C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and procalcitonin levels as early markers of staple line leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program.

INTRODUCTION: The performance of most bariatric procedures within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program has resulted in significant advantages, including a reduction in the length of hospital stay to 2-3 days. However, some postoperative complications may appear after the patient has been discharged. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of various acute-phase parameters determined 24 h after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for predicting staple line leak in the postoperative course. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 208 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as bariatric procedure between 2012 and 2015 was performed. Blood analysis was performed 24 h after surgery. Acute-phase parameters (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, and White Blood Cell count) were investigated. RESULTS: Staple line leak appeared in eight patients (3.8%). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis at 24 h postoperatively, a cutoff level of CRP at 9 mg/dL achieved 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity for predicting staple line leak, a cutoff level of procalcitonin at 0.85 ng/mL achieved 70% sensitivity and 90% specificity, and a cutoff level of fibrinogen at 600 mg/dL achieved 80% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity. CONCLUSION: An elevation of CRP > 9 mg/dL, procalcitonin > 0.85 ng/mL and fibrinogen > 600 mg/dL should alert the surgeon the possibility of occurrence of postoperative staple line leak.

Postoperative pain after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: comparison of three analgesic schemes (isolated intravenous analgesia, epidural analgesia associated with intravenous analgesia and port-sites infiltration with bupivacaine associated with intravenous analgesia).

INTRODUCTION: Although bariatric surgery is actually mainly performed laparoscopically, analgesic optimization continues being essential to reduce complications and to improve the patients' comfort. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postoperative pain after analgesia iv exclusively, or associated with epidural analgesia or port-sites infiltration with bupivacaine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study of patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between 2012 and 2014 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups: Analgesia iv exclusively (Group 1), epidural analgesia + analgesia iv (Group 2) and port-sites infiltration + analgesia iv (Group 3). Pain was quantified by means of a Visual Analogic Scale, and morphine rescue needs were determined 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 147 were included. Groups were comparable in age, gender and BMI. There were no differences in operation time, complications, mortality or hospital stay between groups. Median pain 24 h after surgery was 5 in Group 1, 2.5 in Group 2 and 2 in Group 3 (P = 0.01), without statistically significant differences between Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1, morphine rescue was necessary in 16.3 % of the cases, 2 % in Group 2 and 2 % in Group 3 (P = 0.014), without statistically significant differences between Groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Epidural analgesia and port-sites infiltration with bupivacaine, associated with analgesia iv, reduce the postoperative pain, when compared with analgesia iv exclusively. CLINICAL TRIALS: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02662660.

Magnetic device in reduced port and single port bariatric surgery: First 170 cases experience.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic devices have been successfully used in bariatric surgery. To the date, the only reported use of the magnet was for liver retraction. Our purpose in this study is to demonstrate the safety and viability of using a magnetic system in different steps in single port and reduced port bariatric surgery. METHODS: Prospective and observational study was performed. Patients older than 18 years, undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or revisional surgery by single-port or reduced-port approach between July 2020 and June 2021 were included. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients (mean BMI, 41.47kg/m2; mean age 36.92 yrs) completed laparoscopic bariatric surgery (54 single-port sleeve gastrectomy [SPSG], 16 reduced-port SG, 83 RYGB, 4 OAGB and 14 revision surgeries), using the magnetic surgical system in different steps of the surgery. Mean surgical time for SPSG and reduced-port SG was 65.52min and 59.36min respectively; and for RYGB 74.19min, OAGB 70.98min, and revisional surgeries 88.38min. As for intraoperative complications, 2.94% mild liver laceration without significant bleeding was reported. There were no 30-day mortalities and no major complications. CONCLUSION: Magnetic assistance in single-port and reduced-port bariatric surgery is an innovative technique. With this prospective study we attempt to demonstrate the safety profile and potential uses that may improve the implementation of new surgical approaches in bariatric surgery.

Magnetic device in reduced port and single port bariatric surgery: First 170 cases experience.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic devices have been successfully used in bariatric surgery. To the date, the only reported use of the magnet was for liver retraction. Our purpose in this study is to demonstrate the safety and viability of using a magnetic system in different steps in single port and reduced port bariatric surgery. METHODS: Prospective and observational study was performed. Patients older than 18 years, undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or revisional surgery by single-port or reduced-port approach between July 2020 and June 2021 were included. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients (mean BMI, 41.47kg/m2; mean age 36.92 yrs) completed laparoscopic bariatric surgery (54 single-port sleeve gastrectomy [SPSG], 16 reduced-port SG, 83 RYGB, 4 OAGB and 14 revision surgeries), using the magnetic surgical system in different steps of the surgery. Mean surgical time for SPSG and reduced-port SG was 65.52min and 59.36min respectively; and for RYGB 74.19min, OAGB 70.98min, and revisional surgeries 88.38min. As for intraoperative complications, 2.94% mild liver laceration without significant bleeding was reported. There were no 30-day mortalities and no major complications. CONCLUSION: Magnetic assistance in single-port and reduced-port bariatric surgery is an innovative technique. With this prospective study we attempt to demonstrate the safety profile and potential uses that may improve the implementation of new surgical approaches in bariatric surgery.

Application of Vitamin E Acetate on Staple Lines and Anastomoses of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Impact on Postoperative Pain and Acute Phase Reactants.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery has 3 components: parietal, visceral, and associated with pneumoperitoneum. Visceral pain accounts for around 30% of the total pain and is less amenable to be controlled by multimodal analgesia. The topical application of vitamin E ointment has demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect in the local inflammatory response against surgical aggression. Vitamin E has been also associated with a reduction in postoperative pain of skin wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the topical application of vitamin E acetate on staple lines and anastomoses of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, as part of a multimodal analgesia scheme within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients receiving a topical application of vitamin E on staple lines and anastomoses (G1) and patients not receiving it (G2). The primary endpoint was postoperative pain, as measured by VAS 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes include morphine rescue needs, acute phase reactants 24 h after surgery, and hospital stay. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients were included, 70 in each group. Postoperative pain was 10 mm in G1 and 21.8 mm in G2 (p < 0.001). Morphine needs within the first 24 h were 2.9% in G1 and 13.2% in G2 (p = 0.026). C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in G1 (8.7 mg/dL vs 11.9; p = 0.016). Mean hospital stay was 2.1 days in G1 and 2.9 in G2 (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Topical application of vitamin E reduces postoperative pain and acute phase reactants, allowing an earlier discharge. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03765827, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Prevalence of Endoscopic Findings Before Bariatric Surgery and Their Influence on the Selection of the Surgical Technique.

PURPOSE: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the two most popular procedures performed. The decision of which technique is most appropriate depends on the surgeon's preferences and experience. However, several factors strongly influence the decision of the procedure performed, including gastrointestinal disorders or asymptomatic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) findings. This study aimed to describe the pathological endoscopic findings in morbidly obese patients undergoing preoperative routine UGE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all UGEs performed before bariatric surgery was performed. UGE was routinely performed to all the patients as part of the preoperative evaluation protocol. RESULTS: A total of 790 patients were included. Surgical technique included 610 (77.2%) RYGB and 180 (22.8%) SG. Twenty-one asymptomatic patients presented esophagitis at UGE. In only seven patients (0.89%), the endoscopic findings of esophagitis had changed the initial surgical decision. The presence of ulcers or adenomatous or incompletely resected polyps was an indication for SG, to assure future endoscopic access in case it is needed. In 25 patients (3.17%), the initial operation would have been changed based on UGE findings. CONCLUSION: Preoperative UGE allows the diagnosis of asymptomatic esophagitis related to gastroesophageal reflux disease and the identification of asymptomatic polyps and ulcers, with the potential ability for malignant transformation. In up to 3.17% of the cases, the endoscopic findings changed the operative strategy. As the complication rate associated with the procedure is low, we recommend the routine performance of preoperative UGE before bariatric surgery.

Acute Care Surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: Changes in volume, causes and complications. A multicentre retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Acute Care Surgery procedures performed in Spanish hospitals decreased significantly. The aim of this study was to compare Acute Care Surgery activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and during a control period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed including patients who underwent Acute Care Surgery in three tertiary care hospitals in Spain during a control (11th March 2019 to 21st April 2019) and a pandemic (16th March 2020 to 26th April 2020) period. Type of surgical procedures, patients' features and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: two hundred and eighty-five and 117 patients were included in each group. Mean number of patients who underwent Acute Care Surgery during the control and pandemic periods was 2.3 and 0.9 patients per day and hospital (p < 0.001), representing a 58.9% decrease in Acute Care Surgery activity. Time from symptoms onset to patient arrival at the Emergency Department was longer during the pandemic (44.6 vs. 71.0 h, p < 0.001). Surgeries due to acute cholecystitis and complications from previous elective procedures decreased (26.7% vs. 9.4%) during the pandemic, while bowel obstructions and abdominal wall hernia surgeries increased (12.3% vs. 22.2%) (p = 0.001). Morbidity was higher during pandemic period (34.7% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.022), although this difference was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Reoperation rate (17.9% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.212) and mortality (6.7% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.358) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant reduction in the performance of Acute Care Surgery procedures was observed. Moreso, a longer time from symptoms onset to patient arrival at the Emergency Department was noted. Higher morbidity was observed in patients undergoing Acute Care Surgery during the pandemic period, although there was not any difference in mortality or reoperation rate.

Impact of implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The essence of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program is the multimodal approach, and many authors have demonstrated safety and feasibility in fast-track bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative pain after the implementation of an ERAS protocol in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and to compare it with the application of a standard care protocol. SETTING: University Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial of all the patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed. Patients were randomized into the following 2 groups: those patients after an ERAS program and those patients after a standard care protocol. Postoperative pain, nausea or vomiting, morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, and analytic acute phase reactants 24 hours after surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred eighty patients were included in the study, 90 in each group. Postoperative pain (16 versus 37 mm; P < .001), nausea or vomiting (8.9% versus 2.2%; P = .0498), and hospital stay (1.7 versus 2.8 d; P < .001) were significantly lower in the ERAS group. There were no significant differences in complications, mortality, and readmission rates. White blood cell count, serum fibrinogen, and C reactive protein levels were significantly lower in the ERAS group 24 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an ERAS protocol was associated with lower postoperative pain, reduced incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting, lower levels of acute phase reactants, and earlier hospital discharge. Complications, reinterventions, mortality, and readmission rates were similar to that obtained after a standard care protocol.

Laparoscopic-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block as Part of Multimodal Analgesia in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program: a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the ultrasound guidance of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks has allowed greater precision of needle placement in the desired tissue plane, visualization of the abdominal wall muscles can be hindered by morbid obesity and could lead to failed regional anesthesia. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effect of laparoscopic-guided TAP block in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and to compare it with port-site infiltration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed. Patients were randomized into two groups: patients undergoing laparoscopic-guided TAP (TAP-lap) and patients undergoing port-site infiltration (PSI). Pain quantification as measured by visual analogic scale (VAS) and morphine needs during the first 24 h were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and forty patients were included, 70 in each group. The mean operation time was 83.3 + 15.6 min in TAP-lap and 80.5 + 14.4 min in PSI (NS). The mean postoperative pain, as measured by VAS, 24 h after surgery was 16.8 + 11.2 mm in PSI and 10 + 8.1 mm in TAP-lap (p = 0.001). Morphine rescues were necessary in 13.2% in PSI and 2.9% in TAP-lap (p = 0.026). The mean hospital stay was 2.1 + 1.2 days in TAP-lap and 2.9 + 1.3 days in PSI (p = 0.019). Hospital discharge during the first 48 h after surgery was possible in 52.9% of the patients in PSI and 71% in TAP-lap (OR 4.75; 95% CI 2.1-10.8; p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-guided TAP block can reduce postoperative pain, opioid needs, and hospital stay, when compared with port-site infiltration with the same anesthetic drug, without increasing operation time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03203070.

Magnetic device in reduced port and single port bariatric surgery: First 170 cases experience / Dispositivo magnético en cirugía bariátrica por puerto reducidos y puerto único: Primera experiencia de 170 casos

Introduction: Magnetic devices have been successfully used in bariatric surgery. To the date, the only reported use of the magnet was for liver retraction. Our purpose in this study is to demonstrate the safety and viability of using a magnetic system in different steps in single port and reduced port bariatric surgery.MethodsProspective and observational study was performed. Patients older than 18 years, undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or revisional surgery by single-port or reduced-port approach between July 2020 and June 2021 were included.ResultsA total of 170 patients (mean BMI, 41.47kg/m2; mean age 36.92 yrs) completed laparoscopic bariatric surgery (54 single-port sleeve gastrectomy [SPSG], 16 reduced-port SG, 83 RYGB, 4 OAGB and 14 revision surgeries), using the magnetic surgical system in different steps of the surgery. Mean surgical time for SPSG and reduced-port SG was 65.52min and 59.36min respectively; and for RYGB 74.19min, OAGB 70.98min, and revisional surgeries 88.38min. As for intraoperative complications, 2.94% mild liver laceration without significant bleeding was reported. There were no 30-day mortalities and no major complications.ConclusionMagnetic assistance in single-port and reduced-port bariatric surgery is an innovative technique. With this prospective study we attempt to demonstrate the safety profile and potential uses that may improve the implementation of new surgical approaches in bariatric surgery (AU)

Introducción: Los dispositivos magnéticos se han usado satisfactoriamente en cirugía bariátrica. Hasta la fecha, el único uso reportado de los imanes ha sido para la retracción hepática. Nuestro propósito con este estudio es demostrar la seguridad y viabilidad de usar dispositivos magnéticos en diferentes pasos de la cirugía bariátrica por puerto único y por puerto reducido.MétodosSe realizó un estudio prospectivo y observacional. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que fueron sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica primaria de manga gástrica (MG), bypass gástrico de una sola anastomosis (BAGUA), bypass gástrico en Y de Roux (BGYR) y cirugía de revisión por abordaje de puerto único o puerto reducido entre los meses de julio de 2020 y junio de 2021.ResultadosA un total de 170 pacientes (media IMC, 41,47 kg/m2; media edad 36,92 años) se les realizó una cirugía bariátrica laparoscópica (54 MG por puerto único, 16 MG por puerto reducido, 4 BAGUA y 14 cirugías de revisión) utilizando el dispositivo magnético en diferentes pasos del proceso quirúrgico. El tiempo promedio de la MG por puerto único y MG por puerto reducido fueron 65,52 min y 59,36 min, respectivamente; mientras que para BGYR 74,19 min, BAGUA 70,98 min y cirugías de revisión 88,38 min. Entre las complicaciones intraoperatorias se reportaron 2,94% de laceraciones hepáticas leves sin sangrado significante. No hubo ningún porcentaje de mortalidad ni de complicaciones mayores a los 30 días.ConclusionesLa asistencia magnética en cirugía bariátrica por puerto único y por puerto reducido es una técnica innovadora. Con este estudio prospectivo intentamos demostrar el perfil de seguridad y los usos potenciales que pueden mejorar la implementación de nuevos abordajes quirúrgicos en cirugía bariátrica (AU)

Intraperitoneal Ropivacaine Irrigation in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite most bariatric procedures are actually performed by laparoscopic approach, management of postoperative pain remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to analyze the analgesic effect of intraperitoneal ropivacaine infusion in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial of all the patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) between January and November 2015 was performed. Patients were randomized to experimental (EG: those patients undergoing intraperitoneal ropivacain irrigation) and control groups (CG: those undergoing intraperitoneal irrigation with normal saline). RESULTS: One hundred ten patients were included, 83 LRYGB (75.5 %) and 27 LSG (24.5 %). Mean pain, as measured by VAS score, was 21.7 ± 14.5 mm in CG and 13.3 ± 10.9 mm in EG (p = 0.002). Morphine needs during the first 24 h postoperatively were 21.8 % in CG and 3.6 % in EG (p = 0.01). Early taking of fluids by mouth was possible 6 h after surgery in 76.4 % in EG vs 34.5 % in CG (p = 0.001). Early mobilization ability (6 h after surgery) was feasible in 72.7 % in EG and 32.7 % in CG (p = 0.001). Median hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-10 days) in CG and 2 days (2-7 days) in EG (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative peritoneal infusion with ropivacaine in patients undergoing bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction in postoperative pain, lower morphine needs, earlier mobilization and earlier oral intake of fluids after surgery, and a shorter hospital stay. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02641288.

Cirugía abierta vs. laparoscópica: calidad de vida y sintomatología ansioso-depresiva en cáncer colorrectal / Laparoscopic vs. open surgery: quality of life and anxious-depressive symptomatology in colorectal cancer

Introducción: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la calidad de vida, y la sintomatología ansioso-depresiva, en una muestra de pacientes de cáncer colorrectal sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico, por vía abierta o laparoscópica. Material y Métodos: 60 pacientes fueron evaluados en Calidad de vida, mediante el cuestionario de la EORTC QLQ-C30, y sintomatología ansioso-depresiva mediante la escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (HADS). Además se realizaron análisis en función de tres variables sociodemográficas: edad, género y nivel socioeducativo. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en función de la modalidad quirúrgica en calidad de vida y sintomatología ansioso-depresiva. La mayor parte de los pacientes presenta niveles de calidad de vida muy satisfactorios, si bien un 27% presentan problemas de calidad de vida. Las medias en sintomatología ansioso-depresiva se encuentran en los rangos normales, no obstante el 18% presenta sintomatología depresiva y el 22% ansiosa. Discusión y Conclusiones: Se puede concluir que los dos tipos de cirugía, a medio y largo plazo, tienen efectos similares sobre la calidad de vida y la sintomatología ansioso-depresiva de los pacientes. No obstante, aun estando libres de tratamiento activo y habiendo transcurrido más de un año de media desde la cirugía, se ha encontrado que hay pacientes que presentan problemas en su calidad de vida, y sintomatología ansioso-depresiva. Por ello es necesario que éstos sean evaluados psicológicamente para prestarles la atención necesaria, y así optimizar la calidad asistencial.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life, and anxious-depressive symptoms in a sample of colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment, open or laparoscopic approach. Material and Method: 60 patients were assessed on quality of life, through the questionnaire of the EORTC QLQ-C30, and anxious-depressive symptomatology scale by Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS). Further analyzes were conducted according to three demographic variables: age, gender and socio-educational level. Results: No significant differences were found related to surgical type in quality of life and anxious-depressive symptomatology. Most of the patients have very satisfactory quality of life levels, while 27% of them have problems about it. Means in anxious-depressive symptoms are at normal range, despite of 18% whom presented depressive symptoms and 22% anxiety. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the two types of surgery, in a medium and long term, have similar effects on quality of life and anxious-depressive symptoms of patients. However, even free of active treatment and over a year after surgery, we found that there are patients who have problems in their quality of life and anxious-depressive syndrome. Therefore it is necessary to evaluate and to give them the attention needed and optimize quality of care.

[Doppler-guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation. An alternative treatment for haemorrhoids]. / Desarterialización hemorroidal transanal guiada por Doppler. Una alternativa en el tratamiento de las hemorroides.

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of haemorrhoid disease and the deterioration in the quality of life in the immediate post-operative period has led to the appearance of new techniques in an attempt to obtain improve patient satisfaction. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A prospective study was carried out in which 50 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of Goligher grade III haemorrhoids were intervened. To perform the haemorrhoid dearterialisation, a device called THD R was used (designed by TKC SRL and distributed by Palex Medical). The technique consisted of, a reduction in arterial flow using ligation of the terminal branches above the anorectal ring, starting in the anterior position, it was carried out in a clockwise direction: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Follow up was carried out at one week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: We intervened 50 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of grade III haemorrhoids. The mean age was 45 years (range, 25-78). The surgical indication was, pain-discomfort, 40 (80%); bleeding, 35 (70%), prolapse 6 (12%). The procedure was always performed under local/regional anaesthesia. The mean duration of the procedure was 25 minutes (range, 20-35). Analgesia was required by 90% of the patients during the first 24 hours, decreasing to 15% for those who continued to require it until the third day and only 2 (4%) patients continued for one week. Pain was resolved 48 hours after surgery, in all patients who consulted for this reason, except for one patient (2.5%) who had a recurrence in the pain as well as in his prolapse. This meant that patients could re-start their daily living within 48-72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Pending for randomised studies, we can say that in our experience, Doppler guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation is a technique that should be offered to the patient with haemor-rhoidal disease.

Desarterialización hemorroidal transanal guiada por Doppler. Una alternativa en el tratamiento de las hemorroides / Doppler-guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation. An alternative treatment for haemorrhoids

Introducción. La frecuencia de la enfermedad hemorroidal y el deterioro de la calidad de vida durante el postoperatorio inmediato ha hecho que aparezcan nuevas técnicas para lograr una mayor satisfacción de los pacientes. Pacientes y método. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en que, desde octubre de 2005 a septiembre de 2006, se intervino de forma consecutiva a 50 pacientes con diagnóstico de hemorroides de grado III de Goligher. Para la realización de la desarterialización hemorroidal se utilizó un dispositivo denominado THDR (diseñado por TKC SRL y distribuido por Palex Medical), la técnica consiste en la reducción del flujo arterial hemorroidal, mediante ligadura de ramas terminales de la arteria hemorroidal superior por encima de la línea dentada, comenzando en posición anterior y seguimos según las agujas del reloj: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. El seguimiento se realiza a la semana, al mes, 3 y 6 meses y 1 año. Resultados. Hemos intervenido a 50 pacientes de forma consecutiva con diagnóstico de hemorroides de grado III. La media de edad fue de 45 (intervalo, 25-78) años. La indicación de cirugía fue dolor-incomodidad en 40 (80%); sangrado en 35 (70%), y prolapso en 6 (12%). El procedimiento siempre fue realizado bajo anestesia locorregional. La duración media del procedimiento fue de 25 (intervalo, 20-35) min. El 90% de los pacientes precisó de analgesia durante las primeras 24 h, que disminuyó hasta un 15% los que la mantuvieron hasta el tercer día y sólo en 2 (4%) pacientes se mantuvo durante una semana. El dolor se resolvió a las 48 h de la cirugía en todos los pacientes que consultaron por este motivo, salvo en 1 (2,5%) paciente que presentó recidiva tanto del do- lor como de su prolapso. Esto permitió que los pacientes se incorporasen a su vida cotidiana en 48-72 h. Conclusiones. A la espera de estudios aleatorizados, podemos decir que en nuestra experiencia la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal guiada por Doppler es una técnica que se debe ofrecer al paciente con afección hemorroidal (AU)

Introduction. The frequency of haemorrhoid disease and the deterioration in the quality of life in the immediate post-operative period has led to the appearance of new techniques in an attempt to obtain improve patient satisfaction. Patients and method. A prospective study was carried out in which 50 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of Goligher grade III haemorrhoids were intervened. To perform the haemorrhoid dearterialisation, a device called THDR was used (designed by TKC SRL and distributed by Palex Medical). The technique consisted of, a reduction in arterial flow using ligation of the terminal branches above the anorectal ring, starting in the anterior position, it was carried out in a clockwise direction: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Follow up was carried out at one week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Results. We intervened 50 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of grade III haemorrhoids. The mean age was 45 years (range, 25-78). The surgical indication was, pain-discomfort, 40 (80%); bleeding, 35 (70%), prolapse 6 (12%). The procedure was always performed under local/regional anaesthesia. The mean duration of the procedure was 25 minutes (range, 20-35). Analgesia was required by 90% of the patients during the first 24 hours, decreasing to 15% for those who continued to require it until the third day and only 2 (4%) patients continued for one week. Pain was resolved 48 hours after surgery, in all patients who consulted for this reason, except for one patient (2.5%) who had a recurrence in the pain as well as in his prolapse. This meant that patients could re-start their daily living within 48-72 hours. Conclusions. Pending for randomised studies, we can say that in our experience, Doppler guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation is a technique that should be offered to the patient with haemor-rhoidal disease (AU)