Comparative study of four different types of intraperitoneal mesh prostheses in rats

Purpose: To compare four types of mesh regarding visceral adhesions, inflammatory response and incorporation. Methods: Sixty Wistar rats were divided into four groups, with different meshes implanted intraperitoneally: polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE group); polypropylene with polydioxanone and oxidized cellulose (PCD); polypropylene (PM) and polypropylene with silicone (PMS). The variables analyzed were: area covered by adhesions, incorporation of the mesh and inflammatory reaction (evaluated histologically and by COX2 immunochemistry). Results: The PMS group had the lowest adhesion area (63.1%) and grade 1 adhesions. The ePTFE and PM groups presented almost the total area of their surface covered by adherences (99.8% and 97.7% respectively).The group ePTFE had the highest percentage of area without incorporation (42%; p <0.001) with no difference between the other meshes. The PMS group had the best incorporation rate. And the histological analysis revealed that the inflammation scores were significantly different. Conclusions: The PM mesh had higher density of adherences, larger area of adherences, adherences to organs and percentage of incorporation. ePTFE had the higher area of adherences and lower incorporation. The PMS mesh performed best in the inflammation score, had a higher incorporation and lower area of adherences, and it was considered the best type of mesh.(AU)

Evaluation of the efficacy and reproducibility of cholangiopancreatography by magnetic resonance for detecting biliary complications following orthotopic liver transplantation / Estudo da eficácia e da reprodutibilidade da colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética na detecção das complicações biliares pós-transplantes hepáticos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the detection of biliary complications in liver transplanted patients. METHODS: A study was conducted, with blinded review of 28 MRCP exams of 24 patients submitted to liver transplantation. The images were reviewed by two independent observers, at two different moments, regarding the degree of biliary tree visualization and the presence or absence of biliary complications. The MRCP results were compared, when negative, to at least 3 months of clinical and biochemical follow-up, and when positive, to the findings at surgery or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). RESULTS: The degree of intrahepatic biliary tree visualization was considered good or excellent in 78.6 percent and 82.1 percent of the exams by the two observers and visualization of the donor duct, recipient duct and biliary anastomosis was considered good or excellent in 100 percent of the exams, by both observers. Six biliary complications were detected (21.4 percent), all of them anastomotic strictures. Intra and interobserver agreement were substantial or almost perfect (kappa k values of 0.611 to 0.804) for the visualization of the biliary tree and almost perfect (k values of 0.900 to 1.000) for the detection of biliary complications. MRCP achieved 100 percent sensitivity, 95.45 percent specificity, 85.7 percent positive predictive value and 100 percent negative predictive value for the detection of biliary complications. CONCLUSIONS: MRCP is an accurate examination for the detection of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation and it is a highly reproducible method in the evaluation of the biliary tree of liver transplanted patients.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Medir a acurácia e reprodutibilidade da colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética (CPRM) na avaliação da visibilização de complicações biliares em pacientes submetidos a transplantes hepáticos ortotópicos. MÉTODOS: Realizado estudo retrospectivo de 28 exames de CPRM de 24 pacientes submetidos a transplantes hepáticos. Os exames foram interpretados por dois observadores independentes, em dois momentos distintos, quanto ao grau de visibilização das estruturas estudadas e quanto à presença ou ausência de alterações nas vias biliares. Os resultados da CPRM foram comparados, nos casos de CPRM negativa, à evolução clínico-laboratorial por pelo menos 3 meses e, nos casos de CPRM alterada, aos achados de colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) e cirurgia, quando indicados. RESULTADOS: A visibilização das vias biliares intra-hepáticas foi considerada boa ou excelente em 78,6 por cento e 82,1 por cento dos exames pelos dois observadores. A visibilização da via biliar extra-hepática do doador e do receptor, bem como da anastomose biliar, foi considerada boa ou excelente em 100 por cento dos casos por ambos os observadores. Foram detectadas seis complicações biliares (21,4 por cento dos casos), todas elas estenoses anastomóticas. A concordância intra e intra-observador foi substancial ou quase perfeita (índices de kappa- k de 0,611 a 0,804) para a visualização das estruturas estudadas e quase perfeita (k de 0,900 a 1,000) para a detecção das complicações biliares. A CPRM apresentou sensibilidade de 100 por cento, especificidade de 95,45 por cento, valor preditivo positivo de 85,7 por cento e valor preditivo negativo de 100 por cento para a detecção de complicações biliares. CONCLUSÕES: A colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética (CPRM) é um exame acurado para a detecção de complicações biliares em pacientes submetidos a transplantes hepáticos ortotópicos por CPRM. Este exame configura-se como um método eficiente ...(AU)