Effects of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with and without Corticosteroids.

Mesenchymal stem cells have proven to be a promising alternative to conventional steroids to treat canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, their administration requires a washout period of immunosuppressive drugs that can lead to an exacerbation of the symptoms. Therefore, the feasibility and effects of the combined application of stem cells and prednisone in IBD-dogs without adequate response to corticosteroids was evaluated for the first time in this study over a long- term follow up.

[Pyramid training model in laparoscopic surgery].

Background: Minimally invasive surgery implementation requires a regulated and orderly learning process.

Methods: Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre promotes a pyramid training model structured into four levels: training of basic and advanced skills in physical simulator (level 1), training of anatomical protocols and advanced skills with animal models (level 2) training advanced procedural skills with tele-surgical applications (level 3), and training in the operating room (level 4). Training provided at levels 1 and 2 is described and evaluated.