Comparison of flipped learning and traditional lecture method for teaching digestive system diseases in undergraduate medicine: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the effects of a large-scale flipped learning (FL) approach in an undergraduate course of Digestive System Diseases. METHODS: This prospective non-randomized trial recruited 404 students over three academic years. In 2016, the course was taught entirely in a Traditional Lecture (TL) style, in 2017 half of the course (Medical topics) was replaced by FL while the remaining half (Surgical topics) was taught by TL and in 2018, the whole course was taught entirely by FL. Academic performance, class attendance and student's satisfaction surveys were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: Test scores were higher in the FL module (Medical) than in the TL module (Surgical) in the 2017 cohort but were not different when both components were taught entirely by TL (2016) or by FL (2018). Also, FL increased the probability of reaching superior grades (scores >7.0) and improved class attendance and students' satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The holistic FL model is more effective for teaching undergraduate clinical gastroenterology compared to traditional teaching methods and has a positive impact on classroom attendances.

Frequency of abnormal esophageal acid exposure in patients eligible for bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are both high-prevalence diseases in developed nations. Obesity has been identified as an important risk factor in the development of GERD. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of abnormal esophageal acid exposure in patients candidate for bariatric surgery and its relationship with any clinical and endoscopic findings before surgery. METHODS: Data collected from a group of 88 patients awaiting bariatric surgery included a series of demographic variables and symptoms typical of GERD. The tests patients underwent included manometry, pH monitoring, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on the variables related to the onset of reflux. RESULTS: Esophageal pH monitoring tests were positive in 65% of the patients. Manometries showed lower esophageal sphincter hypotonia in 46%, while 20% returned abnormal upper endoscopy results. Out of the 45% of patients who were asymptomatic or returned normal endoscopies, half returned positive esophageal pH tests. In turn, among the 55% of patients who had symptoms or an abnormal upper endoscopy, three quarters had pH tests that diagnosed reflux. pH tests were also positive in 80% of symptomatic patients and 100% of patients with esophagitis (P<.042). No statistically significant relationship was found between body mass index, sex, age, manometry, or hiatus hernia and the positive pH monitoring. CONCLUSION: Frequency of abnormal esophageal acid exposure among obese patients is high. There is a relationship between the presence of symptoms and reflux. But the absence of symptoms does not rule out the presence of abnormal esophageal function tests.

Tratamiento del fallo hepático después de hepatectomía mediante sistema de diálisis hepática MARS / Treatment of hepatic failure after hepatectomy by the MARS hepatic dialysis system

No disponible

Hepatolitiasis en la fibrosis quística: una condición especial para el tratamiento quirúrgico / Hepatolithiasis in cystic fibrosis: A special condition for surgical treatment

No disponible

25 años de cirugía laparoscópica en España / 25 years of laparoscopic surgery in Spain

INTRODUCCIÓN: La introducción de la cirugía laparoscópica (CL) puede considerarse el avance más importante que ha experimentado nuestra especialidad en los últimos 25 años. A pesar de sus ventajas, la implantación y consolidación de la CL no ha sido homogénea, especialmente si tenemos en cuenta las técnicas laparoscópicas avanzadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el nivel de desarrollo e implantación de la CL en España en el momento actual y analizar su evolución en los últimos años. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Durante el segundo semestre de 2012 se desarrolló una encuesta que evaluaba distintos aspectos relacionados con la implantación y el desarrollo de la CL en nuestro país. La encuesta se realizó mediante un cuestionario electrónico. RESULTADOS: La tasa global de respuesta a la encuesta fue del 16% y 103 jefes de Servicio contestaron el cuestionario. El 92% correspondió a cirujanos de centros sanitarios públicos. El 99% de los encuestados realizaba CL básica y el 85,2%, avanzada. La mayor parte de los encuestados (79%) considera que el instrumental y los equipos para CL de los que dispone son correctos y el 71% considera que, en su medio, la CL está en el lugar adecuado. CONCLUSIONES: La CL básica ha logrado desarrollarse en nuestro país hasta considerarse un estándar practicado por la mayoría de los cirujanos y ser parte de la formación básica del residente de cirugía. Con respecto a la CL avanzada, aunque los porcentajes de utilización son altos, todavía existen déficits y, en consecuencia, oportunidades de mejora

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of laparoscopic surgery (LS) can be considered the most important advancement in our specialty in the past 25 years. Despite its advantages, implementation and consolidation has not been homogenous, especially for advanced techniques. The aim of this study was to analyse the level of development and use of laparoscopic surgery in Spain at the present time and its evolution in recent years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the second half of 2012 a survey was developed to evaluate different aspects of the implementation and development of LS in our country. The survey was performed using an electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: The global response rate was 16% and 103 heads of Department answered the survey. A total of 92% worked in the public system. A total of 99% perform basic laparoscopic surgery and 85,2% advanced LS. Most of the responders (79%) consider that the instruments they have available for LS are adequate and 71% consider that LS is in the right stage of development in their environment. CONCLUSIONS: Basic laparoscopic surgery has developed in our country to be considered the standard performed by most surgeons, and forms part of the basic surgical training of residents. With regards to advanced LS, although it is frequently used, there are still remaining areas of deficit, and therefore, opportunities for improvement

[25 years of laparoscopic surgery in Spain]. / 25 años de cirugía laparoscópica en España.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of laparoscopic surgery (LS) can be considered the most important advancement in our specialty in the past 25 years. Despite its advantages, implementation and consolidation has not been homogenous, especially for advanced techniques. The aim of this study was to analyse the level of development and use of laparoscopic surgery in Spain at the present time and its evolution in recent years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the second half of 2012 a survey was developed to evaluate different aspects of the implementation and development of LS in our country. The survey was performed using an electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: The global response rate was 16% and 103 heads of Department answered the survey. A total of 92% worked in the public system. A total of 99% perform basic laparoscopic surgery and 85,2% advanced LS. Most of the responders (79%) consider that the instruments they have available for LS are adequate and 71% consider that LS is in the right stage of development in their environment. CONCLUSIONS: Basic laparoscopic surgery has developed in our country to be considered the standard performed by most surgeons, and forms part of the basic surgical training of residents. With regards to advanced LS, although it is frequently used, there are still remaining areas of deficit, and therefore, opportunities for improvement.

[Implementation of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery]. / Implementación de la cirugía del cáncer de recto por laparoscopia.

INTRODUCTION: The integration of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in clinical practice is one of the challenges faced by surgical societies. The aim of the present study was to analyze the results obtained during the implementation phase of this technique. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 2003 to June 2005, 40 patients with rectal carcinoma underwent laparoscopic surgery in our center. Clinical and pathological variables were prospectively collected for statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 27 men and 13 women underwent surgery: 11 high (HAR) and 20 low anterior resections (LAR) and 9 abdominoperineal resections (APR) were performed. Operative time was 240.4 +/- 200 min and was greater in the LAR group (259.7 vs 201.5 min; p=.02). The intraoperative complication rate was 22.5% (9% HAR vs 25% LAR; p=NS). The mean length of hospital stay was 8.7 +/- 4.8 days. The rate of postoperative complications was 32.5%. The conversion rate was 15% (6 patients), and was greater in the LAR group (25% vs 0% HAR vs 11.1% APR; p=0.02). The most common intraoperative complication and the most frequent cause of conversion consisted of stapling problems (4 patients). Surgery was considered curative in 34 patients (85%). One case of positive radial margins was encountered (3.3%). The mean distal and radial margins were 3.6 +/- 2.7 cm and 1.1 +/- 0.9 cm respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results during the implementation stage of laparoscopic surgery for rectal surgery were satisfactory. Conversion rates were highest in LAR, which proved to be the most demanding procedure.

Impact of previous abdominal surgery on colorectal laparoscopy results: a comparative clinical study.

To assess the results of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients who have previously undergone abdominal surgery. Between November 2002 and June 2004, 86 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease at our hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they had previously undergone abdominal surgery (previous surgery group, n = 27) or not (nonprevious surgery group, n = 59). Data were prospectively collected for statistical analyses of demographic, clinical, and histologic variables. Groups were comparable in age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, diagnosis, technique performed, and tumor size and distance to anal verge. There was no difference in perioperative complication rates. A higher conversion rate was found in the previous surgery group (26.1% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.02). In patients with tumor diseases, resection evaluations were no different regarding specimen length, distal and radial resection margins, or number of lymph nodes harvested. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has proved to be a reliable technique for patients who have previously undergone abdominal surgery, its results comparable to those obtained with patients who have not.

Implementación de la cirugía del cáncer de recto por laparoscopia / Implementation of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery

Introducción. La incorporación de la cirugía laparoscópica del cáncer de recto (CLCR) en la práctica asistencial es uno de los retos que afrontan nuestras sociedades quirúrgicas. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar los resultados obtenidos durante la fase de implementación de la técnica. Pacientes y método. Entre enero de 2003 y junio de 2005, en nuestro centro se intervino por laparoscopia a 40 pacientes con carcinoma rectal. Recogimos prospectivamente las variables clínicas y anatomopatológicas de los pacientes para su posterior análisis estadístico. Resultados. En 27 varones y 13 mujeres se realizaron 11 resecciones anteriores altas (RAA), 20 bajas (RAB) y 9 resecciones abdominoperineales (RAP). El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 240,4 ± 200 min, mayor para las RAB (259,7 min). La tasa de complicaciones intraoperatorias fue del 22,5% (n = 9). La estancia hospitalaria fue de 8,7 ± 4,8 días. La tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias fue del 32,5% (n = 13). La tasa de conversión fue del 15% (n = 6), mayor en el grupo de RAB (n = 5). Los problemas con la sección distal del recto, con 4 casos, fue la complicación intraoperatoria más frecuente y la causa más frecuente de conversión. Se consideró la cirugía como curativa en 34 casos (85%). Registramos 1 caso de margen de resección circunferencial (MRC) positivo (2,8%). Se obtuvo un margen longitudinal medio de 3,6 ± 2,7 cm y un MRC medio de 1,1 ± 0,9 cm. Conclusiones. Durante la fase de implementación de la CLCR obtuvimos unos resultados globales satisfactorios. La RAB se mostró como el procedimiento más exigente, con una mayor tasa de conversión (AU)

Introduction. The integration of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in clinical practice is one of the challenges faced by surgical societies. The aim of the present study was to analyze the results obtained during the implementation phase of this technique. Patients and method. From January 2003 to June 2005, 40 patients with rectal carcinoma underwent laparoscopic surgery in our center. Clinical and pathological variables were prospectively collected for statistical analyses. Results. A total of 27 men and 13 women underwent surgery: 11 high (HAR) and 20 low anterior resections (LAR) and 9 abdominoperineal resections (APR) were performed. Operative time was 240.4 ± 200 min and was greater in the LAR group (259.7 vs 201.5 min; p=.02). The intraoperative complication rate was 22.5% (9% HAR vs 25% LAR; p=NS). The mean length of hospital stay was 8.7 ± 4.8 days. The rate of postoperative complications was 32.5%. The conversion rate was 15% (6 patients), and was greater in the LAR group (25% vs 0% HAR vs 11.1% APR; p=0.02). The most common intraoperative complication and the most frequent cause of conversion consisted of stapling problems (4 patients). Surgery was considered curative in 34 patients (85%). One case of positive radial margins was encountered (3.3%). The mean distal and radial margins were 3.6 ± 2.7 cm and 1.1 ± 0.9 cm respectively. Conclusions. The overall results during the implementation stage of laparoscopic surgery for rectal surgery were satisfactory. Conversion rates were highest in LAR, which proved to be the most demanding procedure (AU)

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the distal bile duct associated with lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis. Case report and review of the literature.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) or inflammatory pseudotumor has been described in various organs such as the liver, intestinal tract, spleen, kidney, bladder, lung, peritoneum and heart. However, its appearance in the periampullary region is uncommon and has rarely been reported in the literature. It is characterized histologically by myofibroblastic cell proliferation together with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate that clinically and radiologically mimics a malignant tumor. We report a case of IMT located in the distal common bile duct of a 51-year-old woman. She underwent Whipple resection with the initial diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma; the pathologic diagnosis of the tumor was IMT of the distal bile duct associated with lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis. Referring to previously reported cases, suspected diagnosis of a malignant tumor made surgical excision the primary choice for symptom relief and in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis. IMT relationship with lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis is discussed.

A comparative clinical study of short-term results of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer during the learning curve.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the results of laparoscopic surgery for rectal carcinoma (LSRC) during the learning curve throughout the introduction of this technique at our medical center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to April 2004, 40 patients undergoing surgery were assigned to laparoscopic surgery group (LSG) (n=20) or conventional surgery group (CSG) (n=20). Data were prospectively collected to statistically analyze clinical, anatomopathological, and economic variables. RESULTS: Groups were comparable in age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, surgical technique performed, tumor size and distance, Dukes' stage, and proportion of patients with previous abdominal surgery and radiotherapy. There was no difference in operative time. LSG blood loss was lower (p<.0001). LSG peristalsis and oral intake began earlier (p<.0001). LSG hospital stay was shorter (p<.0001). Intraoperative complications (10% LSG vs 15% CSG) and overall morbidity (35% LSG vs 45% CSG) were no different. LSG did not record any anastomotic leakages. Two patients (10%) were converted to open surgery. Regarding oncologic adequacy of resection, specimen length and number of nodes harvested were no different. LSG distal and radial resection margins were greater (p<.0001; p=.03). LSG operative costs were greater (p<.0001). However, CSG hospitalization costs were higher (p<.001). There was no overall difference (p=0.1). CONCLUSIONS: LSRC has been a reliable and efficient technique during the learning curve at our hospital.

Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas during pregnancy: the importance of proper management.

We describe a case of huge mucinous cystic tumor of the pancreas in a 26-year-old woman during pregnancy. Ultrasonography demonstrated a well-delimited cystic mass in the left upper abdominal quadrant, suggestive of benignity. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large cystic mass resembling a mucinous cystic tumor of the pancreas. After this assessment the patient underwent surgical exploration and a huge cystic tumor of the pancreas was discovered. The tumor was enucleated and distal pancreatectomy was performed. The resected margin of the specimen was free of tumor. In this case report we discuss the management of mucinous pancreatic tumors during pregnancy and we briefly review the previously reported cases of mucinous pancreatic tumors in pregnant patients. We conclude that surgical resection of these tumors should be strongly considered in pregnancy. Removal of the tumor appears to be a safe procedure without harmful effects to the fetus.