[Anogenital lesions produced by Human Papillomavirus. Prevalence study in children and adolescent not vaccinated]. / Lesiones anogenitales por Virus Papiloma Humano. Estudio de prevalencia en niños, niñas y adolescentes no vacunados.

In Chilean children and adolescents, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection prevalence is unknown. In 2014, the HPV vaccine was incorporated into the National Immunization Program for girls, and since 2019 for boys. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, genotypes, and characteristics of HPV infection in children and adolescents with anogenital lesions not vaccinated against HPV. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Children and adolescents with anogenital lesions who consulted at the Luis Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were studied. The reason for consultation, age, sex, family history of HPV lesions, history of sexual abuse, and consensual sexual activity were recorded. HPV was detected by PCR and typification by reverse hybridization of the L1 gene. The samples were analyzed in the Oncogenic Virus Section of the Institute of Public Health. RESULTS: 110 patients were studied; 44.5% were children. HPV was detected in 34 cases (30.9% [CI95% 22.4- 40.4]), 22 (44.9%) were children and 12 (19.7%) adolescents. Eleven (91.7%) adolescents had a history of sexual con tact (p < 0.005); 4 (18.2%) children disclosed sexual abuse. HPV was found in 25% of patients with genital lesions and 50% with perianal lesions (p < 0.015). The most frequent genotypes were 59, 58, 16, 18, 6, and 11. Only low-risk genotypes were detected in children and high-risk genotypes were detected in 11/12 (91.7%) of HPV (+) adolescents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HPV infection was 30%. In adolescents, the infection was related to sexual contact and high-risk HPV. In children, it was associated with low-risk genotypes. Perianal lesions are more frequently associated with HPV infec tion than genital lesions in children and adolescents. The visual inspection does not allow to specify the etiology of the genital lesions, so it is necessary to perform a PCR test for HPV.

Small-sized follicles could contribute to high-order multiple pregnancies: outcomes of 6552 intrauterine insemination cycles.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can predictors of twin and high-order multiple pregnancy among women with multiple cycles of ovarian stimulation intrauterine insemination (IUI) be identified? DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of IUI cycles carried out between January 2014 and December 2015 in a private clinic in Spain. The 4879 women and 6552 cycles analysed in this study include single IUI with ovarian stimulation using recombinant FSH. RESULTS: Number of follicles and follicle size were the only factors with a significant effect (P < 0.001) on the likelihood of achieving a twin or multifetal pregnancy. Follicles 12 mm or wider greatly increase the chances of achieving a twin or multifetal pregnancy. A total of 73 out of 127 (57.5%) twin pregnancies occurred in cycles with at least one additional follicle measuring 12 mm or wider, and 102 out of 127 twin pregnancies (80.3%) occurred in cycles with at least one additional follicle measuring 14 mm or wider. Cancellation criteria should consider the presence of follicles 12 mm or wider. CONCLUSION: Follicles measuring 12 mm or wider increase the risk of having a twin or a high-order multiple pregnancy rate. These data may help clinicians balance decision-making between cancelling and performing the cycle within an IUI procedure.

La objeción de conciencia en el debate sobre la despenalización del aborto por tres causales en Chile / Conscientious objection in the debate on the decriminalization of abortion for three causes in Chile

ANTECEDENTES: en salud la objeción de conciencia del profesional es posible reconocerla globalmente como la negativa individual y privada para el cumplimiento de un deber jurídico considerado injusto que afecta la conciencia moral de quien objeta. En Chile ha cobrado especial relevancia en la actual discusión sobre la despenalización del aborto en tres causales, emergiendo como uno de los temas centrales. OBJETIVO: el presente artículo describe las principales características observadas en el debate público desde los primeros intentos para restablecer el aborto terapéutico hasta el actual proyecto en tramitación que intenta regular la despenalización del aborto en tres causales. La información fue obtenida a partir de la búsqueda en los principales medios de comunicación, identificando los principales actores, las instituciones y el discurso predominante. RESULTADOS: se identificaron 251 piezas de prensa y 215 actores provenientes en mayor proporción de la Cámara de Diputados, de las Universidades y del Ejecutivo. En el discurso prevalece la referencia a la objeción de conciencia individual e institucional, surgiendo la polémica en torno a su legitimidad y posibles consecuencias. DISCUSIÓN: debe evaluarse con mayor profundidad el fundamento basado en el derecho constitucional a la libertad de conciencia considerando los límites establecidos en un Estado de Derecho democrático y las directrices éticas presentes en la relación clínica. Se plantea la necesidad de regular su ejercicio previendo que no se vulneren derechos fundamentales, en especial de quienes detentan un mayor grado de vulnerabilidad.

BACKGROUND: objection on grounds of conscience by health care professionals is generally recognized as a personal, private refusal to perform a legal duty deemed unjust and deleterious to the objector's moral conscience. Conscientious objection has become a central aspect of the debate on the proposed decriminalization of abortion on three grounds currently underway in Chile. METHODS: this article describes the main constituent elements of the associated public debate, covering from the early efforts to restore therapeutic pregnancy termination through to the draft decriminalization legislation now being discussed in Congress. All data comes from a review of leading media outlets; key participants, institutions and prevailing discourses are identified. RESULTS: the said review encompassed 251 media items and 215 key players affiliated mostly with the Chamber of Deputies, universities, and government. Themes prevailing in associated discourses reference conscientious objection by personal and institutional players, as well as the attendant controversy over its legitimacy and possible consequences. DISCUSSION: this article posits that the constitutional right to freedom of conscience should be scrutinized further with due regard to the limits existing in rule-of-law democracies and to the ethical standards governing doctor-patient relationships. The exercise of conscientious objection privilege needs to be regulated in order to prevent infringement of fundamental rights, especially those of particularly vulnerable segments of the population.

Evidence of early defects in Cajal-Retzius cell localization during brain development in a mouse model of dystroglycanopathy.

AIMS: The secondary dystroglycanopathies represent a heterogeneous group of congenital muscular dystrophies characterized by the defective glycosylation of alpha dystroglycan. These disorders are associated with mutations in at least 17 genes, including Fukutin-related protein (FKRP). At the severe end of the clinical spectrum there is substantial brain involvement, and cobblestone lissencephaly is highly suggestive of these disorders. The precise pathogenesis of this phenotype has, however, remained unclear with most attention focused on the disruption to the radial glial scaffold. Here, we set out to investigate whether lesions are apparent prior to the differentiation of the radial glia. METHODS: A detailed investigation of the structural brain defects from embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) up until the time of birth (P0) was undertaken in the Fkrp-deficient mice (FKRPKD ). Reelin, and downstream PI3K/Akt signalling pathways were analysed using Western blot. RESULTS: We show that early basement membrane defects and neuroglial ectopia precede radial glial cell differentiation. Furthermore, we identify mislocalization of Cajal-Retzius cells which nonetheless is not associated with any apparent disruption to the reelin, and downstream PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: These observations identify Cajal-Retzius cell mislocalization as an early event during the development of cortical defects thereby identifying an earlier onset and more complex pathogenesis than originally reported for the secondary dystroglycanopathies. Overall this study provides new insight into central nervous system involvement in this group of diseases.

Oftalmoparesia dolorosa episódica asociada a rinosinusitis aguda recurrente: un caso de síndrome de Tolosa Hunt / Painful episodic ophtalmoparesis associated to acute recurrent rhinosinusitis: a case of Tolosa Hunt Syndrome

El síndrome de Tolosa Hunt es un cuadro inflamatorio del seno cavernoso, idiopático y caracterizado por uno o más episodios de dolor orbital unilateral asociado o seguido de paresia oculomotora (afección del III, IV y VI nervio craneal) y en ocasiones con compromiso de la rama maxilar del nervio trigémino. Nosotros presentamos un hombre de 27 años con episodios de oftalmoparesia dolorosa derecha concomitantes a cuadros de rinosinusitis agudas. Su estudio fue negativo y en una de sus recurrencias se encontró en la RM de alta resolución de senos cavernosos, compromiso inflamatorio con captación de gadolinio de los nervios III, IV, V2 y VI derechos. Dado los hallazgos, se planteó el diagnóstico de STH exacerbado por la rinosinusitis e inició tratamiento corticoidal prolongado.

Tolosa Hunt Syndrome is the idiopathic inflammation of cavernous sinus, characterized by one or more episodes of unilateral orbital pain followed by ophtalmoparesis (III, IV o VI nerve palsy) and sometimes the affection of maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve. We describe the case of a 27 years old man with episodes of painful right ophtalmoparesis associated with acute rhinosinusitis. On high resolution MRI there was inflammation of the III, IV, V2 and VI right nerves with gadolinium enhancement. We propose the THS diagnosis exacerbated by rhinosinusitis and started on chronic steroid therapy.

Presentación clínica de la trisomía 13 mosaico con mayor pronóstico de vida: reporte de un caso / Clinical presentation of mosaic trisomy 13 with longer life expectancy: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La trisomía del cromosoma 13, antes llamado Síndrome de Patau, es una enfermedad genética que resulta de la presencia de un cromosoma 13 supernumerario. Fue descubierta en 1960 por el Dr. Klaus Patau y actualmente es la trisomía reportada menos frecuente en la especie humana. Se suele asociar con un problema meiótico materno más que paterno y, como el síndrome de Down, el riesgo aumenta con la edad de la mujer. Los afectados mueren poco tiempo después de nacer, la mayoría a los3 meses de edad. Entre el 80-90 por ciento de los fetos con el síndrome no llegan a término. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido (RN) con diagnóstico de trisomía 13, asociado a malformaciones características de la trisomía, destacando la Tetralogia de Fallot y la laringotraqueomalacia. Al nacimiento, evoluciona con múltiples complicaciones secundarias a su patología de base, interfiriendo con la evolución y pronóstico de la enfermedad. El pronóstico de vida se relaciona claramente con la gravedad de las malformaciones cerebrales, renales y cardiacas; que a su vez se relacionan con el grado de alteración cromosómica que presenta el individuo, siendo la menos complicada el mosaicismo, como se describirá más adelante. DISCUSIÓN: Últimamente la visibilidad de los casos de trisomía 13 han aumentado por la mayor práctica en el diagnóstico de este mismo y además de su sobrevida por las nuevas intervenciones que se han descubierto en la medicina.

INTRODUCTION: Trisomy of chromosome 13, also known as Patau Syndrome, is a genetic disorder resulting from a supernumerary chromosome 13. It was discovered in 1960 by Patau and is currently reported less frequent trisomy in humans. It isusually associated with a maternal rather than paternal meiotic disorder and, like Down syndrome, its incidence increases with maternal age. Affected infants die shortly after birth, mostly before 3 months old. It is believed that 80-90 percent of affected fetuses do not reach term gestational age. CASE REPORT: The case of a male newborn with diagnosis of trisomy 13 is presented, with charasteristic features such as pink Tetrallogy of Fallot and laryngotracheomalacia. At birth, the patient manifests multiple complications related to his condition, altering the evolution and prognosis. Survival of the patient exceeded expectations, which is strictly related to the severity of cerebral, cardiac and renal malformations, which in turn is directly related to the degree of chromosomal alterations of the infant, with mosaicism being the less clinically affected. DISCUSSION: Recently the visibility of trisomy 13 cases have increased by more practiced in the diagnoses of the same and in addition to its survival by new interventions that have been discovered in medicine.

Algunas consideraciones teóricas sobre habilidades intelectuales / Some theoretical considerations on intellectual skills

Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica a partir de los métodos del nivel teórico de la investigación: análisis-síntesis, inducción-deducción, modelación y enfoque sistémico, los autores proponen algunas consideraciones teóricas sobre habilidades intelectuales, y de esta manera guiar a profesionales y estudiantes del sector de la salud sobre la manera de enfocar el proceso de estudio y evaluación del proceso enseñanza –aprendizaje, de las diferentes habilidades (AU)

This research covers some theoretical considerations related to respiratory rehabilitation in the elderly. It is made from the use of theoretical methods, which is based on criteria of personalities from the field of rehabilitation and geriatrics that dedicated to the study of it. The primary route of obtaining information is through the bibliographical review

Estudio de las percepciones y actitudes del personal de una unidad hospitalaria frente a enfermos terminales / Perceptions and attitudes of a respiratory unit staff facing terminal ill patients

In order to promote the humanization of health at the National Institute of Thorax, this work is proposed to make a descriptive and exploratory study of qualitative type with the intention of knowing the functions, perceptions, values and attitudes of the staff of the Respiratory Medical Surgical Unit to faced of the patients who live their process of death in hospital. We are also interested in to identifying strengths, weaknesses and needs felt by the team in caring for these terminal ill patients and the treatment use with the body of the deceased. This information will implement measures that will help to dignify the death in this Unit. It is based on 26 interviews (65 percent) of the staff who work in this unit. Interviewees described her/his work as "good" especially in the control of physical symptoms of the patient and family care issues. They admit, however, there are other needs, especially the psychological and spiritual, that they not serve very well. This is the result of a poor training received to resolve high emotional situations and to establish a therapeutic communication with the patient.

Enmarcado en el objetivo de promover la humanización de la salud en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax, este trabajo se propuso realizar un estudio descriptivo exploratorio de tipo cualitativo con la finalidad de conocer las funciones, percepciones, valores y actitudes del personal de la Unidad Médico Quirúrgico Respiratorio ante los pacientes que viven su proceso de muerte en el hospital. Nos interesaba también, identificar las fortalezas, carencias y necesidades sentidas por el equipo de trabajo en la atención de estos pacientes terminales y en el tratamiento que se realiza con el cuerpo del fallecido. Esta información permitirá implementar medidas que ayuden a dignificar la muerte en esta Unidad. Se realizaron un total de 26 entrevistas semiestructuradas, correspondientes a un 65 por ciento de los funcionarios que laboran en esta Unidad. Los participantes califican su trabajo como "bueno" especialmente en el control de síntomas físicos del paciente y atención a la familia. Reconocen sin embargo, que hay otras necesidades, especialmente las psicológicas y espirituales que no se atienden con excelencia, como consecuencia de la escasa preparación recibida para enfrentar y resolver situaciones de alto contenido emocional y establecer una comunicación terapéutica con el paciente.

Intervenciones no farmacológicas para el tratamiento de la disfunción eréctilen varones adultos: revisión sistemática / Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men: systematic review

Objetivo. Conocer la evidencia actual en el tratamiento no farmacológico (no invasivo) para la disfunción eréctil (DE). Método. Búsqueda sistemática de artículos de investigación que incluyan tratamientos para varones adultos con DE, que no fueran médicos ni quirúrgicos. Se buscaron publicaciones realizadas entre 2000 y 2006 que fueran de texto completo, de libre acceso y con resumen disponible. Se excluyeron los estudios publicados en un idioma diferente al inglés. Resultados. Se encontraron 124 artículos y, tras su análisis crítico, sólo 8 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y calidad (2 de los 8 se clasificaron con criterios de calidad 1-B, y ninguno cumplió los criterios 1-A). Se identificaron 4 tipos de terapia no farmacológica ni quirúrgica que podrían revertir o mejorar la DE en pacientes con deterioro orgánico, psicógeno o mixto, que se pueden utilizar y aplicar por profesionales de enfermería. Entre ellas están: cambios en estilos de vida, fortalecimiento de la musculatura pélvica, participar en psicoterapias/psicoeducación, y uso de multimedia e información virtual. Conclusiones. Se ha demostrado que hay terapias alternativas a los medicamentos y la cirugía para personas que presentan DE, y que prometen mejorar o revertir la situación de disfunción garantizando resultados duraderos y satisfactorios. Destacamos sin embargo, que nuestra intención no es la de competir entre las terapias invasivas y no invasivas, sino la de ofrecer mayores alternativas de tratamiento. La baja calidad de los estudios se puede atribuir a la falta de recursos económicos y a que la DE todavía es un tema emergente en la medicina actual (AU)

Objective. To review current evidence on the non-pharmacological (non-invasive) treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Method. We performed a systematic review of research articles that included adult men diagnosed with ED who had undergonesome type of non-pharmacological and non-surgical intervention for this disorder. Free-access, complete texts with an available summary published between 2000 and 2006 were sought. Studies not published in English were excluded. Results. A total for 124 articles were found, and after critical analysis only 8 matched the inclusion criteria (of the 8 articles, 2 were classified as showing quality criterion 1-B and none met the criterion for 1-A). Four types of non-pharmacological, non-surgicaltherapy were found, which could reverse or improve ED in patients with organic, psychological or mixed impairment and could beapplied by nurses. Among these therapies were lifestyle changes (losing weight, pelvic musculature strengthening, psychotherapyand/or psychoeducation and the use of Internet and/or other multimedia devices. Conclusions. Alternative therapies are available for men with ED. These therapies help to improve or reverse ED and guarantee satisfactory and lasting results. Nevertheless, we stress that our aim is not to compete with invasive and non-invasive therapies but rather to provide a greater number of treatment alternatives. The low quality of studies could be attributed to the lack of economic resources and the fact that ED is still an emerging subject in current medicine (AU)

A randomized comparison of different methods of analgesia in abortion using manual vacuum aspiration.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effectiveness of different methods of analgesia among women treated with manual vacuum aspiration for spontaneous abortion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 113 patients diagnosed with incomplete abortion and considered candidates for manual vacuum aspiration were randomly assigned to 3 groups of analgesic administration: diclofenac plus paracervical block; meperidine plus diclofenac; and meperidine alone. Pain levels were evaluated using the Wong Scale of Pain. RESULTS: The mean pain scores for the three groups were: diclofenac and paracervical block 5.4; meperidine plus diclofenac 5.0; meperidine 5.7 (P=0.57). Analysis of pain using the levels mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10) showed no statistical significance among the 3 groups of analgesics. Adverse effects were more common in the groups using analgesia containing meperidine. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the analgesics used among the 3 groups. Most of the patients, regardless of the analgesic used, reported moderate pain.

Enterobacterias productoras de beta lactamasa de espectro expandido en pacientes críticos de la Maternidad Concepción Palacios / Expanded spectrum beta lactamase producting enterobacterias in crtical patients from Maternity Hospital

Dentro de los mecanismos de resistencia bacteriana encontrados en los miembros de las Enterobacteriaceae, las Beta Lactamasas de Espectro Expandido (BLEE), juegan un papel importante ya que debido a su naturaleza plasmídica pueden diseminarse a otros géneros diferentes a E. coli, K. pneumoniae y K. oxytoca, de donde principalmente se han descrito y confieren resistencia a cefalosporinas de tercera y cuarta generación y a aztreonam. Dado que en la Maternidad “Concepción Palacios” (MCP) la mayor parte de los pacientes constituyen neonatos y el tratamiento empleado principalmente son cefalosporinas, se evaluó la frecuencia en este centro de Enterobacterias productoras de BLEE aislados en áreas críticas de muestras de hemocultivos, puntas de catéter, orina y secreciones en el período comprendido de Enero a Junio de 2006. La identificación y sensibilidad se realizaron con las galerías ID32GN y ATBGN-5 respectivamente, utilizando el equipo semiautomatizado Mini API (BioMérieux). Para la detección fenotípica de producción de BLEE se empleó el método de doble difusión con discos y el método recomendado por el Clínical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) (1). La mayor frecuencia se obtuvo para Pantoea agglomerans, seguida de Klebsiella pneumoniae, y Enterobacter cloacae. El 80 % de las enterobacterias aisladas, fueron productoras de BLEE.

Inside the mechanisms of bacterial resistance found in members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, the Expanded Spectrum Beta Lactamasas (ESBL), play an important role due to its plasmid nature it can be spread to other different genera to E. coli, K.pneumoniae, and K. oxytoca, wherefrom principally they have been described, and award resistance to cephalosporin of third and fourth generation and to aztreonam. In view of the Maternity “Concepción Palacios” (MCP) most of the patients constitutes newborn, and the principally used treatment are cephalosporin, the frequency of ESBL producting enterobacteria was evaluated in this center, isolated in critical areas from samples of blood cultures, tops of catheter, urine and secretions from January to June, 2006. The identification and sensibility were realized by the galleries ID32GN and ATBGN-5 respectively, using the semi automated Mini API (BioMérieux) equipment. For the phenotypical detection of ESBL production there were used the double diffusion of disc method and the method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) (1). The major frequency was to Pantoea agglomerans followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae. 80% of the isolated enterobacteria, were producer of ESBL.

Repeat hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases: A worthwhile operation?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: After curative resection of hepatic colorectal metastases, 10-20% of patients experience a resectable hepatic recurrence. We wanted to assess the expected risk-to-benefit ratio in comparison to first hepatectomy and to determine the prognostic factors associated with survival. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients from a group of 152 patients resected for colorectal liver metastases underwent 32 repeat hepatectomies. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 3.5% (1/29 patients); the morbidity after repeat hepatectomy was lower than that after first hepatic resection. Combined extrahepatic surgery was performed on 34.5% of repeat hepatectomies vs. 6.9% of first hepatectomies (P = 0.01). Overall actuarial 3-year survival was 35.1%: four patients have survived more than 3 years and one survived for more than 5 years. The number of hepatic metastases and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) serum levels were significant prognostic factors on univariate analysis. The synchronous resection of hepatic and extrahepatic disease was not associated with a lower survival rate when compared with that of patients without extrahepatic localization: three patients of the former group are alive and disease-free at more than 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat hepatic resection can provide long-term survival rates similar to those of first liver resection, with comparable mortality and morbidity. The presence of resectable extrahepatic disease must not be an absolute contraindication to synchronous hepatectomy because long-term survival is possible.

Spontaneous rupture of hepatocelluar carcinoma: surgical resection and long-term survival.

AIMS: Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-threatening event, particularly in patients with associated cirrhosis. We present our experience of hepatic resection of ruptured HCC. METHODS: We performed 199 resections of hepatocellular carcinoma between January 1984 and December 1999. Six (3%) of these patients were operated on as an emergency because of haemoperitoneum: in five the liver was cirrhotic. RESULTS: The mean duration of the operation was 195+/-101 min; all the patients received blood transfusions. The overall morbidity was 50%, with a mortality rate of 16.5%. Three patients were alive at 50, 80 and 116 months respectively; two had an intrahepatic recurrence treated by chemoembolization. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical treatment of spontaneously ruptured hepatocarcinoma should be performed only in patients with contraindication to surgery. Hepatic resection should be the treatment of choice since, according to our experience, long-term results are similar to those of elective surgery.

Liver function and encephalopathy after partial vs direct side-to-side portacaval shunt: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine, in a prospective randomized clinical trial, whether the partial portacaval shunt offers any advantage in terms of liver function and encephalopathy rate when compared with direct side-to-side direct portacaval shunt. METHODS: Forty-six "good risk" patients with cirrhosis and with documented variceal hemorrhage were randomly assigned to either a partial shunt procedure (achieved by 10-mm diameter interposition portacaval H-graft) or direct small-diameter side-to-side portacaval anastomosis. RESULTS: Operative mortality was zero in both groups. During the follow-up period, encephalopathy developed in 3 patients in the partial shunt group and 9 in the direct shunt group (P =.04). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that encephalopathy-free survival was significantly longer in the partial shunt group (P =.025). Direct shunt patients had significant hepatic functional deterioration postoperatively compared with the partial shunt group. CONCLUSIONS: The partial portacaval shunt effectively controls variceal hemorrhage. Compared with direct side-to-side portacaval shunt, partial shunt preserves long-term hepatic function and minimizes postoperative encephalopathy. We conclude that the partial portacaval shunt is the preferred approach over direct shunts for patients with cirrhosis and with variceal bleeding.

Radical surgery for gallbladder cancer: a worthwhile operation?

AIMS: Extended operations are the only chance of a cure for patients with advanced gallbladder carcinoma, but there is no consensus about which subset of patients can benefit. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results of surgical resection with special reference to the prognostic factors and to long-term survival. METHODS: A retrospective review of 70 patients with a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer treated from 1985-1998 was performed: 33 patients had a curative resection and were included in this study. For stage I disease, simple cholecystectomy was considered curative; in most of the other cases, cholecystectomy was associated with lymph node dissection and liver resection. RESULTS: Hospital mortality and morbidity were 6% and 33%, respectively. Curative resection was associated with an actuarial 5-year survival of 27.4%. Survival of pT1-2 patients was significantly better than that of pT3 (P=0.04) or pT4 patients (P=0.002). Patients with lymph node spread had a poorer prognosis (P=0.06) but four were alive and disease-free with a median survival of 22 months. CONCLUSIONS: Depth of the tumour and lymph node metastases are important prognostic factors. Patients with pT3-4 tumours or regional lymph node spread should be considered for curative resection because long-term survival is possible.

[Indications and results of radical treatment of gallbladder carcinoma]. / Indicazioni e risultati del trattamento radicale del carcinoma della colecisti.

Extended cholecystectomy is the only chance of a cure for patients with locally advanced cancer of the gallbladder. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short- and long-term results of surgical treatment and to define the prognostic factors associated with better survival. We conducted a retrospective study in 81 patients with gallbladder cancer admitted to our surgical department from 1985 to 1999. Radical surgery was performed on 39 patients. The type of surgical treatment was based on the TNM stage of the disease: all but stage I patients underwent extended cholecystectomy (resection of segment IVa-V, N1-2 lymph-node dissection). The mortality and morbidity rates were 5.1% and 28.2%, respectively. In the patients undergoing curative resection, the 5-year survival was 31.5% (75% in T1 patients, 57.1% in T2, 25.9% in T3 and 0% in T4. Long-term survival of patients with T1-2 tumours was significantly better than that of T3 (P = 0.02) or T4 patients (P = 0.0003); 53.6% of N0 patients were still alive at 5 years as against only 14.5% of N+ patients (P = 0.06). Depth of infiltration is an important prognostic factor. The presence of lymph-node metastases should not be a contraindication to surgery since long-term survival is possible.

A critical appraisal of the small-diameter portacaval H-graft.

BACKGROUND: The ideal portasystemic shunt should prevent variceal hemorrhage and preserve portal flow to reduce hepatic encephalopathy. The partial shunting proposed by Sarfeh effectively controls variceal bleeding while preserving prograde hepatic portal flow. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed results of the partial portacaval shunt prospectively in 43 patients undergoing small-diameter (8-mm or 10-mm) portacaval H-graft. Patients entered into the study had Child-Pugh class A and class B cirrhosis, and all had documented previous variceal hemorrhages. We used the Sarfeh technique without performing portal collateral ligation. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 5%. Acute graft thrombosis occurred in 3 patients, 2 of whom were successfully lysed by urokinase infusion angiographically, while later graft occlusion occurred in 1 case. Only 1 patient rebled from varices in our late follow-up (14 to 65 months). Prograde portal flow was maintained in 90% of patients undergoing repeat angiography 27 +/- 13 months postoperatively. The incidence of all encephalopathy episodes was 16%, with only 1 patient having this complication chronically. CONCLUSIONS: The small-diameter portacaval H-graft of Sarfeh is an effective operation for controlling variceal hemorrhage. It preserves hepatic portal perfusion over time in the majority of patients, reducing the risk of encephalopathy. The procedure may be particularly suited for alcoholic cirrhotic patients with less advanced liver disease.

[Osteopoikilosis. A clinical case]. / Osteopoiquilia. Caso clínico.

We report a 35 years old female presenting with a right wrist pain. Physical examination was normal but, on a hand X ray examination, multiple dense para-articular bone foci were observed. Studying the rest of the skeleton, similar alterations were found in pelvis, knees, ankles, feet, shoulders and elbows. Osteopoikilosis is an infrequent sclerotic bone dysplasia. Its diagnosis is made by the observation of multiple dense, nodular and symmetrical images of para-articular location on bone X ray examinations. It has no clinical or pathological importance. Thus, it must be distinguished from osteoblastic bone metastases.

Cirugía en cáncer de colon derecho: factores asociados a mortalidad operatoria / Surgery in right colonic cancer: associated factors to surgical mortality

Se presenta una serie prospectiva de 75 pacientes portadores de cáncer de colon derecho operados en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. Se analizan las variables que pueden estar relacionadas con la mortalidad operatoria concluyendo que la indicación de urgencia o cirugía electiva, la preparación de colon y el tipo de cirugía efectuado se asocian significativamente con la tasa de mortalidad observada