Critical appraisal of surgical margins according to KRAS status in liver resection for colorectal liver metastases: Should surgical strategy be influenced by tumor biology?

BACKGROUND: KRAS mutation is a negative prognostic factor for colorectal liver metastases. Several studies have investigated the resection margins according to KRAS status, with conflicting results. The aim of the study was to assess the oncologic outcomes of R0 and R1 resections for colorectal liver metastases according to KRAS status. METHODS: All patients who underwent resection for colorectal liver metastases between 2010 and 2015 with available KRAS status were enrolled in this multicentric international cohort study. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the outcomes of R0 and R1 colorectal liver metastases resections according to KRAS status: wild type versus mutated. The primary outcomes were overall survival and disease-free survival. RESULTS: The analysis included 593 patients. KRAS mutation was associated with shorter overall survival (40 vs 60 months; P = .0012) and disease-free survival (15 vs 21 months; P = .003). In KRAS-mutated tumors, the resection margin did not influence oncologic outcomes. In multivariable analysis, the only predictor of disease-free survival and overall survival was primary tumor location (P = .03 and P = .03, respectively). In KRAS wild-type tumors, R0 resection was associated with prolonged overall survival (74 vs 45 months, P < .001) and disease-free survival (30 vs 17 months, P < .001). The multivariable model confirmed that R0 resection margin was associated with prolonged overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.03) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.91). CONCLUSIONS: KRAS-mutated colorectal liver metastases showed more aggressive tumor biology with inferior overall survival and disease-free survival after liver resection. Although R0 resection was not associated with improved oncologic outcomes in the KRAS-mutated tumors group, it seems to be of paramount importance for achieving prolonged long-term survival in KRAS wild-type tumors.

Long-Term Outcomes of Perioperative Versus Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: An International Multicentre Propensity-Score Matched Analysis with Stratification by Contemporary Risk-Scoring.

BACKGROUND: There is still debate regarding the principal role and ideal timing of perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) for patients with upfront resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study assesses long-term oncological outcomes in patients receiving neoadjuvant CTx only versus those receiving neoadjuvant combined with adjuvant therapy (perioperative CTx). METHODS: International multicentre retrospective analysis of patients with CRLM undergoing liver resection between 2010 and 2015. Characteristics and outcomes were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Primary endpoints were long-term oncological outcomes, such as recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, stratification by the tumour burden score (TBS) was applied. RESULTS: Of 967 patients undergoing hepatectomy, 252 were analysed, with a median follow-up of 45 months. The unmatched comparison revealed a bias towards patients with neoadjuvant CTx presenting with more high-risk patients (p = 0.045) and experiencing increased postoperative complications ≥Clavien-Dindo III (20.9% vs. 8%, p = 0.003). Multivariable analysis showed that perioperative CTx was associated with significantly improved RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.579, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.420-0.800, p = 0.001) and OS (HR 0.579, 95% CI 0.403-0.834, p = 0.003). After PSM (n = 180 patients), the two groups were comparable regarding baseline characteristics. The perioperative CTx group presented with a significantly prolonged RFS (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37-0.76, p = 0.007) and OS (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.87, p = 0.010) in both low and high TBS patients. CONCLUSIONS: When patients after resection of CRLM are able to tolerate additional postoperative CTx, a perioperative strategy demonstrates increased RFS and OS in comparison with neoadjuvant CTx only in both low and high-risk situations.

Sleep deprivation among surgical residents: Does it affect performance while practising a laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis?

INTRODUCTION: To assess the impact of fatigue due to incorrect night rest in the performance of a laparoscopic manual anastomosis. METHODS: A prospective study evaluating the results from the realization of a manual endotrainer entero-enteral anastomosis performed by residents in terms of fatigue caused by inadequate nightly rest. Two groups were established; the FATIGUE group (F): anastomosis performed by residents coming off shift who slept less than seven hours and the REST group(R), being those who slept at home for more than 7 h. The time taken, length of the anastomosis and quality of such were compared based on 4 parameters: Air leak test, correct tension on the suture line, accurate opposition of the edges and optimal distance between stitches. RESULTS: 402 anastomoses were studied (211 rest group, 191 fatigue group). In the fatigue group leaks were detected in 33.5% anastomoses, as opposed to 19.4% in the rest group (P < .01). El rest group performed the anastomosis in 56.75 min and the fatigue group in 61,49 min (P = .006). There were no significant differences in the others parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue increases the risk of leakage and the time to do the exercise.

Fatiga por deprivación de sueño en residentes de cirugía: ¿Afecta a los resultados al realizar una anastomosis laparoscópica intestinal? / Sleep deprivation among surgical residents: does it affect performance while practising a laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis?

IntroducciónEvaluar el impacto de la fatiga por incorrecto descanso nocturno en la realización de una anastomosis manual laparoscópica.MétodosSe lleva a cabo un estudio prospectivo observacional evaluando la realización de una anastomosis manual enteroenteral en endotrainer por residentes. Se dividen en dos grupos; el grupo descanso incluye a residentes que han dormido en casa siete o más horas vs. al grupo fatiga formado por residentes de guardia o que han dormido menos de siete horas. Se evalúa el tiempo empleado, la longitud de la anastomosis, la correcta tensión de la línea de sutura, la correcta aposición de los bordes, la distancia entre puntos y la fuga de aire, en prueba neumática de estanqueidad.ResultadosSe evalúan 402 anastomosis, siendo 211 pertenecientes al grupo descanso y 191 al grupo fatiga. Se detecta fuga en el 33,5% de las anastomosis del grupo fatiga frente al 19,4% en el grupo descanso (p < 0,01). El tiempo empleado en el grupo descanso es de 56,75 vs. 61,49 min en el grupo fatiga (p = 0,006). No hay diferencias en el resto de los parámetros.DiscusiónLa fatiga aumenta el riesgo de fuga y el tiempo que se tarda en completar el ejercicio (AU)

IntroductionTo assess the impact of fatigue due to incorrect night rest in the performance of a laparoscopic manual anastomosis.MethodsA prospective study evaluating the results from the realization of a manual endotrainer entero-enteral anastomosis performed by residents in terms of fatigue caused by inadequate nightly rest. Two groups were established; the fatigue group (F): anastomosis performed by residents coming off shift who slept less than seven hours and the rest group (R), being those who slept at home for more than 7 hours. The time taken, length of the anastomosis and quality of such were compared based on 4 parameters: Air leak test, correct tension on the suture line, accurate opposition of the edges and optimal distance between stitches.Results402 anastomoses were studied (211 rest group, 191 fatigue group). In the fatigue group leaks were detected in 33,5% anastomoses, as opposed to 19,4% in the rest group (p < 0.01). El rest group performed the anastomosis in 56,75 min and the fatigue group in 61,49 min (p = 0.006). There were no significant differences in the others parameters (AU)

Antibody response to the messenger RNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna) in liver transplant recipients.

Different reports have shown the clinical and serologic response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the general population, but few studies have examined these responses in transplant recipients. We assessed the vaccine immunogenicity of two doses (100 µg) of the mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna) administered with a 28-day interval in liver transplant recipients (LTRs) at follow-up at the Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital. LTRs without a history of COVID-19 infection were tested for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against the spike protein (S) a median of 43 days after receiving the second Moderna vaccine dose. Clinical data, including immunosuppressive regimen and routine laboratory data, were obtained from the medical record of each patient up to 3 months before the date of the first vaccination. Factors associated with serologic response were evaluated through logistic regression. In total, 129 LTRs who had anti-S results were included. Most patients were men (n = 99; 76.7%) with a median age of 63 years (interquartile range, 56-68). Alcohol (43.4%) and chronic hepatitis C (18.6%) were the most frequent causes of liver transplantation. A positive anti-S IgG response was observed in 113 LTRs (87.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80.8-92.2). A strong inverse relationship between mycophenolate mofetil use and serologic response was found (odds ratio, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.26; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Most LTRs develop an immunological response to the Moderna SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccine. An immunosuppressive regimen that includes mycophenolate predicts a weak serologic response.

Liver resection in elderly patients with extensive CRLM: Are we offering an adequate treatment? A propensity score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data on the management of elderly patients with extensive colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are scarce and conflicting. This study assesses differences in management and long-term oncological outcomes between older and younger patients with CRLM and a high Tumour Burden Score (TBS). METHODS: International multicentre retrospective study on patients with CRLM and a category 3 TBS, submitted to liver resection. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age (younger and older than 75) and were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and multivariable regression models. Differences in management and oncological outcomes including recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. RESULTS: The study included 386 patients, median follow-up was 48 months. The unmatched comparison revealed a higher ASA score (p = 0.035), less synchronous CRLM (47% vs 68%, p = 0.003), a lower median number of lesions (1 vs 3, p = 0.004) and less perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) (66% vs 88%, p < 0.001) in the elderly group. Despite the absence of CTx being an independent predictor of decreased RFS and OS (HR 0.760, p = 0.044 and HR 0.719, p = 0.049, respectively), the elderly group still received less CTx (OR 0.317, p = 0.001) than the younger group. After PSM (n = 100 patients), the two groups were comparable, however, CTx administration was still significantly lower in the elderly group. CONCLUSION: Liver resection should be considered in patients aged 75 and older, even if they present with extensive liver disease. Despite CTx being associated with improved oncological outcomes, a large percentage of elderly patients with CRLM are undertreated.

Análisis de los estilos de aprendizaje en un curso de habilidades técnicas laparoscópicas. Implicaciones para el entrenamiento quirúrgico / Analysis of learning styles in a laparoscopic technical skills course. Implications for surgical training

Introducción: El aprendizaje de las técnicas quirúrgicas es un proceso dinámico. David Kolb describió en los años ochenta un modelo de aprendizaje que permite adaptar el tipo de enseñanza y mejorar los resultados de esta. El objetivo del estudio es identificar los estilos de aprendizaje según Kolb de los participantes en un curso de habilidades técnicas laparoscópicas y comprobar si existe relación con el rendimiento final de la tarea realizada. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo que incluye 64 participantes que completaron un curso intensivo donde realizaron anastomosis intestinales manuales laparoscópicas. Todos ellos completaron el inventario de estilos de aprendizaje de Kolb. En cada anastomosis se recogió el tiempo de ejecución y se valoró su calidad. Posteriormente, los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: El estilo de aprendizaje más frecuente fue el asimilador (39,1%). No se observan diferencias significativas entre los estilos y el sexo de los participantes, su categoría profesional, el tiempo en realizar la anastomosis o su calidad. Conclusiones: El estilo de aprendizaje predominante es el asimilador, sin diferencias entre categorías, edad o sexo. No existe relación entre el estilo de aprendizaje de los participantes y los resultados obtenidos en el curso. (AU)

Introduction: Learning surgical techniques is a dynamic process. In the 1980s David Kolb described developed a learning model that enabled teaching styles to adapt for better learner outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the Kolb learning styles of the participants in a laparoscopic technical skills course and to check see if there was any relationship with performance. Methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted with 64 participants in an intensive course in which they performed laparoscopic manual intestinal anastomoses. All completed Kolb's inventory of learning styles. For each anastomosis, join quality was assessed and the performing time recorded. After that, they were analyzed through statistical studies. Results: The most frequent learning style was assimilating type (39.1%). No significant differences were observed between different learning styles and gender, professional category, the time taken or the quality of the anastomoses. Conclusions: Assimilating type was the most frequent Kolb learning style, with no differences observed between categories, age or gender. There is no relationship between the learning style of the participants and the results obtained in the course. (AU)

Analysis of learning styles in a laparoscopic technical skills course. Implications for surgical training.

INTRODUCTION: Learning surgical techniques is a dynamic process. In the 1980s David Kolb described developed a learning model that enabled teaching styles to adapt for better learner outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the Kolb learning styles of the participants in a laparoscopic technical skills course and to check see if there was any relationship with performance. METHODS: An observational descriptive study was conducted with 64 participants in an intensive course in which they performed laparoscopic manual intestinal anastomoses. All completed Kolb's inventory of learning styles. For each anastomosis, join quality was assessed and the performing time recorded. After that, they were analyzed through statistical studies. RESULTS: The most frequent learning style was assimilating type (39.1%). No significant differences were observed between different learning styles and gender, professional category, the time taken or the quality of the anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Assimilating type was the most frequent Kolb learning style, with no differences observed between categories, age or gender. There is no relationship between the learning style of the participants and the results obtained in the course.

Determining relevant traits for selecting landrace accessions of Phaseolus lunatus L. for insect resistance.

Plant-insect interactions are a determining factor for sustainable crop production. Although plants can resist or tolerate herbivorous insects to varying degrees, even with the use of pesticides, insects can reduce plant net productivity by as much as 20%, so sustainable strategies for pest control with less dependence on chemicals are needed. Selecting plants with optimal resistance and photosynthetic traits can help minimize damage and maintain productivity. Here, 27 landrace accessions of lima beans, Phaseolus lunatus L., from the Yucatan Peninsula were evaluated in the field for morphological resistance traits, photosynthetic characteristics, insect damage and seed yield. Variation was found in physical leaf traits (number, area, and dry mass of leaves; trichome density, specific leaf thickness and hardness) and in physiological traits (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon, water-use efficiency, and transpiration). Five accessions (JMC1325, JMC1288, JMC1339, JMC1208 and JMC1264) had the lowest index for cumulative damage with the highest seed yield, although RDA analysis uncovered two accessions (JMC1339, JMC1288) with strong positive association of seed yield and the cumulative damage index with leaf production, specific leaf area (SLA) and total leaf area. Leaf traits, including SLA and total leaf area are important drivers for optimizing seed yield. This study identified 12 important morphological and physiological leaf traits for selecting landrace accessions of P. lunatus for high yields (regardless of damage level) to achieve sustainable, environmentally safe crop production.

Perioperative chemotherapy versus surgery alone for resectable colorectal liver metastases: an international multicentre propensity score matched analysis on long-term outcomes according to established prognostic risk scores.

BACKGROUND: There is still uncertainty regarding the role of perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), especially in those with a low-risk of recurrence. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective analysis of patients with CRLM undergoing liver resection between 2010-2015. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received perioperative CTx or not and were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Then, they were stratified according to prognostic risk scores, including: Clinical Risk Score (CRS), Tumour Burden Score (TBS) and Genetic And Morphological Evaluation (GAME) score. RESULTS: The study included 967 patients with a median follow-up of 68 months. After PSM analysis, patients with perioperative CTx presented prolonged overall survival (OS) in comparison with the surgery alone group (82.8 vs 52.5 months, p = 0.017). On multivariable analysis perioperative CTx was an independent predictor of increased OS (HR 0.705, 95%CI 0.705-0.516, p = 0.029). The benefits of perioperative CTx on survival were confirmed in patients with CRS and TBS scores ≤2 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.020, respectively) and in patients with a GAME score ≤1 (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Perioperative CTx demonstrated an increase in OS in patients with CRLM. Patients with a low-risk of recurrence seem to benefit from systemic treatment.

Sleep deprivation among surgical residents: does it affect performance while practising a laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis? / Fatiga por deprivación de sueño en residentes de cirugía: ¿Afecta a los resultados al realizar una anastomosis laparoscópica intestinal?

INTRODUCTION: To assess the impact of fatigue due to incorrect night rest in the performance of a laparoscopic manual anastomosis. METHODS: A prospective study evaluating the results from the realization of a manual endotrainer entero-enteral anastomosis performed by residents in terms of fatigue caused by inadequate nightly rest. Two groups were established; the fatigue group (F): anastomosis performed by residents coming off shift who slept less than seven hours and the rest group (R), being those who slept at home for more than 7 hours. The time taken, length of the anastomosis and quality of such were compared based on 4 parameters: Air leak test, correct tension on the suture line, accurate opposition of the edges and optimal distance between stitches. RESULTS: 402 anastomoses were studied (211 rest group, 191 fatigue group). In the fatigue group leaks were detected in 33,5% anastomoses, as opposed to 19,4% in the rest group (p < 0.01). El rest group performed the anastomosis in 56,75 min and the fatigue group in 61,49 min (p = 0.006). There were no significant differences in the others parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue increases the risk of leakage and the time to do the exercise.

Analysis of learning styles in a laparoscopic technical skills course. Implications for surgical training. / Análisis de los estilos de aprendizaje en un curso de habilidades técnicas laparoscópicas. Implicaciones para el entrenamiento quirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION: Learning surgical techniques is a dynamic process. In the 1980s David Kolb described developed a learning model that enabled teaching styles to adapt for better learner outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the Kolb learning styles of the participants in a laparoscopic technical skills course and to check see if there was any relationship with performance. METHODS: An observational descriptive study was conducted with 64 participants in an intensive course in which they performed laparoscopic manual intestinal anastomoses. All completed Kolb's inventory of learning styles. For each anastomosis, join quality was assessed and the performing time recorded. After that, they were analyzed through statistical studies. RESULTS: The most frequent learning style was assimilating type (39.1%). No significant differences were observed between different learning styles and gender, professional category, the time taken or the quality of the anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Assimilating type was the most frequent Kolb learning style, with no differences observed between categories, age or gender. There is no relationship between the learning style of the participants and the results obtained in the course.

Is Routine Prophylaxis Against Pneumocystis jirovecii Needed in Liver Transplantation? A Retrospective Single-Centre Experience and Current Prophylaxis Strategies in Spain.

In liver transplant (LT) recipients, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is most frequently reported before 1992 when immunosuppressive regimens were more intense. It is uncertain whether universal PJP prophylaxis is still applicable in the contemporary LT setting. We aimed to examine the incidence of PJP in LT recipients followed at our institution where routine prophylaxis has never been practiced and to define the prophylaxis strategies currently employed among LT units in Spain. All LT performed from 1990 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and Spanish LT units were queried via email to specify their current prophylaxis strategy. During the study period, 662 LT procedures were carried out on 610 patients. Five cases of PJP were identified, with only one occurring within the first 6 months. The cumulative incidence and incidence rate were 0.82% and 0.99 cases per 1000 person transplant years. All LT units responded, the majority of which provide prophylaxis (80%). Duration of prophylaxis, however, varied significantly. The low incidence of PJP in our unprophylaxed cohort, with most cases occurring beyond the usual recommended period of prophylaxis, questions a one-size-fits-all approach to PJP prophylaxis. A significant heterogeneity in prophylaxis strategies exists among Spanish LT centres.

Influence of postoperative complications on long-term survival in liver transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplant (LT) is a complex procedure with frequent postoperative complications. In other surgical procedures such as gastrectomy, esophagectomy or resection of liver metastases, these complications are associated with poorer long-term survival. It is possible this happens in LT but there are not enough data to establish this relationship. AIM: To analyze the possible influence of postoperative complications on long-term survival and the ability of the comprehensive complication index (CCI) to predict this. METHODS: Retrospective study in a tertiary-level university hospital. The 164 participants were all patients who received a LT from January 2012 to July 2019. The follow-up was done in the hospital until the end of the study or death. Comorbidity and risk after transplantation were calculated using the Charlson and balance of risk (BAR) scores, respectively. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and the CCI. To assess the CCI cut-off value with greater prognostic accuracy a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was built, with calculation of the area under the curve (AUC). Overall survival was estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier test and log-rank test. Groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney test. For the multivariable analysis the Cox regression was used. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the cohort was 37.76 (SD = 24.5) mo. A ROC curve of CCI with 5-year survival was built. The AUC was 0.826 (0.730-0.922), P < 0.001. The cut-off was calculated by means of the Youden index with a result of 35.95. The sensitivity was 84.6% and the specificity 61.3%. Survival curves for comparison of patients with CCI score < 36 vs ≥ 36 were calculated. The estimated 5-year survival was 57.65 and 43.95 months, respectively (log-rank < 0.001). This suggests that patients with more severe complications exhibit worse long-term survival. Other cut-off values were analysed. Comparison between patients with CCI < 33.5 vs > 33.5 (33.5 = median CCI value) showed estimated 5-year survival was 57.4 and 45.71 months, respectively (log-rank < 0.0001). Dividing patients according to the mode CCI value (20.9) showed an estimated 5-year survival of 60 mo for a CCI below 20.9 vs 57 mo for a CCI above 20.9 (log-rank = 0.147). The univariate analysis did not show any association between individual complications and long-term survival. A multivariate analysis was carried out to analyse the possible influence of CCI, Charlson comorbidity index, BAR and hepatocellular carcinoma on survival. Only the CCI score showed significant influence on long-term survival. CONCLUSION: A complicated postoperative period - well-defined by means of the CCI score - can influence not only short-term survival, but also long-term survival.

Prostatic irradiation-induced sexual dysfunction: a review and multidisciplinary guide to management in the radical radiotherapy era (Part I defining the organ at risk for sexual toxicities).

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Radiotherapy is a curative option that is administered via external beam radiation, brachytherapy, or in combination. Erectile, ejaculatory and orgasm dysfunction(s) is/are known potential and common toxicities associated with prostate radiotherapy. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and/or scientists have written a three (3) part comprehensive review of the pathogenesis and management radiation-induced sexual dysfunction. Part I reviews pertinent anatomy associated with normal sexual function and then considers the pathogenesis of prostate radiation-induced sexual toxicities. Next, our team considers the associated radiobiological (including the effects of time, dose and fractionation) and physical (treatment planning and defining a novel Organ at Risk (OAR)) components that should be minded in the context of safe radiation treatment planning. The authors identify an OAR (i.e., the prostatic plexus) and provide suggestions on how to minimize injury to said OAR during the radiation treatment planning process.

Validation of the Balance of Risk as a Predictor of Liver Transplant Survival in a Spanish Population.

BACKGROUND: The Balance of Risk (BAR) score is a simple test that combines donor and recipient variables to predict liver transplant success. It has been validated in different publications, with cut-off points of between 15 and 18 points proposed depending on the region. The aim of this study is to test the validity of the BAR score and to find the optimal cut-off point for our population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 164 liver transplant patients was selected between January 2012 and July 2019. All were older than 18 years and were treated in a Spanish tertiary-level hospital. RESULTS: The receiver operating characteristic curve between BAR and 5-year survival yields a result of 0.622 (P = .046), placing the cut-off point at ≥7 (sensitivity 61.5%, specificity 61.6%). Patients with a BAR score <7 and a BAR score ≥7 have an estimated 5-year survival of 53.91 vs 47.51 months, respectively (log rank = .032). The only 2 variables associated with increased survival were a BAR score of <7 (hazard ratio = 2.566; P < .001) and a body mass index <30 (hazard ratio = 6.667; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A low BAR score correlates well with liver transplant survival at 5 years. The BAR is a simple tool that should be used for donor-recipient matching. Due to the characteristics, resources, and population in our environment, a BAR score of 7 would be the optimum cut-off point for a liver transplant.

Influencia de la experiencia previa en los beneficios del entrenamiento quirúrgico laparoscópico basado en la simulación / Influence of previous experience on the benefits of laparoscopic surgical training based on simulation

Introducción: El entrenamiento quirúrgico basado en simulación busca la adquisición de habilidades en los participantes noveles y la capacitación en los expertos. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la evolución de los alumnos en un curso intensivo de anastomosis laparoscópica y el análisis de sus resultados dependiendo de su nivel y experiencia previa. Métodos: Se analizaron los alumnos de todos los cursos de anastomosis realizados durante 30 meses en el Hospital virtual Valdecilla (Santander). Se realizaron anastomosis intestinales latero-laterales manuales con vísceras «ex vivo» porcinas en un endotrainer laparoscópico. Se analizaron las diferencias técnicas y de calidad entre la primera y la última anastomosis y se comparó la progresión entre residentes y los facultativos especialistas. Resultados: Se analizaron 45 participantes, 22 de ellos residentes y 23 especialistas. Se observó una mejoría estadísticamente significativa del 80,5% en todos los parámetros procedimentales (94,8% residentes vs. 67,3% especialistas). El tiempo se redujo un 48,1% en los residentes y un 43,2% en los especialistas (p < 0,001). En cuanto a calidad, se obtuvieron mejorías significativas en el grupo de residentes: incremento del 90% de tensión adecuada, reducción del 75% de bordes evertidos y 60% de las fugas. Además, obtuvieron resultados comparables a los especialistas (27,3% fuga en última anastomosis vs. 34,8% especialistas, p = 0,59), los cuales presentaron mejoría sin significación estadística. Conclusiones: El grupo de residentes presenta una mejora mayor y significativa en habilidades procedimentales y en calidad de la técnica, alcanzando el nivel de los especialistas tras completar el curso

Introduction: Surgical training based on simulation seeks the acquisition of skills in novice participants and ongoing sill development in experts. The aim of this study is to assess the evolution of students in an intensive laparoscopic anastomosis course and to analyse their results depending on their level and previous experience. Methods: The students of all the anastomosis courses conducted during 30 months in the Valdecilla virtual hospital (Santander) were analysed. Manual side-to-side intestinal anastomoses with porcine ‘ex vivo’ viscera were performed in a laparoscopic endotrainer. The technical and quality differences between the first and the last anastomoses were analyzed and the progression between residents and specialists was compared. Results: We analyzed 45 participants, 22 of them residents and 23 specialists. A statistically significant improvement of 80.5% was observed in all procedural parameters (94.8% residents vs. 67.3% specialists). The time was reduced by 48.1% in the residents and 43.2% in the specialists (p < .001). In terms of quality, significant improvements were obtained in the group of residents: an increase of 90% in adequate tension, and a reduction of 75% of everted edges and 60% of leaks. In addition, they obtained results comparable to the specialists (27.3% leak in the last anastomosis vs. 34.8% by the specialists, p = .59), which presented improvement without statistical significance. Conclusions: The group of residents presented a major and significant improvement in procedural skills and in the quality of the technique, reaching the level of the specialists after completion of the course

Lessons Learned From Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico: Practical Measures to Mitigate the Impact of a Catastrophic Natural Disaster on Radiation Oncology Patients.

PURPOSE: Although the wind, rain, and flooding of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico abated shortly after its landfall on September 20, 2017, the disruption of the electrical, communications, transportation, and medical infrastructure of the island was unprecedented in scope and caused lasting harm for many months afterward. A compilation of recommendations from radiation oncologists who were in Puerto Rico during the disaster, and from a panel of American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) cancer experts was created. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Radiation oncologists throughout Puerto Rico collaborated and improvised to continue treating patients in the immediate aftermath of the storm and as routine clinical operations were restored gradually. Empirical lessons from the experience of radiation therapy administration in this profoundly altered context of limited resources, impaired communication, and inadequate transportation were organized into a recommended template, applicable to any radiation oncology practice. ASTRO disease-site experts provided evidence-guidelines for mitigating the impact of a 2- to 3-week interruption in radiation therapy. RESULTS: Practical measures to mitigate the medical impact of a disaster are summarized within the framework of "Prepare, Communicate, Operate, Compensate." Specific measures include the development of an emergency operations plan tailored to specific circumstances, prospective coordination with other radiation oncology clinics before a disaster, ongoing communications with emergency management organizations, and routine practice of alternate methods to disseminate information among providers and patients. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations serve as a starting point to assist any radiation oncology practice in becoming more resiliently prepared for a local or regional disruption from any cause. Disease-site experts provide evidence-based guidelines on how to mitigate the impact of a 2- to 3-week interruption in radiation therapy for lung, head and neck, uterine cervix, breast, and prostate cancers through altered fractionation or dose escalation.