THE APPENDICITIS INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE SCORE FOR ACUTE APPENDICITIS: IS IT IMPORTANT FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS?

BACKGROUND: The use of Appendicitis Inflammatory Response clinical score in patients with suspected acute appendicitis makes the diagnosis more objective and accurate. AIMS: The aim of this study was to prospectively compare two groups with suspected acute appendicitis, analyzing the number of imaging tests requested, waiting time in the emergency department, until definition of conduct, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of this diagnostic method. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized study comparing 55 patients submitted to clinical-radiological diagnosis according to the routine of the service (control group), with another 55 patients submitted to the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score flowchart (intervention group). RESULTS: Waiting time for defining the intervention group's conduct was 1.5 h shorter than the control group (p=0.02). Computed tomography was performed in 42 patients in the control group, compared with 25 in the intervention group (p=0.001). The impact of the flowchart based on the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score of the cases compared to the control group was the reduction of appendectomies with a normal-appearing appendix from 5 to 1 and an increase in the exclusion of appendicitis diagnoses. The use of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score resulted in a diagnostic specificity of 92%, compared to 29% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score reduced the waiting time for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, decreased the number of imaging tests, and increased diagnostic specificity of the disease.

Evaluation of postoperative complications in elderly patients submitted to parotidectomy. / Avaliação das complicações pós-operatórias em pacientes idosos submetidos à parotidectomia.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the most incident histological subtypes and the main postoperative complications in elderly patients with parotid tumors submitted to parotidectomy. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective study with 57 elderly patients submitted to parotidectomy from 2003 to 2017, at the São José County Hospital of Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil. RESULTS: thirty-three (57.9%) patients had benign tumors, the most frequent being Warthin's tumor, and 17 (29.8%), malignant tumors, squamous cell carcinoma being the most frequent. Seven patients (12.3%) presented clinical complications, arterial pressure instability and respiratory complications being the most frequent, in four (7%) and three (5.3%) cases, respectively. Thirteen (22.1%) patients presented complications related to the surgical wound, hematoma and wound infection being the most frequent, with six (10.5%) cases each. Twenty-four (42.1%) patients had some degree of facial nerve dysfunction in the postoperative period, Brackman-House grade III being the most frequent, in 11 cases (19.3%). Surgical time and lymphadenectomy were associated with clinical complications. The main variables that showed an association with surgical complications were tumor size, longer surgical time, reoperation, and perioperative crystalloid infusion volume. CONCLUSION: parotid neoplasms present a differentiated profile in the elderly population, especially Warthin's tumor and squamous cell carcinoma. Hematoma and infection of the operative wound and facial nerve lesions were the most prevalent complications in the postoperative period.

OBJETIVO: avaliar subtipos histológicos mais incidentes e as principais complicações pós-operatórias em pacientes idosos portadores de tumor de parótida e submetidos à parotidectomia. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo de 57 pacientes idosos submetidos à parotidectomia, no período de 2003 a 2017, no Hospital Municipal São José de Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brasil. RESULTADOS: trinta e três (57,9%) pacientes tinham tumores benignos, sendo o mais frequente o tumor de Warthin, e 17(29,8%) tumores malignos, sendo o carcinoma escamoso o mais frequente. Sete (12,3%) pacientes evoluíram com complicações clínicas, sendo a labilidade pressórica e as complicações respiratórias as mais incidentes em quatro (7%) e três (5,3%) casos, respectivamente. Treze (22,1%) pacientes apresentaram complicações cirúrgicas relacionadas à ferida operatória, sendo o hematoma e a infecção de ferida as mais incidentes, com seis (10,5%) casos cada. Vinte e quatro (42,1%) pacientes tiveram algum grau de disfunção do nervo facial no pós-operatório, sendo o grau III de Brackman-House, em 11 casos (19,3%), o mais frequente. O tempo cirúrgico e a linfadenectomia mostraram associação com complicações clínicas. As principais variáveis que apresentaram associação com complicações cirúrgicas foram: tamanho do tumor, tempo cirúrgico mais longo, reoperação e volume de infusão de cristaloides no transoperatório. CONCLUSÃO: as neoplasias parotídeas apresentam perfil diferenciado na população idosa, destacando-se o tumor de Warthin e o carcinoma escamoso. Hematoma e infecção da ferida operatória, e as lesões do nervo facial foram as complicações mais prevalentes no pós-operatório.

Evaluation of oncological outcomes in patients with oral cavity cancer treated in a lowvolume hospital

Introduction: Oral cavity cancer (OCC) is one of the 10 most common types of tumors in the world. Surgical resection is the most indicated initial treatment, followed by adjuvant therapy, depending on tumor stage. A few studies have suggested that patients treated in high-volume hospitals present better oncologic outcomes; however, particularly in continental countries, some patients are treated in regional hospitals. Objective: To evaluate the results of OCC patients treated in low-volume regional hospitals. Methods: This is a retrospective longitudinal study conducted with patients diagnosed with OCC and operated on in a low-volume hospital between January 2003 and December 2018. Results: 174 patients with OCC were treated at the institution - an average of 11 patients/year. The most common tumor location was the tongue (48.2%), followed by the lip (18.2%). Squamous cell carcinomas were the most frequent (94.7% of patients). Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed in 46.7 and 31.9% of patients, respectively. Almost 21% of patients had some postoperative complication. Specific survival of 62.6% and global survival of 58.2% after 3 years were similar to the results reported in high-volume centers. Disease-free survival was 45.8% in the same period. Conclusion: Low-volume hospitals qualified for oncological treatments can present outcomes similar to those of high-volume centers, and are thus a regional option for patients with OCC.

The appendicitis inflammatory response score for acute appendicitis: is it important for early diagnosis? / Escore de reposta inflamatória à apendicite aguda: é importante para o diagnóstico precoce?

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: The use of Appendicitis Inflammatory Response clinical score in patients with suspected acute appendicitis makes the diagnosis more objective and accurate. AIMS: The aim of this study was to prospectively compare two groups with suspected acute appendicitis, analyzing the number of imaging tests requested, waiting time in the emergency department, until definition of conduct, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of this diagnostic method. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized study comparing 55 patients submitted to clinical-radiological diagnosis according to the routine of the service (control group), with another 55 patients submitted to the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score flowchart (intervention group). RESULTS: Waiting time for defining the intervention group's conduct was 1.5 h shorter than the control group (p=0.02). Computed tomography was performed in 42 patients in the control group, compared with 25 in the intervention group (p=0.001). The impact of the flowchart based on the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score of the cases compared to the control group was the reduction of appendectomies with a normal-appearing appendix from 5 to 1 and an increase in the exclusion of appendicitis diagnoses. The use of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score resulted in a diagnostic specificity of 92%, compared to 29% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score reduced the waiting time for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, decreased the number of imaging tests, and increased diagnostic specificity of the disease.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: A utilização do escore clínico Appendicitis Inflammatory Response em pacientes com suspeita de apendicite aguda torna o diagnóstico mais objetivo e preciso. OBJETIVOS: Comparar prospectivamente dois grupos com suspeita de apendicite aguda, analisando o número de exames de imagem solicitados, o tempo de espera no Pronto-Socorro, até a definição da conduta, bem como a sensibilidade e especificidade desse método diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo randomizado comparando 55 pacientes submetidos ao diagnóstico clínico-radiológico de acordo com a rotina do Serviço (grupo controle), com outros 55 pacientes submetidos ao fluxograma do escore Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (grupo intervenção). RESULTADOS: O tempo de espera para definir a conduta do grupo intervenção foi 1,5 hora menor do que o grupo controle (p=0,02). A tomografia computadorizada foi realizada em 42 pacientes do grupo controle, em comparação com 25 do grupo intervenção (p=0,001). O impacto do fluxograma baseado no escore Appendicitis Inflammatory Response dos casos em relação ao grupo controle foi a redução de apendicectomias com apêndice de aparência normal de 5 para 1 e um aumento na exclusão de diagnósticos de apendicite. O uso do escore Appendicitis Inflammatory Response resultou em especificidade diagnóstica de 92%, comparado a 29% no grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização do escore Appendicitis Inflammatory Response reduziu o tempo de espera para o diagnóstico de apendicite aguda, diminuiu o número de exames de imagem e aumentou a especificidade diagnóstica da doença.

Partial laryngectomy in glottic cancer: complications and oncological results.

INTRODUCTION: Most patients with laryngeal carcinoma present tumors in the glottis that can be treated by different treatment modalities. Some authors consider open partial laryngectomy as obsolete, while others still deem this as a viable and cost-efficient option. OBJECTIVES: To compare the oncological and functional results of a series of patients undergoing partial laryngectomy vs. external radiotherapy for the treatment of glottic cancer. METHODS: Historical cohort study with a series of glottic carcinoma patients undergoing partial laryngectomy or external radiotherapy during a period of ten years. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with glottic carcinoma were included. Group A comprised those submitted to partial laryngectomy (n=30), and Group B, those who underwent radiotherapy (n=32). They were homogeneous in the comparison of mean age, 56.4 vs. 60.4 years (p=0.12) and distribution in pathological stage (p=0.91). With regard to oncological outcome, there were no differences in distant metastasis rates, or second primary tumor between groups (p=1.0), as well as in disease-free time, laryngeal rescue-free time, and overall five-year survival. Severe complication rates were also similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Open partial laryngectomy had complication rates and oncological results similar to those of radiotherapy for patients with glottic carcinomas and should still be considered among the main available therapeutic options.

[Repeated fine-needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis and follow-up of thyroid nodules]. / Repetição da punção por agulha fina para o diagnóstico e seguimento de nódulos detireoide.

INTRODUCTION: The recently-proposed Bethesda reporting system has offered clinical recommendations for each category of reported thyroid cytology, including repeated fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for non-diagnostic and atypia/follicular lesions of undetermined significance, but there are no sound indications for repeated examination after an initial benign exam. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical validity of repeated FNA in the management of patients with thyroid nodules. METHOD: The present study evaluated 412 consecutive patients who had repeated aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules after an initial non-diagnostic, atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance, or benign cytology. RESULTS: The majority of patients were female (93.5%) ranging from 13 to 83 years. Non-diagnostic cytology was the most common indication for a repeated examination in 237 patients (57.5%), followed by benign (36.8%), and A/FLUS (5.6%) cytology. A repeated examination altered the initial diagnosis in 70.5% and 78.3% of the non-diagnostic and A/FLUS patients, respectively, whereas only 28.9% of patients with a benign cytology presented with a different diagnosis on a sequential FNA. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat FNA is a valuable procedure in cases with initial non-diagnostic or A/FLUS cytology, but its routine use for patients with an initial benign examination appears to not increase the expected likelihood of a malignant finding.

Cervicomastoidfacial versus modified rhytidectomy incision for benign parotid tumors.

UNLABELLED: The modified rhytidectomy incision is an alternative to the classic cervicomastoidfacial approach for parotid surgery, camouflaging the scar in barely visible areas, resulting in better cosmesis. However, there are very few studies comparing the incidence of complications and functional results of patients submitted to parotidectomy through these two different approaches. OBJECTIVE: Compare the incidence of complications and functional results of patients with benign parotid neoplasms submitted to surgery through the classical incision versus the modified rhytidectomy approach. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study evaluating the demographics, surgical and post-operative characteristics of an equally distributed group of sixty patients submitted to parotidectomy via cervicomastoidfacial incision or modified rhytidectomy approach. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in complications rates and functional results between the groups, except for a lower incidence of early facial movement dysfunction for the modified rhytidectomy approach - which was 86% lower in this group of patients. CONCLUSION: Modified rhytidectomy incision has shown comparable complication rates to those of the classic approach and a lower incidence of immediate facial movement impairment.

Avaliação das complicações pós-operatórias em pacientes idosos submetidos à parotidectomia / Evaluation of postoperative complications in elderly patients submitted to parotidectomy

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar subtipos histológicos mais incidentes e as principais complicações pós-operatórias em pacientes idosos portadores de tumor de parótida e submetidos à parotidectomia. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de 57 pacientes idosos submetidos à parotidectomia, no período de 2003 a 2017, no Hospital Municipal São José de Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Resultados: trinta e três (57,9%) pacientes tinham tumores benignos, sendo o mais frequente o tumor de Warthin, e 17(29,8%) tumores malignos, sendo o carcinoma escamoso o mais frequente. Sete (12,3%) pacientes evoluíram com complicações clínicas, sendo a labilidade pressórica e as complicações respiratórias as mais incidentes em quatro (7%) e três (5,3%) casos, respectivamente. Treze (22,1%) pacientes apresentaram complicações cirúrgicas relacionadas à ferida operatória, sendo o hematoma e a infecção de ferida as mais incidentes, com seis (10,5%) casos cada. Vinte e quatro (42,1%) pacientes tiveram algum grau de disfunção do nervo facial no pós-operatório, sendo o grau III de Brackman-House, em 11 casos (19,3%), o mais frequente. O tempo cirúrgico e a linfadenectomia mostraram associação com complicações clínicas. As principais variáveis que apresentaram associação com complicações cirúrgicas foram: tamanho do tumor, tempo cirúrgico mais longo, reoperação e volume de infusão de cristaloides no transoperatório. Conclusão: as neoplasias parotídeas apresentam perfil diferenciado na população idosa, destacando-se o tumor de Warthin e o carcinoma escamoso. Hematoma e infecção da ferida operatória, e as lesões do nervo facial foram as complicações mais prevalentes no pós-operatório.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the most incident histological subtypes and the main postoperative complications in elderly patients with parotid tumors submitted to parotidectomy. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study with 57 elderly patients submitted to parotidectomy from 2003 to 2017, at the São José County Hospital of Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Results: thirty-three (57.9%) patients had benign tumors, the most frequent being Warthin's tumor, and 17 (29.8%), malignant tumors, squamous cell carcinoma being the most frequent. Seven patients (12.3%) presented clinical complications, arterial pressure instability and respiratory complications being the most frequent, in four (7%) and three (5.3%) cases, respectively. Thirteen (22.1%) patients presented complications related to the surgical wound, hematoma and wound infection being the most frequent, with six (10.5%) cases each. Twenty-four (42.1%) patients had some degree of facial nerve dysfunction in the postoperative period, Brackman-House grade III being the most frequent, in 11 cases (19.3%). Surgical time and lymphadenectomy were associated with clinical complications. The main variables that showed an association with surgical complications were tumor size, longer surgical time, reoperation, and perioperative crystalloid infusion volume. Conclusion: parotid neoplasms present a differentiated profile in the elderly population, especially Warthin's tumor and squamous cell carcinoma. Hematoma and infection of the operative wound and facial nerve lesions were the most prevalent complications in the postoperative period.

Applicability of immediate, late or serial intact parathyroid hormone measurement following total thyroidectomy.

UNLABELLED: Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. Intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) testing is a proven effective method to detect patients at risk for postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia. However, there is still uncertainty as to the timing of i-PTH testing in a clinical setting. OBJECTIVE: This study looked into the correlation between serum i-PTH levels measured at different times after total thyroidectomy and the risk of symptomatic hypocalcemia. METHODS: This retrospective case series studied a group of 110 consecutive for hypocalcemia and intact parathyroid hormone (PTHi) levels four and twelve hours following total thyroidectomy. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the performance of isolated and serial i-PTH measurements to determine the likelihood of symptomatic hypocalcemia. RESULTS: I-PTH is highly sensitive (90.3%-96.8%) and specific (77.2%-87.3%) for symptomatic hypocalcemia. There was no significant difference in the sensitivity levels of the tests done four and twelve hours after surgery or in a serial fashion. However, the 12-hour i-PTH level was more specific (p < 0.0007). CONCLUSION: Single i-PTH testing done 12 hours after total thyroidectomy may be used as a screening test to detect patients at risk for symptomatic hypocalcemia.

Partial laryngectomy in glottic cancer: complications and oncological results / Laringectomia parcial no câncer glótico: complicações e resultados oncológicos

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Most patients with laryngeal carcinoma present tumors in the glottis that can be treated by different treatment modalities. Some authors consider open partial laryngectomy as obsolete, while others still deem this as a viable and cost-efficient option. OBJECTIVES: To compare the oncological and functional results of a series of patients undergoing partial laryngectomy vs. external radiotherapy for the treatment of glottic cancer. METHODS: Historical cohort study with a series of glottic carcinoma patients undergoing partial laryngectomy or external radiotherapy during a period of ten years. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with glottic carcinoma were included. Group A comprised those submitted to partial laryngectomy (n = 30), and Group B, those who underwent radiotherapy (n = 32). They were homogeneous in the comparison of mean age, 56.4 vs. 60.4 years (p = 0.12) and distribution in pathological stage (p = 0.91). With regard to oncological outcome, there were no differences in distant metastasis rates, or second primary tumor between groups (p = 1.0), as well as in disease-free time, laryngeal rescue-free time, and overall five-year survival. Severe complication rates were also similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Open partial laryngectomy had complication rates and oncological results similar to those of radiotherapy for patients with glottic carcinomas and should still be considered among the main available therapeutic options.

Resumo Introdução: A maioria dos pacientes com carcinoma de laringe apresentam tumores na região glótica suscetíveis a diferentes modalidades de tratamento. Alguns autores consideram a laringectomia parcial aberta em desuso enquanto outros ainda a indicam como uma opção viável e custo eficiente. Objetivos: Comparar os resultados oncológicos e funcionais de uma série de pacientes submetidos à laringectomia parcial versus radioterapia externa para o tratamento do câncer glótico. Método: Estudo tipo coorte histórica com uma série de pacientes com carcinoma glótico submetidos à laringectomia parcial ou radioterapia externa em período de 10 anos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 62 pacientes com carcinoma glótico distribuídos em Grupo A: submetido à laringectomia parcial (n = 30) e Grupo B submetido a radioterapia (n = 32) que se mostraram homogêneos na comparação de média de idade de 56,4 vs. 60,4 (p = 0,12) e distribuição em estadios patológicos (p = 0,91). Com relação ao desfecho oncológico, não foram observadas diferenças nas taxas de metástase à distancia, ou segundo primário entre os grupos (p = 1,0) assim como no tempo livre de doença, tempo livre de resgate laríngeo e sobrevida geral em 5 anos. As taxas de complicações severas também foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Conclusão: A laringectomia parcial aberta apresentou taxas de complicações e resultados oncológicos semelhante àqueles do tratamento radioterápico para pacientes com carcinomas glóticos e ainda deve ser considera entre as principais opções terapêuticas disponíveis.

Repeated fine-needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis and follow-up of thyroid nodules / Repetição da punção por agulha fina para o diagnóstico e seguimento de nódulos de tireoide / Repetição da punção por agulha fina para o diagnóstico e seguimento de nódulos de tireoide

INTRODUCTION: The recently-proposed Bethesda reporting system has offered clinical recommendations for each category of reported thyroid cytology, including repeated fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for non-diagnostic and atypia/follicular lesions of undetermined significance, but there are no sound indications for repeated examination after an initial benign exam. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical validity of repeated FNA in the management of patients with thyroid nodules. METHOD: The present study evaluated 412 consecutive patients who had repeated aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules after an initial non-diagnostic, atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance, or benign cytology. RESULTS: The majority of patients were female (93.5%) ranging from 13 to 83 years. Non-diagnostic cytology was the most common indication for a repeated examination in 237 patients (57.5%), followed by benign (36.8%), and A/FLUS (5.6%) cytology. A repeated examination altered the initial diagnosis in 70.5% and 78.3% of the non-diagnostic and A/FLUS patients, respectively, whereas only 28.9% of patients with a benign cytology presented with a different diagnosis on a sequential FNA. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat FNA is a valuable procedure in cases with initial non-diagnostic or A/FLUS cytology, but its routine use for patients with an initial benign examination appears to not increase the expected likelihood of a malignant finding. .

INTRODUÇÃO: A classificação de Bethesda para relatórios citológicos de tireoide oferece recomendações clínicas para cada categoria diagnóstica, incluindo a repetição do exame de punção para exames citológicos não diagnósticos (ND) e atipia/lesão folicular de significado indeterminado (A/FLUS). Todavia, a repetição da punção para pacientes com exame citológico inicial benigno ainda é discutida. OBJETIVO: Investigar a validade da punção repetida para o manejo de pacientes com nódulos tireoidianos. MÉTODO: Estudo longitudinal histórico avaliando 412 pacientes consecutivos com biópsias aspirativas repetidas de nódulos da tireoide após exame inicial ND, A/FLUS, ou benigno. RESULTADOS: A citologia não diagnóstica foi a indicação mais comum para um exame repetido em 237 pacientes (57,5%), seguida por citologia inicial benigna (36,8%) e A/FLUS (5,6%). Um exame repetido alterou o diagnóstico inicial de 70,5% e 78,3% dos pacientes com citologia inicial não diagnóstica e A/FLUS, respectivamente, enquanto apenas 28,9% dos pacientes com uma citologia inicial benigna apresentaram um diagnóstico diferente em uma punção sequencial. CONCLUSÕES: Repetir a punção aspirativa é um procedimento válido para pacientes com citologia inicial não diagnóstica ou atipia/lesão folicular de significado indeterminado, mas seu uso rotineiro em pacientes com exame inicial benigno parece não aumentar a probabilidade de malignidade para este grupo. .

Comparação da incisão ritidectomia modificada versus cervicomastóideofacial para tumores benignos da glândula parótida / Cervicomastoidfacial versus modified rhytidectomy incision for benign parotid tumors

Aincisão tipo ritidectomia modificada para a abordagem da glândula parótida mostrou-se uma alternativa à clássica incisão cervicomastóideofacial, permitindo-se camuflar a cicatriz em áreas pouco visíveis com melhor resultado estético. Todavia, ainda existem poucos estudos comparando os resultados funcionais e a incidência de complicações em pacientes submetidos à parotidectomia utilizando-se essas diferentes vias de acesso. OBJETIVO: Comparar a incidência de complicações e os resultados funcionais de pacientes com neoplasias benignas da parótida abordados pela incisão clássica ou ritidectomia modificada. MÉTODO: Estudo de casos tipo coorte histórica longitudinal incluindo sessenta pacientes submetidos à parotidectomia e igualmente distribuídos entre as duas formas de incisão avaliadas, comparando-se os dados de idade, sexo, tempo de internação, volume drenado, tamanho tumoral, volume da parótida ressecada, ocorrência de disfunção de motricidade facial e fístula salivar pós-operatória. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para complicações e resultados funcionais entre os dois grupos, exceto pela menor ocorrência de disfunção da motricidade facial imediata em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia via ritidectomia modificada, com a chance desta ocorrência ser 86% menos frequente neste grupo. CONCLUSÃO: A incisão tipo ritidectomia modificada apresenta incidência de complicações comparáveis à abordagem clássica, associada a menor ocorrência de disfunção da motricidade facial imediata.

The modified rhytidectomy incision is an alternative to the classic cervicomastoidfacial approach for parotid surgery, camouflaging the scar in barely visible areas, resulting in better cosmesis. However, there are very few studies comparing the incidence of complications and functional results of patients submitted to parotidectomy through these two different approaches. OBJECTIVE: Compare the incidence of complications and functional results of patients with benign parotid neoplasms submitted to surgery through the classical incision versus the modified rhytidectomy approach. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study evaluating the demographics, surgical and post-operative characteristics of an equally distributed group of sixty patients submitted to parotidectomy via cervicomastoidfacial incision or modified rhytidectomy approach. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in complications rates and functional results between the groups, except for a lower incidence of early facial movement dysfunction for the modified rhytidectomy approach - which was 86% lower in this group of patients. CONCLUSION: Modified rhytidectomy incision has shown comparable complication rates to those of the classic approach and a lower incidence of immediate facial movement impairment.

Aplicabilidade da dosagem de paratormônio intacto imediato, tardio ou seriado após tireoidectomia total / Applicability of imediate, late or serial intact parathyroid hormone measurement following total thyroidectomy

Hipocalcemia é a complicação mais comum após tireoidectomia total. A dosagem de paratormônio intacto é eficaz para detectar pacientes com risco de desenvolver hipocalcemia sintomática pós-operatória. Todavia, existem divergências sobre qual momento seria mais adequado para a realização deste exame após a cirurgia. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a relação entre níveis séricos de paratormônio intacto dosados em diferentes momentos após tireoidectomia total e risco de hipocalcemia sintomática. MÉTODO:110 pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia total foram observados para ocorrência de hipocalcemia sintomática associado à dosagem de paratormônio intacto (PTHi) 4h e 12h após a cirurgia. Realizada estimativa de probabilidade de hipocalcemia e avaliação dos resultados de desempenho para os diferentes tempos de dosagem de PTHi isoladamente e de forma seriada. Desenho: Estudo retrospectivo de série de casos. RESULTADOS: Dosagem de PTHi apresentou sensibilidade entre 90,3% e 96,8% para hipocalcemia sintomática e especificidade variando entre 77,2% e 87,3%. Não houve diferença significativa entre a sensibilidade do exame realizado após 4h, 12h ou seriada. Contudo, PTHi colhido 12h após a cirurgia apresentou a maior especificidade (p < 0,007) entre as dosagens. CONCLUSÃO: Dosagem única de PTHi colhida 12h após tireoidectomia pode ser utilizada como triagem para o risco de hipocalcemia sintomática.

Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. Intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) testing is a proven effective method to detect patients at risk for postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia. However, there is still uncertainty as to the timing of i-PTH testing in a clinical setting. OBJECTIVE: This study looked into the correlation between serum i-PTH levels measured at different times after total thyroidectomy and the risk of symptomatic hypocalcemia. METHODS: This retrospective case series studied a group of 110 consecutive for hypocalcemia and intact parathyroid hormone (PTHi) levels four and twelve hours following total thyroidectomy. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the performance of isolated and serial i-PTH measurements to determine the likelihood of symptomatic hypocalcemia. RESULTS: I-PTH is highly sensitive (90.3%-96.8%) and specific (77.2%-87.3%) for symptomatic hypocalcemia. There was no significant difference in the sensitivity levels of the tests done four and twelve hours after surgery or in a serial fashion. However, the 12-hour i-PTH level was more specific (p < 0.0007). CONCLUSION: Single i-PTH testing done 12 hours after total thyroidectomy may be used as a screening test to detect patients at risk for symptomatic hypocalcemia.

Fatores preditores de malignidade em neoplasias de células de Hurthle / Predictor factors of malignancy in Hürthle cell neoplasms

OBJETIVO: neoplasias de células de Hurthle são tumores da glândula tireóide de baixa incidência que apresentam muitas controvérsias quanto à distinção entre carcinomas e adenomas. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar fatores preditores de malignidade neste tipo específico de neoplasia. MÉTODOS: entre janeiro de 1999 e junho de 2006, 56 casos de neoplasia de células de Hurthle foram diagnosticados em nossa instituição e foram estudados retrospectivamente. RESULTADOS: trinta e sete pacientes apresentaram diagnóstico patológico de adenoma de células de Hurthle (ACH), enquanto 19 casos foram diagnosticados como carcinoma de células de Hurthle (CCH). No grupo de pacientes com adenomas a idade média foi de 47,8 anos, sendo que trinta e cinco (94 por cento) eram do sexo feminino e apenas dois (5,5 por cento) casos do sexo masculino. O tamanho médio dos adenomas foi de 2,1 cm variando de 0,3 a 6,0 cm. Entre os 19 casos de carcinomas a média de idade foi de 51,1 anos, sendo quatorze casos em mulheres (73 por cento) e cinco em homens (26,4 por cento). O tamanho médio dos nódulos neste grupo foi de 3,8 cm, variando de 2,0 cm a 7,5 cm. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com neoplasias de células de Hurthle apresentando nódulos maiores que três centímetros, principalmente em homens, apresentam maior risco de malignidade.

BACKGROUND: Hürthle cell neoplasms are uncommon thyroid gland tumors that present a diagnostic challenge due to difficulties to differentiate between adenomas and carcinomas. The purpose of this study is to identify preoperative predictor factors of malignancy. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients and tumor characteristics of 56 Hürthle cell tumors cases diagnosed in our institution between January 1999 and June 2006 was done. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients presented with adenoma, 35 women (94.5 percent) and 2 men (4.5 percent) with average age of 47.8 years. Medium tumor size in this group was 2.1 cm (ranging from 0.3 to 6.0 cm). Nineteen patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma were found in this series with 14 (73 percent) female and 5 male patients with average age of 51.1 years. Tumor size in this group ranged between 2.0 and 7.5 cm (medium of 3.8 cm). CONCLUSION: Patients with Hürthle cell neoplasm nodules larger than 3.0 cm, in the greatest diameter, especially in male patients, are predictor factors of having malignancy.