Rol de la simulación en el entrenamiento de cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Artículo de revisión / Role of simulation in minimally invasive surgery training

La cirugía laparoscópica ha sido uno de los grandes adelantos de la medicina moderna, sin embargo, la incorporación de esta tecnología a la práctica quirúrgica trajo consigo implicaciones en la enseñanza de la cirugía. La cirugía laparoscópica es una técnica más difícil de dominar que la cirugía abierta, en la cual se realizan procedimientos y maniobras particulares que requieren de laadquisición de habilidades específicas. La tendencia en la enseñanza de nuevas técnicas o procedimientos se ha enfocado en el uso de la simulación como una herramienta que permite adquirir las destrezas necesarias en un ambiente seguro, sin comprometer la seguridad y eficacia de los procedimientos. Por otro lado, decidir el momento en el cual el cirujano en entrenamiento ha alcanzado las destrezas necesarias para incorporarse a cirugíasin vivo, requiere de objetivos métodos de evaluación . En la búsqueda de alternativas de mayor objetividad, la tendencia mundial durante los últimos años ha sido dirigir la atención hacia el estudio depatrones de movimientos al momento de realizar determinada tarea o procedimiento(AU)

Laparoscopic surgery has been one of the great advances in modern medicine, however the incorporation of this technology into surgical practice brought with it implications in the teaching of surgery, laparoscopic surgery is a more difficult technique than open surgery, in which particular procedures and maneuvers are performed that require the acquisition of specific skills. The trend in the teaching of new techniques or procedures has focused on the use of simulation as a tool that allows acquiring the necessary skills in a safe environment, without compromising the safety and effectiveness of the procedures. On the other hand, deciding the moment in which the surgeon in training has reached the necessary skills to join in vivo surgeries requires objective evaluation methods. In the search for more objective alternatives, the global trend in recent years has been to direct attention towards the study of movement patterns when performing a certain task or procedure(AU)

Robot-assisted surgery and incisional hernia: a comparative study of ergonomics in a training model.

Over the years, incisional hernia repair has evolved. Currently, primary closure of the defect before placing the mesh is a critical step in incisional hernia repair and minimally invasive surgery incorporation has an important role due to great advantages. Despite its benefits, laparoscopic closure with suture intracorporeal knotting is physically demanding and technically complex. Robotic technology provides an optimal three-dimensional view, maneuverability of the instruments but no study has assessed the impact of the DaVinci system in the ergonomics which is the objective in this study. Fourteen surgeons were able to achieve surgical repair of a defect in an incisional hernia inanimate model. The task was performed with conventional laparoscopy and robotic assistance. The mental effort was registered and physical disturbances were measured with the Local Experienced Discomfort scale. The subjects expressed discomfort mainly in the dominant side (p = 0.006). In the comparative analysis between the two approaches, upper limb less disturbance (p = 0.04) and lower mental effort (p = 0.001) were reported with robotic approach. Robotic assistance decreases mental and physical effort during the primary closure of a defect in an incisional hernia inanimate model.

Colecistectomía laparoscópica: impacto de la implementación de una lista de chequeo en la adecuada preparación del quirófano / Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: impact of the implementation of a checklist in the adequate preparation of the operating room

Evaluar el impacto de la implementación de una lista de chequeo en la adecuada preparación del quirófano para realización de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, controlado, no aleatorio, donde se estudió el impacto del uso de una lista de chequeo en la incidencia de eventos adversos relacionados con la preparación del quirófano para realización de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Se compararon dos grupos, grupo A, en el cual se utilizó lista de chequeo y grupo B (control) donde la preparación del quirófano se llevó a cabo sin el uso de la lista. Para el estudio, los eventos adversos se clasificaron según su naturaleza en "ausencia y/o posición" y "defecto y/o configuración". El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo utilizando el test exacto de Fisher considerando diferencia significativa p<0,05. Resultados: Se estudiaron un total de 40 procedimientos, (grupo A: 20, grupo B: 20). La incidencia de eventos adversos relacionados con la preparación del quirófano fue de 45 %, en contraste con el grupo control, en el cual en el 100 % de los procedimientos se documentaron eventos (p<0,001). La mayoría de los eventos documentados estuvo en relación con equipo o instrumental de hemostasia. La lista de chequeo fue útil en reducir significativamente los eventos adversos relacionados con "ausencia y/o posición" (70 % vs 5 %, p<0,001) pero no los relacionados "defecto y/o configuración" (70 % vs 40 %; p=0,057). Conclusiones: La lista de chequeo es una herramienta útil para la reducción de eventos adversos relacionados con la preparación de quirófano para colecistectomía laparoscópica, pero no elimina completamente el riesgo de su aparición(AU)

to evaluate the impact of the implementation of a checklist to obtain an optimal setting of the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries. Methods: it's a prospective, controlled, non-randomized study. The usefulness of checklist implementation was studied to know the incidence of adverse events related to operating room preparation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Two groups, group A (checklist group), and group B (control, without the implementation of a checklist) were compared. For statistical purposes, adverse events were classified according to their nature in "Absence and/or position" and "defect and/or configuration". Statistical analysis was carried out using Fisher's exact test considering significant difference a p value<0.05. Results: A total of 40 procedures were studied (group A: 20, group B: 20). The incidence of adverse events related to operating room preparation was 45 %, in contrast to the control group, in which events were documented in 100 % of the procedures (p<0.001). Most of the documented events were related to hemostasis equipment or instruments. The checklist was useful in reducing adverse events related to "absence and/or position" (70 % vs. 5 %, p<0.001) but not related to "defect and/or configuration" (70 % vs. 40 %; p=0.057). Conclusions: The checklist is a useful tool in order to reduce adverse events related to the preparation of an operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but does not completely eliminate the risk of its occurrence(AU)

Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for melanoma.

Inguinal lymphadenectomy is the indicated procedure in the regional lymph node management for patients with lower limb melanoma and positive nodes. This procedure is commonly associated with surgical site complications. Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy is a minimally invasive alternative with oncological principles and lower wound-related morbidity. Incorporation of robotic surgery with optimal vision and great maneuverability would offer great advantages. A 42-year-old male patient was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma and palpable inguinal nodes T2 N1 M0. The patient was scheduled for robot-assisted left inguinal video endoscopic lymphadenectomy. The working space is created using blunt-finger dissection and then extended with the endoscope by sweeping with the lens. Two 8-mm robotic trocars and a 10-mm trocar for assistant are placed. The lymphadenectomy is carried out with Maryland and scissors. The operative time was 130 min, estimated blood loss 70 ml and hospital stay 2 days. The robot-assisted inguinal video endoscopic lymphadenectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for lower limb melanoma treatment. The incorporation of the robotic system to this approach where there is a limited working space would offer advantages to the technique.

Robotic surgery training: construct validity of Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS).

The objective of this study is to determine the ability of the GEARS scale (Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills) to differentiate individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery, as a fundamental validation. This is a cross-sectional study that included three groups of individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery (expert, intermediate, novice) their performance were assessed by GEARS applied by two reviewers. The difference between groups was determined by Mann-Whitney test and the consistency between the reviewers was studied by Kendall W coefficient. The agreement between the reviewers of the scale GEARS was 0.96. The score was 29.8 ± 0.4 to experts, 24 ± 2.8 to intermediates and 16 ± 3 to novices, with a statistically significant difference between all of them (p < 0.05). All parameters from the scale allow discriminating between different levels of experience, with exception of the depth perception item. We conclude that the scale GEARS was able to differentiate between individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery and, therefore, is a validated and useful tool to evaluate surgeons in training.

Laparoscopic surgery skills evaluation: analysis based on accelerometers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Technical skills assessment is considered an important part of surgical training. Subjective assessment is not appropriate for training feedback, and there is now increased demand for objective assessment of surgical performance. Economy of movement has been proposed as an excellent alternative for this purpose. The investigators describe a readily available method to evaluate surgical skills through motion analysis using accelerometers in Apple's iPod Touch device. METHODS: Two groups of individuals with different minimally invasive surgery skill levels (experts and novices) were evaluated. Each group was asked to perform a given task with an iPod Touch placed on the dominant-hand wrist. The Accelerometer Data Pro application makes it possible to obtain movement-related data detected by the accelerometers. Average acceleration and maximum acceleration for each axis (x, y, and z) were determined and compared. RESULTS: The analysis of average acceleration and maximum acceleration showed statistically significant differences between groups on both the y (P = .04, P = .03) and z (P = .04, P = .04) axes. This demonstrates the ability to distinguish between experts and novices. The analysis of the x axis showed no significant differences between groups, which could be explained by the fact that the task involves few movements on this axis. CONCLUSION: Accelerometer-based motion analysis is a useful tool to evaluate laparoscopic skill development of surgeons and should be used in training programs. Validation of this device in an in vivo setting is a research goal of the investigators' team.

Construct validity of an inanimate training model for laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of training models in laparoscopic surgery allows the surgical team to practice procedures in a safe environment. The aim of this study was to determine the capability of an inanimate laparoscopic appendectomy model to discriminate between different levels of surgical experience (construct validity). METHODS: The performance of 3 groups with different levels of expertise in laparoscopic surgery--experts (Group A), intermediates (Group B), and novices (Group C)--was evaluated. The groups were instructed of the task to perform in the model using a video tutorial. Procedures were recorded in a digital format for later analysis using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score; procedure time was registered. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance test. RESULTS: Twelve subjects were evaluated, 4 in each group, using the GOALS score and time required to finish the task. Higher scores were observed in the expert group, followed by the intermediate and novice groups, with statistically significant difference. Regarding procedure time, a significant difference was also found between the groups, with the experts having the shorter time. The proposed model is able to discriminate among individuals with different levels of expertise, indicating that the abilities that the model evaluates are relevant in the surgeon's performance. CONCLUSIONS: Construct validity for the inanimate full-task laparoscopic appendectomy training model was demonstrated. Therefore, it is a useful tool in the development and evaluation of the resident in training.

Cierre primario de la vía biliar versus cierre sobre tubo en "t" durante exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar / Primary closure of bile duct versus closure over tube "t" during laparoscopic bile duct exploration

Objetivo: Comparar la seguridad del cierre primario de la vía biliar versus cierre sobre tubo en "T", luego de la exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar (ELVB). Método: Estudio prospectivo, controlado, no aleatorio, de pacientes con indicación de ELVB, resueltos a través de coledocotomía en un periodo de 9 años. A 15 pacientes se les realizó cierre sobre tubo en "T", mientras que a 20 pacientes se les realizó cierre primario de la vía biliar común.Resultados: No se observaron diferencias en cuanto a sexo, edad o indicación de la cirugía entre los dos grupos. Si bien el tiempo quirúrgico de los pacientes a los cuales se les colocó el tubo en "T" fue mayor (: 145 minutos vs. : 110 minutos), esta diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. El 80% de los pacientes con tubo en "T presentó salida de bilis a través del dren subhepático por un periodo menor a 3 días versus 30% de los pacientes con cierre primario (p < 0.05). Una paciente en el grupo de cierre sobre tubo en "T" presentó abdomen agudo debido a biliperitoneo posterior a la extracción de tubo, requiriendo reintervención laparoscópica para lavado y drenaje. No se presentaron complicaciones en el grupo de cierre primario. No se han reportado casos de litiasis residual. El tiempo de hospitalización fue comparable. Conclusión: El cierre primario del colédoco sin inserción de tubo en "T", luego de ELVB para tratamiento de la coledocolitiasis,es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo(AU)

Objetive: To compare the safety of common bile duct primary closure vs "t" tube drainage in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE).Method: This is a prospective, controlled, no randomized study, of patients undergoing laparoscopic common bile duct exploration through choledochotomy, in a nine years period. In15 patients we placed tube "T" drainage. In 20 cases a primary closure of the common bile duct was performed.Results: No difference in age, sex or surgery indication was observed. The operative time of patients with "t" tube insertion was longer than patients with primary closure (: 145 minutes vs. :11 0 m i n u t e s ) , h o w e v e r t h i s d i f f e r e n c e h a s n o t s t a t i s t i c a l s i g n i f i c a n -ce. 80% of patients with "t" tube had bile leakage of three days or less versus 30% of patients with primary closure (p<0.05). Onepatient with "T" tube had an acute abdomen due to biliary peritonitis after tube removal, requiring laparoscopic reintervention for lavage and drainage. There were no complications in the primary closure group. No cases of residual stones have been reported. Postoperative hospitalization time shows no difference between groups. Conclusion: Primary closure of the common bile duct without "T" tube insertion, after LCBDE for treatment of choledo-cholithiasis, is an effective and safe procedure(AU)

Entrenamiento en cirugía robótica: validación de una escala para la evaluación objetiva de destrezas / Training in robotic surgery: validation of a scale for objective skills evaluation

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio consiste en determinarla capacidad de la escala GEARS (global evaluative assessment of robotic skills) para diferenciar individuos con distinto nivel de experiencia en cirugía robótica, como un parámetro fundamental para la validación de la misma. Método: Es un estudio transversal que incluye a tres grupos de individuos con diferente nivel de experiencia en cirugía robótica (expertos, intermedios, novatos), a los cuales se les asignó una tarea sobre un modelo de entrenamiento, siendo evaluados mediante la escala en estudio (GEARS), aplicada por dos evaluadores. La diferencia entre los grupos se determinó mediante el método no paramétrico de Mann Whitney y la consistencia interobservador se estudió mediante el coeficiente W de Kendall. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 15 evaluaciones, correspondientes a 5 individuos de cada grupo. La concordancia inter-observador de la escala GEARS fue de 0,96. El puntaje obtenido al realizar la evaluación fue de 29,8±0,4; 24±2,8 y 16±3; para los expertos, intermedios y novatos respectivamente, siendo la diferen-cia entre ellos estadísticamente significativa. Todos los parámetros de la escala permiten diferenciar entre los distintos niveles de expe-riencia, con la excepción del ítem percepción de profundidad. Conclusión:Se concluye que la escala GEARS demostró ser capaz de diferenciar entre individuos con distinto nivel de experiencia en cirugía robótica, validándose como una herramienta útil en el entrenamiento y evaluación del cirujano en formación(AU)

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the ability of the GEARS scale (global evaluative assessment of robotic skills) to differentiate individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery, as a fundamental validation of the same para-meter. Method: This is a cross-sectional study that included three groups of individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery (expert, intermediate, novice) to which they were assigned a task on a training model, and was assessed by the GEARS scale applied by two reviewers. The difference between groups was determined by a nonparametric method from Mann Whitney and the consistency between the reviewers was studied by Kendall W coefficient. Results: A total of 15 evaluations were performed to all the individuals in each group. The agreement between the reviewers of the scale GEARS was 0.96. The score of the assessment was 29.8±0.4 to experts, 24 ±2.8 to intermediates and 16 ±3 to novices,with a statistically significant difference between all of them(p<0.05). All parameters from the scale allow discriminating between different levels of experience, with exception of the depth perception item. Conclusion: We conclude that the scale GEARS was able to differentiate between individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery. Therefore is a validated and useful tool to evaluate surgeons in training(AU)

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration four-task training model: construct validity.

BACKGROUND: Training models in laparoscopic surgery allow the surgical team to practice procedures in a safe environment. We have proposed the use of a 4-task, low-cost inert model to practice critical steps of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. METHODS: The performance of 3 groups with different levels of expertise in laparoscopic surgery, novices (A), intermediates (B), and experts (C), was evaluated using a low-cost inert model in the following tasks: (1) intraoperative cholangiography catheter insertion, (2) transcystic exploration, (3) T-tube placement, and (4) choledochoscope management. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to identify differences among the groups. RESULTS: A total of 14 individuals were evaluated: 5 novices (A), 5 intermediates (B), and 4 experts (C). The results involving intraoperative cholangiography catheter insertion were similar among the 3 groups. As for the other tasks, the expert had better results than the other 2, in which no significant differences occurred. The proposed model is able to discriminate among individuals with different levels of expertise, indicating that the abilities that the model evaluates are relevant in the surgeon's performance in CBD exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Construct validity for tasks 2 and 3 was demonstrated. However, task 1 was no capable of distinguishing between groups, and task 4 was not statistically validated.

Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of esophageal achalasia: a case-control study.

Minimally invasive surgery has become the gold standard for the treatment of achalasia. The incorporation of robotic technology can improve many limitations of laparoscopic surgery, through, for example, the availability of three-dimensional vision, increasing the degrees of movement, avoiding the fulcrum effect and optimizing ergonomics. The aim of this study was to compare robotic-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy (RAHM) with laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) in terms of efficacy and safety. Thirty-one patients with diagnosis of achalasia confirmed by esophagogram and manometry were included. Dysphagia and weight loss were the main complaints in both groups. 18 patients were treated with LHM and 13 patients with RAHM. There was no difference in mean operative time (76 ± 13 vs. 79 ± 20 min; P = 0.73). Intraoperative complications were less frequent in the robotic-assisted procedures (5.5% vs. 0%); however, this was a non-significant difference. 94.5-100% of patients had relief of their symptoms. We conclude that RAHM is a safe and effective procedure. The operative time is no longer than in LHM, but it is necessary to evaluate the technique in randomized clinical trials to determine its advantages in terms of intraoperative complications.

Uso del laser holmium para el manejo de coledocolitiasis compleja en la exploración laparoscópica de las vías biliares / Use of holmium laser for management of complex choledocholithiasis in laparoscopic bile duct exploration

Presentar la primera experiencia nacional con el uso de Holmium Láser en la exploración laparoscópica de las vías biliares para el manejo de cálculos en la vía biliar intrahepática, llevado a acabo en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas, en el Servicio de Cirugía III. Se presenta caso de paciente femenina de 35 años de edad, con clínica de síndrome ictérico obstrutivo, a quien se le realizó colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica evidenciando cálculos impactados en la vía biliar izquierda, sin lograr la extracción de los mismos, motivo por el cual se decide realizar exploración laparoscópica la vía biliar con el uso del Holmium laser para la litotripsia. Se realizó exploración laparoscópica de las vías biliares y litotripsia con Holmium Laser, logrando la fragmentación y extracción de los mismos. La paciente evolucionó de forma satisfactoria, sin complicaciones, siendo egresada al tercer día de postoperatorio. Cuando la colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscopica resulta ineficiente en el caso de cálculos intrahepáticos o cálculos grandes impactados en la vía biliar, el siguiente paso es la exploración qurúrgica. La exploración laparoscópica con el uso de Holmium Laser permite la listotripsia a través de ablación fototérmica sin riesgo de lesionar estructuras adyacentes, obteniendo resultados favorables y aumentando la tasa de efectividad del procedimiento cuando se trata de coledocolitiasis compleja.

Present the first national experience with the use of Holmium Laser in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for the management of intrahepatic bile duct stones, performed in Surgery Department III at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas. A 35 years old female with obstructive jaundice syndrome who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showing impacted stones in the left hepatic duct. Being impossible to clear the stones, a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with the Holmium Laser was performed. A laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and Holmium Laser was performed, achieving stone clearance. The patient was dischanged with no complication on the third postoperatory day. When endoscopic retrogarade cholangiopancreatography is inefficient in the case of intrahepatic stones or large stones impacted in the common bile, the mext step is surgical exploration. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with the Holmium Laser result in photothermal of stones without injury to surrounding structures, obtaining favorable results and increasing the rate of effectiveness of the procedure in the management of complex billary tract caluli.

Miofibroblastoma de la mama femenina: reporte de un caso / Miofibroblastoma of the female breast: a case report

El miofibroblastoma constituye una entidad benigna de la mama de presentación muy infrecuente, que afecta principalmente la mama masculina. Su principal característica histológica es su estirpe mesenquimal caracterizada por la proliferación de células fusiformes rodeadas de colágeno y que derivan de los fibroblastos. El tratamiento principal es la cirugía, con tendencia a la preservación de la glándula sobre todo en la mujer. Presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 64 años de edad, con un tumor solitario, de crecimiento progresivo durante 5 años, hasta que decide solicitar asistencia médica, planteándose el diagnóstico preoperatorio de una lesión de tipo mesenquimal; la cual posterior al tratamiento quirúrgico y mediante estudios inmunohistoquímicos se confirma la presencia de un miofibroblastoma clásico, siendo estos tumores infrecuentes en la práctica clínica diaria, debiendo ser considerados al momento de hacer diagnóstico diferencial.

The miofibroblastoma is a benign tumor of the breast of very infrequent presentation that mainly affects the male breast. The main histological characteristic is the mesenchymal ancestry characterized by the proliferation of plump and spindle cells surrounded by collagen and that derive from fibroblasts. The surgery is the main treatment with preservation of the breast in female patients. We presented a case of a female patient of 64 years old, which presents a solitary tumor with progressive growth by 5 years, until she decides to ask for medical aid, considering the preoperating diagnosis of an tumor of mesenchymal type; which subsequent to the surgical treatment and confirmed by immunohistochemistry the presence of miofibroblastoma of the breast, being this finding very unusual in the clinical practice, and to be considered at the time of making differential diagnosis.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with gallstones and choledocholithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: This is a descriptive, comparative study. Patients with an indication of common bile duct exploration between February 2005 and October 2008 were included. We studied 2 groups: Group A: patients with failed ERCP who underwent LCBDE plus LC. Group B: patients with common bile duct stones managed with the 1-step approach (LCBDE + LC) with no prior ERCP. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included. Group A: 9 patients, group B: 16 patients. Success rate, operative time, and hospital stay were as follows: group A 66% vs group B 87.5%; group A 187 minutes vs 106 minutes; group A 4.5 days vs 2.3 days; respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with failed ERCP should be considered as high-complex cases in which the laparoscopic procedure success rate decreases, and the conversion rate increases considerably.

Impacto de la práctica en un modelo de entrenamiento: en la adquisición de habilidades para la exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar / Impact of the practice in a laparoscopy common bile duct exploration training model: in the acquisition of surgical skills

Determinar el impacto de la práctica en un modelo de entrenamiento inanimado en la adquisición de habilidades para la exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar. Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, comparativo, controlado, donde se incluyen dos grupos constituidos por cuatro individuos con similar entrenamiento y experiencia en cirugía laparoscópica avanzada. Ambos grupos (A y B) fueron evaluados mediante el uso del modelo, en cuatro tareas inserción de cateter para colanglografía, manejo de la cesta helicoidal, colocación del tubo en "t" de Kehr, uso del coledocoscopio. El grupo en estudio (A) acudió a 10 sesiones de entrenamiento en el modelo en un lapso de dos semanas, posterior a lo cual se realizó una nueva comparación con el grupo control, que no había realizado práctica alguna. La evaluación inicial de ambos grupos no mostró diferencias significativas. Luego de las sesiones de entrenamiento el grupo en estudio (A) mostró mejoría significativa en todas las tareas realizadas cuando se comparó con la evaluación inicial y con el grupo control (B), dejando en evidencia el positivo impacto del entrenamiento en la adquisición de habilidades. La práctica de pasos fundamentales para el exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar en el modelo inanimado diseñado por los autores conduce a una mejoría en las habilidades del equipo quirúrgico y probablemente a un mejor desempeño en el quirófano.

To determine the impact of the practice in a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration training model in the acquisition of surgical skills. A prospective, comparative, controlled study with two groups, each constituted by four individuals with similar training and experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery the study group (A) had 10 training sessions with the model in a two week period. Both groups (A and B) were evaluated prior and after the practice, with the use of the training model in four tasks: insertion of a cholangiography catheter, management of a helicoidal basket, insertion of "t" tube and use of a choledochoscope. The initial evaluation of both groups did not show any significant differences. After the training sessions, the study group (A) showed a significant improvement in all the tasks when compared with the initial evaluation and the control group (B). This demostrates the positive impact of the practice on the acquisition of skills. Practice of the basic steps of laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct in the inanimate model designed by the autors results in a significant improvement in the skills of the surgical ream and might eventually result in a better performance in the operating room.

Development of a training model for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

BACKGROUND: Training and experience of the surgical team are fundamental for the safety and success of complex surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. METHODS: We describe an inert, simple, very low-cost, and readily available training model. Created using a "black box" and basic medical and surgical material, it allows training in the fundamental steps necessary for laparoscopic biliary tract surgery, namely, (1) intraoperative cholangiography, (2) transcystic exploration, and (3) laparoscopic choledochotomy, and t-tube insertion. RESULTS: The proposed model has allowed for the development of the skills necessary for partaking in said procedures, contributing to its development and diminishing surgery time as the trainee advances down the learning curve. Further studies are directed towards objectively determining the impact of the model on skill acquisition. CONCLUSION: The described model is simple and readily available allowing for accurate reproduction of the main steps and maneuvers that take place during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, with the purpose of reducing failure and complications.

Exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar y manejo actual de la coledocolitiasis: análisis de los primeros 30 casos / Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and current management of choledocholithiasis

Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal que incluyó a 30 pacientes que consultaron con indicaciones de exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar. Se describe la técnica utilizada para la exploración transcística y por coledocotomía, tanto con guía fluoroscópica como el uso del coledocoscopio. Se estudiaron las variables, efectividad, conversión, tiempo quirúrgico, complicaciones tiempo de hospitalización, litiasis residual. La exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar fue efectiva en el 84% de los casos. Las causas de conversión fueron cálculos enclavados y cálculos intrahepáticos. El 32% de los casos se resolvió por la vía transcística , mientras que el resto (68%) se resolvió mediante coledocotomía. La morbilidad asociada la técnica fue de 6,6% dada por diarrea postoperatoria y biliperitoneo luego del retiro del tubo en “t”. El tiempo promedio de hospitalización fue de 3,5 días. Sin casos reportados de litiasis residual. La exploración laparoscópica de la vía biliar (ELVB) es una alternativa terapéutica segura y efectiva en el tratamiento de la obstrucción de la vía biliar principal por cálculos. Sin embargo, queda claro que el éxito del procedimiento depende del dominio de técnicas endoscópicas y laparoscópicas avanzadas y la disponibilidad de recursos tecnológicos de primera.

Report the experience in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the Surgery Department III of the Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study of patients admitted with indication of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. We describe the transcystic approach and choledochotomy technique, using fluoroscopic guidance or choledochoscope. Success rate, conversion, operative time, complications, length of stay and residual lithiasis were studied. Laparoscopic common bile exploration was successful in 84% of the patients. Conversión causes were embedded stones and intrahepatic lithiasis. Transcystic approach was used in 32% of the cases and choledochotomy was performed in 68% of the patients. Morbidity rate was 6,6% due to diarrhea and biliary peritonitis after "t" tube removal. Median length of stay was 3,5 days. No cases of residual stones were reported. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is a safe and effective procedure in patients with common bile duct obstruction due to choledocholithiasis However, the success rate is in relation with endoscopic and advanced laparoscopic techniques mastery and technologic resources availability.

Metástasis coroidea como primera manifestación de recaída sistémica en el cáncer de mama / Choroid metastases are a first manifestation of system relapse in breast cancer

La metástasis coroidea es una entidad poco frecuente y está asociada usualmente a un mal pronóstico, siendo el cáncer de mama su principal causa. Se presenta el caso de un paciente femenino de 47 años de edad con antecedente de cáncer de mama estadio IIIA diagnosticado y tratado en 1998, permaneciendo libre de enfermedad locorregional y a distancia hasta julio de 2005 cuando presenta disminución de la agudeza visual basados en los test clínicos se le diagnosticó metástasis coroidea en ojo derecho. Inicia tratamiento local y sistémico con evolución satisfactoria y remisión completa de la lesión corroborada por estudios complementarios.

The choroid metastasis, are not frequent in intraocular malignant tumors, the breast cancer, is the primary tumor more frequently responsible for ocular metastases. These reports describe a feminine 47 years old diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma of her right breast classified how state III. A treated in 1998, she was free of disease until July of 2005, she complained of diminished visual acuity of her right eye. Based on the clinical and test outcomes the following diagnosis was reached: Choroid metastasis in the right eye, from a known primary tumor. The patient started treatment local and systemically chemotherapy with excellent response.

Exploración laparoscopica de la vía biliar: validación de un modelo de entrenamiento / Laparoscopic exploration of the bile duct: validation of a training model

Para determinar la capacidad de las evaluaciones realizadas con un modelo de entrenamiento para diferenciar el desempeño entre individuos con diferentes niveles de experiencia, se realizó un estudio en 14 individuos distribuidos en tres grupos con distinto nivel de entrenamiento en cirugía laparoscópica: 5 novatos (A), 5 intermedios (B) y 4 expertos (C), en las tareas colangiografía intraoperatoria, exploración transcística, colocación del tubo de Kehr y coledocoscopia. Se emplearon las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis y Mann-Whitney para detectar diferencias entre los grupos. Los resultados de la evaluación de la tarea colangiografía intraoperatoria fueron semejantes para todos los grupos. En las otras estaciones el grupo de expertos resultó superior a los otros dos, que no mostraron entre sí diferencias relevantes. Observamos que el modelo es capaz de discriminar entre sujetos que poseen diferente nivel de experiencia en este procedimiento, lo que indica que las habilidades que el mismo evalúa son relevantes en el desempeño del cirujano en la ELVB. El modelo evaluado permite diferenciar entre cirujanos que poseen experiencia en cirugía laparoscopica de vía biliar principal y aquellos que no la tienen, por lo que recomendamos que los individuos en formación lo empleen como herramienta de entrenamiento y evaluación.

To determine the success of the proposed model to distinguish the performance of individuals with different levels of experience, three groups based on their surgery level experience was evaluated: 5 novice (A), 5 intermediate (B), and 4 expert (C) in the tasks of: intraoperative cholangiography, transcystic exploration, t-tube introduction and choledocoscope. Both tests, the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney significance test, were employed to detect skills differences between the groups. The results of the evaluation on the task for intraoperative cholangiography were similar for all the groups. Yet, on the other tasks the group of experts turned out to be superior to the other two groups, which did not show significant differences between them. We observe that such model is capable of recognizing variations between subjects that possess different level of experience in this procedure, which indicates that the skills that this model evaluates are relevant in the performance of the surgeon in the LCBDE. The evaluated model allows one to differentiate between those subjects who have experience in laparoscopic biliary tract surgery and those that do not have it. It is recommended that those individuals currently schooling should use it as a training and evaluation tool.

Cáncer de mama: recurrencias locales y regionales múltiples: en el tiempo sin extensión sistémica / Breast cancer: multiple recurrence local and regional: in time without systemic extension

Las recidivas locales o regionales del cáncer de mama se presentan en su mayoría en los primeros 5 años posteriores al tratamiento y su aparición está relacionada con el desarrollo de enfermedad a distancia en un subgrupo de pacientes, esto determina un peor pronóstico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 50 años de edad con antecedente de cáncer de mama estadio IIB diagnosticada y tratada en 1986, a los 2 años presenta su primera recidiva local, posteriormente 3 recidivas locales en los siguientes 4 años; recibe tratamiento en todas las ocasiones y mantiene un intervalo libre de enfermedad de 156 meses. En el año 2005 presenta una nueva recidiva local y regional, manteniéndose libre de enfermedad a distancia. Es nuevamente tratada y tiene un intervalo libre de enfermedad de 22 meses para el momento de esta presentación.

The local or regional failure of the breast cancer appears in their majority in the first 5 years subsequent to the treatment and its appearance is related to the development of a remote disease in a sub-group of patients, which determines a worse prognosis. We present the case of a patient of 50 years old with antecedent of breast cancer when appears diagnosed stage IIB and treated in 1986, in the next 2 years presented her first local recurrence, later 3 local recurrences in the following 4 years. Is treated in all occasions and maintains a free disease interval of 156 months. In the year 2005 present a new local and regional recurrence maintained free evidence of systemic disease. Is new treated and she has a free interval of disease of 22 months for the moment of this presentation.