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Biomedical subjects

Alejandro González-Ojeda

Publications and source records attributed to Alejandro González-Ojeda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Use of fibrin sealant in hypospadias surgical repair reduces the frequency of postoperative complications.

INTRODUCTION: Urethrocutaneous fistulas (UCF) and flap dehiscence (FD) are the most common postoperative complications after hypospadias (HS) surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the application of fibrin sealant over the site of surgery and suture lines reduces these complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of consecutive patients was treated over a 3-year period. 30 patients were submitted to HS surgical repair plus application of fibrin glue over the suture line and surgical site; for comparison, another 56 subjects made up the control group which was submitted to surgical repair only. Variables assessed included: age, type of HS, fibrin sealant used, complications and number of surgical procedures required to treat recurrences. RESULTS: In general, the frequency of complications was 10 vs. 41% for UCF (p = 0.002), 13 vs. 50% for FD (p = 0.001), and for flap necrosis (FN) 6.7 vs. 28.6% (p = 0.01) for the treatment and control groups respectively. The number of surgical reinterventions to treat recurrences was higher in the control group than in the study group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The incidence of UCF after HS surgical repair can be reduced by applying fibrin sealant over the site of surgery and the suture lines.

Child, Preschool↗

Tension-free hernioplasty versus conventional hernioplasty for inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: To show the effectiveness of tension-free hernioplasty for inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: We studied 106 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair, as conventional hernioplasty in 52 and as tension-free hernioplasty in 54. We analyzed the operation time, postoperative complications, pain, time to resume daily activities, and frequency of recurrence in the short and long term. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 46.2 years. The operation time was significantly shorter in the tension-free group than in the conventional group, at 33 +/- 11.1 versus 49 +/- 8.8 min, respectively (P < 0.05). The overall complication rate was 10%, being 1.5% in the tension-free group and 13% in the conventional group (P = 0.4). The visual-analogue pain scores after surgery were lower in the tension-free group than in the conventional group (P = 0.01). Patients in the tension-free group returned to their normal activities sooner than those in the conventional group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tension-free hernioplasty resulted in less pain and allowed patients to return to their daily activities sooner than conventional hernioplasty.

Adult↗

Reduction of bone resorption by the application of fibrin glue in the reconstruction of the alveolar cleft.

A major complication in 30% to 75% of cases of surgical treatment of alveolar cleft is resorption of the bone graft. A treatment alternative is the application of fibrin glue, which has the capacity to favor the integration of the graft. The main objective of the study was to evaluate if the use of the fibrin glue reduces bone resorption when it is applied locally. The authors designed a randomized clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1, fibrin glue; and group 2, control. Pre- and postoperative graft volume, bone density, bone quality (Lekholm and Zarb, and Norton and Gamble classifications), and postoperative complications were evaluated. The follow-up for all patients was 3 months after discharge. Twenty-seven patients were surgically treated, 13 in group 1 and 14 in group 2. Group 1 had increased graft volume compared with group 2 (64.32 cm v 21.70 cm; P < 0.0001). Bone density was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (396.57 v 245.68; P > 0.076). Bone quality was type 1, 2 and 3 and 4 in group 1. Resorption in group 2 was 62.26%; in group 1, it was 29.72% (P > 0.081). The observed complications were infection and dehiscence of sutures (P > 0.537). The authors conclude that the fibrin glue significantly diminishes bone resorption, allowing improved graft integration and quality.

Adolescent↗

Nontropical pyomyositis in an immunocompetent host.

Pyomyositis is a primary infection of the striated muscle. We describe the clinical and imaging features of 2 cases with nontropical pyomyositis in immunocompetent hosts. Staphylococcus aureus was the causative agent; the treatment included antibiotics and either computed tomography or magnetic resonance-guided percutaneous needle drainage, avoiding open drainage. This treatment modality was successful with complete recovery of movement. Because of the rarity of pyomyositis in temperate climates, the common lack of specific signs or symptoms, and the frequent negative blood cultures, considerable delay precedes the diagnosis. Fever, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and muscle stiffness are diagnostic clues. Increased awareness, especially in immunocompetent hosts, should lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment with improved outcomes. Diagnosis and treatment can be reached at the same time in some cases by image-guided percutaneous drainage.

Adult↗

L-alanyl-L-glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition improves infectious morbidity in secondary peritonitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: A growing number of randomized clinical trials suggest that glutamine (Gln) supplementation may be beneficial in a selected group of patients and conditions. However, the effects of Gln-enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on recovery from acute intra-abdominal infection have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the provision of Gln-enriched TPN after surgical and medical treatment of secondary peritonitis improves infectious morbidity. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with secondary peritonitis were randomly assigned to receive either standard (n=16) TPN or L-alanyl-L-glutamine-supplemented (n=17) TPN, after medical and surgical treatment of the infectious focus. The two TPN formulae were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, which commenced the morning after surgery and ran continuously for 10 consecutive days. The control group received standard TPN, while the treatment group was given L-alanyl-L-glutamine, 0.40 g/kg/d (Dipeptiven, Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany). Infectious morbidity, nitrogen balance, leukocytes, lymphocytes, subpopulations CD(4) and CD(8), Immunoglobulin A (IgA), total proteins, albumin, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and mortality were evaluated. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, the unpaired Student's t-test, the Mann-Whitney U-test, chi(2) test, or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were comparable prior to the operation. Nitrogen balance and the levels of albumin and IgA were significantly better than those in the control group. Also, a significant reduction in the infectious morbidity was found in the Gln-treated group. Lymphocyte counts as well as subpopulations CD(4) and CD(8), and proteins showed a propensity to improvement and a tendency to reduced rates of mortality were observed when comparing the groups. Hospital and ICU stays were similar. CONCLUSION: L-alanyl-L-glutamine-supplemented TPN improved the infectious morbidity of patients with secondary peritonitis. Gln supplementation to parenteral nutrition may be an alternative for enhancing host defenses and improving infectious morbidity.

Alanine↗

Clinical experience using the dorsal reverse metacarpal flap for the treatment of congenital syndactyly: report of four cases.

Skin grafts and local flaps are conventional methods of repair for simple complete syndactyly, but the results obtained are not always as functional and aesthetic as desired and frequently leave postoperative scars and residual syndactyly. In this article, we describe a new surgical technique for the correction of syndactyly that utilizes a metacarpal dorsal reverse flap to provide skin coverage to the interdigital space and also to 1 side of the finger, therefore avoiding the use of skin grafts and resulting postoperative scar contracture. We report 4 cases using this procedure, with a 12-month follow up. The technique is safe, easily performed, and reproducible and requires a single surgical procedure. It uses donor tissue identical in color, texture, and thickness, which renders acceptable cosmesis and good hand function.

Journal Article↗

Human papillomavirus DNA and protein in tissue samples of oesophageal cancer, Barrett's oesophagus and oesophagitis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of presenting with oesophageal cancer is associated with Barrett's oesophagus, with a higher prevalence in some Asian and African countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA has been identified in oesophageal carcinomas, which share common features with cervical cancers and originate in stratified epithelium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight paraffin-embedded tissue biopsies were selected from Mexican patients: 17 from oesophageal cancers, 28 from cases of Barrett's oesophagus and 23 from cases of oesophagitis. HPV protein was detected immunohistochemically and the presence and types of HPV DNA were assessed by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: HPV DNA-positive results were found in 26% of samples of oesophagitis, 96% of samples of Barrett's oesophagus and 88% of samples of oesophageal cancers. HPV viral types 6 and 11 were prevalent. HPV protein was detected in 41 samples (60%). CONCLUSION: Mexico has a high prevalence of HPV in premalignant and malignant oesophageal diseases compared with other countries.

Barrett Esophagus↗

[Detection of thyroid pathology during surgical exploration of the neck for primary hyperthyroidism].

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine prevalence of incidental thyroid pathology during surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism and to compare sensitivity and specificity of surgical neck exploration with histologic study of resected thyroid gland to confirm unsuspected pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was prospective cohort study performed at the Specialty Hospital's Department of Endocrine Surgery at the Mexican Institute of Social Security's (IMSS's) Centro Médico de Occidente in Guadalajara, Jalisco State between 1995 and 2003. All were submitted to bilateral neck exploration under general anesthesia. According to the surgeon's criteria, any suspected thyroid anomaly was resected for transoperative frozen sections as well as definite histopathologic study. RESULTS: Preoperatively from a total of 44 cases of hyperparathyroidism, only four cases with thyroid anomalies were detected with neck ultrasound and/or computer tomography (CT) scan; additionally, 13 patients had thyroid anomalies found during neck exploration according to surgeon criteria. All were biopsied. Final study revealed thyroid disease in 16 cases; three had well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma and the remaining 13 patients had different benign entities. In one case, the thyroid specimen was considered normal. Sensitivity and specificity of surgeon criteria were 100 and 96%, respectively, to establish thyroid disease during neck exploration for another purpose. CONCLUSIONS: Association of hyperparathyroidism and benign and malignant thyroid disease is a common phenomenon. Independently of the ability of preoperative imaging procedures to detect unsuspected findings, we suggest exploration neck bilaterally and resection of any suspicious lesion.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

[Surgical reinterventions in neck after elective procedures].

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the frequency of surgical reinterventions for recurrence or disease persistence after elective surgical procedures of the neck. METHODS: We used a transversal and comparative study, accomplished during a 6-year period. Emergency initial surgical procedures were excluded. The patients were divided according to the type of hospital where the initial surgical procedure was performed--those treated at a specialized medical center and those operated on in general hospitals. The variables evaluated were preoperative and pathological diagnosis, previous surgical procedures, and the time between the primary surgery and the definitive procedure. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-two cases were included. Of these, 27 patients (7.45%) required surgical reinterventions. Time elapsed between the first and the definitive procedure was 1 to 19 years. Diagnostic concordance between the initial and final diagnosis was 89%. According to the type of hospital where the initial procedure was performed (specialized vs. general hospitals), we observed the following reintervention frequencies: parathyroid, 12.2% vs. 12.2% (p = 0.6); thyroid, 1.63% vs. 5.88% (p <0.05); thyroglossal duct cyst, 1.65% vs. 5.83% (p = 0.41), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The specialized hospital admits patients with multiple problems, poor response, or inadequate therapeutic indication. For thyroid pathologies the odds ratio established a probability of 6.8 for major reintervention in those patients treated in non-specialized hospitals.

Adult↗

[Bursting pressure in normal and ischemic colonic anastomoses in rats; using biological and synthetic adhesives].

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to determine bursting pressure in normal and ischemic colonic anastomoses in rats as well as the frequency and type of complications with the use of biological and synthetic adhesives. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an experimental study using 80 Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing between 200 and 250 g, divided into four groups: one control group and three study groups. Anastomoses were realized using one layer of interrupted 6-0 polypropylene sutures. Each group was divided into two categories: normal colon (n = 10) and ischemic colon, induced by dividing mesenteric blood vessels (n = 10). Group 2 used octyl-cyanoacrylate, group 3 used N-2-butyl-cyanoacrylate, and group 4 used 40 mg/ml fibrinogen with 1000 u/ml of thrombin. Bursting pressure was measured with a manometer creating pressure in the anastomotic bowel using an infusion pump at 1 ml/min of NaCl 0.9%. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t test, one-way ANOVA, chi square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Group 1: (control) normal 127.8 +/- 16.21 versus 109 +/- 17 with ischemia (p < 0.05); group 2: normal 145.5 +/- 89 versus ischemic colon 97.6 +/- 40 (p = 0.136); group 3: normal 145.7 +/- 34 versus 130.8 +/- 15.33 with ischemia (p = 0.22); group 4: normal 239 +/- 26.4 versus 196.5 +/- 14.3 with ischemia (0.000). Bursting pressure was statistically significant in group 4, showing greater pressures (p < 0.001). Bursting segment was shown to be higher outside the anastomoses. Complications such as adhesions and intestinal obstruction were seen more frequently in both cyanoacrylate groups. CONCLUSIONS: An increased bursting pressure was shown in the fibrinogen groups, having a greater tensile strength of the anastomoses. Pressures similar when anastomoses were treated with any of the other two synthetic adhesives.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

[Measurement of the development of psychomotor abilities in surgical endoscopy training with the use of a simulator and biological pieces].

INTRODUCTION: Learning laparoscopic surgery skills using a simulator board is one of the new acquired teaching methods. This work seeks an evaluation method to assess, by objective means, the development of psychometric skills during a simulated workshop with biological pieces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a 2-month period, 15 students from an endoscopic surgery seminar were evaluated using a simulator board with the objective to assess four specific skills: object mobilization, cutting pattern, sutures and intracorporeal knots. Eight practice procedures with biological pieces were performed in the simulator. Time and precision were measured in the four assignments. RESULTS: Students improved significantly in object mobilization (p = 0.02), precision in cutting pattern (p < 0.01) and suture (p = 0.02), and time and precision to realize intracorporeal knots (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This method allows the objective evaluation of the degree of development of surgical skills using a simulator board. It is inexpensive and easy to perform, which makes it useful for other institutions.

Computer Simulation↗

[Restorative proctocolectomy with J-pouch reservoir. Experience in a national medical center].

OBJECTIVE: To present the experience for morbidity and mortality of surgical treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) and familiar adenomatous polyposis (FAP) with restorative proctocolectomy with J-pouch. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used a cases series of patients treated consecutively from January 1993 to December 2003. Selection criteria were patients with J-pouch restorative proctocolectomy with CUC and FAP who were treated and assessed prospectively. RESULTS: There were 16 cases treated with restorative proctocolectomy (nine males and seven females). Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was established in 12 patients, and 4 with familiar adenomatous polyposis. Age average was 33 years. All cases had protective ileostomy. Seven patients developed at least one complication such as pelvic abscess, uretheral transection, pulmonary thromboembolism, hemoperitoneum, persistent transrectal bleeding, wound infection and sexual impotence. Only four patients required surgical reintervention. The median hospital stay was 11.9 days. Average bowel movements at 3 month-follow-up was 10.1, at 6 months 6.6. Medium average follow-up was 44.25 months. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study demonstrated adequate quality of life and appropriate functional results; rate of morbidity was acceptable with no mortality.independent of morbidity there was no mortality. Long-term follow up is necessary to identify long-term-late complications.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

[Academic medicine and gender: women in surgical specialities].

Scientific advances have always been used as a measure to place societies in the context of developed and developing countries. This circumstance has directly influenced the division among the sexes and among social strata. Traditionally women have been relegated to an inferior status and in some instances their role as active participants in social and economic development has been annulled. In professional spheres, women have reached positions that previously seemed unattainable due to social and cultural limitations imposed by men and sometimes by women themselves. Medical school is currently no longer an obstacle for women to gain entry to, approximately 50% of medical students are women. On the other hand, surgical residences constitute a more complex situation. In order for women to decide to apply to a surgical residence, they have to take into account a variety of factors, among them, the difficulty of joining a male dominated environment where women have to demonstrate they are able and capable of performing sometimes at the expense of having to carry an additional work load. Women admitted to surgical residences will have to face gender discrimination, pregnancy and family responsibilities as well as salary inequities and sometimes even sexual harassment. We aimed to show the circumstances and obstacles that women are confronted with during surgical training and the influence these have in their personal and professional development.

Female↗

[Necrotizing mediastinitis in deep neck infections].

INTRODUCTION: Mediastinitis is a rare complication of deep neck abscesses with a high mortality. An accelerated extension to the mediastinum can happen before the identification of the primary site of infection, delaying diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To report the results of treatment of patients with mediastinitis as a complication of deep neck infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case series. Consecutive patients with mediastinitis secondary to deep neck abscesses, from March 2001 to February 2004. RESULTS: We studied five patients: three males (60%) and two females (40%), mean age 42.2 +/- 18.4 years. In all patients there was at least a 3-day delay before appropriate diagnosis was made. Hospitalization ranged between 1 and 56 days. Symptoms were fever in five cases (100%), dysphagia in four (80%), dyspnea in four (80%), retrosternal pain in three (60%), orthopnea in two (40%), and tachycardia in one (20%). Primary infection sites were of dental origin in four cases (80%) and upper respiratory tract infection in one. Surgical management consisted of cervical and mediastinal drainage with tracheotomy in all patients (100%). Three also required pleurostomy and two required gastrostomy to improve nutritional status. Mean number of surgical procedures was 5.4 +/- 1.8. All patients developed respiratory insufficiency requiring mechanical ventilation. Mortality was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: The delayed diagnosis was common in this case series. The length of hospitalization was long because patients required management with ventilatory support and multiple surgical procedures to limit the infectious process. High mortality is an indication for the early identification and treatment of all cases.

Abscess↗

[Reduction of lymphatic drainage posterior to modified radical mastectomy with the application of fibrin glue].

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the effectiveness of fibrin glue to reduce hemato-lymphatic fluid production after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) in women with breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 43 women treated surgically were randomly assigned to receive 10 ml of fibrin glue at the end of the breast resection plus closed suction drains (n = 22), or drain system only as a control group (n = 23). Outcome variables were fluid collected in the drainage system measured each 24 h. Drains were removed when a 50 ml output per day was obtained. Seroma formation and flap complications were also investigated. RESULTS: The average age was 48.36 +/- 8.9 years for the study group and 52.87 +/- 9.74 years for the control group (p = 0.11). Body mass index (BMI) ranged between 22 and 35 kg/m2: 28.1 +/- 2.7 vs. 29.92 +/- 4.0 kg/m2 (p = 0.27). A reduction of the fluid drained was observed from the first postoperative day in the study group in contrast with the control (174.55 +/- 64.69 vs. 281.22 +/- 116.91, p = 0.001). A correlation between the BMI and the exposed surgical area was also statistically significant (p < 0.002), as well as the day the drains were extracted (p < 0.05). The incidence of seroma formation was 9% in the study group and 34.78% in the control, a statistically significant finding (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue locally applied to the surgical wound under the flap and axilla significantly reduced the amount and duration of lymphatic fluid produced after MRM with axillary dissection. Also, a significant reduction in the incidence of seromas was observed.

Breast Neoplasms↗

[Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the level of hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count as an activity index in ulcerative colitis].

INTRODUCTION: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease characterized by relapsing and remitting non-infectious inflammation of the colorectal mucosa. Its heterogeneity makes assessment of the disease's activity a prerequisite for a rational choice of therapy. We aimed to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets to develop a simplified activity index of UC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with UC were included and submitted to measurements of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, as well as sigmoidoscopy and biopsy. Sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values were correlated with the reported degree of activity in the biopsy. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine differences between groups, and Pearson and Spearman rank tests were used to correlate each parameter with the degree of activity. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The patients had moderate (n = 15), severe (n = 15), and normal histology as a control group (n = 15). Thirty-four (57%) were female and 26 (43%) were male. Average age was 26 +/- 12.8 years. Sensitivity and specificity for hemoglobin level was 51% and 100% for hematocrit, respectively, 51% and 100% for hematocrit, and 84% and 100% for platelet counts. Spearman's correlation for hemoglobin was r = -0.866 (p < 0.001), for hematocrit r = -0.864 (p < 0.001) and for platelets r = 0.928 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hemoglobin and hematocrit are useful to catalog the degree of activity of UC when it is severe. Platelet count may be a marker of severity at any time, due to its high sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic test.

Adult↗

[Splenic abscess secondary to massive bee bite in immunocompetent host. A case report].

INTRODUCTION: Spleen abscesses are considered as an infrequent infectious disease. An increase in its presentation has been seen due to certain pathologies or clinical conditions associated with immune suppression, endocarditis being one of the most frequent causes. Gram-positive aerobes are the main causal agents with non-specific clinical manifestations. CT scan and ultrasound are the elective choices for diagnosis and imaging support for punction and drainage. OBJECTIVE: To describe the case of a patients with splenic abscess and its possible association with massive bee bite. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old man, with no important medical history, suffered a massive bee bite and developed anaphylactic shock. He was managed at the emergency room where 116 bee stings were removed from the patient. He was discharged after 3 days. Eight days later he complained of abdominal pain localized in the left upper quadrant, persisting for 3 weeks. Abdominal pain increased and was accompanied by malaise, vomiting, fever, signs of peritonitis and leucocytosis. CT scan showed left pleural effusion, a single hypodense lesion in the inferior pole of the spleen, and thickness of the parenchyma. The patient was diagnosed with spleen abscess drained to cavity and was submitted to surgery. Surgical findings included localized peritonitis, friable spleen, and 200 ml of pus. Splenectomy was performed and IV antibiotic therapy was started. Blood culture, viral profile, Widal reactions, and serological test for HIV were negative. Secretion (pus) culture was positive for Enterococcus faecium. CONCLUSIONS: Spleen abscess is a rare entity and unusual diagnosis, representing a high mortality in non-treated patients. According to our search, there is no literature-based evidence of a similar case with this association. This report represents the first case of the association between spleen abscess and massive bee bite.

Abscess↗