Consenso chileno de diagnóstico y manejo de neoplasias quísticas pancreáticas. Club de páncreas Chile-SCHGE

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are frequently detected on abdominal images performed for non-pancreatic indications. Their prevalence in asymptomatic population ranges from 2.7 to 24.8%, and increases with age. There are several types of pancreatic cysts. Some may contain cancer or have malignant potential, such as mucinous cystic neoplasms, including mucinous cystadenoma (MCN) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). In contrast, others are benign, such as serous cystadenoma (SCA). However, even those cysts with malignant potential rarely progress to cancer. Currently, the only treatment for pancreatic cysts is surgery, which is associated with high morbidity and occasional mortality. The Board of the Chilean Pancreas Club of the Chilean Gastroenterology Society developed the first Chilean multidisciplinary consensus for diagnosis, management, and surveillance of PCN. Thirty experts were invited and answered 21 statements with five possible alternatives: 1) fully agree; 2) partially agree; 3) undecided; 4) disagree and 5) strongly disagree. A consensus was adopted when at least 80% of the sum of the answers "fully agree" and "partially agree" was reached. The consensus was approved by the Board of Directors of the Chilean Pancreas Club for publication.

Elaboración de un simulador de trauma torácico a partir de un torso cadavérico utilizando tecnología de imágenes digitales e impresión 3D / Elaboration of a thoracic trauma surgery simulation model from a cadaveric human torso incorporating digital image technology and 3D printing

Resumen Objetivo: Presentar la elaboración de un simulador de trauma torácico de alta fidelidad elaborado mediante modelamiento e impresión 3D a partir de un torso humano cadavérico. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo del desarrollo de un simulador de trauma torácico utilizando metodología centrada en el prototipado y la iteración basada en testeos. Resultados: Se elaboró un simulador reutilizable mediante la digitalización de un torso cadavérico utilizando tomografía computada. Se realizó una reconstrucción digital del torso diseñando los planos subcutáneos, muscular y óseo en base a las imágenes del paciente pre y postoracotomía anterolateral. Utilizando impresión 3D y materiales sintéticos, se elaboró la caja torácica para luego instalar un corazón y pulmón porcino ventilado y perfundido. Los parches de la toracotomía son reemplazables y de bajo costo. En conjunto, este simulador permite el entrenamiento en manejo de lesiones traumáticas cardiacas y pulmonares de alta fidelidad. Conclusión: La metodología presentada permite la creación de un modelo para el entrenamiento y evaluación de habilidades quirúrgicas en trauma torácico. Los elementos principales del simulador son reutilizables y permiten mantener bajos los costos del entrenamiento.

Aim: To describe the design and creation of a high-fidelity thoracic trauma surgery simulation model incorporating 3D printing technology using a cadaveric human torso as a model. Materials and Method: This is a descriptive study that aims to illustrate the creation process of a thoracic trauma surgery simulation model throughout the incorporation of prototypes and dynamic iteration technologies. Results: A high-fidelity reusable thoracic trauma surgery simulation model was created from the digitalization of a cadaveric torso using a computed tomography scan. Throughout digital reconstruction tools, the subcutaneous, muscular, and skeletal structures were modeled from images obtained before and after an anterolateral thoracotomy. Using 3D printing and synthetic materials, a high-fidelity thoracic cavity was built so that perfused and ventilated porcine heart and lungs could be placed. A thoracotomy patch for the anterolateral thoracotomy was designed in a reusable and low-cost fashion. This simulation model is suitable for high fidelity training in the surgical management of cardiopulmonary traumatic injuries. Conclusion: The described methodology allowed the creation of a simulation model for training and assessment of surgical skills in thoracic trauma. The main components of the simulation model are made from reusable materials, broadening access to low-cost, high fidelity training.

Self-confidence on acquired surgical skills to deal with severe trauma patients in recently graduated surgeons / Autoconfiança nas habilidades cirúrgicas adquiridas para lidar com pacientes com trauma grave em cirurgiões recém-formados

ABSTRACT Background: Trauma is one of the leading causes of death in the world and proper surgical care is critical to impact mortality. In Chile, trauma associated death ranks first as mortality cause in population between 20 and 59 years old. Appropriate surgical skills are required to deal with these complex patients. Self-confidence to practice trauma procedures after the General Surgery Residency have not been reported in our country. Aim: Describe the level of self-confidence to deal with trauma procedures of surgeons who recently graduated from a General Surgery Residency. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. We designed and applied a survey in 2015, 2016 and 2017 to recently graduated surgeons, to inquire about self-confidence of surgical skills to deal with trauma scenarios. Eighteen trauma surgery procedures (including cervical, thoracic, abdominal and vascular procedures) were evaluated using a 5-grade Likert scale. The number of procedures performed during the residency was also queried. Results: Eighty-eight recently graduated surgeons from 11 different training programs in Chile were included. The report of competencies was high in procedures such as intestinal injuries, were 98% felt competent or very competent in their repair. On the other hand, in complex traumas such as major vessel injury, up to 76% reported not being competent. Self-confidence on procedures was directly associated with the number of procedures performed during residency. Conclusions: Recently graduated surgeons from General Surgery Programs report high levels of confidence to deal with low and intermediate complexity traumas, but a lower level of confidence to treat high complexity cases.

RESUMO Racional: Trauma é uma das principais causas de morte no mundo e cuidados cirúrgicos adequados são críticos para determinar a mortalidade. No Chile, morte associada a trauma é a primeira causa de mortalidade na população entre 20 e 59 anos. Para lidar com esses pacientes complexos, são necessárias habilidades cirúrgicas precisas para esses procedimentos. Autoconfiança de cirurgiões recentemente graduados na Residência em Cirurgia Geral para práticas de procedimentos de trauma no nosso país não tem sido reportada. Objetivo: Descrever nível de autoconfiança para lidar com procedimentos de trauma em cirurgiões recentemente graduados na residência de cirurgia geral. Método: Estudo transversal. Foi desenhada e aplicada uma enquete em 2015, 2016 e 2017 a cirurgiões recentemente graduados para pesquisar sobre autoconfiança e habilidades cirúrgicas para lidar com cenários de trauma. Foram avaliados 18 procedimentos cirúrgicos de trauma (incluindo procedimentos cervicais, torácicos, abdominais e vasculares) usando a 5-grade Likert Scale. O número total de procedimentos feitos durante a residência foi avaliado. Resultados: Foram incluídos 88 cirurgiões recentemente graduados. O nível de competência foi reportado como alto em procedimentos como trauma intestinal, onde 98% sentiu-se competente ou muito competente em sua reparação. Por outro lado, em traumas complexos como dano vascular maior, até 76% reportaram não se sentirem competentes. A autoconfiança nos procedimentos esteve diretamente associada com o número de procedimentos realizados. Conclusões: Cirurgiões recentemente graduados na residência de cirurgia geral reportam níveis altos de confiança para lidar com traumas de complexidade baixa e média, mas um nível menor de confiança para tratar casos de complexidade alta.

Situación actual del trasplante hepático pediátrico por hepatopatías crónicas en Chile: Inequidades asociadas a la priorización por sistema MELD/PELD

Background: The Chilean allocation system for liver transplantation (LT) uses the MELD/PELD score to prioritize candidates on the waiting list. Aim: To assess if the Chilean allocation system for LT is equitable for pediatric candidates compared to their adult counterparts. Material and Methods: We used the Public Health Institute's registry between October 2011 and December 2017. We analyzed candidates with chronic hepatic diseases listed for LT. The primary outcome was the cadaveric liver transplantation (CLT) rate. Secondary outcomes were death or disease progression in the waiting list and living donor liver transplant (LDLT) rate. Results: We analyzed 122 pediatric and 735 adult candidates. Forty one percent of pediatric candidates obtained a CLT compared to 48% of adults (p = NS). Among patients aged under two years of age, the access to CLT on the waiting list there was 28% of CLT, compared to 48% in adults (p = 0.001). Fifty-seven percent of candidates aged under two years were listed for cholestatic diseases, obtaining a CLT in 18% and requiring a LDLT in 49%. The median time in the waiting list for CLT was 5.9 months in pediatric candidates and 5.1 in adults, while the median time to death in the waiting list was 2.8 and 5.6 months, respectively. The mortality rate at one year in candidates under two years old was 38.1% compared to 32.5% in adults. Conclusions: Pediatric candidates with chronic liver diseases, especially under two years of age, have greater access difficulties to CLT than adults. Half of the pediatric candidates die on the waiting list before three months. The mortality among candidates under two years of age in the waiting list is excessively high.

Brazilian consensus on incidental gallbladder carcinoma / Consenso brasileiro de carcinoma incidental de vesícula biliar

ABSTRACT Background: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. Aim: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. Methods: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. Results: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. Conclusions: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

RESUMO Racional: Carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar é definido como uma neoplasia descoberta por exame histológico após colecistectomia videolaparoscópica. É potencialmente uma doença curável. Entretanto algumas questões relacionadas ao seu manuseio permanecem controversas e uma estratégia definida está associada com melhor prognóstico. Objetivo: Desenvolver o primeiro consenso baseado em evidências para o manuseio de pacientes com carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar no Brasil. Métodos: Dezesseis questões foram selecionadas e para responder as questões e 36 membros das sociedades brasileiras e internacionais foram incluídos. As recomendações foram baseadas em evidências da literatura atual. Um relatório final foi enviado para os membros do painel para avaliação de concordância. Resultados: Avaliação intraoperatória da peça cirúrgica, uso de bolsas para retirar a peça cirúrgica e exame histopatológico de rotina, foram recomendados. Avaliação pré-operatória completa é necessária e deve ser realizada assim que o estadiamento final esteja disponível. Avaliação da margem do ducto cístico e biópsia de rotina do linfonodo 16b1 são recomendadas. Quimioterapia deve ser considerada e quimioradioterapia indicada se a margem cirúrgica microscópica seja positiva. Os portais devem ser ressecados excepcionalmente. O estadiamento laparoscópico antes da operação é recomendado, mas o tratamento radical por abordagem minimamente invasiva deve ser realizado apenas em centros especializados em cirurgia hepatopancreatobiliar minimamente invasiva. A extensão da ressecção hepática é aceitável até que seja alcançada a ressecção R0. A linfadenectomia padrão é indicada para tumores iguais ou superiores a T2, mas a ressecção da via biliar não é recomendada de rotina. Conclusões: Recomendações seguras foram preparadas para carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar, destacando os mais frequentes tópicos do trabalho diário do cirurgião do aparelho digestivo e hepatopancreatobiliar.

Trasplante hepático: evolución, curva de aprendizaje y resultados después de los primeros 300 casos / Liver transplantation: development, learning curve and results after the first 300 cases

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is an option for people with liver failure who cannot be cured with other therapies and for some people with liver cancer. Aim: To describe, and analyze the first 300 LT clinical results, and to establish our learning curve. Material and Methods: Retrospective cohort study with data obtained from a prospectively collected LT Program database. We included all LT performed at a single center from March 1994 to September 2017. The database gathered demographics, diagnosis, indications for LT, surgical aspects and postoperative courses. We constructed a cumulative summation test for learning curve (LC-CUSUM) using 30-day post-LT mortality. Mortality at 30 days, and actuarial 1-, and 5-year survival rate were analyzed. Results: A total of 281 patients aged 54 (0-71) years (129 women) underwent 300 LT. Ten percent of patients were younger than 18 years old. The first, second and third indications for LT were non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, chronic autoimmune hepatitis and alcoholic liver cirrhosis, respectively. Acute liver failure was the LT indication in 51 cases (17%). The overall complication rate was 71%. Infectious and biliary complications were the most common of them (47 and 31% respectively). The LC-CUSUM curve shows that the first 30 patients corresponded to the learning curve. The peri-operative mortality was 8%. Actuarial 1 and 5-year survival rates were 82 and 71.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Outcome improvement of a LT program depends on the accumulation of experience after the first 30 transplants and the peri-operative mortality directly impacted long-term survival.

Trasplante hepático exitoso en un paciente portador del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) / Liver transplantation in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): case report

Abstrac: Before the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were considered as having an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). Considering the increased life expectancy in HIV positive patients under HAART and the improvements in the management of graft recipients, these patients are now suitable for carrying out transplants in selected cases. We report a 26 years old HIV positive male who developed acute liver failure possibly caused by drug induced liver injury who underwent a successful liver transplantation.

Diarrea poscolecistectomía: ¿un problema frecuente? / Postcholecystectomy diarrhea is a frequent problem?

Resumen Introducción: La colecistectomía laparoscópica es una de las intervenciones quirúrgicas más frecuentes en nuestro país. La diarrea poscolecistectomía es una entidad poco reconocida, con una prevalencia descrita entre el 0,9 y 35,6%, sin embargo, en Chile esto no ha sido claramente definido. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y características de la diarrea poscolecistectomía laparoscópica electiva en una muestra de pacientes chilenos. Material y métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta telefónica estructurada sobre consistencia y frecuencia de deposiciones, entre 4 y 6 meses después de la intervención, a los pacientes adultos operados de colecistectomía laparoscópica electivamente entre diciembre de 2014 y marzo de 2015. Se definió como «diarrea poscolecistectomía¼ la presencia de deposiciones líquidas o inusualmente disgregadas que hubiesen comenzado posteriormente a la intervención y se estableció el término de «diarrea prolongada¼ como la duración de síntomas mayor de 4 semanas. Resultados: Se encuestó a 100 pacientes (73% de mujeres). La prevalencia global de diarrea poscolecistectomía fue del 35% (n = 35). La prevalencia de pacientes con diarrea prolongada fue del 15% (n = 15). En el grupo con diarrea prolongada, se observó resolución completa de esta en el 57% de los pacientes (n = 8) en un plazo medio de 99 ± 29 días. Conclusión: La diarrea poscolecistectomía es una entidad frecuente en nuestra población, con una alta prevalencia dentro de los primeros 28 días posteriores a la intervención. En la mayoría de los pacientes se resuelve en los primeros 6 meses.

Abstract Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most common surgical procedures in our country. Postcholecystectomy diarrhea is an unrecognized entity, with a reported prevalence between 0.9 and 35.6%, nonetheless in Chile this has not been clearly defined. Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of diarrhea following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our institution. Material and methods: A structured questionnaire about consistency and defecation frequency was applied to adult patients summited to an elective LC between December 2014 and February 2015, by a telephone survey within 4 and 6 months after the surgical procedure. Postcholecystectomy diarrhea was defined as the presence of liquid or unusually disrupted faecal material beginning after LC. Persistent diarrhea was established when diarrhea continued for a period longer than four weeks. Results: One hundred patients were included (73% women). The overall prevalence of postcholecystectomy diarrhea was 35% (n = 35). The prevalence of patients with persistent diarrhea was 15% (n = 15). In the group of patients with persistent diarrhea, complete resolution was observed on 57% of the cases (n = 8) within an average period of 99 ± 29 days. Conclusion: Post cholecystectomy diarrhea is a frequent condition in our population, with a high prevalence within the first 28 days after LC. In most patients it resolved within 6 months.

Resultados del tratamiento laparoscópico de los quistes hidatídicos hepáticos no complicados / Results of laparoscopic treatment of uncomplicated hepatic hydatid cysts

Introducción: La cirugía es el tratamiento más efectivo para los pacientes portadores de quistes hidatídicos hepáticos (QHH). Actualmente no existe consenso si la cirugía abierta o laparoscópica es la mejor vía de tratamiento. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir la técnica quirúrgica y los resultados de la cirugía radical (periquistectomía) por vía laparoscópica. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente. Se incluyeron a los pacientes portadores de QHH no complicados en los que se realizó periquistectomía radical laparoscópica entre los años 2007 y 2015 en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Se consignaron variables demográficas, clínicas, características del QHH, morbimortalidad y recurrencia en el seguimiento. Resultados: Se operaron 24 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 35 años (3-79). La mediana de tamaño del QHH fue de 8 cm (3-15). Las complicaciones postoperatorias se presentaron en 4 casos (16%); un paciente presentó una fístula biliar (4,1%). No hubo mortalidad en este estudio y la estadía hospitalaria fue de 3 días (2-25). La mediana de seguimiento fue de 57,5 meses (9-106); se observó un caso de recurrencia a nivel hepático que requirió otra cirugía. Conclusiones: El tratamiento radical de los QHH no complicados por vía laparoscópica es factible y seguro; al compararlo con la literatura existente no se aprecian diferencias en la morbimortalidad ni recurrencia.

Introduction: Surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with hepatic hydatid cysts (HHC). Currently there is no consensus whether open or laparoscopic surgery is the best treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique and the results of laparoscopic radical surgery (pericystectomy). Material and methods: Non-concurrent cohort study. We included patients with uncomplicated HHC in which it was performed a laparoscopic radical pericystectomy between 2007 and 2015 at the Clinical Hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Demographic and clinical variables, HHC characteristics, morbi-mortality and recurrence at follow-up were recorded. Results: Twenty-four patients were operated. The median age was 35 years (3-79). The median HHC size was 8 centimeters (3-15). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases (16%); one patient had a biliary fistula (4.1%). There was no mortality in this study and the hospital stay was 3 days (2-25). Median follow-up was 57.5 months (9-106); a case of hepatic recurrence requiring another surgery was observed. Conclusions: The radical treatment of uncomplicated HHC by laparoscopic surgery is feasible and safe; when compared with existing literature there is no differences in morbi-mortality or recurrence.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar poscolecistectomía / Surgical treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injury post cholecystectomy

Introducción: Las lesiones de la vía biliar (LVB) iatrogénicas durante una colecistectomía constituyen una complicación grave, con una significativa morbimortalidad. El objetivo del estudio es analizar los resultados de la reparación de las LVB poscolecistectomía realizadas entre los años 2000 y 2015. Métodos: Estudio de serie de casos. Se consignaron en una base de datos: variables demográficas, el centro donde se realizó la colecistectomía, la vía de reparación, el tipo de LVB, el tipo de reparación efectuada, las complicaciones postoperatorias, la mortalidad operatoria y la sobrevida. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, EE. UU.). Resultados: Se estudiaron 36 pacientes, de los cuales 33 (92%) fueron mujeres; la edad promedio fue de 48,5 ± 14 años. La colecistectomía que originó la iatrogenia fue laparoscópica en 24 (67%) casos. La LVB fue identificada en el intraoperatorio en 9 pacientes (25%). La LVB más frecuente se localizó a menos de 2cm de la confluencia (Bismuth-Strasberg tipo E2) en 14 (39%) pacientes. La derivación biliodigestiva con asa en Y de Roux fue la técnica más utilizada en la reparación de las LVB en 26 (72%) casos. A largo plazo, se observó una estenosis en 7 (19%) pacientes, con necesidad de una nueva reparación. Hubo mortalidad operatoria de un paciente (3%). Conclusiones: Las LVB poscolecistectomía fueron satisfactoriamente reparadas preferentemente con una derivación biliodigestiva con Y de Roux en nuestro centro.

Abstract Introduction: Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (BDI) during a cholecystectomy are a serious complication with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze the results BDI's repair post cholecystectomy which was performed between the years 2000-2015. Methods: Case series study. Demographic variables, the center where the cholecystectomy was performed, repair pathway, the type of bile duct injury, the type of reparation performed, postoperative complications, operative mortality and survival were entered in a database. For statistical analysis, software SPSS 22 was used. Results: Thirty-six patients were studied; 33 (92%) were women; mean age 48.5 ± 14 years. The Cholecystectomy that originated the iatrogenia was laparoscopic in 24 (67%) cases. BDI was identified intraoperatively in 9 patients (25%). The most common BDI was located less than 2 cm to confluence (Bismuth-Strasberg type E2) in 14 (39%) patients. The biliodigestive Roux-Y bypass was the most used technique in the repair of the BDI in 26 (72%) cases. In the long term, stenosis was observed in 7 (19%) patients with the need of a new repair. Operative mortality of 1 patient (3%). Conclusions: BDI post cholecystectomy were successfully repaired preferably with a biliodigestive Roux-Y bypass in our center.

Trasplante hepático por insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria o enfermedad de Rendu Osler Weber: caso clínico / Liver transplant as treatment for cardiac failure secondary to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: report of one case

Liver involvement by multiple arterio-venous shunts in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia can lead to severe heart failure. Total hepatectomy with liver transplantation has emerged as a therapeutic option for severe cases where other therapies have failed. We report a 51-year-old male who underwent a liver transplant for this condition, with full cardiac recovery within the first year after receiving the allograft. Nine years after transplantation, he remains with normal functional capacity and normal liver function tests.

¿Influye el medio de preservación del injerto en los resultados y costos del trasplante hepático de donante fallecido?: Comparación de dos soluciones de preservación / Outcomes using two preservation solutions (UW/HTK) in liver transplantation from brain death donors

Background: Preservation solutions are critical for organ transplantation. In liver transplant (LT), the solution developed by the University Of Wisconsin (UW) is the gold-standard to perfuse deceased brain death donor (DBD) grafts. Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK), formerly a cardioplegic infusion, has been also used in solid organ transplantation. Aim: To compare the outcomes of LT in our center using either HTK or UW solution. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study including 93 LT DBD liver grafts in 89 patients transplanted between March 1994 and July 2010. Forty-eight grafts were preserved with UW and 45 with HTK. Donor and recipient demographics, total infused volume, cold ischemia time, post-reperfusion biopsy, liver function tests, incidence of biliary complications, acute rejection and 12-month graft and patient survival were assessed. Preservation solution costs per liver graft were also recorded. Results: Donor and recipient demographics were similar. When comparing UW and HTK, no differences were observed in cold ischemia time (9.6 ± 3 and 8.7 ± 2 h respectively, p = 0.23), biliary complications, the incidence of acute rejection, primary or delayed graft dysfunction. Histology on post-reperfusion biopsies revealed no differences between groups. The infused volume was significantly higher with HTK than with UW (9 (5-16) and 6 (3-11) l, p < 0.001). The cost per procurement was remarkably lower using HTK. Conclusions: Perfusion of DBD liver grafts with HTK is clinically equivalent to UW, with a significant cost reduction.

Letalidad del cáncer de vesícula biliar es independiente del lugar de atención o características sociodemográficas: Chile 2002-2005 / Mortality due to gallbladder cancer: Retrospective analysis in three Chilean hospitals

Background: Chile has the highest gallbladder cancer (GBC) death rate world-wide, affecting mainly Southern areas of the country. Aim: To compare the survival of GBC patients treated in hospitals located in areas with low and high risk for GBC. Material and Methods: Medical records of all patients with GBC admitted to one public hospital located in southern Chile, a public hospital and a private clinic, both located in Metropolitan Santiago, were reviewed. Cases were analyzed by age, sex, stage at diagnosis, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES) and rural residence. Survival was calculated using Kaplan Meier method. Results: A total of 598 cases (469 women), were analyzed. No differences in age or sex among hospitals were detected. At the moment of diagnosis, 75, 50 and 44 percent of cases from the hospital in southern Chile, the public hospital in Santiago and the private clinic in Santiago, were in stage IV, respectively. Five years survival was lower in the public hospital in southern Chile than in the public hospital in Santiago (10.7 and 14.4 percent respectively, p < 0.05) but not statistically different from the figure at the private clinic in Santiago (13.0 percent). However, when adjusting for stage at the moment of diagnosis, no difference in survival between the three hospitals, was found. The median days of survival were 1,559, 188, 70 and 69 for stages I, II, III and IV respectively. Conclusions: GBC mortality is high. The stage at the moment of diagnosis is only significant predictor of survival.

Resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de las metástasis hepáticas por cáncer colorrectal / Outcome of surgical treatment of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer

Background: Surgical resection is the only treatment associated with long-term cure in patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer, achieving a 30% to 40% five years survival. Aim: To evaluate the results of liver resection for metastatic colorectalcancer in our centre. Patients and methods: Retrospective study. Epidemiological, perioperative and follow up data of patients undergoing liver resection for metastatic colorectalcancer between January 1990 and July 2007 were assessed. We compared the results between two periods; period 1 (1990-1997) and period 2 (1998-2007). Results: Sixty six patients aged61±12 years (46 males) underwent 75 resections. An anatomical excision was performed in 54 (72%) cases, a right hepatectomy in 18, an extended right hepatectomy in 11, a left hepatectomy in 1, and a segmentectomy in 24. In 24 (32%) patients the liver resection wassimultaneous with the colorectal cancer resection. Operative time was 221±86 min. Hospital stay was 11±5 days. Postoperative morbidity was 35% and surgical mortality was 0%. Resectionmargin was free of tumor in 53 (80%) patients. Five years overall and hepatic disease-free survival was 38% and 23%, respectively. In period 2, more anatomical resections than in period1 were performed (77% and 55%, respectively, p =0.04), without an increase in complications (35% and 34%, respectively; p =ns), but with a better five years survival (45% and 21%, respectively, p =0.04). Conclusions: Five years survival for excision of liver metastatic colorectal cancer in our center is similar to that reported abroad. During the second period there has been a trend toward more extensive resections which was associated with a better survival, without an increase in complications or mortality.

Complicaciones neurológicas en pacientes adultos sometidos a trasplante hepático ortotópico: experiencia de un centro universitario / Neurological complications following a liver transplantation: experience from a Chilean center

Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the treatment of choice for multiple acute and chronic end-stage liver diseases as well as for selected cases of liver malignancy and ¡iver-site metabolic disorders. Neurological impairment is a major source of morbidity and moñality following OLT. Aim: To describe the incidence and the type of neurological complications occurring in the post-operative period of OLT in patients transplanted in our hospital. Material and methods: Between March 1994 and August 2007, 76 adult patients underwent OLT. Data on incidence, time of onset, and outcome of central nervous system (CNS) complications have been obtained from our program data base and patient charts. Results: Twenty three patients (30.3 percent) had CNS complications following OLT. The leading complications were immunosuppressive drug-related neurological impairment in nine patients (39.1 percent), peripheral nerve damage in five patients (21.7 percent), central pontine myelinolysis in four patients (17.4 percent), cerebrovascular disease in three (13 percent) and CNS infection in three (13 percent). Most CNS events (90 percent) occurred in the first 2 weeks after OLT. Five patients with neurological complications died (22 percent). Conclusions: CNS complications occurred in almost one fifth of the population studied, and they had a poor outcome, as previously reported).

Rendimiento de la colangiografía por resonancia magnética en el diagnóstico de coledocolitiasis / Accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for the diagnosis of common bile duct stones

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography MRCP) is a non-invasive diagnostic method for choledocholithiasis. Aim: To evaluate the results of MRCP in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of MRCP reports performed between October 2001 and December 2004. We included patients with suspected choledocholithiasis who were studied with MRCP and some other confirmatory test such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ERCP), surgical common bile duct exploration or transcystic colangiography TC). Results: One hundred and twenty five patients aged 58±20 years 70 females) were included. In 54 patients 43 percent) we compared the results of MRCP with the findings of surgical common bile duct exploration or TC and in 71 57 percent) we did so with ERCP. MRCP suggested choledocholithiasis in 93 patients and in 32 it was negative. Eighty six 67 percent) patients had choledocholithiasis according to TC or ERCP, including 3 patients who had a negative MRCP. Therefore the sensibility was 97 percent, specificity 74 percent positive predictive value 89 percent, negative predictive value 90 percent and accuracy of MRCP was 90 percent for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. Conclusions: MRCP has a high accuracy for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis.

Neoplasia mucinosa intraductal del páncreas: [revisión] / Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: [review]

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas is characterized by a dilatation of the main pancreatic duct and/or secondary ducts, mucin production and the absence of ovarian ¡ike struma. The symptoms are non-specific and often the diagnosis is incidental. The treatment of choice is surgery, since these tumors may become malignant. The prognosis depends on the type of lesion, whether the excision is complete and lymph node involvement. The aim of this review is to analyze the clinical, diganostic, therapeutic and pathological characteristics of this disease.