INFLUENCE OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE LAPAROSCOPIC EXPERIENCE SKILLS ON ROBOTIC SURGERY DEXTERITY.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear if there is a natural transition from laparoscopic to robotic surgery with transfer of abilities. AIM: To measure the performance and learning of basic robotic tasks in a simulator of individuals with different surgical background. METHODS: Three groups were tested for robotic dexterity: a) experts in laparoscopic surgery (n=6); b) experts in open surgery (n=6); and c) non-medical subjects (n=4). All individuals were aged between 40-50 years. Five repetitions of four different simulated tasks were performed: spatial vision, bimanual coordination, hand-foot-eye coordination and motor skill. RESULTS: Experts in laparoscopic surgery performed similar to non-medical individuals and better than experts in open surgery in three out of four tasks. All groups improved performance with repetition. CONCLUSION: Experts in laparoscopic surgery performed better than other groups but almost equally to non-medical individuals. Experts in open surgery had worst results. All groups improved performance with repetition.

Surgical resection for non-Asian intrahepatic lithiasis: The Brazilian experience.

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic lithiasis (IHL) is a rare disease in the western world. Complications associated with IHL include acute cholangitis, liver atrophy, secondary biliary cirrhosis, and risk for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Liver resection is considered the treatment of choice for IHL. The objective of this study was to analyze patients who underwent liver resection for non-Asian hepatolithiasis. METHODS: 127 patients with symptomatic non-Asian hepatolithiasis underwent resection in six institutions. Demographic data, clinical presentation, diagnosis, classification according to stone location, presence of atrophy, bile duct stricture, biliary cirrhosis, incidence of cholangiocarcinoma, treatment and postoperative course were evaluated. RESULTS: 52 patients (40.9%) were male and the mean age was 46.1 years. Sixty-six patients (51.9%) presented with history of cholangitis. Stones were located in the left lobe in 63 (49.6%), and right lobe in 28 patients (22.0%). Atrophy was observed in 31 patients (24.4%) and biliary stenosis in 18 patients (14.1%). The most common procedure performed was left lateral sectionectomy in 63 (49.6%) patients, followed by left hepatectomy in 36 (28.3%), right hepatectomy in 19 (15.0%), and associated hepaticojejunostomy in 28 (22.0%). Forty-two patients (33.0%) presented postoperative complications and the most common were biliary fistula (13.3%) and surgical site infection (7.0%). Postoperative mortality was 0.7%. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was observed in 2 patients (1.5%). Recurrence was identified in 10 patients (7.8%), mostly with bilateral stones and/or hepaticojejunostomy. CONCLUSION: Liver resection is the standard treatment for symptomatic unilateral or complicated IHL with good operative results. Risk of cholangiocarcinoma was low in non-Asian patients.

Influence of minimally invasive laparoscopic experience skills on robotic surgery dexterity / Influência da experiência da cirurgia laparoscópica na destreza da cirurgia robótica

ABSTRACT Background: It is unclear if there is a natural transition from laparoscopic to robotic surgery with transfer of abilities. Aim: To measure the performance and learning of basic robotic tasks in a simulator of individuals with different surgical background. Methods: Three groups were tested for robotic dexterity: a) experts in laparoscopic surgery (n=6); b) experts in open surgery (n=6); and c) non-medical subjects (n=4). All individuals were aged between 40-50 years. Five repetitions of four different simulated tasks were performed: spatial vision, bimanual coordination, hand-foot-eye coordination and motor skill. Results: Experts in laparoscopic surgery performed similar to non-medical individuals and better than experts in open surgery in three out of four tasks. All groups improved performance with repetition. Conclusion: Experts in laparoscopic surgery performed better than other groups but almost equally to non-medical individuals. Experts in open surgery had worst results. All groups improved performance with repetition.

RESUMO Racional: É incerto se há transferência natural de habilidades da cirurgia laparoscópica para a robótica. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho e aprendizado de tarefas em plataforma robótica simulada em indivíduos com diferentes conhecimentos em cirurgia. Método: Três grupos de indivíduos foram testados quanto à habilidade robótica: a) especialistas em cirurgia laparoscópica (n=6); b) especialista em cirurgia convencional (n=6); e c) indivíduos não médicos. A idade variou em todo grupo entre 40-50 anos. Cinco repetições de quatro tarefas simuladas foram realizadas: visão espacial, coordenação bimanual, coordenação mão-pé-olho e destreza manual. Resultados: Especialistas em cirurgia laparoscópica tiveram desempenho semelhante aos indivíduos não médicos e melhor que os especialistas em cirurgia convencional em três das quatro tarefas. Todos os grupos melhoraram desempenho com repetições . Conclusão: Especialistas em cirurgia laparoscópica desempenharam melhor que os outros grupos, mas quase igualitariamente aos indivíduos não médicos. Especialista em cirurgia convencional apresentaram os piores resultados. Todos os grupos melhoraram com as repetições.

BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON INCIDENTAL GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA.

BACKGROUND: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. AIM: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. METHODS: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. RESULTS: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

Brazilian consensus on incidental gallbladder carcinoma / Consenso brasileiro de carcinoma incidental de vesícula biliar

ABSTRACT Background: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. Aim: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. Methods: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. Results: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. Conclusions: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

RESUMO Racional: Carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar é definido como uma neoplasia descoberta por exame histológico após colecistectomia videolaparoscópica. É potencialmente uma doença curável. Entretanto algumas questões relacionadas ao seu manuseio permanecem controversas e uma estratégia definida está associada com melhor prognóstico. Objetivo: Desenvolver o primeiro consenso baseado em evidências para o manuseio de pacientes com carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar no Brasil. Métodos: Dezesseis questões foram selecionadas e para responder as questões e 36 membros das sociedades brasileiras e internacionais foram incluídos. As recomendações foram baseadas em evidências da literatura atual. Um relatório final foi enviado para os membros do painel para avaliação de concordância. Resultados: Avaliação intraoperatória da peça cirúrgica, uso de bolsas para retirar a peça cirúrgica e exame histopatológico de rotina, foram recomendados. Avaliação pré-operatória completa é necessária e deve ser realizada assim que o estadiamento final esteja disponível. Avaliação da margem do ducto cístico e biópsia de rotina do linfonodo 16b1 são recomendadas. Quimioterapia deve ser considerada e quimioradioterapia indicada se a margem cirúrgica microscópica seja positiva. Os portais devem ser ressecados excepcionalmente. O estadiamento laparoscópico antes da operação é recomendado, mas o tratamento radical por abordagem minimamente invasiva deve ser realizado apenas em centros especializados em cirurgia hepatopancreatobiliar minimamente invasiva. A extensão da ressecção hepática é aceitável até que seja alcançada a ressecção R0. A linfadenectomia padrão é indicada para tumores iguais ou superiores a T2, mas a ressecção da via biliar não é recomendada de rotina. Conclusões: Recomendações seguras foram preparadas para carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar, destacando os mais frequentes tópicos do trabalho diário do cirurgião do aparelho digestivo e hepatopancreatobiliar.

LIVER RESECTION FOR NON-ORIENTAL HEPATOLITHIASIS.

BACKGROUND: Primary intrahepatic lithiasis is defined when the stones are formed in the liver and associated with local dilatation and biliary stricture. Liver resection is the ideal procedure. AIM: To evaluate the results of liver resection in the treatment of non-oriental intrahepatic lithiasis. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with symptomatic benign non-oriental hepatolithiasis underwent surgical resection in six institutions in Brazil. Demography data, clinical symptoms, classification, diagnosis, management and postoperative course were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 51 patients, 28 were male (54.9%), with a mean age of 49.3 years. History of cholangitis was observed in 15 (29.4%). The types of intrahepatic lithiasis were type I in 39 (76.5%) and type IIb in 12 (23.5%), with additional type Ea in six (11.8%). Liver function test were normal in 42 patients (82.4%). Segmental atrophy was observed in 12 (23.5%). Treatments included left lateral sectionectomy in 24 (47.1%), left hepatectomy in 14 (27.5%) and right hepatectomy in eight (15.7%), with associated hepaticojejunostomy in four (7.8%). Laparoscopic liver resection was performed in eight (15.7%). Postoperative complications were observed in 20 (39.2%) with no mortality. CONCLUSION: Liver resection in patients with hepatolithiasis is the ideal procedure as it removes stones, stricture, atrophic parenchyma, and minimizes the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS: SURGICAL RESECTION.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) correspond to about 3% of all tumors in pancreas and could be presented as a difficult diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE: To review the diagnosis and treatment of the pNET available in scientific literature. METHOD: A bibliographic survey was performed by means of an online survey of MeSH terms in the Pubmed database. A total of 104 articles were published in the last 15 years, of which 23 were selected as the basis for the writing of this article. RESULTS: pNET is an infrequent neoplasia and their incidence, in USA, is about 1:100.000 inhabitants/year. Thereabout 30% of them produce hormones presenting as a symptomatic disease and others 70% of the cases could be silent disease. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Computed Tomography (CT) have similar sensitivy to detect pNET. They are very important when associated to nuclear medicine mainly Positron Emission Tomography (PET-CT) Gallium-68 to find primary tumor and its staging. The appropriate treatment should be chosen based on characteristics of the tumor, its staging and associated comorbidities. CONCLUSION: The surgical resection is still the best treatment for patients with ressectable pancreatic NETs. However, the size, grade, tumor functionality, stage and association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) are important to define who will be eligible for surgical treatment. In general, tumors bigger than 2 cm are eligible for surgical treatment, except insulinomas whose surgical resection is recommended no matter the size.

Liver resection for non-oriental hepatolithiasis / Ressecção hepática no tratamento da hepatolitíase não oriental

ABSTRACT Background: Primary intrahepatic lithiasis is defined when the stones are formed in the liver and associated with local dilatation and biliary stricture. Liver resection is the ideal procedure. Aim: To evaluate the results of liver resection in the treatment of non-oriental intrahepatic lithiasis. Methods: Fifty-one patients with symptomatic benign non-oriental hepatolithiasis underwent surgical resection in six institutions in Brazil. Demography data, clinical symptoms, classification, diagnosis, management and postoperative course were analyzed. Results: Of the 51 patients, 28 were male (54.9%), with a mean age of 49.3 years. History of cholangitis was observed in 15 (29.4%). The types of intrahepatic lithiasis were type I in 39 (76.5%) and type IIb in 12 (23.5%), with additional type Ea in six (11.8%). Liver function test were normal in 42 patients (82.4%). Segmental atrophy was observed in 12 (23.5%). Treatments included left lateral sectionectomy in 24 (47.1%), left hepatectomy in 14 (27.5%) and right hepatectomy in eight (15.7%), with associated hepaticojejunostomy in four (7.8%). Laparoscopic liver resection was performed in eight (15.7%). Postoperative complications were observed in 20 (39.2%) with no mortality. Conclusion: Liver resection in patients with hepatolithiasis is the ideal procedure as it removes stones, stricture, atrophic parenchyma, and minimizes the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

RESUMO Racional: Litíase intra-hepática primária é definida quando os cálculos são formados dentro do fígado, podendo estar associada à dilatação local e estenosa da via biliar. A ressecção hepática é considerada o procedimento ideal. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados da ressecção hepática no tratamento da litíase intra-hepática não oriental. Métodos: Cinquenta e um pacientes com hepatolitíase benigna não oriental sintomática foram submetidos à ressecção hepática em seis instituições no Brazil. Os dados demográficos, sintomas clínicos, classificação, diagnóstico, tratamento e evolução pós-operatória foram analisados. Resultados: Dos 51 pacientes havia 28 homens (54,9%), e a idade média era de 49,3 anos. História de colangite foi observada em 15 pacientes (29,4%). Os tipos de litíase observados foram tipo I em 39 (76,5%) e tipo IIb em 12 (23,5%), com o tipo adicional Ea em seis pacientes (11,8%). Os testes de função hepática estavam normais em 42 (82,4%) e atrofia segmentar foi observada em 12 (23,5%). O tratamento incluiu setorectomia lateral esquerda em 24 (47,1%), hepatectomia esquerda em 14 (27,5%) e hepatectomia direita em oito pacientes (15,7%). A hepaticojejunostomia esteve associada ao procedimento inicial em quatro (7,8%). Hepatectomia por videolaparoscopia foi realizada em oito (15,7%). Complicações pós-operatórias foram observadas em 20 pacientes (39,2%) e não houve mortalidade. Conclusão: Ressecção hepática na hepatolitíase é o procedimento ideal, pois remove os cálculos, a estenose, o parênquima atrofiado e minimiza os riscos para colangiocarcinoma.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: surgical resection / Tumores neuroendócrinos ressecáveis do pâncreas: abordagem cirúrgica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) correspond to about 3% of all tumors in pancreas and could be presented as a difficult diagnosis and management. Objective: To review the diagnosis and treatment of the pNET available in scientific literature. Method: A bibliographic survey was performed by means of an online survey of MeSH terms in the Pubmed database. A total of 104 articles were published in the last 15 years, of which 23 were selected as the basis for the writing of this article. Results: pNET is an infrequent neoplasia and their incidence, in USA, is about 1:100.000 inhabitants/year. Thereabout 30% of them produce hormones presenting as a symptomatic disease and others 70% of the cases could be silent disease. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Computed Tomography (CT) have similar sensitivy to detect pNET. They are very important when associated to nuclear medicine mainly Positron Emission Tomography (PET-CT) Gallium-68 to find primary tumor and its staging. The appropriate treatment should be chosen based on characteristics of the tumor, its staging and associated comorbidities. Conclusion: The surgical resection is still the best treatment for patients with ressectable pancreatic NETs. However, the size, grade, tumor functionality, stage and association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) are important to define who will be eligible for surgical treatment. In general, tumors bigger than 2 cm are eligible for surgical treatment, except insulinomas whose surgical resection is recommended no matter the size.

RESUMO Introdução: Os tumores neuroendócrinos pancreáticos (TNE-P) correspondem a cerca de 3% de todas as neoplasias no pâncreas e são de diagnóstico e manejo difíceis. Objetivo: Revisar o diagnóstico e tratamento desses tumores disponíveis na literatura científica atual. Método: Foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico por meio de pesquisa online de MeSH terms na base de dados do Pubmed. Ao todo foram analisados 104 artigos publicados nos últimos 15 anos, dos quais 23 foram selecionados como base para a redação deste artigo. Resultados: TNE-P é neoplasia pouco frequente com incidência estimada em 1: 100.000 habitantes/ano. Cerca de 30% produzem hormônios, ditos funcionantes, que se apresentam como doença sintomática e outros 70% podem se apresentar como doença silenciosa. Como recurso diagnóstico o uso de tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância nuclear magnética apresentam níveis de sensibilidade parecidas. Sua associação à recursos da medicina nuclear são de grande valia para localização de tumores primários e estadiamento, destacando-se o uso da tomografia por emissão de pósitrons (PET-CT) com Gálio-68. A decisão terapêutica deve ser baseada nas características tumorais, estadiamento e comorbidades associadas. Conclusão: A abordagem cirúrgica permanece como a terapia de escolha para pacientes com TNE-P ressecáveis. No entanto, a seleção de pacientes para tratamento cirúrgico deve seguir critérios baseados em funcionalidade do tumor, grau, estágio e associação com neoplasia múltipla tipo 1. De forma geral, tumores maiores de 2 cm têm indicação cirúrgica, excetuando-se os insulinomas, cuja proposta cirúrgica independe de seu tamanho.

Epididymitis following Cytoreductive Surgery with Intraperitoneal Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy: Two Case Reports.

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has emerged as an aggressive treatment option with intent to either cure or extend disease-free survival of selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, postoperative complications are common. We describe the cases of 2 men who underwent CRS with hyperthermic intraperitoneal oxaliplatin and developed scrotal pain, which was consistent with noninfectious epididymitis.

Successful hepatectomy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal-a case report.

Despite rare, metastatic anal carcinoma confers a poor prognosis. Systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for advanced disease while the role of biologics and/or surgical resection of metastatic disease are anecdotal. Compared to isolated liver colorectal or neuroendocrine cancer liver metastases, there is far less experience with resection or nonsurgical local ablative procedures for patients with metastatic anal carcinoma to the liver. We report the case of a 67-year-old woman with metastatic anal carcinoma to the liver who was successfully treated with liver resection and remains free of relapse more than one year later.

Avaliação de complicações relacionadas à CPRE em pacientes com suspeita de coledocolitíase / Evaluation of ERCP-related morbidity in patients with choledocholithiasis suspicion

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores preditivos de complicações da colangio-pancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) nos doentes com suspeita diagnóstica de coledocolitíase. MÉTODO: Os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente durante o período de agosto de 1999 a janeiro 2005. Foram incluídos os doentes com suspeita diagnóstica de coledocolitíase submetidos à CPRE internados na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo. Os doentes com neoplasia de vias biliares ou de pâncreas foram excluídos. Foram avaliados: o sucesso do procedimento, as complicações como pancreatite, sangramento, colangite, perfuração, vômitos, hiperamilasemia e em quais situações estas complicações se desenvolveram. Os testes t de Student, Qui-quadrado e o teste exato de Fisher foram empregados para análise estatística, considerando-se p< 0,05 como significativo. RESULTADOS: Cento e setenta oito doentes foram incluídos, sendo 52 homens e 126 mulheres com média etária de 54,3 + 19,3. A CPRE confirmou o diagnóstico de coledocolitíase em 124 doentes (69,7 por cento), obtendo sucesso no tratamento endoscópico em 92 casos (74,2 por cento). As complicações foram detectadas em 19 doentes (10,7 por cento), com seis casos de pancreatite aguda (3,4 por cento), quatro (2,2 por cento) que tiveram sangramento durante o procedimento endoscópico, dois (1,1 por cento) doentes que desenvolveram colangite, um (0,6 por cento) com perfuração duodenal, quatro (2,2 por cento) com vômitos sem pancreatite e dois (1,1 por cento) com complicações clinicas. A cateterização do ducto pancreático durante a realização do procedimento endoscópico esteve associada com o desenvolvimento de pancreatite aguda (p=0,004). CONCLUSÃO: A cateterização do pâncreas durante a CPRE constituiu um fator preditivo para o desenvolvimento de pancreatite aguda pós-CPRE.

BACKGROUND: To determine the predictors of complications resulting from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with choledocholithiasis. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from August 1999 to January 2005. Patients with clinical diagnosis of choledocholithiasis were included. Patients with tumours of the biliary tree or pancreas were excluded. The authors evaluated the procedure success and the risk factors associated with post-ERCP complications such as acute pancreatitis, hemorrhage, cholangitis, perforation, vomits and hyperamylasemia, and their association with the procedures. Student's t test, the Chi-square and the Fisher exact test were applied to the statistical analysis, considering p< 0.05 as significant. RESULTS: There were 178 patients (52 men and 156 women, mean age 54.3 + 19.3) included in the analysis. Choledocholithiasis was found in 124 patients (69.7 percent) and the sucess rate of the procedure was 74.2 percent (92 patients). Post-ERCP complications occurred in 19 patients (10.7 percent). Six patients (3.4 percent) had acute pancreatitis, four had hemorrhage from the papilla (2.2 percent), two had cholangitis (1.1 percent), one had duodenal perforation (0.6 percent), and other four had vomiting without pancreatitis (2.2 percent). Two patients had other clinical complications. The main pancreatic duct catheterization was identified as a risk factor for the development of acute pancreatitis after ERCP (p=0,004). CONCLUSION: Pancreatic duct catheterization during ERCP significantly increases the risk of acute pancreatitis post-ERCP.