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Purpose: This study aimed to develop a set of criteria and indicators to evaluate the quality of care of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC)., Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify valuable criteria/indicators for the assessment of the quality of care in HNC. With the aid of a technical group, a scientific committee of oncologists specialised in HNC used selected criteria to propose indicators that were evaluated with a two-round Delphi method. Indicators on which consensus was achieved were then prioritised by the scientific committee to develop a final set of indicators., Results: We proposed a list of 50 indicators used in the literature or developed by us to be evaluated with a Delphi method. There was consensus on the appropriateness of 47 indicators in the first round; the remaining 3 achieved consensus in the second round. The 50 indicators were scored to prioritise them, leading to a final selection of 29 indicators related to structure (3), process (22), or outcome (4) and covering diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and health outcomes in patients with HNC. Easy-to-use index cards were developed for each indicator, with their criterion, definition, formula for use in real-world clinical practice, rationale, and acceptable level of attainment., Conclusions: We have developed a set of 29 evidence-based and expert-supported indicators for evaluating the quality of care in HNC, covering diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and health outcomes., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction  Continuing advances in wrist arthroscopy and better understanding of carpal conditions have created the need to design new wrist access portals that facilitate the implementation of new surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to define and verify the safety of the medial triquetrohamate (MTH) portal. Description of the technique  The MTH portal is located about 5-10 mm ulnar and 2-3 mm distal to the midcarpal ulnar portal, ulnar to the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon of the fourth and fifth fingers, and radial to the extensor digiti quinti (minimi) (EDQ) tendon. Methods  An anatomical study was performed on 15 upper limb specimens from 15 human cadavers. Iatrogenic injuries to potentially at-risk neurovascular and tendinous structures were assessed, and the distance from the portal to these structures was measured. Results  There were no iatrogenic injuries to the structures at risk. Mean distances from the MTH portal to the EDC tendon of the fourth and fifth fingers and to the EDQ tendon were 4.67 ± 0.35 mm and 7.27 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. No differences were observed between the left and right wrists. The distance from the MTH portal to the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve was 15.07 ± 0.44 mm. The structure with the highest risk of injury was the EDC tendon of the fourth and fifth fingers, with a distance of less than 5 mm. Conclusions  The MTH portal is safe, reproducible and facilitates the implementation of various techniques related to midcarpal pathology., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Different types of therapies were proven effective for the medical management of motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to gain consensus on the dopamine agonist (DA) therapy use in different clinical scenarios of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients., Methods: This consensus study was based on the nominal group technique. Initially, a consensus group comprising 12 expert neurologists in the PD field identified the topics to be addressed and elaborated different evidence-based preliminary statements. Next, a panel of 48 Spanish neurologists expressed their opinion on an internet-based systematic voting program. Finally, initial ideas were reviewed and rewritten according to panel contribution and were ranked by the consensus group using a Likert-type scale. The analysis of data was carried out by using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The consensus was achieved if the statement reached ≥ 3.5 points in the voting process., Results: The consensus group produced 76 real-world recommendations. The topics addressed included 12 statements related to DA therapy in early PD, 20 statements concerning DA treatment strategy in patients with motor complications, 11 statements associated with DA drugs and their side effects, and 33 statements regarding DA therapy in specific clinical scenarios. The consensus group did not reach a consensus on 15 statements., Conclusion: The findings from this consensus method represent an exploratory step to help clinicians and patients in the appropriate use of DA in different stages and clinical situations of PD., (Copyright © 2023 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective  The aim of the study is to describe the modified all-arthroscopic technique for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) ligamentoplasty in chronic injuries of the TFCC with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, and to present the results obtained. Methods  A prospective study was conducted including 11 consecutive patients with chronic TFCC injury with DRUJ instability who underwent an all-arthroscopic TFCC ligamentoplasty. During follow-up, the range of joint motion, grip strength, pain according to the visual analog scale (VAS), functional outcomes according to the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and the QuickDASH Score were measured, and any complications and necessary reinterventions were recorded Results  We analyzed 11 patients with distal radioulnar ligament injury treated using the all-arthroscopic ligamentoplasty technique. Mean follow-up was 31.5 ± 4.4 (range 12-58) months. The technique presented achieved DRUJ stability in 100% of cases at 12 months. Grip strength and pain, showed a statistically significant improvement between the preoperative score and the two postoperative assessments. Functional assessment using the QuickDASH score and the MWS also improved significantly. Conclusion  The all-arthroscopic technique for the reconstruction of irreparable peripheral TFCC tears is a reliable technique, intended not only to minimize the surgical trauma to reduce postoperative pain and to facilitate rehabilitation, but also to improve both the quality of the reconstruction and the functional outcome., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To review current measures for renal cancer care and develop a comprehensive and updated list of measures for their practical use in Spain., Methods: The study was developed by Fundación ECO, a Spanish foundation aiming to improve oncology quality of care. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify measures and knowledge gaps. A scientific committee composed of nine experts reviewed the literature findings and added measures. A preliminary list of 42 measures was evaluated with the Delphi method to gather feedback from 47 medical oncology experts in Spain. Experts scored the appropriateness of the measures and ranked their priority in two consecutive online surveys. The scientific committee reviewed the Delphi results and developed the measures. A technical group from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria conducted and oversaw the Delphi method., Results: The Delphi method led to consensus on all 42 measures. The scientific committee used a prioritisation matrix to select 25 of these measures for evaluating quality of care in renal cancer. These measures regarded structure, process, and outcome and covered general management, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and evaluation of health outcomes. Easy-to-use index cards were developed for all 25 measures, including their definition, formula, acceptable level of attainment, and rationale., Conclusions: This manuscript aims to provide healthcare professionals with expert- and evidence-based measures that are useful for evaluating quality of care in renal cancer in Spain and cover all aspects and stages., (© 2021. Federación de Sociedades Españolas de Oncología (FESEO).)

Background: Updated information about self-reported experience and satisfaction with care of MS patients (PwMS) in Spain is scarce. We aim to describe, from PwMS' perspective, the disease impact, the quality of life and the satisfaction level with the social and healthcare support in Spain, and its evolution over the last decade., Methods: Multicentre observational study, based on a cross-sectional nationwide survey, completed by 432 PwMS in Spain throughout 2018. The results were compared with those of a similar study carried out in 2007 (370 patients), whose database was retrieved as baseline information., Results: 432 patients recruited from 61 neurology units fully completed the study e-survey (mean age: 43.7 years; 71.4% women). The personal profile of patients was largely similar between the 2007 and 2018 samples. The proportion of patients who identified themselves as having relapsing-remitting MS was higher in 2018 (77.1% vs. 56.7 in 2007; p = 0.0001). Overall, 2018 patients considered themselves more labour-active, less disabled, more independent in movement, and as higher family income earners. The proportion of patients satisfied or very satisfied with healthcare services accessibility increased over time (54.9% in 2007 vs. 66.2 in 2018; p = 0.0009). Similarly, more patients considered their health condition to be good or very good in 2018 (55.8% vs. 33.7% in 2007; p = 0.0001). In contrast, there seems to be little progress in social support terms and opportunities equality., Conclusions: Health condition of PwMS seems to have improved over the last decade, which could be the result of an increasingly effective health care. However, more social protection measures are needed., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Updated information on the self-perceived biopsychosocial burden and the healthcare experience among people living with multiple sclerosis in Spain is scarce.We aim to describe the self-reported disease experience of patients diagnosed with MS in Spain and to estimate their biopsychosocial burden., Methods: Multicentre epidemiological study based on a cross-sectional nationwide survey completed by a geographically stratified sample of MS patients in Spain., Results: A total of 490 surveys completed at 61 neurology units across Spain were analysed. Mean age was 43.7 ± 10.0 years (range:21-72), 71.4% were women. Most patients identified themselves as having relapsing-remitting MS (77.1%), 81.9% retained independent mobility. Most patients considered their health condition to be good (39.4%) or very good (13.1%). Mean EuroQoL questionnaire score was 69.2 ± 21.5. Most patients expressed high level of satisfaction with access to and quality of health care. However, 53.7% considered that sadness or depression interfered with their daily life. Concerns about social support were also mentioned., Conclusion: Most people living with MS in Spain consider that their health condition is at least good but more psychological support and social protection measures are needed. Insights obtained from this study may help to better manage the condition in the future., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background  Advances in wrist arthroscopy and the emergence of novel surgical techniques have created a need for new portals to the wrist. The aim of this study was to define and verify the safety of the volar distal radioulnar (VDRU) portal. Description of the Technique  The VDRU portal is located ∼5 to 10 mm proximal to the proximal wrist crease, just on the ulnar edge of flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and radial to the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar styloid marks the distal point of the portal. Methods  An anatomical study was performed on 12 upper extremity specimens of 6 human cadavers. Iatrogenic injuries of neurovascular structures potentially at risk were assessed, and the distance from the portal to these structures was measured. Results  No iatrogenic injuries of the structures at risk occurred. Mean distances from the VDRU portal to the ulnar neurovascular bundle, the radial branch of the dorsal sensory branches of the ulnar nerve (DSBUN), and the ulnar branch of the DSBUN were 9.29 ± 0.26 mm, 8.08 ± 0.25 mm, and 10.58 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. There were no differences between left and right wrists. The distances from the VDRU portal to the ulnar neurovascular bundle and the ulnar branch of the DSBUN were significantly shorter in women; this distance was not less than 7 mm in any case. Conclusions  The VDRU portal is safe, reproducible, and facilitates the implementation of various techniques related to triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: Lunate traumatic fractures represent between 0.5% and 1% of carpal bone fractures. Transverse fracture through the body of the lunate (type V) are the least frequent and need surgical treatment if displaced, because it has a high risk of necrosis or pseudoarthrosis. The objective of this paper is to present our experience with arthroscopic treatment in patients with a delay in consolidation after a transverse fracture through the body of the lunate., Methods: Two clinical cases of delay in consolidation in transverse fracture through the body of the lunate are presented. Both cases have delay in consolidation., Results: Both fractures were misdiagnosed in initial simple radiographic exploration and were diagnosed with computerised tomography. Both patients were treated by debridement, bone grafting and osteosynthesis under arthroscopic control, obtaining a correct radiographic consolidation., Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment is a valid, effective and safe technique for the treatment of delay in consolidation of transverse fractures through the body of the lunate and avoids complications and soft tissues injury of the open surgery techniques., (Copyright © 2020 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective  To describe a technique for treating acute injuries of the scapholunate ligament (SLL) by performing an arthroscopic reinsertion of the SLL and dorsal capsulodesis and to present the results obtained. Methods  The study deals with an analytical, prospective clinical study that included 19 consecutive patients with acute injury of the SLL. The range of joint motion, grip strength, pain according to the visual analog scale, functional outcomes according to the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and the QuickDASH Score were studied preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The complications and necessary reinterventions were recorded. Results  Nineteen patients with acute injury of the SLL were studied; mean age was 44 ± 2 years, 74% males, 58% complete rupture, and 42% partial rupture, treated with the above-mentioned technique. Thirty-seven percent also had a distal radius fracture and there was one case of perilunate dislocation. Improvement in pain, grip strength, joint balance, and functionality was observed 6 and 12 months postoperatively, with 79% of the cases with good or excellent results Conclusion  The arthroscopic reinsertion and dorsal capsular reinforcement of the SLL, allow a reliable and stable primary repair of the dorsal aspect of the ligament in acute or subacute SL injuries where there is tissue that can potentially be repaired, thus achieving an anatomical repair similar to that obtained with open surgery, but without the complications and stiffness secondary to aggressive interventions on the soft tissues that are inherent to the open dorsal approach., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)

Background and Objective: Superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) injuries are widely recognised as a cause of pain and dysfunction in the shoulders of active patients. The aims of the present study were to analyze SLAP injuries in the workplace, and to evaluate the reliability of physical examination and imaging techniques for the diagnosis of work-related SLAP injuries., Material and Methods: Retrospective chart review of 58 SLAP injuries treated in our occupational health centre from 2005 to 2015 in 815 patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy. Data were collected on mechanism of injury, clinical proceedings, complementary tests (contrasting the initial magnetic resonance imaging report with that of a radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal pathology), arthroscopy findings and treatments performed., Results: The most common mechanism of injury was acute injury while handling weight, in the majority of cases, above the head. SLAP injury was suspected in 41% of cases through anamnesis and physical exam, in 29% through the initial magnetic resonance imaging report, and in 52% through the specialised radiologist's report. In 78%, associated injuries were present, the most common being rotator cuff injuries., Conclusions: SLAP injuries in the workplace are rare and are often a diagnostic finding during surgical intervention performed for a different associated injury. Arthro-magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging have lower reliability than physical exams in the diagnosis of work-related SLAP injuries. A radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal pathology could probably improve the reliability of imaging test interpretation in work-related SLAP injuries., (Copyright © 2019 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Current cancer treatment options include surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The quality of the provision of each of them and their effective coordination determines the results in terms of benefit/risk. Regarding the radiation oncology treatments, there are not stabilised quality indicators to be used to perform control and continuous improvement processes for healthcare services. Therefore, the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology has undertaken a comprehensive project to establish quality indicators for use with the information systems available in most Spanish healthcare services., Methods: A two-round Delphi study examines consensus of several possible quality indicators (n = 28) in daily practice. These indicators were defined after a bibliographic search and the assessment by radiation oncology specialists (n = 8). They included aspects regarding treatment equipment, patient preparation, treatment, and follow-up processes and were divided in structure, process, and outcome indicators., Results: After the evaluation of the defined quality indicators (n = 28) by an expert panel (38 radiation oncologist), 26 indicators achieved consensus in terms of agreement with the statement. Two quality indicators did not achieve consensus., Conclusions: There is a high degree of consensus in Spanish Radiation Oncology specialists on which indicators in routine clinical practice can best measure quality. These indicators can be used to classify services based on several parameters (patients, equipments, complexity of the techniques used, and scientific research). Furthermore, these indicators allow assess our current situation and set improvements' objectives.

Purpose: To analyze the current scientific and/or clinical evidence supporting the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of rotator cuff pathology., Methods: After a systematic review in PubMed, studies assessing PRP efficacy in the treatment of rotator cuff pathology published since 2013 to date were identified. Data were grouped based on type of study (laboratory, clinical or meta-analysis); accordingly study design, pathology treated and clinical outcomes were summarized., Results: Thirty five articles have been analyzed: 10 laboratory studies, 17 clinical assays and 8 meta-analyses. While laboratory studies report positive or partially positive results for the use of PRP, 70.6% of clinical studies and 75% of meta-analysis found no statistically significant differences between the PRP group and the control group., Discussion: The positive results of laboratory studies do not translate well to clinical practice. There is no concordance among the few positive results reported in the clinical studies, and even some contradictory effects have been reported., Conclusions: There is no solid scientific and/or clinical evidence supporting the use of PRP in the treatment of rotator cuff pathology in routine clinical practice., (Copyright © 2017 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Scapholunate ligament (SLL) injury is the most frequent injury of the intrinsic carpal ligaments. The dorsal part of the SLL is the most important part for the stability of the scapholunate joint, and tears of this part and at least one of its secondary capsular attachments cause scapholunate dissociation. The arthroscopic technique most frequently used for acute injuries is reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires, and techniques that involve a primary repair of the injured ligament are performed by open surgery with efficient results. However, they lead to significant stiffness of the wrist due to injury to the soft tissue caused by damage to the secondary dorsal stabilizers; the dorsal blood supply; and in many cases, the proprioceptive innervation of the posterior interosseous nerve. We present an all-arthroscopic technique for the direct repair of acute injuries of the dorsal part of the SLL using bone anchors, complemented by a dorsal arthroscopic plication that reconstructs the dorsal capsulo-scapholunate septum of the scapholunate complex.

Very few data exist on the management of adult patients diagnosed with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The objectives of this study were to describe the diagnostic and treatment patterns for ITP and to compare the findings to recent ITP guidelines. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of adult ITP patients diagnosed with primary ITP between January 2011 and June 2012 and examined whether management strategies were consistent or not with eight recent guideline-recommended practices. Overall, median age at the diagnosis of the disease (n = 101) was 58 years and median platelet count 12 × 10(9)/L with 75.2 % of patients having symptoms of ITP. The study perceived two major shortcomings in the diagnostic approach: (1) failure to perform peripheral blood film examination in 22.8 % of patients, a test that is mandatory by all guidelines, and (2) ordinary bone marrow assessment in more than half of the patients at diagnosis (50.5 %), a test not routinely recommended by guidelines. Low appropriateness in therapeutic management of patients included (1) unjustified use of intravenous immunoglobulin in the absence of bleeding in 54.8 % of patients and (2) splenectomy not being deferred until 6-12 months from diagnosis (median 161 days). Data also reflect a trend towards the early use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in the treatment of patients who are refractory to any first-line therapy. We have recognized important areas of inapropriateness in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of adult ITP patients. Compliance with established guidelines should be encouraged in order to improve patient outcomes.

Scapholunate (SL) ligament injury is among the most common injuries of the intrinsic ligaments of the carpus. Arthroscopic treatment in complete and nonacute injuries has had poor results. These cases have typically been treated using open surgical techniques that require a broad dorsal approach and produce soft tissue impairment, which leads to reduced wrist mobility. The development of wrist arthroscopy techniques has allowed the treatment of complete and nonacute injuries of the SL ligament, without the disadvantages of open surgery, respecting the soft tissues and avoiding injury of the posterior interosseous nerve, in an attempt to preserve the proprioception of the wrist and the secondary dorsal stabilizers. This arthroscopically assisted technique reconstructs the SL ligament using a tendon graft placed between the scaphoid and lunate and complemented by the reconstruction of the dorsal portion of the SL ligament, with the aim of creating an axial and dorsal tendinous ligamentoplasty between both bones.

Objective: Laparoscopic surgery is a successful treatment option offering significant advantages to patients compared with open ventral hernia repair. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to compare the clinical results and economic costs of the open and laparoscopic techniques for anterior abdominal wall hernia repair, in order to determine the more efficient procedure., Material and Methods: We performed a prospective study of 140 patients with primary and incisional hernia, and analyzed clinical data, morbidity, costs of surgery and hospital stay costs., Results: The cost of disposable surgical supplies was higher with laparoscopic repair but reduced the average length of stay (P<.001) and patient morbidity (P<.001). The total cost of the laparoscopic procedure was, therefore, less than initially estimated, yielding a savings of 1,260€ per patient (2,865€ vs. 4,125€)., Conclusions: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is associated with a reduced complication rate, a lower average length of stay and with lower total costs. Laparoscopic repair can save 1.260€ for each patient, and so this procedure should be considered a cost-effective approach., (Copyright © 2013 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

The Stoppa procedure is a very safe repair of bilateral inguinal hernia, but it requires a learning period to achieve optimal results. We present a study with our experience and learning curve for this technique. Two hundred and ten patients with bilateral inguinal hernia (420 hernias) were repaired with Stoppa procedure from January 1995 to December 2003 with an average age of 57.2 years (range 28-89 years), with 8 women and 202 men (96%). Emergency surgery was performed for incarcerated hernia in six cases (2.8%). The rates of recurrent hernias, concomitant disease and associated surgical techniques were similar in all the years. Operative time decreased from 100 min (1995) to 61-66 min (2001-2003). Drain remained in place in 100% (1995), and 0% (2003). Regional anaesthesia was performed in 25% (1995) and 80-90% in the last years; hospital stay decreased from 5.1 to 1.2 days (2003), and morbidity from 50% (1995) to 12-16% (P<0.0001). There were three recurrences, two in the first 30 cases (6.6%), and one in the remaining 180 (0.5%) (4-92 months follow-up). The procedure was introduced in 1995 by one surgeon, performing 100% of cases, being accepted progressively by other surgeons. The first 25-30 cases of a surgical technique are the learning curve, with the highest rate of morbidity, time, technical and operative difficulties, and long hospital stay. As a result of the first surgeon's experience, some modifications of the technique are developed and results improved.

Liposarcoma is a malignant tumor that has an embryologic origin from mesodermal tissue depending on fatty tissue. Although liposarcoma is only 0.1% of all human neoplasms, it is the most common histology subtype of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas. This tumor grows slowly. Diffuse abdominal pain is its most frequent symptom and abdominal mass is the most common sign. Aggressive surgical treatment is basic to get a complete resection and a local disease control. This objective is difficult because of the large tumor size it gets in the retroperitoneal location and the multiorgan involvement that require the resection of a high percentage of contiguous organs. We report a case of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma presenting like continuous left hemiabdominal pain because of the visceral compression. The right kidney was involved and suffering from renal vessel enlargement without renal function. There is a high probability of microscopic residual disease and a good follow-up of the patients is necessary as well as an adjuvant radiation therapy in some cases.

The detection of a intrathoracic kidney is an exceptional discovery. There is a large period of time between the injury and its clinical presentation revising the literature, so it is possible that the herniation of the kidney into the chest was caused by a rise in intra-abdominal pressure but going through a preexistent congenital way not caused by the traumatism. In order to dismiss this possibility and to prove the traumatic origin of the diaphragmatic rupture, surgeons have examined the intraoperative characteristics of the rupture's borders. The elevation of the kidney has been said to be progressive because of the positive intra-thoracic pressure and the negative intra-abdominal one. Our objective is to report an extraordinary case of abdominal traumatism whose clinic and radiological proofs let us get a rapid diagnosis and surgical demonstration of the direct herniation of the left kidney into the chest through a diaphragmatic rupture caused by the same traumatism.

Biological adhesives have a lot of applications in surgical procedures. Here we present a prospective study with the aim of analyzing results of the application of Tissucol between the muscle layers and subcutaneous tissue after incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh and associated dermolipectomy. We assess clinical and technical parameters, local morbidity, and hospital stay. Fifty-six patients were divided into two groups. Patients with whom we used fibrin glue were older, with more obesity (P < 0.005) with associated diseases, and their incisional hernias were larger and more complicated to repair. Patients in the Tissucol group developed less local morbidity (hematomas or abscesses; P < 0.01), had a shorter mean hospital stay (P < 0.01), and required less wound care. The use of Tissucol improves the results of surgical repair of large abdominal incisional hernias repaired by mesh placement and dermolipectomy, and it decreases global morbidity and hospital stay are reduced.

Objective: To present an uncommon association of renal carcinoma with an undiagnosed ipsilateral pheochromocytoma that caused severe cardiovascular disorders during surgical treatment of the renal carcinoma, and emphasize the need for careful assessment of these adrenal nodules before resection although they may appear to be clinically irrelevant., Methods: A 61-year-old male with mild arterial hypertension controlled with drug therapy for 40 years was diagnosed as having a right renal hypernephroma and a probable adrenal adenoma by IVP, abdominal ultrasound, CT, bone scintiscan and renal arteriography. Preoperative values were within the normal limits. The patient developed severe hypertension intraoperatively, which was controlled by administration of lidocaine, nitroglycerine, sodium nitroprusside and labetalol. Surgery was interrupted and completed when the patient was stable., Results: The pathological analysis showed clear cell renal adenocarcinoma and pheochromocytoma. Postoperative evaluation showed dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline and vanilmandelic acid were normal. A 131 MIBG scan was normal., Conclusion: Although an adrenal mass may appear to be clinically irrelevant, a careful study should be performed to discard a functioning tumor and to avoid the serious complications that might arise during surgery.

Fistulae due to polypropylene mesh are known to occur if the prosthetic mesh is placed close to a hollow viscus. Some cases of enterocutaneous fistula have been reported but there are few cases of fistula affecting the large bowel. It is important to recognize these cases because they are severe complications of the prosthesis and difficult to manage. We present a case of colocutaneous fistula caused by fragmentation of polypropylene mesh and erosion into the sigmoid colon after recurrent incisional hernia repair.

Background: Textile materials of surgical origin are found in the abdominal cavity in between 1/1300 and 1/1500 laparotomies, in spite of preventive measures. It is very difficult to ascertain the exact incidence due to the lack of descriptions in the literature., Methods: Fourteen cases of postoperative foreign bodies or textilomas are reported. The cases were collected from two hospital centers between 1985 and 1997., Results: There were 12 intra-abdominal cases, 1 thoracic and 1 paravertebral. In 8 (57.1%) diagnosis was made preoperatively by radiological techniques. The mortality rate was 14.2% with 2 deaths due to multiorganic failure in one case and sepsis in the other. Both patients were over 70, with malignant pathology. The morbidity rate was 21.4%, wall abscesses which evolved favorably being the most frequent cause of complications., Conclusions: Prevention of this complication is the best treatment. It is advisable to use textile material with radiopaque contrast, to count the pieces of material to be used and perform an X-ray before the laparotomy is closed specially in emergency (bleeding and trauma patients) because in these complex cases the possibility of material being left behind is more advisable.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of pharmacological manipulation of postoperative intestinal motility on the resistance of colonic anastomoses., Materials and Methods: Seventy-one Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 20; colonic anastomosis+1 cc of saline solution subcutaneously, daily); Group 2 (n = 29; colonic anastomosis+1.2 mg/100 g body weight metoclopramide in 1 cc subcutaneously, daily); and Group 3 (n = 22; colonic anastomosis+2 mg/100 g body weight hyoscine N-butyl-bromide in 1 cc subcutaneously, daily). Surviving rats (20 in each group) were sacrificed 4 days after surgery and adhesions were evaluated. Each segment containing an anastomosis was removed and the bursting pressure was determined., Results: The cause of death during the early postoperative period was dehiscence in 8 cases (7 in Group 2 and 1 in Group 3). General adhesion scores in Group 2 were higher than in Group 3 (P = 0.003). The score for adhesions to the anastomosis in Group 1 was higher than in Group 2, but no statistically significant difference was found. Bursting-pressure was significantly lower in Group 2 than in other groups (P = 0.001). In all cases leakage of dye was observed at the anastomosis., Conclusion: The use of metoclopramide (a gastrointestinal prokinetic agent) during the early postoperative period was associated with an increase in dehiscence in colonic anastomosis and, when animals survived, there was a significant decrease in anastomotic resistance. Hyoscine (an inhibitor of gastrointestinal motility) did not improve the healing of anastomoses.

Purpose: Aim of the present study was to determine effect of a latex drain on colonic resistance and its relation to adhesion phenomena., Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups (n = 20): Group 1, simple colonic anastomosis; and Group 2, colonic anastomosis with drain "ad latum." Rats were sacrificed four days after surgery, and adhesions were evaluated. Segment containing anastomosis was removed, and bursting pressure was determined., Results: General adhesion scores in Group 2 were higher than in Group 1 (P = 0.002). Score for adhesions to anastomotic line in Group 1 was higher than in Group 2 (P = 0.016). Bursting pressure was significantly lower in Group 2 (Group 1, 67.90 +/- 31.39 mmHg; Group 2, 46.95 +/-1 29.69 mmHg; P = 0.034). In all cases, leakage of dye was observed at the anastomotic line. A multiple regression test was applied to both groups (40 cases), taking bursting pressure as the dependent variable and other parameters as independent variables. A strong relationship appeared to exist between anastomotic resistance and fraction of anastomotic line that was covered by the neighboring organ (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Placing a latex drain near a colonic anastomosis is associated with local inhibition of spontaneous adhesions to anastomotic line and, therefore, to significantly decreased resistance.

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to assess the results achieved by the newly designed ACUCISE cutting probe in the treatment of the PUJ syndrome, to describe its advantages and disadvantages and to determine the possibility of its replacing other previously utilized techniques., Methods: The ACUCISE cutting probe was utilized in 10 patients with pyeloureteral stricture. After the stent had been left indwelling for two months, it was removed and the patients had regular control evaluations two months thereafter., Results: The results have been optimal to date, with complete resolution of the pyeloureteral stricture in 100% of the cases. No significant complications have been observed. Some of the control images are presented., Conclusions: In our view, the availability of the ACUCISE cutting probe represents a major contribution to minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of the PUJ syndrome. Its advantages far surpass its disadvantages, some of which can be overcome by the skill acquired from more experience. Its only major drawback is that it cannot be used in children under thirteen because of its caliber. When positioned correctly, the ACUCISE cutting probe achieves a clean, precise and an even cut of the same diameter and extent. It is a useful alternative to the other techniques utilized in the treatment of PUJ stricture.

Introduction: We made an experimental study of the influence of the peritoneal adherence process on the strength of colic anastomosis., Method: 60 rats, in three groups of 20. Group I, colic anastomosis; Group II, colic anastomosis with epipoplasty; Group III, colic anastomosis covered with plastic material. They were slaughtered on the fourth post-operative day and we assessed the adherence parameters, removing the segment with anastomosis and measuring its breakage strength. Laplace's Law was applied to calculate Wall Breakage Stress (WBS)., Results: Group I: The statistically most significant influence on WBS was that of adherences to the anastomotic line (p = 0.005). WBS measured in anastomosis with adherence on 100% of the circumference was greater than in those where some part remained to be covered (p = 0.006). Group II: mean WBS was higher than in Group I as a whole (p = 0.005) and similar to that of the anastomosis in this group 100% covered by adherences (p = 0.017). Group III: mean WBS was lower than that of Group I (p = 0.009) and Group II (p = 0.000)., Conclusions: The beneficial effect was demonstrated of adherences to the anastomotic line on the strength of colic anastomosis so that this process should not, wherever possible, be obstructed. During an epiploplasty, 100% coverage must be ensured: this technique must therefore be considered to belong to the group of high-risk colic anastomoses.

We present the results achieved by catheter dilatation in 31 cases of ureteral strictures of different etiologies, using a large caliber (12 Fr) double pigtail catheter. The patients had a mean follow up of at least two years. The catheter was left indwelling for 2 1/2 months. The success rate was 74.2%, with few and unimportant complications. However, in 3 cases with strictures of a tuberculous etiology the long-term success rate dropped to 33.3%. The results indicate that ureteral stents of a caliber larger than that used normally, increase the success rate in dilatation of ureteral strictures.

The objectives of the present study were: 1) to describe the modifications in motility of the small intestine in response to situations of psychic stress during fasting and postprandial periods. 2) To analyse the possible involvement of the vagal system in these modifications. For this we used a total of 40 dogs. The motility of the small intestine was recorded using electromyography techniques (monopolar electrodes) and manometric techniques (submucous microballons). The stress stimulus consisted in the complete body immobilization of the animal in plaster. We show that stress induced a significant increase in the intestinal motility index (percentage of show waves followed by the action potential) in the three locations of the intestine studied (duodenum, angle of Treitz and proximal part of the jejunum) during the fasting (p less than 0.001) and postprandial periods (p less than 0.001). Finally, we demonstrate that vagotomy prevents the effect of hypermotility causes by the psychic stress. We can conclude that psychic stress does indeed modify the normal motility of the small intestine, both in the fasting and postprandial periods, and the vagus is implicated in this hypermotility response.