Short-term postoperative outcomes of gastric adenocarcinoma patients treated with curative intent in low-volume centers.

BACKGROUND: Quality standards in postoperative outcomes have not yet been defined for gastric cancer surgery. Also, the effect of centralization of gastric cancer surgery on the improvement of postoperative outcomes continues to be debated. Short-term postoperative outcomes in gastric carcinoma patients in centers with low-volume of annual gastrectomies were assessed. The effect of age on major postoperative morbidity and mortality was also analyzed. METHODS: Patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction Siewert III type carcinomas who underwent surgical treatment with curative intent between January 2013 and December 2016 were included. Data were obtained from the population-based surgical registry Esophagogastric Carcinoma Registry of the Comunitat Valenciana (RECEG-CV). The RECEG-CV gathers information on demographic characteristics and comorbidity, preoperative study and neoadjuvant treatment, surgical procedure, pathological study, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up. Seventeen hospitals belonging to the public network participated in this registry. RESULTS: Data from 591 patients were analyzed. Postoperative major morbidity occurred in 154 (26.1%) patients. Overall 30-day or in-hospital mortality, and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were 8.6% and 10.1% respectively. Failure-to-rescue was 39% and it was significantly higher in patients aged 75 years or older in comparison with younger patients (55.3% vs 23.1% p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, age ≥ 75 years (p = 0.029), laparoscopic approach (p = 0.005), and total gastrectomy (p = 0.005) were associated with major postoperative morbidity. Age ≥ 75 years (p = 0.027), pulmonary complications (p = 0.001), cardiac complications (p = 0.001), leakage (p = 0.003), and hemorrhage (p = 0.013) were associated with postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Centralization of gastric adenocarcinoma treatment in centers with higher annual caseload should be considered to improve the short-term postoperative outcomes in low-volume centers. Patients aged 75 or older had a significantly increased risk of major postoperative morbidity and mortality, and higher failure-to-rescue.

Metástasis cutánea como primera manifestación de un carcinoma papilar capsulado de mama / Cutaneous metastasis as the first manifestation of an encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast

Introducción La mama es el órgano interno que con más frecuencia produce metástasis en la piel en las mujeres. Puede ser un signo de enfermedad sistémica avanzada o ser la primera manifestación de un cáncer asintomático. No se han descrito hasta la fecha metástasis cutáneas por carcinomas papilares capsulados de mama. Caso clínico Mujer de 76 años, con elevada comorbilidad y mastectomía radical modificada izquierda 25 años antes por carcinoma ductal infiltrante. Acudió al servicio de Dermatología por una lesión tumoral vascularizada, sangrante y dolorosa de 0,8cm de diámetro localizada en zona retroauricular mastoidea izquierda. Se realizó biopsia escisional de la lesión que, tras estudio anatomopatológico, fue diagnosticada de metástasis cutánea de cáncer de mama. La mamografía derecha y la ultrasonografía demostraron la presencia de un nódulo de 38mm, bien delimitado. La pieza de tumorectomía demostró la presencia de un carcinoma papilar capsulado, antes conocido también como intraquístico. El estudio de extensión resultó negativo para otras metástasis. Conclusión La mama es el origen más frecuente de las metástasis cutáneas de neoplasias internas. Las formas de presentación son variadas y el clínico debe mantener un alto índice de sospecha para poder realizar un diagnóstico adecuado y precoz. (AU)

Introduction The breast is the internal organ that most often produces skin metastasis in women. Metastasis can be a sign of advanced systemic disease or the first manifestation of asymptomatic cancer. To date, there have been no descriptions of cutaneous metastases from papillary carcinomas encapsulated in the breast. Clinical case We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with high comorbidity and a modified radical mastectomy 25 years previously due to infiltrating ductal carcinoma. The patient attended the dermatology department due to a painful, vascularized, bleeding 0.8cm tumor located in the left mastoid retroauricular area. An excisional biopsy of the lesion was performed, which, after pathological study, was diagnosed as cutaneous metastasis from breast cancer. The presence of a well-defined 38mm nodule was confirmed by mammography and ultrasonography. The tumorectomy specimen demonstrated the presence of an encapsulated papillary carcinoma, previously also known as intracystic carcinoma. The extension study was negative for other metastases. Conclusion The breast is the most frequent origin of cutaneous metastases from internal neoplasms. The forms of presentation are varied and clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion in order to make an accurate and early diagnosis. (AU)

Mastopatía diabética. Revisión sistemática con 93 pacientes / Diabetic mastopathy. A systematic review of 93 patients

Introducción La mastopatía diabética (MD) es una afectación benigna de la mama que aparece en pacientes diabéticas con mal control glucémico de larga evolución. La enfermedad se caracteriza por la aparición de nódulos fibrosos que pueden simular tanto clínica como radiológicamente un cáncer de mama. Su diagnóstico debe realizarse con biopsia con aguja gruesa (BAG) y el tratamiento debe evitar resecciones quirúrgicas. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar con más exactitud esta enfermedad y sus características aportando claridad en su diagnóstico diferencial. Material y métodos Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de los artículos publicados en los últimos 5 años en las principales bases de datos médicas usando para ello los términos «Mastopatía diabética» y «Diabetic mastopathy». Se incluyeron todo tipo de artículos científicos que aportasen datos sobre la MD, excluyendo aquellos que incluyeran otras enfermedades inflamatorias de la mama. Se seleccionaron finalmente 28 artículos. Para el análisis estadístico se dividió a las pacientes en 2 grupos, diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 1 (DM1) y DM tipo 2 (DM2), y se compararon la media y la proporción de las diferentes variables analizadas utilizando para ello la prueba t de Student. Se utilizó el programa STATA para realizar el análisis estadístico. Resultados Se analizaron 28 artículos, con un total de 93 pacientes incluidas. En los artículos analizados todos los pacientes eran mujeres. La mayoría de las pacientes presentaron DM1 y el tiempo medio de evolución de la diabetes fue de 20 años. La lesión asociada a la DM que se observó con mayor frecuencia fue la retinopatía diabética (34%). La lesión palpable fue la forma de manifestación más frecuente (53%). Respecto al diagnóstico el hallazgo mamográfico más habitual, fue la hiperdensidad asimétrica y en la ecografía la lesión hipoecoica de bordes irregulares y sombra acústica posterior. El tratamiento más habitual fue conservador. Conclusión ... (AU)

Introduction Diabetic mastopathy is a benign disease of the breast that develops in patients with long-standing diabetes and poor glycemic control. The disease is characterised by fibrous nodules that can be confused with breast cancer both clinically and radiologically. Diagnosis should be made with core needle biopsy (CNB) and treatment should avoid surgical resections. The main objective of this study was to characterise this rare disease in order to improve its differential diagnosis and treatment. Material and methods A systematic review was conducted, including articles published in the last 5 years in the main medical databases using the terms “Mastopatía diabética” and “Diabetic mastopathy”. We included all types of scientific articles providing data on diabetic mastopathy. We excluded articles including other inflammatory breast diseases. Finally 28 articles were selected. For the statistical analysis, patients were divided in 2groups: DM1 patients and DM2 patients. The mean and proportion of the different variables were analysed with the Student t-test. The statistical analysis was performed with the STATA programme. Results We analysed 28 articles, with 93 patients. None of the included articles reported male patients. Most patients had type 1 diabetes and diabetic mastopathy developed at a mean of 20 years after diabetes onset. The most frequent complication of diabetes was diabetic retinopathy (34%). The most common manifestation was a palpable nodule (53%). Regarding diagnosis, the most common mammographic finding was asymmetric hyperdensity and the most common ultrasound finding was a hypoechoic lesion with irregular edges and posterior acoustic shadow. The most frequent treatment was conservative. Conclusion... (AU)

Effect of Preoperative Immunonutrition on Postoperative Major Morbidity after Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC in Patients with Peritoneal Metastasis.

The effect of preoperative immunonutrition intake on postoperative major complications in patients following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was assessed. The accuracy of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) for detecting postoperative complications was also analyzed. Patients treated within a peritoneal carcinomatosis program in which a complete or optimal cytoreduction was achieved were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups based on whether preoperative immunonutrition (IMN) or not (non-IMN) were administered. Clinical and surgical variables and postoperative complications were gathered. Predictive values of major morbidity of CRP during the first 3 postoperative days (POD) were also evaluated. A total of 107 patients were included, 48 belonging to the IMN group and 59 to the non-IMN group. In multivariate analysis immunonutrition (OR 0.247; 95%CI 0.071-0.859; p = 0.028), and the number of visceral resections (OR 1.947; 95%CI 1.086-3.488; p = 0.025) emerged as independent factors associated with postoperative major morbidity. CRP values above 103 mg/L yielded a negative predictive value of 84%. Preoperative intake of immunonutrition was associated with a decrease of postoperative major morbidity and might be recommended to patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis following CRS. Measuring CRP levels during the 3 first postoperative days is useful to rule out major morbidity.

Non-arbitrary minimum threshold of yearly performed pancreatoduodenectomies: National multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Annual hospital volume of pancreatoduodenectomies could influence postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study is to establish with a non-arbitrary method the minimum threshold of yearly performed pancreatoduodenectomies in order to improve several postoperative quality outcomes. METHOD: Prospective follow-up of patients submitted to pancreatoduodenectomy in participating hospitals during 1 year. The influence of hospital volume on quality outcomes was analyzed by univariable and multivariable models. The minimum threshold of yearly performed pancreatoduodenectomies to improve outcomes was established by Akaike's information criteria. RESULTS: Data from 877 patients operated in 74 hospitals were analyzed. Of 12 quality outcomes, 9 were influenced by hospital pancreatoduodenectomy volume on multivariable analysis. To decrease the risk of complications and the risk of retrieving an insufficient number of lymph nodes at least 31 pancreatoduodenectomies per year should be performed. To decrease the risk of prolonged length of stay, postoperative death, and affected surgical margins, at least 37, 6, and 14 pancreatoduodenectomies per year should be performed, respectively. CONCLUSION: Several postoperative quality outcomes are influenced by the number of yearly performed pancreatoduodenectomies and could be improved by establishing a minimum threshold of procedures. Number of procedures needed to improve quality outcomes has been established by a non-arbitrary method.

Outcome quality standards for surgery of colorectal liver metastasis.

PURPOSE: Liver metastases are the most common malignant solid liver lesions, approximately 40% of which stem from colorectal tumors. Liver resection is currently the only curative treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). However, there is a lack of consensus criteria to assess the results of this treatment. In order to evaluate the quality of surgical outcomes, it is necessary to identify quality indicators (QIs) and their corresponding quality standards (QS). We propose a simple method to determine QI and QS in CRLM surgery (CRLMS) and establish acceptable quality limits (AQL) for each QI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of CRLMS results published from 2006 to 2016. Clinical guidelines, consensus conferences, and publications related to the CRLMS were reviewed to identify and select QIs. Once selected, a new review of the papers including the results of at least one of the QIs was performed. Statistical process control (SPC) method was applied to calculate the QS and AQL of each QI. The limits of variability were established from mean and confidence intervals at 95% and 99.8%. RESULTS: The most relevant QIs and its AQLs were postoperative mortality (2%, < 4.5%), overall postoperative morbidity (33%, < 41%), liver failure (5%, < 8%), postoperative hemorrhage (1%, < 3%), biliary fistula (6%, < 10%), reoperation (3%, < 6%), R1 resection margins (18%, < 25%), and overall survival at 12 and 60 months (84%, > 77%; and 34%, > 25%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite its limitations, the present study constitutes the most extensive scientific evidence to date on QI and AQL in CRLMS and may constitute a reference in future studies.

Cáncer de mama en pacientes transgénero. Revisión de la literatura / Breast cancer in transgender patients. A review

El término «transgénero» hace referencia a las personas que experimentan su identidad de género de manera diferente del género asignado en el nacimiento. La glándula mamaria representa un claro signo de feminidad e identidad corporal, por lo que su tratamiento adquiere especial relevancia tanto en varones como en mujeres transgénero. Los tratamientos de reasignación de género (hormonales o quirúrgicos) afectarán directamente al tejido glandular mamario, lo que puede afectar al riesgo de presentar un cáncer de mama y modificar así los procesos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Se realiza en este estudio una revisión y resumen de la literatura científica más relevante sobre este campo, abordando los aspectos clínicos referentes al diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la enfermedad mamaria en pacientes transgénero

The term "transgender" refers to people who experience their gender identity differently from the gender assigned at birth. The mammary gland represents a clear sign of femininity and body identity, so its treatment acquires special relevance in transgender men and women. Gender reassignment treatments (hormonal or surgical) will directly affect the mammary glandular tissue, which may affect the risk of presenting breast cancer and thus modify the diagnostic and therapeutic processes. A review and summary of the most relevant scientific literature on this field is carried out in this study, addressing the clinical aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of mammary pathology in transgender patients

Tumor de células granulares. Abrikossoff de la mama, presentación de un caso tratado en nuestro centro / Granular cell tumour. Abrikossof tumour of the breast. Report of a case treated in our centre

El presente artículo describe nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de un paciente varón de 42 años diagnosticado de un tumor de células granulares en la mama y pretende llamar la atención sobre esta entidad, que puede simular un carcinoma de mama, debiéndose tener en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de la enfermedad nodular mamaria

This article describes our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a 42-year-old male patient diagnosed with a granular cell tumour in the breast and draws attention to this entity, which can simulate a breast carcinoma. This should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of nodular breast disease

Microbiota biliar en pacientes colecistectomizados: revisión de la antibioterapia empírica / Biliary microbiote in cholecystectomized PATIENTS: review of empirical antibiotherapy

INTRODUCCIÓN: La colecistitis constituye una importante causa de ingreso hospitalario. En colecistitis moderada o severa, el retraso en el tratamiento puede acarrear complicaciones graves. Nuestro objetivo es analizar los microorganismos aislados en bilis de pacientes colecistectomizados y su patrón de sensibilidad para evaluar el tratamiento empírico en aquellos casos en que la extirpación quirúrgica de la vesícula deba demorarse. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo de los cultivos biliares de pacientes sometidos a colecistectomía desde mayo de 2013 hasta febrero de 2015, en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital General Universitario de Castellón. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 196 pacientes, 83 mujeres (42,3%) y 113 hombres (57,7%), con una media de edad de 61,5 años. Los antibióticos más utilizados como tratamiento empírico fueron piperacilina/tazobactam (77,8%) y amoxicilina/clavulánico (14,8%). En el 46,4% de los pacientes (91/196) los cultivos de bilis fueron positivos. Se aislaron un total de 165 microorganismos. La mayoría eran bacilos gramnegativos (60,5%), principalmente Enterobacterales (91/54,5%), siendo Escherichia coli el microorganismo más frecuente (24%) seguido de Klebsiella spp. (12,5%). Se aislaron 3 E. coli productoras de betalactamasa de espectro extendido (BLEE) y 1 Klebsiella pneumoniae BLEE. No se aislaron microorganismos productores de carbapenemasa ni Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina. CONCLUSIÓN: La microbiota biliar, con predominio de Enterobacterales, es similar a la encontrada en estudios europeos

INTRODUCTION: Cholecystitis is an important cause of hospital admission. In moderate or severe cholecystitis, the delay in treatment can lead to serious complications. Our objective is to analyze the microorganisms isolated in bile from cholecystectomized patients and their sensitivity pattern, to evaluate the empirical treatment in those cases in which the surgical removal of the gallbladder should be delayed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective descriptive study of biliary cultures of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from May 2013 to February 2015, in the Surgery Department of the Hospital General Universitari de Castelló. RESULTS: We studied 196 patients, 83 women (42.3%) and 113 men (57.7%), with an average age of 61.5 years. The most used antibiotics as empiric treatment were piperacillin/tazobactam (77.8%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic (14.8%). In 46.4% of patients (91/196) bile cultures were positive.165 microorganisms were isolated. The majority were Gram-negative bacilli (60.5%), mainly of the Enterobacterales order (91/54.5%), with Escherichia coli being the most frequent microorganism (24%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (12.5%).3 E. coli with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and 1 K. pneumoniae with ESBL were isolated. Microorganisms producing carbapenemase and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were not isolated. CONCLUSION: The bile microbiota, with a predominance of Enterobacterales is similar to that found in european studies

La 8ª edición de la clasificación AJCC-TNM: nuevas aportaciones a la estadificación del cáncer de la unión esofagogástrica / The 8th edition of the AJCC-TNM classification: New contributions to the staging of esophagogastric junction cancer

La nueva 8.ª edición del sistema de clasificación TNM para el cáncer de esófago y cardias, o de la unión esofagogástrica, aporta importantes novedades en la confección de los estadios TNM. Se presentan 2 clasificaciones actualizadas por estadios, clínicos (cTNM) y patológicos (pTNM), junto a otra clasificación patológica aplicable a los casos que reciben tratamiento neoadyuvante (ypTNM). Hay un notable aumento de la complejidad con respecto a versiones anteriores, pero aún es pronto para conocer si las actuales modificaciones redundarán, como es su objetivo principal, en una manifiesta mejora de la discriminación pronóstica de la supervivencia entre los grupos de pacientes que configuran, si bien las expectativas iniciales son favorable

The new 8th edition of the TNM classification system for esophageal and cardia or esophagogastric junction cancer provides important innovations in the TNM stages. Two classifications are presented, updated by stages, clinical (cTNM) and pathological (pTNM) methods, together with another pathological classification applicable to cases receiving neoadjuvant treatment (ypTNM). There is a notable increase in complexity compared to previous versions, but it is still early to determine whether the current modifications will result in a clear improvement in the prognostic discrimination of survival among the patient groups (which is their main objective), although the initial expectations are favorable

Factores de riesgo para la aparición de abscesos intrabdominales tras la apendicectomía / Risk factors for the appearance of intra-abdominal abscesses after appendectomy

RESUMEN Introducción: Los abscesos intrabdominales son las complicaciones posapendicectomía que más frecuentemente provoca ingresos hospitalarios. Objetivo: Estudiar los factores de riesgo para la aparición de abscesos intrabdominales posapendicectomía. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 14 años, intervenidos por sospecha de apendicitis aguda mediante apendicectomía laparoscópica, desde el 1 de enero de 2007 al 31 de diciembre de 2010. Se utilizaron los tests estadísticos Chi cuadrado, Prueba exacta de Fisher, T de Student y regresión logística. Resultados: Durante los 4 años del estudio, 672 pacientes padecieron con síntomas y signos compatibles con apendicitis aguda. Apareció un absceso intrabdominal en 35 casos (5,2 por ciento). En el análisis multivariante mediante regresión logística se constataron como posibles factores de riesgo: las formas avanzadas de apendicitis (p < 0,0001), las cuales aumentaron el riesgo en unas 6 veces (IC 95 por ciento 2,2-14,9) y el sexo masculino (p = 0,033), también podrían aumentar el riesgo unas 2,5veces (IC 95 por ciento 1-6). Conclusiones: Los posibles factores de riesgo para la aparición de abscesos intrabdominales tras apendicectomía son el sexo masculino y el estadio avanzado, siendo este último el factor más influyente(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Intra-abdominal abscesses are the post-appendectomy complications that most frequently cause hospital admissions. Objective: To study the risk factors for the appearance of post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses. Methods: A retrospective study of patients over 14 years of age, operated on for suspected acute appendicitis by laparoscopic appendectomy, was performed from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Chi-square statistical tests, Fisher's exact test were used. Student's t and logistic regression. Results: During the 4 years of the study, 672 patients suffered with symptoms and signs compatible with acute appendicitis. An intra-abdominal abscess appeared in 35 cases (5.2 percent). In the multivariate analysis using logistic regression, the following possible risk factors were found: advanced forms of appendicitis (p < 0.0001), which increased the risk by about 6 times (95 percent CI 2.2-14.9) and male sex (p = 0.033), could also increase the risk about 2.5 times (95 percent CI 1-6). Conclusions: Possible risk factors for the appearance of intra-abdominal abscesses after appendectomy are male sex and advanced stage, the latter being the most influential factor(AU)

Síndrome de la mama fantasma posmastectomía. Estudio de prevalencia y características clínicas en un hospital de tercer nivel / Post-mastectomy phantom breast syndrome. Study of prevalence and clinical characteristics in a tertiary hospital

Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia y características del síndrome de la mama fantasma en nuestro entorno. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a 50 mujeres mastectomizadas entre los años 2002 y 2009 en el Hospital General Universitario de Castellón. Se preguntó sobre la presencia de dolor antes del diagnóstico de la enfermedad y de la cirugía, del síndrome de dolor posmastectomía y del síndrome de la mama fantasma, ampliando el interrogatorio en caso de respuesta afirmativa para conocer las características de la sintomatología, el momento de aparición, la frecuencia de aparición, la duración de la clínica y la necesidad o no de tratamiento farmacológico específico en cada síndrome. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos obtenidos. Resultados: El 76% de las mujeres interrogadas presentaron algún tipo de sensación extraña o dolorosa en la zona de la cicatriz mamaria, de las cuales el 65,8% presentó sensaciones no dolorosas y el 34,2% dolorosas. El síndrome de la mama fantasma apareció en el 38% de las mujeres interrogadas, y en muchos de los casos (31,6%) de las que respondieron afirmativamente se expresaba en forma de picor en el pezón ausente. Conclusiones: El síndrome de dolor posmastectomía y el síndrome de la mama fantasma son entidades poco conocidas, aunque prevalentes en nuestro medio. Tienen un carácter complejo y multifactorial, por lo que es importante conocerlas para conseguir un correcto tratamiento de las pacientes afectas, y así mejorar su calidad de vida

Objective: To determine the prevalence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome and phantom breast syndrome in our environment. Patients and methods: We performed a telephone survey of 50 women who underwent mastectomy between 2002 and 2009 in the General Hospital of Castellon (Spain). The women were asked about the presence of pain before diagnosis of the disease and surgery, post-mastectomy pain syndrome, and phantom breast syndrome. Women with symptoms were asked about their characteristics, time of onset, frequency, duration, and whether or not a specific pharmacological treatment was needed for each syndrome. A descriptive analysis was performed of the data obtained. Results: A total of 76% of the women surveyed had some kind of strange or painful sensation in the breast scar, 65.8% of whom had painless sensations and 34.2% had painful sensations. Phantom breast syndrome appeared in 38% of the surveyed women and manifested as an itch in the absent nipple in 31.6% of the women. Conclusions: Post-mastectomy pain syndrome and phantom breast syndrome are little known entities, although they prevalent in our environment. These syndromes are complex and multifactorial; therefore, familiarity with their characteristics is essential to provide affected women with proper treatment and improve their quality of life

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A systematic review of 3060 patients.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare benign breast disease. A systematic review was designed. Clinical and therapeutic characteristics were analyzed. Human Development Index (HDI) was used to define two groups of study: group A (very high and high HDI) and group B (medium and low HDI). Corticosteroid therapy was done in 69% group A and 78% group B. Surgery was done in 63% in group A and 83% in group B. Antibiotics were used in 68% group A and 88% group B. There is no consensus about optimal treatment for granulomatous mastitis.

Mastitis granulomatosa idiopática. Análisis descriptivo de 10 casos en una unidad de referencia española / Idiopatic granulomatous mastitis. A descriptive analysis of 10 cases in a Spanish unit of reference

Introducción La mastitis granulomatosa es unaenfermedad infrecuente caracterizada por una inflamación granulomatosa crónica de los lobulillos mamarios. Las opciones de tratamiento siguen siendo controvertidas. Objetivo El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las pacientes con mastitis granulomatosas, valorando la conveniencia de tratamientos quirúrgicos o tratamientos más conservadores. Material y método Se presenta un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de las pacientes diagnosticadas y tratadas en nuestro centro desde enero de 2010 hasta diciembre de 2018. Se analizaron las características clínicas y radiológicas de cada una, así como el tratamiento y su evolución. Resultados Los resultados del estudio fueron los siguientes: • El número de pacientes fue 10; el tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 10,5 meses (rango 2-49 meses); la mediana de edad fue de 44,5 años (rango 31-81 años);ocho pacientes (80%)se manifestaron como tumoración palpable; el tiempo medio de duración de los síntomas fue de 6,8 meses (rango 2-24 meses); el tamaño medio de la lesión alcanzó los 23,6 mm (rango 12-40); una paciente se clasificó como bi-rads 2, 1 paciente como bi-rads 3, 1 paciente como bi-rads 4y 3 pacientes como bi-rads 5. • El tratamiento fue quirúrgico en 6 ocasiones (4 resecciones y 2 drenajes con biopsia) y médico en 4 ocasiones. Siete de las pacientes (70%) se curaron con el tratamiento efectuado (5 con cirugía y 2 con tratamiento conservador). Tres pacientes presentaron recurrencia o persistencia (1 con cirugía y 2 con tratamiento conservador). Conclusiones La mastitis granulomatosa es una enfermedad infrecuente y de causa desconocida, con tendencia a la recurrencia y cronicidad, cuyo tratamiento es todavía motivo de controversia

Introduction Granulomatous mastitis is an infrequent disease characterized by a chronic granulomatous inflammation of mammary lobules. Treatment options remain controversial. Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with granulomatous mastitis, assessing the convenience of surgical treatments or more conservative treatments. Materials and method This is a retrospective and descriptive study of the patients diagnosed and treated in our center from January 2010 to December 2018. We analyzed the clinical and radiological characteristics of each one, as well as the treatment and its evolution. Results • Number of patients 10; mean time of follow-up 10.5 months (range 2-49 months); median of age 44.5 years (range 31-81 years); eight patients (80%) manifested as a palpable tumor;mean duration of symptoms was 6.8 months (range 2-24 months); mean lesion size of 23.6mm (range 12-40); one patient was classified as bi-rads 2, 1 patient as bi-rads 3, 1 patient as bi-rads 4 and 3 patients as bi-rads 5. • The treatment was surgical 6 times (4 resections and 2 drainages with biopsy) and doctor on 4 occasions. Seven of the patients (70%) were cured with the treatment performed (5 with surgery and 2 with conservative treatment). Three patients presented recurrence or persistence (1 with surgery and 2 with conservative treatment). Conclusions Granulomatous mastitis is an infrequent disease of unknown cause, with a tendency to recurrence and chronicity, whose treatment is still controversial

Modelling the probability of erroneous negative lymph node staging in patients with colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients in who with insufficient number of analysed lymph nodes (LNs) are more likely to receive an incorrect LN staging. The ability to calculate the overall probability of undiagnosed LN involvement errors in these patients could be very useful for approximating the real patient prognosis and for giving possible indications for adjuvant treatments. The objective of this work was to establish the predictive capacity and prognostic discriminative ability of the final error probability (FEP) among patients with colon cancer and with a potentially incorrectly-staged LN-negative disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicentric population study carried out between January 2004 and December 2007. We used a mathematical model based on Bayes' theorem to calculate the probability of LN involvement given a FEP test result. Cumulative sum graphs were used to calculate risk groups and the survival rates were calculated, by month, using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 548 patients were analysed and classified into three risk groups according to their FEP score: low-risk (FEP < 2%), intermediate-risk (FEP 2%-15%), and high-risk (FEP > 15%). Patients with LN involvement had the lowest overall survival rate when compared to the three risk groups. This difference was statistically significant for the low- and intermediate-risk groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively), but high-risk group presented similar survival curves to pN+ group (P = 0.505). In terms of disease-free survival, the high-risk group presented similar curves to the intermediate-risk group until approximately 60 months' follow-up (P = 0.906). After 80 months' follow-up, the curve of high-risk group coincided with that of the pN+ group (P = 0.172). Finally, we summarized the FEP according to the number of analysed LNs and accompanied by a contour plot which represents its calculation graphically. CONCLUSIONS: The application of Bayes' theorem in the calculation of FEP is useful to delimit risk subgroups from among patients without LN involvement.

The 8th edition of the AJCC-TNM classification: New contributions to the staging of esophagogastric junction cancer. / La 8.ª edición de la clasificación AJCC-TNM: nuevas aportaciones a la estadificación del cáncer de la unión esofagogástrica.

The new 8th edition of the TNM classification system for esophageal and cardia or esophagogastric junction cancer provides important innovations in the TNM stages. Two classifications are presented, updated by stages, clinical (cTNM) and pathological (pTNM) methods, together with another pathological classification applicable to cases receiving neoadjuvant treatment (ypTNM). There is a notable increase in complexity compared to previous versions, but it is still early to determine whether the current modifications will result in a clear improvement in the prognostic discrimination of survival among the patient groups (which is their main objective), although the initial expectations are favorable.

Técnicas de control de calidad en cirugía. Aplicación de las gráficas de control cumulative sum / Quality control techniques in surgery: Application of cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts

Las gráficas cumulative sum (CUSUM) se engloban dentro de gráficas de control de calidad, son posiblemente las que mejor se adaptan y las más utilizadas en la monitorización de los procesos clínico-asistenciales. Una de sus principales ventajas es su empleo en casos raros y en eventos con baja incidencia, en los cuales sería necesario obtener una muestra y un tiempo de seguimiento amplio, imposible en determinados casos, mediante métodos estadísticos convencionales. También por ello, son útiles para estudiar curvas de aprendizaje, la introducción de nuevas tecnologías y, en general, para valorar la calidad de los propios resultados asistenciales, porque su perfil es sensible a cambios de tendencias (positivas o negativas) muy sutiles en los resultados, que no se observarían con otros métodos. Por otra parte, su uso se puede expandir más allá de lo que es el control o la monitorización de calidad, aspecto que resulta novedoso en investigación clínica

Cumulative sum graphs are quality control charts that are possibly the most frequently used for monitoring clinical-care processes. One of their main advantages is the use in rare cases and in events with low incidence, where it would be necessary to obtain a large sample and a long follow-up time with conventional statistical methods, which is impossible in certain cases. This is also why they are useful for studying learning curves, the introduction of new technologies and, in general, for assessing the quality of care outcomes themselves, because their profile is sensitive to very subtle changes in trends (positive or negative), which would not be observed with other methods. On the other hand, their use can be expanded beyond quality control or monitoring, which is a new aspect in clinical research

Quality control techniques in surgery: Application of cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts. / Técnicas de control de calidad en cirugía. Aplicación de las gráficas de control cumulative sum.

Cumulative sum graphs are quality control charts that are possibly the most frequently used for monitoring clinical-care processes. One of their main advantages is the use in rare cases and in events with low incidence, where it would be necessary to obtain a large sample and a long follow-up time with conventional statistical methods, which is impossible in certain cases. This is also why they are useful for studying learning curves, the introduction of new technologies and, in general, for assessing the quality of care outcomes themselves, because their profile is sensitive to very subtle changes in trends (positive or negative), which would not be observed with other methods. On the other hand, their use can be expanded beyond quality control or monitoring, which is a new aspect in clinical research.

Clinical Relevance of a Balance Training Program on Liver Transplant Patients. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although some studies have reported significant improvements in physical function and strength after training programs on liver transplant (LT) recipients, there is a lack of knowledge on how it affects in static and dynamic balance, being an important part of these participants' tasks development. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a 6-month multicomponent circuit training program on static and dynamic balance in LT participants. METHODS: Fifty-four participants were randomized at 6 months after LT into 2 groups: exercise (EXER) group and control (CONTROL) group, with repeat testing at 6 (baseline) and 12 months after LT. The intervention consisted of a multicomponent training, including balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility training, with exercises arranged in a circuit setup and a moderate intensity with high perceived exertion. Training sessions were performed in the hospital facilities with qualified trainers. To determine differences over time between EXER and CONTROL, mixed-regression linear models with subject variable as random factor and variables of treatment duration, type, and interaction as predictors were used. RESULTS: The EXER group showed significant differences (P < 0.05) compared with CONTROL in all variables of static and dynamic balance, hip strength (49% versus 13%), agility (-16% versus -1%), and flexibility (78% versus -26%). Adherence to the intervention was 94%, and 80% of the participants continued voluntarily training after the 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a multicomponent circuit training program at a moderate intensity with high perceived exertion could reduce the probability of injuries because it improves balance on LT recipients.

CUSUM charts in the quality control of colon cancer lymph node analysis: a population-registry study.

BACKGROUND: The most important determinant of survival in patients with colon cancer is the presence or absence of regional lymph node metastases. This factor is consistently associated with long-term and disease-specific survival. Cumulative summation of differences (CUSUM) charts can help to discriminate abnormalities that cannot be explained by the general variability of a process. We used CUSUM charts to analyse the quality of nodal analysis in colon cancer and to use a population-registry cancer database to estimate the optimal number of lymph nodes for adequate prognostic analysis. METHODS: This was a multicentre population-registry cancer study from January 2004 to December 2007. We used these data to produce the different CUSUM curves, focusing on the main variables. To calculate survival, we used the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In this study, we examined 548 patients. The CUSUM curves were calculated for overall mortality, specific mortality, and recurrence according to (1) the number of lymph nodes analysed and affected and (2) compared the ratio of the number of lymph nodes affected to the number analysed. Finally, the lymph node ratio was compared to the overall survival CUSUM curve. DISCUSSION: This CUSUM control chart analysis reinforces the unquestionable importance of analysing at least 12 lymph nodes in patients with colon cancer in order to accurately estimate their prognosis. However, our findings indicate that the analysis of at least 20 lymph nodes is a more appropriate cutoff point for accomplishing the demanding objective of diagnosing a high-quality prognosis in colon cancer patients.