Robotic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to describe the robotic nerve-sparing technique and review the most recent data in the literature on this surgical approach. METHODS: Presentation of anatomical aspects regarding the nerve-sparing technique, besides discussion of the surgical steps as performed in our institution. RESULTS: Robotic-assisted nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy is a feasible approach for the treatment of cervical cancer patients, with remarkable advantages in terms of ergonomy, articulated movements and image magnification. All these features contribute for identification and preservation of the pelvic innervation, reducing the risk of surgical sequelae. CONCLUSION: Robotic nerve-sparing technique can be incorporated as a standard care without compromising radicality.

Correlation between the extent of intraperitoneal disease and nodal metastasis in node-positive ovarian cancer patients.

AIMS: To investigate correlations between extent of disease (ED), frequency and location of nodal metastases in node-positive EOC patients. METHODS: Data were collected from 116 consecutive patients who underwent systematic lymphadenectomy during primary surgery. Patients were grouped in ED1 (disease confined in pelvis), ED2 (disease extended to abdomen), and ED3 (distant metastases). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Correspondence analysis revealed associations between ED1 and negative nodes, ED2 and positive aortic/pelvic nodes, and ED3 and positive external and common iliac nodes. The most representative group for nodal metastases in ED1 was aortic nodes (77.8%). The number of positive pelvic nodes increased with ED; the RR was 0.58 for ED2 and 0.25 for ED3 (p = 0.004). The RR for positive external iliac nodes was 0.66 in ED2 and 0.31 in ED3 (p = 0.002); the RR for positive common iliac nodes was 0.76 and 0.17, respectively (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that aortic nodal metastasis was associated with PFS (p = 0.03; HR, 1.95). CONCLUSION: Distribution and percentage of nodal metastases varied with ED. The risk of pelvic nodal metastasis, increased with ED. Location of positive nodes was correlated with PFS.

Comparison of robotic-assisted vs conventional laparoscopy for extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy for locally advanced cervical cancer and to compare to a previous series of patients from our institution undergoing the same procedure by conventional laparoscopy. METHODS: 17 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO stages IB2, IIA2 and IIB-IVA) underwent pretherapeutic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy by robotic-assisted laparoscopy. Perioperative outcomes including age, BMI, FIGO stage, operating time, blood loss, complications and length of hospital stay were compared to a series of 83 patients from our institution undergoing the same procedure by conventional laparoscopy. RESULTS: The median values for operating time and hospital days for the robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopy groups were 150 vs. 150 min and 2 vs 2 days, respectively. In the robotic group, blood loss was lower (90 vs 20 ml, p<0.05) and more aortic nodes were removed (14 vs 17 nodes, p<0.05). Docking time was 7 min (range 3-15). There were no intraoperative complications. There were no differences for postoperative complications (17.6% vs 8.4%). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopy provide similar perioperative outcomes other than lower blood loss and higher number of aortic nodes removed (both without clinical impact) in robotic patients for the performance of extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. We believe that robotic surgery is an additional tool to perform the same surgical procedure. HIGHLIGHTS: Robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy provide similar perioperative outcomes.

Defining the optimal lymphadenectomy cut-off value in epithelial ovarian cancer staging surgery utilizing a mathematical model of validation.

OBJECTIVE: Since 1985 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics includes pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy as part of the surgical staging in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). There is no consensus on the overall number of nodes needed in a systematic lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study is to calculate the optimal cut-off value using a mathematical modeling approach. METHODS: Data was collected retrospectively, from 1996 to 2000, of 120 consecutive Mayo Clinic patients with EOC and positive nodes. All patients was underwent pelvic and/or aortic lymphadnectomy during surgical staging. To mathematically predict the probability of a positive node in EOC patients we used a predictive mathematical model (PMM). The mathematical analysis consisted: creation of a new PMM according to our purposes, application of PMM to describe the experimental data in order to build the polynomial regression curves in each lymphatic area and determine the optimal point for each curve. RESULTS: The mean number of lymph nodes and metastatic nodes removed were 35 and 7.8, respectively; the mean percentage of positive nodes was 28.3%. The optimal point of each fitting curves were: 7 nodes for unilateral aortic nodal sampling (at least 3 infrarenal or 5 inframesenteric) and 15 nodes for unilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (at least 5 external iliac). CONCLUSIONS: We can mathematically predict the probability to obtain a positive node in EOC surgical staging. Our results have shown the need to obtain at least 22 lymph nodes between pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy.

Location of aortic node metastases in locally advanced cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: To assess the location of aortic node metastasis in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer undergoing extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy to define the extent of the aortic lymphadenectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August 2001 and December 2010, 100 consecutive patients with primary locally advanced cervical cancer underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic aortic and common iliac lymphadenectomy. The location of aortic node metastases, inframesenteric or infrarenal was noted. RESULTS: The mean number±standard deviation (SD) of aortic nodes removed was 15.9 ± 7.8 (range 4-62). The mean number ± SD of inframesenteric (including common iliac) nodes removed was 8.8 ± 4.5 (range 2-41) and the mean number ± SD of infrarenal nodes removed was 7.8 ± 4.1 (range 2-21). Positive aortic nodes were observed in 16 patients, and in 5 (31.2%) of them the infrarenal nodes were the only nodes involved, with negative inframesenteric nodes. CONCLUSION: Inframesenteric aortic nodes are negative in the presence of positive infrarenal nodes in about one third of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer and aortic metastases.

Robotic surgery for endometrial cancer: comparison of perioperative outcomes and recurrence with laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy and laparotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Comparison of perioperative outcomes and recurrence in patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for endometrial cancer by robotics, laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy, or laparotomy approaches. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 67 patients undergoing robotic surgery for endometrial cancer between March 2004 and December 2007. Comparison was made with similar patients operated between November 1999 and December 2006 by laparoscopy (37 cases), laparotomy (99 cases) and vaginal/laparoscopy approach (vaginal hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy/laparoscopic lymphadenectomy) (47 cases) and matched by age, body mass index (BMI), histological type and International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) staging. RESULTS: Mean operating times for patients undergoing robotic, laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy or laparotomy approach were 181.9, 189.5, 202.7 and 162.7 min, respectively (p = 0.006); mean blood loss was 141.4, 300.8, 300.0 and 472.6 ml, respectively (p <0.001); mean number of nodes was 24.7, 27.1, 28.6, and 30.9, respectively (p = 0.008); mean length of hospital stay was 1.9, 3.4, 3.5 and 5.6 days, respectively (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in intra- or postoperative complications among the four groups. The conversion rate was 2.9% for robotics and 10.8% for the laparoscopy group (0.001). There were no differences relative to recurrence rates among the four groups: 9%, 14%, 11% and 15% for robotics, laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy, and laparotomy, respectively. CONCLUSION: Robotics, laparoscopy and vaginal/laparoscopy techniques are preferable to laparotomy for suitable patients with endometrial cancer. Robotics is preferable to laparoscopy due to a shorter hospital stay and lower conversion rate and preferable to vaginal/laparoscopy due to a reduced hospitalization.

Consenso de la SEPG sobre la depresión en el anciano / Consensus of the SEPG on depression in the elderly

Antecedentes. La limitación del conocimiento clínico epidemiológico y de la evidencia sobre efectividad terapéutica en la depresión en los pacientes ancianos y muy ancianos genera una excesiva variabilidad de prácticas en la atención clínica a estos pacientes en nuestro sistema sanitario. La Sociedad Española de Psicogeriatría (SEPG) se plantea la necesidad de unificar criterios mediante un método estructurado de consenso profesional. Objetivos. Desarrollar un consenso experto de recomendaciones clínicas para optimizar el abordaje clínico de la depresión en el paciente anciano en España, bajo auspicio de la Sociedad Española de Psicogeriatría (SEPG).Métodos. Consenso Delphi modificado en dos rondas. El estudio se efectuó en cuatro fases: 1) constitución de un comité científico, impulsor del proyecto y responsable de la revisión bibliográfica y de la formulación de las recomendaciones a debate; 2) constitución de un panel experto multicéntrico con representantes de la especialidad; 3) encuesta postal en dos rondas con procesamiento intermedio de opinión ese informe a los panelistas; y 4) discusión de resultados en sesión presencial del comité científico. Resultados. 61 expertos consultados completaron las dos rondas de evaluación del cuestionario. En la primera rondase logran consensuar 39 de las 54 cuestiones analizadas. Tras la interacción del panel se aumenta el consenso hasta un total de 46 ítems de la encuesta (85% de los contenidos propuestos). En las 8 cuestiones restantes no se consigue un consenso suficientemente unánime, bien por disparidad de opiniones entre los profesionales, bien por falta de criterio establecido en la mayoría de los expertos. Conclusiones. Se presenta un amplio listado de criterios profesionales y recomendaciones clínicas que pretenden racionalizar el manejo de la depresión en el paciente anciano y reducir el exceso de variabilidad en la práctica clínica. Las recomendaciones se cualifican según el grado de acuerdo profesional en que se sustentan y pueden considerarse vigentes hasta la aparición de nueva información científica que justifique su revisión (AU)

Background. The limitation of clinical-epidemiological know-how and evidence regarding therapeutic efficiency in depression among the elderly and extremely elderly patients has given rise to an excessive variety of practices in clinical care of these patients in the Spanish health system. The Spanish Society of Psychogeriatrics (SEPG) has raised the question of the need to unify criteria through a structured approach based on professional consensus. Objectives. To develop an expert consensus of clinical recommendations to improve the clinical treatment of depression in elderly patients in Spain, sponsored by the Spanish Society of Psychogeriatrics (SEPG). Methods. Modified Delphi Consensus, in two rounds. The study was conducted in four phases: 1) constitution of a Scientific Committee, project promoter and responsible for bibliographic review and formulation of recommendations for discussion 2) constitution of a multicenter Panel of Experts with representatives from this specialist field 3) postal survey comprised of two rounds, with interim processing of opinions and a report for the experts and 4) discussion of results during an onsite meeting of the Scientific Committee. Results. The survey evaluation was completed by 61experts consulted, in two rounds. In the first round, consensus was reached in 39 of the 54 questions analyzed. Following interaction by the panel, this consensus was increased to a total of 46 survey items (85% of the proposed contents). It was impossible to obtain a sufficiently unanimous consensus on the remaining 8questions, either due to differences of opinion among the professionals or a lack of established criterion in most of the experts. Conclusions. A full list of criteria and clinical recommendations for the purpose of rationalizing the treatment of depression in elderly patients and reducing excessive variability in clinical practice is presented. The recommendations are qualified in accordance with the degree of consensus of the professionals endorsing the mand can be considered valid until new scientific information becomes available that justifies their review (AU)

Consensus of the SEPG on depression in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The limitation of clinical-epidemiological know-how and evidence regarding therapeutic efficiency in depression among the elderly and extremely elderly patients has given rise to an excessive variety of practices in clinical care of these patients in the Spanish health system. The Spanish Society of Psychogeriatrics (SEPG) has raised the question of the need to unify criteria through a structured approach based on professional consensus. OBJECTIVES: To develop an expert consensus of clinical recommendations to improve the clinical treatment of depression in elderly patients in Spain, sponsored by the Spanish Society of Psychogeriatrics (SEPG). METHODS: Modified Delphi Consensus, in two rounds. The study was conducted in four phases: 1) constitution of a Scientific Committee, project promoter and responsible for bibliographic review and formulation of recommendations for discussion 2) constitution of a multicenter Panel of Experts with representatives from this specialist field 3) postal survey comprised of two rounds, with interim processing of opinions and a report for the experts and 4) discussion of results during an on-site meeting of the Scientific Committee. RESULTS: The survey evaluation was completed by 61 experts consulted, in two rounds. In the first round, consensus was reached in 39 of the 54 questions analyzed. Following interaction by the panel, this consensus was increased to a total of 46 survey items (85% of the proposed contents). It was impossible to obtain a sufficiently unanimous consensus on the remaining 8 questions, either due to differences of opinion among the professionals or a lack of established criterion in most of the experts. CONCLUSIONS: A full list of criteria and clinical recommendations for the purpose of rationalizing the treatment of depression in elderly patients and reducing excessive variability in clinical practice is presented. The recommendations are qualified in accordance with the degree of consensus of the professionals endorsing them and can be considered valid until new scientific information becomes available that justifies their review.

Metastatic and recurrent adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: a long-term survival of 16 years.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Recurrent metastatic adenocarcinoma of the cervix is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Treatment options for recurrent disease are limited and cure is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 43-year-old patient with Stage IB adenocarcinoma of the cervix. She had multiple metastatic recurrence episodes salvaged with several radical surgeries, external and intraoperative irradiation, and chemotherapy over a survival period of 16 years. CONCLUSION: We conclude that long-term multi-modal salvage treatment may achieve longer survival in rare cases with recurrent metastatic adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

Use of anti-skid material and patient-positioning to prevent patient shifting during robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate patient shifting with the current practice of use of an antiskid material and patient positioning during robotic procedures in gynecology. DESIGN: Pilot observational study (Canadian Task Force classification). SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Twenty-two women undergoing robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures. INTERVENTION: Antiskid material (egg-crate pink foam) was placed beneath patients and patient positioning was used during robotic-assisted procedures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient position was marked before and after surgery. Measurements of shift distance before and after surgery were determined for each patient. Median (range) shift distance was 1.3 (0-7.5) cm. There was no significant association between shift in position and either body mass index or duration of the Trendelenburg position. No shoulder neuropathic injuries were observed during the study. CONCLUSION: Minimal patient shifting is observed with the use of an antiskid material and patient positioning described, without the use of shoulder braces and straps.

Bupropión: farmacología e interacciones / Bupropion: pharmacology and interactions

Bupropión es una aminocetona monocíclica introducida en España para el tratamiento de la depresión en la formulación XR/XL de liberación modificada que permite su administración en una única toma diaria. Se metaboliza en su principal metabolito activo, el hidroxibupropión (OHBUP) por el citocromo P450 2B6 (CYP2B6), teniendo una vida media de eliminación de alrededor de 20 h. Es un inhibidor de la recaptación de la noradrenalina y la dopamina, con un efecto sobre el transportador de serotonina prácticamente nulo. Presenta una baja (12-35%), pero persistente ocupación del transportador estriatal de dopamina. No tiene efectos clínicamente significativos sobre los receptores histaminérgicos, muscarínicos, alfa-adrenérgicos o dopaminérgicos. Las interacciones principales están relacionadas con la inhibición o inducción del CYP2B6, responsable del metabolismo del bupropión, o la inhibición del CYP2D6 por el bupropión. Se aconseja un uso cuidadoso conjuntamente con fármacos que disminuyan el umbral convulsivo. Está contraindicado durante la supresión brusca de alcohol o sedantes y durante el tratamiento con inhibidores de la monoaminooxidasa. El presente artículo responde a preguntas frecuentes que se plantean durante el uso clínico del bupropión, especialmente en situaciones clínicas especiales o durante el tratamiento con otros fármacos habituales. Estas situaciones incluyen, entre otras, uso conjunto de fármacos anticonvulsivantes, antipsicóticos en depresión psicótica, corticosteroides, antidiabéticos, otros antidepresivos como venlafaxina, anticonceptivos orales, terapia hormonal sustitutiva, disulfiram, alcohol o drogas de abuso y vareniclina (AU)

Bupropion is a monocyclic aminoketone introduced into Spain for the treatment of depression with the extended release (XL) formulation that makes it possible to administer it in a single daily dose. It is metabolized in its principal active metabolite, the hydroxybupropion (OH-BUP) by the cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6), with a mean elimination half life of about 20 h. It is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor with an almost null effect on the serotonin transporter. It has low (12%-35%) but persistent occupancy of the striatal dopaminetransporter. It has no clinically significant effects on the histaminergic, muscarinic, alpha-adrenergicor domaminergic receptors. Its principal interactions are related with inhibition or induction of CYP2B6, responsible for the bupropion metabolism, or inhibition of CYP2D6 by bupropion. It should be used carefully together with drugs that decrease the seizure threshold. This is contraindicated during sudden suppression of alcohol or sedatives and during treatment with monoaminooxidade inhibitors. The present paper answers frequent questions posed during the clinical use of bupropion, especially under special clinical situations or during treatment with other common drugs. These situations include, among others, combined use of anti-seizure drugs, antipsychotics in psychotic depression, corticosteroids, antidiabetics, other antidepressants such as venlafaxin, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement hormone therapy, disulfiram, alcohol or abuse drugs and varenicline (AU)

Robotic surgery in gynecology.

Robotic technology is nothing more than an enhancement along the continuum of laparoscopic technological advances and represents only the beginning of numerous more forthcoming advances. It constitutes a major improvement in the efficiency, accuracy, ease, and comfort associated with the performance of laparoscopic operations. Instrument articulation, downscaling of movements, absence of tremor, 3-D image, and comfort for the surgeon, assistant and scrub nurse are all new to the practice of laparoscopy. In our hands, robotic operative times for simple and radical hysterectomy are shorter than those obtained by conventional laparoscopy. Robotic technology is preferable to conventional laparoscopic instrumentation for the surgical treatment of gynecologic malignancies and most operations for benign disease of certain complexity such as hysterectomy myomectomy, and invasive pelvic endometriosis.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma in an ovarian remnant.

The ovarian remnant syndrome, a complication of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, is progressively receiving more attention in the gynecological surgery literature. The syndrome is manifested by pelvic pain and a palpable or sonographic finding of a pelvic mass. However, in rare cases, patients can present with large masses and radiographic suggestion of malignancy. We present the case of a 76-year-old white female, 23 months after bilateral salpino-oophorectomy at the same institution, complaining of 3.5 months of right flank and abdominal pain. Clinical and radiological evidence of a right ovarian remnant was discovered. Subsequent laparoscopic resection was consistent with a well-encapsulated mucinous adenocarcinoma in a right ovarian remnant. Curiously, this patient had no history of endometriosis, dense pelvic adhesions, pelvic inflammatory disease, or difficulty encountered during the original hysterectomy. This is the seventh published case report in the international literature about carcinoma developing in an ovarian remnant. However, this case differs in that the patient had no preexisting gynecologic conditions at the time of hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to account for residual ovarian tissue. Additionally, the oophorectomy was performed vaginally, in contrast to multiple previous case reports.

Laparoscopic treatment of endometrial cancer: five-year recurrence and survival rates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 5-year recurrence and survival of patients with clinical Stage I endometrial cancer treated by the laparoscopic approach. METHODS: Retrospective review of 56 patients with clinical Stage I endometrial cancer treated laparoscopically. The mean follow-up was 6.4 (4.8-9.6) years. The International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO) surgical staging was: I, 45 (80.4%); II, three (5.4%); III, six (10.7%); and IV, two (3.6%). RESULTS: For patients with surgical Stage I (n = 45), the 5-year recurrence rate was 4.9% and the 5-year cause-specific survival was 94.7%. Factors univariately associated with survival were grade (p = .017), depth of myometrial invasion (p = .018), node metastasis (p = .013), and surgical stage according to FIGO (p = .097). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach provided 5-year survival and recurrence rates similar to those previously attained by laparotomy in our institution.

Impairment in forearm endothelium-dependent vasodilation after heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction has been found in the peripheral circulation of patients with severe heart failure. However, whether the endothelial dysfunction improves after heart transplantation remains unknown. Our aim was to assess the forearm endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity one and six months after heart transplantation. METHODS: We studied 12 patients using high resolution brachial artery ultrasound to assess flow-mediated dilation induced by reactive hyperemia and nitroglycerin induced dilation (NTGdil). RESULTS: One month after heart transplantation, endothelium-dependent vasodilation was significantly impaired in 10 patients (83%), while it was preserved in the remaining two (17%) (0.4%+/-2.4% vs 9.9%+/-4.6%, respectively, P=.001). NTGdil was normal in both groups (12%+/-10% vs 23%+/-5%, respectively, P=NS). At six months, endothelial dysfunction was present in all patients including the two patients without endothelial dysfunction at the first study. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that peripheral endothelial dysfunction is present after heart transplantation despite the improvement in left ventricular function. More studies are needed to prove if endothelial dysfunction reversion may improve survival in heart transplantation.