Simulation of the postoperative trunk appearance in scoliosis surgery

Persistence of external trunk asymmetry after scoliosis surgical treatment is frequent and difficult to predict by clinicians. This is a significant problem considering that correction of the apparent deformity is a major factor of satisfaction for the patients. A simulation of the correction on the external appearance would allow the clinician to illustrate to the patient the potential result of the surgery and would help in deciding on a surgical strategy that could most improve his/her appearance. We describe a method to predict the scoliotic trunk shape after a spine surgical intervention. The capability of our method was evaluated using real data of scoliotic patients. Results of the qualitative evaluation were very promising and a quantitative evaluation based on the comparison of the simulated and the actual postoperative trunk surface showed an adequate accuracy for clinical assessment. The required short simulation time also makes our approach an eligible candidate for a clinical environment demanding interactive simulations.

Tratamiento de sangrado postoperatorio en cirugía cardiaca con Factor VII Recombinante

El sangrado posterior a cirugía cardiaca es una complicación importante dada la alta morbimortalidad asociada. La hemotransfusión es la terapia mandatoria, pero la administración masiva de hemoderivados también es un factor de riesgo independiente de morbimortalidad. El factor VIIr se ha propuesto para disminuir las trasfusiones y controlar sangrado. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar si el factor VIIr es una herramienta útil para disminuir el consumo de hemoderivados en sangrado postoperatorio durante cirugía cardiaca sin riesgo de complicaciones tromboembólicas o falla renal aguda. Es un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizado durante dos años, comparando el consumo de hemoderivados y las complicaciones postoperatorias en la cohorte que recibió factor VIIa y en la que no. Se realizó muestreo por comparación de medias emparejadas y se describieron variables cualitativas mediante distribuciones de frecuencias y porcentuales, variables cuantitativas con medidas de tendencia central como promedio y mediana, medidas de dispersión como la desviación estándar. Para determinar normalidad se utilizó prueba Kolgomorov Smirnov con nivel de significancia a=10%; de no cumplir normalidad se utilizaron pruebas t-student y U de Mann-Whitney con nivel de significancia a=5%. Se recolectaron 54 pacientes de los cuales a 14 se les aplicó factor VIIr. Un promedio cinco unidades de glóbulos rojos, nueve de plasma, seis de plaquetas y cuatro de crioprecipitados fueron transfundidas sin diferencias significativas en los grupos. Si se aprecia disminución del sangrado en 24 horas postoperatorias, corrección de los tiempos de coagulación, y menor mortalidad. Las complicaciones tromboembólicas y falla renal no fueron estadísticamente significativas.

Cirugía Abierta Versus Cirugía Endovascular en el Tratamiento de la Patología de la Aorta Torácica Descendente

El reparo endovascular de la aorta torácica (REVAT), se ha incrementado en el mundo en los últimos años con relación al abierto. Los resultados de la intervención son controversiales. La información en Colombia es insuficiente. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados clínicos del REVAT frente al reparo abierto en la Fundación Cardio Infantil (Bogotá, Col) entre 2002 y 2011. Metodología: Análisis retrospectivo de la cohorte de pacientes sometidos a reparo abierto (Grupo 1) en comparación de REVAT (grupo 2). En cada uno de los grupos se evaluó el tiempo quirúrgico, tasa de morbilidad (infección, hemo-rragia, isquemia medular, evento cerebrovascular [ECV] y falla renal postoperatoria), mortalidad, reintervención y estancia hospitalaria. Para las comparaciones se realizó un análisis univariado considerando un valor p<0.05 estadísticamente significativo. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 57 pacientes en el análisis (26% reparo abierto; 74% REVAT). Se reintervinieron 2 pacientes por endofugas tipo 1 en el Grupo 2 y un caso por sangrado en el Grupo 1. La mortalidad operatoria fue (Grupo1: 20%; Grupo 2: 2.3%). El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 398 ± 180 min Grupo 1 versus 85.5 ± 35 min en el Grupo 2 (p:0.0001) y el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 9.8 días:Grupo 1 y 5,3 días Grupo 2 [p:0.01]). El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue 4,8± 3,1 años. Conclusiones: El REVAT parece ofrecer menor morbilidad, mortalidad, tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria respecto al reparo abierto, aunque las pobla-ciones de pacientes incluidos no fueron estrictamente comparables. Se requieren nuevos análisis en un diseño prospectivo, idealmente aleatorizado para documentar los beneficios a largo plazo de este tipo de reparo.

Eficacia diagnostica del ácido láctico en liquido cefalorraquídeo en meningitis postclipaje de aneurisma cerebral y hemorragia subaracnoidea

La concentración de ácido láctico en LCR en pacientes con sospecha de meningitis postquirúrgica luego de clipaje de aneurisma cerebral y hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea se midió prospectivamente por un período de tres años. Se analizaron un total de 32 muestras de líquido cefalorraquídeo, se midió la concentración de ácido láctico y se comparó con el cultivo de LCR. Los cultivos fueron positivos en cinco pacientes, con una prevalencia de infección del 15%. Se utilizó un valor umbral de ácido láctico de 4 mmol/L. y se encontró una sensibilidad del 80%, especificidad del 52%, VPP del 23%, VPN del 93%, y likelihood ratio (LHR) positivo de 1,66 con una probabilidad post test de 15% de la concentración del ácido láctico en el diagnóstico de meningitis postquirúrgica en pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática. La concentración de ácido láctico en LCR tiene un desempeño limitado en el diagnóstico de meningitis postquirúrgica en pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática.

Grados altos en la Escala de Fisher predicen el desarrollo de hidrocefalia en pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea espontanea

Objetive. To determine if high grades of Fisher scale are useful to predict the development of hydrocephalus in consecutive Colombian patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) assessed from January 2005 to April 2012 with 12 month follow-up. Methods. 251 patients were included in a restrospective manner. The association between Fisher scale and hydrocephalus was analyzed bivariate and multivariate analysis. In addition, a systematic literature review (SLR) was done. Results. In our cohort of patients, the etiology of SAH was due to aneurysms; 78,5%. The prevalence of hydrocephalus was found to be of 27,1%. Overall survival with a 12 month follow-up was of 65,7%. Average age of included patients was 55,5 ± 15 years, and most of them were women; 65,7%. Having Fisher 4 and Hunt-Hess III are significantly associated with hydrocephalus: adjusted OR: 2.93 95% CI: 1.51-5.65, P <0.001, adjusted OR: 2.83 95% CI: 1.31-6.17 P=0.008 respectively. The SRL showed an overall prevalence of hydrocephalus between 17 and 68% and mortality varied between 3.0% and 33%. 50% of the included studies significantly associated intraventricular hemorrhage ( Fisher 4) with hydrocephalus. Conclusion. Our results confirm current concepts on post-SAH hydrocephalus and the fact that is obstructive and secondary to Fisher 4 and having neurological impairment on admission (Hunt and Hess III).

Escala de Fisher como factor predictor de hidrocefalia en hemorragia subaracnoidea espontanea

Objetivo. Determinar si la cantidad de sangre y su localización es el espacio subaracnoideo, medible con la escala de Fisher en las primeras 24 horas de ocurrido el ictus hemorrágico, es un factor predictor para el desarrollo de hidrocefalia en pacientes con diagnóstico de hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA) espontánea, vistos en el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael (HUCSR) con seguimiento de 12 meses. Métodos. 251 pacientes fueron incluidos en una cohorte retrospectiva. La asociación entre la escala de Fisher y el desarrollo de hidrocefalia en pacientes con HSA espontánea fue analizada a través de un análisis bivariado y multivariado. Resultados. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 55,5 ± 15 años; con predominancia en el sexo femenino 65,7%. La prevalencia de hidrocefalia fue de 27,1% en la cohorte y la etiología de la HSA fue en su mayoría por ruptura de aneurismas de arterias cerebrales; 78,5%. La sobrevida a 12 meses fue de 65,7%. Tanto el grado 4 en la escala de Fisher como Hunt-Hess III se asocian con el desarrollo de hidrocefalia: ORA; 2.93 IC 95%: 1.51-5.65, P <0.001, ORA 2.83 IC 95%: 1.31-6.17 P=0.008 respectivamente. Conclusión. La presencia de sangrado Intraventricular o intraparenquimatoso ( Fisher 4) en las primeras 24 horas, asociado a un deterioro neurológico al ingreso Hunt-Hess III están asociados con el desarrollo de hidrocefalia en los 251 pacientes evaluados con diagnóstico de HSA espontánea; hallazgos consistentes con lo reportado en la literatura mundial.

Evento cerebrovascular y acidosis metabólica

En este artículo se presenta para discusión el caso de una paciente de 59 años con pérdida súbita de conciencia. La tomografía axial computa- rizada reveló una hemorragia intraparenquimatosa; en el postoperatorio de la cirugía de drenajedel hematoma presentó marcada acidemia metabólica sin causa aparente.

Preoperative predictors for postoperative problems in heart transplantation: psychiatric and psychosocial considerations

The psychiatric and psychosocial evaluation of the heart transplant candidate can identify particular predictors for postoperative problems. These factors, as identified during the comprehensive evaluation phase, provide an assessment of the candidate in context of the proposed transplantation protocol. Previous issues with compliance, substance abuse, and psychosis are clear indictors of postoperative problems. The prolonged waiting list time provides an additional period to evaluate and provide support to patients having a terminal disease who need a heart transplant, and are undergoing prolonged hospitalization. Following transplantation, the patient is faced with additional challenges of a new self-image, multiple concerns, anxiety, and depression. Ultimately, the success of the heart transplantation remains dependent upon the recipient's ability to cope psychologically and comply with the medication regimen. The limited resource of donor hearts and the high emotional and financial cost of heart transplantation lead to an exhaustive effort to select those patients who will benefit from the improved physical health the heart transplant confers.

Sexual abuse in childhood and postoperative depression in women with breast cancer who opt for immediate reconstruction after mastectomy

INTRODUCTION Breast reconstruction is routinely offered to women who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer. However, patient-reported outcomes are mixed. Child abuse has enduring effects on adults’ well-being and body image. As part of a study into damaging effects of abuse on adjustment to breast cancer, we examined: (i) whether women with history of abuse would be more likely than other women to opt for reconstruction; and (ii) whether mood problems in women opting for reconstruction can be explained by greater prevalence of abuse. PATIENTS AND METHODS We recruited 355 women within 2-4 days after surgery for primary breast cancer; 104 had mastectomy alone and 29 opted for reconstruction. Using standardised questionnaires, women self-reported emotional distress and recollections of childhood sexual abuse. Self-report of distress was repeated 12 months later. RESULTS Women who had reconstruction were younger than those who did not. Controlling for this, they reported greater prevalence of abuse and more distress than those having mastectomy alone. They were also more depressed postoperatively, and this effect remained significant after controlling for abuse. CONCLUSIONS One interpretation of these findings is that history of abuse influences women's decisions about responding to the threat of mastectomy, but it is premature to draw inferences for practice until the findings are replicated. If they are replicated, it will be important to recognise increased vulnerability of some patients who choose reconstruction. Studying the characteristics and needs of women who opt for immediate reconstruction and examining the implications for women's adjustment should be a priority for research.

Keratinocyte growth factor: a new mesothelial targeted therapy to reduce postoperative pericardial adhesions

Background: Several methods have been utilized to prevent pericardial and retrosternal adhesions, but none of them evaluated the mesothelial regenerative hypothesis. There are evidences that the mesothelial trauma reduces pericardial fibrinolytic capability and induces an adhesion process. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has proven to improve mesothelial cells proliferation. This study investigated the influence of keratinocyte growth factor in reducing post-surgical adhesions. Methods: Twelve pigs were operated and an adhesion protocol was employed. Following a stratified randomization, the animals received a topical application of KGF or saline. At 8 weeks, intrapericardial adhesions were evaluated and a severity score was established. The time spent to dissect the adhesions and the amount of sharp dissection used, were recorded. Histological sections were stained with sirius red and morphometric analyses were assessed with a computer-assisted image analysis system. Results: The severity score was lower in the KGF group than in the control group (11.5 vs 17, p = 0.005). The dissection time was lower in the KGF group (9.2 +/- 1.4 min vs 33.9 +/- 9.2 min, p = 0.004) and presented a significant correlation with the severity score (r = 0.83, p = 0.001). A significantly less sharp dissection was also required in the KGF group. Also, adhesion area and adhesion collagen were significantly tower in the KGF group than in the control group. Conclusion: The simulation of pericardial cells with KGF reduced the intensity of postoperative adhesions and facilitated the re-operation. This study suggests that the mesothelial regeneration is the new horizon in anti-adhesion therapies. (C) 2008 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contribuição ao estudo das hepatectomias parciais com oclusão do fluxo sanguíneo aferente

O tratamento cirúrgico dos tumores hepáticos tem sido um grande desafio na história evolutiva da cirurgia. No passado, as altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade limitavam sua aplicação como opção terapêutica. O refinamento da técnica de ressecção hepática está associado a menores índices de mortalidade e morbidade peri-operatória e, embora, a mortalidade tenha sido reduzida a menos de 10% nos serviços especializados, a morbidade ainda é bastante significativa, sendo que a hemorragia grave e a embolia aérea permanecem como complicações graves das hepatectomias. O controle da perda sanguínea é o objetivo primordial durante este tipo de cirurgia. As técnicas descritas, com a finalidade de conter a hemorragia transoperatória, são aquelas associadas à redução do fluxo sanguíneo ao fígado, seja através da oclusão vascular aferente ou manobra de Pringle por clampeamento do pedículo hepático, seja por exclusão vascular total do órgão. Hepatectomias parciais podem ser realizadas com pequeno sangramento e, mesmo quando associadas a períodos prolongados de isquemia tecidual, não foram identificadas lesões parenquimatosas ou falência hepática persistente. A redução na necessidade de reposição de sangue, no período peri-operatório, está associada a menor morbidade e à diminuição significativa na incidência de sepse abdominal. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar uma série de hepatectomias parciais com oclusão do fluxo sanguíneo aferente, em pacientes portadores de patologias benignas e neoplasias malignas. Foram analisadas 60 hepatectomias em 59 pacientes com oclusão do fluxo sanguíneo aferente quanto a possíveis fatores de risco para morbidade e mortalidade, bem como a relação entre o tempo de isquemia hepática e a variação das transaminases, tempo de protrombina e bilirrubinas, e destes, com a evolução pós-operatória. A prevalência de complicações pós-operatórias foi de 43,3% e a mortalidade de 6,7%. O fator de risco significativo para mortalidade foi tempo cirúrgico mais prolongado, quando comparado com os pacientes que não foram a óbito. Para a morbidade pós-operatória, foram identificados como fatores de risco a idade acima de 60 anos, cirurgia por neoplasia maligna, parênquima hepático anormal, ou seja, presença de cirrose, esteatose ou colestase, perda sanguínea necessitando reposição de mais de uma unidade de sangue e outros procedimentos cirúrgicos concomitantes. Na análise multivariada por regressão logística, estes fatores de risco foram reduzidos, apenas, para presença de cirrose, esteatose ou colestase. O tempo de isquemia não apresentou relação com a morbi-mortalidade pós-operatória. A variação das transaminases foram mais acentuadas nos casos com maior tempo de isquemia, porém, retornaram aos níveis pré-operatórios em, aproximadamente, uma semana. Não houve variação de tempo de protrombina e bilirrubinas quanto ao tempo de isquemia. A variação de AST e ALT não foram diferentes entre os pacientes com e sem morbidade pós-operatória.

Cardiovascular effects of desflurane following acute hemorrhage in dogs

Objective: To determine the cardiovascular effects of desflurane in dogs following acute hemorrhage.Design: Experimental study.Animals: Eight mix breed dogs.Interventions: Hemorrhage was induced by withdrawal of blood until mean arterial pressure (MAP) dropped to 60 mmHg in conscious dogs. Blood pressure was maintained at 60 mmHg for 1 hour by further removal or replacement of blood. Desflurane was delivered by facemask until endotracheal intubation could be performed and a desflurane expiratory end-tidal concentration of 10.5 V% was maintained.Measurements and main results: Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (0), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2), and arterial pH were recorded before and 60 minutes after hemorrhage, and 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after intubation. Sixty minutes after hemorrhage, SAP, DAP, MAP, CVP, CO, Cl, SV, PaCO2, and arterial pH decreased, and HR and RR increased when compared with baselines values. Immediately after intubation, MAP and arterial pH decreased, and PaCO2 increased. Fifteen minutes after intubation SAP, DAP, MAP, arterial pH, and SVR decreased. At 30 and 45 minutes, MAP and DAP remained decreased and PaCO2 increased, compared with values measured after hemorrhage. Arterial pH increased after 30 minutes of desflurane administration compared with values measured 5 minutes after intubation.Conclusions: Desflurane induced significant changes in blood pressure and arterial pH when administered to dogs following acute hemorrhage.

Postoperative analgesic effects of epidural administration of neostigmine alone or in combination with morphine in ovariohysterectomized dogs

Objective-To evaluate analgesic effects of epidurally administered neostigmine alone or in combination with morphine in dogs after ovariohysterectomy.Animals-40 healthy bitches.Procedures-After acepromazine premedication, anesthesia was induced. Dogs randomly received 1 of the following 4 epidural treatments 30 minutes before ovariohysterectomy (n = 10/group): saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control), morphine (0.1 mg/kg), neostigmine (10 pg/kg), or morphine-neostigmine (0.1 mg/kg and 10 pg/kg, respectively). Analgesia was assessed for 24 hours after surgery by use of a visual analogue.scale (VAS; scale of 0 to 10) or numeric descriptive scale (NDS; scale of 0 to 24) and by the need for supplemental analgesia (morphine [0.5 mg/kg, IM] administered when VAS was >= 4 or NDS was >= 8).Results-Significantly more control dogs (n = 8) received supplemental analgesia, compared with the number of neostigmine-treated dogs (1); no dogs in the remaining groups received supplemental analgesia. Compared with values for the control dogs, the NDS scores were lower for morphine-neostigmine-treated dogs (from 2 to 6 hours and at 12 hours) and for morphine-treated dogs (all time points). The NDS scores were lower for morphine-treated dogs at 3, 12, and 24 hours, compared with values for neostigmine-treated dogs. The VAS was less sensitive than the NDS for detecting differences among groups.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Epidurally administered neostigmine reduced the use of supplemental analgesia after ovariohysterectorny in dogs. However, analgesic effects were less pronounced than for epidurally administered morphine or morphine-neostigmine. Adding neostigmine to epidurally administered morphine did not potentiate opioid-induced analgesia.