Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans en un paciente con lesión perianal. Caso clínico / Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a patient with perianal lesion. A case report

La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans es una expresión de células dendríticas mieloides, asociada a un componente inflamatorio significativo y compromiso sistémico variado. La edad más frecuente de presentación es entre 1 y 4 años, y predomina en el sexo masculino. Se comunica el caso de un niño de 5 años de edad cuya forma de presentación fue una lesión granulomatosa con fístula perianal, afectación pulmonar y de oído externo. El abordaje interdisciplinario permitió llegar al diagnóstico, realizar las intervenciones necesarias e iniciar el tratamiento adecuado.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is an expression of myeloid dendritic cells, associated with a significant inflammatory component and varied systemic involvement. The most common age at presentation is between 1 and 4 years, and it prevails among male subjects. Here we describe the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with a granulomatous lesion with perianal fistula and lung and external ear involvement. An interdisciplinary approach helped to make a diagnosis, provide the necessary interventions, and start an adequate treatment.

Incidência de complicações durante os anos iniciais de formação de um serviço de fissuras labiopalatinas / Incidence of complications during the initial years of formation of a cleft lip and palate service

Introdução: A fissura labiopalatina é a malformação congênita craniofacial mais comum. Dificuldades na alimentação, fala e audição são comuns nestes pacientes, necessitando de tratamento multidisciplinar, o que dificulta a criação e manutenção de serviços especializados. A diversidade de classificações e o grande número de técnicas cirúrgicas utilizadas nas cirurgias primárias (queiloplastia e palatoplastia) dificultam a comparação de dados epidemiológicos e de complicações entre os serviços, existindo carência de estudos avaliando centros especializados em fissuras labiopalatinas recém-criados. Método: Foi realizado estudo do tipo coorte prospectiva com pacientes com diagnóstico de fissura labiopalatina submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos primários, no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, entre julho de 2017 e fevereiro de 2023. Foram incluídos pacientes menores de 18 anos com acompanhamento pós-operatório de pelo menos 3 meses. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 79 pacientes, que foram submetidos a 115 cirurgias primárias (54 queiloplastias e 61 palatoplastias). Foram relatadas 11 complicações neste período: 2 deiscências em queiloplastia (3,70%), 1 cicatriz hipertrófica em queiloplastia (1,85%), 6 fístulas em palatoplastia (9,83%) e 2 deiscências em palatoplastia (3,28%). A incidência de complicações foi de 9,56% quando analisado o total de cirurgias, sendo 5,55% nos pacientes submetidos a queiloplastia e 13,11% nos pacientes submetidos a palatoplastia. Conclusão: A incidência de complicações durante os anos iniciais de estruturação do serviço foi semelhante a outros estudos da literatura.

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital craniofacial malformation. Difficulties in eating, speaking, and hearing are common in these patients, requiring multidisciplinary treatment, which makes it difficult to create and maintain specialized services. The diversity of classifications and the large number of surgical techniques used in primary surgeries (cheiloplasty and palatoplasty) make it difficult to compare epidemiological data and complications between services, and there is a lack of studies evaluating newly created specialized centers for cleft lip and palate. Method: A prospective cohort study was carried out with patients diagnosed with cleft lip and palate who underwent primary surgical procedures at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, between July 2017 and February 2023. Patients under 18 years of age with follow-up were included. post-operative period of at least 3 months. Results: 79 patients participated in the study, who underwent 115 primary surgeries (54 cheiloplasties and 61 palatoplasties). 11 complications were reported in this period: 2 dehiscences in cheiloplasty (3.70%), 1 hypertrophic scar in cheiloplasty (1.85%), 6 fistulas in palatoplasty (9.83%) and 2 dehiscences in palatoplasty (3.28%). The incidence of complications was 9.56% when analyzing the total number of surgeries, being 5.55% in patients undergoing cheiloplasty and 13.11% in patients undergoing palatoplasty. Conclusion: The incidence of complications during the initial years of structuring the service was similar to other studies in the literature.

Experiencia en el manejo de fístulas enterocutáneas postoperatorias en el Hospital Nacional del 2017 al 2022

Introducción: la mayoría de las fistulas enterocutáneas se producen como complicación de una o varias cirugías previas. La mortalidad sigue siendo muy elevada. Su tratamiento supone un reto para el cirujano y gran uso de recursos humanos, económicos y prolongada estancia hospitalaria. Objetivo: determinar la experiencia del manejo de las fístulas enterocutáneas postoperatorias en el servicio de cirugía general del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá durante el periodo 2017-2022. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal, con muestreo no probabilístico. Solo hubo 30 casos con fichas completas, las cuales sometimos a procesamiento y análisis de las variables de interés. Resultados: de la muestra final 70 % fueron hombres, el promedio de edad fue de 49,6 años y de días de internación 28,6. Solo 5 pacientes consultaron por secreción fecaloide, los demás refirieron secreción seropurulenta por herida o cicatriz operatoria. Del total, 9 fueron de alto débito. El 100 % recibió antibioticoterapia; obitaron 4 de los 14 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente con fin terapéutico. La técnica quirúrgica mayormente utilizada fue: laparotomía + liberación de adherencias e identificación de la fístula + resección intestinal + anastomosis. De los antecedentes la mayoría fueron postoperados de oclusión intestinal mecánica alta o peritonitis aguda de origen apendicular. Conclusión: debido a su alto impacto en la capacidad laboral y social las fístulas enterocutáneas representan patologías quirúrgicas muy complejas y relevantes con bajas tasas de curación definitiva. La mayoría se presentan como complicación de cirugías de urgencia; requiere intervención multidisciplinaria adaptada para cada caso en particular.

Introduction: the occur enterocutaneous fistula as a complication of one or several previous surgeries. Mortality is still very high. Its treatment represents a challenge for the surgeon and great use of human and economic resources and a long hospital stay. Objective: to determine the experience in the management of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulae in the general surgery service of the Itauguá National Hospital during the period 2017-2022. Methodology: retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study with non-probabilistic sampling. There were only 30 cases with complete records, which we subjected to processing and analysis of the variables of interest. Results: of the final sample, 70 % were men, the average age was 49,6 years and 28,6 days of hospitalization. Only 5 patients consulted due to fecaloid discharge, the rest reported seropurulent discharge from wound or surgical scar. Of the total, 9 were high debit. 100 % received antibiotic therapy, 4 of the 14 patients who underwent surgery as therapeutics, died. The most commonly used surgical technique was: laparotomy + release of adhesions and identification of the fistula + intestinal resection + anastomosis. Most of the antecedents were post-operated for high mechanical intestinal occlusion or acute peritonitis of appendiceal origin. Conclusion: due to their high impact on work and social capacity, enterocutaneous fistulas represent very complex and relevant surgical pathologies with low definitive cure rates. Most present as a complication in emergency surgeries; requires multidisciplinary intervention adapted to each particular case.

Complicaciones de la laringectomía total: experiencia de 7 años en un hospital universitario de Paraguay / Complications of total laryngectomy: a 7-year experience in a university hospital in Paraguay

Introducción: El cáncer de laringe es la neoplasia maligna más común de las vías aerodigestivas superiores. La laringectomía total es el tratamiento de elección en casos avanzados, pero se asocia a una alta tasa de complicaciones. Objetivos: Conocer la prevalencia de las complicaciones posquirúrgicas de la laringectomía total y los factores asociados en pacientes con cáncer de laringe. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, revisando el comportamiento de la laringectomía total y sus principales complicaciones en la Cátedra y Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay, de 2015 a 2022. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, de ambos sexos, postoperados de laringectomía total, con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de neoplasia de laringe. Se excluyeron pacientes no operados, con fichas incompletas o que abandonaron el tratamiento. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, quirúrgicas y anatomopatológicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 10 pacientes, todos varones, con edad media de 56,3 ± 10,2 años. El 90% presentaba hábitos tóxicos. La complicación más frecuente fue la fístula faringocutánea (70%), seguida por infección del sitio quirúrgico (10%) y sangrado posoperatorio (10%). El 71,4% de las fístulas se resolvieron con medidas conservadoras. El 30% tenía afectación supraglótica y el 57,1% de los que presentaron complicaciones recibieron radioterapia previa. Conclusión: Las complicaciones de la laringectomía total son frecuentes, principalmente la fístula faringocutánea. La afectación supraglótica y la radioterapia previa se asociaron a mayor tasa de complicaciones. Se requieren estudios prospectivos con muestras más grandes para confirmar estos hallazgos.

Introduction: Laryngeal cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the upper aerodigestive tract. Total laryngectomy is the treatment of choice in advanced cases, but it is associated with a high rate of complications. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of postoperative complications of total laryngectomy and associated factors in patients with laryngeal cancer. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study, reviewing the behavior of total laryngectomy and its main complications in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Hospital de Clínicas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, Paraguay, from 2015 to 2022. Patients over 18 years of age, of both sexes, who underwent total laryngectomy, with anatomopathological diagnosis of laryngeal neoplasm were included. Non-operated patients, those with incomplete records or who abandoned treatment were excluded. Demographic, clinical, surgical and anatomopathological variables were analyzed. Results: Ten patients were included, all male, with a mean age of 56.3 ± 10.2 years. Ninety percent had toxic habits. The most frequent complication was pharyngocutaneous fistula (70%), followed by surgical site infection (10%) and postoperative bleeding (10%). Conservative measures resolved 71.4% of the fistulas. Thirty percent had supraglottic involvement and 57.1% of those who presented complications received previous radiotherapy. Conclusion: Complications of total laryngectomy are frequent, mainly pharyngocutaneous fistula. Supraglottic involvement and previous radiotherapy were associated with a higher rate of complications. Prospective studies with larger samples are required to confirm these findings.

Una rara causa de falla cardíaca: reporte de un caso

Durante décadas el estudio de las enfermedades cardiacas ha sido una de las principales preocupaciones de los profesionales del área de la salud, más aún aquellos casos donde la patología es de tipo congénita, debido a las múltiples complicaciones que se pueden generar en la calidad de vida de los pacientes diagnosticados, por falta de un manejo adecuado. Tal es el caso de la fistula coronaria, que es una anomalía de este tipo de arterias, los síntomas más frecuentes son la dificultad respiratoria, ángor, taponamiento cardiaco y muerte súbita, por ello, entre más precoz sea el diagnostico existirán mayores posibilidades de la reducción de los riesgos agravados de la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico cuyos estudios demostraron la presencia de una fistula coronaria proveniente de la arteria coronaria izquierda hacia la aurícula derecha, cuya frecuencia no es muy alta y por lo cual puede ser considerada como una enfermedad rara, así que también se describe el tratamiento recibido para dicha malformación congénita y los resultados obtenidos luego del manejo dado. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente pediátrico con falla cardiaca secundario a una fistula coronaria. Conclusiones: La fistula coronaria es una cardiopatía congénita poco frecuente, sin embargo, la presencia de esta anomalía pone en riesgo la vida de los pacientes que tienen esta afectación en cuanto al funcionamiento o estructura de su corazón, la descripción de este caso clínico aporta información relevante para el conocimiento científico del área de la salud, en lo que respecta al diagnóstico y manejo temprano de esta afectación en la función cardiaca de los pacientes pediátricos, ya que, se logró tener un estatus exitoso post cierre endovascular de la fistula coronaria identificada, que favorecerá al comportamiento normal de las funciones del corazón y por consiguiente la calidad y el pronóstico de vida del paciente tratado. (provisto por Infomedic International)

For decades, the study of heart disease has been one of the main concerns of health professionals, especially in cases where the pathology is congenital, due to the multiple complications that can be generated in the quality of life of diagnosed patients, for lack of proper management. Such is the case of coronary fistula, which is an anomaly of this type of arteries, the most frequent symptoms are respiratory distress, angina, cardiac tamponade and sudden death, therefore, the earlier the diagnosis, the greater the possibilities of reducing the aggravated risks of the disease. We present the case of a pediatric patient whose studies showed the presence of a coronary fistula from the left coronary artery to the right atrium, whose frequency is not very high and therefore can be considered a rare disease, and we also describe the treatment received for this congenital malformation and the results obtained after the management given. Objective: To describe the case of a pediatric patient with heart failure secondary to a coronary fistula. Conclusions: Coronary fistula is a rare congenital heart disease, however, the presence of this anomaly puts at risk the life of patients who have this affectation in terms of the function or structure of their heart, the description of this clinical case provides relevant information for the scientific knowledge of the health area, regarding the diagnosis and early management of this affectation in the cardiac function of pediatric patients, since a successful status was achieved after endovascular closure of the identified coronary fistula, which will favor the normal behavior of the heart functions and consequently the quality and prognosis of life of the treated patient. (provided by Infomedic International)

Fístula pancreática: una complicación temida. Experiencia en una unidad de cirugía hepatobiliopancreática de cuarto nivel / Pancreatic fistula: A feared complication. Experience in a fourth level hepatobiliopancreatic surgery unit

Introducción. La fístula pancreática postoperatoria es una de las complicaciones más importantes en la cirugía hepatobiliopancreática. Su diagnóstico se hace mediante la presencia de un nivel de amilasa en el líquido de drenaje al menos tres veces por encima del valor de la amilasa en suero a partir del tercer día postoperatorio. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los pacientes con fístula pancreática postoperatoria en nuestra institución, evaluando la importancia de la detección temprana y el establecimiento de un manejo oportuno. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, que incluyó los pacientes sometidos a pancreatoduodenectomía, con diagnóstico de fístula pancreática postoperatoria como complicación de cirugía hepatobiliopancreática, en el Hospital Internacional de Colombia, en Piedecuesta, entre enero del 2017 y diciembre de 2020. Se excluyeron los pacientes con otro tipo procedimiento quirúrgico y aquellos que decidieron no participar en el estudio. Resultados. Se evaluaron 69 pacientes, con un predominio del sexo femenino (n=38; 55,1 %) y mediana de la edad de 57 años. El 33,3 % (n=24) de los pacientes intervenidos desarrollaron fístula pancreática postoperatoria, siendo el 23,2 % fuga bioquímica, grado B 8,7 % y grado C 2,9 %, para quienes se indicaron manejo expectante, control ecográfico y reintervención, respectivamente. Fallecieron 5 pacientes (7,2 %). Conclusiones. La fístula pancreáticapostoperatoria es una complicación para tener en cuenta en todos los pacientes sometidos a pancreatoduodenectomía. Existen estrategias que pueden permitir disminuir la incidencia de esta complicación, con el fin de mejorar el desenlace, el pronóstico y la morbilidad posquirúrgica.

Introduction. Postoperative pancreatic fistula is one of the most important complications in hepatobiliopancreatic surgery. Its diagnosis is made by the presence of an amylase level in the drainage fluid at least three times above the serum amylase value from the third postoperative day. The objective of this study was to characterize patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula at our institution, evaluating the importance of early detection and to establish a timely management. Methods. Descriptive, retrospective study that included patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with a diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula as a complication of hepatobiliopancreatic surgery at the Hospital Internacional Colombia, between January 2017 and December 2020. Patients with another type of procedure performed by this specialty and those who did not decide to participate in the study were excluded. Results. A total of 69 patients were included, the median age was 57 years with a predominance of females (n=38; 55.1%). 33.3% (n=24) of the operated patients developed postoperative pancreatic fistula, with 23.2% having a biochemical leak, grade B in 8.7% and grade C in 2.9%, for whom expectant management, ultrasound control and reintervention were indicated, respectively. Five patients died (7.2%). Conclusions. Pancreatic fistula is a complication to take into account in all patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. There are strategies that can reduce the incidence of this complication and thus improve not only the outcome but also the prognosis and postoperative morbidity.

Fístula enterocutánea: un enfoque desde las generalidades y el estado nutricional / Enterocutaneous fistula: An approach based on generalities and nutritional status

Introducción. Una fístula es una conexión anormal entre dos superficies epitelizadas. Cerca del 80 % de las fístulas entero-cutáneas son de origen iatrogénico secundarias a cirugía, y un menor porcentaje se relacionan con traumatismos, malignidad, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal o isquemia. La morbilidad y las complicaciones asociadas pueden ser significativas, como la desnutrición, en la que intervienen múltiples factores. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en las bases de datos de PubMed, Google Scholar y SciELO, utilizando las palabras claves descritas y se seleccionaron los artículos más relevantes de los últimos años. Resultados. La clasificación de las fístulas se basa en su anatomía, su gasto o secreción diaria y su localización. Existe una tríada clásica de las complicaciones: sepsis, desnutrición y anomalías electrolíticas. El control del gasto de la fístula, el drenaje adecuado de las colecciones y la terapia antibiótica son claves en el manejo precoz de estos pacientes. Los estudios recientes hacen hincapié en que la sepsis asociada con la desnutrición son las principales causas de mortalidad. Conclusiones. Esta condición representa una de las complicaciones de más difícil y prolongado tratamiento en cirugía abdominal y colorrectal, y se relaciona con importantes tasas de morbilidad, mortalidad y altos costos para el sistema de salud. Es necesario un tratamiento multidisciplinario basado en la reanimación con líquidos, el control de la sepsis, el soporte nutricional y el cuidado de la herida, entre otros factores.

Introduction. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two epithelialized surfaces. About 80% of enterocutaneous fistulas are of iatrogenic origin secondary to surgery, and a smaller percentage are related to trauma, malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease or ischemia. The associated morbidity and complications can be significant, such as malnutrition, in which multiple factors intervene. Methods. A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar and SciELO databases using the keywords described and the most relevant articles from recent years were selected. Results. The classification of fistulas is based on their anatomy, their daily secretion output, and their location. There is a classic triad of complications: sepsis, malnutrition and electrolyte abnormalities. Control of fistula output, adequate drainage of the collections and antibiotic therapy are key to the early management of these patients. Recent studies emphasize that sepsis associated with malnutrition are the main causes of mortality. Conclusions. This condition represents one of the most difficult and prolonged complications to treat in abdominal and colorectal surgery, and is related to significant rates of morbidity, mortality and high costs for the health system. Multidisciplinary treatment based on fluid resuscitation, sepsis control, nutritional support, and wound care, among other factors, is necessary.

Lipectomia como alternativa de superficialização de fístula arteriovenosa autóloga em pacientes obesos: a experiência de um centro de referência na Amazônia / Lipectomy as an alternative for superficialization of autologous AVF in obese patients: experience of a referral center in Amazon

Resumo Contexto O acesso vascular preferencial para hemodiálise é a fístula arteriovenosa nativa, pois oferece melhores resultados em curto e longo prazo, proporciona menor morbimortalidade e traz vantagens adicionais em relação aos cateteres venosos centrais ou enxertos arteriovenosos. No entanto, a obesidade pode oferecer um desafio adicional proporcionado pela barreira de tecido celular subcutâneo que recobre a superfície da veia a ser puncionada. Objetivos Demonstrar a experiência do serviço com a lipectomia em acessos autólogos em pacientes obesos. Métodos Foram revisados ​​pacientes consecutivos submetidos à lipectomia por impossibilidade ou dificuldade na punção da FAV, motivada pela acentuada profundidade da veia cefálica no antebraço ou braço. Resultados Vinte e dois pacientes foram revisados (15 homens e 7 mulheres), com índice de massa corporal médio de 34 kg/m2 (variação de 28 a 40 kg/m2). A idade média foi de 58,4 anos. O tempo médio entre a confecção do acesso e a lipectomia foi de 45,1 dias, e o tempo da intervenção até a liberação para uso nas sessões de hemodiálise oscilou de 21 a 42 dias, com média de 30,9 dias. A profundidade média pré-operatória da veia cefálica no membro foi de 7,9 mm (variação de 7,0 a 10,0 mm). Isso foi reduzido para uma profundidade média de 4,7 mm (faixa de 3,0 a 6,0 mm) (P = 0,01). O período médio de seguimento dos pacientes foi de 13,2 meses. Houve perda de seguimento em quatro pacientes e quatro óbitos no período não relacionados ao acesso vascular. Conclusões A obesidade não deve ser um fator limitante para a criação de uma FAV nativa, pois a lipectomia é uma alternativa relativamente simples de superficialização, que permite a funcionalidade de fístulas arteriovenosas nativas e profundas em obesos.

Abstract Background The preferred vascular access for hemodialysis is a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) because it offers the best results in the short and long terms, lower morbidity and mortality, and has additional advantages in relation to central venous catheters or arteriovenous grafts. However, obesity can present an additional challenge because of the barrier of subcutaneous cellular tissue covering the surface of the vein to be punctured. Objectives The authors review their experience with excision of subcutaneous tissue (lipectomy) overlying upper arm cephalic vein arteriovenous fistulas in obese patients. Methods Consecutive vascular access patients undergoing lipectomy for cannulation with difficult access because of vein depth were reviewed. Cephalic vein depth was measured by ultrasound in all cases. Results Twenty-two patients were reviewed (15 men and 7 women), with a mean body mass index of 34.0 kg/m2 (range: 28-40 kg/m2). Mean age was 58.4 years. The mean preoperative vein depth of 7.9 mm (range: 7.0-10.0 mm) was reduced to 4.7 mm (range: 3.0-6.0 mm) (P 0.01). The mean follow-up period for patients was 13.2 months. Four patients were lost to follow-up and four died during the period due to causes unrelated to vascular access. Conclusions Obesity should not be a limiting factor to creation of a native AVF, since lipectomy is a relatively simple option for superficialization, enabling functioning native and deep arteriovenous fistulas in obese patients.

Awake craniotomy for eloquent pial arteriovenous fistula: anesthetic and surgical consideration of a rare case

Abstract Intracranial pial Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVFs) are rare cerebral vascular lesions composed of one or more arterial connections to a single venous channel. We report a 50-year-old patient with a ruptured pial AVF located in an eloquent area. Microsurgery for pial AVF occlusion was proposed with awake craniotomy for motor function and neurological evaluation. Awake craniotomy is a technique that is especially useful for cerebral vascular lesions in eloquent areas, where an occlusion often compromises or suppresses the blood supply, culminating in ischemia with consequent transient or definitive deficits in neurological function.

Malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares na síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber / Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome

Resumo A síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber, também conhecida como telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária, é uma doença hereditária autossômica dominante. Ela é caracterizada pela presença de múltiplas malformações arteriovenosas e telangiectasias. Este artigo relata dois casos de pacientes com síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber que apresentaram malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares e foram submetidos a tratamento endovascular com sucesso. Uma breve revisão da literatura mostra que até 50% dos pacientes com a síndrome têm malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares e geralmente há um histórico familiar positivo nesses pacientes. Em 30% dos casos, elas são múltiplas e estão associadas a complicações mais graves da doença. A maioria dos pacientes é assintomática, mesmo na presença de malformações arteriovenosas com shunt direito-esquerdo. Quando esses shunts excedem 25% do volume total de sangue, podem surgir dispneia, cianose, baqueteamento digital e sopros extracardíacos. O tratamento endovascular oferece segurança e controle das complicações da telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária, sendo atualmente o tratamento de escolha para essas lesões.

Abstract Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. It is characterized by presence of multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and telangiectasias. This article reports two cases of patients with Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome who had pulmonary AVMs and underwent successful endovascular treatment. A brief review of the literature shows that up to 50% of patients with the syndrome have pulmonary AVMs and there is usually a positive family history in these patients. These pulmonary AVMs are multiple in 30% of cases and are associated with the most severe disease complications. Most patients are asymptomatic, even in the presence of AVMs with right-left shunts. When these shunts exceed 25% of the total blood volume, dyspnea, cyanosis, digital clubbing, and extracardiac murmurs may occur. Endovascular treatment is safe and offers control of complications from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and is currently the treatment of choice for these lesions.

Hipotensión intracraneal espontánea. Una puesta al día

Introducción: La hipotensión intracraneal espontánea es un síndrome causado por la disminución del volumen de líquido cefalorraquídeo consecuencia de su fuga al espacio extradural. Aunque la ICHD-3 proporciona un alto nivel de especificidad diagnóstica, esta enfermedad puede manifestarse de forma atípica. Hasta en un 30% no es posible establecer el punto de escape, pero con el refinamiento de los exámenes de imágenes este porcentaje se ha reducido a un 15%-20%. Actualmente, su manejo no se encuentra estandarizado y las recomendaciones se basan en evidencia de limitada calidad metodológica, además de la variabilidad de protocolos entre distintos centros. Desarrollo En esta revisión actualizamos los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Por un lado, analizamos el rol de la resonancia nuclear magnética de encéfalo y médula espinal completa como primer paso diagnóstico y, por otro lado, señalamos los exámenes destinados a determinar la fuga de líquido cefalorraquídeo. Tal es el caso de la mielo-resonancia, la mielo-tomografía computarizada, tanto estándar, dinámica y por sustracción digital, además de la cisternografía con 111-Indium-DPTA. Sin embargo, determinar cuál de estos exámenes es el óptimo es objeto de debate. Lo mismo ocurre con el tratamiento: reposo; parche sanguíneo epidural a ciegas, parche guiado por fluoroscopia o tomografía computarizada, parche de fibrina; o cirugía. Conclusiones Se requiere de una mayor investigación, especialmente con trabajos multicéntricos controlados, para una mejor comprensión de la fisiopatología, el diagnóstico por imágenes, los enfoques terapéuticos y evaluación objetiva de los resultados clínicos. Solo así se establecerán pautas diagnósticas y de tratamiento validadas.

Introducction: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a syndrome caused by decreased CSF volume secondary to its leakage into the extradural space Although ICHD-3 provides a high level of diagnostic specificity, manifestations may be atypical, making diagnosis challenging. The site of leakage may be undetermined in point Up to 30% of cases, although with recent refinement of imaging, this percentage has been reduced to 15-20%. Currently, management is not standardized and recommendations are based on inconclusive evidence, with variability of protocols between centres. Development. In this review, we update diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We analyse the role of whole brain and spinal cord MRI as a first investigation and review tests aimed at determining cerebrospinal fluid leakage, such as MRI myelography, conventional CT myelography, dynamic CT myelography, and digital subtraction CT myelography, as well as 111-Indium-DPTA cisternography. Determining optimal use of these investigations remains a matter of debate. The same is true for treatment: rest, blind epidural blood patch, fluoroscopy or CT-guided epidural blood patch, fibrin patch and surgery are discussed. Conclusión: Further research, especially multicentre controlled studies, is required to improve understanding of pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging, therapeutic approaches and to objectively assess clinical outcomes. Only then will diagnostic and treatment guidelines be evidence-based.

Educational video for self-care with arteriovenous fistula in renal patients: randomized clinical trial / Video educativo para el autocuidado de la fístula arteriovenosa en pacientes renales: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Vídeo educacional para autocuidado com a fístula arteriovenosa de pacientes renais: ensaio clínico randomizado

Objective: to evaluate the effect of an educational video on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-care with arteriovenous fistula in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Method: randomized controlled clinical trial, with two arms and single-blind. The intervention used an educational video on arteriovenous fistula self-care. The Fistula Self-Care Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Scale was applied to 27 renal patients on hemodialysis in the control group and 28 in the intervention group at baseline, after seven and fourteen days. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, using the chi-square test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Friedman's test with post-hoc analysis for multiple comparisons. Results: there were statistically significant differences in the knowledge and practice of self-care with the fistula at 0, 7 and, 14 days in the intervention (p= 0.004 and p<0.001, respectively) and control groups (p<0.001 for knowledge and practice). Attitude showed a significant difference at follow-up (p<0.001), but the post-hoc analysis did not confirm the significance obtained. Conclusion: patients' knowledge and practice showed significant increases at follow-up in the control and intervention groups, while the increase in attitude was not significant in either group. Clinical trial, registration number: U1111-1241-6730.

Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de un video educacional en el conocimiento, actitud y práctica del autocuidado de la fístula arteriovenosa de pacientes en tratamiento de hemodiálisis. Método: ensayo clínico aleatorio controlado, con dos brazos y simple ciego. La intervención utilizó un video educacional sobre el autocuidado de la fístula arteriovenosa. Fue aplicada la Escala de conocimiento, actitud y práctica del autocuidado de la fístula en 27 pacientes renales en hemodiálisis del grupo control y en 28 del grupo intervención en la línea de base, después de siete y catorce días. Los datos fueron analizados con el software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences , con la aplicación de las pruebas Chi-cuadrado, T de Student, Mann-Whitney y Test de Friedman, con análisis post-hoc para comparaciones múltiples. Resultados: se verificaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el conocimiento y práctica del autocuidado de la fístula en el seguimiento de 0, 7 y 14 días de los grupos intervención (p= 0,004 y p<0,001, respectivamente) y control (p<0,001 para el conocimiento y práctica). La actitud presentó diferencia significativa en el seguimiento (p<0,001), pero el análisis post-hoc no confirmó la significación obtenida. Conclusión: el conocimiento y práctica de los pacientes presentaron aumentos significantes en el seguimiento en los grupos control e intervención, en cuanto que el aumento de la actitud no fue significativo en ninguno de los grupos. Ensayo clínico, número de registro: U1111-1241-6730.

Objetivo: avaliar o efeito de um vídeo educacional no conhecimento, atitude e prática de autocuidado com a fístula arteriovenosa de pacientes em tratamento hemodialítico. Método: ensaio clínico randomizado controlado, com dois braços e unicego. A intervenção utilizou um vídeo educacional sobre o autocuidado com a fístula arteriovenosa. Foi aplicada a Escala de conhecimento, atitude e prática de autocuidado com a fístula em 27 pacientes renais em hemodiálise do grupo controle e 28 do grupo intervenção na linha de base, após sete e quatorze dias. Os dados foram analisados no software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences , com a aplicação dos testes qui-quadrado, T de Student, Mann-Whitney e Teste de Friedman com análise post-hoc para comparações múltiplas. Resultados: verificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significantes no conhecimento e prática de autocuidado com a fístula no seguimento de 0, 7 e 14 dias dos grupos intervenção (p= 0,004 e p<0,001, respectivamente) e controle (p<0,001 para o conhecimento e prática). A atitude apresentou diferença significativa no seguimento (p<0,001), mas a análise post-hoc não confirmou a significância obtida. Conclusão: o conhecimento e prática dos pacientes apresentaram aumentos significativos no seguimento nos grupos controle e intervenção, enquanto o aumento da atitude não foi significativo em nenhum dos grupos. Ensaio clínico, número de registro: U1111-1241-6730.

Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis associated with foreign body displacement after tooth extraction: report of an unusual case / Sinusite maxilar odontogênica por corpo estranho após extração dentária: relato de um caso incomum

Background: Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by a foreign body presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its infrequent occurrence and unique characteristics compared to sinusitis originating from other sources. CaseReport:Illustrating such fact, this report presents the clinical case of a 37-year-old woman referred complaining of pain in the same region where she had extracted her upper right first molar five days before. The intraoral examination revealed the presence of an orifice in the region, suggesting oroantral communication. Imaging exams revealed opacification of the right maxillary sinus and the unexpected presence of a highly radiodense object. With the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis due to a foreign body established, the surgical approach initially consisted of administering preoperative medication, preceded by access to the maxillary antrum using the Caldwell-Luc technique. The object was found and removed, consisting of a surgical drill. At follow-up there was complete absence of symptoms and complete closure of communication. Conclusion: Cases of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis caused by drill detachment after tooth extraction are fairly uncommon. A thorough clinical evaluation proved to be essential and the Caldwell-Luc access was effective, safe and with good postoperative results, even with the absence of standardized diagnostic and management methods(AU)

Contexto: A sinusite maxilar odontogênica causada por corpo estranho apresenta desafios diagnósticos e terapêuticos devido à sua ocorrência infrequente e características únicas em comparação com sinusites originadas de outras fontes. Relato do Caso: Ilustrando tal fato, este relato apresenta o caso clínico de uma mulher de 37 anos de idade encaminhada com queixa de dor em mesma região que havia extraído o primeiro molar superior direito cinco dias antes. Ao exame intraoral verificou-se a presença de um orifício na região, sugerindo comunicação oroantral. Os exames de imagem revelaram opacificação do SM direito e a inesperada presença de um objeto altamente radiodenso. Com o diagnóstico de sinusite maxilar por corpo estranho estabelecido, a abordagem cirúrgica consistiu inicialmente na administração de medicação pré-operatória, precedida pelo acesso ao antro maxilar através da técnica de Caldwell-Luc. O objeto foi encontrado e removido, consistindo em uma broca cirúrgica. Ao acompanhamento houve ausência completa dos sintomas e total fechamento da comunicação. Conclusão: Casos de sinusite maxilar odontogênica causada por descolamento da broca após extração dentária são bastante incomuns. Uma avaliação clínica minuciosa mostrou-se primordial e o acesso de Caldwell-Luc eficaz, seguro e com bons resultados pós-operatórios, mesmo com as ausências de métodos de diagnóstico e manejo padronizados.(AU)

Isquemia de mão de pacientes em terapia renal substitutiva: avaliação por termografia / Isquemia de mano de pacientes en terapia de reemplazo renal: evaluación por termografía / Hand ischemia in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy: assessment by thermography

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a presença de isquemia na porção distal das mãos dos membros superiores com Fistula Arteriovenosa (FAV) de pacientes em Terapia Renal Substitutiva (TRS) através da termografia por infravermelho. Método Amostra composta por 15 pacientes em TRS por hemodiálise por meio de FAV que responderam um questionário elaborado pelos próprios autores com as seguintes variáveis: dados sociodemográficos, diagnóstico, sinais vitais e dados sobre a FAV. Para obtenção dos termogramas das mãos com e sem FAV foi utilizado uma câmera termográfica por infravermelho C5, FLIR Systems, fixada a 50 cm das mãos dos participantes, privilegiando o enquadramento bilateral enquadrando ambas as mãos. Os dados obtidos foram organizados em planilha de Excel 2011® e comparados estatisticamente utilizando o programa Microcal Origin 6.0, para avaliar se existia diferença entre as médias de temperatura. Resultados Com relação as variáveis sociodemográficas, o gênero masculino foi o predominante, faixa etária com média de 45 anos, ensino fundamental (incompleto/completo), casados e provenientes de outros municípios. A termografia demonstrou que há diferença de temperatura entre as mãos com FAV e sem FAV, com variação na temperatura de 1,78°C (± DP 1,99°C), menor para as mãos com FAV. Conclusão A análise da distribuição do sangue das mãos por meio da termografia pode fornecer evidências sobre a microcirculação periférica e orientar o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento da isquemia induzida por FAV em indivíduos em TRS, como ferramenta inovadora de diagnóstico auxiliar das complicações dos acessos venosos de pacientes em hemodiálise.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la presencia de isquemia en la parte distal de las manos de los miembros superiores con fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) de pacientes en terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR) a través de la termografía infrarroja. Métodos Muestra compuesta por 15 pacientes en TRR por hemodiálisis mediante FAV que respondieron un cuestionario elaborado por los propios autores con las siguientes variables: datos sociodemográficos, diagnóstico, signos vitales y datos sobre la FAV. Para obtener los termogramas de las manos con y sin FAV, se utilizó una cámara termográfica infrarroja C5, FLIR Systems, ubicada a 50 cm de las manos de los participantes, favoreciendo el encuadramiento bilateral y encuadrando ambas manos. Los datos obtenidos se organizaron en una planilla de Excel 2011® y se compararon estadísticamente con el programa Microcal Origin 6.0, para evaluar si había diferencia entre los promedios de temperatura. Resultados Con relación a las variables sociodemográficas, el género masculino fue predominante, grupo de edad promedio de 45 años, educación primaria (incompleta/completa), casados y provenientes de otros municipios. La termografía demostró que hay diferencia de temperatura entre las manos con FAV y sin FAV, con una variación de temperatura de 1,78°C (± DP 1,99°C), menor en las manos con FAV. Conclusión El análisis de la distribución de la sangre de las manos por medio de termografía puede ofrecer evidencias sobre la microcirculación periférica y guiar el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento de la isquemia inducida por FAV en individuos en TRR, como una herramienta innovadora de diagnóstico auxiliar de las complicaciones de los accesos vasculares de pacientes en hemodiálisis.

Abstract Objective To assess the presence of ischemia in the distal portion of the hands of the upper limbs with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) using infrared thermography. Method The sample consisted of 15 patients on RRT via hemodialysis using an AVF who answered a questionnaire prepared by the authors themselves with sociodemographic data, diagnosis, vital signs and data on AVF. To obtain thermograms of hands with and without AVF, a C5 infrared thermographic camera, FLIR Systems, was used, fixed 50 cm from participants' hands, favoring bilateral framing of both hands. The data obtained were organized in an Excel 2011® spreadsheet and statistically compared using the Microcal Origin 6.0 program to assess whether there was a difference between temperature averages. Results Regarding sociodemographic variables, males were predominant, with a mean age of 45 years, (incomplete/complete) elementary school, married and from other municipalities. Thermography demonstrated that there is a difference in temperature between hands with AVF and without AVF, with a temperature variation of 1.78°C (± SD 1.99°C), lower for hands with AVF. Conclusion The analysis of hand blood distribution using thermography can provide evidence on peripheral microcirculation and guide the early diagnosis and treatment of AVF-induced ischemia in individuals undergoing RRT as an innovative auxiliary diagnostic tool for complications of venous access in hemodialysis patients.

Establishment of a risk prediction model for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy： A study based on the 2016 edition of the definition and classification system of pancreatic fistula / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in the risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula （POPF） after pancreaticoduodenectomy （PD） between the 2005 and 2016 editions of the definition and classification standards for pancreatic fistula， and to establish a risk prediction model for pancreatic fistula based on the 2016 edition. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 303 patients who were admitted to Tianjin Third Central Hospital and underwent PD from January 2016 to May 2022， and the patients with POPF were identified based on the new and old editions. The independent-samples t test or the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups， and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the differences in the risk factors for pancreatic fistula after PD between the two editions； a risk prediction model was established for POPF based on the 2016 edition， and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to invesitgate the accuracy of this model in predicting POPF and perform model validation. ResultsAccording to the 2005 edition， the univariate analysis showed that the diameter of the main pancreatic duct （χ2=31.641， P<0.001）， main pancreatic duct index （χ2=52.777， P<0.001）， portal vein invasion （χ2=6.259， P=0.012）， intra-abdominal fat thickness （χ2=7.665， P=0.006）， preoperative biliary drainage （χ2=5.999， P=0.014）， pancreatic cancer （χ2=5.544， P=0.019）， marginal pancreatic thickness （t=2.055， P=0.032）， pancreatic CT value （t=-3.224， P=0.002）， and preoperative blood amylase level （Z=-2.099， P=0.036） were closely associated with POPF， and the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that main pancreatic duct index （odds ratio ［OR］=0.000， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 0.000‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.011， P<0.05）， pancreatic cancer （OR=4.843， 95%CI： 1.285‍ ‍—‍ ‍18.254， P<0.05）， and pancreatic CT value （OR=0.869， 95%CI： 0.806‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.937， P<0.05） were independent risk factors； based on the 2016 edition， the univariate analysis showed the diameter of the main pancreatic duct （χ2=5.391， P=0.020）， main pancreatic duct index （χ2=11.394， P=0.001）， intra-abdominal fat thickness （χ2=8.899， P=0.003）， marginal pancreatic thickness （t=2.665， P=0.009）， pancreatic CT value （t=-2.835， P=0.004） were closely associated with POPF， and the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that main pancreatic duct index （OR=0.001， 95%CI： 0.000‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.050， P<0.05） and pancreatic CT value （OR=0.943， 95%CI： 0.894‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.994， P<0.05） were independent risk factors. A risk prediction model was established for POPF after PD， and the ROC curve analysis showed that this model had an area under the ROC curve of 0.788 （95%CI： 0.707‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.870） in the modeling group and 0.804 （95%CI： 0.675‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.932） in the validation group. ConclusionMain pancreatic duct index and pancreatic CT value are closely associated with POPF after PD， and the risk prediction model for pancreatic fistula based on the 2016 edition has a good prediction accuracy.

Effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins on wound healing after anal fistula surgery in rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） on wound healing after anal fistula surgery in rats by regulating the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）/ vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 （VEGFR2） signaling pathway. METHODS SD rats were selected to establish a postoperative rat model of anal fistula by infecting wound with Escherichia coli. The model rats were randomly grouped into model group， PNS low-dose and high-dose groups （15， 30 mg/cm2）， high-dose of PNS+2-methoxyestradiol （2ME2） group （PNS 30 mg/cm2+HIF-1α inhibitor 2ME2 4 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 normal rats were selected for back hair removal treatment as the control group. Each drug group was injected with the corresponding drug solution intramuscularly or （and） intraperitoneally， once a day， for 3 weeks. After the last administration， the wound healing rate （excluding the control group）， microvascular density （MVD）， the expression of collagen Ⅰ and fibronectin （FN） in the wound tissue were detected in each group； the levels of angiogenic factors [VEGF， E-mail：842710813@qq.com angiopoietin-Ⅰ （Ang-Ⅰ）， Ang-Ⅱ] in serum， the levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-2] in serum binggui7183@163.com and wound tissue as well as the expressions of the related proteins of HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway in the wound tissue of rats were also detected in each group. RESULTS The MVD， the expression of collagen Ⅰ and FN in the wound tissue， and the levels of IL-6 and IL-2 in serum and wound tissue of rats increased significantly in the model group， compared to the control group （P＜0.05）， while the serum levels of VEGF， Ang- Ⅰ and Ang-Ⅱ decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. The wound healing rate， the MVD in wound tissue， the serum levels of VEGF， Ang-Ⅰ and Ang-Ⅱ， the expressions of collagen Ⅰ and FN in the wound tissue， and protein expressions of HIF-1α， VEGF and VEGFR2 in the PNS low-dose and high-dose groups increased significantly， compared to the model group （P＜0.05）， while the levels of IL-6 and IL-2 in serum and wound tissue decreased significantly （P＜0.05）； the high-dose PNS had a stronger effect （P＜ 0.05）. 2ME2 could weaken the effect of PNS on above indicators of rats after anal fistula surgery （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS PNS can promote the production of angiogenic factors and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors， thereby promoting wound healing in rats after anal fistula surgery. The above effects are related to the activation of HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway.

Study on the management of granulation during surgery for congenital preauricular fistula infection stage / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the management of granulation tissue during surgery for infected congenital preauricular fistula and to assess the surgical outcomes. Methods:To summarize the surgical methods and the treatment of granulation methods in 140 cases of congenital preauricular fistula during the period of infection treated in our department from January 2018 to September 2022. The study divided patients into an observation group （79 patients） undergoing fistulectomy without granulation treatment, and a control group （61 patients） where fistulectomy and granulation resection were performed concurrently.. After six months of follow-up, the wound healing, recurrence rates, and the aesthetic assessment of granulation healing were evaluated using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale（SBSES）. Results:The two surgical approaches were applied to a total of 140 patients with infected congenital preauricular fistula. There was no statistical difference in wound healing and recurrence rates between the observation group and the control group. However, the observation group exhibited smaller scars. Conclusion:In cases of infected congenital preauricular fistula, surgical removal without excising granulation tissue is feasible, leading to effective healing and lesser scar formation.

Effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia versus perineal blocks in hemorroidectomy and anal fistula surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Ultra-low-dose Spinal Anesthesia (SA) is the practice of employing minimal doses of intrathecal agents so that only the roots that supply a specific area are anesthetized. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia with that of Perineal Blocks (PB). Methods: A two-arm, parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing two anesthetic techniques (SA and PB) for hemorrhoidectomy and anal fistula surgery was performed. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain, complementation and/or conversion of anesthesia, and hemodynamic changes. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. The mean pain values were similar in the first 48 h in both groups (p > 0.05). The individuals allocated to the SA group did not need anesthetic complementation; however, those in the PB group required it considerably (SA group, 0% vs. PB group, 25%; p = 0.005). Hemodynamic changes were more pronounced after PB: during all surgical times, the PB group showed lower MAP values and higher HR values (p < 0.05). Postoperative urinary retention rates were similar between both groups (SA group 0% vs. PB group 3.1%, p = 0.354). Conclusion: SA and PB are similarly effective in pain control during the first 48 h after hemorrhoidec-tomy and anal fistula surgery. Although surgical time was shorter among patients in the PB group, the SA technique may be preferable as it avoids the need for additional anesthesia. Furthermore, the group that received perineal blocks was under sedation with a considerable dose of propofol.

Perineural low dexamethasone dose as adjuvant in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for arteriovenous fistula creation in end stage renal disease: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background and aims: Dexamethasone as adjunct to local anesthetic solution improves the quality of brachial plexus block (BPB). However, evidence for its efficacy at low doses (< 4 mg) is lacking. This study was designed to evaluate the duration of analgesia attained with low dose dexamethasone as adjuvant to local anesthetic for creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) under BPB. Methods: Sixty-six patients scheduled for AVF creation were randomly allocated to receive either saline (control) or 2 mg dexamethasone, together with 0.5% ropivacaine and 0.2% lignocaine. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia, defined as time from performing the block to the first analgesic request. The secondary outcomes were time from injection to complete sensory block, time from injection to complete motor block, duration of motor block, postoperative analgesic consumption, and fistula patency at three months. Results: All the blocks were effective. In the group that received dexamethasone, the time to first analgesic request was significantly delayed (432 ± 43.8 minutes vs. 386.4 ± 40.2 minutes; p < 0.01). The onset of sensory and motor blockade occurred faster in dexamethasone group and overall analgesic consumption was also reduced. However, dexamethasone addition did not prolong the duration of motor block. There was no statistically significant difference in the patency of fistulas between the two groups at three months. (p = 0.34). Conclusion: Addition of low-dose perineural dexamethasone to local anesthetic solution significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia. Further trials are warranted to compare the adverse effects between dexamethasone doses of 4 mg and lower.