Aplicación, comprobación y corrección a partir de un checklist elaborado con algunas de las recomendaciones («hacer y no hacer») de los grupos de trabajo de la SEMICYUC / Application, verification and correction from an elaborate checklist with some of the recommendations («do and do not do») of the SEMICYUC working groups

Objetivo Con algunas de las recomendaciones de los grupos de trabajo de la SEMICYUC elaboramos un checklist y lo aplicamos en 2 periodos. Analizamos su comportamiento como herramienta de mejora en la seguridad. Diseño Estudio longitudinal, comparativo pre- y postintervención. Ámbito Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un hospital universitario de 400 camas. Pacientes Serie de casos aleatorios en 2 periodos separados por 6 meses. Intervenciones Elaboramos un checklist con 24 indicadores seleccionados que aplicamos de forma aleatoria a 50 pacientes. La verificación fue conducida por un profesional no relacionado con el cuidado (prompter). Analizamos los resultados y el índice de cumplimiento y realizamos medidas correctoras con formación. Con 6 meses de preparación, aplicamos de nuevo el checklist aleatorio a 50 pacientes (periodo postintervención) y comparamos el índice de cumplimiento entre ambos. Resultados No observamos diferencias en características demográficas ni en la evolución entre periodos. El índice de cumplimiento en el periodo basal fue de 0,86±0,12 y en el periodo de postintervención de 0,91±0,52; p=0,023. Obtuvimos un índice de cumplimiento aceptable de los 24 indicadores, pero en el basal en 5 recomendaciones el índice de cumplimiento fue menor a 0,85. Estos incumplimientos detectados se trabajaron formativamente en la segunda fase. En el checklist postintervención observamos una mejoría en el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones. Conclusiones El checklist utilizado para comprobar el cumplimiento de una selección de recomendaciones de la SEMICYUC aplicado y moderado por un prompter fue un instrumento útil que permitió establecer puntos de mejora en la atención de los pacientes de una unidad de cuidados intensivos, aumentando la calidad y la seguridad. (AU)

Objective Based on some of the recommendations of the SEMICYUC working groups, we developed a checklist and applied it in 2 periods, analyzing their behavior as a tool for improving safety. Design A comparative pre- and post-intervention longitudinal study was carried out. Setting The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a 400-bed university hospital. Patients Random cases series in 2 periods separated by 6 months. Interventions We developed a checklist with 24 selected indicators that were randomly applied to 50 patients. Verification was conducted by a professional not related to care (prompter). We analyzed the results and compliance index and carried out corrective measures with training. With 6 months of preparation, we again applied the random checklist to 50 patients (post-intervention period) and compared the compliance indexes between the two timepoints. Results There were no differences in demographic characteristics or evolution between the periods. The compliance index at baseline was 0.86±0.12 versus 0.91±0.52 in the post-intervention period (P=.023). An acceptable compliance index was obtained with the 24 indicators, though at baseline the compliance index was<0.85 for 5 recommendations. These detected non-compliances were worked upon through training in the second phase of the study. The post-intervention checklist evidenced improvement in compliance with the recommendations. Conclusions The checklist used to assess compliance with a selection of recommendations of the SEMICYUC applied and moderated by a prompter was seen to be a useful instrument allowing us to identify points for improvement in the management of Intensive Care Unit patients, increasing the quality and safety of care. (AU)

Application, verification and correction from an elaborate checklist with some of the recommendations («do and do not do¼) of the SEMICYUC working groups. / Aplicación, comprobación y corrección a partir de un checklist elaborado con algunas de las recomendaciones («hacer y no hacer¼) de los grupos de trabajo de la SEMICYUC.

OBJECTIVE: Based on some of the recommendations of the SEMICYUC working groups, we developed a checklist and applied it in 2 periods, analyzing their behavior as a tool for improving safety. DESIGN: A comparative pre- and post-intervention longitudinal study was carried out. SETTING: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a 400-bed university hospital. PATIENTS: Random cases series in 2 periods separated by 6 months. INTERVENTIONS: We developed a checklist with 24 selected indicators that were randomly applied to 50 patients. Verification was conducted by a professional not related to care (prompter). We analyzed the results and compliance index and carried out corrective measures with training. With 6 months of preparation, we again applied the random checklist to 50 patients (post-intervention period) and compared the compliance indexes between the two timepoints. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic characteristics or evolution between the periods. The compliance index at baseline was 0.86±0.12 versus 0.91±0.52 in the post-intervention period (P=.023). An acceptable compliance index was obtained with the 24 indicators, though at baseline the compliance index was<0.85 for 5 recommendations. These detected non-compliances were worked upon through training in the second phase of the study. The post-intervention checklist evidenced improvement in compliance with the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The checklist used to assess compliance with a selection of recommendations of the SEMICYUC applied and moderated by a prompter was seen to be a useful instrument allowing us to identify points for improvement in the management of Intensive Care Unit patients, increasing the quality and safety of care.

Lean techniques to improve the flow of critically ill patients in a health region with its epicenter in the intensive care unit of a reference hospital. / Técnicas «Lean¼ para la mejora del flujo de los pacientes críticos de una región sanitaria con epicentro en el servicio de medicina intensiva de un hospital de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the application of Lean techniques to improve the flow of critically ill patients in a health region with its epicenter in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a reference hospital. DESIGN: Observational study with pre and post intervention analysis. SETTING: ICU of a reference hospital. PATIENTS: We design projects and a value stream map of flow and compared pre and post intervention. INTERVENTIONS: We recorded demographic data, patient transfers by EMS for lack of beds and delay times in the discharge from ICU to ward. Multidisciplinary meetings and perform daily visual panel, with high priority ICU discharge. We promote temporary relocation of critically ill patients in other special areas of the hospital. We performed a professional satisfaction questionnaire with pre and post implementation of process. We make a statistical analysis of pre and post-intervention comparisons. RESULTS: We planned for 2013 and progressively implemented in 2014. Analysis of patients entering the critical process flow 1) evaluate patients who must transfer for lack of beds, focusing on a diagnosis: pre 10/22 vs. 3/21 post (P=.045); 2) analysis of time delay in the discharge from the ICU to ward: 360.8±163.9minutes in the first period vs. 276.7±149.5 in the second (P=.036); and 3) personal professional satisfaction questionnaire, with 6.6±1.5 points pre vs. 7.5±1.1 in post (P=.001). Analysis of indicators such as the ICU acquired infections, length of ICU stay, the rate of re-admissions and mortality, with no significant differences between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: The application of Lean techniques in the critically ill process had a positive impact on improving patient flow within the health region, noting a decrease of transfers outside the region due to lack of beds, reduced delayed discharge from ICU to conventional ward and increased satisfaction of ICU professionals.

Predictive factors of mortality in severe community-acquired pneumonia: a model with data on the first 24h of ICU admission.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a model of factors predicting mortality in severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) with data on the first 24h after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: A prospective, observational study was carried out. SETTING: The ICU of a university hospital. PATIENTS: ICU-admitted patients with SCAP were studied prospectively. INTERVENTIONS: Admission pneumonia scores were calculated, and clinical variables were registered during the first 24h. Relationships between predictors of mortality at 28 days were assessed by means of a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total number of 242 SCAP patients were evaluated. The SAPS II severity score was 37.2±15.5 points. Bivariate analysis showed high mortality to be more frequent in elderly patients, as well as in patients with high SAPS II scores, neoplastic disease or chronic renal failure. The other prognostic factors related to increased mortality included mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute renal failure, bacteremia, and septic shock. Mortality at 28 days was 23.1% (56 patients). Multivariate analysis of the risk factors generated a new predictive model of mortality applicable within the first 24h after ICU admission and comprising 5 main factors: age, CURB severity score 3-4, septic shock, ARDS, and acute renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Age in years, CURB score 3-4, septic shock, ARDS, and acute renal failure during the first 24h of ICU admission were found to be independent predictors of mortality in SCAP patients.

Macrolide-based regimens in absence of bacterial co-infection in critically ill H1N1 patients with primary viral pneumonia.

PURPOSE: To determine whether macrolide-based treatment is associated with mortality in critically ill H1N1 patients with primary viral pneumonia. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a prospective, observational, multicenter study conducted across 148 Intensive Care Units (ICU) in Spain. RESULTS: Primary viral pneumonia was present in 733 ICU patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection with severe respiratory failure. Macrolide-based treatment was administered to 190 (25.9 %) patients. Patients who received macrolides had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease more often, lower severity on admission (APACHE II score on ICU admission (13.1 ± 6.8 vs. 14.4 ± 7.4 points, p < 0.05), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome less often (23.4 vs. 30.1 %, p < 0.05). Length of ICU stay in survivors was not significantly different in patients who received macrolides compared to patients who did not (10 (IQR 4-20) vs. 10 (IQR 5-20), p = 0.9). ICU mortality was 24.1 % (n = 177). Patients with macrolide-based treatment had lower ICU mortality in the univariate analysis (19.2 vs. 28.1 %, p = 0.02); however, a propensity score analysis showed no effect of macrolide-based treatment on ICU mortality (OR = 0.87; 95 % CI 0.55-1.37, p = 0.5). Moreover, the sensitivity analysis revealed very similar results (OR = 0.91; 95 % CI 0.58-1.44, p = 0.7). A separate analysis of patients under mechanical ventilation yielded similar results (OR = 0.77; 95 % CI 0.44-1.35, p = 0.4). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that macrolide-based treatment was not associated with improved survival in critically ill H1N1 patients with primary viral pneumonia.

[Recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Work Group (GTEI) of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) and the Infections in Critically Ill Patients Study Group (GEIPC) of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza A/H1N1 in seriously ill adults admitted to the Intensive Care Unit]. / Recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo Enfermedades Infecciosas (GTEI) de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC) y el Grupo de Estudio de Infecciones en el Paciente Crítico (GEIPC) de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología clínica (SEIMC) para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la gripe A/H1N1 en pacientes adultos graves hospitalizados en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos.

The diagnosis of influenza A/H1N1 is mainly clinical, particularly during peak or seasonal flu outbreaks. A diagnostic test should be performed in all patients with fever and flu symptoms that require hospitalization. The respiratory sample (nasal or pharyngeal exudate or deeper sample in intubated patients) should be obtained as soon as possible, with the immediate start of empirical antiviral treatment. Molecular methods based on nucleic acid amplification techniques (RT-PCR) are the gold standard for the diagnosis of influenza A/H1N1. Immunochromatographic methods have low sensitivity; a negative result therefore does not rule out active infection. Classical culture is slow and has low sensitivity. Direct immunofluorescence offers a sensitivity of 90%, but requires a sample of high quality. Indirect methods for detecting antibodies are only of epidemiological interest. Patients with A/H1N1 flu may have relative leukopenia and elevated serum levels of LDH, CPK and CRP, but none of these variables are independently associated to the prognosis. However, plasma LDH> 1500 IU/L, and the presence of thrombocytopenia <150 x 10(9)/L, could define a patient population at risk of suffering serious complications. Antiviral administration (oseltamivir) should start early (<48 h from the onset of symptoms), with a dose of 75 mg every 12h, and with a duration of at least 7 days or until clinical improvement is observed. Early antiviral administration is associated to improved survival in critically ill patients. New antiviral drugs, especially those formulated for intravenous administration, may be the best choice in future epidemics. Patients with a high suspicion of influenza A/H1N1 infection must continue with antiviral treatment, regardless of the negative results of initial tests, unless an alternative diagnosis can be established or clinical criteria suggest a low probability of influenza. In patients with influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia, empirical antibiotic therapy should be provided due to the possibility of bacterial coinfection. A beta-lactam plus a macrolide should be administered as soon as possible. The microbiological findings and clinical or laboratory test variables may decide withdrawal or not of antibiotic treatment. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure in the population at risk of suffering severe complications. Although the use of moderate- or low-dose corticosteroids has been proposed for the treatment of influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia, the existing scientific evidence is not sufficient to recommend the use of corticosteroids in these patients. The treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with influenza A/H1N1 must be based on the use of a protective ventilatory strategy (tidal volume <10 ml / kg and plateau pressure <35 mmHg) and positive end-expiratory pressure set to high patient lung mechanics, combined with the use of prone ventilation, muscle relaxation and recruitment maneuvers. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation cannot be considered a technique of choice in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, though it may be useful in experienced centers and in cases of respiratory failure associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or heart failure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a rescue technique in refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome due to influenza A/H1N1 infection. The scientific evidence is weak, however, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is not the technique of choice. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation will be advisable if all other options have failed to improve oxygenation. The centralization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in referral hospitals is recommended. Clinical findings show 50-60% survival rates in patients treated with this technique. Cardiovascular complications of influenza A/H1N1 are common. Such problems may appear due to the deterioration of pre-existing cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, ischemic heart disease and right ventricular dysfunction. Early diagnosis and adequate monitoring allow the start of effective treatment, and in severe cases help decide the use of circulatory support systems. Influenza vaccination is recommended for all patients at risk. This indication in turn could be extended to all subjects over 6 months of age, unless contraindicated. Children should receive two doses (one per month). Immunocompromised patients and the population at risk should receive one dose and another dose annually. The frequency of adverse effects of the vaccine against A/H1N1 flu is similar to that of seasonal flu. Chemoprophylaxis must always be considered a supplement to vaccination, and is indicated in people at high risk of complications, as well in healthcare personnel who have been exposed.

Impact of administration of vancomycin or linezolid to critically ill patients with impaired renal function.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of vancomycin (VAN) versus linezolid (LZD) on renal function in patients with renal failure (RF) admitted to intensive care units. This was a multicenter, retrospective, comparative cohort study. Renal failure patients were treated with VAN or LZD for proven or suspected infections by multiresistant Gram-positive cocci. Changes in plasma creatinine levels and creatinine clearance at the start and end of treatment were used as endpoints. A total of 147 patients were treated with VAN (group A, n = 68) or LZD (group B, n = 79). Group B included more patients with diabetes mellitus [9 (13.2%) vs. 25 (31.6%); p = 0.007], septic shock [39 (57.4%) vs. 60 (75.9%); p = 0.013] and greater RF (mean ClCr 42.24 ml/min vs. 37.57 ml/min; p = 0.04). Renal function improved in patients from both groups who did not require renal replacement therapy. A greater improvement was seen in group B [percent decrease in Cr (27.94 vs. 9.48; p = 0.02) and percent increase in ClCr (95.96 vs. 55.06; p = 0.05)]. In group A, nine patients (13.2%) experienced an antibiotic-related increase in RF, and antibiotic was discontinued in five patients due to adverse effects. It is reasonable to avoid use of VAN in critically ill patients with acute renal failure.

Evolucion de los pacientes criticos con fracaso renal agudo y disfuncion multiorganica tratados con hemodiafiltracion venovenosa continua / Outcome of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure treated with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration

Objetivo: En los pacientes críticos el fracaso renal agudo (FRA) está asociado a disfunción multiorgánica (DMO) y su mortalidad es alta. El objetivo principal fue evaluar la evolución de los pacientes críticos con FRA y DMO tratados con hemodiafiltración venovenosa continua (HDFVVC). Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo y observacional en pacientes críticos. Ámbito: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) medicoquirúrgica del Hospital Universitario de Girona. Pacientes: Pacientes ingresados en la UCI con FRA y DMO tratados con HDFVVC. Principales variables de interés: Se recogieron variables demográficas, de gravedad y de DMO (SOFA [Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score]). Análisis estadístico comparativo y de regresión logística múltiple con la mortalidad a los 30 días como efecto principal de estudio. Resultados: Se estudió a 139 pacientes. Los factores predisponentes más frecuentes fueron hipotensión (98%) y sepsis (82%). Los órganos más frecuentemente afectados fueron los del sistema cardiocirculatorio (94%) y los del sistema respiratorio (47%) asociados al FRA. El SOFA medio fue de 11,4±2,7. Los pacientes traumáticos y los no oligúricos tuvieron una mejor supervivencia. La mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 61% y el análisis de regresión logística mostró que la edad superior o igual a 60 años (OR [odds ratio]=3,3 [intervalo de confianza {IC} del 95%: 1,5-7,0]) y el SOFA superior o igual a 11 puntos (OR=2,5 [IC del 95%: 1,1-5,3]) se relacionaron con la mortalidad. Conclusiones: La mortalidad de los pacientes críticos con FRA y DMO es alta. Los pacientes traumáticos y los no oligúricos tuvieron una mejor supervivencia. La edad superior o igual a 60 años y el SOFA superior o igual a 11 puntos fueron factores de riesgo independientes de mortalidad (AU)

Objective: Acute renal failure (ARF) is associated to multiple organ failure (MOF) in critically ill patients and its mortality is high. The main objective was to evaluate the outcome of critically ill patients with ARF and MOF treated with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Design: Retrospective and observational study on critically ill patients. Setting: Medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a University Hospital of Girona. Patients: Patients admitted in ICU that developed ARF and MOF and were treated with CVVHDF. Primary variables of interest: We collected data on demographic, and severity and organic dysfunction scores (SOFA). To study the risk factors for mortality, a comparative and multiple regression statistical analysis was performed, with the main effect of the study being mortality at 30 days. Results: We studied 139 patients. The most frequent predisposing factors were hypotension (98%) and sepsis (82%). the most frequently affected organs were cardiocirculatory (94%) and respiratory (47%) associated to ARF. Mean SOFA score was 11.4±2.7 points. Survival was better in traumatic and in non-oliguric patients. The 30-day mortality was 61% and the logistic regression analysis showed that age >60 years [OR=3.3 (95% CI 95=1.5-7.0)] and SOFA score >11 points [OR=2.5 (95% CI=1.1-5.3)] were related to mortality. Conclusions: The mortality rate of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure remains high. Traumatic and non-oliguric patients have a better survival. Age >60 years and SOFA >11 points were independent risk factors associated with mortality (AU)

[Outcome of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure treated with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration]. / Evolución de los pacientes críticos con fracaso renal agudo y disfunción multiorgánica tratados con hemodiafiltración venovenosa continua.

OBJECTIVE: Acute renal failure (ARF) is associated to multiple organ failure (MOF) in critically ill patients and its mortality is high. The main objective was to evaluate the outcome of critically ill patients with ARF and MOF treated with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). DESIGN: Retrospective and observational study on critically ill patients. SETTING: Medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a University Hospital of Girona. PATIENTS: Patients admitted in ICU that developed ARF and MOF and were treated with CVVHDF. PRIMARY VARIABLES OF INTEREST: We collected data on demographic, and severity and organic dysfunction scores (SOFA). To study the risk factors for mortality, a comparative and multiple regression statistical analysis was performed, with the main effect of the study being mortality at 30 days. RESULTS: We studied 139 patients. The most frequent predisposing factors were hypotension (98%) and sepsis (82%). the most frequently affected organs were cardiocirculatory (94%) and respiratory (47%) associated to ARF. Mean SOFA score was 11.4 + or - 2.7 points. Survival was better in traumatic and in non-oliguric patients. The 30-day mortality was 61% and the logistic regression analysis showed that age > or = 60 years [OR=3.3 (95% CI 95=1.5-7.0)] and SOFA score > or = 11 points [OR=2.5 (95% CI=1.1-5.3)] were related to mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure remains high. Traumatic and non-oliguric patients have a better survival. Age > or = 60 years and SOFA > or = 11 points were independent risk factors associated with mortality.

Manejo del traumatismo de aorta torácica en cinco pacientes politraumatizados / Management of thoracic aorta traumatize in 5 multiple traumatized patients

El traumatismo de aorta torácica es una lesión asociada a una alta morbimortalidad en el lugar del accidente. En los años noventa se generalizó el tratamiento mediante la colocación de un stent endovascular con buenos resultados. En este trabajo presentamos una serie de cinco casos clínicos de pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de nuestro hospital durante el año 2006. De un total de 619 pacientes ingresados en el mismo periodo, 121 (19,5%) fueron traumáticos y 5 (4,13%) sufrían traumatismos de aorta torácica. Todos los pacientes fueron diagnosticados por tomografía computarizada helicoidal torácica al ingreso. Cuatro pacientes tenían un pseudoaneurisma de aorta y fueron intervenidos. Tres recibieron tratamiento endovascular dentro de las 36 primeras horas y el otro al vigesimoctavo día del ingreso. El quinto paciente presentó una lesión de la íntima y no se intervino. La evolución posterior fue buena en todos los casos (AU)

Thoracic aorta traumatism is a lesion associated to high morbidity-mortality at the site of the accident. In the 90’s, treatment by placement of an endovascular stent was generalized with good results. In this work, we present a series of 5 clinical cases of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of our hospital during the year 2006. Out of a total of 619 patients admitted in the same period, 121 (19.5%) were traumatic and 5 (4.13%) had thoracic aorta traumatisms. All of the patients were diagnosed by thoracic helical computed tomography on admission. Four patients had a pseudoaneurism of the aorta and underwent an operation. Three received endovascular treatment within the first 36 hours and the fourth on day 28 of admission. The fifth patient had a lesion of the intima and was not operated on. Posterior evolution was good in all the cases (AU)

[Management of thoracic aorta traumatism in 5 multiple traumatized patients]. / Manejo del traumatismo de aorta torácicaen cinco pacientes politraumatizados.

Thoracic aorta traumatism is a lesion associated to high morbidity-mortality at the site of the accident. In the 90's, treatment by placement of an endovascular stent was generalized with good results. In this work, we present a series of 5 clinical cases of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of our hospital during the year 2006. Out of a total of 619 patients admitted in the same period, 121 (19.5%) were traumatic and 5 (4.13%) had thoracic aorta traumatisms. All of the patients were diagnosed by thoracic helical computed tomography on admission. Four patients had a pseudoaneurism of the aorta and underwent an operation. Three received endovascular treatment within the first 36 hours and the fourth on day 28 of admission. The fifth patient had a lesion of the intima and was not operated on. Posterior evolution was good in all the cases.

Surgically treated perforations of the gastrointestinal tract caused by ingested foreign bodies.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal perforation due to foreign body (FB) ingestion is rare (1%). We describe our experience in treating these lesions surgically. METHOD: From 1995 to 2006, data were collected prospectively in 33 patients (18 women and 15 men; mean age 64 years) operated on for intestinal perforation due to an ingested FB. The type of object, preoperative diagnosis, perforation site, treatment, morbidity and mortality were reviewed. RESULTS: Foreign body ingestion was predominantly involuntary (88%). The mean time from ingestion to perforation was 10.4 days. The most frequently ingested objects were dietary FB (n = 21) and toothpicks (n = 6). The most frequent predisposing factors were dentures or an orthodontic appliance (73%). The most common preoperative diagnoses were acute abdomen of uncertain origin (n = 7), acute appendicitis (n = 7) and acute diverticulitis (n = 5). Pneumoperitoneum was observed in 10 cases. The diagnosis was reached during laparotomy in 30 (91%) cases. The most frequent perforation site was the colorectal region (n = 18, 54.5%), followed by the terminal ileum (n = 7, 21.2%); intraperitoneal perforation was the most common (n = 30, 91%). All cases had abdominal contamination and 22 (66.7%) had diffuse peritonitis. Treatment was always by surgery and antibiotics. Thirteen patients required a colostomy. Morbidity was 57.6% (n = 19) and mortality 6.1% (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Intestinal perforation by a foreign body is rare and normally affects the sigmoid colon, rectum or distal ileum. Dentures are a common risk factor. Patients are rarely aware of foreign body ingestion. Dietary FB and toothpicks are the most commonly ingested objects. Treatment consists of surgery and antibiotics. Appendicitis and acute diverticulitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Management of foreign bodies in the rectum.

OBJECTIVE: The discovery of foreign bodies (FB) in the rectum is an infrequent clinical problem. Most commonly, FB are introduced through the anal passage or reach the rectum after oral ingestion. We describe our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of FB retained in the rectum. METHOD: From 1997 to 2004, data were collected prospectively in 30 patients (20 men and 10 women; median age 42.5 years). Extraction method, size and type of object, and postextraction evolution were reviewed. RESULTS: The FB was introduced anally in 16 cases and by oral ingestion in 14. Principal associated factors were: mental disorder in 11, penitentiary confinement in two, and drug and alcohol intake in two. Recent sexual activity had taken place in 14 cases. The size and nature of the FB were varied. The most frequent symptom was constipation with or without pelvic or anal discomfort (n = 23, 77%). Treatment consisted of spontaneous ejection (n = 2), digital extraction with or without enemas (n = 10), digital extraction under local/regional anaesthesia after fragmentation (n = 11) and regional exploratory laparotomy under general anaesthesia (n = 7). Grade I rectal trauma was the most common (n = 23, 77%). Six patients required colostomy. Four patients (13.5%) suffered complications and none died. Only 17 patients were hospitalized, with a mean stay of 6 days. All patients recovered without sequelae. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of rectal FB should be suspected when faced with low pelvic or perianal abdominal pain and/or rectal haemorrhage within the context of an unconvincing story in patients without a history of recent instrumental rectal exploration for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Because of potential complications, FB in the rectum should be considered a serious condition that must be treated without delay.