The use of serum alkaline phosphatase as a choledocholithiasis marker to mitigate the cost of magnetic resonance cholangiography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of preoperative serum laboratory test results for identifying choledocholithiasis and reduce the use of cholangioresonance and its inherent costs. METHODS: Patients aged 21-69 years who underwent preoperative cholangioresonance examination at our institute were included. Patients with a history of fluctuating jaundice or biliary pancreatitis, bile duct dilatation on ultrasonography, and elevated levels of canalicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase >100U/L and gamma-glutamyl transferase >50U/L) underwent cholangioresonance-guided surgery. Cases of choledocholithiasis confirmed by cholangioresonance were compared with those without choledocholithiasis. Serum laboratory data were evaluated and the diagnostic capabilities of these examinations were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included. For detecting choledocholithiasis using alkaline phosphatase, the cut-off point was 78U/L, sensitivity was 97.6% (95%CI: 87.4-99.9), and specificity was 72.6% (95%CI: 59.8-83.1). In the binary logistic regression analysis, age (OR= 0.92; 95%CI: 0.86-0.98) and alkaline phosphatase level (OR= 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01-1.05) were selected for the final model. CONCLUSION: Serum alkaline phosphatase levels may aid preoperative diagnosis of asymptomatic choledocholithiasis. After a global clinical assessment of the patient, serum laboratory findings may contribute to a reduction in cholangioresonance-related heathcare costs.

Scores for Predicting Diabetes Remission in Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review aims to compare the accuracy of pre-existent scores predicting diabetes remission after bariatric and metabolic surgery. Among the scores, DiaBetter presented the largest area under the curve (AUC) (0.87; 95% CI, 0.84-0.9). Ad-DiaRem had the lowest AUC (0.79; 95% CI, 0.76-0.83). Ad-DiaRem showed the highest sensitivity (91%; 95% CI, 86-96%), with a specificity of 71.23% (95% CI 50.43 to 92.06%). IMS showed a sensitivity of 59% (95% CI, 20-90%), with the highest specificity (86%; 95% CI, 69-94%). Clinicians should associate the findings of the present review with patients' individual characteristics to help predict diabetes remission and evaluate the probability of the patient benefit from surgery.

The use of serum alkaline phosphatase as a choledocholithiasis marker to mitigate the cost of magnetic resonance cholangiography

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the predictive value of preoperative serum laboratory test results for identifying choledocholithiasis and reduce the use of cholangioresonance and its inherent costs. Methods Patients aged 21-69 years who underwent preoperative cholangioresonance examination at our institute were included. Patients with a history of fluctuating jaundice or biliary pancreatitis, bile duct dilatation on ultrasonography, and elevated levels of canalicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase >100U/L and gamma-glutamyl transferase >50U/L) underwent cholangioresonance-guided surgery. Cases of choledocholithiasis confirmed by cholangioresonance were compared with those without choledocholithiasis. Serum laboratory data were evaluated and the diagnostic capabilities of these examinations were analyzed. Results A total of 104 patients were included. For detecting choledocholithiasis using alkaline phosphatase, the cut-off point was 78U/L, sensitivity was 97.6% (95%CI: 87.4-99.9), and specificity was 72.6% (95%CI: 59.8-83.1). In the binary logistic regression analysis, age (OR= 0.92; 95%CI: 0.86-0.98) and alkaline phosphatase level (OR= 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01-1.05) were selected for the final model. Conclusion Serum alkaline phosphatase levels may aid preoperative diagnosis of asymptomatic choledocholithiasis. After a global clinical assessment of the patient, serum laboratory findings may contribute to a reduction in cholangioresonance-related heathcare costs.

What is the role of heat shock protein in abdominal organ transplantation?

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a pathophysiological event occuring after abdominal organ transplantation, and has a significant influence on prognosis and survival of the graft. It is involved in delaying the primary function or non-functioning of the graft. The objective of this study was to provide information on heat shock protein mechanisms in ischemia-reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations, and to indicate the possible factors involved that may influence the graft outcome. Several classes of heat shock proteins are part of the ischemia and reperfusion process, both as inflammatory agonists and in protecting the process. Studies involving heat shock proteins enhance knowledge on ischemia-reperfusion injury mitigation processes and the mechanisms involved in the survival of abdominal grafts, and open space to support therapeutic future clinical studies, minimizing ischemia and reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations. Expression of heat shock proteins is associated with inflammatory manifestations and ischemia-reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations and may influence graft outcomes.

What is the role of heat shock protein in abdominal organ transplantation?

ABSTRACT Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a pathophysiological event occuring after abdominal organ transplantation, and has a significant influence on prognosis and survival of the graft. It is involved in delaying the primary function or non-functioning of the graft. The objective of this study was to provide information on heat shock protein mechanisms in ischemia-reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations, and to indicate the possible factors involved that may influence the graft outcome. Several classes of heat shock proteins are part of the ischemia and reperfusion process, both as inflammatory agonists and in protecting the process. Studies involving heat shock proteins enhance knowledge on ischemia-reperfusion injury mitigation processes and the mechanisms involved in the survival of abdominal grafts, and open space to support therapeutic future clinical studies, minimizing ischemia and reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations. Expression of heat shock proteins is associated with inflammatory manifestations and ischemia-reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations and may influence graft outcomes.

The Mechanisms for the Association of Cancer and Esophageal Dysmotility Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia and other esophageal dysmotility disorders mimicking achalasia can be associated with cancer. This study aimed to review the main mechanisms for which cancer may develop in esophageal dysmotility disorder patients. METHODS: A narrative review was performed. RESULTS: The mechanism for developing squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are discussed. Besides, achalasia-like syndromes related to familial KIT-gene mutation and pseudoachalasia are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the main mechanism for which achalasia can be related to cancer is essential for clinicians to conduct the proper investigation, surveillance, and treatment.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by general surgery residents. Is it safe? How much does it cost?

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by residents of the first and second-year of a general surgery residency program. We studied the primary total cost of treatment and complication rates as primary outcomes, comparing the groups operated by senior and resident surgeons. METHODS: this was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in a training hospital of large surgical volume in Brazil, in the period between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019. The study population comprised patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy due to uncomplicated chronic calculous cholecystitis or to the presence of gallbladder polyps with surgical indication. We divided the cases into three groups, based on the graduation of the main surgeon at the time of the procedure: first-year residents (R1), second-year residents (R2), and trained general surgeons (GS). RESULTS: during the study period, 1,052 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed, of which 1,035 procedures met the inclusion criteria, with 78 (7.5%) patients operated on with the participation of first-year residents (R1), 500 (48.3%) patients with the participation of second-year residents (R2), and 457 (44.2%) with the participation of senior surgeons only. There was no difference in conversion rates, complications, and reporting of adverse events between groups. We observed a significant difference regarding hospitalization costs (p = 0.003), with a higher mean for the patients operated with the participation of R1, of US$ 2,671.13, versus US$ 2,414.60 and US$ 2,396.24 for the procedures performed by senior surgeons and R2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the participation of residents is safe, even in their first years of training. There is an additional cost of about 10% in the treatment of patient operated with the participation of first-year residents. There was no significant difference in the cost of the group operated by second-year residents.

Surgical management of esophageal stenosis due to ingestion of corrosive substances.

BACKGROUND: Corrosive ingestion is a significant challenge for healthcare systems. Limited data are available regarding the best treatments, and there remains a lack of consensus about the optimal surgical approach and its outcomes. This study aims to review the current literature and show a single institution's experience regarding the surgical treatment of esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substance ingestion. METHODS: A retrospective review that accounted for demographics, psychiatric profiles, surgical procedures, and outcomes was performed. A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed. RESULTS: In total, 27 surgical procedures for esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substance ingestion were performed from 2010 to 2019. Depression and drug abuse were diagnosed in 30% and 22% of the included patients, respectively. Esophagectomies and esophageal bypasses were performed in 13 and 14 patients, respectively. No 30-day mortality was recorded. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention either by esophagectomy or esophageal bypass results in durable relief from dysphagia. However, successful clinical outcomes depend on a high-quality multidisciplinary network of esophageal and thoracic surgeons, intensivists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and nutritional teams.

The burden of the pandemic on the non-SARS-CoV-2 emergencies: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Governments have implemented social distancing interventions to curb the speed of SARS-CoV-2 spread and avoid hospital overload. SARS-CoV-2 social distancing interventions have modified several aspects of society, leading to a change in the emergency medical visit profile. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of COVID-19 and the resulting changes on the non-SARS-CoV-2 emergency medical care system profile. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study evaluating medical consultations, urgent hospitalizations, and deaths in São Paulo, the largest city of the Americas. Changes in the medical visit profile according to demographic data and diagnoses were assessed. The change in mortality was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 462,412 emergency medical visits were registered from January 2019 to July 2020. Of these emergency medical visits, only 4.7% (21,653) required hospitalization. Of all visits, 592 resulted in deaths, equivalent to 0.1% of the sample. There was a clear decreasing trend in the number of weekly emergency medical visits as social distancing was mandated by decree (Coef. -3733.13; 95% CI -4579.85 to -2886.42; p < 0.001). The number of medical visits for conditions such as trauma, abdominal pain, chest pain, and the common cold decreased (p<0.05). However, the number of medical visits for the following conditions did not change after the onset of the pandemic (p≥0.05): ureterolithiasis, acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the non-SARS-CoV-2 emergency profile. The overall number of emergency medical visits has reduced. The mortality of non-SARS-CoV-2 emergencies has not increased in São Paulo.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by general surgery residents. Is it safe? How much does it cost? / Colecistectomia laparoscópica realizada por residentes de cirurgia geral. É seguro? Quanto custa?

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by residents of the first and second-year of a general surgery residency program. We studied the primary total cost of treatment and complication rates as primary outcomes, comparing the groups operated by senior and resident surgeons. Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in a training hospital of large surgical volume in Brazil, in the period between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019. The study population comprised patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy due to uncomplicated chronic calculous cholecystitis or to the presence of gallbladder polyps with surgical indication. We divided the cases into three groups, based on the graduation of the main surgeon at the time of the procedure: first-year residents (R1), second-year residents (R2), and trained general surgeons (GS). Results: during the study period, 1,052 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed, of which 1,035 procedures met the inclusion criteria, with 78 (7.5%) patients operated on with the participation of first-year residents (R1), 500 (48.3%) patients with the participation of second-year residents (R2), and 457 (44.2%) with the participation of senior surgeons only. There was no difference in conversion rates, complications, and reporting of adverse events between groups. We observed a significant difference regarding hospitalization costs (p = 0.003), with a higher mean for the patients operated with the participation of R1, of US$ 2,671.13, versus US$ 2,414.60 and US$ 2,396.24 for the procedures performed by senior surgeons and R2, respectively. Conclusions: laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the participation of residents is safe, even in their first years of training. There is an additional cost of about 10% in the treatment of patient operated with the participation of first-year residents. There was no significant difference in the cost of the group operated by second-year residents.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade e segurança da realização de colecistectomias laparoscópicas por residentes do primeiro e segundo ano do programa de cirurgia geral. Foram estudados como desfechos primários o custo médio total de tratamento e os índices de complicações, comparando os grupos operados por cirurgiões seniores e residentes. Métodos: trata-se de estudo de coorte retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos a colecistectomias laparoscópicas realizadas em hospital escola de grande volume cirúrgico, no Brasil, no período entre 01 de junho de 2018 e 31 de maio de 2019. A população do estudo compreendeu pacientes que realizaram colecistectomias eletivas por colecistite calculosa crônica não complicada ou por presença de pólipos de vesícula biliar com indicação cirúrgica. Os casos foram divididos em 3 grupos, baseados na graduação do cirurgião principal no momento do procedimento: residentes do primeiro ano (R1), residentes do segundo ano (R2) e cirurgiões formados (CG). Resultados: no período do estudo, foram realizadas 1.052 colecistectomias videolaparoscópicas, sendo que, após aplicados os critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos no estudo 1.035 procedimentos, com 78 (7,5%) pacientes operados com a participação de residentes do primeiro ano (R1), 500 (48,3%) pacientes com a participação de residentes do segundo ano (R2) e 457 (44,2%) apenas com a participação somente de cirurgiões seniores. Não houve diferença nas taxas de conversão, de complicações e de notificações de eventos adversos entre os grupos. Foi evidenciada diferença com relação aos custos de internação (p= 0,003), sendo observado maior custo médio de internação para os pacientes operados com participação dos R1, com custo médio de US$ 2.671,13, versus US$ 2.414,60 e US$ 2.396,24 das operações realizadas pelos cirurgiões seniores e R2, respectivamente. Conclusões: é segura a realização de colecistectomia videolaparoscópica com a participação de residentes, mesmo em seus primeiros anos de formação. Existe custo adicional de cerca de 10% no tratamento de pacientes operados com a participação de residentes do primeiro ano. Não foi observada diferença significativa no custo do grupo operado por residentes do segundo ano.

The potential use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in a Brazilian hospital. / O uso potencial do Balão de Oclusão Endovascular da Aorta para Ressuscitação em um hospital brasileiro.

AIM: To evaluate the potential use of REBOA in a Brazilian hospital. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all requests for emergency surgical evaluation for patients with suspected massive hemorrhage, hospitalized in a private Brazilian general hospital, from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Inclusion criteria for REBOA eligibility were: suspected abdominal and/or pelvic bleeding, hemorrhagic shock and older than 18 years of age. Exclusion criteria were: older than 70 years of age, and pre-existing terminal disease or significant comorbidities. RESULTS: 90 evaluations were requested during the study period. However, according to our inclusion/exclusion criteria, only on 14 occasions (15.6%) there was a recommendation for the use of REBOA. Gynecological/obstetric conditions were the indication in 11 cases (78.6%) and elective oncologic surgery in three cases (21.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of REBOA is not common in our country, but it can be an essential tool, and perhaps the last resource in extremely severe conditions until the definitive surgical, endovascular or endoscopic treatment is performed.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo objetivou analisar o uso potencial Balão de Oclusão Endovascular da Aorta para Ressuscitação (REBOA) em um hospital brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura e uma análise retrospectiva de todas as avaliações cirúrgicas de emergência para pacientes com suspeita de hemorragia maciça internados em um hospital brasileiro, de 1 de abril de 2017 a 31 de março de 2018. Os critérios de elegibilidade do REBOA foram: origem abdominal e/ou pélvica, choque hemorrágico e acima de 18 anos de idade. Os critérios de exclusão foram: acima de 70 anos e doença terminal pré-existente ou comorbidades significativas. RESULTADOS: No período, foram solicitadas 90 avaliações. Em 14 ocasiões (15,6%) havia indicação para o uso do REBOA. Os casos em que isso foi possível foram devidos a causas ginecológicas/obstétricas em 11 casos (78,6%) e cirurgia oncológica eletiva em três casos (21,4%). CONCLUSÕES: O REBOA é ainda pouco utilizado em nosso país, mas pode ser uma ferramenta de extrema importância, e talvez o último recurso em pacientes extremamente graves, até que o tratamento definitivo, cirúrgico, endovascular ou endoscópico seja efetuado.

O uso potencial do Balão de Oclusão Endovascular da Aorta para Ressuscitação em um hospital brasileiro / The potential use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in a Brazilian hospital

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou analisar o uso potencial Balão de Oclusão Endovascular da Aorta para Ressuscitação (REBOA) em um hospital brasileiro. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura e uma análise retrospectiva de todas as avaliações cirúrgicas de emergência para pacientes com suspeita de hemorragia maciça internados em um hospital brasileiro, de 1 de abril de 2017 a 31 de março de 2018. Os critérios de elegibilidade do REBOA foram: origem abdominal e/ou pélvica, choque hemorrágico e acima de 18 anos de idade. Os critérios de exclusão foram: acima de 70 anos e doença terminal pré-existente ou comorbidades significativas. Resultados: No período, foram solicitadas 90 avaliações. Em 14 ocasiões (15,6%) havia indicação para o uso do REBOA. Os casos em que isso foi possível foram devidos a causas ginecológicas/obstétricas em 11 casos (78,6%) e cirurgia oncológica eletiva em três casos (21,4%). Conclusões: O REBOA é ainda pouco utilizado em nosso país, mas pode ser uma ferramenta de extrema importância, e talvez o último recurso em pacientes extremamente graves, até que o tratamento definitivo, cirúrgico, endovascular ou endoscópico seja efetuado.

ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the potential use of REBOA in a Brazilian hospital. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all requests for emergency surgical evaluation for patients with suspected massive hemorrhage, hospitalized in a private Brazilian general hospital, from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Inclusion criteria for REBOA eligibility were: suspected abdominal and/or pelvic bleeding, hemorrhagic shock and older than 18 years of age. Exclusion criteria were: older than 70 years of age, and pre-existing terminal disease or significant comorbidities. Results: 90 evaluations were requested during the study period. However, according to our inclusion/exclusion criteria, only on 14 occasions (15.6%) there was a recommendation for the use of REBOA. Gynecological/obstetric conditions were the indication in 11 cases (78.6%) and elective oncologic surgery in three cases (21.4%). Conclusions: The use of REBOA is not common in our country, but it can be an essential tool, and perhaps the last resource in extremely severe conditions until the definitive surgical, endovascular or endoscopic treatment is performed.