Parathyroid cancer (PC) presents clinically as a case of hyperparathyroidism associated with local compression symptoms. The definitive diagnosis of PC is complex as it requires unequivocal criteria of invasion in postoperative biopsy. Given the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis of PC, attempts have been made to address this problem through the search for biomarkers, mainly using immunohistochemistry. Within this theme, the phenomenon of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell markers have been scarcely studied; this could eventually help discriminate between a diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma. On the other hand, identification of oncogenes and tumor suppressing genes, as well as epigenetic markers such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs all play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and have enormous potential as diagnostic tools. Furthermore, proteomic-based and inflammatory markers have also been described as diagnostic aids for this uncommon neoplasm. This review presents a clinical approach to the disease, as well as providing a state-of-the-art analysis of basic biomarkers in diagnosis and future projections in this field.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer, representing 80% of cases. Its incidence has increased due to population aging and sun exposure. Although it rarely metastasizes, its high prevalence places a significant burden on healthcare systems. Risk factors include UV radiation exposure, radiotherapy, genetic predisposition, immunosuppression, skin phototype, and previous BCC history, among others. BCC is classified into histopathological subtypes such as nodular, superficial and morpheaform, each with distinctive clinical characteristics. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, dermatoscopy, and biopsy. The main treatment is surgical excision, with options like micrographic surgery or Mohs surgery for high-risk lesions or critical locations. In selected cases, topical therapies and radiotherapy can be used. Long-term follow-up is crucial as patients with BCC have a high risk of developing new lesions. Prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with BCC. Continuous efforts in education and research are needed to address this public health issue.

Introducción: La parotidectomía es una cirugía infrecuente y técnicamente compleja determinada por la dificultad de disección del nervio facial, cuya lesión produce alto grado de morbilidad en los pacientes. Los modelos de simulación animales no logran reproducir las características de la anatomía regional, por lo que se hace necesario explorar otras alternativas para el entrenamiento de estas habilidades. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar un programa de entrenamiento de técnicas de parotidectomía en un modelo cadavérico perfundido. Métodos: Se diseñó un programa educacional de Kern de entrenamiento de residentes de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello para la realización de parotidectomía total en un modelo cadavérico perfundido. La evaluación se realizó mediante el modelo de Kirkpatrick, en los niveles 1 (reacción), 2A (cambio de actitudes) y 2B (adquisición de conocimientos y habilidades). Resultados: Se elaboró un programa teórico-práctico basado en cátedras y simulación de alta fidelidad. En su mayoría los participantes: recomendarían el curso (Nivel 1); tuvieron mayor motivación para el aprendizaje (Nivel 2) y presentaron mejores indicadores sobre conocimientos, habilidades y percepción de mejoría de sus competencias (Nivel 2B). Conclusion: La utilización de un programa de parotidectomia simulado en un modelo de alta fidelidad basado en modelos cadavéricos humanos perfundidos es una alternativa que mejora la calidad de entrenamiento y es útil y factible para el aprendizaje de técnicas de parotidectomía en residentes de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello.

BACKGROUND:The usefulness of tracheostomy has been questioned in patients with COVID-19 and prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).AIM:To compare the 90-day mortality rate of patients who underwent a tracheostomy due prolonged IMV with those that did not receive this procedure.MATERIAL AND METHODS:We studied a historical cohort of 92 patients with COVID-19 and prolonged IMV (> 10 days). The primary outcome was the 90-day mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included days on IMV, hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, frequency of nosocomial infections, and thrombotic complications demonstrated by images. A logistic regression was performed to adjust the effect of tracheostomy by SOFA score and days on IMV.RESULTS:Forty six patients aged 54 to 66 years (72% males) underwent tracheostomy. They had a median of two comorbidities, and received the procedure after a median of 20.5 days on IMV (interquartile range: 17-26). 90-day mortality was lower in patients who were tracheostomized than in the control group (6.5% vs. 32.6%, p-value < 0.01). However, after controlling for confounding factors, no differences were found in mortality between both groups (relative risk = 0.303, p-value = 0.233). Healthcare-associated infections and hospital/ICU length of stay were higher in patients with tracheostomy than in controls. Thrombotic complications occurred in 42.4% of the patients, without differences between both groups. No cases of COVID-19 were registered in the healthcare personnel who performed tracheostomies.CONCLUSIONS:In patients with COVID-19 undergoing prolonged IMV, performing a tracheostomy is not associated with excess mortality, and it is a safe procedure for healthcare personnel.

BACKGROUNDThe measurement of plasma thyroglobulin (Tg) is widely used in the monitoring of differentiated thyroid cancer (CDT). In recent years, its value as a prognostic marker prior to ablation with radioiodine has increased, demonstrating its high negative predictive value. Recent studies indicate that a wide variety of factors could potentially influence pre-ablative Tg values, including residual tumor burden and stimulation modality.AIMTo relate the value of pre-ablative Tg with the amount of preoperative disease burden, lymph node metastases, treatment, and presence of residual disease.MATERIAL AND METHODSRetrospective observational study of 70 patients with CDT treated between 2012 and 2018. The amount of disease burden was defined as the sum of largest diameter of individual tumors in each patient, and as the individually largest tumor per patient and number of metastatic lymph nodes.RESULTSA smaller tumor size and absence of remnant tissue was associated with lower Tg values, although the association was not always significant. Furthermore, no significant difference was found between Tg levels measured within or more than 14 days after the surgical procedure. Thus, an early measurement of pTg after surgery would allow an initial therapeutic decision making.CONCLUSIONSA statistical association between pre-ablative Tg levels and the amount of preoperative tumor tissue burden was found in some subgroups of patients.

Background: The measurement of plasma thyroglobulin (Tg) is widely used in the monitoring of differentiated thyroid cancer (CDT). In recent years, its value as a prognostic marker prior to ablation with radioiodine has increased, demonstrating its high negative predictive value. Recent studies indicate that a wide variety of factors could potentially influence pre-ablative Tg values, including residual tumor burden and stimulation modality.

Skin cancer is usually classified into melanoma (SCM) and non-melanoma (SCNM), with different cell origins; being the SCM responsible for the highest mortality. In Chile, an incidence (2008) of 434 new cases is estimated, obtaining a standardized rate of 2.2 cases per 100,000 habitants. There are multiple associated risk factors, the main ones being exposure to UV radiation and sunburn. The strategies to prevent this pathology fall on these same factors. The clinical evaluation of the lesions with ABCD mnemonics added to the use of dermoscopy increases the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity; however, the definitive confirmation is through biopsy, which must include the necessary parameters to define prognosis of disease. The definitive treatment is Surgical. There are alternatives such as the use of the sentinel lymph node to define lymph node dissections. Regarding systemic therapies, the use of immunotherapy has shown results that improve survival in these patients.

It is described that salivary gland tumors account for up to 3-6% of head and neck tumors, 80% of these being located in the parotid gland. Broadly speaking, the smaller the gland, the greater the probability of malignancy. The most common clinical manifestation in tumor pathology is the appearance of a painless mass. Indicators of malignancy should be considered: chronic volume increase or rapid growth, facial paralysis, cranial nerve involvement, ulceration, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Ultrasonography should be the first imaging study, however, it provides limited information. MRI is the exam of choice for salivary gland tumors, whereas CT and PET-CT allow the study of local and remote invasion. FNA is controversial, it is not indicated for all patients, in parotid tumors a cytological examination is usually not necessary prior to surgery. Excisional biopsy is not recommended due to the risk of tumor seeding, neural damage, and salivary fistula. The goal of treatment in gland tumors is the removal of the glands, associated with lymph node dissection and adjuvant radiation therapy in indicated cases. The general practitioner must comprehensively address these pathologies to achieve a timely referral to the specialist.

El nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, es una pandemia con alta morbimortalidad mundial. Uno de los factores más importantes es su alta tasa de transmisibilidad por gotitas, aerosoles y fómites. La tendencia actual es al aumento progresivo de pacientes contagiados en nuestro país y, por consiguiente, de mayor cantidad de enfermos en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) con uso de ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI). La traqueostomía (TQT) se utiliza en pacientes críticos para facilitar la VMI a largo plazo y el destete de la ventilación. Una TQT temprana, definida como la realizada en los primeros 7 días después de la intubación orotraqueal (IOT) se asocia a una reducción en el tiempo de la VMI, mortalidad y permanencia en UCI. La TQT es una técnica quirúrgica con alta generación de aerosoles la cual implica medidas especiales frente a la realización de ésta en pacientes con COVID-19. Para limitar el contagio del SARS-CoV-2 en los trabajadores de salud es necesario el uso de elementos de protección personal (EPP) adecuados según la intervención a realizar. Es por esta razón que en el presente artículo se propone utilizar el acrónimo C-O-RO-NA para no olvidar elementos y pasos fundamentales al momento de realizar esta técnica, minimizando de esta manera el contagio en los trabajadores de salud.

15 Introducción: Los quistes dermoides son lesiones de origen ectodérmico poco frecuentes.16 17 Solo un 1,6% de ellos, se presenta en el piso de la boca y de éstos, solo un 6% lateralmente18 en el espacio submandibular. Objetivo: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura. Caso19 Clínico: Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 32 años, con un cuadro de 1 año de20 evolución caracterizado por una lesión de crecimiento lento pero sostenido. Se le realizó la21 22 resección de la lesión junto con una submandibulectmía ipsilateral resultando compatible23 con un quiste dermoide. Discusión: La localización de esta lesión es muy infrecuente. En el24 estudio histopatológico son lesiones con epitelio pluri estratificado cornificado y anexos25 cutáneos. El estudio de imágenes orienta a una lesión quística, siendo la resonancia nuclear26 hoy en día el mejor examen para caracterizar esta lesión. Es una lesión benigna, sin27 28 recidivas reportadas cuando la resección ha sido completa.

The clinical approach to non-thyroid cervical masses in primary care has always been considered a diagnostic challenge. In the absence of specific diagnostic methods, the general practitioner must rely on clinic and general tests in order to achieve a suspected diagnosis and timely referral. On initial approach to cervical masses, one must first analyze each case according to patient age, associating an exhaustive anamnesis focused on the growth pattern and aggregate symptoms, along with a physical examination focused on signs of malignancy. Once completed, the etiology of the mass can be classified as probable congenital, inflammatory or tumoral origin. And also try to determine localization, temporality and discriminate between benign and malignant causes. Once the clinical interrogation has been completed, basic complementary tests and/or directed test according to suspicion can be requested. The foregoing allows the primary care physician a proper referral to specialist and/or initiation of appropriate treatment.

Resumen El nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, es una pandemia con alta morbimortalidad mundial. Uno de los factores mas importantes es su alta tasa de transmisibilidad por gotitas, aerosoles y fomites. La tendencia actual es el aumento progresivo de pacientes contagiados en nuestro pais y, por consiguiente, de mayor cantidad de enfermos en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) con uso de ventilacion mecanica invasiva (VMI). La traqueostomia (TQT) se utiliza en pacientes criticos para facilitar la VMI a largo plazo y el destete de la ventilacion. Una TQT temprana, definida como la realizada en los primeros 7 dias despues de la intubacion orotraqueal (IOT), se asocia a una reduccion en el tiempo de la VMI, mortalidad y permanencia en UCI. La TQT es una tecnica quirurgica con alta generacion de aerosoles la cual implica medidas especiales frente a la realizacion de esta en pacientes con COVID-19. Para limitar el contagio del SARS-CoV-2 en los trabajadores de salud es necesario el uso de elementos de proteccion personal (EPP) adecuados segun la intervencion a realizar. Es por esta razon que en el presente articulo se propone utilizar el acronimo C-O-RO-NA para no olvidar elementos y pasos fundamentales al momento de realizar esta tecnica, minimizando de esta manera el contagio en los trabajadores de salud.

Deep neck infections (DNIs) are special entities among infectious diseases for their versatility and potential for severe complications. Complex head and neck anatomy often makes early recognition of DNIs challenging, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid any delay in treatment. The diagnosis is made by clinical history, physical examination findings and imaging studies. The treatment consists in securing the airway, intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage, when needed. To make decisions the surgeon must understand the anatomy of the region, the etiology of infection, appropriate diagnostic tools, and medical and surgical management. This article provides a review of these pertinent topics.

Purpose: Acute administration of remifentanil may lead to opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). Studies in mice suggest that OIH is mediated by impaired anionic homeostasis in spinal lamina I neurons due to a down-regulation of the K+-Cl- co-transporter KCC2, which was reverted using acetazolamide (ACTZ), a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. We propose that ACTZ prevents remifentanil-mediated OIH in humans. Patients and methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial between December 2016 and September 2018. Patients were randomly allocated to receive ACTZ (250 mg of ACTZ 2 h before surgery) or placebo. To detect hyperalgesia, mechanical pain threshold (MPT) were measured before and after surgery using hand-held von Frey filaments in the forearm. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil at a target effect site of 4.5 +/- 0.5 ng/mL, and sevoflurane at an end-tidal concentration of 0.8 MAC corrected for age. Results: In total, 47 patients completed the study. Both groups were comparable in the baseline characteristics and intraoperative variables. Baseline MPT were similar in both groups. However, MPT in the forearm significantly diminished in the time in both groups. Finally, postoperative pain and morphine consumption were similar between groups. Conclusion: Both groups developed remifentanil-mediated OIH at 12-18 h after surgery. However, ACTZ did not prevent the MPT reduction in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Introducción: El abordaje de elección de la glándula tiroides y paratiroides, desde su descripción, ha sido la cervicotomía transversal. En el hiperparatiroidismo, con la optimización de los métodos de localización preoperatoria de las glándulas anómalas, se han creado técnicas abiertas mínimamente invasivas, con un mejor resultado estético y un menor tiempo de recuperación. Con el objetivo de eliminar las cicatrices externas se ha implementado una nueva técnica quirúrgica que utiliza abordajes endoscópicos a través de orificios naturales (NOTES). En los últimos años se ha hecho conocida una técnica de tiroidectomía y paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica a través de incisiones en el vestíbulo oral.

Introduction: Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare cervical branchial anomaly derived from the third and fourth branchial arch. Pyriform sinus fistula should be considered in children presenting enlarged neck mass, fistula, abscess, thyroid infection and/or dysphonia. Objective: We here report 4 cases treated in Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile and review of the current literature on pyriform sinus fistula. Discussion: When clinical presentation is compatible with pyriform sinus fistula, endoscopic and imaging techniques are required. Surgical outcomes are better, although endoscopic therapies and combination of both surgery and endoscopy have also reported good outcomes. Conclusion: Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms and a high index of clinical suspicion. Open surgery is gold standard, however in pediatric population endoscopic resolution should be considered to reduce the high morbidity of traditional surgery.

El cáncer de paratiroides es poco frecuente. Suele presentarse como hiperparatiroidismo primario, en ocasiones como crisis hipercalcémica, con malestar general, náuseas, vómitos, alteraciones del ánimo y pérdida de peso. En algunos casos se presenta como osteítis fibrosa quística, osteopenia difusa, osteoporosis y fracturas patológicas. El diagnóstico suele estar dado por biopsia quirúrgica que muestra invasión a estructuras adyacentes, o metástasis locales y distantes. El tratamiento es la resección quirúrgica del tumor, sin uso de terapias adyuvantes. Su tasa de recurrencia es alta, de 25 a 100%. Algunos factores de mal pronóstico son metástasis a linfonodos en la presentación inicial, metástasis distantes y carcinomas no funcionantes. Paciente masculino de 64 años que consultó por compromiso del estado general, bradipsiquia, poliuria, cefalea y masa cervical. Además presentaba hipercalcemia y gran elevación de PTH. Se realizó resección quirúrgica de la masa cervical, con biopsia rápida con atipias y mitosis 1/10, y de un nódulo hiperplásico tiroideo. Tras esto, sus niveles de PTH disminuyeron, así como también descendieron sus niveles de calcio. Los pacientes que presentan cáncer de paratiroides suelen tener valores más elevados de calcemia y PTH. Para su diagnóstico, no se recomienda usar biopsia por punción, por riesgo de diseminación y por el bajo rendimiento de esta técnica. Pese a ser poco frecuente, se debe pensar en cáncer de paratiroides en el contexto de un paciente con hipercalcemia, especialmente si presenta PTH muy elevada. La sospecha clínica de este diagnóstico tiene directa relación con la posibilidad de tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad. Parathyroid cancer is rare. Usually presented as primary hyperparathyroidism, sometimes as hypercalcemic crisis, with general malaise, nausea, vomiting, mood disturbances and low weight. In some cases it occurs as osteitis fibrosa cystica, diffuse osteopenia, osteoporosis and pathological fractures. The diagnosis is usually made by surgical biopsy shows invasion of adjacent structures, or local and distant metastases. The treatment is surgical resection of the tumor, without the use of adjuvant therapies. Their recurrence rate is high, 25 to 100%. Poor prognostic factors are lymph node metastases at initial presentation, distant metastases and nonfunctional carcinomas. Male patient consulted for 64 years in general conditions, bradypsychia, polyuria, headache and neck mass. He also had hypercalcemia and high elevation of PTH. Surgical resection of the cervical mass was performed, with rapid biopsy atypia and mitosis 1/10, and hyperplastic thyroid nodule. After this, PTH decreased levels as well as levels of calcium. Patients with parathyroid cancer tend to have higher serum calcium and PTH of values. For diagnosis, it is not recommended to use needle biopsy, risk of spread and the poor performance of this technique. Despite being rare, you should think parathyroid cancer in the context of a patient with hypercalcemia, especially if you have very high PTH. The clinical suspicion of this diagnosis is directly related to the possibility of treatment and prognosis of the disease.

Presencia y número de metástasis linfonodales se asocian a compromiso de la sobrevida en