Simulation in pediatric minimally invasive surgery: adaptation of a simple series of exercises as part of the process of an initial implementation of a resident training program.

INTRODUCTION: the simulation in minimally invasive surgery is fundamental for surgeon in training to learning and training skills, especially in pediatrics, due to the particularities, reduced spaces, specific and rare procedures. The aim of this study was to propose an adapted series of exercises and to simply evaluate the performance of pediatric surgery residents in the initial implementation of a training program. METHOD: seven basic skills exercises in video surgery, based on series and programs already published and using low-cost materials, were performed by six residents in 2 moments, with an interval of 15 days and evaluated by simple instrument. RESULTS: there was no difficulty with models. Considering the individual averages of the seven exercises together in the two moments, five of the six residents increased the score in the second moment. The average score per exercise increased in five of the seven tasks. Despite the small number of participants and repetition, it has already been possible to observe a trend of better performance with decreased time of all residents after a single repetition. All considered the exercises capable of training essential skills of the specialty, with simple and inexpensive materials. CONCLUSION: given the challenges of simulated training in pediatric video surgery, it is known the benefit of a continuous program, with exercises that can simulate real situations. A pre-established schedule, more participants and repetitions, supervision of experienced surgeons and validated instruments are fundamental to evaluate surgeons in training and show statistical benefits of simulated exercises in this series.

COVID-19 associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children mimicking acute appendicitis - how to differentiate and conduct pediatric patients during the pandemic? - Proposal of a management flowchart.

INTRODUCTION: the new coronavirus pandemic has been a reality throughout 2020, and it has brought great challenges. The virus predominantly manifests in the pediatric population with mild symptoms. However, an increase in the incidence of Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 has been described in the literature. MIS-C manifests mainly with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms and may mimic acute abdomen due to acute appendicitis. The objective of this study is to propose a care flowchart for suspected cases of acute appendicitis in the initial phase in pandemic times, considering the possibility of MIS-C. This situation was brought up by a patient treated in a pediatric hospital in Brazil. DISCUSSION: It was possible to identify common signs and symptoms in the reported patient and those published cases that may serve as alerts for early identification of MIS-C cases. Based on the literature review and on the similarities between the syndrome and the inflammatory acute abdomen in children, we elaborated an initial approach for these cases to facilitate the identification, early diagnosis, and management. The flowchart considers details of the clinical history, physical examination, and complementary exams prior to the indication of appendectomy in patients with initial phase symptoms. CONCLUSION: MIS-C, although rare and of poorly known pathophysiology, is most often severe and has a high mortality risk. The use of the proposed flowchart can help in the diagnosis and early treatment of MIS-C.

Teste de Progresso como ferramenta de intervenção curricular na implementação de um curso de Medicina / Progress Test as a curricular interventional tool in the implementation of a medical course

Resumo: Introdução: O Teste de Progresso (TP) é uma modalidade de avaliação longitudinal composta por questões de múltipla escolha que permite a avaliação do estudante com realização do feedback individual e a análise do processo de ensino-aprendizagem institucional. O presente estudo relata a experiência do uso do TP como ferramenta de gestão e aprendizado na implementação de um curso de Medicina de currículo integrado e baseado em metodologias ativas. Relato de experiência: Desde 2014, o curso de Medicina de uma capital do país utiliza o TP como ferramenta de avaliação para estimular a autonomia do estudante, baseado em seu desempenho longitudinal, possibilitar ao docente a reflexão e ação adequadas ao processo de ensino-aprendizagem e fornecer elementos significativos para a tomada de decisão institucional relacionada à adequação curricular e à implementação do curso. Com diversas estratégias, como a formação de uma Comissão de Avaliação do Estudante e do Curso (Caec), oficinas com professores e estudantes e consórcios interinstitucionais, os atores que compõem o curso refletem seu papel na consolidação do conhecimento para o futuro profissional médico e se engajam nesse processo em diferentes momentos e de diferentes formas. Discussão: O TP é uma ferramenta com potenciais e limites que devem considerar a segurança, a confiabilidade e validade da avaliação, utilizando-se de estratégias qualificadoras, incluindo o ambiente virtual. O TP possibilita a autodeterminação e o autoaperfeiçoamento do estudante, do docente e do curso ao estabelecer comparações entre médias de desempenho longitudinais dos discentes em diversos estágios de aprendizado e instituições. Conclusão: A experiência demonstrou a importância do TP como ferramenta de avaliação e trouxe vantagens e benefícios na implantação do curso e orientação de intervenções para a melhoria do processo de ensino-aprendizagem.

Abstract Introduction: The Progress Test (PT) is a longitudinal assessment modality composed of multiple-choice questions and allows the assessment of the student with individual feedback and the analysis of the institutional teaching-learning process. The present study aims at reporting the experience of using the progress test as a management and learning tool in the implementation of a medical course with an integrated curriculum based on active methodologies. Experience report: Since 2014, a medical school in a capital of the country uses the PT as an assessment tool to stimulate student autonomy, based on their longitudinal performance, allowing the teacher to reflect on and take the appropriate actions aimed at the teaching and learning process and providing significant elements for institutional decision-making related to curricular adequacy and course implementation. Using several strategies, such as the formation of a student and course evaluation committee (CAEC), workshops with teachers and students and inter-institutional consortia, the actors that make up the course reflect on their role in consolidating knowledge for the future medical professional and engage in this process at different times and in different ways. Discussion: The progress test is a tool with potentials and limits that must consider the safety, reliability and validity of the evaluation, using qualifying strategies, including the virtual environment. The PT enables the students, the faculty and the course self-determination and self-improvement by establishing comparisons between longitudinal performance averages of students at different stages of learning and institutions. Conclusion: The experience demonstrated the importance of the PT as an evaluation tool, brought advantages and benefits in the course implementation and guidance on interventions aimed at improving the teaching-learning process.

COVID-19 associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children mimicking acute appendicitis - how to differentiate and conduct pediatric patients during the pandemic? - Proposal of a management flowchart / Síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica em crianças associada ao COVID-19 mimetizando apendicite aguda - como diferenciar e conduzir pacientes pediátricos durante a pandemia? - Proposta de fluxograma de atendimento

ABSTRACT Introduction: the new coronavirus pandemic has been a reality throughout 2020, and it has brought great challenges. The virus predominantly manifests in the pediatric population with mild symptoms. However, an increase in the incidence of Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 has been described in the literature. MIS-C manifests mainly with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms and may mimic acute abdomen due to acute appendicitis. The objective of this study is to propose a care flowchart for suspected cases of acute appendicitis in the initial phase in pandemic times, considering the possibility of MIS-C. This situation was brought up by a patient treated in a pediatric hospital in Brazil. Discussion: It was possible to identify common signs and symptoms in the reported patient and those published cases that may serve as alerts for early identification of MIS-C cases. Based on the literature review and on the similarities between the syndrome and the inflammatory acute abdomen in children, we elaborated an initial approach for these cases to facilitate the identification, early diagnosis, and management. The flowchart considers details of the clinical history, physical examination, and complementary exams prior to the indication of appendectomy in patients with initial phase symptoms. Conclusion: MIS-C, although rare and of poorly known pathophysiology, is most often severe and has a high mortality risk. The use of the proposed flowchart can help in the diagnosis and early treatment of MIS-C.

RESUMO Introdução: a pandemia do novo coronavírus arrastou-se ao longo de 2020 e trouxe grandes desafios. Acredita-se que o vírus manifesta-se na população pediátrica predominantemente com quadros leves, entretanto, aumento da incidência da Síndrome Inflamatória Multissistêmica em Crianças (SIM-C) associada à COVID-19 tem sido descrito na literatura. A SIM-C manifesta-se principalmente com febre e sintomas gastrointestinais, podendo mimetizar abdome agudo inflamatório por apendicite aguda. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor fluxograma de atendimento dos casos suspeitos de apendicite aguda em fase inicial, em tempos de pandemia, considerando-se a possibilidade de SIM-C, motivado pelo caso de paciente atendido em hospital pediátrico no Brasil. Discussão: Foi possível identificar sinais e sintomas em comum entre o paciente aqui relatado e casos publicados que podem servir de alerta para identificação precoce dos casos de SIM-C. Com base na revisão da literatura e nas semelhanças entre a síndrome e quadros de abdome agudo inflamatório na criança, foi elaborado fluxograma de abordagem inicial destes doentes para facilitar a identificação, diagnóstico precoce e condução dos pacientes. O fluxograma leva em consideração detalhes da história clínica, exame físico e exames complementares antes da indicação de apendicectomia em pacientes com sintomas na fase inicial. Conclusão: A SIM-C, apesar de rara e da fisiopatologia pouco conhecida, apresenta-se na maioria das vezes de forma grave e possui alto risco de mortalidade. O uso do fluxograma proposto pode auxiliar no diagnóstico e tratamento precoce da SIM-C.

Simulation in Pediatric Video Surgery: Training with Simple and Reproducible Exercises Elaborated by Residents.

Background: Most residents do not have a defined program for simulation training in video surgery in Brazil. The training takes place for the most part in vivo or in short courses. The goal of this article is to describe and evaluate a set of exercises using low-cost materials, created by the residents themselves, to enable basic skills training in video surgery. Materials and Methods: Seven exercises were elaborated aiming to simulate main maneuvers performed in video surgery. The residents were guided by a written and video description showing the execution of the exercises, performed the exercises, and answered a questionnaire. After 3 weeks of free training, the residents performed the exercises and answered the questionnaire again. Results: Seven residents started the study; however, 6 completed the two steps. Among the participants, 83% received in vivo video surgery training, and only 2 (33%) received some supervised simulation training in minimally invasive surgery before this time. All participants considered the set of seven exercises representative of the actual skills in video surgery. There was no difficulty in acquiring the materials or in assembling them to carry out the training. All the participants had a shorter training time than initially proposed, on average 1 day/week for 20 minutes. Conclusions: A simple set of exercises can be elaborated by the residents themselves and make feasible the simulated training in video surgery even without the availability of sophisticated and expensive materials. The presence of a tutor and the scheduling of exclusive training seem necessary for more satisfactory results.

Fatores que Influenciam a Escolha da Especialização Médica pelos Estudantes de Medicina em uma Instituição de Ensino de Curitiba (PR) / Factors that Influence the Choice of Medical Specialty by Medical Students of an Educational Institution in Curitiba (PR)

RESUMO A escolha da especialidade médica é de suma importância para o estudante de Medicina, uma vez que representa a escolha da sua prática diária. Embora a realização acadêmica, considerações financeiras e preferências de estilo de vida influenciem a escolha, os aspectos intrapessoais têm impacto na decisão do médico. Objetivos Avaliar os principais fatores que influenciam o acadêmico de Medicina na escolha da especialidade médica e identificar as áreas de atuação preferidas pelos estudantes dos quatro primeiros anos de uma instituição de ensino superior de Curitiba (PR). Resultados Dos 397 estudantes, 307 responderam a um questionário previamente elaborado para este estudo, sendo que 291 foram considerados válidos. Duzentos e quatro estudantes são do sexo feminino e 87 do sexo masculino. Os fatores de influência foram comparados entre os estudantes dos diferentes anos e com resultados publicados na literatura. Os principais fatores considerados pelos estudantes nesta decisão foram: conhecimento mais amplo ou específico, contato com o paciente, local de atuação profissional e estilo de vida após a residência médica. Para as mulheres, a pressão do dia a dia durante o exercício da especialidade, a relação a longo prazo com o paciente e a facilidade de emprego foram significativamente mais relevantes na escolha da especialidade do que para os homens. Pai ou mãe médicos influenciam os estudantes na decisão da escolha da especialidade. O perfil financeiro do estudante influenciou a escolha quando relacionado a retorno financeiro a longo prazo, sendo mais relevante para os estudantes com renda familiar mensal entre 6 mil e 15 mil reais ou maior que 20 mil reais. A especialidade de Cirurgia Geral foi a preferida pelos estudantes, com predominância no sexo masculino, seguida de Pediatria, Clínica Médica e Psiquiatria. Conclusões Estilo de vida, local de atuação e retorno financeiro precoce foram considerados igualmente importantes por estudantes de todos os anos avaliados. Devido à grande quantidade de variáveis avaliadas e de fatores que influenciam esta decisão, estudos adicionais são necessários para comparações mais significativas com a literatura disponível.

ABSTRACT Choosing a medical specialty is extremely important for medical students as it represents the choice of their day-to-day practice. While this choice is influenced by academic achievement, financial considerations and lifestyle preferences, intrapersonal aspects also have an impact on the decision. Objectives To evaluate the main factors that influence medical students in their choice of medical specialty, and to identify the areas of practice preferred by students in the first four years of a Higher Education Institution. Results Out of a total of 397 students, 307 answered a questionnaire previously prepared for this study, and of these, 291 were considered valid. 204 female, and 87 male. Influencing factors were compared among students from different years, and with results published in the literature. The main factors considered by the students in this decision were: broader or specific knowledge, contact with the patient, place of professional activity, and lifestyle after medical residency. For the women, the factors day-to-day stress of the specialty, the long-term relationship with the patient, and the ease of finding a job were significantly more relevant in the choice of specialty than for the men. Parents who were doctors also influenced the choice of specialty. The student's financial profile influenced the choice when related to long-term financial returns, being more relevant for students with monthly family incomes at the higher or lower ends of spectrum, i.e., - between 6 and 15 thousand Brazilian reals, or more than 20 thousand Brazilian reals. The specialty General Surgery was the first choice , predominantly among the male students, followed by Pediatrics, Clinical Medicine and Psychiatry. Conclusions Lifestyle, place of professional activity and early financial returns were considered equally important by students across all the years evaluated. Due to the large number of variables evaluated, and the many factors that influence this decision, additional studies are needed, in order to make more significant comparisons with the literature.

Choledochal cyst in the pediatric population: experience of 13 laparoscopic procedures in two years at a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the first 13 cases of laparoscopic correction of common bile duct cyst in the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: we performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of cases of choledochal cyst operated by laparoscopy between March 2014 and September 2016. RESULTS: of the 13 patients, eight were female and the mean age at surgery was 7.8 years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain. The hepaticoduodenal anastomosis was the most used reconstruction technique, in 84.6% of the cases. There was no conversion to laparotomy or intraoperative complications. Only one patient presented anastomotic fistula and was reoperated by laparotomy. All patients were followed up in an outpatient clinic, were asymptomatic and had no episode of cholangitis after surgery, with a mean follow-up of 16 months. CONCLUSION: laparoscopy is a safe method to correct choledochal cysts, even in younger children, with low rates of complications and low rates of conversion to open surgery when performed by well trained surgeons.

Choledochal cyst in the pediatric population: experience of 13 laparoscopic procedures in two years at a single institution / Cisto de colédoco na população pediátrica: experiência de 13 procedimentos laparoscópicos em dois anos de uma única instituição

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the first 13 cases of laparoscopic correction of common bile duct cyst in the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Methods: we performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of cases of choledochal cyst operated by laparoscopy between March 2014 and September 2016. Results: of the 13 patients, eight were female and the mean age at surgery was 7.8 years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain. The hepaticoduodenal anastomosis was the most used reconstruction technique, in 84.6% of the cases. There was no conversion to laparotomy or intraoperative complications. Only one patient presented anastomotic fistula and was reoperated by laparotomy. All patients were followed up in an outpatient clinic, were asymptomatic and had no episode of cholangitis after surgery, with a mean follow-up of 16 months. Conclusion: laparoscopy is a safe method to correct choledochal cysts, even in younger children, with low rates of complications and low rates of conversion to open surgery when performed by well trained surgeons.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever os primeiros 13 casos de correção laparoscópica de cisto do ducto biliar comum no Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Métodos: análise retrospectiva dos registros médicos em prontuário dos casos de cisto de colédoco operados por via laparoscópica entre março de 2014 e setembro de 2016. Resultados: dos 13 pacientes, oito eram do sexo feminino e a média de idade na ocasião da cirurgia foi de 7,8 anos. O sintoma mais comum foi dor abdominal. A anastomose hepático-duodenal foi a técnica de reconstrução mais utilizada, em 84,6% dos casos. Não houve conversão para laparotomia ou complicações intraoperatórias. Apenas um paciente apresentou fístula da anastomose e foi reoperado por laparotomia. Todos permanecem em acompanhamento ambulatorial, com tempo de seguimento médio de 16 meses, assintomáticos e não apresentaram episódio de colangite após a cirurgia. Conclusão: a laparoscopia é um método seguro para correção dos cistos de colédoco, mesmo em crianças mais jovens, com baixas taxas de complicações e baixas taxas de conversão para cirurgia aberta quando realizada por cirurgiões com bom treinamento.