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Colorectal surgery has advanced notably since the introduction of the mechanical suture and the minimally invasive approach. Robotic surgery began in order to satisfy the needs of the patient-doctor relationship, and migrated to the area of colorectal surgery. An initial report is presented on the experience of managing colorectal disease using robot-assisted surgery, as well as an analysis of the current role of this platform.A retrospective study was conducted in order to review five patients with colorectal disease operated using a robot-assisted technique over one year in the initial phase of the learning curve. Gender, age, diagnosis and surgical indication, surgery performed, surgical time, conversion, bleeding, post-operative complications, and hospital stay, were analysed and described. A literature review was performed on the role of robotic assisted surgery in colorectal disease and cancer.The study included 5 patients, 3 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 62.2 years. Two of them were low anterior resections with colorectal primary anastomoses, one of them extended with a loop protection ileostomy, a Frykman-Goldberg procedure, and two left hemicolectomies with primary anastomoses. The mean operating time was 6hours and robot-assisted 4hours 20minutes. There were no conversions and the mean hospital stay was 5 days.This technology is currently being used worldwide in different surgical centres because of its advantages that have been clinically demonstrated by various studies. We report the first colorectal surgical cases in Mexico, with promising results. There is enough evidence to support and recommend the use of this technology as a viable and safe option.

Background Caecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Its clinical presentation is non-specific, with the diagnosis usually confirmed by barium enema and abdominal computed tomography. Treatment depends on many factors, and minimally invasive approaches are becoming the treatment of choice. Clinic case A 54 years old female, admitted to the Emergency Department with clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction. On physical examination she had a palpable, firm, and tympanitic mass in the right abdomen, with peritoneal irritation. The radiographs of the abdomen, barium enema and abdominal computed tomography showed caecal volvulus. As she showed a full remission after the barium enema, with no clinical or biochemical data of systemic inflammatory response syndrome or peritoneal irritation, she was discharged to her home. Two weeks later, a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed with an ileo-transverse extracorporeal anastomosis. Her progress was satisfactory, and she was discharged 4 days after surgery due to improvement. Conclusion Caecal volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, with high mortality rates, and is caused by excessive mobility of the caecum. Its incidence is increasing. Treatment depends on many factors. Early non-surgical untwisting, followed by an elective laparoscopic surgical procedure offers several advantages and reduces mortality.

Rectal prolapse is defined as the protrusion of the rectal wall through the anal canal; with a prevalence of less than 0.5%. The most frequent symptoms include pain, incomplete defecation sensation with blood and mucus, fecal incontinence and/or constipation. The surgical approach can be perineal or abdominal with the tendency for minimal invasion. Robot-assisted procedures are a novel option that offer technique advantages over open or laparoscopic approaches.67 year-old female, who presented with rectal prolapse, posterior to an episode of constipation, that required manual reduction, associated with transanal hemorrhage during defecation and occasional fecal incontinence. A RMI defecography was performed that reported complete rectal and uterine prolapse, and cystocele. A robotic assisted Frykman-Goldberg procedure wass performed.There are more than 100 surgical procedures for rectal prolapse treatment. We report the first robot assisted procedure in Mexico. Robotic assisted surgery has the same safety rate as laparoscopic surgery, with the advantages of better instrument mobility, no human hand tremor, better vision, and access to complicated and narrow areas.Robotic surgery as the surgical treatment is a feasible, safe and effective option, there is no difference in recurrence and function compared with laparoscopy. It facilitates the technique, improves nerve preservation and bleeding. Further clinical, prospective and randomized studies to compare the different minimal invasive approaches, their functional and long term results for this pathology are needed.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is the etiologic agent of an emerging disease in the Western Hemisphere that can be transmitted to humans by blood transfusion. WNV first appeared in the United States in 1999, in Canada in 2001, and in Mexico in 2002. The aim of this nationwide study was to determine the prevalence of WNV in blood donors in Mexico as a first step in preventing its transfusion-associated transmission. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In July and August 2004, a total of 3856 fresh plasma specimens collected from each state's center for blood transfusion in 29 of 31 Mexican states were screened with an investigational WNV assay (Procleix,® Gen-Probe Inc. and Chiron Corp.), a nucleic acid test based on transcription-mediated amplification (TMA). Reactive specimens were confirmed with a second TMA-based test, the alternative WNV assay (Gen-Probe), and with WNV capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies. In addition, 3714 frozen plasma samples collected in 2002 and 2003 were similarly tested. RESULTS: One of 3856 fresh samples from an asymptomatic donor from Chihuahua was reactive by both TMA-based tests and IgM ELISA, suggesting a recently acquired infection. The observed percentage of viremic donors blood donors was 0.03 percent. Results from frozen samples were not included in the prevalence calculation and none were TMA-reactive for WNV. CONCLUSIONS: WNV is present in the Mexican blood supply and measures should be taken to reduce the risk of transfusion transmission.

Background and aims. Optimal treatment for rectal prolapse is controversial. We describe a novel alternative treatment for high-risk patients with complete rectal prolapse. Patients and methods. Sixteen high-risk patients over 60 years old with complete rectal prolapse were examined. All patients had significant past medical history and were classified as grade III (ASA) surgical risk. The helicoidal suture technique is described. Postoperative parameters evaluated were morbidity, mortality, postoperative symptoms, recurrence and anal incontinence score. Median follow-up was 60 months. Results. There were no operative complications or mortality in the series; one patient experienced recurrence. Median postoperative anal incontinence score was 6.06 (range 1–30; preoperative 23.6). Conclusion. This technique provides adequate functional outcomes and could be an effective therapeutic strategy against rectal prolapse in high-risk patients.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a disease characterized by an intraperitoneal adenomucinous tumor cell disemination, being cecal appendix the most common etiology.To report a surgeon's group experience and a detailed up to date literature review.1. A 74 year old woman with a history of four days with mesogastrium and right lower quadrant abdominal pain associated with diarrhea and fever was admitted to our institution. Upon admission she presented with signs of peritoneal irritation and muscular rigidity, leukocytosis of 14,500 cels/mm(3), 89% neutrophils and 1% bands. An acute appendicitis diagnosis was established, being scheduled for diagnostic laparoscopy, during procedure, significant bowel distention was found, so conversion to laparotomy was required. Case 2. A 73 year old male with a history of one year with intermittent abdominal pain at right iliac fossa and hypogastrium was admitted to our institution. Dyspnea, constipation alternating with periods of diarrhea, gastric fullness and heartburn occurred. On physical examination only a palpable tumor occupying mesogastrium and both iliac fossae was noticed, therefore, a laparotomy was performed. In both cases diagnoses were made during procedure, finding multiple scattered multilobulated mucinous tumor implants within the peritoneal cavity. Histopathological studies confirmed a pseudomyxoma peritonei diagnoses.Peritoneal pseudomyxoma is a rare malignant tumor with a difficult diagnosis characterized by copious production of mucinous ascites and multiple tumors implants on serosa of intracavitary viscera. The gold standard treatment consists of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy and/or adjuvant chemotherapy.Antecedentes: el pseudomixoma peritoneal se caracteriza por la diseminación celular intraperitoneal de un tumor adenomucinoso; el apéndice cecal es la etiología más frecuente. Objetivo: reportar la experiencia de un grupo de Cirugía General y revisar la bibliografía. Casos clínicos: 1: paciente femenina de 74 años de edad, que cuatro días previos inició con dolor abdominal tipo cólico en el mesogastrio y fosa iliaca derecha, evacuaciones diarreicas y fiebre. A su ingreso al hospital se la encontró con datos de irritacion peritoneal y resistencia muscular, leucocitosis de 14,500 células por mm3, neutrófilos 89%, bandas 1%. Se diagnosticó: apendicitis aguda y se programó para laparoscopia diagnóstica, con distensión importante de asas, por lo que se decidió convertir a laparotomía. Caso 2: paciente masculino de 73 años de edad; el padecimiento actual se inició con dolor intermitente en la fosa iliaca derecha e hipogastrio, de un año de evolución. Al cuadro se agregaron: disnea, estreñimiento alternado con periodos de diarrea, plenitud gástrica, y pirosis. A la exploración física se encontró un tumor palpable en el mesogastrio y ambas fosas iliacas. Por eso se le realizó la laparotomía exploradora. En ambos casos el diagnóstico se estableció en el transoperatorio con el hallazgo de múltiples implantes tumorales mucinosos multilobulados diseminados en la cavidad peritoneal, el diagnóstico se confirmó con el reporte histopatológico de pseudomixoma peritoneal. Conclusiones: el pseudomixoma peritoneal es una neoplasia poco frecuente y de difícil diagnóstico, caracterizada por producción copiosa de ascitis mucinosa y de múltiples implantes tumorales en la serosa de las vísceras intracavitarias. El tratamiento ideal es la cirugía citorreductiva y la quimioterapia intraperitoneal perioperatoria o la quimioterapia postoperatoria, o ambas.

Crohn's disease was described for the first time in 1932. The association of acute appendicitis with this disease is very rare and when the cecum is involved, risk of fistula is very high.We present the case of a 48-year-old female who had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease several months earlier. The patient complained of intense abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant and was treated medically without improvement. Thus, laparascopic surgery was decided upon.The appendix was affected in 12-16% of all patients with Crohn's disease who had intestinal resection.If the cecum is not affected, appendectomy using laparascopic procedure with soft tissue drainage is adequate.

Colorectal surgery has evolved significantly during the last 35 years. The circular stapler and the double stapler techniques have favored the development of very low rectal anastomoses with reduction in anastomotic leakage. The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional results and complication rate of this surgical technique in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI and at the Hospital Angeles del Pedregal, both located in Mexico City.Clinical records of patients who underwent surgery from May 1995 to December 2005 using the double stapler technique and performed by the authors were reviewed.The study included 142 patients, 55 of whom had rectosigmoid cancer resections. Average age was 60.1 years (male predominance 52.05%). The circular stapler most frequently used was CDH 33 (JohnsonJohnson). Average distance between the anal margin and the anastomoses for extended low anastomoses was 3.21 cm (low 7.8 cm and high 13.7 cm), and the rate of anastomoses leak was 3.52%.Double stapler technique used to treat rectosigmoid pathology is safe, secure and assures intestinal continuity in low anterior as well as extended low anterior resections with primary anastomoses. In those patients with associated risk factors and low extended low anterior resection with primary anastomoses, we recommend performing a protective stoma (ileostomy).

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has become the most common treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis. This procedure removes the entire colon, conserving the sphincteric complex and, therefore, preserving continence. The most important goal of this surgery is to improve quality of life.We reviewed the files of patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis from January 1995 to December 2004 . We administered questionnaire SF-36 to evaluate quality of life. We used an observational, retrospective, and transversal method.Twenty "J" pouch procedures were done, of which files of 14 patients were reviewed. As far as quality of life, we were able to interview only eight patients and the average was as follows: physical function 75, physical status 50, corporal pain 51, general health 77, vitality 47.5, social function 62.50, emotional status 83 and mental health 74.Previous reports exist showing that proctocolectomy is a safe and effective procedure for patients with ulcerative colitis and where ileostomy is accompanied by one definitive, independent continent or pouch.The presence of stoma and fecal incontinence are factors that contribute to deterioration of quality of life after proctocolectomy; thus, both should be avoided. Of the patients who we interviewed, 87.5% consider that their health status has improved during 1 year.

To report for the first time in Mexico a case of anorectal tuberculosis as well as the revision of world-wide literature.In recent years the tuberculosis has had a significant increase, caused mainly by the epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The anorectal tuberculosis is a very rare presentation, their diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion since it can be confused with an infectious disease.Female of 50 years old, with atipic annal ulcers, treated at the being like perianal Crohn disease, the treatment with mesalazina and prednisona do not improve the disease. Thorax x-ray was made. The biopsies reported tuberculosis, initiating treatment with triple antifimic scheme, with good results at one month of medical treatment. COMENT: The biopsy is the main diagnostic method specific, the medical triple or quadruple treatment is the main management and surgical treatment is reserved for anal abscess and fistula.

Haemorrhoids and the symptoms they produce have been recorded throughout history. This disease affects 4-10% of the population. The treatment is based on the degree of haemorrhoidal prolapse and the severity of symptoms.The aim of this study is to show our experience in the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease in the colorectal surgery department from the Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, (IMSS, México, D.F).Clinical files were reviewed of patients treated by surgical procedures in a period from March 1996 to March 2004.3,304 medical consultations were given to first time patients; 443 patients were diagnosed with haemorrhoidal disease representing 13.4% of the anorectal pathology: 358 patients underwent an anorectal operation, 225 males (62.8%) and 133females (37.2%), mean age of 48 years (range 18-78 years). The principal symptoms were bleeding and pain. We found another associated pathology in 20% of the cases. 46 patients were affected by second degree haemorrhoids (12.8%), 244 third degree (68.3%) and 68 patients by fourth degree (19%). The Ferguson technique was the most used (84%). At the same time as the haemorrhoidectomy we did other anorrectal procedures in 20% of patients. The mean operation time was 53 minutes (range 19-150). Acute urinary retention occurred in 28 patients (8%) leak sutures in seven (2%), and bleeding in six (1.7%). The mean hospital stays were two days with follow up of 42 days. The total morbility was 4.7%.The incidence of haemorrhoidal disease in this study was 13.4%. 80% ofpatients were treated by surgery. This pathology is more common in the fifth decade of life with male-female relation of 1. 7:1. The acute urinary retention was the most common complication. During the performing of a haemorrhoidectomy it was possible to resolve other anorectal pathologies. The Ferguson technique was the most used with a total morbility of 4.7%.

Report for first time in Mexico a case of hereditary mixed polyposis and review the literature.The hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS) is an uncommon condition, distinguished by presence of a different histological pattern of polyps in digestive tract, clinically manifested by diarrhea, anemia and weight loss.Male patient, 38 years old, with familiar antecedent (dead sister) with polyps and gastric cancer. With history of a 1 year with bleeding and mucous diarrhea, and weight loss of a 28.6 pounds. Pale at physical examination, without abdominal signs. At blood test with hemoglobin of 9.7 g/dL, and colonoscopy with multiple polyps within colon and rectum, upper endoscopy with a big esophageal polyp and multiple polyps in gastric and duodenal lining smaller than 1 cm. Contrast study of intestine was normal. Histopathologic study of the polyps report mixed pattern of polyps: (hyperplasic-adenomatous, juvenile-adenomatous, adenoma-inflammatory-hyperplasic, hyperplasic-adenomatous with a high degree dysplasia); juvenile in esophagus, and hyperplasic in stomach and duodenum. Patient was undergone to totalproctocolectomy and reconstruction by "J" ileoanal pouch with good outcome, and endoscopic esophageal polypectomy, with actual surveillance.

The presence of rectal diverticula is extremely rare; nevertheless, diverticular disease is considered a greater problem. We report a case of rectal diverticula in a patient with diverticular disease of the sigmoid.An 88-year-old male presented to the emergency room with hematochezia of several days evolution. During colonoscopy two diverticula were seen at 5 cm from the anal verge.Two theories exist to explain why rectal diverticula are rare, but other authors indicate its relationship to genetic alterations. Rectal diverticula are generally asymptomatic and surgical treatment only becomes necessary when these lesions progress to ulceration and abscess formation.

Rectal prolapse is as ancient humanity. Treatment must be surgical in adult patients. There is no gold standard procedure to date; thus, this has given rise to controversy.One objective was to analyze our results, complications, mortality, and recurrence in a Colorectal Surgery Service for surgical treatment of complete rectal prolapse.We reviewed records of all patients treated surgically with rectal prolapse at our Service from March 1995 to March 2001.31 patients; 22 were female and nine male with age range of 24 to 89 years. Evolution time was 6 months to 40 years; 11 patients had preoperative incontinence. We carried our four procedures, abdominal procedure hospital stay was 4 to 7 days; we had 18% long-term complications with no mortality or recurrence. Hospital stay in perineal procedures was 1 to 2 days with one procedure associated with death due to AV blockade, with 14% recurrence for helicoidal suture procedure, and no complications. Altemeier procedure recurred at 1 month of surgery. Continence score of Miller improve postoperatively.Abdominal procedures have less recurrence than perineal procedures; abdominal procedures must be considered in young patients with low risk, and perineal procedures in older patients with high risk, that are coantraindications for a major surgical procedure.

Treatment of ulcerative colitis depends on clinical stage of disease and have precise surgical indications. The aim of this work was to review surgical indications and present data related to our experience.Retrospective, descriptive, and transversal study. We reviewed records of all patients who underwent a surgical procedure for ulcerative colitis at our service from March 1996 to March 2001.Twenty two patients, 13 males and nine females, ages range 21 to 72 years. Main indication for surgery was no response to medical treatment (50%). Surgical procedures was subtotal colectomy with ileostomy in one patient, intersphincteric proctocolectomy with ileostomy in four intersphincteric proctectomy with ileostomy in three ileorectalanastomosis in three proctocolectomy with ileoanal "J" pouch in six and proctectomy with ileoanal J pouch in five. We had the following complications: oral candidiasis; phlebitis; eventration; pouchitis, and anal fissure in one patient, respectively, pouch-skin fistula in two patients (9%), and retrograde ejaculation in one of these. Follow-up was for 5 years.Surgical indications for ulcerative colitis are precise. We recommend early surgical evaluation. Ileoanal pouch is now considered the gold standard for surgical procedure because it eliminates disease, neoplasm development, and permanent extra-colonic manifestations, and restores continence.

Ischemic colitis (IC) is an important clinical problem, and may present after aortic surgical procedures. The aim of this work was to establish risk factors for IC presentation in aortic surgical replacement patients.A retrospective study of patients with aortic surgical replacement in a 3-year period was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups: patients without IC and patients with IC, the later group subdivided into patients with gangrenous ischemic colitis and without gangrenous ischemic colitis. Multiple logistic regressions was used to obtain the variables for possible risk factor for IC.We included 101 patients in the study; ischemic colitis was present in 16.8% of all cases, with 47.1% of gangrenous type. Metabolic acidosis was the most frequent alteration. Diagnosis was made by endoscopy in 94.1%. Mortality in IC group was 18.2% with an increase in the gangrenous group to 62.5%. Identified risk factors were disrupted aneurysm, previous colonic surgery, emergency surgery, and hemodynamic instability.Ischemic colitis is most frequent in emergency surgery for disrupted aneurysm in the hemodynamically unstable patient with retroperitoneal hematoma. We must entertain a high suspicion index for IC in all patients with aortic surgical procedures for early detection and adequate treatment.

Leukemic infiltration of perianal skin (leukemia cutis) is quite uncommon, and may consist of no diffuse infiltration, erythema, ulceration, fistula, and abscess. Diagnosis may be established by biopsy and adequate hematologic studies. Treatment must be conservative in patients with poorly controlled disease (sitz baths, antibiotics, radiotherapy), and surgical in patients with risk of fulminant sepsis and death.To report a case of leukemic perianal infiltration with atypical ulcerated lesion.Female patient, 21 years of age with diagnosis of AML M7, began with perianal pain posterior to evacuation associated with bleeding; at perianal examination we found anterior atypical ulcerated lesion. We carried out a biopsy under suspicion of leukemic infiltration corroborated by histopathology. The patient received conservative treatment.We must suspect leukemic infiltration in patients with anal symptoms and effect close surveillance. Prognosis depends on control of hematologic disease.

Tubercle bacillus was discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch. With the introduction of chemotherapy for tuberculosis in the 1940s the incidence of this entity decreased. The incidence of the tuberculosis of the colon began to increase at the 1980s with the rise in numbers of patients considered as high risk for this entity, such as HIV-infected individuals, patients with chronic renal disease, and immunosuppressed patients with prolonged steroid therapy. We report on two patients with history of chronic abdominal pain and weight loss with a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. In one patient chest radiography revealed a miliary reticulonodular pattern. In both, abdominal CT scan showed retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and colonic wall thickness. Colonoscopic examination showed ulcerative lesions and ileocecal valve disruption. Microscopic examination of intestinal content showed evidenced M. tuberculosis. Tuberculosis of the colon should be suspected in patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain and weight loss.

Primary colon lymphomas (PCL) are very rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, and represent 0.2-0.5% of all colon primary tumors. They appear principally PCL in adult population. Almost all are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas; first however, one must discard lymph node origin. The most frequent sites of presentation are the cecum and rectum. Treatment of choice is surgical, plus adjuvant chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is reserved for specific cases.To inform on two cases of PCL.Review two of cases of cecum lymphomas and their treatment.We inform the cases of two patients with the diagnosis of cecum lymphoma. The main patient complaints were abdominal pain, palpable mass, and hemorrhage. Both patients were treated with right extended hemicolectomy and ileum-transverse anastomosis. The outcome was unremarkable. Both patients received chemotherapy and remain free of disease at 1.5 and 5 years of follow-up.Primary colon lymphomas are very uncommon gastrointestinal tumors, with cecum localization as one of the most frequent sites of presentation in the colon. Treatment of choice must be surgical, with chemotherapy as an adjuvant therapy to improve survival.

Endoanal sonography can be used in the assessment of benign and malignant anal conditions and to evaluate the anatomy of the anal sphincters. We used endoanal sonography with a 10-MHz rotating endocavitary probe to evaluate a 45-year-old woman with a perianal mass, fecal incontinence, and menses-associated perianal pain. She had had 2 vaginal deliveries requiring episiotomies. Biopsy of the mass showed endometrial tissue. The ultrasound examination showed a perianal mass and an external anal sphincter injury. A wide excision and sphincteroplasty were performed, with improvement of fecal continence and pain. Histopathologic examination of the mass confirmed perianal endometrioma in an episiotomy scar.