Bendamustine in the treatment of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma refractory or relapse to rituximab treatment: An open-label, single-agent, multicenter study in China.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment strategy for refractory or relapse (R/R) indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) has not been fully identified. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of bendamustine hydrochloride developed in native Chinese corporation in the treatment of patients with R/R iNHL. METHODS: A total of 101 patients from 19 centers were enrolled in this study from July 2016 to February 2019. Bendamustine hydrochloride (120 mg/m2 ) was given on days 1 and 2 of each 21-day treatment cycle for six planned cycles or up to eight cycles if tolerated. Parameters of efficacy and safety were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 53.44 (range, 24.4-74.6) years old. A total of 56 (55.44%) patients completed at least six treatment cycles, and the relative dose intensity was 93.78%. The overall response rate was 72.28%, and the median duration of response was 15.84 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.77-27.48 months). Median progression-free survival was 16.52 months (95% CI, 14.72-23.41 months), and the median overall survival was not reached. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia (77.22%), thrombocytopenia (29.70%), and anemia (15.84%). The most frequent nonhematologic adverse events (any grade) included nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Seven patients died during the trial, and four cases may be related to the investigational drug. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that bendamustine hydrochloride is a feasible treatment option for the indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma patient who has not remitted or relapsed after treatment with rituximab. All adverse events were predictable and manageable.

When is POEM truly equivalent to LHM? A comparison of complication rates during the learning curve.

INTRODUCTION: Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment for Esophageal Achalasia Cardia (EAC) but the endoscopic technique required is complex. As competency is crucial for patient safety, we believe that its' competency can be demonstrated when the complication rate equals that of an established procedure such as Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy with Fundoplication (LHM + F). METHODS: A multicentre, ambi-directional, non-randomized comparison of intra-procedural complications during the learning curve of POEM was performed against a historical cohort of LHM + F. Demographic, clinicopathological, procedural data and complications were collected. A direct head-to-head comparison was performed, followed by a population pyramid of complication frequency. Case sequence was then divided into blocks of 5, and the complication rates during each block was compared to the historical cohort. RESULTS: From January 2010 to April 2021, 60 patients underwent LHM + F and 63 underwent POEM. Mean age was lower for the POEM group (41.7 years vs 48.1 years, p = 0.03), but there was no difference in gender nor type of Achalasia. The POEM group recorded a shorter overall procedural time (125.9 min vs 144.1 min, p = 0.023) and longer myotomies (10.1 cm vs 6.2 cm, p = 0.023). The overall complication rate of POEM was 20.6%, whereas the historical cohort of LHM + F had a rate of 10.0%. On visual inspection of the population pyramid, complications were more frequent in the earlier procedures. On block sequencing, complication frequency could be seen tapering off dramatically after the 25th case, and subsequently equalled that of LHM + F. CONCLUSION: POEM is challenging even for experienced endoscopists. From our data, complication rates between POEM and LHM + F equalize after approximately 25 POEMs.

Single-center experience of transitioning from video-assisted laparoscopic to robotic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication for esophageal motility disorders.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has become the standard treatment option for achalasia. While robotic surgery offering some specific advantages such as better three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic vision, hand-eye consistency, and flexibility and stability with the endowrist is expected to be shorter in learning curve than that of LHM for surgeons who are proficient in LHM. The aim of this study was to describe a single surgeon's experience related to the transition from video-assisted laparoscopic to robotic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study based on the recorded data of the first 66 Heller myotomy performed with laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHMD, 26 cases) and with the robotic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (RHMD, 40 cases) by the same surgeon in Department of Thoracic Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University in China. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were analyzed using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. Corresponding statistical tests were used to compare outcomes of both serials of cases. RESULTS: The median operation time was shorter in the RHMD group compared to the LHMD group (130 [IQR 123-141] minutes vs. 163 [IQR 153-169]) minutes, p < 0.001). In the RHMD group, one patient (2.5%) experienced mucosal perforation, whereas, in the LHMD group, the incidence of this complication was significantly higher at 19.2% (5 patients) (p = 0.031). Based on cumulative sum analyses, operation time decreased starting with case 20 in the LHMD group and with case 18 in the RHMD group. Intraoperative blood loss tended to decline starting with case 19 in the LHMD group and with case 16 in the RHMD group. CONCLUSIONS: Both RHMD and LHMD are effective surgical procedures for symptom relief of achalasia patients. RHMD demonstrates superior outcomes in terms of operation time and mucosal perforation during surgery compared to LHMD. Proficiency with RHMD can be achieved after approximately 16-18 cases, while that of LHMD can be obtained after around 19-20 cases.

Is an objective evaluation essential for determining the therapeutic effect of laparoscopic surgery among patients with esophageal achalasia?

BACKGROUND: Despite a high degree of satisfaction with laparoscopic Heller-Dor surgery (LHD) for esophageal achalasia, some cases show no improvement in postoperative esophageal clearance. We investigated whether an objective evaluation is essential for determining the therapeutic effect of LHD. METHODS: We investigated the difference in symptoms, regarding esophageal clearance, using timed barium esophagogram (TBE), in 306 esophageal achalasia patients with high postoperative satisfaction who underwent LHD. Furthermore, these patients were divided into two groups, in accordance with the difference in postoperative esophageal clearance, in order to compare the preoperative pathophysiology, symptoms, and surgical results. RESULTS: Although the poor postoperative esophageal clearance group (117 cases, 38%) was mostly male and the ratio of Sigmoid type was high compared to the good postoperative esophageal clearance group (p = 0.046, p = 0.001, respectively); in patients with high surgical satisfaction, there was no difference in terms of preoperative symptom scores and surgical results. However, although the satisfaction level was high in the poor esophageal clearance group, the scores in terms of the postoperative dysphagia and vomiting were high (p = 0.0018 and p = 0.004, respectively). The AUC was 0.9842 upon ROC analysis regarding the presence or absence of clearance at 2 min following postoperative TBE and the postoperative feeling of difficulty swallowing score, with a cut-off value of 2 points (sensitivity: 88%, specificity: 100%) in cases with a high degree of surgical satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The esophageal clearance ability can be predicted by subjective evaluation, based on the postoperative symptom scores; so, an objective evaluation is not essential in cases with high surgical satisfaction.

Intraoperative diagnosis and treatment of Achalasia using EndoFLIP during Heller Myotomy and Dor fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Manometry is the gold standard diagnostic test for achalasia. However, there are incidences where manometry cannot be obtained preoperatively, or the results of manometry is inconsistent with the patient's symptomatology. We aim to determine if intraoperative use of EndoFLIP can provide a diagnosis of achalasia and provide objective information during Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication. METHODS: To determine the intraoperative diagnostic EndoFLIP values for patients with achalasia, we determined the optimal cut-off points of the distensibility index (DI) between patients with a diagnosis of achalasia and patients with a diagnosis of hiatal hernia. To evaluate the usefulness of EndoFLIP values during Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication, we obtained a cohort of patients with EndoFLIP values obtained after Heller myotomy and after Dor fundoplication as well as Eckardt score before and after surgery. RESULTS: Our analysis of 169 patients (133 hiatal hernia and 36 achalasia) showed that patients with DI < 0.8 have a >99% probability of having achalasia, while DI > 2.3 have a >99% probability of having hiatal hernia. Patients with a DI 0.8-1.3 have a 95% probability of having achalasia, and patients with a DI of 1.4-2.2 have a 94% probability of having a hiatal hernia. There were 40 patients in the cohort to determine objective data during Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication. The DI increased from a median of 0.7 to 3.2 after myotomy and decreased to 2.2 after Dor fundoplication (p < 0.001). The median Eckardt score went down from a median of 4.5 to 0 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that intraoperative use of EndoFLIP can facilitate the diagnosis of achalasia and is used as an adjunct to diagnose achalasia when symptoms are inconsistent. The routine use of EndoFLIP during Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication provides objective data during the operation in a group of patients with excellent short-term outcomes.

Redo laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication versus rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia after failed Heller myotomy: a single-institution experience.

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcomes of redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure and rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy for patients with failed Heller myotomy. METHODS: We identified patients who had undergone redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure or rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy from August 1996 to September 2019 and assessed the patients' characteristics, timed barium swallow results, symptom scores before/after surgery, surgical outcomes, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure, and 14 underwent rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy. Blood loss (p = 0.001) and intraoperative complications rate (p = 0.003) were lower and the operative time (p > 0.001) and observation period (p = 0.009) shorter in patients who underwent rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy than in patients who underwent redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure. Patients who underwent rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy had a higher rate of postoperative reflux esophagitis (p = 0.033) than those who underwent redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure. After the interventions, the dysphagia symptoms were improved for both groups. Furthermore, both groups expressed satisfaction with their respective procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy was associated with better surgical outcomes than redo laparoscopic Heller-Dor for patients with failed Heller myotomy. However, rescue peroral endoscopic myotomy had higher rates of postoperative reflux esophagitis.

[Features and results of minimally invasive treatment of recurrent achalasia]. / Osobennosti i rezul'taty maloinvazivnogo lecheniya retsidiva akhalazii kardii.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early and long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with recurrent achalasia, as well as the main features of surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 7 patients (4 men and 3 women) with recurrent achalasia. Mean age of patients was 42.3±13.5 years, body mass index - 22.7±3.3 kg/m2. Physiological status ASA grade 1-3 was observed in all patients. Concomitant diseases were diagnosed in 5 (71.4%) cases. Six (85.7%) patients underwent laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy with Dor fundoplication. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed in 1 (14.3%) patient. Mean preoperative Eckardt score was 10.7±1.4 points, mean GERD-HRQL score - 42.7±6.4 points. According to preoperative radiography, 5 (71.4%) patients had achalasia stage III, 2 (28.6%) ones - stage IV. RESULTS: All patients underwent laparoscopic Heller esophagocardiomyotomy with anterior Dor fundoplication and posterior partial fundoplication with posterior cruroraphy. Intraoperative complications (perforation of esophageal mucosa) occurred in 3 (42.9%) patients. Mean surgery time was 130±56 min, mean blood loss - 37 ml (35-205 ml), mean hospital-stay - 11.3±7.7 days. Postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo grade 3-4 were detected in 1 (14.3%) patient. One patient was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia (SARS-Cov-2 infection) in 4 postoperative days. Median postoperative follow-up period was 22 months. Mean BMI in 6 months after surgery was 25.3±3.1 kg/m2, mean Eckardt score - 2.1±0.7 points, mean GERD-HRQL score - 3.3±0.9 points. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the effectiveness and safety of the modified laparoscopic Heller procedure with Dor fundoplication as the main method for recurrent achalasia.

Over ten-year outcomes of laparoscopic Heller-myotomy with Dor-fundoplication with achalasia: single-center experience with annual endoscopic surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Heller-myotomy with Dor-fundoplication (LHD) is the standard surgical treatment for achalasia; however, surgical outcomes over a period greater than 10 years have not been well-explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of LHD for achalasia based on a single-center experience. METHODS: Patients who underwent LHD between 1994 and 2019 were included. Of these, we excluded patients who had undergone foregut surgery or whose follow-up data were unavailable. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) findings and postoperative persistent and/or recurrent symptoms had been assessed annually. Disease-free rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 530 patients (mean age 45.0 years with 267 men) were included. The median follow-up period was 50.5 months. More than 10 years' data were available in 78 patients (14.7%). The cumulative rates of freedom from dysphagia, vomiting, chest pain, and Eckardt score > 3 at 10 years after LHD were 80.1%, 97.5%, 96.3%, and 73.5%, respectively. Probability of esophagitis during 10 years after surgery was 34.4% of patients based on Kaplan-Meier estimation. Approximately 3/4th of patients who had post-LHD esophagitis showed mild esophagitis of Los Angeles classification grade A. Fifteen patients (2.8%) were required a revision of primary LHD. Six patients (1.2%) developed esophageal cancer with an incidence was as high as 219.8/100,000 person-year. All patients with esophageal cancer were found to have early stage tumors that were successfully resected. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic relief post-LHD lasted for over 10 years. The incidence rate of esophageal cancer was high. Regular EGD surveillance seems to be helpful for early detection of esophageal cancer early.

Eluxadoline benefits patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea in a phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Simultaneous agonism of the µ-opioid receptor and antagonism of the δ-opioid receptor can reduce abdominal pain and diarrhea in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) without constipating side effects. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a minimally absorbed, µ-opioid receptor agonist and δ-opioid receptor antagonist (eluxadoline) in a phase 2 study in patients with IBS-D. METHODS: We randomly assigned 807 patients to groups that received oral placebo twice daily or 5, 25, 100, or 200 mg oral eluxadoline for 12 weeks. The primary end point was clinical response at week 4, defined by a mean reduction in daily pain score from baseline of ≥ 30%, and of at least 2 points on 0-10 scale, as well as a stool consistency score of 3 or 4 on the Bristol Stool Scale (1-7) for at least 66% of daily diary entries during that week. RESULTS: Significantly more patients receiving 25 mg (12.0%) or 200 mg (13.8%) eluxadoline met the primary end point of clinical response than patients given placebo (5.7%; P < .05). Patients receiving eluxadoline at 100 mg and 200 mg also had greater improvements in bowel movement frequency and urgency, global symptoms, quality of life, and adequate relief assessments (P < .05). Additionally, patients receiving 100 mg (28.0%) or 200 mg (28.5%) eluxadoline were significantly more likely than those receiving placebo (13.8%; P < .005) to meet the US Food and Drug Administration response end point during the full 12 weeks of the study. Eluxadoline was well tolerated with a low incidence of constipation. CONCLUSIONS: In a phase 2 study of the mixed µ-opioid receptor agonist/δ-opioid receptor antagonist eluxadoline vs placebo in patients with IBS-D, patients given eluxadoline were significantly more likely to be clinical responders, based on a composite of improvement in abdominal pain and stool consistency. Further study of eluxadoline is warranted to assess its potential as a treatment for IBS-D.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Weight Loss After Fundoplication Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fundoplication sleeve gastrectomy (FSG) is a novel bariatric procedure that combines anti-reflux fundoplication with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to simultaneously address gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the prevalence of postoperative GERD and amount of weight loss after FSG. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection in May 2023 for full-text reports of case series, registries, cohort studies, and randomized clinical trials that reported postoperative GERD and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) after FSG for patients with preoperative GERD and obesity, excluding reports including patients with previous history of bariatric procedures. We used random effects models to estimate postoperative GERD prevalence and %EWL. Risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed with the ROBINS-I and GRADE frameworks (PROSPERO CRD42023420067). RESULTS: Of the 935 records initially identified, 13 studies from 8 countries met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of postoperative GERD pooled from 418 patients was 4.8% (95% CI: 2.8 to 8.4%). Pooled %EWL, available for 225 patients from 7 studies, was 67.8% (95% CI: 55.2 to 80.5). The overall quality of evidence was low, largely due to observational study design, lack of blinded outcome assessment, and evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Fundoplication sleeve gastrectomy is an emerging surgical approach for patients with obesity and GERD with promising initial outcomes. Additional studies of efficacy and safety are needed to compare FSG and its technical variations with other weight loss procedures.

Achalasia: Surgery Versus Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy.

Approaches to achalasia include non-operative and operative techniques with Heller Myotomy and Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) at the forefront of palliative strategies. Given the diverse subtypes and the time-dependent failure pattern for achalasia, there is no standard approach. We elect for a POEM for type III achalasia, poor functional status, hostile abdomen, and salvage after the previous myotomy. A Heller myotomy is elected over a POEM for type II achalasia, presence of diverticulum, and hiatal hernia. As long-term outcomes become available, an optimal customized strategy will become clearer.

[Robotic-assisted laparoscopic Heller-Dor's cardiomyotomy and fundoplication for achalasia]. / Achalasia miatt végzett robotasszisztált laparoszkópos cardiomyotomia és fundoplicatio (Heller­Dor-mutét).

INTRODUCTION: The outcomes of surgical interventions for achalasia treatment improved with the advent of minimally invasive surgery. Robotic-assisted Heller-Dor's (RAHD) procedure established over the last years, provides important advantages to surgeons, such as binocular three-dimensional vision and improvement of fine motor control. METHOD: Between October and December of 2022, first in Hungary, 3 patients (37-year-old man, 55- and 72-year-old women) underwent RAHD procedure for achalasia at the Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs using the da Vinci Xi system. RESULTS: RAHD procedure was feasible without any particular problems and the postoperative course of all three patients was uneventful. The operation times were 198, 204 and 238 minutes, including 23, 19 and 14 minutes for the setup time of the robot. By the last patient, due to an accompanying hiatal hernia, an additional hiatal reconstruction was also performed. In the first 2 cases, the patients were discharged on the 4th postoperative day, while in the last case, with the additional hiatal reconstruction, the patient was emitted on the 6th postoperative day. DISCUSSION: There are several published studies about RAHD cardiomyotomy. The general conclusion is that, in experienced hands, RAHD procedure is easy to perform, ensures a meticulous esophageal and gastric myotomy, allowing to visualize and divide each muscle fiber with a significantly lower rate of mucosal perforations. However, by RAHD procedure, the overall costs are higher, including a longer operation time during the learning curve. At the same time, the avoidance of mucosal lacerations and their possible consequences has to be weighed against the higher overall costs. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is the first standard upper-gastrointestinal operation where a clear advantage of the use of a surgical robot has been proven. Thus, wherever this equipment is available, it should be preferred for this procedure. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(14): 542-547.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Dor Fundoplication for the Treatment of Esophageal Achalasia After Sleeve Gastrectomy-a Video Vignette.

PURPOSE: Esophageal dysmotility and disorders of the lower esophageal sphincter are well documented in morbidly obese patients. Esophageal achalasia has been reported in up to 1% of obese patients but the development of such esophageal motility disorder after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is extremely rare. The purpose of this video was to demonstrate the management of a type II esophageal achalasia diagnosed in a 46-year-old female patient 4-year after LSG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intraoperative video has been anonymized and edited to demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic Heller myotomy and anterior Dor fundoplication on the mentioned patient. RESULTS: The operation started with the section of the perigastric adhesions. Proceeding in a clockwise direction, the esophagogastric junction, the anterior esophageal wall, and the His angle were freed. A residual slightly dilated fundus was found and isolated. After mobilization of the distal esophagus and identification of the anterior vagus nerve, a "hockey stick" myotomy was carried out for 6 cm on the esophagus and for 2 cm on the gastric side. An anterior Dor fundoplication was fashioned using the residual gastric fundus. CONCLUSION: Esophageal achalasia in patients that previously underwent LSG is exceptional but should always be suspected in case of pathognomonic symptoms onset. In tertiary referral centers, laparoscopic Heller myotomy and, if technically feasible, an anterior Dor fundoplication seem safe and effective to relieve gastroesophageal outflow obstruction and prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Dor Fundoplication: How I Do It?

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by lack of esophageal peristalsis and partial or absent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing. Available treatment modalities are not curative but rather intend to relieve patient' symptoms. A laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication is associated with high clinical success rates and low incidence of postoperative reflux. A properly executed operation following critical surgical steps is key for the success of the operation.

[The supine coronal midaxillary approach to anterior quadratus lumborum block: case report]. / Abordagem supina axilar média coronal para realização de bloqueio do quadrado lombar anterior: relato de casos.

BACKGROUND: There are various approaches to perform an ultrasound guided Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB). The lateral, posterior, anterior or trans muscular and subcostal paramedian are the various approaches described for performing a QLB. Each of these blocks are aimed to achieve a maximum spread with high volume and low concentration of local anesthetics. CASE REPORT: In this novel approach a curvilinear ultrasound probe was used with the patient lying in supine position. The probe was placed longitudinally in the mid axillary line to visualize Quadratus Lumborum Muscle (QLM) in the coronal plane. The needle was then introduced from cranial to caudal direction and catheters were inserted in the Anterior Thoracolumbar Fascia (ATLF) up to a distance of 4-5 cm in 24 patients for an anterior approach to acetabulum fractures. The needle tip and the Local Anesthetic (LA) spread was visible in all patients. All patients except 4 had excellent perioperative pain relief considering stable hemodynamics and VAS 2-3/10 for the first 48 hours. All patients received 1g intravenous paracetamol each 8hours. VAS in postoperative period was 2-3/10, in 20/24 patients. In the postoperative period, 4 patients complained of persistent pain, requiring intravenous fentanyl boluses and multimodal analgesia. Mean VAS score was 2.87 from 0-12 hours, 3.14 from 12-24 hours, and 3.35 from 24-48 hours. There were no block-related complications in any patient. CONCLUSION: The supine midaxillary coronal approach to anterior QLB is an effective and feasible approach to QLB which can be performed in supine position.

[Self-applied sphenopalatine ganglion block for postdural puncture headache: four case reports]. / Bloqueio do gânglio esfenopalatino autoaplicado para cefaleia pós­punção dural: relato de quatro casos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SGB) is an effective, low-risk treatment option for Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH) refractory to conservative management. CASE REPORT: This report presents four complex cases of patients with headache related to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Three of them were successfully treated with the application of local anesthetic topical drops through the nasal cavity. CONCLUSION: The novel approach described in this report has minimal risks of discomfort or injury to the nasal mucosa. It is quick to apply and can be administered by the patient himself.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perception of treatment and chronic musculoskeletal pain in users of a family health unit: qualitative study / Impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 na percepção do tratamento e da dor musculoesquelética crônica em usuários de uma unidade de saúde da família: estudo qualitativo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain has a high demand for health care due to its multifactorial cause. The COVID-19 pandemic represented a scenario of social stress, in which there was a reduction in care for chronic non-communicable diseases, including cases of chronic pain. The aim of this study was to understand the impacts of the pandemic on this population, considering the perception of pain, experience with care and mental health. METHODS: This is an exploratory case study using a qualitative methodology. An intentional sample of six patients diagnosed with chronic musculoskeletal pain, of both genders and aged between 30 and 70 was used. The individuals underwent a semi-structured interview, in which the data was analyzed by thematic analysis and coding. RESULTS: After the analysis, three themes emerged: 1) Multidimensional impact of pain and coping strategies; 2) Characteristics of the health service and individual-centered care; 3) Influence of pain on quality of life and perspective of future life. The impact of health care was a factor of anxiety and uncertainty about pain. It had repercussions on new coping strategies, such as telehealth. In this context, Primary Health Care was a scenario capable of managing the short- and long-term quality of life of individuals with chronic pain. CONCLUSION: This study contributed to understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with chronic pain, which represents a challenge to current care.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica apresenta alta demanda de assistência à saúde, devido a sua causa multifatorial. A pandemia da COVID-19 representou um cenário de estresse social, em que houve redução de atendimentos às doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, incluindo os casos de dores crônicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender os impactos da pandemia para este público, considerando a percepção da dor, experiência com assistência e saúde mental. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de caso exploratório de metodologia qualitativa. Foi utilizada uma amostra intencional de seis pacientes com diagnóstico de dor musculoesquelética crônica, de ambos os sexos e com idade entre 30 e 70 anos. Os indivíduos passaram por uma entrevista semiestruturada, na qual os dados foram analisados por análise temática e codificação. RESULTADOS: Após a análise, emergiram três temas: 1) Impacto multidimensional da dor e estratégias de enfrentamento; 2) Características do serviço de saúde e atenção centrada no indivíduo; 3) Influência da dor na qualidade de vida e na perspectiva de vida futura. O impacto na assistência à saúde foi um fator de ansiedade e incertezas sobre a dor. Isso repercutiu em novas estratégias de enfrentamento, como os teleatendimentos. Nesse contexto, a Atenção Primária à Saúde foi o cenário capaz de gerenciar a qualidade de vida a curto e a longo prazo dos indivíduos com dor crônica. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo contribuiu para a compreensão do impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 em indivíduos com dor crônica, o qual representa desafios à assistência atual.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy: A Fundoplication Is Necessary to Control Gastroesophageal Reflux.

Background: Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder that causes progressive dysphagia and regurgitation. The aim of treatment for achalasia is to provide symptom relief by reducing esophageal outflow resistance by disrupting the muscles at the level of the esophagogastric junction to allow esophageal emptying by gravity. Methods: A review of the literature concerning laparoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia. Results: Surgical myotomy with partial fundoplication is very effective in relieving symptoms, and is able to strike a balance between relief of symptoms and control of abnormal reflux. Conclusions: Since reflux of gastric contents into the aperistaltic esophagus can cause esophagitis, peptic strictures, Barrett's esophagus, and even esophageal carcinoma, the addition of a partial fundoplication is very important. The choice of partial fundoplication is based on surgeons' preference and expertise.

Associação da dor autorrelatada com a qualidade de vida no hipertenso resistente / Association of self-reported pain with quality of life in resistant hypertensive patients / Asociación del dolor autorreportado con la calidad de vida en pacientes hipertensos resistentes

Objetivo: analisar a associação da dor autorrelatada e a qualidade de vida de hipertensos resistentes no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Método: estudo transversal e analítico, realizado em hospital universitário, no período de janeiro a fevereiro de 2022. A coleta de dados deu-se por busca em prontuário e por contato telefônico, com a utilização dos Questionários de Dor de McGILL e Qualidade de Vida em Hipertensão Arterial (Minichal ­ Brasil). Na análise estatística foi usado o teste de Mann-Whitney e o coeficiente de Sperman (ρ). Resultados: predominância feminina (88,1%), com idade entre 50 e 70 anos (69,1%), com hipertensão arterial há mais de 20 anos (42,9%), estimativa de dor "leve a severa" (64,3%), boa qualidade de vida (47,6%), com associação significativa em hipertensos com colesterol total alto. Conclusão: identificação do perfil da amostra, associação da dor autorrelatada e a qualidade de vida de hipertensos resistentes no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19

Objective: to analyze the association between self-reported pain and the quality of life of resistant hypertensive patients in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: cross-sectional and analytical study, carried out in a university hospital, from January to February 2022. Data collection was carried out by searching medical records and by telephone, using the McGILL Pain and Quality of Life Questionnaires in Arterial Hypertension (Minichal ­ Brazil). In the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman coefficient (ρ) were used. Results: female predominance (88.1%), aged between 50 and 70 years (69.1%), with arterial hypertension for more than 20 years (42.9%), estimated "mild to severe" pain (64 .3%), good quality of life (47.6%), with a significant association in hypertensive patients with high total cholesterol. Conclusion: identification of the sample profile, association of self-reported pain and the quality of life of resistant hypertensive patients in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

Objetivos:analizar a associação entre dor autorreferida e qualidade de vida de hipertensos resistentes no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Método: estudio transversal y analítico, realizado en un hospital universitario, en el período de enero a febrero de 2022. Una recopilación de datos realizada por medio de búsqueda en prontuários y por teléfono, por medio de los cuestionarios McGILL de Dor e Qualidade de Vida em Hipertensão Arterial (Minichal ­ Brasil). En el análisis estadístico se utilizan las pruebas de Mann-Whitney y el coeficiente de Spearman (ρ). Resultados: predomínio do sexo feminino (88,1%), edad entre 50 y 70 años (69,1%), con hipertensão arterial há mais de 20 años (42,9%), dor estimada "leve a intensa" (64,3%), boa qualidade de vida (47,6%), com associação significativa em hipertensos com colesterol total elevado. Conclusión: identificación del perfil de nuestra muestra, asociación del autorreferido y calidad de vida dos hipertensos resistentes en el contexto de la pandemia de Covid-19. Conclusión: se identificó el perfil de la muestra y la asociación entre el dolor autoinformado y la calidad de vida de los hipertensos resistentes en el contexto de la pandemia de Covid-19

Alunos canhotos de odontologia da cidade de Uberlândia: perfil, ergonomia e dores osteomusculares / Left-handed dentistry students in the city of Uberlândia: profile, ergonomics and muscular pain

Os dentistas são um grupo de alto risco para o desenvolvimento de doenças de desordens musculoesqueléticas e tendo em vista que o sistema de produção industrial desenvolve produtos que atendem a maioria da população destra, os estudantes canhotos precisam se adequar a uma formação acadêmica, usando instrumentais, cadeiras odontológicas eoutros objetos projetados para destros. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a coletade informações sobre os canhotos nos cursos de Odontologia da cidade de Uberlândia ­Minas Gerais. Foram incluídos todos os alunos canhotos matriculados no ano de 2022 e que estavam cursando ou já cursaram disciplinas com atividades laboratoriais ou clínicas. Questionários foram aplicados para identificação do perfil, das dificuldades, da ergonomia e das dores osteomusculares dos alunos canhotos em suas atividades. Os dados foram em seguida tabulados e passaram por análise estatística. Da quantidade total de alunos das três instituições (n=1.578), foram entrevistados 45 (2,8%) alunos canhotos, sendo a maioria feminina (80%), na qual identificou-se um posicionamento inadequado do operador canhoto quando comparado ao preconizado pela ISO-FDI, além da limitação de movimento na presença de auxiliar (82,2%). Os locais com maior frequência de dor/desconforto foram: pescoço (79%), costas superior esquerda (63%) e inferior esquerda (61%) e punhos/ mãos esquerda (56%). A intensidade da dor variou entre alguma, moderada e bastante. O impedimento de realizar atividades diárias foi relatado por 17% dos alunos (n=7) e destes somente 1 buscou atendimento médico. Não houve diferença estatística na comparação entre instituição pública e privada. Diante dos resultados, concluiu-se que os canhotos representam minoria dos alunos de Odontologia e apresentam várias regiões de dor/ desconforto devido às adaptações e posturas erradas durante os atendimentos. Apesar de grande parte apresentar dor, poucos tiveram impedimento de atividades rotineiras ou procuraram ajuda médica(AU)

Dentists are a high risk group for the development of musculoskeletal disorders and considering that the industrial production system develops products that serve the majority of the right-handed population, lefthanded students need to adapt to an academic training, using instruments, dental chairs and other objects designed for right-handers. This study aimed to collect information about left-handers in Dentistry courses in the city of Uberlândia - Minas Gerais. All left- handed students enrolled in the year 2022 and who were taking or had taken courses with laboratory or clinical activities were included. Questionnaires were applied to identify the profile, difficulties, ergonomics and musculoskeletal pain of left-handed students in their activities. The data were tabulated and then undergo statistical analysis. Of the total number of students from the three institutions (n=1,578), 45 (2.8%) left-handed students were interviewed, the majority being female (80%), in which an inadequate positioning of the left-handed operator was identified when compared to the recommended one by ISO-FDI, in addition to limitation of movement in the presence of an assistant (82.2%). The places with the highest frequency of pain/discomfort were: neck (79%), upper left back (63%) and lower left back (61%) and left wrists/hands (56%). The intensity of pain varied between some, moderate and a lot. The impediment to carrying out daily activities was reported by 17% of the students (n=7) and of these, only 1 sought medical attention. There was no statistical difference when comparing public and private institutions. In view of the results, it was concluded that left-handers represent a minority of dentistry students and have several regions of pain/discomfort due to adaptations and wrong postures during consultations. Although most of them had pain, few were prevented from performing routine activities or sought medical help(AU)