Abdominal stab wound involving a horseshoe kidney

Abdominal stab wounds represent approximately 7% of abdominal injuries in our environment. However, renal involvement in these cases is relatively uncommon (2% of visceral lesions). We present a case of a stab wound in the anterior abdominal wall. In addition to intestinal lesions, the injury produced a lesion in a horseshoe kidney, a relatively uncommon malformation of the urinary system (1/400 individuals). Despite the rarity of this occurrence, when dealing with an emergency affecting a malformed kidney, knowledge of the inherent peculiarities of these defects is essential for the appropriate management of these patients.     

Hepatocarcinoma in noncirrhotic liver

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually develops in patients with liver cirrhosis or chronic liver disease. These tumors are highly infrequent in patients without precipitating factors. We present a series of four patients with nonfibrolamellar HCC arising in healthy liver. None of the patients had viral infection, or showed alcohol abuse and/or hemochromatosis. Three patients underwent surgery. The clinical characteristics, therapeutic options, and survival and recurrence rates in this type of tumor are discussed.     

Fast-track multimodal rehabilitation programs in laparoscopic colorectal surgery

For the last two decades, general and digestive surgeons have attempted to improve the postoperative course of surgical patients. Classical perioperative treatment can be described as a period of preoperative dehydration caused by fasting and intensive colon preparation followed by fluid overload generally due to excessively prolonged serum therapy. There is also perioperative surgical stress, the trauma of surgery itself, and a long period of drainage and nasogastric tubes. The patient is thus literally confined to bed and mobilization is, at the very least, difficult. Moreover, the use of opiates delays intestinal peristalsis and consequently oral nutrition. All together, these factors prolong the length of hospital stay and hamper recovery. All these perioperative treatment modalities have been questioned by Kehlet, resulting in a set of new, more realistic and evidence-based modalities, currently known as the fast-track program. The aim of this program is to decrease perioperative stress, reduce organ involvement produced by surgical trauma and hasten the patient's general recovery. Major advantages of this program consist not only of shorter length of hospital stay but also of a concurrent improvement in patients' quality of life and a reduction in mortality. The present review article analyzes all these modalities, with special emphasis on laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This approach is presented as one of the elements of the fast-track program.     

Iatrogenic tracheal rupture after endotracheal intubation

Tracheobronchial rupture after tracheal intubation is rare in clinical practice. Possible contributory factors are multiple vigorous attempts at intubation, overinflation of the cuff, anatomic alterations, and predisposing individual factors. These lesions can be detected by bronchoscopy, which is the most effective method to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact location and extent of the tear. We report the case of a woman with membranous tracheal rupture after endotracheal intubation. Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and bilateral pneumothorax were noted after extubation. The diagnosis was confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and computed tomography scan, and the patient required emergency surgical repair.     

Intestinal perforation secondary to impaction of a retained endoscopic capsule

We present the first documented case of intestinal perforation due to impaction of an endoscopic capsule. The capsule was used to investigate anemia in an 80-year-old woman and was retained in the intestinal lumen for 2 months without producing symptoms. The patient presented to the emergency service with sudden, intense, diffuse abdominal pain. Hollow viscus perforation was suspected and surgery was performed. The diagnosis was distal ileum perforation secondary to an impacted endoscopic capsule in an area of severe postsurgical adhesions under a subcostal cholecystectomy incision performed 10 years previously. After reviewing the literature, we believe it important to report this exceptional complication of capsule endoscopy and suggest the possible management of capsules retained in the digestive tract.     

Surgical training with simulators in training centers

The development of new endoscopic procedures and minimally-invasive surgical interventions has led the methodology used to date to be questioned. Greater demand for safety by patients, the growth of the health budget and the reduced time available for training have led to the proliferation of centers with accredited personnel in which the knowledge and surgical skills necessary for the controlled incorporation of these techniques can be acquired. Simulators are available for the learning of both digestive endoscopy and laparoscopic techniques. These simulators are more or less dynamic, virtual, with viscera or mixed; even live animals can be used. Thus, the various techniques can be incorporated into clinical practice safely and effectively and at a reasonable cost. Simulators also allow evaluation and follow-up of the skills acquired.