Cost-benefit analysis and short-term outcomes after implementing an ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has become increasingly popular in the post-operative management of abdominal surgery. Published data suggest that patients on ERAS protocols have fewer minor and major complications, and highlight a reduction in medical morbidity (such as urinary and respiratory infections). Limited data is available on surgical complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the ERAS protocol on post-operative complications and length of hospital stay. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the impact of this protocol on cost-effectiveness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2022, 532 colectomies for colorectal cancer (CRC) were performed. A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital on the cohort of patients, aged 18 years and older, operated on for non-urgent colorectal cancer. The impact on post-operative complications, hospital stay and economic impact was analysed in two groups: patients managed under ERAS and non-ERAS protocol. A propensity score-matching analysis was performed between the two groups. RESULTS: After propensity score matching 1:1, each cohort included 71 patients, and clinicopathological characteristics were well balanced in terms of tumour type, surgical technique and surgical approach. ERAS patients experienced fewer infectious complications and a shorter postoperative stay (p < 0.001). In particular, they had an 8.5% reduction in anastomotic dehiscence (p = 0.012) and surgical wound infections (p = 0.029). After analysis of medical complications, no statistically significant differences were identified in urinary tract infections, pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding or sepsis. ERAS protocol was more efficient and cost-effective than the control group, with an overall savings of 37,673.44€. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for elective colorectal surgery in a tertiary hospital was cost-effective and associated with a reduction in post-operative complications, especially infectious complications.

Targeted Electromyographic Biofeedback With Endoanal Electrostimulation for Anal Incontinence.

Purpose. Anal incontinence (AI) is a disabling condition with a variable response to conservative physical therapies. We assess the utility of combining electromyographic biofeedback with endoanal electrostimulation targeted to the weakest areas of the pelvic floor using the MAPLe® probe (Multiple Array Probe Leiden Novuqare). Methods. Patients with AI unresponsive to conservative measures were assessed before and after treatment with anorectal manometry (ARM), electromyography (EMG), Wexner Continence Scoring, Visual Analog Scoring (VAS), FIQL and SF-12 quality of life determination. Results. Of 29 patients in the final analysis, there was an improvement in the mean Wexner continence score from 13.59 to 8.03 and a concomitant improvement in the reported VAS from 3.45 to 6.72. Both Wexner continence and VAS scores were maintained during follow-up. Maximum voluntary manometric contraction significantly improved from 91.76 mmHg to 110.33 mmHg with no changes in resting pressure. The EMG values ​​(µV) that significantly improved included the average and peak resistance, the average general voluntary contraction, and the average and peak voluntary contraction for both the external anal sphincter and the puborectalis. In the FIQL, behavior, depression and shame domains improved after treatment and during follow-up with lifestyle improvements detected at 6 and 12 months. Physical and mental components of the SF-12 improved at 6 and 12 months. Conclusions. Targeted electromyographic biofeedback and endoanal electrostimulation using MAPLe® probe in AI patients sustainably improves objective ARM and EMG parameters along with subjective reporting of continence severity, VAS, and quality of life.

Can physiological stimulation prior to ileostomy closure reduce postoperative ileus? A prospective multicenter pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ileostomy closure following preoperative physiological stimulation (PPS) on postoperative ileus (POI) in patients with loop ileostomy after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent ileostomy closure between January 2017 and February 2020 in two tertiary referral centers were prospectively included. PPS stimulation was compared to standard treatment. Stimulation was carried out daily during the 15 days prior to ileostomy closure by the patient's self-instillation of 200 ml of fecal contents from the ileostomy bag via the efferent loop, using a rectal catheter. Standard treatment (ST) consisted of observation. Outcomes measures were POI, morbidity, stimulation feasibility, and predictors to ileus. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were included [42 males and 16 females, median age 67 (43-85) years]. PPS was used in 24 patients, who completed the entire stimulation process, and ST in 34 patients. No differences in preoperative factors were found between the two groups. POI was significantly lower in the PPS group (4.2%) vs the ST group (32.4%); p < 0.01, OR: 0.05 (CI 95% 0.01-0.65). The PPS group had a shorter time to restoration of bowel function (1 day vs 3 days) p = 0.02 and a shorter time to tolerance of liquids (1 day vs 2 days), p = 0.04. Age (p = 0.01), open approach at index surgery, p = 0.03, adjuvant capecitabine (p = 0.01). and previous abdominal surgeries (p = 0.02) were associated with POI in the multivariate analysis. C-reactive-protein values on the 3rd (p = 0.02) and 5th (p < 0.01) postoperative day were also associated with POI. CONCLUSIONS: PPS for patients who underwent ileostomy closure after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is feasible and might reduce POI.

Bio-based Algae Oil: an oxidation and structural analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In search of natural components, vegetal oils are increasingly becoming more popular in cosmetics. However, high oxidation instability, presence of potential allergens and synthetic anti-oxidants have limited their applications so far. Therefore, a need exists for a natural emollient with high oxidation stability. In this work, we report on a novel sustainably produced triglyceride containing primarily three monounsaturated oleic acid chains, dubbed 'Bio-Based Algae Oil' hereafter, as a natural emollient for cosmetic formulations. To produce Bio-Based Algae Oil, simple sugars are converted into triglyceride oils using microalgae fermentation with minimal environmental impact. METHODS: Bio-Based Algae Oil was compared to other commonly used triglyceride-based emollients in the skincare industry in terms of thermal/oxidation stability, composition and moisturizing properties. Oxidation stability of emollients was compared using Rancimat and pressurized differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC) techniques. Fatty acid composition of each oil was analysed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) and gas chromatography (GC) techniques to correlate unsaturation level of each oil to its oxidation stability. We also conducted an in vivo moisturizing study in which skin hydration level of human subjects was compared before and after application of emollient up to 24 h. RESULTS: Results showed that Bio-Based Algae Oil was the most stable emollient in thermal and oxidation stability studies given its low unsaturation and high anti-oxidant content determined by 1 H-NMR and GC techniques. It also provided the highest skin hydration level when applied on skin demonstrating its efficacy as a moisturizing emollient in cosmetic formulations. CONCLUSIONS: Compositional analysis of Bio-Based Algae revealed that it is a triglyceride containing primarily three monounsaturated oleic acid chains with very low polyunsaturated fatty acid content resulting in high oxidation stability and consequently prolonged shelf-life. Given its sustainability, high oxidation stability and skin health benefits such as moisturization demonstrated during an in vivo study, we envision to utilize Bio-Based Algae Oil in many cosmetic formulations across skincare, suncare and bath and shower markets.

OBJECTIF: Dans la quête de composants naturels, les huiles végétales deviennent de plus en plus prisées en cosmétique. Toutefois, la forte instabilité à l'oxydation, la présence d'allergènes potentiels et d'antioxydants synthétiques ont contribué à la réduction de leurs demandes jusqu'ici. Par conséquent, il existe un besoin en émollient naturel doté d'une stabilité à l'oxydation élevée. Dans le cadre de ces travaux, nous présentons un nouveau triglycéride produit de manière durable contenant principalement trois chaînes d'acide oléique mono-insaturées, appelé « Huile d'algues d'origine biologique ¼ comme étant un émollient naturel pour les produits cosmétiques. Pour obtenir de l'Huile d'algues d'origine biologique, des sucres rapides sont transformés en huiles triglycérides par fermentation de microalgues avec un impact environnemental minimal. MÉTHODES: L'huile d'algues d'origine biologique a été comparée à d'autres émollients à base de triglycérides fréquemment utilisés dans l'industrie des soins de la peau en matière de stabilité thermique ou d'oxydation, de composition et de propriétés hydratantes. Stabilité thermique ou oxydation, composition et propriétés hydratantes. La stabilité à l'oxydation des émollients a été comparée grâce au Rancimat et à des techniques de calorimétrie différentielle à balayage haute pression (PDSC). La composition des acides gras de chaque huile a été analysée grâce aux techniques de résonance magnétique nucléaire du proton (1 H-NMR) et de chromatographie en phase gazeuse (CPG) afin de créer une corrélation entre le taux d'insaturation de chaque huile et sa stabilité à l'oxydation. Nous avons également procédé à une étude in vivo de l'hydratation au cours de laquelle le niveau d'hydratation de la peau des patients humains a été comparé avant et après l'utilisation de l'émollient sur une période allant jusqu'à 24 h. RÉSULTATS: Les résultats ont démontré que l'huile d'algues d'origine biologique était l'émollient le plus stable lors des études sur la stabilité thermique et la stabilité à l'oxydation, en raison de sa faible insaturation et de sa teneur élevée en antioxydants déterminés par les techniques 1 H-NMR et GC. Elle a également produit le taux d'hydratation de la peau le plus élévé, lorsqu'appliqué à la peau, ce qui démontre son efficacité comme émollient hydratant dans les produits cosmétiques. CONCLUSIONS: L'analyse de la composition de l'huile d'algues d'origine biologique a révélé qu'il s'agit d'un triglycéride contenant principalement trois chaînes d'acide oléique mono-insaturées avec une très faible teneur en acides gras polyinsaturés, ce qui entraîne une stabilité à l'oxydation élevée et par conséquent une durée de vie prolongée. Compte tenu de sa durabilité, sa stabilité à l'oxydation élevée et ses bienfaits pour la santé de la peau, notamment l'hydratation démontrée au cours d'une étude in vivo, nous envisageons d'utiliser l'huile d'algues d'origine biologique dans de nombreuses formulations cosmétiques présentes sur le marché des soins de la peau, des produits solaires et des bains et douches.

Aggregation dynamics and foraging behaviour of striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus in the western Mediterranean Sea.

Habitat-related heterogeneity of striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus heterospecific foraging assemblages was examined off the coast of Spain. Video-based focal-follows conducted on 122 M. surmuletus assemblages (446 total individuals) revealed an array of attendant species (n = 7) with composition linked to benthic habitat complexity; bare sandy substrata were characterized by homospecific groups of M. surmuletus, while habitats with rock and vegetation attracted a variety of scrounging labrids and sparids. Although the nature of the relationship between M. surmuletus and attendants requires further exploration, the present study indicates that substratum composition can be a driving factor explaining the dynamics of this heterospecific assemblage.

Efficacy and quality of life after transcutaneous posterior tibial neuromodulation for faecal incontinence.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous neuromodulation of the posterior tibial nerve for faecal incontinence and to assess quality of life after the procedure. METHOD: A prospective non-randomized cohort study was conducted in a tertiary centre from September 2010 to May 2013. All patients with faecal incontinence who met the inclusion criteria were included and were treated as outpatients during a 3-month period by unilateral neuromodulation of the posterior tibial nerve. The patients were followed 3-monthly for 1 year. Severity scales, a bowel diary and quality of life scales were evaluated prospectively before and after treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients of median age 67 (interquartile range 60-69) years and a male to female ratio of 1/6 were included. Faecal incontinence was for solid stools in 48.1% of patients with urgency in 55.6%. About one-third (34.6%) had a sphincter defect on ultrasound and reduction of anal canal pressure in 85.2%. There was a significant improvement in episodes of incontinence on the Wexner score and visual analogue scale assessment and a decrease in the number of episodes of incontinence per unit time. The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life score was improved at the end of the follow-up. No adverse effects were observed. The cost of the treatment was €135 per patient. CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve neuromodulation provides good treatment for faecal incontinence in terms of efficacy and quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Approach in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Level II Hospital: The First Decade of Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mean survival in hepatocellular carcinoma remains low. Many efforts have been done during the last years through screening, diagnosis and treatment to improve the results. The aim of this work is to present the experience of our hospital multidisciplinary group during the first decade of this century. METHODOLOGY: The patients with hepatocellullar carcinoma presented at the multidisciplinary meeting from 1999 to 2009 were prospectively studied. According to the tumor and functional status they were treated through the current available guidelines by transplant, partial hepatectomy, local/regional procedures, systemic or symptomatic treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and forty two patients were studied. Median tumor size was 3 cm. A single tumor was diagnosed in 64.8% of the patients. Eighteen patients had liver resection (6 transplantation and 12 with partial resection), 53 tumors were not treated due to advanced stage or liver dysfunction, and in the remaining patients radiofrequency, ethanol or embolization treatments were used, single or combined. CONCLUSIONS: a multidisciplinary approach of hepatocellular carcinoma in a second level hospital with trained professionals permits a diagnosis in early tumoral and functional stages in the majority of patients, and a variety of possible treatments with adequate survival outcomes.

Laparoscopic colectomy for transverse colon carcinoma: a surgical challenge but oncologically feasible.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and to compare the clinicopathological outcome with that of conventional open surgery. METHOD: From March 1998 to December 2009, 1253 patients with colorectal tumours were operated on, 564 laparoscopically. There were 154 cases of transverse colon cancer, 86 of which were included in the study. Details were collected on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus, time to resume a liquid diet, postoperative length of hospital stay, complications, TNM stage, tumour size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of nodes harvested and surgical procedure. Laparoscopic and open surgical removal was compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between laparoscopic and conventional groups in age, sex, BMI, operation time or postoperative length of hospital stay. The mean blood loss during the operations was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (105.9 ± 140.9 ml vs 305.7 ± 325.3 ml; P = 0.05). The time to the first flatus was shorter (2.1 ± 0.3 days vs 3.8 ± 3.0 days; P = 0.043) and diet was started earlier (3.1 ± 1.4 days vs 3.4 ± 1.5 days) in the laparoscopic group. No significant differences in tumour size, proximal resection margin or number of lymph nodes were observed. The mean distal resection margin was not statistically different (10.3 ± 4.5 cm vs 8.8 ± 4.9 cm). At a mean follow up of 33 ± 2.3 months, nonport-site metastases occurred in eight patients and locoregional recurrence occurred in three, with no significant difference between the groups. The 3-year cumulative overall survival rate was 78%, and the disease-free survival rate was 69%. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the outcome of laparoscopic and open surgery for transverse colon cancer, including the cancer-specific outcome.

Continuous thoracic paravertebral analgesia after minimally invasive atrial septal defect closure surgery in pediatric population: Effectiveness and safety analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral thoracotomy is replacing traditional median sternotomy for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in children in order to improve cosmetic outcomes. Continuous paravertebral block has been described as an effective and safe analgesic technique in children. The aim of this study is to assess pain management by continuous perfusion of local anesthetic through a thoracic paravertebral catheter (PVC) in a pediatric population after thoracotomy closure of ASD, and its effectiveness in a fast-track program. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Analgesic effectiveness, perioperative and safety-related data were analyzed in 21 patients who underwent thoracotomy closure of ASD with PVC. In the postoperative period, patients received continuous perfusion of bupivacaine 0.125% and fentanyl (1 mcg.ml-1) at 0.2 ml.kg-1.h-1 through the PVC. RESULTS: The median of mean pain scale score for each patient was 1.5. All patients were extubated in the operating theatre. No patient with PVC required opioid rescue. The median length of stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit was 48 hours. There were 3 adverse events related to PVC: 1 due to malposition and 2 due to accidental removal. No other complications or cases of local anesthetic toxicity were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: PVC provides effective, safe, opioid-saving analgesia in the postoperative period of ASD closure by thoracotomy in the context of a fast-track protocol.

[Translated article] Results of cementless total knee arthroplasty in patients over 70 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical and radiologic results, the survival and complications obtained in 70 year or older patients who underwent cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational study of patients operated between January 2014 and December 2016 was carried out according to the Natural Knee model (Zimmer®, USA). The main variables were the Oxford Knee Score, the visual analogue scale, the presence of radiolucencies, complications, survival and reasons for revision. RESULTS: Of 104 TKA, 86 were available for revision. The median age was 76 years. The mean follow-up was 5.4 years (range 3.7-6.9). The Oxford Knee Score punctuation showed a median of 17 presurgical (range 0-40) and 37 post surgical (range 5-48), P<.001. The 87.2% of the patients obtained a clinically significant improvement. The median visual analogue scale punctuation was 8 for presurgical (range 4-10) and 2 for post surgical (range 1-9), P<.001. The 88.3% of the patients obtained a clinically significant decrease. Three months after the surgery, the 55.81% of the TKAs presented radiolucencies around the tibial plateau. At the end of the follow-up, radiolucencies were present in 30.23% of the TKAs. Survival from all causes was 91.86% at 77.2 months and 96.5% due to aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: Cementless knee prostheses are a valid option in patients aged 70 or older, presenting good clinical, radiological and survival results.

Results of cementless total knee arthroplasty in patients over 70 years of age. / Resultados de la artroplastia total de rodilla no cementada en pacientes mayores de 70 años.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and radiologic results, the survival and complications obtained in 70 year or older patients who underwent cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational study of patients operated between January 2014 and December 2016 was carried out according to the Natural Knee model (Zimmer®, USA). The main variables were the Oxford Knee Score, the visual analog scale, the presence of radiolucencies, complications, survival and reasons for revision. RESULTS: Of 104 TKA, 86 were available for revision. The median age was 76 years. The mean follow-up was 5.4 years (range 3.7-6.9). The Oxford Knee Score punctuation showed a median of 17 presurgical (range 0-40) and 37 post surgical (range 5-48), P<.001. The 87.2% of the patients obtained a clinically significant improvement. The median visual analog scale punctuation was 8 for presurgical (range 4-10) and 2 for post surgical (range 1-9), P<.001. The 88.3% of the patients obtained a clinically significant decrease. Three months after the surgery, the 55.81% of the TKAs presented radiolucencies around the tibial plateau. At the end of the follow-up, radiolucencies were present in 30.23% of the TKAs. Survival from all causes was 91.86% at 77.2 months and 96.5% due to aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: Cementless knee prostheses are a valid option in patients aged 70 or older, presenting good clinical, radiological and survival results.

[Outpatient surgeries of patients with arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Integrated activity in a general surgery unit]. / Cirugía sin ingreso de pacientes con fístulas arteriovenosas para hemodiálisis. Actividad integrada en un servicio de cirugía general.

INTRODUCTION: The increase of prevalent haemodialysis patients is a challenge for surgery units. Vascular access related complications are the main cause of hospital admissions in many dialysis units. Outpatient surgery could decrease waiting lists, cost related and complications associated to vascular access. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have performed a prospective study of the vascular access related surgery in a ten years period. Outpatient surgery was included with the rest of the activity in a general surgery unit and was performed by not exclusive dedicated surgeons. RESULTS: Since 1998 to December 2009 we performed 2,413 surgical interventions for creating and repairing arteriovenous fistula in 1,229 patients, including elective and emergency surgery (74.8% and 25.2% respectively). Outpatient procedures were performed in 82% of cases (89% in elective and 60% in emergency surgery). There were unexpected admissions secondary to surgical complications in 6% of patients. There wasn't postoperative mortality. The rate of admissions were 0,09 episodes and 0,2 days per patient/year. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient surgery is possible in a high percentage of patients to perform or to repair an arteriovenous fistula, including emergency surgery. Vascular access surgery can be included in ordinary activity of a surgical unit. Outpatient vascular access surgery decreases unnecessary hospital admissions, reduces costs and nosocomial complications.

Plant growth-rate dependence of detrital carbon storage in ecosystems.

Detrital carbon accumulation accounts for most of an ecosystem's capacity to store organic carbon because the carbon contained as plant detritus exceeds that stored in living plants by about threefold. A comparative analysis of the mass and turnover of detrital carbon in ecosystems demonstrates that these properties are strongly related to the turnover rate of the dominant primary producers and are poorly related to ecosystem primary production. These results contribute to an understanding of the factors that control carbon storage in ecosystems and the role of carbon storage in the global carbon budget.

[Pediatric complex regional pain syndrome affecting an upper limb: 7 cases and a brief review of the literature]. / Síndrome regional complejo pediátrico en el miembro superior. Estudio de siete casos y revisión breve de la bibliografía.

OBJECTIVES: To review the clinical, psychiatric, and social characteristics of complex regional pain syndrome in children and adolescents treated in the last 4 years at our pediatric pain clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the specialty of the initial treating physician, age, sex, initial diagnosis, pain intensity, degree of disability, fear of movement, clinical stage, history of trauma, time between onset and diagnosis, psychiatric illness, family support and behavior, chronic pain in near relatives, school grades and attendance, treatment given at the pediatric pain clinic, recurrences, and course of disease. RESULTS: The cases of 7 patients (4 female, 3 male) between the ages of 8 and 15 years were analyzed. Four had been referred by the child psychiatry department. The initial diagnosis was erroneous in all but 1 case. Pain intensity and associated disability were severe in 5 patients and 4 expressed intense fear of moving the limb. Five patients had initial stage I disease, 5 had a history of trauma, and 5 had been previously treated by immobilization of the limb and prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The time between onset and diagnosis ranged from 2 to 18 months (mean [SD], 6.4 [3.5] months). In most cases psychiatric disease and concomitant social disability were present. Treatment prescribed at the pediatric pain clinic consisted of a combination of oral medication, psychologic and psychiatric counseling, and intensive physiotherapy for all but 2 children, who required regional nerve blocks. CONCLUSION: The clinical course was satisfactory for all but 1 patient, who developed severe disability. Complex regional pain syndrome affecting an upper limb is uncommon in children but not rare.

Correction to: Recommendations for follow­up of colorectal cancer survivors.

In the published article, the following information was missing.

Recommendations for follow-up of colorectal cancer survivors.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the tumours with the highest incidence and mortality in the Spanish population. Nevertheless, the advances in prevention and treatment have contributed to an increased number of patients who survive for prolonged periods of time. In addition, despite recurrences, improved survival following metastasis resection is likewise on the rise. This underscores the importance of carrying out follow-up programmes even in low-risk patients for the early detection of recurrence. The main objective of this article is to provide a set of recommendations for optimising the follow-up of CRC survivors as well as for managing the sequelae that result from either pharmacological or surgical treatment.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women attending antenatal care in southern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and possible risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis) infection in pregnant women attending antenatal care at Gambo General Rural Hospital, southern Ethiopia. METHODS: Hospital-based, prospective cross-sectional study. We collected 401 serum samples from September 1 to October 30, 2015, along with sociodemographic data and data on potential risk factors, using a simple random sampling technique. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in pregnant women (mean age 23.1 years) was 23.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.0, 28.3). We did not find any significant risk factors associated with seropositivity in relation with participants' level of education; occupation; contact with cats; consumption of raw or uncooked meat, vegetables, or milk; or type of flooring (soil versus cement) at home. The women who were aware of the risk of toxoplasma infection on the fetus had fewer T. gondii antibodies. Drinking unsafe water was as-sociated with a higher risk of toxoplasmosis (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women was relatively lower.

Can the clinical outcome in stage II colon carcinomas be predicted by determination of molecular marker expression?

BACKGROUND: Conventional staging procedures are often unable to precisely predict prognosis in colon cancer (CC). In this study, we set out to investigate the possible role of molecular/structural indicators involved in cell cycle regulation (Ki-67, p53), apoptosis (p53 and bcl-2) and tumour neoangiogenesis (anti-VIII factor) in predicting tumour behaviour and clinical outcome in stage II CC patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Analysis of the above indicators was performed by immunohistochemistry on 162 CC patient samples with curative intention surgery. Clinicopathological data included tumour grade, vascular and nervous invasion, production of mucin, lymphatic permeation and carcinoembryonic antigen levels. RESULTS: p53 protein was overexpressed in 58%, bcl-2 overexpression in 21.5%, Ki-67 in 60.1% and anti-VIII factor stained positive in 40.16% of the cases. Multiple regression analysis showed that some molecular markers were correlated. A significant relationship was seen between p53 and Ki-67, and bcl-2 and p53, but there was no correlation between bcl2 and Ki- 67 overexpression. Stepwise regression selected Ki-67 and anti-VIII factor as the best combination of variables capable of predicting both disease-specific and diseasefree survival. CONCLUSIONS: Only Ki-67 and anti-VIII factor were shown to be useful for the prediction of outcome and recurrence rate in curatively treated CC patients. In conjunction with clinical and pathological staging, they may provide a stronger indication of clinical outcome than staging alone and help better select therapeutic options in CC patients.

[Retroperitoneoscopic assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children]. / Pieloplastia asistida por retroperitoneoscopia: nuestra experiencia en 30 pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: Description of the retroperitoneoscopic approach in the conventional pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1998 pyeloplasty assisted by retroperitoneoscopic approach (PARA) was performed in 30 patients. TECHNIQUE: Position in latero-dorsal decubitus and incision of 1 cm in angle costolumbar. We made retroperitoneoscopic space by ball dissection technique and 11 mm Hg pressure. The ureteropelvic junction was extracted through the incision of the port. The UPJ was resected in all patients and Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty with double PDS 6/0 continuous sutures was performed. In all patients a drainage type Penrose in perirenal space was used. In the last 18 patients a 4F double-J stent was placed. The mean follow-up time was 42 months (range between 6 and 84 months). Operative time, hospital stay, handling of postoperative pain and the postoperative studies have been revised. RESULTS: In all the cases the retroperitoneoscopic approach was good for the identification and dissection of the ureteropelvic junction facilitating the extraction and reconstruction (pyeloplasty) through the mini-incision of the entrance port. The mean operative time was 90 min. (range between 65 and 128 min). We highlight the absence of intraoperative complications. The only postoperative complication has been a pyohydronephrosis in a patient not having internal drainage that was solved by percutaneous pyelostomy and didn't need reintervention. The postoperative handling of the pain was good by means of caudal locorregional anesthesia or by infiltration of the wound with local anesthesic and a dose of Ibuprofeno previous to leave the hospital. The mean hospital stay was 2 days (1-3 days) excluding the complicated case. Postoperative diuretic renograms at the 6 and 18 have shown absence of obstruction in all cases. In the long term follow-up, in 1 case nephrectomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The PARA for UPJ obstruction is a safe and effective procedure with the advantage of a minimal invasive approach that facilitates the reconstruction of the ureteropielic junction. Reduces operative time and hospital stay, with appropriate postoperative results. In our experience PARA constitutes an alternative to the conventional pyeloplasty and laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the pediatric age.

[New concepts in the natural history of multicystic dysplastic kidney]. / Nuevos conceptos en la historia natural de la displasia renal multiquística.

OBJECTIVE: Retroperitoneoscopy has shown that US involution is not synonymous with complete regression of the dysplastic renal parenchyma in US-involuted multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). The objective is to analyze the meaning of this results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 16 patients (nine girls and seven boys) with unilateral MCDK that showed complete involution on ultrasonography, underwent prospectively a retroperitoneoscopic approach. US showed complete cysts involution at the mean age of 10 months (ranging from five to 22 months). All patients underwent a retroperitoneoscopic approach after US involution of the MCDK. The mean age of retroperitoneoscopy was 36 months (ranging from eight to 56 months). RESULTS: The retroperitoneoscopic approach revealed persistence of dysplastic renal tissue in 100% of the patients. The mean lenght of the renal renmant was 2 cm (ranging from 1 and 3.5 cm). All patients had a mean length of stay of less than 24 hours. Anatomo-pathological study of the samples showed a wide spectrum of dysplastic renal tissue and the absence of preneoplastic cells. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is our method of choice to follow up MCDK until cyst involution takes place. The presence of a dysplastic renal remnant which is not visible on US, requires an appropriate long-term follow up to screen for the growth of tumors. In our experience, retroperitoneoscopy allows the diagnosis and treatment of the displastic renal renmant in the same minimally invasive ambulatory procedure, avoiding long-term development of tumors. Overall, it is our responsibility to sufficiently inform to the family about the persistence of dysplastic renal remnant to facilitate their decision about the best treatment for their child.