or not.Results. Results. A total of 145 patients treated during the period from 2015 to 2018 were included, and 53% of whom met the criteria to consider the procedure as futile. The procedures - 108 endoscopic and 37 open - were practiced mainly in patients with head and neck malignancies, and neurological diseases. Although there was no mortality associated with the procedure, 26 of the patients died in the first 15 days after the intervention.Discussion. Determining under what conditions a gastrostomy should be considered a truly beneficial intervention is challenging. It is necessary to incorporate an ethical analysis, before offering this procedure, in order to minimize unnecessary gastrostomies that currently constitute a global problem

Pautas éticas para la reanimación cardiopulmonar en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia / Ethical guidelines on cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia

La pandemia de COVID-19 se ha asociado con un incremento en el número de casos de paro cardiorrespiratorio y con ello han aumentado las inquietudes éticas en torno a la exigencia de la reanimación cardiopulmonar, así como sobre las condiciones para realizarla. El riesgo de contagio por aerosoles y las incertidumbres clínicas sobre la eficacia, las potenciales secuelas y las circunstancias que podrían justificar la limitación del procedimiento durante la pandemia, han multiplicado las dudas éticas sobre cómo proceder en estos casos. Con base en fundamentos éticos y jurídicos, en el presente artículo se ofrece una guía práctica sobre cómo proceder en los casos de paro cardiopulmonar en el contexto de la pandemia. Los criterios de justicia, beneficio, no daño, respeto a la autonomía, precaución, integridad y transparencia, se presentan de forma organizada y práctica para la adopción de decisiones en materia de reanimación cardiopulmonar.

The pandemic caused by COVID19 is associated with an increase in the number of cases of cardiorespiratory arrest, which has resulted in ethical concerns regarding the enforceability of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as the conditions to carry it out. The risk of aerosol transmission and the clinical uncertainties about the efficacy, the potential sequelae, and the circumstances that could justify limiting this procedure during the pandemic have multiplied the ethical doubts on how to proceed in these cases. Based on ethical and legal grounds, this paper offers a practical guide on how to proceed in the clinical setting in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest during the pandemic. The criteria of justice, benefit, no harm, respect for autonomy, precaution, integrity, and transparency are asserted in an organized and practical framework for decision-making regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Educación quirúrgica durante la pandemia de COVID-19: primer consenso nacional de la División de Educación de la Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía / Surgical education during the COVID-19 pandemic: First national consensus of the Education Division of the Colombian Association of Surgery

Este consenso presenta las recomendaciones de la División de Educación de la Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía para los programas de especialización en cirugía general del país, con el fin de enfrentar la pandemia de la COVID-19 en los próximos años. Las recomendaciones se formularon mediante un método informal de consenso de expertos conformado por todos los directores de los programas de especialización en cirugía general en Colombia. Las principales recomendaciones se relacionan con los procesos de selección en los programas, investigación, bioseguridad, vigilancia de volumen operatorio, evaluación, simulación y virtualidad, rotaciones especiales, esquemas de trabajo y evaluación de la calidad programática

This consensus presents the recommendations of the División de Educación of the Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía for the Colombian surgical residency programs, in order to face the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming years. The recommendations were formulated using an informal method of consensus of experts made up of all program directors of residency programs in the country. The main recommendations are related to the selection processes in the programs, research, biosecurity, surveillance of operative volume, evaluation, simulation and virtual education, special rotations, work schemes and evaluation of program quality.