RESUMO
Background: Abdominal wall surgery (AWS) is characterised by the increasing caseload and the complexity of the surgical procedures. The introduction of a tailored approach to AWS utilising laparoendoscopic, robotic and/or open techniques requires the surgeon to master several surgical techniques. All of which have an associated learning curve, and the necessary knowledge/experience to know which operation is the right one for the individual patient. However, the reality in general surgery training shows that training in just a limited number of procedures is not enough. By the end of general surgery training, many chief residents do not feel they are yet ready to carry out surgery independently. Therefore, hernia surgery experts and societies have called for the introduction of a Fellowship in Abdominal Wall Surgery. Methods: The UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes, European Union of Medical Specialists) in collaboration with the European Hernia Society (EHS) introduced a fellowship by examination in 2019. As a prerequisite, candidates must complete further training of at least 2 years with a special focus on abdominal wall surgery after having completed their training in general surgery. To be eligible for the examination, candidates must provide evidence of having performed 300 hernia procedures. In addition, candidates must have accrued sufficient "knowledge points" by attending abdominal wall surgery congresses, courses and clinical visitations, and engaged in scientific activities. On meeting the requirements, a candidate may be admitted to the written and oral examination. Results: To date, three examinations have been held on the occasion of the Annual Congress of the European Hernia Society in Copenhagen (2021), Manchester (2022) and Barcelona (2023). Having met the requirements, 48 surgeons passed the written and oral examination and were awarded the Fellow European Board of Surgery-Abdominal Wall Surgery certificate. During this time period, a further 25 surgeons applied to sit the examination but did not fulfil all the criteria to be eligible for the examination. Fifty experienced abdominal wall surgeons applied to become an Honorary Fellow European Board of Surgery-Abdominal Wall Surgery. Fourty eight were successful in their application. Conclusion: The Fellowship of the European Board of Surgery - Abdominal Wall Surgery by examination has been successfully introduced at European level by the joint work of the UEMS and the EHS. The examination is also open to surgeons who work outside the European area, if they can fulfil the eligibility criteria.
RESUMO
Resumen Objetivo: Valorar la eficacia de la administración preoperatoria de inmunonutrición oral en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal resecable, en términos de reducción de la incidencia de complicaciones infecciosas posquirúrgicas. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado. Se reclutaron 84 pacientes. En el grupo inmunonutrido (SÍ IN) se administró de forma preoperatoria Impact© Oral durante 8 días (3 envases al día), con respecto del grupo no inmunonutrido (NO IN), que únicamente recibió dieta normal, sin suplementos. Resultados: Del total de pacientes, el 40,5% (17) de los NO IN presentaron complicaciones infecciosas frente a un 33,3% (14) de los SÍ IN. En los pacientes con cáncer rectal NO IN, un 50% (8) tuvieron complicaciones infecciosas menores frente a un 13,6% (3) de los SÍ IN, (p = 0,028). En la regresión logística, la variable proteínas totales en el quinto día posquirúrgico (OR: 2,8 [IC 95%: 1,3-6,3], p = 0,012) fue independiente en relación con la aparición de complicaciones infecciosas. Específicamente, la variable fuga anastomótica se comportó como factor de riesgo en el desarrollo de infección de herida, con una OR de 4,5 (IC 95%: 1,3-16,1) (p = 0,033). Discusión: La desnutrición en los pacientes oncológicos susceptibles de cirugía se traduce en un incremento en la morbimortalidad postoperatoria de los mismos. La utilización de fórmulas enterales con inmunonutrientes en estos sujetos puede atenuar dicha morbilidad, a expensas de la disminución de complicaciones infecciosas. Conclusión: En nuestro análisis, los pacientes NO IN presentaron con mayor frecuencia complicaciones infecciosas posquirúrgicas, sobre todo el subgrupo de pacientes con cáncer rectal.
Abstract Purpose: Assess the efficacy of preoperative administration of oral immunonutrition in patients with resectable colorectal cancer, in terms of reducing the incidence of postoperative infectious complications. Material and methods: Prospective randomized study. A total of 84 patients were recruited. To the group YES IN, Impact© Oral was preoperatively administered for 8 days (3 bricks a day), whereas the NOT IN group only received normal diet, without supplements. Results: Of all patients, 40.5% (17) in the NOT IN group suffered infectious complications against 33.3% (14) in the YES IN group. Among patients with rectal cancer in the NOT IN group, 50% (8) suffered minor infectious complications, compared with 13.6% (3) among those in the YES IN group (P = .028). Using logistic regression, the variable total protein on the fifth postoperative day [OR: 2.8 (95% CI: 1.3 to 6.3) (P = .012)] showed a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of infectious complications. Specifically, anastomotic leak variable behaved as a risk factor in the development of surgical site infection, with an OR of 4.5 (95% CI: 1.3 to 16.1) (P = .033). Discussion: Malnutrition in cancer patients suitable for surgery results in an increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality. The use of enteral formulas with immunonutrients in these subjects can attenuate this morbidity, decreasing infectious complications. Conclusion: In our analysis, the NOT IN group suffered more postoperative infectious complications, particularly the subset of patients with rectal cancer.