Gestión del dolor agudo postoperatorio: condiciones para garantizar la seguridad y la efectividad de los tratamientos analgésicos / Management of acute postoperative pain: Conditions to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of analgesic treatments

La evidencia sobre la gestión del dolor postoperatorio presenta un grado de calidad bajo o insuficiente. El Grupo de Trabajo del Dolor Agudo SEDAR ha elaborado este documento-guía para aplicar la mejor evidencia científica disponible a la práctica clínica habitual, individualizándolo en función de factores propios del paciente y del procedimiento, y englobando las distintas opciones organizativas del control de dolor.El documento profundiza y actualiza conceptos y requisitos mínimos necesarios para una analgesia óptima postoperatoria, el abordaje multidisciplinar y la gestión del dolor agudo postoperatorio. Se definen y se describen líneas estratégicas y los distintos modelos de gestión. Se establece un plan de actuación general perioperatoria basado en la colaboración con los servicios quirúrgicos implicados, en la revisión conjunta de la evidencia y en la elaboración de protocolos por procedimiento. Finalmente, se presenta un plan de seguimiento y los indicadores mínimos necesarios para un control de calidad del dolor postoperatorio. (AU)

The evidence on postoperative pain management is of low or insufficient quality. The SEDAR Acute Pain Working Group has prepared this guideline-document to apply the best available scientific evidence to clinical practice, individualizing it based on factors specific to the patient and the procedure, and encompassing different organizational options, attempting to individualize it based on specific factors of the patient and the procedure, and encompassing the different organizational options for pain control.The document updates concepts and minimum requirements necessary for optimal postoperative analgesia, a multidisciplinary approach and the management of acute postoperative pain. Strategic lines and different management models are defined. A general perioperative action plan is established based on collaboration with the surgical departments involved, on the joint review of the evidence and on preparation of protocols by the procedure. Finally, a follow-up plan and a series of minimum indicators necessary for quality control of postoperative pain are presented. (AU)

Management of acute postoperative pain: Conditions to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of analgesic treatments.

The evidence on postoperative pain management is of low or insufficient quality. The SEDAR Acute Pain Working Group has prepared this guideline-document to apply the best available scientific evidence to clinical practice, individualizing it based on factors specific to the patient and the procedure, and encompassing different organizational options, attempting to individualize it based on specific factors of the patient and the procedure, and encompassing the different organizational options for pain control. The document updates concepts and minimum requirements necessary for optimal postoperative analgesia, a multidisciplinary approach and the management of Acute Postoperative Pain. Strategic lines and different management models are defined. A general perioperative action plan is established based on collaboration with the surgical departments involved, on the joint review of the evidence and on preparation of protocols by the procedure. Finally, a follow-up plan and a series of minimum indicators necessary for quality control of postoperative pain are presented.

El problema no resuelto del dolor postoperatorio: análisis crítico y propuestas de mejora / The unsolved problem of postoperative pain: critical analysis and prospects for improvement

Anualmente se ha observado un ascenso del 5 % en la intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas mundialmente, junto con un incremento en la complejidad de las mismas, así como en la comorbilidades de los pacientes. No obstante, entre el 30-80 % de los pacientes experimentan dolor agudo postoperatorio (DAP) mode­rado-intenso tras las primeras 24 horas de postoperatorio, a pesar de un mejor conocimiento fisiopatológico, el empleo de nuevas técnicas y fármacos analgésicos, la publicación de nuevas guías y la creación de las Unidades de Dolor Agudo (UDA). Además, hemos de tener presente a los pacientes vulnerables (población pediátrica, gestantes, ancianos, etc.) y a los consumidores crónicos de opioides, que habitualmente son desviaciones de los protocolos analgésicos y, por tanto, nos sitúan en un escenario en el que el manejo del dolor postoperatorio es más difícil y obliga al diseño de estrategias personalizadas a cada paciente. Se ha de tener también presente que un inadecuado control del DAP puede dar lugar a una cronificación del dolor postoperatorio, suponiendo un auténtico reto te­rapéutico para las unidades de dolor crónico, junto con un deterioro de la calidad de vida del paciente debido a sus repercusiones físicas, psicológicas y económicas. A través de este manuscrito, pretendemos realizar un análisis crítico y proponer puntos de mejora en la forma en la que gestionamos actualmente el DAP, basándonos en la evidencia científica para la obtención de mejores resultados postoperatorios en los próximos años.(AU)

Annually, a 5 % rise has been observed in surgical interventions performed worldwide, together with an increase in their complexity as well as in patient comorbidities. However, between 30-80 % of patients experience moderate-intense acute postoperative pain (APD) after the first 24 postoperative hours, despite better pathophysiological knowledge, use of new techniques and analgesic drugs, publication of new guidelines and the creation of the Acute Pain Units (UDA). In addition, we must bear in mind vulnerable patients (pediatric population, pregnant women, the elderly, ...) and chronic opioid users who are usually deviations from analgesic protocols and, therefore, place us in a scenario in which the management of Postoperative pain is more difficult and requires the design of personalized strategies for each patient. It must also be borne in mind that inadequate PDA control can lead to chronic postoperative pain, posing a real therapeutic challenge for Chronic Pain Units, toge­ther with a deterioration in the patient's quality of life due to its physical repercussions, psychological and economic. Through this manuscript, we intend to carry out a critical analysis and propose points for improvement in the way we currently manage DAP based on scientific evidence to obtain better postoperative results in the coming years.(AU)

Descriptive study of ultrasound images of the upper airway obtained after insertion of laryngeal mask. / Imágenes ultrasonográficas de vía aérea superior tras la inserción de mascarilla laríngea: estudio descriptivo y utilidad clínica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical usefulness of ultrasound images of the upper airway in order to check correct laryngeal mask placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients scheduled for abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia, in whom the patency of the upper airway was ensured using an Ambu®AuraGainTM laryngeal mask. An ultrasound scan was performed of the upper-airway in the cranio-caudal direction and with longitudinal scans in the anterior midline and parasagittal axis, in three moments: before, after inserting and after removing the mask. All recorded images were evaluated in a second time by a radiologist-expert in upper airway ultrasound. Subsequently, the ultrasound data were related to the clinical difficulty of the insertion and presence of air leaks. RESULTS: Data was collected from 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) being operated on for abdominal hysterectomy (15), eventroplasty (6), uterine myomectomy (3), and umbilical (4) and inguinal herniorrhaphy (2). The blind insertion of the masks did not present difficulties in 24 (80%) patients. Air leakage was detected in 8 (26.7%) patients, which was moderate in 7 cases and severe in one of them. The ultrasound findings confirmed good mask placement in 22 (73.3%) patients. Anatomical airway changes after laryngeal mask extraction were only observed in 3 (12%) patients, all of them minor. There was a statistically significant association (P<.05) between difficulty in inserting the device and the level of air leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Upper airway ultrasound is a useful diagnostic method to evaluate laryngeal mask placement. Laryngeal oedema was not observed after removal of the device.

Serratus-intercostal interfascial block as an opioid-saving strategy in supra-umbilical open surgery. / Bloqueo interfascial serrato-intercostal como estrategia ahorradora de opioides en cirugía supraumbilical abierta.

INTRODUCTION: The administration of local anaesthetic in the serratus-intercostal space provides adequate analgesia in non-reconstructive breast surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the blockage of the last intercostal nerves (T7-T11) can lead to opioid savings in supra-umbilical open surgery procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing open supra-umbilical surgery under general anaesthesia and with a serratus-intercostal plane block [modified Blocking the bRanches of IntercostaL nerves in the Middle Axillary line (BRILMA)] as an associated analgesic strategy. Post-operative pain was assessed with the numerical verbal scale (NVS 0 to 10) on admission to the post-anAesthesia recovery unit, at 6, 12, 24, and 48h postintervention and by need for analgesic rescues with opioids (2mg iv of morphine, if values higher than 3 in NVS). Adverse events related to the technique were also recorded. The statistical package used in the analysis of the data was SPSS® for Windows. RESULTS: The study recruited 52 patients. Differences, with a p<.05, were found intra-operatively in the consumption of fentanyl: 400 + 80µg versus 110 + 50µg in patients who underwent pre-incisional blockade. In the first 24hours, only 3 cases (two gastrectomies and one cholecystectomy) required morphine (single bolus of 2mg). Between 24h and 48h it was necessary to administer several morphine boluses (8 + 2mg) in four patients (three gastrectomies and one cholecystectomy). Four patients presented with nausea and / or vomiting and there were no complications related to the analgesic technique. CONCLUSION: The intercostal nerves block (T7-T11) in the serratus-intercostal space may constitute an opioid-sparing analgesic strategy in open supra-umbilical surgery.

Oral Bacterial Acid-Base Metabolism in Caries Screening: A Proof-Of-Concept Study.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to clinically validate an array of biochemical tests for oral acid/alkali generation as caries screening instruments. 185 adult subjects (mean 33.6±10.6 years) were examined clinically for dental caries using the ICDAS criteria. Bitewing radiographs were used to confirm interproximal surfaces of posterior teeth. For the purposes of this study, subjects were classified as "caries-active" if they had at least one untreated caries lesion with ICDAS 4 or higher. Pooled supragingival plaque and unstimulated saliva samples were collected and assayed for pH changes from sucrose and urea metabolism using colorimetric tests. The validity of each test to discriminate between "caries-inactive" and "caries-active" subjects was assessed and compared to a commercial bacteriological caries-screening test using roc regression and logistic regression models. The AUCs of the plaque-urea (PU: 0.59 (0.51, 0.67)), plaque-urea-glucose (PUG: 0.59 (0.51, 0.67)) and saliva-urea-glucose (SUG: 0.59 (0.51, 0.67)) tests did not differ significantly from the bacteriological tests (CRT-mutans: 0.62 (0.54, 0.70); CRT-lactobacillus: 0.63 (0.56, 0.71) (P>0.05), but the plaque-glucose (SG), saliva-glucose (SG), saliva-urea (SU) and saliva-plaque-glucose (SPG) tests had significantly smaller AUCs (P<0.05). The AUCs for the PU, PUG, SUG, and the CRT-mutans tests were higher in subjects who had no existing dental restorations (PU: 0.90 (0.77, 1.04); PUG: 0.90 (0.79, 1.01); SUG: 0.89 (0.69, 1.08); CRT-mutans: 0.90 (0.73, 1.08)). The incorporation of the biochemical tests into a multidimensional bacteriological/psychosocial caries screening model significantly increased its diagnostic values (Se+Sp: 160.6, AUC: 0.846). In conclusion, as a proof of concept, the results of this study indicate that measuring the ability of dental plaque and saliva to metabolize urea together with the ability to generate acid from sugars may have a promising role in caries screening either independently, or as part of a multidimensional biological test.

Quality of postoperative recovery after breast surgery. General anaesthesia combined with paravertebral versus serratus-intercostal block. / Calidad de la recuperación posquirúrgica tras cirugía de mama. Anestesia general combinada con bloqueo paravertebral versus bloqueo del espacio serrato-intercostal.

INTRODUCTION: The quality of postoperative recovery is one of the most important among all the quality indicators used in clinical situations. This is even more important after cancer surgery. Our aim was to evaluate this after non-reconstructive breast surgery under general anesthesia and paravertebral blockade or serratus-intercostal plane blockade, in the early and late post-operative period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on 60 patients (25 paravertebral blockade group and 35 serratus-intercostal plane blockade group) scheduled for non-reconstructive breast surgery during a 6 month period. Every patient received general anaesthesia and were randomised to receive either paravertebral blockade or serratus-intercostal plane blockade. The quality of post-anaesthetic recovery was quantified by Postoperative Quality Recovery Scale, which is used to assess physiological, nociceptive, emotional, autonomy, cognitive and general state domains at different times: baseline (before surgery), 15min after the end of surgery, at discharge to home, and one month after surgery. RESULTS: A total recovery of 95.93% was achieved in the early postoperative period (15min PACU), 99.07% at discharge to home, and 99.25% at one month after the intervention. No significant differences were found between groups in total score or in each evaluated area. CONCLUSIONS: A progressive improvement was observed in the scores assessed with the Postoperative Quality Recovery Scale, reaching values that would allow the discharge to home and early return to usual active life from the immediate postoperative period, with no significant differences between the 2 analgesic techniques. Savings in opioid use and the excellent recovery were observed in all measured domains observed.

[Blood cultures in the paediatric emergency department. Guidelines and recommendations on their indications, collection, processing and interpretation]. / Hemocultivos en urgencias pediátricas. Guía práctica de recomendaciones: indicaciones, técnica de extracción, procesamiento e interpretación.

Blood culture (BC) is the gold standard when a bacteraemia is suspected, and is one of the most requested microbiological tests in paediatrics. Some changes have occurred in recent years: the introduction of new vaccines, the increasing number of patients with central vascular catheters, as well as the introduction of continuous monitoring BC systems. These changes have led to the review and update of different factors related to this technique in order to optimise its use. A practice guideline is presented with recommendations on BC, established by the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergency Care and the Spanish Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases. After reviewing the available scientific evidence, several recommendations for each of the following aspects are presented: BC indications in the Emergency Department, how to obtain, transport and process cultures, special situations (indications and interpretation of results in immunosuppressed patients and/or central vascular catheter carriers, indications for anaerobic BC), differentiation between bacteraemia and contamination when a BC shows bacterial growth and actions to take with a positive BC in patients with fever of unknown origin.

A dose-volume histogram based decision-support system for dosimetric comparison of radiotherapy treatment plans.

BACKGROUND: The choice of any radiotherapy treatment plan is usually made after the evaluation of a few preliminary isodose distributions obtained from different beam configurations. Despite considerable advances in planning techniques, such final decision remains a challenging task that would greatly benefit from efficient and reliable assessment tools. METHODS: For any dosimetric plan considered, data on dose-volume histograms supplied by treatment planning systems are used to provide estimates on planning target coverage as well as on sparing of organs at risk and the remaining healthy tissue. These partial metrics are then combined into a dose distribution index (DDI), which provides a unified, easy-to-read score for each competing radiotherapy plan. To assess the performance of the proposed scoring system, DDI figures for fifty brain cancer patients were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided in three groups depending on tumor location and malignancy. For each patient, three tentative plans were designed and recorded during planning, one of which was eventually selected for treatment. We thus were able to compare the plans with better DDI scores and those actually delivered. RESULTS: When planning target coverage and organs at risk sparing are considered as equally important, the tentative plan with the highest DDI score is shown to coincide with that actually delivered in 32 of the 50 patients considered. In 15 (respectively 3) of the remaining 18 cases, the plan with highest DDI value still coincides with that actually selected, provided that organs at risk sparing is given higher priority (respectively, lower priority) than target coverage. CONCLUSIONS: DDI provides a straightforward and non-subjective tool for dosimetric comparison of tentative radiotherapy plans. In particular, DDI readily quantifies differences among competing plans with similar-looking dose-volume histograms and can be easily implemented for any tumor type and localization, irrespective of the planning system and irradiation technique considered. Moreover, DDI permits to estimate the dosimetry impact of different priorities being assigned to sparing of organs at risk or to better target coverage.

Early stages of bone fracture healing: formation of a fibrin-collagen scaffold in the fracture hematoma.

This work is concerned with the sequence of events taking place during the first stages of bone fracture healing, from bone breakup until the formation of early fibrous callus (EFC). The latter provides a scaffold over which subsequent remodeling processes will eventually result in successful bone repair. Specifically, some mathematical models are proposed to estimate the time required for (1) the formation immediately after fracture of a fibrin clot, described in terms of a phase transition in a polymerization process, and (2) the onset of EFC which is produced when fibroblasts arising from differentiation of chemotactically recruited mesenchymal stem cells remodel a previous fibrin clot by releasing a collagen matrix over it. An attempt has been made to keep models as simple as possible, so that a explicit dependence of the estimates obtained on relevant biochemical parameters involved is obtained.

Selecting radiotherapy dose distributions by means of constrained optimization problems.

The main steps in planning radiotherapy consist in selecting for any patient diagnosed with a solid tumor (i) a prescribed radiation dose on the tumor, (ii) bounds on the radiation side effects on nearby organs at risk and (iii) a fractionation scheme specifying the number and frequency of therapeutic sessions during treatment. The goal of any radiotherapy treatment is to deliver on the tumor a radiation dose as close as possible to that selected in (i), while at the same time conforming to the constraints prescribed in (ii). To this day, considerable uncertainties remain concerning the best manner in which such issues should be addressed. In particular, the choice of a prescription radiation dose is mostly based on clinical experience accumulated on the particular type of tumor considered, without any direct reference to quantitative radiobiological assessment. Interestingly, mathematical models for the effect of radiation on biological matter have existed for quite some time, and are widely acknowledged by clinicians. However, the difficulty to obtain accurate in vivo measurements of the radiobiological parameters involved has severely restricted their direct application in current clinical practice.In this work, we first propose a mathematical model to select radiation dose distributions as solutions (minimizers) of suitable variational problems, under the assumption that key radiobiological parameters for tumors and organs at risk involved are known. Second, by analyzing the dependence of such solutions on the parameters involved, we then discuss the manner in which the use of those minimizers can improve current decision-making processes to select clinical dosimetries when (as is generally the case) only partial information on model radiosensitivity parameters is available. A comparison of the proposed radiation dose distributions with those actually delivered in a number of clinical cases strongly suggests that solutions of our mathematical model can be instrumental in deriving good quality tests to select radiotherapy treatment plans in rather general situations.

Dynamics of VEGF matrix-retention in vascular network patterning.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a central regulator of blood vessel morphogenesis, although its role in patterning of endothelial cells into vascular networks is not fully understood. It has been suggested that binding of soluble VEGF to extracellular matrix components causes spatially restricted cues that guide endothelial cells into network patterns. Yet, current evidence for such a mechanism remains indirect. In this study, we quantitatively analyse the dynamics of VEGF retention in a controlled in vitro situation of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in Matrigel. We show that fluorescent VEGF accumulates in pericellular areas and colocalizes with VEGF binding molecules. Analysis of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching reveals that binding/unbinding to matrix molecules dominates VEGF dynamics in the pericellular region. Computational simulations using our experimental measurements of kinetic parameters show that matrix retention of chemotactic signals can lead to the formation of reticular cellular networks on a realistic timescale. Taken together, these results show that VEGF binds to matrix molecules in proximity of HUVECs in Matrigel, and suggest that bound VEGF drives vascular network patterning.

Pattern formation in stromatolites: insights from mathematical modelling.

To this day, computer models for stromatolite formation have made substantial use of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation. Oddly enough, these studies yielded mutually exclusive conclusions about the biotic or abiotic origin of such structures. We show in this paper that, at our current state of knowledge, a purely biotic origin for stromatolites can neither be proved nor disproved by means of a KPZ-based model. What can be shown, however, is that whatever their (biotic or abiotic) origin might be, some morphologies found in actual stromatolite structures (e.g. overhangs) cannot be formed as a consequence of a process modelled exclusively in terms of the KPZ equation and acting over sufficiently large times. This suggests the need to search for alternative mathematical approaches to model these structures, some of which are discussed in this paper.

On the dynamics of the growth plate in primary ossification.

In this work a mathematical model for the interaction of two key signalling molecules in rat tibia ossification is presented and discussed. The molecules under consideration are Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). These are known to be major agents in the dynamics of the so-called growth plate, where transition from pristine cartilage to advancing bone takes place. Our model consists in a steady-state linear approximation to a reaction-diffusion system where only diffusion and absorption mechanisms are retained. Estimates on some system parameters are given, on the basis of the knowledge of a few measurable quantities. This allows for explicitly solving our model, whereupon a discussion on robustness and regulatory properties thereof is provided. In particular, we show that the size of the Proliferative Zone in the growth plate is rather insensitive to variations in the flux coefficients for Ihh and PTHrP at their boundaries. Besides, we also show that the model is also insensitive to large changes in the (comparatively small) critical value of the PTHrP concentration which marks the transition form Proliferative to Hyperthropic Regions within the Growth Plate. These results hold irrespective of the particular diffusivities selected for Ihh and PTHrP.

Estudio preliminar dirigido a la construcción de un cuestionario de derivación de la atención primaria a los servicios de salud mental / Preliminary study aimed at the construction of a questionnaire for referral from primary care to mental health services

La alta prevalencia de morbilidad psiquiátrica en atención primaria, la mayor percepción de necesidad de ayuda de los casos más leves y que las derivaciones sean poco discriminadas, incrementa la presión asistencial en los servicios de salud mental. Todo ello hace necesario disponer de instrumentos que mejoren el reconocimiento de los casos más graves y que ayuden en la toma de decisión de la derivación. Con esta finalidad hemos elaborado una escala con criterios de derivación a salud mental (CDSM) que es multidimensional y hetero aplicada. En este trabajo se muestran los resultados preliminares de su aplicación por un grupo de médicos de atención primaria en un estudio piloto realizado sobre una muestra de 198 pacientes. Los datos obtenidos confirman la existencia de un alto porcentaje de posibles casos psiquiátricos (46,9%) y detecta un 4% de casos susceptibles de derivación. Los resultados también ponen de manifiesto una baja capacidad de detección de dicha patología por parte de los médicos de atención primaria. La CDSM presenta una moderada asociación con el General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) y con el reconocimiento de psicopatología por el médico de atención primaria. Otros factores diferentes de la gravedad clínica evaluada por el CDSM, posiblemente pertenecientes a la relación médico-paciente y que convendría estudiar, parecen estar influyendo en la decisión de derivación a salud mental. En un trabajo ulterior se publicará la validación de la escala para nuestro entorno asistencial (AU)

The high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in primary care, the growing perception of the need for specialized help by the least severe patients and the lack of accuracy in referrals, contribute to the increasing overload in mental health services. So it seems necessary to design diagnostic tools in order to improve the detection of more severe patients and to help in the referral decision. With this purpose in mind, we have designed the multidimensional hetero-administrated Scale Referral Criteria for Mental Health (CRMH). This paper presents the preliminary results of a pilot study on its application in a sample of 198 patients by a group of Primary Care Physicians (PCP). The data show the detection of a high percentage of potential psychiatric patients (46.9%) and 4% of patients who having the possibility of being referred. The results also illustrate the low ability of PCP to detect these disorders. CRMH has a moderate correlation with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and with detection of psychopathology by PCP. Other factors, apart from clinical severity evaluated through CRMH, possibly belonging to doctor-patient relationship, which should be analyzed, seem to influence the mental health referral. Ina future article, we will present the validation of this scale in our care setting (AU)

Influencia de la carótida contralateral en los resultados de la endarterectomía carotídea / The influence of the contralateral carotid artery in the outcome of carotid endarterectomies

Introducción. La oclusión carotídea contralateral puede considerarse un factor de riesgo de la endarterectomía carotídea (EAC). Objetivo. Valorar los resultados de la EAC según el estado de la carótida contralateral. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en el que se incluyen 291 pacientes (edad media: 67,5 ± 8 años; 86% varones), a los que se realizaron 320 EAC en siete años (1998-2004). Control clínico medio: 27 ± 22 meses. Indicaciones de intervención: estenosis sintomáticas > 70% y asintomáticas preoclusivas. Clasificados los pacientes en cuatro grupos: oclusión contralateral (grupo A, 52 pacientes), estenosis contralateral grave (B, 50 pacientes), estenosis contralateral < 70% (C, 78 pacientes), y carótida contralateral normal (D, 140 pacientes). Las características de los grupos y tasas perioperatorias de muerte e ictus se comparan mediante test de χ2. Se calcula la supervivencia libre de eventos neurológicos mediante tablas de vida Kaplan-Meier. Resultados. Los cuatro grupos resultaron comparables en factores de riesgo, indicación de intervención y técnica quirúrgica, excepto en utilización de shunt. La mortalidad perioperatoria global fue del 1,9%, sin diferencias entre grupos, aunque mayor en B. Las tasas de ictus perioperatorio fueron 3,8, 4, 1,3 y 1,5% (A, B, C y D, respectivamente; p = 0,23). La morbilidad neurológica fue significativamente mayor en A + B respecto a C + D (9,8 frente a 4,1%; p = 0,04). En el control clínico a medio-largo plazo no hubo tampoco diferencias entre los grupos. Conclusiones. El estado lesional de la carótida contralateral influye en los resultados de la EAC. La estenosis contralateral grave eleva la morbimortalidad perioperatoria en igual o mayor proporción que la oclusión contralateral

INTRODUCTION. Contralateral carotid occlusion can be considered a risk factor for a carotid endarterectomy (CEA). AIMS. To evaluate the outcomes of CEA according to the status of the contralateral carotid artery. PATIENTS AND METHODS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with a sample of 291 patients (mean age 67.5 ± 8 years; 86% males), who underwent 320 CEA over a period of seven years (1998-2004). Mean clinical follow-up: 27 ± 22 months. Indications for surgical intervention: symptomatic > 70% and asymptomatic preocclusive stenoses. Patients were classified in four groups: contralateral occlusion (group A, 52 patients), severe contralateral stenosis (B, 50 patients), contralateral stenosis < 70% (C, 78 patients), and normal contralateral carotid (D, 140 patients). The characteristics of the groups and the perioperative death and stroke rates were compared using the chi squared test. Rates of survival free of neurological events were calculated by means of the Kaplan-Meier life tables. RESULTS. The four groups were found to be comparable as regards risk factors, indications for surgical intervention and surgical procedure, except in relation to the use of shunts. Overall perioperative mortality was 1.9% with no significant differences among groups, although it was slightly higher in group B. Perioperative stroke rates were 3.8, 4, 1.3 and 1.5% (A, B, C and D, respectively; p = 0.23). Neurological morbidity was significantly higher in A + B than in C + D (9.8 versus 4.1%; p = 0.04). No differences were found among groups in the medium-long term clinical follow-up either

Resultados de la prótesis Distaflo en isquemia crítica de miembros inferiores / Distaflo graft outcome in treatment of critical limb ischaemia

Objetivo. Valorar si la prótesis Distaflo puede ser una alternativa a la prótesis politetrafluoroetileno (PTFE) con interposición de manguito de Miller en revascularización infragenicular de miembros inferiores. Pacientes y métodos. Sobre un total de 90 revascularizaciones infrainguinales en un período de 12 meses, se realizaron 28 revascularizaciones infrageniculares con la prótesis Distaflo, en pacientes con isquemia crítica sin posibilidad de utilizar injerto venoso. En la mitad de los casos se utilizó como arteria receptora del bypass la tercera porción poplítea y en la otra mitad un tronco distal. Se utilizó como grupo control una serie histórica de 43 revascularizaciones infrageniculares con prótesis de PTFE más interposición de manguito venoso de Miller. Mediante test actuarial de supervivencia, se comparan permeabilidad primaria y salvamento de extremidad a 18 meses. Resultados. En Distaflo las tasas de permeabilidad primaria y salvamento fueron de 45,3 y 85%, respectivamente; en el grupo control, 49,6 y 69%, sin encontrar diferencias significativas (p = 0,8 y 0,18, respectivamente). Cuando la anastomosis distal se realizó en tercera porción de poplítea, la permeabilidad del Distaflo fue de 68 frente al 57% en el grupo control (p = 0,52). En anastomosis sobre tronco distal la permeabilidad del grupo control fue mayor (45 frente a 24%), pero sin hallar tampoco diferencias significativas (p = 0,25). Conclusión. La prótesis Distaflo es una alternativa a la interposición de manguito venoso de Miller en revascularización a tercera porción poplítea, y su papel en tronco distal es más discutible

Aim. To assess if Distaflo graft can be used as alternative to vein cuff interposition in distal prosthetic arterial bypass for critical limb ischaemia. Patients and methods. Over a total of 90 infrainguinal reconstructions during one year, 28 patients with critical limb ischaemia, but no autologous vein, underwent infragenicular revascularization with Distaflo graft. Distal anastomosis was localized in a half of patients at below-knee popliteal artery, and in the other half, at infrapopliteal arteries. We utilized as historical control group, 43 patients operated on in the previous four years, who underwent polytetrafluoroethylene bypass grafting with vein cuff interposition. Cumulative primary patency and limb salvage over 18 months were calculated using life-table analysis, and compared with long rang test. Results. The Distaflo graft had patency and limb salvage rates of 45.3 and 85%, compared to 49.6 and 69% in the control group, respectively, with no statistical difference (p = 0.8 and 0.18 respectively). When the recipient artery was the below-knee popliteal, the patency rate was 68% in Distaflo and 57% in control group (p = 0.52); in distal bypass (infrapopliteal trunk) the patency was better in the interposition vein cuff group (45 vs. 24%), but neither no statistical difference (p = 0.25). Conclusion. Distaflo graft is a valid alternative to interposition vein cuff in revascularization to below-knee popliteal artery, but its role is more controversial at distal-infrapopliteal arteries