Prevalencia de cáncer colorrectal en pacientes en valoración preoperatoria de hernia de la pared abdominal / Prevalence of colorectal cancer in patients in preoperative assessment of abdominal wall herniation

Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es la tercera causa de muerte por cáncer en hombres y la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en mujeres de nuestro país. Se ha sugerido que los pacientes con hernias de pared abdominal tendrían más posibilidades de asociar CCR, lo que ha llevado a recomendar por parte de numerosas sociedades científicas la realización de videocolonoscopía (VCC) para búsqueda de CCR previo a la resolución quirúrgica de las hernias. Estudios más recientes han cuestionado esta indicación, no recomendando la realización de VCC en pacientes con hernias de la pared abdominal sin otra sintomatología. Objetivo: Específico. Establecer la prevalencia de CCR y lesiones preneoplásicas en pacientes en valoración preoperatoria de hernias de pared abdominal. Secundario. Establecer si existe asociación estadística entre CCR y la aparición de hernias abdominales. Material y método: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de casos controles que incluyó a pacientes que concurrieron en el período comprendido entre enero de 2006 y febrero de 2014 al servicio de Endoscopía Digestiva del Hospital de Clínicas. Se definieron como casos los pacientes a quienes se les había indicado una VCC previa a la reparación quirúrgica de su hernia de pared abdominal y se definieron como controles al grupo de pacientes que concurrió al mismo servicio en el mismo período a realizarse VCC para tamizaje de cáncer de colon. Resultados: en el grupo de casos se incluyeron 225 pacientes. En este, 55 VCC (24,4%) fueron incompletas por diversos motivos (56,4% por intolerancia). Se encontraron dos pacientes (0,9%) con cáncer de colon (uno cáncer de colon ascendente y el otro cáncer de colon descendente). En el grupo control se incluyeron 230 pacientes. En este grupo, un paciente (0,43%) presentó cáncer de colon ascendente; 21 VCC (9,1%) fueron parciales debido a intolerancia en el mayor porcentaje de los casos. Discusión: está demostrada la relación entre patologías que aumentan la presión intraabdominal y la posterior aparición de hernias, por lo que se podría pensar que un CCR sintomático pueda desencadenar la aparición de las mismas; sin embargo, no existe fundamento que sustente que un CCR asintomático pueda provocar lo mismo. En este estudio no hubo diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de CCR entre el grupo de casos y controles. Conclusiones: la decisión de realizar o no una VCC debería seguir los lineamientos habituales recomendados por las sociedades científicas respecto al screening de CCR y no basarse en la sola presencia de las hernias para realizar dicho estudio.

Abstract Introduction: colorectal cancer is the third cause of death for cancer in men and the second cause of cancer in women in our country. It has been suggested that patients with abdominal wall hernias would have more chances of associating colorectal cancer, what has led many scientific societies to recommend patients to undergo a video colonoscopy to look for colorectal cancer prior to the surgical treatment of the hernia. More recent studies have questioned such indication, and do not recommend the video colonoscopy I patients with abdominal wall hernias in the absence of other symptoms. Objective: Specific. To determine the prevalence of colorectal cancer and pre-neoplastic lesions in patients during preoperative assessment of abdominal wall hernias. Secondary. To determine if there is a statistical connection between colorectal cancer and abdominal wall hernias. Method: we conducted a retrospective study of control cases, which included patients who were seen at the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the University Hospital between January 2006 and February 2014. Cases were defined between when a colonoscopy had been indicated prior to the surgical repair of their abdominal wall hernia, and the control group was made up of patients who were seen at the same unit, during the same period of time, seeking for a video colonoscopy for a colorectal cancer screening. Results: 225 patients were included in the cases group. Within this group, 55 video colonoscopies (24.4%) were incomplete for several reasons (56.4% due to intolerance). Two patients (0.9%) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (one of cancer in the ascending colon and the other one cancer in the descending colon). 230 patients were included in the control group. In this group, one patient (0.43%) presented cancer in the ascending colon, 21 colorectal cancer (9.1%) were partial given to intolerance, in most cases. Discusion: the association between conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure and result in hernias has been proved; and for this reason it could be thought that a symptomatic colorectal cancer could cause them. However, there is no evidence that indicates that an asymptomatic colorectal cancer could cause the same. In this study there were no meaning differences in the frequency of colorectal cancer between the case and the control groups. Conclusions: the decision as to whether to perform a video colonoscopy or not should follow the usual guidelines recommended by the scientific societies regarding the colorectal cancer screening instead of basing the decis0ion on the presence of hernias.

Resumo Introdução: a radio-quimioterapia é uma opção de tratamento curativo do carcinoma de cérvix, particularmente em pacientes do meio hospitalar uruguaio cujo diagnóstico é feito em estádios localmente avançados. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os resultados terapêuticos e a toxicidade crônica deste tratamento no Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR). Método: foram incluídas 164 pacientes portadoras de carcinoma cérvico-uterino que completaram o tratamento de radio-quimioterapia no período junho de 2006 - novembro de 2008. A radioterapia externa (RTE) foi feita por irradiação pélvica (concomitante com cisplatina semanal) e braquiterapia (BT) útero-vaginal. A dose biológica efetiva para tumor, reto e bexiga foi calculada. A taxa de controle loco-regional e a sobrevida aos cinco anos foram calculadas e também as complicações crônicas utilizando o método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: a sobrevida global obtida foi de 67% aos cinco anos, mostrando diferenças significativas entre o estádio II (78%) e o estádio III (49%) (Log-rank test, p = 0,0002). A taxa de complicações crônicas graus 3-4, de acordo com a RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group), foi 1,8% para as urinarias e 3,7% para as digestivas. O controle local inicial foi de 89% e a persistência da lesão de 10,3%; recidiva loco-regional (RL) em todo o período: 19,5%; metástases com ou sem RL: 10,3%. Conclusões: a eficácia terapêutica da radioquimioterapia no câncer de cérvix no nosso meio foi confirmada. A maioria das recidivas ou persistências foi devida a falta de controle loco-regional depois do tratamento inicial. O tratamento foi bem tolerado, com baixa porcentagem de complicações crônicas, comparável a referências internacionais.

Implementación y evaluación de un curso semipresencial sobre enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico para médicos de América Latina / Implementation and evaluation of a blended learning course on gastroesophageal reflux disease for physicians in Latin America

La integración de guías clínicas basadas en la evidencia sobre la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en la práctica médica representa una tarea de primer orden en América Latina, dada su alta prevalencia en la región. El objetivo de este proyecto fue implementar y evaluar una intervención educativa sobre enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, dirigida a médicos de atención primaria de América Latina, con contenidos basados en las guías clínicas disponibles. El curso incluyó actividades de lanzamiento, presenciales o a distancia, y un período de 2 meses de estudio e interacción por Internet. Se realizó una prueba piloto en Uruguay, y luego se aplicó en 5 países (México, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina y, nuevamente, Uruguay). Se hizo un diseño global, que luego fue adaptado a cada uno de los países; para esto, participaron instituciones y líderes locales. Cuando correspondía, se solicitaron créditos localmente a los efectos de la recertificación. La participación fue gratuita. De los 3.110 médicos invitados a participar, 1.143 (36,8%) comenzaron el curso. De ellos, 587 (51,4%) accedieron al menos a la mitad de los materiales de estudio y 785 (68,7%) participaron en las discusiones clínicas. Trescientos treinta y ocho (29,6%) completaron todos los requerimientos del curso y recibieron un certificado. Entre aquellos médicos que realizaron tanto el pretest como el postest de conocimientos, los resultados pasaron de un promedio de 60 a 80% (p<0,001). El 92% de los compromisos de cambio estuvieron relacionados con los objetivos pedagógicos del curso. En conclusión, se implementó exitosamente un curso multifacético, secuencial, de educación médica continua en Latinoamérica, con un diseño global y una adecuación a cada país. La determinación de las necesidades específicas y la participación de expertos nacionales fue un elemento fundamental para el resultado obtenido (AU)

Integrating evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on gastroesophageal reflux disease into medical practice is of prime importance in Latin America, given its high prevalence in this region. The aim of this project was to implement and assess an educational intervention on gastroesophageal reflux disease, aimed at primary care physicians in Latin America, with contents based on current clinical guidelines. The course included initial activities, whether face-to-face or through distance learning, and a 2-month period of Internet study and interaction. A pilot test was carried out in Uruguay, which was then repeated in 5 countries (Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina and again in Uruguay). A global template was designed, which was then adapted to each of the countries: this was done with the participation of local institutions and leaders. Local credits were given for recertification. Participation was free. Of 3,110 physicians invited to participate, 1,143 (36.8%) started the course. Of these, 587(51.4%) accessed at least half the contents of the course and 785 (68.7%) took part in the clinical discussions. A total of 338 (29.6%) completed all the requirements of the course and received a certificate. Among physicians who took both the pre- and post-intervention knowledge tests, scores improved from 60 to 80% (P<.001). Ninety-two percent of planned changes in clinical practice were related to the pedagogic aims of the course. In conclusion, a multifaceted, 2-phase continuing education course was successfully imparted in Latin America, with an overall design that was adapted to each country. Determination of specific needs and the participation of national experts were fundamental to the success of the course (AU)

[Implementation and evaluation of a blended learning course on gastroesophageal reflux disease for physicians in Latin America]. / Implementación y evaluación de un curso semipresencial sobre enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico para médicos de América Latina.

Integrating evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on gastroesophageal reflux disease into medical practice is of prime importance in Latin America, given its high prevalence in this region. The aim of this project was to implement and assess an educational intervention on gastroesophageal reflux disease, aimed at primary care physicians in Latin America, with contents based on current clinical guidelines. The course included initial activities, whether face-to-face or through distance learning, and a 2-month period of Internet study and interaction. A pilot test was carried out in Uruguay, which was then repeated in 5 countries (Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina and again in Uruguay). A global template was designed, which was then adapted to each of the countries: this was done with the participation of local institutions and leaders. Local credits were given for recertification. Participation was free. Of 3,110 physicians invited to participate, 1,143 (36.8%) started the course. Of these, 587 (51.4%) accessed at least half the contents of the course and 785 (68.7%) took part in the clinical discussions. A total of 338 (29.6%) completed all the requirements of the course and received a certificate. Among physicians who took both the pre- and post-intervention knowledge tests, scores improved from 60 to 80% (P<.001). Ninety-two percent of planned changes in clinical practice were related to the pedagogic aims of the course. In conclusion, a multifaceted, 2-phase continuing education course was successfully imparted in Latin America, with an overall design that was adapted to each country. Determination of specific needs and the participation of national experts were fundamental to the success of the course.

Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: from animal model to patient.

AIM: To assess whether the use of porcine models is useful for learning endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), thus contributing to its subsequent application in human patients. METHODS: This study/learning process was carried out in 3 phases: Phase I: Ex vivo animal; Phase II: In vivo animal; Phase III: Humans. One endoscopist performed 30 gastric ESDs in porcine models, and later 5 gastric ESDs in 5 patients. The ESD was done following the method practiced at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo, Japan. Technical aspects, size, time and speed of ESD, as well as complications were registered. In patients, their clinical, endoscopic and histologic evolution was additionally added. RESULTS: Thirty en bloc ESDs were carried out in animal models. The mean ± SD size of the pieces was of 28.4 ± 1.2 mm, and the time of ESD was 41.7 ± 2.4 min. The time of ESD in the first 15 procedures was 43.0 ± 3.0 min whereas in the next 15 procedures, the time was 40.3 ± 3.9 min, P = 0.588. The speed in the first 15 ESDs was 1.25 ± 0.11 cm(2)/min vs 2.12 ± 0.36 cm(2)/min in the remaining 15, P = 0.028. There were no complications. In patients, 5 lesions were resected en bloc. The size of the pieces was 25.2 ± 5.1 mm and the time was 85.0 ± 25.6 min. Endoscopic and histological controls did not show evidence of residual neoplastic tissue. CONCLUSION: A sequential ESD training program of a unique endoscopist, based on the practice in porcine models, contributed to learning ESD for its subsequent application in humans, yielding good results in efficacy and safety.

Hallazgos colonoscópicos en una población de pacientes con test de sangre oculta en heces positivos / Colonoscopic findings in a population of patients with positive fecal occult blood test

Los test inmunológicos de sangre oculta en heces (SOH-I) constituyen actualmente una de las estrategias más extendidas para el cribado de cáncer colorrectal(CCR) y lesiones precancerosas avanzadas. Objetivos: Describir los hallazgos colonoscópicos en una población de pacientes con test de SOH-I positivos y conocer además la relación con la presencia de CCR. Métodos: Se recabaron de manera retrospectiva los datos de pacientes con test de SOH positivos, prueba inmunocromatográfica, en el período 2007-2008 que tenían colonoscopia. Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes con colonoscopia previa, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, colectomizados o hemicolectomizados,y aquellos con colonoscopia parcial y/o con mala preparación. Resultados:Se incluyeron 89 pacientes, 49 (55%) correspondieron al sexo femenino y 40(45%) al masculino. Respecto a los hallazgos colonoscópicos: 2 (2,2%) presentaronCCR, 33 (37%) tenían pólipos (8 pacientes con pólipos >= 10 mm), y hemorroides internas 54 (60,6%) pacientes. Conclusiones: La verdadera precisión de los test de SOH en términos de sensibilidad y especificidad para la detección de neoplasia colorrectal es difícil de conocer. Según estos hallazgos,la especificidad del test de SOH para el diagnóstico de CCR fue baja.

[Laryngeal and lung tuberculosis: a case presentation]. / Tuberculosis laríngea y pulmonar: presentación de un caso.

Tuberculosis continues to be one of the principal problems in worldwide public health. In Uruguay there are around 650 cases being reported each year. Laryngeal tuberculosis is a disease not frequently encoutered and is normally diagnosed by the otorhinolaryngologist since dysphonia is the main symptom in most cases. We report one case diagnosed in the Endoscopy Service of the Hospital de Clínicas. The patient was derived from a medical clinic due to atypical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms with unfavourable evolution under proton pump inhibitor treatment.

[Prevalence of microscopic colitis in a group of patients from Montevideo, Uruguay]. / Prevalencia de colitis microscópica en una población de Montevideo, Uruguay.

INTRODUCTION: The microscopic colitis (MC) is characterized by the presence of aqueous chronic diarrhea (ACD) with inflammatory elements in the colon only detectable by microscopy. OBJECTIVES: To know the prevalence of MC in the group of patients with ACD attending the Endoscopy Service of the British Hospital from Montevideo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively included patients with ACD who were studied by endoscopy during a period of 5 years and the endoscopy was normal or showed minimal alterations. Biopsies in different parts of the colon were taken to this group of patients aiming to diagnose this entity. RESULTS: We included 180 patients, 101 women (56%) and 79 men (44%). No lesion was found in the endoscopy in 67% of them, 27% had a diverticular colopathy and 5% a non-specific colitis. Out of the total number of patients, 9% had a histological study compatible with MC, 82% had lymphocytic colitis (CL) and 18% collagenous colitis (CC), with a ratio between men and women of 1.8:1 and 1:2, respectively. The mean age for the diagnosis was 43 years old in the group of CL and 61 years old in the group of CC. Endoscopic lesions were not found in 94% of patients with MC and only 1 patient presented a non-specific colitis at the endoscopy. The 65% of the remaining patients did not show histological alterations and 26% of them presented non-specific inflammatory changes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MC in our series was similar to that found in other publications and alterations in the colonic mucosa were not found in most cases. The CL was the most frequent form of presentation and was found at an earlier age than the CC. The CL was more frequent in men. Knowing that the CM is a rare illness in our environment, these findings suggest the importance of taking multiple biopsies from different parts of the colon when patients with ACD are studied.