Results of a laparoscopic approach for the treatment of acute small bowel obstruction due to adhesions and internal hernias.

INTRODUCTION: Laparotomy is the standard approach for the surgical treatment of acute small bowel obstruction (ASBO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2007 to May 2012 we prospectively recorded all patients operated by laparoscopy in our hospital because of ASBO due to adhesions (27 cases) and/or internal hernia (6 cases). A preoperative abdominal CT was performed in all cases. Patients suffering from peritonitis and/or sepsis were excluded from the laparoscopic approach. It was decided to convert to laparotomy if intestinal resection was required. RESULTS: The mean age of the 33 patients who underwent surgery was 61.1 ± 17.6 years. 64% had previous history of abdominal surgery. 72% of the cases were operated by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy. Conversion rate was 21%. Operative time and postoperative length of stay were 83 ± 44 min. and 7.8 ± 11.2 days, respectively. Operative time (72 ± 30 vs 123 ± 63 min.), tolerance to oral intake (1.8 ± 0.9 vs 5.7 ± 3.3 days) and length of postoperative stay (4.7 ± 2.5 vs 19.4 ± 21 days) were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group compared with the conversion group, although converted patients had greater clinical severity (2 bowel resections). There were two severe complications (Clavien-Dindo III and V) in the conversion group. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases of ASBO caused by adhesions and internal hernias and when performed by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy, a laparoscopic approach has a high probability of success (low conversion rate, short hospital length of stay and low morbidity); its use would be fully justified in these cases.

[Transient high frequency nodal rhythm after a high voltage electric shock. Report of one case]. / Ritmo nodal secundario a descarga eléctrica de alto voltaje.

Electrical shock can cause a direct myocardial damage and different types of arrhythmias, which are uncommon and occur more often when there is a high voltage exposure. We report a 19-year-old male that received a high voltage shock, falling thereafter from an altitude of four meters. On admission to the emergency room, he had second and third degree burns in the right hand and the left thigh. The electrocardiogram showed a nodal rhythm of 72 beats per minute. After four hours of monitoring, sinus rhythm returned spontaneously.

[A comparison of laparoscopic versus open repair for the surgical treatment of perforated peptic ulcers]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la úlcera péptica perforada: comparación entre los abordajes laparoscópico y abierto.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open repair for perforated peptic ulcers (PPU). METHODS: All patients undergoing PPU repair between January 2002 and March 2012 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, operation time, complications, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred and twelve patients (median age, 49 years) were included, 60 in the laparoscopic group and 52 in the open group. Patients operated laparoscopically were significantly younger and had a higher consumption of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis. Median acute symptoms time was shorter in the laparoscopic group (6h) compared to the open group (12h; P=.025) Symptoms time was shorter in the laparoscopic group. Median operating time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group (104.5min vs. 76min, P=.025). The percentage of conversion to open repair was 25%. There was no difference in morbidity between 2 groups, but there were 3 deaths in the open group. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients treated laparoscopically when compared with the open group (6 days vs. 8 days; P=.041). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and open repair are equally safe in the management of PPU. A shorter hospital stay can be achieved in the laparoscopic group.

A retrospective case-control study to evaluate the use of beta-lactam desensitization in the management of penicillin-allergic patients: a potential strategy for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs.

Introduction: Penicillin allergy labels (PAL) are common in the hospital setting and are associated with worse clinical outcomes. Desensitization can be a useful strategy for allergic patients when alternative options are suboptimal or not available. The aim was to compare clinical outcomes of patients with PAL managed with antibiotic desensitization vs. those who received alternative non-beta-lactam antibiotic treatments. Methods: A retrospective 3:1 case-control study was performed between 2015-2022. Cases were adult PAL patients with infection who required antibiotic desensitization; controls were PAL patients with infection managed with an alternative antibiotic treatment. Cases and controls were adjusted for age, sex, infection source, and critical or non-critical medical services. Results: Fifty-six patients were included: 14 in the desensitization group, 42 in the control group. Compared to the control group, desensitized PAL patients had more comorbidities, with a higher Charlson index (7.4 vs. 5; p = 0.00) and more infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens (57.1% vs. 28.6%; p = 0.05). Thirty-day mortality was 14.3% in the desensitized group, 28.6% in the control group (p = 0.24). Clinical cure occurred in 71.4% cases and 54.8% controls (p = 0.22). Four control patients selected for MDR strains after alternative treatment; selection of MDR strains did not occur in desensitized patients. Five controls had antibiotic-related adverse events, including Clostridioides difficile or nephrotoxicity. No antibiotic-related adverse events were found in the study group. In multivariate analysis, no differences between groups were observed for main variables. Conclusion: Desensitization was not associated with worse clinical outcomes, despite more severe patients in this group. Our study suggests that antibiotic desensitization may be a useful Antimicrobial Stewardship tool for the management of selected PAL patients.

Inguinal syndrome secondary to Prevotella bivia after accidental bite in orogenital sex.

The authors report a case of an inguinal bubo in a young man caused by an anaerobe, Prevotella bivia, which was acquired during oral sexual intercourse. As far as the authors know, this is the first reported case of a sexually transmitted infection by Prevotella. Prevotella spp. inhabit the oral cavity and are highly prevalent in bacterial vaginosis, a polymicrobial syndrome resulting from replacement of the normal vaginal Lactobacillus spp. flora by high concentrations of anaerobic microorganisms such as Prevotella spp., Mobiluncus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis and other uncultivated anaerobes.

[Results of a multidisciplinary and multifocal project to reduce bacteraemia caused by central venous catheters in non critical patients in a university hospital]. / Resultados de un proyecto multidisciplinar y multifocal para la disminución de la bacteriemia causada por catéter venoso central, en pacientes no críticos, en un hospital universitario.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a multidisciplinary and multifocal intervention in order to reduce catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBI), based on previously identified risk factors in non-critical patients. METHODS: A pre-post-intervention study, 2004-2006. POPULATION: patients with a central venous catheter (CVC). The primary endpoint was the CRBI. Other studied variables were patient characteristics, insertion, maintenance and removal of the catheter. The intervention consisted of baseline knowledge and identifying risk factors. In a second period, there was specific training on these identified risk factors and communication of the results, monitoring and evaluation of the CVC inserted. RESULTS: We analysed 175 and 200 CVC, respectively. The incidence of CRBI was 15.4% during the pre-intervention and 4.0% in the post-intervention period (P<.001). The incidence of BRC by CVC days in the first group was 8.8 infections 1.000 days of CVC and the second 2,3 (P=.0009). The multivariate analysis found an increased risk of CRBI during the first period (OR 4.32; 95% CI: 1.81-10.29) and the use of total parenteral nutrition (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.10-5. 12). CONCLUSION: The application of specific measures directed at all non-critical patients in the entire hospital and involving a large number of professionals has achieved a decrease incidence of 73.9% of CRBI. An acceptable incidence of CRBI was obtained, and, with the completion of the project together with a new awareness, the situation will continue to improve.

Preoperative risk factors for mortality after relaparotomy: analysis of 254 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to analyze preoperative mortality risk factors after relaparotomy for abdominal surgery in a unit of General Surgery at a University Hospital. METHODS: A total of 314 relaparotomies in 254 patients were performed between February 2004 and February 2008. We analyzed data about past medical history, first operation, as well as clinical and biochemical parameters previous to reoperation. RESULTS: Indications for relaparotomy were peritonitis, bleeding, abscess, exploratory laparotomy, and evisceration. Overall mortality was 22%. Mortality of the patients with a single relaparotomy was 20% vs. 44% if they were reoperated upon twice. Mortality was associated with age, past history of cardiovascular disease, active neoplasm, previous treatment with platelet anti-aggregant drugs, first surgery American Society of Anesthesia score, and the presence of an anastomosis. Preoperative data associated with mortality were the number of systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, suture dehiscense, ileus, positive blood cultures, mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition, antibiotics or vasoactive drugs, tachycardia, and abnormal body temperature. High white blood cell count or bilirrubin levels and low albumin or prothrombin time were also associated with mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis isolated age (P = 0.02), abnormal body temperature (P = 0.02), and the need of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.004) as independent preoperative variables predictive for mortality after relaparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, the presence of either fever or hypothermia, and the need of mechanical ventilation are preoperative risk factors associated with mortality after relaparotomy and should be considered when planning reintervention.

Surgical site infection prevention measures in General Surgery: Position statement by the Surgical Infections Division of the Spanish Association of Surgery. / Medidas de prevención de la infección de localización quirúrgica en cirugía general. Documento de posicionamiento de la Sección de Infección Quirúrgica de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos.

Surgical site infection is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, as well as a poorer patient quality of life. Many hospitals have adopted scientifically-validated guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection. Most of these protocols have resulted in improved postoperative results. The Surgical Infection Division of the Spanish Association of Surgery conducted a critical review of the scientific evidence and the most recent international guidelines in order to select measures with the highest degree of evidence to be applied in Spanish surgical services. The best measures are: no removal or clipping of hair from the surgical field, skin decontamination with alcohol solutions, adequate systemic antibiotic prophylaxis (administration within 30-60minutes before the incision in a single preoperative dose; intraoperative re-dosing when indicated), maintenance of normothermia and perioperative maintenance of glucose levels.

[Diabetic mastopathy in diabetes mellitus type 2]. / Mastopatía diabética en diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Diabetic mastopathy is a little known entity and can easily be mistaken for breast carcinoma. This entity has mainly been described in patients with diabetes type 1 and, to a much lesser extent, in those with other endocrine disorders. We describe a case of diabetic mastopathy associated with diabetes mellitus type 2, which showed a rapid clinical course. Lack of awareness of this entity can lead to inappropriate management. Because there are no specific histological or clinical features for diabetic mastopathy, patients may receive an incorrect diagnosis or undergo unnecessary investigations. A high index of suspicion is required to reach a correct diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. The results of diagnostic tests are non-specific and the key to diagnosis is core needle biopsy.

Surgery for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism: controversies and evidence-based approach.

INTRODUCTION: Sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism is due to single adenoma in over 90-95% of instances. Careful medical history and precise preoperative identification of the enlarged gland by parathyroid Tc-mibi scintigraphy and neck ultrasound allow selecting patients for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, a focused intervention with minimal skin opening and tissue dissection. Small (<300 mg) adenomas continue to challenge preoperative imaging, and most of them will still require a bilateral exploration. CONCLUSION: Surgery should never be indicated on the basis of positive or negative preoperative localization studies. Intraoperative quick parathyroid hormone measurements seem particularly helpful for cases with equivocal localization studies. The best minimal access approach is still a matter of debate, and options include small central incision, video-assisted parathyroidectomy, minimal lateral open approach, and purely endoscopic access via lateral approach. Radioguided surgery does not seem to have a role in routine cases but may be useful to find adenomas during reintervention on scarred difficult surgical fields.

Usefulness of preoperative Tc-mibi parathyroid scintigraphy in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The usefulness of Tc-mibi parathyroid scintigraphy (Tc-PS) in planning parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism is not well known. The aim of this study was to review our experience with Tc-PS concerning: (1) the identification of hyperplastic glands, (2) detection of major ectopias and (3) prevention of recurrences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients undergoing first-time subtotal parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism had a dual-phase planar Tc-PS performed, and glands were classified as detected, weak, or not detected. The number and position of visualized glands were determined. Parathyroid weight, histology, and their relationship to Tc-PS were recorded after surgery. RESULTS: Of 132 potential glands, 48 (35%) were localized on the Tc-PS and 128 (96.9%) were identified intraoperatively. Tc-PS positive/weak glands were heavier than nonlocalized glands. Tc-PS contributed to successful surgery in four patients with a single difficult gland each (three retrieved from the neck and one--fifth gland--requiring mediastinotomy). There was one persistence (3%) because of a missed fourth undescended inferior parathyroid gland. Two recurrences 2 years after surgery were due to a fifth thoracic gland not shown in the preoperative Tc-PS. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative Tc-PS helped in the intraoperative identification of moderate or major ectopias in 4/33 patients but was not useful to prevent recurrences from highly ectopic glands not visualized before first-time surgery.

Blood transfusions and postoperative infections in patients undergoing elective surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infections result from the interactions of bacteria, the surgical technique, and host defense mechanisms. Thus, identifying single determinant factors has proved difficult. MAGNITUDE OF THE RISK: In a recent survey of 2,809 colorectal resections, transfusion was the single most powerful risk factor for postoperative infection. In patients undergoing primary hip or knee prosthesis insertion, the transfusion of allogeneic blood increased the risk of a deep-seated infection by a factor of 12. MECHANISMS: Several host defense mechanisms are impaired by blood products. The initial hypothesis incriminated the transfused white blood cells, but this paradigm has since been challenged. The effects of free serum iron, the blood storage time, and the presence in stored blood of bioactive substances such as inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 may also be important. CONCLUSION: It is worth pursuing efforts to emphasize autologous blood transfusion and the reinfusion of shed blood as blood conservation strategies, as these practices reduce the risk of infectious complications.

Medidas de prevención de la infección de localización quirúrgica en cirugía general. Documento de posicionamiento de la Sección de Infección Quirúrgica de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos / Surgical site infection prevention measures in General Surgery: Position statement by the Surgical Infections Division of the Spanish Association of Surgery

La infección de localización quirúrgica se asocia a prolongación de la estancia hospitalaria, aumento de la morbilidad, mortalidad y gasto sanitario. La adherencia a paquetes sistematizados que incluyan medidas de prevención validadas científicamente consigue disminuir la tasa de infección postoperatoria. La Sección de Infección Quirúrgica de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos ha realizado una revisión crítica de la evidencia científica y las más recientes guías internacionales, para seleccionar las medidas con mayor grado de evidencia a fin de facilitar su aplicación en los servicios de cirugía españoles. Cuentan con mayor grado de evidencia: no eliminación del vello del campo quirúrgico o eliminación con maquinilla eléctrica, descontaminación de la piel con soluciones alcohólicas, profilaxis antibiótica sistémica adecuada (inicio 30-60 minutos antes de la incisión, uso preferente en monodosis, administración de dosis intraoperatoria si indicada), mantenimiento de la normotermia y el control de la glucemia perioperatoria

Surgical site infection is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, as well as a poorer patient quality of life. Many hospitals have adopted scientifically-validated guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection. Most of these protocols have resulted in improved postoperative results. The Surgical Infection Division of the Spanish Association of Surgery conducted a critical review of the scientific evidence and the most recent international guidelines in order to select measures with the highest degree of evidence to be applied in Spanish surgical services. The best measures are: no removal or clipping of hair from the surgical field, skin decontamination with alcohol solutions, adequate systemic antibiotic prophylaxis (administration within 30-60 minutes before the incision in a single preoperative dose; intraoperative re-dosing when indicated), maintenance of normothermia and perioperative maintenance of glucose levels

Prophylactic synthetic mesh can be safely used to close emergency laparotomies, even in peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of the use of a partially absorbable large pore synthetic prophylactic mesh in emergent midline laparotomies for the prevention of evisceration and incisional hernia. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent an emergency midline laparotomy between January of 2009 and July of 2010 was performed. Patients with complicated ventral hernia repair, postoperative death, and lack of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were included. Laparotomies were closed with a running suture of slow-reabsorbable material in 190 patients (Group S), and 50 patients within this group (26.3%) received additional retention sutures. In 76 patients (Group M), an additional partially absorbable lightweight mesh was placed in the Supra-aponeurotic space. Both groups presented similar complication rates (71.1% Group S vs 80.3% Group M, P = .97). There were no differences regarding surgical-site infection rates (17.9% Group S vs 26.3% Group M; P = .13) or postoperative mortality (13.7% Group S vs 18.3% Group M; P = .346). A total of 150 patients completed the follow-up (99 Group S; 51 Group M) at a mean time of 16.7 months. During follow-up, 36 cases of incisional hernia (24%) were diagnosed: 33 (33%) in Group S, whereas there were only three cases (5.9%) in Group M (P = .0001). Mesh removal for chronic infection was not required in any case. CONCLUSION: The use of a partially absorbable, lightweight large pore prophylactic mesh in the closure of emergency midline laparotomies is feasible for the prevention of incisional hernia without adding a substantial rate of morbidity to the procedure, even if high contamination or infections are present.

Sepsis grave por absceso cervical profundo tras agranulocitosis por metamizol / Severe sepsis due to cervical abscess after agranulocytosis associated with metamizole

No disponible

Resultados del abordaje laparoscópico en el tratamiento de la obstrucción aguda del intestino delgado por adherencias y hernias internas / Results of a laparoscopic approach for the treatment of acute small bowel obstruction due to adhesions and internal hernias

Introducción La laparotomía suele ser la vía de abordaje de elección en los casos de intervención quirúrgica por obstrucción aguda de intestino delgado (OAID).Pacientes y métodos De febrero 2007 hasta mayo 2012 se registraron prospectivamente los pacientes intervenidos de urgencias en nuestro centro vía laparoscópica por OAID por adherencias (27 casos) y/o hernia interna (6 casos). Todos disponían de una TC preoperatoria. Se excluyeron del abordaje laparoscópico aquellos con peritonitis y/o sepsis. En caso de requerir resección intestinal se convirtió a laparotomía. Resultados La edad media de los 33 pacientes operados fue de 61,1 ± 17,6 años. El 64% tenían antecedentes de cirugía abdominal previa. El 72% de los casos fue operado por un cirujano experto en laparoscopia. La tasa de conversión fue del 21%. El tiempo operatorio y estancia postoperatoria medios fueron de 83 ± 44 min y 7,8 ± 11,2 días, respectivamente. El tiempo operatorio (72 ± 30 vs 123 ± 63 min), día de inicio de ingesta oral (1,8 ± 0,9 vs 5,7 ± 3,3 día) y estancia postoperatoria (4,7 ± 2,5 vs 19,4 ± 21 días) fueron significativamente menores en el grupo laparoscopia respecto al de conversión, si bien los pacientes convertidos presentaron mayor gravedad clínica (2 resecciones intestinales). Hubo 2 complicaciones graves (Clavien-Dindo III y V ) en el grupo de conversión. Conclusiones El abordaje laparoscópico, en casos seleccionados de OIDA por adherencias y hernias internas, cuando es realizado por cirujanos entrenados en laparoscopia, presenta una alta probabilidad de éxito (baja tasa de conversión, corta estancia postoperatoria y baja morbilidad), por lo que su uso estaría plenamente justificado en estos casos (AU)

Introduction Laparotomy is the standard approach for the surgical treatment of acute small bowel obstruction (ASBO).Patients and methods From February 2007 to May 2012 we prospectively recorded all patients operated by laparoscopy in our hospital because of ASBO due to adhesions (27 cases) and/or internal hernia (6 cases). A preoperative abdominal CT was performed in all cases. Patients suffering from peritonitis and/or sepsis were excluded from the laparoscopic approach. It was decided to convert to laparotomy if intestinal resection was required. Results The mean age of the 33 patients who underwent surgery was 61.1±17.6 years. 64% had previous history of abdominal surgery. 72% of the cases were operated by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy. Conversion rate was 21%. Operative time and postoperative length of stay were 83±44 min and 7.8±11.2 days, respectively. Operative time (72±30 vs 123±63 min.), tolerance to oral intake (1.8±0.9 vs 5.7±3.3 days) and length of postoperative stay (4.7±2.5 vs 19.4±21 days) were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group compared with the conversion group, although converted patients had greater clinical severity (2 bowel resections). There were two severe complications (Clavien-Dindo III and V) in the conversion group. Conclusions In selected cases of ASBO caused by adhesions and internal hernias and when performed by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy, a laparoscopic approach has a high probability of success (low conversion rate, short stay in hospital and low morbidity); its use would be fully justified in these cases (AU)