Low-cost suture simulator to gain basic surgical skills.

PURPOSE: To introduce a new low-cost simulation model for training basic surgical skills. METHODS: The training model was made from a mixture of 20 g of acetic silicone with 11 g of maize starch. Validation consisted of serial training sessions, evaluating the mean pre- and post-training time and the mean final score according to the global rating scale. RESULTS: A decrease in the time required to perform the sutures was observed, comparing the average post and pre-training time of each training day, with a significant correlation between the order of training and the time for performing the simulation. CONCLUSIONS: The presented model proved to be capable of simulating the basic suture training skills. It is easy to make, has low cost, and can be easily reproduced in educational institutions.

Perfil das cirurgias oncológicas e reparadoras de mama no norte do Brasil: Análise da última década / Profile of oncological and breast repair surgeries in northern Brazil: Analysis of the last decade

Introdução: O diagnóstico tardio do câncer de mama eleva o número de cirurgias, resultando em alta mortalidade e resultado pouco estético. Assim, é fundamental a instituição de procedimentos de reconstrução mamária. Método: Estudo descritivo, quantitativo e retrospectivo sobre as autorizações de internação hospitalar de pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos de mama em oncologia, no período de 2011 a 2020, cujo dados foram obtidos na plataforma DATASUS. Resultados: 7.529 cirurgias de câncer de mama e 1.949 cirurgias reparadoras foram realizadas na Região Norte. Houve aumento do número de procedimentos ao longo da década. Em todos os estados é possível perceber a diferença no número de municípios de residência, comparado aos municípios de internação. Conclusão: Necessita-se instituir centros de referência oncológica, garantindo tratamento individualizado e a reconstrução mamária.

Introduction: Late breast cancer diagnosis increases the number of surgeries, resulting in high mortality and unsightly results. Therefore, the institution of breast reconstruction procedures is essential. Method: Descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective study on authorizations for hospital admission of patients undergoing breast surgical procedures in oncology from 2011 to 2020, whose data were obtained from the DATASUS platform. Results: 7,529 breast cancer surgeries and 1,949 reconstructive surgeries were performed in the North Region. There was an increase in the number of procedures throughout the decade. In all states, it is possible to notice the difference in the number of municipalities of residence compared to the municipalities of hospitalization. Conclusion: It is necessary to establish oncological reference centers, guaranteeing individualized treatment and breast reconstruction.

Profile of thyroidectomies in Brazil from 2010 to 2020 from a macro-regional perspective

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the distribution profile of thyroidectomies in Brazil from 2010 to 2020 from a macro-regional perspective. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, detailed and descriptive study built on secondary data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). We organized the data in tables and grouped them according to the federative unit, macro-region, type of procedure, mortality rate, and year of performance. We performed statistical analysis using the χ2 test to assess the association between the variables, observing a P value of < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results: From 2010 to 2020, 160 219 thyroidectomy surgeries were performed, of which 77 812 (48.56%) were total, 38 064 (23.76%) partial and 41 191 (25.70%) oncological.The Southeast was responsible for the largest share of procedures, with 70 745 (44.15%), followed by the Northeast with 43 887 (27.39%). In 2020, the procedure was less performed, with 9226 (5.75%) surgeries. The total mortality rate was 0.16% during the study period. Conclusion: We found that thyroidectomies are carried out mainly in the Southeastern, Northeastern, and Southern regions, and showed a downward trend in 2020, which may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, total thyroidectomy is the most performed surgery, and the Northern region had the highest mortality rate.

Profile of thyroidectomies in Brazil from 2010 to 2020 from a macro-regional perspective.

Objective: To describe the distribution profile of thyroidectomies in Brazil from 2010 to 2020 from a macro-regional perspective. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, detailed and descriptive study built on secondary data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). We organized the data in tables and grouped them according to the federative unit, macro-region, type of procedure, mortality rate, and year of performance. We performed statistical analysis using the χ2 test to assess the association between the variables, observing a P value of < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results: From 2010 to 2020, 160 219 thyroidectomy surgeries were performed, of which 77 812 (48.56%) were total, 38 064 (23.76%) partial and 41 191 (25.70%) oncological. The Southeast was responsible for the largest share of procedures, with 70 745 (44.15%), followed by the Northeast with 43 887 (27.39%). In 2020, the procedure was less performed, with 9226 (5.75%) surgeries. The total mortality rate was 0.16% during the study period. Conclusion: We found that thyroidectomies are carried out mainly in the Southeastern, Northeastern, and Southern regions, and showed a downward trend in 2020, which may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, total thyroidectomy is the most performed surgery, and the Northern region had the highest mortality rate.

Association between the rs820218 Variant within the SAP30BP Gene and Rotator Cuff Rupture in an Amazonian Population.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff disease is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability, and its etiology is most likely multifactorial but remains incompletely understood. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the relationship of the single-nucleotide rs820218 polymorphism of the SAP30-binding protein (SAP30BP) gene with rotator cuff tears in the Amazonian population. METHODS: The case group consisted of patients who were operated on due to rotator cuff tears in a hospital in the Amazon region between 2010 and 2021, and the control group was composed of individuals who were selected after negative physical examinations for rotator cuff tears. Genomic DNA was obtained from saliva samples. For the genotyping and allelic discrimination of the selected single nucleotide polymorphism (rs820218) in the SAP30BP gene, real-time PCR was performed. RESULTS: The frequency of the A allele in the control group was four times as high as that in the case group (AA homozygotes); an association of the genetic variant rs820218 of the SAP30BP gene with rotator cuff tears was not established (p = 0.28 and 0.20), as the A allelic frequency is ordinarily low in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the A allele indicates protection against rotator cuff tears.

Low cost and easy acquisition: corn grain in microsurgery training.

OBJECTIVES: develop an easily accessible model for training the initial motor practice in microsurgery using corn kernels. METHODS: ten corn kernels (Zea mays) were used. A 7mm longitudinal cut was made on one side of the corn grain. The training consisted of performing 4 simple knots between the edges of the incision, using 10-0 mononylon thread. The parameters analyzed were 1) cost of the model; 2) assembly time of the model test system; 3) time for performing the knots; 4) distance between the knots. RESULTS: in all corn kernels tested, it was possible to perform the proposed microsurgical suture training, without any difficulty in the procedure. The average time to perform the 4 knots was 6.51±1.18 minutes. The total cost of the simulator model was R$3.59. The average distance between the knots was 1.7±0.3mm. The model developed from corn grains has an extremely low cost when compared to the use of animals or high-tech simulators. Other advantages are the easy availability of canned corn kernels and the possibility of making more than four knots along the 7mm incision. CONCLUSION: the training model developed has low cost, is easy to acquire and viable for training basic manual skills in microsurgery.

Low-cost suture simulator to gain basic surgical skills

ABSTRACT Purpose: To introduce a new low-cost simulation model for training basic surgical skills. Methods: The training model was made from a mixture of 20 g of acetic silicone with 11 g of maize starch. Validation consisted of serial training sessions, evaluating the mean pre- and post-training time and the mean final score according to the global rating scale. Results: A decrease in the time required to perform the sutures was observed, comparing the average post and pre-training time of each training day, with a significant correlation between the order of training and the time for performing the simulation. Conclusions: The presented model proved to be capable of simulating the basic suture training skills. It is easy to make, has low cost, and can be easily reproduced in educational institutions.

Anatomical description of the extratemporal facial nerve under high-definition system: a microsurgical study in rats.

PURPOSE: To describe the microsurgical anatomical aspects of the extratemporal facial nerve of Wistar rats under a high-definition video system. METHODS: Ten male Wistar rats (12-15 weeks old), without veterinary diseases, weighing 220-280 g, were used in this study. All animals in this study were submitted to the same protocol and by the same surgeon. A 10-mm incision was made below the bony prominence of the right or left ear, and extended towards the angle of the mandible. The dissection was performed and the main branches of the facial nerve were dissected. RESULTS: The main trunk of the facial nerve has a length of 0.88 ± 0.10 mm and a length of 3.81 ± 1.03 mm, measured from its emergence from the stylomastoid foramen to its bifurcation. Seven branches originating from the facial nerve were identified: posterior auricular, posterior cervical, cervical, mandibular, buccal, temporal, and zygomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of the facial nerve is comparable to that of humans, with some variations. The most observed anatomical division was the distribution in posterior auricular, posterior cervical, cervical, mandibular, buccal, temporal, and zygomatic branches. There is no statistical difference between the thickness and distance of the structures compared to the contralateral side.

Low cost and easy acquisition: corn grain in microsurgery training / Baixo custo e fácil aquisição: grãos de milho no treinamento microcirúrgico

ABSTRACT Objectives: develop an easily accessible model for training the initial motor practice in microsurgery using corn kernels. Methods: ten corn kernels (Zea mays) were used. A 7mm longitudinal cut was made on one side of the corn grain. The training consisted of performing 4 simple knots between the edges of the incision, using 10-0 mononylon thread. The parameters analyzed were 1) cost of the model; 2) assembly time of the model test system; 3) time for performing the knots; 4) distance between the knots. Results: in all corn kernels tested, it was possible to perform the proposed microsurgical suture training, without any difficulty in the procedure. The average time to perform the 4 knots was 6.51±1.18 minutes. The total cost of the simulator model was R$3.59. The average distance between the knots was 1.7±0.3mm. The model developed from corn grains has an extremely low cost when compared to the use of animals or high-tech simulators. Other advantages are the easy availability of canned corn kernels and the possibility of making more than four knots along the 7mm incision. Conclusion: the training model developed has low cost, is easy to acquire and viable for training basic manual skills in microsurgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: desenvolver um modelo facilmente acessível para o treinamento da prática motora inicial em microcirurgia a partir da utilização de grãos de milho. Métodos: foram utilizados dez grãos de milho (Zea mays). Realizou-se um corte longitudinal de 7mm em uma das faces do grão de milho. O treinamento consistiu na realização de 4 pontos simples entre as bordas da incisão, utilizando fio de mononáilon 10-0. Os parâmetros analisados foram 1) custo do modelo; 2) tempo de montagem do sistema de teste do modelo; 3) tempo de realização dos nós; 4) distância entre os pontos. Resultados: em todos os grãos testados foi possível realizar o treinamento de sutura microcirúrgica proposto, sem dificuldade ao procedimento. O tempo médio para a realização dos 4 pontos foi de 6,51±1,18 minutos. O custo total do modelo simulatório foi de R$3,59. A distância média entre os pontos foi de 1,7±0,3mm. O modelo desenvolvido a partir de grãos de milhos apresenta custo extremamente baixo quando comparado ao uso de animais ou de simuladores de alta tecnologia. Outras vantagens são fácil disponibilidade de grãos de milho em conserva e possibilidade de serem realizados mais de quatro pontos ao longo da incisão de 7mm. Conclusão: o modelo de treinamento desenvolvido é de baixo custo, de fácil aquisição e viável para o treinamento de habilidades manuais básicas em microcirurgia.

Anatomical description of the extratemporal facial nerve under high-definition system: a microsurgical study in rats

Purpose: To describe the microsurgical anatomical aspects of the extratemporal facial nerve of Wistar rats under a high-definition video system. Methods: Ten male Wistar rats (12­15 weeks old), without veterinary diseases, weighing 220­280 g, were used in this study. All animals in this study were submitted to the same protocol and by the same surgeon. A 10-mm incision was made below the bony prominence of the right or left ear, and extended towards the angle of the mandible. The dissection was performed and the main branches of the facial nerve were dissected. Results: The main trunk of the facial nerve has a length of 0.88 ± 0.10 mm and a length of 3.81 ± 1.03 mm, measured from its emergence from the stylomastoid foramen to its bifurcation. Seven branches originating from the facial nerve were identified: posterior auricular, posterior cervical, cervical, mandibular, buccal, temporal, and zygomatic. Conclusions: The anatomy of the facial nerve is comparable to that of humans, with some variations. The most observed anatomical division was the distribution in posterior auricular, posterior cervical, cervical, mandibular, buccal, temporal, and zygomatic branches. There is no statistical difference between the thickness and distance of the structures compared to the contralateral side.