Diagnostic accuracy of perioperative electromyography in the positioning of pedicle screws in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment: a cross-sectional diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate in the conventional techniques of the pedicle screws using triggered screw electromyography (t-EMG), considering different threshold cutoffs: 10, 15, 20 25 mA, for predicting pedicle screw positioning during surgery of the adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: Sixteen patients (4 males, 12 females, average age 16.6 years) were included, with an average curve magnitude of 50 degrees and placement of 226 pedicle screws. Each screw was classified as "at risk for nerve injury" (ARNI) or "no risk for nerve injury" (NRNI) using CT and the diagnostic accuracy of EMG considering different threshold cutoffs (10,15, 20 and 25 mA) in the axial and Sagittal planes for predicting screw positions ARNI was investigated. RESULTS: The EMG exam accuracy, in the axial plane, 90.3% screws were considered NRNI. In the sagittal plane, 81% pedicle screws were considered NRNI. A 1-mA decrease in the EMG threshold was associated with a 12% increase in the odds of the screw position ARNI. In the axial and sagittal planes, the ORs were 1.09 and 1.12, respectively. At every threshold cutoff evaluated, the PPV of EMG for predicting screws ARNI was very low in the different threshold cutoff (10 and 15); the highest PPV was 18% with a threshold cutoff of 25 mA. The PPV was always slightly higher for predicting screws ARNI in the sagittal plane than in the axial plane. In contrast, there was a moderate to high NPV (78-93%) for every cutoff analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: EMG had a moderate to high accuracy for positive predicting value screws ARNI with increase threshold cutoffs of 20 and 25 mA. In addition, showed to be effective for minimizing false-negative screws ARNI in the different threshold cutoffs of the EMG in adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Agreement between Perometry and Sequential Arm Circumference Measurements in Objective Determination of Arm Volume.

BACKGROUND: Limb circumference measurements (CM) and perometry are the preferred methods for objectively measuring arm volume in lymphedema surgery research. Understanding the measurement bias involved in these measuring systems is important to properly interpret and compare studies and their results. METHODS: Arm volumes from 91 patients were measured using sequential girths and the truncated cone formula (CM) and with the use of an automated perometer (perometry). The absolute volume of the largest arm (V), the volume difference between the arms (VD), and the relative difference between them (percentage of excess volume [PEV]) were calculated with both methods. The agreement between methods was assessed by the Pearson's correlation test and the Bland-Altman's method. RESULTS: Correlations were strong for V (r = 0.99), VD (r = 88), and PEV (r = 0.86). Volumes measured by perometry were, on average, 10.6 mL smaller than volumes calculated from CM, while their limits of agreement (LOA) ranged from -202 to 181 mL. The LOA represents the range we could expect the arm volumes measured with the two methods to differ by chance alone, 95% of the times. For VD, LOA was -101 to 141 mL, with a mean difference of 19.9 mL, while PEV had a mean difference of 0.9%, with LOA ranging from -5 to 6.8%. CONCLUSION: There is considerable measurement error between arm volume estimated by perometry and by CM. Volumes calculated with these methods should be compared with caution. Furthermore, we observed an increasingly relevant measurement bias in outcomes that are mathematically derived from arm volumes.

Use of fluorescence imaging during lymphatic surgery: A Delphi survey of experts worldwide.

BACKGROUND: Fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green is increasingly used during lymphedema patient management. However, to date, no guidelines exist on when it should and should not be used or how it should be performed. Our objective was to have an international panel of experts identify areas of consensus and nonconsensus in current attitudes and practices in fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green use during lymphedema surgery patient management. METHODS: A 2-round Delphi study was conducted involving 18 experts in the use of fluorescence imaging during lymphatic surgery, all asked to vote on 49 statements on patient preparation and contraindications (n = 7 statements), indocyanine green dosing and administration (n = 10), fluorescence imaging uses and potential advantages (n = 16), and potential disadvantages and training needs (n = 16). RESULTS: Consensus ultimately was reached on 40/49 statements, including consistent consensus regarding the value of fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green in almost all facets of lymphedema patient management, including early detection, assessing disease extent, preoperative work-up, surgical planning, intraoperative guidance, monitoring short- and longer-term outcomes, quality control, and resident training. All experts felt it was very safe, while 94% felt it should be part of routine care and that indocyanine green was superior to colored dyes and ultrasound. Nonetheless, there also was consensus that limited high-quality evidence remains a barrier to its widespread use and that patients should still be provided with specific information and asked to sign specific consent for both fluorescence imaging and indocyanine green. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence imaging with or without indocyanine green appears to have several roles in lymphedema prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.

Agreement Between Optoelectronic Volumetry and Circumferential Girth Measurements to Diagnose Lymphedema in Patients Submitted to Axillary Radical Lymphadenectomy for Treatment of Cutaneous Melanoma.

Background: To assess the agreement between indirect and optoelectronic volumetries to diagnose lymphedema based on arm volume difference in patients with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for cutaneous melanoma. Methods and Results: Patients were assessed by circumferential girth measurements (truncated cone formula) to determine the upper limb volumes (indirect volumetry) and by optoelectronic volumetry (Perometer®) of affected and control limbs. A diagnosis of lymphedema on each measuring method was defined as an absolute volume difference >200 mL or a relative volume >10%. Forty-six patients with ALND were included. There were no significant differences between the volume means or the mean absolute or relative differences measured by each method. Good correlation was observed between the volume of upper limbs for both the left (r = 0.998) and right (r = 0.985) arms. As for the diagnosis of lymphedema, an absolute volume difference >200 mL determined a prevalence of 28% (13/46) of lymphedema by indirect volumetry and 35% (16/46) by optoelectronics volumetry. The crude diagnostic agreement was 93% with a kappa = 85% (agreement adjusted by chance) between methods. If a 10% increase in the relative volume difference between the arms was used as the diagnostic criterion, prevalence was 20% (9/46) and 22% (10/46), respectively. Conclusion: There is good agreement between perometry and circumferential girth measurements when classifying patients as having a difference between arm volumes >200 mL or 10%, the most frequently used cutoffs to diagnose lymphedema.

Interaction between treatment delivery delay and stage on the mortality from non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the interaction between treatment delay and stage on the mortality from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We performed a survival analysis in a cohort of patients admitted to the reference cancer center. The following data were collected: age, gender, smoking status, tumor staging, type of lung cancer, and time from the date when the patient was diagnosed with cancer to the starting date of effective treatment. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association between potential confounders identified during the study design. After the final adjusted model was determined, tests for interaction among all predictors were performed. RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were met by 359 patients. In the adjusted analysis, delayed treatment delivery was a protective factor for the risk of death, with a crude hazard ratio (HR) =0.75 (0.59-0.97; P=0.02) and an adjusted HR =0.59 (0.46-0.77; P<0.001). However, a statistically significant interaction with mortality was observed between timely treatment and tumor stage. Patients with stage II disease who received delayed treatment had a higher risk of death [HR =3.08 (1.05-9.0; P=0.04)]. On the other hand, stage IV patients who received delayed treatment had a 52% reduction in mortality [HR =0.48 (0.35-0.66; P<0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Stage of disease influenced the association between start of the treatment and mortality, and only the subgroup of stage II patients seemed to benefit from early treatment.

The etiology of extensive pleural effusions with troublesome clinical course among children.

CONTEXT: In São Paulo, pneumonia is the main infectious cause of death among children. Parapneumonic pleural effusion is a possible complication and has to be treated surgically when the patient does not respond to antibiotics. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the etiology of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusions that needed surgical intervention. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital of the University of São Paulo. METHOD: Analysis of 4,000 files on children hospitalized with pneumonia from November 1986 to November 1996 had shown that 115 of these children presented a total of 117 cases of pleural empyema that required surgical procedures. The children's clinical condition was assessed in relation to radiological findings and to their nutrition and immunization status. Previous antimicrobial therapy and pleural effusion bacterioscopy were also evaluated. RESULTS: Streptococcus pneumoniae was the agent found most commonly, as frequently in blood cultures as in pleural effusions. DISCUSSION: Data on vaccination coverage, birth weight and nutritional status are analyzed and compared to other publications. We observed that pleural effusion has a high potential for discomfort, and in most cases it is not a complication of the first pulmonary disease episode. Previous use of antibiotics interfered with culture positivity. The agent most frequently found was Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is in accordance with the findings from other authors. Nonetheless, the antibiotics used to treat the patients after the procedure were the same used in non-complicated pneumonias, which has led us to conclude that the worse outcome in this cases was not due to drug resistance. CONCLUSION: The bacteriological profile in our series of complicated pneumonia cases was similar to what has been described for non-complicated pneumonia cases. Future studies will be necessary to determine why these children presented a worse outcome.

Subatmospheric pressure therapy in the treatment of traumatic soft tissue injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of subatmospheric pressure therapy in the treatment of acute traumatic injuries of the soft tissues, especially in the limbs. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight patients with traumatic wounds were treated by the Center for Complex Wounds in the period from January 2010 to December 2011, and submitted to subatmospheric pressure therapy (SPT). RESULTS: Of the 178 patients who underwent SPT, 129 (72.5%) were male and 49 (27.5%) were aged between 18 and 40 years. Degloving injuries to the limbs were the most common type of traumatic wounds, being responsible for the hospitalization of 83 (46.6%) patients. Mean hospital stay was 17.5 days. A total of 509 procedures were performed (average 2.9 per patient). SPT was used in 287 procedures, 209 (72.8%) on traumatic wounds and 78 (27.2%) of skin grafts. The number of exchanges of the SPT apparel per patient was 1.6 and the mean time of use, 8.5 days. CONCLUSION: SPT significantly reduced morbidity and healing time of injuries when compared with previously performed dressing treatments. The subatmospheric pressure therapy is a useful method in treating acute traumatic wounds, acting as a bridge between the emergency treatment and the final coverage of the skin lesions, being better when compared with more traditional methods of plastic surgery.

Surgical treatment of congenital lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a pathologic condition that results from a disturbance of the lymphatic system, with localized fluid retention and tissue swelling. Primary lymphedema is a congenital disorder, caused by a malformation of lymph vessels or nodes. Major progress has been achieved in the radiologic diagnosis of patients affected by lymphedema. The ideal treatment of the affected limb should restore function and cosmetic appearance. Surgical treatment is an alternative method of controlling chronic lymphedema. Free lymph nodes autologous transplantation is a new approach for lymphatic reconstruction in hypoplastic forms of primary lymphedema. The transferred nodes pump extracellular liquid out of the affected limb and contain germinative cells that improve immune function.

Relato de caso de linfoma anaplásico de células grandes associado a implante mamário em paciente brasileira / Report of a case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with a breast implant in a Brazilian patient

O linfoma anaplásico de células grandes (ALCL) associado a implantes mamários é um distúrbio linfoproliferativo das células T que foi recentemente reconhecido como uma entidade independente na classificação de linfomas da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Apesar do pequeno número de descrições, o número de casos está crescendo rapidamente. Das poucas centenas de casos que foram publicados até agora, muito poucos vieram do Brasil e nenhum foi relatado às autoridades locais. Encontramos um caso recentemente, e acreditamos que seu relato à comunidade local de cirurgia plástica poderá chamar a sua atenção para essa patologia emergente. O prognóstico é muito bom na maior parte dos casos diagnosticados. Contudo, ainda se sabe pouco sobre como e por que os implantes de silicone poderiam desencadear uma resposta linfoide, culminando num ALCL.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder that has recently been recognized as an independent entity in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphomas. Despite the small number of reports to date, the number of cases is rapidly increasing. Of the few hundred cases that have been reported so far, very few came from Brazil and none have been reported to the local authorities. We encountered a case of BIA-ALCL and believe that its report to the local plastic surgery community could raise awareness to this emerging pathology. The prognosis is very good in most of the diagnosed cases. However, little is known about how and why silicone implants could trigger a lymphoid response that results in ALCL.

New technique for dynamic closure of the abdominal wall.

Advances in care of trauma patients and severe abdominal infections are responsible for an increasing number of laparostomies. The management of this entity is complex and several techniques have been described for its treatment. Recently the concept of dynamic closure of the abdominal wall was introduced in the literature with high success rates. The objective of this report is to serve as a foreword for a new approach for the treatment of laparostomy developed at the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo. This is a simple and low cost method, easily performed by a general surgeon. The procedure was also used prophylactically as reinforcement in tight abdominal closures. It is described in detail as well as the results in the first patients. Although promising, refinements and further studies are needed to validate the technique.

[Intestinal intussusception in young adults: literature review]. / Intussuscepção intestinal em adultos jovens: relato de caso e revisão de literatura.

Although intussusception is the main cause of intestinal obstruction in the pediatric population, it is a rare condition in adults, and when it happens, the clinical characteristics differ a lot from the pediatric group. The purpose of this article is to report a case of a 16 years-old male that was seen at the Emergency Room of the University Hospital of São Paulo with an intestinal intussusception as the first clinical presentation of a Burkitt lymphoma. A literature review was carried out and relevant aspects of the case are discussed.

Uso da terapia por pressão subatmosférica em feridas traumáticas agudas / Subatmospheric pressure therapy in the treatment of traumatic soft tissue injuries

OBJETIVO: avaliar a experiência com o emprego de terapia por pressão subatmosférica no tratamento das lesões traumáticas agudas das partes moles, em especial nos membros. MÉTODOS: cento e setenta e oito pacientes com feridas traumáticas foram tratados pelo Centro de Feridas Complexas no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2011 e, submetidos à terapia por pressão subatmosférica. RESULTADOS: dos 178 pacientes submetidos à terapia por pressão subatmosférica, 129 (72,5%) eram do sexo masculino e 49 (27,5%) apresentavam idade entre 18 e 40 anos. Os ferimentos descolantes nos membros foram o tipo de ferida traumática mais comum, sendo responsáveis pela internação de 83 (46,6%) pacientes. O tempo médio de internação hospitalar foi 17,5 dias. Foram realizados 509 procedimentos cirúrgicos (média de 2,9 por paciente). A terapia por pressão subatmosférica foi utilizada em 287 procedimentos, sendo 209 (72,8%) sobre feridas traumáticas e 78 (27,2%) sobre enxertos de pele. O número de trocas de terapia por pressão negativa por paciente foi 1,6 e o tempo médio de utilização foi 8,5 dias por paciente. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados foram considerados satisfatórios, diminuindo consideravelmente a morbidade e o tempo de cicatrização dessas lesões em comparação com tratamentos anteriormente executados como curativos. A terapia por pressão subatmosférica é um método útil no tratamento de feridas agudas traumáticas, atuando como ponte entre o tratamento de urgência e a cobertura cutânea definitiva destas lesões, em comparação com métodos mais tradicionais da cirurgia plástica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of subatmospheric pressure therapy in the treatment of acute traumatic injuries of the soft tissues, especially in the limbs. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight patients with traumatic wounds were treated by the Center for Complex Wounds in the period from January 2010 to December 2011, and submitted to subatmospheric pressure therapy (SPT). RESULTS: Of the 178 patients who underwent SPT, 129 (72.5%) were male and 49 (27.5%) were aged between 18 and 40 years. Degloving injuries to the limbs were the most common type of traumatic wounds, being responsible for the hospitalization of 83 (46.6%) patients. Mean hospital stay was 17.5 days. A total of 509 procedures were performed (average 2.9 per patient). SPT was used in 287procedures, 209 (72.8%) on traumatic wounds and 78 (27.2%) of skin grafts. The number of exchanges of the SPT apparel per patient was 1.6 and the mean time of use, 8.5 days. CONCLUSION: SPT significantly reduced morbidity and healing time of injuries when compared with previously performed dressing treatments. The subatmospheric pressure therapy is a useful method in treating acute traumatic wounds, acting as a bridge between the emergency treatment and the final coverage of the skin lesions, being better when compared with more traditional methods of plastic surgery.

Nova técnica para o fechamento dinâmico da parede abdominal / New technique for dynamic closure of the abdominal wall

Os avanços nos cuidados com o paciente traumatizado e com infecções abdominais graves são responsáveis por um número crescente de peritoneostomias. O manejo desta entidade é complexo e várias técnicas foram descritas para seu tratamento. Recentemente foi introduzido na literatura o conceito de fechamento dinâmico da parede abdominal, com elevadas taxas de sucesso. O objetivo deste trabalho é de servir como nota prévia de uma nova abordagem para o tratamento das peritoneostomias, desenvolvida no Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo. Trata-se de um procedimento simples e de baixo custo, facilmente realizado por cirurgião geral. O procedimento também foi utilizado como reforço em fechamentos abdominais tensos, de maneira profilática. O procedimento é descrito em detalhes, assim como os resultados nos primeiros pacientes. Apesar de promissora, refinamentos técnicos e estudos complementares são necessários para a validação da técnica.

Advances in care of trauma patients and severe abdominal infections are responsible for an increasing number of laparostomies. The management of this entity is complex and several techniques have been described for its treatment. Recently the concept of dynamic closure of the abdominal wall was introduced in the literature with high success rates. The objective of this report is to serve as a foreword for a new approach for the treatment of laparostomy developed at the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo. This is a simple and low cost method, easily performed by a general surgeon. The procedure was also used prophylactically as reinforcement in tight abdominal closures. It is described in detail as well as the results in the first patients. Although promising, refinements and further studies are needed to validate the technique.

Intussuscepção intestinal em adultos jovens: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Intestinal intussusception in young adults: literature review

Embora sejam a principal causa de obstrução intestinal na população pediátrica, intussuscepções intestinais são eventos raros em adultos e quando acontecem, têm características clínicas diferentes dos seus equivalentes em crianças. O objetivo desse trabalho é de apresentar um caso de um jovem do sexo masculino, de 16 anos, previamente hígido, que procurou o serviço de emergência do Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo com um quadro de intussuscepção intestinal como primeira manifestação de um linfoma não-Hodgkin difuso de células B de alto grau, tipo Burkitt. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura pertinente, e aspectos relevantes do caso são discutidos à luz dessas informações.

Although intussusception is the main cause of intestinal obstruction in the pediatric population, it is a rare condition in adults, and when it happens, the clinical characteristics differ a lot from the pediatric group. The purpose of this article is to report a case of a 16 years-old male that was seen at the Emergency Room of the University Hospital of São Paulo with an intestinal intussusception as the first clinical presentation of a Burkitt lymphoma. A literature review was carried out and relevant aspects of the case are discussed.

The etiology of extensive pleural effusions with troublesome clinical course among children

CONTEXTO: Em São Paulo, pneumonia é a principal causa infecciosa de morte infantil. Derrame pleural parapneumônico é uma complicação grave da doença e intervenção cirúrgica pode ser necessária quando o paciente não responde à antibioticoterapia. OBJETIVO: Determinar a etiologia dos derrames pleurais parapneumônicos complicados que necessitaram de intervenção cirúrgica. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Retrospectivo. LOCAL: Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: A análise de 4.000 prontuários de crianças hospitalizadas por pneumonia de novembro de 1986 a novembro de 1996 mostrou que 115 crianças apresentaram um total de 117 casos de empiema que necessitaram de intervenção cirúrgica. Os autores analisaram os dados clínicos das crianças, correlacionando os achados radiológicos, o estado nutricional e a situação vacinal das crianças. Terapias antimicrobianas prévias e bacterioscopia do derrame pleural também foram analisadas. RESULTADOS: Streptococcus pneumoniae foi o agente mais encontrado, tanto nas hemoculturas quanto nos derrames pleurais. DISCUSSAO: A cobertura vacinal, o peso ao nascimento e o estado nutricional das crianças estudadas foram analisados e comparados aos dados encontrados em outras publicações. Observamos que derrames pleurais causam desconforto importante e, na maioria dos casos, não se trata de complicação do primeiro episódio infeccioso do aparelho respiratório. O uso prévio de antibióticos alterou o resultado das culturas. O achado de Streptococcus pneumoniae como o agente mais freqüentemente encontrado está de acordo com os resultados de outros autores. No entanto, os antibióticos utilizados após a realização do procedimento são os mesmos utilizados em pneumonias não-complicadas, fato que nos levou a concluir que a pior evolução desses casos não se deve à resistência dos agentes aos antimicrobianos. CONCLUSAO: O perfil bacteriano na nossa série de casos é semelhante ao descrito para pneumonias não complicadas. Novos estudos serão necessários para se determinar o motivo da pior evolução dessas crianças.