Laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Long term oncologic outcomes from the international PSOGI registry.

The laparoscopic approach for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (L-CRS + HIPEC) in highly selected patients was previously reported from the PSOGI registry with a demonstrable reduction in length of stay and post-operative morbidity. This study aims to update this international PSOGI registry with a larger cohort of patients and a longer follow-up period. METHODS: An international registry was designed through a networking database (REDCAP®). All centers performing L-CRS + HIPEC were invited through PSOGI to submit data on their cases. Variables such as demographics, clinical outcomes, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 315 L-CRS + HIPEC cases were provided by 14 worldwide centers. A total of 215 patients were included in the L-CRS + HIPEC group. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 3 (3-5). The median length of stay was 7 days (5-10) and the major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) was 6.1% after 30 days. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) per tumor origin was: 94% for PMP-LG, 85% for PMP-HG, 100% for benign multicyst peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM), 37.4% for colonic origin, and 54%(at 3 years) for ovarian origin. The 5 years overall survival (OS) per tumor origin was: 100% for PMP-LG, PMP-HG and MPM; 61% for colonic origin, and 74% (at 3 years) for ovarian origin. In addition, a total of 85 patients were analyzed in the laparoscopic risk-reducing HIPEC (L-RR + HIPEC). The median length of stay was 5 days (4-6) and the major morbidity was 6% after 30 days. The 5-year DFS per tumor origin was: 96% for perforated low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN II) and 68.1% for colon origin. The 5 years OS per tumor origin was: 98% for LAMN II and 83.5% for colonic origin. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive CRS + HIPEC is a safe procedure for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis in specialized centers. It improves perioperative results while providing satisfactory oncologic outcomes. L-RR + HIPEC represents a promising strategy that could be evaluated in patients with high risk of developing peritoneal carcinomatosis into prospective randomized trials.

Terapia celular en los errores congénitos del metabolismo / Cell therapy in inborn errors of metabolism

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La estadificación con resonancia magnética puede cambiar el manejo terapéutico en el cáncer de mama / Using magnetic resonance imaging for staging can change the therapeutic management in patients with breast cancer

Objetivo. Comparar 2 series de pacientes con cáncer de mama, una estadificadas mediante resonancia magnética (RM) preoperatoria y la otra con técnicas convencionales, y estudiar los cambios de tratamiento y el número de mastectomías y de reintervenciones por afectación de los bordes. Material y métodos. Se revisaron 600 pacientes divididas en 300 con RM preoperatoria (serie 1) y 300 sin RM (serie 2). Se valoraron: la edad, el estado menopáusico, el tamaño tumoral anatomopatológico, la multiplicidad y bilateralidad, el tratamiento quirúrgico y tipo de tratamiento, la administración de quimioterapia neoadyuvante y las reintervenciones por márgenes afectos. Las variables fueron comparadas con las pruebas t de Student y la Chi-cuadrado. Resultados. La edad media fue similar (51,5 y 51,8 años, p=0,71). El tamaño tumoral medio fue menor (p<0,001) en la serie 1 (16,9 vs 22,3mm). Se detectaron más tumores múltiples (p<0,001) en la serie 1 (28,7 vs 15,7%). La tasa de mastectomías en la serie 1 (25%) fue menor (p<0,001) que en la 2 (48%). Las técnicas de cirugía oncoplástica y bilaterales solo fueron realizadas en la serie 1. La quimioterapia neoadyuvante fue administrada más frecuentemente (p<0,001) en la serie 1 (30,7 vs 9,3%). La diferencia no fue significativa (p=0,095) en el número de reintervenciones por márgenes afectos (7,2% serie 1; 3,2% serie 2). Conclusión. Las mastectomías disminuyen al emplear la RM, con disponibilidad de técnicas de cirugía oncoplástica y quimioterapia neoadyuvante. Pese al aumento de cirugías conservadoras en la serie con RM, no observamos un aumento significativo del número de reintervenciones por márgenes afectos, aunque existe una tendencia (AU)

Objective. To compare two series of patients with breast cancer, one staged using preoperative MRI and the other staged using conventional techniques, analyzing the changes to treatment, the number of mastectomies, and the number of reinterventions due to involvement of the margins. Material and methods. We reviewed 600 patients divided into 300 patients with preoperative MRI (series 1) and 300 without preoperative MRI (series 2). We recorded the following variables: age, menopausal status, tumor size on pathological examination, multiplicity and bilaterality, surgical treatment and type of treatment, the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and reintervention for involved margins. We used Student's t-test and the chi-square test to compare the variables between the two series. Results. The mean age of patients in the two series was similar (51.5 and 51.8 years, P=0.71). The mean size of the tumor was smaller in series 1 (16.9mm vs 22.3mm) (P<.001). More multiple tumors were detected in series 1 (28.7 vs 15.7%) (P<.001). The rate of mastectomies was lower in series 1 (25 vs 48%) (P<.001). Oncoplastic and bilateral surgeries were performed only in series 1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered more often in series 1 (30.7 vs 9.3%) (P<.001). The difference in the number of reinterventions for involved margins did not reach significance (7.2% in series 1 vs 3.2% in series 2) (P=.095). Conclusion. When MRI was used for staging, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and oncoplastic surgery were used more often and the mastectomy rate decreased. Despite the increase in conservative surgery in patients staged with MRI, the number of reinterventions for involved margins did not increase, although there was a trend towards significance (AU)

[Using magnetic resonance imaging for staging can change the therapeutic management in patients with breast cancer]. / La estadificación con resonancia magnética puede cambiar el manejo terapéutico en el cáncer de mama.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two series of patients with breast cancer, one staged using preoperative MRI and the other staged using conventional techniques, analyzing the changes to treatment, the number of mastectomies, and the number of reinterventions due to involvement of the margins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 600 patients divided into 300 patients with preoperative MRI (series 1) and 300 without preoperative MRI (series 2). We recorded the following variables: age, menopausal status, tumor size on pathological examination, multiplicity and bilaterality, surgical treatment and type of treatment, the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and reintervention for involved margins. We used Student's t-test and the chi-square test to compare the variables between the two series. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in the two series was similar (51.5 and 51.8 years, P=0.71). The mean size of the tumor was smaller in series 1 (16.9 mm vs 22.3 mm) (P<.001). More multiple tumors were detected in series 1 (28.7 vs 15.7%) (P<.001). The rate of mastectomies was lower in series 1 (25 vs 48%) (P<.001). Oncoplastic and bilateral surgeries were performed only in series 1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered more often in series 1 (30.7 vs 9.3%) (P<.001). The difference in the number of reinterventions for involved margins did not reach significance (7.2% in series 1 vs 3.2% in series 2) (P=.095). CONCLUSION: When MRI was used for staging, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and oncoplastic surgery were used more often and the mastectomy rate decreased. Despite the increase in conservative surgery in patients staged with MRI, the number of reinterventions for involved margins did not increase, although there was a trend towards significance.

Association between [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and prognostic parameters in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study analysed the correlation between [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) in breast tumours, and histopathological and inmunohistochemical prognostic factors. METHODS: FDG-PET was performed before surgery in 275 women with primary breast cancer. The standarized uptake value (SUV) was compared with histopathological findings after surgery. RESULTS: A positive relationship was found between the SUV and tumour size (r = 0.46, P < 0.001), axillary lymph node status (P < 0.001), histological type (P < 0.001), histological grade (P < 0.001), oestrogen receptor status (P < 0.001), p53 (P < 0.001) and Ki-67 (P < 0.001) expression. Multivariable linear regression showed that tumour size, histological grade, Ki-67 expression, oestrogen receptor status and histological type were significantly related to the SUV. CONCLUSION: The SUV is a preoperative and non-invasive metabolic factor that relates to some prognostic factors in breast cancer.

Analysis of POSSUM score and postoperative morbidity in patients with rectal cancer undergoing surgery.

BACKGROUND: The Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and later modifications (P-POSSUM y CR-POSSUM) have been used to predict morbidity and mortality rates among patients with rectal cancer undergoing surgery. These calculations need some adjustment, however. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of POSSUM to a group of patients with rectal cancer undergoing surgery, analysing surgical morbidity by means of several variables. METHODS: between January 1995 and December 2004, 273 consecutive patients underwent surgery for rectal cancer. Information was gathered about the patients, tumour and therapy. To assess the prediction capacity of POSSUM, subgroups for analysis were created according to variables related to operative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The global morbidity rate was 23.6% (31.2% predicted by POSSUM). The mortality rate was 0.7% (6.64, 1.95 and 2.08 predicted by POSSUM, P-POSSUM and CR-POSSUM respectively). POSSUM predictions may be more accurate for patients younger than 51 years, older than 70 years, with low anaesthetic risk (ASA I/II), DUKES stage C and D, surgery duration of less than 180 minutes and for those receiving neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: POSSUM is a good instrument to make results between different institutions and publication comparable. We found prediction errors for some variables related to morbidity. Modifications of surgical variables and specifications for neoadjuvant therapy as well as physiological variables including life style may improve future prediction of surgical risk. More research is needed to identify further potential risk factors for surgical complications.

Metastases to the breast: a review of 33 cases.

The aim of the study was to show the clinical and radiological manifestations of metastases to the breast (MB). From 1987 to 2006, 33 patients with MB were diagnosed at our institution. Their clinical and radiological features were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 33 cases, 31 presented as a palpable breast lump. On mammography, their findings were classified as follows: well-circumscribed masses (11 cases), ill-circumscribed masses (five), focal asymmetric densities (one) and inflammatory skin changes (six). Mammograms were normal in six cases (all of them showed dense breast tissue). Four CT scans showed two well-circumscribed masses and two ill-circumscribed masses. Ultrasonography was available in 18 cases: hypoechoic lesions (15 cases) were more frequent than hyperechoic (one) or isoechoic lesions (two). The appearance on magnetic resonance was similar to primary breast cancer (one case). The most common primary tumours causing MB were haematological malignancies (nine cases) and melanomas (seven). Metastases to the breast showed a wide range of mammographic and ultrasonographic appearances, resembling both benign and malignant lesions. Any patient who presents with a breast lump with a history of cancer should undergo a core-needle biopsy in order to determine the histology of the lump.

[Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast]. / Carcinoma adenoide quístico de mama.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical presentation and imaging findings of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of the period between January 1990 and July 2004, comprising five cases of ACC of the breast, all in women, among 4,036 malignant lesions diagnosed (0.12%). We reviewed the available imaging studies (mammography in all five cases, ultrasound in four, and magnetic resonance in one). We also reviewed the clinical presentation and evolution in all patients. RESULTS: Three patients presented with palpable lesions. Mammographic findings consisted of irregular, ill-defined nodules in three cases, a well-defined rounded nodule in one, and an asymmetrical density in the other. No microcalcifications were observed in any case. Ultrasound examination showed ill-defined polylobulated nodules in three cases and a well-defined, rounded nodule with small cysts inside in the remaining case that showed intense vascularization in the Doppler study. The only case studied by magnetic resonance was seen as a rounded nodule that showed heterogeneous contrast uptake, well-defined margins, and an enhancement curve considered highly suspicious for malignancy. Treatment was tumorectomy together with radiotherapy in all cases. Four patients remain asymptomatic at present (mean follow-up = 64 months) and one presented lung and liver metastes twelve years after the diagnosis of ACC. CONCLUSION: ACC is an uncommon breast tumor with varied radiologic appearance, although moderately or highly suspicious lesions predominate. We consider the absence of microcalcifications in these tumors to be noteworthy. The prognosis is generally good, although the possibility of remote metastasis exists.

Risk factors related to operative morbidity in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to analyze postoperative morbidity and mortality of patients operated on for gastric cancer in a single institution during the last twenty years, and to define risk factors for complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on 434 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 1983 and December 2002. Analysis of main medical and surgical complications and analysis of morbidity risk factors. RESULTS: Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 38.4% and 2.7% respectively. The most frequent complications were pneumonia (13%) and intra-abdominal abcesses (12%). The main cause of death was anastomotic dehiscence with abdominal sepsis. The last ten years mortality rate dropped from 4.7% to 0.8%. Risk factors for complications were gender (male, p = 0.01) and resection of spleen (p = 0.02) or pancreas (p = 0.002). A significantly lesser rate of complications was found in patients who had underwent gastrectomy during the previous five years (p = 0.001) or with tumors located in the lower third of the stomach (p = 0,01). CONCLUSION: Morbidity of gastrectomy for gastric cancer in our institution is still high but mortality has decreased significantly over the last ten years due to the specialization of the hospital and the surgical team. The main risk factor for complications was pancreatosplenectomy in the multivariate analysis.

Risk factors related to operative morbidity in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to analyzepostoperative morbidity and mortality of patientsoperated on for gastric cancer in a single institutionduring the last twenty years, and to definerisk factors for complications.Material and methods. A retrospective study wascarried out on 434 patients who underwent gastrectomyfor gastric cancer between January 1983 andDecember 2002. Analysis of main medical and surgicalcomplications and analysis of morbidity riskfactors.Results. Overall morbidity and mortality rates were38.4% and 2.7% respectively. The most frequentcomplications were pneumonia (13%) and intra-abdominalabcesses (12%). The main cause of deathwas anastomotic dehiscence with abdominal sepsis.The last ten years mortality rate dropped from 4.7%to 0.8%. Risk factors for complications were gender(male, p = 0.01) and resection of spleen (p = 0.02) orpancreas (p = 0.002). A significantly lesser rate ofcomplications was found in patients who had underwentgastrectomy during the previous five years(p = 0.001) or with tumors located in the lower thirdof the stomach (p = 0,01).Conclusion. Morbidity of gastrectomy for gastriccancer in our institution is still high but mortalityhas decreased significantly over the last ten yearsdue to the specialization of the hospital and the surgicalteam. The main risk factor for complicationswas pancreatosplenectomy in the multivariate analysis

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[The present state of esophageal laparoscopic surgery]. / Estado actual de la cirugía laparoscópica esofágica.

Laparoscopic surgery has changed the therapeutic approach in the most frequent esophageal diseases. With the excellent results in the control of symptoms and the low associated morbidity, surgical treatment is increasingly indicated in benign esophageal pathology as a superior alternative to a chronic and less efficient medical treatment. For the hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux, Nissen's fundoplication by laparoscopy is the technique of choice. The best results in the treatment of achalasia are obtained with Heller's laparoscopic myotomy. This growing experience includes the resection of tumours of the esophagus combining thoracoscopy and laparoscopy with similar results to those of open surgery.

[Imaging techniques for axillary lymph node staging in breast cancer]. / Técnicas de imagen para la valoración del estado ganglionar axilar en el cáncer de mama.

The axillary lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in breast cancer, and the axillary dissection as the gold standar for staging. It requires radical surgery, which is accompanied by importants postoperaive problems. Axillary lymph nodes can be imaged with a wide variety of available diagnostic radiological test (ultrasonography, mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging). In these anatomic imaging, the limph nodes whit metastatic disease appear dense, enlarged or spiculated. Difficulties arise, not in visualization of the axillary lymph nodes, but in reliably separating normal from those involved with metastatic disease. Radionucleide studies and positron emisión tomography provide biochemical information, but are limited by resolution constrains.

The role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt prior to abdominal tumoral surgery in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Major abdominal surgery can be contraindicated in some cirrhotic patients because of severe portal hypertension. The present study reports our experience of three patients with abdominal tumours prepared for surgery by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in order to reduce portal hypertension and the risk of intraoperative bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension diagnosed with a right colon carcinoma, an adenocarcinoma of pancreas and a gastric and sigmoid synchronic tumours in the same patient. Because portal hypertension was the leading cause of surgical contraindication, neoadjuvant TIPS placement was proposed before surgery. RESULTS: TIPS placement was performed without intra-procedure complications. An average reduction of 18 mmHg was achieved in portosystemic gradients. The planned operations were performed with a delay of 14-45 days after TIPS without intraoperative bleeding. Complications occurred in one patient without operative mortality. CONCLUSION: TIPS placement allows a pre-operative portal decompression in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and abdominal tumours that require surgical treatment. This procedure reduces the risk of bleeding by reducing the portosystemic gradient and the varices around the tumoral area. This procedure is less invasive than conventional shunt surgery, but it is not free of complications and should be performed by experienced interventional radiologists on selected patients. This is still an experimental indication of TIPS which efficacy must be confirmed in larger series.

Intestinal T-cell lymphoma associated with celiac disease masked by cavernous lymphangioma.

We present the case of a patient admitted to our emergency ward with a clinical setting of acute abdominal pain and a history of cavernous lymphangioma, diagnosed in another center by exploratory lapartomy. The patient presented complete analysis including serology tests, as well as an abdominal CT scan that revealed multiple large size retroperitoneal cysts. In view of the clinical symptomatology and results of the tests, a second CT scan was carried out upon admission. As a result of the findings obtained, a second exploratory laparotomy was carried out in which intestinal resection of the perforated jejunal loop and largest cysts was performed. Pathological anatomy diagnosed an intestinal lymphoma associated with enteropathy and abdominal cysts compatible with cavernous lymphangioma. In this work we describe both pathologies, the most characteristic aspects are analyzed and the etiology and possible relation between both entities is discussed.

Papel de la cirugía en el tratamiento del linfomagástrico primario / Surgery´s role in management of primary gastric lymphoma

El Linfoma Gástrico Primario es una entidad patológica cuyo manejo óptimo está en discusión. Se estudian retrospectivamente 23 pacientes tratados en nuestro Centro por Linfoma Gástrico entre 1976 y 1998 con resección quirúrgica como terapia principal. En diez pacientes la cirugía fue el único tratamiento realizado, en el resto se asoció quimio y/o radioterapia según criterio del oncólogo-hematólogo responsable. No hubo diferencias en cuanto a morbimortalidad entre los diferentes tratamientos. Se analizan las características clínicas e histológicas y la evolución de los pacientes. Ninguno de los pacientes ha fallecido a consecuencia del linfoma, no habiéndose presentado tampoco ningún caso de recurrencia local ni a distancia. Opinamos que la cirugía es una opción válida en el tratamiento del Linfoma Gástrico Primario. La asociación de tratamientos complementarios dependerá del estadio definitivo, las características histológicas del tumor y la posibilidad de realizar o no una resección radical (AU)

[Role of surgery in the treatment of primary gastric lymphoma]. / Papel de la cirugía en el tratamiento del linfoma gástrico primario.

Primary gastric lymphoma's optimum management remains controversial. We reviewed our series of 23 patients with primary gastric lymphoma treated in our hospital between 1976 and 1998 with surgery as main therapy. Ten patients underwent surgical resection alone, whereas 13 also received postoperative adjuvant therapy, depending on the oncologist-haematologist's recommendations. No differences were found between treatments regarding mortality and morbidity. Clinical-histological features and patients, follow-up are analyzed. No patient died because of lymphoma and there wasn't either local or distant recurrence. We consider that surgery remains a valid option for the primary gastric lymphoma treatment. The introduction of combined modalities of radiation therapy and chemotherapy will depend on the final stage, the tumor histological features, and the feasibility of getting a radical resection.