Peripheral and mesenteric serum levels of CEA and cytokeratins, staging and histopathological variables in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

AIM: To evaluate the differences that exist between peripheral and mesenteric serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratins in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery at Hospital Sao Paulo (Discipline of Surgical Gastroenterology of UNIFESP-EPM) between December 1993 and March 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. Differences between CEA and cytokeratin (TPA-M) levels in peripheral blood (P) and in mesenteric blood (M) were studied. Associations were investigated between peripheral and mesenteric levels and the staging and histopathological variables (degree of cell differentiation, macroscopic appearance, tumor dimensions and presence of lymphatic and venous invasion). RESULTS: Differences were observed in the numerical values of the marker levels: CEA (M) (39.10 mg/L +/- 121.19 mg/L) vs CEA (P) (38.5 mg/L +/- 122.55 mg/L), P < 0.05; TPA-M (M) (325.06 U/L +/- 527.29 U/L) vs TPA-M (P) (279.48 U/L +/- 455.81 U/L), P < 0.01. The mesenteric CEA levels were higher in more advanced tumors (P < 0.01), in vegetating lesions (34.44 mg/L +/- 93.07 mg/L) (P < 0.01) and with venous invasion (48.41 mg/L +/- 129.86 mg/L) (P < 0.05). Peripheral CEA was higher with more advanced staging (P < 0.01) and in lesions with venous invasion (53.23 mg/L +/- 158.57 mg/L) (P < 0.05). The patients demonstrated increased mesenteric and peripheral TPA-M levels with more advanced tumors (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01) and in non-ulcerated lesions [530.45 U/L +/- 997.46 U/L (P < 0.05) and 457.95 U/L +/- 811.36 U/L (P < 0.01)]. CONCLUSION: The mesenteric levels of the tumor markers CEA and cytokeratins were higher than the peripheral levels in these colorectal adenocarcinoma patients. Higher levels of these biologic tumor markers are associated with an advanced state of cancerous dissemination.

Muerte digna en la unidad de cuidados intensivos: ¿cómo se ha llevado a cabo?

El concepto de "muerte digna" o "buena muerte" ha sido muy difundido entre los profesionales de la salud, que lo manejan de manera rutinaria y experimentan el dilema ético sobre lo que realmente se debe hacer ante un enfermo terminal. Ante esto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo mostrar los conceptos y cómo los casos de pacientes terminales han sido tratados dentro de las Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Para argumentar respecto de la aplicación y funcionalidad de la eutanasia, la ortotanasia y la distanasia en las UCI, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de 14 artículos. Se concluyó que se debe considerar el conocimiento del profesional con relación a estos temas y distinguir el tema específico que se aborda, sin olvidar enfatizar los derechos previstos en la Constitución y el bienestar del paciente y su familia.

The concept of dignified death or a good death has been widespread among health professionals, who routinely deal with it and experience the ethical dilemma about what should really be done in the face of a terminally ill patient. Given this, the present study aims to show the concepts and how cases of terminally ill patients have been conducted within the Intensive Care Units (ICU). To argue about the application and functionality of euthanasia, orthothanasia and dysthanasia in ICUs, a literature review of 14 articles was carried out. It was concluded that the knowledge that the professional has in relation to these themes needs to be taken into account and to distinguish the specific theme that is addressed, not forgetting to emphasize the rights provided for in the constitution and the well-being of the paciente and his family.

O conceito de morte digna ou boa morte tem sido difundido entre os profissionais de saúde, os quais lidam com isso rotineiramente e vivem o dilema ético sobre o que realmente deve ser feito diante de um paciente terminal. Visto isso, o presente estudo visa mostrar os conceito e como tem sido conduzido os casos de pacientes em fase terminal dentro das Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Para argumentar sobre a aplicação e a funcionalidade da eutanasia, ortotanásia e distanásia nas UTIs foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica de 14 artigos. Concluiu-se que precisa ser levado em consideração o conhecimento que o profissional tem em relação a esses temas e distinguir a temática específica que é tratado, não esquecendo de salientar os direitos previstos na constituição e o bem-estar do paciente e de sua família.

Utilización de imágenes de pacientes para marketing médico

El uso de estrategias de imagen en las redes sociales médicas está cada vez más extendido, cumpliendo el límite ético establecido por el CEM. Sabiendo esto, el presente estudio buscó comprender el problema de la exposición de los pacientes en las redes sociales médicas. Para ello, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica a partir de las bases Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMED, UpToDate, LILACS, incluyendo artículos en inglés, español y portugués publicados a partir de 2018. Así, se percibió en algunas ciudades la tendencia a crear leyes para regular esta exposición, dado que el uso de imágenes se ha vuelto rutinario en la publicidad médica, como una forma de demostrar resultados. Sin embargo, esta práctica está muy acompañada de faltas éticas como recomienda el CFM.

The use of imagem strategies in medical socieal networks is increasingly widespread, meeting the ethical limit established by the CEM. Knowing this, the present study sought to understand the problem of patient exposure in medical social networks. For this, a literature review was carried out from the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), Pubmed, UpToDate, LILACS databases, articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese published from 2018 onwards were included. Thus, a tendency was noticed in some cities to create laws to regulate this exposure, given that the use of images has become routine in medical advertising, as a way to demonstrate results. However, this practice is greatly accompanied by ethical failures as recommended by the CFM.

A utilização das estratégias de imagem nas redes sociais médicas está cada vez mais disseminada, encontrando-se no limite ético estabelecido pelo CEM. Sabendo disso, o presente estudo buscou entender a problemática da exposição do paciente nas redes sociais médicas. Para isso, foi feita uma revisão da literatura a partir das bases Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMED, UpToDate, LILACS, foram incluídos artigos em inglês, espanhol e português publicados a partir de 2018. Assim, percebeu-se em algumas cidades a tendência de criar leis para regular essa exposição, haja vista que a utilização de imagens tornou-se rotineira na propaganda médica, como forma demonstrar resultados. Todavia, tal prática vem acompanhada grandemente de falhas éticas segundo o preconizado pelo CFM.

Liver-first approach of colorectal cancer with synchronous hepatic metastases: A reverse strategy.

Recently, there has been a change in the strategy of how synchronous colorectal hepatic metastases are attributed to the development of more valuable protocols of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for neoadjuvant treatment of colorectal neoplasms and their hepatic metastases. There is a consensus that patients with synchronous colorectal hepatic metastases have lower survival than those with metachronous colorectal hepatic metastases. Currently, controversy remains concerning the best approach is sequence in a patient with colorectal cancer and synchronous hepatic metastases resection. To obtain a better patient selection, the authors have suggested the initial realization of systemic chemotherapy in the circumstance of patients with colorectal tumor stage IV, since these patients have a systemic disease. The rationale behind this liver-first strategy is initially the control of synchronous hepatic metastases of colorectal carcinoma, which can optimize a potentially curative hepatic resection and longstanding survival. The liver-first strategy procedure is indicated for patients with colorectal hepatic metastases who require downstaging therapy to make a curative liver resection possible. Thus, the liver-first strategy is considered an option in cases of rectal carcinoma in the early stage and with limited or advanced synchronous colorectal hepatic metastases or in case of patients with asymptomatic colorectal carcinoma, but with extensive liver metastases. Patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy and with progression of neoplastic disease should not undergo hepatic resection, because it does not change the prognosis and may even make it worse. To date, there have been no randomized controlled trials on surgical approach of colorectal synchronous hepatic metastases, despite the relatively high number of available manuscripts on this subject. All of these published studies are observational, usually retrospective, and often non-comparative. The patient selection criteria for the liver-first strategy should be individualized, and the approach of these patients should be performed by a multidisciplinary team so its benefits will be fully realized.

Giant rectal villous adenoma: Surgical approach with rectal eversion and perianal coloanal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is an important cause of death. Most cases of colon and rectal cancer arise from a preexisting adenomatous polyp. However, if colorectal polyps are very large or not accessible for endoscopic ablation, or if they cannot be removed without an increased risk of perforation, surgical procedures are required. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The case of a patient with a giant villous adenoma of the rectum is described. The patient had diarrhea for 2 years associated with asthenia. Colonoscopy revealed a sessile lesion in the rectum measuring 14cm in the largest diameter. Rectal eversion technique was used, resecting the lesion under direct visibility and an external coloanal anastomosis was performed. Surgery was satisfactory and the resection margins were free. DISCUSSION: Removal of these polyps should be performed aiming to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, as well as to control local and systemic symptoms, such as diarrhea and fluid and electrolyte disorders, mainly in villous adenomas. Various surgical techniques are proposed, but in extensive circumferential lesions of the rectum they are difficult to apply. The rectal stump eversion technique was described by Maunsell (1892), for rectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Eversion of the rectal stump and external coloanal anastomosis may be a good surgical alternative for resecting giant rectal adenomas.

Síndrome de Ogilvie após parto cesárea: relato de caso / Ogilvie's Syndrome after caesarean section: case report

Introdução: Descrita por Heneage Ogilvie em 1948, a síndrome que leva seu nome é caracterizada por uma dilatação do cólon simulando uma obstrução mecânica, possivelmente por conta de uma supressão parassimpática, ou estímulo excessivo parassimpático, resultando em uma atonia do cólon. O tratamento pode ser conservador, cirúrgico ou por descompressão colonoscópica. Relato: K.R.S.R, 41 anos, mulher, recém operada (cesariana), foi admitida relatando dor, distensão abdominal, constipação, ausência de flatos e febre. Disse já ter procurado serviço médico com queixas de constipação intestinal e apresentava-se hipotensa, taquicárdica, SpO2 94% e desidratada. O abdômen encontrava-se globoso, distendido, tenso, doloroso difusamente à palpação profunda, Blumberg +, timpânico à percussão, 18.600 leucócitos, 7% de bastonetes, Hb: 15,8 Ht: 46% e plaquetas: 349.000/mm³. Foi internada e submetida a USG abdominal, rotina radiológica de abdômen agudo e TC abdominal. Submetida à laparotomia exploradora, constatando dilatação desde o cólon ascendente até o cólon sigmóide e uma perfuração do ceco com cerca de 1cm. Realizou-se a aspiração da cavidade, rafia da lesão cecal e drenagem utilizando-se dreno túbulo laminar. Com boa evolução, teve alta no 5° dia pós-operatório, retirando o dreno posteriormente. 20 dias após o procedimento, retornou relatando dor abdominal, sendo submetida à USG de abdome que revelou coleção na goteira parietocólica direita. Esta foi drenada através de videolaparoscopia e, após boa evolução, a paciente recebeu alta no 2° dia pós-operatório. Conclusão: São necessários mais estudos para aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a síndrome.

Introduction: Described by Heneage Ogilvie in 1948, the syndrome that bears his name is characterized by a dilation of the colon simulating a mechanical obstruction, possibly due to a parasympathetic suppression or excessive parasympathetic stimulation, resulting in an atony of the colon. The treatment may be conservative, surgical or by colonoscopic decompression. Report: K.R.S.R, 41 years old, female, newly operated (caesarean section), was admitted reporting pain, bloating, constipation, absence of flatus and fever. Said she had sought medical service with constipation complaints and the patient was hypotensive, tachycardic, SpO2 94% and dehydrated. The abdomen was globose, distended, tense, painful diffusely to deep palpation, Blumberg +, tympanic to percussion, 18,600 leukocytes, 7% rods, Hb: 15.8 Ht: 46% and platelets: 349,000 / mm³. She was hospitalized and underwent to an abdominal ultrasonography, radiological routine, acute abdomen and abdominal CT. Submitted to laparotomy, finding dilation from the ascending colon to the sigmoid colon and cecal perforation of about 1cm. It carried out the suction cavity, suture the cecal lesion and drainage using laminar drain tubule. With good performance, she was discharged on the 5th postoperative day, removing the drain later that day. 20 days after the procedure, she returned reporting abdominal pain and was submitted to an abdomen USG revealed that the collection in the right parieto-colic drip. This was drained by laparoscopy and, after good performance, the patient was discharged on the 2nd postoperative day. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to increase knowledge about the syndrome.