Fogo em campo cirúrgico - Medidas preventivas para cirurgia palpebral segura / Operating room fire prevention - preventive measures for safe eyelid surgery

Resumo Fogo em campo cirúrgico durante cirurgia palpebral é uma complicação intra-operatória que é dramática tanto para o paciente quanto para a equipe médica. Relatamos um caso de acidente cirúrgico durante cirurgia palpebral onde o paciente sofreu queimadura de supercílio. Houve interação entre o oxigênio usado para sedação (máscara aberta) e uma fonte de ignição representada pelo cautério monopolar. Embora o paciente tenha apresentado boa evolução clínica com recuperação total da lesão cutânea, este caso é um alerta para se evitar tais tipo de ocorrência. Ressaltamos neste trabalho quais as condições implicadas e o modo de prevenção.

Abstract Fire in the surgical field during eyelid surgery is an intra-operative complication that is dramatic for both the patient and the medical staff. It's being reported a case of surgical accident during eyelid surgery where the patient suffered a brow burn. There was interaction between the oxygen used for sedation (open mask) and a source of ignition represented by monopolar cautery. Although the patient presented good clinical evolution with complete recovery of the cutaneous lesion, this case is an alert to avoid such type of occurrence. This work highlights the conditions involved and the way of prevention.

Signs and symptoms related to inhalation of surgical smoke in the nursing team / Signos y síntomas relacionados con la inhalación del humo quirúrgico en el equipo de enfermería / Sinais e sintomas relacionados à inalação da fumaça cirúrgica na equipe de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the prevalence of signs and symptoms related to inhalation of surgical smoke among surgical technologists and non-surgical technologists nursing professionals. Method: A cross-sectional study with 46 professionals from a university hospital. To evaluate the prevalence, an instrument with signs/symptoms related to the inhalation of electrocautery smoke was used. To verify the comparison between the prevalence of signs/symptoms, the Fisher's exact test was performed. Results: Higher prevalence of all signs/symptoms among surgical technologists, with a statistically significant difference between the act of instrumenting with the presence of at least one signs/symptoms related to inhalation of surgical smoke (p=0.01); eye irritation (p=0.02); irritation of nasal mucosa and oral cavity (p=0.03); headache (p=0.04). Conclusion: The presence of problems related to surgical smoke in nursing workers elicits more attention. Implications for practice: Health units must be aware of the risk of such exposure and take measures to preventing it.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar la prevalencia de signos y síntomas relacionados a la inhalación del humo quirúrgico entre trabajadores de enfermería instrumentadores y no-instrumentadores. Método: Estudio transversal realizado con 46 trabajadores en un hospital universitario. Para evaluación de la prevalencia, se utilizó un instrumento con signos/síntomas relacionados con la inhalación del humo del electrocauterio. Para la comparación entre prevalencia de signos/síntomas, fue realizada la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: Mayor prevalencia de todos los signos/síntomas entre instrumentadores, con diferencia estadísticamente significante entre el acto de instrumentar con la presencia de por lo menos un signo/síntomas relacionado con la inhalación del humo quirúrgico (p=0,01); irritación en los ojos (p = 0,02); de mucosa nasal y cavidad oral (p=0,03); cefalea (p=0,04). Conclusión: La presencia de problemas relacionados al humo quirúrgico en instrumentadores suscita mayor cuidado. Implicaciones para la práctica: Unidades de salud deben considerar los riesgos de esta exposición y adoptar medidas de prevención.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a prevalência de sinais e sintomas relacionados à inalação da fumaça cirúrgica entre trabalhadores de enfermagem instrumentadores e não-instrumentadores. Método: Estudo transversal realizado com 46 trabalhadores em um hospital universitário. Para avaliação da prevalência, foi utilizado um instrumento com sinais e sintomas relacionados à inalação da fumaça do eletrocautério. Para a comparação entre a prevalência dos sinais/sintomas, realizou-se o teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: Maior prevalência de todos os sinais/sintomas entre profissionais que instrumentam, com diferença estatisticamente significante entre o ato de instrumentar com a presença de pelo menos um sinal/sintoma relacionado à inalação da fumaça cirúrgica (p=0,01); irritação nos olhos (p=0,02); da mucosa nasal e cavidade oral (p=0,03); cefaleia (p=0,04). Conclusão: A presença de problemas relacionados à fumaça cirúrgica em instrumentadores suscita maior atenção. Implicações para a prática: As unidades de saúde devem tomar ciência do risco dessa exposição e adotar medidas de prevenção a este risco.

Two Cases of Electrocautery Incision Therapy Using an Insulated-tip Knife for Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Short-segment Colonic Stenosis Following Colonic Resection / 대한소화기학회지

Anastomotic stenosis of the colon is not an uncommon finding; however, its frequency varies from one study to another. Traditionally, postoperative colonic stenosis is managed surgically. However, endoscopic therapy has recently become the preferred treatment modality over traditional surgery. Good short-term success has been achieved with use of endoscopic balloon dilation; however, restenosis may occur over time in 14% to 25% of patients. The current report showed the effectiveness and usefulness of an insulated-tip knife (IT-knife) for electrocautery therapy of a patient with symptomatic anastomotic colonic stenosis.

Prevention of lymphocele development in gynecologic cancers by the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing device / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: A number of new techniques have been developed to prevent lymphocele formation after pelvic lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancers. We assessed whether the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing device (EBVSD) could decrease the incidence of postoperative lymphocele secondary to pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: A total of 321 patients with gynecologic cancer underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy from 2005 to 2011. Pelvic lymphadenectomy without EBVSD was performed in 134 patients, and pelvic lymphadenectomy with EBVSD was performed in 187 patients. We retrospectively compared the incidence of lymphocele and symptoms between both groups. RESULTS: Four to 8 weeks after operation, 108 cases of lymphocele (34%) were detected by computed tomography scan examination. The incidence of lymphocele after pelvic lymphadenectomy was 56% (75/134) in the tie ligation group, and 18% (33/187) in the EBVSD group. We found a statistically significant difference in the incidence of lymphocele between both groups (p<0.01). To detect the independent risk factor for lymphocele development, we performed multivariate analysis with logistic regression for three variables (device, number of dissected lymph nodes, and operation time). Among these variables, we found a significant difference (p<0.001) for only one device. CONCLUSION: Use of the EBVSD during gynecological cancer operation is useful for preventing the development of lymphocele secondary to pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Saline-Coupled Bipolar Sealing in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of saline-coupled bipolar sealing devices in joint arthroplasty is uncertain, and the utility in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been reported. METHODS: This study compares the use of bipolar sealing and conventional electrocautery in 71 consecutive patients. The experimental and control groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and preoperative hemoglobin. Variables of interest included blood loss, transfusion requirements, and operative characteristics. RESULTS: In comparison to patients treated with conventional electrocautery, those treated with the bipolar sealer were 35% less likely to require transfusion. The median number of transfusions per case was also significantly lower in the experimental group. Hemoglobin change, total blood loss, and length of stay were not significantly different between the groups. The experimental group had longer operative times. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar sealing shows promise as a blood loss reduction tool in simultaneous bilateral TKA. The marginal savings attributed to reduced transfusion rates with use of the bipolar sealer did not exceed the additional per-case expense of using the device. The decision to use the device with the goal of less blood loss must come with the additional expense associated with its use.

Evaluation of the In Vivo Efficiency and Safety of Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation Using a 15-G Octopus(R) in Pig Liver

OBJECTIVE: To determine in vivo efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in porcine liver by using 15-gauge Octopus(R) (15-G Octopus(R)) electrodes to create a large coagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 coagulations were created by using a 180-W generator and 15-G Octopus(R) electrodes during laparotomy, performed in 14 pigs. Coagulation necrosis was created in the pig livers by the use of one of three RFA protocols: 1) group A, monopolar RFA using a 15-G Octopus(R) electrode with a 5-mm inter-electrode distance (n = 4); 2) group B, monopolar RFA using a 15-G Octopus(R) electrode with a 10-mm inter-electrode distance (n = 6); and 3) group C, switching monopolar RFA using two 15-G Octopus(R) electrodes (n = 8). The energy efficiency, shape, maximum and minimum diameters (Dmx and Dmi), and the volume of the coagulation volume were measured in each group. The Summary statistics were obtained and Mann-Whitney test was were performed. RESULTS: The mean ablated volume of each group was 49.23 cm3 in A, 64.11 cm3 in B, and 72.35 cm3 in C. The mean Dmx and Dmi values were 5.68 cm and 4.58 cm in A and 5.97 cm and 4.97 cm in B, respectively. In group C, the mean diameters of Dmx and Dmi were 6.80 cm and 5.11 cm, respectively. The mean ratios of Dmi/Dmx were 1.25, 1.20, and 1.35 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. There was one animal death during the RFA procedure, the cause of which could not be subsequently determined. However, there were no other significant, procedure-related complications during the seven-hour-delayed CT scans. CONCLUSION: RFA procedures using 15-G Octopus(R) electrodes are useful and safe for creating a large ablation in a single electrode model as well as in the multiple electrodes model.

Experiencia en la utilización de la pinza electroquirúrgica de coagulación bipolar plasmacinética en la histerectomía vaginal en el Hospital Central Norte de PEMEX / Electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealer for the vaginal hysterectomy: Central Hospital North of PEMEX experience

Objetivo: Describir la morbilidad, pérdida sanguínea y tiempo quirúrgico en la realización de histerectomía vaginal con el uso de la pinza electroquirúrgica de coagulación bipolar plasmacinética. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en 18 pacientes sometidas a histerectomía vaginal por patología benigna uterina, utilizando energía plasmacinética durante el período de enero de 2007 a febrero de 2009, en el Hospital Central Norte de Petróleos Mexicanos. Resultados: Tiempo quirúrgico de 59,4 +/- 19,3 min (rango: 50-85 min), sangrado posoperatorio de 76,6 +/- 22,3 mi (rango: 30-110 ml), peso del útero 497,3 +/- 88,9 g (rango: 245-635 g) y tiempo de estancia intrahospitalaria de 2,1 +/- 0,6 días (rango: 1-3 días). No se reportaron complicaciones durante el procedimiento ni en su recuperación posterior. Conclusiones: El uso de la pinza electroquirúrgica de coagulación bipolar plasmacinética, es una alternativa efectiva y segura durante la histerectomía vaginal. Es necesaria la realización de un ensayo aleatorizado para compararla con la técnica tradicional para demostrar otros beneficios.

Objective: To describe morbility, blood loss and procedure time of vaginal hysterectomy using an electro-surgical bipolar vessel sealer. Methods: Patients scheduled for vaginal hysterectomy using electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealer as the hemostasis technique during the period January 2007 to February 2009, at the Central Hospital North of Petróleos Mexicanos. Results: A total of 18 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy for some benign disease of the uterus. Among these patients, mean procedure time in the electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealer was 59.4 +/- 19.3 min (range: 50-85 min). Mean estimated blood loss was 76.6 +/- 22.3 ml (range: 30-110 ml), weight of the uterus was 497.3 +/- 88.9 g (range: 245-635 g), and length of stay 2.1 +/- 0.6 days (range: 1-3 days). There was no perioperative complication. Conclusion: Electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealer is an effective alternative to sutures in vaginal hysterectomy. Larger adequately-powered studies are however still required.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in rats

PURPOSE: To establish an experimental model of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in rats and to analyze morphological alterations in the renal parenchyma utilizing an electric cautery and harmonic scalpel. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were used, divided in 2 experiments with 20 rats each: experiment I, LPN was performed with an electric cautery and the rats were subdivided into groups A and B; experiment II, LPN was performed with a harmonic scalpel and they were subdivided into groups C and D. The animals in groups A and C were sacrificed shortly after surgery and the remnant kidney was removed to study the following variables: necroses and degeneration. In groups B and D a laparatomy was performed for retrieval of the remnant kidney on the 14th day after surgery to analyze fibrous scarring. RESULTS: For the variables necroses and fibrous scarring, the electric cautery creates, on average, greater width than that produced by the harmonic scalpel (p=0.0002 and p=0.0068 respectively). Regarding the variable of degeneration, we found no significant difference between the two types of scalpels (p=0.1267). CONCLUSIONS: LPN in rats is an adequate and feasible experimental model. The electric cautery caused greater damage to remnant renal tissue when compared to harmonic scalpel.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer um modelo experimental de nefrectomia parcial laparoscópica (NPL) em ratos e analisar as alterações morfológicas no parênquima renal utilizando-se bisturi elétrico e harmônico. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 40 ratos Wistar, distribuídos em dois experimentos com 20 ratos cada: experimento I, NPL utilizando-se de bisturi elétrico e subdividindo-se os ratos em grupos A e B; experimento II, NPL realizada com bisturi harmônico e subdividindo-se os ratos em grupos C e D. Os animais dos grupos A e C foram sacrificados após a cirurgia para a remoção do rim operado e estudo das seguintes variáveis: necrose e degeneração. Nos grupos B e D a laparotomia para a retirada do rim operado foi após o décimo quarto dia de pós-operatório para a análise da cicatriz fibrosa. RESULTADOS: O bisturi elétrico provocou uma necrose e cicatriz fibrosa mais extensas em relação ao bisturi harmônico (p=0.0002 e p=0.0068 respectivamente). Em relação a variável degeneração, não houve diferença entre os tipos de bisturis (p=0.1267). CONCLUSÕES: NPL em ratos é um modelo experimental adequado e factível. O bisturi elétrico causa danos teciduais mais intensos no rim operado quando comparado com o bisturi harmônico.

Incendio de un Tubo endotraqueal durante traqueostomia / Fire of a Pipe endotraqueal during traqueostomia

El fuego en la sala de operaciones moderna aún es considerado como un peligro constante a pesar de la ausencia usual de los gases anestésicos explosivos como lo eran el éter y el ciclopropano. Aunque estos agentes no se utilizan, no se ha eliminado el riesgo de incendios o explosiones. Durante una traqueostomia existen tres condiciones que al estar presentes van a apoyar un evento de tipo explosivo, estas son: un agente inflamable o combustible, un gas que mantenga la combustión y una fuente de ignición. Entre los materiales de la sala de operaciones que se han comunicado como combustibles están los tubos endotraqueales. El oxígeno puede mantener una combustión vigorosa. Así los resultados de los incendios en las salas de operaciones son uniformemente trágicos.

Healing of abdominal wall aponeurosis of rats after incision with either cold scalpel or electrocautery

PURPOSE: To compare the healing of abdominal wall aponeurosis of rats after incision with either cold scalpel or electrocautery. METHODS: Twelve male adults Wistar inbreed rats weightin 258-362g entered the experiment. They were randomly divided in two groups, control group (N= 6) and experimental group (N= 6). All animals underwent anesthesia followed abdominal wall incision with either cold scalpel (controls) or electrocautery (experimental group). The animals were killed on the 10th day and necropsied. Tissue samples containig the abdominal wall aponeurosis were sent for both histological study and hydroxyproline content assay. RESULTS: The histological study showed no significant difference between the two groups. Hydroxiproline content in experimenral group (128,56 [78,98-198,92] æg /100m) was not significantly different from control group (140,27 [116,20-166,59] mg /100ml; p = 0.53). CONCLUSION: Healing of abdominal wall after dieresis with either cold scalpel or electrocautery are equivalent and do not differ.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a cicatrização da aponeurose abdominal de ratos submetidos à dierese com o uso de eletrocautério e de bisturi de lâmina. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se 12 ratos Wistar, machos, adultos, com peso entre 258-362g. Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle (N= 6) e experimental (N= 6). Sob anestesia parenteral, realizou-se no grupo controle a abertura da aponeurose abdominal utilizando-se o bisturi de lâmina e no experimental abertura com o uso do eletrocautério. Os animais foram sacrificados no 10° PO, a aponeurose foi ressecada e enviada para estudo histológico e dosagem de hidroxiprolina. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na avaliação histológica entre os grupos. O conteúdo de hidroxiprolina no grupo experimental (128,56 [78,98-198,92] mg /100m) não foi diferente do grupo controle (140,27 [116,20-166,59] æg /100ml; p = 0.53). CONCLUSÃO: A cicatrização da aponeurose da parede abdominal de ratos submetidos à diérese com bisturi de lâmina e eletrocautério se equivalem e não diferem entre si.

Treatment of low rectal carcinoma by transanal electrocoagulation

This study reports the first 13 cases of biopsy-proven low rectal carcinoma treated by transanal electrocoagulation using a locally manufactured instrument. At the University Hospital of the West Indies, over a 16-year period, 9 patients were treated for cure, six of whom have no clinical evidence of recurrence for one to 12 years. Four cases who were offered this procedure for palliation defaulted after a single treatment. Transanal electrocoagulation provides an additional option for treating patients with small, mobile low rectal cancers, following careful screening for evidence of nodal or distant spread. The procedure can also be used in the local control of disease in patients with distant spread or in whom a major operation is not feasible.

Diseño de un nuevo rasurador/coagulador atroscópico para sinovial con aplicación de corrientes de alta frecuencia. Reporte del sangrado postoperatorio de 20 sinovectomías comparativas / Design of a the new athroscopic razor-coagulator for sinovial surgery with coagulating high frecuency current application. Comparative postoperative bleeding between arthroscopic and open synovectomy

Se presenta un instrumento para empleo artroscópico que sirve fundamentalmente como rasurador y que al mismo tiempo funciona como coagulador puesto que el borde de la navaja rotatoria se encuentra electrificado. Se operaron 20 pacientes, 10 del grupo A para sivectomía artroscópica y 10 del grupo B de sivectomía abierta de la rodilla. El drenaje postoperatorio recolectó en promedio 5 ml de sangre para el grupo A y 454 ml para el grupo B. El comportamiento postoperatorio fue similar para ambos casos

Hemorroidectomía con electrobisturí vs láser: estudio prospectivo randomizado / Hemorrhoidectomy with electrocautery versus laser: randomized prospective study

Se presenta un estudio prospectivo randomizado de 40 pacientes, divididos en dos grupos semejantes, a los que se realizó una hemorroidectomía abierta con electrobisturí y con láser de CO2: Los resultados de ambos grupos con respecto a la morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria inmediata y tardía fueron similares. Sólo 2 pacientes del grupo control (10 por ciento) presentaron sangrado postoperatorio, y en un paciente de cada grupo (5 por ciento) se observó retardo de cicatrización. No hubo infecciones ni estenosis anal. Se evaluó el dolor postoperatorio utilizando la escala visual análoga del dolor. Los controles se realizaron a las 2, 4, 8 y 24 horas. El grupo láser presentó menos dolor en las primeras 8 horas de la cirugía, pero no hubo diferencias luego de las 24 horas de operados. No hubo diferencias en la necesidad de analgesia extra. La hemorroidectomía láser no presenta ventajas claras en cuanto a morbimortalidad, dolor y evolución con respecto a la cirugía tradicional de las hemorroides

Electrovaporización prostática en el tratamiento de la hiperplasia prostática benigna / Prostatic electrovaporization in the treatment of the prostatic benign hyperplasia

La electrovaporización es una nueva técnica de cirugía prostática que surge como una alternativa a la RTUP y que consiste en la aplicación de energía eléctrica de alta potencia, con lo cual se consigue la vaporización del tejido con mínimo sangrado y absorción hídrica. Entre octubre de 1995 y septiembre de 1996, 30 pacientes cuyas edades fluctuaron entre 50 y 80 años fueron sometidos a electrovaporización prostática por el mismo cirujano como tratamiento del adenoma prostático sintomático. El tiempo operatorío promedio fue de 49 min (margen 30-90). Las complicaciones intraoperatorias fueron perforación capsular en 5 casos, sangrado importante en dos pacientes (ambos con patología agregada). Se trata de un procedimiento eficiente en el tratamiento de la HPB, con baja morbilidad, corta estadía hospitalaria y de fácil implementación en un hospital pequeño como el nuestro

Cáncer de recto avanzado: resección video endoscópica con instrumental urológico, comunicación previa / Advanced rectal cancer: video endoscopic resection with urologic instruments, preliminary communication

Los autores proponen una variante técnica para realizar la electrofulguración del cáncer de recto avanzado. Apelan al instrumental utilizado en la resección transuretral del adenoma de próstata, al cual adaptan una endocámara y un sistema de irrigación con agua destilada. Presentan 3 casos, 2 hombres y 1 mujer, de 82, 86 y 76 años respectivamente, tratados en 1 y 2 tiempos con el método, con aceptable resultado, con complemento en 2 casos de radioterapia postoperatoria. Describen como ventajas, la amplia distención de la ampolla rectal que brinda un campo quirúrgico adecuado, la precisión en los gestos, la correcta hemostasia y la ausencia de ahumamiento. Advierten acerca del riesgo que suponen intervenciones prolongadas y la eventual absorción del líquido irrigado. Como inconvenientes técnicos mencionan la posibilidad de incontinencia durante la irrigación, el riesgo de perforación y los problemas eventuales de resecar la pieza operatoria de manera fragmentada. Dejan en claro que esta propuesta sólo debe aplicarse a pacientes inoperables o a tumores irresecables, para suprimir la hemorragia, resolver la oclusión y posibilitar una sobrevida digna

Diatermo coagulador bi-polar coaxial: modo de construçäo / Coagulating bipolar coaxial diathermy: constuction mode

Usando material facilmente disponível, os autores descrevem a construção de pontas de diatermia coaxial bipolar com diâmetros variáveis usados especialmente em cirurgias intra-oculares.

Diatermo coagulación bipolar en hemorroides internas: nuevo método terapéutico alternativo / Bipolar diathermal coagulation in internal hemorrhoids

Se presenta 12 pacientes con hemorroides internas grados I y II tratados con diatermia bipolar en forma ambulatoria. Los resultados son evaluados incluyendo una escala lineal análoga del dolor en postoperatorio precoz, con un seguimiento hasta meses. Existió una categórica remisión de sintomatología posterior al procedimiento. Se observa en todos los casos una pérdida serohemática escasa rectal que regresa durante la 1ª semana. La escala lineal análoga dio un valor medio de 4 (rangos 1 a 10 de dolor creciente) en el primer día postoperatorio, con disminución a 2 al 5§ día del mismo. No hubo complicaciones mayores, inmediatas ni tardías, dentro del período observado. Se concluye que la diatermo-coagulación bipolar, por sus características y resultados, debe ser considerada como método viable alternativo importante en el tratamiento ambulatorio de hemorroides internas

Curetaje y electrocoagulación para el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular: revalorización de una técnica eficaz / Curetagge and electrodessication for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: a re-evaluation of a proven technique

La resección o destrucción completa de los carcinomas basocelulares con el menor porcentaje de recidivas y el mejor resultado funcional-cosmético, son los objetivos de su tratamiento. El curataje y electrocoagulación constituyen una técnica ambulatoria, de fácil aprendizaje, bajo costo y porcentajes de curación comparables a otras técnicas. Se requiere una adecuada selección de los pacientes, habilidad y experiencia del médico actuante. Indicaciones: Carcinomas basocelulares primarios, histología nodular o superficial, tamaño menor 1 cm y en localizaciones de bajo riesgo

Microelectrocoagulación de telangiectasias / Microelectrocoagulation for telangiectasias

Se describe el procedimiento de microelectrocoagulación de telangiectasias, las materias necesarias y los métodos de anestesia local pasibles de ser aplicados. La indicación de la microelectrocoagulación es bien precisa: aquellas telangiectasias que, por su delgado calibre no pueden ser tratadas con escleroterapia química. Pueden obtenerse resultados óptimos realizando una técnica cuidadosa y estableciendo elastocomprensión en el posoperatorio inmediato, que debe ser mantenida por 48 horas

Colonoscopic polypectomy. North Indian experience.

Colonoscopic snare polypectomy was carried out in 70 patients (40 children, 30 adults). There was a male preponderance in both the groups with a combined male: female ratio of 4.4:1. The majority of patients (85%) were aged 20 years or below. All patients presented with intermittent bleeding per rectum, ranging from 2 months - 6 years (mean 1.2 +/- 1.1 years) in children and 1-14 years (1.9 +/- 2.3) in adults. The majority of patients polyps were located in the rectum (73%) or in the rectosigmoid region (21%). Polyps were significantly more common in the rectum (80% vs 63%; P less than 0.01) and less frequent in the rectosigmoid (15% vs 30%; p less than 0.01) in children as compared to adults. A single polyp was present in 49 (70%) patients; 17 (24%) had 2-10 polyps, while 4 patients (2 children, 2 adults) had more than ten polyps. Most patients (94%) had polyps of less than 2 cm size. Histologically, the most polyps (91.5%) were of the juvenile variety; 39 (97.5%) children and 25 (83%) adults had this variety of polyp. The remaining 5 (17%) adults and one (2.5%) child had adenomatous polyps. The difference in the polyp histology between the two age groups was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Only one patient (1.4%) had excessive bleeding following polypectomy. The present study suggests two important differences in the nature of polyps as compared to the West: 1) our patients were much younger, and polyps were rare after 40 years; and (2) histologically, the commonest polyps were of the juvenile variety (91.5%) while adenomatous polyps were rare (8.5%).