Predictive factors for short gastric vessels division during laparoscopic total fundoplication.

OBJECTIVE: to determine clinical variables that can predict the need for division of the short gastric vessels (SGV), based on the gastric fundus tension, assessing postoperative outcomes in patients submitted or not to section of these vessels. METHODS: we analyzed data from 399 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The section of the SGV was performed according to the surgeon evaluation, based on the fundus tension. Patients were divided into two groups: not requiring SGV section (group A) or requiring SGV section (group B). RESULTS: the section was not necessary in 364 (91%) patients (Group A) and required in 35 (9%) patients (Group B). Group B had proportionally more male patients and higher average height. The endoscopic parameters were worse for Group B, with larger hiatal hernias, greater hernias proportion with more than four centimeters, more intense esophagitis, higher proportion of Barrett's esophagus and long Barrett's esophagus. Male gender and grade IV-V esophagitis were considered independent predictors in the multivariate analysis. Transient dysphagia and GERD symptoms were more common in Group B. CONCLUSION: the division of the short gastric vessels is not required routinely, but male gender and grade IV-V esophagitis are independent predictors of the need for section of these vessels.

Predictive factors for short gastric vessels division during laparoscopic total fundoplication / Fatores preditivos da necessidade de secção dos vasos gástricos curtos nas fundoplicaturas totais videolaparoscópicas

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical variables that can predict the need for division of the short gastric vessels (SGV), based on the gastric fundus tension, assessing postoperative outcomes in patients submitted or not to section of these vessels. METHODS:We analyzed data from 399 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The section of the SGV was performed according to the surgeon evaluation, based on the fundus tension. Patients were divided into two groups: not requiring SGV section (group A) or requiring SGV section (group B). RESULTS:The section was not necessary in 364 (91%) patients (Group A) and required in 35 (9%) patients (Group B). Group B had proportionally more male patients and higher average height. The endoscopic parameters were worse for Group B, with larger hiatal hernias, greater hernias proportion with more than four centimeters, more intense esophagitis, higher proportion of Barrett's esophagus and long Barrett's esophagus. Male gender and grade IV-V esophagitis were considered independent predictors in the multivariate analysis. Transient dysphagia and GERD symptoms were more common in Group B. CONCLUSION:The division of the short gastric vessels is not required routinely, but male gender and grade IV-V esophagitis are independent predictors of the need for section of these vessels.

OBJETIVO: Determinar variáveis clínicas que possam predizer a necessidade de secção dos vasos gástricos curtos (VGC), baseado na tensão do fundo gástrico, avaliando os resultados pós-operatórios em pacientes submetidos ou não à secção destes vasos. MÉTODOS:Foram analisados os dados de 399 pacientes consecutivos submetidos à fundoplicatura total laparoscópica para a doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE). A secção dos VGC foi realizada de acordo com a avaliação do cirurgião, baseado na tensão do fundo gástrico. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em dois grupos: sem necessidade de secção dos VGC (grupo A) ou com necessidade de secção dos VGC (grupo B). RESULTADOS:A secção não foi necessária em 364 (91%) pacientes (Grupo A) e necessária em 35 (9%) pacientes (Grupo B). O Grupo B tinha proporcionalmente mais pacientes do sexo masculino e maior estatura média. Os parâmetros endoscópicos foram piores para o Grupo B, com maiores hérnias hiatais, maior proporção de hérnias com mais de quatro centímetros, esofagite mais intensa, maior proporção de esôfago de Barrett e esôfago de Barrett longo. O sexo masculino e as esofagites graus IV-V foram considerados fatores preditivos independentes na análise multivariada. A disfagia transitória e os sintomas de DRGE foram mais comuns no Grupo B. CONCLUSÃO:A secção dos vasos gástricos curtos não é necessária rotineiramente, porém o sexo masculino e as esofagites graus IV-V são fatores preditivos independentes da necessidade da secção destes vasos.

Brazilian consensus in gastric cancer: guidelines for gastric cancer in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, gastric cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among men and sixth among women. The cause is multivariate and the risks are well known. It has prognosis and treatment defined by the location and staging of the tumor and number of lymph nodes resected and involved. AIM: The Brazilian Consensus on Gastric Cancer promoted by ABCG was designed with the intention to issue guidelines that can guide medical professionals to care for patients with this disease. METHODS: Were summarized and answered 43 questions reflecting consensus or not on diagnosis and treatment that may be used as guidance for its multidisciplinary approach. The method involved three steps. Initially, 56 digestive surgeons and related medical specialties met to formulate the questions that were sent to participants for answers on scientific evidence and personal experience. Summaries were presented, discussed and voted in plenary in two other meetings. They covered 53 questions involving: diagnosis and staging (six questions); surgical treatment (35 questions); chemotherapy and radiotherapy (seven questions) and anatomopathology, immunohistochemistry and perspective (five questions). It was considered consensus agreement on more than 70% of the votes in each item. RESULTS: All the answers were presented and voted upon, and in 42 there was consensus. CONCLUSION: It could be developed consensus on most issues that come with the care of patients with gastric cancer and they can be transformed in guidelines.

Helicobacter pylori has no influence on distal gastric cancer survival.

CONTEXT: There is some evidence that Helicobacter pylori correlates with distal gastric cancer genesis. However, few studies analyzed the survival related to H. pylori infection. OBJECTIVE: To correlate gastric cancer survival and H. pylori infection. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with distal gastric cancer that underwent subtotal gastrectomy were studied. Minimal follow-up was 1 month. H. pylori infection was confirmed by biopsy. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (19 males (55.9%), mean age 60.9 ± 14.03, range 33-82 years) were H. pylori positive. Thirty-four patients (16 males (47.1%), mean age 57.9 ± 13.97, range 27-85 years) were H. pylori negative. Groups were comparable in regards to age (P = 0.4), gender (P = 0.5), stage [T (P = 0.2), N (P = 0.6) and M (P = 0.9)]. Survival was not different when groups were compared [P = 0.1616 (hazard ratio 0.6834, 95% CI 0.4009 to 1.1647)]. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection does not affect distal gastric cancer survival.

Helicobacter pylorihas no influence on distal gastric cancer survival / A infecção por Helicobacter pylori não influencia a sobrevida no câncer gástrico distal

CONTEXT: There is some evidence that Helicobacter pylori correlates with distal gastric cancer genesis. However, few studies analyzed the survival related to H. pylori infection. OBJECTIVE: To correlate gastric cancer survival and H. pylori infection. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with distal gastric cancer that underwent subtotal gastrectomy were studied. Minimal follow-up was 1 month. H. pylori infection was confirmed by biopsy. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (19 males (55.9 percent), mean age 60.9 ± 14.03, range 33-82 years) were H. pylori positive. Thirty-four patients (16 males (47.1 percent), mean age 57.9 ± 13.97, range 27-85 years) were H. pylori negative. Groups were comparable in regards to age (P = 0.4), gender (P = 0.5), stage [T (P = 0.2), N (P = 0.6) and M (P = 0.9)]. Survival was not different when groups were compared [P = 0.1616 (hazard ratio 0.6834, 95 percent CI 0.4009 to 1.1647)]. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection does not affect distal gastric cancer survival.

CONTEXTO: Há evidência que a infecção por Helicobacter pylori correlacione-se com a etiologia do câncer gástrico distal. Há, entretanto, poucos estudos que analisam a sobrevivência relacionada ao H. pylori. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a sobrevida do câncer gástrico distal com a infecção por H. pylori. MÉTODOS: Sessenta e oito pacientes com câncer gástrico distal submetidos a gastrectomia subtotal foram estudados. O tempo mínimo de seguimento foi de 1 mês. A infecção por H. pylori foi confirmada por biopsia. RESULTADOS: Trinta e quatro pacientes (19 homens (55,9 por cento), idade média de 60,9 ± 14,03, variação 33-82 anos) tinham confirmação de infecção por H. pylori. Trinta e quatro pacientes (16 homens (47,1 por cento), idade média de 57,9 ± 13,97, variação 27-85 anos) eram H. pylori negativo. Os grupos eram comparáveis considerando idade (P = 0.4), gênero (P = 0.5) e estágio [T (P = 0.2), N (P = 0.6) e M (P = 0.9)]. Sobrevivência não foi diferente quando os grupos foram comparados (P = 0.1616 (Hazard ratio 0.6834, 95 por cento CI 0.4009-1.1647)). CONCLUSÕES: Infecção por Helicobacter pylori não afeta a sobrevida no câncer gástrico distal.

Early changes in postprandial gallbladder emptying in morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: correlation with the occurrence of biliary sludge and gallstones.

BACKGROUND: Gallstones have been frequently diagnosed after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). Gallbladder stasis associated with duodenal exclusion may play a role in their pathogenesis. METHODS: Gallbladder emptying was studied before and on the 30th and 31st postoperative days (POD) after RYGBP in 20 morbidly obese patients. Gallbladder volume after fasting and every 15 min during a 2-h period following administration of a standard liquid meal was determined by sonography. On the 31st POD, the meal was administered through the gastrostomy in order to promote its transit through the duodenum. Fasting volume (FV), maximum ejection fraction (Max EF), and residual volume (RV) were determined. Biliary sludge and calculi were investigated after 1 and 6 months, respectively. RESULTS: FV was 39.4 +/- 20.2 ml, 50.1 +/- 22.7 ml, and 47.9 +/- 23.4 ml, respectively, for the preoperative and two postoperative assessments (P = 0.09). RV was 7.6 +/- 8.7 ml, 25.1 +/- 20.0 ml, and 24.6 +/- 20.9 ml; and Max EF was 80.5 +/- 20.9%, 54.3 +/- 21.4%, and 50.5 +/- 29.0%, respectively, for the pre-, postoral, and postgastrostomy infusion measurements. There was only a significant difference between the preoperative value and the two postoperative values (P < 0.001). Biliary sludge was detected in 65% of the patients and 46% of them subsequently developed gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: Gallbladder emptying became significantly compromised after RYGBP. This impairment was unrelated to duodenal exclusion but it was associated with biliary sludge and stone formation.

Novas técnicas ambulatoriais para avaliação da motilidade esofágica e sua aplicação no estudo do megaesôfago / New ambulatory techniques for assessment of esophageal motility and their applicability on achalasia study

Brazilian surgeons deal routinely with esophageal motility disorders, because achalasia is highly prevalent in Brazil due to Chagas' disease. In the last years new technologies for the evaluation of esophageal motility became available. High resolution manometry and the combination of barometric parameters and intraluminal impedance are the new frontiers on this topic. The authors reviewed current, national and international, literature about achalasia with multichannel intraluminal impedance and high resolution manometry studies. The new technologies described are promising, however few studies have been published and further studies are still expected for achalasia patients.

Effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure on the healing process after surgical stapling of the stomach of dogs.

PURPOSE: To assess the initial healing after surgical stapling of the stomach using a linear cutting stapler and creating pneumoperitoneum (12-14 mmHg) for 60 minutes or 120 minutes, and compare it with the healing of a staple line not submitted to increased pressure. METHODS: A total of 30 dogs were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: Group I (control group - surgical stapling), Group II (surgical stapling and increased intra-abdominal pressure for 60 minutes) and Group III (surgical stapling and increased intra-abdominal pressure for 120 minutes). All dogs were maintained under general anesthesia for two hours after surgical stapling. Seven days after surgery, the area around the staple line was macroscopically and microscopically examined. RESULTS: The macroscopic examination of the samples (n = 30) did not show dehiscence, fistula or abscess. Adhesions between the omentum and the staple line were observed in all animals of Groups II and III (n = 20), which were significantly different from Group I (p = 0.008*). The histopathological analysis showed normal healing up to day 7 in the control animals (n = 10). When these results were compared with those of Groups II and III (n = 20), non-parametric tests revealed that there was a significant difference with regard to certain parameters of the early stages of healing, such as fibroblast migration (p = 0.011*), edema (p < 0.001*) and congestion (p = 0.011*). These alterations affected reepithelization (p < 0.001*), and consequently the late stages of healing. CONCLUSIONS: Each group showed different healing stages, and the healing process was delayed in the groups submitted to increased pressure, especially in the group submitted to increased pressure for longer time.

Effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure on the healing process after surgical stapling of the stomach of dogs

PURPOSE: To assess the initial healing after surgical stapling of the stomach using a linear cutting stapler and creating pneumoperitoneum (12-14 mmHg) for 60 minutes or 120 minutes, and compare it with the healing of a staple line not submitted to increased pressure. METHODS: A total of 30 dogs were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: Group I (control group - surgical stapling), Group II (surgical stapling and increased intra-abdominal pressure for 60 minutes) and Group III (surgical stapling and increased intra-abdominal pressure for 120 minutes). All dogs were maintained under general anesthesia for two hours after surgical stapling. Seven days after surgery, the area around the staple line was macroscopically and microscopically examined. RESULTS: The macroscopic examination of the samples (n = 30) did not show dehiscence, fistula or abscess. Adhesions between the omentum and the staple line were observed in all animals of Groups II and III (n = 20), which were significantly different from Group I (p = 0.008*). The histopathological analysis showed normal healing up to day 7 in the control animals (n = 10). When these results were compared with those of Groups II and III (n = 20), non-parametric tests revealed that there was a significant difference with regard to certain parameters of the early stages of healing, such as fibroblast migration (p = 0.011*), edema (p < 0.001*) and congestion (p = 0.011*). These alterations affected reepithelization (p < 0.001*), and consequently the late stages of healing. CONCLUSIONS: Each group showed different healing stages, and the healing process was delayed in the groups submitted to increased pressure, especially in the group submitted to increased pressure for longer time.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do pneumoperitônio com CO2 sobre a fase inicial da cicatrização (7° dia) de uma sutura gástrica mecânica em cães, com diferentes tempos de aumento da pressão intra-abdominal. MÉTODOS: Trinta cães foram divididos em três grupos e submetidos à laparotomia mediana e realização de uma sutura vertical na grande curvatura gástrica com grampeador linear cortante. Após a síntese abdominal, nos animais dos grupos II e III instalou-se pneumoperitônio com CO2, permanecendo os animais com pressão intra-abdominal entre 12 e 14 mmHg durante 60 minutos (grupo II) e 120 minutos (grupo III). Os animais foram reoperados no 7° dia, para a avaliação macroscópica da cavidade abdominal e da sutura e retirada de um segmento gástrico contendo essa sutura para análise microscópica. RESULTADOS: Na análise macroscópica observamos diferenças em relação a variável aderência, quando se comparou o grupo controle com os animais dos grupos II e III. Na análise microscópica da fase inicial do processo inflamatório as variáveis edema, congestão e reepitelização apresentaram maiores diferenças estatísticas quando comparados o Grupo Controle com os animais que sofreram a ação do pneumoperitônio. Este fenômeno foi mais evidente nos animais que permaneceram sob ação deste evento por período mais longo. CONCLUSÕES: As suturas submetidas ao aumento de pressão por período mais prolongado (120 minutos) apresentaram retardo do processo de cicatrização quando comparadas àquelas que sofreram essa ação por 60 minutos. Esse fato ficou ainda mais evidente quando as variáveis relacionadas ao processo de cicatrização foram comparadas com o grupo que não sofreu ação do pneumoperitônio.

Liver and spleen injury in lethal blunt trauma: thoracic and abdominal wall findings

Fraturas de costelas inferiores, hematomas e escoriações nos hipocôndrios são considerados sinais de alerta para trauma contuso de fígado ou de baço; entretanto, há poucos dados com evidência científica sobre o assunto...

Lower ribs fracture, bruises and abrasions in the upper abdominal quadrants are considered sings of alarm to spleen and liver injury: however, there is little scientific data concerning these findings...

[Electromanometry and acid pHmetry of 24 hours in postoperative evaluation of the hiatoplasty and total antireflux wrap laparoscopic]. / Eletromanometria esofágica e pHmetria de 24 horas na avaliação pós-operatória da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica.

BACKGROUND: The electromanometry and 24-hour esophageal pHmetry has been proposed as objective method in postoperative evaluation of antireflux surgery. AIM: Prospective evaluation of the results of cruroplasty and total fundoplication in the treatment of non-complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease based on comparative results of pre and post operative manometry and pHmetry findings. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive individuals with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were prospectively studied. All patients were submitted to a laparoscopic short floppy Nissen fundoplication between March, 2002 and August, 2003. All patients were submitted pre and postoperatively (3 months) to upper digestive endoscopy, manometry and pHmetry 24 hours. RESULTS: Eighteen (30.5%) patients were male and 41 (69.5%) female, their average age was 43.8 years. There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the manometrical findings in the following items: localization of the lower esophageal sphincter (41.2 cm and 42.3 cm). Extension o f the lower esophageal sphincter preoperative (2.0 cm and 2.5 cm), resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (15.0 mm Hg and 21.5 mm Hg), and pressure of the esophageal body (78.0 mm Hg and 70.0 mm Hg). There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the pHmetrical findings in the following items: total number of acid refluxes (68.0 and 3.0), total number of acid refluxes more than 5 minutes (2.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in supine position (1.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in upright position (0.0 and 0.0), acidification period (5.5 and 0.1 min), DeMeester score (33.0 and 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The esophageal manometry and pHmetry findings were improved in the post operative period with statistical significance when compared to the pre operative period. The exams were considered efficient in the evaluation of the surgical procedure.

Eletromanometria esofágica e pHmetria de 24 horas na avaliação pós-operatória da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica / Electromanometry and acid pHmetry of 24 hours in postoperative evaluation of the hiatoplasty and total antireflux wrap laparoscopic

RACIONAL: A operação de "short floppy Nissen" tem como objetivo tratar o refluxo gastroesofágico. Avaliações clínicas e endoscópicas de sua eficiência têm sido demonstradas por diferentes autores, porém estudos comparando pHmetria ácida de 24 horas com exames realizados no pré e pós-operatório têm sido pouco freqüentes. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os resultados da hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo total laparoscópica no tratamento da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico não complicada através de estudo comparativo pré e pós-operatório de aspectos manométricos e pHmétricos. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e nove indivíduos com sintomas típicos de refluxo gastroesofágico submetidos a cirurgia de "short floppy Nissen" por laparoscopia foram estudados prospectiva e consecutivamente no período de março de 2002 a agosto de 2003. Realizou-se no período pré e pós-operatório, em um tempo mínimo de 3 meses, endoscopia digestiva alta, manometria esofágica e pHmetria ácida de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: Dezoito (30,5 por cento) doentes eram do sexo masculino e 41 (69,5 por cento) do feminino, com idade média de 43,8 anos. Houve diferença nos seguintes achados manométricos, quando comparados no período pré e pós-operatório: localização do esfíncter inferior do esôfago em relação à borda nasal; extensão do esfíncter inferior do esôfago; pressão de repouso do esfíncter inferior do esôfago; pressão do corpo esofágico. Houve diferença nos seguintes achados pHmétricos quando comparados no período pré e pós-operatório: redução do número de refluxo ácidos totais; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados em decúbito dorsal; número de refluxos ácidos prolongados em posição ereta; fração de tempo de acidificação em minutos; índice de DeMeester. CONCLUSÕES: A eletromanometria e a pHmetria esofágicas mostraram melhora em cada um dos seus parâmetros com significância estatística entre os pacientes no período pré e pós-operatório de hiatoplastia e válvula anti-refluxo, demonstrando a eficiência do procedimento operatório quando avaliado por esses exames.

BACKGROUND: The electromanometry and 24-hour esophageal pHmetry has been proposed as objective method in postoperative evaluation of antireflux surgery. AIM: Prospective evaluation of the results of cruroplasty and total fundoplication in the treatment of non-complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease based on comparative results of pre and post operative manometry and pHmetry findings. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive individuals with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were prospectively studied. All patients were submitted to a laparoscopic short floppy Nissen fundoplication between March, 2002 and August, 2003. All patients were submitted pre and postoperatively (3 months) to upper digestive endoscopy, manometry and pHmetry 24 hours. RESULTS: Eighteen (30.5 percent) patients were male and 41 (69.5 percent) female, their average age was 43.8 years. There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the manometrical findings in the following items: localization of the lower esophageal sphincter (41.2 cm and 42.3 cm). Extension o f the lower esophageal sphincter preoperative (2.0 cm and 2.5 cm), resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (15.0 mm Hg and 21.5 mm Hg), and pressure of the esophageal body (78.0 mm Hg and 70.0 mm Hg). There were differences comparing the pre and post operative period in the pHmetrical findings in the following items: total number of acid refluxes (68.0 and 3.0), total number of acid refluxes more than 5 minutes (2.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in supine position (1.0 and 0.0), acid reflux more than 5 minutes in upright position (0.0 and 0.0), acidification period (5.5 and 0.1 min), DeMeester score (33.0 and 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The esophageal manometry and pHmetry findings were improved in the post operative period with statistical significance when compared to the pre operative period. The exams were considered efficient in the evaluation of the surgical procedure.

Incidence of regurgitation after the banded gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Frequent regurgitation is a common complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). This study investigated the risk of becoming a chronic regurgitator, by considering silicone ring size and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function, and their relationship with weight loss. METHODS: 80 morbidly obese patients were randomly selected to undergo surgery using ring length of 62 mm (40 patients, group A) or 77 mm (40 patients, group B), with 6 months' postoperative follow-up. Preoperative esophageal manometry parameters were correlated with occurrence of chronic postoperative regurgitation. Patients were considered to present chronic regurgitation when this occurred on >10 days/month. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous regarding age, gender, race, weight, BMI (47.8+/-6.1 vs 50.2+/-6.4 kg/m2) and obesity-related diseases. There were 15% more chronic regurgitators in group A than in group B. Chronic regurgitators in group A lost more weight than chronic regurgitators in group B (P=0.026) or non-chronic regurgitators in group A (P=0.016). A greater proportion of chronic regurgitators had LES hypotonia (mean respiratory pressure <14 mmHg) than did non-chronic regurgitators (P=0.008). Logistic regression demonstrated that the chance of being a chronic regurgitator in group A was 4.5 times greater than in group B (P=0.046), and that the chance of a chronic regurgitator having LES hypotonia was seven times greater than of having normal LES pressure (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Silicone ring size and LES hypotonia are independent prognostic factors for chronic regurgitation following RYGBP. Ring size and chronic regurgitation contribute significantly towards weight loss during the first 6 postoperative months.

Obesity and symptomatic achalasia.

Weight loss is a frequent finding in achalasia because of the difficulty in swallowing. Although manometric findings compatible with achalasia have been found in morbidly obese patients, all of them were asymptomatic. The authors report a case of symptomatic achalasia and morbid obesity in a 38-year-old woman. A mental disorder become manifested after the patient was submitted to an esophageal myotomy and fundoplication. With weight gain, postoperative gastroesophageal reflux developed. Drawbacks of further operative procedures in such a patient are discussed.

Modelo videolaparoscópico de condicionamento isquêmico do estômago em ratos / Videolaparoscopic model for the gastric ischemic conditioning in rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a exeqüibilidade do condicionamento isquêmico por videolaparoscopia e o seu efeito funcional, na parede gástrica de ratos. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos machos, EPM-1 Wistar foram submetidos a desvascularização gástrica proximal, por videolaparoscopia, com pressão intra-abdominal de pneumoperitônio de 4mmHg através da colocação de três trocartes na parede abdominal. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos de 10 animais cada de acordo com a data de sacrifício, ou seja, 7 (G7) e 14 (G14) dias para avaliação da perfusão da parede gástrica com fluxometria por laser-Doppler antes da desvascularização, 10 minutos após e 7 ou 14 dias de acordo com o grupo a que pertenciam. RESULTADOS: A fluxometria revelou melhora progressiva da perfusão gástrica principalmente no G14, após a desvascularização. CONCLUSÕES: O modelo de condicionamento isquêmico do estômago é exeqüível por videolaparoscopia. O condicionamento isquêmico permite o restabelecimento da perfusão sangüínea na parede gástrica.

Safety of cystic duct clipping in healthy and cirrhotic livers: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Biliary leakage through the cystic duct stump due to clip dislodgement has been a concern since the advent of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The authors proposed a cadaveric model to test the safety of cystic duct clipping in a hypertensive biliary tract in healthy and cirrhotic livers. METHODS: Twenty fresh cadavers were studied (5 cirrhotic, 15 healthy). Open cholecystectomy was performed and the cystic duct clipped with commercially available titanium clips. The distal common bile duct was catheterized to allow infusion of water and pressure measurement. RESULTS: Increased pressure in the bile duct resulted in back diffusion into the liver, preventing reaching high-pressure levels. Only 1 clip was dislodged in this situation, in a cirrhotic liver with a large cystic duct. As a second experiment, the hepatic hilum was clamped to allow higher pressures of the biliary tree (500 mm Hg). In this situation, no clip was dislodged. CONCLUSIONS: We have established the safety of cystic duct clipping in healthy and cirrhotic livers; however, bigger clips or alternative methods to seal the duct may be necessary in larger ducts.

Índice de publicação dos trabalhos apresentados no XXIV Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia / Publication index of the papers presented at the XXIV Brazilian Congress of Surgery

Objetivo: Avaliar o índice de publicação a nível internacional (Index Medicus-Medline-PubMed) dos trabalhos apresentados no XXIV Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia. Método: A publicação dos trabalhos foi pesquisada por consulta à base de dados de publicações biomédicas a nível mundial (Index Medicus- Medline-PubMed), a partir da lista de autores e co-autores e palavras-chave dos títulos dos trabalhos.Resultados: Do total de 1133 trabalhos apresentados, 29 (2,6%) foram publicados – nove temas livres (2,0%),um vídeo livre (1,6%), dois fórum de pesquisa (12,5%) e 17 pôsteres (2,8%). Dos 2638 autores identificados,71 (2,7%) publicaram seus trabalhos. Conclusões: O índice de publicações dos trabalhos apresentados ainda é baixo.

Background: Analysis of the index of publication of the papers presented at the XXIV Brazilian Congress of Surgery. Methods: Searches in a computerized database (Index Medicus-Medline-PubMed) of the papers presented at the Congress were done based on the names of authors and title’s key words. Results: Of the 1133 papers presented at the Congress, 29 (2.6%) were published – nine free papers (2.0%); one video (1.6%); two research forums (12.5%); and 17 posters (2.8%). Concerning authors, 2638 were identified and 71 (2.7%) had their papers published. Conclusions: The index of publication of the papers presented at the Brazilian Congress of Surgery is still low.

Short esophagus or bad dissected esophagus? An experimental cadaveric study.

Short esophagus is defined as the inability to reduce the gastroesophageal junction below the diaphragm. One of the factors responsible for this inability can be inadequate esophageal mobilization. We evaluated esophageal lengthening achieved by means of dissection in a cadaveric model. Fifty-one cadavers were dissected (27 transthoracically and 24 transhiatally). Abdominal esophageal length was assessed before and after dissection of the esophagus from the hiatus to the carina. In the transthoracic group, a mean of 1.7+/-1.3 cm (range 0.3 to 5.0 cm) was gained with dissection. In the transhiatal group, a mean of 1.8+/-0.8 cm (range 0 to 3.0 cm) was gained with dissection. In a comparison of results of transthoracic and transhiatal approaches, the difference was not statistically significant. We concluded that a significant increase in esophageal length was achieved after dissection; however, the access route (thorax or abdomen) did not influence the results.

Forensic autopsy costs in the city of São Paulo.

CONTEXT: Modern medical practice involves cost analysis of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. There are no papers dealing with this theme in relation to forensic autopsies in our country. OBJECTIVE: Analysis of direct costs of forensic autopsies. TYPE OF STUDY: Cost analysis. SETTING: São Paulo Medical Examiner's Central Office. SAMPLE: Year 2001 activity. PROCEDURES: Routine forensic autopsies. MEAN MEASUREMENTS: Analysis of direct costs of personnel and material. RESULTS: Cost of personnel represents 90.38% or US$ 93.46. Material expenses comprised 9.62% or US$ 9.95. Total costs were calculated to be US$ 103.41. CONCLUSIONS: Forensic autopsies have a high cost. Cases to be autopsied should be judiciously selected. Our results are similar to international studies if data are rearranged based on the number of annual necropsies.