Effect of Fibrin Glue on the Incidence of Surgical Complications After Living-Related-Donor Kidney Transplantation: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND The incidence of surgical complications after kidney transplantation ranges from 10-25%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the application of fibrin glue as a preventive agent reduces surgical morbidity after a living-related-donor kidney transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A controlled clinical trial involving 78 recipients randomly assigned to receive fibrin glue and 79 in the control group without the application of fibrin glue. Patients were followed for six months after surgery. RESULTS The average ages were 24.8±9.4 and 27.4±11.3 years in the control and study groups, respectively (p=0.11). Individual morbidities, such as urologic, lymphatic, vascular, and wound complications, were not statistically different between groups; however, the total number of surgical complications observed were in five patients in the study group and 16 patients in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.01, relative risk 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.97). There was no mortality or adverse reaction to fibrin glue. One kidney graft was lost because of uncontrollable bleeding secondary to tearing of the renal capsule. The incidence of early medical complications was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Applications of the biological adhesive reduced the incidence of surgical complications.

Rectal indomethacin versus placebo to reduce the incidence of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: results of a controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is the most common major complication after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Many drugs have been evaluated for prophylaxis, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are potent inhibitors of phospholipase A2 and play a role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. Rectal NSAIDs have been shown in prospective studies to decrease the incidence of this complication, but the indication is not generalized in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rectal administration of indomethacin in reducing the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients. METHODS: This was a controlled clinical trial where patients with an elevated risk of developing post-ERCP pancreatitis were assigned to receive 100 mg of rectal indomethacin or a 2.6 g suppository of glycerin immediately after ERCP, without placement of a pancreatic stent. The patients were determined to be at high risk based on validated patient- and procedure-related risk factors. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was defined as the presence of new upper abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia/hyperlipasemia (at least three times the upper limit) 2 hours after the procedure and hospitalization at least 48 hours because of the complication. Pancreatitis severity was defined according to Cotton's criteria. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six patients were included; 82 in the study group and 84 in the placebo group. Patients had at least one major and/or two minor risk factors for developing post-ERCP pancreatitis. The incidence of the complication was 4.87% (4/82) in the study group and 20.23% (17/84) in the placebo group; this difference was significant (P = 0.01). According to Cotton's criteria, 17 patients (80.9%) developed mild pancreatitis and 4 (19.1%) had moderate pancreatitis; 3 of these 4 patients belonged to the placebo group (P = 0.60). Based on these results, an absolute risk reduction of 0.15 (15%), a relative risk reduction of 0.75 (75%) and a number needed to treat of 6.5 patients were calculated to prevent an episode of post-ERCP pancreatitis. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal indomethacin reduced the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis among patients at high risk of developing this complication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: National Clinical Trials NCT02110810. Date April 7, 2014.

Antioxidant drugs to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: What does evidence suggest?

AIM: To determine whether or not the use of antioxidant supplementation aids in the prevention of post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was made to evaluate the preventive effect of prophylactic antioxidant supplementation in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). The inclusion criteria included: acute post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in adults; randomized clinical trials with the use of any antioxidant as an intervention compared with placebo, to reduce PEP. The outcome measure was the incidence and severity of PEP. Twelve RCTs involving 3110 patients since 1999 were included. The antioxidants used were selenite, ß-carotene, and pentoxifylline (each one in one trial), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in three trials, and allopurinol in six trials. The group of patients treated with NAC received different doses; either oral or intravenous, and allopurinol-treated patients received five different oral doses in two different administration periods. The results are expressed with raw numbers, proportions, as well as mean and standard deviations. The incidence of pancreatitis between groups was analyzed with Pearson's χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test (F). The main outcome is expressed as relative risks and 95%CI. RESULTS: The incidence of pancreatitis in all antioxidant treatment groups was 8.6%, whereas it was 9.7% in the control group. The antioxidants used were selenite, ß-carotene, and pentoxifylline (each one in one trial), NAC in three trials, and allopurinol in six trials. In allopurinol trials, three different dosifications were used; two trials reported a low dosage (of less than 400 mg), two trials reported a moderate dose (600 mg) and the remaining two employed higher doses (more than 900 mg). Supplementation was not associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of PEP [relative risk (RR) = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.82-1.06; P = 0.28]. In addition, the incidences of PEP in patients treated with allopurinol and those treated with other antioxidants were similar to that observed in patients who received the placebo (RR for trials with allopurinol, 0.92; 95%CI: 0.78-1.08; P = 0.31) and, with the use of other antioxidants, the incidence of PEP was 8.9%, whereas it was 9.7% in the control group (RR = 0.95; 95%CI: 0.77-1.18; P = 0.19). CONCLUSION: Antioxidant supplementation shows no beneficial effect on the incidence of PEP. There is a lack of robust trials to support the use of antioxidants for prevention.

[Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumour]. / Tumor intraabdominal desmoplásico de células pequeñas y redondas.

BACKGROUND: The desmoplastic small round cell tumour is a rare and aggressive intra-abdominal neoplasia, with only 200 cases reported, and a higher incidence in men and predilection for the second decade of life. Histologically characterized by the presence of small nests of undifferentiated tumour cells, wrapped in fibrous desmoplastic stroma. CLINICAL CASE: A 24 year old male started with abdominal pain of 4 weeks onset in the right upper quadrant, colic type, sporadic, self-limiting and accompanied by early satiety, decreased appetite, and involuntary weight loss of 10 kg in 3 months. At the time of admission the abdomen was globular, with decreased peristalsis, soft, depressible. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal-pelvic cavity. A laparotomy was performed, with a subsequent omentum resection due to the presence of multiple tumours, which microscopically were characterised by groups of small, round, blue cells, separated by a desmoplastic stroma. The immunohistochemistry was positive for desmin (> 75%), epithelial membrane antigen (> 75%), CD99 (> 50%), and S100 (25%), concluding with an abdominal tumour of small, round, blue cells as a diagnosis. Chemotherapy treatment was initiated based on IMAP plus GM-CSF. CONCLUSIONS: The desmoplastic small round cell tumour is a rare neoplasia, with diagnostic complexity and a lethal course. Its clinical presentation is unspecific. Histologically, it is classified as an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that shares similar characteristics with the family of the small and blue cells tumours.

[Nesidioblastosis in the adult: a case report]. / Nesidioblastosis en el adulto: reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Nesidioblastosis is a rare cause of endocrine disease which represents between 0.5% - 5% of cases. This has been associated with other conditions, such as in patients previously treated with insulin or sulfonylurea, in anti-tumour activity in pancreatic tissue of patients with insulinoma, and in patients with other tumours of the Langerhans islet cells. In adults it is presented as a diffuse dysfunction of ß cells of unknown cause. CLINICAL CASE: The case concerns 46 year-old female, with a history of Sheehan syndrome of fifteen years of onset, and with repeated events characterized with hypoglycaemia in the last three years. Body scan was performed with octreotide, revealing an insulinoma in the pancreatic region. A distal pancreatectomy was performed on the patient. The study reported a pancreatic fragment 8.5 × 3 × 1.5 cm with abnormal proliferation of pancreatic islets in groups of varying size, some of them in relation to the ductal epithelium. Histopathology study was showed positive for chromogranin, confirmed by positive synaptophysin, insulin and glucagon, revealing islet hyperplasia with diffuse nesidioblastosis with negative malignancy. The patient is currently under metabolic control and with no remission of hypoglycaemic events. CONCLUSIONS: Nesidioblastosis is a disease of difficult diagnosis should be considered in all cases of failure to locate an insulinoma, as this may be presented in up to 4% of persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia.

Minimally Invasive Therapy Using Intralesional OnabotulinumtoxinA in Peyronie's Disease.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of intralesional administration of onabotulinumtoxinA in patients with Peyronie's disease (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective therapeutic cohort study was undertaken in patients aged ≥ 18 years with stable PD. Intervention included one-time intralesional application of 100 U of onabotulinumtoxinA. We included 22 patients who attended the urology clinic from October 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. Primary outcome measure was degree of curvature. Secondary outcome measures were thickness of the fibrous plaque, improvement in erectile function and pain. Erectile function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain during an erection. Statistical analyses were performed by Pearson's chi-squared test for categorical variables and student's t-test for quantitative variables. Any P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The size of the fibrous plaque was reduced from 0.34 ± 0.20 to 0.27 ± 0.13 cm after treatment (P = .014). The curvature initially averaged 32.95 ± 9.21°, and improved to 25 ± 9.38° (P = .025). According to the Kelami classification, the curvature was < 30° in 14 cases (63.6%) and was 30°-60° in eight cases (36.4%). At 16 weeks, the curvature was < 30° in 19 cases (86.4%) and 30°-60° in three cases (13.6%). The IIEF-5 score was 16.18 ± 4.46 before treatment and 18.22 ± 4.55 after treatment (P = .002). Pain was reduced from 3.36 ± 3.48 before treatment to 1.14 ± 1.58 after treatment (P = .001). CONCLUSION: The administration of onabotulinumtoxinA may improve the clinical manifestations of PD resulting from fibrosis, thus improving sexual function in patients.

[Experience of the surgical management of the esophageal achalasia in a tertiary care hospital]. / Experiencia del manejo quirúrgico de la acalasia esofágica en un hospital de alta especialidad.

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder. The most common symptoms are: dysphagia, chest pain, reflux and weight loss. The esophageal manometry is the standard for diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of the surgical management in patients with achalasia in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A case series consisting of achalasia patients, treated surgically between January and December of 2011. Clinical charts were reviewed to obtain data and registries of the type of surgical procedure, morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were identified, with an average age of 49.1 years. The most common symptoms were: dysphagia, vomiting, weight loss and pyrosis. Eight open approaches were performed and six by laparoscopy, with an average length of cardiomyotomy of 9.4 cm. Eleven patients received an antireflux procedure. The effectiveness of procedures performed was 85.7 %. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management offered at this tertiary care hospital does not differ from that reported in other case series, giving effectiveness and safety for patients with achalasia.

Introducción: la acalasia es un trastorno motor primario del esófago. La sintomatología más frecuente es la disfagia, dolor torácico, reflujo y pérdida de peso. La manometría esofágica es el estándar para su diagnóstico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la eficacia del manejo quirúrgico de los pacientes con acalasia en nuestro centro hospitalario. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de serie de casos en el que se incluyeron pacientes con acalasia tratados de manera quirúrgica entre enero y diciembre de 2011. Se revisaron los expedientes para obtener los datos y registros del tipo de procedimiento quirúrgico realizado, morbilidad y mortalidad. Resultados: se incluyeron 14 pacientes con edad promedio de 49.1 años. Los síntomas predominantes fueron: disfagia, vómito, pérdida de peso y pirosis. Se realizaron ocho abordajes abiertos y seis laparoscópicos, con una longitud media de cardiomiotomía de 9.4 cm. Once pacientes recibieron un procedimiento antirreflujo concomitante. La efectividad de los procedimientos realizados fue del 85.7 %. Conclusiones: el manejo quirúrgico ofrecido en nuestro centro no difiere de lo reportado en otras series de caso, lo que otorga efectividad y seguridad a los pacientes tratados con acalasia.

Long-term outcome after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in geriatric Mexican patients.

AIM: To evaluate long-term survival and prognostic factors in elderly Mexican patients who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). METHODS: The present study was a retrospective cohort analysis of 110 patients aged older than 70 years without head and neck malignancy who underwent PEG between January 2005 and December 2012. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for demographic and clinical variables, and survival was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Medium age and follow up were 82.45 ± 6.6 years and 688.3 ± 394.6 days, respectively. The patients who died in the early postoperative period (n = 6) were older than those who survived. The Karnofsky performance status and lymphocyte count were non-significantly lower in non-survivors. The body mass index and serum albumin level were lower in non-survivors (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) and Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI) was higher. A total of 32 (29%) patients died later in the postoperative period with a mean follow up of 436.2 ± 267.4 days. Risk factors for mortality included Karnofsky Performance Status (odds ratio [OR] 9.76, 95% CI: 3.26-29.3), CCI (OR 7.04, 95% CI: 2.31-21.41) and postoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.45, 95% CI: 1.71-6.67). Postgastrostomy pneumonia occurred in 36.8% of the patients who died during follow-up (OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.6-1.26). CONCLUSIONS: Karnofsky performance status, Charlson's comorbidity index and postoperative hypoalbuminemia, were independent risk factors for mortality. Modifiable factors are related to nutritional support. Early PEG may help prevent malnutrition and infection.

2-octyl cyanoacrylate versus reintervention for closure of urethrocutaneous fistulae after urethroplasty for hypospadias: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Urethrocutaneous fistulae (UCFs) represent one of the most frequent causes of morbidity after urethroplasty. Hypospadias can be repaired using different surgical techniques, but-regardless of technique-the incidence of UCF ranges between 10% and 40%. Surgical repair of UCF remains the treatment of choice, even if some patients need further surgery because of recurrences. Cyanoacrylates have been used as skin suture substitutes, and some evidence suggests a beneficial effect when these adhesives are used as an adjuvant in the management of UCF. Here we describe the results of management of UCF using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) compared with surgical repair. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial conducted from January 2008 to December 2012 included 42 children with UCF complications after urethroplasty for hypospadias. Twenty-one children were assigned to receive OCA as ambulatory patients and 21 were treated surgically. The main outcome variable was closure of the UCF. The estimated costs of both treatments were also calculated, as were absolute risk reduction (ARR), relative risk reduction (RRR) and number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent a surgical intervention. RESULTS: The mean numbers of UCF were 1.3 in the OCA group (n = 28) and 1.1 in the surgical group (n = 25) with no statistically significant difference. The external orifices measured were 2.96 ± 1.0 mm and 3.8 ± 0.89 mm, respectively (NS). Sixty per cent of the UCFs treated with cyanoacrylate were completely closed and 68% of the surgical group healed completely (NS). More than one reoperation to improve complications was needed in the surgical group (3.5 ± 1.2). The clinical significance of the therapeutic usefulness of OCA was demonstrated by an ARR of 0.08, RRR of 0.25 and NNT of 12 to avoid further surgical treatment. The total costs of adhesive applications and reoperations were $US 14,809.00 and $US 158,538.50, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a similar success rate for both treatments. However, sealant use should be considered before surgical treatment because this is a simple outpatient procedure with a reasonable success rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02115191. Date: April 13, 2014.

[Carotid body paraganglioma in a teenager. Case report]. / Paraganglioma del cuerpo carotídeo en adolescente. Reporte de caso.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are neuroendocrine tumors. They have a low incidence (0.6%), are generally benign, have a poorly defined etiology, and multiple factors have been associated with their origin. Humans and other species living at high altitudes (>2000 m above sea level) are subjected to a relatively chronic hypoxia and there is a high prevalence of the development of carotid body hyperplasia and eventually paragangliomas. This disease is usually seen in patients in their 50s and in their 30s if there is a family history. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 16 year-old female with acute pharyngitis and growing tumor located on the left side of the neck, without symptoms. A duplex Doppler ultrasound showed a solid nodular lesion on the left carotid bifurcation. A left lateral cervicotomy was performed, finding a highly vascularized tumor of 4 × 3 × 3 cm involving the common carotid from its middle third, the internal carotid up to the cranial base, and the external carotid to its upper third, and intimately related to the trachea, esophagus and cervical spine. The tumor was completely resected and the histopathological analysis corroborated the presence of paragangliomas. CONCLUSIONS: The publication of this case is relevant and of clinical interest due to the uncommon age of presentation and the fact that it should be considered as a diagnostic possibility.

Antecedentes: los paragangliomas de cabeza y cuello son tumores neuroendocrinos de baja incidencia (0.6%), en su mayor parte benignos, en cuyo origen se han involucrado múltiples factores. Los seres humanos y otras especies que viven a grandes alturas (por arriba de 2000 metros sobre el nivel del mar) son propensos a sufrir hipoxia crónica relativa, hiperplasia del cuerpo carotídeo y, eventualmente, paragangliomas. Este padecimiento aparece en la quinta década de la vida y en la tercera, en caso de presentación familiar. Caso clínico: se comunica el caso de una adolescente de 16 años de edad que un año antes tuvo faringitis aguda con tumor localizado en la cara lateral izquierda del cuello, de crecimiento gradual, sin ningún síntoma. El ultrasonido Doppler dúplex de cuello mostró una lesión nodular sólida sobre el trayecto de la bifurcación carotídea izquierda. Fue intervenida quirúrgicamente mediante cervicotomía lateral izquierda, en la cual se encontró una tumoración de aproximadamente 4 × 3 × 3 cm, sumamente vascularizada, que afectaba la carótida común desde su tercio medio, la carótida interna hasta la base del cráneo y la carótida externa hasta el tercio superior, con íntima relación con la tráquea, el esófago y la columna cervical. La tumoración se resecó en su totalidad, el estudio histopatológico corroboró los paragangliomas. Conclusiones: la edad de presentación es poco común, por lo que se considera relevante y de interés clínico comunicar este caso, toda vez que debe considerarse como posibilidad diagnóstica.

Quality of life among women treated for breast cancer: a survey of three procedures in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the quality of life among patients treated with one of three different types of surgery for breast cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire survey completed by Mexican patients without active disease 1 year after breast cancer surgery. RESULTS: The 139 patients enrolled in the study included 44 (31.6 %) who had undergone mastectomy with reconstruction, 41 (29.5 %) who had undergone a quadrantectomy, and 54 (38.9 %) who had undergone radical mastectomy without reconstruction. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, core version 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC Breast Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) questionnaires were used. These instruments had a reliability greater than 0.82. Global health status (94.30 ± 12.04; p = 0.028) and role functioning (85.16 ± 17.23; p = 0.138) were highest in the quadrantectomy group. The pain score was highest in the group that had received mastectomy with reconstruction (26.13 ± 30.15; p = 0.042). The breast symptom score (22.56 ± 22.30; p = 0.009) and body image perception (85.56 ± 19.72; p = 0.025) were highest in the group that had conservative treatment. The overall health of the patients who had undergone mastectomy without reconstruction was lower (72.61 ± 20.89; p = 0.014) among the women older than 50 years than among the younger women. CONCLUSIONS: The quadrantectomy procedure had better acceptance, but the overall health status did not differ between the groups. The overall health status was lower among the women older than 50 years who had received a mastectomy without reconstruction.

[Management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis with laser cordectomy]. / Manejo de la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales mediante cordectomía con láser.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) is characterized by fold immobility in complete adduction or abduction, secondary to a vagus nerve lesion, through the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The manifestation is variable dyspnea and stridor, fatal if the airway is not secured. There are endolaryngeal and extralaryngeal techniques to increase the glottic opening, improving ventilation and deglutition, and the possibility of decannulation and phonation. METHODS: Case series consisting of BVFP patients, treated with posterior cordectomy, from January 2004 to January 2010. Clinical charts were reviewed to obtain data and registries of presurgical and postsurgical control endolaryngoscopies. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were identified. Twelve (63.2 %) had a tracheotomy cannula in place, and seven (36.8 %) didn't. Total thyroidectomy was the principal cause of the BVFP in 17 patients (89.5 %). A right cordectomy was performed on 10 patients (52.6 %). At 12 months, endolaryngoscopy detected a 40.26 % average increase in the glottic opening (p < 0.05), allowing for decannulation in 10 (83.3 %) of the tracheotomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laser cordectomy is a simple procedure for the treatment of BVFP, with few complications, permitting oronasal ventilation, decannulation and phonation.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales se caracteriza por inmovilidad de las cuerdas en aducción o abducción completa secundaria a lesión del nervio vago a través de los nervios laríngeos recurrentes. Se manifiesta por disnea con estridor variable que puede ocasionar la muerte si no se despeja la vía aérea. Existen técnicas intra y extralaríngeas para aumentar la luz glótica y mejorar la ventilación, la deglución y la posibilidad de decanulación y emisión de voz funcional. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio de serie de casos en el que se incluyeron pacientes con parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales tratados mediante cordectomía posterior entre enero de 2004 y enero de 2010. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos para obtener los datos y registros endolaringoscópicos de control pre y posquirúrgico. RESULTADOS: se identificaron 19 pacientes; 12 (63.2 %) tenían instalada una cánula de traqueotomía y siete (36.8 %) no. La causa de la parálisis bilateral de las cuerdas vocales fue la tiroidectomía total en 17 (89.5 %). A 10 (52.6 %) se les realizó cordectomía derecha. A los 12 meses de seguimiento, con endolaringoscopia se observó 40.26 % de ganancia de luz glótica (p < 0.05). Se logró la decanulación en 10 pacientes portadores de traqueotomía (83.3 %). CONCLUSIONES: la cordectomía con láser es un procedimiento sencillo para tratar la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales, con pocas complicaciones, permite la ventilación oronasal, la decanulación y la fonación.

Fibrinogen and thrombin concentrations are critical for fibrin glue adherence in rat high-risk colon anastomoses.

OBJECTIVE: Fibrin glues have not been consistently successful in preventing the dehiscence of high-risk colonic anastomoses. Fibrinogen and thrombin concentrations in glues determine their ability to function as sealants, healers, and/or adhesives. The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of different concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin on bursting pressure, leaks, dehiscence, and morphology of high-risk ischemic colonic anastomoses using fibrin glue in rats. METHODS: Colonic anastomoses in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 250-350 g) treated with fibrin glue containing different concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin were evaluated at post-operative day 5. The interventions were low-risk (normal) or high-risk (ischemic) end-to-end colonic anastomoses using polypropylene sutures and topical application of fibrinogen at high (120 mg/mL) or low (40 mg/mL) concentrations and thrombin at high (1000 IU/mL) or low (500 IU/mL) concentrations. RESULTS: Ischemia alone, anastomosis alone, or both together reduced the bursting pressure. Glues containing a low fibrinogen concentration improved this parameter in all cases. High thrombin in combination with low fibrinogen also improved adherence exclusively in low-risk anastomoses. No differences were detected with respect to macroscopic parameters, histopathology, or hydroxyproline content at 5 days post-anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue with a low fibrinogen content normalizes the bursting pressure of high-risk ischemic left-colon anastomoses in rats at day 5 after surgery.

Fibrinogen and thrombin concentrations are critical for fibrin glue adherence in rat high-risk colon anastomoses

OBJECTIVE: Fibrin glues have not been consistently successful in preventing the dehiscence of high-risk colonic anastomoses. Fibrinogen and thrombin concentrations in glues determine their ability to function as sealants, healers, and/or adhesives. The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of different concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin on bursting pressure, leaks, dehiscence, and morphology of high-risk ischemic colonic anastomoses using fibrin glue in rats. METHODS: Colonic anastomoses in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 250-350 g) treated with fibrin glue containing different concentrations of fibrinogen and thrombin were evaluated at post-operative day 5. The interventions were low-risk (normal) or high-risk (ischemic) end-to-end colonic anastomoses using polypropylene sutures and topical application of fibrinogen at high (120 mg/mL) or low (40 mg/mL) concentrations and thrombin at high (1000 IU/mL) or low (500 IU/mL) concentrations. RESULTS: Ischemia alone, anastomosis alone, or both together reduced the bursting pressure. Glues containing a low fibrinogen concentration improved this parameter in all cases. High thrombin in combination with low fibrinogen also improved adherence exclusively in low-risk anastomoses. No differences were detected with respect to macroscopic parameters, histopathology, or hydroxyproline content at 5 days post-anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue with a low fibrinogen content normalizes the bursting pressure of high-risk ischemic left-colon anastomoses in rats at day 5 after surgery. .

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio to predict esophageal varices in Mexican patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

AIM: To validate whether the platelet count/spleen size ratio can be used to predict the presence of esophageal varices in Mexican patients with hepatic cirrhosis. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study to validate the diagnostic test for hepatic cirrhosis and was performed between February 2010 and December 2011. Patients with a diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis were included and stratified using their Child-Pugh score. Biochemical parameters were evaluated, and ultrasound was used to measure the longest diameter of the spleen. The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio was calculated and analyzed to determine whether it can predict the presence of esophageal varices. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was used as the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were determined, with the cutoff points determined by receiver-operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients were included. The mean age was 53.75 ± 12 years; 50 (54.9%) were men, and 41 (45.0%) women. The etiology of cirrhosis included alcohol in 48 (52.7%), virally induced in 24 (26.3%), alcoholism plus hepatitis C virus in three (3.2%), cryptogenic in nine (9.8%), and primary biliary cirrhosis in seven (7.6%). Esophageal varices were present in 73 (80.2%) patients. Child-Pugh classification, 17 (18.6%) patients were classified as class A, 37 (40.6%) as class B, and 37 (40.6%) as class C. The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio to detect esophageal varices independent of the grade showed using a cutoff value of ≤ 884.3, had 84% sensitivity, 70% specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 94% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio may be a useful tool for detecting esophageal varices in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

Serum albumin level as a risk factor for mortality in burn patients.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoalbuminemia is a common clinical deficiency in burn patients and is associated with complications related to increased extravascular fluid, including edema, abnormal healing, and susceptibility to sepsis. Some prognostic scales do not include biochemical parameters, whereas others consider them together with comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether serum albumin can predict mortality in burn patients. METHODS: We studied burn patients ≥16 years of age who had complete clinical documentation, including the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index, serum albumin, globulin, and lipids. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed to determine the cut-off level of albumin that predicts mortality. RESULTS: In our analysis of 486 patients, we found that mortality was higher for burns caused by flame (p=0.000), full-thickness burns (p=0.004), inhalation injuries (p=0.000), burns affecting >30% of the body surface area (p=0.001), and burns associated with infection (p=0.008). Protein and lipid levels were lower in the patients who died (p<0.05). Albumin levels showed the highest sensitivity and specificity (84% and 83%, respectively), and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (0.869) had a cut-off of 1.95 g/dL for mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with albumin levels <2 g/dL had a mortality risk of >80%, with 84% sensitivity and 83% specificity. At admission, the albumin level could be used as a sensitive and specific marker of burn severity and an indicator of mortality.

Persistent sciatic artery aneurysm.

A persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is an exceptionally rare embryologic vascular anomaly with a reported incidence of 0.01-0.05% based on angiography. Most PSAs do not require treatment and 50% of affected individuals are asymptomatic. However, all PSA-related aneurysms should be treated because they involve a high risk of complications.We report the case of 53-year-old man with a 7-cm aneurysm arising from a left dominant PSA together with a hypoplastic left femoral artery, who presented with acute left limb ischemia. The patient had realized the presence of a pulsating mass in his left buttock 12 months before the ischemic event. He was treated initially with below-knee popliteal embolectomy and exclusion of the aneurysm with 2 overlapping, self-expanding, 10×50-mm stent grafts. On diagnosis, PSA aneurysms require neither potentially harmful ligation nor a technically challenging open procedure. Endovascular aneurysm exclusion using an antegrade or a retrograde approach is safe and efficient; however, long-term follow-up is required to establish the efficacy of this endovascular procedure.

[Acute pancreatitis and afferent loop syndrome. Case report]. / Pancreatitis aguda y síndrome de asa aferente. Reporte de caso.

BACKGROUND: The afferent syndrome loop is a mechanic obstruction of the afferent limb before a Billroth II or Roux-Y reconstruction, secondary in most of case to distal or subtotal gastrectomy. Clinical case: Male 76 years old, with antecedent of cholecystectomy, gastric adenocarcinoma six years ago, with subtotal gastrectomy and Roux-Y reconstruction. Beginning a several abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension, without peritoneal irritation sings. Amylase 1246 U/L, lipase 3381 U/L. Computed Tomography with thickness wall and dilatation of afferent loop, pancreas with diffuse enlargement diagnostic of acute pancreatitis secondary an afferent loop syndrome. CONCLUSION: The afferent loop syndrome is presented in 0.3%-1% in all cases with Billroth II reconstruction, with a mortality of up to 57%, the obstruction lead accumulation of bile, pancreatic and intestinal secretions, increasing the pressure and resulting in afferent limb, bile conduct and Wirsung conduct dilatation, triggering an inflammatory response that culminates in pancreatic inflammation. The severity of the presentation is related to the degree and duration of the blockage.

Antecedentes: el síndrome de asa aferente se caracteriza por la obstrucción mecánica del asa aferente luego de la reconstrucción tipo Billroth II o en Y de Roux, en la mayoría de los casos secundaria a gastrectomía distal o subtotal. Caso clínico: paciente masculino de 76 años de edad, con antecedentes de: colecistectomía, adenocarcinoma gástrico seis años previos, gastrectomía subtotal y reconstrucción en Y de Roux. Inició con dolor abdominal, náusea y vómito; abdomen distendido, sin datos de irritación peritoneal. Amilasa 1246 U/L, lipasa 3381 U/L. La tomografía computada abdominal mostró dilatación y engrosamiento de la pared del asa aferente y el páncreas con incremento de tamaño. Se le diagnosticó pancreatitis aguda, originada por síndrome de asa aferente. Conclusiones: el síndrome de asa aferente aparece en 0.3 a 1% de los casos de pacientes con reconstrucción Billroth II, a consecuencia de la obstrucción mecánica del asa aferente, con mortalidad incluso de 57%. La obstrucción del intestino aferente por acumulación de secreción biliar, pancreática e intestinal incrementa la presión, que resulta en dilatación del asa aferente de la vía biliar y del conducto de Wirsung, lo que desencadena una respuesta inflamatoria que finaliza en un cuadro de pancreatitis. Su manifestación severa se relaciona con el grado y duración de la obstrucción.

[Mortality of interventricular septum rupture after acute myocardial infarction with surgical management]. / Mortalidad de la ruptura de septum interventricular posterior a infarto agudo del miocardio con manejo quirúrgico.

BACKGROUND: ventricular septal rupture is a rare complication of myocardial infarction. It is considered the most serious mechanical disturbance in these cases. The mortality of patients during the hospital period receiving surgical treatment for this complication is described. METHODS: a case series study, including patients with ventricular septal rupture posterior to myocardial infarction, detected with a retrospective review of records of patients subjected to surgical repair from December 2005 to December 2010. RESULTS: a total of 20 patients were included, with an average age of 56 years (48-65 years), male gender in 16 cases (80%), and a male: female relation of 4:1. Ten (50%) of the patients died; five due to multiple organ failure, one from nosocomial pneumonia, two from ventricular fibrillation, and two from refractory shock secondary to biventricular failure during the surgery. The factors identified for poor prognosis were the average time of 145 minutes on cardiopulmonary bypass, and acute kidney injury in six cases, requiring replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: ventricular septal rupture is a rare complication with a high mortality. Without surgical treatment mortality can reach almost 100%. The mortality of this pathology treated with surgical closing in our hospital was 50%, similar to other published reports. Our findings confirm that although surgery for ventricular septal rupture has a high mortality it should be carried out because it is a surgical emergency.