Face-to-face Information and Emotional Support from Trained Nurses Reduce Pain During Screening Mammography: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pain and discomfort during breast examination can affect a woman's adherence to breast cancer-screening programs. The aim of this study was to determine whether a nursing intervention protocol that provides verbal information and support to women could reduce pain during mammography. A randomized controlled trial of 436 Spanish women aged 50-69 who attended a breast-screening program was performed. The experimental group received a customized nursing intervention that provided face-to-face information and emotional support during the examination. Pain and anxiety were measured using a visual analogue scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Data regarding several potential confounders were also collected. The adjusted means of pain level in the study group were obtained from multiple linear regressions, and the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained via logistic regression. After the intervention, the level of pain was significantly lower (p = .03) in the experimental group (0.98 ± 2.28) compared with the group treated with normal care (1.48 ± 2.29). Consequently, the probability of feeling pain during mammography was lower among women in the experimental group (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.24-0.81). The intervention was more effective among women with the highest anxiety levels (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11-0.98), who did not expect pain (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.08-0.97), and who did not fear the outcome of the mammography (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04-0.85). Providing verbal information, as well as supporting the women during the test, is a simple and achievable intervention for nurses and can help to reduce pain during screening mammography.

Is my life going to change?-a review of quality of life after rectal resection.

Rectal resection is a common practice for colorectal surgeons. The causes of this procedure are varied. The most frequent is cancer, but also inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis, and rectovaginal or rectourethral fistulas. The loss of the normal rectal reservoir function, urinary problems, sexual dysfunction or pelvic pain are frequently reported in patients after rectal surgery and these disorders markedly affect the overall quality of life (QoL). In the last decades, rectal surgery has radically changed, with the development of surgical techniques, and it has progressed from abdominoperineal resection (APR) with a permanent colostomy to sphincter-saving procedures. Nowadays, the use of sphincter-preserving surgery has increased, but all these surgical techniques can have important sequels that modify the QoL of the patients. Historically, surgical outcomes, such as complications, survival and recurrences, have been widely studied by surgeons. In the present day, surgical outcomes have improved, rectal cancer recurrence rate has decreased and survival has increased. For these reasons, it has begun to gain importance in aspects of the QoL of patients, such as body image, fecal continence and sexuality or urinary function. Therefore, physicians should know the influence of different techniques and approaches on functional outcomes and QoL, to be able to inform patients of the treatment benefits and risk of postoperative dysfunctions. The aim of our study is to review the current literature to determine to what degree the QoL of patients who underwent a rectal resection decreases, which domains are the most affected and, in addition, to establish the influence of different surgical techniques and approaches on functional outcomes.

Quality of life as assessed by adults with cerebral palsy.

AIM: We explored the quality of life of adults with cerebral palsy without an intellectual disability and the predictors of quality of life. BACKGROUND: Because cerebral palsy is a disease that manifests in childhood, much of the research into quality of life for those dealing with it focuses on children; there are few studies that evaluate the quality of life of adults with cerebral palsy. Therefore, it is important to consider their perceptions in order to improve their general wellbeing and self-determination. DESIGN: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. METHOD: Quality of life was measured using the GENCAT Quality of Life Scale. Demographic and personal variables were also collected and examined. Participants comprised 75 adults (58.7 percent men, mean age = 40.84 years) with cerebral palsy who were members of the National Cerebral Palsy Association of Spain between 2014 and 2015. A linear multivariate model was examined as well. RESULTS: The overall mean score indicator of participants' quality of life was 103.29, which corresponds to the 56.6th percentile on the GENCAT scale. Examining the level of qualification, we found significant differences in the factors "personal development" and "self-determination," and those with a university education obtained higher scores than their less-educated counterparts. Having a partner was related to higher quality of life standard scores. After constructing a linear model, it was observed that maintaining sexual relationships was another factor that increased participants' quality of life. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of social and romantic relationships to achieve a better quality of life in adults with cerebral palsy who do not have an intellectual disability. Social integration and sexuality education programs should be developed to improve their quality of life.

A brief nursing intervention reduces anxiety before breast cancer screening mammography.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety experienced by women during their participation in breast cancer screening programs can condition their adherence to the program. The aim was to determine whether a brief nursing intervention could reduce anxiety before screening mammography. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial carried out with 436 Spanish women aged between 50-69 years, who attended a population breast cancer screening program. The experimental group received an ad-hoc tailored intervention, which consisted of offering information about the screening program and the mammography exam, as well as of providing personal emotional support. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Fear of screening outcome and fear of breast cancer were also assessed. RESULTS: Women of the experimental group had 60% less probability of having a high anxiety state (OR = 0.40; 95%: CI [0.25, 0.65]), after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Regarding trait anxiety, no differences were observed between groups. The stratified analysis showed that this positive impact was greater in women who did not fear the screening outcome (OR = 0.24; 95% CI [0.11, 0.52]) or breast cancer (OR = 0.07; 95% CI [0.01, 0.41]). CONCLUSIONS: A protocolized nursing intervention reduced the probability of being anxious when undergoing a screening mammography.

Combined radical prostatectomy and abdominoperineal resection for locally invasive rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: An infiltration of urological organs is found in 5-10% of patients with colorectal carcinoma. Total pelvic exenteration is the standard procedure for locally advanced rectal cancer. In selected patients with rectal cancer involving the prostate or seminal vesicles, the bladder can be preserved and en bloc radical prostatectomy with abdominoperineal rectal resection can be performed. We report two patients who treated with this combined approach. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Two patients with symptoms of rectal bleeding and pelvic pain were investigated. Colonoscopy demonstrated a tumor in the lower rectum. Biopsies revealed adenocarcinoma. Both pelvic MRI and endorectal ultrasound showed tumors that invaded the prostate and the seminal vesicles directly but without invasion of the bladder. After neoadjuvant chemoradiation, combined radical prostatectomy and abdominoperineal amputation was performed. None has developed local recurrence, but one of them was operated on for a single lung metastasis. After a follow-up of 28 and 20 months, respectively, the patients are alive without evidence of local recurrence or distant disease. DISCUSSION: This procedure obviates the need for urinary diversion without compromising the local tumor control. Intraoperative and postoperative diagnostic difficulties, and clinical aspects in relation to postoperative anastomotic leak and survival of patients are discussed. CONCLUSION: En bloc radical prostatectomy and proctosigmoidectomy is feasible in selected patients with rectal cancer and invasion limited to the prostate or seminal vesicles because it provides good local tumor control and significantly improves the patient's quality of life in comparison to total pelvic exenteration.

A brief nursing intervention reduces anxiety before breast cancer screening mammography / Una intervención enfermera breve disminuye la ansiedad antes de una mamografía de screening de cáncer de mama

BACKGROUND: Anxiety experienced by women during their participation in breast cancer screening programs can condition their adherence to the program. The aim was to determine whether a brief nursing intervention could reduce anxiety before screening mammography. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial carried out with 436 Spanish women aged between 50-69 years, who attended a population breast cancer screening program. The experimental group received an ad-hoc tailored intervention, which consisted of offering information about the screening program and the mammography exam, as well as of providing personal emotional support. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Fear of screening outcome and fear of breast cancer were also assessed. RESULTS: Women of the experimental group had 60% less probability of having a high anxiety state (OR = 0.40; 95%: CI [0.25, 0.65]), after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Regarding trait anxiety, no differences were observed between groups. The stratified analysis showed that this positive impact was greater in women who did not fear the screening outcome (OR = 0.24; 95% CI [0.11, 0.52]) or breast cancer (OR = 0.07; 95% CI [0.01, 0.41]). CONCLUSIONS: A protocolized nursing intervention reduced the probability of being anxious when undergoing a screening mammography

ANTECEDENTES: la ansiedad experimentada por las mujeres durante su participación en el examen de detección precoz del cáncer de mama puede condicionar su adherencia al programa. El objetivo fue determinar si una intervención enfermera breve disminuye la ansiedad antes de una mamografía de screening. MÉTODO: ensayo clínico controlado y randomizado en 436 mujeres españolas de 50 a 69 años participantes en el programa de screening. El grupo experimental recibió una intervención diseñada ad-hoc, consistente en ofrecer información sobre el programa y la mamografía, así como proporcionar apoyo emocional. La ansiedad fue medida con el inventario de ansiedad estado-rasgo (STAI). También se evaluaron el miedo a los resultados y al cáncer de mama. RESULTADOS: la probabilidad de tener ansiedad estado elevada fue un 60% menor en las mujeres del grupo experimental (OR = 0,40; IC95%: 0,25-0,65), tras ajustar por variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Respecto a la ansiedad rasgo no se observaron diferencias entre grupos. El análisis estratificado mostró que el impacto positivo fue mayor en las mujeres sin miedo a los resultados (OR = 0,24; IC95%: 0,11-0,52) ni al cáncer de mama (OR = 0,07; IC95%: 0,01-0,41). CONCLUSIONES: una intervención enfermera protocolizada disminuyó la probabilidad de tener ansiedad antes de la realización de una mamografía de screening

[Risk factors in patients older than 70 years with complicated colorectal carcinoma]. / Factores de riesgo en pacientes mayores de 70 años con carcinoma colorrectal complicado.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients over 70 years of age who underwent emergency surgery for complicated colorectal carcinoma, as well as to identify the factors that might have some influence on outcome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study of 54 patients older than 70 years who underwent emergency surgery for complicated colorectal cancer (42 with obstruction and 12 with perforation) between 1991 and 2002 was performed. Morbidity and mortality after surgery were studied. To determine prognostic factors of morbidity and mortality a multivariate logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Overall and major morbidity rates were 81.5% and 42.6%, respectively. The mortality rate was 27.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that perioperative transfusion (p = 0.014) was an independent predictive factor of major complications and that a high APACHE II score (p = 0.031) and the presence of perforation proximal to the tumor (p = 0.042) independently predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery for complicated colorectal carcinoma in elderly patients carries elevated morbidity and mortality. The presence of risk factors should be taken into account when choosing the most suitable surgical technique and evaluating the need for intensive postoperative treatment.

[Presentation and outcome of incarcerated external hernias in adults]. / Presentación y evolución clínica de las hernias externas incarceradas en pacientes adultos.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical presentation and outcome of incarcerated external hernias in adults, as well as to identify the factors that might have some influence on outcome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study of 230 adult patients who underwent emergency surgical repair of incarcerated external hernias from 1992 to 2001 was performed. The characteristics of clinical presentation, type of anesthesia, surgical procedures, complications and mortality were studied. To determine clinical factors that might have some influence on outcome, an univariate analysis was also performed. RESULTS: There were 77 femoral hernias, 70 inguinal, 43 umbilical and 40 incisional hernias. Seventy-four patients (32.2%) presented after 48 h of symptom onset. Significant associated diseases were found in 135 patients (58.7%). General anesthesia was used in 140 patients (60.9%), spinal anesthesia in 86 patients and local anesthesia in four patients. The most commonly used procedures were anatomic repair and tension-free hernioplasty. Bowel resection was required in 31 patients (13.5%). Overall and major morbidity and mortality were 37.8%, 10% and 3.9%, respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome were longer duration of symptoms, late hospitalization, concomitant diseases, and a high ASA class. CONCLUSIONS: External hernias produce elevated morbidity and mortality if treatment is undertaken as an emergency. Thus, early diagnosis and elective repair of uncomplicated hernias should be performed in adults.

Discuten la información diagnóstica brindada al paciente oncológico / Discussion of diagnosis with an oncological patient

Introducción: El proceso de información sobre el diagnóstico de cáncer está sujeto a diferencias geográficas o culturales y, en muchas ocasiones, esta acción está además determinada por las connotaciones negativas que conlleva la palabra ôcáncerö. Objetivo: Conocer la información oncológica proporcionada por facultativos hospitalarios del Principado de Asturias así como su opinión y autoevaluación en este proceso. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 46 facultativos de Oncología Médica, Cirugía General y Radioterapia de 4 hospitales públicos: Universitario Central de Asturias, Cabueñes, Jove y San Agustín. Resultados: El 65.2% de los médicos revela habitualmente el diagnóstico. Sólo 10 facultativos (21.7%)proporcionan al paciente toda la información completa de forma habitual aunque únicamente 2 (4.3%) emplean la palabra ôcáncerö. El 58.7% refiere conocer la ley 41/2002, pero sólo el 10.2% registra en la historia la información. Más de la mitad se autoevalúa con buena capacidad para comunicar malas noticias, y sólo 11 (23.9%) declaran formación al respecto. Conclusiones: Un porcentaje considerable de facultativos revelan el diagnóstico al paciente, aunque evitan proporcionar la información completa, utilizando excepcionalmente el término ôcáncerö. Poco más de la mitad conoce la ley 41/2002. Sólo 1 de cada 4 facultativos ha recibido formación sobre cómo dar malas noticias.(AU)

Discuten la información diagnóstica brindada al paciente oncológico / Discussion of diagnosis with an oncological patient

Introducción: El proceso de información sobre el diagnóstico de cáncer está sujeto a diferencias geográficas o culturales y, en muchas ocasiones, esta acción está además determinada por las connotaciones negativas que conlleva la palabra “cáncer”. Objetivo: Conocer la información oncológica proporcionada por facultativos hospitalarios del Principado de Asturias así como su opinión y autoevaluación en este proceso. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 46 facultativos de Oncología Médica, Cirugía General y Radioterapia de 4 hospitales públicos: Universitario Central de Asturias, Cabueñes, Jove y San Agustín. Resultados: El 65.2% de los médicos revela habitualmente el diagnóstico. Sólo 10 facultativos (21.7%)proporcionan al paciente toda la información completa de forma habitual aunque únicamente 2 (4.3%) emplean la palabra “cáncer”. El 58.7% refiere conocer la ley 41/2002, pero sólo el 10.2% registra en la historia la información. Más de la mitad se autoevalúa con buena capacidad para comunicar malas noticias, y sólo 11 (23.9%) declaran formación al respecto. Conclusiones: Un porcentaje considerable de facultativos revelan el diagnóstico al paciente, aunque evitan proporcionar la información completa, utilizando excepcionalmente el término “cáncer”. Poco más de la mitad conoce la ley 41/2002. Sólo 1 de cada 4 facultativos ha recibido formación sobre cómo dar malas noticias.

Factores de riesgo en pacientes mayores de 70 años con carcinoma colorrectal complicado / Risk factors in patients older than 70 years with complicated colorectal carcinoma

Objetivo. El fin de este estudio fue analizar la evolución clínica de los pacientes mayores de 70 años operados de urgencia por carcinoma colorrectal complicado y, además, evaluar los factores con posible influencia en la evolución clínica. Pacientes y método. Se han revisado retrospectivamente los datos de 54 pacientes mayores de 70 años intervenidos de urgencia por carcinoma colorrectal complicado (42 con obstrucción y 12 con perforación) durante el período 1991-2002. Se estudió la morbimortalidad tras la cirugía y se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariable para determinar los factores pronósticos de morbilidad y de mortalidad. Resultados. Las tasas de morbilidad global y mayor, y de mortalidad fueron del 81,5, 42,6 y 27,8%, respectivamente. El análisis multivariable mostró que la transfusión perioperatoria (p = 0,014) fue un factor predictivo independiente de complicación mayor y que un índice APACHE II alto (p = 0,031) y la presencia de perforación a distancia (p = 0,042) fueron factores relacionados con la mortalidad.Conclusiones. La cirugía urgente por carcinoma colorrectal complicado en pacientes de edad avanzada conlleva una elevada morbimortalidad. La presencia de factores de riesgo debería tenerse en cuenta al elegir la técnica quirúrgica más adecuada y al valorar la necesidad de un tratamiento postoperatorio intensivo (AU)

Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients over 70 years of age who underwent emergency surgery for complicated colorectal carcinoma, as well as to identify the factors that might have some influence on outcome. Patients and method. A retrospective study of 54 patients older than 70 years who underwent emergency surgery for complicated colorectal cancer (42 with obstruction and 12 with perforation) between 1991 and 2002 was performed. Morbidity and mortality after surgery were studied. To determine prognostic factors of morbidity and mortality a multivariate logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results. Overall and major morbidity rates were 81.5% and 42.6%, respectively. The mortality rate was 27.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that perioperative transfusion (p = 0.014) was an independent predictive factor of major complications and that a high APACHE II score (p = 0.031) and the presence of perforation proximal to the tumor (p = 0.042) independently predicted mortality. Conclusions. Emergency surgery for complicated colorectal carcinoma in elderly patients carries elevated morbidity and mortality. The presence of risk factors should be taken into account when choosing the most suitable surgical technique and evaluating the need for intensive postoperative treatment (AU)

Presentación y evolución clínica de las hernias externas incarceradas en pacientes adultos / Presentation and outcome of incarcerated external hernias in adults

Objetivo. Estudiar la presentación y la evolución clínica de pacientes adultos con hernias externas incarceradas y tratar de identificar los factores que podrían tener algún efecto en su curso evolutivo. Pacientes y método. Se ha revisado retrospectivamente a 230 pacientes adultos intervenidos de urgencia por una hernia externa incarcerada durante el período 1992-2001. Se estudiaron las características de la presentación clínica, el tipo de anestesia, los métodos quirúrgicos, las complicaciones y la mortalidad. También se realizó un análisis univariable para determinar los factores con posible influencia en la evolución clínica. Resultados. Hubo 77 hernias crurales, 70 inguinales, 43 umbilicales y 40 eventraciones. Un total de 74 enfermos (32,2%) acudió con más de 48 h de evolución. En 135 pacientes (58,7%) había enfermedades asociadas significativas. En 140 pacientes (60,9%) se usó anestesia general, en 86 raquianestesia y en 4 anestesia local. Los métodos quirúrgicos más utilizados fueron la reparación anatómica y la hernioplastia sin tensión. En 31 casos (13,5%) fue necesaria una resección intestinal. Las tasas de morbilidad global y mayor y de mortalidad fueron del 37,8, el 10 y el 3,9%, respectivamente. Los factores asociados de manera significativa con una evolución desfavorable fueron una sintomatología prolongada, la hospitalización tardía, la presencia de enfermedades asociadas y un grado ASA alto. Conclusiones. El tratamiento urgente de las hernias externas conlleva una elevada morbimortalidad, por lo que un diagnóstico precoz y la reparación electiva de las hernias no complicadas deberían ser la estrategia terapéutica adecuada en los pacientes adultos (AU)

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical presentation and outcome of incarcerated external hernias in adults, as well as to identify the factors that might have some influence on outcome. Patients and method. A retrospective study of 230 adult patients who underwent emergency surgical repair of incarcerated external hernias from 1992 to 2001 was performed. The characteristics of clinical presentation, type of anesthesia, surgical procedures, complications and mortality were studied. To determine clinical factors that might have some influence on outcome, an univariate analysis was also performed. Results. There were 77 femoral hernias, 70 inguinal, 43 umbilical and 40 incisional hernias. Seventy-four patients (32.2%) presented after 48 h of symptom onset. Significant associated diseases were found in 135 patients (58.7%). General anesthesia was used in 140 patients (60.9%), spinal anesthesia in 86 patients and local anesthesia in four patients. The most commonly used procedures were anatomic repair and tension-free hernioplasty. Bowel resection was required in 31 patients (13.5%). Overall and major morbidity and mortality were 37.8%, 10% and 3.9%, respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome were longer duration of symptoms, late hospitalization, concomitant diseases, and a high ASA class. Conclusions. External hernias produce elevated morbidity and mortality if treatment is undertaken as an emergency. Thus, early diagnosis and elective repair of uncomplicated hernias should be performed in adults (AU)

Abdomen agudo secundario a pica / Acute abdomen due to pica

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Compresas retenidas. Aspectos clínicos y responsabilidad en enfermería / Retained sanitary pads. Clinical aspects and nursing responsability

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Adenocarcinoma gástrico en pacientes mayores de 80 años / Gastric adenocarcinoma in patients older than 80 years

Introducción. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar, mediante la comparación de distintas variables, el comportamiento del adenocarcinoma gástrico en pacientes de 80 años o más respecto a los de menor edad. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo sobre 212 pacientes con adenocarcinoma gástrico entre enero de 1988 y diciembre de 1998, de los que 27 tenían 80 años o más (grupo A) y 185 menos de 80 (grupo B). Se compararon el sexo, la edad, las enfermedades asociadas, el tiempo de evolución, las manifestaciones clínicas, la localización, el aspecto macroscópico, la intervención, el estadio TNM, la morbimortalidad postoperatoria, la reintervención, la estancia y la supervivencia. Resultados. El porcentaje de complicaciones en el grupo A y B fue del 65 y el 45 por ciento, respectivamente. La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue de 15 pacientes y la postoperatoria de nueve. Al comparar ambos grupos se halló que en el grupo A había mayor presencia de vómitos (p = 0,05), de masa palpable (p = 0,004), operabilidad inferior (p = 0,01), diseminación extragástrica abdominal superior (p = 0,03), peor estadio TNM (p = 0,02), mayor presencia de estadios N1-N2 (p = 0,01), mayor número de complicaciones sistémicas (p = 0,05) y menor supervivencia (p = 0,008). El resto de variables no presentaron diferencias significativas. Conclusiones. Los pacientes octogenarios presentaron tasas superiores de enfermedad localmente avanzada que indujeron peor estadio TNM y menor supervivencia (AU)

Paraganglioma renal no funcionante asociado con un paraganglioma carotídeo y un mucocele apendicular / Nonfunctional renal paraganglioma associated with carotid paraganglioma and appendicular mucocele

OBJETIVOS: Presentamos una paciente con un paraganglioma renal no funcionante que estaba asociado con un mucocele apendicular y de forma metacrónica con un paraganglioma carotídeo. MÉTODOS/RESULTADOS: Paciente de 68 años que consultó por molestias abdominales. Mediante ecografía, TAC y enema opaco se observó una masa alargada que improntaba sobre el ciego y de forma incidental una masa sólida en riñón derecho. Se realizó apendicectomía y nefrectomía radical derecha. La anatomía patológica nos reveló la existencia de un mucocele apendicular y de un paraganglioma renal. Postoperatoriamente los estudios hormonales fueron normales. Ocho meses más tarde fue extirpado un paraganglioma carotídeo. CONCLUSIONES: Los tumores renales derivados de las células de la cresta neural son muy poco frecuentes, este es el tercer caso descrito en la literatura de un paraganglioma renal no funcionante. La asociación con un mucocele apendicular ha sido casual (AU)