How to strengthen the management of acute diverticulitis: the utility of the WSES classification-a prospective single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to validate the World Society for Emergent Surgery (WSES) scale for the management of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis (ALCD). METHODS: An observational study based on a prospective database of patients with ultrasound (US) and computerized tomography (CT) confirmed ALCD was conducted at our center from April 2018 to May 2019. The primary outcome was the success rate of outpatient management. Secondary outcomes were the association between different WSES stages, clinical and analytical parameters, treatments modalities, and outcomes, and the accuracy of US for management decisions. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients were included. Outpatient management was successful in 51/53 (96.23%) cases with ALCD stage 0 and 62/72 (86.11%) patients with stage 1A. There were no differences in age (p = 0.076) or the presence of pericolic air bubbles (p = 0.06) between patients who underwent admission or outpatient management. Clinical and analytical data, treatment decisions, and outcomes showed statistically significant differences between WSES stages. In 7/12 patients with stage 2A, percutaneous drainage or emergency surgery was required. All cases with stage 2B (distant air) underwent conservative management without the need for emergency or elective surgery. The accuracy of US WSES stages for management decisions, when compared with CT, was 96.96%. CONCLUSION: The WSES classification for ALCD seemed to be valid helping clinicians in the decision-making process to select between admission or outpatient management. Differences in clinical and analytical data, elected treatments, and outcomes were found between WSES stages. The US WSES stages showed high accuracy for management decisions.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) protocol implementation in a laparoscopic center.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) protocols consist of a combination of several preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative methods for the management of the surgical patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the ERABS protocol on length of hospital stay (LOS) and postoperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent elective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between 2015 and 2018. From 2015 to 2017, patients received traditional management (pre-ERABS group). Those who underwent surgery during 2018 were managed with our ERABS protocol (ERABS group). The primary outcome was LOS. Secondary outcomes were readmission rate and 30-day postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients who received RYGB and SG between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed; we included 120 patients in the pre-ERABS group and 80 in the ERABS group. The median LOS was four days [2-49] in the pre-ERABS group, as compared with two days [1-26] in the ERABS group (p < .0001). No significant differences were found in postoperative complication rates, readmissions, and mortality. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the ERABS protocol is related to a better postoperative recovery and allows an early discharge without increasing postoperative complications, readmissions or mortality.

Real-time fluorescence image-guided gastrointestinal oncologic surgery: Towards a new era.

Technological improvements are crucial in the evolution of surgery. Real-time fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has spread worldwide, mainly because of its usefulness during the intraoperative decision-making processes. The success of any gastrointestinal oncologic resection is based on the anatomical identification of the primary tumor and its regional lymph nodes. FGS allows also to evaluate the blood perfusion at the gastrointestinal stumps after colorectal or esophageal resections. Therefore, a reduction on the anastomotic leak rates has been postulated as one of the foreseeable benefits provided by the use of FGS in these procedures. Although the use of fluorescence in lymph node detection was initially described in breast cancer surgery, the technique is currently applied in gastric or splenic flexure cancers, as they both present complex and variable lymphatic drainages. FGS allows also to perform intraoperative lymphograms or sentinel lymph node biopsies. New applications of FGS are being developed to assist in the detection of peritoneal metastases or in the evaluation of the tumor resection margins. The present review aims to provide a general overview of the current status of real-time FGS in gastrointestinal oncologic surgery. We put a special focus on the different applications of FGS, discussing the main findings and limitations found in the contemporary literature and also the promising near future applications.

Robotic transanal total mesorectal excision: Is the future now?

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard surgical treatment for the curative radical resection of rectal cancers. Minimally invasive TME has been gaining ground favored by the continuous technological advancements. New procedures, such as transanal TME (TaTME), have been introduced to overcome some technical limitations, especially in low rectal tumors, obese patients, and/or narrow pelvis. The earliest TaTME reports showed promising results when compared with the conventional laparoscopic TME. However, recent publications raised concerns regarding the high rates of anastomotic leaks or local recurrences observed in national series. Robotic TaTME (R-TaTME) has been proposed as a novel technique incorporating the potential benefits of a perineal dissection together with precise control of the distal margins, and also offers all those advantages provided by the robotic technology in terms of improved precision and dexterity. Encouraging short-term results have been reported for R-TaTME, but further studies are needed to assess the real role of the new technique in the long-term oncological or functional outcomes. The present review aims to provide a general overview of R-TaTME by analyzing the body of the available literature, with a special focus on the potential benefits, harms, and future perspectives for this novel approach.

Ultrasound can differentiate complicated and noncomplicated acute colonic diverticulitis: a prospective comparative study with computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively assess the diagnostic value of intestinal ultrasound (US) compared to computerized tomography (CT) in differentiating uncomplicated and complicated acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a period of 14 months patients referred to the department of Radiology with clinical suspicion of ACD underwent an US examination. All confirmed US ACD diagnosis were included and subsequently underwent an emergency abdominal CT, used as gold standard. The WSES (World Society for Emergent Surgery) classification of diverticulitis was used. Diverticulitis was prospectively classified as either uncomplicated or complicated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of US were evaluated. Before CT scan, the radiologist indicated whether they would have required or not a complementary CT scan, based on US findings. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients included in our study, 71 (29.6%) were Stage 0, 127 (53%) Stage 1A, and 42 (17.5%) were moderate-severe ACD (stages 1B, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4). The sensitivity of US for diagnosing complicated ACD was 84% and specificity of 95.8%. Most patients (24 of 27) misclassified by US as uncomplicated diverticulitis were classified on CT as stage 1A. From the 148 cases in which the radiologist considered CT unnecessary, only 3 of these revealed signs of complicated ACD on CT; none of them required emergency surgery. CONCLUSION: US is an effective technique to differentiate complicated from uncomplicated ACD. Our results suggest that US, may be a valuable alternative to CT for the initial radiologic evaluation in patients with clinical suspicion of ACD.

Realización de procedimientos bariátricos por residentes de cirugía general. ¿Compromete la efectividad de la intervención y los resultados postoperatorios? / Surgical resident training program to perform laparoscopic bariatric procedures: Are safety and postoperative outcomes compromised?

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los resultados de nuestro programa de formación de residentes para la realización de bypass gástrico laparoscópico en Y de Roux (BGLYR). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes a los que se les realizó un BGLYR en nuestro centro durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. Los residentes de cuarto año de nuestro centro realizaron progresivamente distintos pasos de la intervención siempre tutorizados por cirujanos bariátricos expertos (CBE). Se compararon los resultados obtenidos en las intervenciones en las que el residente ha realizado algún paso o la totalidad del BGLYR (grupo I), con aquellas realizadas en su totalidad por CBE (grupo II). Se analizaron datos demográficos de los pacientes, comorbilidades, resultados intraoperatorios, morbimortalidad postoperatoria y resultados al año de la intervención. Resultados: Se incluyeron 208 pacientes en el estudio, 67 en el grupo I y 141 en el grupo II. Ambos grupos fueron comparables. No se objetivaron diferencias significativas en el tiempo operatorio (166,45min en el grupo I vs. 156,69min en el grupo II; p=0,156). La conversión a cirugía abierta, la estancia hospitalaria y la morbilidad postoperatoria tampoco presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. No hubo mortalidad durante este período. Los resultados tras el primer año fueron similares en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: La realización de distintos procedimientos del BGLYR por residentes es segura y no compromete la efectividad ni los resultados postoperatorios, siempre que se realice bajo la supervisión de un CBE. (AU)

Introduction: Laparoscopic bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are technically demanding and require a long learning curve. Little is known about whether surgical resident (SR) training programs to perform these procedures are safe and feasible. This study aims to evaluate the results of our SR training program to perform LRYGB. Methods: We designed a retrospective study including patients with LRYGB between January 2014 and December 2018, comparing SR results to experienced bariatric surgeons (EBS). In our country, SR have a five-year surgical formative period, and in the fourth year they are trained for 6 months in our bariatric surgery unit, from January to June. In the beginning, they perform different steps of this procedure, to finally complete an LRYGB. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative complications and outcomes after a one-year follow-up. Results: Two hundred and eight patients were eligible for inclusion: 67 in group I (SR), and 141 in group II (EBS). Both groups were comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in operating time (166.45min in group I vs. 156.69min in group II; P=0.156). Conversion to open surgery, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and short-term outcomes had no significant differences between the two groups. There was no mortality registered during this period. Conclusion: Implementation of LRYGB stepwise learning as part of an SR training program is safe, and results are comparable to EBS, without loss of efficiency. Therefore, it is feasible to train SR in bariatric surgery under EBS supervision. (AU)

Perforación intestinal en paciente COVID-19 en tratamiento con tocilizumab y corticoides. A propósito de un caso / Intestinal perforation in patient with COVID-19 infection treated with tocilizumab and corticosteroids. Report of a clinical case

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Surgical resident training program to perform laparoscopic bariatric procedures: Are safety and postoperative outcomes compromised? / Realización de procedimientos bariátricos por residentes de cirugía general. ¿Compromete la efectividad de la intervención y los resultados postoperatorios?

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are technically demanding and require a long learning curve. Little is known about whether surgical resident (SR) training programs to perform these procedures are safe and feasible. This study aims to evaluate the results of our SR training program to perform LRYGB. METHODS: We designed a retrospective study including patients with LRYGB between January 2014 and December 2018, comparing SR results to experienced bariatric surgeons (EBS). In our country, SR have a five-year surgical formative period, and in the fourth year they are trained for 6 months in our bariatric surgery unit, from January to June. In the beginning, they perform different steps of this procedure, to finally complete an LRYGB. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative complications and outcomes after a one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight patients were eligible for inclusion: 67 in group I (SR), and 141 in group II (EBS). Both groups were comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in operating time (166.45min in group I vs. 156.69min in group II; P=0.156). Conversion to open surgery, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and short-term outcomes had no significant differences between the two groups. There was no mortality registered during this period. CONCLUSION: Implementation of LRYGB stepwise learning as part of an SR training program is safe, and results are comparable to EBS, without loss of efficiency. Therefore, it is feasible to train SR in bariatric surgery under EBS supervision.

Simultaneous Complex Incisional Hernia Repair and Bariatric Surgery for Obese Patients: a Case Series of a Single-Center Early Experience.

Purpose: Obesity is associated with recurrence of complex incisional hernia repair (CIHR). Bariatric procedure during CIHR can improve recurrence rates without increasing morbidity. This study aimed to describe our results after CIHR in patients with obesity, in which a simultaneous bariatric procedure was performed. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study including patients who underwent surgery between January 2014 and December 2018, with a complex incisional hernia (CIH) according to the Slater classification and body mass index (BMI) ≥35. CIHR was the main indication for surgery. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, CIH classification according to the European Hernia Society, type of bariatric procedure, postoperative morbidity using the Dindo-Clavien classification, and short-term results. Computed tomography (CT) is performed preoperatively. Results: Ten patients were included in the study (7 women). The mean BMI was 43.63±4.91 kg/m2. The size of the abdominal wall defect on CT was 8.86±3.93 cm. According to the European Hernia Society classification, all CIHs were W2 or higher. Prosthetic repair of the CIH was selected. Onlay, sublay, preperitoneal, and inlay mesh placement were performed twice each, as well as one modified component separation technique and one transversus abdominis release. Gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy was the only major complication. Short-term outcomes included one recurrence, and % total weight loss was 24.04±8.03 after 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The association of bariatric procedures during CIHR seems to be feasible, safe, and could be an option for surgical treatment in selected patients.

Predictors for prolonged length of stay after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated acute appendicitis in adults.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis-related hospitalizations linked with peritonitis or postoperative complications result in longer lengths of stay and higher costs. The aim of the present study was to assess the independent association between potential predictors and prolonged hospitalization after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for complicated acute appendicitis (CAA). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adult patients diagnosed with CAA in which LA was attempted. The primary outcome was a prolonged length of stay (LOS) after surgery, defined as hospitalizations longer than or equal to the 75th percentile for LOS, including the day of discharge. Hierarchical regression models were run to elucidate the independent predictors for the variable of interest. RESULTS: The present study involved 160 patients with a mean age of 50.71 years. The conversion rate was 1.9%, and the overall postoperative morbidity rate was 23.8%. The median length of stay (LOS) was 5 days (75th percentile: 7 days). Multivariate analyses included nine variables that are statistically and/or clinically relevant to assess its relationship with a prolonged LOS: three preoperative (age, sex, and comorbidity), four intraoperative (appendix gangrene, perforation, degree of peritonitis, and drain placement), and two postoperative (immediate ICU admission and complications). The development of postoperative complications (OR 6.162, 95% CI 2.451-15.493; p = 0.000) and the placement of an abdominal drain (OR 3.438, 95% CI 1.107-10.683; p = 0.033) were found to be independent predictors for prolonged LOS. For patients not presenting postoperative complications, drain placement was the only independent predictor for the outcome (OR 7.853, 95% CI 1.520-40.558; p = 0.014). Sensitivity analyses showed confirmatory results. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative process of care has a clear impact on LOS after LA for CAA in adults; therefore, the decision of whether to drain in these situations should be made more restrictively yet with judicious caution.

Incidencia de la patología abdominal quirúrgica urgente durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 / Incidence of surgical abdominal emergencies during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: Desde la aparición en diciembre de 2019 del SARS-CoV-2 en la ciudad de Wuhan, China, hemos experimentado un descenso en los ingresos en nuestro Servicio y disminución de la actividad quirúrgica urgente. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la incidencia de la patología abdominal urgente potencialmente quirúrgica en nuestro centro durante la epidemia por COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Se diseñó un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes ingresados por patología abdominal urgente potencialmente quirúrgica en nuestro Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo desde el 24 de febrero de 2020 hasta el 19 de abril de 2020. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 89 pacientes con una edad media de 58,85 ± 22,2. La mediana de tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta la consulta en el Servicio de Urgencias fue de 48 (P25-P75 = 24-96) horas. A su llegada a Urgencias 18 (20%) pacientes presentaban criterios de síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SRIS). Se realizaron 51 (57%) intervenciones quirúrgicas. La tasa de complicaciones postquirúrgicas a los 30 días fue del 31% y la tasa de mortalidad de 2%. Con respecto al mismo período de los años 2017 a 2019, la media de ingresos desde Urgencias en nuestro Servicio descendió un 14% durante el período de epidemia. CONCLUSIONES: Se ha producido un descenso en el número de pacientes que son ingresados por patología abdominal urgente potencialmente quirúrgica durante la epidemia por COVID-19 en nuestro centro

INTRODUCTION: Since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, we have experienced a reduction in admissions in our Service and a decrease in urgent surgical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence of potentially surgical abdominal emergency in our center during the epidemic of COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed. It included all patients admitted for urgent abdominal pathology with potential surgical treatment in our General and Digestive Surgery Department from February 24, 2020 to April 19, 2020. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients with a mean age of 58.85±22.2 were included. The median time from symptom onset to the Emergency Department (ED) visit was 48 (P25-P75 = 24-96) hours. On arrival at the ED, 18 (20%) patients presented with systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. Fifty-one (57%) surgical procedures were performed. The rate of post-surgical complications at 30 days was 31% and the mortality rate was 2%. Concerning the same period from 2017 to 2019, the mean number of admissions from the ED to our Department decreased by 14% during the epidemic period. CONCLUSION: There has been a decrease in the number of patients admitted for urgent, potentially surgical, abdominal pathology during the period of the COVID-19 epidemic in our center

Laparoscopic staged colon-first resection for metastatic colorectal cancer: Perioperative and midterm outcomes from a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to evaluate the short- and mid-term outcomes of laparoscopic colon-first staged resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). METHODS: This study included patients with metastatic CRC who underwent laparoscopic surgical staged resection for the primary tumor and CRCLM between June 2013 and December 2018. Data collection included the baseline patient's and tumor features, the perioperative and histopathologic outcomes from both surgical procedures, and the oncologic follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were eligible for the study. Three major and 22 minor laparoscopic liver resections were performed following laparoscopic CRC surgery. Five patients required conversion to laparotomy during CRCLM resection, but no conversion was needed for the colorectal procedures. The rate of severe intraoperative complications (CLASSIC grade III-IV) was 8% and 16% during CRC and CRCLM resection, respectively. Three patients (12%) developed major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade > III) after both interventions, including one death due to intraoperative bleeding. During a median follow-up of 30 months, 15 patients were diagnosed with disease recurrence. The 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 33.3% and 73.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic staged resection for CRC and CRCLM is safe, feasible, and offers acceptable midterm oncological outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Incidence of surgical abdominal emergencies during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. / Incidencia de la patología abdominal quirúrgica urgente durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION: Since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, we have experienced a reduction in admissions in our Service and a decrease in urgent surgical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence of potentially surgical abdominal emergency in our center during the epidemic of COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed. It included all patients admitted for urgent abdominal pathology with potential surgical treatment in our General and Digestive Surgery Department from February 24, 2020 to April 19, 2020. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients with a mean age of 58.85±22.2 were included. The median time from symptom onset to the Emergency Department (ED) visit was 48 (P25-P75 = 24-96) hours. On arrival at the ED, 18 (20%) patients presented with systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. Fifty-one (57%) surgical procedures were performed. The rate of post-surgical complications at 30 days was 31% and the mortality rate was 2%. Concerning the same period from 2017 to 2019, the mean number of admissions from the ED to our Department decreased by 14% during the epidemic period. CONCLUSION: There has been a decrease in the number of patients admitted for urgent, potentially surgical, abdominal pathology during the period of the COVID-19 epidemic in our center.

The impact of age and comorbidity on the postoperative outcomes after emergency surgical management of complicated intra-abdominal infections.

Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (a-CCI) score has been used to weight comorbid conditions in predicting adverse outcomes. A retrospective cohort study on adult patients diagnosed with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) requiring emergency surgery was conducted in order to elucidate the role of age and comorbidity in this scenario. Two main outcomes were evaluated: 90-day severe postoperative complications (grade ≥ 3 of Dindo-Clavien Classification), and 90-day all-cause mortality. 358 patients were analyzed. a-CCI score for each patient was calculated and then divided in two comorbid categories whether they were ≤ or > to percentile 75 ( = 4): Grade-A (0-4) and Grade-B ( ≥ 5). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed, and the predictive validity of the models was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve. Independent predictors of 90-day severe postoperative complications were Charlson Grade-B (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.49, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.86-6.52; p < 0.0001), healthcare-related infections (OR = 7.84, 95%CI: 3.99-15.39; p < 0.0001), diffuse peritonitis (OR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.45-4.80; p < 0.01), and delay of surgery > 24 hours (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.18-4.68; p < 0.02). The AUROC was 0.815 (95%CI: 0.758-0.872). Independent predictors of 90-day mortality were Charlson Grade-B (OR = 8.30, 95%CI: 3.58-19.21; p < 0.0001), healthcare-related infections (OR = 6.38, 95%CI: 2.72-14.95; p < 0.0001), sepsis status (OR = 3.98, 95%CI: 1.04-15.21; p < 0.04) and diffuse peritonitis (OR = 3.06, 95%CI: 1.29-7.27; p < 0.01). The AUROC for mortality was 0.887 (95%CI: 0.83-0.93). Post-hoc sensitivity analyses confirmed that the degree of comorbidity, estimated by using an age-adjusted score, has a critical impact on the postoperative course following emergency surgery for cIAI. Early assessment and management of patient's comorbidity is mandatory at emergency setting.

Repercusión en el manejo quirúrgico de la ecografía de reevaluación para caracterización de lesiones detectadas en resonancia magnética / Effect on surgical management of second-look ultrasound to characterise lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ecografía de reevaluación, o de «second-look» (ESL), es útil para caracterizar lesiones de nueva aparición identificadas durante el estudio mediante resonancia magnética (RM). También puede ayudar a optimizar el tratamiento quirúrgico, ya que permite realizar biopsias y obtener un resultado anatomopatológico de las lesiones. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la utilidad de la ESL para la identificación y la caracterización de lesiones detectadas incidentalmente por RM, así como la repercusión posterior en el manejo quirúrgico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se incluyen mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama a las que se les realiza ESL tras RM, entre 2013 y 2015. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, del tumor primario, características de las lesiones identificadas por RM y posteriormente por ESL, procedimientos quirúrgicos y resultados anatomopatológicos. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 168 lesiones nuevas mediante RM en 110 pacientes. De ellas, 123 (73,2%) fueron objetivadas posteriormente en la ESL. De acuerdo con el sistema BI-RADS, 88 (71,6%) lesiones se caracterizaron como BI-RADS3 y 24 (19,5%) como BI-RADS4. El resultado de la biopsia tras ESL fue de malignidad en 17 lesiones, lo cual conlleva un cambio de actitud quirúrgica en 15 pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: La ESL puede ser útil para optimizar el tratamiento quirúrgico de las pacientes con cáncer de mama en las que se detecta una nueva lesión mediante RM, permitiendo caracterizar, localizar dicha lesión y realizar biopsias para obtener un resultado anatomopatológico que nos ayude a decidir si es necesaria su exéresis

INTRODUCTION: Second-look ultrasound (SLU) is useful to characterise new lesions identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SLU may also help to optimise surgical treatment since it allows the performance of biopsies and histopathological analysis of the lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of SLU to identify and characterise lesions initially detected by MRI, as well as its subsequent influence on surgical management. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed an observational retrospective study that included women diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent SLU after MRI between 2013 and 2015. We collected data on epidemiological factors, the primary tumour, the characteristics of the lesions identified by MRI and subsequently by SLU, surgical procedures, and histopathological results. RESULTS: A total of 168 new lesions were identified by MRI in 110 patients. Of these, 123 (73.2%) were subsequently identified in SLU. Using the BI-RADS system, 88 (71.6%) lesions were classified as BI-RADS3 and 24 (19.5%) as BI-RADS4. The result of biopsy after SLU was malignancy in 17 lesions, leading to a change of surgical management in 15 patients. CONCLUSIONS: SLU can be useful to optimise the surgical treatment of patients with breast cancer and detection of a new lesion by MRI. SLU allows these lesions to be characterised and localised and biopsies to be taken. This in turn allows histopathological analysis, which helps to determine the need for extirpation of the lesion

Abordaje laparoscópico del páncreas izquierdo / Laparoscopic approach of the left side of the páncreas

Introducción: La pancreatectomía izquierda laparoscópica (PIL) es una técnica quirúrgica cada vez más utilizada para el tratamiento de lesiones benignas y malignas del páncreas izquierdo. Analizamos los resultados de nuestra serie de PIL para el tratamiento de las lesiones primarias de cuerpo y cola pancreáticos. Métodos: Desde noviembre de 2011 a noviembre de 2017 se han intervenido 18 pacientes por lesiones primarias del páncreas realizándose una pancreatectomía distal laparoscópica. En todos los casos se dejó un drenaje intraabdominal y se siguieron las recomendaciones del International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF). Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 66,5 años (RIQ 46-74). De las 18 pancreatectomías izquierdas, cuatro se realizaron con preservación esplénica, una de ellas una pancreatectomía central. Hubo dos conversiones. La mediana del tiempo operatorio fue de 247,5 min (RIQ242-275). La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 7 días (RIQ6-8). A los 90 días se detectaron complicaciones en cinco pacientes: tres grado II, una grado III y una grado V según la clasificación modificada de Clavien-Dindo. Hubo una fístula pancreática grado B y cuatro pacientes reingresaron por colecciones peripancreáticas. La anatomía patológica evidenció malignidad en el 38,9% de los casos, presentando todos ellos márgenes negativos. Conclusiones: La PIL puede ser considerada técnica de elección para el tratamiento de las lesiones pancreáticas benignas y una alternativa al abordaje abierto para pacientes seleccionados diagnosticados de neoplasias malignas, siempre que la realicen cirujanos con experiencia en cirugía pancreática y laparoscópica avanzada

Introduction: Laparoscopic left-sided pancreatectomy (LLP) is an increasingly used surgical technique for the treatment of benign and malignant lesions of the left side of the pancreas. The results of LLP as a treatment for primary pancreatic lesions of the head and tail of the pancreas were evaluated. Methods: From November 2011 to November 2017, 18 patients underwent surgery for primary lesions of the pancreas by means of a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. An intra-abdominal drain tube was used in all cases, and the recommendations of the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) were followed. Results: The mean age was 66.5 years (IQR 46-74). Among the 18 left pancreatectomies performed, four were with splenic preservation, and one was a central pancreatectomy. There were two conversions. The median surgical time was 247.5 minutes (IQR 242-275). The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (IQR 6-8). After 90 days, complications were detected in five patients: three grade II, one grade III and one grade V according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. There was one grade B pancreatic fistula, and four patients had to be readmitted to hospital because of peripancreatic collections. The anatomic pathology diagnosis was malignant neoplasm in 38.9% of cases, all of them with negative resection margins. Conclusions: LLP can be considered the technique of choice in the treatment of primary benign pancreatic lesions and an alternative to the open approach in selected patients diagnosed with malignant pancreatic lesions