Análisis de la atención sanitaria realizada en el buque escuela «Juan Sebastián de Elcano» durante diez años (2010-2020) / Analysis of health care performed on the Juan Sebastian de Elcano School Ship during ten years (2010-2020)

Introducción: El buque escuela Juan Sebastián de Elcano es un bergantín-goleta de la Armada. Debido a sus características y tipo de navegaciones, la asistencia sanitaria (prestada por un Role 1 embarcado y, puntualmente, por un equipo quirúrgico compuesto por un oficial médico cirujano general y un oficial médico anestesiólogo), está considerada un recurso esencial. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo sobre las atenciones médicas realizadas a bordo agrupadas por especialidad, pruebas médicas complementarias, consumo de hemoderivados, motivo de asistencia médica en puerto, número de evacuaciones hasta territorio nacional y tipo de consultas realizadas por telemedicina al Role 4 durante doce cruceros de navegación entre 2010 y 2020. Resultados: Las asistencias sanitarias más prevalentes han sido: traumatológicas (n=1.982, 22.04 %), seguidas de otorrinolaringológicas (n=1.234, 13,72 %) y finalmente la tercera especialidad con consultas más prevalentes fue medicina interna (n=1.125, 12,50 %). Se llevaron a cabo 112 interconsultas en puerto (primera causa odontología y segunda traumatología) y 24 evacuaciones a territorio nacional. Las pruebas complementarias más frecuentemente solicitadas fueron: control de estupefacientes y radiografías. Se realizaron 37 consultas de telemedicina y no se transfundió ninguna unidad de hemocomponentes durante el periodo analizado. Conclusiones: El estudio de la asistencia sanitaria en el buque escuela de la Armada ha revelado que la traumatología es la causa más prevalente de las consultas a bordo, seguida de las interconsultas en puerto, las consultas por telemedicina y evacuaciones en territorio nacional. Gracias a la labor de la Sanidad Militar a bordo es posible la función marinera, docente y embajadora en los mares. (AU)

Overview: Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship is a brigantine-school of the Spanish Navy. Due to its characteristics and navigation type, health care (provided by a Role 1 on-board and occasionally enhanced by a surgical team that includes a general surgeon medical officer and an anesthesiologist medical officer), is considered an essential resource. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of medical care provided on board, grouped by medical specialty, complementary tests, blood products consumption, reason of medical assistance in port, number of evacuations to national territory and type of consultations performed by telemedicine to Role 4 during twelve sailing cruises between 2010 and 2020. Results: The most prevalent healthcare services were traumatology (n=1.982, 22.04%), followed by otorhinolaryngology (n=1.234, 13.72%) and the third was internal medicine (n=1.125, 12.50%). 112 internal medicine consultations were conducted in port (dental first and traumatology second) and 24 evacuations to national territory. The most often requested complementary tests were drug control and X-rays. There were 37 telemedicine consultations and no unit of blood components were transfused during the analyzed period. Conclusions: The study of health care on the navy training ship has shown that traumatology is the most frequent cause of medical consultations on board, followed by internal medicine consultations in port, telemedicine consultations and evacuations to national territory. Thanks to the work of the Military Health on board, it is possible to sail, teach and be ambassador on the seas. (AU)

Análisis de la atención sanitaria realizada en el buque escuela «Juan Sebastián de Elcano» durante diez años (2010-2020) / Analysis of health care performed on the Juan Sebastian de Elcano School Ship during ten years (2010-2020)

Introducción: El buque escuela Juan Sebastián de Elcano es un bergantín-goleta de la Armada. Debido a sus características y tipo de navegaciones, la asistencia sanitaria (prestada por un Role 1 embarcado y, puntualmente, por un equipo quirúrgico compuesto por un oficial médico cirujano general y un oficial médico anestesiólogo), está considerada un recurso esencial. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo sobre las atenciones médicas realizadas a bordo agrupadas por especialidad, pruebas médicas complementarias, consumo de hemoderivados, motivo de asistencia médica en puerto, número de evacuaciones hasta territorio nacional y tipo de consultas realizadas por telemedicina al Role 4 durante doce cruceros de navegación entre 2010 y 2020. Resultados: Las asistencias sanitarias más prevalentes han sido: traumatológicas (n=1.982, 22.04 %), seguidas de otorrinolaringológicas (n=1.234, 13,72 %) y finalmente la tercera especialidad con consultas más prevalentes fue medicina interna (n=1.125, 12,50 %). Se llevaron a cabo 112 interconsultas en puerto (primera causa odontología y segunda traumatología) y 24 evacuaciones a territorio nacional. Las pruebas complementarias más frecuentemente solicitadas fueron: control de estupefacientes y radiografías. Se realizaron 37 consultas de telemedicina y no se transfundió ninguna unidad de hemocomponentes durante el periodo analizado. Conclusiones: El estudio de la asistencia sanitaria en el buque escuela de la Armada ha revelado que la traumatología es la causa más prevalente de las consultas a bordo, seguida de las interconsultas en puerto, las consultas por telemedicina y evacuaciones en territorio nacional. Gracias a la labor de la Sanidad Militar a bordo es posible la función marinera, docente y embajadora en los mares. (AU)

Overview: Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship is a brigantine-school of the Spanish Navy. Due to its characteristics and navigation type, health care (provided by a Role 1 on-board and occasionally enhanced by a surgical team that includes a general surgeon medical officer and an anesthesiologist medical officer), is considered an essential resource. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of medical care provided on board, grouped by medical specialty, complementary tests, blood products consumption, reason of medical assistance in port, number of evacuations to national territory and type of consultations performed by telemedicine to Role 4 during twelve sailing cruises between 2010 and 2020. Results: The most prevalent healthcare services were traumatology (n=1.982, 22.04%), followed by otorhinolaryngology (n=1.234, 13.72%) and the third was internal medicine (n=1.125, 12.50%). 112 internal medicine consultations were conducted in port (dental first and traumatology second) and 24 evacuations to national territory. The most often requested complementary tests were drug control and X-rays. There were 37 telemedicine consultations and no unit of blood components were transfused during the analyzed period. Conclusions: The study of health care on the navy training ship has shown that traumatology is the most frequent cause of medical consultations on board, followed by internal medicine consultations in port, telemedicine consultations and evacuations to national territory. Thanks to the work of the Military Health on board, it is possible to sail, teach and be ambassador on the seas. (AU)

Historia de la administración de éter por vía intravenosa / History of intravenous ether administration

La anestesia con éter por vía intravenosa fue una técnica anestésica utilizada en los años iniciales del siglo XX. Tuvo una granaceptación en Alemania. En la década de los sesenta del siglo pasado fue usada en cirugía endoscópica. El éter ha sido utilizadocon éxito para estudiar los tiempos de la circulación portal. (AU)

Intravenous ether anesthesia was an anesthetic technique used in the initial years of the XX century. It was mostly used in Germany.In the sixties decade of the past century it was used for endoscopic surgery. Ether has been used successfully for the study of circulation time of portal circulation. (AU)

Fidel Pagés Miravé en el centenario de su publicación de 1921. Historia de la anestesia epidural / Fidel Pagés Miravé one hundred years after its publication in 1921. The history of epidural anaesthesia

Sicard y Cathelin en 1901, introducen de manera simultánea la administración sacra de fármacos. En 1919, Läwen fue un gran defensor de la anestesia regional. Gil-Vernet en 1917 describe los fundamentos anatómicos de la técnica de abordaje sacro al espacio epidural. Fidel Pagés Miravé es el verdadero introductor de la anestesia epidural. Su artículo publicado en 1921, Anestesia Metamérica, en la Revista Española de Cirugía, constituye un hito en la historia de la anestesia. Diez años más tarde Dogliotti publica sus resultados, sin citar la aportación de Pagés. La gran mayoría de los historiadores citan a Dogliotti en la bibliografía, ignorando a Pagés. Gutiérrez un cirujano argentino alertó del error histórico y revindicó la aportación original de Pagés. En la actualidad todos los libros de historia de la anestesia reseñan la publicación de Pagés. El anestesiólogo cubano Manuel Martínez Curbelo, introduce en la clínica la anestesia epidural continua. En esta publicación revisamos la historia del abordaje sacro, torácico y lumbar del espacio epidural. Describimos las distintas agujas y catéteres utilizados. En la práctica diaria anestésica la analgesia/anestesia epidural se utiliza en cirugía, analgesia del trabajo del parto, tratamiento del dolor agudo y crónico. (AU)

Sicard and Cathelin in 1901 introduced independently the sacral injection of drugs. In 1910 Läwen was an enthusiastic defender of regional anaesthesia. Gil-Vernet in 1917 introduced new anatomical concepts in epidural sacral approach. Fidel Pagés Mirave was true pioneer of epidural anaesthesia. His publication in 1921, Metameric Anaesthesia, in the Spanish Journal of Surgery is a landmark in the history of world anaesthesia. Ten years later Dogliotti published his experiences with epidural anaesthesia, without anyreference to Pagés’ research. Most medical historians date the regular use of epidural anaesthesia from Dogliotti’s paper, published ten years later, and ignoring Pagés research. Gutierrez a surgeon born in Argentina, recognized the error and promoted the original scientific publication of Pages. Today all the important books of anaesthesia reference the first discoverer of epidural anaesthesia. The Cuban anaesthesiologist Manuel Martinez Curbelo, introduced into clinical practice continuous epidural anaesthesia. In this article we review the history of sacral and thoracic and lumbar approach to the epidural space, its different needles and catheters used in these techniques. Epidural analgesia/ anaesthesia are commonly used in daily practice in surgery, labour pain, and in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. (AU)

[Is postoperative acute pain control in colorectal surgery better within an enhanced recovery after surgery program (ERAS)?] / ¿Mejora el control del dolor postoperatorio en cirugía colorrectal tras la implementación de un protocolo de rehabilitación intensificada (ERAS)?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A good acute pain control is necessary to achieve the main objective of Enhanced recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs and accelerate recovery. The study objective is to evaluate postoperative (PO) acute pain, PO opioid consumption, and its association with functional recovery, after implementing a colorectal surgery ERAS program. An analysis was made as regards drugs adverse effects. METHODS: Observational cohort study on scheduled colorectal Surgery: one prospective cohort subjected to the ERAS care program, and one retrospective cohort that received traditional non-standardised care. A record was made of mean pain intensity (measured by a visual analogue scale, which classifies pain intensity from 0 to 10, from lower to higher intensity), as well as the amount of opioid consumption on the day of surgery and on the first three postoperative days, and drugs adverse effects. An analysis was made of the association between PO opioid consumption and ERAS program, and between PO opioid consumption and functional recovery. RESULTS: The study included a total of 410 patients (313 in the ERAS group and 97 in the control group). In the ERAS group, it was observed that the mean visual analogue scale was less than 2, with a smaller amount of PO opioid consumption, on each single day and the accumulated amount of the four days (4 [0-24] vs. 0 [0-4], P<.001). PO opioid consumption was associated with functional recovery (OR 0.97 [95% CI; 0.96-0.99], P=.011). No drugs adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: After implementing a colorectal Surgery ERAS program, good pain control was achieved, as well as a reduction in PO opioid consumption, which is associated with functional recovery. No drugs adverse effects were observed.

Pro-adrenomedulina preoperatoria como predictor de la necesidad de soporte orgánico postoperatorio en pacientes programados para cirugía abdominal mayor / Pre-Operative pro-adrenomedullin as a predictor of postoperative requirement of organ support in patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. A prospective observational pilot study

INTRODUCCIÓN: La región medial de la pro-adrenomedulina (MR-Pro-ADM) es un marcador de gravedad en un amplio espectro de enfermedades como la sepsis y la disfunción cardiovascular. Su utilidad como predictor de morbimortalidad en pacientes quirúrgicos aún no se ha dilucidado. Examinamos en este estudio la capacidad del valor preoperatorio de la MR-Pro-ADM para predecir la necesidad de soporte orgánico postoperatorio (SOP). MÉTODO: Estudio observacional prospectivo piloto, en un solo centro, que incluyó a pacientes adultos programados para cirugía abdominal mayor. La capacidad de la MR-Pro-ADM para predecir la necesidad de SOP se determinó por el análisis del área bajo la curva receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). Se realizó un análisis multivariante de regresión logística para determinar si el nivel de MR-pro-ADM identificado se asocia de forma independiente para la necesidad de SOP. RESULTADOS: Se reclutaron un total de 59 pacientes programados para cirugía abdominal mayor. La incidencia de SOP fue del 13,6%. Para la asociación entre los niveles de la MR-Pro-ADM y la incidencia de SOP se obtuvo un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,85 (IC 95%: 0,74-0,96; p = 0,002). El valor preoperatorio de la MR-Pro-ADM con la mejor combinación de sensibilidad y especificidad para predecir el SOP fue de 0,87nmol/l. Los pacientes con niveles séricos preoperatorios de la MR-Pro-ADM≥0,87nmol/l tuvieron una incidencia significativamente mayor de SOP (33,3 vs. 4,9%; p = 0,007). Niveles séricos preoperatorios de MR-Pro-ADM≥0,87nmol/l mostraron ser un factor independiente de riesgo en la necesidad de SOP (p = 0,001; OR: 9,758; IC 95%: 1,73-54,78) en el análisis multivariante. CONCLUSIÓN: El valor sérico preoperatorio de la MR-Pro-ADM puede ser un biomarcador útil del riesgo perioperatorio y de la necesidad de SOP en pacientes adultos programados para cirugía abdominal mayor

BACKGROUND: Mid-Regional-Pro-Adrenomedullin (MR-Pro-ADM) is a marker of severity in a wide spectrum of pathological conditions such as sepsis, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Its usefulness as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients has yet to be elucidated. We examined the ability of preoperative MR-Pro-ADM in predicting Postoperative Requirement of Organ Support (PROS). METHODS: One centre, pilot, prospective observational cohort study, enrolling adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. The accuracy of the MR-Pro-ADM to predict PROS was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. An univariate analysis was performed to identify the association of PROS and the MR-Pro-ADM value with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify preoperative MR-Pro-ADM as independent risk factor for PROS. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were enrolled. The incidence of PROS was 13.6%. The association of MR-Pro-ADM levels with the incidence of PROS, was determined by an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74-0.96, p = 0.002). The preoperative value of MR-Pro-ADM with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity to predict PROS was 0.87 nmol/l. Patients with preoperative serum levels of MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l had a significantly higher incidence of PROS (33.3% vs 4.9%, p = 0.007). MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l was shown to be an independent risk factor for PROS (p = 0.001; OR 9.758; IC 1.73-54.78) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The preoperative serum level of MR-Pro-ADM may be a useful biomarker of perioperative risk and to predict postoperative requirement of organic support (PROS) in adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery

Pre-Operative pro-adrenomedullin as a predictor of postoperative requirement of organ support in patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. A prospective observational pilot study. / Pro-adrenomedulina preoperatoria como predictor de la necesidad de soporte orgánico postoperatorio en pacientes programados para cirugía abdominal mayor.

BACKGROUND: Mid-Regional-Pro-Adrenomedullin (MR-Pro-ADM) is a marker of severity in a wide spectrum of pathological conditions such as sepsis, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Its usefulness as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients has yet to be elucidated. We examined the ability of preoperative MR-Pro-ADM in predicting Postoperative Requirement of Organ Support (PROS). METHODS: One centre, pilot, prospective observational cohort study, enrolling adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. The accuracy of the MR-Pro-ADM to predict PROS was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. An univariate analysis was performed to identify the association of PROS and the MR-Pro-ADM value with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify preoperative MR-Pro-ADM as independent risk factor for PROS. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were enrolled. The incidence of PROS was 13.6%. The association of MR-Pro-ADM levels with the incidence of PROS, was determined by an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74-0.96, p=0.002). The preoperative value of MR-Pro-ADM with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity to predict PROS was 0.87 nmol/l. Patients with preoperative serum levels of MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l had a significantly higher incidence of PROS (33.3% vs 4.9%, p=0.007). MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l was shown to be an independent risk factor for PROS (p=0.001; OR 9.758; IC 1.73-54.78) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The preoperative serum level of MR-Pro-ADM may be a useful biomarker of perioperative risk and to predict postoperative requirement of organic support (PROS) in adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery.

Tatuajes lumbares en paciente obstétrica. Un reto para la punción epidural lumbar / Tattoos in obstetric patient. A challenge for epidural puncture

No disponible

Claude bernard: médico, fisiólogo, biólogo y creador de la medicina experimental (parte II) / No disponible

Claude Bernard habría realizado el sorprendente descubrimiento de que la "materia inerte" y los "cuerpos vivos" no son la misma cosa. En los seres vivos, ocurren reacciones orgánicas intrínsecas a las que Bernard llamó "medio interior", estas reacciones ocurren a nivel celular y están orientadas a la propia conservación de los seres vivos. Claude Bernard, dio a la biología carta de naturaleza como auténtica ciencia, sin embargo, le impuso unos límites claros, jamás podrá pronunciarse acerca de la esencia de la vida, si bien será capaz de elaborar leyes relativas a sus condiciones físico-químicas. Para Claude Bernard, las hipótesis constituirían la auténtica teoría científica. El pensamiento de Bernard y su filosofía de la experimentación queda reflejada en la Introducción al estudio de la medicina experimental

Claude Bernard would have made the surprising discovery that "inert matter" and "living bodies" are not the same thing. To the intrinsic organic reactions that occur in living beings, Bernard called "internal mediu", these reactions occur at the cellular level and are aimed at the conservation of living beings. Claude Bernard, gave biology a letter of nature as a true science, however, imposed some clear limits, he can never pronounce on the essence of life, although he will be able to develop laws related to their physical-chemical conditions. Claude Bernard, considered the hypotheses as the true scientific theory. Bernard’s thinking and his philosophy of experimentation is reflected in the Introduction to the study of experimental medicine

Diferentes alternativas para ubicar el sensor del monitor BIS(R) facilitando su empleo en el ámbito militar / Different alternatives to locate the BIS(R) monitor sensor facilitating its use in the military realm

El dispositivo BIS(R) se emplea como monitor de la hipnosis cerebral para incrementar la calidad y seguridad durante la realización de procedimientos anestesiológicos. Precisa de un sensor que se adhiere a la frente del paciente. En zona de operaciones es frecuente encontrar bajas con trauma craneoencefálico (TCE) donde la ubicación del sensor a nivel frontal es imposible. En este trabajo hemos realizado una revisión narrativa de las publicaciones en PubMed desde el año 2000 referentes a posiciones alternativas a la frontal del sensor BIS(R). De las 5 posiciones que se han estudiado en 7 trabajos, la nasal infraorbitaria parece ser la más adecuada

BIS(R) is used as a monitor of brain hypnosis to improve quality and safety during the performance of anesthesiological procedures. It requires a sensor that adheres to the patient’s forehead. In the area of operations, it is common to find casualties with craneoencephalic trauma (TBI) where the location of the sensor at the frontal level is impossible. In this work we have made a narrative review of the publications referring to alternative locations to the frontal of the BIS(R) sensor. Of the 5 positions that have been studied in different works, the infraorbital nasal seems to be the most appropriate

Visión moderna sobre una técnica antigua: revisión narrativa de técnicas de localización del espacio epidural / Modern approach to an old technique: narrative revision of techniques used to locate the epidural space

Desde la primera descripción de la técnica epidural en los años 1920, el progreso continuo en el conocimiento de la anatomía y de la fisiología del espacio epidural ha permitido desarrollar diferentes técnicas de localización de este espacio para aumentar tanto la seguridad como la eficacia del procedimiento. Las técnicas más utilizadas hoy en día se basan en las 2 principales propiedades descritas del espacio epidural: la diferencia de distensibilidad entre el ligamento amarillo y el espacio epidural y la existencia de una presión negativa en el espacio epidural. Sin embargo, en los últimos años, la evolución tecnológica ha permitido desarrollar nuevas técnicas de localización basadas en otras propiedades físicas de los tejidos. Algunas de ellas están todavía en una fase experimental, pero otras como las técnicas con ultrasonidos han alcanzado una fase clínica y se está expandiendo su uso en la práctica diaria (AU)

Since the first description of the epidural technique during the 1920s, the continuous progress of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the epidural space has allowed the development of different techniques to locate this space while increasing both the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The most common techniques used today are based on the two main characteristics of the epidural space: the difference in distensibility between the ligamentum flavum and the epidural space, and the existence of negative pressure within the epidural space. However, over recent years, technological advances have allowed the development of new techniques to locate the epidural space based on other physical properties of tissues. Some are still in the experimental phase, but others, like ultrasound-location have reached a clinical phase and are being used increasingly in daily practice (AU)

Adición de vancomicina al suero de lavado del recuperador de sangre. Efecto sobre la contaminación bacteriana / Vancomycin added to the wash solution of the cell-saver. Effect on bacterial contamination

Objetivos. Comprobar si la adición de bajas dosis de antibiótico (vancomicina) al suero de lavado del recuperador celular reduce la incidencia de contaminación bacteriana del concentrado de hematíes (CH) autógeno recuperado. Material y método. Estudio experimental, aleatorizado, doble ciego, en forma de grupos paralelos, sobre 20 pacientes consecutivos, programados para cirugía de artrodesis vertebral posterior. La hemorragia intraoperatoria se procesó mediante un recuperador de sangre modelo HaemoLite® 2+, en cuyo proceso los hematíes se lavaron según grupo de aleatorización, con suero fisiológico (grupo control) o con suero fisiológico+10μg/ml−1 de vancomicina (grupo vanco). Se recogieron los datos referentes a edad, peso, volumen procesado y recuperado, hemograma, hemocultivo y concentración de vancomicina del CH obtenido e incidencia de fiebre tras la reinfusión. Resultados. El volumen procesado fue 843±403ml y el volumen recuperado 121±29ml, con hemoglobina 10,4±5,0g/dl−1 y hematocrito 29,1±15,9% (media±DE). El hemocultivo del CH recuperado fue positivo a Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo en 5 casos (50%) en el grupo control mientras que fue estéril en todos los casos en el grupo vanco (p=0,016). La diferencia entre la concentración teórica de vancomicina administrada y la determinada en CH recuperado fue de 1,31μg/ml−1 (IC 95% 1,19-1,43; p=0,074). Conclusiones. La adición de vancomicina a una concentración de 10μg/ml−1 en el suero de lavado del recuperador consigue concentraciones similares en la sangre autógena recuperada y permite la eliminación de las bacterias, obteniéndose hemocultivos negativos en todos los casos (AU)

Objectives. The aim of this study is to test whether the addition of a low-dose of antibiotic (vancomycin) to the wash solution (saline) of the cell-saver reduces the incidence of bacterial contamination of the autologous red blood cell (RBCs) concentrate recovered. Material and method. Experimental, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study performed on 20 consecutive patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery. Intraoperative bleeding was processed through a cell-saver: HaemoLite® 2+, in which the RBCs were washed according to randomization group, with saline (control group) or saline+10μg/ml−1 vancomycin (vanco group). Data regarding age, weight, processed and recovered volume, blood count, blood culture, and vancomycin concentration in RBCs concentrates obtained and incidence of fever after reinfusion were collected. Results. Processed volume was 843±403ml and recovered volume 121±29ml, with haemoglobin concentration 10.4±5.0g/dl−1 and haematocrit 29.1±15.9% (mean±SD). Recovered RBC concentrate cultures were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 5 cases (50%) of the control group while all cultures were negative in the vanco group (P=.016). The difference between the theoretical concentration of vancomycin administered and the concentration determined in the recovered RBC concentrate was 1.31μg/ml−1 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.43; P=.074). Conclusions. The addition of vancomycin at a concentration of 10ug/ml−1 to the wash solution of the cell-saver achieved similar concentrations in the autologous blood concentrate recovered allowing for bacterial removal, with negative blood cultures in all cases (AU)

Modern approach to an old technique: Narrative revision of techniques used to locate the epidural space. / Visión moderna sobre una técnica antigua: revisión narrativa de técnicas de localización del espacio epidural.

Since the first description of the epidural technique during the 1920s, the continuous progress of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the epidural space has allowed the development of different techniques to locate this space while increasing both the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The most common techniques used today are based on the two main characteristics of the epidural space: the difference in distensibility between the ligamentum flavum and the epidural space, and the existence of negative pressure within the epidural space. However, over recent years, technological advances have allowed the development of new techniques to locate the epidural space based on other physical properties of tissues. Some are still in the experimental phase, but others, like ultrasound-location have reached a clinical phase and are being used increasingly in daily practice.

Vancomycin added to the wash solution of the cell-saver. Effect on bacterial contamination. / Adición de vancomicina al suero de lavado del recuperador de sangre. Efecto sobre la contaminación bacteriana.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to test whether the addition of a low-dose of antibiotic (vancomycin) to the wash solution (saline) of the cell-saver reduces the incidence of bacterial contamination of the autologous red blood cell (RBCs) concentrate recovered. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Experimental, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study performed on 20 consecutive patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery. Intraoperative bleeding was processed through a cell-saver: HaemoLite® 2+, in which the RBCs were washed according to randomization group, with saline (control group) or saline+10µg/ml-1 vancomycin (vanco group). Data regarding age, weight, processed and recovered volume, blood count, blood culture, and vancomycin concentration in RBCs concentrates obtained and incidence of fever after reinfusion were collected. RESULTS: Processed volume was 843±403ml and recovered volume 121±29ml, with haemoglobin concentration 10.4±5.0g/dl-1 and haematocrit 29.1±15.9% (mean±SD). Recovered RBC concentrate cultures were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 5 cases (50%) of the control group while all cultures were negative in the vanco group (P=.016). The difference between the theoretical concentration of vancomycin administered and the concentration determined in the recovered RBC concentrate was 1.31µg/ml-1 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.43; P=.074). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of vancomycin at a concentration of 10ug/ml-1 to the wash solution of the cell-saver achieved similar concentrations in the autologous blood concentrate recovered allowing for bacterial removal, with negative blood cultures in all cases.

Recomendaciones de «no hacer» de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Proyecto «Compromiso por la Calidad de las Sociedades Científicas» / «Do not do» recommendations of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Therapy. «Commitment to Quality by Scientific Societies» project

El Ministerio de Sanidad (MSSSI) aprobó (abril de 2013) el proyecto denominado «Compromiso por la Calidad de las Sociedades Científicas en España», en respuesta a la demanda social y profesional por la sostenibilidad del sistema de salud. La iniciativa se enmarca en las actividades de la Red Española de Agencias de Evaluación de Tecnologías y Prestaciones, del Sistema Nacional de Salud, y está coordinado de forma conjunta por la Subdirección General de Calidad y Cohesión, por el Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), y por la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). A este Proyecto se han incorporado todas las sociedades científicas de nuestro país, y su objetivo principal es disminuir la utilización de intervenciones sanitarias innecesarias, con el fin de acordar recomendaciones de «no hacer», basadas en la evidencia científica. Nuestro objetivo primario fue identificar intervenciones que no han demostrado eficacia, tienen efectividad escasa o dudosa, no son coste-efectivas o no son prioritarias. Los objetivos secundarios fueron: la reducción de la variabilidad en la práctica clínica, la difusión entre médicos y pacientes para orientar en la toma de decisiones, el uso adecuado de los recursos sanitarios y, por último, la promoción de la seguridad clínica y la reducción de la iatrogenia. El proceso de selección de las 5 recomendaciones de «no hacer» se realizó mediante la metodología Delphi. 25 panelistas (todo anestesiólogos) eligieron entre 15 propuestas basadas en: evidencia de calidad que la sustenta, relevancia o impacto clínico de la misma y población a la que afecta. Las 5 recomendaciones propuestas fueron: No mantener niveles profundos de sedación en pacientes críticos sin una indicación específica; No realizar radiografía preoperatoria de tórax en pacientes menores de 40 años con estado físico ASA I o II; No realizar, de manera sistemática, pruebas preoperatorias en cirugía de cataratas, salvo indicación basada en historia clínica y exploración física; No programar cirugía electiva con riesgo de hemorragia en pacientes con anemia hasta realizar estudio diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados; y No realizar pruebas de laboratorio (hemograma, bioquímica y estudio de coagulación) en pacientes sanos o con enfermedad sistémica leve (ASA I y II) previo a cirugías de bajo riesgo, con pérdida estimada de sangre mínima (AU)

In April 2013 the Ministry of Health (MSSSI) adopted the project called «Commitment to Quality by Scientific Societies in Spain», in response to social and professional demands for sustainability of the health system. The initiative is part of the activities of the Spanish Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment and Services of the National Health System, and is coordinated jointly by the Quality and Cohesion Department, the Aragon Institute of Health Sciences (IACS), and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI). All the scientific societies in Spain have been included in this project, and its main objective is to reduce the unnecessary use of health interventions in order to agree «do not do» recommendations, based on scientific evidence. The primary objective was to identify interventions that have not proven effective, have limited or doubtful effectiveness, are not cost-effective, or do not have priority. Secondary objectives were: reducing variability in clinical practice, to spread information between doctors and patients to guide decision-making, the appropriate use of health resources and, the promotion of clinical safety and reducing iatrogenesis. The selection process of the 5 «do not do» recommendations was made by Delphi methodology. A total of 25 panellists (all anaesthesiologists) chose between 15 proposals based on: evidence that supports quality, relevance, or clinical impact, and the people they affect. The 5 recommendations proposed were: Do not maintain deep levels of sedation in critically ill patients without a specific indication; Do not perform preoperative chest radiography in patients under 40 years-old with ASA physical status I or II; Do not systematically perform preoperative tests in cataract surgery unless otherwise indicated based on clinical history and physical examination; Do not perform elective surgery in patients with anaemia at risk of bleeding until a diagnostic workup is performed and treatment is given; and not perform laboratory tests (blood count, biochemistry and coagulation) prior to surgery in healthy or low risk patients (ASA I and II) with minimal estimated blood loss (AU)

Empleo del índice biespectral para monitorización de la hipnosis en sedación durante anestesia regional, experiencia en tres pacientes militares / Bispectral Index monitoritation during sedation in regional anesthesia. Three military members experiences

El índice biespectral (BIS(R)) es un análogo electroencefalográfico que se determina por medios informáticos y que se usa en la actualidad para vigilar el nivel de hipnosis de los pacientes bajo sedación o anestesia. Ofrece una puntuación de 0 a 100, en la que 0 representa la ausencia de función cerebral y 100 el nivel de alerta completa del paciente. Se describe el empleo de esta monitorización en tres pacientes militares sometidos a anestesia regional con sedación. Desde el punto de vista de los autores, el empleo de la monitorización biespectral es aconsejable tanto en bajas atendidas en escalones médicos desplegados en zona de operaciones, como en hospitales en territorio nacional, ya que incrementa el nivel de seguridad durante la realización de procedimientos anestesiológicos

Bispectral index (BIS(R)) monitor is an electroencephalographic analog that it is determined by computer and is used to monitor the level of hypnosis patients under sedation or anesthesia. It provides a score from 0 to 100, where 0 represents the absence of brain function level 100 and patient alert complete. The use of this device is described in three military casualties who undergoing regional anesthesia with sedation. From authors point of view, Bispectral monitoring´s employ is advisable in casualties attended in deployed medical treatment facilities or in military hospital, because increases the level of the patient´s security while performing anesthesiological procedures