Informed consent in dentistry and medicine in Spain: Practical considerations and legality.

BACKGROUND: The healthcare practice of dentistry, as well as medicine, is framed within a legal environment. Patients have the right to know all the information related to any action performed on them and dental or medical doctors are obliged to obtain their patient's prior written informed consent (IC) before undertaking any healthcare procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Here we reviewed the legality and jurisprudence in Spain regarding IC. We also used INFLESZ text readability analysis software to analyse a sample of official Spanish informed consent documents (ICDs) from different surgical and interventional procedures related to dentistry and oral cavity interventions. RESULTS: It is a mistake to confound IC with ICDs. This error prevents physicians from considering the former as a care process in which the patient's authorisation signature is the last link in a chain formed, almost in its entirety, by the informative process and deliberation alongside the patient. Multiple factors can influence communication between practitioners and their patients. Importantly, treatment adherence is greater when patients feel involved and autonomous in shared decision-making and when the circumstances of their lives are adequately considered. We concluded that although the ICDs we analysed conformed to the requirements set out in international law, they were somewhat difficult to read according to the reading habits of the general Spanish population. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about the legality of IC helps professionals to understand the problems that may arise from their non-compliance. This is because the omission or defective fulfilment of IC obligations is the origin of legal responsibility for medical practitioners. In this sense, to date, there have been more convictions for defective ICs than for malpractice. The information provided in ICs should include the risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives and must be tailored to the needs and capabilities of the patient to enable autonomous decision-making.

Hypothyroidism in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma: standardised long-term follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Hypothyroidism is a common complication when radiotherapy is part of the treatment for head and neck tumours. This study aimed to show the incidence of hypothyroidism and possible risk factors in these patients. METHODS: Factors related to the population, tumour, treatment and occurrence of hypothyroidism were analysed in 241 patients diagnosed with head and neck carcinoma. RESULTS: Approximately 53 per cent of patients were diagnosed with radiation-induced hypothyroidism. Its occurrence was related to: tumour location, laryngeal surgery type, neck dissection type, post-operative complications, cervical radiotherapy and radiotherapy unit type (linear particle accelerator or telecobalt therapy technology). CONCLUSION: Control of thyroid function should be standardised for several years after treatment, particularly in patients with risk factors, such as those treated with telecobalt therapy, those with post-operative complications and for whom the thyroid parenchyma is included in the irradiated area (laryngeal or pharyngeal location and bilateral cervical radiation).

Effects of an acute high-intensity interval training protocol on plasma viscosity.

AIM: High-intensity interval training (HIT) is an exercise model that has been seen to cause similar muscle adaptations and improvements in exercise performance to other traditional exercise models. This study aimed to examine the effects of low-volume HIT exercise on plasma viscosity (PV). METHODS: Ten healthy male subjects (25.80±3.39 years) randomly performed a HIT running protocol (2-min warm up at 8 km/h, 5x2-min bouts at 90% maximal heart rate, separated by 2-min at 8 km/h, finished with another 2-min period at 8 km/h) or an aerobic (AER) running exercise (60'at 55% VO2max). Blood samples were drawn before and after exercise, and after 30-minute recovery. PV, hematocrit (Hct), fibrinogen, total proteins, triglycerides, total-cholesterol and glucose levels were analyzed. Plasma volume loss during exercise was calculated. RESULTS: PV rose after HIT (P<0.05) while Hct rose after both protocols. Plasma volume loss was higher after HIT (-6.35±3.47%) than after AER (-3.11±2.49%) (P=0.045). Total-proteins (P<0.001), triglycerides (P=0.013), total-cholesterol (P<0.001) and glucose (P=0.001) concentrations increased after HIT. After AER no statistically significant differences were found in plasma constituents concentrations. CONCLUSION: A low-volume HIT session causes a sufficient loss in plasma volume that leads to significantly incremented plasma constituents' concentrations and, therefore, a mild transient rise in PV.

Malignant lymphoma of the head and neck.

Malignant lymphomas represent approximately 5% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck area. They are classically divided into two subgroups, Hodgkin's lymphomas (HLs) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). We describe the clinical characteristics of head and neck lymphomas and the methods to establish the diagnosis. The World Health Organization classification of lymphoid tissues describes more than 50 different histological types, and we analyse the most common staging system for lymphomas, the Ann Arbor staging system. Finally, the different therapeutic approaches are discussed.

[Persistent left superior vena cava. Implications in central venous catheterisation]. / Vena cava superior izquierda persistente. Implicaciones en la cateterización venosa central.

The placement of central catheters through the subclavian and jugular venous path can be complicated by the cannulation of an artery or an aberrant venous path. The most frequent anomaly of the embryological development of the caval vein is the persistence of the left superior vena cava (LSVC). The implantation of catheters in the LSVC can be suspected by its anomalous route in thorax radiography. Gasometry and the pressure curve of the vessel make it possible to rule out an arterial catheterisation. Diagnostic confirmation is obtained through angiography, echocardiography, computerised tomography or cardiac resonance. The doctor who regularly implants central venous catheters must be familiar with the anatomy of the venous system and its variants and anomalies, since their presence might influence the handling of the patient.

Vena cava superior izquierda persistente. Implicaciones en la cateterización venosa central / Persistent left superior vena cava. Implications in central venous catheterisation

La colocación de catéteres centrales por vía venosasubclavia y yugular se puede complicar con la canalizaciónde una arteria o de una vía venosa aberrante.La anomalía más frecuente del desarrollo embriológicode la vena cava es la persistencia de la vena cava superiorizquierda (VCSI). La implantación de catéteres enla VCSI se puede sospechar por el recorrido anómalodel mismo en la radiografía de tórax. La gasometría y lacurva de presión del vaso permiten descartar una cateterizaciónarterial. La confirmación diagnóstica se obtienemediante angiografía, ecocardiografía, tomografíacomputerizada o cardio-resonancia.El médico que implanta habitualmente catéteresvenosos centrales, debe estar familiarizado con la anatomíadel sistema venoso, sus variantes y sus anomalías,ya que su presencia puede influir en el manejo delpaciente(AU)

The placement of central catheters through thesubclavian and jugular venous path can be complicatedby the cannulation of an artery or an aberrant venouspath. The most frequent anomaly of the embryologicaldevelopment of the caval vein is the persistence of theleft superior vena cava (LSVC). The implantation of cathetersin the LSVC can be suspected by its anomalousroute in thorax radiography. Gasometry and the pressurecurve of the vessel make it possible to rule out anarterial catheterisation. Diagnostic confirmation is obtainedthrough angiography, echocardiography, computerisedtomography or cardiac resonance.The doctor who regularly implants central venouscatheters must be familiar with the anatomy of the venoussystem and its variants and anomalies, since theirpresence might influence the handling of the patient(AU)

Pathological examination of cordectomy specimens: analysis of negative resection.

OBJECTIVE: Occasionally, after performing a cordectomy to treat a T1 glottic tumor, the pathologist does not detect carcinomatous cells in the surgical specimen. This study determined how often this happens and analyzed these cases to identify related variables. METHODS: Forty-six patients were studied. Data on patient age and gender, tumor T stage and macroscopic surface extension, device used (laser vs. microelectrode dissection (ME)), and presence/absence of a negative cordectomy were compiled. We performed excisional biopsies as a diagnostic procedure. RESULTS: Tumor stage was carcinoma in situ (Cis; 11 cases), T1a (28 cases), or T1b (7 cases). Nineteen tumors were limited, and 27 were extensive. Twenty-one patients underwent laser surgery, and 25 had ME. There were 12, 21, 4, and 9 types II to V cordectomies, respectively. The pathologist reported 15 negative cordectomies (32.6%). Only tumor extension was significantly associated with a negative cordectomy (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: In 32.6% of our cases, the excisional biopsy was diagnostic and therapeutic. This percentage rose to 52.6% in the cases of limited tumors. We recommend performing an excisional biopsy and limited resection of the surgical bed with ME or laser surgery. A pathologist can examine the margins to determine whether the resection should be extended. When choosing radiotherapy, it is better to first perform an incisional biopsy to obtain a diagnosis of carcinoma.

Oropharyngectomy without mandibulotomy in advanced stage (T3-T4) oropharyngeal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative course was excellent for this type of surgery, and the functional recovery was comparable to that obtained with much more laborious techniques. OBJECTIVES: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of the described technique and oropharyngectomy with labial mandibulotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients underwent surgery by means of an oropharyngectomy without mandibulotomy. The pharynx was reconstructed using a plasty made of four regional flaps. RESULTS: In addition to obvious esthetic benefits, complications of the osteotomy were absent and surgical time was reduced. Some patients undergoing pull-through oropharyngectomy also underwent a marginal mandibulectomy, markedly reducing the frequency of radionecrosis compared with other statistics of techniques using mandibulotomy.

Electrosurgical endoscopic cordectomy with microdissection electrodes: a comparative study with CO2 laser.

Microdissection electrodes (MEs) have previously been used to perform endoscopic cordectomies. We designed a prospective study in order to compare the ME with the CO2 laser technique. Over two years, 20 patients with T1 glottic carcinoma were operated on with CO2 laser and 20 with MEs. The device was chosen alternatively for each new patient. Two patients in both treatment groups had slight glottic incompetence. Three patients in each group showed web formation. The only granuloma was observed in a CO2 laser patient. Seven of the ME patients developed slight dysphonia, 10 developed medium grade dysphonia and three developed severe dysphonia. Seven of the CO2 laser patients developed slight dysphonia, seven developed medium grade dysphonia and six developed severe dysphonia. No statistically significant differences were observed on comparing the grade of dysphonia with patient age, T stage, type of cordectomy or surgical device. We consider the ME to be a useful and inexpensive alternative to CO2 laser.

Hipotiroidismo primario posradioterapia en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello / Primary hypothyroidism after radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer

Introducción: El tratamiento con radioterapia en el cáncer de cabeza y cuello es una causa de hipotiroidismo. Nos proponemos estudiar el desarrollo de hipofunción tiroidea en estos pacientes. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 194 pacientes tratados con radioterapia por cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Se determinó la tirotropina (TSH) y la tiroxina (T4) libre a los 3, los 6 y los 12 meses después de la radioterapia y anualmente durante el seguimiento. El hipotiroidismo se clasificó como subclínico (aumento de la TSH y la T4 libre normal) y clínico (aumento de la TSH y disminución de la T4 libre). Se analizó la relación del hipotiroidismo con edad, sexo, estirpe histológica del tumor, dosis de radiación y el uso de quimioterapia. Resultados: Con una media de seguimiento de 4,2 años, 56 pacientes presentaron elevación de la TSH (39 pacientes subclínico y 17 clínico). El tiempo medio para el diagnóstico fue de 3,0 ± 1,8 años (subclínico 2,6 ± 1,5 años, clínico 4 ± 1,9 años; p < 0,05). El 80% de los pacientes fueron diagnosticados entre el segundo y el sexto año desde la radioterapia. La edad, la histología del tumor, la dosis de radiación y el uso de quimioterapia no modificaron la probabilidad de desarrollar hipotiroidismo. El sexo demostró un valor predictor (un 66,6 frente a un 25,8% en mujeres y varones, respectivamente; p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La tasa de incidencia de hipotiroidismo después de radioterapia en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello es elevada. Es importante determinar la TSH durante un largo período de tiempo después de la radioterapia (AU)

Introduction: Radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer of the head and neck can cause hypothyroidism. Our aim was to study the development of thyroid hypofunction in these patients. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 194 patients who underwent radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were determined at 3, 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy and then annually during follow-up. Hypothyroidism was classified as subclinical (SHT) (an increase of TSG and normal FT4 levels) and clinical (CHT) (an increase of TSH and a decrease of FT4). The association between hypothyroidism and age, sex, histological type of the tumor, radiation dose and use of chemotherapy was analyzed. Results: With a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, 56 patients showed elevated TSH levels (SHT in 39 patients and CHT in 17). The mean time to diagnosis was 3.0 ± 1.8 years (SHT 2.6 ± 1.5 years, CHT 4 ± 1.9 years; p < 0.05). Eighty percent of the patients were diagnosed between the second and the sixth year after radiotherapy. Age, histological type, radiation dose and use of chemotherapy did not affect the probability of developing hypothyroidism. Sex had a predictive value (66.6% in women versus 25.8% in men; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The incidence rate of hypothyroidism after radiotherapy in patients with cancer of the head and neck is high. Prolonged follow-up of TSH levels should be performed in these patients after radiotherapy (AU)

[Influence of the nasogastric tube in the pathology of the maxillary sinus]. / Influencia de la sonda nasoesofágica en la patología del seno maxilar.

INTRODUCTION: Nasoesophageal tube (NT) is very often used by the ear, nose and throat specialists in head and neck oncological surgery. It is well known the irritative effect that it has on the nasosinusal mucosa. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the use of the NT and the pathology of the maxillary sinuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was carried out in 25 patients treated in our department who had been fed by NT, after surgery. A plain sinus X-ray was performed in the pre-operatory period and a control radiograph in the post-operatory period, and the results have been analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: No sinusitis had been observed whatever length of time the NT remained in situ.

Influencia de la sonda nasoesofágica en la patología del seno maxilar / Influence of the nasogastric tube in the pathology of the maxillary sinus

Introducción: La sonda nasoesofágica (SNE) es utilizada por los otorrinolaringólogos con mucha frecuencia en la cirugía oncológica de cabeza y cuello. Es conocido por todos el papel irritativo que ésta constituye sobre la mucosa nasosinusal. El objeto de este trabajo es analizar la relación entre el uso de la SNE y la patología del seno maxilar. Material y método: En este trabajo se realiza un estudio en 25 pacientes intervenidos en nuestro servicio, a los que tras la cirugía se les ha alimentado mediante SNE. Se ha realizado una radiografía de senos paranasales en el preoperatorio y controles radiológicos en el postoperatorio en un periodo de tiempo determinado, analizando los hallazgos encontrados. Resultados y conclusiones: No se han observado casos de sinusitis independientemente del tiempo de permanencia de la sonda

Introduction: Nasoesophageal tube (NT) is very often used by the ear, nose and throat specialists in head and neck oncological surgery. It is well known the irritative effect that it has on the nasosinusal mucosa. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the use of the NT and the pathology of the maxillary sinuses. Material and method: The study was carried out in 25 patients treated in our department who had been fed by NT, after surgery. A plain sinus X-ray was performed in the pre-operatory period and a control radiograph in the post-operatory period, and the results have been analyzed. Results and conclusions: No sinusitis had been observed whatever length of time the NT remained in situ

[Intranasal approaches for pituitary area tumors. Our experience]. / Abordajes transnasales para los tumores de región hipofisaria. Nuestra experiencia.

Transsphenoidal approach is the most commonly employed surgical technique for the resection of pituitary tumors. We present our experience in the transnasal-transsphenoidal approach in 30 patients undergoing pituitary surgery from 1998 to 2002. Ten patients underwent surgery via a sublabial-transeptal-transsphenoidal approach, 15 patients via a transeptal-transsphenoidal approach and 5 patients via a pure endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal. The pathological study showed 29 pituitary adenomas and 1 Rathe's cleft cyst. We conclude that the pure endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal approach guided by a navigator-system is safest and more effective approach. We reserved the transeptal-transsphenoidal approach for cases with obstructive septal deflection and poor pneumatized sphenoid sinuses. We do not recommend the use of the sublabial-trans-sphenoidal approach.

Upper lateral cartilage transposition in the surgical management of nasal valve incompetence.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of nasal valve dysfunction is very controversial and many otorhinolaryngologists do not always take surgery into consideration. The purpose of this paper is to present the author's surgical technique and the description of 13 patients on which it may work. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirteen cases presenting with nasal obstruction secondary to nasal valve dysfunction are reviewed. All of the patients presented with internal valvulary incompetence and in three of them an alar collapse was associated. Diagnosis was achieved by means of the clinical findings and physical examination. An open rhinoplasty approach was employed. The surgical technique consisted in a transposition of the upper lateral cartilage over the alar cartilage. In the three patients with alar collapse a fixation graft from the septal cartilage was also employed. RESULTS: Nasal obstruction and valvular incompetence seemed improved in all of the cases. CONCLUSION: Upper lateral cartilage transposition seems to be an adequate method to solve the nasal valve incompetence.

Abordajes transnasales para los tumores de región hipofisaria. Nuestra experiencia / Intranasal approaches for pituitary area tumors. Our experience

La vía de abordaje transesfenoidal es la técnica quirúrgica más utilizada para la exéresis de los tumores de región hipofisaria. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el abordaje transnasal-transesfenoidal en 30 pacientes intervenidos desde 1998 hasta 2002. Diez pacientes operados por vía sublabial-transeptal-transesfenoidal, 15 pacientes por vía transeptal-transesfenoidal y 5 enfermos por vía endoscópica transnasal pura-transesfenoidal. El estudio anatomopatológico mostró 29 adenomas hipofisarios y 1 quiste de la hendidura de Rathke. Concluimos que el abordaje endoscópico transnasal puro-transesfenoidal con monitorización por navegador computerizado es seguro, eficaz y evita la morbilidad quirúrgica sobre el tabique nasal de las vías transeptales. Una estrecha colaboración entre neurocirujano y otorrinolaringólogo es necesaria en el abordaje endoscópico. Reservamos la vía transeptal-transesfenoidal para casos con dismorfia septal obstructiva y escasa neumatización del seno esfenoidal. No recomendamos el uso de la vía sublabial-transnasal-transesfenoidal. (AU)

Transsphenoidal approach is the most commonly employed surgical technique for the resection of pituitary tumors. We present our experience in the transnasal-transsphenoidal approach in 30 patients undergoing pituitary surgery from 1998 to 2002. Ten patients underwent surgery via a sublabial-transeptal-transsphenoidal approach, 15 patients via a transeptal-transsphenoidal approach and 5 patients via a pure endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal. The pathological study showed 29 pituitary adenomas and 1 Rathe's cleft cyst. We conclude that the pure endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal approach guided by a navigator-system is safest and more effective approach. We reserved the transeptal-transsphenoidal approach for cases with obstructive septal deflection and poor pneumatized sphenoid sinuses. We do not recommend the use of the sublabial-trans-sphenoidal approach (AU)

[Sudden death in a normal heart. Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. Review of the literature concerning one case]. / Muerte súbita en un corazón normal. Fibrilación ventricular idiopática. Revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso.

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation is that which is produced in the absence of structural cardiac disease and of other identifiable causes of ventricular fibrillation such as cardiotoxicity, electrolytical alterations or hereditary predisposition. The case of a healthy male, aged 37, who was asymptomatic until the day he was admitted to hospital where he showed numerous episodes of ventricular fibrillation without any previous triggering, is discussed. In the examination no cause was found to explain this, and an automatic defibrillator was implanted. The requirements for its diagnosis, risk stratification and the usefulness of the tests employed, as well as the treatments proposed are discussed.

Muerte súbita en un corazón normal. Fibrilación ventricular idiopática. Revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Sudden death in a normal heart. Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. Review of the literature concerning one case

La fibrilación ventricular idiopática es aquella que se produce en ausencia de enfermedad cardíaca estructural y de otras causas identificables de fibrilación ventricular como cardiotoxicidad, alteraciones electrolíticas o predisposición hereditaria. Comentamos el caso de un varón sano de 37 años de edad asintomático hasta el día de su ingreso en el cual presentó múltiples episodios de fibrilación ventricular sin ningún desencadenante previo, no encontrándose en el estudio ninguna causa que lo justificase, implantándose finalmente un desfibrilador automático implantable. Comentamos los requisitos para su diagnóstico, la estratificación de riesgo y la utilidad de las pruebas utilizadas, así como los tratamientos propuestos (AU)

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation is that which is produced in the absence of structural cardiac disease and of other identifiable causes of ventricular fibrillation such as cardiotoxicity, electrolytical alterations or hereditary predisposition. The case of a healthy male, aged 37, who was asymptomatic until the day he was admitted to hospital where he showed numerous episodes of ventricular fibrillation without any previous triggering, is discussed. In the examination no cause was found to explain this, and an automatic defibrillator was implanted. The requirements for its diagnosis, risk stratification and the usefulness of the tests employed, as well as the treatments proposed are discussed (AU)

Sistema inteligente para protocolizar el diagnóstico de invasión ganglionar en el cáncer de laringe / Intelligent system to perform a diagnostic protocol for ganglionar invasion in laryngeal carcinoma

El cáncer de laringe es el tumor maligno de cabeza y cuello más frecuente. La invasión ganglionar es uno de los factores que más influye en el pronóstico de esta patología. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido diseñar un sistema inteligente capaz de elaborar un protocolo diagnóstico de adenopatías metastásicas. Se han revisado 122 historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados de cáncer de laringe en nuestro servicio. Los datos recopilados han sido la localización tumoral, el estadio T y el estadio N (clínico, por TC y postcirugía). El método utilizado para elaborar el sistema inteligente ha sido el ID3, capaz de generar un árbol de decisión mínimo. La palpación ha sido la variable que mayor información ha aportado al conocimiento de la invasión ganglionar. La TC se ha mostrado más eficaz en los tumores supraglóticos. El método ID3 es útil para la elaboración de algoritmos diagnósticos, sobre todo cuando el número de casos y la cantidad de pruebas diagnósticas son elevados (AU)

Laryngeal carcinoma is the most frequent malignant tumour in head and neck. Node invasion is known to be one of the most important prognostic factors. The aim of this study has been to design an intelligent system to perform a diagnostic algorithm of metastasic neck nodes. 122 clinical reports of patients diagnosed of laryngeal carcinoma in our department have been reviewed. The compiled data have been: tumor site, T stage, N stage (clinical, after CT scan and post-surgery). The method used to design the intelligent system has been the ID3, which is able to generate a minimal decision tree. Palpation has been the variable that has given more information about node invasion. CT has proved to be more efficient in supraglottic tumours. ID3 method has shown to be useful in performing diagnostic algorithms, specially when the number of cases and diagnostic tests are high (AU)