Emergency general surgery in a public hospital in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) are at risk for death and complications. Information on the burden of EGS is critical for developing strategies to improve the outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of all general surgical operations in a public hospital were reviewed for the period 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017. Data on patient demographics, operative workload, case mix, time of surgery and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 2960 general surgical operations that were performed in 2017, 1720 (58.1%) of the procedures were performed as emergencies. The mean age for the patients undergoing emergency general surgical procedures was 37.9 years (Standard Deviation, ±21.0), with male preponderance (57.5%). Appendicitis was the most frequent diagnosis for the emergency procedures (43%) followed by infections of the skin and soft tissues (31.6%). Disorders of the colon and rectum ranked as the third most common condition, accounting for 6.7% of the emergency procedures. Majority of emergency surgery (59.3%) took place after office hours and on weekends. Post-operative deaths and admissions to critical care facilities increased during EGS when compared to elective surgery, p<0.01. CONCLUSIONS: EGS constitutes a major part of the workload of general surgeons and it is associated significant risk for death and post-operative complications. The burden of EGS must be recognised and patient care systems must evolve to make surgery safe and efficient.

Case distributions in general surgery residency: Subspecialization occurs before fellowship.

BACKGROUND: In the era of subspecialization and duty-hour restrictions, many General Surgery residents desire additional training in their future subspecialty areas. This study examines the relationship between case distributions performed by General Surgery residents and their chosen future subspecialty. METHODS: A retrospective review of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs of 101 graduated General Surgery residents at a single academic institution (2002-2018) was performed. The total number of operative cases performed during General Surgery residency overall and in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-defined categories were compared between residents with differing areas of future subspecialization. RESULTS: Residents pursuing surgical fellowships in Endocrine, Cardiothoracic, Vascular, and Trauma/Critical Care Surgery logged respectively more endocrine (63 [11] vs 32 [13]; P < .001), thoracic (61 [15] vs 41 [13]; P < .001), vascular (225 [38] vs 162 [38]; P < .001), and operative trauma (83 [29] vs 71 [25]; P = .045) cases, compared with program average. Residents pursuing General Surgery (no fellowship) performed significantly more endoscopies (131 [47] vs 105 [28]; P = .029) than peers. Residents pursuing Breast, Oncology, Colorectal, and Pediatric Surgery fellowships performed numerically (non-significantly) more breast (94 [16] vs 78 [20]; P = .180), liver/pancreas (39 [3.1] vs 33 [8.0]; P = .173), large intestinal (132 [30] vs 125 [24]; P = .507), and pediatric (173 [27] vs 155 [37]; P = .832) cases, respectively, compared with peers. The majority of these additional cases were performed in postgraduate years 3 to 5. CONCLUSION: In this single-institution study, many General Surgery residents perform more cases than peers in respective areas of future subspecialization. This may reflect residents at the reporting institution, and similar large, university-based programs seeking focused training in preparation for fellowship while still meeting case-volume minimums in all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-defined categories.

Military Medicine and the Academic Surgery Gender Gap.

INTRODUCTION: Gender disparity in academic medicine has been well described in the civilian sector. This has not yet been evaluated in the military health system where hundreds of female surgeons are practicing. Military service limits factors such as part time work and control over time spent away from family, which are often cited as contributors to the pay and promotion gap in civilian academic medicine. The military has explicit policies to limit discrimination based on gender. Pay between men and women is equal as it is based on rank and time in rank. One would expect to see less disparity in promotion through the academic ranks for military female surgeons given this otherwise equal treatment. This has not previously been objectively tracked or reported. It is beneficial to characterize the military academic medicine gender gap and benchmark against national data to define the academic gender gap and lay the groundwork for future work to identify factors contributing to the observed difference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was granted exemption from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Internal Review Board (IRB). The Uniformed Services University (USU) Department of Surgery academic appointment list was reviewed to assess female representation in the categories of Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, and Other. Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and the US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) were assessed for total numbers of female surgeons on active duty, and numbers were compared with nationally published Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) data using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: There was a higher proportion of women in academic positions in the civilian cohort than in the military cohort (OR: 1.84; CI: 1.53-2.21, p < .0001). This difference was observed at every level of academic achievement. A higher percentage of women were observed at lower levels of professorship than at higher levels; instructors were more likely to be women than assistant professor (OR: 1.44, CI:1.16-1.79), associate professor (OR: 2.24, CI: 1.77-2.84), or full professor (OR:4.61, CI: 3.57-5.94). CONCLUSIONS: Fewer female surgeons in military medicine hold academic appointment when compared with their counterparts in civilian medicine. Similar to the civilian sector, military academic surgery also demonstrates less likelihood of female representation in higher academic stations. This discrepancy in representation follows a linear trend over the different ranks. This discrepancy has not been previously documented. The military offers a unique opportunity to study the issue of gender imbalance in academic promotion practices given its otherwise equal treatment of males and females. Additional studies will be necessary to understand uniformed female surgeons' barriers to academic advancement.

[Enrico Bottini (1835-1903), Italian Physician and Politician: A Master of Antisepsis and a Pioneer of Modern Surgery] / Enrico Bottini (1835­1903), medico e politico Italiano: Maestro dell'anti-sepsi e pioniere della chirurgia moderna

Enrico Bottini (Stradella, Pavia, 7 September 1835 - Porto Maurizio, Sanremo, 11 March 1903) was a multifaceted surgeon, who left a strong mark in modern surgery, not only Italian but worldwide. A pupil of Porta and Ribeti, as well as the distinguished French surgeon and anatomist Charles-Marie-Édouard Chassaignac, he has dedicated himself throughout his career to various areas of medicine, ranging from bacteriology and anti-sepsis (use of a derivative of phenic acid) to urological surgery (the so-called "endo-urethral galva-cauterization", also called Bottini's operation, or Perineal incision according to Bottini). He has also successfully dedicated himself to gynecology (trans-vaginal hysterectomy for uterine cancer and surgical treatment of vesicovaginal fistulas), maxillofacial surgery (endo-oral resection of the maxilla, subperiosteal resection of the mandible for the treatment of the stable jaw, total amputation of the larynx and the tongue for carcinomas), the dermosurgery (use of the electrocautery), and the vascular surgery (resection of the inferior vena cava). He was also an important Italian politician, first as a deputy and then as a senator.

Medical Devices; General and Plastic Surgery Devices; Classification of the Wound Autofluorescence Imaging Device. Final order.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is classifying the wound autofluorescence imaging device into class I. We are taking this action because we have determined that classifying the device into class I will provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device. We believe this action will also enhance patients' access to beneficial innovative devices, in part by reducing regulatory burdens.

Video Caso Clínico: Disección Aórtica Rota Tipo Stanford A. Resolución Quirúrgica: Cirugía de Bentall De Bono / Video Case Report: Rupture Aortic Dissection Stanford Type A. Surgical Resolution: Surgery Bentall and De Bono

La disección aórtica rota que compromete la raíz y la aorta ascendente es una emergencia que requiere cirugía inmediata, debido al mal pronóstico y sus complicaciones agudas: ruptura, insuficiencia aórtica aguda, hematoma intramural y endocarditis aguda; con elevadas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad posoperatoria temprana, estimada en las 24 horas el 1 % por cada hora, a las 48 horas 29 %, en la primera semana 44 % y a las 2 semanas 50 %; con una mortalidad global de 15 % a 35 % y una sobrevida del 65 % al 75 % en un rango de 5 años [1 - 3]. En Ecuador se llevó a cabo un estudio tipo prospectivo que incluyo 120 pacientes, llevado a cabo desde 1999 a 2000, en Guayaquil; en el que reportaron 34 casos, con edad promedio de 64 años, sexo masculino, cuyo factor de riesgo más importante fue hipertensión arterial. Se presentó en el 100 % de los casos, dolor torácico transfictivo, soplo aórtico diastólico en el 70 % y solo el 2 % presentaron infarto de miocardio posteroinferior transmural sin fibrinólisis, por ser contraindicado en pacientes con disección aórtica [4]. El tratamiento quirúrgico consiste en la resección y reemplazo de la porción rota por una prótesis vascular asociada o no al reemplazo valvular aórtico dependiendo del grado de insuficiencia. El tratamiento estará orientado en función del grado de afectación de la disección y la rotura, pudiendo requerir un reemplazo convencional de la aorta ascendente (RCAA) con o sin reemplazo total del arco aórtico (RTAA); el tratamiento de elección de la disección rota tipo A es el reemplazo de la raíz y la aorta ascendente con injerto tubular valvulado, denominado procedimiento de Bentall De Bono [1 - 3, 5, 6]. Dentro de las complicaciones postquirúrgicas se encuentran: pseudoaneurisma, disección radical recurrente o residual, cambios importantes en el diámetro de la raíz o insuficiencia aórtica significativa [7]

The rupture aortic dissection that compromises the root and the ascending aorta is an emergency that requires immediate surgery; for it is poor prognosis, acute complications: rupture, acute aortic insufficiency, intramural hematoma and acute endocarditis, with high morbidity rates and early postoperative mortality, estimated at first 24 hours in 1 % per each hour, 48 hours 29 %, in the first week 44 % and at 2 weeks 50 %; with a global mortality of 15 % to 35 % and a survival of 65 % to 75 % in a range of 5 years [1-3]. In Ecuador, a prospective study realized that included 120 patients, since 1999 to 2000, in Guayaquil; in that they reported 34 cases with an average age of 64 years, male, whose most important risk factor was hypertension. The patients presented, 100 % transfictive chest pain, diastolic aortic murmur in 70 %, and only 2 % had transmural posteroinferior myocardial infarction without fibrinolysis, as it was contraindicated in patients with aortic dissection [4]. Surgical treatment consists of the resection and replacement of the broken portion by a vascular prosthesis associated or not with aortic valve replacement depending on the degree of insufficiency. The treatment will be oriented according to the degree of involvement of the dissection and rupture, and may require a conventional replacement of the ascending aorta (CRAA) with or without total aortic arch replacement (TRAA); the treatment of choice for the rupture aortic dissection type A is the replacement of the root and the ascending aorta with valvular tubular graft, called the Bentall De Bono surgery [1 - 3, 5, 6]. Of the postsurgical complications we found: pseudoaneurysm, radical or recurrent radical dissection, important changes in the diameter of the root or significant aortic insufficiency

Indicaciones quirúrgicas en paragangliomas carotídeos. Cambio del paradigma y propuesta de algoritmos / Surgical indications in carotid paragangliomas: Change of paradigm and algorithms

Los paragangliomas del cuerpo carotídeo son tumores poco frecuentes, ricamente vascularizados, de crecimiento lento, habitualmente benignos e infrecuentemente secretores de catecolaminas. Actualmente estos tumores son cada vez mejor diagnosticados y catalogados, pero su óptimo tratamiento es controvertido. Teniendo como base una experiencia, durante los últimos 25 años, de 42 pacientes portadores de 47 paragangliomas carotídeos realizamos una propuesta sobre las indicaciones quirúrgicas y seguimiento de estos tumores. Concluimos que en la actualidad existe un cambio del paradigma terapéutico de los paragangliomas del cuerpo carotídeo

Carotid body tumours are rare, richly vascularised, slow-growing, usually benign, and infrequently catecholamine-secreting tumours. The diagnosis and classification of these tumours is improving, but optimal treatment is still controversial. On the basis of experience over the past 25 years, with 42 patients with 47 carotid body tumours we present a proposal on surgical indications and follow-up of these tumours. It is conclude that there is now a change in the therapeutic paradigm of these tumours

Estado de la cirugía de la enfermedad inflamatoria en España. Resultado de una encuesta nacional / Perceptions on the surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in Spain. Results of a national survey

INTRODUCCIÓN: La incidencia de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) está aumentando en España, pero existe poca información sobre su abordaje multidisciplinar, en particular sobre su manejo quirúrgico. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la opinión de los cirujanos españoles sobre la situación actual de la cirugía de la EII en nuestro país. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo del tipo encuesta cerrada que se envió a través de correo electrónico a los miembros de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos (AEC) durante los meses de enero a marzo de 2015. El cuestionario constaba de 52 ítems con preguntas sobre estructura y proceso, sobre el tratamiento quirúrgico y sobre la opinión de los cirujanos acerca de la calidad, satisfacción e investigación sobre la EII en su centro y en España. RESULTADOS: Un total de 192 cirujanos respondieron a la encuesta, la mayoría procedentes de hospitales de tercer nivel (45%), la mayoría de diferentes hospitales, algunos del mismo centro. Solo el 48,5% de los hospitales tienen equipos multidisciplinares de EII. El planteamiento quirúrgico inicial es laparoscópico en el 56,1% de los casos y el 80% de los participantes en los centros con equipos multidisciplinares considera el timing apropiado. El número de intervenciones anuales de EII en hospitales de tercer nivel es ma's alto que en hospitales de segundo nivel tanto en colitis ulcerosa (57 vs. 24% operan 10-15 pacientes/año, p < 0,001) como en enfermedad de Crohn (68 vs. 28% operan 3-5 pacientes/mes, p < 0,001). La mayoría de los centros, incluso los grandes hospitales, operan a menos de 10 pacientes con colitis ulcerosa al año y realizan _3 reservorios en J o pouch al año (por colitis ulcerosa y otras indicaciones) (p < 0,001). El 95% de los cirujanos considera que debe promoverse la centralización de casos complejos en unidades especializadas y la creación de registros nacionales. CONCLUSIONES: Según esta encuesta, parece que el volumen de cirugías de EII en España por centro no es elevado, ni siquiera en grandes hospitales, y muchos centros no cuentan con un equipo multidisciplinar de EII. No existen protocolos claros de derivación quirúrgica a centros de referencia o especializados. La mayoría de los participantes creen necesario el desarrollo de registros y aumentar la formación y la investigación en la cirugía de la EII en nuestro país

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in Spain but there is little information on the availability of multidisciplinary care. This study aims to assess surgeon's opinions on the current situation of surgery for IBD in Spain. METHODS: An electronic closed survey was sent to members of the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC) from January to March 2015. This was a 52-item anonymised questionnaire with questions about how the treatment of IBD patients is organized in each centre, the existence of specific units, the management strategy in IBD patients, and the opinion of colorectal, general and trainee surgeons about the surgical treatment of IBD in their centre and in Spain. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two surgeons responded. Most participants work in tertiary hospitals (45%), most of them from different hospitals, some from the same hospital. Only 50% of hospitals have multidisciplinary teams for IBD. The initial approach is laparoscopic in 56% of cases, and 80% of participants in centres with multidisciplinary teams consider the timing of surgery to be appropriate. The annual number of IBD surgeries in tertiary hospitals is higher than in secondary hospitals in ulcerative colitis (57 vs. 24% 10-15 patients/year, P<.001) and Crohn's disease (68 vs. 28% 3-5 patients/month, P<.001). Most centres operate less than 10 ulcerative colitis patients per year, even larger centres (67%) and they perform _3 J-pouches/month (ulcerative colitis and other indications) (P<.001). Ninetyfive percent of surgeons consider that centralization of complex cases in specialized units and the creation of national registries should be developed. The majority of participants (70%) believe that there is a deficit in research and educational activities in IBD surgery in Spain. CONCLUSION: This survey suggests that most Spanish hospitals have a low volume of IBD surgery, even large tertiary hospitals, and many centres do not have a multidisciplinary team dedicated to IBD patients. Most survey participants believe it is necessary to develop registries and increase training and research in IBD surgery in Spain

Cirugía abdominal híbrida para el tratamiento de los aneurismas toracoabdominales complejos / Abdominal hybrid procedures for treatment of complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

La cirugía abierta de los aneurismas toracoabdominales (ATA) aún hoy presenta una alta morbimortalidad, habiendo surgido distintas alternativas. El tratamiento híbrido renovisceral, rodeado de controversia, es una de ellas. Los datos disponibles en la bibliografía con respecto a morbimortalidad muestran gran disparidad. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las series incluyen un elevado porcentaje de pacientes de alto riesgo y de ATA extensos, considerando por ello que los procedimientos híbridos renoviscerales todavía juegan un papel en el tratamiento de los ATA

Abdominal hybrid procedures have arisen as an alternative to conventional open surgery for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAA), although they are surrounded by controversy. Data available in the literature about morbidity and mortality show a great disparity. However, most series include a large number of high risk patients and of extensive TAA. Considering this, renovisceral debranching still has a role in the treatment of TAA

Medical Devices; General and Plastic Surgery Devices; Classification of the Magnetic Surgical Instrument System. Final order.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the Magnetic Surgical Instrument System into class II (special controls). The special controls that will apply to the device are identified in this order and will be part of the codified language for the magnetic surgical instrument system's classification. The Agency is classifying the device into class II (special controls) in order to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device.

El CIE-10 y el protocolo quirúrgico / CIE-10 and the surgical protocol

No disponible

Variabilidad clínica en la cirugía de la catarata / Clinical practice variation in cataract surgery

PROPÓSITO: Las tasas de la cirugía de la catarata han aumentado de forma espectacular en las últimas dos décadas. Sin embargo, las variaciones en la práctica clínica en esta cirugía no han sido estudiadas en profundidad. El objetivo de esta revisión es el análisis de dicha variabilidad, incluyendo los factores que la originan y las consecuencias sobre la calidad asistencial y la planificación sanitaria. Asimismo se resalta la importancia de reducirla y se exponen diversas estrategias que permiten su control. Hallazgos recientes: A lo largo del artículo se presentan las últimas investigaciones en las que se considera que el desarrollo y la implementación de guías de práctica clínica constituyen la mejor herramienta para estandarizar los procesos de cuidados. CONCLUSIÓN: El control del componente injustificado o no deseado de las variaciones, además de mejorar la calidad asistencial, puede suponer un importante ahorro en el gasto sanitario

PURPOSE: Cataract surgery rates have dramatically increased in the last two decades. However, clinical practice variation in cataract surgery has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this review is to analyze clinical practice variation, including the causes and consequences of this phenomenon. Then, its role in health care planning and health care quality is focused, emphasizing the importance of reducing it and providing several practical strategies to accomplish it. Recent findings: The latest researches are presented in this article. They identify the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines as the best tool to standardize care processes. CONCLUSION: Managing unwarranted or unwanted variation would improve quality of care and may lead to a significant saving in health care spending

Uso de triamcinolona intracameral sin conservantes en cirugía de la catarata pediátrica. Utilidad diagnóstica y terapéutica / Use of intracameral triamcinolone in pediatric cataract surgery. Diagnostic and therapeutic usefulness

No disponible

Solución del caso 3. Seudoaneurisma femoral micótico de origen espontáneo / Case 3. Spontaneous mycotic femoral pseudoaneurysm

No disponible

Estudio comparativo entre la esfinterotomía lateral interna y el gel de diltiazem 2% en el tratamiento de la fisura anal crónica: Resultados a corto y largo plazo / Comparative study between lteral internal sphincterotomy and diltiazem gel 2% for treatmetn of chronic anal fissure: short and long-term outcomes

Introducción: Existe suficiente evidencia sobre el tratamiento de la fisura anal crónica con el gel de Diltiazem 2% (esfinterotomía química). Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios en los que se compare este tratamiento con la esfinterotomía quirúrgica (esfinterotomía lateral interna), a corto y largo plazo. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es comparar los resultados a corto y largo plazo, en cuanto a eficacia, recidiva, efectos adversos, complicaciones y coste, de la esfinterotomía lateral interna y el gel de diltiazem 2% en el tratamiento de la fisura anal crónica, en dos poblaciones homogéneas. Pacientes y Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional de todos los pacientes diagnosticados de fisura anal crónica, que cumplían los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, en nuestro hospital, durante el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2013 (6 años). A todos los pacientes se les propuso de inicio tratamiento médico, estableciéndose dos grupos. Un primer grupo tratado farmacológicamente y un segundo grupo quirúrgicamente. A los pacientes del primer grupo, se les indicó el gel de Diltiazem al 2%, tres aplicaciones al día durante ocho semanas como máximo. Ante la persistencia de la fisura a pesar de las ocho semanas de tratamiento, recidiva o abandono por efecto adverso, se indicó la esfinterotomía. A los pacientes resistentes al tratamiento médico de inicio, se les realizó tratamiento quirúrgico. Se establecieron controles presenciales a las 4 y 8 semanas del tratamiento. Posteriormente se llevó a cabo una encuesta telefónica anual o presencial siempre que fuese necesario. Se compararon los grupos mediante el test de la X2 para variables cualitativas y la t de Student para variables cuantitativas. Resultados: Se analizan 265 pacientes (137 mujeres) del grupo del Diltiazem con una media de edad de 46,7 (18-65) años, varianza de 184,2 y desviación típica 13,6. Localización de la fisura: posterior 96%, anterior 3% y lateral 1%. Todos los pacientes tenían dolor (100%), 231(80,65) sangrado y 198 (74,7%) escozor y prurito. Antecedentes de multiparidad en el51,3% y de estreñimiento en el 79,3% de los pacientes. Duración media de los síntomas 17,5 (5-60) meses. De los 265 pacientes tratados, 174 (65,7%) pacientes curaron a las 8 semanas de tratamiento. Treinta y un (11,7%) pacientes experimenta-ron algún efecto adverso relacionado con el tratamiento, de los que 7 (2,6%) abandonaron la terapia por esta causa. Se excluyeron del estudio a 46 pacientes por pérdida en el seguimiento. Tras una media de seguimiento de 31 (8-72) meses, se detectaron 43 (16,2%) recurrencias. No se detectó ningún caso de incontinencia. El tiempo medio de recurrencia tras finalizar el tratamiento fue de 5,7 (2,5-32) meses. La mayoría de las recurrencias (81,4%) ocurrieron antes de los 12 meses de iniciado el tratamiento. Los 174 pacientes curados precisaron una media de 1,4 (1-5) dispensaciones del gel de Diltiazem 2 %, con un coste medio por paciente de 40,2 (28,7-143,5) euros. En el grupo quirúrgico, se analizan 176 pacientes (81mujeres), edad media 46 (19-65) años, varianza 156,96, y desviación típica 12,5. Localización de la fisura: posterior, 95%, anterior 4,5% y lateral 0,5%. Todos los pacientes tenían dolor (100%), sangrado (80,6%) y escozor y prurito (74,7%). Antecedentes de multiparidad en 48,8% y de estreñimiento en el 38%, de los pacientes. Duración media de los síntomas 19,7 (1-72) meses. Estancia media un día y rango 0-6 días. De los 176 pacientes tratados, 152 (96,2%) pacientes curaron, la mayoría lo hicieron a las 3 (2-6) semanas de tratamiento. Quince (9,9%) pacientes experimentaron alguna complicación relacionada con la esfinterotomía, entre ellas 6(3,9%) casos de incontinencia reversible. Se excluyeron del estudio a 18 pacientes por pérdida en el seguimiento. Tras una media de seguimiento de34,3 (10-72) meses, se detectaron 12 (8,3%) recurrencias. El tiempo medio de recurrencia tras finalizar el tratamiento fue de 18,2 (2-60) meses. La mayoría (75%) de las recidivas se presentaron en los dos primeros años. El coste medio por proceso fue de 1.838,5 (1.711-1.966) euros. No hubo diferencias significativas (p>0,05), entre los grupos en relación a la edad, sexo, localización de la fisura, síntomas, duración media de los síntomas y enfermedad asociada. Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) entre los grupos en cuanto al tiempo de respuesta, efectividad del tratamiento, duración de la respuesta, recidiva, tiempo de recidiva, presencia de incontinencia y coste. Conclusión: El tratamiento de la fisura anal crónica con Diltiazem gel 2%, es un tratamiento eficaz, seguro, fácil de administrar, reversible, económico y con efectos adversos leves, sin embargo la efectividad es menor y mayor la recaída, con res-pecto a la esfinterotomía quirúrgica, pero esta se ve gravada por la posibilidad de alteraciones en la continencia y un mayor coste

Introduction: There is sufficient evidence on the treatment of chronic anal fissure with diltiazem 2% gel (sphincterotomy chemistry), however there are few studies that compare this treatment with surgical sphincterotomy (lateral internal sphincterotomy), short and long-term outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare short and long-term results in terms of efficacy, recurrence, adverse effects, complications and costs, between sphincterotomy and diltiazem 2% gel in the treatment of chronic anal fissure, in two homogeneous populations. Patients and Method: We studied patients diagnosed of chronic anal fissure in our hospital which met the criteria for inclusion and exclusion, during the period January 2008 to December 2013 (6 years). Two groups, the first with farmacological treatment and the second group with surgical treatment were established. Patients in the first group we used a formulation of Diltiazem gel 2%, in three daily applications for eight weeks. In case of inefficiency, recurrence or abandonment of treatment due to adverse effect a sphincterotomy was indicated. The second group consisted of patients treated with surgical sphincterotomy. Controls at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment were established. Subsequently an annually telephone survey was conducted or face control if considered necessary. Groups were compared using the X2 test for qualitative variables and the Student test for quantitative variables. Results: We analyzed 265 patients (137 women) in the Diltiazem group with a mean age of 46.7 (18-65) years, with 184.2 variance and standard deviation 13.6. Location of the fissure: posterior 96%, anterior 3% and lateral 1%. All patients had pain, 231 bleeding and 198 stinging and itching. Average duration of symptoms 17.5 (5-60) months. Of the 265 patients,174 (65.7%) patients were cured after 8 weeks of treatment. Thirty-one (11.7%) patients experienced adverse effects relatedto treatment, of which 7 (2.6%) discontinued therapy because of this. 46 patients were excluded, because they couldn ́t becontacted for follow-up (lost patients). After a mean follow up of 31 (8-72) months, 43 recurrences were detected (16.2%). No cases of incontinence were detected. The median time to recurrence after treatment was 5.7 (2.5 to 32) months. Most recurrences (81.4%) occurred in the first 12 months following treatment. The 174 cured patients required an average of 1.4 (1-5) dispensations of Diltiazem 2 % gel, with an average cost per patient of 40.2 (28.7 to 143.5) euros.In the surgical group, we analized 176 patients (81mujeres), mean age 46 (19-65) years. Location of the fissure: posterior95%, anterior 4.5% and lateral 0.5%. All patients had pain, 80,6% bleeding and 74,7% stinging and itching. Average dura-tion of symptoms 19.7 (1-72) months. Average hospital stay one day and range 0-6 days. Of the 176 patients, 152 (96.2%) patients were cured, most of them after 3 (2-6) weeks of treatment. Fifteen (9.9%) patients experienced complications rela-ted to sphincterotomy, among which, 6 (3.9%) cases of reversible incontinence we observed . 18 patients were excluded,because they couldn ́t be contacted for follow-up (lost patients). After a mean follow up of 34.3 (10-72) months, 12 (8.3%) recurrences were detected. The median time of recurrence after treatment was 18.2 (2-60) months. Most (75%) recurrences occurred in the first twoyears.The average cost per process was 1838.5 (1711-1966) euros. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between groupsrelated to age, sex, location of the fissure, symptoms, mean duration of symptoms and associated disease. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the groups in fairy effectiveness of treatment, response time, recurrence, timeto recurrence, incontinence and cost.Conclusion.The treatment of chronic anal fissure with diltiazem 2% gel is an effective, safe, easy to administer, reversible,economic and with slight adverse effects, however effectiveness is lower and recurrence rate is higher, with respect to the sur-gical sphincterotomy, but this is burdened by the possibility of alterations in continence and a higher cost

Participation of surgical residents in operations: challenging a common classification.

BACKGROUND: One important form of surgical training for residents is their participation in actual operations, for instance as an assistant or supervised surgeon. The aim of this study was to explore what participation in operations entails and how it might be described and analyzed. METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken in a major teaching hospital in London. A total of 122 general surgical operations were observed. A subsample of 14 laparoscopic cholecystectomies involving one or more residents was analyzed in detail. Audio and video recordings of eight operations were transcribed and analyzed linguistically. RESULTS: The degree of participation of trainees frequently shifted as the operation progressed to the next stage. Participation also varied within each stage. When trainees operated under supervision, the supervisors constantly adjusted their degree of control over the resident's operative maneuvers. CONCLUSIONS: Classifications such as "assistant" and "supervised surgeon" describing a trainee's overall participation in an operation potentially misrepresent the varying involvement of resident and supervisor. Video recordings provide a useful alternative for documenting and analyzing actual participation in operations.

Comparing existing national and international classification systems of surgical procedures with the CEN/ISO 1828 ontology framework standard.

Among different standardization strategies for biomedical terminologies the European Standard Body CEN TC 251 followed by ISO TC 215 have stated that it was not possible to convince the different European or international member states using different national languages to agree on a reference clinical terminology or to standardize a detailed language independent biomedical ontology. Since 1990 they have developed since an approach named the Categorial Structure that standardises only the terminologies' model structure. The methodology for the Categorial Structure development and a comparison of the different existing classification systems based on this ontology framework is presented as a step towards increased interoperability between biomedical terminologies through conformity to a minimum set of ontological requirements.