WHO Safety Surgical Checklist implementation evaluation in public hospitals in the Brazilian Federal District.

The World Health Organization (WHO) created the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist to prevent adverse events in operating rooms. The aim of this study was to analyze WHO checklist implementation in three operating rooms of public hospitals in the Brazilian Federal District. A prospective cross-sectional study was performed with pre- (Period I) and post (Period II)-checklist intervention evaluations. A total of 1141 patients and 1052 patients were studied in Periods I and II for a total of 2193 patients. Period I took place from December 2012 to March 2013, and Period II took place from April 2013 to August 2014. Regarding the pre-operatory items, most surgeries were classified as clean-contaminated in both phases, and team attire improved from 19.2% to 71.0% in Period II. Regarding checklist adherence in Period II, "Patient identification" significantly improved in the stage "Before induction of anesthesia". "Allergy verification", "Airway obstruction verification", and "Risk of blood loss assessment" had low adherence in all three hospitals. The items in the stage "Before surgical incision" showed greater than 90.0% adherence with the exception of "Anticipated critical events: Anesthesia team review" (86.7%) and "Essential imaging display" (80.0%). Low adherence was noted in "Instrument counts" and "Equipment problems" in the stage "Before patient leaves operating room". Complications and deaths were low in both periods. Despite the variability in checklist item compliance in the surveyed hospitals, WHO checklist implementation as an intervention tool showed good adherence to the majority of the items on the list. Nevertheless, motivation to use the instrument by the surgical team with the intent of improving surgical patient safety continues to be crucial.

Preadmission Application of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG): Enhancing Patient Compliance While Maximizing Skin Surface Concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Preadmission skin antisepsis, while controversial, has gained acceptance as a strategy for reducing the risk of SSI. In this study, we analyze the benefit of an electronic alert system for enhancing compliance to preadmission application of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Following informed consent, 100 healthy volunteers in an academic, tertiary care medical center were randomized to 5 chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin application groups: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive applications. Participants were further randomized into 2 subgroups: with or without electronic alert. Skin surface concentrations of CHG (µg/mL) were analyzed using a colorimetric assay at 5 separate anatomic sites. INTERVENTION: Preadmission application of chlorhexidine gluconate, 2% RESULTS: Mean composite skin surface CHG concentrations in volunteer participants receiving EA following 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 applications were 1,040.5, 1,334.4, 1,278.2, 1,643.9, and 1,803.1 µg/mL, respectively, while composite skin surface concentrations in the no-EA group were 913.8, 1,240.0, 1,249.8, 1,194.4, and 1,364.2 µg/mL, respectively (ANOVA, P<.001). Composite ratios (CHG concentration/minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit the growth of 90% of organisms [MIC90]) for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 applications using the 2% CHG cloth were 208.1, 266.8, 255.6, 328.8, and 360.6, respectively, representing CHG skin concentrations effective against staphylococcal surgical pathogens. The use of an electronic alert system resulted in significant increase in skin concentrations of CHG in the 4- and 5-application groups (P<.04 and P<.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest an evidence-based standardized process that includes use of an Internet-based electronic alert system to improve patient compliance while maximizing skin surface concentrations effective against MRSA and other staphylococcal surgical pathogens.

Validação de checklist cirúrgico para prevenção de infecção de sítio cirúrgico / Validation of surgical checklist to prevent surgical site infection

Objetivo Construir e validar checklist cirúrgico para segurança do paciente e prevenção de infecção de sítio cirúrgico. Métodos Pesquisa quantitativa realizada para validar instrumento criado e utilizado em cirurgia segura. O instrumento foi validado por sete peritos. Para concordância entre os juízes utilizou-se o coeficiente de concordância de Kendall e para verificar se a opinião dos juízes diferiu significativamente, o teste de Cochran. O instrumento é validado se houver concordância entre os juízes e a clareza for significante. Resultados Na primeira avaliação do instrumento, obteve-se Kendall de 0,230 para pertinência e 0,390 para clareza, o que implicou em reformulação do checklist. Após a reformulação, obteve-se concordância absoluta para pertinência e não houve diferença significativa para clareza. Com o instrumento validado, foi criado um sistema informatizado para inserção dos dados coletados. Conclusão O instrumento criado foi validado e pode auxiliar na segurança do paciente e prevenção de infecção de sítio cirúrgico.

Objective To design and validate a surgical checklist to improve patient safety and prevent surgical site infection. Methods This quantitative study was carried out to validate an instrument created and used for surgical safety. Seven experts validated the instrument. For agreement among experts, was used Kendall’s concordance coefficient; if their opinions differed significantly, the Cochran’s test was adopted. An instrument is validated when concordance among experts is achieved and its clarity is significant. Results In the first assessment of the instrument, Kendall’s concordance coefficients were 0.230 in terms of pertinence and 0.390 for clarity. These results cauded a reformulation in the checklist. After reformulation, an absolute concordance was achieved for pertinence and no significant difference was seen in terms of clarity. After instrument validation, was created an information system to input data collected. Conclusion The instrument was validated. It can help improve patient safety and prevent surgical site infection.

ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: a continuous infusion of cefazolin versus ampicillin/sulbactam and ertapenem.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of surgical site infection in bariatric patients is significant and the current recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis are sometimes inadequate. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of three prophylactic antibiotic regimens on the incidence of surgical site infection. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2009 and January 2013 in which 896 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses were performed to treat obesity. The study compared three groups of patients according to the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis administered intravenously and beginning at anesthesia induction: Group I consisting of 194 patients treated with two 3-g doses of ampicillin/sulbactam; Group II with 303 patients treated with a single 1-g dose of ertapenem; and Group III with 399 patients treated with a 2-g dose of cefazolin at anesthesia induction followed by a continuous infusion of cefazolin 1g throughout the surgical procedure. The rate of surgical site infection was analyzed, as well as its association with age, sex, preoperative weight, body mass index and comorbidities. RESULTS: The rates of surgical site infection were 4.16% in the group treated prophylactically with ampicillin/sulbactam, 1.98% in the ertapenem group and 1.55% in the continuous cefazolin group. CONCLUSION: The prophylactic use of continuous cefazolin in surgeries for morbid obesity shows very promising results. These findings suggest that some prophylactic regimens need to be reconsidered and even substituted by more effective therapies for the prevention of surgical site infections in bariatric patients.

ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: a continuous infusion of cefazolin versus ampicillin/sulbactam and ertapenem / Antibioticoprofilaxia em cirurgia bariátrica: infusão contínua de cefazolina versus ampicilina/sulbactam e ertapenem

Background The incidence of surgical site infection in bariatric patients is significant and the current recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis are sometimes inadequate. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of three prophylactic antibiotic regimens on the incidence of surgical site infection. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2009 and January 2013 in which 896 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses were performed to treat obesity. The study compared three groups of patients according to the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis administered intravenously and beginning at anesthesia induction: Group I consisting of 194 patients treated with two 3-g doses of ampicillin/sulbactam; Group II with 303 patients treated with a single 1-g dose of ertapenem; and Group III with 399 patients treated with a 2-g dose of cefazolin at anesthesia induction followed by a continuous infusion of cefazolin 1g throughout the surgical procedure. The rate of surgical site infection was analyzed, as well as its association with age, sex, preoperative weight, body mass index and comorbidities. Results The rates of surgical site infection were 4.16% in the group treated prophylactically with ampicillin/sulbactam, 1.98% in the ertapenem group and 1.55% in the continuous cefazolin group. Conclusion The prophylactic use of continuous cefazolin in surgeries for morbid obesity shows very promising results. These findings suggest that some prophylactic regimens need to be reconsidered and even substituted by more effective therapies for the prevention of surgical site infections in bariatric patients. .

Contexto A incidência de infecção de sítio cirúrgico em pacientes bariátricos é significativa e as recomendações atuais para a profilaxia antibiótica são por vezes inadequadas. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o efeito de três esquemas de antibióticos profiláticos sobre a incidência de infecção de sítio cirúrgico. Método Estudo prospectivo, transversal, foi realizado entre janeiro de 2009 e janeiro de 2013, em que 896 derivações gástricas em Y de Roux foram realizadas para tratar a obesidade. O estudo comparou três grupos de pacientes de acordo com a profilaxia antibiótica administrada no perioperatória por via intravenosa, iniciada na indução anestésica: Grupo I constituído de 194 pacientes tratados com duas doses de 3 g de ampicilina/sulbactam; Grupo II com 303 pacientes tratados com uma única dose de 1 g de ertapenem; e Grupo III com 399 pacientes tratados com uma dose de 2 g de cefazolina no momento da indução da anestésica seguida de uma infusão contínua de cefazolina 1 g durante o procedimento cirúrgico. A taxa de infecção de sítio cirúrgico foi analisada, bem como a sua associação com a idade, sexo, peso pré-operatório, o índice de massa corporal e comorbidades. Resultados As taxas de infecção do sítio cirúrgico foram de 4,16% no grupo tratado profilaticamente com ampicilina/sulbactam, 1,98% no grupo de ertapenem e 1,55% no grupo de cefazolina contínua. Conclusão O uso profilático de cefazolina contínua em cirurgias para obesidade mórbida apresenta resultados muito promissores. Estes resultados sugerem que alguns regimes profiláticos precisam ser reconsiderados e até mesmo substituídos por terapias mais eficazes para a prevenção de infecções de sítio cirúrgico em pacientes bariátricos. .

Antibiotic prophylaxis in bariatric surgery with continuous infusion of cefazolin: determination of concentration in adipose tissue.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of cefazolin in adipose tissue of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: Eighteen patients undergoing bariatric surgery were evaluated during the period from October 2011 to May 2012. All patients had a dosage schedule of antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin administered as follows: first, 2 g in anesthetic induction, followed by continuous infusion of 1 g diluted in 250 ml of saline solution. Adipose samples, collected soon after the incision (initial) and before the skin synthesis (final), were analyzed using reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. The level of significance adopted was 5 %. RESULTS: The cefazolin concentration in the adipose tissue samples at the beginning of surgery was an average of 6.66 ± 2.56 ug/ml. The mean concentration before the skin synthesis was 7.93 ± 2.54 ug/ml. Patients with BMI < 40 kg/m(2) had higher initial and final sample concentrations of cefazolin than patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2). There was no surgical site infection (SSI) in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In bariatric surgeries, addition of a 1 g increase of cefazolin, administered through continuous intravenous infusion, to the currently recommended dose of 2 g administered in anesthetic induction provided a concentration in the adipose tissue above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the main causal agents of SSI. An inverse correlation between BMI and concentration of cefazolin in adipose tissue was observed.

Revision surgery for treatment of weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate results on revision surgery for weight regain after gastric bypass, based on surgical technique and follow-up. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 29 patients who presented weight regain on follow-up after more than 5 years, divided into four groups according to revision surgery type: group 1 (n = 9) includes patients who underwent an increase in the length of the alimentary limb to 200 cm; group 2 (n = 13) are patients who underwent an increase in the length of the alimentary limb and placing of a silicon ring; group 3 (n = 2) are patients who underwent an increase in the length of the alimentary limb and gastric plication, and group 4 (n = 5) are patients who underwent gastric plication and placing of a silicon ring. RESULTS: The average preoperative weight before revision surgery was 117.8 kg, and the average postoperative follow-up for revision surgery was 13.7 months. Weight loss after revision surgery was observed in all groups but was greater in patients with longer revisional postoperative follow-up. Patients who underwent placing of a silicon ring presented greater weight loss than those who had had such a band since the original gastric bypass operation. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that revision surgery may be a useful tool in achieving weight loss in patients presenting weight regain following gastric bypass, obesity, bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, weight regain, and revision surgery.

Food tolerance in patients submitted to gastric bypass: the importance of using an integrated and interdisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: Under the restrictive component, patients undergoing gastric bypass may have food intolerance with or without complications. METHODS: This study used quantitative, analytical, observational methodology with patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass without the placement of a ring at Hospital Universitário do Rio Grande do Norte in the city of Natal, Brazil between July 2005 and August 2010. Out of 176 patients monitored after surgery by the interdisciplinary team, 47 took part in the study. Two questionnaires were applied to participants: one elaborated by Suter et al. and previously validated for assessment of food tolerance and another to characterize schooling and socioeconomic status. Evaluation of food tolerance considered patient satisfaction with eating, most accepted food types, and frequency of vomiting and/or regurgitation. After application of the first questionnaire, a score was generated, characterizing food intolerance. RESULTS: Of the 47 patients evaluated, 85.1% classified their degree of food satisfaction as good or excellent. Red meat was the most cited as being difficult to ingest (38.3%), representing a significant impact on overall tolerance level (P < 0.001); 48.9% of participants exhibited rare episodes of vomiting, which resulted in a mean food tolerance score of 23.02 (2.87 ± SD). Moreover, socioeconomic status showed a significant correlation with tolerance level (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of food tolerance observed in the study sample was better than that obtained in other investigations using similar methodology. The questionnaire proved to be useful in evaluating food quality and comparing postoperative results. Socioeconomic status was correlated with food tolerance level.

Prediction of severe complications and death in superobese patients undergoing open gastric bypass with the Recife Score.

CONTEXT: Superobese patients who undergo gastric bypass have a greater incidence of complications. The greater incidence of comorbidity in this group leads to a higher surgical risk, and a need for special care. By analyzing the risk factors identified in the preoperative period, scoring them, constructing a score and assessing the occurrence of serious complications and death, we will have elements to identify which patients are at greater risk. OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of the Recife Score for predicting serious postoperative complications and death in superobese patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery by the conventional method. METHODS: An ambidirectional study was conducted to validate the diagnostic test on 203 severely obese patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil, from September 1997 to May 2007. The dependent variables were major postoperative complications and death. The independent variable was the Recife Score. The data were analyzed using the Epi-Info 3.5.1 program. The accuracy of the Recife Score was analyzed considering the following parameters: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive verisimilitude ratio and negative verisimilitude ratio. RESULTS: The accuracy of the Recife Score with cut-off points higher than 3 and higher than 5 to predict serious postoperative complications was, respectively, a frequency of complications of 12.3%, with a risk ratio of 2.83, sensitivity of 57.1% and specificity of 69.8%, and 12.5%, with a risk ratio of 1.88, sensitivity of 7.1% and specificity of 96.3%. The accuracy of the Recife Score with cut-off points higher than 3 and higher than 5 to predict death was, respectively, a frequency of death of 7.7%, with a risk ratio of 10.62, sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 69.5%, and 12.5%, with a risk ratio of 4.88, sensitivity of 16.7% and specificity of 96.5%. CONCLUSION: A Recife Score >3 prior to conventional gastric bypass presents a high level of accuracy in the prediction of serious postoperative complications and death.

Influence of the inversion of the portal/splenic vein diameter in the results of the surgical treatment of schistossomotic portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morbidity and mortality in surgical treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension in patients with inversion of the Portal/Splenic Vein diameter ratio. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients undergoing surgical treatment of portal hypertension in the period between September 1993 and January 2004. The study population was divided into two groups: a) Inversion--splenic vein diameter greater than or equal to portal vein's--and b) control group (portal vein diameter greater than the splenic vein's). Statistical comparisons used the Student t test for averages difference, chi-square test for proportions difference and Fisher's exact test for small samples. RESULTS: 169 patients were analyzed, with follow-up averaging 23.6 months. Twenty-one patients (12.4%) had splenic vein caliber greater of equal than the portal vein's (Inversion--study group). The mean preoperative diameter of the portal and splenic veins were respectively 1.49 and 1.14 cm in the control group, and 0.98 versus 1.07 cm in the inversion group. The portal vein diameter was significantly higher in the control group when compared to the inversion group (p <0.05). Varices in the gastric fundus were found in 33.3% of the inversion group and in 38.5% of patients in the control group. Postoperative rebleeding occurred in 23.1% of patients in the inversion group and in 13.4% of the control group ones (p > 0.05). In the postoperative evaluation with Doppler ultrasonography of portal vessels, no cases of portal vein thrombosis were observed in the inversion group, whilst in the control group portal thrombosis was identified in 16.9% of the patients (p <0.05). Death occurred in one (4.8%) individual from the inversion group; mortality was 4.1% in the control group (p>0.05). The mean serum level of platelets was significantly lower (65,950/mm²) in the inversion group than in the controls (106,647/mm²) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the reversal of portal/splenic vein caliber ratio does not represent a contraindication to surgical treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension.

Prediction of severe complicatons and death in superobese patients undergoing open gastric bypass with the Recife Score / Previsão de complicações graves e de morte em pacientes superobesos submetidos a gastroplastia em Y-de-Roux com utilização do Escore do Recife

CONTEXT: Superobese patients who undergo gastric bypass have a greater incidence of complications. The greater incidence of comorbidity in this group leads to a higher surgical risk, and a need for special care. By analyzing the risk factors identified in the preoperative period, scoring them, constructing a score and assessing the occurrence of serious complications and death, we will have elements to identify which patients are at greater risk. OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of the Recife Score for predicting serious postoperative complications and death in superobese patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery by the conventional method. METHODS: An ambidirectional study was conducted to validate the diagnostic test on 203 severely obese patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil, from September 1997 to May 2007. The dependent variables were major postoperative complications and death. The independent variable was the Recife Score. The data were analyzed using the Epi-Info 3.5.1 program. The accuracy of the Recife Score was analyzed considering the following parameters: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive verisimilitude ratio and negative verisimilitude ratio. RESULTS: The accuracy of the Recife Score with cut-off points higher than 3 and higher than 5 to predict serious postoperative complications was, respectively, a frequency of complications of 12.3 percent, with a risk ratio of 2.83, sensitivity of 57.1 percent and specificity of 69.8 percent, and 12.5 percent, with a risk ratio of 1.88, sensitivity of 7.1 percent and specificity of 96.3 percent. The accuracy of the Recife Score with cut-off points higher than 3 and higher than 5 to predict death was, respectively, a frequency of death of 7.7 percent, with a risk ratio of 10.62, sensitivity of 83.3 percent and specificity of 69.5 percent, and 12.5 percent, with a risk ratio of 4.88, sensitivity of 16.7 percent and specificity of 96.5 percent. CONCLUSION: A Recife Score >3 prior to conventional gastric bypass presents a high level of accuracy in the prediction of serious postoperative complications and death.

CONTEXTO: Pacientes superobesos submetidos a gastroplastia apresentam maior incidência de complicações. Alto risco cirúrgico decorre da maior incidência de comorbidades nesse grupo, levando à necessidade de cuidados especiais. Analisando os fatores de risco identificados no pré-operatório, pontuando-os, construindo um escore e avaliando a ocorrência de complicações graves e óbito, serão fornecidos elementos para identificar quais os pacientes de maior risco. OBJETIVO: Determinar a precisão do Escore de Recife para predição de complicações pós-operatórias graves e óbito em pacientes superobesos submetidos a cirurgia de derivação gástrica em Y-de-Roux por via convencional. MÉTODOS: Estudo ambidirecional foi realizado para validação de teste diagnóstico em 203 pacientes superobesos submetidos a derivação gástrica em Y-de-Roux no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, no período de setembro de 1997 a maio de 2007. As variáveis dependentes foram as complicações pós-operatórias graves e o óbito. A variável independente foi o Escore de Recife. A análise dos dados foi realizada utilizando-se o programa Epi-Info 3.5.1. A análise de precisão do Escore de Recife contemplou os seguintes parâmetros: sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo, razão de verossimilhança positiva e razão de verossimilhança negativa. RESULTADOS: A precisão do Escore de Recife com pontos de corte maior que 3 e maior que 5 para predição de complicações pós-operatórias graves foi, respectivamente, frequência de complicações de 12,3 por cento, com razão de risco de 2,83, sensibilidade de 57,1 por cento e especificidade de 69,8 por cento, e de 12,5 por cento, com razão de risco de 1,88, sensibilidade de 7,1 por cento e especificidade de 96,3 por cento. A precisão do Escore de Recife com ponto de corte maior que 3 e maior que 5 para predição de óbito foi, respectivamente, frequência de óbito de 7,7 por cento, com razão de risco de 10,62, sensibilidade de 83,3 por cento e especificidade de 69,5 por cento, e de 12,5 por cento, com razão de risco de 4,88, sensibilidade de 16,7 por cento e especificidade de 96,5 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: A pontuação >3 no Escore do Recife no pré-operatório de gastroplastia por via convencional apresenta elevada precisão para predição de complicação pós-operatória grave e óbito.

Atividade mioelétrica do intestino delgado de cães submetidos à oclusão parcial da veia porta / Myoelectric activity of the small bowel of dogs submitted to partial occlusion of the portal vein

RACIONAL: A oclusão temporária da veia porta causa estase esplâncnica e pode causar dismotilidade intestinal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações da atividade mioelétrica e da histologia do intestino delgado, além da pressão arterial média (PAM), frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão venosa central (PVC) e pressão portal (PP), na fase de pré-oclusão e de oclusão portal. MÉTODO: Realizou-se anestesia geral em seis cães, seguido de monitorização da PAM, FC e PVC, laparotomia, aferição da PP, fixação de três pares de eletrodos na parede intestinal, biópsias jejunais e oclusão parcial da veia porta, sendo programado aumento da PP entre 2,5 e 3 vezes. Os eletrodos foram conectados a um microcomputador com software de aquisição para armazenamento e análise da atividade mioelétrica, cujo registro ocorreu nos 30 minutos da fase de pré-oclusão e nos 60 minutos de oclusão. Determinouse a variância e a média do RMS (root mean square) da atividade mioelétrica. RESULTADOS: Na fase de oclusão, houve diminuição significativa da média do RMS e aumento da frequência de hemorragia da lâmina própria, sendo proporcional ao tempo de estase.Infiltrado inflamatório, dilatação vascular e desprendimento epitelial não apresentaram diferença entre as duas fases. Durante a estase, PAM, FC e PVC diminuíram (p=0,326; 0,375 e 0,008; respectivamente), e PP aumentou (p=0,015). CONCLUSÃO: A oclusão parcial da veia porta de cães promoveu diminuição da atividade mioelétrica e aumento da frequência percentual da hemorragia da lâmina própria, além de queda da PVC.

BACKGROUND: Temporary occlusion of the portal vein causes splancnic venous stasis and intestinal disfunction, that can produce alterations in the motility, and this fact is not vastly known. AIM: To evaluate the small bowel myoelectric activity and histology in the six dogs, also covering mean arterial blood pressure (AP), pulse rate (PR), central venous pressure (CVP) e portal pressure (PP), in two phases: pre-occlusion and occlusion. METHODS: It was done general anesthesia, invasive monitorization of the AP, PR e CVP, laparotomy, measure of the PP, fixation of the three pairs of electrodes in the intestinal wall, jejunal biopsy and parcial occlusion of the portal vein, being programmed the increase of the PP between 2.5 and 3 times baseline. Electrodes were connected to a computer system that captured electrical signals from the intestine. The computer has a software of acquisition to store and analyse the myoelectric activity after registering, what happened in 30 minutes of the pre-occlusion phase and in 60 minutes of occlusion. The variance and the mean RMS(root mean square) of the myoeletric activity were determined. The statistical analysis was done with Friedman, Dunn, Cochran and Students t tests. RESULTS: Mean RMS of myoeletric activity showed significant decrease in the phase of portal occlusion, in comparison to preocclusion phase. The frequency of hemorrhage of the lamina propria was major during occlusion. It was proportional at stasis time, with significant difference between the preocclusion and the occlusion of 60 minutes. Inflammatory infiltration, vascular dilation and epithelial detachment did not show any differences between two phases. During the stasis, AP, PR and CVP decreased (p=0,326; 0,375 e 0,008, respectively), and PP increased(p=0,015). CONCLUSIONS: Parcial occlusion of the portal vein produced reduction of the myoeletric activity and elevation of the percentage frequency of hemorrhage in lamina propria, and a fall of CVP, with relative hemodynamic stabilization.

Influência da inversão do diâmetro veia porta/veia esplênica nos resultados do tratamento cirúrgico da hipertensão portal esquistossomótica / Influence of the inversion of the portal/splenic vein diameter in the results of the surgical treatment of schistossomotic portal hypertension

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a morbidade e a mortalidade no tratamento cirúrgico da hipertensão portal esquistossomótica em pacientes portadores de inversão do diâmetro entre a veia porta e veia esplênica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal retrospectivo, de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da hipertensão no período entre setembro de 1993 e Janeiro de 2004. A população do estudo foi distribuída em dois grupos: a) Inversão - calibre da veia esplênica maior ou igual ao da veia porta) e b) grupo controle (calibre da veia porta maior que o da veia esplênica). Na análise estatística foram utilizados o teste t de student para diferença de médias, quiquadrado para diferença de proporções e o exato de Fisher para amostras reduzidas. RESULTADOS: 169 pacientes foram analisados com seguimento pós-operatório médio de 23,6 meses. 21 pacientes (12,4 por cento) apresentavam a veia esplênica de igual ou maior calibre que a veia porta (Inversão - grupo de estudo). A média dos diâmetros pré-operatórios das veias porta e esplênica foram, respectivamente, 1,49/1,14cm no grupo controle, e 0,98/1,07cm no grupo de inversão. O diâmetro da veia porta foi significativamente maior no grupo controle quando comparado ao grupo de inversão (p<0,05). A presença de varizes de fundo gástrico foi identificada em 33,3 por cento do grupo de inversão e em 38,5 por cento dos pacientes do grupo controle. Recidiva hemorrágica pós-operatória ocorreu em 23,1 por cento dos pacientes do grupo de inversão e em 13,4 por cento no grupo controle (p>0,05). Na avaliação pós-operatória com ultrassonografia Doppler de vasos portais, não houve casos de trombose portal no grupo de inversão, e no grupo controle a trombose portal foi identificada em 16,9 por cento dos pacientes (p<0,05). O óbito ocorreu em um (4,8 por cento) paciente do grupo inversão, e a mortalidade foi de 4,1 por cento no grupo controle (p>0,05). A média do nível sérico de plaquetas foi significativamente menor (65.950/mm□) no grupo de inversão do que no grupo controle (106.647/mm□) (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a inversão do calibre veia porta/esplênica não representa uma contraindicação ao tratamento cirúrgico da hipertensão portal esquistossomótica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morbidity and mortality in surgical treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension in patients with inversion of the Portal/Splenic Vein diameter ratio. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients undergoing surgical treatment of portal hypertension in the period between September 1993 and January 2004. The study population was divided into two groups: a) Inversion - splenic vein diameter greater than or equal to portal vein's - and b) control group (portal vein diameter greater than the splenic vein's). Statistical comparisons used the Student t test for averages difference, chi-square test for proportions difference and Fisher's exact test for small samples. RESULTS: 169 patients were analyzed, with follow-up averaging 23.6 months. Twenty-one patients (12.4 percent) had splenic vein caliber greater of equal than the portal vein's (Inversion - study group). The mean preoperative diameter of the portal and splenic veins were respectively 1.49 and 1.14 cm in the control group, and 0.98 versus 1.07 cm in the inversion group. The portal vein diameter was significantly higher in the control group when compared to the inversion group (p <0.05). Varices in the gastric fundus were found in 33.3 percent of the inversion group and in 38.5 percent of patients in the control group. Postoperative rebleeding occurred in 23.1 percent of patients in the inversion group and in 13.4 percent of the control group ones (p> 0.05). In the postoperative evaluation with Doppler ultrasonography of portal vessels, no cases of portal vein thrombosis were observed in the inversion group, whilst in the control group portal thrombosis was identified in 16.9 percent of the patients (p <0.05). Death occurred in one (4.8 percent) individual from the inversion group; mortality was 4.1 percent in the control group (p>0.05). The mean serum level of platelets was significantly lower (65,950/mm□) in the inversion group than in the controls (106,647/mm□) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the reversal of portal/splenic vein caliber ratio does not represent a contraindication to surgical treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension.

Gastric bypass in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m2.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and class I obesity, which are pandemics of considerable socioeconomic importance, require new treatment modalities due to inadequate control through normal clinical conduct. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in the control of T2DM in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 35 kg/m(2). METHODS: An observational, retrospective study was carried out at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco-Brazil. Between 2002 and 2008, 27 patients were submitted to RYGB for the treatment of uncontrolled T2DM, with a mean follow-up period of 20 months. An assessment was performed of the complete resolution of T2DM [HbA(1c) < 6%/fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 100 mg/dL/no diabetes medication] and glycemic control. The ethics committee of the university approved the study. RESULTS: RYGB led to the following results: (1) 23% weight reduction (p < 0.001), BMI stabilized at 25.6 kg/m(2) in a mean of 12 months; (2) 46% reduction in glycemia and 27% reduction in HbA(1c) (p < 0.001); (3) 100% improvement in glycemia and 48% resolution of T2DM; (4) glycemic control was 74% without medication and 93% with medication and five patients required medication in addition to RYGB; (5) mean current FPG is 93 mg/dL and HbA(1c) is 6%; and (6) there were no severe complications or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB is a safe and effective option in the treatment of uncompensated T2DM associated to class I obesity.

Analysis of plasma citrulline and intestinal morphometry in mice with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertension in the mucosa of the intestine and the presence of granulomas in the wall of this organ can alter digestive function in patients with schistosomiasis. Citrulline is a potential marker of intestinal function in some diseases that affect the morphometry of the mucosa because of its close association with enterocytes. The aims of the present study were to determine serum citrulline concentrations in mice with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, analyze the morphologic repercussions for the mucosa of the small intestine, correlate citrulline concentrations with morphometric changes in the intestinal mucosa, and evaluate the effect of splenectomy on citrulline concentration. METHODS: After approval from the local ethics committee, 46 adult female albino Swiss mice were divided into two groups: Control (23 healthy mice) and experimental (23 mice with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis). Blood samples were collected for the analysis of plasma citrulline before and after splenectomy. A segment of the jejunum was resected for morphometric analysis. RESULTS: The average body mass in the control group was greater than that in the experimental group (p = 0.00062). The average citrulline concentration in the control group was greater than that in the experimental group both before and after splenectomy (p < 0.001). In the experimental group, the villi had less height and area, and there was a smaller perimeter of the mucosal surface (p = 0.003, <0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). There was a direct correlation between citrulline concentration and the height and area of the villi (p = 0.003 and 0.04, respectively). There was no correlation between citrulline concentration and the perimeter of the surface of the jejunal mucosa. After splenectomy, there was a reduction in the mean citrulline concentration in the experimental group (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Serum citrulline concentrations were reduced in mice with schistosomiasis, and a direct correlation was found between the citrulline concentration and the morphometry of the jejunal villi. Moreover, there was a reduction in the plasma concentration of citrulline after splenectomy.

Efeito da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica: relato de caso de paciente com síndrome hepato-pulmonar em lista de espera para transplante hepático / Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy: case report of patient with hepato-pulmonary syndrome on waiting list for liver transplantation

INTRODUÇÃO: As doenças hepáticas apresentam índices de morbidade e mortalidade elevados e quando em estágio avançado têm o transplante do fígado como forma de tratamento potencialmente curativo e eficaz, embora este não possa ser oferecido a todos os pacientes. Isso faz com que essas doenças sejam consideradas problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Os cuidados clínicos para manter o paciente com condições de esperar e suportar o transplante continua um desafio. RELATO DO CASO: Mulher com 65 anos de idade, procedente do Recife, com diagnóstico de cirrose hepática secundária a vírus C apresentava dispnéia importante aos mínimos esforços tendo PaO2 de repouso de 60 mmHg e O2 de 90

, com espirometria normal. Realizou eco-Doppler que evidenciou shunt pulmonar importante. Durante a triagem em lista de transplante (MELD de 16 em agosto de 2006) foi optado pelo início de sessões de oxigenioterapia em câmara hiperbárica a fim de melhorar a sintomatologia respiratória da síndrome hepato-pulmonar. Apresentava melhora substancial da tolerância ao exercício após a terapia hiperbárica, assim como os valores do PaO2 à gasometria. Realizou 10 sessões de oxigenioterapia em câmara hiperbárica. Realizou transplante hepático em outubro de 2007 e vem em acompanhamento ambulatorial com boa evolução e melhora substancial da dispnéia. CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se melhora da condição hepato-pulmonar após oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Desta forma, ela surge como mais uma ferramenta para o tratamento das doenças hepáticas, devendo ser realizados outros estudos que avaliem sua utilização clínica.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive impairment of liver function in hepatic cirrhosis is a major medical problem with limited therapeutic approaches, and liver transplantation is the only effective therapy. Reports of alternatives for liver function improvement on patients awaiting liver transplantation may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy. CASE REPORT: A 65-year old woman had diagnosis of hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis during treatment for breast cancer. In addition to liver failure and a MELD of 16, the patient presented hypoxemia with a PaO2 of 60 mmHg, and further evaluation with eco-Doppler revealed a hepatopulmonary syndrome. Clinical improvement was attempted with hyperbaric oxygeniotherapy, and substantial clinical and laboratorial improvement was acheived after 10 sessions, with significant improvement on cyanosis and arterial gas values. CONCLUSION: Oxygen therapy was effective in the improvement of dyspnea and hypoxemia secondary to hepatopulmonary syndrome in a patient with liver cirrhosis indicated for liver transplantation. The positive results of this treatment suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help on improvement of symptoms of hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Treatment of ring slippage after gastric bypass: long-term results after endoscopic dilation with an achalasia balloon (with videos).

BACKGROUND: Silastic rings are used in gastric bypass procedures for the treatment of obesity, but ring slippage may lead to gastric pouch outlet stenosis (GPOS). Conventional management has been ring removal through abdominal surgery. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel, safe, minimally invasive, endoscopic technique for the treatment of GPOS caused by ring slippage after gastric bypass. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Federal University of Pernambuco and São Paulo University. PATIENTS: This study involved 39 consecutive patients who were screened for inclusion. INTERVENTION: Endoscopic dilation with an achalasia balloon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Technical success and safety of the procedure. RESULTS: Among the 39 patients, 35 underwent endoscopic dilation at the ring slippage site for the relief of GPOS. The 4 patients who did not undergo endoscopic dilation underwent surgical removal of the ring, based on the exclusion criteria. The endoscopic approach was successful in 1 to 4 sessions in 100% of cases with radioscopic control (n = 12). The duration of the procedures ranged from 5 to 30 minutes, and the average internment was 14.4 hours. Dilation promoted either rupture (65.7%) or stretching (34.3%) of the thread within the ring, thereby increasing the luminal diameter of the GPOS. Complications included self-limited upper digestive tract hemorrhage (n = 1) and asymptomatic ring erosion (n = 4). There were no recurrences of obstructive symptoms during the follow-up period (mean of 33.3 months). LIMITATIONS: This was not a randomized, comparison study, and the number of patients was relatively small. CONCLUSION: The technique described promotes the relief of GPOS with low overall morbidity and avoids abdominal reoperation for ring removal.