Post-fundoplication symptoms and complications: Diagnostic approach and treatment. / Síntomas y complicaciones posfunduplicatura: abordaje diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is currently considered the surgical treatment of choice for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its long-term effectiveness is above 90%. Adequate patient selection and the experience of the surgeon are among the predictive factors of good clinical response. However, there can be new, persistent, and recurrent symptoms after the antireflux procedure in up to 30% of the cases. There are numerous causes, but in general, they are due to one or more anatomic abnormalities and esophageal and gastric function alterations. When there are persistent symptoms after the surgical procedure, the surgery should be described as "failed". In the case of a patient that initially manifests symptom control, but the symptoms then reappear, the term "dysfunction" could be used. When symptoms worsen, or when symptoms or clinical situations appear that did not exist before the surgery, this should be considered a "complication". Postoperative dysphagia and dyspeptic symptoms are very frequent and require an integrated approach to determine the best possible treatment. This review details the pathophysiologic aspects, diagnostic approach, and treatment of the symptoms and complications after fundoplication for the management of GERD.

Polar vectors as a method for evaluating the effectiveness of irritable bowel syndrome treatments: an analysis with pinaverium bromide 100mg plus simethicone 300mg po bid.

BACKGROUND: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel habit. Currently there are no objective outcome measures for evaluating the effectiveness of treatments for this disorder. AIMS: To determine the usefulness of a method of analysis that employs polar vectors to evaluate the effectiveness of IBS treatments. METHODS: Data from a Phase IV clinical study with 1677 active IBS-Rome III patients who received 100mg of pinaverium bromide+300mg of simethicone (PB+S) po bid for a period of four weeks were used for the analysis. Using the Bristol Stool Scale as a reference, the consistency and frequency of each type of bowel movement were recorded weekly in a Bristol Matrix (BM) and the data were expressed as polar vectors. RESULTS: The analysis showed a differential response to the PB+S treatment among the IBS subtypes: in reference to the IBS with constipation subtype, the magnitude of the vector increased from 10.2 to 12.5, reaching maximum improvement at two weeks of treatment (p<0.05, Scheffé). In the IBS with diarrhea and mixed IBS subtypes, the magnitude of the vector decreased from 19 to 14 (p<0.05) and from 16.5 to 13 (p<0.05), respectively, with continuous improvement for a period of four weeks. There was no definable vectorial pattern in the unsubtyped IBS group. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis with polar vectors enables treatment response to be measured in different IBS subtypes. All the groups showed improvement with PB+S, but each one had its own characteristic response in relation to vector magnitude and direction. The proposed method can be implemented in clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of IBS treatments.

Efficacy of triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, levofloxacin, and amoxicillin as first-line treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: Triple therapy including a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin (PPI-CA) is the first-choice treatment used for H. pylori eradication. The efficacy of this treatment is declining of late, and alternative therapies are currently under evaluation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and compliance of a triple therapy with a PPI, amoxicillin and levofloxacin (PPI-LA)--replacing clarithromycin--for the eradication of H. pylori. METHODS: The study included 135 patients (65% women), mean age 53 years, with dyspeptic symptoms and H. pylori infection proven by a positive urease rapid test, histological analysis, or C13-urea breath test. DIAGNOSIS: non-investigated dyspepsia 48.9%, functional dyspepsia 36.3%, and ulcerative dyspepsia 14.8%. Treatment was indicated with a proton pump inhibitor at usual doses, amoxicillin 1 g, and levofloxacin 500 mg, administered jointly during breakfast and dinner for 10 days. We studied the performance of this triple therapy and its effects using a questionnaire, and effectiveness by the negativity of the C13-urea breath test after 6-8 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Per protocol, we compared the effectiveness of PPI-LA with a control group of 270 patients treated with PPI-CA for 10 days. RESULTS: 130 patients (96.2%) could complete the treatment and follow-up protocol. Effectiveness (intention to treat) was 71.8% (97/135) and 74.6% (per protocol) (97/130). Sixteen patients (11.8%) had well-tolerated adverse effects, except for 5 subjects (3.7%) who dropped out. PPI-CA was effective (per protocol) in 204 patients out of 270 (75.5%) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Triple therapy with a PPI, amoxicillin and levofloxacin for 10 days is a well-tolerated treatment that is easy to comply with; however it has low efficiency - less than 80% - and is not recommended as a first-choice treatment for H. pylori eradication. Similar results were obtained with the classic triple therapy using a PPI, clarithromycin and amoxicillin.

Eficacia de una triple terapia con un inhibidor de la bomba de protones, levofloxacino y amoxicilina, como primer tratamiento, en la erradicación de Helicobacter pylori / Efficacy of triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, levofloxacin, and amoxicillin as first-line treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori

Introducción: la triple terapia con un inhibidor de la bomba de protones, claritromicina y amoxicilina (IBP-CA) es el tratamiento de primera elección más utilizado en la erradicación de H. pylori. La eficacia de este tratamiento está disminuyendo en los últimos años y se están valorando otras alternativas terapéuticas. Objetivos:valorar la eficacia, cumplimiento y seguridad de una triple terapia con un IBP, amoxicilina y levofloxacino, sustituyendo a la claritromicina, en la erradicación de H. pylori. Métodos: periodo de estudio: 2007-2008. Se incluyen 135 pacientes (65% mujeres), edad media de 53 años, con síntomas dispépticos e infección por H. pylori, constatada por positividad del test rápido de la ureasa, histología o prueba del aliento con urea-C13. Diagnósticos: dispepsia no investigada: 48,9%, dispepsia funcional: 36,3% y dispepsia ulcerosa: 14,8%. Se indica tratamiento con un inhibidor de la bomba de protones, a dosis habitual, amoxicilina 1 g y levofloxacino 500 mg (IBP-LA), administrados de forma conjunta en desayuno y cena, durante 10 días. Se valora el cumplimiento de la triple terapia y sus efectos adversos mediante interrogatorio y su eficacia mediante la negatividad de la prueba del aliento con urea-C13 practicada a las 6-8 semanas del término del tratamiento. Se compara la eficacia, por protocolo, del tratamiento con IBP-LA con la observada en un grupo control de 270 pacientes tratados con IBP-CA durante 10 días en los años 2006-2007. Resultados: 130/135 pacientes (96,2) del grupo de estudio completaron el tratamiento y el protocolo del seguimiento. La eficacia por intención de tratar fue del 71,8% (97/135) y por protocolo del 74,6% (97/130). Dieciséis pacientes (11,8%) presentaron efectos adversos bien tolerados, excepto en 5 pacientes (3.7%) que motivan el abandono del tratamiento. El tratamiento con IBP-CA resultó eficaz, por protocolo, en 204/270 (75,5%) pacientes del grupo control...(AU)

Background: triple therapy including a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin (PPI-CA) is the first-choice treatment used for H. pylori eradication. The efficacy of this treatment is declining of late, and alternative therapies are currently under evaluation. Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy, safety and compliance of a triple therapy with a PPI, amoxicillin and levofloxacin (PPI-LA) - replacing clarithromycin - for the eradication of H. pylori. Methods: the study included 135 patients (65% women), mean age 53 years, with dyspeptic symptoms and H. pylori infection proven by a positive urease rapid test, histological analysis, or C13-urea breath test. Diagnosis: non-investigated dyspepsia 48.9%, functional dyspepsia 36.3%, and ulcerative dyspepsia 14.8%. Treatment was indicated with a proton pump inhibitor at usual doses, amoxicillin 1 g, and levofloxacin 500 mg, administered jointly during breakfast and dinner for 10 days. We studied the performance of this triple therapy and its effects using a questionnaire, and effectiveness by the negativity of the C13-urea breath test after 6-8 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Per protocol, we compared the effectiveness of PPI-LA with a control group of 270 patients treated with PPI-CA for 10 days. Results: 130 patients (96.2%) could complete the treatment and follow-up protocol. Effectiveness (intention to treat) was 71.8% (97/135) and 74.6% (per protocol) (97/130). Sixteen patients (11.8%) had well-tolerated adverse effects, except for 5 subjects (3.7%) who dropped out. PPI-CA was effective (per protocol) in 204 patients out of 270 (75.5%) in the control group...(AU)

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with bleeding ulcer disease: rapid urease test and histology.

INTRODUCTION: The endoscopic diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer is limited by a decreased sensitivity in standard invasive tests, rapid urease test and histology. There is controversy about the convenience of using one, neither, or both diagnostic tests. AIMS: To evaluate the results of simultaneously performed rapid urease test and histology in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori) in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 173 patients, 98 male and 75 female, with an average age of 62 years (18-88), with upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to duodenal ulcer (115) or gastric ulcer (58), diagnosed within 24 hours after hospital admission. None of the patients had received treatment for H. pylori, proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics in the two weeks prior to the upper gastrointestinal bleeding episode. H. pylori infection was investigated in all patients by two antral biopsy samples for histological study (hematoxilin-eosin) and one or two antral biopsies for rapid urease test (Jatrox-H.p.-test). In cases with a negative urease test and histology, a 13C urea breath test was performed. Infection was considered present when at least one invasive test or the breath test was positive, whereas both invasive tests and the breath test had to be negative to establish an absent infection. RESULTS: 152 patients (88%) showed H. pylori infection, 104 patients (90%) with duodenal ulcer and 48 patients (83%) with gastric ulcer. In all 119 cases (78%) were diagnosed by the urease test and 112 cases (74%) by histology. Both methods were used to diagnose 134 of 152 cases (88%) (p < 0.05), these being positive in 97 cases and negative in 39 cases. In 18 of these 39 cases, the breath test was positive. CONCLUSIONS: Histology and urease test have similar diagnostic values for the identification of H. pylori in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer. Due to its rapid results, the urease test should be the method of choice. However, additional biopsies should be performed, and, when negative, a histological study should be carried out, since a combination of both methods allows a more precise diagnosis.

Diagnóstico mediante endoscopia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con úlcera gastroduodenal y hemorragia digestiva: test rápido de ureasa e histología / Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with bleeding ulcer disease: rapid urease test and histology

Introducción: el diagnóstico de la infección por Helicobacter pylori, mediante endoscopia, en pacientes con úlcera gastroduodenal y hemorragia digestiva está limitado por la disminución de la sensibilidad de los métodos invasivos habituales, test de la ureasa e histología. Existen controversias sobre el valor diagnóstico de practicar, en estos pacientes, alguna, ninguna o ambas pruebas diagnósticas. Objetivos: valorar los resultados del test rápido de ureasa y la histología, practicados simultáneamente, en el diagnóstico de infección por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) en pacientes con úlcera gastroduodenal y hemorragia digestiva. Pacientes y métodos: incluimos 173 pacientes, 98 varones y 75 mujeres, edad media de 62 años (18-88), con hemorragia digestiva por úlcera duodenal (115) o gástrica (58), diagnosticados por endoscopia en las primeras 24 horas del ingreso. Ningún paciente había recibido tratamiento erradicador frente a H. pylori ni consumido inhibidores de la bomba de protones o antibióticos en al menos las dos semanas previas al ingreso. Investigamos la presencia de H. pylori mediante la obtención de dos biopsias antrales, para estudio histológico (hematoxilina-eosina) y una o dos biopsias, también antrales, para el test rápido de ureasa. En los casos con test de ureasa e histología negativos se practicó test del aliento con urea marcada con 13 C. Consideramos presencia de infección cuando al menos una de las pruebas invasivas o el test del aliento eran positivos y ausencia de infección cuando las dos pruebas invasivas y el test del aliento eran negativos. Resultados: ciento cincuenta y dos pacientes (88 por ciento) presentaban infección por H. pylori, 104 (90 por ciento) en el grupo con úlcera duodenal y 48 (83 por ciento) en el grupo con úlcera gástrica. El test de ureasa resultó positivo en 119 casos (78 por ciento) y la histología en 112 casos (74 por ciento). Con ambos métodos diagnosticamos 134 de los 152 casos (88 por ciento) (p < 0,05). Ambos métodos fueron positivos en 97 casos y negativos en 39 casos. En 18 de estos 39 casos el test del aliento resultó positivo. Conclusiones: la histología y el test de ureasa tienen un valor diagnóstico similar en la detección de H. pylori en pacientes con úlcera gastroduodenal y hemorragia digestiva. El test de la ureasa, por la rapidez del resultado, debe ser el método de elección, pero puede ser conveniente obtener biopsias adicionales y, ante un resultado negativo, realizar estudio histológico, obteniéndose con ambos métodos una mayor precisión diagnóstica. La negatividad del test de la ureasa y/o de la histología no descarta la infección por H. pylori (AU)

Valor de la serología (IgG-ELISA) como método diagnóstico alternativo de infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva por úlcera gastroduodenal / The effectiveness of (IgG-ELISA) serology as an alternative diagnostic method for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastro-intestinal bleeding due to gas tro-duodenal ulcer

Objetivos: determinar la sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y valor predictivo negativo de la serología (IgG sérica-ELISA) como método diagnóstico alternativo de infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con úlcera péptica gastroduodenal y hemorragia digestiva. El diagnóstico de la infección por He licobacter pylori en estos pacientes es dificultoso por la baja sensibilidad de los tests invasivos y la necesidad de suspender el tratamiento con inhibidores de la bomba de protones para realizar un test del aliento con urea marcada con 13C o la detección de antígenos de Helicobacter pylori en heces.Pacientes y métodos: incluimos 214 pacientes (164 varones y 50 mujeres), con edad media de 58ñ15 años, que ingresaron por hemorragia digestiva alta por úlcera péptica gastroduodenal. Investigamos la presencia de Helicobacter pylori mediante biopsias gástricas (test rápido de la ureasa, histología y/o cultivo) y por test del aliento con urea marcada con 13C. Se realizó serología frente a Helicobacter pylori con método ELISA (Pyloriset EIA-G de Orion Diagnóstica). Se consideró criterio de infección por He licobacter pylori la positividad de cualquier método invasivo o del test del aliento y criterio de no infección la negatividad de todos los métodos invasivos realizados y del test de aliento con urea marcada con 13C. Calculamos la sensibilidad, especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo y el valor predictivo negativo de la serología en la serie global y en diferentes subgrupos de pacientes según la edad >60 y 60 años (n=105), en el grupo de úlcera duodenal (n=141) respecto al grupo de úlcera gástrica (n=59) y en el grupo con antecedentes de úlcera péptica gastroduodenal (n=92) respecto al grupo sin estos antecedentes (n=122), aunque en ningún caso se alcanzó significación estadística. Conclusiones: la serología IgG (ELISA) presenta una baja especificidad y un bajo valor predictivo negativo en el diagnóstico de infección por Helicobacter pylori en los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva por úlcera péptica gastroduodenal. El valor diagnóstico de la serología no mejora de forma significativa al considerar la edad, la exposición reciente a antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, el tipo de lesión endoscópica o los antecedentes de úlcera péptica gastroduodenal. Podemos considerar que la serología no es un buen método diagnóstico de infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva por úlcera gastroduodenal. (AU)

The effectiveness of (IgG-ELISA) serology as an alternative diagnostic method for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastro-intestinal bleeding due to gastro-duodenal ulcer.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of serology (IgG ELISA) as an alternative diagnostic method for Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer and digestive hemorrhage. The diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in these patients is difficult due to the low sensitivity of invasive tests and the need to discontinue treatment with proton pump inhibitors to perform a breath test with urea 13C or the detection of Helicobacter pylori antigens in feces. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 214 patients (164 men and 50 women) with an average age of 58 +/- 15 years, who were admitted to hospital due to upper gastro-intestinal bleeding caused by a gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer. The presence of Helicobacter pylori was established by means of gastric biopsy (fast urease test histology and/or culture) and a breath test with 13C-labeled urea. Serology was performed with the ELISA method (Pyloriset EIA-G by Orion Diagnostica). Positive Helicobacter pylori infection was accepted with any positive invasive method or breath test, and no infection was established if all invasive tests performed and the breath test with 13C-labeled urea were negative. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of serology in the global series and in different subgroups of patients according to age (> 60 and < 40 years), recent exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, type of endoscopic wound and history of gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer. RESULTS: 192 patients (89.7%) showed infection due to Helicobacter pylori. In the global series (n = 214) we obtained a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 87.5, 54.5, 94.3 and 33.3%, respectively. Specificity was greater in the group not exposed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 110) as compared to the exposed group (n = 104), in the < 40 year old group (n = 28) with respect to the > 60 years group (n = 105), in the duodenal ulcer group (n = 141) with respect to the gastric ulcer group (n = 59), and in the group with a history of gastro-duodenal peptic ulcers (n = 92) as compared to the group without any of these past events (n = 122); nevertheless, no significant statistics were reached. CONCLUSIONS: IgG (ELISA) serology shows low specificity and a low negative predictive value in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastro-intestinal bleeding due to gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer. The diagnostic value of serology did not improve significantly when age, recent exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, type of endoscopic wound or history of gastro-duodenal peptic ulcer was taken into consideration. We may consider that serology is not a good diagnostic method for the detection of Helicobacter pylori in patients with digestive hemorrhage caused by gastro-duodenal ulcer.

The value of CT diagnosis of hernia recurrence after prosthetic repair of ventral incisional hernias.

Herein we present a prospective study made to compare the diagnostic value of a physical examination and a CT scan in the detection of a hernia relapse after carrying out of a intraperitoneal hernioplasty using a non-resorbable mesh. Fifty patients operated on for intraperitoneal hernioplasty with ePTFE mesh and postoperative symptomatology were assessed within a year of the operation via a physical exploration and CT. Each of the patients was subjected to an exploratory laparoscopy for the purpose of confirming the diagnosis. The data were analysed statistically using a chi-square test, sensitivity, specificity, confidence limits, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The hernia relapse was correctly diagnosed in 98% of cases by CT and in 88% of cases in the physical examination. The sensitivity was 1 in the CT examination and 0.75 in the physical examination, and the specificity results were 0.97 and 0.90, respectively. The positive predictive value in the CT exam was 0.88, whereas in the physical examination it was 0.60. The negative predictive values were 1 and 0.95, respectively. The differences between the values of both methods held a statistical meaning (chi-square test; p < 0.05). The postoperative assessment by CT of symptomatic patients who have been operated on for an intraperitoneal hernioplasty with unabsorbable mesh facilitates carrying out a correct diagnosis in the detection or exclusion of hernial relapse.

[Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus]. / Transmisión vertical del virus de la hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to know the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a population of pregnant women, to evaluate the vertical transmission rates of HCV in a prospective study and to determine the repercussions and consequences in children born to infected mothers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 6556 pregnant women were tested for HCV antibodies from January 1993 to August 1995. We followed 50 babies born to infected mothers for at least 12 months (mean 15 months). Serological assays employed included a screening ELISA II confirmed with immunoblot. Viral detection was performed by qualitative and quantitative PCR for HCV-RNA. RESULTS: Fifty-nine pregnant women were AcHCV(+). This represents a seroprevalence of 0.9%. Of the 50 babies followed, 6 were PCR(+) and 44 were PCR(-). The risk of transmission is correlated with the titer of HCV-RNA in the mother. All mothers of infected babies were HIV (-). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of prevalence in our pregnant women population is 0.9%. We found a vertical transmission rate of 12%. The high serum HCV-RNA titers in the mothers are a risk factor of transmission of HCV. The viremia in the children does not predict the apparition of the clinical disease, although they can exhibit intermittent increases of transaminases.

Prospective serological study of leptospirosis in southern Spain.

This article reports data concerning a serosurvey carried out in Southern Spain to assess the current epidemiological status of a population exposed to risk of leptospirosis. Microagglutination and IgM-EIA tests were carried out on sera from a sample of workers in agriculture-related occupations, exposed to marsh waters. A cohort of 197 workers were followed for a year in an active surveillance program to evaluate seroconversion (laboratory confirmed leptospirosis). The results have shown for the cohort a density of incidence: 6.4 x 100 persons per year, and for the reference population an accumulated incidence of 41.25/100,000. Prevalence rates (P) were 21.3 x 100 and 144 x 10(5) for the cohort and population respectively. Rates were higher in cray-fishers (P: 62.7%), rice-workers, and butchers. This is the first report identifying cray-fishers as a high risk group for leptospirosis, and the reporting of human contamination by Australis serogroup in Spain.

[Usefulness of transthoracic pulmonary aspiration biopsy in lung abscess secondary to neoplasm]. / Utilidad de la punción aspirativa pulmonar transtorácica en el absceso pulmonar secundario a neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) for the diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma underlying lung abscess (LA), and to determine the bacteriology of lung abscess secondary to neoplasm (LASN). PATIENTS AND METHOD: One hundred thirteen consecutive patients diagnosed of LA were enrolled. Radiologically guided TNB was performed on all patients using 20-22 G needles. Microbiological and cytological samples were processed. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) was performed if there were risk factors for lung cancer. TNB-diagnosed cases were compared with the remaining cases of LA. RESULTS: Neoplasia was found in 21 LA patients. TNB samples provided diagnostic information in 15 cases, there were 2 false negatives, and no cytology sample was processed in 4 cases. Diagnosis was based on FB in 17 cases. All neoplasias were diagnosed with one technique or the other. TNB culture was positive in 90% (19/21) of the LASN patients, H. influenzae being the most frequently isolated bacterium. The number of cultures that presented a single microbe was significantly greater (p < 0.02) among LASN patients (14/19 versus 33/79). These patients also had significantly more aerobic bacteria (19/19 versus 45/79; p < 0.001) and fewer anaerobies (4/19 versus 52/79; p < 0.001) than did the primary LA patients. CONCLUSIONS: 1) TNB is highly useful for arriving at a bacteriologic diagnosis of LASN and in associated cancer. 2) TNB complements FB for the diagnosis of neoplasia underlying LA and helps to reduce the number of unnecessary thoracotomies. 3) A great variety of germs, particularly aerobic bacteria, are implicated in LASN.

Yield of percutaneous needle lung aspiration in lung abscess.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of PLA with a thin needle in the bacteriologic diagnosis of patients with lung abscess and in demonstrating possible coexistence of an underlying lung carcinoma, and the influence of this technique in the treatment and outcome of these patients. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary university referral center. PATIENTS: Consecutive sample of 50 patients with clinical picture suggestive of pulmonary infection and single or multiple cavitation of at least 1 cm in diameter on chest x-ray films, and lack of clinical suspicion of active pulmonary tuberculosis. One patient was excluded from the study after demonstration of tuberculosis by PLA. INTERVENTIONS: Lung aspirates were obtained under fluoroscopic guidance by introduction of a 22-gauge disposable spinal needle within the abscess cavity and were immediately transported to the bacteriology laboratory and pathology department for processing. All patients were initially treated with clindamycin. Tobramycin was added in all those patients with hospital-acquired infection, lack of foulness of sputum, and those who were initially severely ill. Definite treatment was based on the results of bacteriologic cultures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cultures of LAs were positive in 82 percent (40/49) of patients. In 20 cases the isolates were monobacterial (13 aerobic bacteria and seven anaerobic). In the remaining 20 cases, cultures grew more than one kind of bacteria (four exclusively aerobic, five exclusively anaerobic, and 11 mixed), with an average of 3.25 types of bacteria per case. Anaerobes were found as a single bacteria or associated with other aerobic bacteria in only 58 percent (23/40). The results of LA cultures led to change in the initial antibiotic trial in 23 patients (47 percent). Of ten cases in which bronchogenic carcinoma was demonstrated, cytologic study of LA was done in nine, and eight had positive cytologic yield. Pneumothorax occurred in seven cases (14 percent) as the sole complication. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Percutaneous lung aspiration had a high diagnostic yield and accuracy in our series, with a relatively low incidence of complications. (2) Anaerobic bacteria were less frequently implicated in our cases than previously reported. This finding led to significant changes in the initial empiric antibiotic treatment.