[Treatment of colorectal cancer with unresectable metastasis with chemotherapy without primary tumor resection: analysis of tumor-related complications]. / Tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal con metástasis irresecables con quimioterapia sin resección del primario: análisis de las complicaciones relacionadas con el tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Although the conventional treatment of patients with stage iv colorectal cancer involves resection of the primary tumor followed by chemotherapy, several studies suggest that in patients with few symptoms the first and only treatment should be chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to analyze the complications related to the primary tumor in a series of patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy without surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study. The study included all patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy without resection of the primary tumor (January 2007-February 2011). RESULTS: The mean age of the 61 patients analyzed was 67±13 years and the performance status was 0-1 in 53 (87%). Twenty (33%) patients developed complications during follow-up. The most common complication was intestinal obstruction in 15 (25%) patients followed by perforation. Complications required surgery in 6 (10%) cases. We did not find differences in patient characteristics between those who had a complication and those without, although the complication rate in patients with a colonic stent (53%) was twice that of other patients (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy without surgery is a good option in most patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. However, although the percentage of patients requiring surgery is low, the total number of complications related to the primary tumor is not negligible. Studies are needed to identify those patients in whom a prophylactic colectomy could be indicated.

[Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis: Impact on healthcare costs]. / Tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada: impacto sobre los costes sanitarios.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is safe and effective. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of outpatient treatment on the reduction of healthcare costs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comparing 2 groups was performed. In the outpatient treatment group, patients diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis were treated with oral antibiotics at home. In the hospital treatment group, patients met the criteria for outpatient treatment but were admitted to hospital and received intravenous antibiotic therapy. Cost estimates have been made using the hospital cost accounting system based on total costs, the sum of all variable costs (direct costs) plus overhead expenses divided by activity (indirect costs). RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were included, 90 in the outpatient treatment group and 46 in the hospital group. There were no differences in the characteristics of the patients in both groups. There were also no differences in the treatment failure rate in both groups (5.5% vs. 4.3%; P=.7). The total cost per episode was significantly lower in the outpatient treatment group (882 ± 462 vs. 2.376 ± 830 euros; P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient treatment of acute diverticulitis is not only safe and effective but also reduces healthcare costs by more than 60%.

[Treatment of a rectourethral fistula after radical prostatectomy by York Mason posterior trans-sphincter exposure]. / Tratamiento de la fístula rectouretral tras prostatectomía radical mediante la exposición transesfinteriana posterior de York Mason.

INTRODUCTION: Recto-urethral fistula is an uncommon complication after radical prostatectomy, occurring in less than 2% of patients. Our aim is to review our experience for repairing these fistulas with the posterior trans-sphincter approach of York Mason. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective review. All patients who underwent repair of postoperative recto-urethral fistula in our unit were included. The procedure described by York Mason was performed in all cases. RESULTS: During the last 6 years, 5 patients with recto-urethral fistulas after radical prostatectomy were repaired by using this method. Symptoms, including faecaluria and/or passing of urine via the anus, appeared between the postoperative day 4 and 7 weeks after surgery, and confirmation was obtained by cystography. Initial faecal diversion with sigmoid loop colostomy was performed in 3 cases, whereas in the other 2 patients a loop ileostomy was performed at the time of surgical repair. The posterior trans- sphincter approach and fistula repair was performed between 5 and 10 months after diagnosis. Morbidity included wound infection in 2 cases and skin dehiscence in another 2 patients. Successful fistula closure was achieved in all cases with complete faecal continence. No recurrence has been observed after a mean follow-up of 22 (4-40) months. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior trans-sphincter approach of York Mason is effective for the repair of recto-urethral fistulas after radical prostatectomy with minor morbidity and no impairment of continence.

Sequential changes in redox status and nitric oxide synthases expression in the liver after bile duct ligation.

Bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats induces portal fibrosis. This process has been linked to changes in the oxidative state of the hepatic cells and in the production of nitric oxide. Our objective was to find possible temporal connections between hepatic redox state, NO synthesis and liver injury. In this work we have characterized hepatic lesions 17 and 31 days after BDL and determined changes in hepatic function, oxidative state, and NO production. We have also analyzed the expression and localization of inducible NO synthase (NOS2) and constitutive NO synthase (NOS3). After 17 and 31 days from ligature, lipid peroxidation is increased and both plasma concentration and biliary excretion of nitrite+nitrate are rised. 17 days after BDL both NOS2 and NOS3 are expressed intensely and in the same regions. 31 days after BDL, the expression of NOS2 remains elevated and is localized mostly in preserved hepatocytes in portal areas and in neighborhoods of centrolobulillar vein. NOS3 is localized in vascular regions of portal spaces and centrolobulillar veins and in preserved sinusoids and although its expression is greater than in control animals (34%), it is clearly lower (50%) than 17 days after BDL. The time after BDL is crucial in the study of NO production, intrahepatic localization of NOS isoforms expression, and cell type involved, since all these parameters change with time. BDL-induced, peroxidation and fibrosis are not ligated by a cause-effect relationship, but rather they both seem to be the consequence of common inductors.

El estudio radiológico con contraste antes del cierre del estoma derivativo en el cáncer de recto no es necesario de forma rutinaria / Contrast radiography before diverting stoma closure in rectal cancer is not necessary on a routine basis

Introducción: Es recomendable practicar un estoma derivativo en pacientes con resección anterior baja y factores de riesgo, para reducir la gravedad de la fuga anastomótica. Habitualmente se realiza un estudio radiológico previo al cierre del estoma para detectar fugas subclínicas. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la utilidad clínica del estudio radiológico. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de una cohorte de pacientes sometidos a resección anterior de recto por cáncer rectal, y a los que se les realiza cierre del estoma sin enema de contraste. Este estudio se lleva a cabo después de realizar una revisión retrospectiva sobre los resultados del estudio radiológico previo al cierre del estoma en pacientes intervenidos entre 2007 y 2011. Resultados: Ochenta y seis pacientes cumplieron los criterios del estudio. Trece pacientes (15,1%) presentaron sepsis pélvica. El enema con contraste antes del cierre del estoma fue patológico en 8 pacientes (9,3%). Cinco de los 13 pacientes con sepsis pélvica mostraron un estudio radiológico patológico, en comparación con solo 3 de 73 pacientes sin complicaciones intraabdominales después de la resección del recto (38,5% vs 4,1%; p = 0,001). Basándonos en estos resultados, realizamos un estudio prospectivo omitiendo el enema con contraste en pacientes con curso postoperatorio no complicado. A 38 pacientes se les cerró el estoma sin estudio radiológico previo. Ningún paciente presentó sepsis pélvica. Conclusiones: El estudio radiológico de la anastomosis colorrectal antes de la reconstrucción del tránsito puede omitirse con seguridad en los pacientes sin sepsis pélvica ni íleo paralítico tras la resección anterior de recto

Introduction: Diverting stomata are recommended in patients with low anterior resection and risk factors in order to reduce the severity of anastomotic leaks. Usually, a radiology study is performed prior to the closure of the stoma to detect subclinical leaks. The aim of the present study is to assess the clinical utility of the radiology study. Methods: A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer and those who underwent stoma closure without contrast enema. This study was carried out after a retrospective review of radiology study results prior to the closure of the stoma in patients operated from 2007 to 2011. Results: Eighty-six patients met the study criteria. Thirteen patients (15.1%) presented pelvic sepsis. Contrast enema before stoma closure was pathological in 8 patients (9.3%). Five out of the 13 patients with pelvic sepsis had a pathological radiological study, compared to only 3 out of the 73 patients without intra-abdominal complications after rectal resection (38.5% vs. 4.1%; P = .001). Based on these results, we conducted a prospective study omitting the contrast enema in patients with no postoperative complications. Thirty-eight patients had their stoma closed without a prior radiology study. None of the patients presented pelvic sepsis. Conclusions: Radiology studies of the colorectal anastomosis before reconstruction can safely be omitted in patients without pelvic sepsis after the previous rectal resection

Tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal con metástasis irresecables con quimioterapia sin resección del primario: análisis de las complicaciones relacionadas con el tumor / Treatment of colorectal cancer with unresectable metastasis with chemotherapy without primary tumor resection: Analysis of tumor-related complications

INTRODUCCIÓN: Aunque el tratamiento convencional de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal en estadio IV ha consistido en la resección del tumor primario seguida de quimioterapia, varios estudios defienden que en pacientes poco sintomáticos el primer y único tratamiento debe ser quimioterapia. El objetivo es analizar las complicaciones relacionadas con el tumor primario en una serie consecutiva de pacientes con cáncer colorrectal y metástasis irresecables tratados con quimioterapia sin cirugía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se ha incluido a todos los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal y metástasis irresecables en los que se decidió realizar quimioterapia sin resección del tumor primario durante el periodo enero 2007-febrero 2011. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los 61 pacientes analizados era de 67 ± 13 años. Veinte (33%) pacientes presentaron alguna complicación durante el seguimiento. La complicación más frecuente fue la obstrucción intestinal en 15 (25%) seguida de la perforación. Las complicaciones precisaron cirugía en 6 (10%). No hemos encontrado diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las características de los pacientes entre aquellos que presentaron una complicación y los que no, aunque el porcentaje de complicaciones entre los portadores de prótesis colónica (53%) dobló el del resto de pacientes (26%). CONCLUSIONES: La quimioterapia sin cirugía es una buena opción en la mayoría de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal y metástasis irresecables. Sin embargo, aunque el porcentaje de pacientes que precisan cirugía es bajo, el número de complicaciones relacionadas con el tumor primario no es despreciable. Se necesitan estudios que permitan identificar a aquellos pacientes en los que estaría indicada una colectomía profiláctica

INTRODUCTION: Although the conventional treatment of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer involves resection of the primary tumor followed by chemotherapy, several studies suggest that in patients with few symptoms the first and only treatment should be chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to analyze the complications related to the primary tumor in a series of patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy without surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study. The study included all patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy without resection of the primary tumor (January 2007-February 2011). RESULTS: The mean age of the 61 patients analyzed was 67 ± 13 years and the performance status was 0-1 in 53 (87%). Twenty (33%) patients developed complications during follow-up. The most common complication was intestinal obstruction in 15 (25%) patients followed by perforation. Complications required surgery in 6 (10%) cases. We did not find differences in patient characteristics between those who had a complication and those without, although the complication rate in patients with a colonic stent (53%) was twice that of other patients (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy without surgery is a good option in most patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. However, although the percentage of patients requiring surgery is low, the total number of complications related to the primary tumor is not negligible. Studies are needed to identify those patients in whom a prophylactic colectomy could be indicated

[Applicability, safety and efficacy of an ambulatory treatment protocol in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis]. / Aplicabilidad, seguridad y eficacia de un protocolo de tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability, safety and efficacy of an ambulatory treatment protocol in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis based on abdominal computed tomography findings during a 2-year period were prospectively included. Patients with vomiting, severe comorbidities, or without an appropriate family environment were excluded. Ambulatory treatment consisted of oral antibiotics for 1 week (amoxicillin-clavulanic 1 g t.i.d. or ciprofloxacin 500 mg b.i.d. plus metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. in patients with penicillin allergy). A clear liquid diet for the first 2 days and pain control with oral acetaminophen 1 g t.i.d. were also recommended. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis and 13 patients were excluded. Therefore, ambulatory treatment was initiated in 40 patients. Only two patients (5%) required admission after outpatient therapy was started due to vomiting and persistent abdominal pain, respectively. In both patients, the inflammatory process was successfully resolved by intravenous antibiotic treatment. In the remaining 38 patients (95%), ambulatory treatment was completed without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is safe, effective and applicable in most patients with tolerance to oral intake and with an appropriate family environment.

The Arabidopsis csb3 mutant reveals a regulatory link between salicylic acid-mediated disease resistance and the methyl-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway.

We report on constitutive subtilisin3 (csb3), an Arabidopsis mutant showing strikingly enhanced resistance to biotrophic pathogens. Epistasis analyses with pad4, sid2, eds5, NahG, npr1, dth9 and cpr1 mutants revealed that the enhanced resistance of csb3 plants requires intact salicylic acid (SA) synthesis and perception. CSB3 encodes a 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-butenyl 4-diphosphate synthase, the enzyme controlling the penultimate step of the biosynthesis of isopentenyl diphosphate via the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in the chloroplast. CSB3 is expressed constitutively in healthy plants, and shows repression in response to bacterial infection. We also show the pharmacological complementation of the enhanced-resistance phenotype of csb3 plants with fosmidomycin, an inhibitor of the MEP pathway, and propose that CSB3 represents a point of metabolic convergence modulating the magnitude of SA-mediated disease resistance to biotrophic pathogens.

Tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada: impacto sobre los costes sanitarios / Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis: Impact on healthcare costs

Introducción El tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada es seguro y eficaz. El objetivo de este estudio es cuantificar el impacto que el tratamiento ambulatorio tiene en la reducción de costes sanitarios. Pacientes y métodos Estudio comparativo de cohortes retrospectivo. Grupo ambulatorio: pacientes diagnosticados de diverticulitis aguda no complicada tratados con antibióticos vía oral de forma ambulatoria. Grupo de tratamiento hospitalario: pacientes que cumplían criterios de tratamiento ambulatorio pero que fueron ingresados con tratamiento antibiótico intravenoso. La valoración de costes se ha realizado a través del sistema de contabilidad analítica del hospital, basado en costes totales: suma de todos los costes variables (costes directos) más el conjunto de costes generales repartidos por actividad (costes indirectos).Resultados Se incluyó a 136 pacientes, 90 en el grupo ambulatorio y 46 en el grupo de ingreso. No hubo diferencias en las características de los pacientes entre los 2 grupos. No hubo diferencias en el porcentaje de fracaso del tratamiento entre los 2 grupos (5,5 vs. 4,3%; p = 0,7). El coste global por episodio fue de 882 ± 462 euros en el grupo ambulatorio frente a 2.376 ± 830 euros en el grupo hospitalario (p = 0,0001).Conclusiones El tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no solo es seguro y eficaz sino que también reduce más de un 60% los costes sanitarios (AU)

Background Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is safe and effective. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of outpatient treatment on the reduction of healthcare costs. Patients and methods A retrospective cohort study comparing 2 groups was performed. In the outpatient treatment group, patients diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis were treated with oral antibiotics at home. In the hospital treatment group, patients met the criteria for outpatient treatment but were admitted to hospital and received intravenous antibiotic therapy. Cost estimates have been made using the hospital cost accounting system based on total costs, the sum of all variable costs (direct costs) plus overhead expenses divided by activity (indirect costs).Results A total of 136 patients were included, 90 in the outpatient treatment group and 46 in the hospital group. There were no differences in the characteristics of the patients in both groups. There were also no differences in the treatment failure rate in both groups (5.5% vs. 4.3%; P=.7). The total cost per episode was significantly lower in the outpatient treatment group (882 ± 462 vs. 2.376 ± 830 euros; P=.0001).Conclusions Outpatient treatment of acute diverticulitis is not only safe and effective but also reduces healthcare costs by more than 60% (AU)

Incidencia de la perforación iatrogénica por colonoscopia y resultados del tratamiento en un hospital universitario / Incidence of iatrogenic perforation during colonoscopy and their treatment in a university hospital

Introducción: La perforación del colon es una complicación poco frecuente, aunque grave, de la endoscopia digestiva baja. El tratamiento es controvertido, aunque en la mayoría de los casos es quirúrgico. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la incidencia de las perforaciones por colonoscopia en nuestro centro y conocer los resultados de las opciones terapéuticas empleadas. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de las perforaciones producidas por colonoscopia entre enero de 2004 y octubre de 2009. Las variables analizadas fueron las siguientes: características demográficas, indicación de la colonoscopia, manifestaciones clínicas, pruebas diagnósticas utilizadas, tiempo entre la perforación y el diagnóstico, tipo de tratamiento, estancia hospitalaria y complicaciones. Resultados: Durante el período de estudio se realizaron 13.493 colonoscopias. En 13 pacientes (0,1%) se produjo una perforación del colon. Nueve perforaciones ocurrieron durante la realización de una colonoscopia diagnóstica (0,08%) y las restantes 4 después de una colonoscopia terapéutica (0,16%). En 10 casos, el diagnóstico se realizó durante las primeras 12h y en 5 de ellos, la perforación se identificó durante el mismo procedimiento. La localización más frecuente fue el sigma en 7 casos. En 11 pacientes se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico y en 2 pacientes se resolvió con tratamiento conservador. La técnica quirúrgica más utilizada fue la sutura simple seguida de la resección con anastomosis. Un paciente falleció por sepsis intraabdominal. Conclusión: Las perforaciones causadas por colonoscopia son complicaciones poco frecuentes, aunque graves. La mayoría de estos pacientes precisarán tratamiento quirúrgico, y quedará reservado el tratamiento conservador para pacientes seleccionados (AU)

Introduction: Colon perforation is a fairly uncommon, but serious, complication during endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Treatment is controversial, although surgery is used in the majority of cases. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of perforations due to colonoscopy in our hospital and to find out the results of the treatment options used. Material and methods: Retrospective study of perforations caused by colonoscopy between January 2004 and October 2008. The variables analysed were: demographic characteristics, colonoscopy indication, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests used, time between perforation and the diagnosis, treatment type, hospital stay and complications. Results: A total of 13,493 colonoscopies were performed during the study period. A perforation of the colon was found in 13 (0.1%) patients. Nine perforations occurred whilst performing a diagnostic colonoscopy (0.08%) and the remaining 4 after a therapeutic colonoscope (0.16%). In 10 of the cases the diagnosis was made within the first 12h, and in 5 of these the perforation was identified during the procedure itself. The most common location was the sigmoid, in 7 cases. Surgical treatment was carried out on 11 patients, and in the other two it was resolved by conservative treatment. The most used surgical technique was simple suture followed by resection with anastomosis. One patient died due to intra-abdominal sepsis. Conclusion: Perforations caused by colonoscopy are rare, but serious, complications. The majority of these patients required surgical treatment, with conservative treatment being reserved for selected patients (AU)

Tratamiento de la fístula rectouretral tras prostatectomía radical mediante la exposición transesfinteriana posterior de York Mason / Treatment of a rectourethral fistula after radical prostatectomy by York Mason posterior trans-sphincter exposure

Introducción. La fístula rectouretral tras prostatectomía radical es una complicación poco frecuente que ocurre en menos de un 2% de los casos. El objetivo es analizar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de la fístula rectouretral mediante la exposición (..) (AU)

Introduction. Recto-urethral fistula is an uncommon complication after radical prostatectomy, occurring in less than 2% of patients. Our aim is to review our experience for repairing these fistulas with the posterior trans-sphincter approach of York Mason. Patients and method. Retrospective review. All patients who underwent repair of postoperative (..) (AU)

Aplicabilidad, seguridad y eficacia de un protocolo de tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada / Applicability, safety and efficacy of an ambulatory treatment protocol in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la aplicabilidad, la seguridad y la eficacia de un protocolo de tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio prospectivo longitudinal. Se incluyó a todos los pacientes diagnosticados mediante tomografía computarizada abdominal de diverticulitis aguda no complicada durante un período de 2 años. Se excluyó a los pacientes que no toleraban la ingesta oral, que presentaban comorbilidades importantes o que no disponían de un entorno familiar adecuado. El tratamiento ambulatorio consistió en antibióticos por vía oral durante 1 semana (amoxicilina-clavulánico 1 g/8 h o ciprofloxacino 500 mg/12 h y metronidazol 500 mg/8 h en pacientes con alergia a la penicilina). Además se les indicó una dieta líquida durante los primeros 2 días y paracetamol 1 g/8 h por vía oral. Resultados. Se diagnosticó a 53 pacientes con diverticulitis aguda no complicada. Trece pacientes presentaban algún criterio de exclusión, por lo que se inició el tratamiento ambulatorio en 40 pacientes. Tan sólo 2 pacientes (5%) precisaron ingreso hospitalario después de haber iniciado el tratamiento domiciliario, en un caso por persistencia del dolor y en otro por vómitos. En ambos casos, el tratamiento antibiótico intravenoso resolvió el proceso inflamatorio. En los 38 pacientes restantes (95%) se completó el tratamiento de forma satisfactoria y sin complicaciones. Conclusiones. El tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada no sólo es eficaz y seguro, sino también aplicable en la mayoría de los pacientes, siempre que toleren la ingesta oral y dispongan de un entorno familiar adecuado (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability, safety and efficacy of an ambulatory treatment protocol in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. Patients and methods. All patients diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis based on abdominal computed tomography findings during a 2-year period were prospectively included. Patients with vomiting, severe comorbidities, or without an appropriate family environment were excluded. Ambulatory treatment consisted of oral antibiotics for 1 week (amoxicillin-clavulanic 1 g t.i.d. or ciprofloxacin 500 mg b.i.d. plus metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. in patients with penicillin allergy). A clear liquid diet for the first 2 days and pain control with oral acetaminophen 1 g t.i.d. were also recommended. Results. Fifty-three patients were diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis and 13 patients were excluded. Therefore, ambulatory treatment was initiated in 40 patients. Only two patients (5%) required admission after outpatient therapy was started due to vomiting and persistent abdominal pain, respectively. In both patients, the inflammatory process was successfully resolved by intravenous antibiotic treatment. In the remaining 38 patients (95%), ambulatory treatment was completed without complications. Conclusions. Ambulatory treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is safe, effective and applicable in most patients with tolerance to oral intake and with an appropriate family environment (AU)