Nódulo pulmonar solitario: ¿primario, metastásico o ambos? / Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: Primary, Metastatic, or Both?

El cáncer colorrectal constituye una de las neoplasias más frecuentes en los países desarrollados, y es el pulmón uno de los órganos más afectados por su diseminación metastásica. Se han publicado casos donde dicha afectación metastásica pulmonar de origen colorrectal coexiste simultáneamente con un cáncer primario.Presentamos el caso de un varón de 65 años diagnosticado de adenocarcinoma colorrectal, al que se realizó en 2007 una resección anterior baja. En una tomografía computarizada de control se detectó el crecimiento de un nódulo pulmonar catalogado como metástasis de la neoplasia. Remitido a nuestro Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, se procedió a su resección. El estudio anatomopatológico demostró que se trataba de un nódulo pulmonar neoplásico, en el que se diferenciaba tanto histológica como inmunohistoquímicamente una metástasis de adenocarcinoma de colon sobre un adenocarcinoma pulmonar. Dos de las adenopatías aisladas aparecían metastatizadas por adenocarcinoma, una con rasgos idénticos al componente enteroide y otra al componente pulmonar(AU)

The lung is the most common site for metastasis from colorectal cancer, which is among the most common neoplasms in developed countries. Simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary metastasis of colorectal origin and primary carcinoma has been reported.We describe the case of a 65-year-old man who underwent low anterior resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma in 2007. Follow-up computed tomography revealed a pulmonary nodule that was classified as metastatic. The patient was referred to our thoracic surgery department, where the nodule was resected. The pathology confirmed that the nodule was neoplastic, and histologic and immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of colorectal metastasis and lung adenocarcinoma. Evidence of metastasis was also found in 2 of the lymph nodes analyzed, 1 with features identical to the primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and 1 with features identical to the colorectal metastasis(AU)

[Solitary pulmonary nodule: primary, metastatic, or both]. / Nódulo pulmonar solitario: ¿primario, metastásico o ambos?

The lung is the most common site for metastasis from colorectal cancer, which is among the most common neoplasms in developed countries. Simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary metastasis of colorectal origin and primary carcinoma has been reported. We describe the case of a 65-year-old man who underwent low anterior resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma in 2007. Follow-up computed tomography revealed a pulmonary nodule that was classified as metastatic. The patient was referred to our thoracic surgery department, where the nodule was resected. The pathology confirmed that the nodule was neoplastic, and histologic and immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of colorectal metastasis and lung adenocarcinoma. Evidence of metastasis was also found in 2 of the lymph nodes analyzed, 1 with features identical to the primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and 1 with features identical to the colorectal metastasis.

Systemic air embolism in a patient with ingestion of a foreign body.

Air embolism is defined as the entry of gas into a vascular structure. Frequently it is iatrogenic and can result in serious morbidity and mortality. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with mediastinitis as a result of ingestion of a fishbone. Mediastinal debridement was performed which was complicated in the postoperative period by a systemic air embolism, as documented by computed tomography and clinical features.

Hiperparatiroidismo, bocio y carcinoma tiroideo bien diferenciado: una relación frecuente con implicaciones diagnósticas / Hyperparathyroidism, goiter and well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. A common association with diagnostic implications

Objetivo. Estudiar la enfermedad tiroidea encontrada en pacientes intervenidos por hiperparatiroidismo (HPT) comparando la frecuencia de carcinomas tiroideos bien diferenciados entre los distintos tipos de HPT. Pacientes y método. Revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de 124 pacientes intervenidos de HPT de manera consecutiva en nuestro servicio por un mismo cirujano entre enero de 1998 y junio de 2006. Resultados. Se trata de 105 (84,7%) mujeres y 19 (15,3%) varones, con una media de edad de 59,7 ± 15,66 años. De ellos, 115 (92,7%) presentan HPT primario (HPTP) y 9 (7,3%), HPT renal (HPTR). En 3 (2,6%) HPTP y en ninguno de los HPTR hay antecedente de radioterapia cervical. En 43 (34,7%) pacientes se realizó simultáneamente algún tipo de cirugía del tiroides, 40 (34,8%) de los HPTP y 3 (33,3%) de los HPTR (p = 1,00). Entre los 115 pacientes intervenidos por HPTP, encontramos 6 (5,2%) carcinomas papilares y entre los 9 afectos de HPTR, 2 (22,2%), sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos (p = 0,105). Conclusiones. La afección tiroidea es frecuente en pacientes intervenidos por HPT, pero no más que en series de autopsias. No se encuentran diferencias significativas en la prevalencia de carcinoma papilar de tiroides entre los HPT primario y renal. La radioterapia cervical no parece ser en la actualidad un factor clínicamente relevante en el desarrollo de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en los pacientes afectos de HPTP. La prevalencia de enfermedad tiroidea en la población general justifica la realización de una ecografía preoperatoria de forma sistemática (AU)

Objective. To analyze thyroid gland disease incidentally found in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism and to compare the frequency of nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma among different hyperparathyroidism varieties. Patients and method. We retrospectively reviewed 124 clinical records of patients who underwent surgery for hyperparathyroidism by a single surgeon from January 1998 to June 2006. Results. There were 105 women (84.7%) and 19 men (15.3%). The mean age was 59.7 ± 15.66 years old. Of these, 115 (92.7%) were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and 9 (7.3%) with renal hyperparathyroidism. In the primary hyperparathyroidism group, 3 patients (2.6%) had received neck irradiation compared with none in the renal hyperparathyroidism group. Thyroid gland surgery was performed simultaneously in 43 patients (34.7%), 40 (34.8%) of them belonging to the first group and three (33.3%) to the second group (p = 1.00). Among the 115 patients operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism, 6 papillary thyroid carcinomas (5.2%) were found and 2 (22.2%) were found among the 9 patients with renal hyperparathyroidism, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.105). Conclusions. An incidental finding of thyroid disease in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism is fairly frequent but no more so than that found in autopsy series. No statistically significant differences were found between primary and renal hyperparathyroidism in the prevalence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Currently, neck irradiation does not seem to be a clinically significant factor in this issue. The high prevalence of thyroid disease in the general population warrants systematic neck ultrasound before hyperparathyroidism surgery (AU)

[Hyperparathyroidism, goiter and well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. A common association with diagnostic implications]. / Hiperparatiroidismo, bocio y carcinoma tiroideo bien diferenciado: una relación frecuente con implicaciones diagnósticas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze thyroid gland disease incidentally found in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism and to compare the frequency of nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma among different hyperparathyroidism varieties. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 124 clinical records of patients who underwent surgery for hyperparathyroidism by a single surgeon from January 1998 to June 2006. RESULTS: There were 105 women (84.7%) and 19 men (15.3%). The mean age was 59.7 +/- 15.66 years old. Of these, 115 (92.7%) were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and 9 (7.3%) with renal hyperparathyroidism. In the primary hyperparathyroidism group, 3 patients (2.6%) had received neck irradiation compared with none in the renal hyperparathyroidism group. Thyroid gland surgery was performed simultaneously in 43 patients (34.7%), 40 (34.8%) of them belonging to the first group and three (33.3%) to the second group (p = 1.00). Among the 115 patients operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism, 6 papillary thyroid carcinomas (5.2%) were found and 2 (22.2%) were found among the 9 patients with renal hyperparathyroidism, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.105). CONCLUSIONS: An incidental finding of thyroid disease in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism is fairly frequent but no more so than that found in autopsy series. No statistically significant differences were found between primary and renal hyperparathyroidism in the prevalence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Currently, neck irradiation does not seem to be a clinically significant factor in this issue. The high prevalence of thyroid disease in the general population warrants systematic neck ultrasound before hyperparathyroidism surgery.

[Video-assisted thoracic surgery to treat spinal deformities: climbing the learning curve]. / Cirugía torácica videoasistida de las deformidades espinales: afrontando la curva de aprendizaje.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the learning curve on the preliminary results of video-assisted thoracic surgery for spinal deformities in a general hospital setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery performed by a multidisciplinary team comprising orthopedic and thoracic surgeons. Endoscopic anterior release and fusion were followed by posterior instrumentation in a single procedure. Demographic, orthopedic, morbidity, and mortality statistics were compiled for the 15 patients and compared to results reported for similar series. RESULTS: Endoscopic surgery was indicated for 15 patients: 11 women (73.3%) and 4 men (26.7%). The median age was 15 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14-19 years). Three patients (20%) required conversion to thoracotomy. There were 2 serious (13.3%) and 3 minor complications (20%). They all resolved satisfactorily and there was no perioperative mortality. The median Cobb angle was 71 degrees (IQR, 63.75 degrees -75.25 degrees ) before surgery and 41 degrees (IQR, 30 degrees -50 degrees ) after surgery. Median duration of surgery was 360 minutes (IQR, 300-360 minutes), duration of postoperative recovery unit stay was 1.5 days (IQR, 1-2.75 days), and total hospital stay was 11.5 days (IQR, 8.25-14 days). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the complexity of video-assisted thoracic surgical procedures, we believe they will become the standard approach to treating spinal deformities in the near future. By working together in general hospital settings, orthopedic and thoracic surgeons can help to overcome the steep yet manageable learning curve.

Cirugía torácica videoasistida de las deformidades espinales: afrontando la curva de aprendizaje / Video-assisted thoracic surgery to treat spinal deformities: climbing the learning curve

Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la curva de aprendizaje sobre los resultados iniciales de la cirugía torácica videoasistida de las deformidades espinales realizada en un hospital general. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva los registros clínicos de 15 pacientes intervenidos de deformidades espinales mediante cirugía torácica videoasistida por un equipo multidisciplinario formado por cirujanos ortopédicos y torácicos. El procedimiento consistió en la liberación y fusión anteriores endoscópicas, seguidas de una instrumentación posterior en el mismo acto. Se compararon los datos demográficos, ortopédicos y de morbimortalidad con los de otras series publicadas. Resultados: Se indicó el abordaje endoscópico en 15 pacientes ­11 (73,3%) mujeres y 4 (26,7%) varones­, con una edad mediana de 15 años (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 14-19). En 3 casos (20%) fue necesario convertir el procedimiento en una toracotomía. Se registraron complicaciones graves en 2 pacientes (13,3%) y leves en 3 (20%). Todas se resolvieron satisfactoriamente y la mortalidad perioperatoria fue nula. La mediana de los ángulos de Cobb preoperatorios era de 71º (RIQ: 63,75-75,25) y pasó a ser de 41° (RIQ: 30-50) tras la corrección. Las intervenciones duraron una mediana de 360 min (RIQ: 300-360). Los pacientes permanecieron ingresados en la unidad de reanimación una mediana de 1,5 días (RIQ: 1-2,75) y la estancia hospitalaria total fue de 11,5 días (RIQ: 8,25-14). Conclusiones: La aplicación de la cirugía torácica videoasistida a la enfermedad deformativa del raquis torácico resulta técnicamente compleja pero ineludible en un futuro inmediato, con una curva de aprendizaje dilatada pero abordable en un hospital general si se hace de forma conjunta por cirujanos ortopédicos y torácicos

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the learning curve on the preliminary results of video-assisted thoracic surgery for spinal deformities in a general hospital setting. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery performed by a multidisciplinary team comprising orthopedic and thoracic surgeons. Endoscopic anterior release and fusion were followed by posterior instrumentation in a single procedure. Demographic, orthopedic, morbidity, and mortality statistics were compiled for the 15 patients and compared to results reported for similar series. Results: Endoscopic surgery was indicated for 15 patients: 11 women (73.3%) and 4 men (26.7%). The median age was 15 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14-19 years). Three patients (20%) required conversion to thoracotomy. There were 2 serious (13.3%) and 3 minor complications (20%). They all resolved satisfactorily and there was no perioperative mortality. The median Cobb angle was 71° (IQR, 63.75°-75.25°) before surgery and 41° (IQR, 30°-50°) after surgery. Median duration of surgery was 360 minutes (IQR, 300-360 minutes), duration of postoperative recovery unit stay was 1.5 days (IQR, 1-2.75 days), and total hospital stay was 11.5 days (IQR, 8.25-14 days). Conclusions: Despite the complexity of video-assisted thoracic surgical procedures, we believe they will become the standard approach to treating spinal deformities in the near future. By working together in general hospital settings, orthopedic and thoracic surgeons can help to overcome the steep yet manageable learning curve

[Influence of delay of surgery on the survival of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma]. / Influencia de la demora quirúrgica en la supervivencia de los pacientes intervenidos por carcinoma broncogénico.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchogenic carcinoma is the main cause of tumor-related deaths among men in Spain. The British Thoracic Society recommends that no longer than 4 weeks should pass from the moment a patient s name is placed on a waiting list until surgery takes place. We analyzed the influence of time until surgery on survival in patients with lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We operated on 108 patients diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2002. The time until surgery was defined by the date of application for care in our department until the moment of surgery. RESULTS: The mean time on the waiting list was 56.87 days. No significant differences in mean wait-list times could be found in relation to tumor stage, type of surgery, patient age, or complete resection rate. The median survival in this patient series was 35 months. No significant differences in survival were found in relation to time until surgery in either the univariate or multivariate analysis. Pathologic stage, complete resection of the tumor, and patient age were prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that delaying surgery affects survival in lung cancer patients. However, efforts should be made to reduce surgical wait-list times to bring them into line with the recommendations of scientific societies.

Influencia de la demora quirúrgica en la supervivencia de los pacientes intervenidos por carcinoma broncogénico / Influence of delay of surgery on the survival of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma

Objetivo: La primera causa de muerte de origen neoplásico en varones en nuestro medio es el carcinoma broncogénico. La British Thoracic Society recomienda que el tiempo de demora quirúrgica desde el momento de inclusión en una lista de espera hasta la cirugía ha de ser menor de 4 semanas. Analizamos la influencia de la espera quirúrgica en la supervivencia de estos pacientes. Pacientes y métodos: Entre el 1 de enero de 2001 y el 31 de diciembre de 2002 se intervino en nuestro servicio a 108 pacientes con el diagnóstico de carcinoma broncogénico. El tiempo de espera quirúrgica se consideró desde la fecha de solicitud de asistencia en nuestro servicio hasta el momento de la cirugía. Resultados: La media de los tiempos de espera fue de 56,87 días. No se hallaron diferencias significativas en las medias de los tiempos de espera según el estadio tumoral, el tipo de cirugía practicada, la edad del paciente o el índice de resección completa. La mediana de supervivencia de la serie fue de 35 meses. No se apreciaron diferencias significativas en la supervivencia en relación con la demora quirúrgica en el estudio univariante ni en el multivariante. El estadio patológico, la resección completa del tumor y la edad del paciente demostraron ser factores pronósticos. Conclusiones: No hemos encontrado evidencia de que nuestra demora quirúrgica influya en la supervivencia de estos pacientes. No obstante, nuestros esfuerzos deben dirigirse a la reducción de estos tiempos de espera quirúrgica hasta que se aproximen a las recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas

Objective: Bronchogenic carcinoma is the main cause of tumor-related deaths among men in Spain. The British Thoracic Society recommends that no longer than 4 weeks should pass from the moment a patient´s name is placed on a waiting list until surgery takes place. We analyzed the influence of time until surgery on survival in patients with lung cancer. Patients and methods: We operated on 108 patients diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2002. The time until surgery was defined by the date of application for care in our department until the moment of surgery. Results: The mean time on the waiting list was 56.87 days. No significant differences in mean wait-list times could be found in relation to tumor stage, type of surgery, patient age, or complete resection rate. The median survival in this patient series was 35 months. No significant differences in survival were found in relation to time until surgery in either the univariate or multivariate analysis. Pathologic stage, complete resection of the tumor, and patient age were prognostic factors. Conclusions: We found no evidence that delaying surgery affects survival in lung cancer patients. However, efforts should be made to reduce surgical wait-list times to bring them into line with the recommendations of scientific societies

[Spontaneous pneumomediastinum mimicking Boerhaave's syndrome]. / Neumomediastino espontáneo que parece un síndrome de Boerhaave.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon benign disorder that usually occurs in young men. Because of its clinical features and physiopathologic mechanism, other, more serious disorders that could require urgent treatment, such as Boerhaave's syndrome or spontaneous esophageal rupture, must be ruled out. We report the case of a 19-year-old man with no relevant history, who presented mediastinal emphysema after an episode of repeated vomiting in the context of alcohol abuse. Imaging techniques help to assess esophageal involvement.

Neumomediastino espontáneo que parece un síndrome de Boerhaave / Spontaneous pneumomediastinum mimicking Boerhaave’s syndrome

El neumomediastino espontáneo es una entidad clínica benigna que suele manifestarse en varones jóvenes. Tanto sus manifestaciones clínicas como el mecanismo por el que se produce obligan a descartar otras afecciones de mayor gravedad que puedan requerir un tratamiento inmediato, como el síndrome de Boerhaave o la rotura esofágica espontánea. Aportamos el caso de un varón de 19 años de edad sin antecedentes significativos que presentó un enfisema mediastínico espontáneo tras un episodio de vómitos de repetición en el contexto de una ingesta etílica. Las exploraciones radiológicas practicadas ayudaron a descartar la afección esofágica (AU)

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon benign disorder that usually occurs in young men. Because of its clinical features and physiopathologic mechanism, other, more serious disorders that could require urgent treatment, such as Boerhaave's syndrome or spontaneous esophageal rupture, must be ruled out. We report the case of a 19-year-old man with no relevant history, who presented mediastinal emphysema after an episode of repeated vomiting in the context of alcohol abuse. Imaging techniques help to assess esophageal involvement (AU)