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Purpose The small bites (SB) technique for closure of elective midline laparotomies (EMLs) and a prophylactic mesh (PM) in high-risk patients are suggested by the guidelines to prevent incisional hernias (IHs) and fascial dehiscence (FD). Our aim was to implement a protocol combining both the techniques and to analyze its outcomes. Methods Prospective data of all EMLs were collected for 2 years. Results were analyzed at 1 month and during follow-up. The incidence of HI and FD was compared by groups (M = Mesh vs. S = suture) and by subgroups depending on using SB. Results A lower number of FD appeared in the M group (OR 0.0692; 95% CI 0.008–0.56; P = 0.01) in 197 operations. After a mean follow-up of 29.23 months (N = 163; min. 6 months), with a lower frequency of IH in M group (OR 0.769; 95% CI 0.65–0.91; P P P P Conclusion Following the protocol using PM and SB showed a lower rate of FD and HI. A PM is safe and effective for the prevention of both HI and FD after MLE, regardless of the closure technique used.

Background The closure technique of the abdominal wall is a key factor in the development of incisional hernia. Our aim was to implement a protocol for closure of median laparotomy, to evaluate the grade of implementation, as well as to assess the results and safety of the technique. Methods A series of formative activities to implement the small bites technique for closure of median laparotomy in elective operations were designed. After 1 year, a survey was conducted on knowledge and use of the technique. Prospective compilation of data of all median laparotomy in elective operations and their follow-up was done for 1 year. The incidence of incisional hernia depending on the fulfilment of the protocol was compared. Results A total of 74 surgeons participated in the activities. All the participants accomplished the technique perceiving low difficulty (1.9/10). After 1 year, 44 surgeons answered the survey; 95% stated that they knew the small bites technique and used it always or almost always, but only 52% performed the calculation of the suture length and the incision length ratio. A total of 114 median laparotomy in elective operations were analyzed; among them, 30.7% were closed with small bites presenting a lower frequency of incisional hernia and burst abdomen (small bites 3.6% vs large bites 12.1%; odds ratio 1.30; confidence interval, 0.992--1.711; P = .20). Conclusion The measures were effective for learning, but education alone was not enough to implement the technique in the real scenario. Small bites technique is reproducible, has no risks, and provides low incidence of incisional hernia. More incentives and actions are needed to improve laparotomy closure.

Background Acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) is the second most frequent surgical condition in emergency departments. The recommended treatment is the early laparoscopic cholecystectomy; however, the Tokyo Guidelines (TG) advocate for different initial treatments in some subgroups of patients without a strong evidence that all patients will benefit from them. There is no clear consensus in the literature about who is the unfit patient for surgical treatment. The primary aim of the study is to identify the risk factors for mortality in ACC and compare them with Tokyo Guidelines (TG) classification. Methods Retrospective unicentric cohort study of patients emergently admitted with and ACC during 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2016. The study comprised 963 patients. Primary outcome was the mortality after the diagnosis. A propensity score method was used to avoid confounding factors comparing surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment. Results The overall mortality was 3.6%. Mortality was associated with older age (68 + IQR 27 vs. 83 + IQR 5.5; P = 0.001) and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.5 + 5.3 vs. 0+2; P = 0.001). A logistic regression model isolated four mortality risk factors (ACME): chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.66 95% CI 1.7–12.8 P = 0.001), dementia (OR 4.12; 95% CI 1.34–12.7, P = 0.001), age > 80 years (OR 1.12: 95% CI 1.02–1.21, P = 0.001) and the need of preoperative vasoactive amines (OR 9.9: 95% CI 3.5–28.3, P = 0.001) which predicted the mortality in a 92% of the patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve yielded an area of 88% significantly higher that 68% (P = 0.003) from the TG classification. When comparing subgroups selected using propensity score matching with the same morbidity and severity of ACC, mortality was higher in the non-surgical treatment group. (26.2% vs. 10.5%). Conclusions Mortality was higher in ACC patients treated with non-surgical treatment. ACME identifies high-risk patients. The validation to ACME with a prospective multicenter study population could allow us to create a new alternative guideline to TG for treating ACC. Trial registration Retrospectively registered and recorded in Clinical Trials. NCT04744441

Oligometastatic disease is a relatively new concept that refers to an intermediate stage between disseminated and localized cancer. Most frequent locations for colorectal metastasis are lung and liver. We present an a typical case of an 85-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a low-grade adenocarcinoma in left colon; she underwent a left laparoscopic hemicolectomy which resulted in a stage IIIb. After 24 months of follow-up, an increase of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) leads to the diagnosis of two metastatic lesions in two uncommon locations: spleen and myometrium. Stepwise surgical resection of both lesions was performed without complications. Spleen and uterus are organs that are rarely affected in colorectal cancer, the affection of both organs being even more infrequent. Despite the atypicality, surgical treatment is a valid strategy in this case of oligometastatic disease, which enables the disease-free survival of the patients.

Aim Small bites (SB) technique for closure of elective midline laparotomies (EMLs) and a prophylactic mesh (PM) in high-risk patients are suggested by guidelines to prevent incisional hernias (IHs) and burst abdomen (BA). Our aim was to implement a protocol combining both and to analyze its outcomes. Material and Methods Prospective data collection of all EMLs for one year. Results were analyzed at one month and during follow-up. The incidence of IH and BA was compared by groups depending on the use of a PM (M Group) or not (S Group), and in subgroups related to the closure technique: SB (Subgroups MSB and SSB) or not (Subgroups MLB and MSB). Results A lower number of BA was diagnosed in the M group (OR 0.0692; CI95% 0.008-0.56; P = 0.01) in 197 operations. 163 patients completed a mean follow-up of 29.23 months, with a lower frequency of IH in M group patients (OR = 0.769; CI 95% 0.65 - 0.91; P Conclusions A PM is the most powerful tool for prevention both IH and BA after EMLs, regardless of the closure technique in patients at high-risk for IHs.

Aim Aim of our study is to analysis of postoperative outcomes (30 days) after elective unilateral open anterior inguinal hernia repair and prove correlation to modified Kingsnorth (MK) score classification system. Material and Methods Prospective registered (NTC 04806828) study of all consecutive unilateral open anterior groin hernia repair performed at a University Hospital General Surgery Department from January 2019 to December 2020. Data was stored at National Spanish Groin Hernia Registry (EVEREG). All patients were preoperatively classified using MK score. Statistical analysis of postoperative complications and their relation to preoperative modified Kingsnorth scale was performed. Results 403 patients were included. 61% were performed as ambulatory surgery. 15.7% had more than 5-8 MK punctuation. A total of 62 patients had postoperative complications, 81% of all complications were classified as Clavien I. Higher Surgery duration was directly related to higher MK (Pearson's correlation 0.291; P Conclusions MK classification predicts surgical wound complications on patients who undergo a primary unilateral inguinal hernia surgery. A KN score of 5-8 had a higher probability of wound complications. When surgery was performed by a specialist in abdominal wall surgery, less postoperative complications were observed.

To challenge the risk factors described in Tokyo Guidelines in Acute Calculous Cholecystitis.Retrospective single center cohort study with 963 patients with Acute Cholecystitis during a period of 5 years. Some 725 patients with a "pure" Acute Calculous Cholecystitis were selected. The analysis included 166 variables encompassing all risk factors described in Tokyo Guidelines. The Propensity Score Matching method selected two subgroups of patients with equal comorbidities, to compare the severe complications rate according to the initial treatment (Surgical vs Non-Surgical). We analyzed the Failure-to-rescue as a quality indicator in the treatment of Acute Calculous Cholecystitis.the median age was 69 years (IQR 53-80). 85.1% of the patients were ASA II or III. The grade of the Acute Calculous Cholecystitis was mild in a 21%, moderate in 39% and severe in 40% of the patients. Cholecystectomy was performed in 95% of the patients. The overall complications rate was 43% and the mortality was 3.6%. The Logistic Regression model isolated 3 risk factor for severe complication: ASA II, cancer without metastases and moderate to severe renal disease. The Failure-to-Rescue (8%) was higher in patients with non-surgical treatment (32% vs. 7%; P = 0.002). After Propensity Score Matching, the number of severe complications was similar between Surgical and Non-Surgical treatment groups (48.5% vs 62.5%; P = 0.21).the recommended treatment for Acute Calculous Cholecystitis is the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Only three risk factors from the Tokyo Guidelines list appeared as independent predictors of severe complications. The failure-to-rescue is higher in non-surgically treated patients.

Caecal volvulus represent the 20–40% of colonic volvulus, being the second most frequent localization. It causes intestinal occlusion symptomatology (nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension). We present a case of 45-year-old women with feeding jejunostomy tube due to connatal anoxia. She arrives at A&E after 12 h of vomits and abdominal pain. The CT scan shows a small intestine dilation that suggested a small intestine volvulus. A laparotomy is performed showing a caecal volvulus, so ileo-cequectomy with primary anastomosis is performed. After several complications, she was discharged after 60 days of hospital stay. Caecal volvulus can be challenging to diagnose by clinic, because it can be hardly differenced from other intestinal occlusion causes. CT scan can be useful to reach the diagnostic and see signs of tissue suffering. In contrast with sigma volvulus, endoscopic treatment has not shown any benefit to solve it.

BackgroundPrevention of incisional hernias with a prophylactic mesh in emergency surgery is controversial. The present study aimed to analyze the long-term results of prophylactic mesh used for preventing incisional hernia after emergency midline laparotomies. MethodsThis study was a registered (NCT04578561) retrospective analysis of patients who underwent an emergency midline laparotomy between January 2009 and July 2010 with a follow-up period of longer than 2 years. Long-term outcomes and risk factors for the development of incisional hernias between patients who received a prophylactic reinforcement mesh (Group M) and suture (Group S) were compared. ResultsFrom an initial 266 emergency midline laparotomies, 187 patients were included. The median follow-up time was 64.4 months (SD 35). Both groups had similar characteristics, except for a higher rate of previous operations (62% vs. 43.2%; P=0.01) and operation due to a revision laparotomy (32.5% vs. 13%; P=0.02) in the M group. During follow-up, 29.9% of patients developed an incisional hernia (Group S 36.6% vs. Group M 14.3%; P=0.002). Chronic mesh infections were diagnosed in 2 patients, but no mesh explants were needed, and no patient in the M group developed chronic pain. Long-term risk factors for incisional hernia were as follows: smoking (HR=2.47; 95% CI 1.318–4.624; P=0.05), contaminated surgery (HR=2.98; 95% CI 1.142–7.8; P=0.02), surgical site infection (SSI; HR=3.83; 95% CI 1.86–7.86; P=0.001), and no use of prophylactic mesh (HR=5.09; 95% CI 2.1–12.2; P=0.001). Conclusion Incidence of incisional hernias after emergency midline laparotomies is high and increases with time. High-risk patients, contaminated surgery, and SSI benefit from mesh reinforcement. Prophylactic mesh use is safe and feasible in emergencies with a low long-term complication rate.

Introduccion y objetivos: el impacto de la reseccion quirurgica del tumor primario en la supervivencia del cancer colorrectal metastatico obstructivo es aun controvertido. El objetivo principal de este estudio ha sido analizar la supervivencia de pacientes con cancer colorrectal metastatico obstructivo tras tratamiento con cirugia resectiva o con protesis de colon. Material y metodos: estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes con cancer colorrectal estadio IV con clinica obstructiva diagnosticados entre 2005 y 2012 y tratados con cirugia resectiva o protesis de colon. Se han excluido casos con perforacion, absceso, neoplasia en colon derecho o recto distal, neoplasia colorrectal multiple y cirugia derivativa. Resultados: se incluyeron 95 pacientes, 49 tratados con cirugia resectiva y 46 con protesis de colon. El grupo tratado con protesis presento mayor indice de Charlson (9,5 ± 2,1 vs. 8,6 ± 1,5, p = 0,01), menor tiempo para la ingesta oral (0,9 ± 1,1 vs. 16,4 ± 53,5 dias, p = 0,05), menor estancia hospitalaria (4 ± 4,8 vs. 16,7 ± 15,5 dias, p = 0,0001), menor necesidad de estoma (11,1 % vs. 32,7 %, p = 0,01), menos complicaciones precoces (4,3 % vs. 46,9 %, p = 0,0001) y mas complicaciones tardias (33,3 % vs. 6,4 %, p = 0,001). Recibir quimioterapia (p = 0,008) fue el unico factor independiente de mayor supervivencia. En el subgrupo de pacientes tratados con quimioterapia la reseccion quirurgica del tumor primario fue un factor independiente de mayor supervivencia. Conclusion: en los pacientes diagnosticados de cancer colorrectal obstructivo estadio IV, ambos tratamientos son eficaces en la resolucion del cuadro obstructivo. La cirugia resectiva no impacta de forma positiva en la supervivencia y no puede ser recomendada como terapia de eleccion.

espanolIntroduccion: las guias internacionales recomiendan la colonoscopia de rutina tras un episodio de diverticulitis aguda para descartar la presencia de neoplasia avanzada. Sin embargo, tras la incorporacion en los ultimos anos de la tomografia axial computarizada dicha recomendacion ha quedado en entredicho, sobre todo en lo que se refiere a la diverticulitis no complicada. Por otro lado, la colonoscopia es una tecnica que comporta riesgos y costes adicionales. Objetivo: conocer la rentabilidad diagnostica, calidad y seguridad de la colonoscopia en la diverticulitis aguda. Metodos: estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes diagnosticados de diverticulitis aguda por tomografia computarizada (TC) entre los anos 2005 y 2013, a los que posteriormente se les realizo una colonoscopia. Resultados: doscientos dieciseis pacientes diagnosticados de diverticulitis aguda por TC (58 diverticulitis complicada [27%] y 158 diverticulitis no complicada [73%]) fueron incluidos. Se detecto neoplasia avanzada en 12 pacientes (5,6% [complicada/no complicada 11,7/3,2%, p = 0,02]). No se observaron complicaciones mayores. La calidad fue baja (completa: 88%; preparacion eficaz: 75%; reseccion de polipos EnglishIntroduction: international guidelines recommend a routine colonoscopy to rule out advanced neoplasm after an acute diverticulitis event. However, in recent years, this recommendation has been called into question following the advent of computerized tomography (CT), particularly with regard to uncomplicated diverticulitis. Furthermore, colonoscopy is associated with a risk and additional costs. Objective: to understand the diagnostic yield, quality and safety of colonoscopy in the setting of acute diverticulitis. Methods: this was a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis via CT between 2005 and 2013, who subsequently underwent a colonoscopy. Results: two hundred and sixteen patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis via CT were enrolled. These included 58 cases with complicated diverticulitis (27%) and 158 with uncomplicated diverticulitis (73%). An advanced neoplasm was found in 12 patients (5.6%); 11.7% were complicated and 3.2% were uncomplicated (p = 0.02). No major complications were identified. The quality was low but improved over time; the complete procedure rate was 88%, an effective preparation was achieved in 75% and excision of polyps