Achalasia Treatment in Patients over 80 Years of Age: A Multicenter Survey.

Background and Aims: Laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM), per oral endoscopic myotomy, and pneumatic dilatation are well-established methods to treat achalasia. The ideal treatment algorithm in elderly patients is, however, still elusive. This multicenter study aims to evaluate outcomes and changes in routine therapeutic options in patients >80 years of age. Methods: Worldwide high-volume centers for the treatment of achalasia were surveyed. Therapeutic options and outcomes in patients >80 years of age were reviewed. Results: Eighty-five (54% men, mean age 84 ± 4 years) patients were studied. Primary treatment was endoscopic in 43 (51%) patients, surgical in 39 (46%) patients (30 LHM, 9 cardioplasty + gastrectomy), and medical in 3 (4%) patients. Four centers tailored treatment based on age (14% of the patients). Secondary treatment was necessary in 34 (40%) patients: 30 of them with endoscopic treatment as primary treatment. LHM was performed in 20 patients and endoscopic treatment in 14 patients. A total of 11 (13%) patients had complications after LHM. Seven had LHM or cardioplasty + gastrectomy as primary treatment. Four had LHM as secondary treatment. The mean time of hospitalization was 4 ± 2 days for those who did not have complications, and 7 ± 6 days for those who had complications. Conclusions: Most specialized centers do not tailor treatment based on advanced age. Treatment of the oldest-old patients should be based solely on their physiologic and mental health, not their age. Endoscopic treatment has a high rate of recurrence and gastrectomy a high rate of complications in his population. LHM seems to be a safe option with good outcomes in this population.

Analysis of the acute systemic and tissue inflammatory response following carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the acute systemic and tissue inflammatory response associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and analyze the association between serum and tissue biomarkers and histological features of carotid plaques between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. METHODS: We studied 11 patients (6 symptomatic and 5 asymptomatic) with ≥70% internal carotid stenosis treated with CEA. Serum expression of interleukin (IL) 1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, metalloproteinase (MMP) 8, MMP-9, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in the preoperative period and 1, 6 and 24 hours after CEA. Assessment of tissue biomarkers (IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MMP-8, MMP-9, TNF-α, and VEGF) and histological analyses were performed on carotid plaques. RESULTS: Peak serum values for MMP-8, MMP-9, IL-6, and IL 10 were observed 6 hours after CEA, whereas for hs-CRP, TNF-α, and VEGF, they were identified 24 hours after the procedure. Symptomatic patients exhibited higher serum concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-8, hs-CRP and TNF-α and higher tissue concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9, IL-1ß, IL-6 and VEGF than asymptomatic patients. Significant difference was found between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in tissue IL-6 levels (30.95 pg/mL and 9.33 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic and tissue inflammatory response occurs even after CEA, being observed important activity of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines at 6 and 24 hours after CEA. Symptomatic patients show higher concentrations of serum and tissue biomarkers in comparison to asymptomatic patients.

Standardized clinical pathways for esophagectomy are not a reality in Brazil, even with a high prevalence of esophageal cancer and achalasia.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams for esophagectomy involve changes in routines with the implantation of expensive clinical practices and deviations from ingrained treatment philosophies. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams in São Paulo state, Brazil. METHODS: Institutions that routinely perform esophagectomies in São Paulo were contacted and questioned about the work team involved in the procedure and the presence of standardized routines in the preoperatory care. RESULTS: Fifteen centers answered the questionnaire: 10 (67%) public institutions and five (33%) private. There were seven (47%) medical schools, six (40%) with a residency program and two (13%) nonacademic institutions. The mean number of esophagectomies per year was 23. There was a multidisciplinary pre-operative team in nine (60%). There was a multidisciplinary postoperative team in 11 (73%). Early mobilization protocol was adopted in 12 (80%) institutions, early feeding in 13 (87%), routinely epidural in seven (47%), analgesia protocol in seven (47%), hydric restriction in six (40%), early extubation in six (40%), standardized hospitalization time in four (27%) and standardized intensive care time in two (13%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized teams is very low in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The presence of specialized surgeons is a reality and standardized protocols related directly to surgeons have higher frequency than those related to other professionals in the multidisciplinary team.

STANDARDIZED CLINICAL PATHWAYS FOR ESOPHAGECTOMY ARE NOT A REALITY IN BRAZIL, EVEN WITH A HIGH PREVALENCE OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AND ACHALASIA / PROTOCOLOS CLÍNICOS PERIOPERATÓRIOS PADRONIZADOS NÃO SÃO REALIDADE NO BRASIL MESMO COM ALTA PREVALÊNCIA DE CÂNCER DE ESÔFAGO E ACALÁSIA

Background:The adoption of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams for esophagectomy involve changes in routines with the implantation of expensive clinical practices and deviations from ingrained treatment philosophies. Aim:To evaluate the prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized multidisciplinary teams in São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods:Institutions that routinely perform esophagectomies in São Paulo were contacted and questioned about the work team involved in the procedure and the presence of standardized routines in the preoperatory care. Results: Fifteen centers answered the questionnaire: 10 (67%) public institutions and five (33%) private. There were seven (47%) medical schools, six (40%) with a residency program and two (13%) nonacademic institutions. The mean number of esophagectomies per year was 23. There was a multidisciplinary pre-operative team in nine (60%). There was a multidisciplinary postoperative team in 11 (73%). Early mobilization protocol was adopted in 12 (80%) institutions, early feeding in 13 (87%), routinely epidural in seven (47%), analgesia protocol in seven (47%), hydric restriction in six (40%), early extubation in six (40%), standardized hospitalization time in four (27%) and standardized intensive care time in two (13%). Conclusion:The prevalence of standardized protocols and specialized teams is very low in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The presence of specialized surgeons is a reality and standardized protocols related directly to surgeons have higher frequency than those related to other professionals in the multidisciplinary team.

Racional:A adoção de protocolos padronizados por equipe multidisciplinar especializada no perioperatório de esofagectomia melhora a morbimortalidade da operação, porém envolve implantação de práticas por vezes custosas e mudanças de rotinas e filosofias arraigadas. Objetivo:Avaliar a ocorrência de protocolos padronizados e equipe multidisciplinar para esofagectomia no estado de São Paulo. Métodos:Foram contactadas instituições que realizam esofagectomias rotineiramente e questionadas a respeito da equipe envolvida no procedimento e a ocorrência de rotinas clínicas padronizadas no perioperatório dos pacientes.Resultados:Das 15 instituições respondedoras eram 10 (67%) públicas e cinco (33%) privadas; sete (47%) escolas médicas, seis (40%) com programa de residência e duas (13%) não acadêmicas. Estas realizavam em média 23 esofagectomias por ano. Nove (60%) instituiçoes possuíam equipe multidisciplinar especializada no pré-operatório e 11 (73%) no pós-operatório. Devido a existência de protocolos, foram adotados: mobilização precoce em 12 instituições (80%); alimentação precoce em 13 (87%); epidural rotineira em sete (47%), protocolo de analgesia em sete (47%), restrição hídrica em seis (40%), extubação precoce em seis (40%), tempo de hospitalização padrão em quatro (%) e tempo de UTI padrão em duas (13%) instituições. Conclusão:É baixa a ocorrência de protocolos padronizados e equipes multidisciplinares especializadas para esofagectomia no estado de São Paulo. Observa-se elevada prevalência de cirurgiões especializados e maior frequência de protocolos relacionados diretamente aos cirurgiões, em detrimento aos outros profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar.

Reubicación de los vasos del cuello y exclusión endovascular de las disecciones y los aneurismas del arco aórtico / Replacement of Neck Vessels and Endovascular Exclusion of Aortic Arch Dissections and Aneurysms

El tratamiento endovascular de la aorta descendente le brinda a un grupo de pacientes seleccionados de alto riesgo una alternativa para resolver un problema grave de manera segura y efectiva. Sólo el 15% de los enfermos tiene un cuello adecuado para el implante respetando la integridad de la arteria subclavia izquierda y su oclusión intencional origina en hasta un 30% isquemia del brazo, síndrome vertebrobasilar o leaks. Además, los pacientes que presentan compromiso del arco aórtico (extensión retrógrada de la disección, porque ésta se origina allí o por aneurisma de ese sector) constituyen una población aún más seleccionada y de mayor riesgo para el tratamiento quirúrgico habitual. Entre noviembre de 2005 y diciembre de 2006 incluimos 10 pacientes que se presentaban con: 1) disecciones con compromiso de la arteria subclavia izquierda o retrodisecciones hacia el cayado aórtico (n = 7) y 2) aneurismas del cayado aórtico (n = 3). Fueron tratados dentro del período agudo (14 días), todos con un puntaje de riesgo anestésico (ASA) igual a 3 o mayor. Se utilizó una técnica híbrida, de un solo acto en dos etapas (quirúrgica/endovascular) realizadas en el mismo día. En la fase quirúrgica no se requirió paro cardíaco, circulación extracorpórea ni hipotermia profunda y durante la etapa endovascular se utilizaron prótesis autoexpandibles y es aquí donde se notaron las dificultades técnicas que debieron sortearse para llevar adelante el implante. Todos los procedimientos resultaron técnicamente exitosos. Dos pacientes fallecieron, uno en el primer día (taponamiento cardíaco) otro por sepsis en el día 27. No se registraron complicaciones neurológicas ni vasculares. La técnica fue factible y efectiva, con una morbimortalidad adecuada para la población en estudio y similar a la de publicaciones con pacientes de las mismas características.

Endovascular treatment of the descendant aorta is a safe and effective alternative to solve a severe condition in a selected group of high-risk patients. In only 15% of patients the anatomical relations of the aneurysm neck with the left subclavian artery are adequate for the implant, and the incidence of arm ischemia, vertebrobasilar artery syndrome or leaks related to the left subclavian artery intentionally occluded reaches 30%. In addition, patients with compromise of the aortic arch (due to dissections or aneurysms of the aortic arch) are still a more selected high-risk population for surgical treatment. Between November 2005 and December 2006 we included 10 patients with: 1) dissections with compromise of the left subclavian artery or dissections towards the aortic arch (n=7) and, 2) aneurisms of the aortic arch (n=3). All patients had ASA class III or greater, and they were all treated during the acute phase (14 days). A two-stage (surgical/endovascular) hybrid technique was performed during the same day. The surgical approach was carried out without the need for circulatory arrest, extracorporeal circulation, and deep hypothermia, but endovascular self-expanding stent-graft placement presented a few technical difficulties. All procedures were technically successful. Two patients died, one at day 1 (cardiac tamponade) and the other at day 27 (sepsis). No neurologic or vascular complications were reported. The procedure was feasible and effective, with morbidity and mortality rates according to the study population and similar to those reported in other studies performed on comparable patients.

Reabilitação vocal do laringectomizado. Nova técnica endoscópica para colocação secundária de prótese vocal / Vocal Rehabilitation of Laryngecomized. A new Endoscopic Technique for Secondary Restoration with Vocal Prosthesis

A primeira laringectomia total data de 1873, descrita, por Billroth, e foi acompanhada pela tentativa de reabilitação vocal com a prótese externa de Gussenbauer5. Nos últimos anos, as formas de reabilitação vocal evoluíram; e a utilização da fístula traqueoesofágica com uma prótese valvulada foi proposta por Blom e Singer em 198012. A colocação da prótese após a laringectomia é denominada secundária; e, apesar das evoluções referentes à prótese vocal, a colocação secundária utilizando anestesia geral e esofagoscópio rígido permanece como proposta por Blom e Singer em 1980, levando a complicações como mediastinite, celulite cervical, fratura de vértebra cervical e perfuração esofágica`'. Material e métodos: Este trabalho foi realizado em cinco pacientes laringectomizados reabilitados com prótese vocal do tipo Blom-Singer Indwelling low pressure, com colocação secundária através de nova técnica cirúrgica por endoscopia digestiva alta e sedação com midazolan, no período de junho a julho de 1999, dispensando desta maneira o uso de anestesia geral e internação. Resultados: Todos os pacientes foram reabilitados com a prótese traqueoesofágica, sem complicações relacionadas com a técnica cirúrgica, Conclusão: As vantagens desta nova técnica em relação à convencional são: 1) dispensa a anestesia geral; 2) não é necessária internação do paciente; 3) material simples e de baixo custo para colocação da prótese; 4) menores riscos de complicações, como: hemorragia digestiva alta; mediastinite; fratura de vértebras cervicais; perfuração esofágica; 5) menor trauma da mucosa da orofaringe e esôfago; 6) visualização direta do posicionamento da prótese no esôfago.

The first total laryngectomy dates of 1873 described by Billroth, and it was accompanied by the attempt of vocal rehabilitation with the Gussenbauer's external prosthesis of . In the last years the forms of vocal rehabilitation developed and the use of the tracheo esophageal fistula with a valvuled prosthesis was proposed by Blom and Singer in 198012. The placement of the prosthesis after laryngectomy is denominated secondary, and in spite of the evolutions regarding the vocal prosthesis the secondary placement using general anesthesia and rigid esophagoscopy stays as proposed by Blom and Singer in 1980, taking the complications as mediastinite, cervical cellulite, fracture of cervical vertebra, and esophageal perforation. Material and Methods: This work was accomplished in five patient submitted to total laryngectomy and rehabilitated with vocal prosthesis Blom-Singer Indwelling low pressure with secondary placement through new surgical technique by digestive endoscopy and mitigation with midazolan, in the period of June to July of 1999, releasing this way the use of general anesthesia and hospitalization. Results: All patients were rehabilitated with tracheoesophageal prosthesis, without complications related with the surgical technique. Conclusion: The advantages of this new technique in relation to the conventional are: l) releases the general anesthesia; 2) it is not necessary patient hospitalization; 3) simple material and low cost for the placement of the prosthesis; 4) smaller risks of complications, as: high digestive hemorrhage; mediastinite; fracture of cervical vertebras; esophageal perforation; 5) smaller trauma of the esophageal mucosa; 6) direct visualization of the positioning of the prosthesis in the esophagus.

Estudo dos fatores de risco das infecçöes pós-operatorias em cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço / Study of risk factors of the post operative infections in head and neck surgery

Os fatores de risco das infecçöes pós-operatórias podem estar relacionados ao paciente, tipo de cirurgia, ambiente hospitalar e ao cirurgiäo. O presente trabalho teve por objetivos: verificar o índice de infecçäo na enfermaria de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do Hospital e Maternidade Celso Pierro (HMCP), da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Säo Paulo; correlacionar os fatores de risco com os encontrados na literatura e analisar o impacto dos mesmos no tempo de internaçäo e na morbimortalidade. Analisamos, retrospectivamente, os procedimentos no Serviço de Cirurgia de Cabeça e pescoço, entre janeiro e dezembro de 1995, para a coleta de dados pessoais, clínicos e cirúrgicos. O estadiamento clínico seguiu as normas do UICC de 1992, a avaliaçäo nutricional foi realizada pelo Serviço de Nutriçäo do HMCP, os pacientes foram considerados infectados após avaliaçäo do Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas do Hospital e o método estatístico utilizado foi a frequência porcentual. Doze dos 111 procedimentos resultaram em infecçöes pós-operatórias (10,8por cento). Todos os infectados eram homens e tabagistas; dez (83,3por cento) tinham 50 anos ou mais; onze (91,7por cento) eram etilistas; e sete (58,3por cento), desnutridos. Doze (100por cento) das cirurgias expuseram cavidade orofaríngea e dez (83,3por cento) tiveram duraçäo de 5 horas ou mais. Concluímos que o índice de infecçäo encontrado é considerado aceitável, que os fatores de risco descritos na literatura estavam presentes nos pacientes por nós analisados e que houve piora no prognóstico daqueles que desenvolveram Infecçöes pós-operatória. Portanto, cabe ao cirurgiäo de cabeça e pescoço avaliar os possíveis fatores de risco no pré-operatório, melhorando as condiçöes do paciente para a cirurgia