Fijación quirúrgica de las fracturas costales con grapas y barras de titanio (sistema STRATOS). Experiencia preliminar / Surgical fixation of rib fractures with clips and titanium bars (STRATOS™ System). Preliminary experience

Introducción: Las fracturas costales son muy frecuentes en los traumatismos torácicos cerrados. La mayoría de estos pacientes tienen un dolor importante con los movimientos y con la tos. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la utilidad de las grapas costales y barras de titanio en la estabilización de las fracturas costales. Material y métodos: Entre los años 2008 y 2009, veintidós pacientes con fracturas costales fueron tratados con reducción abierta y fijación interna Se definen las indicaciones para el tratamiento. 1) Pacientes con el tórax inestable (13 pacientes), 2) Pacientes con dolor o inestabilidad por fracturas costales (6 pacientes), 3) Deformidades traumáticas importantes de la pared torácica (3 pacientes). Los datos se analizaron de forma prospectiva. Se analizaron: edad, mecanismo traumático, lesiones torácicas y asociadas, datos intraoperatorios, complicaciones y seguimiento. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes fueron extubados en el postoperatorio inmediato. Todos los pacientes con dolor o inestabilidad mostraron mejoría subjetiva o desaparición del dolor tras la cirugía. Cuatro pacientes presentaron infección de la herida que tuvo que ser drenada. Después de 3 meses el 55% de los pacientes había vuelto a su trabajo o a su vida habitual, y a los 6 meses el 91%. Se describen los resultados en cada grupo. Conclusiones: La reducción abierta con fijación interna de las fracturas costales, en un grupo seleccionado de pacientes, es una buena alternativa. La utilización de grapas costales y barras de titanio produce buenos resultados clínicos, su aplicación es fácil y tiene escasas complicaciones (AU)

Introduction: Rib fractures are very common in closed chest injuries. The majority of these patients suffer significant pain with movement and cough. The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of titanium rib bars and clips in stabilising rib fractures. Material and Methods: Twenty-two patients with rib fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation between 2008 and 2009. Indications for treatment were defined as; 1) Patients with unstable chest (13 patients), 2) Patients with pain or instability due to rib fractures (6 patients), and 3) Significant traumatic deformities of the chest wall (3 patients). Age, traumatic mechanism, chest and associated injuries, surgical data, complications and follow-up were prospectively analysed. The surgical technique is described. Results: The majority of patients were extubated immediately after surgery. All patients with pain or instability showed a subjective improvement or disappearance of pain after the surgery. Four patients had a wound infection which had to be drained. After 3 months, 55% of the patients had returned to work or normal life. The results in each group are described. Conclusions: Open reduction with internal fixation of rib fractures is a good alternative. The use of titanium rib bars and clips give good clinical results, are easy to apply and have few complications (AU)

[Surgical fixation of rib fractures with clips and titanium bars (STRATOS System). Preliminary experience]. / Fijación quirúrgica de las fracturas costales con grapas y barras de titanio (sistema STRATOS). Experiencia preliminar.

INTRODUCTION: Rib fractures are very common in closed chest injuries. The majority of these patients suffer significant pain with movement and cough. The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of titanium rib bars and clips in stabilising rib fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with rib fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation between 2008 and 2009. Indications for treatment were defined as; 1) Patients with unstable chest (13 patients), 2) Patients with pain or instability due to rib fractures (6 patients), and 3) Significant traumatic deformities of the chest wall (3 patients). Age, traumatic mechanism, chest and associated injuries, surgical data, complications and follow-up were prospectively analysed. The surgical technique is described. RESULTS: The majority of patients were extubated immediately after surgery. All patients with pain or instability showed a subjective improvement or disappearance of pain after the surgery. Four patients had a wound infection which had to be drained. After 3 months, 55% of the patients had returned to work or normal life. The results in each group are described. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction with internal fixation of rib fractures is a good alternative. The use of titanium rib bars and clips give good clinical results, are easy to apply and have few complications.

Hemitiroidectomía en el bocio unilateral: una opción terapéutica válida. Revisión del hemitiroides contralateral a los diez años del tratamiento / Hemithyroidectomy in a unilateral goiter: a valid therapeutic option. Review of the contralateral hemithyroid ten years after treatment

Introducción. El bocio nodular (BN) es frecuente en la población, y se considera una enfermedad difusa tiroidea. Aunque el BN es raramente unilateral, plantea el dilema de la extensión de la tiroidectomía. El objetivo del estudio fue valorar el estado del tiroides remanente tras hemitiroidectomía por BN, comparándolo con pacientes hemitiroidectomizados por adenoma folicular Material y métodos. Se seleccionó a pacientes intervenidos por BN unilateral, con más de 10 años de evolución postoperatoria y ecografía contralateral normal, grupo de estudio (GE). Como grupo control (GC) se seleccionaron pacientes con hemitiroidectomía por adenoma folicular (con ecografía contralateral normal), en el mismo período de tiempo. Se citaron para revisión clínica, analítica y ecográfica. Los grupos se compararon estadísticamente, sin diferencias significativas en edad, sexo, riesgo anestésico, lado de la lesión, complicaciones en postoperatorio inmediato, estancia hospitalaria y meses de evolución postoperatoria. Resultados. Referían síntomas menos del 10% de los pacientes, todos poco significativos. Existían nódulos ecográficos en el tiroides remanente de ambos grupos: un 70% en GE y un 60% en GC, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El tamaño medio del nódulo mayor del GE fue de 13,58 ± 8,01 mm, superior a los 9,15 ± 5,93 mm del GC (p = 0,048). No hubo diferencias en el diámetro anteroposterior, transversal ni longitudinal del tiroides. Ningún paciente precisó reintervención por su patología nodular. Conclusiones. Tras la hemitiroidectomía, el tiroides remanente desarrolla nódulos, sin diferencias estadísticas, ya sea por BN o adenoma folicular. La hemitiroidectomía por BN unilateral conlleva menos riesgos y la creemos adecuada. El seguimiento ecográfico a largo plazo parece recomendable (AU)

Introduction. Nodular goiter (NG) is frequent among the general population and is considered a diffuse disease. Although NGs are rarely unilateral, they pose a dilemma in terms of the extent of the thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the remaining thyroid in patients with NG compared with those with follicular adenoma who underwent hemithyroidectomy. Patients and methods. Patients who underwent surgery for unilateral NG with over 10 years of postoperative follow-up and normal findings on ultrasonography of the contralateral thyroid lobe were selected to form the study group (SG). Patients with follicular adenoma (with normal contralateral ultrasonography) who underwent hemithyroidectomy during the same period were selected to form the control group (CG). The selected patients underwent clinical, laboratory and ultrasound examinations. Both groups were compared statistically. No significant differences were found in age, gender, anesthetic risk, side, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or postoperative outcome. Results. Less than 10% of the patients reported symptoms, and all symptoms were of little significance. Ultrasonographic nodules were found in the remaining thyroid lobe in 70% of patients in the SG and in 60% of those in the CG, with no statistically significant differences. The mean size of the largest nodule was 13.58 ± 8.01 in the SG and 9.15 ± 5.93 in the GC (p = 0.048). No differences were found in the anterior-posterior, transverse or longitudinal diameters of the remaining lobe. None of the patients underwent reintervention for nodular disease. Conclusions. After hemithyroidectomy, both groups of patients developed nodules in the remaining thyroid lobe, with no statistically significant differences. Hemithyroidectomy due to unilateral NG involves less risk to the patient and therefore we consider it to be a valid option. Long-term ultrasonographic follow-up seems advisable (AU)

[Hemithyroidectomy in a unilateral goiter: a valid therapeutic option. Review of the contralateral hemithyroid ten years after treatment]. / Hemitiroidectomía en el bocio unilateral: una opción terapéutica válida. Revisión del hemitiroides contralateral a los diez años del tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Nodular goiter (NG) is frequent among the general population and is considered a diffuse disease. Although NGs are rarely unilateral, they pose a dilemma in terms of the extent of the thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the remaining thyroid in patients with NG compared with those with follicular adenoma who underwent hemithyroidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for unilateral NG with over 10 years of postoperative follow-up and normal findings on ultrasonography of the contralateral thyroid lobe were selected to form the study group (SG). Patients with follicular adenoma (with normal contralateral ultrasonography) who underwent hemithyroidectomy during the same period were selected to form the control group (CG). The selected patients underwent clinical, laboratory and ultrasound examinations. Both groups were compared statistically. No significant differences were found in age, gender, anesthetic risk, side, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Less than 10% of the patients reported symptoms, and all symptoms were of little significance. Ultrasonographic nodules were found in the remaining thyroid lobe in 70% of patients in the SG and in 60% of those in the CG, with no statistically significant differences. The mean size of the largest nodule was 13.58 +/- 8.01 in the SG and 9.15 +/- 5.93 in the GC (p = 0.048). No differences were found in the anterior-posterior, transverse or longitudinal diameters of the remaining lobe. None of the patients underwent reintervention for nodular disease. CONCLUSIONS: After hemithyroidectomy, both groups of patients developed nodules in the remaining thyroid lobe, with no statistically significant differences. Hemithyroidectomy due to unilateral NG involves less risk to the patient and therefore we consider it to be a valid option. Long-term ultrasonographic follow-up seems advisable.

Influencia de la superespecialización en cirugía endocrina en los resultados de la tiroidectomía en un servicio de cirugía general / Influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on outcomes of thyroidectomy in a general surgery department

Introducción. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la influencia de la superespecialización en los diferentes estándares de la cirugía tiroidea, antes y después de la creación de una unidad de cirugía endocrina. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo comparativo de 2 períodos de 7 años: antes de la creación de la unidad se intervinieron 340 tiroidectomías (G1) y después 583 (G2). Se valoran edad, sexo, riesgo anestésico, cirujano, función tiroidea, datos anatomopatológicos, extensión intratorácica, tipo de tiroidectomía, utilización de drenajes, complicaciones y estancia postoperatoria. Resultados. La edad fue superior en el G2 (G1: 44,7 ± 15 años, G2: 48,09 ± 16,3 años; p < 0,001). No hubo diferencia (p = NS) en el sexo, riesgo ASA, función tiroidea ni enfermedad benigna o no, pero se remitió a más pacientes con bocio nodular en el segundo pe-ríodo (p = 0,009) y hubo más bocios intratorácicos (p = 0,0004). Los MIR realizaron más tiroidectomías con el G2 (p < 0,001). Se realizaron más tiroidectomías bilaterales (G1: 155, G2: 315; p = 0,016) y, dentro de éstas, más tiroidectomías totales (p < 0,001). La tasa de drenajes cervicales (G1: 75,29%; G2: 12,18%) mostró diferencia estadística (p < 0,001). No hubo diferencias en el global de complicaciones postoperatorias. Pese a procederes más agresivos en el G2 la hipocalcemia asintomática fue similar (p = NS), al igual que la sintomática (p = NS) o hipocalcemia permanente (G1: 1,17%; G2: 0,68%; p = NS). La tasa de paresia recurrencial fue similar referida a pacientes (p = NS) o nervios (p = NS). La tasa de parálisis permanente no fue distinta referida a pacientes (p = 0,083) pero sí referida a nervios (G1: 1,44%; G2: 0,33%; p = 0,04). Falleció un paciente del G2 (p = NS). Hubo diferencias significativas en la estancia hospitalaria (p < 0,001) a favor del G2, al igual que pacientes con estancia de 1 día o menos (p < 0,001) e intervenidos en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (0 frente a 71; p < 0,001). Conclusiones. Una unidad de cirugía endocrina permite una gestión más eficiente de la tiroidectomía. La tasa de tiroidectomías totales es mayor, las complicaciones definitivas son menores, y permite una mejor docencia a los MIR, un menor consumo de recursos y el desarrollo de programas de cirugía mayor ambulatoria para la tiroidectomía (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on the standard of thyroidectomy, both before and after the creation of an endocrine surgery unit. Patients and methods. We performed a retrospective, comparative study of two 7-year periods. Three hundred forty thyroidectomies (G1) were performed before the instauration of the unit, and 583 were carried out afterwards (G2). The variables of age, gender, anesthesia risk, surgeon expertise (staff vs. resident), thyroid function, pathological features, intrathoracic growth, extent of the procedure (unilateral or bilateral), neck drainage, morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay were compared. Results. Age was older in G2 (G1: 44.7 ± 15 years old, G2: 48.09 ± 16.3 years old; p < 0.001). There were no differences (p NS) between the two groups in gender, anesthesia risk, thyroid function or rate of benign/malignant disease, but there was a greater frequency of nodular (p = 0.009) and intrathoracic goiters (p = 0.0004) in the second period. Residents operated on more patients in G2 (p < 0.001). Bilateral thyroidectomy was more frequent in G2 (G1: 155, G2: 315; p = 0.016) as was the rate of total thyroidectomy vs. subtotal or near total thyroidectomy (p < 0.001). Neck drainage also showed statistically significant differences (G1: 75.29%, G2: 12.18%; p < 0.001). No differences were found in overall postoperative complications. Although the procedures used were more aggressive in G2, similar rates of transient asymptomatic hypocalcemia (p NS) and transient symptomatic (p NS) and permanent hypocalcemia were found (G1: 1.17%, G2: 0.68%, p NS). The rate of transitory recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was similar with regard to patients (p NS) or nerves at risk (p NS). Permanent inferior laryngeal nerve paralysis was no different regarding patients (p = 0.083) but statistically significant differences were found with regard to nerves at risk (G1: 1.44%, G2: 0.33%; p = 0.04). One patient in G2 died (p NS). Length of hospital stay was shorter in G2 (p < 0.001) and more patients in this group stayed in hospital for only one day (p < 0.001) or were operated on in the outpatient setting (0 versus 71; p < 0.001). Conclusions. An endocrine surgical unit allows more efficient management of thyroidectomy. It increases the rate of total thyroidectomy, reduces definitive complications and improves training of resident surgeons. In addition, it reduces resource use and allows the development of programs of outpatient thyroid surgery (AU)

[Influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on outcomes of thyroidectomy in a general surgery department]. / Influencia de la superespecialización en cirugía endocrina en los resultados de la tiroidectomía en un servicio de cirugía general.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on the standard of thyroidectomy, both before and after the creation of an endocrine surgery unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, comparative study of two 7-year periods. Three hundred forty thyroidectomies (G1) were performed before the instauration of the unit, and 583 were carried out afterwards (G2). The variables of age, gender, anesthesia risk, surgeon expertise (staff vs. resident), thyroid function, pathological features, intrathoracic growth, extent of the procedure (unilateral or bilateral), neck drainage, morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: Age was older in G2 (G1: 44.7 +/- 15 years old, G2: 48.09 +/- 16.3 years old; p < 0.001). There were no differences (p NS) between the two groups in gender, anesthesia risk, thyroid function or rate of benign/malignant disease, but there was a greater frequency of nodular (p = 0.009) and intrathoracic goiters (p = 0.0004) in the second period. Residents operated on more patients in G2 (p < 0.001). Bilateral thyroidectomy was more frequent in G2 (G1: 155, G2: 315; p = 0.016) as was the rate of total thyroidectomy vs. subtotal or near total thyroidectomy (p < 0.001). Neck drainage also showed statistically significant differences (G1: 75.29%, G2: 12.18%; p < 0.001). No differences were found in overall postoperative complications. Although the procedures used were more aggressive in G2, similar rates of transient asymptomatic hypocalcemia (p NS) and transient symptomatic (p NS) and permanent hypocalcemia were found (G1: 1.17%, G2: 0.68%, p NS). The rate of transitory recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was similar with regard to patients (p NS) or nerves at risk (p NS). Permanent inferior laryngeal nerve paralysis was no different regarding patients (p = 0.083) but statistically significant differences were found with regard to nerves at risk (G1: 1.44%, G2: 0.33%; p = 0.04). One patient in G2 died (p NS). Length of hospital stay was shorter in G2 (p < 0.001) and more patients in this group stayed in hospital for only one day (p < 0.001) or were operated on in the outpatient setting (0 versus 71; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An endocrine surgical unit allows more efficient management of thyroidectomy. It increases the rate of total thyroidectomy, reduces definitive complications and improves training of resident surgeons. In addition, it reduces resource use and allows the development of programs of outpatient thyroid surgery.

Paratiroidectomía ambulatoria bajo anestesia local tras exploración cervical bilateral en el hiperparatiroidismo primario. Estudio prospectivo / Outpatient parathyroidectomy under local anesthesia after bilateral cervical examination in primary hyperparathyroidism. A prospective study

Introducción. La exploración cervical bilateral es el estándar en la cirugía del hiperparatiroidismo primario. La exploración unilateral parece válida, pero precisa pruebas que encarecen el proceso. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la factibilidad de la exploración cervical bilateral bajo anestesia local en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. Pacientes y método. Se diseñó un protocolo prospectivo con los clásicos criterios de la cirugía mayor ambulatoria. El cirujano realizó la anestesia por bloqueo bilateral de las raíces de C2-C3 del plexo cervical profundo y la incisión. En el postoperatorio, la ingesta se inició al cabo de 1,5 o 2 h, a las 3 o 4 h se levantó al paciente y, después, se recomendó que deambulara. El objetivo fue darlo de alta a las 6 u 8 h de la intervención. Resultados. El protocolo fue aplicable al 75,86 por ciento de los pacientes y aceptado por 35 de ellos (aceptabilidad del 79,54 por ciento). Se halló un adenoma único en 32 pacientes, un adenoma doble en uno, una hiperplasia en otro y en un paciente no se halló el adenoma en el cuello. Hubo 4 casos de adenomas ectópicos. En 5 pacientes se practicó una hemitiroidectomía concomitante. La duración de la intervención fue de 80,77 ñ 27,84 min. Surgieron complicaciones en 4 pacientes (11,4 por ciento), todas leves, 2 de ellas paresias recurrenciales transitorias. Todos los pacientes se recuperaron con rapidez. Sólo 9 pacientes (25,71 por ciento) precisaron analgésicos. Ingresaron una noche 6 pacientes (17,14 por ciento), 3 de los 4 que presentaron complicaciones, 2 más por vómitos y uno por preferencia personal. En los restantes, el alta se produjo a las 6,19 ñ 0,99 h postoperatorias. El dolor al alta fue de 1,83 ñ 2,2 en la escala visual analógica. Hubo incidencias en el domicilio, poco significativas, en 12 pacientes; las más frecuentes fueron la cefalea y el dolor cervical. El grado de satisfacción fue muy alto o alto en el 94,28 por ciento de los pacientes. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes tenía una calcemia normal. Conclusiones. La exploración cervical bilateral es factible bajo anestesia local en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria, con una alta satisfacción del paciente. La recuperación postoperatoria es rápida, permite realizar una tiroidectomía concomitante, disminuye el consumo de analgésicos y ahorra pruebas pre o intraoperatorias (AU)