The efficacy of porcine dermal collagen to treat complex anal fistulae: results of a multicenter cohort

Introduction: The management of complex anal fistulae remains a topical surgical problem. The choice and success of surgical management are based on the balance between healing and continence. Although porcine dermal collagen (Permacol Collagen Paste [PCP]- Covidien plc, Gosport, Hampshire, UK) represents a new generation of non-solid biomaterials, its results in anal fistulae are mixed. Methods: A multicenter observational retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula treated in four colorectal surgery units was performed between 2015 and 2020. Clinical cure of the fistula was the main outcome measure. Adverse events and alterations in anal continence were secondary outcomes. Results: The study included 119 patients (87 males, 71.1%), with a mean age of 53 years (IR 44-65). Most patients had complex (80.6%) and recurrent (91.6%) fistulae. With the first PCP treatment, the overall cure rate was 41.2% (49 patients) and 45.4% with the second treatment (5 out of 17 patients). The mean follow-up period was 17 months (IR 5-25). Healing was not affected by the location and type of fistula, the existence or not of a cavity, the number of tracts, or the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. After the PCP treatment, no patient in the series had worsening of continence. Morbidity affected 22.7% of the patients (27), with postoperative abscesses being the most frequent adverse event. There were no statistical differences between the four hospitals studied. Conclusions: Permacol collagen paste is a safe and easily reproducible therapy for complicated anal fistulae that has moderate efficacy. The overall success rate is slightly over 40%, with no detriment to fecal continence. (AU)

Libres de humo: efectividad de un programa de cesación tabáquica en un Centro de Salud Comunitario de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Smoke-free: effectiveness of a smoking cessation program in a Community Health Center of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El consumo de tabaco representa un importante desafío para la salud pública debido a su alta incidencia y mortalidad, y es el principal factor de riesgo modificable para desarrollar enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. La Residencia de Medicina General y Familiar del Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Teodoro Álvarez desarrolló un programa de cesación tabáquica en el Centro de Salud y Acción Comunitaria N◦34, que forma parte desde 2012 del Programa de Prevención y Control del Tabaquismo del Ministerio de Salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Objetivo. Documentar los resultados de la eficacia de este programa y explorar las variables relacionadas con la probabilidad de éxito y recaída. Materiales y métodos. Estudio cuantitativo, de corte transversal analítico, con datos obtenidos de historias clínicas electrónicas entre 2017 y 2020. Fueron incluidos los pacientes que consultaron al menos en dos ocasiones al programa de cesación tabáquica y establecieron un día D al menos 30 días antes del abandono del consumo de tabaco. La eficacia terapéutica fue definida como haber permanecido al menos seis meses sin fumar, y la recaída, como el reinicio de consumo del tabaco luego de haber logrado 24 horas de abstinencia con fecha posterior al día D.Resultados.De 59 pacientes, 24 (40,7 %) lograron la eficacia terapéutica, de los cuales 5 (20,8 %) presentaron recaídas.De los 35 pacientes que no lograron alcanzar la etapa de mantenimiento, 30 (85,7 %) recayeron durante las primeras ocho semanas. El sexo masculino y el consumo de tabaco superior a 20 paquetes-año mostraron una mayor correlación con las recaídas. Conclusiones. El programa presentó una eficacia terapéutica del 40,7 % en el periodo evaluado. Se encontraron asociaciones entre una mayor eficacia terapéutica y ciertas características de los pacientes, pero se requieren más estudios para confirmar esta hipótesis. (AU)

Background. Tobacco consumption represents an important challenge for public health due to its high incidence and mortality and is the main modifiable risk factor for developing chronic non-communicable diseases. The General and Family Medicine Residence of the Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Teodoro Álvarez developed a smoking cessation program in Health and Community Action Centre N◦34. Since 2012 it has been part of the Program for the Prevention and Control of Smoking of the Ministry of Health of the Government of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Objective. To document the results of the effectiveness of the program and explore the variables related to the probability of success and relapse. Materials and methods. Quantitative, analytical cross-sectional study, with data obtained from electronic medical records between 2017 and 2020. Patients who consulted the smoking cessation program at least twice and established a D-day 30 days before quitting tobacco consumption were included. Therapeutic efficacy was defined as having remained at least six months without smoking, and relapse, as the resumption of tobacco consumption after having achieved 24 hours of abstinence with a date after day D. Results. Of 59 patients, 24 (40.7 %) achieved therapeutic efficacy, of which 5 (20.8 %) presented relapses. Among the35 patients who failed to reach the maintenance stage, 30 (85.7 %) relapsed during the first eight weeks. Male sex and tobacco consumption of more than 20 pack per year showed a greater correlation with relapses. Conclusions.The program presented a therapeutic efficacy of 40.7 % in the evaluated period. Associations were found between greater therapeutic efficacy and certain patient characteristics but more studies are required to confirm this hypothesis. (AU)

Management of complex fistula-in-ano by interception of fistula track with application of ksharasutra (IFTAK): a novel technique

Objective: Despite all the technological advances, successful management of complex fistula-in-ano is still a challenge due to recurrence and incontinence. The present study evaluates the outcomes of a novel technique, Interception of Fistula Track with Application of Ksharasutra (IFTAK) in terms of success rate and degree of incontinence. Methods: In the present prospective study, 300 patients with complex fistula-inano were treated by the IFTAK technique, whose surgical steps include: incision at the anterior or posterior midline perianal area, identification and interception of the fistulous track at the level of the external sphincter, rerouting the track (and extensions) at the site of interception, and application of a ksharasutra (medicated seton) in the proximal track (from the site of interception to the internal opening) that is laid open gradually, with the resulting wound healing with minimum scarring. The distal track is allowed to heal spontaneously. Results: There were 227 transsphincteric and 73 intersphincteric varieties of fistula with supralevator extension in 23 cases, of which 130 were recurrent fistulas, 29 had horseshoe track, while 25 had blind fistula with no cutaneous opening. The mean duration of the ksharasutra application was 8.11 ± 3.86 weeks with an overall success rate of 93.33% at the 1-year follow-up. A total of 3.67% of the cases reported with a mild impairment of continence on the Wexner incontinence scoring system. Pre- and postoperative anal manometry evaluation showed minimal reduction in median basal and squeeze pressures. Conclusion: The IFTAK technique is a minimally invasive, daycare surgical procedure for the management of complex fistula-in-ano with low recurrence and minimal sphincter damage. (AU)

Resultados quirúrgicos a corto y mediano plazo por enfermedad de Crohn ileocecal / Short and medium term results of the surgical management of ileocecal Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND: The treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) is based on medical therapy and surgery is reserved for failure of medical management or complications. AIM: To evaluate endoscopic, clinical, and surgical recurrence of CD after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospectively maintained database, consecutive patients older than 15 years subjected to an ileocecal resection for ileocolic disease from January 2011 to April 2021, were identified. The diagnosis of CD was confirmed with the pathologic report. Patients with less than one year of follow-up were excluded. Information was obtained retrospectively from the database and clinical records. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were identified. The mean age at the time of surgery was 38 years. Surgery was performed at a median of 41.5 months (0-300) after the diagnosis of CD, nine elective and five emergency procedures. In five patients there were four major and two minor postoperative complications, with no anastomotic leakage. Six patients had endoscopic recurrence and seven had clinical recurrence (50%) at a mean of 15 months, one of whom required a second operation. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: After the surgical treatment of CD, the clinical and endoscopic recurrence rate continues to be high.

Predictores de mortalidad en pacientes con exacerbación de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Mortality predictors in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

RESUMEN Fundamento: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es un problema de salud y constituye la tercera causa de defunción en el mundo. La mortalidad es mayor en los pacientes que presentan exacerbaciones de esa enfermedad. Objetivo: Determinar los factores predictores de mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados con exacerbación de EPOC en una institución hospitalaria del segundo nivel de atención en Cuba. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio transversal en el Hospital General Provincial Camilo Cienfuegos de Sancti Spíritus, durante dos años. Se incluyeron 335 pacientes. Las variables recogidas se agruparon en sociodemográficas, clínicas, enfermedades crónicas asociadas y estado del paciente al egreso. Se elaboró un árbol de decisión mediante el método Chaid exhaustivo, la variable dependiente fue la mortalidad por EPOC. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino (55.2 %), con 60 años o más (79 %) y con más de 4 exacerbaciones en el último año (53.1 %). El modelo del árbol de decisión tuvo una sensibilidad de 97 %, especificidad de 89.3 % y un porcentaje global de pronóstico correcto del 93.1 %. Se identificaron seis variables predictores de mortalidad: insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, diagnóstico de neumonía, no utilización de antitrombóticos, tromboembolismo pulmonar, edad mayor de 60 años y el hábito de fumar. Conclusiones: La probabilidad más alta de fallecer durante una exacerbación de EPOC se da entre los pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, los que son diagnosticados con neumonía durante el ingreso, los que no realizan tratamiento antitrombótico y los que tienen más de 60 años de edad.

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a health problem and the third cause of death in the world. Mortality is higher in patients who present exacerbations of this disease. Objective: To determine mortality predictors in hospitalized patients with exacerbation of COPD in a second care level hospital in Cuba. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital in Sancti Spíritus, for two years. 335 patients were included. The variables collected were grouped into sociodemographic, clinical, associated chronic diseases and patient status at discharge. A decision tree was developed using the exhaustive Chaid method, the dependent variable was mortality from COPD. Results: Female patients (55.2 %), 60 years or older (79 %) and with more than 4 exacerbations in the last year (53.1 %) predominated. The decision tree model had a sensitivity of 97 %, a specificity of 89.3 %, and an overall percentage of correct diagnosis of 93.1 %. Six variables that predicted mortality were identified: acute respiratory failure, diagnosis of pneumonia, non-use of antithrombotics, pulmonary thromboembolism, age over 60 years, and smoking. Conclusions: The highest probability of dying during an exacerbation of COPD occurs among patients with acute respiratory failure, those who are diagnosed with pneumonia during admission, those who do not receive antithrombotic treatment and those who are over 60 years of age.

Surgical roles in the management of metachronus para-aortic lymph node recurrence and synchronous para-aortic lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer patients

Background: The relative rarity of synchronous para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis (SPM) and metachronous PALN recurrence (MPR) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients leads to a limited number of studies on patient management, and no treatment guidelines have been established to date. Objective: To assess the prognostic, predictive roles, and long-term outcomes of different management strategies for isolated MPR and SPM in CRC patients to establish the best one. Materials and Methods: We included 35 CRC patients with isolated MPR and 25 patients with isolated SPM who underwent curative R0 resection. We performed PALN dissection (PALND) in 15 cases in MPR group and in 10 cases in the SPM group; all remaining patients in both groups underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) without further surgical intervention. During the study period of about 5 years, we compared the patients who underwent PALND and those who underwent CRT. Results: The overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly longer in patients who underwent PALND (p = 0.049 and 0.036 respectively). (AU)

A way to start transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

Introduction: The optimal rectal cancer care is achieved by a multidisciplinary approach, with a high-quality surgical resection, with complete mesorectal excision and adequate margins. New approaches like the transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) aim to achieve these goals, maximizing the sphincter preservation ratio, with good oncologic and functional results. This report describes a way to implement TaTME without a proctor, presents the first case series of this approach in a center experienced in rectal cancer, and compares the results with those of the international literature. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of the first 10 consecutive patients submitted to TaTME for rectal cancer at our institution. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications, pathological specimen quality and local recurrence rate. The results and performance were compared with the outcomes of a known structured program with proctorship and with the largest meta-analysis on this topic. Results: All patients had locally advanced cancer; therefore, all underwent neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 30% had postoperative complications, without mortality or re-admissions. In comparison with the structured training program referred, no differences were found in postoperative complications and reintervention rates, resulting in a similar quality of resection. Comparing these results with those of the largest meta-analysis on the subject, no differences in the postoperative complication rates were found, and very similar outcomes regarding anastomotic leaks and oncological quality of resection were registered. Conclusion: The results of this study validate the safety and effectiveness of our pathway regarding the implementation of the TaTME approach, highlighting the fact that it should be done in a center with proficiency in minimally invasive rectal surgery. (AU)

Enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman nasosinusal: actualización a propósito de un caso de obstrucción nasal progresiva / Nasosinusal Rosai-Dorfman disease: update on a case of progressive nasal obstruction

Resumen La histiocitosis sinusal con linfadenopatías masivas, conocida como enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman (ERD), es una patología poco frecuente cuya presentación clásica consiste en el desarrollo de grandes adenopatías cervicales bilaterales indoloras. La manifestación extranodal puede involucrar compromiso cutáneo, del sistema nervioso central, hematológico, óseo, de la vía aérea, entre otros. Su diagnóstico es un desafío y requiere una evaluación completa del paciente incluyendo historia clínica, examen físico, exámenes de laboratorio, imágenes y estudio histopatológico que confirme el diagnóstico. El tratamiento debe ser individualizado para cada paciente. Las alternativas incluyen la observación, corticoides sistémicos, radioterapia, quimioterapia, inmunomoduladores y cirugía. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 65 años con antecedente de enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman localizada en glándulas lagrimales y linfoma no Hodgkin, que comienza con obstrucción nasal bilateral progresiva refractaria a tratamiento médico, por lo que se decide realizar cirugía, cuyo estudio histopatológico confirmó enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman.

Abstract Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a rare pathology, with a classic clinical presentation of painless bilateral massive cervical lymphadenopathy. The extranodal manifestations may involve skin, central nervous system, hematological, bones, and airway compromise, among others. Its diagnosis is challenging and requires a complete evaluation of the patient including medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, imaging and histopathological study to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment should be individualized for each patient, including follow-up, systemic corticosteroids, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunomodulators and surgery. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient with a history of RDD located in the lacrimal glands and lymphoma, which begins with progressive bilateral obstruction refractory to medical treatment, for which it is decided to perform surgery, whose histopathological study confirmed RDD.

Potenciais fatores associados a maior chance de recidiva de erisipela / Posibles factores asociados a mayor probabilidad de recidiva de erisipela / Potential factors associated with increased chance of erysipelas recurrence

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os fatores relacionados à recidiva de erisipela em adultos e idosos. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 235 adultos e idosos admitidos em um hospital com diagnóstico de erisipela entre 2012 e 2019. Investigaram-se fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos relacionados a maior chance de recidiva de erisipela no período por meio de análises uni e bivariada, com p<0,05 considerado significativo. Resultados A prevalência de recidiva de erisipela foi de 25,5% (n=60). Os fatores significativamente associados à recidiva foram insuficiência venosa (p= 0,002; OR= 2,597; IC= 1,4-4,7) e uso de penicilina (p< 0,000; OR= 7,042; IC= 2,5-19,7). Conclusão a insuficiência venosa se associa a chance duas vezes maior de recidiva de erisipela e o uso de penicilina se associa a risco sete vezes maior para sua recidiva.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar los factores relacionados con la recidiva de erisipela en adultos y adultos mayores. Métodos Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con 235 adultos y adultos mayores ingresados en un hospital con diagnóstico de erisipela entre 2012 y 2019. Se investigaron factores sociodemográficos y clínicos relacionados con una mayor probabilidad de recidiva de erisipela en el período mediante análisis uni y bivariados, con p<0,05 considerado significativo. Resultados La prevalencia de recidiva de erisipela fue del 25,5 % (n=60). Los factores significativamente asociados con la recidiva fueron insuficiencia venosa (p= 0,002; OR= 2,597; IC= 1,4-4,7) y uso de penicilina (p< 0,000; OR= 7,042; IC= 2,5-19,7). Conclusión La insuficiencia venosa está relacionada con una probabilidad dos veces mayor de recidiva de erisipela, y el uso de penicilina está relacionado con un riesgo siete veces mayor de recidiva.

Abstract Objective To analyze factors related to erysipelas recurrence in adults and older adults. Methods Retrospective cohort study with 235 adults and older adults admitted to a hospital diagnosed with erysipelas between 2012 and 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical factors related to a greater chance of erysipelas recurrence in the period were investigated through uni and bivariate analyses, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results The prevalence of erysipelas recurrence was 25.5% (n=60). Factors significantly associated with recurrence were venous insufficiency (p= 0.002; OR= 2.597; 95%CI= 1.4-4.7) and use of penicillin (p< 0.000; OR= 7.042; 95%CI= 2.5-19.7). Conclusion venous insufficiency is associated with a twice greater chance of erysipelas recurrence and the use of penicillin is associated with a seven times greater risk for its recurrence.

Cementado de una copa de doble movilidad dentro de un cotilo no cementado fijo para el tratamiento de una luxación recurrente. Resultados a corto plazo / Cementation of a dual mobility cup in a fixed uncemented cup for the treatment of recurrent dislocation. Short-term results

Introducción: El reemplazo total de cadera (RTC) es la artroplastia más exitosa hasta el momento, no exenta de complicaciones, como la inestabilidad protésica. Las copas de doble movilidad (DM) constituyen una opción de tratamiento en la resolución del RTC con luxaciones recidivantes por inestabilidad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente a la que se le había practicado un RTC no cementado de fijación distal, después de una osteosíntesis fallida. Debido a que la paciente presentó episodios de luxaciones recurrentes, se decidió tratarla mediante revisión con implante de DM cementado dentro de un cotilo primario no cementado fijo y el uso de un módulo femoral proximal con offset extendido, preservando la tensión, la longitud y la reductibilidad de la prótesis. Se logró la resolución de la inestabilidad protésica y la paciente no presentó más episodios de luxación, con buenos resultados a corto plazo. El score de Harris pasó de 4/80 en el prequirúrgico a 61/80, 73/80 y 76/80 a los 3, 6 y 9 meses del posoperatorio, respectivamente. Conclusión: La cementación de un cotilo DM en una copa previamente bien fijada parece una opción viable para tratar y prevenir la inestabilidad después del RTC de revisión. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Total hip replacement (THR) is the most successful arthroplasty to date, not exempt from complications, such as prosthetic instability. Double mobility (DM) cups are a treatment option in the resolution of THR with recurrent dislocations due to instability. The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of cementing a DM component in a previous, stable uncemented cup, in a patient with recurrent dislocation, undergoing revision THR. A patient with uncemented THR with distal fixation after failed osteosynthesis, who presented episodes of recurrent dislocations, was treated by revision with a cemented DM implant inside a fixed uncemented primary cup and a proximal femoral module with extended offset, preserving tension, length and reducibility of the prosthesis. Resolution of the prosthetic instability was achieved and the patient did not present any episodes of dislocation, ob-taining good outcomes in the short term. The hip Harris score went from 4/80 preoperatively to 61/80, 73/80, and 76/80 evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively, respectively. Conclusion: Cementation of a DM cup in a previously well-fixed cup appears to be a viable option to treat and prevent instability after revision THR. Level of Evidence: IV

Recidiva y factores de riesgo asociados luego de la cirugía micrográfica de Mohs en el Centro Universitario de referencia nacional en Uruguay / Relapse and associated risk factors after Mohs micrographic surgery at the Uruguayan national reference University Center

Antecedentes: la cirugía micrográfica de Mohs es la técnica de elección, para el tratamiento de cancer de piel no melanoma de alto riesgo. Las características tanto del paciente cmo del tumor que lo definen como de alto riesgo de recidiva son el tamaño, la localización, la recidiva y el estado inmunitario del paciente, entre otros factores. Objetivo: describir el perfil de los pacientes con carcinomas tratados mediante cirugía micrográfica de Mohs en la Cátedra de Dermatología Médico-Quirúrgica del Hospital de Clínicas Dr. Manuel Quintela en período de 7 años y que presentan recidiva. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, unicéntro, de tipo cohorte histórica, en el que se analizaron las características de los pacientes cuyo tumor recidivó tras la cirugía micrográfica de Mohs mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas, y su comparación con las publicaciones sobre el tema. Resultados: en el período mencionado hubo 7 recidivas de las 388 operaciones realizadas (1,8 % del total), con una media de tiempo hasta la recurrencia de 15,3±2,3 meses. Todos eran tumores de alto riesgo, 5 estaban localizados en zonas de alto riesgo, 3 pacientes eran inmunodeprimidos y 2 tenían subtipos histológicos de alto riesgo. Conclusiones: de las 388 operaciones, un 1,8% de los pacientes presentaron recidiva en los 7 años, con un tiempo medio hasta la aparición de esta de 15,3 meses. En general, las características de los pacientes con recidiva coinciden, en parte, con lo referido en la literatura especializada. Sin embargo, se dificulta la comparación con otros estudios porque pocos pacientes cumplieron al menos 5 años de seguimiento. Llama la atención la proporción de tabaquismo y anticoagulación entre los pacientes que evidenciaron recidiva.

Background:Mohs micrographic surgery is the technique of choice for the treatment of high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer.We describe the pacient and tumor´s characteristics that define them as high-risk tumors: size,location,recurrence,immunologicalstateof the patient, within other factors. Objetive: describe the profile of patients with recurrent carcinomas after Mohs micrographic surgery in the Dermatology department of Clinic Hospital Dr. Manuel Quintela in a 7-year period. Methods: observacional, descriptive, single-center, historical cohort study in which patients with recurrent carcinomas after Mohs micrographic surgery were analyzeb by clinical histoty revision and results were compared with the literature. Results: in the mentioned period 7 recurrences within the 388 surgeries were found (1.8%), with a mean time to recurrence of 15.3±2.3 months. It can be highlighted that all of them were high-risk tumors, 5 were at high risk locations, 3 were immunosuppressed and 2 had high risk histological subtypes. Conclusions: within the 7-year period 1.8% of recurrences after Mohs micrographic surgery were found and the mean time to recurrence was 15.3 months. In general, patient´s characteristics were similar to the consulted literature. The high percentage of smokers and anticoagulanted patients is striking compared to all the patients who completed 5 years of follow-up. owever, it is important to take into account that the small number of patients make it dfficult to compare the results with other studies.

The use of seton as a bridge to definitive ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure for fistula-in-ano: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: There is still controversy over the usefulness of seton placement prior to the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) surgery in the management of anal fistula. Objective: To evaluate the impact of preoperative seton placement on the outcomes of LIFT surgery for the management of fistula-in-ano. Design: systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources: A search was performed on the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. Study Selection: Original studies without language restriction reporting the primary healing rates with and without seton placement as a bridge to definitive LIFT surgery were included. Intervention: The intervention assessed was the LIFT with and without prior seton placement. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome was defined as the primary healing rate with and without the use of seton as a bridge to definitive LIFT surgery. Results: Ten studiesmet the criteria for systematic review, all retrospective,with a pooled study population of 772 patients. There were no significant differences in the percentages of recurrence between patients with and without seton placement (odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-1.43: p=0.35). The I2 value was 9%, which shows the homogeneity of the results among the analyzed studies. The 10 included studies demonstrated a weighted average overall recurrence of 38% (interquartile range [IQR] 27-42.7%), recurrence with the use of setonwas 40%(IQR26.6-51.2%), and without its use, the recurrence rate was 51.3% (IQR 31.3-51.3%) Limitations: The levels of evidence found in the available literature were relatively fair, as indicated after qualitative evaluation using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) evidence levels. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that the placement of seton as a bridge treatment prior to LIFT surgery does not significantly improve long-term anal fistula healing outcomes. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract surgery can be performed safely and effectively with no previous seton placement. International prospective register of systematic reviews-PROSPERO registration number: CDR42020149173. (AU)

Locais de Reconexão na Técnica de Reablação após Isolamento das Veias Pulmonares com Criobalão em Pacientes com Fibrilação Atrial Paroxística / Reconnection Sites in Redo Ablation after Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Resumo Fundamento Na fibrilação atrial paroxística (FAP), o isolamento das veias pulmonares com criobalão (IVP-CB) tem eficácia semelhante à da ablação por radiofrequência (IVP-RF). Em procedimentos de reablação após IVP-RF, a reconexão das VPs é alta, ao passo que em pacientes com reablação após IVP-CB, as informações são escassas. Objetivo Determinar os locais de reconexão das VPs em pacientes que foram submetidos à reablação após IVP-CB inicial. Métodos Pacientes que foram submetidos a um procedimento de reablação de fibrilação atrial, após um IVP-CB inicial para FAP foram incluídos. O mapeamento eletroanatômico do AE foi utilizado. Um local de reconexão foi definido com a presença de uma voltagem de 0,3mV ou maior nas VPs e condução unidirecional ou bidirecional nas VPs durante o ritmo sinusal. Os locais de reconexão foram identificados por meio de corte paraesternal longitudinal e posteriormente ablacionados com radiofrequência. Resultados Dos 165 pacientes submetidos ao IVP inicial, 27 necessitaram reablações, dos quais 18 (66,6%) eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 55+12,3 anos. O tempo de recorrência foi de 8,9+6,4 meses. A reconexão das VPs foi encontrada em 21 (77,8%) pacientes. Houve um total de 132 lacunas de condução, seis por paciente, 3,6 por VP. Um número significativo de lacunas ocorreu na região ântero-superior da VP superior esquerda (VPSE) e nas regiões septal e inferior da VP superior direita (VPSD). Conclusões As VPs superiores apresentaram os locais de maior reconexão, principalmente na região anterior da VPSE e na região septal da VPSD. A razão por trás disso pode ser devido à maior espessura da parede atrial e à dificuldade em alcançar o contato de criobalão adequado.

Abstract Background In paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon (CB-PVI) has similar efficacy as radiofrequency ablation (RF-PVI) has. In redo ablation procedures following RF-PVI, PV reconnection is high, whereas in patients with redo following CB-PVI, information is scarce. Objective To determine the sites of PV reconnection in patients who underwent redo ablation after initial CB-PVI. Methods Patients who underwent an AF redo procedure, following an initial CB-PVI for PAF were included. LA electroanatomic mapping was used. A reconnection site was defined as the presence of a voltage of 0.3mV or greater in the PV and unidirectional or bidirectional conduction in the PV during sinus rhythm. Reconnections sites were identified using a clock-face view description and were ablated with radiofrequency afterwards. Results Out of the 165 patients who underwent initial PVI, 27 required redo ablations, of which 18 (66.6%) were males, with a mean age of 55+12.3 years. The time of recurrence was 8.9+6.4 months. PV reconnection was found in 21 (77.8%) patients. There was a total of 132 conduction gaps, six per patient, 3.6 per PV. A significant number of gaps were in the anterosuperior region of the left superior PV (LSPV), and in the septal and inferior regions of the right superior PV (RSPV). Conclusions The upper PVs had the most reconnection sites, mostly at the anterior region of the LSPV and the septal region of the RSPV. The reason behind this may be due to greater atrial wall thickness, and difficulty in achieving adequate cryoballoon contact.

Surviving complications of retroperitoneal fibrosis with intermittent relapses over a period of 20 years: case report and literature review / Sobrevivir a las complicaciones de la fibrosis retroperitoneal con recaídas intermitentes durante un período de 20 años: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare fibro-inflammatory disease of varied etiology which usually originates around aorta and spreads caudally along Iliac vessels into adjacent retroperitoneum causing ureteral obstruction as the most frequent complication.A 53-year-old male patient presented with complaint of mild pain in both the legs off and on. On investigating further, we found that he had been struggling with intermittent relapses every 3-4 years for last 20 years since he was first diagnosed with Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. He was 33-year-old when he first developed the symptoms of anuria for 48 hours and was diagnosed with Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. This was followed by atrophy of left kidney and hypertension 6 years later, then hypothyroidism after another 3years and finally involvement of Inferior Vena Cava and acute Deep Vein Thrombosis of lower limbs after another 3-4 years. His deep vein thrombosis was well managed in time. He was put on glucocorticoids everytime he had a relapse and a complication.We did a review of literature to understand recent advances about its pathogenesis, diagnosis, investigations and management. We searched in PubMed using terms like retroperitoneal fibrosis alone and in combination with related terms such as Inferior Vena Cava thrombosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Tamoxifen, Methotrexate. This case is unique as it is very rare to find acute Deep Vein Thrombosis in Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis without development of any collaterals when Inferior Vena Cava lumen is compromised to almost complete obstruction.After a follow up of 20 years patient is doing well in terms of physical activity and psychological wellbeing with anti-hypertensives, thyroxine and anti-coagulants. Is the disease-free interval actually free of the disease or it just subsided with immunosuppressants to become active after some time?

La fibrosis retroperitoneal idiopática es una enfermedad fibroinflamatoria rara, de etiología variada que generalmente se origina alrededor de la aorta y se propaga caudalmente a lo largo de los vasos ilíacos en retroperitoneo adyacente causando obstrucción ureteral como la complicación más frecuente.Reportamos el caso de un paciente varón de 53 años que se presentó con un dolor leve en ambas piernas. Al investigar más a fondo, descubrimos que había estado luchando con recaídas intermitentes cada 3-4 años durante los últimos 20 años desde que se le diagnosticó por primera vez fibrosis retroperitoneal idiopática. Tenía 33 años cuando desarrolló por primera vez los síntomas de anuria durante 48 horas y se le diagnosticó fibrosis retroperitoneal idiopática. Esto fue seguido por atrofia del riñón izquierdo e hipertensión 6 años después, luego hipotiroidismo después de otros 3 años y finalmente afectación de la vena cava inferior y trombosis venosa profunda aguda de las extremidades inferiores después de otros 3-4 años. Su trombosis venosa profunda se controló bien a tiempo. Le recetaron glucocorticoides cada vez que tenía una recaída y una complicación.Hicimos una revisión de la literatura para comprender los avances recientes sobre su patogenia, diagnóstico, investigaciones y manejo. Se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed utilizando términos como fibrosis retroperitoneal sola y en combinación con términos relacionados como trombosis de la vena cava inferior, trombosis venosa profunda, tamoxifeno, metotrexato. Este caso es único, ya que es muy raro encontrar trombosis venosa profunda aguda en fibrosis retroperitoneal idiopática sin desarrollo de colaterales cuando la luz de la vena cava inferior está comprometida hasta una obstrucción casi completa.Después de un seguimiento de 20 años, el paciente se encuentra bien en términos de actividad física y bienestar psicológico con antihipertensivos, tiroxina y anticoagulantes. ¿El intervalo libre de enfermedad está realmente libre de la enfermedad o simplemente disminuyó con inmunosupresores para activarse después de algún tiempo?

Extra-visceral retroperitoneal echinococcosis: case series with follow-up / Echinococosis retroperitoneal extra-visceral: serie de casos con seguimiento

SUMMARY: Extra-visceral retroperitoneal echinococcosis (EVRE), represents an infrequent condition, even in endemic areas. Its best treatment option is surgery. The aim of this study was to determine postoperative morbidity (POM) and recurrence in patients with EVRE, surgically treated. Case series with follow-up of patients with EVRE undergoing surgery consecutively at RedSalud Mayor Temuco Clinic, between 2008 and 2019. The outcome variables were POM and recurrence. Other variables of interest were cyst diameter, surgical time, and hospital stay. Descriptive statistics was used. In this study, 12 patients (75.0 % male), with a median age of 46 years, were treated. The 58.3 % of cases were primary retroperitoneal cysts. The median of cyst diameter, surgical time, and hospital stay were 15 cm, 95 min, and 4 days respectively. The most frequent type of resection was total cystectomy (58.3 %). MPO was 8.3 % (there was urinary infection in one patient). No reoperations were necessary. There was no operative mortality. With a median follow-up of 90 months, a recurrence of 8.3 % was verified (one case). The results achieved, in terms of POM and recurrence were similar to other series.

RESUMEN: La equinococosis retroperitoneal extravisceral (EREV), representa una condición poco frecuente, incluso en áreas endémicas. Su mejor opción de tratamiento es la cirugía. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar morbilidad postoperatoria (MOP) y recurrencia de pacientes con EREV tratados quirúrgicamente. Serie de casos con seguimiento de pacientes con EREV intervenidos de forma consecutiva en Clínica RedSalud Mayor Temuco, entre 2008 y 2019. Las variables resultado fueron POM y recurrencia. Otras variables de interés fueron diámetro del quiste, tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Se trató a 12 pacientes (75,0 % hombres), con una mediana de edad de 46 años. El 58,3 % de los casos fueron quistes retroperitoneales primarios. La mediana del diámetro del quiste, tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria fueron 15 cm, 95 min y 4 días, respectivamente. El tipo de resección más frecuente fue la quistectomía total (58,3 %). La MPO fue 8,3 % (infección urinaria en un paciente). No hubo reintervenciones ni mortalidad operatoria. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 90 meses, se verificó una recurrencia de 8,3 % (un caso). Los resultados obtenidos, en cuanto a MPO y recurrencia, son similares a otras series.

Hidatidosis esplénica: resultados de una serie de casos consecutiva intervenidos quirúrgicamente / Splenic hydatidosis: results of a series of consecutive cases undergoing surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: La echinococcosis esplénica (EE), suele ser una enfermedad asintomática cuyo diagnóstico se plantea de forma incidental. OBJETIVO: Determinar morbilidad post-operatoria (MPO) y recurrencia en pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por EE. Material y MÉTODO: Serie de casos con seguimiento, de pacientes con EE intervenidos de forma consecutiva, entre 2000 y 2018. Las variables resultado fueron MPO y recurrencia. Otras variables de interés fueron: diámetro y localización del quiste, tipo de cirugía, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria, y mortalidad. Los pacientes fueron seguidos de forma clínica y con imágenes por un mínimo de 18 meses. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron 26 pacientes (53,8% hombres), con una mediana de edad de 41,5 años. Las medianas del diámetro de los quistes, el tiempo quirúrgico y el tiempo de hospitalización fueron 14,5 cm; 65 minutos y 4,5 días, respectivamente. La MPO fue 11,5% (3 casos). No hubo mortalidad. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 94 meses, se verificó una recurrencia de 3,8%. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados verificados, en términos de MPO, mortalidad y recurrencia son apropiados en comparación a otras series publicadas.

BACKGROUND: Splenic echinococcosis (SE) is usually an asymptomatic disease whose diagnosis is made incidentally. Aim: To determine postoperative morbidity (POM) and recurrence in patients who underwent surgery for SE. METHODS: Case series with follow-up, of patients with SE operated on, consecutively, between 2000 and 2018. The outcome variables were POM and recurrence. Other variables of interest were diameter and location of the cyst, type of surgery, surgical time, hospital stay, and mortality. The patients were followed up clinically and with images for a minimum of 18 months. Descriptive statistics were used, with measures of central tendency and dispersion. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (53.8% men), with a median age of 41.5 years, underwent surgery in this period. The medians of cysts diameter, surgical time and hospital stay were 14.5 cm, 65 min, and 4.5 days respectively. POM was 11.5% (3 cases). There was no mortality. With a median follow-up of 94 months, a recurrence of 3.8% was verified. CONCLUSION: Verified results, in terms of POM, mortality and recurrence are appropriate in comparison with those of series of similar size and follow-up.

Long-term safety of azathioprine for treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders / Segurança a longo prazo da azatioprina no tratamento dos transtornos do espectro da neuromielite óptica

ABSTRACT Background: Azathioprine is a common first-line therapy for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether long-term treatment (>10 years) with azathioprine is safe in NMOSD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of all patients at the School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil) who fulfilled the 2015 international consensus diagnostic criteria for NMOSD and were treated with azathioprine for at least 10 years. Results: Out of 375 patients assessed for eligibility, 19 were included in this analysis. These patients' median age was 44 years (range=28-61); they were mostly female (17/19) and AQP4-IgG seropositive (18/19). The median disease duration was 15 years (range=10-39) and most patients presented a relapsing clinical course (84.2%). The median duration of treatment was 11.9 years (range=10.0-23.8). The median annualized relapse rates (ARR) pre- and post-treatment with azathioprine were 1 (range=0.1-2) and 0.1 (range=0-0.35); p=0.09. Three patients (15.7%) had records of adverse events during the follow-up, which consisted of chronic B12 vitamin deficiency, pulmonary tuberculosis and breast cancer. Conclusion: Azathioprine may be considered a safe agent for long-term treatment (>10 years) of NMOSD, but continuous vigilance for infections and malignancies is required.

RESUMO Introdução: A azatioprina é um tratamento comum de primeira linha para os transtornos do espectro neuromielite óptica (NMOSD). Objetivo: Este estudo visou determinar a segurança do tratamento a longo prazo (>10 anos) da NMOSD com a azatioprina. Métodos: Foi realizada revisão retrospectiva de todos os prontuários de pacientes que preenchiam critérios de NMOSD de acordo com o "International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for NMOSD" de 2015 em uso de azatioprina por ao menos 10 anos matriculados no ambulatório de Doenças Desmielinizantes do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Resultados: De 375 pacientes avaliados, 19 preencheram critérios de inclusão para análise. A mediana de idade foi de 44 anos (variância=28-61); os pacientes eram predominantemente do sexo feminino (17/19) e AQP4-IgG soropositivos (18/19). A mediana do tempo de duração de doença foi 11,9 anos (variância=10,0-23,8), a mediana da taxa anualizada de surtos pré e pós-tratamento foi de 1 (variância=0,1-2) e 0,1 (variância=0-0,35), p=0,09. Três pacientes (15,7%) apresentaram registro de eventos adversos durante o seguimento: deficiência crônica de vitamina B12, tuberculose pulmonar e câncer de mama. Conclusão: A azatioprina provavelmente pode ser considerada segura para o tratamento a longo prazo (>10 anos) da NMOSD, porém vigilância contínua de neoplasias e infecções é necessária.

Complicaciones en posoperatorio inmediato de cirugía uretral anterior; ¿existe relación con la recaída? / Early complications in urethral anterior surgery; is there any relationship with recurrence?

INTRODUCCIÓN/OBJETIVO: La estrechez uretral puede causar síntomas miccionales, dolor, disfunción vesical y eyaculatoria. La tasa de complicaciones en uretroplastía anterior es baja. El principal objetivo es evaluar complicaciones del posoperatorio (pop) inmediato (dentro de los 30 días pop). El objetivo secundario es valorar la relación entre complicaciones y la tasa de recaída. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de las uretroplastías anteriores realizadas entre octubre del 2012 y junio del 2017. Se valoró: reinternación, reingreso a cirugía, infarto agudo de miocardio, tromboembolismo de pulmón, trombosis venosa profunda, óbito, infecciones, dehiscencia de herida, hematomas, sangrados, etc. Se definió recaída a la necesidad de realizar cualquier instrumentación uretral secundaria a la uretroplastía. Las variables se analizaron estadísticamente con Chi square y Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 92 pacientes, con un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Las edades fueron de 18 a 88 años (mediana, 61,5 años). En 58 pacientes, se utilizaron transferencia de tejidos (27 injertos y 31 colgajos). La longitud de la estrechez fue desde 1-15 cm (media, 3,25 cm). La iatrogénica (56%) fue la etiología más frecuente. 56 pacientes (63%) tenían tratamientos previos. La tasa de complicaciones pop inmediato fue del 32%, las infecciones fueron las más frecuentes. Según Clavien, se clasificaron: I: 40%; II: 47%; III: 10%; IV: 3%. Hubo 17 recaídas (18%), 13 dentro de los primeros 6 meses del pop. De los pacientes que presentaron complicaciones, recayó el 23%; solo 16% de los que no las presentaron (p: 0,4). Aquellos pacientes con complicaciones graves presentaron mayor tasa de recaída (p: 0,2). CONCLUSIÓN: La tasa de complicaciones pop inmediata de uretroplastía anterior fue de 32%; las infecciones fueron las más frecuentes. La mayoría fue Clavien I y II. La recaída fue mayor en aquellos pacientes que sufrieron complicaciones en pop inmediato.

INTRODUCCION/OBJECTIVE: Urethral stenosis can cause mictional symptoms, pain, bladder dysfunction and ejaculatory problems. Complications rate in anterior urethroplasty is low. Main objetive is to evaluate early post operatory complications Secondary objetive is to assess the relationship between complications and recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a restrospective review of our anterior urethroplasty database between October 2012 and June 2017. We recorded: patients readmission, return to operating room, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, death, infections, wound dehiscense, hematomas, bleedings, etc. We defined recurrence as any urethral instrumentation after urethroplasty. Variables were analyzed using Chi Square and Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: 92 patients were included in the study with at least 12 months follow up. Age range was between 18-88 years. (median 61,5 years) Substitution urethroplasty were performed in 58 patients (grafts 27 and flaps 31) Urethral stenosis lenght range was between 1 and 15 cm (mean 3,25cm) Most frequent cause of urethral stenosis was iatrogenic (56%) 56 patients underwent previous treatment (63%) Complication rate in early post operative period was 32%, most of them infections. Clavien clasiffication: I: 40%; II: 47%; III: 10%; IV: 3%. There were 17 recurrences (18%), 13 during the first 6 months after surgery. 23 % of patients with complications had recurrence and only 16% of patients without, had recurrence (p:0,4) Patients with serious complications had greater recurrence rate (p: 0,2) CONCLUSION: Recurrence rate in early complications of anterior urethroplasty was 32%, most of them infections. Clavien I and II are the most frequent. Recurrence was greater in patients who suffered early complications

Riesgo de mortalidad asociado a caídas de personas mayores: México, 2001 ­ 2018 / Risk of mortality associated with falls in the elderly people: mexico, 2001 ­ 2018

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las caídas representan uno de los principales factores de riesgos a la salud de las personas mayores. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estimar los efectos de las caídas accidentales recurrentes en la mortalidad general de las personas con 60 y más años de edad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un análisis longitudinal con datos disponibles del Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México 2001 - 2018. Se evaluó la recurrencia de las caídas definiéndola como la presencia de 1, 2 o 3 y más eventos en la entrevista basal. La mortalidad se estimó con modelos de riesgos proporcionales de Cox ajustando por un conjunto de variables asociadas a la presencia de caídas. RESULTADOS: En comparación con las personas sin reporte de caídas, se calculó un mayor riesgo de mortalidad entre quienes declararon una sola o dos y más caídas, aunque solo la estimación sin ajustar fue significativa, mientras que el mayor riesgo de muerte se estimó entre quienes declararon tres o más caídas incluso ajustando por variables sociodemográficas y de la salud. DISCUSIÓN: Las caídas recurrentes aumentan el riesgo de mortalidad entre las personas de edades avanzadas. Se sugiere el desarrollo de programas para la prevención y el tratamiento de las complicaciones derivadas de las caídas en adultos mayores. (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Falls represent one of the main health risks in the lives of older people. The objective of this research was to estimate the effects of recurrent accidental falls on the general mortality of people 60 years and older. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A longitudinal analysis was conducted with available data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study 2001 - 2018. The recurrence of falls was evaluated, categorized as 1, 2 or 3 and more falls in the baseline interview. Mortality was estimated relying on Cox proportional hazards models, deducting a set of variables associated with the presence of falls. RESULTS: Compared with people without reported falls, a higher risk of mortality was observed among those who reported one or two and more falls, although only the unadjusted estimate was significant, while the highest risk of death was estimated among those who reported three or more falls even adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables. DISCUSSION: Recurrent falls increase the risk of mortality among elderly people. The development of programs for the prevention and treatment of complications derived from falls in older adults is suggested. (AU)

Trasplante de microbiota fecal en la infección por Clostridioides difficile / Faecal microbiota transplantation for Clostridioides difficile infection

Resumen La infección por Clostridioides difficile (iCD) es la causa más frecuente de diarrea nosocomial. La primera línea terapéutica es la vancomicina asociada o no al metronidazol. En los últimos años se incrementó el número de fracasos terapéuticos con una mayor frecuencia de formas refractarias o recurrentes. El trasplante de microbiota fecal (TMF) ha surgido como una opción terapéutica para estos casos. Se evaluó la seguridad y la tasa de resolución empleando el TMF en un estudio observacional abierto y prospectivo de 21 pacientes con iCD recurrentes o refractarias internados entre los años 2016 y 2019. La edad media fue de 76.5 años (33-92). Diez presentaron una forma recurrente y 11 una refractaria, 18 fueron graves y 3 fulminantes. En 20 casos el TMF se administró por la vía digestiva alta y en uno por presentar íleo se utilizó la vía baja. Se empleó TMF de heces frescas en un caso y el resto recibió muestras congeladas de un banco de microbiota. Veinte pacientes (95.2%) tuvieron respuesta terapéutica favorable sin presentar recurrencias. Un caso recurrente, con osteomielitis y falla multiorgánica, no tuvo resolución tras dos TMF. La respuesta fue similar en las formas recurrentes y refractarias. Siete pacientes (31%) tuvieron efectos adversos leves y autolimitados. El TMF ha demostrado una alta eficacia como tratamiento de rescate de las formas graves de iCD, con escasos y leves efectos adversos. Contar con un banco de microbiota fecal resulta fundamental para disponer de este recurso terapéutico oportunamente.

Abstract Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDi) is the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea. Vancomycin, associated or not to metronidazol, is the treatment of choice. However, the rate of treatment failure has increased over the last years and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a therapeutic option. To evaluate safety and efficacy of FMT were enrolled 21 hospitalized patients with refractory or recurrent CDi between 2016 and 2019. Fourteen (66%) patients were men and the average age was 76.5 years (range 33-92). Ten had recurrent and 11 refractory CDi, and 18 presented severe and 3 fulminant clinical forms. In 20 cases the FMT was delivered through a nasojejunal tube and in one patient with ileo via enema infusion. Frozen fecal from a stool bank were administered in 20 and in the remaining was used fresh fecal matter. The rate of resolution was observed in 20 patients (95.2%) and none presented recurrence. The response rate was similar in recurrent or refractory forms (9/10 vs 11/11 respectively). One patient with osteomyelitis and multiple organ failure received 2 FMT without response and died. Seven patients (31%) presented mild and self-limited adverse effects. FMT has shown a high efficacy as rescue treatment in cases with refractory or recurrent CDi regardless of severity, with mild side effects. Availability of a stool banks provide reliable, timely and equitable access to FMT for CDi.