Indication, performance and outcomes of adrenal vein sampling in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PAH) is an important cause of secondary hypertension (HTN). The study of the same requires a high clinical suspicion in addition to a hormonal study that confirms hormonal hypersecretion. It is important to start the appropriate treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed, and for this is necessary to demonstrate whether the hormonal hypersecretion is unilateral (patients who could be candidates for surgical treatment) or bilateral (patients who are candidates for pharmacological treatment only). At the Hospital del Mar since 2016 there has been a multidisciplinary work team in which Nephrologists, Endocrinologists, Radiologists and Surgeons participate to evaluate cases with suspected hyperaldosteronism and agree on the best diagnostic-therapeutic approach for these patients, including the need for adrenal vein sampling, which is a technique that in recent years has become the gold standard for the study of PAH. In the present study we collect the experience of our centre in performing AVC and its usefulness for the management of these patients.

Goiter surgery recommendations in sub-Saharan Africa in humanitarian cooperation.

Background: The standard treatment for endemic goiter is usually total thyroidectomy. In low- and middle-income countries, the management of thyroid disease, which is commonplace in fully developed countries, is not always possible. The purpose of this study is to establish a treatment algorithm to calculate the extent of thyroidectomy based on the risk factors of each patient. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted during the period between 2017 and 2019. A total of 287 patients with thyroid pathology were treated in Maragua Hospital (Kenya). The results of surgical treatment were analyzed after the implementation of an individualized treatment protocol. Results: One hundred and sixty patients with different types of goiter underwent surgery: solitary nodule (54.4%), multi-nodular goiter (30.6%), diffuse goiter (10.6%), and intrathoracic goiter (3.8%). The techniques used were hemithyroidectomy (78.8%), Dunhill thyroidectomy (9.4%), bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (6.9%), and total thyroidectomy (3.1%). There was no mortality. The surgical morbidity rate was 16% (only one major complication (3b)). Two cases of dysphonia were resolved in the first week. There were three cases of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, two of which resolved in the first week and the other of which was definitive. The follow-up at 6 months was 67%. The cancer rate found in the resection specimens was 5%. Discussion: The implementation of individualized surgical protocols for thyroid surgery in sub-Saharan Africa can improve outcomes. The cooperation projects can increase access to complex surgical treatment for patients with limited resources in low- and middle-income countries.

Paraplegia Following Type B Acute Aortic Dissection Can Spare the Spinal Cord.

Ischemic lumbosacral plexopathy secondary to an acute aortic dissection is a rare condition that is usually unilateral and frequently accompanied by a simultaneous spinal cord infarction. The functional prognosis relies on the severity of the nervous system involvement being usually worse when the spinal cord is involved. We present a case of a 46-year-old man who suffered an acute type B aortic dissection presenting as acute paraplegia due to bilateral ischemic lumbosacral plexopathy treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair. An up-to-date review of the literature on ischemic lumbosacral plexus injury is provided.

Volume, outcomes, and quality standards in thyroid surgery: an evidence-based analysis-European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES) positional statement.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous efforts in surgical speciality aim to improve outcome. Therefore, correlation of volume and outcome, developing subspecialization, and identification of reliable parameters to identify and measure quality in surgery gain increasing attention in the surgical community as well as in public health care systems, and by health care providers. The need to investigate these correlations in the area of endocrine surgery was identified by ESES, and thyroid surgery was chosen for this analysis of the prevalent literature with regard to outcome and volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search that is detailed below about correlation between volume and outcome in thyroid surgery was performed and assessed from an evidence-based perspective. Following presentation and live data discussion, a revised final positional statement was presented and consented by the ESES assembly. RESULTS: There is a lack of prospective randomized controlled studies for all items representing quality parameters of thyroid surgery using uniform definitions. Therefore, evidence levels are low and recommendation grades are based mainly on expert and peer evaluation of the prevalent data. CONCLUSION: In thyroid surgery a volume and outcome relationship exists with respect to the prevalence of complications. Besides volume, cumulative experience is expected to improve outcomes. In accordance with global data, a case load of < 25 thyroidectomies per surgeon per year appears to identify a low-volume surgeon, while > 50 thyroidectomies per surgeon per year identify a high-volume surgeon. A center with a case load of > 100 thyroidectomies per year is considered high-volume. Thyroid cancer and autoimmune thyroid disease predict an increased risk of surgical morbidity and should be operated by high-volume surgeons. Oncological results of thyroid cancer surgery are significantly better when performed by high-volume surgeons.

Short and Long-Term Outcomes After Surgical Procedures Lasting for More Than Six Hours.

Long-term all-cause mortality and dependency after complex surgical procedures have not been assessed in the framework of value-based medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the postoperative and long-term outcomes after surgical procedures lasting for more than six hours. Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing a first elective complex surgical procedure between 2004 and 2013. Heart and transplant surgery was excluded. Mortality and dependency from the healthcare system were selected as outcome variables. Gender, age, ASA, creatinine, albumin kinetics, complications, benign vs malignant underlying condition, number of drugs at discharge, and admission and length of stay in the ICU were recorded as predictive variables. Some 620 adult patients were included in the study. Postoperative, <1year and <5years cumulative mortality was 6.8%, 17.6% and 45%, respectively. Of patients discharged from hospital after surgery, 76% remained dependent on the healthcare system. In multivariate analysis for postoperative, <1year and <5years mortality, postoperative albumin concentration, ASA score and an ICU stay >7days, were the most significant independent predictive variables. Prolonged surgery carries a significant short and long-term mortality and disability. These data may contribute to more informed decisions taken concerning major surgery in the framework of value-based medicine.

An antimicrobial stewardship program reduces antimicrobial therapy duration and hospital stay in surgical wards / Un programa de uso de antimicrobianos reduce la duración de la terapia antimicrobiana y la estancia hospitalaria en salas de cirugía

We report a quasi-experimental study of the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program in two surgical wards, with a pre-intervention period with just assessment of prescription and an intervention period with a prospective audit on antibiotic prescription model. There was a significant reduction of length of stay and the total days of antimicrobial administration. There were no differences in mortality between groups. The antimicrobial stewardship program led to the early detection of inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment and was associated with a significant reduction in length of stay and the total duration of antimicrobial therapy (AU)

Presentamos un estudio cuasi-experimental de la aplicación de un programa de uso de terapia antimicrobiana en dos salas quirúrgicas, con un período de pre-intervención en que se realizó evaluación de la prescripción y un período de intervención con una auditoría prospectiva sobre la prescripción antibiótica siguiendo un modelo de recomendación. Hubo una reducción significativa de la estancia media y del total de días de tratamiento antibiótico. No hubo diferencias en la mortalidad entre los grupos. El programa de uso de terapia antimicrobiana condujo a la detección precoz de tratamiento antibiótico empírico inadecuado y se asoció con una reducción significativa de la estancia media y la duración total de la terapia antimicrobiana (AU)

Sepsis grave por absceso cervical profundo tras agranulocitosis por metamizol / Severe sepsis due to cervical abscess after agranulocytosis associated with metamizole

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Vitamin d status in patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism: comparison of patients from southern and northern europe.

Aim. The interaction between vitamin D deficiency and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with PHPT from Spain and Sweden differed in vitamin D status and PHPT disease activity before and after surgery. Methods. We compared two cohorts of postmenopausal women from Spain (n = 126) and Sweden (n = 128) that had first-time surgery for sporadic, uniglandular PHPT. Biochemical variables reflecting bone metabolism and disease activity, including levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D) and bone mineral density, BMD, were measured pre- and one year postoperatively. Results. Median preoperative 25(OH)D levels were lower, and adenoma weight, PTH, and urinary calcium levels were higher in the Spanish cohort. The Spanish patients had higher preoperative levels of PTH (13.5 versus 11.0 pmol/L, P < 0.001), urinary calcium (7.3 versus 4.1 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and heavier adenomas (620 versus 500 g, P < 0.001). The mean increase in BMD was higher in patients from Spain and in patients with vitamin D deficiency one year after surgery. Conclusion. Postmenopasual women with PHPT from Spain had a more advanced disease and lower vitamin 25(OH)D levels. Improvement in bone density one year after surgery was higher in patients with preoperative vitamin D deficiency.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la úlcera péptica perforada: comparación entre los abordajes laparoscópico y abierto / A comparison of laparoscopic versus open repair for the surgical treatment of perforated peptic ulcers

Objetivo Analizar los resultados del abordaje quirúrgico laparoscópico frente al abierto en el tratamiento de las úlceras pépticas perforadas (UPP).Pacientes y métodos Estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes operados de una UPP durante el periodo enero de 2002-marzo de 2012. Se analizaron datos demográficos, tiempo operatorio, complicaciones y estancia hospitalaria. Resultados Se incluyó a 112 pacientes (mediana, 49 años), 60 en el grupo laparoscópico y 52 en el grupo abierto. Los pacientes operados por vía laparoscópica eran significativamente más jóvenes y tenían un mayor consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis. La mediana de duración de los síntomas agudos fue menor en los pacientes del grupo laparoscópico (6 h) en comparación con los del grupo abierto (12 h). La mediana del tiempo operatorio fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes del grupo laparoscópico (104,5 vs. 76 min; p = 0,025). El porcentaje de conversión a cirugía abierta fue del 25%. La morbilidad fue similar en ambos grupos, pero 3 pacientes fallecieron en el grupo abierto. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue significativamente menor en el grupo laparoscópico (6 vs. 8 días; p = 0,041).Conclusión El abordaje por vía laparoscópica es una técnica segura y comparable a la cirugía abierta en el tratamiento de la UPP, con la que el paciente se beneficia de una estancia hospitalaria más corta (AU)

Objective To analyse the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open repair for perforated peptic ulcers (PPU).Methods All patients undergoing PPU repair between January 2002 and March 2012 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, operation time, complications, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Results Two hundred and twelve patients (median age, 49 years) were included, 60 in the laparoscopic group and 52 in the open group. Patients operated laparoscopically were significantly younger and had a higher consumption of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis. Median acute symptoms time was shorter in the laparoscopic group (6 h) compared to the open group (12 h; P=.025) Symptoms time was shorter in the laparoscopic group. Median operating time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group (104.5 min vs. 76 min, P=.025). The percentage of conversion to open repair was 25%. There was no difference in morbidity between 2 groups, but there were 3 deaths in the open group. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients treated laparoscopically when compared with the open group (6 days vs. 8 days; P=.041).Conclusion Laparoscopic and open repair are equally safe in the management of PPU. A shorter hospital stay can be achieved in the laparoscopic group (AU)

[A comparison of laparoscopic versus open repair for the surgical treatment of perforated peptic ulcers]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la úlcera péptica perforada: comparación entre los abordajes laparoscópico y abierto.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open repair for perforated peptic ulcers (PPU). METHODS: All patients undergoing PPU repair between January 2002 and March 2012 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, operation time, complications, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred and twelve patients (median age, 49 years) were included, 60 in the laparoscopic group and 52 in the open group. Patients operated laparoscopically were significantly younger and had a higher consumption of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis. Median acute symptoms time was shorter in the laparoscopic group (6h) compared to the open group (12h; P=.025) Symptoms time was shorter in the laparoscopic group. Median operating time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group (104.5min vs. 76min, P=.025). The percentage of conversion to open repair was 25%. There was no difference in morbidity between 2 groups, but there were 3 deaths in the open group. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients treated laparoscopically when compared with the open group (6 days vs. 8 days; P=.041). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and open repair are equally safe in the management of PPU. A shorter hospital stay can be achieved in the laparoscopic group.

Quiste de uraco sobreinfectado como diagnóstico diferencial poco frecuente de apendicitis aguda / Infected urachal cyst as an unusual differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis

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Weight difference between double parathyroid adenomas is the cause of false-positive IOPTH test after resection of the first lesion.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with double parathyroid adenoma show a greater than 50% decline in intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) after resection of the first lesion. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that significant adenoma weight differences may explain this inappropriate decline of IOPTH. METHODS: We reviewed prospective database records at two tertiary institutions. Patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of double adenoma and no familial history of hyperparathyroidism were included. Diagnosis of double adenoma was confirmed either preoperatively (double uptake), intraoperatively (bilateral exploration), or at reintervention. IOPTH was determined following the Miami protocol. The 10-min postexcision sample was considered as the 0-min sample for IOPTH determinations at the time of resection of the second lesion. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. After resection of the first lesion, IOPTH failed to decline in four patients and a second adenoma was removed. They had similar weight (404 vs. 598 mg). In nine patients IOPTH showed a false greater than 50% decline. These patients had the largest adenoma removed first (846 +/- 226 mg), and only two had normal PTH serum concentrations 10 min after resection. The second adenoma was always smaller (284 +/- 177 mg; P = 0.02) and its resection either during the same operation (7 cases) or at reoperation (2 cases) led to normalization of IOPTH at 10 min in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of patients with double parathyroid adenoma show a false-positive decline of IOPTH after resection of the first adenoma. This appears to be due to the initial removal of the larger lesion.