Harmonizing Definitions and Perspectives in Extreme Liver Surgery: A Delphi Experts Consensus.

OBJECTIVE: To propose to our community a common language about extreme liver surgery. BACKGROUND: The lack of a clear definition of extreme liver surgery prevents convincing comparisons of results among centers. METHODS: We used a two-round Delphi methodology to quantify consensus among liver surgery experts. For inclusion in the final recommendations, we established a consensus when the positive responses (agree and totally agree) exceeded 70%. The study steering group summarized and reported the recommendations. In general, a five-point Likert scale with a neutral central value was used, and in a few cases multiple choices. Results are displayed as numbers and percentages. RESULTS: A two-round Delphi study was completed by 38 expert surgeons in complex hepatobiliary surgery. The surgeon´s median age was 58 years old (52-63) and the median years of experience was 25 years (20-31). For the proposed definitions of total vascular occlusion, hepatic flow occlusion and inferior vein occlusion, the degree of agreement was 97%, 81% and 84%, respectively. In situ approach (64%) was the preferred, followed by ante situ (22%) and ex situ (14%). Autologous or cadaveric graft for hepatic artery or hepatic vein repair were the most recommended (89%). The use of veno-venous bypass or portocaval shunt revealed the divergence depending on the case. Overall, 75% of the experts agreed with the proposed definition for extreme liver surgery. CONCLUSION: Obtaining a consensus on the definition of extreme liver surgery is essential to guarantee the correct management of patients with highly complex hepatobiliary oncological disease. The management of candidates for extreme liver surgery involves comprehensive care ranging from adequate patient selection to the appropriate surgical strategy.

Falciform ligament tubular graft for mesenteric-portal vein reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein resection and reconstruction in locally advanced pancreatic cancer represents a potentially curative treatment in selected patients without increasing surgical mortality. However, vascular reconstruction after segmental venous resection is challenging. The parietal peritoneum has emerged as a venous substitute but few reports include its use as a tubular graft. We report a retrospective series of portal vein reconstruction using a falciform ligament tubular graft during pancreaticoduodenectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Technical aspects and short-term morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy with falciform ligament tubular graft interposition were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 21 patients who used parietal peritoneum for venous substitution between 2015 and 2019, eight underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous resection and reconstruction using interposition of falciform ligament tubular graft. The mean duration of surgery and clamping time were 350 and 27 min, respectively. No perioperative blood transfusion was required. All the grafts were patent the day after surgery. No complication related to venous obstruction was detected during the hospital stay. Two patients had postoperative pancreatic fistula. No further intervention was needed. The 90-day mortality was null. CONCLUSIONS: The use of interposition of falciform ligament tubular graft for portal venous reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy seems to be a reliable, inexpensive, and safe procedure.

Complete and partial replacement of the inferior vena cava with autologous peritoneum in cancer surgery.

Resection of the inferior vena cava may be required in the courses of oncological surgeries for the tumors originating from or invading it. Management of the remaining defect depends on the extension of the resection. Partial or complete replacement of the inferior vena cava, with a patch or interposition graft, may be required. Standard techniques for the reconstruction with a prosthetic material or the autologous veins can be associated with the prosthetic graft infection, high cost, long-standing anticoagulation, technical difficulties, and/or need for extra incisions. The use of the autologous peritoneum represents an easy and inexpensive alternative for the partial and complete inferior vena cava reconstructions.

Ischemic versus pharmacologic hepatic preconditioning.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury has a significant impact on liver resection and transplantation. Many strategies have been developed to reduce the effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury, including pharmacologic and ischemic preconditioning; however, studies comparing these two methods are lacking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed in a swine model. Eighteen swine were randomly assigned to three different groups: an ischemic preconditioning (IschPC) group, a pharmacologic preconditioning (PharmPC) group, and a control group. All animals underwent a 40-min liver ischemia, followed by 40 min of reperfusion. The IschPC group received a short period of ischemia (10 min) and a short period of reperfusion (15 min) before prolonged ischemia. The PharmPC group received inhaled sevoflurane for 30 min before prolonged ischemia. The control group did not receive any intervention before prolonged ischemia. Blood samples and liver tissue were obtained after ischemic and reperfusion periods. Injury was evaluated by measure of DNA damage (using COMET assay) and serum biochemical markers (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bilirubin, and C-reactive protein [CRP]). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in serum biochemical markers, except for the C-reactive protein level that was lower in the PharmPC group than in the control group soon after hepatic ischemia. Soon after prolonged ischemia, DNA damage index, both in blood samples and in liver tissue samples, was similar among the groups. However, an increase in DNA damage after reperfusion was higher in the control group than in the PharmPC group (P < 0.05). The increase in DNA damage in the IschPC group was half of that observed in the control, but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an early protective effect of PharmPC (lower levels of C-reactive protein soon after ischemia). The protective effect observed after reperfusion was higher with PharmPC than with ischemic preconditioning. The simultaneous use of both methods could potentiate protection for ischemia-reperfusion.

Safety of liver resections in obese and overweight patients.

BACKGROUND: The new global epidemic, overweight and obesity, has a significant role in the etiology of liver tumors. However, the impact of body weight on the outcome after liver resection is unknown. METHODS: We carried out a prospective study of 684 patients who underwent liver resections. Patients were stratified according their body mass index (BMI) as follows: normal (<25 kg/m(2)) (52%), overweight (25-29 kg/m(2)) (34%), and obese (≥30 kg/m(2)) (14%), and according to the extent of resection, as either minor or major hepatectomy. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics and outcomes were prospectively studied. The Dindo-Clavien classification of morbidity was used. RESULTS: Overall postoperative morbidity and morbidity rates were not influenced by BMI. Pulmonary complications were significantly more frequent in obese patients irrespective of the extent of resection. During major resection obese had longer pedicular clamping and more frequently required blood transfusion. After major resection, major morbidity (Dindo-Clavien grade III or more) was more frequent in obese (57%) and overweight (54%) patients than in patients of normal body weight (35%; P < 0.05), including a higher rate of respiratory complications and ascites and longer intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays. Obesity and overweight were independent predictors of major morbidity (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.8 and OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.2, respectively), and obesity was a predictor of the need for blood transfusion (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4-7.9) after major resections. CONCLUSIONS: Obese and overweight patients are at increased risk of potentially life-threatening morbidity after major hepatic resections. Because the risk of mortality is not increased significantly, there is no justification for a compromise in the indication or extent of surgery.

PREVALENCE OF HEPATIC ARTERIAL VARIATIONS WITH IMPLICATIONS IN PANCREATODUODENECTOMY.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the usual surgical option for curative treatment of periampullary cancer and carries a significant mortality. Arterial anomalies of the celiac axis are not uncommon and might lead to iatrogenic lesions or requiring arterial resection/reconstruction in a pancreatoduodenectomy. AIM: Determine the prevalence of arterial variations having implications in pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: Celiac trunk and hepatic arterial system anatomy was retrospectively evaluated in 200 abdominal enhanced computed tomography studies. RESULTS: Normal anatomy of hepatic arterial system was found in 87% of cases. An anomalous right hepatic artery was identified in 13% of cases. In 12 cases there was a substitute right hepatic artery arising from superior mesenteric artery and in two cases an accessory right hepatic artery with similar origin. A hepatomesenteric trunk was identified in seven cases and in five there was a right hepatic artery directly from the celiac trunk. All cases of anomalous right hepatic artery had a route was behind the pancreatic head and then, posteriorly and laterally, to the main portal vein before reaching the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic artery variations, such as anomalous right hepatic artery crossing posterior to the portal vein, are frequently seen (13%). These patients, when undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy, may require a change in the surgical approach to achieve an adequate resection. Preoperative imaging can clearly identify such variations and help to achieve a safer pancreatic head dissection with proper surgical planning.

Extreme liver resections with preservation of segment 4 only.

AIM: To evaluate safety and outcomes of a new technique for extreme hepatic resections with preservation of segment 4 only. METHODS: The new method of extreme liver resection consists of a two-stage hepatectomy. The first stage involves a right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation and induction of left lobe congestion; the second stage involves a left lobectomy. Thus, the remnant liver is represented by the segment 4 only (with or without segment 1, ± S1). Five patients underwent the new two-stage hepatectomy (congestion group). Data from volumetric assessment made before the second stage was compared with that of 10 matched patients (comparison group) that underwent a single-stage right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation. RESULTS: The two stages of the procedure were successfully carried out on all 5 patients. For the congestion group, the overall volume of the left hemiliver had increased 103% (mean increase from 438 mL to 890 mL) at 4 wk after the first stage of the procedure. Hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (i.e., segment 4 ± S1) was higher than that of segments 2 and 3 (144% vs 54%, respectively, P < 0.05). The median remnant liver volume-to-body weight ratio was 0.3 (range, 0.28-0.40) before the first stage and 0.8 (range, 0.45-0.97) before the second stage. For the comparison group, the rate of hypertrophy of the left liver after right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation was 116% ± 34%. Hypertrophy rates of segments 2 and 3 (123% ± 47%) and of segment 4 (108% ± 60%, P > 0.05) were proportional. The mean preoperative volume of segments 2 and 3 was 256 ± 64 cc and increased to 572 ± 257 cc after right hepatectomy. Mean preoperative volume of segment 4 increased from 211 ± 75 cc to 439 ± 180 cc after surgery. CONCLUSION: The proposed method for extreme hepatectomy with preservation of segment 4 only represents a technique that could allow complete resection of multiple bilateral liver metastases.

FIRST BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES. MODULE 1: PRE-TREATMENT EVALUATION.

BACKGROUND: Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are frequent and potentially fatal event in the evolution of patients with these tumors. AIM: In this module, was contextualized the clinical situations and parameterized epidemiological data and results of the various treatment modalities established. METHOD: Was realized deep discussion on detecting and staging metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as employment of imaging methods in the evaluation of response to instituted systemic therapy. RESULTS: The next step was based on the definition of which patients would have their metastases considered resectable and how to expand the amount of patients elegible for modalities with curative intent. CONCLUSION: Were presented clinical, pathological and molecular prognostic factors, validated to be taken into account in clinical practice.

Prevalence of hepatic arterial variations with implications in pancreatoduodenectomy / Prevalência de variações arteriais hepáticas com implicações em pancreatoduodenectomia

ABSTRACT Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the usual surgical option for curative treatment of periampullary cancer and carries a significant mortality. Arterial anomalies of the celiac axis are not uncommon and might lead to iatrogenic lesions or requiring arterial resection/reconstruction in a pancreatoduodenectomy. Aim: Determine the prevalence of arterial variations having implications in pancreatoduodenectomy. Methods: Celiac trunk and hepatic arterial system anatomy was retrospectively evaluated in 200 abdominal enhanced computed tomography studies. Results: Normal anatomy of hepatic arterial system was found in 87% of cases. An anomalous right hepatic artery was identified in 13% of cases. In 12 cases there was a substitute right hepatic artery arising from superior mesenteric artery and in two cases an accessory right hepatic artery with similar origin. A hepatomesenteric trunk was identified in seven cases and in five there was a right hepatic artery directly from the celiac trunk. All cases of anomalous right hepatic artery had a route was behind the pancreatic head and then, posteriorly and laterally, to the main portal vein before reaching the liver. Conclusions: Hepatic artery variations, such as anomalous right hepatic artery crossing posterior to the portal vein, are frequently seen (13%). These patients, when undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy, may require a change in the surgical approach to achieve an adequate resection. Preoperative imaging can clearly identify such variations and help to achieve a safer pancreatic head dissection with proper surgical planning.

RESUMO Racional: Pancreatoduodenectomia consiste no procedimento cirúrgico usual para tratamento curativo de neoplasias periampulares e apresenta mortalidade significativa. Variações arteriais do tronco celíaco não são incomuns e podem favorecer lesões iatrogênicas ou exigirem realização de ressecção/reconstrução arterial durante pancreatoduodenectomia. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de variações arteriais que apresentam implicações durante pancreatoduodenectomia. Métodos: A anatomia do tronco celíaco e sistema arterial hepático foi investigada retrospectivamente em 200 exames tomográficos contrastados do abdome. Resultados: Anatomia normal do sistema arterial hepático foi observada em 87% dos casos. Presença de uma artéria hepática direita anômala foi identificada em 13%. Em 12 casos houve uma artéria hepática direita substituta originária da artéria mesentérica superior, em dois uma artéria hepática direita acessória com origem similar. Tronco hepaticomesentérico foi identificado em sete casos e em cinco houve uma artéria hepática direita originária diretamente do tronco celíaco. Em todos casos de artéria hepática direita anômala seu curso foi por trás da cabeça do pâncreas e com trajeto passando posteriormente ao tronco da veia porta e após percorrendo sua face lateral direita antes de alcançar o fígado. Conclusões: Variações arteriais hepáticas, como artéria hepática direita anômala com trajeto posterior à veia porta, são frequentes (13%). Nestes pacientes, quando submetidos à pancreatoduodenectomia, pode ser necessária alteração na abordagem cirúrgica para ressecção adequada. Exames de imagem pré-operatórios podem claramente identificar estas variações e auxiliar na realização de dissecção segura da cabeça do pâncreas com adequado planejamento cirúrgico.

FIRST BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES. MODULE 1: PRE-TREATMENT EVALUATION / I CONSENSO BRASILEIRO DE TRATAMENTO MULTIDISCIPLINAR DE METÁSTASE HEPÁTICA COLORRETAIS. MÓDULO 1: AVALIAÇÃO PRÉ-TRATAMENTO

Background : Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are frequent and potentially fatal event in the evolution of patients with these tumors. Aim : In this module, was contextualized the clinical situations and parameterized epidemiological data and results of the various treatment modalities established. Method: Was realized deep discussion on detecting and staging metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as employment of imaging methods in the evaluation of response to instituted systemic therapy. Results : The next step was based on the definition of which patients would have their metastases considered resectable and how to expand the amount of patients elegible for modalities with curative intent. Conclusion : Were presented clinical, pathological and molecular prognostic factors, validated to be taken into account in clinical practice.

Racional : As metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal são evento frequente e potencialmente fatal na evolução de pacientes com estas neoplasias. Objetivo : Neste módulo procurou-se contextualizar esta situação clínica, bem como parametrizar dados epidemiológicos e de resultados das diversas modalidades de tratamento estabelecidas. Método : Foi realizada discussão sobre como detectar e estadiar o câncer colorretal metastático, bem como o emprego dos métodos de imagem na avaliação de resposta ao tratamento sistêmico instituído. Resultado : Fundamentou na definição de quais pacientes teriam suas metástases consideradas ressecáveis e de como se poderia ampliar a gama de pacientes submetidos às modalidades de tratamento ditas de intuito curativo. Conclusão : Foram apresentados os fatores prognósticos clínicos, patológicos e moleculares com validação para serem levados em consideração na prática clínica.

Bacterial translocation: overview of mechanisms and clinical impact.

Bacterial translocation (BT) is a phenomenon in which live bacteria or its products cross the intestinal barrier. Gut translocation of bacteria has been shown in both animal and human studies. BT and its complications have been shown clearly to occur in animal models, but its existence and importance in humans has been difficult to ascertain. We review the mechanisms of BT and its clinical impact based on the current literature.

The "50-50 criteria" on postoperative day 5: an accurate predictor of liver failure and death after hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To standardize the definition of postoperative liver failure (PLF) for prediction of early mortality after hepatectomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The definition of PLF is not standardized, making the comparison of innovations in surgical techniques and the timely use of specific therapeutic interventions complex. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2002, 775 elective liver resections, including 69% for malignancies and 60% major resections, were included in a prospective database. The nontumorous liver was abnormal in 43% with steatosis >30% in 14%, noncirrhotic fibrosis in 43%, and cirrhosis in 12%. The impact of prothrombin time (PT) <50% and serum bilirubin (SB) >50 micromol/L on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5, and 7 was analyzed. RESULTS: The lowest PT level was observed on postoperative day (POD) 1, while the peak of SB was observed on POD 3. These 2 variables tended to return to preoperative values by POD 5. The median interval between hepatectomy and postoperative death was 15 days (range, 5-39 days). Postoperative mortality significantly increased in patients with PT <50% and SB >50 microml/L. The conjunction of PT <50% and SB >50 micromol/L on POD 5 was a strong predictive factor of mortality. In patients with significant morbidity, this "50-50 criteria" was met 3 to 8 days before clinical evidence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: The association of PT <50% and SB >50 microml/L on POD 5 (the 50-50 criteria) was a simple, early, and accurate predictor of more than 50% mortality rate after hepatectomy. This criteria could be identified early enough, before clinical evidence of complications, for specific interventions to be applied in due time.

Right intrahepatic pseudocyst following acute pancreatitis: an unusual location after acute pancreatitis.

The location of a pseudocyst (PC) in the liver is an exceptional event, and intrahepatic PCs are mainly located in the left lobe. We report here a case of right intrahepatic PC following acute pancreatitis associated with cystic (aberrant pancreatic) dystrophy of the duodenal wall (CDDW) and chronic pancreatitis. Morphological assessment (ultrasound, computed tomography [CT] scan, and cholangio-magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) revealed a 10-cm right intrahepatic collection and rupture of the main pancreatic duct. Percutaneous puncture permitted us to detect a high level of amylase in the collection, confirming the diagnosis of intrahepatic PC. Surgical drainage concomitant with pancreatico-duodenectomy for the treatment of CDDW resulted in disappearance of the collection. The mechanism involved in this patient was rupture of the pancreatic duct in the retroperitoneal cavity and erosion reaching the right hepatic parenchyma. Although intrahepatic PCs are rare, the diagnosis of intrahepatic PC complicating acute pancreatitis can be confirmed by a high level of amylase in the collection. Asymptomatic intrahepatic PCs can be treated conservatively, and symptomatic intrahepatic PCs can be managed either transcutaneously or surgically.

Direct bile duct visualization during the preparation of split livers.

The split-liver technique is an important means to alleviating donor shortage. Its development is, at least in part, hindered by the risk of biliary complications, particularly when splitting is performed ex situ. We present a simple technique aimed at improving the identification of the biliary anatomy at the hilar level and the safety of the procedure.

Mortalidade após ressecção hepática: determinação de um fator de risco pós-operatório precoce e eficaz / Mortality rates after hepatic resection: early and effective postoperative risk factor determination

RACIONAL: A definição de insuficiência hepática pós-operatória não é ainda padronizada, dificultando a comparação de inovações em procedimentos hepáticos e tornando complexo o uso de intervenções terapêuticas pós-operatórias. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilidade e acurácia do critério diagnóstico de insuficiência hepática pós hepatectomia utilizando o tempo de protrombina e bilirrubina sérica como preditores da mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 775 hepatectomias eletivas. O fígado não-tumoral foi anormal em 43% dos casos: esteatose >30% em 107 (14%), fibrose em 237 (43%) e cirrose em 94 (12%). Foi analisado o impacto sobre a mortalidade da ocorrência de tempo de protrombina menor que 50% e bilirrubina total sérica maior que 50 μmol/L (critério 50-50) nos dias pós-operatórios 1, 3, 5 e 7. RESULTADOS: A cinética pós-operatória do tempo de protrombina e da bilirrubina sérica foram distintas. O menor nível de tempo de protrombina foi no 1º dia do pós-operatório e o pico de bilirrubina sérica foi no 3º. A tendência ao retorno para valores pré-operatórios destes dois fatores bioquímicos se firmou claramente no 5º dia. A mortalidade operatória global foi de 3,4% (26 pacientes), incluindo 21 (81%) casos com parênquima não tumoral anormal e 20 (77%) após uma hepatectomia maior. O índice de mortalidade foi maior em pacientes com tempo de protrombina <50% ou bilirrubina sérica >50 μmol/L no pós-operatório. A conjunção de tempo de protrombina < 50% e bilirrubina sérica > 50 μmol/L no 5º dia foi fator preditivo de mortalide, a qual atingiu 59% quando esta associação ocorreu. CONCLUSÃO: A partir do 5º dia de pós-operatório, a associação de tempo de protrombina < 50% e bilirrubina sérica > 50 μml/L (3 mg/dL) (critério 50-50) foi preditor prático e acurado de mortalidade após hepatectomia. Propõe-se assim este critério como definição de insuficiência hepática pós-operatória.

BACKGROUND: The definition of postoperative hepatic insufficiency has not yet been standardized, making it difficult to compare innovations concerning hepatic procedures as well as turning the use of postoperative therapeutic interventions a complex task. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of diagnosing hepatic insufficiency post-hepatectomy, using prothrombin and seric bilirubin time as predictors of mortality. METHODS: 775 elective hepatectomies were studied. Non-tumoral spleens were abnormal in 43% of cases studied: stenosis > 30% in 107 (14%), fibrosis in 237 (43%) and cirrhosis in 94 (12%). The impact over mortality with remark to prothrombin time being less than 50% and total seric bilirubin being greater than 50 μmol/L (criteria 50-50) in the postoperative days number 1, 3, 5 and 7, was analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative kinetics regarding prothrombin and seric bilirubin time were distinct. The smallest prothrombin time level occurred in the first postoperative day, whereas seric bilirubin reached its peak in the third day. The tendency of these two biochemical factors to return to preoperative values was sustained in the fifth day. Overall surgical mortality rates were of 3,4% (26 patients), including 21 (81%) cases of abnormal tumor parenchyma and 20 (77%) after major hepatectomy. Mortality rates were higher in patients who presented prothrombin time < 50% or seric bilirubin > 50 μmol/L post surgery. The junction of prothrombin time < 50% and seric bilirubin > 50 μmol/ in the fifth day was a predictive factor for mortality, reaching 59% when this association occurred. CONCLUSION: Beginning from the fifth post surgery day, the association of prothrombin time < 50% and seric bilirubin > 50 μml/L (3 mg/dL) (criteria 50-50) became a practical and accurate predictor of post-hepatectomy mortality. Consequently, this criterion is proposed as a definition of postoperative hepatic insufficiency.

Avaliação de critério pós-operatório de insuficiência hepática como fator prognóstico de mortalidade após hepatectomia: importância da alteração combinada do tempo de protrombina e da bilirrubina sérica / Evaluation of postoperative criteria of liver failure as a prognostic factor of mortality after hepatectomy: importance of the combined alteration of protrombin time and serum bilirubin

INTRODUÇÃO: Não existe definição padronizada de insuficiência hepática pós-operatória (IHP) e seu impacto sobre a mortalidade após hepatectomia ainda não foi esclarecido. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 775 hepatectomias eletivas consecutivas; foi analisado o impacto, sobre a mortalidade, da ocorrência de tempo de protrombina (TP) menor que 50% e bilirrubina total sérica (BT) maior que 50 mol/L (3 mg/dl) nos dias pós-operatórios (PO) 1, 3, 5 e 7. RESULTADOS: Mortalidade global foi de 3,4%, sendo maior em pacientes com um TP < 50% ou BT > 50 mol/L no pós-operatório. A conjunção de TP < 50% e BT > 50 mol/L no quinto PO foi associada à mortalidade operatória de 59% (acurácia 98%) CONCLUSÕES: A associação de TP < 50% e BT > 50 ml/L no quinto PO foi preditor acurado de mortalidade após hepatectomia, de aplicação simples.

INTRODUCTION: There are no standardised definiton of postoperative liver failure (PLF) and its impact on mortality after hepatectomy wasn't yet clarified. METHODS: It was studied 775 sequential and elective hepatectomias; it was analyzed the impact, on mortality, of a prothrombin time (PT) less than 50% and a serum bilirubin (SB) more than 50 mol/L (3 mg/dl) on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5 and 7. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 3.4% and it was increased in patients with postoperative PT < 50% or SB > 50 mol/L. The conjunction of PT < 50% and SB > 50 mol/L on POD 5 was associated to a surgical mortality of 59% (accuracy 98%) CONCLUSIONS: The association of PT < 50% and SB > 50 mol/L on POD 5 was an accurate predictor of mortality after hepatectomy, easily applicable.

Membrana esofágica: apresentaçäo de caso / Esophageal web: case report

Os autores relatam caso de pacientes feminina, de 35 anos, que apresentava disfagia intermitente e emagrecimento havia dois anos. O exame contrastado do esôfago demonstrou estreitamento da luz, sugestivo de membrana esofágica. Realizou-se, entao, a dilataçao endoscópica da membrana, que foi ineficaz. A seguir, optou-se por nova esofagoscopia e ressecçao endoscópica da membrana, com alívio total da sintomatologia. Sao também revisados aspectos da etiologia, manifestaçoes clínicas e manejo das membranas esofágicas.

Hérnias múltiplas da parede abdominal / Multiple simultaneous abdominal wall hernias

Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente adulto portador de hérnias femorais e de Spiegel bilaterais e hérnia umbilical simultâneas, todas de surgimento espontâneo. Apenas um caso semelhante foi encontrado na literatura. Säo abordados aspectos clínicos e diagnósticos de tais situaçöes e ressaltada a raridade do caso

Osteoporose e álcool / Osteoporosis and alcohol

A osteoporose é classificada em primária e secundária (quando é uma manifestação de um processo patológico claramente identificado). Dentre as formas secundárias encontra-se a osteoporose induzida pelo álcool. O álcool torna os pacientes mais suscetíveis a fraturas em decorrência de seus efeitos diretos e indiretos sobre o metabolismo ósseo, bem como em razão de outros efeitos adversos do álcool com alterações no equilíbrio e no sistema nervoso periférico, com maior tendência a quedas. Entretanto, estes efeitos maléficos do álcool não estão presentes quando a ingesta é pequena, casos em que pode haver mesmo um efeito protetor de osteopenia. Os efeitos deletérios do álcool sobre o metabolismo ósseo são, pelo menos em parte, reversíveis através da abstinência, consistindo este o único tratamento específico nesta doença. Neste artigo os autores fazem uma revisão sobre os efeitos diretos e indiretos do álcool no metabolismo ósseo, reversibilidade destes efeitos, influência do sexo, idade e raça dos pacientes, bem como efeitos benéficos do álcool na osteoporose

Colecistite aguda acalculosa / Acalculous acute cholecystitis

Os autores fazem uma revisäo dos aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos da colecistite aguda acalculosa, entidade de alta morbimortalidade e baixo índice de suspeiçäo clínica. Mesmo sendo de origem incerta e pouco frequente, a colecistite aguda acalculosa pode se apresentar de forma letal, o que torna premente um diagnóstico precoce. Várias säo as modalidades diagnósticas capazes de evidenciá-la, a despeito de um quadro clínico pouco sugestivo. A intervençäo cirúrgica é a terapêutica de escolha, interrompendo a história natural dessa afecçäo e melhorando sensivelmente o seu prognóstico