A Man in His Forties with Recurrent Cat-Scratch Disease.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a self-limited zoonotic infection transmitted by felines caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Bartonella henselae. It usually presents with lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms that resolve within eight weeks, with, or without antibiotic treatment. The diagnosis is made by serology, molecular diagnosis in a biopsy, or a positive culture. The recurrence or reactivation of B. henselae has rarely been reported. We present the case of a 45-year-old man with a history of CSD two years before who presented to the clinic with groin lymphadenopathy. The patient had a history of close contact with felines though no known risk exposure was reported. The diagnosis was made with a positive serology suggestive of recent infection along with histopathological changes suggestive of CSD. Subsequently, azithromycin was administered with complete resolution of symptoms.

Hernia de Garengeot.: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / De Garengeot hernia: A case report and literature review

Objetivo: Reportar un caso de hernia de Garengeot. Sede: Centro Médico de Tercer Nivel. Diseño: Reporte de caso. Reporte del caso: Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 82 años de edad, admitida con diagnóstico de oclusión intestinal alta por una probable hernia inguinal complicada, motivo por el que se llevó a laparotomía exploradora encontrando una hernia de Richter y una de Garengeot en el canal femoral izquierdo; se trató con apendicectomía, reducción de la hernia de Richter y cierre del canal femoral con material de sutura no absorbible; la paciente evolucionó de forma satisfactoria y actualmente se encuentra sin complicaciones. Discusión: La presencia del apéndice cecal herniado en el canal femoral se conoce como hernia de Garengeot. Su frecuencia es muy baja, el diagnóstico preoperatorio es complejo y el tratamiento tiene relación con el tiempo de evolución y la coexistencia del proceso inflamatorio. Ante la presencia de apendicitis complicada se recomienda la realización de apendicectomía, con cierre del defecto herniario con sutura sin utilizar materiales protésicos.

Lo que debe saber un cirujano general sobre el uso de toxina botulínica serotipo A / What the general surgeon should know about the use of botulinum toxin serotype A

Objetivo: Presentar una revisión de la literatura médica acerca de las propiedades, características y múltiples usos de la toxina botulínica tipo A. Sede: Hospital de Atención de Tercer Nivel. Diseño: Revisión de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se realizó revisión de la literatura en los servidores de Medline, Ovid y Medigraphic, con las palabras clave Botulinum toxin type A y abdominal wall hernia. Resultados: La aplicación de la toxina botulínica tipo A, previo a la plastía abdominal permite lograr una parálisis en los músculos laterales de la pared abdominal y con ello una reducción en el tamaño del defecto herniario, lo que permite el cierre de pared abdominal con tensión mínima. Este agente biológico actúa por quimiodenervación de los músculos subyacentes. Conclusión: La preparación preoperatoria con la infiltración de toxina botulínica serotipo A provoca una parálisis flácida de la pared y permite el avance de los colgajos laterales sin debilitarlos en su conformación anatómica; no sólo es una herramienta más para asegurar la refuncionalización sino un recurso que no debilita la pared en forma permanente y que no genera dolor postoperatorio mayor del esperado a la cirugía de plastía de pared. Esta técnica de preparación permite en el preoperatorio generar mejores condiciones para planear la cirugía y no excluye a todos los demás recursos adicionales que en el transoperatorio pudieran ser necesarios para cumplir con el propósito de refuncionalización de la pared.

Hospitalization costs of open vs. laparoscopic appendectomy: 5-year experience.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing debate over certain aspects of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) over open appendectomy (OA) in regard to hospitalization costs and associated complications. METHODS: A database was used to obtain the charts for either LA or OA performed during a 5-year period. Variables analyzed were age, gender, hospitalization cost, length of stay and complications. RESULTS: Of 1792 appendectomies performed, 633 (35.3%) were OA and 1159 (64.6%) were LA. Both groups were statistically similar with regard to gender (p = 0.075) but differed with respect to age, demonstrating an older patient population in the LA group (p <0.0001). Length of stay was significantly higher in the OA group (3.33 vs. 2.52) days, p <0.0001). The overall hospitalization cost of LA was 25% higher than the OA cost (p = 0.0005). The cost of an uncomplicated LA case was 1.7 times higher than in the OA group (p ≤ 0.0001). We found no statistically significant differences between the hospitalization cost of an OA and LA group when both procedures were associated with a complication (p = 0.5319). A higher complication rate was observed in the OA group, 60 cases (9.47%) as compared to the LA group, 46 cases (3.96%), p <0.0001. The increased rate of complications observed was related to cardiovascular, wound and infectious problems. CONCLUSIONS: Noncomplicated LA was associated with a higher hospitalization cost. There was no difference with regard to complicated cases. The incidence of complications increased in the OA group.

Hematoma intestinal por warfarina / Warfarin induced intestinal haematoma

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Primary repair vs. colostomy in colon injuries.

BACKGROUND: Colon trauma is frequent and its prevalence is difficult to establish because of the different factors that intervene in its origin. In Mexico, traumatic colon injuries, albeit stab wounds or gunshot wounds, are on the rise. Our objective was to evaluate the most appropriate management for traumatic colon injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 178 case files of patients with abdominal trauma and colon lesions during a 5-year period from January 2003 to June 2008 from the General Hospital of Balbuena, Mexico City. The study compared the use of primary closure vs. colostomy, analyzing variables such as sex, age, type of wound, severity of lesion and mortality. RESULTS: There were a total of 178 patients; 156 were male (87.6%) and 22 were female (12.4%). The most affected age group was between 21 and 30 years; 74 patients (41.6%) had stab wounds and 104 patients (58.4%) had gunshot wounds. Management consisted mainly of primary closure in 92 cases (51.7%) vs. colostomy in 86 patients (48.3%). However, 64% of gunshot wounds were treated with colostomy. Reported mortality was 9.55% and this was due to different factors such as multiple organ injury. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of traumatic colon injury should be case specific, taking into account the mechanism of the lesion, its severity and associated injuries.

Neuroblastoma in the adult. Case report.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is a common malignancy in infancy but extremely rare in adults. These tumors, commonly found in the abdomen, originate in the sympathetic nervous system. Staging and management are standardized in children and adults, although their prognosis is very different, being more aggressive and with a poorer outcome in the adult. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 31-year-old male with non-specific abdominal pain and constipation. After several studies, a stage III giant retroperitoneal neuroblastoma was diagnosed. We discuss here the evaluation, management and follow-up of the patient. A literature review is presented as well. CONCLUSIONS: Adult neuroblastoma is an unusual disease with an insidious presentation and is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. Unlike its behavior in young patients, in the adult it is more aggressive and with a poor prognosis.

La asistencia manual es una alternativa a la conversión a laparotomía durante la sigmoidectomía laparoscópica / Hand assistance is an alternative to conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic sigmoidectomy

Introducción En el tratamiento de la enfermedad diverticular la cirugía laparoscópica tiene diversos beneficios en comparación con la cirugía abierta. Existen 2 tipos de abordajes, el asistido por laparoscopia (LA) y el laparoscópico asistido con la mano (MA). El objetivo de este estudio es demostrar que la cirugía MA puede ser un recurso previo a la conversión a una laparotomía en caso de encontrar dificultades con el abordaje LA. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en un hospital privado de tercer nivel en la ciudad de México. Se seleccionó a todo paciente con diagnóstico de enfermedad diverticular en el que se practicó una cirugía LA, incluidos aquellos pacientes en los que hubo dificultad técnica durante el procedimiento y se decidió continuar de manera MA. Resultados Se realizaron 47 sigmoidectomías LA, 33 de éstas se completaron de esta manera, 4 requirieron laparotomía y 10 se completaron de manera MA (de éstas ninguna requirió laparotomía). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos laparoscópicos cuando se comparó el retorno de la función intestinal (p=0,879) y los días de estancia intrahospitalaria (p=0,679).Conclusiones La cirugía laparoscópica MA es una alternativa factible si durante una sigmoidectomía LA hay dificultad con la exposición o con la disección y evita la conversión a cirugía abierta (AU)

Introduction Laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of diverticular disease offers multiple benefits compared with its open surgery counterpart. There are two distinct techniques, the laparoscopically assisted and the laparoscopic hand assisted approach. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the hand assisted approach can be used if, during a laparoscopically assisted approach, there is difficulty in dissection and/or exposure, and before performing a laparotomy. Material and methods This study is a retrospective cohort series that was performed in a private tertiary hospital in Mexico City. Patients with the diagnosis of diverticular disease who underwent a laparoscopically assisted sigmoidectomy were selected. These included patients who, during their procedure required conversion to a hand assisted approach. Results A total of 47 sigmoid colectomies began with assisted laparoscopy, of which 33 were completed, 4 required laparotomy, and 10 where completed using hand assistance (none required laparotomy). There were no statistically significant differences in return of bowel function (P=0.879) and postoperative hospital stay (P=0.679) between the group that was completed by assisted laparoscopy vs. hand assisted.Conclusions If there is difficulty in exposure or dissection during a laparoscopically assisted sigmoid colectomy, the hand assisted approach is an alternative before the laparotomy (AU)

[Hand assistance is an alternative to conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic sigmoidectomy]. / La asistencia manual es una alternativa a la conversión a laparotomía durante la sigmoidectomía laparoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of diverticular disease offers multiple benefits compared with its open surgery counterpart. There are two distinct techniques, the laparoscopically assisted and the laparoscopic hand assisted approach. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the hand assisted approach can be used if, during a laparoscopically assisted approach, there is difficulty in dissection and/or exposure, and before performing a laparotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort series that was performed in a private tertiary hospital in Mexico City. Patients with the diagnosis of diverticular disease who underwent a laparoscopically assisted sigmoidectomy were selected. These included patients who, during their procedure required conversion to a hand assisted approach. RESULTS: A total of 47 sigmoid colectomies began with assisted laparoscopy, of which 33 were completed, 4 required laparotomy, and 10 where completed using hand assistance (none required laparotomy). There were no statistically significant differences in return of bowel function (P=0.879) and postoperative hospital stay (P=0.679) between the group that was completed by assisted laparoscopy vs. hand assisted. CONCLUSIONS: If there is difficulty in exposure or dissection during a laparoscopically assisted sigmoid colectomy, the hand assisted approach is an alternative before the laparotomy.

Neuroblastoma en el adulto: informe de un caso / Neuroblastoma in the adult: case report

Introducción: El neuroblastoma es una neoplasia común en la infancia, pero extremadamente rara en el adulto. Se origina del sistema nervioso simpático y su localización más común es abdominal. Su estadificación y tratamiento se han estandarizado en niños y adultos, aunque el pronóstico es muy distinto debido a un comportamiento más agresivo y menor sobrevida en los segundos. Caso clínico: Hombre de 31 años de edad evaluado por dolor abdominal inespecífico y constipación, a quien se le diagnosticó gran neuroblastoma retroperitoneal estadio III. Al no tolerar quimioterapia se realizó cirugía. Se presenta la evaluación, manejo y seguimiento, así como una revisión de la literatura. Conclusiones: El neuroblastoma en el adulto es una enfermedad poco común que cursa con una evolución inicial insidiosa y la presentación suele ser en estadios avanzados. A diferencia del comportamiento en la infancia, en el adulto es más agresivo y con menor sobrevida a pesar de realizar el mismo tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is a common malignancy in infancy but extremely rare in adults. These tumors, commonly found in the abdomen, originate in the sympathetic nervous system. Staging and management are standardized in children and adults, although their prognosis is very different, being more aggressive and with a poorer outcome in the adult. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 31-year-old male with non-specific abdominal pain and constipation. After several studies, a stage III giant retroperitoneal neuroblastoma was diagnosed. We discuss here the evaluation, management and follow-up of the patient. A literature review is presented as well. CONCLUSIONS: Adult neuroblastoma is an unusual disease with an insidious presentation and is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. Unlike its behavior in young patients, in the adult it is more aggressive and with a poor prognosis.

Reparación primaria versus colostomía en lesiones del colon / Primary repair vs. colostomy in colon injuries

Introducción: El colon es el segundo órgano más frecuentemente lesionado en las heridas por trauma penetrante de abdomen. En México, las lesiones por arma blanca o de fuego van en aumento. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el principal manejo para las lesiones traumáticas de colon. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y aleatorizado de 178 pacientes con trauma abdominal y lesiones de colon, en un lapso de cinco años (enero de 2003 a junio de 2008) en el Hospital General de Balbuena. Se comparó el uso del cierre primario y cirugía derivativa con colostomía. Se analizó sexo, grupo de edad, tipo de herida, grado de lesión y mortalidad. Resultados: De 178 pacientes, 156 fueron hombres (87.6 %) y 22 mujeres (12.4 %). El grupo de edad con mayor afección fue el de 21 a 30 años; 74 pacientes (41.6 %) presentaron heridas por instrumento punzocortante y 104 pacientes (58.4 %) heridas por arma de fuego. El principal manejo fue mediante cierre primario: 92 casos (51.7 %) versus 86 (48.3 %) para cirugía derivativa; sin embargo, en las heridas por arma de fuego el principal manejo fue la colostomía (67 casos). La mortalidad fue de 17 casos (9.55 %) debido a causas diversas como lesiones a múltiples órganos de manera asociada. Conclusiones: En las lesiones colónicas debe individualizarse el tratamiento, según la etiopatogenia, grado de lesión y lesiones asociadas.

BACKGROUND: Colon trauma is frequent and its prevalence is difficult to establish because of the different factors that intervene in its origin. In Mexico, traumatic colon injuries, albeit stab wounds or gunshot wounds, are on the rise. Our objective was to evaluate the most appropriate management for traumatic colon injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 178 case files of patients with abdominal trauma and colon lesions during a 5-year period from January 2003 to June 2008 from the General Hospital of Balbuena, Mexico City. The study compared the use of primary closure vs. colostomy, analyzing variables such as sex, age, type of wound, severity of lesion and mortality. RESULTS: There were a total of 178 patients; 156 were male (87.6%) and 22 were female (12.4%). The most affected age group was between 21 and 30 years; 74 patients (41.6%) had stab wounds and 104 patients (58.4%) had gunshot wounds. Management consisted mainly of primary closure in 92 cases (51.7%) vs. colostomy in 86 patients (48.3%). However, 64% of gunshot wounds were treated with colostomy. Reported mortality was 9.55% and this was due to different factors such as multiple organ injury. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of traumatic colon injury should be case specific, taking into account the mechanism of the lesion, its severity and associated injuries.