Metronidazole for Prevention of Pelvic Cellulitis and Abscess after Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Triple-blinded, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a postoperative 5-day treatment schedule with vaginal metronidazole added to conventional antibiotic prophylaxis with 2 g cefazolin modifies the risk of pelvic cellulitis (PC) and pelvic abscess (PA) after total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind, multicenter clinical trial. SETTING: Two centers dedicated to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in Colombia. PATIENTS: A total of 574 patients were taken to TLH because of benign diseases. INTERVENTION: Patients taken to TLH were divided into 2 groups (treatment group, cefazolin 2 g intravenous single dose before surgery + metronidazole vaginal ovules for 5 days postoperatively, control group: cefazolin 2 g intravenous single dose + placebo vaginal ovules for 5 days postoperatively). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The absolute frequency (AF) of PC and PA and their relationship with the presence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) were measured. There was no difference in AF of PC (AF, 2/285 [0.7%] vs 5/284 [1.7%] in the treatment and placebo groups, respectively; risk ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-5.65; p = .261), nor for PA (AF, 0/285 [0%] vs 2/289 [0.7%]; p = .159, in the treatment and placebo groups, respectively). The incidence of BV was higher in the metronidazole group than the placebo group (42.5% vs 33.4%, p = .026). CONCLUSION: The use of vaginal metronidazole ovules during the first 5 days in postoperative TLH added to conventional cefazolin prophylaxis does not prevent the development of PC or PA, regardless of the patient's diagnosis of BV.

Usability of a telehealth solution based on TV interaction for the elderly: the VITASENIOR-MT case study.

Remote monitoring of biometric data in the elderly population is an important asset for improving the quality of life and level of independence of elderly people living alone. However, the design and implementation of health technological solutions often disregard the elderly physiological and psychological abilities, leading to low adoption of these technologies. We evaluate the usability of a remote patient monitoring solution, VITASENIOR-MT, which is based on the interaction with a television set. Twenty senior participants (over 64 years) and a control group of 20 participants underwent systematic tests with the health platform and assessed its usability through several questionnaires. Elderly participants scored high on the usability of the platform, very close to the evaluation of the control group. Sensory, motor and cognitive limitations were the issues that most contributed to the difference in usability assessment between the elderly group and the control group. The solution showed high usability and acceptance regardless of age, digital literacy, education and impairments (sensory, motor and cognitive), which shows its effective viability for use and implementation as a consumer product in the senior market.

[Safety of total laparoscopic hysterectomy in a high complexity Hospital in Pereira, Colombia, between 2007 and 2017. Cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To describe intra and postoperative complications of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign uterine pathology and to compare with other hospitals with large volumes of laparoscopic hysterectomies. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of women who underwent TLH for benign gynecological pathology between 2007 and 2017 in a private high complexity institution that serves populations covered by contributive and state-subsidized insurance in Pereira, Colombia. The procedures were performed by the group of surgeons of the ALGIA training center. Consecutive sampling was used. Sociodemographic and baseline clinical characteristics, intra-operative findings and intra- and post-operative complications are described. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: A total of 1.350 patients were included during the study period. Surgical time was 95 minutes (SD ± 31), blood loss 88 cc (SD ± 66), and average uterine weight was 236 g (SD ± 133); 96.5% of the patients were assessed within the next 30 to 45 days; 3.48% had minor complications and 2.5% had major complications; 3 patients were converted to laparotomy. There were no deaths in the study sample. CONCLUSIONS: TLH is a safe procedure and the rate of complications is similar to the best international standards. Further prospective studies using objective criteria are important in order to compare the performance of different groups and institutions offering surgical procedures and training.

TITULO: SEGURIDAD DE LA HISTERECTOMÍA TOTAL POR LAPAROSCOPIA ENTRE EL 2007 Y 2017 EN UN HOSPITAL DE ALTA COMPLEJIDAD, PEREIRA, COLOMBIA. ESTUDIO DE COHORTE. OBJETIVO: Describir las complicaciones intra y posoperatorias de la histerectomía total por laparoscopia (HTL) para patología benigna del útero y hacer una comparación con otros hospitales que tienen altos volúmenes de HTL. METODOS: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en mujeres que se sometieron a HTL por patología ginecológica benigna entre 2007 y 2017 en una institución privada de alta complejidad, que atiende población perteneciente al régimen contributivo y subsidiado por el Estado en el Sistema General de Seguridad Social, en Pereira, Colombia, por el grupo de cirujanos del centro de entrenamiento ALGIA. Muestreo consecutivo. Se describen la características sociodemográficas y clínicas basales, los hallazgos intraoperatorios y las complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Se usó estadística descriptiva. RESULTADOS: en el periodo de estudio se incluyeron 1.350 pacientes. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 95 min (DE ± 31), el sangrado quirúrgico 88 cc (DE ± 66), el peso promedio del útero fue de 236 g (DE ± 133). El 96,5 % de las pacientes fueron evaluadas entre los 30 y 45 días. El 3,48 % de las pacientes tuvieron complicaciones menores y el 2,5 % complicaciones mayores. Tres pacientes requirieron conversión a laparotomía (0,23%). No hubo mortalidad en la muestra estudiada. CONCLUSIONES: la HTL es un procedimiento seguro y la tasa de complicaciones es similar a la de los mejores estándares internacionales. Es importante que se sigan haciendo estudios prospectivos con criterios objetivos de evaluación para comparar el desempeño de los diferentes grupos e instituciones que ofrecen procedimientos quirúrgicos y entrenamiento.

Safety of total laparoscopic hysterectomy in a high complexity Hospital in Pereira, Colombia, between 2007 and 2017. Cohort study / Seguridad de la histerectomía total por laparoscopia entre el 2007 y 2017 en un hospital de alta complejidad, Pereira, Colombia. Estudio de cohorte

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las complicaciones intra y posoperatorias de la histerectomía total por laparoscopia (HTL) para patología benigna del útero y hacer una comparación con otros hospitales que tienen altos volúmenes de HTL. Materiales y métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en mujeres que se sometieron a HTL por patología ginecológica benigna entre 2007 y 2017 en una institución privada de alta complejidad, que atiende población perteneciente al régimen contributivo y subsidiado por el Estado en el Sistema General de Seguridad Social, en Pereira, Colombia, por el grupo de cirujanos del centro de entrenamiento ALGIA. Muestreo consecutivo. Se describen la características sociodemográficas y clínicas basales, los hallazgos intraoperatorios y las complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Se usó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: en el periodo de estudio se incluyeron 1.350 pacientes. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 95 min (DE ± 31), el sangrado quirúrgico 88 cc (DE ± 66), el peso promedio del útero fue de 236 g (DE ± 133). El 96,5 % de las pacientes fueron evaluadas entre los 30 y 45 días. El 3,48 % de las pacientes tuvieron complicaciones menores y el 2,5 % complicaciones mayores. Tres pacientes requirieron conversión a laparotomía (0,23%). No hubo mortalidad en la muestra estudiada. Conclusión: la HTL es un procedimiento seguro y la tasa de complicaciones es similar a la de los mejores estándares internacionales. Es importante que se sigan haciendo estudios prospectivos con criterios objetivos de evaluación para comparar el desempeño de los diferentes grupos e instituciones que ofrecen procedimientos quirúrgicos y entrenamiento.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe intra and postoperative complications of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign uterine pathology and to compare with other hospitals with large volumes of laparoscopic hysterectomies. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of women who underwent TLH for benign gynecological pathology between 2007 and 2017 in a private high complexity institution that serves populations covered by contributive and state-subsidized insurance in Pereira, Colombia. The procedures were performed by the group of surgeons of the ALGIA training center. Consecutive sampling was used. Sociodemographic and baseline clinical characteristics, intra-operative findings and intra- and post-operative complications are described. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: A total of 1.350 patients were included during the study period. Surgical time was 95 minutes (SD ± 31), blood loss 88 cc (SD ± 66), and average uterine weight was 236 g (SD ± 133); 96.5% of the patients were assessed within the next 30 to 45 days; 3.48% had minor complications and 2.5% had major complications; 3 patients were converted to laparotomy. There were no deaths in the study sample. Conclusion: TLH is a safe procedure and the rate of complications is similar to the best international standards. Further prospective studies using objective criteria are important in order to compare the performance of different groups and institutions offering surgical procedures and training.

Telehealth monitoring of a hypertensive elderly patient with the new VITASENIOR-MT system: a case study.

Telehealth technologies providing remote monitoring of health parameters are a promising approach for the management of arterial hypertension in the elderly. The VITASENIOR-MT platform was developed as a telehealth solution designed to contribute to improve the health condition and quality of life, promoting safe and independent living of the old adult. It is an 'internet-of-things'-based solution relying on the interaction of the old adult with a TV-set to record biometric parameters and to receive warning and recommendations related to health and environmental sensor recordings. We present a pilot study with a male hypertensive patient, aged 81 years old, under anti-hypertensive treatment, with epilepsy, arthritis and paroxistic atrial fibrillation as major comorbidities. The VITASENIOR-MT was installed at the patient's assisted-dwelling house and a remote follow-up was implemented for 2 months, monitoring daily blood pressure and heart rate, as well as weight and indoor environmental parameters.

A data set for electric power consumption forecasting based on socio-demographic features: Data from an area of southern Colombia.

In this article, we introduce a data set concerning electric-power consumption-related features registered in seven main municipalities of Nariño, Colombia, from December 2010 to May 2016. The data set consists of 4427 socio-demographic characteristics, and 7 power-consumption-referred measured values. Data were fully collected by the company Centrales Eléctricas de Nariño (CEDENAR) according to the client consumption records. Power consumption data collection was carried following a manual procedure wherein company workers are in charge of manually registering the readings (measured in kWh) reported by the electric energy meters installed at each housing/building. Released data set is aimed at providing researchers a suitable input for designing and assessing the performance of forecasting, modelling, simulation and optimization approaches applied to electric power consumption prediction and characterization problems. The data set, so-named in shorthand PCSTCOL, is freely and publicly available at https://doi.org/10.17632/xbt7scz5ny.3.

Safety of the laparoscopic management of patients with deep infiltrative endometriosis in a reference center in Pereira, Colombia. Retrospective cohorte, 2007-2016 / Seguridad del manejo laparoscópico de pacientes con endometriosis infiltrativa profunda, en un centro de referencia en Pereira, Colombia. Cohorte retrospectiva, 2007-2016

Objective: Describe the intraoperative findings, procedures and the safety of laparoscopic surgical management of Deep Infiltration Endometriosis (DIE). Materials and methods: A descriptive historical cohort study of patients with suspected pre-surgical diagnosis of DIE due to clinical findings, pelvic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging and histological confirmation of the disease. The patients were taken to minimally invasive surgery between 2007 and 2016 in a reference health institution located in Pereira, Colombia. Sociodemographic, clinical, intraoperative findings, types of procedure performed, intra and postoperative complications and post-surgical pain levels at 6 weeks were evaluated. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: One hundred and sixty seven patients were included. The most frequent location of the disease was the recto-vaginal septum (85.7 %). A total of 83 patients (49.7 %) had bowel endometriosis. Of these, 86 % had a shaving and 13.2 % segmental bowel resection. Four patients (2.4 %) had intraoperative complications. One was converted to laparotomy and other five (2.9 %) had post-surgical infection. Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of DIE is an option to be considered with a 5% of complication frequency. Randomized studies with a control group are required for a better evaluation of safety and efficacy.

Objetivo: describir los hallazgos intraoperatorios, los procedimientos realizados y la seguridad del manejo quirúrgico por vía laparoscópica de la endometriosis infiltrativa profunda (EIP). Materiales y métodos: cohorte histórica descriptiva. Ingresaron pacientes con sospecha diagnóstica prequirúrgica de EIP por hallazgos clínicos, ultrasonido pélvico o imágenes de resonancia magnética y con confirmación histológica de la enfermedad. Las pacientes fueron llevadas a cirugía mínimamente invasiva entre 2007 y 2016, en una institución de salud de referencia ubicada en Pereira, Colombia. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, hallazgos intraoperatorios, tipos de procedimientos realizados, complicaciones intra y posoperatorias y control del dolor a las 6 semanas. Se hace un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: se incluyeron 167 pacientes. La localización más frecuente de la enfermedad fue el tabique recto-vaginal (85,7 %). Un total de 83 pacientes (49,7 %) presentaron endometriosis intestinal. De estas, al 86 % se les realizó shaving (afeitado o nodulectomía), y al 13,2 % resección intestinal segmentaria. Un total de 4 pacientes (2,4 %) presentaron complicaciones intraoperatorias, de las cuales una requirió laparoconversión y otras 5 pacientes (2,9 %) desarrollaron complicaciones posoperatorias. Conclusiones: el manejo laparoscópico de la EIP es una alternativa por considerar, con una frecuencia de complicaciones cercana al 5 %. Se requieren estudios aleatorizados con grupo control para una mejor evaluación de la seguridad y eficacia.

Safety of the laparoscopic management of patients with deep infiltrative endometriosis in a reference center in Pereira, Colombia. Retrospective cohorte, 2007-2016 / Seguridad del manejo laparoscópico de pacientes con endometriosis infiltrativa profunda, en un centro de referencia en pereira, colombia. cohorte retrospectiva, 2007-2016

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir los hallazgos intraoperatorios, los procedimientos realizados y la seguridad del manejo quirúrgico por vía laparoscópica de la endometriosis infiltrativa profunda (EIP). Materiales y métodos: cohorte histórica descriptiva. Ingresaron pacientes con sospecha diagnóstica prequirúrgica de EIP por hallazgos clínicos, ultrasonido pélvico o imágenes de resonancia magnética y con confirmación histológica de la enfermedad. Las pacientes fueron llevadas a cirugía mínimamente invasiva entre 2007 y 2016, en una institución de salud de referencia ubicada en Pereira, Colombia. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, hallazgos intraoperatorios, tipos de procedimientos realizados, complicaciones intra y posoperatorias y control del dolor a las 6 semanas. Se hace un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: se incluyeron 167 pacientes. La localización más frecuente de la enfermedad fue el tabique recto-vaginal (85,7 %). Un total de 83 pacientes (49,7 %) presentaron endometriosis intestinal. De estas, al 86 % se les realizó shaving (afeitado o nodulectomía), y al 13,2 % resección intestinal segmentaria. Un total de 4 pacientes (2,4 %) presentaron complicaciones intraoperatorias, de las cuales una requirió laparoconversión y otras 5 pacientes (2,9 %) desarrollaron complicaciones posoperatorias. Conclusiones: el manejo laparoscópico de la EIP es una alternativa por considerar, con una frecuencia de complicaciones cercana al 5 %. Se requieren estudios aleatorizados con grupo control para una mejor evaluación de la seguridad y eficacia.

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the intraoperative findings, procedures and the safety of laparoscopic surgical management of Deep Infiltration Endometriosis (DIE). Materials and methods: A descriptive historical cohort study of patients with suspected pre-surgical diagnosis of DIE due to clinical findings, pelvic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging and histological confirmation of the disease. The patients were taken to minimally invasive surgery between 2007 and 2016 in a reference health institution located in Pereira, Colombia. Sociodemographic, clinical, intraoperative findings, types of procedure performed, intra and postoperative complications and post-surgical pain levels at 6 weeks were evaluated. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: One hundred and sixty seven patients were included. The most frequent location of the disease was the recto-vaginal septum (85.7 %). A total of 83 patients (49.7 %) had bowel endometriosis. Of these, 86 % had a shaving and 13.2 % segmental bowel resection. Four patients (2.4 %) had intraoperative complications. One was con- verted to laparotomy and other five (2.9 %) had post-surgical infection. Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of DIE is an option to be considered with a 5% of complication frequency. Randomized studies with a control group are required for a better evaluation of safety and efficacy.

Sensitivity and specificity of clinical findings for the diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome in women with chronic pelvic pain.

Background Pelvic congestion syndrome is among the causes of pelvic pain. One of the diagnostic tools is pelvic venography using Beard's criteria, which are 91% sensitive and 80% specific for this syndrome. Objective To assess the diagnostic performance of the clinical findings in women diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome coming to a Level III institution. Methods Descriptive retrospective study in women with chronic pelvic pain taken to transuterine pelvic venography at the Advanced Gynecological Laparoscopy and Pelvic Pain Unit of Clinica Comfamiliar, between August 2008 and December 2011, analyzing social, demographic, and clinical variables. Results A total of 132 patients with a mean age of 33.9 years. Dysmenorrhea, ovarian points, and vulvar varices have a sensitivity greater than 80%, and the presence of leukorrhea, vaginal mass sensation, the finding of an abdominal mass, abdominal trigger points, and positive pinprick test have a specificity greater than 80% when compared with venography. Conclusion This study may be considered as the first to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the clinical findings associated with pelvic congestion syndrome in a sample of the Colombian population. In the future, these findings may be used to create a clinical score for the diagnosis of this condition.

Dolor pélvico crónico: Más allá de la endometriosis / Pelvic chronic pain: more than just endometriosis

El dolor pélvico crónico (DPC) es el dolor no cíclico de más de 3 meses de duración que se localiza en la zona anatómica de la pelvis, la pared abdominal anterior por debajo del ombligo, el periné, el área genital, la región lumbosacra o la cadera, y que tiene una severidad que causa discapacidad funcional y/o lleva a los pacientes a buscar atención médica. Estas pacientes no pueden hacer ejercicio, tienen trastornos del sueño, dificultad para disfrutar tiempo libre, pobre socialización, dificultades en la marcha, dificultades en la concentración, impacto negativo en su calidad de vida y en su sexualidad. La concepción general de que la endometriosis es la única causa de dolor pélvico crónico no solo está equivocada, sino que demora el diagnóstico y resulta en unas tasas de mejoría mucho menores de las esperadas. Es muy importante hacer un cambio profundo en la forma de enfrentarse a pacientes con DPC, sobre todo dejando de pensar en que la endometriosis es la única causa de dolor. La clave para el tratamiento es manejar al DPC como la enfermedad compleja que es. La evidencia actual demuestra que diagnosticar solo un componente de esta condición (como la endometriosis o las adherencias pélvicas) y tratar únicamente ese componente probablemente no tenga éxito. Dada la actual comprensión de la neuropatología de dolor pélvico crónico, el fracaso de la terapia tradicional es esperable si no se afronta la condición de manera integral y con un enfoque multidisciplinario y multimodal.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is the non-cyclical pain of more than 3 months duration, located in the anatomical area of the pelvis, anterior abdominal wall below the umbilicus, perineum, genital area, lumbosacral region or hip, severe enough to cause functional impairment and / or to seek medical attention. These patients cannot exercise, suffer sleep disorders, cannot enjoy free time, have poor socialization, gait difficulties, poor concentration and a negative impact on their quality of life and sexuality. The general idea that endometriosis is the only cause of chronic pelvic pain is not only wrong, but delays diagnosis and results in improvement rates much lower than expected. A profound change in the way of dealing with patients with CPP is necessary, especially considering endometriosis as the only cause of pelvic pain. Treatment key is to manage CPP as a complex disease. Current evidence shows that diagnosing only one component of this condition (such as endometriosis or pelvic adhesions) and treatment of only that component will probably have no success. Given the current understanding of the neuropathology of chronic pelvic pain, failure of traditional therapy is expected if the condition is not faced with a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach.