Efficacy of topical imiquimod in HIV-positive patients with recurrent anal condylomata acuminata

INTRODUCTION: Imiquimod is a topical chemotherapic and immunostimulant agent with antitumoral and antiviral activities, used for anal condylomata acuminata treatment, mainly in recurrences. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the imiquimod efficiency in chronic and recurrent anal condylomata acuminata in HIV-infected persons. METHOD: A prospective study that analyzed 61 patients with recurrent anal condylomata treated with topic 5% imiquimod, for at least 8 weeks. These patients had already been submitted to other topical and surgical treatments for anal warts. We evaluated the efficiency of this agent, through wart remission, with clinical examination and high-resolution anoscopy, CD4+ T lymphocyte count and side effects. The patients were 55 males and 6 females, from 22 to 63 years old. RESULTS: Remission was seen in 90%, being 46% complete remission and 44% partial remission. Other 10% did not respond to the treatment with imiquimod within the 16th week. Recurrences were observed in 11% of patients in 24-week follow-up. Statistics showed no differences in CD4+ T cell scores when groups with and without complete remission were compared. Adverse effects were reported by 45% of patients. They were mild to moderate burning (25%), intense burning (7%), ulcerative dermatitis (8%) and systemic symptoms (5%). CONCLUSION: Imiquimod was effective in controlling recurrent anal condylomata acuminata in HIV-positive patients, regardless of CD4+ T cell count. (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: O imiquimode é agente tópico quimioterápico e imunoestimulante, com atividades antitumoral e antiviral, usado para tratamento dos condilomas acuminados perianais, principalmente os recidivantes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do imiquimode nos condilomas acuminados perianais crônicos e multirrecidivantes dos doentes soropositivos para o vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida (HIV). CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Estudo clínico prospectivo por 12 meses em que observamos o uso tópico de imiquimode creme 5%, por no mínimo 8 semanas, em 61 portadores de condilomas acuminados perianais recidivantes e de difícil controle, e que já haviam sido submetidos a vários outros tratamentos clínicos e operatórios. Avaliamos a eficácia do produto quanto sua remissão (através de exame clínico e colposcópico), nível dos linfócitos T CD4+ e efeitos adversos. Foram 55 homens e 6 mulheres com idade entre 22 e 63 anos. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 90% de remissão, sendo 46% de resposta completa, 44% de resposta parcial e 10% sem qualquer resposta em até 16 semanas de tratamento com imiquimode. A taxa de recidiva atingiu 11% em 24 semanas de seguimento. Quanto ao nível de linfócitos T CD4+, não observamos diferença estatística entre o grupo que atingiu remissão completa e o grupo que manteve lesões. Efeitos adversos foram relatados por 45% dos doentes, sendo ardor leve a moderado (25%), ardor intenso (7%), dermatite ulcerativa (8%) e efeitos sistêmicos (5%). CONCLUSÃO: O imiquimode foi efetivo no controle dos condilomas acuminados perianais recidivantes dos doentes HIV-positivo, independente da contagem sérica dos linfócitos T CD4+. (AU)

Evolução dos doentes com citologia oncótica alterada e colposcopia anal normal / Outcome of patients with anal oncotic cytology alterations and normal anal colposcopy

A citologia anal vem sendo usada para rastreamento do carcinoma anal e suas lesões precursoras nas populações de risco. Quando o raspado do canal anal mostra alterações citológicas está indicada o exame com colposcópio e ácido acético para identificar e realizar biópsia para confirmar o achado. Poucos estudos mostram o seguimento dos doentes tratados de condilomas acuminados perianais. Temos usado os métodos em associação e encontrado lesões subclínicas em metade dos doentes, cujo exame proctológico não revelava doença HPV induzida. Essas lesões são tratadas com tópicos. Entretanto, algumas citologias estavam alteradas e a colposcopia anal não revelou doença HPV induzida. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar o comportamento dessas lesões no seguimento semestral, durante 12 meses, e avaliar se a periodicidade da reavaliação foi suficiente para evitar o aparecimento das lesões de alto grau ou superior. Encontramos 58 (21 por cento) entre 273 doentes nessas condições. As reavaliações de 22 deles após um ano mostraram que as colposcopias permaneceram normais em 17 (74 por cento), sendo que em cinco (22 por cento) a citologia voltou aos padrões normais e 12 (52 por cento) persistiram com alterações. Os outros seis (26 por cento) desenvolveram lesões clínicas ou subclínicas provocadas pelo HPV. As contagens de linfócitos T CD4 dos doentes HIV-positivos foram inferiores nos doentes cujas lesões progrediram. Os resultados permitiram concluir que as alterações podem progredir ou regredir neste grupo distinto de doentes, sendo relacionada à imunidade, e que o intervalo de seis meses é suficiente para cada reavaliação.

Anal cytology has been used for screening the anal carcinoma and its precursors in risk populations. When anal canal smear shows cytological alterations, examination with colposcope and acetic acid is indicated to identify and perform biopsy to confirm the finding. Few studies show the follow-up of patients treated with anal HPV induced lesions. We are using both methods in association and subclinical lesions have been found in 50 percent of patients, whose proctological examinations are free from HPV lesions. However, some smears have cytological alterations, despite anal colposcopy being normal. The aim of this study was to observe these lesions' behavior in a six-month follow-up, during a year, and to assess whether this periodicity of re-evaluations was enough to avoid high grade or superior lesions. We have found 58 (21 percent) among 273 patients with these parameters. One year re-evaluations of 22 of the patients showed that anal colposcopies remained normal in 17 (74 percent). In five (22 percent), the cytology returned to normality and in 12 (52 percent), the same abnormality was seen. The other six patients (26 percent) developed clinical or subclinical HPV induced lesions. T CD4+ lymphocytes counts of HIV-positive patients were inferior in those whose lesions progressed. These results permitted us to conclude that cytological alterations can progress or clear in these patients, and they have close relationship with the immunity, and the six-month interval is enough to each re-evaluation.

Leiomiossarcoma perineal: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Perineal leiomyosarcoma: case report and literature review

Lemiossarcomas são neoplasias malignas que se originam no músculo liso. Quando presentes na região perineal são agressivos e o tratamento cirúrgico mais adequado ainda não está bem definido. Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente jovem, sexo feminino, com sintomatologia de nodulação perineal há oito meses. Ao exame físico apresentava abaulamento em região perineal esquerda, onde palpava-se massa fibroelástica de aproximadamente 10 cm de diâmetro. Ressonância nuclear magnética mostrava volumosa formação sólida de contornos regulares em região perineal à esquerda sem sinais de infiltração perilesional. O tratamento realizado foi a excisão com margens amplas. A paciente encontra-se em acompanhamento ambulatorial, sem sinais de recidiva local.

Leiomyosarcomas are malignant tumors that originate of the smooth muscle. When presents in the perineal region are aggressive and the suitable surgical treatment is not well defined. The authors report the case of a young patient, feminine sex, that presents a perineal nodulation for eight months. At the physical examination was noticed bulging in left perineal region, where a fibroelastic mass of approximately 10 cm of diameter was palpable. Magnetic nuclear resonance showed voluminous left-sided solid formation of regular contours in perineal region, without signals of perilesional infiltration. The chosed treatment was the excision with ample margins. The patient is currently in ambulatorial accompaniment, without signals of local recurrence.

En bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy and right hemicolectomy to treat locally advanced right colon cancer: report of three cases / Pancreaticoduodenectomia e hemicolectomia direita em monobloco para o tratamento do câncer de cólon direito localmente avançado: relato de três casos

Although colorectal tumors are fairly common surgical conditions, 5 to 12% of these tumors are locally advanced (T4 tumors) upon diagnosis. In this particular situation, the efficacy of en bloc multivisceral resection has been proven. When right-colon cancer invades the proximal duodenum or even the pancreatic head, a challenging dilemma arises due to complexity of the curative surgical procedure. Therefore, en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy with right hemicolectomy should be performed to obtain free margins. The present study reports three cases of locally advanced right-colon cancer invading the proximal duodenum. All of these cases underwent successful en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy, with no death occurrence. Long-term survival was observed in two cases (30 and 50 months). In the third case, the patient did not present any recurrence twelve months after surgical treatment. Multivisceral resection with en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy should be considered for patients who present acceptable risk for major surgery and no distant dissemination. This approach seems justified since the length of postoperative survival is longer in radically ressected groups (R0) than in palliativelly resected groups (R1-2).

Embora os tumores colorretais sejam afecções cirúrgicas relativamente comuns, 5 a 12% dos casos são diagnosticados como localmente avançados (Tumores T4). Nessa situação particular, a eficácia da ressecção em monobloco já foi comprovada. Quando tumores do cólon direito invadem o duodeno proximal ou ainda a cabeça do pâncreas, um desafiador dilema é observado devido à complexidade do procedimento cirúrgico curativo. Dessa maneira, uma pancreaticoduodenectomia com hemicolectomia direita em monobloco deve ser realizada para se obterem margens livres. O presente artigo relata três casos de tumor de cólon direito localmente avançado com invasão do duodeno proximal. Todos esses casos foram submetidos à pancreaticoduodenectomia e hemicolectomia direita em monobloco de forma bem sucedida e sem mortalidade. Sobrevida em longo prazo foi observada em dois doentes (30 e 50 meses). No terceiro caso, o paciente não apresentava recidiva após 12 meses de seu tratamento cirúrgico. A ressecção multivisceral com pancreaticoduodenectomia em monobloco deve ser considerada em doentes com risco cirúrgico aceitável para cirurgia de grande porte e sem disseminação à distância. Essa conduta permanece justificada, pois a sobrevida a longo prazo dos doentes submetidos à ressecção radical (R0) é mais longa do que daqueles cuja ressecção é paliativa (R1-2).

En bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy and right hemicolectomy to treat locally advanced right colon cancer: report of three cases.

Although colorectal tumors are fairly common surgical conditions, 5 to 12% of these tumors are locally advanced (T4 tumors) upon diagnosis. In this particular situation, the efficacy of en bloc multivisceral resection has been proven. When right-colon cancer invades the proximal duodenum or even the pancreatic head, a challenging dilemma arises due to complexity of the curative surgical procedure. Therefore, en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy with right hemicolectomy should be performed to obtain free margins. The present study reports three cases of locally advanced right-colon cancer invading the proximal duodenum. All of these cases underwent successful en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy, with no death occurrence. Long-term survival was observed in two cases (30 and 50 months). In the third case, the patient did not present any recurrence twelve months after surgical treatment. Multivisceral resection with en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy should be considered for patients who present acceptable risk for major surgery and no distant dissemination. This approach seems justified since the length of postoperative survival is longer in radically ressected groups (R0) than in palliativelly resected groups (R1-2).

Giant adrenal myelolipoma with a spontaneous rupture: report of a case / Mielolipoma gigante de glândula adrenal com ruptura espontânea: relato de um caso

O mielolipoma é um tumor benigno raro oriundo do córtex adrenal, não funcionante e normalmente assintomático. É geralmente descoberto de incidentalmente por meio de exames de imagem. A ruptura e o sangramento são complicações pouco habituais que podem evoluir tanto para uma hemorragia retroperitonial maciça, quanto para um hematoma. A compressão de estruturas adjacentes por um hematoma retroperitonial de origem adrenal é um evento pouco frequente. Atualmente, a resolução cirúrgica dessa complicação continua sendo uma decisão difícil e controversa, haja vista que o tratamento expectante pode ser realizado em alguns casos. Contudo, a exploração cirúrgica tem sido indicada para os casos sintomáticos (dor ou infecção) ou em que haja dúvida diagnóstica com neoplasia maligna. Os autores apresentam um caso de mielolipoma gigante de glândula adrenal, o qual evoluiu com ruptura espontânea complicada por hematoma organizado e dor abdominal. Concomitantemente, havia dúvida diagnóstica quanto à neoplasia retroperitoneal pelo exame de imagem (tomografia computadorizada). O paciente foi operado e evolui satisfatoriamente, com resolução da síndrome dolorosa abdominal.

En-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy and right hemicolectomy for treating locally advanced right colon cancer (T4): a series of five patients.

A series of five cases of right-colon adenocarcinoma that invaded the proximal duodenum is presented. All patients underwent successful en-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy by General Surgery Service of the Teaching Hospital of the ABC Medical School, Santo André, SP, Brazil. The study was conducted between 2000 and 2007. There were two major complications but no mortality. Three patients did not present any recurrence over the course of 15 to 54 months of follow-up. Multivisceral resection with en-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy should be considered for patients who are fit for major surgery but do not present distant dissemination. Long-term survival may be attained.

Recidiva de lesões associadas ao HPV em pacientes HIV positivos após tratamento cirúrgico / Recurrence of HPV lesions after surgical treatment in HIV-positive patients

O HPV é a doença anal sexualmente transmissível mais diagnosticada em pacientes HIV positivos. Neste estudo investigamos a taxa de recidiva após tratamento cirúrgico do HPV em pacientes HIV positivos. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em 74 pacientes que foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de lesões remanescentes após tratamento clínico do HPV, no Hospital Heliópolis, São Paulo, Brasil, de julho de 2004 até junho de 2007. A maioria dos pacientes eram homens (91,9 por cento), idade variando de 22 a 57 anos (média de 36 anos). Carga viral variou de indetectável até 488.000 cópias/mm³, células T CD4 de 19 a 900 céls/mm³. Observamos neoplasia intraepitelial de alto grau em 12,2 por cento e recorrência das lesões em 58,1 por cento dos pacientes. A recorrência foi significantemente menor em pacientes com células T CD4 =200 cells/mm³ e carga viral indetectável.

HPV is the commonest anal disease in HIV-infected patients. In the present study we investigated the recurrence rates after surgical treatment of HPV in HIV-positive patients. A retrospective review was performed on 74 patients who underwent surgical intervention for medically intractable anal condyloma at Hospital Heliópolis, São Paulo, Brazil, from July 2004 to June 2007. The majority of the patients were male (91,9 percent), ranged in age from 22 to 57 years (mean 36 years). Viral load ranged from undetectable to 488.000 copies/mm³, T CD4 cells counts from 19 to 900 cells/mm³. We observed high grade anal squamous intraepithelial lesions in 12,2 percent and anal condyloma recurred in 58,1 percent. A significantly lower recurrence was observed in patients with T CD4 cells counts =200 cells/mm³ and viral load undetectable.

Intussuscepção de intestino delgado em paciente adulto por Gist: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Small intestine intussusception in adult due to GIST: a case report

A intussuscepção do intestino delgado em adultos é rara e geralmente está associada à presença de neoplasias. Dentre estas, o GIST, a neoplasia mesenquimal em 30 por cento dos casos é considerada de alto grau de malignidade , são ainda menos comuns. A intussuscepção relacionada ao GIST tem sintomatologia inespecífica e pode manifestar-se com obstrução, massa palpável no abdômen, hemorragia ou perfuração intestinal. Relata-se caso de intussuscepção intestinal em paciente adulto por GIST, com ênfase em seu diagnóstico e tratamento.

Small intestinal intussusception in adults is rare and generally associated with neoplasms. Within them GIST, a mesenchymal neoplasm in which 30 percent of patients have high grade malignancy, are even less common. Intussusception and GIST may have unspecific symptoms and it almost always presents with obstruction, palpable abdominal mass, hemorrhage and bowel perforation. A case of intestinal intussusception in adult due to GIST is reported, emphasizing diagnose and treatment.

En-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy and right hemicolectomy for treating locally advanced right colon cancer (T4): a series of five patients / Duodenopancreatectomia e hemicolectomia em monobloco para o tratamento do câncer de cólon direito localmente avançado (T4): uma série de cinco doentes

A series of five cases of right-colon adenocarcinoma that invaded the proximal duodenum is presented. All patients underwent successful en-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy by General Surgery Service of the Teaching Hospital of the ABC Medical School, Santo André, SP, Brazil. The study was conducted between 2000 and 2007. There were two major complications but no mortality. Three patients did not present any recurrence over the course of 15 to 54 months of follow-up. Multivisceral resection with en-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy should be considered for patients who are fit for major surgery but do not present distant dissemination. Long-term survival may be attained.

Série de cinco casos de adenocarcinoma de cólon direito com invasão do duodeno proximal é apresentada. Todos os doentes realizaram uma duodenopancreatectomia com hemicolectomia direita em monobloco pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Geral do Hospital de Ensino da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, SP. O período de estudo foi entre 2000 e 2007. Houve duas complicações maiores, contudo a mortalidade foi nula. Três doentes não apresentaram recurrência entre 15 e 54 meses de seguimento. Ressecção multivisceral com pancreaticoduodenectomia e hemicolectomia direita em monobloco deve ser considerada para doentes hígidos sem disseminação à distância. Sobrevida em longo prazo pode ser atingida.

Ressecção alargada para o adenocarcinoma colorretal localmente invasivo: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Enlarged resection for locally advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review

O câncer colorretal localmente invasivo, que acomete por contiguidade estruturas adjacentes e sem metástases à distância, ocorre de 5 a 18% dos casos. São adequadamente tratados com ressecção do tumor e órgãos comprometidos em monobloco e margens livres. É relatado o caso de paciente de 27 anos, masculino, portador de adenocarcinoma de retossigmóide com extensa invasão para bexiga e ceco. Tratado com colectomia total, cistectomia radical em monobloco e ileostomia. O trânsito urinário foi reconstituído com reservatório ileal e anastomose com a uretra prostática. O estudo anátomo-patológico da peça cirúrgica revelou adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado, invasão perineural e invasão da parede da bexiga (T4, N0). Realizou no pós-operatório quimioterapia adjuvante, 6 ciclos, com 5-Fluorouracil e ácido folínico. Após 36 meses de seguimento, o paciente encontra-se livre de doença neoplásica, função urinária preservada, porém com ejaculação retrógrada.

The locally advanced colorectal cancer compromises adjacent structures and do not disseminate distant metastasis, occur in 5 to 18% of patients. It is properly treated with tumour resection as well as other compromised organs in an "en bloc" resection with free margins. We report a 27 year old, male patient with colorectal adenocarcinoma invading the urinary bladder and cecum. He was treated with total colectomy associated with radical cistectomy and ileostomy. The urinary transit was established building an ileal reservatory anastomosed to the urethra. The tumour histopathologic study showed adenocarcinoma moderate differentiated, invading urinary bladder (T4N0). Postoperative treatment was 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid chemotherapy. After 36 months of outcome, patient is improving and preserves urinary function but has ejaculatory dysfunction.

[How far into the anal canal should the brush be introduced for more efficient cytological evaluation?]. / Quanto a escova deve ser introduzida no canal anal para avaliação citológica mais eficaz?

OBJECTIVE: In literature, sensitivity of Pap smears ranges widely from 45 to 98%. Possibly this is because there is no standard for how far the brush should be introduced into the anal canal. The aim was to evaluate whether the sampling site has an influence on the results of anal Pap smears. DESIGN AND SETTING: This is a non-randomized, non-blinded, retrospective review carried out in the Proctology and Pathology Sectors, Emilio Ribas Infectious Diseases Institute. METHOD: We obtained specimens with brushes introduced 4 cm into the anal canal in 114 patients (Group A) and 2 cm in 94 patients (Group B), before anorectal examination. These brushes were rotated five or six times before being withdrawn and rubbed on a slide that underwent Pap testing using standard cytopathology laboratory equipment. All patients were HIV-infected. Statistical tests were used. RESULTS: In Group A, 39 patients had anal canal condylomas and the cytology was positive in 29 of them (74.3%). We also observed cytological alterations in 30 of 75 patients (40%) without clinical lesions in the anal canal. In Group B, there were 54 patients with condylomas and 13 of them (24.1%) were confirmed by cytology. In 40 patients with no clinical lesions, we observed that nine (22.5%) had cytological abnormalities Statistical analysis revealed that examination in Group A was more efficient. CONCLUSION. Specimens collected by inserting the brush deeper into the anal canal improved the efficiency of anal Pap smears.

Quanto a escova deve ser introduzida no canal anal para avaliação citológica mais eficaz? / How deep must the brush be introduced in the anal canal for a more effective cytological evaluation?

OBJETIVO: A sensibilidade da citologia anal varia amplamente na literatura, entre 45 por cento e 98 por cento, o que pode ocorrer devido à falta de padronização quanto à distância que a escova deve ser introduzida no canal anal. Desta forma, nosso objetivo foi investigar se o local de coleta influencia no resultado desse exame. MÉTODOS: Colhemos amostras com escova introduzida 4 cm no canal anal de 114 doentes (Grupo A) e 2 cm em outros 94 pacientes (Grupo B), antes do exame proctológico. Realizamos cinco rotações com a escova antes de retirá-la e a esfregar sobre lâmina de vidro, posteriormente submetida ao exame citopatológico padrão. Todos os doentes são HIV-positivo. Submetemos os resultados à avaliação estatística. RESULTADOS: No Grupo A, 39 doentes possuíam condilomas no canal anal e a citologia foi positiva em 29 deles (74,3 por cento). Também observamos alterações citológicas em 30 de 75 doentes (40 por cento) sem lesões clínicas no canal anal. No Grupo B, havia 54 doentes com condilomas no canal anal e em 13 (24,1 por cento) houve confirmação citológica. Em 40 outros, sem lesões clínicas pelo HPV, notamos que em nove (22,5 por cento) havia anormalidades citológicas. Os testes estatísticos revelaram que os exames realizados nos doentes do Grupo A foram mais eficientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os espécimes coletados com escovas inseridas mais profundamente no canal anal melhoraram a eficácia do exame.

OBJECTIVE: In literature, sensitivity of Pap smears ranges widely from 45 to 98 percent. Possibly this is because there is no standard for how far the brush should be introduced into the anal canal. The aim was to evaluate whether the sampling site has an influence on the results of anal Pap smears. Design and setting. This is a non-randomized, non-blinded, retrospective review carried out in the Proctology and Pathology Sectors, Emilio Ribas Infectious Diseases Institute. METHOD: We obtained specimens with brushes introduced 4 cm into the anal canal in 114 patients (Group A) and 2 cm in 94 patients (Group B), before anorectal examination. These brushes were rotated five or six times before being withdrawn and rubbed on a slide that underwent Pap testing using standard cytopathology laboratory equipment. All patients were HIV-infected. Statistical tests were used. RESULTS: In Group A, 39 patients had anal canal condylomas and the cytology was positive in 29 of them (74.3 percent). We also observed cytological alterations in 30 of 75 patients (40 percent) without clinical lesions in the anal canal. In Group B, there were 54 patients with condylomas and 13 of them (24.1 percent) were confirmed by cytology. In 40 patients with no clinical lesions, we observed that nine (22.5 percent) had cytological abnormalities Statistical analysis revealed that examination in Group A was more efficient. CONCLUSION. Specimens collected by inserting the brush deeper into the anal canal improved the efficiency of anal Pap smears.

Popliteal lymphadenectomy for treating metastatic melanoma: case report.

CONTEXT: Regional lymph node involvement in patients with malignant melanomas has been associated with poor prognosis. In-transit metastases also lead to poor long-term survival. Whereas for nodal disease only regional lymphadenectomy offers adequate locoregional control, for in-transit metastasis both local excision and isolated limb perfusion with chemotherapy plus tumor necrosis factor-alpha can be used for disease control. In cases of tumors located in the distal region of the legs, the lymphatic dissemination most commonly observed is to the inguinal chain. Consequently, therapeutic inguinal lymphadenectomy or even selective lymphadenectomy (sentinel lymph node biopsy) have been recommended. On the other hand, involvement of the popliteal chain is very rare. When this occurs, popliteal lymphadenectomy should be indicated. Local excision may be the logical approach for a few small in-transit metastases because of the low morbidity in this procedure, when compared with isolated limb perfusion. CASE REPORT: A case of melanoma of the heel with popliteal chain involvement and in-transit metastases is presented. This was treated by means of regional lymphadenectomy plus in-transit metastases excision, with a good postoperative course.

Comparison of perianal diseases in HIV-positive patients during periods before and after protease inhibitors use: what changed in the 21st century.

PURPOSE: Highly active antiretroviral therapy has enabled better control over HIV infection. Thus, the immunologic status of such patients has been improving and we believe that changes in their perianal diseases also have been occurring. This study was designed to compare anorectal disease incidence among HIV-positive patients attended in two eras: prehighly active antiretroviral therapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: We examined 5,660 HIV-positive patients with anorectal diseases, divided into two groups: 1,860 treated during 1989 to 1995 (Group 1), and 3,800 during 1996 to 2005 (Group 2). RESULTS: In Group 1, the most common diseases were condylomas (24.7 percent), ulcers (21.8 percent), and anal fistulas (19.7 percent). Tumors occurred in 2.5 percent, with Kaposi's sarcoma in 51.1 percent, and squamous-cell carcinoma in 27.6 percent. In Group 2, the most common anorectal lesions were condylomas (75.6 percent), ulcers (17 percent), and fistulas (12.1 percent). The tumor incidence was 1.8 percent, with squamous-cell carcinoma in 59.4 percent and Kaposi's sarcoma in 23.2 percent. Changes in incidence were statistically significant for the increase in condylomas and fissures, and for the decrease in ulcers, fistulas, and Kaposi's sarcoma among Group 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Anorectal disease incidences have changed in the highly active anti-retroviral therapy era.

Popliteal lymphadenectomy for treating metastatic melanoma: case report / Linfadenectomia poplítea para o tratamento do melanoma metastático: relato de caso

CONTEXT: Regional lymph node involvement in patients with malignant melanomas has been associated with poor prognosis. In-transit metastases also lead to poor long-term survival. Whereas for nodal disease only regional lymphadenectomy offers adequate locoregional control, for in-transit metastasis both local excision and isolated limb perfusion with chemotherapy plus tumor necrosis factor-alpha can be used for disease control. In cases of tumors located in the distal region of the legs, the lymphatic dissemination most commonly observed is to the inguinal chain. Consequently, therapeutic inguinal lymphadenectomy or even selective lymphadenectomy (sentinel lymph node biopsy) have been recommended. On the other hand, involvement of the popliteal chain is very rare. When this occurs, popliteal lymphadenectomy should be indicated. Local excision may be the logical approach for a few small in-transit metastases because of the low morbidity in this procedure, when compared with isolated limb perfusion. CASE REPORT: A case of melanoma of the heel with popliteal chain involvement and in-transit metastases is presented. This was treated by means of regional lymphadenectomy plus in-transit metastases excision, with a good postoperative course.

CONTEXTO: O acometimento de linfonodos regionais em pacientes portadores de melanoma maligno tem sido associado a um prognóstico sombrio. Paralelamente, metástases em trânsito são também consideradas de mau prognóstico. Enquanto que para as metástases linfonodais apenas a linfadenectomia regional oferece um controle loco-regional adequado, para as metástases em trânsito por sua vez tanto a excisão local quanto a perfusão isolada de membro com quimioterapia e fator de necrose tumoral alfa podem ser utilizadas para seu tratamento. Nos tumores localizados na região distal dos membros inferiores, a disseminação linfática mais comumente observada é para cadeia inguinal. Conseqüentemente, a linfadenectomia inguinal terapêutica ou mesmo a linfadenectomia seletiva (biópsia de linfonodo sentinela) têm sido recomendadas. Em contrapartida, o acometimento da cadeia poplítea é muito raro. Quando ocorre, a linfadenectomia poplítea deve ser indicada. Concomitantemente, na vigência de um número pequeno de metástases em trânsito, a excisão local é uma alternativa interessante haja vista sua menor morbidade quando comparada a perfusão isolada do membro. RELATO DE CASO: Os autores apresentam um caso de melanoma de calcanhar com acometimento da cadeia poplítea e metástases em trânsito que foi submetido à linfadenectomia regional e excisão das metástases em trânsito com boa evolução pós-operatória.

[Central inferior bisegmentectomy (S4B+S5) for gallbladder carcinoma treatment: a series of seven resectable cases]. / Bissegmentectomia central inferior (S4B+S5) para o tratamento do carcinoma invasor da vesícula biliar: revisão de sete casos operados.

BACKGROUND: Despite its rarity, gallbladder cancer is an aggressive type of neoplasia with a very poor prognosis. The best resection for oncological purposes continues to be right hepatectomy extended to segment IV. However, bisegmentectomy IV-V is becoming an interesting alternative because of greater preservation of the parenchyma. AIM: To report the early and late results from bisegmentectomy IV-V in cases of carcinoma of the gallbladder. METHODS: A series of seven cases of invasive carcinoma is presented (six women and one man). These patients underwent bisegmentectomy IV-V at the General Surgery Service of the Teaching Hospital of the ABC Medical School, Santo André, SP, Brazil. The study was conducted between 2002 and 2006. The patients ages ranged from 52 to 72 years. The diagnosis was preoperative (radiological) in five cases, which were all confirmed by intraoperative frozen-tissue examination, while in two cases the diagnosis was postoperative, following open cholecystectomy. RESULTS: The duration of the operation ranged from 180 to 340 minutes. The quantity of intraoperative bleeding ranged from 200 to 1500 mL. There were two major complications but no mortality. Six patients did not present any recurrence over the course of 3 to 30 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Bisegmentectomy IV-V may constitute a curative surgical alternative for treating gallbladder cancer. This procedure presents acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Bissegmentectomia central inferior (S4B+S5) para o tratamento do carcinoma invasor da vesícula biliar: revisão de sete casos operados / Central inferior bisegmentectomy (S4B+S5) for gallbladder carcinoma treatment: a series of seven resectable cases

RACIONAL: A despeito de sua raridade, o câncer da vesícula biliar é uma neoplasia agressiva com péssimo prognóstico. A melhor ressecção oncológica permanece sendo a hepatectomia direita ampliada para o segmento IV; no entanto a bissegmentectomia IV-V tem se tornado uma alternativa interessante, pela maior preservação do parênquima hepático. OBJETIVO: Reportar os resultados precoces e tardios com a bissegmentectomia IV-V no carcinoma da vesícula biliar. MÉTODOS: É apresentada uma série de sete doentes (seis mulheres e um homem) com carcinoma invasivo submetidos a bissegmentectomia IV-V no Serviço de Cirurgia Geral do Hospital de Ensino - Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, SP. O estudo foi realizado no período de 2002 a 2006. A idade dos pacientes variou de 52 a 72 anos. O diagnóstico foi pré-operatório (radiológico) em cinco doentes, todos confirmados por exame de congelação intra-operatório. Em dois doentes foi dado pós-operatório de colecistectomia aberta. RESULTADOS: O tempo cirúrgico variou de 180 a 340 minutos. O sangramento intra-operatório variou de 200 a 1500 mL. Houve duas complicações maiores. A mortalidade foi nula. Seis doentes não apresentaram recurrência entre 3 a 30 meses de seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: A bissegmentectomia IV-V pode ser uma alternativa cirúrgica curativa para o tratamento do câncer de vesícula biliar. Esse procedimento apresenta morbidade e mortalidade aceitáveis.

BACKGROUND: Despite its rarity, gallbladder cancer is an aggressive type of neoplasia with a very poor prognosis. The best resection for oncological purposes continues to be right hepatectomy extended to segment IV. However, bisegmentectomy IV-V is becoming an interesting alternative because of greater preservation of the parenchyma. AIM: To report the early and late results from bisegmentectomy IV-V in cases of carcinoma of the gallbladder. METHODS: A series of seven cases of invasive carcinoma is presented (six women and one man). These patients underwent bisegmentectomy IV-V at the General Surgery Service of the Teaching Hospital of the ABC Medical School, Santo André, SP, Brazil. The study was conducted between 2002 and 2006. The patients’ ages ranged from 52 to 72 years. The diagnosis was preoperative (radiological) in five cases, which were all confirmed by intraoperative frozen-tissue examination, while in two cases the diagnosis was postoperative, following open cholecystectomy. RESULTS: The duration of the operation ranged from 180 to 340 minutes. The quantity of intraoperative bleeding ranged from 200 to 1500 mL. There were two major complications but no mortality. Six patients did not present any recurrence over the course of 3 to 30 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Bisegmentectomy IV-V may constitute a curative surgical alternative for treating gallbladder cancer. This procedure presents acceptable morbidity and mortality.