ADVANCED MEGAESOPHAGUS TREATMENT: WHICH TECHNIQUE OFFERS THE BEST RESULTS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

BACKGROUND: Advanced megaesophagus predisposes to risks of malnutrition infections and cancer, in addition to having a significant impact on quality of life. There is currently no consensus in the literature regarding the best surgical option for advanced megaesophagus, although there is a predilection for esophagectomy, despite this surgery being associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Other surgical procedures, such as esophageal mucosectomy and Heller cardiomyotomy, have been proposed with good results. AIMS: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the surgical treatment of advanced megaesophagus. METHODS: Databases used included PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs), Embase and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MedLine), as well as reference research. Two reviewers selected the articles independently. RESULTS: A total of 14 articles were chosen, which included 1,862 patients. The studies were divided into two groups: laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with fundoplication (213 patients) and major surgeries (1,649 patients). The studies yielded mostly good or excellent results regarding late outcomes in both groups. However, there was significant morbidity associated with the major surgeries group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy can be performed on patients with advanced megaesophagus, with lower rates of complications and mortality compared to major surgeries, with reservations regarding late outcomes results.

SEX AND ASA CLASSIFICATION, NOT FASTING TIME, ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE LIKELIHOOD OF COMPLICATIONS IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD.

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, some factors are associated with the development of postoperative complications including surgical approach, smoking, comorbidities, nutritional status, classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), fasting time period, and others. In the case of surgical patients, some factors are important for the assessment of the outcomes. AIMS: To investigate the factors associated with the likelihood of postoperative complications in surgical patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted with patients who were admitted to hospital more than 24 h. The following variables were investigated: nutritional risk screening, body mass index, ASA classification, fasting time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. For statistical analysis, the Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney tests were used. To investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative complications, simple and multiple Cox regression analyses were used. RESULTS: In the total group of patients, there was an association between postoperative complications and men (p=0.0197), surgical risk (ASA) (p=0.0397) and length of hospital stay (p<0001); men showed a risk 2.2 times greater than women for some kind of postoperative complication (p=0.0456; PR=2.167; 95%CI 1.015-4.624). In patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, there was an association between postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (p<0001). In patients undergoing other surgeries, there was an association between postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (p<0001) and ASA classification (p=0.0160); ASA classification was considered a factor associated with the probability of postoperative complications (p=0.0335; PR=4.125; 95%CI 1.117-15.237). CONCLUSIONS: Men in the total group of patients and the ASA 3 or 4 criteria in the group of patients undergoing other surgeries were considered factors associated with the occurrence of complications in the postoperative period.

Lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, diabetes and age are associated with foot and ankle fracture treatment complications.

Objective: This study investigated the nutritional status, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), albumin and risk factors associated with complications in patients with foot and ankle fragility fractures. Subjects and methods: Prospective study, developed with patients who suffered fractures due to fragility of the foot and ankle (n = 108); the type of fractured bone, fracture mechanisms and classification were studied and also pseudoarthrosis, treatment, surgical dehiscence, anthropometry, 25OHD and albumin. The Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in the statistical analysis and the multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with complications. Results: The factors that, together, were associated with treatment complications were the level of 25OHD (p = 0.0055; OR = 0.868 [1,152]; 95% CI = 0.786; 0.959 [1.043;1.272]) and diabetes (p = 0.0034; OR = 30,181; 95% CI = 3.087; 295.036). The factors that, together, were associated with the presence of any complication, were age (p = 0.0139; OR = 1.058; 95% CI = 1.011; 1,106) and 25OHD level (p = 0.0198; OR = 0.917; 95% CI = 0.852; 0.986). There was a complication probability above 0.40 associated with lower 25OHD levels (values below 20 ng/mL) and older age (over 50 years). Conclusion: Lower or abnormal levels of 25OHD were associated with pseudoarthrosis, and age and 25OHD were both risk factors for treatment complications in patients with foot and ankle fractures.

The Impact of Clinical and Craniofacial Changes on the Surgical Outcomes of Lateral Pharyngoplasty in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Objective To verify if maxillomandibular retrusion, obesity, and increased neck circumference are factors of worse surgical prognosis for lateral pharyngoplasty in apneic patients. Materials and Methods We evaluated 53 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent lateral pharyngoplasty. Clinical evaluation was performed before the surgical procedure and included the measurement of body mass index (BMI) in kg/m 2 , neck circumference in centimeters, and a clinical evaluation of the facial profile obtained through the natural position of the oriented head. The polysomnographic evaluation was performed with at a minimum of 6 months after surgery, and polysomnographic results were correlated with the preoperative clinical data. Results The mean age of the patients was 38.8 years; the mean BMI was of 29.28kg/m 2 , and 84.9% of the sample was composed of men and 15.1% of women. There was a significant reduction in the mean value of the main respiratory parameters verified by polysomnography, such as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 31.60 events per hour to 8.15 ( p < 0.001); NadirO 2 went from 81% to 85% ( p = 0.002) and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation from 94% to 95% ( p = 0.024). It was also observed that the greater the maxillomandibular retrusion, the lower the mean reduction of the AHI after surgery. The increase in neck circumference proved to be a factor associated with the surgical outcome, and for each 1-cm decrease in the neck circumference, the chance of surgical success increased 1.2-fold. Conclusion Lateral pharyngoplasty is an efficient surgical obstructive sleep apnea treatment. The lower the neck circumference measurement, the greater the chances of surgical success, and clinically evaluated maxillomandibular retrusion can reduce the magnitude of improvement in respiratory parameters after lateral pharyngoplasty in apneic patients.

IS CALF CIRCUMFERENCE ASSOCIATED WITH CLINICAL AND NUTRITIONAL OUTCOME IN OLDER PATIENTS?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between calf circumference (CC) and outcomes in hospitalized patients. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between CC and clinical and nutritional outcomes in older in-patients (OiP) in a surgery ward. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 417 OiP in a surgery ward. Clinical variables, anthropometry, and nutritional screening instruments such as subjective global assessment (SGA), mini nutritional assessment (MNA), and nutritional risk screening (NRS) were used in the investigation. The tests Pearson's chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's coefficient, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to review the factors associated with CC. RESULTS: Lower CC values were found in the age group 80 years and over (p<0.0001), presence of complications (p=0.0269), NRS (p<0.0001), SGA (p<0.0001), and MNA (p<0.0001). Gender (p=0.0011; partial R2=0.01151), age (p=0.0002; partial R2=0.06032), body mass index (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.40820), and arm circumference (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.11890) are variables that together were associated with CC. There was also a relationship between SGA (p=0.0166; partial R2=0.00605) and absence of complications during hospitalization (p=0.0047; R2=0.01154) with CC. CONCLUSIONS: Gender, age, body mass index, and arm circumference were jointly associated with CC, in addition to SGA and absence of complications. The CC is a relevant indicator for OiP in the clinical practice.

Prognostic analysis of lymph node ratio of patients with disease recurrence previously submitted to cervical dissection surgery for head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: the variable lymph node ratio has recently been studied as a possible influencer in the survival of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the correlation between lymph node density and survival of recurred disease patients previously submitted to cervical dissection surgery due to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. METHOD: we retrospectively analyzed 71 medical records of patients treated at the Head and Neck Surgery Service of the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas who had undergone cervical dissection surgery and presented tumor recurrence between 2006 and 2019. Patient and tumor data such as age, gender, skin color, smoking, alcohol consumption, location of the primary tumor, anatomopathological characteristics and lymph node status were correlated with the survival time. RESULTS: we found a predominance of males and the mean age was 59.5 years. The most frequent primary site was the oral cavity followed by the larynx and oropharynx. The mortality rate was 53.52% and the mean lymph node ratio 0.28. We found influence on survival with statistical significance for the parameters: lymph node ratio, number of dissected and affected lymph nodes, T and N staging, type of treatment proposed (palliative or surgical), presence of compromited margins in the primary tumor and lymph node extravasation. CONCLUSION: the calculation of lymph node density in patients with recurred disease after cervical dissection surgery by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma should be taken into account during therapeutic planning and prognostic evaluation due to its direct influence on the survival.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL SCREENING INSTRUMENTS IN HOSPITALIZED OLDER PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hospitalized elderly patients has grown substantially and has impacted the hospital health services. Thus, it is believed that an investigation of the nutritional status associated with different clinical situations in elderly patients could contribute to multidisciplinary hospital intervention and nutritional care actions suitable for this population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between two nutritional screening instruments in hospitalized older patients and to compare clinical variables between these two instruments. METHODS: Retrospective study with hospitalized older patients (n=277), investigating the agreement between two nutritional screening instruments. The data were analyzed using the McNemar, chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney tests and the kappa coefficient for the agreement assessment. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (P=0.0002) between the nutritional risk classifications of the two nutritional screening instruments and moderate agreement (k=0.5430) between them. The association between nutritional risk screening and age (P=0.0255), length of hospital stay (P<0.0001), gender (P=0.0365) and illness (P=0.0001) were assessed. There was an association between Mini Nutritional Assessment and length of stay (P<0.0001), illness (P=0.0001) and body weight evolution (P=0.0479). CONCLUSION: The nutritional risk screening and Mini Nutritional Assessment showed moderate agreement in the assessment of elderly patients.

Factors associated with patient weight loss and prescribed diet during hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: the aim of this study was to assess weight loss, diet prescribed, and nutritional status in hospitalized patients, as well as their associated factors. Methods: weight loss during hospitalization, nutritional status, disease type, and prescribed diet were investigated in a retrospective study in 621 hospitalized patients. The chi-squared, Fisher's, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. To identify factors associated with weight loss a logistic regression analysis was performed. The significance level adopted for statistical tests was 5 %. Results: patients who experienced weight loss during hospitalization were associated with longer hospital stays (p < 0.0001; OR = 1.052; 95 % CI = 1.030 to 1.073), malnourishment according to the subjective global assessment (p = 0.0358; OR = 1.520; 95 % CI = 1,028 to 2,248), digestive disorders (p = 0.0081; OR = 3.177; 95 % CI = 1.351 to 7.469), and digestive neoplasms (p = 0.0407; OR = 2.410; 95 % CI = 1.038 to 5.597). Conclusion: weight loss during hospitalization was associated with neoplasms, digestive diseases, malnutrition, and length of stay.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la pérdida de peso, la dieta prescrita y el estado nutricional de pacientes hospitalizados y sus factores asociados. Métodos: se investigó la pérdida de peso durante la hospitalización, el estado nutricional, el tipo de enfermedad y la dieta prescrita en un estudio retrospectivo de 621 pacientes hospitalizados. Las pruebas del chi cuadrado, Fisher, Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis se utilizaron para el análisis estadístico. Para identificar los factores asociados con la pérdida de peso se utilizó la regresión logística. El nivel de significación adoptado para las pruebas estadísticas fue del 5 %. Resultados: los casos de pérdida de peso durante la hospitalización se asociaron a las estancias hospitalarias más largas (p < 0,0001; OR = 1,052; IC 95 % = 1,030; 1,073), la desnutrición según la evaluación global subjetiva (p = 0,0358; OR = 1,520; IC 95 % = 1,028; 2,248) los trastornos digestivos (p = 0,0081; OR = 3,177; IC 95 % = 1,351; 7,469) y las neoplasias digestivas (p = 0,0407; OR = 2,410; IC 95 % = 1,038; 5,597). Conclusión: la pérdida de peso durante la hospitalización se asoció con las neoplasias y las enfermedades digestivas, la desnutrición y la duración de la estancia.

GASTROINTESTINAL CHANGES DURING NUTRITIONAL FOLLOW-UP OF CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING OUTPATIENT CHEMOTHERAPY.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients may have gastrointestinal changes that influence nutritional status. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal changes resulting from outpatient chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients. METHODS: In a retrospective longitudinal study, the nutritional status and chemotherapy gastrointestinal changes (nausea, vomit, diarrhea, constipation, mucositis, dysphagia, xerostomia, inappetence, dysgeusia and heartburn) in cancer patients (n=187) were investigated in an outpatient follow-up. For the study of the parameters over time, the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method was used. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman coefficient, at a significance level of 5% were also used. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (63.64%) and the mean age was 57.5±12.1 years. The most frequent symptoms were nausea (18.54%); inappetence (18.31%); intestinal constipation (11.58%); diarrhea (7.98%); xerostomia (7.59%) and vomiting (7.43%). The nutritional status did not exhibit any relevant changes (P=0.7594). However, a higher prevalence of eutrophy was observed, followed by overweight; vomiting exhibited a significant difference (P=0.0211). The nausea symptom exhibited a significant difference with a higher prevalence of colorectal neoplasia when compared to breast neoplasia (P=0.0062); as well as vomiting in lung and colorectal neoplasias (P=0.0022), and dysphagia, in head and neck neoplasia, when compared to other neoplasms (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the number of medical appointments and gender (P=0.0102) and between dysphagia and gender (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study findings enhance the need for signs and symptoms follow up, as well as nutritional status follow up of patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy.

Multicentricity in the thyroid differentiated carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: The treatment of choice for the well differentiated thyroid carcinoma has always been controversial. AIM: to analyze tumor invasion of the thyroid gland's contralateral lobe in cases of differentiated carcinoma, correlating risk/benefit with the complications of a second surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study, from 1998 to 2006, of 27 patients undergoing less than total thyroidectomy: lobectomy (21), subtotal thyroidectomy (5) or isthmusectomy (1). Gender, age, type of surgery, complications, histopathological analysis and invasion of the contralateral lobe were analyzed. Patients' ages varied from 17 to 89; the most frequent histopathological pattern was the classical papillary carcinoma (18 cases), followed by follicular carcinoma (6); the follicular variant of the papillary carcinoma (2) and the Hürthle cell carcinoma (1). Twenty-one patients underwent full thyroidectomies, from 15 to 30 days after the first intervention. RESULTS: the contralateral lobe analysis was negative for carcinoma in 16 (76.5%) and positive in the other 5 (23.8%) patients. The complications observed were temporary dysphonia (3 cases) and hypoparathyroidism (2 cases, one permanent). CONCLUSIONS: total thyroidectomy is important in the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinomas, because there is a high contralateral spread rate (23.8%). It is a procedure without mortality, which bears few complications.

The diagnosis and NUTRIC score of critically ill patients in enteral nutrition are risk factors for the survival time in an intensive care unit?

INTRODUCTION: Objective: to investigate whether the caloric and protein deficits, the diagnosis and the NUTRIC score, behaved as risk factors associated to the survival time. Methods: prospective study with 82 critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU), with exclusive enteral nutritional therapy (EENT). We investigated the calorie and protein deficiencies of EENT, the NUTRIC score, and the inflammatory-nutritional index by the C-reactive protein-CRP/albumin. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, univariate and multiple Cox regressions and the Kaplan-Meyer method. Results: in the univariate Cox regression, one-year increase in age increased the risk of death by 4.1% (p=0.0009; HR=1.041) and one-day increase with intercurrent events, by 1.8% (p = 0.0485; HR = 1.018). In the multiple Cox regression, the clinical diagnosis (p = 0.0462, HR = 2.091) and the NUTRIC score ≥ 5 (p < 0.0001; HR = 5.740) were the variables that together were associated with the survival time. The critical caloric and protein deficits did not behave as death risk factors in this population. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the probability of survival in 40 days was 28.1% with clinical diagnosis and 40.2% with surgical diagnosis. The mean survival time with NUTRIC score ≥ 5 was 17.4 days. The probability of survival at 40 days was 72.8% with NUTRIC score < 5 and 6.4% with NUTRIC score ≥ 5. Conclusion: caloric and protein deficits are not risk factors for mortality. Only the diagnosis and the NUTRIC score were considered risk factors associated with the survival time.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: investigar si el déficit calórico y proteico, el diagnóstico y la puntuación nutricional se comportaron como factores de riesgo asociados al tiempo de supervivencia. Métodos: estudio prospectivo con 82 pacientes en estado crítico en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), con terapia nutricional enteral exclusiva (EENT). Investigamos las deficiencias de calorías y proteínas de EENT, la puntuación NUTRIC score y el índice inflamatorio-nutricional por la proteína C-reactiva-CRP/albúmina. Los datos se analizaron utilizando las regresiones de Chi-cuadrado, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, univariadas y múltiples de Cox y el método de Kaplan-Meyer. Resultados: en la regresión de Cox univariada, el aumento de un año en la edad incrementó el riesgo de muerte en un 4,1% (p = 0,0009; HR = 1,041) y el aumento de un día con episodios intercurrentes, en un 1,8% (p = 0,0485; HR = 1,018). En la regresión múltiple de Cox, el diagnóstico clínico (p = 0,0462, HR = 2.091) y la puntuación nutricional ≥ 5 (p < 0,0001; HR = 5,740) fueron las variables que juntas se asociaron con el tiempo de supervivencia. Los déficit críticos de calorías y proteínas no se comportaron como factores de riesgo de muerte en esta población. Las curvas de Kaplan-Meier mostraron que la probabilidad de supervivencia a 40 días fue del 28,1% con diagnóstico clínico y del 40,2% con diagnóstico quirúrgico. El tiempo medio de supervivencia con puntuación NUTRIC score ≥ 5 fue de 17,4 días. La probabilidad de supervivencia a los 40 días fue del 72,8% con una puntuación nutricional < 5 y del 6,4% con una puntuación Nutric-Score ≥ 5. Conclusión: los déficits calóricos y proteicos no son factores de riesgo para la mortalidad. Solo el diagnóstico y la puntuación NUTRIC score se consideraron factores de riesgo asociados con el tiempo de supervivencia.

Tratamento do megaesôfago avançado: qual técnica oferece melhores resultados? uma revisão sistemática / Advanced megaesophagus treatment: which technique offers the best results? a systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Advanced megaesophagus predisposes to risks of malnutrition infections and cancer, in addition to having a significant impact on quality of life. There is currently no consensus in the literature regarding the best surgical option for advanced megaesophagus, although there is a predilection for esophagectomy, despite this surgery being associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Other surgical procedures, such as esophageal mucosectomy and Heller cardiomyotomy, have been proposed with good results. AIMS: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the surgical treatment of advanced megaesophagus. METHODS: Databases used included PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs), Embase and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MedLine), as well as reference research. Two reviewers selected the articles independently. RESULTS: A total of 14 articles were chosen, which included 1,862 patients. The studies were divided into two groups: laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with fundoplication (213 patients) and major surgeries (1,649 patients). The studies yielded mostly good or excellent results regarding late outcomes in both groups. However, there was significant morbidity associated with the major surgeries group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy can be performed on patients with advanced megaesophagus, with lower rates of complications and mortality compared to major surgeries, with reservations regarding late outcomes results.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O megaesôfago avançado predispõe riscos clínicos de desnutrição, infecções e neoplasias, além de impacto significativo na qualidade de vida. Não há um consenso atual na literatura ante a melhor opção de seu tratamento cirúrgico, embora haja predileção pela esofagectomia, cirurgia de significativa morbimortalidade associada. Outras modalidades cirúrgicas têm sido propostas, com bons resultados, como a mucosectomia esofágica e a cardiomiotomia laparoscópica à Heller. OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma revisão sistemática com metanálise da literatura acerca do tratamento cirúrgico do megaesôfago avançado. MÉTODOS: As bases de dados utilizadas foram PubMed, Lilacs, Embase e MedLine, além de pesquisas de referências relacionadas. Os artigos foram selecionados por dois revisores independentemente. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 14 artigos, que incluem 1.862 pacientes. Os estudos foram divididos em dois grupos: cardiomiotomia laparoscópica com fundoplicatura (213 pacientes) e cirurgias de grande porte (1.649 pacientes). Os estudos analisados evidenciam que ambos os grupos apresentaram resultados semelhantes quanto ao desfecho tardio, considerado majoritariamente bom ou excelente, no entanto, houve significativa morbimortalidade associada ao grupo de cirurgias maiores. CONCLUSÕES: A cardiomiotomia laparoscópica com fundoplicatura pode ser realizada no megaesôfago avançado, com taxas de complicações e mortalidade reduzidas frente às cirurgias de grande porte, porém, com ressalvas quanto ao desfecho tardio a longo prazo.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LATE RESULTS OF CERVICAL ESOPHAGOGASTRIC ANASTOMOSIS BY MANUAL AND MECHANICAL SUTURE IN PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO ESOPHAGEAL MUCOSECTOMY THROUGH ADVANCED MEGAESOPHAGUS.

BACKGROUND: Among the anastomoses of the gastrointestinal tract, those of the esophagus are of special interest due to several anatomical or even general peculiarities. AIM: Evaluate retrospectively the results comparing mechanical vs. manual suture at cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in megaesophagus treatment. METHODS: Were included 92 patients diagnosed with advanced megaesophagus with clinical conditions to undergo the surgery. All underwent esophageal mucosectomy, performing anastomosis of the esophagus stump with the gastric tube at the cervical level. In order to make this anastomosis, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (n=53) with circular mechanical suture, lateral end; group B (n=39) with manual suture in two sides, lateral end. In the postoperative period, an early evaluation was performed, analyzing local and systemic complications and late (average 5.6 y) analyzing deglutition. RESULTS: Early evaluation: a) dehiscence of esophagogastric anastomosis n=5 (9.4%) in group A vs. n=9 (23.0%) in group B (p=0.0418); b) stenosis of esophagogastric anastomosis n=8 (15.1%) in group A vs. n=15 (38.4%) in group B (p=0.0105.); c) pulmonary infection n=5 (9.4%) in group A vs. n=3 (7.6%) in group B (p=1.0000.); d) pleural effusion n=5 (9.4%) in group A vs. n=6 (15.4%) in group B (p<0.518). Late evaluation showed that 86.4-96% of the patients presented the criteria 4 and 5 from SAEED, expressing effective swallowing mechanisms without showing significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis by means of mechanical suture is more proper than the manual with lower incidence of local complications and, in the long-term evaluation, regular deglutition was acquired in both suture techniques in equal quality.

Women's performance in conferences and their publications: a critical analysis

Introduction: Gender inequality occurs in all spheres of society, which is no different in the medical field. Abstract presentations in congress are the vanguard of scientific knowledge, an integral part of topic discussion, and, ideally, culminate in the publication of these works as complete manuscripts. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the role played by women in the presentation of scientific works at the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology congress and in the works published from these presentations. Methods: The bibliometric evaluation of the presented abstracts in the editions from 2015 to 2018 of the Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology was used, along with the works later published from these presentations. Gender identification data was extracted from the authors of the abstracts through their names and research for conference on the Lattes and Google Scholar platforms. The collected data was on the number of female participants and their order of authorship of abstracts and publications, evaluating possible changes when publication occurs. Results: A total of 1,336 abstracts were analyzed, with 91.6% of female authors. When publication occurs, women's presence dropped to 75.2% and suffered a change of order in the position of authorship to one of lesser relevance in 38.1%. Conclusion: Women's participation occurs in most abstracts. However, this proportion undergoes unfavorable changes when these works are published, either by changing the order of authorship, when women leave main positions and become coauthors, or are removed from the complete manuscript's publication. (AU)

TARGET, PRESCRIPTION AND INFUSION OF ENTERAL NUTRITIONAL THERAPY OF CRITICAL PATIENTS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.

BACKGROUND: Enteral nutritional therapy (ENT) is the best route for the nutrition of critically ill patients with improved impact on the clinical treatment of such patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the energy and protein supply of ENT in critically ill in-patients of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study conducted with 82 critically ill in-patients of an ICU, receiving ENT. Anthropometric variables, laboratory tests (albumin, CRP, CRP/albumin ratio), NUTRIC-score and Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002), energy and protein goals, and the inadequacies and complications of ENT were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square or Fischer tests and the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: A total of 48.78% patients were at high nutritional risk based on NUTRIC score. In the CRP/albumin ratio, 85.37% patients presented with a high risk of complications. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.0001) for all comparisons made between the target, prescription and ENT infusion, and 72% of the quantities prescribed for both calories and proteins was infused. It was observed that the difference between the prescription and the infusion was 14.63% (±10.81) for calories and 14.21% (±10.5) for proteins, with statistically significant difference (P<0.0001). In the relationship between prescription and infusion of calories and proteins, the only significant association was that of patients at high risk of CRP/albumin ratio, of which almost 94% received less than 80% of the energy and protein volume prescribed (P=0.0111). CONCLUSION: The administration of ENT in severely ill patients does not meet their actual energy and protein needs. The high occurrence of infusion inadequacies, compared to prescription and to the goals set can generate a negative nutritional balance.

Lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, diabetes and age are associated with foot and ankle fracture treatment complications

ABSTRACT Objective: This study investigated the nutritional status, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), albumin and risk factors associated with complications in patients with foot and ankle fragility fractures. Subjects and methods: Prospective study, developed with patients who suffered fractures due to fragility of the foot and ankle (n = 108); the type of fractured bone, fracture mechanisms and classification were studied and also pseudoarthrosis, treatment, surgical dehiscence, anthropometry, 25OHD and albumin. The Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in the statistical analysis and the multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with complications. Results: The factors that, together, were associated with treatment complications were the level of 25OHD (p = 0.0055; OR = 0.868 [1,152]; 95% CI = 0.786; 0.959 [1.043;1.272]) and diabetes (p = 0.0034; OR = 30,181; 95% CI = 3.087; 295.036). The factors that, together, were associated with the presence of any complication, were age (p = 0.0139; OR = 1.058; 95% CI = 1.011; 1,106) and 25OHD level (p = 0.0198; OR = 0.917; 95% CI = 0.852; 0.986). There was a complication probability above 0.40 associated with lower 25OHD levels (values below 20 ng/mL) and older age (over 50 years). Conclusion: Lower or abnormal levels of 25OHD were associated with pseudoarthrosis, and age and 25OHD were both risk factors for treatment complications in patients with foot and ankle fractures.

Is calf circumference associated with clinical and nutritional outcome in older patients? / A circunferência da panturrilha está associada ao desfecho clínico e nutricional em pacientes idosos?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between calf circumference (CC) and outcomes in hospitalized patients. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between CC and clinical and nutritional outcomes in older in-patients (OiP) in a surgery ward. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 417 OiP in a surgery ward. Clinical variables, anthropometry, and nutritional screening instruments such as subjective global assessment (SGA), mini nutritional assessment (MNA), and nutritional risk screening (NRS) were used in the investigation. The tests Pearson's chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's coefficient, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to review the factors associated with CC. RESULTS: Lower CC values were found in the age group 80 years and over (p<0.0001), presence of complications (p=0.0269), NRS (p<0.0001), SGA (p<0.0001), and MNA (p<0.0001). Gender (p=0.0011; partial R2=0.01151), age (p=0.0002; partial R2=0.06032), body mass index (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.40820), and arm circumference (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.11890) are variables that together were associated with CC. There was also a relationship between SGA (p=0.0166; partial R2=0.00605) and absence of complications during hospitalization (p=0.0047; R2=0.01154) with CC. CONCLUSIONS: Gender, age, body mass index, and arm circumference were jointly associated with CC, in addition to SGA and absence of complications. The CC is a relevant indicator for OiP in the clinical practice.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Estudos anteriores mostraram uma relação entre a circunferência da panturrilha (CP) e desfechos em pacientes hospitalizados. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a relação entre CP e desfecho clínico e nutricional em pacientes idosos hospitalizados (PIH) em uma enfermaria cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Este foi um estudo transversal com 417 PIH em uma enfermaria de cirurgia. Variáveis clínicas, antropometria e instrumentos de triagem nutricional como avaliação subjetiva global (ASG), mini avaliação nutricional (MAN) e triagem de risco nutricional (NRS) foram utilizados na investigação. Qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, coeficiente de Spearman e análise de regressão linear múltipla foram usados para analisar os fatores associados a CP. RESULTADOS: Menores valores de CP foram encontrados na faixa etária de 80 anos (p<0,0001), complicações (p=0,0269), risco nutricional pelo NRS (p<0,0001), ASG (p<0,0001) e MAN (p<0,0001). Sexo (p=0,0011; R2 parcial=0,01151), idade (p=0,0002; R2 parcial=0,06032), IMC (p≤0,0001; R2 parcial=0,40820) e circunferência do braço (CB) (p≤0,0001; R2 parcial=0,11890) foram variáveis que juntas estiveram associadas com a CP. Também houve relação entre ASG (p=0,0166; R2 parcial=0,00605) e ausência de complicações durante a internação (p=0,0047; R2= 0,01154) com a CP. CONCLUSÕES: Sexo, idade, IMC e CB associaram-se conjuntamente com CP, ASG e ausência de complicações. CP é um indicador relevante em PIH na prática clínica.

Discrepancies of abstracts presented in coloproctology congresses and later publish as full manuscripts: a Brazilian perspective

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective bibliometric study was to assess the discrepancies between coloproctology surgery meeting abstracts and subsequent full-length manuscript publications. Methods: Abstracts presented at the Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology Surgery from 2015 to 2019 were compared with matching manuscript publications. Discrepancies between the abstract and therefore the subsequent manuscript were categorized as major (changes within the purpose, methods, study design, sample size, statistical analysis, results, and conclusions) and minor (changes within the title, authorship, and number of female authors) variations. Results: The conversion rate of abstracts in published manuscripts was 6,9% (121 abstracts). There were inconsistencies between the study title (66,1%), authorship (69,5%), study design (3,3%), sample size (39,2%), statistical analysis (24,8%), results (25,6%), and conclusions (12,4%) of manuscripts compared with their corresponding meeting abstracts. Conclusion: As changes occur before manuscript publication of coloproctology surgery meeting abstracts, caution should be exercised in referencing abstracts or altering surgical practices based on abstracts content. (AU)

Assessing the level of evidence of presented studies at the Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology

Introduction: Scientific studies in Brazil grew around 10.7% compared to previous years. However, the level of quality of evidence has been decreasing. The aim in our study is to examine the meeting abstracts of the Brazilian congress of coloproctology and analyze the level of evidence in trends and variables. Methods: A descriptive bibliometric study, working with secondary data to review scientific abstracts in the annals of the coloproctology congress from 2015 to 2019. Results: A total of 1756 abstracts of the Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology were analyzed for 5 years (2015-2019). There was a higher trend of abstracts presented with lower levels of evidence (level of evidence 5: 52.3% and 3: 30%), being the majority composed of case reports (49.4%) and retrospective studies (30.4%). The last two years analyzed (2018: 55.2% and 2019: 59.3%) had a predominance above average of case reports. From 2017 to 2019 there was a significant decrease in the number of level 2 evidence studies (18.10%,11.80% and 5.50%), while the number of studies with level 5 evidence showed an increase (45.60%, 56.60% and 61.40%). Statistical analysis occurred in only 17%, with an important decrease for the last two years (2018: 13.6%; 2019: 12.1%). Conclusions: Although the data of this study is from the Brazilian coloproctology point of view, they are important for the global scientific community, as they allow a quantitative evaluation of the relative contribution from the level of evidence of Brazilian coloproctology researchers to the scientific scenario. (AU)

An American and Brazilian perspective on abstracts presented in coloproctology conferences converted into published manuscripts

Introduction: The presentation of abstracts in a congress is an important step for the dissemination of scientific information. The American Congress of Coloproctology is promoted by the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), and it is the largest in number of participants within the specialty, followed by the Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology. The present study aims to evaluate variables related to the quality of the scientific production of the abstracts presented in these two events and their conversion rate to published manuscripts. Materials and Methods: The present bibliometric study assesses secondary data from the review of abstracts presented in these 2 important conferences in 2016, followed by a research of the publications from these congress presentations. Results: The total number of abstracts evaluated was 854. The rate of articles containing statistical analyses was of 73.7% in the American congress, and of 34.1% in the Brazilian congress. Multicentric studies were more prevalent in the American congress (23.1%). Regarding study design, the most common were case reports in the Brazilian (44.8%) congress and retrospective studies in the American congress (67.7%). As for the works presented, the rate of conversion into full manuscripts in the American congress was of 24.2% compared with 10.6% in the Brazilian congress. Most papers from the American congress (93.7%) have citations compared with 68.6% of the other event evaluated. Conclusion: The scientific performance demonstrated by the conversion rate of abstracts into publications is below ideal, mainly in relation to the Brazilian meeting; yet, there were significant differences between the two events in terms of the profile of the presentations and several variables analyzed. (AU)