Feasibility of quantitative analysis of colonic perfusion using indocyanine green to prevent anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to quantify Fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green (ICG) in colorectal cancer anastomosis, determine influential factors in its temporary intensity and pattern, assessing the ability to predict the AL, and setting the cut-off levels to establish high- or low-risk groups. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively managed database, including 70 patients who underwent elective surgery for colorectal cancer in which performing a primary anastomosis was in primary plan. In all of them, ICG fluorescence angiography was performed as usual clinical practice with VisionSense™ VS Iridium (Medtronic, Mansfield, MA, USA), in Elevision™ IR Platform (Medtronic, Mansfield, MA, USA). Parameters measured at real time or calculated were T0, Tmax, ∆T, Fmax, %pos, Fpos, and Slope. RESULTS: 70 patients were included, 69 anastomosis were performed and one end colostomy. Arterial hypertension demonstrated higher Fmax, as well as the location of the anastomosis (the nearest to rectum, the most intensity detected). A statistical relationship was found between AL and the lower Fpos and Slope. The decision of changing the subjectively decided point of division did not demonstrate statistical difference on the further development of AL. All parameters were analyzed to detect the cut-off related with AL. Only in case of Fpos lower than 158.3 U and Slope lower than 13.1 U/s p-value were significant. The most valuable diagnostic parameter after risk stratification was the Negative Predictive Value. CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of ICG fluorescence in colorectal surgery is safe and feasible to stratify risk of AL. Hypertension and location of anastomosis influence the intensity of fluorescence at the point of section. A change of division place should be considered to avoid AL related to vascular reasons when intensities of fluorescence at the point of section is lower than 169 U or slopes lower than 14.4 U/s.

Profilaxis de la hernia paraestomal mediante malla de polipropileno en espacio preperitoneal / Prevention of parastomal hernia with a preperitoneal polypropelene mesh

OBJETIVO: Presentar nuestra experiencia en la implantación periestomal de malla de polipropileno en espacio preperitoneal como profilaxis de hernia paraestomal en colostomías terminales en pacientes intervenidos por neoplasia rectal. MÉTODOS: Desde enero de 2010 hasta marzo de 2014, 45 pacientes consecutivos afectados de neoplasia de recto que requirieron implantación de colostomía terminal definitiva fueron intervenidos y analizados. En todos ellos se implantó una malla de polipropileno profiláctica en espacio preperitoneal periestomal. Analizamos variables demográficas, aspectos técnicos y efectividad de la técnica así como complicaciones consecuentes. RESULTADOS: Se implantó malla profiláctica en 45 pacientes, 35 varones y 10 mujeres, con una media edad de 66,2 años (47-88) y un indice de masa corporal de 29,1 (20,4-40,6). Se intervinieron de manera programada y con idéntico protocolo 7 adenocarcinomas de recto medio, 36 de recto bajo, un melanoma de recto y un carcinoma de células escamosas de ano; realizándose una amputación abdominoperineal en 38 pacientes y resección anterior baja con colostomía terminal en 7 pacientes. La vía de abordaje fue laparotómica en 39 casos y laparoscópica en 6 casos, 2 de los cuales se convirtieron a laparotomía. La mediana del tiempo de seguimiento fue de 22 meses (2,1-53). Se evidenciaron 3 hernias paraestomales (6,6%), siendo un hallazgo radiológico durante tomografía computarizada de control. No hubo complicaciones asociadas a la colostomía ni a la implantación de la malla. CONCLUSIONES: La colocación de una malla de polipropileno en localización paraestomal preperitoneal es fácilmente reproducible, disminuyendo la incidencia de hernia paraestomal sin aumentar la morbilidad ni la mortalidad

OBJECTIVE: To show our results with the use of a polypropylene mesh at the stoma site, as prophylaxis of parastomal hernias in patients with rectal cancer when a terminal colostomy is performed. METHODS: From January 2010 until March 2014, 45 consecutive patients with rectal cancer, underwent surgical treatment with the need of a terminal colostomy. A prophylactic mesh was placed in a sublay position at the stoma site in all cases. We analyze Demographics, technical issues and effectiveness of the procedure, as well as subsequent complications. RESULTS: A prophylactic mesh was placed in 45 patients, 35 male and 10 females, mean age of 66.2 (47-88) and Body Mass Index 29.19 (20.4-40.6). A total of 7 middle rectal carcinoma, 36 low rectal carcinoma, one rectal melanoma and one squamous cell anal carcinoma were electively treated with identical protocol. Abdominoperineal resection was performed in 38 patients, and low anterior resection with terminal colostomy in 7. An open approach was elected in 39 patients and laparoscopy in 6, with 2 conversions to open surgery. Medium follow up was 22 months (2.1-53). Overall, 3 parastomal hernias (6.66%) were found, one of which was a radiological finding with no clinical significance. No complications related to the mesh or the colostomy were found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a prophylactic polypropylene mesh placed in a sublay position at the stoma site is a safe and feasible technique. It lowers the incidence of parastomal hernias with no increased morbidity

Prevention of parastomal hernia with a preperitoneal polypropelene mesh.

OBJECTIVE: To show our results with the use of a polypropylene mesh at the stoma site, as prophylaxis of parastomal hernias in patients with rectal cancer when a terminal colostomy is performed. METHODS: From January 2010 until March 2014, 45 consecutive patients with rectal cancer, underwent surgical treatment with the need of a terminal colostomy. A prophylactic mesh was placed in a sublay position at the stoma site in all cases. We analyze Demographics, technical issues and effectiveness of the procedure, as well as subsequent complications. RESULTS: A prophylactic mesh was placed in 45 patients, 35 male and 10 females, mean age of 66.2 (47-88) and Body Mass Index 29.19 (20.4-40.6). A total of 7 middle rectal carcinoma, 36 low rectal carcinoma, one rectal melanoma and one squamous cell anal carcinoma were electively treated with identical protocol. Abdominoperineal resection was performed in 38 patients, and low anterior resection with terminal colostomy in 7. An open approach was elected in 39 patients and laparoscopy in 6, with 2 conversions to open surgery. Medium follow up was 22 months (2.1-53). Overall, 3 parastomal hernias (6.66%) were found, one of which was a radiological finding with no clinical significance. No complications related to the mesh or the colostomy were found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a prophylactic polypropylene mesh placed in a sublay position at the stoma site is a safe and feasible technique. It lowers the incidence of parastomal hernias with no increased morbidity.

[Experience with the Bogota bag technique for temporary abdominal closure]. / Experiencia con la técnica de la bolsa de Bogotá para el cierre temporal del abdomen.

INTRODUCTION: The Bogota bag technique is a reliable method for open abdominal closure. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with this technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively evaluated our experience with the Bogota Bag technique between January 2000 and March 2006. Descriptive statistical techniques were applied and percentages and means were calculated. RESULTS: The Bogota bag technique was applied in 12 patients. The technique was the preferred closure system to prevent abdominal compartment syndrome in 11 patients (91.66%) and was required to treat abdominal compartment syndrome in one patient (8.34%). No complications occurred in relation to placement or withdrawal of the Bogota bag. There were no intestinal fistulas or intra-abdominal abscesses. The mean length of hospital stay was 46.33 days and the mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 16.58 days. The survival rate was 41.66%. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the Bogota bag is a useful technique and is the preferred closure system to prevent or treat abdominal compartment syndrome. The high mortality rates described are due to the underlying diseases leading to open abdominal closure and not directly to the Bogota bag technique itself.

Experiencia con la técnica de la bolsa de Bogotá para el cierre temporal del abdomen / Experience with the Bogota bag technique for temporary abdominal closure

Introducción. La bolsa de Bogotá es uno de los dispositivos que se han descrito para el cierre temporal del abdomen. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido describir nuestra experiencia con la técnica de la bolsa de Bogotá. Material y método. Analizamos retrospectivamente nuestra experiencia entre enero de 2000 y marzo de 2006. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva con cálculo de porcentajes y medias. Resultados. En un total de 12 pacientes se empleó la bolsa de Bogotá. En 11 (91,66%) se colocó de forma preventiva por presentar riesgos de hipertensión intraabdominal y síndrome compartimental abdominal. En un paciente (8,34%) la descompresión con bolsa de Bogotá se realizó una vez el síndrome compartimental se había instaurado. No hemos tenido ninguna complicación en relación con la colocación ni la retirada de la bolsa de Bogotá. En ningún caso aparecieron fístulas intestinales ni colecciones infectadas intraabdominales. La estancia media hospitalaria fue de 46,33 días y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, de 16,58 días. En la actualidad 7/12 (58,34%) han fallecido y 5/12 (41,66%) viven. Conclusiones. La bolsa de Bogotá para el open abdomen en nuestra serie ha sido un método útil para evitar o tratar el síndrome compartimental abdominal. La gran mortalidad descrita viene dada por el proceso inicial que presentan los pacientes y no por las complicaciones derivadas de la colocación de la bolsa de Bogotá (AU)

Introduction. The Bogota bag technique is a reliable method for open abdominal closure. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with this technique. Material and method. We retrospectively evaluated our experience with the Bogota Bag technique between January 2000 and March 2006. Descriptive statistical techniques were applied and percentages and means were calculated. Results. The Bogota bag technique was applied in 12 patients. The technique was the preferred closure system to prevent abdominal compartment syndrome in 11 patients (91.66%) and was required to treat abdominal compartment syndrome in one patient (8.34%). No complications occurred in relation to placement or withdrawal of the Bogota bag. There were no intestinal fistulas or intra-abdominal abscesses. The mean length of hospital stay was 46.33 days and the mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 16.58 days. The survival rate was 41.66%. Conclusions. In our experience, the Bogota bag is a useful technique and is the preferred closure system to prevent or treat abdominal compartment syndrome. The high mortality rates described are due to the underlying diseases leading to open abdominal closure and not directly to the Bogota bag technique itself (AU)

[Thyroidectomy in the ambulatory setting. A prospective study]. / Tiroidectomía en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. Estudio prospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: The recent reintroduction of local/regional anesthesia (LRA) for thyroidectomy has enabled this intervention to be performed in the outpatient setting. The aim of this study was to compare the results of thyroidectomy using two anesthesia methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-five patients requiring thyroidectomy and who met the criteria for outpatient surgery were prospectively selected. The patients were offered LRA plus sedation; patients who did not accept this option were offered LRA combined with orotracheal intubation (CLRA). LRA was accepted by 58 patients and CLRA by 67. Age, sex, anesthesia risk, body mass index, and thyroid function were similar in both groups. Postoperative vomiting, pain at discharge, need for admission, postoperative morbidity, and complaints occurring at home were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-one bilateral and 64 unilateral thyroidectomies were performed, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. There were no differences in surgical time, conversion to general anesthesia, intraoperative events, pathological diagnosis, or size and weight of the surgical specimen. The only difference between the two groups was the hour of discharge (LRA: 6.5 +/- 1.2 hours; CLRA: 7.76 +/- 2.07 hours; p = 0.0003). The admission rate was higher in the CLRA group (22.4%) than in the LRA group (8.62%); this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06) and the main cause was personal preference in patients in the CLRA group. Rates of postoperative morbidity, vomiting (7.2%) and nausea (6.4%), postoperative pain (2.47 +/- 1.85 on a visual analog scale), and analgesic requirements showed no differences between the two groups. One patient in the LRA group developed a noncompressive asymptomatic neck hematoma 36 hours after discharge. The patient was admitted for observation but did not require reoperation. Complaints occurring at home were minor. Satisfaction with the procedure was high or very high in 95% of the patients, with no differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, outpatient thyroidectomy is safe and produces good patient satisfaction. Both anesthesia methods were valid, but postoperative recovery was faster with LRA than with CLRA.

Tiroidectomía en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. Estudio prospectivo / Thyroidectomy in the ambulatory setting. A prospective study

Introducción. La reciente reintroducción de la anestesia locorregional para la tiroidectomía ha facilitado esta cirugía en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA). El objeto de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados de este tratamiento comparando 2 regímenes anestésicos. Pacientes y métodos. Se seleccionó a 125 pacientes que precisaban tiroidectomía y cumplían requisitos de CMA. A los pacientes se les ofreció anestesia locorregional más sedación (ALS); si no aceptaron, se les propuso un método de anestesia locorregional combinada con intubación orotraqueal (ALC). Cincuenta y ocho pacientes aceptaron ALS y 67 ALC. Ambos grupos fueron comparables en edad, sexo, riesgo anestésico, índice de masa corporal y función tiroidea. Se evaluaron los vómitos postoperatorios, el dolor al alta, la necesidad de ingreso, la morbilidad postoperatoria y los problemas surgidos en el domicilio. Resultados. Se realizaron 61 tiroidectomías bilaterales y 64 unilaterales, sin diferencia entre grupos. Tampoco hubo diferencias respecto al tiempo quirúrgico, la conversión a anestesia general, las incidencias operatorias, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico, el tamaño y el peso de las piezas de exéresis. La única diferencia entre grupos fue la hora del alta (ALS: 6,5 ± 1,2 h; ALC: 7,76 ± 2,07 h, p = 0,0003). Aunque la tasa de ingreso fue superior en ALC (22,4%), no alcanzó diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto a ALS (8,62%) (p = 0,06), cuya causa principal era la preferencia del paciente en el grupo ALC. No hubo diferencias respecto a vómitos (7,2%) o náuseas (6,4%), dolor (2,47 ± 1,85 en escala visual analógica), o necesidad de analgésicos. A las 36 h del alta se observó un hematoma asintomático no compresivo en el grupo ALS, que ingresó en observación y no requirió cirugía. Los problemas en domicilio fueron todos menores. El grado de satisfacción fue muy alto o alto en el 95% de los casos, sin diferencias entre grupos. Conclusiones. En casos seleccionados la tiroidectomía en régimen de CMA es segura y satisfactoria para los pacientes. Ambos regímenes anestésicos se mostraron válidos, pero la ALS mostró una recuperación más rápida que la ALC (AU)

Introduction. The recent reintroduction of local/regional anesthesia (LRA) for thyroidectomy has enabled this intervention to be performed in the outpatient setting. The aim of this study was to compare the results of thyroidectomy using two anesthesia methods. Patients and methods. One hundred twenty-five patients requiring thyroidectomy and who met the criteria for outpatient surgery were prospectively selected. The patients were offered LRA plus sedation; patients who did not accept this option were offered LRA combined with orotracheal intubation (CLRA). LRA was accepted by 58 patients and CLRA by 67. Age, sex, anesthesia risk, body mass index, and thyroid function were similar in both groups. Postoperative vomiting, pain at discharge, need for admission, postoperative morbidity, and complaints occurring at home were evaluated. Results. Sixty-one bilateral and 64 unilateral thyroidectomies were performed, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. There were no differences in surgical time, conversion to general anesthesia, intraoperative events, pathological diagnosis, or size and weight of the surgical specimen. The only difference between the two groups was the hour of discharge (LRA: 6.5 ± 1.2 hours; CLRA: 7.76 ± 2.07 hours; p = 0.0003). The admission rate was higher in the CLRA group (22.4%) than in the LRA group (8.62%); this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06) and the main cause was personal preference in patients in the CLRA group. Rates of postoperative morbidity, vomiting (7.2%) and nausea (6.4%), postoperative pain (2.47 ± 1.85 on a visual analog scale), and analgesic requirements showed no differences between the two groups. One patient in the LRA group developed a noncompressive asymptomatic neck hematoma 36 hours after discharge. The patient was admitted for observation but did not require reoperation. Complaints occurring at home were minor. Satisfaction with the procedure was high or very high in 95% of the patients, with no differences between the two groups. Conclusions. In selected patients, outpatient thyroidectomy is safe and produces good patient satisfaction. Both anesthesia methods were valid, but postoperative recovery was faster with LRA than with CLRA (AU)

Hemitiroidectomía en el bocio unilateral: una opción terapéutica válida. Revisión del hemitiroides contralateral a los diez años del tratamiento / Hemithyroidectomy in a unilateral goiter: a valid therapeutic option. Review of the contralateral hemithyroid ten years after treatment

Introducción. El bocio nodular (BN) es frecuente en la población, y se considera una enfermedad difusa tiroidea. Aunque el BN es raramente unilateral, plantea el dilema de la extensión de la tiroidectomía. El objetivo del estudio fue valorar el estado del tiroides remanente tras hemitiroidectomía por BN, comparándolo con pacientes hemitiroidectomizados por adenoma folicular Material y métodos. Se seleccionó a pacientes intervenidos por BN unilateral, con más de 10 años de evolución postoperatoria y ecografía contralateral normal, grupo de estudio (GE). Como grupo control (GC) se seleccionaron pacientes con hemitiroidectomía por adenoma folicular (con ecografía contralateral normal), en el mismo período de tiempo. Se citaron para revisión clínica, analítica y ecográfica. Los grupos se compararon estadísticamente, sin diferencias significativas en edad, sexo, riesgo anestésico, lado de la lesión, complicaciones en postoperatorio inmediato, estancia hospitalaria y meses de evolución postoperatoria. Resultados. Referían síntomas menos del 10% de los pacientes, todos poco significativos. Existían nódulos ecográficos en el tiroides remanente de ambos grupos: un 70% en GE y un 60% en GC, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El tamaño medio del nódulo mayor del GE fue de 13,58 ± 8,01 mm, superior a los 9,15 ± 5,93 mm del GC (p = 0,048). No hubo diferencias en el diámetro anteroposterior, transversal ni longitudinal del tiroides. Ningún paciente precisó reintervención por su patología nodular. Conclusiones. Tras la hemitiroidectomía, el tiroides remanente desarrolla nódulos, sin diferencias estadísticas, ya sea por BN o adenoma folicular. La hemitiroidectomía por BN unilateral conlleva menos riesgos y la creemos adecuada. El seguimiento ecográfico a largo plazo parece recomendable (AU)

Introduction. Nodular goiter (NG) is frequent among the general population and is considered a diffuse disease. Although NGs are rarely unilateral, they pose a dilemma in terms of the extent of the thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the remaining thyroid in patients with NG compared with those with follicular adenoma who underwent hemithyroidectomy. Patients and methods. Patients who underwent surgery for unilateral NG with over 10 years of postoperative follow-up and normal findings on ultrasonography of the contralateral thyroid lobe were selected to form the study group (SG). Patients with follicular adenoma (with normal contralateral ultrasonography) who underwent hemithyroidectomy during the same period were selected to form the control group (CG). The selected patients underwent clinical, laboratory and ultrasound examinations. Both groups were compared statistically. No significant differences were found in age, gender, anesthetic risk, side, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or postoperative outcome. Results. Less than 10% of the patients reported symptoms, and all symptoms were of little significance. Ultrasonographic nodules were found in the remaining thyroid lobe in 70% of patients in the SG and in 60% of those in the CG, with no statistically significant differences. The mean size of the largest nodule was 13.58 ± 8.01 in the SG and 9.15 ± 5.93 in the GC (p = 0.048). No differences were found in the anterior-posterior, transverse or longitudinal diameters of the remaining lobe. None of the patients underwent reintervention for nodular disease. Conclusions. After hemithyroidectomy, both groups of patients developed nodules in the remaining thyroid lobe, with no statistically significant differences. Hemithyroidectomy due to unilateral NG involves less risk to the patient and therefore we consider it to be a valid option. Long-term ultrasonographic follow-up seems advisable (AU)

[Hemithyroidectomy in a unilateral goiter: a valid therapeutic option. Review of the contralateral hemithyroid ten years after treatment]. / Hemitiroidectomía en el bocio unilateral: una opción terapéutica válida. Revisión del hemitiroides contralateral a los diez años del tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Nodular goiter (NG) is frequent among the general population and is considered a diffuse disease. Although NGs are rarely unilateral, they pose a dilemma in terms of the extent of the thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the remaining thyroid in patients with NG compared with those with follicular adenoma who underwent hemithyroidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for unilateral NG with over 10 years of postoperative follow-up and normal findings on ultrasonography of the contralateral thyroid lobe were selected to form the study group (SG). Patients with follicular adenoma (with normal contralateral ultrasonography) who underwent hemithyroidectomy during the same period were selected to form the control group (CG). The selected patients underwent clinical, laboratory and ultrasound examinations. Both groups were compared statistically. No significant differences were found in age, gender, anesthetic risk, side, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Less than 10% of the patients reported symptoms, and all symptoms were of little significance. Ultrasonographic nodules were found in the remaining thyroid lobe in 70% of patients in the SG and in 60% of those in the CG, with no statistically significant differences. The mean size of the largest nodule was 13.58 +/- 8.01 in the SG and 9.15 +/- 5.93 in the GC (p = 0.048). No differences were found in the anterior-posterior, transverse or longitudinal diameters of the remaining lobe. None of the patients underwent reintervention for nodular disease. CONCLUSIONS: After hemithyroidectomy, both groups of patients developed nodules in the remaining thyroid lobe, with no statistically significant differences. Hemithyroidectomy due to unilateral NG involves less risk to the patient and therefore we consider it to be a valid option. Long-term ultrasonographic follow-up seems advisable.

Influencia de la superespecialización en cirugía endocrina en los resultados de la tiroidectomía en un servicio de cirugía general / Influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on outcomes of thyroidectomy in a general surgery department

Introducción. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la influencia de la superespecialización en los diferentes estándares de la cirugía tiroidea, antes y después de la creación de una unidad de cirugía endocrina. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo comparativo de 2 períodos de 7 años: antes de la creación de la unidad se intervinieron 340 tiroidectomías (G1) y después 583 (G2). Se valoran edad, sexo, riesgo anestésico, cirujano, función tiroidea, datos anatomopatológicos, extensión intratorácica, tipo de tiroidectomía, utilización de drenajes, complicaciones y estancia postoperatoria. Resultados. La edad fue superior en el G2 (G1: 44,7 ± 15 años, G2: 48,09 ± 16,3 años; p < 0,001). No hubo diferencia (p = NS) en el sexo, riesgo ASA, función tiroidea ni enfermedad benigna o no, pero se remitió a más pacientes con bocio nodular en el segundo pe-ríodo (p = 0,009) y hubo más bocios intratorácicos (p = 0,0004). Los MIR realizaron más tiroidectomías con el G2 (p < 0,001). Se realizaron más tiroidectomías bilaterales (G1: 155, G2: 315; p = 0,016) y, dentro de éstas, más tiroidectomías totales (p < 0,001). La tasa de drenajes cervicales (G1: 75,29%; G2: 12,18%) mostró diferencia estadística (p < 0,001). No hubo diferencias en el global de complicaciones postoperatorias. Pese a procederes más agresivos en el G2 la hipocalcemia asintomática fue similar (p = NS), al igual que la sintomática (p = NS) o hipocalcemia permanente (G1: 1,17%; G2: 0,68%; p = NS). La tasa de paresia recurrencial fue similar referida a pacientes (p = NS) o nervios (p = NS). La tasa de parálisis permanente no fue distinta referida a pacientes (p = 0,083) pero sí referida a nervios (G1: 1,44%; G2: 0,33%; p = 0,04). Falleció un paciente del G2 (p = NS). Hubo diferencias significativas en la estancia hospitalaria (p < 0,001) a favor del G2, al igual que pacientes con estancia de 1 día o menos (p < 0,001) e intervenidos en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (0 frente a 71; p < 0,001). Conclusiones. Una unidad de cirugía endocrina permite una gestión más eficiente de la tiroidectomía. La tasa de tiroidectomías totales es mayor, las complicaciones definitivas son menores, y permite una mejor docencia a los MIR, un menor consumo de recursos y el desarrollo de programas de cirugía mayor ambulatoria para la tiroidectomía (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on the standard of thyroidectomy, both before and after the creation of an endocrine surgery unit. Patients and methods. We performed a retrospective, comparative study of two 7-year periods. Three hundred forty thyroidectomies (G1) were performed before the instauration of the unit, and 583 were carried out afterwards (G2). The variables of age, gender, anesthesia risk, surgeon expertise (staff vs. resident), thyroid function, pathological features, intrathoracic growth, extent of the procedure (unilateral or bilateral), neck drainage, morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay were compared. Results. Age was older in G2 (G1: 44.7 ± 15 years old, G2: 48.09 ± 16.3 years old; p < 0.001). There were no differences (p NS) between the two groups in gender, anesthesia risk, thyroid function or rate of benign/malignant disease, but there was a greater frequency of nodular (p = 0.009) and intrathoracic goiters (p = 0.0004) in the second period. Residents operated on more patients in G2 (p < 0.001). Bilateral thyroidectomy was more frequent in G2 (G1: 155, G2: 315; p = 0.016) as was the rate of total thyroidectomy vs. subtotal or near total thyroidectomy (p < 0.001). Neck drainage also showed statistically significant differences (G1: 75.29%, G2: 12.18%; p < 0.001). No differences were found in overall postoperative complications. Although the procedures used were more aggressive in G2, similar rates of transient asymptomatic hypocalcemia (p NS) and transient symptomatic (p NS) and permanent hypocalcemia were found (G1: 1.17%, G2: 0.68%, p NS). The rate of transitory recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was similar with regard to patients (p NS) or nerves at risk (p NS). Permanent inferior laryngeal nerve paralysis was no different regarding patients (p = 0.083) but statistically significant differences were found with regard to nerves at risk (G1: 1.44%, G2: 0.33%; p = 0.04). One patient in G2 died (p NS). Length of hospital stay was shorter in G2 (p < 0.001) and more patients in this group stayed in hospital for only one day (p < 0.001) or were operated on in the outpatient setting (0 versus 71; p < 0.001). Conclusions. An endocrine surgical unit allows more efficient management of thyroidectomy. It increases the rate of total thyroidectomy, reduces definitive complications and improves training of resident surgeons. In addition, it reduces resource use and allows the development of programs of outpatient thyroid surgery (AU)

[Influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on outcomes of thyroidectomy in a general surgery department]. / Influencia de la superespecialización en cirugía endocrina en los resultados de la tiroidectomía en un servicio de cirugía general.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of superspecialization in endocrine surgery on the standard of thyroidectomy, both before and after the creation of an endocrine surgery unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, comparative study of two 7-year periods. Three hundred forty thyroidectomies (G1) were performed before the instauration of the unit, and 583 were carried out afterwards (G2). The variables of age, gender, anesthesia risk, surgeon expertise (staff vs. resident), thyroid function, pathological features, intrathoracic growth, extent of the procedure (unilateral or bilateral), neck drainage, morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: Age was older in G2 (G1: 44.7 +/- 15 years old, G2: 48.09 +/- 16.3 years old; p < 0.001). There were no differences (p NS) between the two groups in gender, anesthesia risk, thyroid function or rate of benign/malignant disease, but there was a greater frequency of nodular (p = 0.009) and intrathoracic goiters (p = 0.0004) in the second period. Residents operated on more patients in G2 (p < 0.001). Bilateral thyroidectomy was more frequent in G2 (G1: 155, G2: 315; p = 0.016) as was the rate of total thyroidectomy vs. subtotal or near total thyroidectomy (p < 0.001). Neck drainage also showed statistically significant differences (G1: 75.29%, G2: 12.18%; p < 0.001). No differences were found in overall postoperative complications. Although the procedures used were more aggressive in G2, similar rates of transient asymptomatic hypocalcemia (p NS) and transient symptomatic (p NS) and permanent hypocalcemia were found (G1: 1.17%, G2: 0.68%, p NS). The rate of transitory recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was similar with regard to patients (p NS) or nerves at risk (p NS). Permanent inferior laryngeal nerve paralysis was no different regarding patients (p = 0.083) but statistically significant differences were found with regard to nerves at risk (G1: 1.44%, G2: 0.33%; p = 0.04). One patient in G2 died (p NS). Length of hospital stay was shorter in G2 (p < 0.001) and more patients in this group stayed in hospital for only one day (p < 0.001) or were operated on in the outpatient setting (0 versus 71; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An endocrine surgical unit allows more efficient management of thyroidectomy. It increases the rate of total thyroidectomy, reduces definitive complications and improves training of resident surgeons. In addition, it reduces resource use and allows the development of programs of outpatient thyroid surgery.