Immune response in breast cancer surgery. A comparative and prospective study of different anesthetic techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The main reason for high mortality in breast cancer is local recurrence and metastasis, despite surgery as the first therapeutic option. The anesthesia used in the operation room can determine the immune response. METHODS: A prospective, comparative and non- randomised study in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery was conducted in our hospital after obtaining approval from the Hospital's Institutional Review Board. Patients were divided in two groups: Group A received general anesthesia with propofol and opioids. Group B, in addition to general anesthesia, three interfascial blocks (Pec I, Pec II and BRILMA) were performed in all patients. Three blood samples were taken 1) previous anesthetic induction; 2) two hours after the end of the surgery and 3) 24-48 h after surgery. Leukocytes, CD3, CD4, CD8 and Natural Killer cells were determined at each time. RESULTS: 103 patients were included. 59 (group A) received general anesthesia and 54 (group B) general anesthesia and interfascial blocks. Regarding baseline characteristics, age was significantly higher in the group that received general anesthesia and mastectomy was more frequent in the group that received interfascial blocks. We observed after surgery an increase in leukocytes level that returns close to baseline levels. On the other hand, a reduction in the immune response was observed that also returns to the previous level 48 h after surgery. Group A and B get similar results and also subgroups of hormonal receptors (HER+, PR and/or ER+). CONCLUSIONS: Interfascial blocks in chest wall added to general anesthesia in breast cancer surgery has not shown a significant difference in the inflammatory response or immunological depression compared to general anesthesia as the only anesthetic technique. It seems to trend less immunological depression in the interfascial block group.

Sensibilización durante la asistencia circulatoria de corta duración. Determinantes, tratamiento y pronóstico después del trasplante cardiaco / Sensitization during short-term mechanical circulatory support. Determinants, therapeutic management, and outcomes after heart transplant

Introducción y objetivos: El desarrollo de anticuerpos contra antígenos leucocitarios humanos es una complicación conocida de la asistencia ventricular de larga duración. El propósito del presente estudio es evaluar su incidencia durante el empleo de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular de corta duración (DAVC) (CentriMag), sus determinantes y su repercusión en los resultados del trasplante cardiaco. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo con pacientes tratados con DAVC como puente al trasplante entre 2009 y 2019. Se consideró sensibilización un panel reactivo de anticuerpos calculado> 10%. Las variables de respuesta fueron supervivencia y supervivencia libre de rechazo agudo (RA). Resultados: Se trató con DAVC a 89 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 56,0 [intervalo intercuartílico, 50,0-59,9] años y el 16,8% de mujeres, durante una mediana de 23,6 [16,6-35,0] días. El 12,4% se sensibilizó durante la asistencia. El único determinante independiente de la sensibilización fue el sexo femenino (OR=8,67; IC95%, 1,93-38,8; p=0,005). De los 89 pacientes, 21 fallecieron durante la asistencia y 68 se sometieron a trasplante. De los pacientes trasplantados, 8 (11,8%) fallecieron y 20 (29,4%) tuvieron algún episodio de RA tras un seguimiento promedio de 49,6 ±31,2 meses tras el trasplante. Tras ajuste multivariable, la sensibilización aumentó el riesgo de RA (HR=3,64; IC95%, 1,42-9,33; p=0,007), con una tendencia no significativa a mayor mortalidad (HR=4,07; IC95%, 0,96-17,3; p=0,057). Conclusiones: La sensibilización relacionada con los DAVC es posible, predomina en el sexo femenino y se asocia de manera significativa con el RA, con una tendencia no significativa a mayor mortalidad (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The development of human-leukocyte antigen antibodies is a well-known adverse effect of the use of long-term ventricular assist devices (VADs). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of sensitization during short-term mechanical circulatory support with VAD (CentriMag), its determinants, and its impact on posttransplant outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who were bridged to transplant with short-term VAD from 2009 to 2019. Sensitization was defined as a calculated panel-reactive antibody> 10%. The endpoints included overall survival and rejection-free survival. Results: A total of 89 patients (median age 56.0 [interquartile range, 50.0-59.9] years, 16.8% female) received a short-term VAD as a bridge to transplant. The median duration of support was 23.6 [interquartile range, 16.6-35.0] days. Eleven patients (12.4%) became sensitized during support. The only factor significantly associated with sensitization was female sex (OR, 8.67; 95%CI, 1.93–38.8; P=.005). Of the 89 patients, 21 patients died during support; 68 patients underwent heart transplant. After a mean follow-up of 49.6 ±31.2 months, 8 patients (11.8%) died and 20 (29.4%) had at least 1 rejection episode. On multivariate analysis, sensitization was an independent predictor of acute rejection (HR, 3.64; 95%CI, 1.42-9.33; P=.007), with a nonstatistically significant trend to higher mortality (HR, 4.07; 95%CI, 0.96-17.3; P=.057). Conclusions: Sensitization with short-term VADs can occur and is significantly associated with female sex and with rejection. Sensitization also showed a nonstatistically significant trend to higher mortality (AU)

Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons: Cancer Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact and Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to summarize the opinions of the surgical oncology leaders from the Global Forum of Cancer Surgeons (GFCS) about the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer surgery. METHODS: A panel session (virtual) was held at the annual Society of Surgical Oncology 2021 International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care to address the impact of COVID-19 on cancer surgery globally. Following the virtual meeting, a questionnaire was sent to all the leaders to gather additional opinions. The input obtained from all the leaders was collated and analyzed to understand how cancer surgeons from across the world adapted in real-time to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The surgical oncology leaders noted that the COVID-19 pandemic led to severe disruptions in surgical cancer care across all domains of clinical care, education, and research. Several new changes/protocols associated with increased costs were implemented to deliver safe care. Leaders also noted that preexisting disparities in care were exacerbated, and the pandemic had a detrimental effect on well-being and financial status. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe disruptions in surgical cancer care globally. Leaders of the GFCS opined that new strategies need to be implemented to prepare for any future catastrophic events based on the lessons learned from the current events. The GFCS will embark on developing such a roadmap to ensure that surgical cancer care is preserved in the future regardless of any catastrophic global events.

Postpartum nutrition affects the insulin-like growth factor system in dominant follicles and plasma of anestrous beef cows.

Effects of nutrition on insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), and insulin in plasma and dominant follicles were evaluated at day 72 and 56 (Exp. 1, n = 12 and Exp. 2, n = 28, respectively) postpartum in anovulatory primiparous beef cows. Cows were stratified based on body condition score at calving and randomly assigned to nutritional treatments: maintain (M), 2.27 kg of a 40 % CP supplement per day and ad libitum hay; or gain (G), ad libitum access to a 50 % concentrate diet and ad libitum hay. Blood samples were collected twice weekly starting 30 days postpartum. Ovarian follicles were evaluated using ultrasonography commencing 42 (Exp. 1) or 30 (Exp. 2) days postpartum. Body weight and condition score were greater (P < 0.05) for cows of G than M groups and postpartum interval to luteal function was longer for cows of the M than G group. Insulin and IGF-I concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) and plasma were greater (P < 0.05) for cows of the G than M group at follicular aspiration. Plasma and FF IGFBP4 and IGFBP5 concentrations were greater (P <  0.05) in Exp. 2, and IGFBP5 was greater in Exp. 1 for cows of the G than M group. Treatment did not affect FF steroid concentrations or granulosal cell CYP19A1, PAPPA, IGFBP4, and IGFBP5 mRNA abundance. These results indicate concentrations of IGF-I, insulin, IGFBP4, and IGFBP5 in FF and plasma are affected by nutritional intake and may be related to follicular function.

ANGPTL3 gene variants in subjects with familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) plays an important role in lipid metabolism in humans. Loss-of-function variants in ANGPTL3 cause a monogenic disease named familial combined hypolipidemia. However, the potential contribution of ANGPTL3 gene in subjects with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) has not been studied. For that reason, the aim of this work was to investigate the potential contribution of ANGPTL3 in the aetiology of FCHL by identifying gain-of-function (GOF) genetic variants in the ANGPTL3 gene in FCHL subjects. ANGPTL3 gene was sequenced in 162 unrelated subjects with severe FCHL and 165 normolipemic controls. Pathogenicity of genetic variants was predicted with PredictSNP2 and FruitFly. Frequency of identified variants in FCHL was compared with that of normolipemic controls and that described in the 1000 Genomes Project. No GOF mutations in ANGPTL3 were present in subjects with FCHL. Four variants were identified in FCHL subjects, showing a different frequency from that observed in normolipemic controls: c.607-109T>C, c.607-47_607-46delGT, c.835+41C>A and c.*52_*60del. This last variant, c.*52_*60del, is a microRNA associated sequence in the 3'UTR of ANGPTL3, and it was present 2.7 times more frequently in normolipemic controls than in FCHL subjects. Our research shows that no GOF mutations in ANGPTL3 were found in a large group of unrelated subjects with FCHL.

Short- and long-term effects of temporary early cow-calf separation or restricted suckling on well-being and performance in zebu cattle.

Information on weaning techniques in the tropics is scarce, particularly regarding the long-term effect of temporary early cow-calf separation or restricted suckling. Therefore, we studied the effects of these two handling practices on well-being and performance at 150 days postpartum in fifteen zebu cow-calf pairs randomly assigned to three treatments. Continuous suckling (CS) where calves remained with their dams from birth to weaning; restricted suckling (RS) calves were allowed to suckle 30 min/day from Day 34 until weaning at Day 150 and kept separated the rest of the time; temporary separation (TS) calves were separated for 72 h from their dams from Day 33 to 36 but remained with their dams the rest of the time. Blood samples and behavioral data were collected on Days 32-36 (1st period) and 149-153 (2nd period). In the 1st period, a greater percentage of RS and TS calves were observed close to the fence line (<10 m) that separated them from their dams (P < 0.0001) and vocalized more than CS calves (P < 0.0001), while in the 2nd period, RS calves had the highest cortisol concentration and vocalization rate (P < 0.05). Similarly, during the 1st period, a greater percentage of RS and TS cows were observed close to the fence line than CS cows (P < 0.0001), with TS cows vocalizing the most (P = 0.001). In the 2nd period, RS cows had greater cortisol concentration than TS (P = 0.037) and CS cows (P = 0.003). More TS and CS cows than RS were observed close to the fence line (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05). On Day 150, TS calves and cows vocalized more than RS and CS animals (P < 0.0001). Before calf-cow separation, 27 out of 45 cows were cycling (CS = 10; RS = 6; TS = 11). After separation, 12 of the remaining 18 cows resumed ovarian activity (CS = 3; RS = 5; TS = 4), and all cows were cycling after estrous synchronization treatment. The pregnancy rate was similar between CS, RS, and TS (60, 53, and 60% respectively). In conclusion, temporary separation increased calf distress response to definitive weaning even four months later, while restricted suckling seemed to reduce it.

Surgical treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma in pediatric patients: report of 3 cases. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del aspergiloma pulmonar en pacientes pediátricos. A propósito de tres casos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in the surgical management of pulmonary aspergilloma (PA) and review surgery's role in PA treatment in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study of patients diagnosed with PA undergoing surgical resection from 2017 to 2019 was carried out. A review of pediatric studies mentioning "aspergilloma", "surgical", and "treatment" was performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 3 patients with single PA aged 18 months old, 3 years old, and 13 years old underwent surgery. All of them had leukemia and little or no response to aspergilloma medical treatment. In all patients, the procedure was initiated using the thoracoscopic route, but conversion into thoracotomy was required in two cases. In all three cases, pulmonary segmentectomy was carried out with complete PA removal, without severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. No pulmonary recurrence was observed after 30-, 34-, and 16-month follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PA surgical resection is a feasible alternative in pediatric patients with a poor antifungal treatment response or related complications.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia de nuestro centro en el manejo quirúrgico del aspergiloma pulmonar (AP) y la realización de una revisión sobre el papel de la cirugía en el tratamiento del AP en el niño. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo de los pacientes diagnosticados e intervenidos mediante resección del AP desde el 2017 hasta el 2019. Se realizó una revisión con los términos "aspergilloma", "surgical", "treatment", descartando los estudios no referidos a pacientes pediátricos. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se intervinieron 3 pacientes con AP único, de 18 meses, 3 y 13 años de edad respectivamente, los 3 afectos de leucemia y con poca o nula respuesta al tratamiento médico habitual del aspergiloma. En todos los pacientes se inició la intervención por vía toracoscópica, siendo necesaria la conversión a toracotomía en 2 casos. En los tres casos se realizó segmentectomía pulmonar con exéresis completa del AP, sin complicaciones intraoperatorias ni postoperatorias graves. No se observaron recidivas pulmonares tras un seguimiento de 30, 34 y 16 meses respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La resección quirúrgica del AP, se presenta como una alternativa factible en pacientes pediátricos con pobre respuesta a tratamiento antifúngico o con complicaciones derivadas de este.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del aspergiloma pulmonar en pacientes pediátricos. A propósito de tres casos / Surgical treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma in pediatric patients: report of 3 cases

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia de nuestro centro en el manejo quirúrgico del aspergiloma pulmonar (AP) y la realización de una revisión sobre el papel de la cirugía en el tratamiento del AP en el niño. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de los pacientes diagnosticados e intervenidos mediante resección del AP desde 2017 hasta 2019. Se realizó una revisión con los términos "aspergiloma", "surgical", "treatment", descartando los estudios no referidos a pacientes pediátricos. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se intervinieron tres pacientes con AP único, de 18 meses, 3 y 13 años de edad respectivamente, los 3 afectos de leucemia y con poca o nula respuesta al tratamiento médico habitual del aspergiloma. En todos los pacientes se inició la intervención por vía toracoscópica, siendo necesaria la conversión a toracotomía en dos casos. En los tres casos se realizó segmentectomía pulmonar con exéresis completa del AP, sin complicaciones intraoperatorias ni posoperatorias graves. No se observaron recidivas pulmonares tras un seguimiento de 30, 34 y 16 meses respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La resección quirúrgica del AP se presenta como una alternativa factible en pacientes pediátricos con pobre respuesta a tratamiento antifúngico o con complicaciones derivadas de este

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in the surgical management of pulmonary aspergilloma (PA) and review surgery's role in PA treatment in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study of patients diagnosed with PA undergoing surgical resection from 2017 to 2019 was carried out. A review of pediatric studies mentioning "aspergilloma", "surgical", and "treatment" was performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 3 patients with single PA aged 18 months old, 3 years old, and 13 years old underwent surgery. All of them had leukemia and little or no response to aspergilloma medical treatment. In all patients, the procedure was initiated using the thoracoscopic route, but conversion into thoracotomy was required in two cases. In all three cases, pulmonary segmentectomy was carried out with complete PA removal, without severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. No pulmonary recurrence was observed after 30-, 34-, and 16-month follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PA surgical resection is a feasible alternative in pediatric patients with a poor antifungal treatment response or related complications

[Anatomical relations in innominate artery compression syndrome: retrospective case-control study]. / Relaciones anatómicas en el síndrome de compresión traqueal por la arteria innominada: estudio de casos y controles retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anatomical relations between brachiocephalic trunk (BT), trachea, spine and sternum in patients with Innominate Artery Compressing Syndrome (IACS) and control patients. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of patients diagnosed with IACS in our center, in whom vascular computerized tomography (CT) was performed. The CT were compared with those of control patients free of obstructive respiratory pathology, without congenital heart disease and free of deforming thoracic mass, in whom CT was performed due to other reason. Each case was paired with three controls per case, in similar age groups. The significance value was set as p<0,05. RESULTS: Nine cases were included (7 boys and 2 girls) with their 27 respective controls (20 boys and 7 girls). The BT origin position with respect to the trachea, thought as a clock face, was 01:30 (00:30- 03:00) in cases and 01:30 (00:30-02:30) in controls. No differences were observed (p=0.72). The relation between anteroposterior/transversal tracheal diameters was 0.44 (0.184-0.6) in cases, 0.885 (0.64-1.16) in controls. The sternum-trachea/sternum-vertebra relation was 0.685 (0.6-0.76) in cases, 0.67 (0.49-0.79) in controls. No differences were observed (p=0.75). The angle of thoracic kyphosis was 29º (9º-34º) in cases, 24º (4º-33º) in controls. There were no statistically significant differences (p=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: We found no differences between the two groups in the BT origin in relation to the trachea. In all cases, the origin was on the left side of the body. Therefore, we question the premise that IACS is due to a more left origin of BT.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las distintas relaciones anatómicas entre el tronco braquiocefálico (TB), la tráquea, la columna vertebral y el esternón en pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome de compresión de la arteria innominada (SCAI) y compararlas con las de los pacientes controles. METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles de los pacientes diagnosticados de SCAI en nuestro centro, a los que se realizó una tomografía computarizada con contraste (TC) y/o resonancia magnética (RM). Se compararon con pacientes controles, elegidos entre enfermos sin malformación cardiaca ni masa torácica deformante, y a los que se les había realizado una TC vascular torácico por distintos problemas respiratorios no obstructivos. Por cada caso, se seleccionaron tres controles, agrupándolos por grupos de edades. Se estableció pp<0,05 como valor de significancia estadística. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 9 casos (7 niños y 2 niñas) y 27 controles (20 niños y 7 niñas). Se estudió en cortes transversales de la TC la posición horaria del nacimiento del TB respecto a la tráquea, resultando en los casos una posición mediana correspondiente a las 01:30 (00:30- 03:00) y en los controles a las 01:30 (00:30-02:30), sin hallarse diferencias significativas (p= 0,72). Se midió el ratio entre el diámetro anteroposterior/diámetro transverso de la tráquea, este fue de 0,44 (0,184-0,6) en los casos y 0,885 (0,64-1,16) en los controles (p=0,00001). El ratio de la distancia esternón-tráquea/esternón-columna fue 0,685 (0,6-0,76) en los casos y 0,67 (0,49-0,79) en los controles (p=0,75). El ángulo de la cifosis torácica fue 29º (9-34) en los casos y 24º (4-33) en los controles (p=0,45). CONCLUSIONES: No observamos la existencia de diferencias en el nacimiento del TB en pacientes con SCAI respecto a la población general. El TB nace en todos los niños en el lado izquierdo del cuerpo, poniendo en duda que el SCAI sea debido a un nacimiento más izquierdo del TB.

Relaciones anatómicas en el síndrome de compresión traqueal por la arteria innominada: estudio de casos y controles retrospectivo / Anatomical relations in innominate artery compression syndrome: retrospective case-control study

Objetivo. Analizar las distintas relaciones anatómicas entre el tronco braquiocefálico (TB), la tráquea, la columna vertebral y el esternón en pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome de compresión de la arteria innominada (SCAI) y compararlas con las de los pacientes controles. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles de los pacientes diagnosticados de SCAI en nuestro centro, a los que se realizó una tomografía computarizada con contraste (TC) y/o resonancia magnética (RM). Se compararon con pacientes controles, elegidos entre enfermos sin malformación cardiaca ni masa torácica deformante, y a los que se les había realizado una TC vascular torácico por distintos problemas respiratorios no obstructivos. Por cada caso, se seleccionaron tres controles, agrupándolos por grupos de edades. Se estableció p<0,05 como valor de significancia estadística. Resultados. Se incluyeron 9 casos (7 niños y 2 niñas) y 27 controles (20 niños y 7 niñas). Se estudió en cortes transversales de la TC la posición horaria del nacimiento del TB respecto a la tráquea, resultando en los casos una posición mediana correspondiente a las 01:30 (00:30- 03:00) y en los controles a las 01:30 (00:30-02:30), sin hallarse diferencias significativas (p= 0,72). Se midió el ratio entre el diámetro anteroposterior/diámetro transverso de la tráquea, este fue de 0,44 (0,184-0,6) en los casos y 0,885 (0,64-1,16) en los controles (p=0,00001). El ratio de la distancia esternón-tráquea/esternón-columna fue 0,685 (0,6-0,76) en los casos y 0,67 (0,49-0,79) en los controles (p=0,75). El ángulo de la cifosis torácica fue 29º (9-34) en los casos y 24º (4-33) en los controles (p=0,45). Conclusiones. No observamos la existencia de diferencias en el nacimiento del TB en pacientes con SCAI respecto a la población general. El TB nace en todos los niños en el lado izquierdo del cuerpo, poniendo en duda que el SCAI sea debido a un nacimiento más izquierdo del TB

Objective. To compare the anatomical relations between brachioce-phalic trunk (BT), trachea, spine and sternum in patients with Innominate Artery Compressing Syndrome (IACS) and control patients. Methods. Retrospective case-control study of patients diagnosed with IACS in our center, in whom vascular computerized tomography (CT) was performed. The CT were compared with those of control patients free of obstructive respiratory pathology, without congenital heart disease and free of deforming thoracic mass, in whom CT was performed due to other reason. Each case was paired with three controls per case, in similar age groups. The significance value was set as p<0,05.Results. Nine cases were included (7 boys and 2 girls) with their 27 respective controls (20 boys and 7 girls). The BT origin position with respect to the trachea, thought as a clock face, was 01:30 (00:30- 03:00) in cases and 01:30 (00:30-02:30) in controls. No differences were observed (p=0.72). The relation between anteroposterior/transversal tracheal diameters was 0.44 (0.184-0.6) in cases, 0.885 (0.64-1.16) in controls. The sternum-trachea/sternum-vertebra relation was 0.685 (0.6-0.76) in cases, 0.67 (0.49-0.79) in controls. No differences were observed (p=0.75). The angle of thoracic kyphosis was 29º (9º-34º) in cases, 24º (4º-33º) in controls. There were no statistically significant differences (p=0.45). Conclusions. We found no differences between the two groups in the BT origin in relation to the trachea. In all cases, the origin was on the left side of the body. Therefore, we question the premise that IACS is due to a more left origin of BT

European Society of Surgical Oncology's strategy for clinical research: Paving the way for a culture of research in cancer surgery.

As part of its mission to promote the best surgical care for cancer patients, the European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) has been developing multiple programmes for clinical research along with its educational portfolio. This position paper describes the different research activities of the Society over the past decade and an action plan for the upcoming five years to lead innovative and high quality surgical oncology research. ESSO proposes to consider pragmatic research methodologies as a complement to randomised clinical trials (RCT), advocates for increased funding and operational support in conducting research and aims to enable young surgeons to be active in research and establish partnerships for translational research activities.

[Reliability of the correction index in the surgical indication for pectus excavatum]. / Valor del índice de corrección en la indicación quirúrgica del pectus excavatum: correlación con el gold-standard.

OBJECTIVE: The Haller index (HI) is widely used to indicate surgical intervention in patients with pectus excavatum (PE). However, in patients with an atypical thoracic morphology, the severity of the defect can be incorrectly estimated. We propose comparing this index with the correction index (CI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed clinical data and CT scans of 50 patients who consulted for PE in our center between 2010 and 2017. Haller index (HI), Correction index (CI) and ideal thoracic index (ITI) were calculated for each patient. The ITI allowed dividing the sample into two groups based on the thoracic morphology by excluding the PE component, therefore separating those with thorax too wide or too narrow from the standard patients. A standard group (36 patients) and a non-standard group (14 patients) were generated, among which the HI and the CI were correlated. RESULTS: The mean HI and CI of all patients were 3.99 and 27%, respectively. 31 of the 50 patients (62%) underwent intervention, 8 of them with an HI below 3.25. When comparing both groups, there was a moderate correlation between HI and CI in the standard group (Spearman r 0.799, p <0.01) and a greater correlation in the non-standard group (Spearman r 0.858, p <0.01).ween the scale and the presence of foreign body, except for SCORE 1, which was 57% what we attribute to an information bias. If the foreign body were not nuts, inorganic or bone, its aspiration was very unlikely, that is why we included it in the SCORE with -1. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, correlation of HI and CI was not different between both groups of patients. The CI did not prove its superiority when compared to HI in the surgical indication of patients with PE.

OBJETIVO: El índice de Haller (IH) se utiliza ampliamente para indicar la intervención quirúrgica en pacientes con pectus excavatum (PE). Sin embargo, en pacientes con una morfología torácica atípica, puede estimarse erróneamente la severidad del defecto. Planteamos comparar este índice con el índice de corrección (IC). MATERIAL Y METODOS: Analizamos datos clínicos y TC torácicos de 50 pacientes que consultan por PE en nuestro centro entre 2010 y 2017. Para cada paciente, se recalcula el índice de Haller (IH), el índice de corrección (IC) y el índice torácico ideal (ITI). El ITI permite formar dos grupos en base a la morfología torácica excluyendo el componente del PE, separando aquellos con tórax demasiado anchos o estrechos, de los pacientes estándar. Se genera un grupo estándar (36 pacientes) y un grupo no-estándar (14 pacientes), entre los que se correlacionan el IH y el IC. RESULTADOS: El IH y el IC medio de todos los pacientes fue de 3,99 y 27%, respectivamente. Se intervinieron 31 de los 50 pacientes (62%), 8 de ellos con un IH inferior a 3,25. Al comparar ambos grupos, existe una correlación moderada entre IH e IC en el grupo estándar (r Spearman 0,789; p<0,01) y una correlación mayor en el grupo no-estándar (r Spearman 0,858; p<0,01). CONCLUSION: En nuestra cohorte, no se ha probado que la correlación del IH y el IC sea diferente entre ambos grupos de pacientes. El IC no ha demostrado tener mayor validez que el IH en la indicación quirúrgica del PE.

EUSOMA position regarding breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the use of textured implants.

During the last two decades the number of breast implants used in aesthetic, oncologic and risk reducing surgery has increased substantially mainly due to the improvement and confirmed safety of these devices. Since identification of the first case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with a breast implant (BIA-ALCL) 20 years ago, there has been an increase in the number of reports of this very rare disease, demonstrating a clear association with breast implants. Whilst the majority of cases are localised and cured by implant removal and full capsulectomy, a small percentage require chemotherapy and the mortality rate is very low. The evidence linking BIA-ALCL to implant surface texturing, as the majority of cases were diagnosed in patients with textured implants, has raised concerns about the long term safety of these devices resulting in patient and regulatory authority concerns globally. We hereby present the current published knowledge about the link between BIA-ALCL and implant surface texture and a review of current regulatory and professional body advice across Europe, which may enable a better understanding of this rare disease, how to manage and ultimately prevent it. We conclude by giving EUSOMA recommendation, towards the unnecessary change in attitudes towards implant based surgery, according to the most recent available published evidence as long as patients are properly informed about the risk of BIA-ALCL.

Variability in breast cancer surgery training across Europe: An ESSO-EUSOMA international survey.

BACKGROUND: At present there is a lack of standardization of training in breast cancer surgery across Europe. The aim of this survey was to assess current practice in Europe regarding training in breast cancer (BC) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: General surgeons, surgical oncologists, gynecologist, and plastic surgeons in Europe were invited to participate in this bespoke survey including 19 questions. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 3.000 surgical oncologists across Europe. A total of 671 physicians (387 general surgeons, 152 gynecologists, 126 surgical oncologist, 31 plastic surgeons) answered the survey (23% response rate). Four hundred and sixty-eight physicians devoted between 50% -100% of their job to treating breast cancer. 45% worked in a community/University hospital within a dedicated Breast Unit. Specific additional breast surgery training was not universal: 20% had undertaken an accredited breast fellowship, 30% in a Breast Unit as a trainee, 21% had done additional courses, masters or diploma and 8% had not done any additional training. The majority (61%) of respondents worked in Units treating >150 BC cases per year, while 26% of the responders treat >120 new primary cases per year, and 23% less than 50 new cases a year. Multivariate analysis showed that breast surgeons working in a Breast Unit and treating more than 50 cases/year significantly performed oncoplastic procedures. CONCLUSION: There is a great variability in breast cancer surgery training in Europe. It is imperative to develop quality standards for breast cancer surgery training to ensure that patients get standardized and certified surgical management regardless of the country in which they are treated.