Women in surgery: do surgical specialties keep up with the feminization of medicine in Brazil?

INTRODUCTION: historically, surgical medical specialties are mostly male, a scenario which, in recent years, has undergone changes. In this sense, despite the relevance of the growth of female participation in the medical career, little is discussed about the distribution between genders of the main surgical medical specialties in the country. OBJECTIVE: discuss the process of feminization in surgical specialties in Brazil over the last few years, tracing a distribution profile of these specialties. METHODS: this is a retrospective and cross-sectional study with secondary data from the Censuses of Medical Demography in Brazil in the years 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2023, including the surgical specialties: Urology, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Thoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Digestive System Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Hand Surgery, General Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Coloproctology, Otorhinolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, and Gynecology and Obstetrics. RESULTS: males prevails in numbers, among the surgical specialties, however, with a lower growth rate compared to females. Specialties such as urology, orthopedics and traumatology and neurosurgery are mostly male, while gynecology and obstetrics are female. CONCLUSION: it is evident that female participation in the surgical medical field has increased significantly over the last few years.

Low-cost suture simulator to gain basic surgical skills.

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

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

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

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

A realistic model for vasectomy reversal training using swine testicles.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the viability of the porcine vas deferens as a realistic microsurgical training model for vasectomy reversal. METHODS: The model uses swine testicles (vas deferent), which are usually discarded in large street markets since they are not part of Brazilian cuisine. The spermatic cord was carefully dissected, and the vas deferens were isolated, measuring 10 cm in length. A paper quadrilateral with 5 cm2 was built to delimit the surgical training field. The objective of the model is to simulate only the microsurgical step when the vas deferens are already isolated. The parameters analyzed were: feasibility for reproducing the technique, patency before and after performing the vasovasostomy, cost of the model, ease of acquisition, ease of handling, execution time, and model reproducibility. RESULTS: The simulator presented low cost. All models made were viable with a texture similar to human, with positive patency obtained in 100% of the procedures. The internal and external diameters of the vas deferens varied between 0.2-0.4 mm and 2-3 mm, respectively, with a mean length of 9 ± 1.2 cm. The total procedure time was 43.28 ± 3.22 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The realistic model presented proved to be viable for carrying out vasectomy reversal training, due to its low cost, easy acquisition, and easy handling, and providing similar tissue characteristics to humans.

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

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

The Effects of Hydrolyzed Collagen and Collagen Peptide in the Treatment of Superficial Chondral Lesions: An Experimental Study / Os efeitos do colágeno hidrolisado e do peptídeo de colágeno no tratamento de lesões condrais superficiais: Um estudo experimental

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptide in the treatment of superficial chondral lesions in rats. Method This research employed 18 Rattus norvegicus. A single intraarticular infiltration of sodium iodoacetate (2 mg solution) through the patellar ligament induced joint damage in previously anesthetized animals. We divided the animals into three groups: a control group, a collagen peptide group, and a hydrolyzed collagen group. Treatment consisted of oral administration of collagen peptide or hydrolyzed collagen for 30 days. Afterwards, we euthanized the animals and studied the joint chondral changes. We evaluated the results according to the chondrocyte clusters count and a histological evaluation, as per Pritzker et al. Results There was no statistical significance in injury stages between the control, hydrolyzed collagen, and collagen peptide groups (p= 0.11). Regarding scores, there was a statistical significance between the groups treated with hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptide (p< 0.05), but not in comparison with the control group. Conclusion The proposed treatments of the induced chondral lesion with the oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides were effective, resulting in lesion stabilization or regression, and warranting further experimental research to understand and improve the primary outcome of this study.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do colágeno hidrolisado e do peptídeo de colágeno no tratamento de lesões condrais superficiais de ratos. Método Foram utilizados 18 Rattus norvegicus nesta pesquisa. O dano articular foi induzido por uma única infiltração intra-articular de iodoacetato de sódio (solução 2 mg), injetada através do ligamento patelar da articulação dos animais previamente anestesiados. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos: grupo controle, grupo peptídeo de colágeno e grupo colágeno hidrolisado. O tratamento foi realizado por 30 dias com a administração via oral do peptídeo de colágeno ou do colágeno hidrolisado. Posteriormente, foi realizada a eutanásia dos experimentos e seguiu-se para o estudo das alterações condrais articulares. Os resultados foram avaliados conforme contagem de condrócitos por cluster e através da avaliação histológica segundo Pritzker et al. Resultados Ao observar os estágios de lesão, não foi observada significância estatística entre os grupos controle, colágeno hidrolisado e peptídeo de colágeno (p= 0,11). Ao observar os escores, houve significância estatística na comparação do grupo tratado com colágeno hidrolisado e o grupo peptídeo colágeno (p< 0,05), porém sem diferença estatística em relação ao grupo controle. Conclusão Os tratamentos propostos da lesão condral induzida com uso de colágeno hidrolisado ou peptídeos de colágeno via oral mostraram-se eficazes, com estabilização ou regressão da lesão apresentada em ratos, merecendo novas pesquisas experimentais com o intuito de compreender e melhorar o desfecho primário deste trabalho.

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

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

Anacardium occidentale L. (cajueiro) in the healing of skin wounds: an experimental study in rats.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of Anacardium occidentale Linn on the healing of skin wounds. METHODS: Twenty Wistar male rats were distributed into four groups (with five animals each one): negative control group (NCG), treated with saline solution; cashew tree group (CG), treated with hydroalcoholic extract of the bark of A. occidentale Linn; manipulated cashew tree group (MCG), with the ointment of extract of the bark of A. occidentale Linn; positive control group (PCG), treated with sunflower oil. All animals were examined daily, observing the macroscopic aspects of the surgical wound. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for tissue morphology analysis and Masson's trichrome for better collagen fiber characterization. RESULTS: On day 7, the MCG group had the expansion of the surgical wound covered by crust, exceeding the initial limits. On day 21, the wounds were observed to be completely closed and epithelialized in the NCG and CG groups. PCG and MCG still had remnants of crusts on the wound. The NCG was the only one not to present an abscess in histopathological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There was a prolongation of the healing phase of the animals treated with the extract, and the animals in the NCG showed a better outcome by histological analysis.

Low-cost suture simulator to gain basic surgical skills

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

Women in surgery: do surgical specialties keep up with the feminization of medicine in Brazil? / Mulheres na cirurgia: as especialidades cirúrgicas acompanham a feminização da medicina no Brasil?

ABSTRACT Introduction: historically, surgical medical specialties are mostly male, a scenario which, in recent years, has undergone changes. In this sense, despite the relevance of the growth of female participation in the medical career, little is discussed about the distribution between genders of the main surgical medical specialties in the country. Objective: discuss the process of feminization in surgical specialties in Brazil over the last few years, tracing a distribution profile of these specialties. Methods: this is a retrospective and cross-sectional study with secondary data from the Censuses of Medical Demography in Brazil in the years 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2023, including the surgical specialties: Urology, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Thoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Digestive System Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Hand Surgery, General Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Coloproctology, Otorhinolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, and Gynecology and Obstetrics. Results: males prevails in numbers, among the surgical specialties, however, with a lower growth rate compared to females. Specialties such as urology, orthopedics and traumatology and neurosurgery are mostly male, while gynecology and obstetrics are female. Conclusion: it is evident that female participation in the surgical medical field has increased significantly over the last few years.

RESUMO Introdução: historicamente, as especialidades médicas cirúrgicas são, majoritariamente, masculinas, cenário o qual, nos últimos anos, passa por mudanças. Nesse sentido, apesar da relevância do crescimento da participação feminina na carreira médica, pouco se debate sobre a distribuição entre sexos das principais especialidades médicas cirúrgicas no país. Objetivo: discutir o processo de feminização nas especialidades cirúrgicas no Brasil ao longo dos últimos anos, traçando um perfil de distribuição dessas especialidades. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e transversal com dados secundários oriundos dos Censos de Demografia Médica no Brasil dos anos de 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020 e 2023, incluindo as especialidades cirúrgicas:Urologia, Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Cirurgia Torácica, Neurocirurgia, Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Cirurgia Cardiovascular, Cirurgia da Mão, Cirurgia Geral, Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Cirurgia Vascular, Cirurgia Plástica, Oftalmologia, Coloproctologia, Otorrinolaringologia, Cirurgia Pediátrica e Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. Resultados: O sexo masculino prevalece em números, dentre as especialidades cirúrgicas, porém, com menor taxa de crescimento em comparação ao sexo feminino. Especialidades como a urologia, ortopedia e traumatologia e neurocirurgia são majoritariamente masculinas, enquanto a ginecologia e obstetrícia, feminina. Conclusão: evidencia-se que a participação feminina na área médica cirúrgica aumentou significativamente ao longo dos últimos anos.

Incisional hernia repair in rats: description of the sublay technique under videomagnification system.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of sublay correction of incisional hernia in Wistar rats under videomagnification system. METHODS: Five male rats of the species Rattus norvegicus, of the Wistar lineage, with body weight between 250-350 g and 60 days old were used. Incisional hernia was inducted in all animals. After that, the incisional hernia was immediately corrected by the sublay method. RESULTS: There were no cases of recurrence of the incisional hernia after placement of the polypropylene mesh using the sublay technique. No postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is suitable for execution in Wistar rats.

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

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

Anatomical description of the ventral and dorsal cervical rootlets in rats: A microsurgical study.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical aspects of the cervical rootlets and to quantify the number of rootlets that compose C1 to T1. METHODS: Twenty male rats were used in this study. The dorsal rootlets from C1 to T1 were analyzed. To study the ventral rootlets, the posterior root avulsion was performed using a microhook, allowing exposure of the ventral roots through manipulation of the denticulate ligament and arachnoid mater. The parameters analyzed were the number of ventral and dorsal rootlets by side and level. RESULTS: The formation of the respective spinal nerve was observed in the spinal roots the union of the ventral and dorsal roots. In four animals the C1 spinal root had no dorsal and/or ventral contribution. There is no normal pattern of numerical normality of the dorsal and ventral rootlets. The average number of fascicles per root was 4.08, with a slight superiority on the left side. There was a slight superiority of the dorsal rootlets compared to the ventral rootlets. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation was the first to study cervical rootlets in rats. In 20% of the sample studied, the dorsal root of C1 was absent mainly on the left side. There is a nonlinear numerical increase from C1 to T1 in the rootlets. There is a numerical predominance of cervical fascicles on the left side, confronting several studies related to the functional predominance of right laterality, requiring new studies that correlate these variables.

Anatomorphometry of the brachial plexus under high-definition system: an experimental study in rats.

PURPOSE: To study the anatomorphometry of the plexus brachialis (PB) of rats under a high-definition video system. METHODS: Ten male Wistar rats discarded from other research that did not interfere in the morphology of the animal, respecting the principle of reduction, were used. All animals were submitted to the same protocol. Initially, the cervical region was shaved. The animals were placed in a dorsal position. A single elbow-to-elbow incision was performed and dissection started at the deltopectoral sulcus. The procedures were performed under a video system. To measure the structures, the Image J software was used. RESULTS: All the PB evaluated originated from the C5-T1 spinal nerves. C5 and C6 converged to form the truncus superior, the root of C7 originated the truncus medius, and the confluence of C8 and T1 originated the truncus inferior. It was found the union of C7, C8, and T1 to form truncus inferomedialis instead of separate medial and inferior truncus. C8 (1.31 mm) was the thickest root, the truncus inferior (1.80 mm) and the nerve radialis (1.02 mm), were the thickest. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of the PB is comparable to humans, admitting variations. The videomagnification system is useful to perform microsurgical dissection.

Anatomorphometry of the brachial plexus under high-definition system: an experimental study in rats

Purpose: To study the anatomorphometry of the plexus brachialis (PB) of rats under a high-definition video system. Methods: Ten male Wistar rats discarded from other research that did not interfere in the morphology of the animal, respecting the principle of reduction, were used. All animals were submitted to the same protocol. Initially, the cervical region was shaved. The animals were placed in a dorsal position. A single elbow-to-elbow incision was performed and dissection started at the deltopectoral sulcus. The procedures were performed under a video system. To measure the structures, the Image J software was used. Results: All the PB evaluated originated from the C5-T1 spinal nerves. C5 and C6 converged to form the truncus superior, the root of C7 originated the truncus medius, and the confluence of C8 and T1 originated the truncus inferior. It was found the union of C7, C8, and T1 to form truncus inferomedialis instead of separate medial and inferior truncus. C8 (1.31 mm) was the thickest root, the truncus inferior (1.80 mm) and the nerve radialis (1.02 mm), were the thickest. Conclusions: The anatomy of the PB is comparable to humans, admitting variations. The videomagnification system is useful to perform microsurgical dissection.

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

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

Incisional hernia repair in rats: description of the sublay technique under videomagnification system

Purpose: To describe the technique of sublay correction of incisional hernia in Wistar rats under videomagnification system. Methods: Five male rats of the species Rattus norvegicus, of the Wistar lineage, with body weight between 250­350 g and 60 days old were used. Incisional hernia was inducted in all animals. After that, the incisional hernia was immediately corrected by the sublay method. Results: There were no cases of recurrence of the incisional hernia after placement of the polypropylene mesh using the sublay technique. No postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: The technique is suitable for execution in Wistar rats.

Endoscopic interlaminar spine surgery guided by portable ultrasound: a new technique / Cirurgia endoscópica interlaminar da coluna vertebral guiada por ultrassom portátil: uma nova técnica / Cirugía endoscópica interlaminar de la columna vertebral guiada por ultrasonografía portátil: una nueva técnica

ABSTRACT This paper describes the technique of interlaminar endoscopic surgery guided by a portable ultrasound device. This innovation allows endoscopic surgery to be performed without the use of real-time radiography, which is associated with a higher risk of radiation damage. The portable wireless ultrasound device used for this technique, which has not been yet described in the world literature for minimally invasive surgeries, can be used as an imaging tool to delimit the interlaminar space in minimally invasive surgeries via both transverse and sagittal views. Level of evidence I; Quality of evidence A.

RESUMO Este trabalho descreve a técnica da cirurgia endoscópica interlaminar guiada por dispositivo de ultrassonografia portátil. Essa inovação permite que a cirurgia endoscópica seja realizada sem o uso de radiografias em tempo real que estão associadas ao maior risco de dano decorrentes de radiação. O dispositivo de ultrassom portátil e sem fio usado nessa técnica, que ainda não foi descrito na literatura mundial para cirurgias minimamente invasivas, pode ser usado como ferramenta de imagem para delimitar o espaço interlaminar em cirurgias minimamente invasivas através dos planos transversal e sagital. Nível de evidência I; Qualidade da evidência A.

RESUMEN Este artículo describe la técnica de la cirugía endoscópica interlaminar guiada por un dispositivo de ultrasonografía portátil. Esta innovación permite realizar la cirugía endoscópica sin utilizar radiografías en tiempo real, que se asocian a un mayor riesgo de daños por radiación. El dispositivo de ultrasonido inalámbrico portátil utilizado en esta técnica, aún no descrito en la literatura mundial para cirugías mínimamente invasivas, puede utilizarse como herramienta de imagen para delimitar el espacio interlaminar en cirugías mínimamente invasivas a través de los planos transversal y sagital. Nivel de evidencia I; Calidad de la evidencia A.