Novedades en la evaluación y tratamiento de la obstrucción intestinal alta

La obstrucción intestinal mecánica es un problema quirúrgico significativo en términos de prevalencia, morbimortalidad y costos económicos asociados. En los últimos años se han realizado avances en: detectar mecanismos fisiopatológicos del desarrollo de adherencias, optimizar el diagnóstico de pacientes aptos para manejo conservador, valorar la utilidad intraoperatoria de herramientas que definan la necesidad de resección intestinal y hallar terapias preventivas. El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es sintetizar la evidencia científica actualizada, publicada referente al diagnóstico y tratamiento de una obstrucción intestinal alta mecánica.

Mechanical small bowel obstruction is a significant surgical problem in terms of prevalence, morbimortality, and associated economic costs. In recent years, advances have been made in: detection of physio pathological mechanisms of adhesion genesis, improvement in diagnosis of patients suitable for conservative treatment, assessment the efficacy of intraoperative tools that define the need for intestinal resection, and development of preventive therapies. The objective of this narrative review is to synthesize the updated scientific evidence published, regarding the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical small bowel obstruction.

Heart rate variability-based prediction of early cardiotoxicity in breast-cancer patients treated with anthracyclines and trastuzumab.

BACKGROUND: Cardiotoxicity is a recognized complication in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing chemotherapy with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. However, the prognostic value of heart rate variability (HRV) indexes for early cardiotoxicity development remains unknown. METHODS: Fifty BC patients underwent TTE assessment before and three months after chemotherapy. HRV indexes were obtained from continuous electrocardiograms in supine position with spontaneous breathing, active standing, and supine position with controlled breathing. The magnitude of change (Δ) between supine-standing and supine-controlled breathing was calculated. Variables were compared using t-test or ANOVA. Cardiotoxicity predictive value was assessed by ROC curve analysis. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: TTE revealed reduced left atrial conduit strain in the cardiotoxicity group. Mean heart rate increased during all maneuvers at follow-up, with no differences in HRV indexes between patients with or without cardiotoxicity. However, a lower Δ in supine-controlled breathing of several HRV indexes predicted early cardiotoxicity identified by echocardiography (e.g. SDNN ≤ -8.44 ms: Sensitivity = 75%, Specificity = 69%). CONCLUSIONS: BC patients treated with chemotherapy maintain cardiac autonomic responses to physiological stimuli after 3 months of chemotherapy. However, a lower Δ during active standing and controlled breathing before chemotherapy may predict early cardiotoxicity.

Enfrentamiento ante filtraciones de la esófagoyeyuno anastomosis

La filtración de la esófagoyeyuno anastomosis (FEYA) es una de las complicaciones más graves tras una gastrectomía total, ya que se asocia a un aumento de la morbimortalidad quirúrgica. El manejo óptimo de la FEYA aún es controversial, existiendo cada vez más opciones mínimamente invasivas, especialmente endoscópicas. El objetivo de la presente revisión es comparar la evidencia científica publicada y actualizada referente al tratamiento médico, endoscópico y quirúrgico de una FEYA y sus resultados a corto y largo plazo además de proponer un algoritmo de manejo que permita orientar la práctica clínica. Finalmente se presenta la experiencia nacional en relación a los avances presentados en los últimos años en torno manejo clínico de FEYA.

Leakage of the esophagojejunostomy (LEY) is one of the most serious complications after total gastrectomy, as it is associated with increased surgical morbidity and mortality. The optimal management of LEY is still controversial, with increasing minimally invasive options, especially endoscopic ones. The aim of this review is to compare the published and updated scientific evidence regarding the medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment of LEY and its short and long-term results, in addition to propose a management algorithm that allows guiding clinical practice. Finally, the national experience is presented in relation to the advances presented in recent years regarding clinical management of LEY.

Bariatric Surgery Before and After the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: a Comparative Study of Cases Before the Onset of the Pandemic in a High-Volume Academic Center.

INTRODUCTION: At the beginning of the pandemic, studies showed a higher risk of severe surgical complications and mortality among patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection, which led to the suspension of elective surgery. Confinement and lockdown measures were shown to be associated with weight gain and less access to medical and surgical care in patients with obesity, with negative health consequences. To evaluate the safety of bariatric surgery during the pandemic, we compared 30-day complications between patients who underwent bariatric surgery immediately before with those who underwent bariatric surgery during the opening phase of the pandemic. METHODS: Observational analytical study of a non-concurrent cohort of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2 periods: pre-pandemic March 1 to December 31, 2019, and pandemic March 1 to December 31, 2020. Surgical complications were defined using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Pre-pandemic and pandemic groups included 256 and 202 patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery, respectively. The mean age was 37.6 + 10.3 years. The overall complication rate during the first 30 days of discharge was 7.42%. No differences between groups were observed in severe complications (pre-pandemic 1.56% vs. pandemic 1.98%, p: 0.58). No mortality was reported. Overall 30-day readmission was 3.28% with no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study did not find a difference in the rate of severe complications, nor also we report severe COVID-19 complications in this high-risk population. During the pandemic, with appropriately implemented protocol, the resumption of bariatric surgery is possible with no increased risk for patients.

Colecistectomía laparoscópica: técnica por video e-learning

Introducción: La Colecistectomía laparoscópica es una de las cirugías más frecuentes en nuestro país. Diversas dificultades han limitado una buena formación al respecto. Contar con un apoyo educativo capaz de transmitir la experiencia quirúrgica que facilite su aprendizaje, resulta imprescindible. Objetivo: Describir la técnica quirúrgica de una colecistectomía laparoscópica estándar incorporando elementos propios de la decisión quirúrgica, apoyado en tecnología e-learning. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo. Se confeccionó material audiovisual de una colecistectomía laparoscópica, editado con apoyo de dibujo y animación 3D, e incorporando elementos técnicos propios del acto quirúrgico. Finalmente se redactó el texto de la técnica y se enlazó a través de códigos QR a capsulas del material audiovisual confeccionado. Resultados: Cinco pasos descriptivos claves de la colecistectomía laparoscópica apoyados con enlaces directos, tanto a través de un link asociado al texto como a través de una imagen QR anexa, a capsulas audiovisuales con información técnica y estratégica propia del ejercicio quirúrgico intraoperatorio. Conclusión: Técnica quirúrgica de una colecistectomía laparoscópica expuesta paso a paso apoyado con material audiovisual de una forma dinámica e innovadora, basado en nuevas tecnologías facilitadoras del aprendizaje.

Background: The laparoscopic cholecystectomy's technique has a great relevance in training programs. Their teaching requires a methodology that incorporates technical details that are lost with just reading or watching the procedure. Aim: This study presents the description of the surgical steps associated to an anatomical e-learning support that includes strategic and technical elements. Materials and Method: A standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy was used to make an educational video highlighting the critical aspect and concepts of its execution. The video incorporated drawings, painting and animations that fa- cilitate understanding. It was split and linked to Qr codes. Results: The detailed description of the steps of a cholecystectomy, such as a proper exposure of the surgical field, the dissection of the hepatocystic triangle, the safety view or gallbladder release, was associated with a Qr link. Conclusión: A step-by-step laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a dynamic and innovative way with an audiovisual support that facilitate learning.

Isolation of Cryptococcus gattii VGIII from feline nasal injury.

Hereby we communicate the first autochthon isolation of Cryptococcus gattii VGIII in Chile, which was obtained from a nasal injury in a domestic cat in the Valparaíso region in Chile. The strain was identified using morphophysiological tests, MALDI-TOF, and URA5 gene PCR-RFLP analysis.

Capillary refill time during fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis-related hyperlactatemia at the emergency department is related to mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Acute circulatory dysfunction in patients with sepsis can evolve rapidly into a progressive stage associated with high mortality. Early recognition and adequate resuscitation could improve outcome. However, since the spectrum of clinical presentation is quite variable, signs of hypoperfusion are frequently unrecognized in patients just admitted to the emergency department (ED). Hyperlactatemia is considered a key parameter to disclose tissue hypoxia but it is not universally available and getting timely results can be challenging in low resource settings. In addition, non-hypoxic sources can be involved in hyperlactatemia, and a misinterpretation could lead to over-resuscitation in an unknown number of cases. Capillary refill time (CRT) is a marker of peripheral perfusion that worsens during circulatory failure. An abnormal CRT in septic shock patients after ICU-based resuscitation has been associated with poor outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal CRT in patients with sepsis-related hyperlactatemia in the early phase after ED admission, and its relationship with outcome. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study. Septic patients with hyperlactemia at ED admission subjected to an initial fluid resuscitation (FR) were included. CRT and other parameters were assessed before and after FR. CRT-normal or CRT-abnormal subgroups were defined according to the status of CRT following initial FR, and major outcomes were registered. RESULTS: Ninety-five hyperlactatemic septic patients were included. Thirty-one percent had abnormal CRT at ED arrival. After FR, 87 patients exhibited normal CRT, and 8 an abnormal one. Patients with abnormal CRT had an increased risk of adverse outcomes (88% vs. 20% p<0.001; RR 4.4 [2.7-7.4]), and hospital mortality (63% vs. 9% p<0.001; RR 6.7 [2.9-16]) as compared to those with normal CRT after FR. Specifically, CRT-normal patients required less frequently mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and ICU admission, and exhibited a lower hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlactatemic sepsis patients with abnormal CRT after initial fluid resuscitation exhibit higher mortality and worse clinical outcomes than patients with normal CRT.

Management of leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a surgical procedure that is being increasingly performed on obese patients. The most frequent postoperative complication is the appearance of a gastric leak. PURPOSE: To determine the main clinical features of a group of patients who developed a gastric leak after LSG. MATERIAL: A total of 343 obese patients were submitted to LSG, two hundred and sixty-two women and 81 men with a mean age of 37.3 years and a BMI of 37.5 kg/m(2). Radiological evaluations were performed on all patients on the third day after surgery using liquid sulfate barium, as well as a close clinical control evaluation to monitor the appearance of epigastric pain, fever, tachycardia, C-reactive protein, and leukocytosis. Medical or surgical management of the leak were employed. RESULTS: Fever was the earliest and most frequent symptom, followed by epigastric pain and tachycardia. Leaks were classified based on three parameters: severity or magnitude, location, and time of appearance after surgery. Leaks were classified as early if they appeared 1 to 4 days after surgery, intermediate if they appeared 5 to 9 days after surgery, and late 10 days after surgery. The diagnosis of a leak was confirmed with a barium liquid taken orally by six patients and with an abdominal CAT scan in ten. Surgical management was performed in eight patients, usually in those with early leaks (six patients). Early re-suturing in three patients was successful; however, re-suturing leaks after the third day resulted in failure. Medical management was performed mainly in patients with intermediate and late leaks, mainly through enteral nutrition and percutaneous drainage of the intra-abdominal fluid collection. There was no mortality. The mean healing days of these leaks was 45 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Close clinical observation detects gastric leaks early on inpatients who underwent LSG. We suggest evaluating these leaks based on three parameters: time of appearance, the location, and its severity, in order to propose the best medical or surgical treatment in these patients.

The effect of different isoflurane-fentanyl dose combinations on early recovery from anesthesia and postoperative adverse effects.

UNLABELLED: We evaluated the effect of different combinations of fentanyl-isoflurane on early recovery from anesthesia in 80 adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl 2 microg/kg and thiopental 5 mg/kg. Nitrous oxide was not used and patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Group 1 (n = 20) received 0.6% end-tidal isoflurane plus fentanyl, Group 2 (n = 20) received 1.2% end-tidal isoflurane plus fentanyl, Group 3 (n = 20) received 1.8% end-tidal isoflurane plus fentanyl, and Group 4 (n = 20) received only isoflurane. In Groups 1, 2 and 3 isoflurane concentration was kept constant and fentanyl was given as necessary to maintain the mean arterial blood pressure within +/- 10% of the minimum mean arterial blood pressure measured in the ward. In Group 4, isoflurane concentration was adjusted to maintain mean arterial blood pressure as above. At the end of skin closure isoflurane was discontinued and the time to spontaneous breathing (TSB), time to extubation (TE) and time to eye opening (TEO) were recorded. In the postanesthesia care unit, the degree of sedation, respiratory rate, Spo(2), emesis, pain, and morphine consumption were evaluated every 15 min for 1 h, and thereafter every 30 min until discharge. Fentanyl requirements were 8.3 +/- 4.5 microg/kg (mean +/- sd) in Group 1, 3.8 +/- 1.3 microg/kg in Group 2, and 3.0 +/- 0.7 microg/kg in Group 3 (P < 0.001), whereas in Group 4 the mean end-tidal concentration of isoflurane was 2.0% +/- 0.4%. Although the mean TSB was <5.5 min in all groups, TE increased from 7.3 +/- 5.1 min in Group 1 to 20.6 +/- 10.7 min in Group 4 (P < 0.001), and TEO increased from 7.4 +/- 5.1 min in Group 1 to 25.8 +/- 9.4 min in Group 4 (P < 0.001). There were no differences among the groups in any of the variables measured in the postanesthesia care unit. This study shows that the combination of a small concentration of isoflurane and a relatively larger dose of fentanyl results in a faster recovery from anesthesia than the inverse combination of doses. IMPLICATIONS: A fast recovery from anesthesia increases patient safety. This study shows that the combination of a small concentration of isoflurane and a relatively larger dose of fentanyl results in a faster recovery from anesthesia than the inverse combination of doses.

Cesárea postmortem. Revisión de 50 años (1939-1988) / Postmortem cesarean. Review of fifty years (1939-1988)

Se analizan 42 cesáreas postmortem realizadas en tiempo promedio de 10,4 minutos del deceso materno. La principal causa de muerte fue la eclampsia. Se utilizó la incisión segmentaria transversal en 23 y corporal en 12 casos. Se hizo diagnóstico de vitalidad fetal, antes de la intervención en 35 pacientes. Se obtuvieron 22 fetos vivos de los cuales 9 murieron en el período neonatal: 4 por Síndrome de Dificultad Respiratoria, 3 por prematuridad y 2 por otras causas. Sólo uno de los sobrevivientes presentó evidencia clínica de parálisis cerebral