Sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary and defecatory disorders: experience in a Latin American public hospital

Abstract Objective: To show the experience of a Latin American public hospital, with SNM in the management of either OAB, NOUR or FI, reporting feasibility, short to medium-term success rates, and complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted using data collected prospectively from patients with urogynecological conditions and referred from colorectal surgery and urology services between 2015 and 2022. Results: Advanced or basic trial phases were performed on 35 patients, 33 (94%) of which were successful and opted to move on Implantable Pulse Generator (GG) implantation. The average follow-up time after definitive implantation was 82 months (SD 59). Of the 33 patients undergoing, 27 (81%)reported an improvement of 50% or more in their symptoms at last follow-up. Moreover, 30 patients (90%) with a definitive implant reported subjective improvement, with an average PGI-I "much better" and 9 of them reporting to be "excellent" on PGI-I. Conclusion: SNM is a feasible and effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Its implementation requires highly trained groups and innovative leadership. At a nation-wide level, greater diffusion of this therapy among professionals is needed to achieve timely referral of patients who require it.

Hipertermia maligna: a propósito de un caso / Malignant hyperthermia: a case report

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare neuromuscular hereditary disorder, triggered in susceptible individuals by exposure to inhalational agents or succinylcholine and manifested as a hypermetabolic state. We report the case of a 22 years old male patient anesthetized with Desflurane in whom MH was suspected because of unexplained increased levels of End-Tidal carbon dioxide. Dantrolene was administered with good response. Respiratory acidosis and hyperkalemia were also detected but could be easily controlled. The postoperative period was uneventful with the exception of a superficial venous thrombosis at the dantrolene’s injection site. The patient was discharged eight days after the episode without sequela. Successful management of a malignant hyperthemia episode must include: early suspicion, asking for help and early treatment with dantrolene.

La Hipertermia Maligna es un trastorno neuromuscular hereditario infrecuente, manifestado por un estado hipermetabólico desencadenado en individuos susceptibles por la exposición a anestésicos halogenados o Succinilcolina. Se reporta el caso de un hombre de 22 años anestesiado con Desflurano, en quien el diagnóstico de Hipertermia Maligna se sospechó por la presencia de elevación inexplicada del CO2 espirado, que respondió a la suspensión del Desflurano y administración de Dantroleno. Se observó además hiperkalemia y acidosis respiratoria, que fueron fácilmente compensadas. La evolución postoperatoria fue satisfactoria, a excepción de una trombosis venosa superficial en el sitio de inyección del Dantroleno. El paciente fue dado de alta al 8avo día postoperatorio, sin secuelas. Las claves del manejo exitoso de un episodio de hipertermia maligna están en: Sospecha precoz, solicitar ayuda e inició rápido del tratamiento con Dantroleno.