Despliegue y capacidades sanitarias en la Operación EUTM-Malí (European Union Training Mission in Mali) desde octubre hasta diciembre del 2016 / Deployment and medical capabilities in EUTM-Mali Mission (European Union Training Mission in Mali) from october to december 2016

En el presente artículo se pretende describir el despliegue sanitario integrado en la Operación EUTM- Malí (personal, material, instalaciones y medios de evacuación), así como evaluar la asistencia médica sanitaria prestada por el personal del Cuerpo Militar de Sanidad de las FAS españolas e identificar las lecciones aprendidas durante la estancia en ZO (desde octubre hasta diciembre 2016) (AU)

The objective of this article is to describe the deployment and medical capabilities (personnel deployed, material capability, facilities and the different evacuation vehicles) in EUTM-Mali Mission, as well as to evaluate the medical assistance done by the Spanish Medical Corps and to identify know the lessons learned identified during the that deployment (from October to December 2016) (AU)

Consersvative surgery, external radiotherapy, and HDR brachyterapy in a single fraction of 7 Gy in early breast cancer: long term toxicity and esthetic assessment

INTRODUCTION: The essential issue in conservative treatment is the quality in breast preservation. When risk factors for local relapse exist, a tumour bed boost is required, but the boost choice remains controversial. Prospectively, we studied long-term toxicity, cosmetic outcome and prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After conservative treatment, 115 patients received a single dose of 7 Gy HDR-brachytherapy (HDR-BT) boost between June 1996 and December 2005. Late toxicity was assessed using the LENT-SOMA scale. For esthetic assessment, a subjective scale was used for patients and a modified Fehlauer scale for physicians. Mean age was 56.6 years. Invasive ductal carcinoma (78 %) and lumpectomy (60 %) were predominantly reported. 48 % received chemotherapy (CT). RESULTS: Regarding toxicity, 39 % of patients reported breast pain, 75 % fibrosis, 56 % telangiectasias, 19 % lymphoedema, and 51 % retraction/atrophy. Concerning management, 22 % of patients with pain and 45 % with lymphoedema were treated. The esthetic result was found satisfactory by 96 % of the patients and 85 % of the physicians. Fibrosis was influenced by CT and a larger irradiated volume and telangiectasias by a greater implant volume. CONCLUSIONS: HDR-BT boost shows good cosmetic effects with acceptable toxicity. Patients overestimate the esthetic outcome. LENT/SOMA is useful to assess chronic toxicity (AU)

Early-stage breast cancer conservative treatment: high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost in a single fraction of 700 cGy to the tumour bed

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Conservative treatment represents the current therapy for early-stage breast cancer. When risk factors for local relapse exist, a tumour bed boost is required. Retrospectively, we evaluated the prognostic factors influencing local recurrence (LR), overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: After conservative treatment, 210 patients received a single-dose HDR brachytherapy (HDRBT) boost between June 1996 and December 2005. Mean age was 57 years; 75% had invasive ductal carcinoma. The most frequent surgery was lumpectomy (55.7%); 39.4% were G3, 18.6% intraductal component >25% and only 22% had negative margins. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 85 months, at 5 and 10 years the OS was 93% and 88%, DFS 92% and 89%, and LR 3.6% and 5.3%, respectively. For LR, the risk factors were carcinoma in situ, N+ and involved margins, whereas for metastasis, the risk factors were T2 tumours, stage III, N+ and the presence of local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: HDR-BT boost in one fraction is an effective, simple and safe method for reducing LR. The outpatient setting and shorter treatment duration represent undeniable advantages (AU)

High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) in locally advanced oesophageal cancer. Clinic response and survival related to biological equivalent dose (BED).

INTRODUCTION: Ninety percent of oesophageal cancers are locally advanced at diagnosis, and treatment yields discouraging results. High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) permits an increment of local doses without a significant increment of toxicity. The goal of our study is to compare different HDR-BT fractions and assess global survival (GS) and cause-specific survival (CSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients were treated for locally advanced oesophageal cancer with chemotherapy concomitant with conformal three-dimensional radiotherapy (C3DR) from January 1994 to December 2000. Of this group, 96.2% were males, mean age 63.08 years; the most frequent location was medium third, for 50% of cases. Eighty-four percent of cases were G2-3 epidermoid carcinomas. The administration consisted of 44.2 Gy with C3DR and 5 applications of HDR-BT of 500 cGy each. RESULTS: Actuarial GS and CSS at 5 years is 10.18% and 12.96%, a mean survival of 25.68 and 29.14 months respectively. The following factors (C3DR total dose, fraction dose and total dose of HDR-BT, number of applications, active length of application, total dose of C3DR plus HDR-BT, and BED of HDR-BT) are evaluated to find if they have an influence on treatment response, GS and actuarial CSS. The only result that yields statistical significance, in univariant analysis, is the active length in HDR-BT, thus for a greater active length of application, a minor response is obtained and GS diminishes (p=0.05). We grouped BT fractions on biological equivalent dose (BED) into: <28, 28-33 and >33 Gy; mean survival and GS at 5 years increases with BED>or=28 Gy (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Tumour response increases (complete and partial) when BED on HDR-BT is increased, regardless of the fraction employed. A BED higher than 28 Gy yields a significant increase of mean survival and GS at 5 years (p=0.016).

High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) in locally advanced oesophageal cancer. Clinic response and survival related to biological equivalent dose (BED)

INTRODUCTION: Ninety percent of oesophageal cancers are locally advanced at diagnosis, and treatment yields discouraging results. High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) permits an increment of local doses without a significant increment of toxicity. The goal of our study is to compare different HDR-BT fractions and assess global survival (GS) and cause-specific survival (CSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients were treated for locally advanced oesophageal cancer with chemotherapy concomitant with conformal three-dimensional radiotherapy (C3DR) from January 1994 to December 2000. Of this group, 96.2% were males, mean age 63.08 years; the most frequent location was medium third, for 50% of cases. Eighty-four percent of cases were G2-3 epidermoid carcinomas. The administration consisted of 44.2 Gy with C3DR and 5 applications of HDR-BT of 500 cGy each. RESULTS: Actuarial GS and CSS at 5 years is 10.18% and 12.96%, a mean survival of 25.68 and 29.14 months respectively. The following factors (C3DR total dose, fraction dose and total dose of HDR-BT, number of applications, active length of application, total dose of C3DR plus HDR-BT, and BED of HDR-BT) are evaluated to find if they have an influence on treatment response, GS and actuarial CSS. The only result that yields statistical significance, in univariant analysis, is the active length in HDR-BT, thus for a greater active length of application, a minor response is obtained and GS diminishes (p=0.05). We grouped BT fractions on biological equivalent dose (BED) into: <28, 28-33 and >33 Gy; mean survival and GS at 5 years increases with BED>or=28 Gy (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Tumour response increases (complete and partial) when BED on HDR-BT is increased, regardless of the fraction employed. A BED higher than 28 Gy yields a significant increase of mean survival and GS at 5 years (p=0.016) (AU)

[Indifferentiated rheumatism and/or epileptic flatulence]. / Reumatismo indiferenciado y/o ventoseo comicial.

A clinical case study of a 50 year-old woman brought to the Rhematology Department is presented, who showed clinical dry syndrome with immune disorders (not currently defined) and developed tumors (benign at present) and analytical autoimmunity with positive antitopoisomerase type I (formerly Scl70) confirmed. The clinical case is commented and the metheorism causes are discussed, among it, a possible variation of abdominal epilepsy as ictal flatulence, secondary to a meningioma of the right brain convexity.

Reumatismo indiferenciado y/o ventoseo comicial / Indifferentiated rheumatism and/or epileptic flatulence

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 50 años, remitida a la consulta de Reumatología para estudio de un síndrome seco clínico con una alteración inmunitaria (aún no definida), que desarrolla tumores (de momento benignos) y autoinmunidad analítica de tipo antitopoisomerasa 1 (anti Scl-70) confirmado. Se comenta el caso clínico y se discuten las causas de su meteorismo, entre ellas una posible variante de epilepsia abdominal como ventoseo comicial, secundario a un meningioma de la convexidad cerebral derecha (AU)

Tratamiento de la anemia en pacientes con cáncer en tratamiento radioterápico con epoetinum alfa 10.000 UI/tres veces a la semana y 40.000 UI/una vez a la semana, vía subcutánea / Treatment of anemia in patients under radiotherapy with subcutaneous epoetenium alpha 10,000 IU three times a week and 40,000 IU once a week

Introducción: Presentamos los resultados del tratamiento de la anemia con epoetinum alfa, con dos regímenes de administración, en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a radioterapia.• Material y métodos: Ciento dieciocho pacientes anémicos fueron tratados con eritropoyetina. De ellos, 57 pacientes recibieron 10.000 UI 3 veces a la semana (grupo A) y 61 pacientes 40.000 UI 1 vez a la semana (grupo B). Se han evaluado la evolución de la hemoglobina, requerimientos transfusionales y calidad de vida.• Resultados: En el grupo A el incremento de hemoglobina fue de 2,1 g/dL y en el grupo B de 2,2 g/dL. La duración media del tratamiento fue respectivamente de 5,5 y 5,3 semanas. Tres pacientes del grupo A recibieron transfusiones. En la calidad de vida se observa una evolución favorable en el conjunto de pacientes.• Conclusiones: Epoetinum alfa en régimen de dosis única semanal o de tres veces en semana es eficaz en el aumento de los niveles de hemoglobina en pacientes anémicos con cáncer en tratamiento radioterápico. (AU)

[Silica urolithiasis: report of a new case]. / Litiasis urinaria de sílice: aportación de un nuevo caso.

We report a new case of silica urolithiasis in a 71-year-old patient with background of medicament ingesta (antacid) which could justify the formation of these calculi with so uncommon composition. Medicament calculi amounts about 1% from total urinary calculi. Among them, silica ones (silicon dioxide or Si O2) have been relate din their etiology to chronical ingest of antacid drugs, specially those with magnesium trisilicate. Silica formation in urine is facilitated and conditioned by an acid pH of it. Diagnosis and therapeutical approach does not change in relation to other lithiasis with similar dimension or location. After its composition report, and ruling out the possibility for patient's malingering, urine alkalinization was applied, with an excellent follow-up afterwards. The antacid was substituted by other drug. We analyze the most important aspects about this case. We also make reference to the main related bibliography.

Litiasis urinaria de sílice: aportación de un nuevo caso / Silica urolithiasis: report of a new case

Presentamos un nuevo caso de litiasis urinaria de sílice en un paciente varón de 71 años con antecedentes de ingesta medicamentosa (antiácido) que pudiera justificar la formación de estos cálculos de composición poco común. Los cálculos medicamentosos constituyen aproximadamente un 1 por ciento del total de cálculos urinarios. Dentro de estos, los de sílice (dióxido de silicio o Si O2) han sido relacionados en cuanto a su etiología con la ingesta crónica de fármacos antiácidos, especialmente aquellos que contienen trisilicato de magnesio. La formación de sílice en orina estaría facilitada y condicionada a la presencia de valores ácidos en su pH. El diagnóstico de la litiasis y su enfoque terapéutico no varía con respecto a otros cálculos de similares dimensiones y localización. Tras el informe de su composición, y descartando simulación por parte del paciente, fue instaurada alcalinización urinaria, con una evolución posterior excelente. El antiácido fue sustituido por otro medicamento. Analizamos los aspectos más importantes acerca del caso. Hacemos referencia asimismo a la bibliografía más destacada (AU)

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[Double J ureteral catheter. Clinical complications]. / El catéter ureteral doble J. Complicaciones clínicas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical complications of double-J ureteral catheters. METHODS: The most relevant studies published in the literature since the self-retaining indwelling catheter was first described in 1967 are reviewed. RESULTS: The experience and results reported in the most relevant studies are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The double-J ureteral stent has become an integral part of the urological armamentarium. It allows good urinary drainage from the kidney to the bladder and is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, different complications may occur with short- or long-term use of indwelling stents. These complications vary from minor side effects such as hematuria, dysuria, frequency, flank and suprapubic pain, to major complications such as vesico-ureteric reflux, stent migration, encrustation, urinary infection, stent fracture, necrosis and ureteral fistula. Most of these complications require removal of the catheter.

[In vitro study of the process of urinary calculi fragmentation with endoscopy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy]. / Estudio in vitro del proceso de fragmentación de los cálculos urinarios con endoscopia, microscopio óptico y microscopio electrónico de barrido.

Stones with different compositions respond differently to shock wave lithofragmentation. Likewise, the various lithotrity systems used may have different effects on the stones. To determine the relationships between stone composition and their fragmentation patterns, we conducted an in vitro study using endoscopy, magnifying glass, light microscope and scanning electron microscope on fragments obtained after lithotrity of 60 pure stone with different compositions: calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate (OXMH and OXDH), phosphocarbonate (PC), ammonium magnesium phosphate (AMF) and uric acid (UA). Fragmentation was carried out with 4 different lithofragmenting sources (electrohydraulic, piezoelectric, ultrasound and pulse laser). No morphologic differences in the fractures induced by the various lithofragmenting sources were demonstrated. OXMH and UA stones basically break up by intercrystalline fracture and splitting of their concentric plates. OXDH breaks up mainly by intercrystalline fractures aided by the fibrillar organic material and phosphocarbonates found in the intercrystalline spaces. Fragmentation in infective stones (AMF and PC) occurs across the intercrystalline surfaces and by intracrystalline fracture. Ammonium urate fragments break up by intracrystalline fractures that run across the equatorial plane of its characteristic acicular microspheres.

[The proximal migration of a double-J catheter. A review of the predisposing factors. Apropos a case]. / Migración proximal del catéter doble-J. Revisión de factores predisponentes. A propósito de un caso.

Case report of a patient bearer of a double-J ureteral catheter due to ureteral lithiasis. After persistent renoureteral pain and fever, the proximal migration of the catheter is confirmed radiologically. The predisposing factors for this complication, described in the literature, are reviewed.

[Radiopacity of double-J ureteral catheters. Computed tomography quantification and clinical implications]. / Radiopacidad de los catéteres ureterales Doble-J. Cuantificación por T.A.C. e implicaciones clínicas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether knowledge about the degree of radiopacity of the double-J ureteral catheters utilized in Spanish hospitals suffices for correct radiologic control and subsequent follow-up. METHODS: The CT attenuation index was utilized to determine the degree of radiopacity of 23 double-J ureteral stents, comprised of different biomaterials and from different manufacturers, that are used in Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: The values ranged from 1,000-3,070 Hounsfield units. CONCLUSION: All the catheters analyzed were sufficiently radiopaque to permit good radiologic control during insertion and subsequent follow-up. The radiopacity of the stent depends on the metal salt employed during the manufacturing process and not on the biomaterial.

[In vitro study of urinary calculi fragmentation with 4 different systems of lithofragmentation]. / Estudio in vitro de la fragmentación de los cálculos urinarios con cuatro sistemas de litofragmentación diferentes.

The results of shockwave lithofragmentation are conditioned by stone composition. Similarly, the different types of lithofragmenting energy can have different effects on the calculi. The purpose of this experimental study is to establish a relationship between calculi composition and type of energy used for fragmentation, with the results of the lithotriptsy treatment. 60 calculi, 12 for each pure composition selected (calcium oxalate mono and dihydrate, phosphocarbonate, ammonium magnesium phosphate and uric acid) underwent in vitro lithofragmentation with 4 different lithofragmenting sources (electrohydraulic, piezoelectric, ultrasound and pulsed laser). It was carried out a study of fragmentation in particles under 3 mm and pulverization in particles under 0.5 mm, analyzing post-lithotriptsy fragments with scanning electron microscopy associated to X-ray dispersion energy. No relationship was shown between calculi composition and amount of energy supplied for the fragmentation. The lithiasic composition correlates to the fragmentation pattern, so that oxalocalcium calculi undergoes good fragmentation and poor pulverization, infective calculi have poor fragmentation but good pulverization and uric acid calculi show poor fragmentation and pulverization.

[In vitro study with techniques of imaging of the composition of urinary calculi]. / Estudio in vitro mediante técnicas de imagen de la composición de los cálculos urinarios.

Pre-treatment knowledge of the lithiasic composition can be useful to design the most appropriate therapeutic scheme for each kind of stone. The relationship between the stone's densitometry information provided by the different imaging techniques, conventional radiology (RX), computerized axial tomography (CAT) and dual energy radiographic densitometry (DO) is analyzed, as well as the elemental composition determined by the microanalysis of fragments obtained post-lithotrity using a scanning electronic microscope (SEM) associated to X-ray dispersion energy (XDE). 60 stones, 12 for each pure composition selected (calcium oxalate mono and dihydro, phosphocarbonate, magnesium ammonium phosphate and uric acid), were studied with XR, CAT and DO and were later subjected to lithofragmentation in vitro. Fragments analysis was carried out post-lithotrity with SEM associated to XDE. The X-ray does not allow to establish the composition of some calculi. CAT quantifies the mineral contents of the oxalocalcic and infective calculi and differentiates the uric acid from the other compositions because the mean density values are under 500 Hounsfield Units. DO evaluates the lithiasic content in phosphocarbonate salts which are structurally similar to bone hydroxyapatite.

[Changes in physical characteristics of endourologic catheters caused by shock waves]. / Modificaciones de las características físicas de los catéteres endourológicos inducidas por la onda de choque.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the shock wave effects on double-J stent. METHODS: Retention strength modifications induced by shock waves were analyzed: a) 60 double-J stents obtained from patients were compared (20 had not been treated by ESWL; 20 had been treated by piezoelectric-ESWL and 20 by electrohydraulic-ESWL; b) the effects of piezoelectric-ESWL were determined in vitro using 36 stress-tested double-J stent segments (Urosoft, C-Flex and silicone) vs. a control group. RESULTS: The retention strength of the stents from ESWL-treated patients, especially those that had been submitted to piezoelectric-ESWL, was lower than in stents from patients that had not undergone ESWL (p < 0.05). The foregoing has been corroborated by the in vitro findings. The impact frequency causing maximum damage is specific for each material. Microphotographic studies revealed fracture lines on the surfaces of the ESWL-treated stents (Urosoft and C-Flex). CONCLUSIONS: The foregoing findings may explain the high incidence of double-J stent migration observed in ESWL-treated patients.

[Hydrodynamic behavior of endourologic catheters]. / Comportamiento hidrodinámico de los catéteres endourológicos.

OBJECTIVE: The present study analyzed the hydrodynamic behaviour of the double-J stent. METHODS: Thirty-two double-J stents of different sizes and biomaterials (16 new and 16 removed from patients) were hydrodynamically evaluated using two models: a) nephroureterocystectomy surgical blocks harvested from pigs and b) an in vitro experimental model of the upper urinary tract. The following parameters were measured: initial and final weights, encrusted material weight, inside and outside diameters, number, size and distribution of sideholes, wall thickness, drainage area and length of time the catheter was indwelling in the patient. RESULTS: Double-J stent placement in a normal upper urinary tract constitutes a partial obstruction that is proportional to the caliber of the catheter. Ureteral-flow reduction is 83%, 61% and 58% for 5FR, 6FR, and 7FR catheters, respectively. Extraluminal obstruction of the catheter reduces ureteral flow more than intraluminal obstruction (74%, 43% and 25% for extraluminal versus 83%, 66%, 57% for intraluminal for 5FR, 6FR and 7FR, respectively). Vesicoureteral and vesicorenal reflux pressures were 6.2 +/- 0.3 cm H2O and 35.2 +/- 2 cm H2O, respectively. CONCLUSION: Selection of a double-J stent must be individualized on the basis of indication, time indwelling, sex and route of insertion.

[Comparative analysis of lithiasic fragmentation induced by extracorporeal and direct contact sources]. / Análisis comparativo de la fragmentación litiásica inducida por las fuentes extracorpóreas y de contacto directo.

An in vitro experimental study on stone fragmentation was conducted on 114 calculi analyzed by infrared spectrophotometry. Four energy sources were utilized: electrohydraulic, piezoelectric, ultrasound and pulsed laser. We analyzed stone susceptibility to fragmentation (particles < 3 mm), pulverization (particles < 1 mm) and stone fragility (amount of energy/mg of calculus fragmented into particles < 3 mm) for each type of energy source of each of the following 6 stone compositions: calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dihydrate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, phosphate carbonate, uric acid and phosphate oxalate. The calcium oxalate dihydrate calculi were the most susceptible to fragmentation and the infective calculi (magnesium ammonium phosphate and phosphate carbonate) were the most susceptible to pulverization. The piezoelectric energy showed the highest capacity for fragmentation and pulverization of calculi. Stone fragility depended on each stone type and the energy source utilized.

[An unusual lithiasic nidus. Review of bladder lithogenesis caused by foreign bodies]. / Un inusual nido litiásico. Revisión de la litogénesis vesical por cuerpo extraño.

We report on an 88-year-old male patient with a bladder stone that had been incidentally detected and found to contain a foreign body, which was shown to be a urethral dilator on microscopic and chemical analyses. The calculi had three well-defined layers with clearly infective features. The literature on bladder stone formation is reviewed and the clinical features and treatment are discussed.