ABSTRACT In clinical practice, the study of cervical lymph nodes is common. The anamnesis and the physical examination often guide the etiology, however sometimes we have to use images studies. This is very relevant when we are assessing a metastatic lymph node due to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Ultrasound is usually used for the initial study of a cervical mass where the physician cannot determine its origin. The computed tomography allows a global evaluation of the neck. It is most often used when there is suspicion or confirmed diagnoses of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in cases that require evaluation of a primary neoplasm and the neck, such in salivary gland cancers, tongue base cancers, oral tongue or mouth floor tumors. PET-CT is a good test to evaluate head and neck cancers of unknown primary site and possible distant metastases, as well as evaluation of persistent adenopathies after treatment with radiochemotherapy. Having an organized evaluation in the study of a lymph node, with an adequate use of the imaging resource, helps not to hinder the diagnostic process and give an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

RESUMEN En la práctica clínica es habitual el estudio de linfonodos cervicales. La anamnesis y el examen físico orientan la etiología, pero ocasionalmente debemos recurrir a estudios imagenológicos. Esto es muy relevante en contexto de un linfonodo metastásico por un carcinoma escamoso de cabeza y cuello. Para esto podemos utilizar diversas herramientas imagenológicas. El ultrasonido se utiliza para el estudio inicial de una masa cervical en donde clínicamente no queda claro el origen. La tomografía computarizada permite la evaluación de manera global del cuello. Se utiliza ante sospechas o diagnósticos confirmados de carcinoma escamoso de cabeza y cuello. La resonancia magnética tiene utilidad en casos que requieren evaluación de un primario y el cuello, como cánceres de glándulas salivales, base de lengua, lengua oral o piso de boca. El PET-TC es un buen examen a la hora de evaluar un cáncer de cabeza y cuello de primario desconocido y posibles metástasis a distancia, como también cuando se quiere evaluar adenopatías persistentes postratamiento con radioquimioterapia. Tener una evaluación ordenada en el estudio de un linfonodo, por sobre todo con un uso adecuado del recurso imagenológico ayuda a no enlentecer el proceso diagnóstico y dar un diagnóstico y tratamiento más certero.

Introduction Post operative leaks of esophageal anastomosis after esophagectomy is a risky event associated with poor postoperative evolution. Its frequency and severity will depend mainly on surgical technical aspects. Objectives To analyze the frequency, management and prognosis of leakage of esophageal anastomosis after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Material and Method Analysis of our prospective oncologic database of patients with esophageal cancers submmitted to esofagectomy. Statistical analysis with Fisher's exact test. Results 34 out of 37 esophageal cancer patients were included submitted to completely invasive mini esophagectomy. Cervical anastomosis was performed in 79.4% of patients, in the remaining 20.6%, a distal esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis was performed. The leak rate was 38.2% (13/34), of these, 69.2% (9/13) correspond to grade Clavien - Dindo I - II complications. The leak rate was 54.5% (6/11) for retro-sternal gastric ascensus and 43.7% (7/16) for mediastinal route, without significative difference (p = 1.0). The reoperation rate was 11.7%, being a 100% secondary to mediastinal ascensus, 3 of them were submitted to thoracoscopic toilets and an innominate vein repair. Postoperative mortality rate was 5.8%, all concentrated in the group of patients with posterior mediastinal ascensus, but without statistical difference (p = 0.26). Conclusion Leaks are frequent in patients operated on for esophageal cancer, especially after cervical esophago-gastro-anastomosis with anterior route for ascensus. However, retro-sternal ascensus did not require re-operations, nor postoperative mortality compared to gastric ascensus through posterior mediastinum

Resumen Introducción La filtración de anastomosis esofágica es un evento que se asocia a mala evolución postoperatoria Su frecuencia y gravedad dependerá principalmente de aspectos técnicos quirúrgicos. Objetivos Analizar la frecuencia, manejo y pronóstico de las filtraciones de anastomosis esofágicas en esofagectomías por cáncer comparando la vía de ascenso del tubo gástrico y sitio de anastomosis. Material y Método Análisis de base prospectiva de pacientes con cáncer esofágico sometidos a esofagectomía. Análisis estadístico con test exacto de Fisher. Resultados De un total de 37 pacientes con cáncer esofágico tratados en nuestra institución en el período de estudio (5 años), se incluyeron 34 esofagectomías totalmente mini invasivas secundarias a cáncer de esófago. Un 79,4% correspondieron a esofagectomías totales con anastomosis cervical, en el 20,6% restante se realizó esofagectomía distal con anastomosis intratorácica. La tasa de filtración de la anastomosis esofágica fue de un 38,2% (13/34), todas fueron secundarias a esofagectomías totales. De estas un 69,2% (9/13) se clasificaron como Clavien - Dindo I-II. La tasa de filtración fue de 54,5% (6/11) para ascenso retroesternal y 43,7% (7/16) para ascenso mediastínico, sin ser estadísticamente diferente (p = 1,0). La tasa de reoperaciones fue de un 11,7%, siendo en todas secundario a ascensos mediastínicos posteriores, de estas fueron 3 casos de aseos vídeo-toracoscópicos y una reparación de vena innominada. No existió diferencia estadística entre las vías de ascenso y la tasa de reoperaciones (p = 0,26). La serie presentó una mortalidad quirúrgica de 5,8% concentrados todos en el grupo de pacientes con esofagectomías totales con ascenso mediastínico posterior. Conclusión Las filtraciones en anastomosis esofágicas son frecuentes en pacientes operados con intención curativa de cáncer esofágico. Las filtraciones de anastomosis esofágicas cervicales con ascenso retroesternal no requirieron reoperaciones, ni presentaron mortalidad postoperatoria.

Vocal cord polyps are benign Iaryngeal lesions. They are associated to micro traumatisms because ofvocal misuse, generating a remodelation of the lamina propria and the epithelium. It is more common in men between twenty and forty years of age. In the vast majority of cases it unilaterally occurs. While these are well documented injuries in the literature, it is rare to find bilateral presentations, so their confrontation and management may be debatable. We present the case of a female patient, smoker, who consulted for chronic dysphonia. Bilateral vocal cord polyps were diagnosed, performing a bilateral resection with a positive outcome.

Los pólipos de cuerda vocal son lesiones laríngeas benignas. Se asocian a micro-traumatismos por mal uso vocal que generan remodelación de la lámina propia y el epitelio. Es más frecuente en hombres entre los veinte y cuarenta años. En la gran mayoría de los casos se presenta de manera unilateral. Si bien estas lesiones están bien documentadas en la literatura, es raro encontrar presentaciones bilaterales, por lo que su enfrentamiento y manejo puede ser discutible. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de 41 años, fumadora, que consulta por disfonía de larga data. Se diagnostican pólipos bilaterales de cuerda vocal, realizando una intervención quirúrgica en un tiempo, con un resultado favorable.

Introduction: The squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is a frequent neoplasms within otorhinolaryngology Currently the age standardized incidence of Chile for laryngeal cancer is based on the cancerpopulation registration of the province of Los Lagos (International Agency for Research on Cancer - WHO), which is 1.3 x 100,000 inhabitants. Aim: To estimate the incidence of laryngeal cancer in Chile using a digital registry form in hospitals and clinics of the country that diagnose and treat this condition between September 2015 and September 2016. Material and method: A descriptive prospective study was conducted. We use a digital registration form. We included patients with clinical diagnosis of laryngeal cancer between September 2015 and September 2016. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 134 squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx were registered. 15 (11%) were female and 119 (89%) were male, with a mean age of65years. The incidence was of 2.13 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the age-standardized incidence was of 2.12 per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusion: In this study the incidence is greater than the one reported in other registrations. It is necessary a more representative population registration of the national reality in order to estimate accurately the cancer cases in the country.

Introducción: El cáncer de laringe es una neoplasia frecuente en otorrinolaringología. Actualmente la incidencia ajustada por edad en Chile de cáncer laríngeo se proyecta en base al Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de la provincia de Los Lagos (International Agency for Research on Cancer - WHO), siendo ésta de 1,3 x100.000 habitantes. Objetivo: Estimar la incidencia del cáncer de laringe en Chile medida mediante un formulario de registro digital en hospitales y clínicas del país que realizan diagnóstico y tratamiento a esta patología, entre septiembre de 2015 y septiembre de 2016. Material y metodo: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo. Se utilizó un formulario de registro digital. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de cáncer de laringe entre septiembre de 2015 y septiembre de 2016. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 134 carcinomas escamosos de laringe. 15 (11%) de sexo femenino y 119 (89%) de sexo masculino. La incidencia fue de 2,13 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes, al estandarizarla por edad fue de 2,12 por cada 100.000 habitantes. Conclusión: La estimación del presente estudio es más alta que la reportada en los registros nacionales. Es necesario crear un registro poblacional más representativo de la realidad nacional, y así conocer la magnitud real de los casos de cáncer en el país.

Introduction: The ideal graft for nasal surgery is septal cartilage. The costal cartilage has similar characferistics to the septal cartilage. This particular graft is generally used for nasal dorsum, saddle nose, nasal deviations, dysfunctions of the internal or external nasal valve, poor nasal projection and revision rhinoplasty. Aim: Determine the characteristics, outcomes and complications of rhinoplasty with costal cartilage graft made in the San Juan de Dios Hospital (HSJD) between 2010 and 2016. Material and method: Retrospective study with reviewing medical records of all patients underwent nasal surgery reconstruction with costal cartilage graft in the HSJD between January 2010 and August 2016. Results: Between 2010 and 2016 a total of 20 rhinoplasties were performed with use of costal cartilage. Of these 14 were men (70%) and 6 were women (30%). In 14 patients we used the costal cartilage in the first surgery. No complications in short, medium and long term were presented. Conclusion: The rib cartilage graft is a useful tool when dealing with complicated surgeries. The surgical technique is not difficult and has a low complication rate.

Introducción: El injerto de preferencia para cirugía nasal es el cartílago septal. El Injerto de cartílago costal otorga gran material para trabajo ya que posee características similares al cartílago septal. Este injerto se utiliza generalmente para cirugías de dorso nasal, nariz en silla de montar, laterorrinias, disfunciones de la válvula nasal interna y/o externa, poca proyección nasal y rinoplastías de revisión. Objetivo: Conocer las características, resultados y complicaciones de las rinoplastías con injerto de cartílago costal realizadas en el Hospital San Juan de Dios (HSJD) entre los años 2010 y 2016. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo con revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes sometidos a cirugías de reconstrucción nasal con injerto de cartílago costal en el HSJD entre enero 2010 y agosto 2016. Resultado: Entre los años 2010 y 2016 se realizaron 20 rinoplastías con uso de cartílago costal: 14 eran hombres (70%) y 6 eran mujeres (30%). En 14 pacientes se usó el cartílago costal en la primera cirugía. No se presentaron complicaciones a corto, mediano y largo plazo. Conclusión: El injerto de cartílago costal es una herramienta útil a la hora de enfrentarse a cirugías complicadas. La técnica quirúrgica no es dificultosa y tiene una baja tasa de complicaciones.

The annual diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is 650,000 new cases. The laryngeal carcinoma is a malignant disease that should include an otolaryngologist in its evaluation. The global incidence of laryngeal carcinoma is estimated at 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants with an overall mortality rate of 2.0 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Chile the cancer registry is based on the five population cancer registries that exist. There is no accurate data on incidence and mortality from laryngeal carcinoma, being an estimated incidence of 1.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and an age-adjusted mortality of 0.7 cases per 100.00 inhabitants. There have been described various environmental risk factors and lifestyles for this cancer, therefore, primary prevention strategies are key to generate an impact on the incidence of larynx carcinoma.

Actualmente se realiza un diagnóstico anual de 650.000 nuevos casos de carcinoma escamoso de cabeza y cuello en el mundo, siendo el carcinoma escamoso de laringe una patología neoplásica que compete al otorrinolaringólogo. La incidencia mundial del cáncer escamoso de laringe se estima en 3,9 por cada 100.000 habitantes con una mortalidad general de 2,0 por cada 100.000 habitantes. En Chile el registro de cáncer se realiza en base a los cinco registros poblacionales de cáncer que existen. No se tienen datos exactos respecto a incidencia y mortalidad por carcinoma escamoso de laringe, siendo la estimación de la incidencia de 1,2 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes y la estimación de mortalidad ajustada por edad de 0,7 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. Se han descrito diversos factores de riesgo ambientales y estilos de vida para este cáncer, por lo tanto, las estrategias de prevención primaria en salud son claves a la hora de generar un impacto en la incidencia del carcinoma escamoso de laringe.

Abstract Esophageal cancer surgery is a challenge despite the advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care. It continues to have high rates of complications and mortality, even in large volume centers. This paperrevises the epidemiology, staging and therapeutic options for esophageal cancer, according to its stage andlocation. It also encompasses the digestive tract reconstruction options, according to our own experience andreports from abroad.

Resumen La cirugía del cáncer de esófago ha sido y sigue siendo un desafío pese a los avances en técnica quirúrgica y cuidados peri operatorios y a pesar de que las complicaciones postoperatorias y la morbimortalidad sigue siendo alta, aún en centros con alto volumen de procedimientos y más aún en centros no dedicados a laatención de estos pacientes. En este artículo se revisarán algunos aspectos epidemiológicos, las herramientasdiagnósticas actuales, su etapificación, y las opciones terapéuticas de acuerdo al estadío, sea en etapas precoces o avanzadas, la localización y tipo de tumor, opciones de reconstrucción del tránsito digestivo en base alo reportado en la literatura internacional, la experiencia nacional y en base a nuestros propios resultados enel Departamento de Cirugía del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile.

Introduction: Burnout syndrome is generated against a chronic work stress on individuals working with people. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. Aim: To assess Burnout in residents and otolaryngologists (ORL) in the country and establish a relationship between sociodemographic characteristics. Material and method: A cross sectional study was conducted. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was sent via email to all residents and ORL members of the Chilean Society of Otolaryngology, Medicine and Head and Neck Surgery (SOCHIORL). Fisher exact test was used to assess the association between qualitative variables. Results: Of a total of 432 members of SOCHIORL, 133 surveys were received, of which 117 were analysed. 100% of respondents had Burnout, either high or intermediate degree. Those with higher percentage of high Burnout are those between 25 and 35 years (53%) (p =0.03). The greatest degree of Burnout was observed in residents (57%) (p =0.03). Conclusion: Burnout syndrome is highly prevalent among ORL in Chile, especially in residents and young ORL with few years in the medical practice of the specialty. It is necessary to search for tools to confront and combat this reality.

Introducción: El síndrome de Burnout o desgaste profesional relacionado con el trabajo se genera frente a un estrés laboral crónico en individuos que trabajan con personas. Se caracteriza por un agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y baja realización personal. Objetivo: Evaluar el síndrome de Burnout en los médicos residentes y otorrinolaringólogos (ORL) del país y establecer una relación entre las características sociodemográficas. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Se envió el inventario Burnout de Maslach (MBI) mediante correo electrónico a todos los residentes y ORL miembros de la Sociedad Chilena de Otorrinolaringología, Medicina y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SOCHIORL). Se utilizó test exacto de Fisher para evaluar asociación entre variables cualitativas. Resultados: De un total de 432 miembros de la SOCHIORL se recibieron 133 encuestas, de las cuales se analizaron 117 contestadas correctamente. El 100% del total de los encuestados presentó Burnout ya sea de alto grado o intermedio. Los que presentaron mayor porcentaje de alto grado de Burnout son aquellos entre 25 y 35 años, con 53% (p =0,03). El mayor grado de Burnout se observó en los residentes (57%) (p =0,03). Conclusión: El síndrome de Burnout tiene una alta prevalencia entre los ORL del país, especialmente en residentes y jóvenes ORL y quienes llevan pocos años en el desarrollo de la especialidad. Es necesario buscar herramientas para enfrentar y combatir esta realidad.

Background: Esophageal replacement therapy is indicated for benign and malignant esophageal lesions and can be performed using stomach, jejunum or colon. Aim: To report the experience using right colon interposition for esophageal replacement. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of 41 patients aged 17 to 73 years (29 males), subjected to right colon interposition in the last 20 years. Indications, complications, mortality and long term results were recorded. Results: Forty nine percent of patients had a malignant esophageal lesion. Esophagectomy was performed using a transhiatal route or thoracotomy in 44 and 30% of patients, respectively. Retroesternal ascension was the most common route used in 88% of patients. The most common surgical complication was cervical fistula in 29% of patients, followed by fistula of the anastomosis between colon and jejunum in 7% of patients. Pneumonia was the most common medical complication. Postoperative mortality was 7%. Conclusions: The mortality in this series of patients is similar to that reported elsewhere.

Introducción: La cirugía de reemplazo esofágico actualmente se indica para tratamiento de enfermedades benignas y malignas del esófago. Existen diversas técnicas de reconstitución de tránsito esofágico que utilizan estómago, yeyuno o colon. Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia acumulada en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile utilizando la técnica de transposición de colon derecho para la reconstitución de tránsito esofágico. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo restrospectivo que incluyó a los pacientes sometidos a reconstitución de tránsito esofágico mediante interposición de colon derecho, durante los últimos 20 años, basado en la revisión sistemática de historias clínicas, analizando causas, morbilidad precoz y tardía, mortalidad operatoria, compararándolos con los resultados de la literatura. Resultados: Se incluyen 41 pacientes operados, con edad promedio de 63,6 años (17-73), 29 de ellos de sexo masculino (70,7%). El 48,7% correspondieron a neoplasias malignas, el resto a patología benigna. En 43,9% la esofaguectomía se realizó por vía transhiatal y 29,7% por toracotomía. El ascenso retrosternal fue la vía más empleada (87,8%). La complicación más frecuente correspondió a la fístula cervical en 29,3% seguida de la fistula en colo-yeyuno anastomosis en el 7,3% de los casos. La neumonía fue la complicación médica más frecuente (14,7%). La mortalidad postoperatoria fue 7,3%. Conclusión: El uso de interposición de colon derecho tiene indicaciones precisas. La mortalidad operatoria reportada se ajusta a lo encontrado en la literatura internacional.

Background: Skin manifestations after liver transplantation are increasing due to long term immunosuppressive therapy along with an increase in patient survival. Several studies have reported dermatologic complications following renal transplant, but few have studied dermatologic problems after liver transplantation. Aims: To describe the different types of cutaneous lesions encountered in adults receiving a liver allograft. To evaluate the frequency of cutaneous manifestations of patients in the liver transplant waiting list. Material and Methods: Eighty patients submitted to a liver transplant and 70 patients in the liver transplant waiting list were evaluated with a complete dermatological physical examination. Results: Sixty one percent of patients with a liver allograft had at least one skin manifestation. Of these, 34% had superficial fungal infections, 31% had viral infections, 20% had cutaneous side effects due to immunosuppressive treatment, 10% had malignant lesions, 2% had bacterial infections and one patient had a graft versus host disease. Only 28% of patients in the liver transplant waiting list had dermatologic problems, and the vast majority were lesions linked to liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Cutaneous infections were the most common skin problems in liver transplant patients. Although neoplastic lesions are the most commonly mentioned lesions in the literature, only a 10% of our liver transplant patients presented these type of lesions.

Background: Minimally invasive surgery reduced the incidence of postoperative complications. Many benign or malignant esophageal diseases can be treated with this technique. Aim: To report our experience with the technique in the treatment of esophageal tumors. Material and Methods: Analysis of a cohort of 85 patients with esophageal tumors aged 28 to 82 years (59 males). Sixty seven had esophageal cancer, 14 had leiomyomas or esophageal stromal tumors and four had duplication cysts. All were subjected to minimally invasive surgery. Short and long term results were recorded. Results: Forty three percent of patients with cancer had complications and 2.9% died. No complications were recorded among patients with stromal tumors or duplication cysts. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery is a feasible and safe therapeutic approach for patients with esophageal tumors.

Introducción: En las últimas dos décadas, la implementación de técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas ha colaborado en la reducción de las complicaciones intra y postoperatorias. Un amplio espectro de enfermedades del esófago, benignas o malignas, pueden ser tratadas por medio de estas técnicas. Objetivo: Se presenta nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la patología tumoral esofágica y se hace una revisión de las indicaciones y resultados publicados en la literatura internacional. Material y Método: Se trata de 85 pacientes operados desde 1993 a la fecha, 67 corresponden a cáncer esofágico, 14 casos operados por leiomomas o tumores estromales esofágicos y 4 pacientes con quistes de duplicación. Todos fueron sometidos a cirugía mini invasiva de acuerdo a técnicas descritas previamente. Se analizan y discuten los resultados a corto y largo plazo y se discuten los resultados a la luz de los datos de la literatura internacional. Resultados: En los pacientes sometidos a esofagectomía por cáncer, las complicaciones ocurrieron en 43% y la mortalidad actual es de un 2,9%. En pacientes operados por tumores estromales o quistes de duplicación no hubo complicaciones postoperatorias ni mortalidad. En las otras patologías hubo mínima morbilidad y no hubo mortalidad, resultados que son comparables a la literatura consultada. Conclusión: Las técnicas de cirugía mínimamente invasiva diseñadas para el abordaje de los diversos tipos de patologías que afectan al esófago, resultan por lo general, altamente factibles de realizar, con buenos resultados en cuanto a complicaciones y mortalidad postoperatoria.

RACIONAL: O tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de esôfago está associado com alta morbidade e mortalidade. Os acessos transtorácicos abertos ou os transmediastinais são considerados procedimentos invasivos e têm sido associados à altas taxas de complicações e de mortalidade operatória. Desta forma, a operação do esôfago minimamente invasiva tem sido sugerida como alternativa aos procedimentos clássicos, porque iria produzir melhora no desempenho pós-operatório a longo prazo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a sobrevida, mortalidade e morbidade da esofagectomia por câncer de esôfago submetidos às técnicas minimamente invasivas e compará-los com os resultados publicados na literatura internacional. MÉTODO: Estudo observacional, prospectivo. Entre 2003 e 2012, 69 pacientes foram submetidos à esofagectomia minimamente invasiva devido ao câncer. Foram analisadas morbidade e mortalidade pós-operatória de acordo com a classificação Clavien-Dindo. A taxa de sobrevivência foi analisada pelo método de Kaplan-Meier. O número de nódulos linfáticos obtidos durante a dissecção do nódulo linfático foi analisado como um índice da qualidade da técnica cirúrgica. RESULTADOS: 63,7% dos pacientes tiveram complicações menores (tipo I-II Clavien Dindo), enquanto nove (13%) necessitaram de re-exploração cirúrgica. A complicação pós-operatória mais comum correspondeu a deiscência da anastomose cervical observada em 44 (63,7%) pacientes, mas sem suas repercussões clínicas, apenas dois deles necessitaram de reoperação. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 4,34%, e reoperação foi necessária em nove (13%) casos. O tempo médio de sobrevivência foi de 22,59±25,38 meses, com a probabilidade de uma taxa de sobrevida em três anos estimada em 30%. O número de linfonodos ressecados foi 17,17±9,62. CONCLUSÃO: As técnicas minimamente invasivas têm menor morbidade e mortalidade, satisfatório número de linfonodos ressecados e resultados a longo prazo semelhantes após operação aberta, em termos de qualidade de vida e sobrevida.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer is associated to a high morbidity and mortality rate. The open transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy are considerably invasive procedures and have been associated to high rates of complications and operative mortality. In this way, minimally invasive esophageal surgery has been suggested as an alternative to the classic procedures because would produce improvement in clinical longterm postoperative outcomes. AIM: To assess survival, mortality and morbidity results of esophagectomy due to esophageal cancer submitted to minimally invasive techniques and compare them to results published in international literature. METHOD: An observational, prospective study. Between 2003 and 2012, 69 patients were submitted to a minimally invasive esophagectomy due to cancer. It was recorded postoperative morbidity and mortality according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The survival rate was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. The number of lymph nodes obtained during the lymph node dissection, as an index of the quality of the surgical technique, was analysed. RESULTS: 63.7% of patients had minor complications (type I-II Clavien Dindo), while nine (13%) required surgical re-exploration. The most common postoperative complication corresponded to leak of the cervical anastomosis seen in 44 (63.7%) patients but without clinical repercusion, only two of them required reoperation. The mortality rate was 4.34%, and reoperation was necessary in nine (13%) cases. The average survival time was 22.59±25.38 months, with the probability of a 3-year survival rate estimated at 30%. The number of resected lymph nodes was 17.17±9.62. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive techniques have lower morbidity and mortality rate, very satisfactory lymphnodes resection and similar long term outcomes in term of quality of life and survival compared to results observed after open surgery.

Background: The incidence of esophageal carcinoma has increased notoriously worldwide. Aim: To assess clinical features, immediate surgical results and long term survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma and Barrett esophagus. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of all patients operated for esophageal carcinoma, between 1996 y 2011. Results: The records of 53 patients aged 58 ± 9 years (45 males) were analyzed. The number of operated patients increased from 7 in the period 1968-1983 to 31 in the period 2004-2011. Peritoneal metastases were found in two patients, precluding a resection. Video assisted trans-hiatal approach was the most commonly used technique followed by minimally invasive thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery. Transit reconstruction was performed ascending the stomach to the neck in 90% of patients. The average length of Barrett esophagus was 7.4 cm and the mean number of excised lymph nodes was 19. Ten patients had an incipient cancer and their five years survival was 80%. The survival of those with tumors involving the muscular layer and those with transmural cancer was 25 and 5%, respectively. Conclusions: There is an increase in the incidence of esophageal cancer in the last 10 years. The survival after surgery is highly dependent on the invasiveness of the tumor.

Background: Minimally invasive surgical techniques are increasingly used for the treatment of benign esophageal diseases. Aim: To report the results of minimally invasive surgical techniques among patients with benign esophageal diseases. Material and Methods: Four hundred eighty three patients aged 37 to 81 years (184 males), were studied. Of these, 278 had a Barret esophagus, 125 had a hiatal hernia, 75 had achalasia and five had esophageal diverticula. All patients were studied using standard protocols, operated using minimally invasive techniques and followed, registering postoperative complications and recurrence of symptoms. Results: Among patients with esophageal reflux, 85% had successful results on the long term. Among patients with hiatal hernia and subjected to laparoscopic surgery, 12% had complications and 12% had recurrence of symptoms which increased to 17% if a mesh was not used. The recurrence rate among patients with achalasia is less than 5%. There was no recurrence among patients with esophageal diverticula. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal diseases has good success rates, with a lower incidence of complications than open surgery.

Introducción: En este artículo se presenta la experiencia de nuestro grupo de trabajo de los resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento quirúrgico con técnicas mínimamente invasivas en patología esofágica benigna. Material y Método: Se analizan los resultados en pacientes sometidos a cirugía antirreflujo por enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, esófago de Barrett, tratamiento de las hernias hiatales, acalasia esofágica y diver-tículos esofágicos. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos por nuestro grupo son comparables a los que señala la literatura internacional, con mínima morbilidad y sin mortalidad. En pacientes con reflujo gastroesofágico, los resultados a largo plazo presentan una tasa de éxito en el 85% de los casos. En pacientes con hernia hiatal operados por vía laparoscópica las complicaciones son cercanas al 12% y la recurrencia es de un 12% en promedio, pero se eleva al 17% cuando no se usa malla. En Acalasia por otro lado, la tasa de recurrencia es menor a un 5%. Los pacientes operados por divertículos esofágicos no presentan recidiva. Conclusiones: Las técnicas de cirugía mínimamente invasiva diseñadas para el abordaje de los diversos tipos de patologías que afectan al esófago, resultan por lo general, altamente factibles de realizar por cuanto reproducen los resultados de la cirugía abierta pero con menor tasa de complicaciones.

RACIONAL: Disfagia grave ou mesmo afagia pode ocorrer após esofagectomia secundária à necrose do órgão ascendido com estenose severa ou separação completa dos cotos. Ruptura catastrófica esofágica ou gástrica impulsiona a decisão de "desconectar" o esôfago, a fim de evitar graves complicações sépticas. As operações utilizadas para restabelecer a descontinuidade do esôfago não são padronizadas e reoperações para restabelecimento do trânsito digestivo superior são um verdadeiro desafio. MÉTODOS: Este é estudo retrospectivo da experiência dos autores durante 17 anos incluindo 18 pacientes, 14 previamente submetidos à esofagectomia e quatro esofagogastrectomia. Eles foram operados com o fim de restabelecer o trato digestivo superior. RESULTADOS: Refazer esofagogastro anastomose foi possível em 12 pacientes, 10 por meio da abordagem cervical e combinando esternotomia em quatro, a fim de realizar a nova anastomose. Em cinco pacientes esofagocolo anastomose foi novamente realizada. Interposição de enxerto livre de jejuno foi realizada em um paciente. As complicações ocorreram em 10 pacientes (55,5%): deiscência anastomótica em três, estenose em quatro, condrite esternal em dois e abscesso cervical em um. Não se observou mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Existem diferentes opções cirúrgicas para o tratamento desta situação clínica difícil e arriscada; deve ser tratada com procedimentos adaptados de acordo com o segmento anatômico disponível para ser usado, escolhendo o procedimento mais conservador.

BACKGROUND: Severe dysphagia or even aphagia can occur after esophagectomy secondary to necrosis of the ascended organ with severe stricture or complete separation of the stumps. Catastrophic esophageal or gastric disruption drives the decision to "disconnect" the esophagus in order to prevent severe septic complications. The operations employed to re-establish esophageal discontinuity are not standardized and reoperations for re-establishment of the upper digestive transit are a real challenge. METHODS: This is retrospective study collecting the authors experience during 17 years including 18 patients, 14 of them previously submitted to esophagectomy and four to esophagogastrectomy. They were operated on in order to re-establish the upper digestive tract. RESULTS: Redo esophago-gastro-anastomosis was possible in 12 patients, 10 through cervical approach and combined with sternotomy in four in order to perform the new anastomosis. In five patients a new esophago-colo anastomosis was performed. Free jejunal graft interposition was performed in one patient. Complications occurred in ten patients (55.5 %): anastomotic leaks in three, strictures in four, sternal condritis in two and cervical abscess in one. No mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: There are different surgical options for the treatment of this difficult and risky clinical situation which must be treated with tailored procedures according to the anatomic segment available to be used, choosing the most conservative procedure.