Hiperparatiroidismo primario / Primary hyperparathyroidism

Resumen El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPP) se define como un trastorno endocrinológico caracterizado por hipercalcemia y niveles de hormona paratiroidea (PTH) elevados o inadecuadamente normales resultado de la secreción excesiva de PTH de una o más glándulas paratiroides. Con respecto a la causa, en un 85% se debe a un adenoma paratiroideo único y un 95% de los casos son esporádicos, sin un factor etiológico identificable. La presentación clásica en la mayoría de los casos es de forma asintomática, sin embargo, sus síntomas o signos clásicos incluyen los derivados de la afectación renal, donde la nefrolitiasis es la manifestación clínica más frecuente de la afectación ósea y de la hipercalcemia. El diagnóstico es bioquímico, sin necesidad de estudio imagenológico, el cual se realiza únicamente como pruebas localizadoras prequirúrgicas. El tratamiento definitivo es quirúrgico, siendo la paratiroidectomía con abordaje cervical el procedimiento de elección.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is defined as an endocrine disorder characterized by hypercalcemia and elevated or inadequately normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels resulting from the excessive secretion of PTH from one or more parathyroid glands. The cause of this disorder is due, in 85%, to a single parathyroid adenoma and most cases (95%) are sporadic, without an identifiable etiologic factor. PHP is asymptomatic in most patients, however, classic symptoms or signs include those derived from renal involvement, where nephrolithiasis is the most frequent clinical manifestation, and those derived from bone affectation and hypercalcemia. The diagnosis is biochemical, without the need for an imaging study, which is performed only as pre-surgical locator tests. The definitive treatment is surgical, being the parathyroidectomy with cervical approach the procedure of choice.

Tumores de glándulas salivales: enfrentamiento diagnóstico inicial / Salivary gland tumors: initial diagnostic confrontation

It is described that salivary gland tumors account for up to 3-6% of head and neck tumors, 80% of these being located in the parotid gland. Broadly speaking, the smaller the gland, the greater the probability of malignancy. The most common clinical manifestation in tumor pathology is the appearance of a painless mass. Indicators of malignancy should be considered: chronic volume increase or rapid growth, facial paralysis, cranial nerve involvement, ulceration, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Ultrasonography should be the first imaging study, however, it provides limited information. MRI is the exam of choice for salivary gland tumors, whereas CT and PET-CT allow the study of local and remote invasion. FNA is controversial, it is not indicated for all patients, in parotid tumors a cytological examination is usually not necessary prior to surgery. Excisional biopsy is not recommended due to the risk of tumor seeding, neural damage, and salivary fistula. The goal of treatment in gland tumors is the removal of the glands, associated with lymph node dissection and adjuvant radiation therapy in indicated cases. The general practitioner must comprehensively address these pathologies to achieve a timely referral to the specialist. (AU)

Cáncer de piel: melanoma. Revisión de la literatura / Skin cancer: melanoma. Literature review

Skin cancer is usually classified into melanoma (SCM) and non-melanoma (SCNM), with different cell origins; being the SCM responsible for the highest mortality. In Chile, an incidence (2008) of 434 new cases is estimated, obtaining a standardized rate of 2.2 cases per 100,000 habitants. There are multiple associated risk factors, the main ones being exposure to UV radiation and sunburn. The strategies to prevent this pathology fall on these same factors. The clinical evaluation of the lesions with ABCD mnemonics added to the use of dermoscopy increases the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity; however, the definitive confirmation is through biopsy, which must include the necessary parameters to define prognosis of disease. The definitive treatment is Surgical. There are alternatives such as the use of the sentinel lymph node to define lymph node dissections. Regarding systemic therapies, the use of immunotherapy has shown results that improve survival in these patients.

Quiste dermoide latero cervical / Dermoid cyst of the lateral neck

Resumen Introducción: Los quistes dermoides son lesiones de origen ectodérmico poco frecuentes. Solo un 1,6% de ellos, se presenta en el piso de la boca y de éstos, solo un 6% lateralmente en el espacio submandibular. Objetivo: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura. Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 32 años, con un cuadro de 1 año de evolución caracterizado por una lesión de crecimiento lento pero sostenido. Se le realizó la resección de la lesión junto con una submandibulectomía ipsilateral resultando compatible con un quiste dermoide. Discusión: La localización de esta lesión es muy infrecuente. En el estudio histopatológico son lesiones con epitelio pluriestratificado cornificado y anexos cutáneos. El estudio de imágenes orienta a una lesión quística, siendo la resonancia nuclear hoy en día el mejor examen para caracterizar esta lesión. Es una lesión benigna, sin recidivas reportadas cuando la resección ha sido completa.

Introduction: Dermoid cysts are uncommon lesions from ectodermic origin. Only 1.6% arise in the floor of the mouth, and at this site only 6% arise laterally in the submandibular region. Aim: Case report and review of the literature. Clinical Case: 32 years old patient, with a slow growing lesion during 1 year. Complete resection with an ipisilateral submandibulectomy was performed. The pathologic report showed a dermoid cyst. Discussion: The localization of this lesion is very uncommon. In the pathologic report are lesion with pluri stratified cornified epthitelium with skin attachments. Image studies show a cystic lesion being the magnetic resonance the best study to characterize this lesions. Are benign lesions, without recurrence reported when the lesion has been fully excised.

Enfrentamiento a una masa cervical no tiroidea en Atención Primaria / Confrontation with a non-thyroid cervical mass in Primary Care

The clinical approach to non-thyroid cervical masses in primary care has always been considered a diagnostic challenge. In the absence of specific diagnostic methods, the general practitioner must rely on clinic and general tests in order to achieve a suspected diagnosis and timely referral. On initial approach to cervical masses, one must first analyze each case according to patient age, associating an exhaustive anamnesis focused on the growth pattern and aggregate symptoms, along with a physical examination focused on signs of malignancy. Once completed, the etiology of the mass can be classified as probable congenital, inflammatory or tumoral origin. And also try to determine localization, temporality and discriminate between benign and malignant causes. Once the clinical interrogation has been completed, basic complementary tests and/or directed test according to suspicion can be requested. The foregoing allows the primary care physician a proper referral to specialist and/or initiation of appropriate treatment. (AU)

Variación de dosis de radioyodo en pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides post implementación de guías ATA 2015 / Variation of radioiodine dose in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer after implementation of the ATA 2015 guidelines

Introducción: El cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT), es actualmente la neoplasia endocrina más frecuente. Su tratamiento estándar es la resolución quirúrgica, asociado a ablación con radioyodo (RI) según la clasificación propuesta por la American Thyroid Association (ATA). Las indicaciones y dosis de este último, han ido variando en los últimos años según avanzan las investigaciones en este ámbito. Objetivo: En el siguiente estudio se compararon las dosis de RI utilizadas previo y posterior a la implementación de las últimas guías de la ATA. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de 70 pacientes con diagnóstico de CDT del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre 2012 y 2017. Se agruparon los pacientes en dos cohortes, los operados entre los años 2012-2015 y los 2016-2017 clasificándolos según riesgo ATA, TNM y riesgo de recurrencia. Se consignaron las dosis de RI utilizadas y se compararon entre las cohortes. Análisis estadístico: Mann Whithney. Resultados: Al comparar la dosis de RI entre ambas cohortes, según TNM y riesgo ATA, se obtuvo los siguientes resultados: los pacientes T1b de la cohorte 2012-2015 presentaron dosis de RI significativamente mayores que los de la cohorte 2016-2017; también se evidenció que en pacientes N0 hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, mostrando una tendencia a disminuir la dosis de RI; además, en los pacientes de la cohorte 2012-2015 con riesgo ATA intermedio, se obtuvo que las dosis de RI fueron significativamente mayores que las utilizadas en la cohorte 2016-2017. Conclusión: Se concluye que las variaciones de las dosis de RI utilizadas en pacientes con CDT en un hospital universitario van acorde a las recomendaciones internacionales actuales, particularmente la publicación de la guía ATA 2015, aplicándose radioablación con menor dosis de RI. Dado este cambio, se ha evidenciado igualdad de efectos con dosis menores de RI y consecuentemente menos efectos adversos.

Introduction: Differentiated thyroid cancer (CDT) is currently the most frequent endocrine neoplasia. Its standard of care is surgical treatment, associated with radioiodine ablation (IR) according to the classification proposed by the American Thyroid Association (ATA). The indications and doses of the latter have changed in recent years as research in this area advances. Objective: In the following study, the doses of IR used before and after the implementation of the latest ATA guidelines were compared. Materials and methods: Retrospective observational study of 70 patients with a diagnosis of CDT from the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile between 2012 and 2017. Patients were grouped into two cohorts, those surgically intervened between the years 2012-2015 and 2016-2017, classifying them according to ATA risk, TNM and recurrence risk. The IR doses used were reported and compared between the cohorts. Statistical analysis: Mann Whithney. Results: When comparing the IR dose between both cohorts, according to TNM and ATA risk, the following results were obtained: T1b patients in the 2012-2015 cohort had significantly higher IR doses than those in the 2016-2017 cohort; It was also evidenced that N0 patients showed a statistically significant tendency to decrease the IR dose; In addition, the 2012-2015 cohort with intermediate ATA risk, revealed IR doses significantly higher than those used in the 2016-2017 cohort. Conclusion: It is concluded that the variations in IR doses, used in patients with CDT in a university hospital, are in accordance with current international recommendations, particularly the publication of the ATA 2015 guidelines, applying radioablation with a lower dose of IR. Given this change, equality of effects has been evidenced with lower doses of IR and consequently fewer adverse effects.

Infecciones profundas del cuello / Deep neck infections

Deep neck infections (DNIs) are special entities among infectious diseases for their versatility and potential for severe complications. Complex head and neck anatomy often makes early recognition of DNIs challenging, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid any delay in treatment. The diagnosis is made by clinical history, physical examination findings and imaging studies. The treatment consists in securing the airway, intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage, when needed. To make decisions the surgeon must understand the anatomy of the region, the etiology of infection, appropriate diagnostic tools, and medical and surgical management. This article provides a review of these pertinent topics. (AU)

Paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica por acceso vestibular oral: cirugía de paratiroides sin cicatriz: primer caso realizado en Sudamérica / Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA)

Introducción: El abordaje de elección de la glándula tiroides y paratiroides, desde su descripción, ha sido la cervicotomía transversal. En el hiperparatiroidismo, con la optimización de los métodos de localización preoperatoria de las glándulas anómalas, se han creado técnicas abiertas mínimamente invasivas, con un mejor resultado estético y un menor tiempo de recuperación. Con el objetivo de eliminar las cicatrices externas se ha implementado una nueva técnica quirúrgica que utiliza abordajes endoscópicos a través de orificios naturales (NOTES). En los últimos años se ha hecho conocida una técnica de tiroidectomía y paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica a través de incisiones en el vestíbulo oral. Caso clínico: Paciente de 65 años con hiperparatiroidismo primario con nódulo hiperfuncionante superior derecho que se somete a una paratiroidectomía parcial transoral endoscópica por abordaje vestibular. Resultados: El procedimiento se realiza sin incidentes con buena evolución posoperatoria de la paciente. Discusión: La paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica por abordaje vestibular (TOEPVA) ha demostrado ser una técnica bastante segura, con resultados similares a los de la técnica abierta, pero sin dejar cicatrices visibles.

Introduction: The approach of choice of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, since its description, has been the transverse cervicotomy. In hyperparathyroidism, with the optimization of the preoperative localization methods of the anomalous glands, minimally invasive open techniques have been created, with a better aesthetic result and a shorter recovery time. With the aim of eliminating external scars, a new surgical technique has been implemented that uses endoscopic approaches through natural orifices (NOTES). In recent years, a transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy technique through incisions in the oral vestibule has been known. Clinical case: A 65-year-old patient with primary hyperparathyroidism with right upper hyperfunctioning nodule who underwent partial transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy due to vestibular approach. Results: The procedure is performed without incidents with good postoperative evolution of the patient. Discussion: Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy by vestibular approach (TOEPVA) has proven to be a fairly safe technique, with results similar to open technique, but without leaving visible scars.

Fístulas del seno piriforme congénitas: reporte de 4 casos y revisión de la literatura / Congenital pyriform sinus fistula: report of 4 cases and review of the literature

Resumen Introducción: Las fístulas del seno piriforme, originadas desde el tercer o cuarto arco branquial, son entidades poco frecuentes. Se pueden presentar como aumento de volumen cervical, fístula cervical, absceso cervical, tiroiditis abscedada y/o disfonía. Objetivo: Reportar 4 casos tratados en nuestro hospital y revisión de la literatura. Discusión: Frente a un cuadro clínico compatible, se debe realizar estudio endos- cópico y de imágenes. El manejo quirúrgico sigue siendo el de mejores resultados, pero se han desarrollado terapias endoscópicas y combinaciones de estas con buenos resultados. Conclusión: El diagnóstico requiere un alto índice de sospecha clínica. La cirugía abierta se mantiene como el gold standard, sin embargo, en población pediátrica estaría indicada la resolución endoscópica debido a la alta morbilidad de la cirugía tradicional.

Introduction: Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare cervical branchial anomaly derived from the third and fourth branchial arch. Pyriform sinus fistula should be considered in children presenting enlarged neck mass, fistula, abscess, thyroid infection and/or dysphonia. Objective: We here report 4 cases treated in Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile and review of the current literature on pyriform sinus fistula. Discussion: When clinical presentation is compatible with pyriform sinus fistula, endoscopic and imaging techniques are required. Surgical outcomes are better, although endoscopic therapies and combination of both surgery and endoscopy have also reported good outcomes. Conclusion: Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms and a high index of clinical suspicion. Open surgery is gold standard, however in pediatric population endoscopic resolution should be considered to reduce the high morbidity of traditional surgery.

Carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso / Thyroglossal duct cyst with papillary carcinoma

Introduction: In about 1-2 percent of cases of thyroglossal cyst may be neoplastic changes, mostly correspond to papillary thyroid carcinoma (75-85 percent). The aim of this paper is to present 9 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst. Materials and Methods: Data were recorded retrospectively from patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst treated at Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile between 1999 2014. Results: From 142 cases operated for thyroglossal duct cyst, 9 cases of papillary cancer (6.34 percent) were recorded. The average age was 32 years. The average diameter of the lesion was 4.4 cm (SD 2.2 cm). 8 patients underwent total thyroidectomy; a simultaneous thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 3 of them. In 6 cases was added iodine therapy. In only one patient a lymph nodal dissection was performed. We do not observe any surgical complication. A solid component in preoperative ultrasonographic study is suspicious of malignancy. The average follow-up time was 85 months. There is no recurrence or mortality in this group of patients. Conclusions: Although the safest long term management is Sistrunk surgery associated with thyroidectomy and radioiodine in selected cases, these patients must be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group and thyroidectomy should be considered in high surgical volume center, in order to minimize complications.

Introducción: En alrededor de 1-2 por ciento de los casos de quiste tirogloso pueden existir cambios neoplásicos, en su mayoría corresponden a carcinoma papilar de tiroides (75-85 por ciento). El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar 9 casos de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso, en cuanto a su forma de presentación y manejo. Material y Método: Se registraron en forma retrospectiva datos de pacientes condiagnóstico de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso atendidos en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre 1999 2014. Resultados: De 142 casos de pacientes operados por quiste del conducto tirogloso, se registraron 9 casos de cáncer papilar (6,34 por ciento). El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 32 años. El diámetro promedio de la lesión fue de 4,4 cm (DS 2,2 cm). Del total, 8 pacientes fueron sometidos a tiroidectomía total, se diagnosticó cáncer de tiroides en 3 de ellos, en 6 se asoció tratamiento con radioyodo. En sólo 1 paciente se realizó una disección linfonodal. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 85 meses; a la fecha la serie no ha presentado recurrencia ni mortalidad. Conclusiones: Si bien el manejo más seguro a largo plazo es la cirugía de Sistrunk, asociado a una tiroidectomía y eventual radioyodo, la resolución quirúrgica con tiroidectomía asociada debe ser considerada cuando la morbilidad no sea mayor que el beneficio teórico.

Coexistencia de hiperparatiroidismo primario y carcinoma diferenciado del tiroides en tres casos clínicos / Coexistence of a primary hyperparathyroidism and a differentiated thyroid carcinoma: report of three cases

In 15 percent of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism subjected to parathyroid surgery, a coexistent differentiated thyroid carcinoma is found. We report three female patients aged 57, 53 and 57 years with a primary hyperparathyroidism and ultrasonographic thyroid nodules. During parathyroid surgery, a thyroidectomy was performed, confirming the presence of a differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Two patients had a microcarcinoma measuring 1 and 2 mm diameter and other had a follicular thyroid carcinoma, and parathyroid carcinom whose association with primary hyperparathyoidism is even more uncommon.

Carcinoma medular de tiroides: experiencia de 20 años / Medullary thyroid carcinoma: 20 years experience

Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignant tumor that arise from C cells. Surgical treatment and its results are controversial, so we decided to study it. Aim: To describe clinically MTC, treatment and outcomes in the long term. Material and Method: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with MTC operated in our hospital between the years 1987 and 2007. We analyzed the cli-nical characteristics, treatment, morbidity and long-term follow up. Results: There were 24 patients operated with a mean age of 46.1 +/- 16.6 years. The main form of presentation was painless increased cervical volume (56.2 percent). In 15 percent this pathology was part of a MEN 2b. All of them have had a total thyroidectomy, which was extended in 50 percent of cases. The 35.2 percent were multifocal, 29.4 percent bilateral and 62.5 percent had metastatic lymph node involvement. Five patients remained higher calcitonin levéis in the postoperative period and 9 patients recurred clinically on average 4.5 years after surgery. The presence of persistent disease was significantly associated with hereditary MTC (p = 0.0088) and the clinical recurrence was significantly determined by the presence of not expanded total thyroidectomy (p = 0.0196). The probability of surviving more than 19 years was 66.6 percent (95 percent CI = 0.24 to 0.89). Conclusions: The MTC is a rare tumour and treatment of choice is surgery. The persistent disease is associated with hereditary MTC form, and the clinical recurrence is associated with not expanded total thyroidectomy. We recommend total thyroidectomy with central voiding and radical modified jugular dissection.

Antecedentes: El carcinoma medular de tiroides (CMT) es un tumor maligno poco frecuente, originado a partir de las células C. Su tratamiento quirúrgico y resultados son controvertidos, por lo que hemos decidido estudiarlo. Objetivo: Describir clínicamente el CMT, tratamiento y resultados a largo plazo. Material y método: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las fichas clínicas de pacientes con CMT operados en nuestro hospital entre 1987 y el 2007. Se analizaron las características clínicas, tratamiento, morbilidad y seguimiento a largo plazo. Resultados: Se operaron 24 pacientes, cuya edad media fue 46,1 +/- 16,6 años. La principal forma de presentación fue aumento de volumen cervical (56,2 por ciento). Un 15 por ciento formaba parte de una NEM 2b. A todos se les realizó una tiroidectomía total, ampliada en el 50 por ciento de los casos. El 35,2 por ciento eran multifocales, el 29,4 por ciento bilaterales y el 62,5 por ciento tenía metástasis ganglionar. Cinco pacientes mantuvieron niveles de calcitonina elevados en el postoperatorio y nueve pacientes recurrieron clínicamente, en promedio, a los 4,5 años. La enfermedad persistente se asoció significativamente con CMT hereditario (p = 0,0088) y la recurrencia clínica a tiroidectomía total no ampliada (p = 0,0196). La probabilidad de sobrevivir más de 19 años fue 66,6 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento = 0,24 a 0,89). Conclusiones: EL CMT es un tumor raro cuyo tratamiento de elección es la cirugía. La persistencia de enfermedad se asocia con la forma hereditaria, y la recurrencia clínica con la tiroidectomía total no ampliada, lo que nos hace recomendar una tiroidectomía total asociada a vaciamiento central y disección yugular radical modificada.

Tumor fibromixoide osificante simulando un cáncer anaplásico de tiroides: reporte de un caso / Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor of the neck: case report

El tumor fibromixoide osificante corresponde a una neoplasia infrecuente, de comportamiento benigno pero que presenta recurrencia en un tercio de los casos, comportándose como un sarcoma de bajo grado. Se reporta el caso de una paciente operada de tiroides en dos oportunidades en 9 años, cuyo diagnóstico final fue tumor fibromixoide osificante.

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor of soft parts in an uncommon tumor with a benign behavior but with a tendency to relapse. We report a 76 years old female presenting with a growing mass located in the anterior portion of the neck that was excised. The pathological study disclosed an anaplastic thyroid cancer. The patient received chemotherapy and was lost from follow up. Nine years later, she presented with progressive dysphagia. A neck CT scan showed a mass in the left thyroid base that completely included the cervical esophagus. The patient was operated and the mass was excised. The pathological diagnosis disclosed an ossifying fibromyxoid tumor.

[Primary thyroid lymphoma. Report of four cases]. / Linfoma primario de tiroides: Reporte de cuatro casos.

Primary thyroid lymphoma is uncommon and usually of non-Hodgkin type. We report four female patients with thyroid lymphoma. An 81 year-old patient that was operated and received three cycles of chemotherapy and was lost from follow up. A 16 year-old patient that is operated and received full chemotherapy and was discharged free of disease. A 80 year-old patient that was operated and died due to a multiple organ failure, 50 days after hospital admission and a 54 year-old female that was operated but rejected chemotherapy and was lost from follow up.

Aspectos explicativos de comorbilidad en los TGD, el síndrome de Asperger y el TDAH: estado de la cuestión / Explanatory aspects of comorbidity in PDD, Asperger syndrome and ADHD: the current state

El presente artículo revisa la evidencia científica reciente sobre los aspectos comórbidos de los Trastornos Generalizados del Desarrollo (TGD), especialmente los tipos de alto funcionamiento, y el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad (TDAH). Se comentan varios estudios desde diferentes perspectivas (epidemiología, investigación neurocognitiva y genética). Finalmente, las áreas investigadas coinciden en la necesidad de reformular los criterios diagnósticos del DSM-IV y la CIE-10 en futuras clasificaciones de los TGD.

The present article reviews the recent scientific evidence about the comorbid aspects of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), especially high-functioning types, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Several studies from different perspectives (epidemiology, neurocognitive research and genetics) are discussed. Finally, the investigated areas coincide with the need to reformulate the DSM-IV and the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria in future classifications of PDD.

Linfoma primario de tiroides: reporte de cuatro casos / Primary thyroid lymphoma: report of four cases

Primary thyroid lymphoma is uncommon and usually of non-Hodgkin type. We report four female patients with thyroid lymphoma. An 81 year-old patient that was operated and received three cycles of chemotherapy and was lost from follow up. A 16 year-old patient that is operated and received full chemotherapy and was discharged free of disease. A 80 year-old patient that was operated and died due to a multiple organ failure, 50 days after hospital admission and a 54 year-old female that was operated but rejected chemotherapy and was lost from follow up.

Tiroidectomia sin ligaduras: evaluando Ligasure Precise® / Ligasure® for hemostasis during thyroidectomy

Introducción: En tiroidectomia total se están evaluando métodos de hemostasia distintos a la ligadura habitual. Objetivo: Presentar nuestra experiencia inicial en la tiroidectomia total sin ligaduras, al utilizar el método de sellado de vasos a través de Ligasure Precise®. Material y método: Se consignaron en forma prospectiva, los datos de 129 pacientes: Datos personales, fecha de operación, antecedentes mórbidos, síntomas, función tiroidea, examen físico, ecografía, punción con aguja fina, tipo de operación, cirujano, tiempo operatorio, estadía postoperatoria, débito de drenajes, biopsia intraoperatoria y definitiva, complicaciones. Se utilizó un p < 0.05 como significativo para los cálculos estadísticos. Resultados: Se realizaron 129 tiroidectomías entre Enero y Agosto del 2005. Se operaron 65 pacientes deforma tradicional y 64 con Ligasure. No hubo mortalidad operatoria. Edad promedio 42,7 y 46,9 para cada grupo (p >0.05). Biopsia definitiva informó carcinoma en 34 y 32 por ciento respectivamente. Hospitalización promedio de 2,63 días y 2,26 días (p 0.02). El débito de drenajes fue 78 ce para el grupo Ligasure y 63,2 ce para el grupo tradicional. Tiempo operatorio promedio de 94 minutos (grupo tradicional) y 92 minutos (Ligasure) (p= 0.6). Las complicaciones fueron hematoma (1 caso por grupo), Lesión de recurrente laríngeo (1 caso en el grupo de ligadura tradicional) e hipocalcemia transitoria (6 casos en el grupo Ligasure y 1 caso en el grupo control). Conclusión: La tiroidectomia con Ligasure Precise es un método cómodo para el cirujano y tan seguro como la tiroidectomia con ligaduras. Su aplicación, indicación y reales beneficios deben ser evaluados en el futuro con mayor número de casos.

Background: Traditionally, hemostasis during thyroidectomy is done using clamp ligation of vessels. There is a new hemostasis method based on thermal coagulation and pressure that be used in this type of surgery. Aim: To report the experience with Ligasure Precise® thermal hemostasis system. Material and methods: Prospective evaluation of patients subjected to thyroidectomy with or without the use of Ligasure®. The choice of patients for each type of hemostasis was not randomized. Operative time, surgical complications and postoperative evolution were assessed. Results: During the study period, 64 patients aged 43 + 15 years were operated using Ligasure® and 65, aged 47 + 12, were operated using traditional hemostasis. Among patients with and without use of Ligasure®, operative time was 92 and 94 minutes respectively (p=NS), wound drainage volume was 78 and 63 ml respectively (p=NS) and hospital stay was 2.6 and 2.3 days respectively (p = 0.02). One patient in each group had a hematoma, one patient operated with Ligasure® had a lesion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Six patients operated using Ligasure® and one operated without it, had transient hypocalcaemia. Conclusions: Ligasure® hemostasis system is safe in thyroidectomy.

Resultados del programa de atencion Médico-Quirúrgica sin uso de sangre ni hemoderivados del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Results of program of medical and surgical attention without the use of blood and derivates in the University of Chile Clinical Hospital

Se presentan 128 pacientes quirúrgicos de un total de 161, que ingresaron al programa de atención sin uso de sangre ni hemoderivados entre enero de 1999 y octubre de 2002 en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. Siendo ésta la primer casuística en nuestro país en un programa de este tipo. Se clasifican en tres grupos (bajo, mediano y alto riesgo) según la posibilidad de ser transfundidos delineada a partir de la patología de base, Hto y Hb preoperatoria y riesgo de sangramiento quirúrgico. En principio los programas de atención médica quirúrgica sin uso de sangre, ni hemoderivados, fueron en respuesta a la negativa de transfundirse por parte del grupo religioso Testigos de Jehová. En su desarrollo se comprobó que los niveles de tolerancia a la anemia, están más allá de lo presupuestado, que el uso de la transfusión en muchos casos no estaba claro y en algunos sobredimensionados.

Hemoperitoneo espontáneo por rotura de várices intraabdominales en un paciente con cirrosis hepática: caso clínico / Spontaneous hemoperitoneum caused by intraabdominal variceal rupture: report of 1 case

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to intraabdominal variceal rupture, is an uncommon and highly lethal complication of cirrhosis. We report a case of a 68 years old male submitted because of abdominal pain and fainting. The clinical and laboratory work up concluded that the patient had cirrhosis and hemoperitoneum. He was operated on and the exploration showed a massive hemoperitoneum caused by bleeding gastro-splenic varices. The patient died in the immediate postoperative period

Adrenalectomía laparoscópica: resultados de una experiencia chilena inicial / Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: initial chilean experience

Background: Laparoscopic adrenal approach was introduced in 1992 and is becoming the surgical method of choice for several adrenal diseases. Aim: To report the initial Chilean experience in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Material and methods: A retrospective review of 17 patients subjected to the surgical procedure by the authors. Results: The preoperative diagnosis were adenomas (8 patients), pheochromocytoma (3), cystic lesions (2), adrenal metastases (2), hyperaldosteronism (1) and a pituitary Cushing (1). The average lesion size was 5.4 cm, the operative time 2.5 hours and the hospital stay 2.5 days. Eight patients were discharged in less than 48 hours. Pain was managed with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 14 patients. One subject required conversion to open surgery. Transfusions were required in complex cases witha diaphragmatic hamartoma, Cushing disease and in a combined adrenal and renal resection. One patient had to be re admitted due to a pancreatic pseudo cyst that was drained percutaneously. There have been no recurrences after a mean follow up of 2 years. Conclusions: This early experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy shows good results. A good patient selection and experience with advanced laparoscopic surgery are requisites for a successful use of this surgical technique