Analysis of requests for reservation of blood concentrates in patients referred to urgent surgeries in a teaching hospital

Introduction: The rates of request and use of blood concentrates are still poorly reported in the literature. This study aimed to analyze the rates of requests for blood concentrates and their use in patients undergoing emergency surgery in a teaching hospital. Methods: A retrospective, quantitative and descriptive study was conducted in 359 medical records of patients in urgent surgery scheduled with a request for a reserve of blood concentrate. The ratios between crossmatched and transfused units (C/T), transfusion index (TI), and probability (TP) were calculated, and the times between request and delivery at the transfusion agency (TA) and patient admission to the surgical center (SC). Results: The mean age was 58.5 ± 22.2 years, with the majority being male (53.1%). There was an average of 27.5 monthly requests (min 12, max 44). Ninety-seven units of blood concentrates were transfused into 44 patients (C/T ratio 7.59; TI 0.27; TP 12.3%). Only seven patients had their requests made after admission to the OR. The median time between the request and arrival at the TA was 1h15min, while that between the request and the patient's arrival at the SC was 5h23min. There was greater transfusion in major surgery (major 37, 14.8% vs. medium 7, 6.5%; p = 0.027) and non-orthopedic surgery (orthopedic 9, 4.0% vs. non-orthopedic 35, 26.9%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: there was a significant discrepancy between the number of requests for blood reservation and its real use and an increased time between reservation requests and their arrival at the TA.

Short- and long-term follow-up after transarterial embolization of a giant inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm.

Among the cases of visceral artery aneurysms, those that involve the inferior mesenteric artery are the most uncommon, with a prevalence of <1%. This study reports a giant symptomatic inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm and its endovascular treatment by means of percutaneous embolization with the implantation of pushable coils. After complete occlusion of the aneurysm, adequate maintenance of arterial supply of the left colon and resolution of the symptoms were observed. In the 2-year follow-up, a significant reduction in the aneurysm's volume and maintenance of the clinical condition were observed.

Fatores de risco associados e sobrevida em curto e médio prazo de pacientes submetidos a correção aberta e endovascular de aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Risk factors and short and medium-term survival after open and endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Contexto: Os aneurismas de aorta abdominal (AAA) infrarrenal apresentam alta morbimortalidade associada à ruptura e podem ser tratados por cirurgia aberta ou endovascular. Objetivos: Analisar os fatores de risco e a sobrevida associados aos métodos cirúrgico e endovascular no tratamento do AAA. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo e longitudinal envolvendo 41 pacientes submetidos à correção endovascular ou aberta do AAA, de forma eletiva ou emergencial, no período de 48 meses. Foi realizada análise de comorbidades pré-operatórias, sobrevida em 30 dias e 1 ano, mortalidade hospitalar, tempo de internação, hemotransfusões, duração da cirurgia e ocorrência de insuficiência renal aguda. A estatística inferencial e a análise de sobrevida foram realizadas considerando intervalo de confiança de 95% e p < 0,05 como significante. Resultados: Dos 41 pacientes, 12 foram submetidos à correção aberta e 29, à endovascular. A maioria eram homens (75%), com média de idade de 71 anos (mín. 56, máx. 90 anos). Não houve diferenças de fatores de risco entre os grupos. A sobrevida global dos pacientes foi diferente para os tratamentos aberto e endovascular, tanto em 30 dias (37 vs. 72%; p = 0,01) quanto em 360 dias (37 vs. 67%; p = 0,01), respectivamente. A sobrevida dos casos eletivos em 30 dias (71 vs. 76%; p = 0,44) e 360 dias (ambas 71%; p = 0,34) foram semelhantes. O reparo endovascular apresentou menor tempo de internação (3,0 vs. 4,4 dias; p = 0,02) e duração da cirurgia (111 vs. 163 min; p = 0,005) quando comparado à cirurgia aberta. Conclusões: Não houve diferença na sobrevida em curto e médio prazo dos pacientes com AAA tratados de forma eletiva pelas técnicas endovascular e cirúrgica. Menor tempo de internação e duração da cirurgia foram observados no tratamento minimamente invasivo

Background: Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are responsible for high rates of rupture-associated morbidity and mortality and can be treated by open or endovascular surgery. Objectives: To analyze risk factors and survival associated with surgical and endovascular AAA treatment methods. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal study involving 41 patients who underwent endovascular or open AAA repair, whether elective or emergency, over a 48-month period, with analysis of preoperative comorbidities, 30-day and 1-year survival, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, transfusion of blood products, duration of surgery, and development of acute kidney failure. Inferential statistics and survival analysis considered a 95% CI and p < 0.05 as significant. Results: Twelve of the 41 patients were treated with open surgery and 29 with endovascular techniques. The majority were male (75%), with an average age of 71 (range: 56 ­ 90 years). There were no differences in demographic or risk factors between the groups. Overall survival rates for open and endovascular repair were different for both 30 days (37 vs. 72%, p = 0.01) and 360 days (37 vs. 67%, p = 0.01). However, survival rates in elective cases were similar at 30 days (71 vs. 76%, p = 0.44) and 360 days (both 71%, p = 0.34). Endovascular repair showed shorter length of hospital stay (3.0 vs. 4.4 days; p = 0.02) and duration of surgery (111 vs. 163 min; p < 0.01) compared to open repair. Conclusions: There was no difference in short- or medium-term survival of AAA patients treated electively with endovascular or open surgery. Hospital stays and duration of surgery were both shorter with minimally invasive treatment

Impacto da escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol guiada por ultrassom em pacientes com úlcera venosa / Impact of ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy in patients with venous ulcers

Contexto: A escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol guiada por ultrassom tem sido utilizada no tratamento de pacientes com úlceras venosas. É um procedimento minimamente invasivo e de fácil execução, porém apresenta taxas de recidiva elevadas. Objetivos: Relatar a evolução a curto e médio prazo de pacientes com úlcera venosa tratados com escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol guiada por ultrassom. Métodos: Foram reavaliados 19 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento de escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol guiada por ultrassom no período de janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2014. Foram analisados tempo de cicatrização da úlcera, melhora de sintomas clínicos, recanalização das veias tratadas, recidiva dos sintomas e da úlcera venosa. Resultados: Foram analisados 15 pacientes do sexo feminino (78,9%) e quatro do sexo masculino (21,1%). A média geral de idade foi de 53 anos. O tempo de seguimento dos pacientes variou de 448 dias a 1.276 dias (média de 791 dias). O tempo médio de presença das úlceras foi de 53 meses. Na avaliação pós-procedimento, foram observadas recanalização total em 15,7%, recanalização parcial em 21% e oclusão em 47,3% das veias tratadas. Apenas em um caso foi observada recidiva da úlcera. Pela avaliação das médias do Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), houve diferença significativa antes e após o procedimento, com variação entre os grupos de 11,2 (p < 0,01). Conclusões: A escleroterapia por espuma guiada por ultrassom apresenta altas taxas de sucesso terapêutico, com índices de cicatrização de úlceras venosas elevados

Background: Ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy is used to treat patients with venous ulcers. It is a minimally invasive procedure and is simple to perform, but it has high relapse rates. Objectives: To report short to medium term results in patients with venous ulcers treated using ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy. Methods: A sample of 19 patients who had been treated with ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy between January 2013 and December 2014 were followed-up. Time taken for ulcers to heal, improvement of clinical symptoms, recanalization of treated veins, and relapse of symptoms and of venous ulcers were analyzed. Results: Fifteen of the patients analyzed were female (78.9%) and four were male (21.1%). Overall mean age was 53 years. Follow-up times ranged from 448 days to 1,276 days (mean of 791 days). The mean duration of active ulcers was 53 months. At postoperative follow-up assessments, total recanalization was observed in 15.7%, partial recanalization in 21%, and occlusion in 47.3% of the veins that had been treated. There was only one case of ulcer relapse. Analysis of mean Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSS) revealed a significant difference from before to after the procedure, with a variation of 11.2 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy has high rates of therapeutic success and achieves high rates of venous ulcer healing

Análise dos fatores de risco relacionados às amputações maiores e menores de membros inferiores em hospital terciário / Analysis of risk factors related to minor and major lower limb amputations at a tertiary hospital

Resumo Contexto As amputações dos membros inferiores, sejam definidas como maiores ou menores, são um grave problema de saúde, com altos índices de morbimortalidade e de relevante impacto social. Diferentes características clínicas dos pacientes parecem estar relacionadas aos diferentes tipos de amputação realizados. Objetivos Analisar os fatores de risco presentes em pacientes submetidos a amputações de membros inferiores em hospital terciário. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, envolvendo 109 pacientes submetidos a amputação de membro inferior em um período de 31 meses, através da análise de gênero e idade, 15 dados clínicos e cinco parâmetros laboratoriais presentes no momento da admissão. Os dados foram submetidos a estatística descritiva e comparativa através do teste t de Student não pareado (para variáveis numéricas), e dos testes de Mann-Whitney e exato de Fisher (para variáveis categóricas). Resultados Das 109 amputações realizadas, 59 foram maiores e 50 menores. A maioria dos pacientes era do gênero masculino (65%), e a média de idade foi de 65 anos (mín. 39, máx. 93). Dentre os fatores de risco observados, idade avançada, acidente vascular encefálico, isquemia, sepse e níveis baixos de hemoglobina e hematócrito estavam estatisticamente mais relacionados às amputações maiores (p < 0,05). Diabetes melito, neuropatia e pulsos distais palpáveis foram fatores mais associados às amputações menores. Conclusões Os níveis das amputações de membros inferiores estão relacionados a diferentes fatores de risco. Os quadros isquêmicos mais graves e de maior morbidade estiveram associados a amputações maiores, enquanto a neuropatia e perfusão preservada, mais relacionados às amputações menores.

Abstract Background Whether they are defined as minor or major, lower limb amputations constitute a severe health problem, causing high rates of morbidity and mortality and considerable social impact. Different patient clinical characteristics appear to be related to different types of amputations. Objectives To analyze risk factors present in patients who underwent lower limb amputations at a tertiary hospital. Methods This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 109 patients who underwent lower limb amputations over a period of 31 months, analyzing gender, age, 15 clinical data and five laboratory parameters present at the time of admission. Data were treated with descriptive statistics and compared using Student’s t test for unpaired samples (for numerical variables), the Mann-Whitney test, or Fisher’s exact tests (for categorical variables). Results There were 59 major and 50 minor amputations out of a total of 109 performed. The majority of patients were male (65%) and mean age was 65 years (range 39 to 93). Risk factors that were statistically (p < 0.05) more related to major amputations were advanced age, stroke, ischemia, sepsis, and low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, and palpable distal pulses were factors more strongly associated with minor amputations. Conclusions Lower limb amputations at different levels are related to different risk factors. Ischemia of greater severity and morbidity was associated with major amputations, while neuropathy and preserved perfusion were more often related to minor amputations.

Hybrid procedures for complex thoracic aortic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid procedures for the treatment of complex thoracic aortic diseases (CTAD) require the revascularization of one or more supra-aortic arteries, followed by the deployment of one or more aortic endoprosthesis, with lower morbidity and mortality compared to conventional surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the technique and results of hybrid procedures for CTAD. METHODS: During two years, 12 patients with CTAD underwent hybrid procedures, including aortic arch aneurysms and acute Stanford A and B aortic dissections. All patients had formal indications to invasive treatment, and inadequate proximal landing zone (less than 20 mm). Half were male and the mean age was 55.5 years (42 to 78). At least three cardiovascular risk factors were present in 75% of patients. The average follow-up was 10.9 months (2 to 25), with periodic consultations and CT scans. RESULTS: The initial technical success was achieved in 10 patients. Bypasses of supra-aortic vessels were performed in a surgical environment and endovascular procedures in an interventional radiology facility. "Through-and-through" technique was used in six patients. Two deaths occurred in the first 30 days after the procedure. No endoprosthesis migration was observed. No patient had paraplegia, stroke, renal failure, bleeding or coagulopathy, elective or emergency surgical conversion. CONCLUSION: Hybrid treatment of CTAD is feasible, especially in high risk patients. Proper integration of surgical and endovascular techniques, in addition to clinical and radiological surveillance, makes this technique a great alternative to conventional surgery.

A case study involving a blunt abdominal trauma leading to disruption of the aortic bifurcation in an infant / Estudo de caso de trauma abdominal contuso levando à ruptura da bifurcação aórtica em criança

The incidence of aortic disruption secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is rarely reported in the pediatric population. In general, most of the cases described are the result of motor vehicle accidents. We report on the treatment and outcomes of a 5-year-old child with aortic bifurcation disruption secondary to an unusual case of blunt abdominal trauma who was admitted to the emergency room in hypovolemic shock and subjected to immediate exploratory laparotomy and vascular repair. The mechanical forces involved in aortic disruption and the management options for repair and treatment of this injury will be discussed...

A incidência de ruptura aórtica secundária a um trauma abdominal contuso é uma condição extremamente rara e pouco relatada na população pediátrica. Em geral, a maioria dos casos descritos é devida a acidentes automobilísticos. Descrevemos o caso de uma criança de cinco anos de idade, vítima de trauma abdominal contuso de etiologia incomum, a qual foi admitida em sala de emergência em choque hipovolêmico e submetida a laparotomia exploradora, com o reparo de uma laceração da bifurcação aórtica. Serão discutidas as forças mecânicas envolvidas e as opções de tratamento para esse tipo de lesão...

Tratamento híbrido das doenças complexas da aorta torácica / Hybrid procedures for complex thoracic aortic diseases

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento híbrido das lesões complexas da aorta torácica (LCAT) requer a revascularização de uma ou mais artérias supra-aórticas, seguida do implante de endoprótese, com morbidade e mortalidade presumidamente mais baixas que a cirurgia convencional. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a técnica e resultados do tratamento híbrido das LCAT. MÉTODOS: Durante dois anos, 12 pacientes com LCAT foram submetidos a procedimentos híbridos, incluindo aneurismas do arco aórtico e dissecções aórticas agudas Stanford A e B. Todos possuíam indicação de tratamento invasivo, além de zona de ancoragem proximal inadequada (menor que 20 mm). Metade era do sexo masculino e a média de idade de 55,5 anos (42 a 78). Pelo menos três fatores de risco cardiovascular estavam presentes em 75 por cento dos pacientes. A média de seguimento foi de 10,9 meses (2 a 25), com acompanhamento clínico e tomográfico. RESULTADOS: O sucesso técnico inicial foi alcançado em 10 pacientes. Todas as derivações dos vasos supra-aórticos foram realizadas em ambiente cirúrgico e os procedimentos endovasculares em sala de radiologia vascular. A "técnica do varal" foi empregada em seis casos. Dois óbitos ocorreram nos primeiros 30 dias do procedimento. Nenhuma migração da endoprótese foi observada. Nenhum paciente apresentou paraplegia, acidente vascular cerebral, insuficiência renal, hemorragia ou coagulopatia, conversão cirúrgica eletiva ou de emergência. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento híbrido das LCAT é viável, especialmente em pacientes de alto risco. Uma adequada integração das técnicas cirúrgica e endovascular, além do acompanhamento clínico e radiológico adequado, tornam esta técnica uma ótima opção à cirurgia convencional.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid procedures for the treatment of complex thoracic aortic diseases (CTAD) require the revascularization of one or more supra-aortic arteries, followed by the deployment of one or more aortic endoprosthesis, with lower morbidity and mortality compared to conventional surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the technique and results of hybrid procedures for CTAD. METHODS: During two years, 12 patients with CTAD underwent hybrid procedures, including aortic arch aneurysms and acute Stanford A and B aortic dissections. All patients had formal indications to invasive treatment, and inadequate proximal landing zone (less than 20 mm). Half were male and the mean age was 55.5 years (42 to 78). At least three cardiovascular risk factors were present in 75 percent of patients. The average follow-up was 10.9 months (2 to 25), with periodic consultations and CT scans. RESULTS: The initial technical success was achieved in 10 patients. Bypasses of supra-aortic vessels were performed in a surgical environment and endovascular procedures in an interventional radiology facility. "Through-and-through" technique was used in six patients. Two deaths occurred in the first 30 days after the procedure. No endoprosthesis migration was observed. No patient had paraplegia, stroke, renal failure, bleeding or coagulopathy, elective or emergency surgical conversion. CONCLUSION: Hybrid treatment of CTAD is feasible, especially in high risk patients. Proper integration of surgical and endovascular techniques, in addition to clinical and radiological surveillance, makes this technique a great alternative to conventional surgery.

Embolização de mioma uterino em mulheres portadoras de miomas volumosos / Uterine fibroid embolization in women with giant fibroids

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia da embolização de mioma uterino (EMUT) em pacientes com miomas volumosos no que diz respeito tanto à evolução clínica quanto à redução do tamanho dos mesmos. MÉTODOS: vinte e seis pacientes com média etária de 36,5 anos, portadoras de miomas uterinos sintomáticos com volume acima de 1.000 cm³, foram submetidas à EMUT. Todas possuíam indicação para tratamento percutâneo. Os procedimentos foram realizados sob anestesia epidural e sedação, empregando-se protocolo institucional de analgesia. Após punção femoral unilateral, foi realizado o cateterismo seletivo das artérias uterinas e infusão de microesferas calibradas por meio de microcateter. A avaliação clínica pós-procedimento foi realizada em ambulatório de ginecologia segundo o protocolo de atendimento. Todas as pacientes tinham ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) antes do procedimento e 15 pacientes RNM de controle após 6 meses. RESULTADOS: o sucesso técnico foi de 100 por cento. Não houve complicação relacionada aos procedimentos. A média de volume uterino das 15 pacientes foi 1.401 cm³ antes da embolização (min. 1.045 cm³, max. 2.137 cm³) e, após 6 meses 799 cm³ (min. 525 cm³, max. 1.604 cm³), constituindo uma redução média de 42,9 por cento. A melhora clínica foi constatada em 25 das 26 pacientes. Uma paciente com útero de 1.098 cm³ apresentou necrose e expulsão parcial do mioma, sendo submetida à miomectomia. Outra paciente foi submetida à miomectomia após seis meses devido ao desejo de gravidez, apesar da redução parcial do volume dos miomas. Uma paciente com volume uterino de 2.201 cm³ necessitou de segunda intervenção para alcançar um resultado adequado. Nenhuma paciente foi submetida à histerectomia. Foram utilizadas em média 9,2 seringas de microesferas por paciente. CONCLUSÃO: a embolização de miomas uterinos de grande volume é um procedimento factível, com aceitáveis resultados clínico e radiológico. Pode ser considerada uma opção para as pacientes que desejam a preservação uterina e também servir como terapêutica adjuvante à miomectomia de alto risco.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effectiveness of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in patients with giant fibroids, with regard to both clinical outcomes and size reduction. METHODS: twenty-six patients with a mean age of 36.5 years, carrying symptomatic fibroids with a volume over 1,000 cm³, were referred for UFE. All patients had indication for percutaneous treatment. The procedures were performed under epidural anesthesia and sedation, using an institutional protocol. By unilateral femoral access, selective catheterization of uterine arteries and infusion of calibrated microspheres through microcatheter were carried out. Clinical evaluation was performed by means of regular outpatient gynecology consultation. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the procedure and 15 patients underwent control MRI after 6 months. RESULTS: technical success was 100 percent. There was no complication related to the procedures. Mean uterine volume of the 15 patients studied was 1,401 cm³ before embolization (min 1,045 cm³, max 2,137 cm³) and 799 cm³ after 6 months (525 cm³ min, max. 1,604 cm³), resulting in a total reduction of 42.9 percent. Clinical improvement was observed in 25 of 26 patients. One woman with uterine volume of 1,098 cm³ who developed necrosis and partial fibroid expulsion underwent myomectomy. Another patient was submitted to myomectomy six months after the procedure because she wanted to become pregnant, despite partial fibroid size reduction. One patient with a uterine volume of 2,201 cm³ required a second intervention to achieve an adequate angiographic result. No patient underwent hysterectomy. On average, 9.2 microsphere syringes were used per patient. CONCLUSION: embolization of giant uterine fibroids is a feasible procedure with acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes. It can be considered an option for patients who desire to preserve the uterus, and it may serve as adjuvant therapy for high-risk myomectomy.

Tratamento endovascular de pseudoaneurisma de artéria mesentérica superior: relato de caso / Endovascular treatment for superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm: case report

O pseudoaneurisma de artéria mesentérica superior é uma doença rara, porém com alta taxa de ruptura e mortalidade. Sua etiologia geralmente é infecciosa e comumente o diagnóstico é feito por meio de achado nos exames de imagem. Historicamente, seu tratamento de eleição tem sido o reparo cirúrgico aberto; entretanto, é associado a inúmeras complicações e dificuldades técnicas. Relatamos um caso de pseudoaneurisma de artéria mesentérica superior em um paciente portador de abscesso hepático no qual, após resolução do processo infeccioso, foi empregado, com sucesso, um tratamento minimamente invasivo endovascular, com implante de micromolas e stent não-recoberto.

Pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery is a rare disease, however it is associated to a high incidence of rupture and mortality. The etiology is usually infectious and the diagnosis is commonly made by means of occasional imaging. Historically, the treatment of choice has been open surgical repair; however it is associated to numerous complications and technical difficulties. We reported a case of a pseudoaneurysm of superior mesenteric artery in a patient with liver abscess who, after resolution of infection, underwent successfully a minimally invasive endovascular approach, with deployment of microcoils and bare stent.