Radiation-induced cutaneous vasculopathy of the breast: a rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is often indicated as part of the treatment for breast cancer and is therefore used frequently worldwide. Vasculopathy is a general term used to describe any condition that affects blood vessels. We present a case report of a patient who presented with vasculopathy as a rare late side effect of radiation therapy to the breast. CASE PRESENTATION: This 66-year-old woman was initially treated with breast-conserving surgery for early-stage receptor-positive left breast carcinoma. She received postoperative radiation therapy and hormonal treatment with tamoxifen. She developed sudden spontaneous painless ecchymosis spread over the whole irradiated area 1.5 years after finishing her radiation therapy. Tumor relapse was excluded. There was no associated vasculitis. The cause was presumed to be multifactorial. She had a history of smoking and was known to have hyperlipidemia. She had undergone several surgical treatments at the left breast one year after her initial breast-conserving treatment and was taking tamoxifen. Anti-inflammatory medicine and treatments increasing local blood flow were prescribed. The ecchymosis resolved completely within one month. CONCLUSIONS: Vasculopathy can occur as a rare late side effect of radiation therapy. It can be reversible. Prevention begins with carefully treating precipitating factors.

Intraoperative use of fibrin glue in blepharoplasty: a possible solution to reduce postoperative complication.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intraoperative fibrin glue use on surgery for blepharoptosis. This retrospective study included patients with acquired blepharoptosis who underwent surgical correction and were followed for at least one month. Patients were classified into two groups depending on whether treated with antithrombotic agents or otherwise. All patients taking antithrombotic agents discontinued with the treatment one week prior to surgery in accordance with our clinical guidelines. Preoperative and postoperative marginal reflex distance 1(MRD1) and ecchymosis grade were evaluated and compared. The subjects were 56 patients (111 eyes) who discontinued antithrombotic agents before surgery and 59 patients (117 eyes) who had never taken antithrombotic agents. Fibrin glue was used in 13 patients (26 eyes, 23.4%) in the antithrombotic group, and 11 patients (21 eyes, 17.9%) in the non-antithrombotic group. The rate of severe ecchymosis was significantly lower in patients who used fibrin glue in the antithrombotic group at 1 week (11.5 vs 40.0%, p = 0.008). However, in non-antithrombotic group, there was no difference in the rate of severe ecchymosis according to the use of fibrin glue at 1 week (14.3 vs 30.2%, p = 0.181). In patients with a history of taking antithrombotic agents, the intraoperative use of fibrin glue is thought to be helpful as it could significantly reduce significant ecchymosis.

Cambios histológicos dérmicos tras pérdida masiva de peso y su repercusión en la herida quirúrgica en abdominoplastia / Histological dermal changes after massive weight loss and its impact on surgical wound after abdominoplasty

Introducción y Objetivo. La obesidad es un problema de salud pública mundial. Tras la cirugía metabólica se genera una pérdida masiva de peso tras la cual suele ser necesaria una cirugía reconstructiva que conlleva un alto porcentaje de complicaciones en el sitio quirúrgico, principalmente dehiscencia. Es necesario evaluar los cambios histológicos que sufren estos pacientes y su relación con la evolución de la herida, marcando las diferencias entre los pacientes que pierden peso con dieta y ejercicio (únicamente con sobrepeso previo), en comparación con aquellos sometidos a cirugía bariátrica. Material y método. Estudiamos 4 grupos de pacientes candidatos a abdominoplastía tras pérdida de peso hasta lograr un índice de masa corporal (IMC) óptimo. Grupo A (grupo control): pacientes con sobrepeso (IMC 25.1-29) y pérdida ponderal solo con dieta y ejercicio hasta IMC aceptado < 27.5. Grupo B: obesidad Grado I (IMC 30-34.9); Grupo C: obesidad Grado II (IMC 35-39.9); Grupo D: obesidad Grado III / obesidad mórbida (IMC >40). Los Grupos B, C y D con pérdida ponderal tras bypass gástrico que llevó a un IMC aceptado < 31. Tomamos biopsia de la porción supraumbilical del colgajo abdominal a resecar y analizamos las características histológicas y su relación con la evolución postoperatoria. Resultados. Incluimos 80 pacientes (20 por grupo), 95% mujeres (76 pacientes), con edad promedio de 39.4 años (rango de 29 a 58). Obtuvimos una p < 0.0001 en relación a la densidad y morfología de las fibras elásticas y de colágeno al comparar todos los grupos de obesidad con el grupo control (sobrepeso); un riesgo relativo 5 veces mayor de equimosis y epidermólisis en la obesidad GIII; 8 veces más riesgo de dehiscencia en la obesidad GII; y 14 veces más riesgo de dehiscencia en el GIII. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa para infección. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con mayor grado de obesidad (GII y III) presentan mayores alteraciones histológicas dérmicas, con repercusión directamente proporcional (aumento del riesgo relativo) en la presencia de equimosis, epidermólisis y dehiscencia de las heridas. Recomendamos tener conciencia de este fenómeno al realizar procedimientos quirúrgicos en pacientes con pérdida de peso tras bypass gástrico, y en el momento del cierre quirúrgico, aplicar menor tensión en los bordes de la herida

Background and Objective. Obesity is a global public health problem. Metabolic surgery causes a massive weight loss, and patients usually require reconstructive surgery with a high percentage of complications at the surgical site, mainly dehiscence. Consequently, an analysis of histological changes on these patients and their relationship with wound evolution is required, stressing the differences between a patient who lost weight with diet and exercise (with prior overweight only), compared to one subjected to bariatric surgery. Methods. We formed 4 groups of patients who would undergo abdominoplasty after weight loss until an optimal body mass index (BMI) was obtained. Group A (control group): patients who were overweight (BMI 25.1-29), losing weight only with diet and exercise, leading them to an acceptable BMI < 27.5. Group B: obesity Grade I (BMI 30-34.9). Group C: obesity Grade II (BMI 35-39.9). Group D: obesity Grade III / morbid obesity (BMI > 40). Groups B, C and D with weight loss after gastric bypass, leading to an acceptable BMI < 30. A biopsy was taken from the supraumbilical portion of the abdominal flap to be resected. Histological characteristics and their relationship with postoperative evolution were analyzed. Results. 80 patients were included (20 per group). 95% were female (76 patients), with an average age of 39.4 years old (range from 29 to 58). A p <0.0001 was obtained in relation to density and morphology of elastic and collagen fibers when comparing all obesity groups to the control group (overweight), as well as a relative risk 5 times higher of having ecchymosis and epidermolysis in obesity GIII; 8 times higher risk of having dehiscence in Obesity GII; and 14 times higher risk of dehiscence in grade III. There was no statistically significant difference for infections. Conclusions. Patients with a higher degree of obesity (GII and III) have greater dermal histological alterations, with a directly proportional impact (increased relative risk) on the presence of ecchymosis, epidermolysis and dehiscence of wounds. Therefore, we should be aware of this problem when performing surgical closure, applying less pressure on edges. We recommend to take on count this phenomenon when performing a surgical procedure on a patient who lost weight after a gastric bypass, and so, a lower pressure must be applied to closure

Prevenção e tratamento de equimose, edema e fibrose no pré, trans e pós-operatório de cirurgias plásticas / Prevention and treatment of ecchymosis, edema, and fibrosis in the pre-, trans-, and postoperative periods of plastic surgery

Introdução: A fibrose, o edema intenso e a equimose são as intercorrências que representam um grande desafio ao fisioterapeuta dermatofuncional no pós-operatório de cirurgia plástica de lipoaspiração e abdominoplastia. O objetivo é propor uma abordagem inédita desde o pré, trans e pós-operatório para prevenir e minimizar as fibroses, edema intenso e equimoses, acelerando a recuperação do paciente e reduzindo o número de sessões. Método: Ensaio clínico controlado, composto por 20 pacientes do sexo feminino, com idade entre 18 e 56 anos, divididos em dois grupos: 10 no grupo controle (GC) e 10 no grupo experimental (GE), que apresentavam indicação cirúrgica de abdominoplastia ou lipoaspiração abdominal, associadas ou não, e que se encontravam com no mínimo 7 dias de pré-operatório. Os dois grupos foram avaliados no pré-operatório. O GC recebeu atendimento somente a partir do 4º dia de pós-operatório, enquanto que o grupo GE recebeu atendimento durante o pré, trans e pós-operatório. Resultados: O grupo experimental apresentou uma média menor do número de sessões (p = 0,0032), perimetria menor no 4º dia de pós-operatório (p < 0,05) nos pontos antômicos: sulco inframamário e crista ilíaca, média menor na resolução da fibrose (p = 0,0058) e média menor na resolução da equimose (p = 0,0002) em relação ao grupo controle. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir com este estudo inédito que o tratamento no pré, trans e pós-operatório reduz o edema, a formação de equimose e principalmente a formação de fibrose no pós-operatório. Também diminui o número de sessões fisioterapêuticas e acelera o restabelecimento do paciente no pós-operatório das cirurgias abdominais.

Introduction: Fibrosis, intense edema, and ecchymosis are complications that represent a great challenge to dermatofunctional physiotherapists in the postoperative period of liposuction and abdominoplasty. Here we aimed to propose a new approach in the pre-, trans-, and postoperative periods to prevent and minimize fibrosis, intense edema, and ecchymosis, thereby expediting the patient's recovery and reducing the number of required physiotherapy sessions. Method: This controlled clinical trial included 20 female patients aged 18-56 years who were divided into the control group (CG; n = 10) and experimental group (EG; n = 10). All were scheduled to undergo abdominoplasty or abdominal liposuction at least 7 days after enrollment. The two groups were evaluated preoperatively. The CG received care only from the 4th postoperative day, while the EG received care during the pre-, trans-, and postoperative periods. Results: The EG required fewer mean physiotherapy sessions (p = 0.0032) and had lower perimetry values on the 4th postoperative day (p < 0.05) in the inframammary groove and iliac crest, lower mean resolution of fibrosis (p = 0.0058), and lower mean resolution of ecchymosis (p = 0.0002) compared to the CG. Conclusion: The findings of this unprecedented study indicate that treatment in the pre-, trans-, and postoperative periods reduces edema, ecchymosis, and fibrosis formation in the postoperative period. It also decreases the number of required physiotherapy sessions and accelerates patient recovery from abdominal plastic surgery.

Avaliação da equimose após osteotomia nasal lateral contínua interna e externa na rinoplastia aberta / Ecchymosis evaluation after internal and external continuous lateral nasal osteotomy in open rhinoplasty

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo é avaliar a presença de equimose com 7 e 15 dias após osteotomia nasal lateral interna e externa na rinoplastia aberta. Métodos: Análise prospectiva, dos pacientes submetidos à rinoplastia aberta, com osteotomia nasal lateral com total de 15 pacientes. Os pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos. Aqueles submetidos à osteotomia nasal lateral externa formaram o grupo A (n = 6) e os submetidos à osteotomia interna, o grupo B (n = 9). Foram avaliados com 7 e 15 dias de pós-operatório e registrada a presença ou ausência de equimose. Resultados: Dentro do grupo A evidenciamos no 7º dia de pós-operatório 3 (50%) pacientes com equimose e 3 (50%) sem alteração na tonalidade da pele. Com 15 dias de pós-operatório, o mesmo grupo apresentava 2 (25%) pacientes com equimose e 4 (75%) sem alteração. Já no grupo B foram identificados no 7º dia após o procedimento 3 (33,4%) pacientes com presença de equimose e 6 (66,6%) sem alteração. O mesmo grupo após 15 dias do procedimento apresentou 1 (11,1%) paciente com equimose e 8 (88,9%) sem alteração. Conclusão: Apesar da fratura interna apresentar menor incidência de equimose no sétimo e décimo quinto dias de pós-operatório, não houve relevância estatística na comparação entre as técnicas.

Introduction: The objective is to evaluate the presence of ecchymosis 7 and 15 days after internal and external lateral nasal osteotomy in open rhinoplasty. Methods: A prospective evaluation of 15 patients who underwent open rhinoplasty with lateral nasal osteotomy was conducted. The patients were allocated into two groups. Those who underwent external lateral nasal osteotomy were included in group A (n = 6), while those who underwent internal osteotomy were included in group B (n = 9). The patients were evaluated on postoperative days 7 and 15, and the presence or absence of ecchymosis was recorded. Results: In group A, we observed that on postoperative day 7, 3 patients (50%) had ecchymosis and 3 (50%) showed no changes in skin color. On postoperative day 15, the same group had 2 patients (25%) with ecchymosis and 4 (75%) without changes. On the other hand, in group B, 3 patients (33.4%) had ecchymosis and 6 (66.6%) showed no changes on postoperative day 7. In the same group, 1 patient (11.1%) had ecchymosis and 8 (88.9%) showed no changes 15 days after surgery. Conclusion: Despite the lower incidence of ecchymosis in internal fractures on postoperative days 7 and 15, no statistical significance was observed between the two techniques.

Pulsed Dye Laser at Subpurpuric Settings for the Treatment of Pulsed Dye Laser-Induced Ecchymoses in Patients With Port-Wine Stains.

BACKGROUND: Post-procedure purpura is a major complaint of patients with port-wine stains (PWSs) treated with pulsed dye laser (PDL). OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of using PDL at nonpurpuric settings to treat ecchymoses that develop within PWSs after treatment with PDL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized, controlled study using 595-nm PDL for treatment of PWSs and laser-induced ecchymoses. Port-wine stains were treated in entirety at baseline. Two days later, ecchymoses on randomly selected half of the lesion were re-treated with PDL at subpurpuric settings. Treatment series was repeated 4 to 8 weeks later, and follow-up was at 1 month. Reduction in bruising and PWS clearance were assessed. Three masked evaluators graded clinical improvement using a 4-point scale (1 = 1%-25% improvement, 2 = 26%-50% improvement, 3 = 51%-75% improvement, and 4 = 76%-100% improvement). RESULTS: Twenty adults with 21 PWSs on the head, trunk, and extremities were treated. After first treatment, reduction of bruising was graded a mean value of 2.43 for the treatment side, compared with 1.93 for the control side (p = .012); after the second treatment, 2.83 compared with 2.40 (p = .021). No significant adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Pulsed dye laser can be used safely and effectively to reduce treatment-induced purpura in patients with PWSs.

[Radiologic Presentation in Subspine Impingement and Correlation with Intraarticular Impingement in the Hip]. / Konventionell-radiologische Darstellung des subspinalen Impingements und Koinzidenz mit intraartikulärem Impingement am Hüftgelenk.

Background Besides the known intraarticular femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), recently forms of extra-articular impingement of the hip have been increasingly recognized. Recent studies have described an extra-articular impingement between a distal extension of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) and the femoral neck (AIIS or subspine impingement). Evidently, an association between this subspine impingement and an intraarticular FAI seems to exist. Little is known about the incidence of this impingement type and the value of its radiological diagnostics. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the correlation of a subspine impingement with intraarticular femoroacetabular impingement and radiological criteria of subspine impingement. Material and Methods In 2013 arthroscopic correction of intra-articular femoroacetabular impingement was performed in 80 cases. This collective was evaluated for simultaneous intraoperative findings of subspine impingement. In addition, the patients were evaluated for radiological signs of subspine impingement in conventional X-ray. A projection of the AIIS either below the acetabular sourcil or the anterior acetabular rim in an AP pelvis X-ray was considered as a radiological sign of low AIIS formation. These radiological findings were compared with the presence of intraoperative signs for subspine impingement, which are defined as a combination of focal capsule synovitis, labral ecchymosis close to the AIIS and a decreased offset between the acetabular rim and the AIIS. The specificity and sensitivity of the pre-operative radiological signs were calculated. Results A subspine impingement was found in 17 cases (21 %, 3 female, 14 male, mean age 28 years). A projection of the AIIS caudal to the acetabular sourcil in the AP pelvis X-ray was represented in 15 of the 17 cases detected (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.88). A projection below the anterior glenoid rim was detectable in 2 cases with symptomatic AIIS impingement (sensitivity 0.12, specificity 1). Conclusion A relevant proportion of patients with intraarticular FAI showed intraoperative signs for an additive extraarticular AIIS impingement. Preoperative pelvic X-rays are helpful with a sensitivity of 90 % in detecting the presence of a distal extension of the AIIS in FAI patients. Evaluation of the preoperative AP pelvis x-ray should include the projection of the AIIS. We recommend evaluation for subspine impingement during routine arthroscopy.

Spontaneous upper eyelid ecchymosis: A rare presenting sign for frontal sinus mucocele.

Paranasal sinus mucoceles are benign lesions that commonly present with orbital signs due to their anatomic proximity. We are reporting a case of bilateral frontal sinus mucocele presenting with spontaneous eyelid ecchymosis. To our knowledge this is the first case report of eyelid ecchymosis as the initial sign of this condition. In addition, our patient lacked commonly described symptoms such as diplopia or pain. This report highlights the importance of including frontal sinus mucocele in the differential diagnosis of spontaneous periorbital ecchymosis.

Can surgical need in patients with Naja atra (Taiwan or Chinese cobra) envenomation be predicted in the emergency department?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical predictors and the aetiologies for surgery in patients with Naja atra (Taiwan or Chinese cobra) envenomation. METHODS: This case series was conducted in the only tertiary care centre in eastern Taiwan. Patients who presented to the emergency department with Naja atra bite between January 2008 and September 2014 were included. Clinical information was collected and compared between surgical and non-surgical patients. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients with Naja atra envenomation presented to the emergency department during the study period. Of these, 60.7% (n=17) required surgery. Necrotising fasciitis (76.5%) was the main finding in surgery. Comparisons between surgical and non-surgical patients showed skin ecchymosis (odds ratio=34.36; 95% confidence interval, 2.20-536.08; P=0.012) and a high total dose of antivenin (≥6 vials; odds ratio=14.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-192.72; P=0.042) to be the most significant predictors of surgery. The rate of bacterial isolation from the surgical wound was 88.2%. Morganella morganii (76.5%), Enterococcus faecalis (58.8%), and Bacteroides fragilis (29.4%) were the most common pathogens involved. Bacterial susceptibility testing indicated that combined broad-spectrum antibiotics were needed to cover mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Naja atra envenomation who present with skin ecchymosis or the need for a high dose of antivenin may require early surgical assessment. Combined broad-spectrum antibiotics are mandatory.

Signs, symptoms and treatment of penile fracture.

Penile fracture is an uncommon injury and requires urgent treatment, therefore emergency nurses should be aware of the signs and symptoms and understand the importance of immediate surgical referral. This article describes the anatomy and physiology of penile erection and the ways in which penile fracture can occur. It also outlines the management of patients and includes a case study of a fracture caused by vigorous masturbation.

External valvuloplasty for subcutaneous small veins to prevent venous reflux in lymphaticovenular anastomosis for lower extremity lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous ecchymosis caused by venous reflux is a preventable complication following lymphaticovenular anastomosis. The authors developed a series of operative procedures to prevent venous reflux. This is probably the first report on valvuloplasty for small subcutaneous veins (diameter, <1 mm). METHODS: A total of 165 anastomoses in 39 limbs were operated on using this novel procedure (study group). Extended vein dissection was performed to ensure inclusion of some venous valves. Venous regurgitation was assessed using a retrograde milking test. When regurgitation was observed at all peripheral branches, external valvuloplasty was performed at the small subcutaneous vein to prevent backflow. The rate of venous reflux was compared with 151 anastomoses in 34 limbs operated on using conventional procedures (control group). Moreover, the amount of volume reduction was compared between the patients with and without venous reflux. RESULTS: In the study group, the rate of regurgitation was reduced (3.0 percent) by extended vein dissection compared with that in the control group (9.9 percent), whereas the regurgitation ceased completely following external valvuloplasty (0 percent). In addition, postoperative ecchymosis was prevented completely in the study group (8.8 percent in the control group). Perioperative improvement in the lower extremity lymphedema index was significantly different between the patients with and without venous reflux (with venous reflux, 0.0706 ± 0.0742; without venous reflux, 0.0904 ± 0.0614). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results suggest that these operative procedures could be highly effective in preventing venous reflux. Moreover, venous reflux, if not corrected, leads to worsening of the results. Excellent results were consistently achieved by preventing venous reflux. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Púrpura fulminante: resultado funcional en 2 pacientes pediátricos tras sufrir múltiples amputaciones / Purpura fulminans: functional results in two paediatric patients after suffering multiple amputations

La púrpura fulminante (PF) es un proceso hemorrágico inusual, que se asocia habitualmente a la sepsis meningocócica y a otros procesos infecciosos. Suele afectar a neonatos y a niños pequeños, y comienza como una infección benigna que progresa presentando fiebre alta, equimosis purpúrica, coagulopatía intravascular diseminada, necrosis y gangrena. El tratamiento de estos niños suele requerir la toma de decisiones difíciles, ya que el cirujano y los familiares deben plantearse la posibilidad de continuar con una línea de tratamiento agresiva que puede dejar múltiples secuelas mutilantes o seguir un tratamiento paliativo. En este estudio revisamos la presentación clínica, tratamiento y resultados funcionales de 2 casos de PF tratados en nuestro centro entre los años 2002 y 2005. Los niños presentados en este estudio tuvieron un buen resultado funcional a largo plazo y una calidad de vida aceptable a pesar de haber sido sometidos a múltiples amputaciones (AU)

Purpura fulminans (PF) is an unusual haemorrhagic process that is usually associated with meningococcal sepsis and other infectious processes. It usually affects neonates and young children, and starts with a benign infection that progresses to a high fever, purpura ecchymosis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, necrosis and gangrene. The treatment of these children usually requires making difficult decisions, since the surgeon and the families must come to terms with the possibility of following an aggressive line of treatment that could lead to multiple mutilating sequelae, or follow palliative treatment. In this study, we review the clinical presentation, treatment and results of two cases of PF treated in our hospital between the years 2002 and 2005. The children presented in this study had a good long-term functional result and an acceptable quality of life, despite being subjected to multiple amputations (AU)

False penile fracture: report of 16 cases.

We determined the value of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of false penile fractures and the outcome of treatment. We retrospectively reviewed 16 cases of presumed penile fracture with a negative surgical exploration. Clinical presentation, technique of treatment and outcome were noted. The mean age was 39 years (17-64). Nine patients were injured during sexual intercourse. All the patients presented with the presumptive diagnosis of penile fracture. False penile fracture was evoked in one patient presenting a new erection. Surgical penile exploration was carried out for all the patients without any radiological explorations. It revealed nonspecific dartos bleeding in 10 cases and avulsed superficial dorsal vein in six cases requiring venous ends ligation. All the patients regained penile appearance and potency. We can hardly distinguish false penile fracture from 'true' penile fracture with certainty either clinically or radiologically, thus, surgical exploration is mostly necessary. The prognosis is excellent.

Penile fracture presenting as eggplant deformity.

Penile fracture is caused by sudden trauma to erect penis leading to tear of corpora cavernosa. Although penile fracture is a rare condition, it can lead to crippling penile deformity and erectile impotence, if intervention is delayed. We describe a case of penile fracture caused by masturbation and satisfactory outcome after early surgical intervention. Usually only clinical assessment is sufficient for diagnosis.

Periorbital ecchymosis as a sign of perforating injury of the globe.

The distinction between penetrating eye injury with retained intraocular foreign body and perforating globe injuries is not always easy clinically. The case is presented of a 25-year-old man who sustained a perforating eye injury that was through a clear self-sealing corneal entry site and had no conjunctival or periorbital injury. He had periorbital ecchymosis on presentation suggesting that the globe had been perforated with resulting retro-orbital blood tracking to the periorbital region. This sign would not be expected had the foreign body remained intraocular. The management options of these cases are discussed.

Mucosectomía circular mecánica en la unidad de cirugía sin ingreso: ¿alternativa válida o técnica de elección? / Circular staples mucosectomy in the outpatient surgery unit. A valid alternative or the technique of choice?

Introducción. Las técnicas clásicas de escisión de las hemorroides se caracterizan fundamentalmente por la aparición de dolor. La mucosectomía circular mecánica es una técnica para el tratamiento de esta patología que ha sido introducida como más sencilla y con menos complicaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en evaluar los resultados y la aplicabilidad de esta técnica en un programa de cirugía sin ingreso. Pacientes y métodos. Se ha realizado un estudio prospectivo en el período comprendido entre julio de 1999 y julio de 2000. Se incluyó en él a pacientes con hemorroides sintomáticas grados III y IV y que fueron intervenidos según un régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. La técnica quirúrgica consistió en mucosectomía circular mecánica. Fueron revisados postoperatoriamente al mes, a los tres meses y al año. Resultados. Se incluyó a 58 pacientes, 22 mujeres (37,9 por ciento) y 36 varones (62 por ciento), con una media de edad de 51,9 años (rango, 17-80). Treinta pacientes fueron diagnosticados de hemorroides grado III (51,7 por ciento) y 28 (48,2 por ciento), de hemorroides grado IV. El síntoma de presentación más habitual fue la rectorragia (74,4 por ciento). Las complicaciones registradas fueron 6 hemorragias intraoperatorias (10,3 por ciento), un fallo de grapadora (1,7 por ciento) y dos roturas de bolsa de tabaco. En 8 pacientes (13,8 por ciento) se asoció una técnica de Fergusson para completar el tratamiento. Diez pacientes tuvieron dolor intenso, que fue nulo o leve en 35 pacientes (60,34 por ciento). El 79,3 por ciento de los pacientes manifestó no haber sufrido malestar al defecar en el postoperatorio. Se registró equimosis leve en el 27,5 por ciento de los casos. Un paciente desarrolló una hemorragia que requirió revisión en el quirófano. Se objetivaron 8 casos de incontinencia leve (un caso de soiling, dos A2B2 y 5 A1B1), reversible en todos los casos. Conclusiones. La mucosectomía circular mecánica nos parece una técnica apropiada para el tratamiento de las hemorroides sintomáticas grados III/IV. Permite su realización en régimen ambulatorio por la menor tasa de complicaciones y la menor necesidad de analgesia en el postoperatorio, junto con una incorporación laboral temprana, aportando una mayor satisfacción para el paciente (AU)