Frailty index as a predictive preoperative tool in the elder population undergoing major abdominal surgery: a prospective analysis of clinical utility.

PURPOSE: The geriatric population has increased considerably in the last decades. Such increases come along with new challenges for surgical practitioners, who now face a risen number of frail patients in need of major operations. The value of frailty indexes in this setting has been discussed recently. This study assessed the modified Rockwood frailty index (mRFI) as a predictive tool for postoperative complications in older adults subjected to major abdominal operations and correlated it with other scores widely utilized for this purpose. METHODS: We performed a prospective study utilizing the mRFI including all patients older than 65 years subjected to major abdominal surgery between May 2017 and May 2019 in a third-level academic center. A comparison between frail (mRFI >0.25) and non-frail patients (mRFI <0.25) was performed. We performed logistic regression to identify predictors of postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. We analyzed the correlation between mRFI and ACS-NSQIP, P-POSSUM, PMP, and Charlson score risk calculators. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients were included in our study, of whom 49 (35%) were identified as frail. Frail patients demonstrated significantly prolonged hospital stay (p<.0001), ICU admission rates (p=0.004), hospital readmissions (p=0.007), and higher mortality rates (p=0.02). Our univariate analysis associated frailty (mRFI>0.25), ASA >III, increased age, and BMI with postoperative complications. In our multivariate analysis, frailty remained an independent predictor for postoperative complications (OR 6.38, 95% CI [2.45-16.58], p<0.001). Frailty was also associated with length of stay (LOS) regardless of the type of surgery (OR 3.35, 95% CI [0.37-6.33], p= 0.03). mRFI>0.25 demonstrated a sensitivity (Se) of 70% and specificity (Sp) 67% with area under the curve (AUC) 0.75 for perioperative complications, Se 69% and Sp 70% with AUC 0.74 for ICU admissions, and Se 83% and Sp 68% with AUC 0.83 for mortality. CONCLUSION: Frail patients demonstrated significantly prolonged hospital stay, ICU admission rates, hospital readmissions, and higher mortality rates. mRFI is an independent predictor for perioperative complications with a Se of 70% and Sp 67% and AUC 0.75.

Predictors of anastomotic leak after total gastrectomy in patients with adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) is among the most feared complications after gastric cancer surgery; they entail an uncertain prognosis and relate with increased morbidity and mortality. Factors associated with their development are not well determined, and their diagnosis and treatment vary between institutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of patients operated of total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy from January 2002 to December 2018. We divided our sample into two groups based on the presence of EJAL, and compared demographic, clinical, and histologic variables. We performed a logistic regression model to search risk factors associated with EJAL and described the management offered in our center. RESULTS: We included 58 patients of which 8 (13.7%) presented clinically relevant EJAL. On the comparative analysis, albumin levels and diffuse histology presented a statistically significant difference between groups and presented association with EJAL in the logistic regression model. Regarding treatment of EJAL, ten patients (55.5%) required only conservative measures, whereas eight patients (44.4%) warranted an endoscopic or surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective analysis identified some factors that may be associated with the development of EJAL after gastric cancer surgery. High suspicion and prompt identification of this complication is essential to improve postoperative outcomes in this group.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fugas de la anastomosis esófago-yeyunal se encuentran entre las más temidas complicaciones de la cirugía para cáncer gástrico. Estas conllevan un mal pronóstico con una alta mortalidad y morbilidad. Los factores asociados a su desarrollo no están bien determinados y su diagnóstico, y tratamiento varían ampliamente entre instituciones. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles en pacientes operados de gastrectomía total con esófago-yeyuno anastomosis en Y de Roux en el periodo de enero 2002 a diciembre 2018. Nuestra muestra fue dividida en dos grupos con base al desarrollo de fuga de anastomosis en el postoperatorio. Se realizó un análisis comparativo de características demográficas, clínicas y histológicas. Se realizó además una regresión logística para identificar factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de fuga de anastomosis en nuestra serie. RESULTADOS: Incluimos a 58 pacientes de los cuales 8 (13.7%) presentaron fuga de anastomosis clínicamente relevante. En el estudio comparativo: Niveles disminuidos de albúmina e histología difusa fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo de fuga y se asociaron en el modelo de regresión logística. En cuanto al tratamiento, diez pacientes (55%) requirieron únicamente tratamiento conservador, mientras que ocho pacientes (44.4%) fueron sometidos a maniobras endoscópicas o quirúrgicas. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestro análisis retrospectivo identifico factores asociados al desarrollo de fuga de anastomosis posterior a cirugía de cáncer gástrico. Una alta sospecha diagnóstica es esencial para mejorar el pronóstico de estos pacientes.

Repair of a complex abdominal wall defect with anterolateral thigh flap: a good surgical alternative.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the abdominal wall with major defects usually represents a surgical challenge, especially in cases where the defects are recurrent and have a large size that avoids the use of adjacent tissues for an adequate closure. According to each region the abdomen topography is divided into three regions: upper, middle and lower. Several reconstructive alternatives have been described according to the affected area of the abdomen that include the separation of the muscularis aponeurotic components of the abdominal rectus sheath, the flap of the rectus abdominus muscle with or without cutaneous island, the flap dependent on the dorsal muscle and muscular or musculocutaneous thigh flaps to reconstruct the lower area of the abdomen which is called anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The ALT flap has become the best option for large recurrent defects in any of the thirds due to its great versatility. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 50-year-old patient with an abdominal wall defect, loss of domain and exposure of prosthetic material. Patient had a surgical history of open cholecystectomy, necrosectomy due to acute pancreatitis with open abdomen management and attempted repair of the abdominal defect twice with mesh placement. The abdominal wall was reconstructed with an ALT free flap with a fascia lata component with anastomosis to superior epigastric vessels in a successful manner. Nowadays patient remains without evidence of recurrence of the hernia at 1 year follow-up. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The aim of this paper is to illustrate the ALT flap with a fascia lata component anastomosed to the superior epigastric vessels as a good option to reconstruct complex defects of the upper third of the abdomen.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La reconstrucción de la pared abdominal con grandes defectos suele representar un desafío quirúrgico, sobre todo cuando los defectos son recurrentes y tienen un gran tamaño que dificulta la utilización de tejidos adyacentes para un cierre adecuado. La pared abdominal anterior se divide en tres regiones para su reconstrucción; superior, media e inferior. De acuerdo con cada región se han descrito diferentes técnicas de reconstrucción de pared, como la separación de componentes musculoaponeuróticos de la vaina de los rectos abdominales, el colgajo del músculo recto abdominal con o sin isla cutánea, el colgajo dependiente del músculo dorsal ancho y colgajos musculares o músculocutáneos del muslo para reconstruir el tercio inferior del abdomen, llamado colgajo anterolateral de muslo (ALT, por sus siglas en inglés). El ALT se ha convertido en una buena alternativa para los grandes defectos recurrentes en cualquiera de los tercios debido a su gran versatilidad. CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 50 años con un defecto de pared abdominal, pérdida de dominio y exposición de material protésico (malla). Tenía el antecedente quirúrgico de colecistectomía abierta, necrosectomía por pancreatitis aguda con manejo de abdomen abierto (incisión en línea media supra-infraumbilical) e intento de reparación del defecto abdominal en dos ocasiones con colocación de malla (que se encontraba expuesta). El defecto existente se desmanteló y resecó en bloque desde el interior de la pared abdominal, dejando bordes aponeuróticos sanos, quitando todo el tejido cicatricial, la malla y los bordes cutáneos enfermos. Se realizó la reconstrucción de la pared abdominal con ALT con un componente de fascia lata con anastomosis a vasos epigástricos superiores, de manera exitosa. Actualmente no hay evidencia de recurrencia del defecto herniario tras 1 año de seguimiento. DISCUSIÓN/CONCLUSIÓN: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el ALT con componente de fascia lata con anastomosis a los vasos epigástricos superiores como una buena alternativa para reconstruir defectos de pared complejos del tercio superior del abdomen.

Pregabalin as a premedication for anxiety in patients undergoing plastic surgery: randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of premedication with 75 mg pregabalin orally to reduce the degree of preoperative anxiety in patients scheduled for plastic surgery procedures. METHOD: A controlled randomized double-blind clinical trial that analyzed two groups of patients: 75 mg pregabalin tablet (Pg) against placebo tablet (Pl). Efficacy was assessed using the visual anxiety scale (VAS) with two measurements, the first without medication and the second 70 minutes after the drug was taken. RESULTS: One hundred patients were evaluated, fifty received pregabalin and fifty placebo, baseline VAS score showed an general average of 4.6 ± 1.9 points, significantly higher in the Pg group (Pg 5.2 ± 2.1 points vs 4.1 ± 1.6 points Pl; p = 0.0035). The VAS score after premedication was 3.9 ± 2.1 points, significantly lower in the Pg group (Pg 3.2 ± 1.6 points vs 4.6 ± 2.3 Pl points, p = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: Premedication 75 mg pregabalin orally decreases the degree of preoperative anxiety in adult patients scheduled for plastic surgery procedures.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilidad de la premedicación con 75 mg de pregabalina por vía oral como dosis única para disminuir el grado de ansiedad preoperatoria en pacientes sometidos a cirugía plástica. MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico controlado, prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, que analizó dos grupos de pacientes: pregabalina tableta de 75 mg (grupo Pg) contra tableta placebo (grupo Pl). La eficacia se evaluó utilizando la escala visual de ansiedad (EVa) con dos mediciones, la primera sin medicación y la segunda 70 minutos después de tomar la cápsula. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 100 pacientes: 50 que recibieron pregabalina y 50 placebo. La puntuación basal de la EVa mostró un promedio general de 4.6 ± 1.9 puntos, significativamente mayor en el grupo Pg (5.2 ± 2.1 puntos en Pg vs. 4.1 ± 1.6 puntos en Pl; p = 0.0035). El puntaje en la EVa posterior a la premedicación fue de 3.9 ± 2.1 puntos, significativamente menor en el grupo Pg (3.2 ± 1.6 puntos en Pg vs. 4.6 ± 2.3 puntos en Pl; p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIÓN: La premedicación con 75 mg de pregabalina disminuye el grado de ansiedad preoperatoria en pacientes que serán intervenidos de cirugía plástica.

Complex upper limb reconstruction using dorsoepigastric flap. Case report of a convenient resource.

INTRODUCTION: Dorsoepigastric flap (DF), first described by. Haddad and Jimenez, is a variant of the classic lattisimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap that only utilizes a minimum quantity of muscle tissue, through which the vascular pedicle passes by. It has been used primarily as an acceptable alternative in mammary reconstruction when the use of thoraco abdominal muscles is not viable, and offers several advantages such as adequate flap volume with generous cutaneous island dimensions and functional preservation of the latissimus dorsi. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: We report the case of a 12 year old male, who suffered a left upper limb injury secondary to high power firearm shot. He presented extensive damage to the skin, soft tissues and bone structures and was treated with primary reconstruction using DF and peroneal grafts. Three years later, a shoulder prosthesis was placed to improve limb function with unobjectionable results. CONCLUSION: DF is a useful resource that has been merely used in the context of complex upper limb reconstruction, and must be considered essential in the repertoire of the reconstructive surgeon when facing traumatic defects of the upper extremity.

Total esophageal replacement by transmediastinal transposition of the stomach in a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the thoracic esophagus: a rare surgical case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract. A rare site of localization of these tumors is the esophagus. Evidence-based consensus regarding the type of surgery for patients with esophageal GIST remains unclear. CLINICAL CASE: A female without history of diseases experienced dysphagia, weight loss (6 kg) and malaise. Computed tomography revealed thickening of the esophagus. During the endoscopic ultrasonography a localized lesion was observed in the esophagus that depended on the muscularis propria. We opted to treat with an esophagectomy with replacement by transmediastinal transposition of the stomach. Patient recovered well from the surgery and she was discharged home in stable condition in post-operative day seven. At 6 months she has no symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the clinical presentation of an esophageal GIST which represents only 1% of all sites where GISTs have been reported; open surgery was successfully performed with minimal morbidity, complete resolution of symptoms and improvement of the patient's quality of life. Esophagectomy with replacement by transmediastinal transposition of the stomach should be performed when the center has experience to do so with minimal morbidity and mortality.

ANTECEDENTES: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) son las lesiones malignas mesenquimales más comunes del tracto digestivo. Un sitio raro de localización de estos tumores es el esófago. A la fecha actual no hay un consenso claro basado en evidencia científica con respecto al tipo de cirugía a realizar en pacientes con GIST en esta localización inusual. CASO CLÍNICO: Una mujer previamente sana presentó disfagia, pérdida de peso (6 kg) y malestar general. La tomografía computarizada reveló un engrosamiento del esófago y en la ultrasonografía endoscópica se observó una lesión localizada en el esófago dependiente de la muscular propia. Se optó por realizar esofagectomía con reemplazo mediante transposición transmediastinal del estómago. La paciente se recuperó bien de la cirugía y fue dada de alta en condición estable en el séptimo día del posoperatorio. A los 6 meses, se encuentra asintomática. CONCLUSIÓN: Este caso ilustra la presentación clínica de un GIST esofágico que representa solo el 1% de todos los sitios reportados. La cirugía se realizó con éxito, con morbilidad mínima, resolución completa de los síntomas y mejoría de la calidad de vida de la paciente. La esofagectomía con reemplazo mediante transposición transmediastinal del estómago (comúnmente llamado ascenso gástrico) debe realizarse cuando el centro tiene experiencia para hacerlo con morbilidad y mortalidad mínimas.

Esophageal schwannomas: A rarity beneath benign esophageal tumors a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal Schwannoma is a rare tumor that represents the least frequent mesenchymal tumor of the esophagus and represents a condition with only a few cases reported in the literature PRESENTATION OF A CASE: We report a 40-year-old female with a 5 years history of gastroesophageal reflux, repeated history of pharyngitis, odynophagia that culminated in progressive oropharyngeal dysphagia to solids. A barium esophagogram revealed a filling defect in the superior and middle thirds of the esophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a smooth elevated lesion in the upper third of the esophagus, impossible to resect by this mean. An open left cervical approach revealed an 80 × 45 × 20 mm large tumor, which was resected. DISCUSSION: In general, Schwanommas are rarely found in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), while the great majority occur in the stomach, esophagic is the least common GI form of presentation. CONCLUSION: The knowledge about a new case, impacts in obtaining more information about the clinical course and surgical treatment of this tumor.

"Expanding the limits". Three-year follow-up of renal transplant recipients from a deceased donor with creatinine greater than 5 mg/dl. Report of three cases.

Due the shortage of organ donors and the increase in the waiting list of kidney transplant recipients (KTR), alternative strategies have been considered with the aim of increasing the number of organs available. The use of kidneys from donors with acute renal failure and elevated serum creatinine has been considered as a way to increase the number of donors. The objective of this work is to report the 3-year follow-up of three KTR patients of a deceased donor with serum creatinine greater than or equal to 5 mg/dL.

Ante la escasez de donadores de órganos y el incremento en la lista de espera de receptores de trasplante renal (RTR) se han considerado medidas alternativas con el objetivo de aumentar el número de órganos disponibles. El uso de riñones de donadores con insuficiencia renal aguda y creatinina sérica terminal elevada se ha considerado un camino para incrementar el número de donadores. El objetivo de este trabajo es notificar el seguimiento a tres años de tres pacientes RTR de donador fallecido con creatinina sérica ≥ 5 mg/dl.

Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of schwannomas of the esophagus and stomach: A case series and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal schwannomas are slow-growing benign mesenchymal neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath of Auerbach´s plexus or less frequently from Meissner´s plexus. The main differential diagnosis of gastric schwannomas are the gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), which are classified by their immunohistochemistry. The treatment of choice for gastric schwannomas is surgery where laparoscopy plays an important role. Wedge resection, subtotal or total gastrectomy can be done. In its counterpart, esophageal schwannomas are benign tumors of the esophagus that are very uncommon since they comprise less than 2% of all esophageal tumors. The main differential diagnosis is the leiomyoma which corresponds to the most common benign esophageal tumor, followed by GIST. The treatment consists on tumoral enucleation or esophagectomy. AIM: To review the available literature about gastrointestinal schwannomas; especially lesions from de stomach and esophagus, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow up, as well as, reporting our institutional experience. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines. The following databases were used for reviewing process: PubMed, Ovid, MEDLINE, and Scopus. Only English language manuscripts were included. All gastrointestinal schwannomas specifically located in the esophagus and stomach were included. Cases that did not report long-term follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Gastric localization showed a higher prevalence in both, the literature review and our institution: 94.95% (n = 317) and 83% (n = 5) respectively. With a follow-up with disease-free survival greater than 36 mo in most cases: 62.01% (n = 80) vs 66.66% (n = 4). In both groups, the median size was > 4.1 cm. Surgical treatment is curative in most cases. CONCLUSION: Schwannoma must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. It has a good prognosis, and most are benign. A disease-free survival of more than 36 mo can be achieved by surgery.

Acute cholecystitis in neutropenic patients.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The frequency of acute cholecystitis reported in neutropenic patients is between 0.4-1.65%. Clinical manifestations differ from general population as well as clinical approach, diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this work is to describe clinical characteristics, diagnostic approach, and outcomes of patients with hematological diseases that presented with neutropenia and fever associated with acute cholecystitis in a tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosis of neutropenia and fever associated with acute cholecystitis in the period between January 2000 and January 2017. Quantitative variables were analyzed with mean and standard deviation, and qualitative variables with frequency and percentage. RESULTS: During the study period, 2007 patients presented with neutropenia and fever. Twelve of them (0.59%) had associated acute cholecystitis. The most common hematologic disease among these patients was lymphoblastic leukemia. Acute acalculous cholecystitis was diagnosed in 6 cases (50%). Eleven patients (91.6%) had a severe presentation and cholecystostomy was performed in 9 (75%) cases. The main cause of mortality was septic shock (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients with neutropenia must be individualized. Cholecystostomy should be considered as a bridge therapy for an interval cholecystectomy.

Giant choledochal cyst presenting during third trimester of pregnancy.

Biliary cystic disease is a rare entity. Twenty-five per cent of cases are diagnosed during adulthood and only a few reports have described this condition during pregnancy, where it represents a therapeutic challenge for both obstetricians and surgeons with regard to the risks it entails for the patient and the fetus.Definitive management is surgical resection, as cysts may progress to malignancy if untreated. During pregnancy, resection is generally deferred to after delivery, especially in the context of suspected cholangitis.A 19-year-old young woman with no previous prenatal control, presented to the emergency department on her 32nd week of gestation with abdominal pain and jaundice. A giant Todani I biliary cyst was observed on imaging along with dilation of the proximal biliary tree suggesting acute cholangitis. Fetal compromise prompted immediate delivery after which percutaneous biliary drainage was performed. Following recovery, the cyst was surgically resected.