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Objective Mild AD can be treated safely and effectively on an outpatient basis without antibiotics. Summary of background data In recent years, it has shown no benefit of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated AD in hospitalized patients. Also, outpatient treatment of uncomplicated AD has been shown to be safe and effective. Methods A Prospective, multicentre, open-label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial, in 15 hospitals of patients consulting the emergency department with symptoms compatible with AD.The Participants were patients with mild AD diagnosed by Computed Tomography meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control arm (ATB-Group): classical treatment (875/125 mg/8 h amoxicillin/clavulanic acid apart from anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment) or experimental arm (Non-ATB-Group): experimental treatment (antiinflammatory and symptomatic treatment). Clinical controls were performed at 2, 7, 30, and 90 days.The primary endpoint was hospital admission. Secondary endpoints included number of emergency department revisits, pain control and emergency surgery in the different arms. Results Four hundred and eighty patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to Non-ATB-Group (n = 242) or ATB-Group (n = 238). Hospitalization rates were: ATB-Group 14/238 (5.8%) and Non-ATB-Group 8/242 (3.3%) [mean difference 2.58%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.32 to -1.17], confirming noninferiority margin. Revisits: ATB-Group 16/238 (6.7%) and Non-ATB-Group 17/242 (7%) (mean difference -0.3, 95% CI 4.22 to -4.83). Poor pain control at 2 days follow up: ATB-Group 13/230 (5.7%), Non-ATB-Group 5/221 (2.3%) (mean difference 3.39, 95% CI 6.96 to -0.18). Conclusions Nonantibiotic outpatient treatment of mild AD is safe and effective and is not inferior to current standard treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02785549); EU Clinical Trials Register (2016-001596-75).

Background: Tissue ischemia is a key risk factor for anastomotic leakage (AL). Indocyanine green (ICG) is widely used in colorectal surgery to define the segments with the best vascularization. In an experimental model, we present a new system for quantifying ICG saturation, SERGREEN software.Methods: This was a controlled experimental study with eight pigs. In the initial control stage, ICG saturation was analyzed at the level of two anastomoses in the right and left colon. Control images of the two segments were taken after ICG administration. The images were processed with the SERGREEN program. Then, in the experimental ischemia stage, the inferior mesenteric artery was sectioned at the level of the anastomosis of the left colon. Fifteen minutes after the section, sequential images of the two anastomoses were taken every 30’ for the following 2 h.Results: At the control stage, the mean scores were 134.2 (95% CI: 116.3-152.2) for the right colon and 147 (95% CI: 134.7-159.3) for the left colon (p = 0.174). The right colon remained stable throughout the experiment. In the left colon, saturation fell by 47.9 points with respect to the preischemia value (p Conclusions: The SERGREEN program quantifies ICG saturation in normal and ischemic situations and detects differences between them. A reduction in ICG saturation of 32.6% or more was correlated with complete tissue ischemia.

Aim The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced surgeons to adapt their standard procedures. The modifications introduced are designed to favour minimally invasive surgery. The positive results obtained with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in the right colon and rectum prompt us to adapt these procedures to the left colon. We describe a ‘don't touch the bowel’ technique and outline the benefits to patients of the use of less surgically aggressive techniques and also to surgeons in terms of the lower emission of aerosols that might transmit the COVID‐19 infection. Methods This was an observational study of intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in left colectomy. We describe the technical details of intracorporeal resection, end‐to‐end stapled anastomosis and extraction of the specimen through mini‐laparotomy in the ideal location. Results We present preliminary results of 17 patients with left‐sided colonic pathologies, 15 neoplasia and two diverticular disease, who underwent four left hemicolectomies, six sigmoidectomies and seven high anterior resections. Median operating time was 186 min (range 120–280). No patient required conversion to extracorporeal laparoscopy or open surgery. Median hospital stay was 4.7 days (range 3–12 days). There was one case of anastomotic leak managed with conservative treatment. Conclusion Intracorporeal resection and end‐to‐end anastomosis with the possibility of extraction of the specimen by a mini‐laparotomy in the ideal location may present benefits and also adapts well to the conditions imposed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Future comparative studies are needed to demonstrate these benefits with respect to extracorporeal anastomosis.

Purpose Persistent occult hypoperfusion after initial resuscitation is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality after severe trauma. The objective of this study was to analyze regional tissue oxygenation, along with other global markers, as potential detectors of occult shock in otherwise hemodynamically stable trauma patients. Methods Trauma patients undergoing active resuscitation were evaluated 8 h after hospital admission with the measurement of several global and local hemodynamic/metabolic parameters. Apparently hemodynamically stable (AHD) patients, defined as having SBP ≥ 90 mmHg, HR 2) was measured non-invasively by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on the forearm. A vascular occlusion test was performed, allowing a 3-min deoxygenation period and a reoxygenation period following occlusion release. Minimal rSO2 (rSO2min), Delta-down (rSO2–rSO2min), maximal rSO2 following cuff-release (rSO2max), and Delta-up (rSO2max–rSO2min) were computed. The NIRS response to the occlusion test was also measured in a control group of healthy volunteers. Results Sixty-six consecutive trauma patients were included. After 8 h, 17 patients were classified as AHD, of whom five were finally considered to have OS and 12 THD. No hemodynamic, metabolic or coagulopathic differences were observed between the two groups, while NIRS-derived parameters showed statistically significant differences in Delta-down, rSO2min, and Delta-up. Conclusions After 8 h of care, NIRS evaluation with an occlusion test is helpful for identifying occult shock in apparently hemodynamically stable patients. Level of evidence IV, descriptive observational study. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02772653.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has become the treatment of choice for benign rectal lesions and early rectal cancer (T1). The size classification of rectal polyps is controversial. Some articles define giant rectal lesions as those larger than 5 cm, which present a significantly increased risk of complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of TEM in these lesions.An observational descriptive study with prospective data collection evaluating the feasibility of TEM in large rectal adenomas was performed between June 2004 and September 2018. Patients were assigned to one of the three groups according to size: 5 cm, very large (5-7.9 cm) and ultra-large (≥ 8 cm). Descriptive and comparative analyses between groups were performed.TEM was indicated in 761 patients. Five hundred and seven patients (66.6%) with adenoma in the preoperative biopsy were included in the study. Three hundred and nine out of 507 (60.9%) tumors 5 cm, 162/507 (32%) very large tumors (5-7.9 cm) and 36/507 (7.1%) ultra-large tumors (≥ 8 cm) were reviewed. Morbidity increased with tumor size: 17.5% in tumors 5 cm, 26.5% in those 5-7.9 cm, and 36.1% in those 8 cm. Peritoneal perforation, fragmentation, free margins and stenosis were also more common in very large and ultra-large tumors (p 0.001). There were no statistical differences between the groups in the definitive pathology (p = 0.38).TEM in these large tumors is associated with higher rates of morbidity, peritoneal perforation, free margins and stenosis. Although these tumors do not require total mesorectal excision and are eligible for TEM, the surgery must be carried out by experienced surgeons.

La toxina botulínica se ha aplicado en la reparación de defectos ventrales, pero la literatura sobre su aplicación en hernias inguinoescrotales es escasa. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con hernia inguinoescrotal gigante. Se realiza tomografía computada basal y otra a las 4 semanas de la administración de toxina botulínica en la musculatura oblicua y en el recto abdominal (reducción de grosor e incremento de longitud de la musculatura). Se repara la pared abdominal mediante la colocación de una malla tipo BioA intraperitoneal y otra tipo DynaMeshBotulinum toxin has been used in ventral defects repair, but literature on its application in inguinoscrotal hernias is scarce. Patient with giant inguinoscrotal hernia. A baseline CT scan is performed and it is repeated four weeks after botulinum toxin injection in oblique musculature and in the abdominal rectum (reduction in thickness and increase in muscle length is observed). The abdominal wall is repaired by placing an intraperitoneal BioA mesh and a retromuscular DynaMesh

New coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) has determined the necessity of reorganization in many centers all over the world. Spain, as an epicenter of the disease, has been forced to assume health policy changes in all the territory. However, and from the beginning of the pandemic, every center attending surgical urgencies had to guarantee the continuous coverage adopting correct measures to maintain the excellence of quality of care. This document resumes general guidelines for emergency surgery and trauma care, obtained from the available bibliography and evaluated by a subgroup of professionals designated from the general group of investigators Cirugia-AEC-COVID-19 from the Spanish Association of Surgeons, directed to minimize professional exposure, to contemplate pandemic implications over different urgent perioperative scenarios and to adjust decision making to the occupational pressure caused by COVID-19 patients.

La toxina botulinica se ha aplicado en la reparacion de defectos ventrales, pero la literatura sobre su aplicacion en hernias inguinoescrotales es escasa. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con hernia inguinoescrotal gigante. Se realiza tomografia computada basal y otra a las 4 semanas de la administracion de toxina botulinica en la musculatura oblicua y en el recto abdominal (reduccion de grosor e incremento de longitud de la musculatura). Se repara la pared abdominal mediante la colocacion de una malla tipo BioA intraperitoneal y otra tipo DynaMesh® retromuscular. La toxina puede tener un papel importante como adyuvante en la reparacion de hernias inguinoescrotales con perdida de domicilio. Botulinum toxin has been used in ventral defects repair, but literature on its application in inguinoscrotal hernias is scarce. Patient with giant inguinoscrotal hernia. A baseline CT scan is performed and it is repeated four weeks after botulinum toxin injection in oblique musculature and in the abdominal rectum (reduction in thickness and increase in muscle length is observed). The abdominal wall is repaired by placing an intraperitoneal BioA mesh and a retromuscular DynaMesh® mesh. The toxin can have an important role as an adjuvant in the reparation of inguinoscrotal hernias with loss of domain.

Objective This study determines the quality of life and the anorectal function of these patients. Method Observational study of two cohorts comparing patients undergoing rectal tumor surgery using TaETM or conventional ETM after a minimum of six months of intestinal transit reconstruction. EORTC-30, EORTC-29 quality of life questionnaires and the anorectal function assessment questionnaire (LARS score) are applied. General variables are also collected. Results 31 patients between 2011 and 2014: 15 ETM group and 16 TaETM. We do not find statistically significant differences in quality of life questionnaires or in anorectal function. Statistically significant general variables: longer surgical time in the TaETM group. Nosocomial infection and minor suture failure in the TaETM group. Conclusion The performance of TaETM achieves the same results in terms of quality of life and anorectal function as conventional ETM.

This study determines the quality of life and the anorectal function of these patients.Observational study of two cohorts comparing patients undergoing rectal tumor surgery using TaETM or conventional ETM after a minimum of six months of intestinal transit reconstruction. EORTC-30, EORTC-29 quality of life questionnaires and the anorectal function assessment questionnaire (LARS score) are applied. General variables are also collected.31 patients between 2011 and 2014: 15 ETM group and 16 TaETM. We do not find statistically significant differences in quality of life questionnaires or in anorectal function. Statistically significant general variables: longer surgical time in the TaETM group. Nosocomial infection and minor suture failure in the TaETM group.The performance of TaETM achieves the same results in terms of quality of life and anorectal function as conventional ETM.La técnica de referencia de la cirugía rectal sigue siendo la escisión total del mesorrecto (ETM), en la que se aplica la laparoscopia por sus ventajas. El intento de evitar el 17% de reconversión hace que se apliquen técnicas transanales. La ETM transanal (TaETM) se lleva a cabo por grupos experimentales con buenos resultados oncológicos y de morbimortalidad.Este estudio determina la calidad de vida y la función anorrectal de estos pacientes.Estudio observacional de dos cohortes que compara pacientes intervenidos por tumor rectal mediante TaETM o ETM convencional después de 6 meses mínimo de la reconstrucción del tránsito intestinal. Se aplican los cuestionarios de calidad de vida EORTC-30 y EORTC-29, y el cuestionario de valoración de función anorrectal (LARS score). También se recogen variables generales.Entre 2011 y 2014 fueron intervenidos 31 pacientes: 15 en el grupo de ETM y 16 en el de TaETM. No se encuentran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a cuestionarios de calidad de vida ni respecto a la función anorrectal. Variables generales estadísticamente significativas: tiempo quirúrgico mayor en el grupo TaETM, e infección nosocomial y fallo de sutura menores en el grupo TaETM.La realización de TaETM obtiene los mismos resultados en cuanto a calidad de vida y función anorrectal que la ETM convencional.The gold standard of rectal surgery remains total mesorrectal excision (ETM) in which laparoscopy is applied for its advantages. The attempt to avoid 17% conversion rate implies that transanal techniques are applied. Transanal ETM (TaETM) is performed by experimental groups with good oncological and morbimortality results.

Acute diverticulitis (AD) is a highly prevalent disease in Spain. Its chronic-recurrent appearance and high rate of relapse mean that it has a major epidemiological and economic impact on our health system. In spite of this, it has not been studied in any great depth. Reassessing its etiopathology, recent studies have observed that it is an inflammatory disease—not, as classic theories had postulated, an infectious one. In the light of these findings, the suitability of antibiotics for its treatment has been reconsidered. At present, however, the evidence for incorporating these findings into clinical practice guidelines remains insufficient. This study was designed to analyse the safety and efficacy of a non-antibiotic treatment for mild AD. Patients with mild AD (grade 0 in the modified Neff classification) who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of two outpatient treatment strategies: (a) classical treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and low-fibre diet) or (b) experimental treatment (anti-inflammatories and low-fibre diet). Clinical controls will be performed at 2, 7, 30, and 90 days. We will determine whether there are any differences in the clinical outcome between groups. The main objective is to demonstrate that antibiotics neither accelerate the resolution of the disease nor decrease the number of complications and/or recurrences in these patients, suggesting that their use may be unnecessary. The results of this trial will help to optimize and homogenize the treatment of this highly prevalent disease. However, more studies are required before firm changes can be introduced in international clinical practice guidelines. Trial registration: The trial has been registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov database (ID: NCT02785549) and the EU Clinical Trials Register database (EudraCT number: 2016-001596-75).

Aquest treball preten valorar la utilitat del model de risc d'evisceracio desenvolupat per Van Ramshorst et al. entre els pacients sotmesos a cirurgia abdominal per laparotomia mitja en el Servei de Cirurgia General i de l'Aparell Digestiu de l'Hospital de Sabadell – Corporacio Sanitaria i Universitaria Parc Tauli – Barcelona. El model de risc inclou dades postoperatories que fan perdre capacitat pronostica clinica, per aquest motiu es proposa una modificacio d'aquest model (Van Ramshorst modificat), tenint en compte nomes les variables preoperatories. Podem concloure que mentre el model de risc d'evisceracio de Van Ramshorst et al. es util en la nostra mostra de pacients, la modificacio proposada necessitaria retocs per a millorar la seva capacitat pronostica.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was originally designed for the removal of rectal tumors, principally incipient adenomas, and adenocarcinomas up to 20 cm from the anal verge. However, with the evolution of the technique and the increase in surgeons' experience, new indications have emerged and TEM may now be used in place of other surgical procedures which are associated with higher morbidity. The aim of our study was to evaluate our group's use of TEM or transanal endoscopic operations (TEO) for conditions other than rectal tumors.An observational study of TEM (using Wolf equipment) or TEO (using Storz equipment) for indications other than excision of rectal tumors was conducted from June 2004 to July 2012.Four hundred twenty-four procedures were performed using TEM/TEO: removal of adenocarcinomas in 148 (34.9 %) patients, adenomas in 236 (55.7 %), post-polypectomy excision in 12 (2.8 %), removal of neuroendocrine tumors in 8 (1.9 %), and atypical indications in 20 (4.7 %). Atypical indications were pelvic abscess (3), benign rectal stenoses (2), rectourethral fistula after prostatectomy (3), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (3), endorectal condylomata acuminata (1), rectal prolapse (2), extraction of impacted fecaloma in the rectosigmoid junction (1), repair of traumatic and iatrogenic perforation of the rectum (2), and presacral tumor (3).The use of TEM/TEO in atypical indications may benefit patients by avoiding surgical procedures associated with greater morbidity.

espanolIntroduccion: la diverticulitis aguda (DA) es cada vez mas frecuente en los servicios de Urgencias. Es necesario un manejo seguro y eficaz con criterios de clasificacion que permitan un tratamiento dirigido. Objetivo: verificar que la clasificacion radiologica de Neff modificada (mNeff) asociada a criterios clinicos (sindrome de respuesta inflamatoria [SIRS] y comorbilidad) permite un manejo seguro de la DA. Material y metodos: estudio descriptivo prospectivo en una poblacion de pacientes diagnosticados de DA mediante tomografia computarizada (TC). El protocolo consiste en la aplicacion de la clasificacion de mNeff y criterios clinicos de SIRS y comorbilidad que permiten tratamiento ambulatorio, ingreso, drenaje o cirugia. Resultados: el estudio comprende el periodo de febrero de 2010 a febrero de 2016, con un total de 590 episodios de DA en 271 mujeres y 319 hombres, con una edad mediana de 60 anos (rango: 25-92 anos). Grados de mNeff: grado 0 (408 pacientes, 70,6%): 376/408 (92%) tributarios a tratamiento domiciliario; alta 254/376 (67,5%); reconsultaron 33 pacientes y 22 reingresaron; exito: 91%. Grado Ia (52, 8,9%): 31/52 (59,6%) tributarios a tratamiento ambulatorio; alta 11/31 (35,5%); reconsultaron ocho e ingresaron cinco. Grado Ib (49, 8,5%): cinco cirugias y dos drenajes. Grado II (30, 5,2%): diez cirugias y cuatro drenajes. Grado III (5, 0,9%): una cirugia y un drenaje. Grado IV (34, 5,9%): diez pacientes con buena evolucion con tratamiento conservador; 24/34 (70,6%) fueron intervenidos; colocamos 3/34 (8,8%) drenajes percutaneos. Conclusion: la clasificacion de mNeff es una clasificacion segura y aplicable basada en los hallazgos radiologicos de la TC. Junto con datos clinicos y de comorbilidad, permite un mejor manejo del cuadro de DA. EnglishIntroduction: Acute diverticulitis (AD) is increasingly seen in Emergency services. The application of a reliable classification is vital for its safe and effective management. Objective: To determine whether the combined use of the modified Neff radiological classification (mNeff) and clinical criteria (systemic inflammatory response syndrome [SIRS] and comorbidity) can ensure safe management of AD. Material and methods: Prospective descriptive study in a population of patients diagnosed with AD by computerized tomography (CT). The protocol applied consisted in the application of the mNeff classification and clinical criteria of SIRS and comorbidity to guide the choice of outpatient treatment, admission, drainage or surgery. Results: The study was carried out from February 2010 to February 2016. A total of 590 episodes of AD were considered: 271 women and 319 men, with a median age of 60 years (range: 25-92 years). mNeff grades were as follows: grade 0 (408 patients 70.6%); 376/408 (92%) were considered for home treatment; of these 376 patients, 254 (67.5%) were discharged and controlled by the Home Hospitalization Unit; 33 returned to the Emergency Room for consultation and 22 were re-admitted; the success rate was 91%. Grade Ia (52, 8.9%): 31/52 (59.6%) were considered for outpatient treatment; of these 31 patients, 11 (35.5%) were discharged; eight patients returned to the Emergency Room for consultation and five were re-admitted. Grade Ib (49, 8.5%): five surgery and two drainage. Grade II (30, 5.2%): ten surgery and four drainage. Grade III (5, 0.9%): one surgery and one drainage. Grade IV (34, 5.9%): ten patients showed good evolution with conservative treatment. Of the 34 grade IV patients, 24 (70.6%) underwent surgery, and three (8.8%) received percutaneous drainage. Conclusions: The mNeff classification is a safe, easy-to-apply classification based on CT findings. Together with clinical data and comorbidity data, it allows better management of AD.

espanolIntroduccion: la pancreatitis aguda es una enfermedad con tendencia a recurrir, sobre todo si persiste la causa que la desencadena. Nuestro objetivo es determinar la tasa de recurrencia de la pancreatitis aguda biliar tras un primer episodio y su intervalo de aparicion, asi como identificar los factores de riesgo de recidiva. Material y metodo: hemos incluido todos los pacientes ingresados por un primer episodio de pancreatitis aguda de origen litiasico durante cuatro anos. Las variables principales estudiadas fueron reingreso por recurrencia e intervalo de tiempo de aparicion del nuevo episodio. Resultados: hemos incluido 296 pacientes que han ingresado en un total de 386 ocasiones. La incidencia de la pancreatitis aguda biliar en nuestro medio es de 17,5/100.000 habitantes/ano. El 19,6% de las pancreatitis han sido graves (22,6% de pancreatitis agudas graves en el primer episodio vs. 3,6% en las pancreatitis recurrentes) con una mortalidad global del 4,4%. La tasa global de recurrencia ha sido del 15,5%, con un intervalo de tiempo de 82 dias de mediana. El 14,2% de los pacientes han presentado recurrencia despues de un episodio de pancreatitis sin que se les hubiera realizado colecistectomia o colangio-pancreatografia retrograda endoscopica. Las pancreatitis agudas graves recurren un 7,2% mientras que las leves lo hacen el 16,3%, siendo este el unico factor de riesgo de recurrencia hallado. Conclusiones: los pacientes ingresados por pancreatitis deberian ser colecistectomizados a la mayor brevedad posible o ser priorizados en la lista de espera. En su defecto, una alternativa a la cirugia podria ser la colangio-pancreatografia retrograda endoscopica con esfinterotomia en casos seleccionados. EnglishIntroduction: Acute pancreatitis is often a relapsing condition, particularly when its triggering factor persists. Our goal is to determine the recurrence rate of acute biliary pancreatitis after an initial episode, and the time to relapse, as well as to identify the risk factors for recurrence. Material and method: We included all patients admitted for a first acute gallstone pancreatitis event during four years. Primary endpoints included readmission for recurrence and time to relapse. Results: We included 296 patients admitted on a total of 386 occasions. The incidence of acute biliary pancreatitis in our setting is 17.5/100,000 population/year. In all, 19.6% of pancreatitis were severe (22.6% of severe acute pancreatitis for first episodes versus 3.6% for recurring pancreatitis), with an overall mortality of 4.4%. Overall recurrence rate was 15.5%, with a median time to relapse of 82 days. In total, 14.2% of patients relapsed after an acute pancreatitis event without cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. Severe acute pancreatitis recur in 7.2% of patients, whereas mild cases do so in 16.3%, this being the only risk factor for recurrence thus far identified. Conclusions: Patients admitted for pancreatitis should undergo cholecystectomy as soon as possible or be guaranteed priority on the waiting list. Otherwise, endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography with sphincterotomy may be an alternative to surgery for selected patients.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor. Given its origin, it can appear in almost any location. In the literature, only 50 cases of SFT in the liver parenchyma have been reported. Despite its rarity, this entity should be included in the differential diagnosis of liver masses. We report the first case with imaging data from five years prior to diagnosis, which was treated by right portal embolization and arterial tumor embolization, and subsequent liver resection. We also present an exhaustive review of the cases described to date.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a three-dimensional viewing endoscopic system procedure which provides access to rectal tumors through a rectoscope. Two-dimensional transanal endoscopic operation (TEO), with the introduction of high-definition vision, achieves results that are comparable to those of the classical TEM. The main aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of TEO and TEM systems in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Study population: patients meeting inclusion criteria for diagnosis of rectal tumors with curative intent. Sample size, 36 patients. Patients were randomized to receive one of the two procedures. Study variables recorded were the following: preoperative data (time taken to assemble equipment, surgical time, quality of pneumorectum), postoperative morbidity and mortality, pathology study of the tumors, and economic analysis. Thirty-six patients were analyzed according to intention to treat. Two patients were excluded. The final per-protocol analysis was 34 patients. There were no significant differences in the preoperative or operative variables, quality of pneumorectum, postoperative variables, or pathology results. A trend toward benefit was observed in favor of TEO in time required for assembly, surgical suture time, and total surgical time though the differences were not statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of the total cost of the procedure, with mean costs of 2,031 € ± 440 for TEO and 2,603 € ± 507 for TEM (95 % CI 218.15–926.486 €, p = 0.003). No technical or clinical differences were observed between the results obtained with the two systems except lower cost with TEO.

AIM: To assess the morphological impact of transanal endoscopic surgery on the sphincter apparatus using the modified Starck classification. METHODS: A prospective, observational study of 118 consecutive patients undergoing Transanal Endoscopic Operation/Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEO/TEM) from March 2013 to May 2014 was performed. All the patients underwent an endoanal ultrasound prior to surgery and one and four months postoperatively in order to measure sphincter width, identify sphincter defects and to quantify them in terms of the level, depth and size of the affected anal canal. To assess the lesions, we used the “modified” Starck classification, which incorporates the variable “sphincter fragmentation”. The results were correlated with the Wexner incontinence questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 118 patients, twelve (sphincter lesions) were excluded. The results of the 106 patients were as follows after one month: 31 (29.2%) lesions found on ultrasound after one month, median overall Starck score of 4 (range 3-6); 10 (9.4%) defects in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and 3 (2.8%) in the external anal sphincter (EAS); 17 patients (16%) had fragmentation of the sphincter apparatus with both sphincters affected in one case. At four months: 7 (6.6%) defects, all in the IAS, overall median Starck score of 4 (range 3-6). Mean IAS widths were 3.5 mm (SD 1.14) preoperatively, 4.38 mm (SD 2.1) one month postoperatively and 4.03 mm (SD 1.46) four months postoperatively. The only statistically significant difference in sphincter width in the IAS measurements was between preoperatively and one month postoperatively. No incontinence was reported, even in cases of ultrasound abnormalities. CONCLUSION: TEO/TEM may produce ultrasound abnormalities but this is not accompanied by clinical changes in continence. The modified Starck classification is useful for describing and managing these disorders.

Introducción: Las lesiones vasculares abdominales presentan los mayores índices de mortalidad y morbilidad de entre todas las lesiones que puede sufrir un enfermo traumático. Método: Revisión de la clínica, diagnóstico, vías de abordaje y tratamiento de los pacientes con lesiones vasculares intraabdominales, basada en la experiencia en el manejo de 302 enfermos. Resultados: Las heridas penetrantes abdominales constituyen entre el 90%-95% de las lesiones que afectan a los vasos abdominales. La lesión abdominal multiorgánica es frecuente. Los hallazgos clínicos compatibles con hemoperitoneo o peritonitis y la ausencia de pulsos femorales son tributarios de laparotomía. En los pacientes que presentan paro cardio-respiratorio, se debe realizar toracotomía de urgencia para masaje cardiaco abierto y pinzamiento aórtico. La mortalidad global es del 54%, la exsanguinación representa el 85% de la misma. El síndrome compartimental en el abdomen y en las extremidades, así como el círculo vicioso de la acidosis, la hipotermia y la coagulopatía son las principales complicaciones. Conclusiones: Las lesiones vasculares abdominales presentan una alta mortalidad y morbilidad. El conocimiento anatómico del retroperitoneo y de las vías de abordaje de los vasos así como una exploración clínica adecuada ayudaran a disminuir las complicaciones y la mortalidad de estos pacientes.Aim: Abdominal vascular injuries have a very high mortality and morbidity rates among trauma patients. Methods: This is a clinical review of the diagnosis, surgical procedures, and treatment of patients with abdominal vascular injuries, based on the clinical experience from 302 patients presenting this type of injury. Results: Penetrating injuries account for 90% to 95% of all abdominal vascular injuries. Mutiple organ injuries are frequent. The clinical sings of a hemoperitoneum and or peritonitis and the absence of femoral pulses are indications for laparatomy. In the patients with cardio-pulmonary arrest, an emergent thoracatomy with open cardiac mássage and cross clamping of the aorta should be performed. The global mortality rate is 54%. Exsanguination accounts for 85% of these deaths. The compartment syndrome of the abdomen and limbs, as well as the cronic cycle of ascidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathies are the principle complications. Conclusions: Abdominal vascular injuries have a high mortality/morbidity rate. The precise knowledge of the retroperitoneal anatomy and the surgical approaches to access these vessels, as well as the adequate clinical evaluation will assist in lowering the mortality and complications rates of these patients.

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard treatment for rectal cancer, but complications are frequent and rates of morbidity, mortality and genitourinary alterations are high. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows preservation of the anal sphincters and, via its vision system through a rectoscope, allows access to rectal tumors located as far as 20 cm from the anal verge. The capacity of local surgery to cure rectal cancer depends on the risk of lymph node invasion. This means that correct preoperative staging of the rectal tumor is necessary. Currently, local surgery is indicated for rectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas invading the submucosa, but not beyond (T1). Here we describe the standard technique for TEM, the different types of equipment used, and the technical limitations of this approach. TEM to remove rectal adenoma should be performed in the same way as if the lesion were an adenocarcinoma, due to the high percentage of infiltrating adenocarcinomas in these lesions. In spite of the generally good results with T1, some authors have published surprisingly high recurrence rates; this is due to the existence of two types of lesions, tumors with good and poor prognosis, divided according to histological and surgical factors. The standard treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma T2N0M0 is TME without adjuvant therapy. In this type of adenocarcinoma, local surgery obtains the best results when complete pathological response has been achieved with previous chemoradiotherapy. The results with chemoradiotherapy and TEM are encouraging, but the scientific evidence remains limited at present.