An Overview of Robotic Colorectal Surgery Adoption and Training in Brazil.

Background and Objectives: Robotic surgical systems have rapidly become integrated into colorectal surgery practice in recent years, particularly for rectal resections, where the advantages of robotic platforms over conventional laparoscopy are more pronounced. However, as with any technological advancement, the initial high costs can be a limiting factor, leading to unequal health service access, especially in middle- and lower-income countries. Materials and Method: A narrative review was conducted with the objective of providing an overview of the escalating adoption, current training programmes, and certification process of robotic colorectal surgery in Brazil. Results: Brazil has witnessed a rapid increase in robotic platforms in recent years. Currently, there are 106 robotic systems installed nationwide. However, approximately 60% of the medical facilities which adopted robotic platforms are in the Southeast region, which is both the most populous and economically prosperous in the country. The Brazilian Society of Coloproctology recently established clear rules for the training programme and certification of colorectal surgeons in robotic surgery. The key components of the training encompass theoretical content, virtual robotic simulation, observation, assistance, and supervised procedures in colorectal surgery. Although the training parameters are well established, no colorectal surgery residency programme in Brazil has yet integrated the teaching and training of robotic surgery into its curriculum. Thus far, the training process has been led by private institutions and the industry. Conclusion: Despite the fast spread of robotic platforms across Brazil, several challenges still need to be addressed to democratise training and promote the widespread use of these platforms. It is crucial to tackle these obstacles to achieve greater integration of robotic technology in colorectal surgery throughout the country.

Sarcoma de Kaposi anoperineal: uma rara apresentação / Perineal Kaposi's Sarcoma: a rare presentation

O sarcoma de Kaposi é uma neoplasia maligna associada à infecção pelo herpes vírus humano 8 em doentes imunossupressos. O sarcoma de Kaposi Epidêmico é o tipo epidemiológico mais frequente e afeta indivíduos VIH-positivos. A região anoperineal é raramente envolvida e as lesões suspeitas devem ser biopsiadas para confirmação histológica. A base do tratamento é a restauração imune do doente. Relatamos o caso de um jovem, com diagnóstico recente de infeção pelo VIH, sem tratamento, que foi admitido no serviço de infectologia apresentando sintomas constitucionais, adenomegalias inguinais e extensa lesão verrucosa e ulcerada na região anoperineal. As biópsias confirmaram o diagnóstico de sarcoma de Kaposi e o doente iniciou terapia antirretroviral e quimioterapia. Houve recuperação clínica, regressão das lesões e desaparecimento das adenomegalias. Este relato objetiva alertar as equipes médicas no sentido de se incluir o sarcoma de Kaposi no diagnóstico diferencial das lesões que afetam a região anoperineal.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus 8 infection in immunocompromised patients. Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common epidemiological type and affects HIV-positive patients. Perineal involvement is rare, and suspicious lesions should be biopsied to confirm histological diagnosis. Treatment consists of restoring the patient's immune system. We report the case of a young patient recently diagnosed with HIV, without treatment, who was admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases with nonspecific symptoms, inguinal lymphadenopathy, and an extensive verrucous ulcerated lesion in the perineal region. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma, and the patient was started on antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy. Clinical recovery was achieved, with lesion reduction and inguinal adenopathy resolution. This case report aims to encourage physicians to include Kaposi's sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of perineal lesions.

Fluorescent test accurately predicts leak of ischemic colon anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE:: To investigate if fluorescein fluorescent test can predict dehiscence in a model of ischemic colonic anastomosis in rats. METHODS:: This experimental controlled trial randomly assigned 55 rats to four groups. Anastomoses were performed in non-ischemic colon segments (control group) and in ischemic colon segments measuring 1, 2 or 3 cm long (groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Fluorescein was injected and the tissues were examined under ultraviolet light. Seven days later, a second-look surgery was performed to check for the presence or absence of anastomosis dehiscence. RESULTS:: Twenty-four rats presented anastomotic dehiscence during the second-look surgery. Reticular and nonfluorescent patterns were significantly associated with the occurrence of anastomotic dehiscence. Fluorescein fluorescence had a sensitivity of 95.8%, specificity of 89.2%, positive predictive value of 88.4%, negative predictive value of 96.2%, and accuracy of 92.3% to predict anastomotic dehiscence. CONCLUSION:: Fluorescein fluorescent test can accurately predict leak in a model of ischemic colonic anastomosis in rats.

Fluorescent test accurately predicts leak of ischemic colon anastomosis in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate if fluorescein fluorescent test can predict dehiscence in a model of ischemic colonic anastomosis in rats. Methods: This experimental controlled trial randomly assigned 55 rats to four groups. Anastomoses were performed in non-ischemic colon segments (control group) and in ischemic colon segments measuring 1, 2 or 3 cm long (groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Fluorescein was injected and the tissues were examined under ultraviolet light. Seven days later, a second-look surgery was performed to check for the presence or absence of anastomosis dehiscence. Results: Twenty-four rats presented anastomotic dehiscence during the second-look surgery. Reticular and nonfluorescent patterns were significantly associated with the occurrence of anastomotic dehiscence. Fluorescein fluorescence had a sensitivity of 95.8%, specificity of 89.2%, positive predictive value of 88.4%, negative predictive value of 96.2%, and accuracy of 92.3% to predict anastomotic dehiscence. Conclusion: Fluorescein fluorescent test can accurately predict leak in a model of ischemic colonic anastomosis in rats.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors-induced angioedema of the small bowel mimicking postoperative complication.

Angioedema of the small bowel (ASB) is an extremely rare side effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). We present a case of ACEI-induced ASB mimicking postoperative complication. The diagnosis of ACEI-induced ASB should be considered in patients using these drugs and presenting sudden gastrointestinal symptoms and thickening of small bowel not attributable to other diseases.

Dealing with robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer: Current status and perspectives.

The laparoscopic approach for treatment of rectal cancer has been proven feasible and oncologically safe, and is able to offer better short-term outcomes than traditional open procedures, mainly in terms of reduced length of hospital stay and time to return to working activity. In spite of this, the laparoscopic technique is usually practised only in high-volume experienced centres, mainly because it requires a prolonged and demanding learning curve. It has been estimated that over 50 operations are required for an experienced colorectal surgeon to achieve proficiency with this technique. Robotic surgery enables the surgeon to perform minimally invasive operations with better vision and more intuitive and precise control of the operating instruments, thus promising to overcome some of the technical difficulties associated with standard laparoscopy. It has high-definition three-dimensional vision, it translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise movements of the instruments inside the patient, the camera is held and moved by the first surgeon, and a fourth robotic arm is available as a fixed retractor. The aim of this review is to summarise the current data on clinical and oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted surgery in rectal cancer, focusing on short- and long-term results, and providing original data from the authors' centre.

Impact of robotic surgery on sexual and urinary functions after fully robotic nerve-sparing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Urinary and sexual dysfunctions are recognized complications of rectal cancer surgery. Their incidence after robotic surgery is as yet unknown. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the impact of robotic surgery for rectal cancer on sexual and urinary functions in male and female patients. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: From April 2008 to December 2010, 74 patients undergoing fully robotic resection for rectal cancer were prospectively included in the study. Urinary and sexual dysfunctions affecting quality of life were assessed with specific self-administered questionnaires in all patients undergoing robotic total mesorectal excision (RTME). Results were calculated with validated scoring systems and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The analyses of the questionnaires completed by the 74 patients who underwent RTME showed that sexual function and general sexual satisfaction decreased significantly 1 month after intervention: 19.1 ± 8.7 versus 11.9 ± 10.2 (P < 0.05) for erectile function and 6.9 ± 2.4 versus 5.3 ± 2.5 (P < 0.05) for general satisfaction in men; 2.6 ± 3.3 versus 0.8 ± 1.4 (P < 0.05) and 2.4 ± 2.5 versus 0.7 ± 1.6 (P < 0.05) for arousal and general satisfaction, respectively, in women. Subsequently, both parameters increased progressively, and 1 year after surgery, the values were comparable to those measured before surgery. Concerning urinary function, the grade of incontinence measured 1 year after the intervention was unchanged for both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: RTME allows for preservation of urinary and sexual functions. This is probably due to the superior movements of the wristed instruments that facilitate fine dissection, coupled with a stable and magnified view that helps in recognizing the inferior hypogastric plexus.

Operative blood loss and use of blood products after full robotic and conventional low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for treatment of rectal cancer.

To date, no studies have investigated the estimated blood loss (EBL) after full robotic low anterior resection (R-LAR) in a case-matched model, comparing it with the conventional open approach (O-LAR). Forty-nine patients in the R-LAR and 105 in the O-LAR group were matched for age, gender, BMI (body mass index), ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) class, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification and UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) stage, distance of the lower edge of the tumor from the anal verge, presence of comorbidities, and preoperative hemoglobin (Hb). EBL was significantly higher in the O-LAR group (P < 0.001); twelve units of packed red blood cells were globally transfused in the O-LAR group, compared to one unit only in the R-LAR (P = 0.051). A significantly higher postoperative Hb drop (3.0 vs. 2.4 g/dL, P = 0.015) was registered in the O-LAR patients. The length of hospital stay was much lower for the R-LAR group (8.4 vs. 12.4 days, P < 0.001). The number of harvested lymph nodes (17.4 vs. 13.5, P = 0.006) and extent of distal margin (2.9 vs. 1.9 cm, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the R-LAR group. Open surgery was confirmed as the sole variable significantly associated (P < 0.001) with blood loss (odds ratio = 4.41, 95% CI 2.06-9.43). It was a confirmed prognosticator of blood loss (P = 0.006) when a preoperative clinical predictive model was built, using multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 3.95, 95% CI 1.47-10.6). In conclusion, R-LAR produced less operative blood loss and less drop in postoperative hemoglobin when compared to O-LAR. Other clinically relevant outcomes were similar or superior to O-LAR.

Surgical and pathological outcomes after right hemicolectomy: case-matched study comparing robotic and open surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical and pathological outcomes of patients with right-sided colon cancers operated on by means of open and robotic surgery with extracorporeal anastomosis. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent robotic right hemicolectomy due to right-sided colon cancer were retrospectively well matched with 102 patients operated on by the open approach. Data were included in a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: Mean operative time was longer in the robotic group (P < 0.001), 191.7 min (134-250) versus 136.2 (45-240) min in the open group. Estimated intraoperative blood loss was less in the robotic group, which presented a mean of 6.1 ml versus 94.8 ml in the open group (P < 0.001). Despite the similar length of the surgical specimen and number of lymph nodes retrieved between both groups, 15 or more lymph nodes were found in the specimen in 90 out of 102 patients (88.2%) operated on by the open technique versus 33 out of 33 patients (100%) who underwent robotic hemicolectomy (P = 0.038). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the robotic group, 5 versus 8 days (P < 0.001). No other statistically significant difference was observed in terms of pathological and postoperative results. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic right hemicolectomy is an oncologically safe and effective procedure. The number of lymph nodes retrieved in the robotic group compared with the open group of our series was more homogeneous, and none of the patients operated on with this technique had a suboptimal lymphadenectomy. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm current evidence and determine whether this can influence the prognosis.

Excisão total do mesorreto por técnica robótica: resultados cirúrgicos e oncológicos iniciais / Robotic total mesorectal excision: early surgical and oncological outcomes

OBJETIVOS: avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos e oncológicos imediatos em pacientes com câncer de reto extraperitoneal submetidos à excisão total do mesorreto (ETM) robótica. MÉTODOS: de janeiro de 2007 a março de 2010 um total de 60 pacientes foram operados de forma consecutiva por técnica robótica. Os dados cirúrgicos e os desfechos oncológicos iniciais foram prospectivamente registrados em um banco de dados. RESULTADOS: foram operados 35 homens e 25 mulheres. A idade média foi de 60,3 ± 11,7 anos. Cirurgia com preservação esfincteriana foi possível em 52 pacientes. A média da amostra linfonodal foi de 18,7 ± 8,8 linfonodos. A média da margem cirúrgica distal foi de 2,9 ± 1,7 cm, enquanto a margem radial foi negativa em todos os pacientes. O tempo de seguimento pós-operatório foi de 14,3 meses. Apenas uma recidiva pélvica foi observada. As taxas de sobrevida geral e sobrevida câncer-específica foram respectivamente de 97,6 por cento e 98,3 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: ETM robótica é uma cirurgia exequível e segura. Apresenta resultados iguais ou mesmo melhores que as técnicas aberta e laparoscópica em termos de morbimortalidade, taxa de preservação esfincteriana e desfechos oncológicos iniciais.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of patients with extraperitoneal rectal cancer who underwent robotic total mesorectal excision (TEM). METHODS: from January 2007 to March 2010 a total of 60 patients were consecutively operated on through robotic technique. Data regarding surgical data and oncological outcomes were prospectively registered in a database. RESULTS: 35 men and 25 women underwent surgery. The mean age was 60.3 ± 11.7 years. Sphincter preserving surgery was possible in 52 patients. The mean number lymph node harvested was 18.7 ± 8.8 lymph nodes. The mean distal surgical margin was 2.9 ± 1.7 cm, while the radial margin was negative in all patients. The duration of postoperative follow-up was 14.3 months. Only one local recurrence was observed. The overall and the cancer-specific survival were respectively 97.6 percent and 98.3 percent. CONCLUSIONS: robotic TEM is feasible and safe. It is equal or superior to open and laparoscopic techniques in terms of morbidity and mortality rates, sphincter preservation rates and early oncological outcomes.

Analysis of the videolaparoscopy potentiality in the surgical treatment of the bowel obstruction.

CONTEXT: Laparotomy is the gold standard treatment of patients with intestinal obstruction without response to clinical management. Nowadays, literature has been demonstrating the feasibility of videolaparoscopy in the treatment of intestinal obstruction. OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with intestinal obstruction submitted to surgery and verify the presence of contraindications for laparoscopy. METHODS: It was done a observational, descriptive and retrospective study including adults patients with intestinal obstruction submitted to surgery at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, between January of 2004 and October of 2008. RESULTS: It was included 135 patients in the study, with a total of 126 patients submitted to open surgery and 9 to laparoscopy. There was similar distribution between gender and the mean age was 59 years (SD +/- 16.9). The most frequent site of obstruction was the small bowel and the most frequent etiology was adhesions. Among the patients submitted to laparotomy, 75.4% presented with abdominal distention, 68.3% previous abdominal surgery, 11.9% body mass index >30 kg/m(2), 4.8% coagulopathy and 3.2% hemodynamic instability. Among the 135 patients, only 5 of them presented with none contraindications for videolaparoscopy. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological findings of this study are similar to the ones of the worldwide literature. Indications of videolaparoscopy in retrospective analyses have the limitation of subjective evaluation of intestinal obstruction, which was included in this study as a relative contraindication to laparoscopy.

Analysis of the videolaparoscopy potentiality in the surgical treatment of the bowel obstruction / Análise do potencial da videolaparoscopia no tratamento cirúrgico da obstrução intestinal

CONTEXT: Laparotomy is the gold standard treatment of patients with intestinal obstruction without response to clinical management. Nowadays, literature has been demonstrating the feasibility of videolaparoscopy in the treatment of intestinal obstruction. OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with intestinal obstruction submitted to surgery and verify the presence of contraindications for laparoscopy. METHODS: It was done a observational, descriptive and retrospective study including adults patients with intestinal obstruction submitted to surgery at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, between January of 2004 and October of 2008. RESULTS: It was included 135 patients in the study, with a total of 126 patients submitted to open surgery and 9 to laparoscopy. There was similar distribution between gender and the mean age was 59 years (SD ± 16.9). The most frequent site of obstruction was the small bowel and the most frequent etiology was adhesions. Among the patients submitted to laparotomy, 75.4 percent presented with abdominal distention, 68.3 percent previous abdominal surgery, 11.9 percent body mass index >30 kg/m², 4.8 percent coagulopathy and 3.2 percent hemodynamic instability. Among the 135 patients, only 5 of them presented with none contraindications for videolaparoscopy. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological findings of this study are similar to the ones of the worldwide literature. Indications of videolaparoscopy in retrospective analyses have the limitation of subjective evaluation of intestinal obstruction, which was included in this study as a relative contraindication to laparoscopy.

CONTEXTO: A laparotomia é considerada o método de escolha para o tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com obstrução intestinal sem resposta ao tratamento clínico conservador. Atualmente, no entanto, diversas publicações têm demonstrado a viabilidade da videolaparoscopia no tratamento da obstrução intestinal. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil clínicoepidemiológico de pacientes com obstrução intestinal submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico e verificar a presença de contraindicações para laparoscopia. MÉTODO: Estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo com pacientes adultos submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico por obstrução intestinal no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, no período de janeiro 2004 a outubro 2008. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 135 pacientes, 126 dos quais tratados por laparotomia e 9 por videolaparoscopia. Observou-se distribuição semelhante entre os sexos e idade média de 59 anos (DP ± 16,9). Intestino delgado e aderências intestinais representaram respectivamente, o principal sítio e causa de obstrução. Dos pacientes submetidos a laparotomia, 75,4 por cento apresentavam distensão abdominal, 68,3 por cento história de cirurgia abdominal prévia, 11,9 por cento índice de massa corpórea >30 kg/m², 4,8 por cento coagulopatia e 3,2 por cento instabilidade dinâmica. Dos 135 pacientes, somente 5 não apresentavam contraindicação para videolaparoscopia. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados epidemiológicos deste estudo são semelhantes aos observados na literatura mundial. A indicação de videolaparoscopia em análises retrospectivas tem como grande limitante a avaliação subjetiva da distensão abdominal, que nesse trabalho foi incluída como contraindicação relativa para videolaparoscopia.

Cordoma Sacrococcígeo gigante: relato de caso / Giant Sacrococcygeal chordoma: case report

Cordoma sacrococcígeo é uma neoplasia maligna rara que se origina de remanescentes da notocorda. A localização crítica, comportamento localmente agressivo, reconhecida resistência à radioterapia, significativa morbimortalidade cirúrgica e elevada taxa de recidiva tornam seu tratamento um desafio. Descrevemos um caso de cordoma sacrococcígeo gigante.

Sacrococcygeal chordoma is a rare malignant neoplasm arised from the remmants of the notochord. The critical localization, locally aggressive behavior, well-known resistance to radiation therapy, meaningful surgical morbimortality and increased recurrence rate become its treatment a challenge. We describe a case of a giant unresectable sacrococcygeal chordoma.

Comparação entre o diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico de pólipos colorretais / Comparison between endoscopic and histologic diagnosis of colorectal polyps

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade da videocolonoscopia convencional (sem magnificação de imagem) com cromoscopia (índigo carmin) de inferir no provável diagnóstico histológico de pólipos colorretais. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional e descritivo de 100 pólipos colorretais. Todas as lesões foram classificados do ponto de vista endoscópico quanto ao padrão de criptas e submetidos ao estudo histológico para posterior correlação diagnóstica. RESULTADOS: dezenove por cento dos pólipos foram "subdiagnosticados" como hiperplásicos na videocolonoscopia. Oitenta e um por cento foram diagnosticados corretamente ou "superdignosticados" na videocolonoscopia. Nenhum pólipo maligno foi diagnosticado incorretamente. CONCLUSÃO: A videocolonoscopia convencional com cromoscopia não é método seguro para diferenciação de pólipos colorretais neoplásicos e não-neoplásicos. Pólipos colorretais diagnosticados através de videocolonoscopia convencional devem ser sempre submetidos a estudo histológico.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the capacity of the convencional videocolonoscopy (without image magnification) with chromoscopy (indigo carmin) to establish the histologic diagnosis of colorectal polyps. METHODS: One hundred colorrectal polyps were classified in the videocolonoscopy according to their pattern of cripts and submitted to histological evaluation for later correlation. RESULTS: nineteen per cent of the adenomatous polyps were classified during colonoscopy as normal or hyperplastic. Eighty one per cent of the polyps were diagnosed correctly or "overdiagnosed" in the videocolonoscopy. None malign polyp were classified incorrectly. CONCLUSION: The conventional videocolonoscopy with chromoscopy is not a secure method to differentiate neoplastic from non-neoplastic polyps. Colorectal polyps diagnosed through conventional videcolonoscopy must be removed and submitted to histological study.