Treatment, not delivery, of the late preterm and term fetus with supraventricular arrhythmia.

OBJECTIVE: While in-utero treatment of sustained fetal supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA) is standard practice in the previable and preterm fetus, data are limited on best practice for late preterm (34 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks), early term (37 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks) and term (> 39 weeks) fetuses with SVA. We reviewed the delivery and postnatal outcomes of fetuses at ≥ 35 weeks of gestation undergoing treatment rather than immediate delivery. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of fetuses presenting at ≥ 35 weeks of gestation with sustained SVA and treated transplacentally at six institutions between 2012 and 2022. Data were collected on gestational age at presentation and delivery, SVA diagnosis (short ventriculoatrial (VA) tachycardia, long VA tachycardia or atrial flutter), type of antiarrhythmic medication used, interval between treatment and conversion to sinus rhythm and postnatal SVA recurrence. RESULTS: Overall, 37 fetuses presented at a median gestational age of 35.7 (range, 35.0-39.7) weeks with short VA tachycardia (n = 20), long VA tachycardia (n = 7) or atrial flutter (n = 10). Four (11%) fetuses were hydropic. In-utero treatment led to restoration of sinus rhythm in 35 (95%) fetuses at a median of 2 (range, 1-17) days; this included three of the four fetuses with hydrops. Antiarrhythmic medications included flecainide (n = 11), digoxin (n = 7), sotalol (n = 11) and dual therapy (n = 8). Neonates were liveborn at 36-41 weeks via spontaneous vaginal delivery (23/37 (62%)) or Cesarean delivery (14/37 (38%)). Cesarean delivery was indicated for fetal SVA in two fetuses, atrial ectopy or sinus bradycardia in three fetuses and obstetric reasons in nine fetuses that were in sinus rhythm at the time of delivery. Twenty-one (57%) cases were treated for recurrent SVA after birth. CONCLUSION: In-utero treatment of the near term and term (≥ 35-week) SVA fetus is highly successful even in the presence of hydrops, with the majority of cases delivered vaginally closer to term, thereby avoiding unnecessary Cesarean section. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Patterns of endocardial fibroelastosis without atrioventricular block in fetuses exposed to anti-Ro/SSA antibodies.

Anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-mediated endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) without atrioventricular (AV) block at presentation is a rare cardiac phenotype. We report on 11 fetuses with this rare type of anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-mediated cardiac involvement, presenting with a distinctive echocardiographic pattern of EFE. Eleven fetuses with isolated EFE at presentation were included from four cardiac centers, and experienced fetal cardiologists reached a consensus regarding EFE location on echocardiography at presentation. Interval changes to subsequent fetal and postnatal echocardiograms were assessed to evaluate response to therapy. Echocardiographic markers of cardiac performance, including diastolic function and AV conduction, were reviewed. Ten fetuses were found to have EFE of the aortic root, proximal aorta and/or left ventricular outflow tract. In the same 10 cases, EFE of the pulmonary root, pulmonary artery and/or right ventricular outflow tract was identified. Six cases had atrial EFE and six had EFE of the crux. Four cases were known to be positive for anti-Ro/SSA antibodies prior to diagnosis, whereas, in the remaining seven, echocardiographic findings prompted testing, which was positive in all cases. The AV interval at presentation was normal in all cases, but one fetus subsequently developed AV block. Nine patients were treated with transplacental dexamethasone, five of which also received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and one received IVIG only. Of the 10 treated cases, six had improvement in EFE as shown by serial imaging and, in four cases, the severity was unchanged. All patients were liveborn. In our cohort, EFE of the aortic and pulmonary arteries and outflow tracts was nearly universal, and involvement of the atria and the crux of the heart was also common. The high survival rate and low burden of AV block are also suggestive of a distinct phenotype of anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-mediated cardiac disease with a favorable prognosis. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Improved detection of coarctation of the aorta using speckle-tracking analysis of fetal heart on last examination prior to delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The false-positive rate for prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (FP-CoA) commonly exceeds 50%, with an accurate detection rate of < 50%. This study was conducted to determine if the sensitivity for prenatal detection of true CoA and the FP-CoA rate could be improved by evaluating the fetal epicardial size and shape in the four-chamber view (4CV) and the endocardial right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular size, shape and contractility. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) clips of the 4CV from the last examination prior to delivery in a series of 108 fetuses with CoA suspected prenatally by pediatric cardiologists using traditional diagnostic criteria. Postnatal evaluation distinguished those fetuses which subsequently required CoA surgery (true positives; true CoA) from those that were FP-CoA. Postnatal cardiac abnormalities were identified for each group. For the prenatal evaluation, we measured the 4CV end-diastolic epicardial area, circumference, length, width and global sphericity index. Speckle-tracking analysis was used to compute the endocardial RV and LV end-diastolic area, length, 24-segment sphericity index, 24-segment transverse width and the following functional parameters: fractional area change; global longitudinal, free-wall and septal-wall strain; basal-apical-length, basal free-wall and basal septal-wall fractional shortening; septal-wall annular plane systolic excursion; 24-segment transverse-width fractional shortening; and LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction. In addition, the RV/LV end-diastolic area ratio was computed. Using a control group of 200 normal fetuses, the mean and SD for each of the above cardiac measurements was used to compute the Z-scores for each measurement in each of the 108 study fetuses. Logistic regression analysis was then performed on the Z-score values to identify variables that separated the true CoA group from the FP-CoA group. RESULTS: Of the 108 study fetuses, 54 were confirmed postnatally to have true CoA and 54 were FP-CoA. Right/left area disproportion > 90th centile was present in 80% (n = 43) of the true-CoA fetuses and 76% (n = 41) of the FP-CoA fetuses. Fetuses with true CoA had a significantly greater number of associated cardiac abnormalities (93%, n = 50) compared with the FP-CoA fetuses (61%, n = 33) (P < 0.001). The most common associated malformations were bicuspid aortic valve (true CoA, 46% (n = 25) vs FP-CoA, 22% (n = 12); P < 0.01), aortic arch hypoplasia (true CoA, 31% (n = 17) vs FP-CoA, 11% (n = 6); P < 0.01), ventricular septal defect (true CoA, 33% (n = 18) vs FP-CoA, 11% (n = 6); P < 0.05) and mitral valve abnormality (true CoA, 30% (n = 16) vs FP-CoA, 4% (n = 2); P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis identified 28 variables that correctly identified 96% (52/54) of the fetuses with true CoA, with a false-positive rate of 4% (2/54) and a false-negative rate of 4% (2/54). These variables included the epicardial size in the 4CV, size and shape of RV and LV, and abnormal contractility of RV and LV. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve was 0.98 (SE, 0.023; 95% CI, 0.84-1). There was no significant difference in the percent of fetuses with RV/LV area disproportion between those with CoA and those that were FP-CoA. CONCLUSIONS: Speckle-tracking analysis of multiple ventricular measurements may be helpful to refine the diagnosis in fetuses that are suspected to have CoA prenatally. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Estudio comparativo de precisión diagnóstica preoperatoria y la confirmación laparoscópica de hernia hiatal / Comparative study of preoperative diagnostic precision and laparoscopic confirmation of hiatal hernia

Resumen Introducción: La hernia hiatal (HH) de tipo I por deslizamiento es el tipo más frecuente, siendo difícil de definir objetivamente, por lo que el principal foco de controversia es su diagnóstico. El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar los resultados respecto de la precisión diagnóstica del estudio preoperatorio y confirmarlo con el diagnóstico laparoscópico de este tipo de HH. Materiales y Método: Estudio prospectivo descriptivo de serie que incluyen pacientes con síntomas típicos de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, los cuales se sometieron a estudio con esófago-gastro-duodenoscopía, estudio manométrico y radiológico de esófago, estómago y duodeno con bario. Se incluyen sólo los pacientes en los cuales la endoscopía revela la existencia de HH por deslizamiento ≪ 5 cm. Estos pacientes se sometieron a tratamiento quirúrgico confirmándose o no la existencia de HH al momento de la exploración laparoscópica. Resultados: El valor predictivo positivo y sensibilidad para manometría fue de un 51,2% y 70%, para la radiología 91,7% y 80,5% y para endoscopia 80,3% y 70,7% respectivamente. Conclusión: Para el diagnóstico confiable de HH antes del tratamiento, las tres investigaciones mencionadas deben ser obligatorias antes de la cirugía.

Introduction: Being type I hiatal hernia (HH) the most frequent, is difficult to define objectively and therefore, the main focus of controversy is the diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to report the results regarding the diagnostic accuracy of the preoperative study and to confirm it with the laparoscopic diagnosis of hiatal hernia. Materials and Method: This descriptive and prospective study includes patients with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease who underwent esophageal-gastro-duodenoscopy, manometry and radiological study of esophagus with barium swallow. Only patients in whom endoscopy reveals the existence of HH by sliding ≪ 5 cm are included. These patients underwent surgical treatment confirming or not the existence of HH at the time of laparoscopic exploration. Results: The positive pre- dictive value and sensibility for manometry was 51.2% and 70%, for radiology 91.7% and 80.5%, and for endoscopy 85.3% and 70.7% respectively. Conclusion: For the reliable diagnosis of HH before treatment, the three mentioned investigations must be mandatory before the surgery.

Long-term functional and clinical outcomes following transanal advancement flap for complex anal fistula repair: are there predictors of recurrence and incontinence?

AIM: Transanal flap is an attractive technique for complex fistulas. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with poor outcome, recurrence and incontinence. METHOD: All patients who underwent an advancement flap for the treatment of a complex anal fistula between 1995 and 2019 were prospectively enrolled. The patient data obtained included age, sex, body mass index, comorbid conditions and smoking history. The fistula characteristics analysed included previous anal surgery, anatomy of the fistula according to Park's classification, horseshoe or supralevator extension and preoperative seton drainage. The postoperative data registered included complications, postoperative stay, recurrence and incontinence. Predictive factors for recurrence and incontinence were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety patients were included; 134 (70.5%) were men and the mean patient age was 50 years. The median length of follow-up was 44.6 months. The fistula recurred in 14 patients (7.3%). Before surgery, 20 patients (10.5%) reported incontinence symptoms. In the continent patients a Wexner postoperative score of 0 was identified in 79.4%. Wexner scores between 1 and 3 were observed in 17% and scores of 4 or more in five patients (3%). Factors associated with recurrence included age < 50 years (OR = 4.8, P = 0.02, 95% CI 1.2-19), smoking (OR = 4.1, P = 0.03, 95% CI 1-16.5) and suprasphincteric fistula (OR = 0.5, P = 0.01, 95% CI 0.2-0.8) in multivariate log regression analysis. Major incontinence was influenced by female sex and previous anal surgery (OR = 7.5, P = 0.003, 95% CI 1.6-34 and OR = 0.1, P = 0.007, 95% CI 0.1-0.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Full-thickness transanal advancement flap is a good treatment for complex anal fistula repair. This study provides relevant information on risk factors for failure of therapy and incontinence, which can help in advising patients before surgery and planning a good treatment strategy.

Cirugía herniaria electiva en pacientes portadores de tratamiento anticoagulante / Elective hernia surgery in patients with anticoagulant treatment

Resumen Introducción: Diversas patologías requieren de tratamiento anticoagulante oral (TACO). Algunos de estos pacientes requieren resolución quirúrgica. El manejo perioperatorio de estos pacientes es variable dependiendo del centro. Objetivos: Evaluar la morbilidad y mortalidad del protocolo de manejo de patología herniaria en TACO, atendidos en nuestro hospital. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo de 37 pacientes sometidos a cirugía herniaria en TACO entre 2008-2016. Los datos fueron obtenidos de la base de datos computacional del Equipo de Hernias, con un seguimiento mínimo de 1 mes. Se evaluaron las características clínicas, quirúrgicas y la morbimortalidad postoperatoria. El traslape consistió en hospitalizar al paciente tres días previos a la cirugía, suspendiéndose el TACO e iniciando heparina de bajo peso molecular (HBPM) en dosis terapéuticas, que se suspende 24 h previas a la cirugía. Se reinicia la HPBM a las 12 a 24 h postoperatorias, y se inicia el traslape a TACO a las 24-48 h. Los datos fueron analizados con Stata v14. Resultados: De los 37 pacientes estudiados, veintiséis pacientes fueron hombres (70,2%), la media de edad fue de 67,3 años. El 48,7% tenían fibrilación auricular. El 100% consumía acenocumarol como TACO. La media en el inicio del traslape a la anticoagulación oral fue de 1,4 días. El promedio de INR al momento del alta fue de 2,04. Dos pacientes fueron dados de alta con dalteparina. Un paciente (2,7%), presentó dolor en el postoperatorio inmediato y uno (2,7%), equimosis del sitio quirúrgico. Conclusiones: El protocolo de trabajo utilizado, demostró ser seguro, con una mínima morbilidad postoperatoria.

Introduction: Various pathologies require oral anticoagulant treatment (TACO). Some of these patients present pathologies of surgical resolution. The perioperative management of these patients is variable depending on the center. Aim: To evaluate the morbidity and mortality of patients attended with hernia pathology and TACO, assisted in our hospital. Materials and Method: Prospective, descriptive study of 37 patients submmited to hernia surgery in TACO between 2008-2016. The data was obtained from the computer database of the Hernia Team, with a minimum follow-up of 1 month. Clinical, surgical characteristics and postoperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated. The treatment overlap from TACO to Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) in therapeutic doses, was initiated three days before surgery. LMWH was suspended 24 hours prior to surgery, and reinitiated 12 to 24 hours post operation. 48 to 72 hours TACO was resumed. The data was analyzed with Stata v14. Results: Twenty-six patients were men, the mean age was 67.3 years. 48.7% had atrial fibrillation. 100% consumed acenocoumarol as TACO. The mean time for resuming TACO after surgery was 1.4 days. The average INR at the time of discharge was 2.04. Two patients were discharged with dalteparin. One patient (2.7%) presented pain in the immediate postoperative period and one showed ecchymosis of the surgical site (2.7%). Conclusions: The work protocol used, proved to be safe, with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Plasmocitoma solitario de costilla como presentación inicial de mieloma múltiple: reporte de un caso / Lone rib plasmacytoma as a presentation of initial multiple myeloma: a case report

Resumen Introducción: El 50% de los tumores de pared torácica son malignos, dentro de los que destaca el plasmocitoma de costilla. Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico que debutó inicialmente como un plasmocitoma de costilla, y que terminó presentándose como mieloma múltiple. Materiales y Método: Registro clínico de un paciente sometido a resección de tumor de parrilla costal. Resultados: Paciente masculino de 58 años, con un año de dolor costal, asociado a aumento de volumen a nivel de la octava costilla derecha en línea media axilar, indurada. TC de tórax que demuestra imagen sugerente de plasmocitoma de 79 × 44 mm. Se realiza resección quirúrgica, con instalación de malla de prolene en el defecto. Biopsia diferida con compromiso neoplásico por lesión monoclonal de células plasmáticas. Se complementa estudio con biopsia de médula ósea confirmando mieloma múltiple. Se inicia tratamiento con quimioterapia adyuvante. Conclusiones: El plasmocitoma óseo solitario es una entidad de baja frecuencia, que se asocia a la presencia de mieloma múltiple. Es por esto que al momento de la sospecha se hace necesario descartar su presencia, con el fin de mejorar el pronóstico del paciente.

Introduction: Up to 50% of chest wall tumors are malignant; among which rib plasmocytoma stand out. Aim: Showcase a clinical case that debuted as a rib plasmacytoma, and that ended up presenting as Multiple Myeloma. Materials and Method: Records of a patient with resection of chest wall tumor. Results: Male patient of 58 years, with one year of costal pain, associated with an indurated increase in volume at the level of the eighth right rib in the mid-axillary line. Chest CT scan demonstrated a suggestive image of plasmacytoma of 79 × 44 mm. Surgical resection was performed, with prolene mesh installation in the defect. Biopsy showed neoplastic compromise due to monoclonal lesion of plasma cells. Study is complemented with bone marrow biopsy confirming multiple myeloma. The patient was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions: Solitary bone plasmacytoma is a low frequency entity, which is associated with the presence of multiple myeloma. At the moment of suspicion, it is necessary to rule out their presence, in order to improve the patient's prognosis.

Keeping upbeat to prevent the heartbreak of anti-Ro/SSA pregnancy.

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019; 54: 87-95.

Evolución de operaciones por enfermedades del intestino proximal y glándulas anexas realizadas en Chile entre 2011 y 2016 / Evolution of surgeries due to diseases of the proximal intestine and anexal glands perfomed in Chile between 2011 and 2016

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los datos sobre número de operaciones realizadas en Chile en patología del intestino proximal y glándulas anexas, han sido cada vez más precisas en los registros estadísticos del MINSAL en los últimos años. OBJETIVO: a) Incorporar datos de otras operaciones no incluidas en reportes previos, b) comparar los resultados de operaciones de alta complejidad reportadas el año 2011 y confrontarlos con los datos del año 2016. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: En el DEIS (Departamento de Estadística e Información de Salud) se obtuvo el número total de operaciones realizadas en Chile el año 2016 y mortalidad operatoria al momento del egreso de diferentes patologías del intestino proximal y glándulas anexas, siendo la mayoría tumores malignos: cáncer de esófago, estómago, páncreas, hígado y vías biliares intrahepáticas y vesícula biliar. Los resultados se compararon con los obtenidos del año 2011. RESULTADOS: La letalidad anual de cánceres digestivos demostró un alza del cáncer de páncreas e hígado, mientras que se aprecia una baja en el cáncer de esófago y vesícula biliar. Operaciones de patología benigna, como la esofagocardiomiotomía y cirugías antirreflujo laparoscópica no mostraron mortalidad, al igual que el bypass gástrico. La colecistectomía y la gastrectomía vertical laparoscópicas, tuvieron una muy baja mortalidad operatoria. En las intervenciones quirúrgicas por tumores malignos se apreció en todos una disminución de la mortalidad operatoria comparado con el año 2011, aunque no fue estadísticamente significativo. CONCLUSIÓN: El presente estudio muestra un aumento de las operaciones por enfermedades del intestino proximal y glándulas anexas así como una disminución de la mortalidad operatoria el año 2016 comparado con el 2011.

INTRODUCTION: The number of operations performed in Chile due to diseases for the foregut, have been every time more precise and complete in the National Register Data of Statistics in Health (MINSAL), and published in several reports (years 1983, 2005 and 2011). OBJECTIVES: a) to incorporate data of new operations not included before and b) to compare the results of high complex operations reported on 2011 and 2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: from the DEIS (Department of Statistics and Information of Health) we obtained the total number of operations performed during 2016, and the operative mortality at the time of discharge from the hospital for different diseases of the foregut been the majority malignant tumors: esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver and bile ducts carcinoma, and cancer of the gallbladder. The results were compared to dose obtained the year 2011. RESULTS: The annual lethality of digestive malignant tumors showed an increase in pancreatic and liver cancer, while a decrease was observed in patients with esophageal cancer al gallbladder cancer. Operations for benign pathology like esophagomiotomy and laparoscopic antireflux surgery showed no mortality, as well as gastric bypass. Laparoscopic cholecistectomy, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy presented a very low mortality. Surgical procedures for malignant diseases showed a decrease in operative mortality compare to 2011, although not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows an increase in the operations for foregut diseases performed during 2016 compared with the year 2011, as well as a decrease in operative mortality.

Assessment of atrioventricular conduction by echocardiography and magnetocardiography in normal and anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-positive pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were, first, to evaluate the association between fetal echocardiographic atrioventricular (AV) and magnetocardiographic (fMCG) PR intervals at different gestational ages (GAs) in normal and anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-positive pregnancies; second, to determine if PR interval could be predicted by AV interval; and third, to assess the neonatal outcome of fetuses with prolonged AV and PR intervals, with the goal of developing criteria for fetal first-degree AV block (AVB-I). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-positive pregnancies (cases) and controls that underwent fMCG and fetal echocardiography at the same recording session. Cardiac cycle length, GA and AV (by mitral inflow/aortic outflow Doppler) and PR (by fMCG) intervals were measured. We tested for significant differences between AV and PR intervals using generalized estimating equations to account for repeat measurements, and assessed whether PR interval could be predicted reliably by AV interval. After delivery, infants with fetal AV or PR interval Z-score ≥ 3 underwent 12-lead electrocardiography. RESULTS: Thirty-nine controls and 31 cases underwent 46 and 36 simultaneous fMCG and echocardiographic examinations, respectively; 101 controls and nine cases underwent fMCG only. AV and PR intervals increased with GA (P < 0.05 for both). Overall, AV and PR intervals were significantly different from each other (P < 0.001); this difference was not significant when compared between cases and controls (P = 0.222). PR interval could not be predicted accurately from AV interval and GA alone. Three of four cases with AV and PR interval Z-scores > + 3 had postnatal AVB-I despite treatment. The fourth fetus, which had predominately second-degree AVB and rare periods of AVB-I, progressed to third-degree AVB despite treatment with dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic threshold for AVB-I, defined by AV interval Z-score, is GA dependent. Based on the observed data, an AV interval Z-score threshold of 3 (AV interval, 151-167 ms) may be appropriate. Echocardiographic AV interval was not predictive of fMCG-PR interval. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Heart sounds at home: feasibility of an ambulatory fetal heart rhythm surveillance program for anti-SSA-positive pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Fetuses exposed to anti-SSA (Sjögren's) antibodies are at risk of developing irreversible complete atrioventricular block (CAVB), resulting in death or permanent cardiac pacing. Anti-inflammatory treatment during the transition period from normal heart rhythm (fetal heart rhythm (FHR)) to CAVB (emergent CAVB) can restore sinus rhythm, but detection of emergent CAVB is challenging, because it can develop in ⩽24 h. We tested the feasibility of a new technique that relies on home FHR monitoring by the mother, to surveil for emergent CAVB. STUDY DESIGN: We recruited anti-SSA-positive mothers at 16 to 18 weeks gestation (baseline) from 8 centers and instructed them to monitor FHR two times a day until 26 weeks, using a Doppler device at home. FHR was also surveilled by weekly or every other week fetal echo. If FHR was irregular, the mother underwent additional fetal echo. We compared maternal stress/anxiety before and after monitoring. Postnatally, infants underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Among 133 recruited, 125 (94%) enrolled. Among those enrolled, 96% completed the study. Reasons for withdrawal (n=5) were as follows: termination of pregnancy, monitoring too time consuming or moved away. During home monitoring, 9 (7.5%) mothers detected irregular FHR diagnosed by fetal echo as normal (false positive, n=2) or benign atrial arrhythmia (n=7). No CAVB was undetected or developed after monitoring. Questionnaire analysis indicated mothers felt comforted by the experience and would monitor again in future pregnancies. CONCLUSION: These data suggest ambulatory FHR surveillance of anti-SSA-positive pregnancies is feasible, has a low false positive rate and is empowering to mothers.

Opciones terapéuticas actuales en el manejo de la coledocolitiasis asociada a colecistolitiasis / Current therapeutic options in the management of choledocholithiasis associated with cholecyllithiasis

The term Choledocholithiasis refers to the presence of biliary stones in the extrahepatic bile ducts, which are found in 5 to 10% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy for gallstones. Nowadays, with the adoption of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) as a standard, multiple minimally invasive treatment options for bile duct stones are feasible, with no consensus to date on the procedure of choice. The two stage endoscopic techniques involve the use of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) before or after performing a LC, which has the main advantage of separating the bile duct procedure from the LC. However, the need for two separate anesthesia times, the possibility of blank or failed ERCP, and the chance for calculi migration between procedures increase the length of hospital stay and associated costs. The single stage procedures include the Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration (LBDE), and more recently, the performance of a laparoscopy guided intraoperative ERCP(Rendez Vous). The LBDE, when performed by an experienced surgical team, is an effective and safe technique. Nonetheless, it is considered a technically demanding procedure, whose results cannot be extrapolated to the general surgical community. Recently, the Rendez Vous has become a treatment alternative that simplifies both the surgical and the endoscopic procedures, decreases morbidity, and requires a single anesthesia time. On the downside, Rendez Vous technique involves complex operating room (OR) logistics, requiring both a trained surgical and endoscopic team at the same time. (AU)

[Voluntariness and blood donation: Proceedings of an ethics seminar held at the National Institute for Blood Transfusion]. / Volontariat et don de sang : compte rendu d'un séminaire de l'Institut national de transfusion sanguine.

Voluntariness stands for one of the four pillars of ethics in blood donation; it is, however, more related to tradition than to legislation. Because it seems necessary to apply "marketing" techniques to blood collection in order to meet the needs in blood components, both in terms of quantity and quality, one wonders if this may be at the expense of this principle of voluntariness. This seminar-belonging actually to a series of seminars in Ethics in Transfusion Medicine-aimed at questioning the possible weakness of voluntariness in the field of blood donation. To achieve this goal, specialists of numerous disciplines in medical sciences, law and humanities gathered to discuss all related issues to voluntariness in blood donation.

[The place and moment of blood donation: considerations on the organization of blood collection sites]. / L'espace et le moment du don: réflexions sur l'organisation des plateformes de collecte.

Conversations held with the staffs of blood collection sites at établissement français du sang (EFS) of several regions allow pinpointing their criticisms, expectations and suggestions. They concern, at the same time, the arrangement of sites and the donor circuit, the work organization and the management of the teams. This point seems major, underlining the role of local supervision, which is at once a technical expert and a manager, and the necessity to set up the conditions of a good cooperation, between professions where too many subdivisions still remain.