Complications after Radiofrequency Ablation of 233 Hepatic Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The only curative treatment for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies is surgery and liver transplantation. Thus, the majority of the patients are not candidates for resection, and there is a lack of organs. For these reasons, alternative treatment modalities such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are employed. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the incidence and types of complications related to open and percutaneous RFA. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of patients with hepatic malignancies treated by RFA. Tumor size, location, numbers of nodules, approach, histology and associated procedures were analyzed and correlated to complications. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients with primary and secondary hepatic malignancies were included: 58 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 68 with metastases from colorectal cancer and 25 with other types of tumors. Complications occurred in 24.5% of the patients, mostly (58.9%) in those with HCC. Ascites was the most common complication, followed by wound infection. The only two significant factors associated with complications were the presence of HCC (p = 0.0087) and two or more lesions (p = 0.0323). The mortality rate was 0.69%. CONCLUSION: RFA is a safe technique, but complications may occur and are multifactorial. Appropriate patient selection, early complication recognition and adequate treatment are essential.

Long-term results of esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy associated with endoscopic treatment in schistosomal portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy (EGDS) is the most performed operation for prophylaxis of esophageal varices bleeding recurrence in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Lower rebleeding rates are obtained through the association of postoperative endoscopic treatment; however, there is a dearth of studies showing long-term results. METHODS: Clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic data of 97 patients submitted to EGDS with at least 5 years of follow-up, were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 116.4 months. Bleeding recurrence occurred in 24.7% of patients; however, this percentage was 14.6% when only variceal hemorrhage was considered. Bleeding recurrence occurred in four patients even after endoscopic evaluation demonstrated esophageal varices eradication. In the late follow-up we observed normalization of anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and a prothrombin activity time increase. No clinical or laboratory hepatic insufficiency was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The EGDS procedure with postoperative endoscopic treatment led to good clinical results and avoided hemorrhagic recurrence in 75.3% of schistosomal patients. There was improvement of laboratory measures of hepatic function, as well as correction of hypersplenism. Variceal hemorrhagic recurrence may occur even when esophageal varices eradication is reached.

Surgical management of spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma.

AIMS: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma (SRHA) is a rare life-threatening condition that may require surgical treatment to control hemorrhaging and also stabilize the patient. We report a series of emergency surgeries performed at our institution for this condition. METHODS: We reviewed medical records and radiology files of 28 patients (from 1989 to 2006) with a proven diagnosis of hepatocellular adenoma (HA). Three (10.7%) of 28 patients had spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma, two of which were associated with intrahepatic hemorrhage while one had intraperitoneal bleeding. Two patients were female and one was male. Both female patients had a background history of oral contraceptive use. Sudden abdominal pain associated with hemodynamic instability occurred in all patients who suffered from spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma. The mean age was 41.6 years old. The preoperative assessment included liver function tests, ultrasonography and computed tomography. RESULTS: The surgical approaches were as follows: right hemihepatectomy for controlling intraperitoneal bleeding, and right extended hepatectomy and non-anatomic resection of the liver for intrahepatic hemorrhage. There were no deaths, and the postoperative complications were bile leakage and wound infection (re-operation), as well as intraperitoneal abscess (re-operation) and pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma may be treated by surgery for controlling hemorrhages and stabilizing the patient, and the decision to operate depends upon both the patient's condition and the expertise of the surgical team.

Abordagem diagnóstica de metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal / Diagnosis approach of liver metastases from colorectal cancer

A metástase hepática de câncer de colo e reto, uma doença cada vez mais comum e potencialmente agressiva, é discutida em âmbito internacional quanto à adequação da sua abordagem investigativa. Nesta revisão, este aspecto foi discutido tendo como parâmetros: custo, disponibilidade, sensibilidade, especificidade, uso de radiação e confiabilidade do método. A principal ideia é revisar, a partir de experiências adquiridas em diversos serviços de saúde, os principais métodos diagnósticos disponíveis para a detecção das lesões metastáticas no fígado originárias de câncer colorretal, discutindo em que situações eles devem ser utilizados e principalmente levando em conta a realidade do sistema médico hospitalar brasileiro...

The liver metastasis of cancer of the colon and rectum, a disease increasingly common and potentially aggressive, is discussed at the international level about the adequacy of its investigative approach. In this review, this parameter was analysed with the cost, availability, sensitivity, specificity, use of radiation and reliability of the method. The main idea is to review, from experiences in various health services, the main diagnostic methods available for the detection of metastatic lesions in the liver unique for colorectal cancer, discussing situations in which they should be used and especially taking into to the reality of the Brazilian hospital medical system...

Prevenção do carcinoma hepatocelular / Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUÇÃO: O carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) é uma das principais doenças malignas da atualidade. Devido à alta incidência e prognóstico habitualmente sombrio torna-se relevante a necessidade de ações preventivas, levando em consideração a característica peculiar de sua etiologia: estrita relação de sua gênese a fatores ambientais. Os principais fatores de risco geograficamente melhor distribuídos são a associação de CHC com infecções por hepatite B crônica, hepatite C e cirrose hepática (associação em mais de 80% dos casos), independente de seu fator causal. Ele é o quinto tumor maligno mais frequente em todo o mundo (5º em homens e 8º em mulheres); representa 85% dos tumores hepáticos primários e é responsável por quase dois terços das mortes por câncer. MÉTODO: Revisão da literatura nacional e internacional dos últimos 12 anos (1997-2009), de 25 artigos pesquisados nas bases eletrônicas de dados MedLine, Scielo e LILACS. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos avanços científicos e da implementação de medidas para detecção precoce do CHC em pacientes pertencentes a grupos de risco, não houve melhora na taxa de sobrevida durante as três últimas décadas. O motivo que pode explicar esse fato é que a maioria dos pacientes começa a apresentar sintomas...

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the major malignant diseases in the world today. Due to the high incidence and difficult prognosis, preventive measures became an important need taking into consideration that its etiology is strictly connected with environmental factors. The main risk factors are the association of hepatocellular carcinoma with chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections and cirrhosis, whatever its cause. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common global cancer, representing 85% of the hepatic primary tumors and it is responsible for nearly two thirds of deaths caused by cancer. METHOD: Review of the national and international literature in the last 12 years (1997-2009), of 25 articles researched through the electronic databases MedLine, Scielo and Lilacs. CONCLUSION: Despite of the medical advances and the implementation of precocious measures to detect the hepatocellular carcinoma in patients considered as within risk groups, there was no improvement on the afterlife over the last three decades. The cause that can explain this reality is the absence of symptoms during the early stages of the disease, and by the time the patient looks for medical help, the tumor has frequently reached an advanced stage and the therapeutical options are already too few.

Surgical management of spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma

AIMS: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma (SRHA) is a rare life-threatening condition that may require surgical treatment to control hemorrhaging and also stabilize the patient. We report a series of emergency surgeries performed at our institution for this condition. METHODS: We reviewed medical records and radiology files of 28 patients (from 1989 to 2006) with a proven diagnosis of hepatocellular adenoma (HA). Three (10.7 percent) of 28 patients had spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma, two of which were associated with intrahepatic hemorrhage while one had intraperitoneal bleeding. Two patients were female and one was male. Both female patients had a background history of oral contraceptive use. Sudden abdominal pain associated with hemodynamic instability occurred in all patients who suffered from spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma. The mean age was 41.6 years old. The preoperative assessment included liver function tests, ultrasonography and computed tomography. RESULTS: The surgical approaches were as follows: right hemihepatectomy for controlling intraperitoneal bleeding, and right extended hepatectomy and non-anatomic resection of the liver for intrahepatic hemorrhage. There were no deaths, and the postoperative complications were bile leakage and wound infection (re-operation), as well as intraperitoneal abscess (re-operation) and pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma may be treated by surgery for controlling hemorrhages and stabilizing the patient, and the decision to operate depends upon both the patient's condition and the expertise of the surgical team.

Resultados da ablação por radiofreqüência de tumores hepáticos: experiência de 134 casos / Results of radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: experience of 134 cases

Objetivo: Estudar a ablação de tumor primário e metastático dofígado por radiofreqüência. Métodos: Foram estudados 134 casos,sendo 63 mulheres e 71 homens com uma média de idade de 61,2anos, nos quais a ablação por radiofreqüência foi aplicada por viapercutânea ou por meio de laparotomia no tratamento de 203 lesões.O grupo foi composto por 51 casos de carcinoma hepatocelular, 64 casos de metástase de tumor colorretal, seis casos de metástasesde carcinoma neuroendócrino, cinco casos de metástase de tumor demama, quatro casos de colangiocarcinoma; um caso de metástase de tumor de pâncreas; um caso de metástase de tumor renal, um caso de metástase de tumor de endométrio e um caso de metástase hepática de leiomiosarcoma. Resultados: A morbidade associada ao método foi de24,8% e a mortalidade de 3,7%. Observou-se uma taxa de recorrênciaapós o procedimento de 12,7% em média 10,5 meses após a ablação.Conclusões: A ablação por radiofreqüência é um procedimentoseguro, que pode ser utilizado em pacientes com reserva hepáticacomprometida. Nas doenças metastáticas o procedimento não substitui a cirurgia, porém pode ser utilizado associado a outros métodos comoa cirurgia, quimioembolização transarterial e aumentando com isto aschances do paciente em ficar livre de doença.

Pre- and postoperative systemic hemodynamic evaluation in patients subjected to esophagogastric devascularization plus splenectomy and distal splenorenal shunt: a comparative study in schistomomal portal hypertension.

AIM: To investigate the systemic hemodynamic effects of two surgical procedures largely employed for treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension. METHODS: Thirty-six patients undergoing elective surgical treatment of portal hypertension due to hepatosplenic mansonic schistosomiasis were prospectively evaluated. All patients were subjected to preoperative pulmonary artery catheterization; 17 were submitted to esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy (EGDS) and 19 to distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS). The systemic hemodynamic assessment was repeated 4 d after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Preoperative evaluation revealed (mean +/- SD) an increased cardiac index (4.78 +/- 1.13 L/min per m(2)), associated with a reduction in systemic vascular resistance index (1457 +/- 380.7 dynes.s/cm(5).m(2)). The mean pulmonary artery pressure (18 +/- 5.1 mmHg) as well as the right atrial pressure (7.9 +/- 2.5 mmHg) were increased, while the pulmonary vascular resistance index (133 +/- 62 dynes x s/cm(5) x m(2)) was decreased. Four days after EGDS, a significant reduction in cardiac index (3.80 +/- 0.4 L/min per m(2), P < 0.001) and increase in systemic vascular resistance index (1901.4 +/- 330.2 dynes x s/cm(5) x m(2), P < 0.001) toward normal levels were observed. There was also a significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure (12.65 +/- 4.7 mmHg, P < 0.001) and no significant changes in the pulmonary vascular resistance index (141.6 +/- 102.9 dynes x s/cm(5) x m(2)). Four days after DSRS, a non-significant increase in cardiac index (5.2 +/- 0.76 L/min per m(2)) and systemic vascular resistance index (1389 +/- 311 dynes x s/cm(5) x m(2)) was observed. There was also a non-significant increase in pulmonary artery pressure (19.84 +/- 5.2 mmHg), right cardiac work index (1.38 +/- 0.4 kg x m/m(2)) and right ventricular systolic work index (16.3 +/- 6.3 g x m/m(2)), without significant changes in the pulmonary vascular resistance index (139.7 +/- 67.8 dynes xs/cm(5) x m(2)). CONCLUSION: The hyperdynamic circulatory state observed in mansonic schistosomiasis was corrected by EGDS, but was maintained in patients who underwent DSRS. Similarly, the elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure was corrected after EGDS and maintained after DSRS. EGDS seems to be the most physiologic surgery for patients with schistosomal portal hypertension.

Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic liver tumors--4 years experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic liver tumors has been shown to be one of the promising new modalities to treat or to palliate liver tumors. It has been used as a bridge to liver transplantation as well as an approach to recurrent tumors after resection. METHODOLOGY: We present a series of 78 cases, 39 females and 39 males with a mean age of 61 years, the RFA has been used either by laparotomy or percutaneously to treat 117 lesions. There were 32 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 35 metastases of colorectal cancer and 11 cases of other tumors. RESULTS: The mean number of lesions treated were 1.5 per case with a average size of 3.6 cm per lesion. All liver segments were compromised specially IV, VII, VIII. The morbidity was 28% and the mortality was 2.5%. In 20.5% of the cases we were able to find recurrence after the procedure, with a mean time of 10.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The RFA procedure is safe, can be performed by different ways and in the group of patients who are candidates to liver transplantation, while waiting for the organ. For the metastatic diseases it does not substitute surgery but can be used in patients who cannot be operated.

An unusual approach to the spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Our aim is to describe an unusual approach to the spontaneous rupture of a large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A 45-year-old man, Hepatitis C virus (+) (HCV+), complaining of abdominal pain. During the investigation, a tumor affecting liver segments V, VI, VII and VIII, with the presence of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, suggesting hemoperitoneum, was found. The patient was submitted to an exploratory laparotomy, revealing a large hepatic tumor mass with capsule rupture in segment V, biopsy verified the diagnosis of HCC. After one week, a superselective chemoembolization of the nutrient artery of the tumor was performed; one month later, the patient was submitted to an embolization of the right portal branch, aimed at causing hypertrophy of the left lateral portion of the liver. A right hepatectomy was performed, as well as a nodulectomy in segment II, without complications along the 40 days subsequent to the portal embolization. The patient is currently on his 53rd postoperative month and evidences no tumor recurrence to the moment. Although the spontaneous rupture of HCC is uncommon, it can be today treated by combining interventionist radiology procedures and conventional liver resections, offering the patient a better chance of survival.

Ablação por radiofrequência de tumores hepáticos primários e metastáticos: experiência em 113 casos / Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic liver tumors: 113 cases experience

RACIONAL: A ablação por radiofreqüência de tumores hepáticos primários e metastáticos é método efetivo para o tratamento paliativo de tais neoplasias. Pode ser utilizada em nódulos com até 3-4 cm de diâmetro e não mais do que três lesões a serem tratadas. É procedimento passível de execução via laparotômia, laparoscópica e percutânea. Freqüentemente vem sendo aplicado como ponte para o transplante, assim como método alternativo nos tumores recorrentes após ressecção. OBJETIVO: Apresentar a experiência alcançada em uma série de pacientes onde a ablação por radiofreqüência foi utilizada. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 113 casos nos quais a ablação por radiofreqüência foi aplicada por via percutânea ou por meio de laparotomia no tratamento de 170 lesões. O grupo foi composto por 43 casos de carcinoma hepatocelular, 53 de metástase de tumor colorretal, seis de metástases de carcinoma neuroendócrino, quatro de metástase de tumor de mama, quatro de colangiocarcinoma; um de metástase de tumor de pâncreas; um metástase de tumor renal e um de metástase hepática de leiomiosarcoma. RESULTADOS: A média de lesões tratadas foi de 1,5 por caso com tamanho médio de 3,6 cm por lesão. Foram os seguintes segmentos acometidos: segmento I (n=7), II (n=5), III (n=6), IV (n=39), V (n=10), VI(n=11), VII (n=50) e VIII (n=42). A morbidade associada ao método foi de 26,5% e a mortalidade de 3,5%. Observou-se taxa de recorrência após o procedimento de 17,6% em média 10,6 meses após a ablação. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação por radiofreqüência é procedimento seguro que pode ser utilizado em pacientes com reserva hepática comprometida. Nas doenças metastáticas o procedimento não substitui o tratamento operatório e o uso de outros métodos de controle mas mostra benefícios na evolução dos pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic liver tumors is an effective method for treating palliative liver tumors. This method can be used in nodules of up to 3-4 cm of diameter, having no more than three lesions to be treated. The procedure can be achieved by laparotomy, laparoscopy as well as percutaneously. This method has also frequently been applied as a bridge to liver transplantation as well as an alternative method for recurrent tumors after resection. AIM: To present the experiment achieved in a series of patients were radiofrequency ablation was utilized. METHODS: 113 cases were studied, where radiofrequency ablation was applied percutaneously or by means of laparotomy in the treatment of 170 lesions. The group was composed of 43 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma; 53 colorectal tumor metastasis; six neuroendocrine carcinomas; four breast tumor metastasis; four cholangiocarcinomas; one pancreatic tumor metastasis; one renal tumor metastasis and one leiomyosarcoma hepatic metastasis. RESULTS: The average of treated lesions was of 1,5 per case with an average size of 3,6 cm per lesion. The following segments were compromised: segment I (n=7), II (n=5), IV (n=39), V (n=10), VI (n=11), VII (n=50) and VIII (n=42). Morbidity and mortality rates associated to the method were of 26,5% and 3,5% respectively. Recurrence rates after the procedure reached 17,6% after an average of 10,6 months subsequent to ablation. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe procedure that can be used in patients with compromised hepatic function. In metastatic diseases this procedure does not substitute surgical treatment and the use of other control methods shows many benefits in the evolution of patients.

Postoperative portal vein thrombosis in patients with hepatosplenic mansonic schistosomiasis: relationship with intraoperative portal pressure and flow. A prospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Portal vein thrombosis is a frequent postoperative complication after esophagogastric devascularization with splenectomy. The aim of this study was to analyze biochemical, hematological, coagulation blood tests and intraoperative portal vein hemodynamics after surgical treatment of hepatosplenic Mansonic schistosomal portal hypertension. METHODOLOGY: Forty patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis with indication for surgical treatment were prospectively studied. All patients underwent routine pre- and postoperative biochemical, hematologic, coagulation blood tests and intraoperative portal hemodynamic evaluation (portal pressure and portal flow) before and after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy using a 4-F thermodilution catheter introduced inside the portal vein. RESULTS: Portal vein thrombosis, diagnosed by routine postoperative Doppler ultrasonography was found in 22 patients (55%). It was partial in nineteen and total in three. In patients with postoperative portal thrombosis, we observed a reduction in portal flow of 971 +/- 592 mL/min (42 +/- 16%) at the end of the surgery, while this reduction was of 720 +/- 644mL/ min (33 +/- 30%) in those with postoperative pervious portal vein (p = 0.245). The decrease in portal pressure was the same in both groups: 7.2 +/- 3.0 mmHg (23 +/- 10%) and 7.6 +/- 3.8 mmHg (27 +/- 14%) with and without thrombosis respectively (p=0.759). There was also no significant difference between patients with and without portal vein thrombosis regarding pre- and postoperative hemoglobin level or platelet levels, coagulation tests, portal vein diameter and spleen's weight. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis was observed in 55% of the patients but this complication did not show any correlation with the decrease in portal flow or pressure or with biochemical, hematologic, coagulation blood tests, portal vein diameter or spleen's weight.

Management of hepatic hemangiomas: a 14-year experience.

Hemangioma is the most common primary tumor of the liver and its diagnosis has become increasingly prevalent. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic and are managed conservatively. Large hemangiomas are often symptomatic and reports of surgical intervention are becoming increasingly frequent. We present our experience, over the last 14 years, with diagnosis and management of 249 liver hemangiomas, with special attention to a conservative strategy. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcome are analyzed. Of 249 patients, 77 (30.9%) were symptomatic, usually with right abdominal upper quadrant pain. Diagnosis was based on a radiologic algorithm according to the size and characteristics of the tumor; diagnosis by this method was not possible in only one case (0.4 %). Giant hemangiomas (>4 cm) were found in 68 patients (27.3%) and in 16 were larger than 10 cm. Eight patients (3.2%) underwent surgical treatment; indications were incapacitating pain in 6, diagnostic doubt in 1, and stomach compression in 1. No postoperative complications or mortality were observed in this series. Patients who did not undergo surgery (n = 241) did not present any complication related to the hemangioma during long-term follow-up (mean = 78 months). Hemangioma is a benign course disease with easy diagnosis and management. We propose a conservative approach for these lesions. Resection, which can be safely performed, should be reserved for the rare situations such as untreatable pain, diagnostic uncertainty, or compression of adjacent organs.

Avaliação dos tumores hepáticos ao Doppler / Doppler evaluation of liver tumors

Os avanços recentes na ultra-sonografia têm ampliado a possibilidade de detecção de tumores hepáticos. Isto tem auxiliado na perspectiva de melhora do prognóstico destes pacientes, à medida que novas técnicas terapêuticas têm surgido. Neste artigo os autores relatam achados ao Doppler que podem auxiliar na identificação e caracterização dos tumores hepáticos, avaliando dados do Doppler colorido, pulsado e do Doppler de amplitude ("power Doppler"). Fazem, também, referência a novas modalidades de imagem, como o uso da harmônica.

Avaliação ultra-sonográfica e ao Doppler dos TIPS (anastomose portossistêmica intra-hepática transjugular) / Ultrasonographic Doppler evaluation of TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt)

A anastomose portossistêmica intra-hepática transjugular (TIPS) compreende a técnica mais recente e mais popular para o alívio da hipertensão portal sintomática, especialmente para os casos com varizes e hemorragia digestiva alta, e menos comumente para o tratamento da ascite refratária. Os TIPS podem apresentar complicações após sua colocação, como as estenoses e oclusões. A ultra-sonografia e o Doppler permitem o estudo dos TIPS de uma forma não invasiva. Neste artigo os autores relatam os achados recentes à ultra-sonografia e ao Doppler nos casos de funcionamento normal e anormal (estenoses/oclusões) dos TIPS.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are the most recent and popular technique for the relief of symptomatic portal hypertension, particularly in patients with varices and gastrointestinal bleeding and less often in patients with refractory ascites. TIPS may be complicated by stenosis or occlusion of the stent. Sonography with Doppler provides a noninvasive method for monitoring patients with TIPS. The authors report the recent sonographic and Doppler findings in patients with normal functioning TIPS and patients with stenosis or occlusion of TIPS

Portal hyperflow in patients with hepatosplenic mansonic schistosomiasis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess portal hemodynamics in patients with portal hypertension due to hepatosplenic schistosomiasis as well as to assess the contribution of splanchnic hyperflow to the pathophysiology of the portal hypertension. METHODS: Sixteen patients with schistosomal portal hypertension and previous history of upper digestive bleeding due to esophageal varices rupture underwent elective esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy and were prospectively studied. All patients underwent intraoperative invasive hemodynamic portal monitoring with a 4F-thermodilution catheter. The intraoperative portal hemodynamic assessment was conducted after laparotomy (initial) and after esophagogastric devascularization (final). RESULTS: The initial portal pressure was elevated (mean 28.5 +/- 4.5 mm Hg), and a significant drop of 25% was observed at the end of the surgery (21.9 +/- 4.9 mm Hg). The initial portal flow was elevated (mean 1766.9 +/- 686.6 mL/min). A significant fall (42%) occurred at the end of the surgical procedure (1025.62 +/- 338.7 mL/min). Fourteen patients (87.5%) presented a portal flow of more than 1200 mL/min, and in 5 cases, values greater than 2000 mL/min were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy promote a significant reduction of the elevated portal pressure and flow in schistosomal portal hypertension. These data favor the hypothesis of portal hyperflow in the physiopathology of portal hypertension of schistosomiasis.

Estudo Doppler na hipertensão portal / Doppler evaluation in portal hypertension

A ultra-sonografia e o Doppler representaram grande marco no diagnóstico da hipertensão portal. Este fato decorre do aspecto não-invasivo destes métodos, possibilitando o estudo do fígado, do baço e da circulação esplâncnica. Neste artigo os autores discutem alguns aspectos importantes avaliados pela ultra-sonografia e pelo Doppler na avaliação da hipertensäo portal.

Portal hyperflow in patients with hepatosplenic mansonic schistosomiasis

OBJETIVOS: o objetivo do presente estudo é estudar a hemodinâmica portal em pacientes com hipertensão portal secundária a forma hepatoesplênica da esquistossomose e avaliar a contribuição do hiperfluxo esplênico na sua fisiopatologia CASUISTICA E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados prospectivamente 16 pacientes portadores de hipertensão portal secundária à forma hepatoesplênica da esquistossomose mansônica com indicação de tratamento cirúrgico. Todos foram submetidos a avaliação hemodinâmica portal com cateter de termodiluição 4F antes e após a realização de desvascularização esofago-gástrica com esplenectomia. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação intra-operatória inicial observou-se pressão (28,5 + 4,5 mmHg ) e fluxo (1750,59 ± 668,14 ml/min) portais iniciais bem acima dos valores considerados normais. Houve queda significante de 25 por cento na pressão (21,65 ± 5,55 mmHg ) e de 42 por cento no fluxo (1011,18 ± 332,73 ml/min) ao término da cirurgia. Quatorze pacientes (87.5 por cento) apresentavam fluxo portal superior a 1200 ml/min e, em 5 casos, valores superiores a 2000 ml/min foram observados. CONCLUSÕES: A pressão e o fluxo portais estão aumentados na hipertensão portal esquistossomótica. A desvascularização esofago-gástrica com esplenectomia reduz significativamente tanto a pressão quanto o fluxo portais. Estes dados favorecem a hipótese do hiperfluxo esplâncnico (esplênico e mesentérico) na fisiopatologia da hipertensão portal na esquistossomose forma hepatoesplênica.

The main indications and techniques for vascular exclusion of the liver

BACKGROUND: The purpose of vascular clamping during the course of liver resection is to reduce bleeding and subsequent complications. AIM: To show both step-by-step surgical techniques for vascular exclusion of the liver and their indications. METHODS: It is described the following techniques: clamping of the hepatic pedicle, ''Pringle'' maneuver; intermittent clamping of the hepatic pedicle; intermittent vascular exclusion of the liver, without vena cava clamping, and hepatic vascular exclusion with vena cava clamping. Also metabolic and homodynamic consequences as well as the technical failure of the application of each of them are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of technique to use for clamping during hepatectomy depends on the surgeon's judgment. Dogmatic or systematic attitude, is prejudiciable for the patient and liver surgeon must be able to use all kinds of clamping