Goodbye Hartmann trial: a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study on the current use of a surgical procedure developed a century ago.

BACKGROUND: Literature suggests colonic resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) instead of Hartmann's procedure (HP) for the treatment of left-sided colonic emergencies. We aim to evaluate the surgical options globally used to treat patients with acute left-sided colonic emergencies and the factors that leading to the choice of treatment, comparing HP and RPA. METHODS: This is a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A total 1215 patients with left-sided colonic emergencies who required surgery were included from 204 centers during the period of March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. with a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: 564 patients (43.1%) were females. The mean age was 65.9 ± 15.6 years. HP was performed in 697 (57.3%) patients and RPA in 384 (31.6%) cases. Complicated acute diverticulitis was the most common cause of left-sided colonic emergencies (40.2%), followed by colorectal malignancy (36.6%). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b) were higher in the HP group (P < 0.001). 30-day mortality was higher in HP patients (13.7%), especially in case of bowel perforation and diffused peritonitis. 1-year follow-up showed no differences on ostomy reversal rate between HP and RPA. (P = 0.127). A backward likelihood logistic regression model showed that RPA was preferred in younger patients, having low ASA score (≤ 3), in case of large bowel obstruction, absence of colonic ischemia, longer time from admission to surgery, operating early at the day working hours, by a surgeon who performed more than 50 colorectal resections. CONCLUSIONS: After 100 years since the first Hartmann's procedure, HP remains the most common treatment for left-sided colorectal emergencies. Treatment's choice depends on patient characteristics, the time of surgery and the experience of the surgeon. RPA should be considered as the gold standard for surgery, with HP being an exception.

LIECHTENSTEIN VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSABDOMINAL PREPERITONEAL (TAPP) HERNIA REPAIR: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY FOCUSED ON POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES IN A GENERAL SURGERY UNIT. / LIECHTENSTEIN VERSUS CORREÇÃO DE HÉRNIA LAPAROSCÓPICA TRANSABDOMINAL PRÉ-PERITONEAL (TAPP): UM ESTUDO COMPARATIVO PROSPECTIVO COM FOCO NOS RESULTADOS PÓS-OPERATÓRIOS EM UMA UNIDADE DE CIRURGIA GERAL.

AIM: Three surgical techniques for inguinal hernia repair are currently validated. Few studies have compared results among Lichtenstein and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic approach obtained at an early step of the learning curve. This study aims to compare the early treatment results between the Liechtenstein technique and the laparoscopic TAPP approach to provide a basis for the surgeon's decision-making. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent laparoscopic TAPP approach (114 patients), and those who underwent open Lichtenstein repair (35 patients). Data were collected from the medical records during the evolution of the immediate postoperative period and by telephone contact after hospital discharge. For the analysis of the variables, the chi-square test of independence was implemented, with a level of significance set at a p-value of 0.05. RESULTS: There was a strong association between laparoscopy, less postoperative pain, and longer operative time. In addition, a preference for the technique in cases of recurrence, bilaterality, associated umbilical hernia, or obesity was noticed. In this study, the Lichtenstein technique was associated with a shorter time to return to work and was the treatment of choice for elderly patients. CONCLUSION: TAPP laparoscopic herniorrhaphy should be the first choice in cases of bilaterality, associated umbilical hernia, obesity, and recurrence to a previous anterior repair. The surgical risk is adequate for the procedure, even at early stages of the learning curve.

OBJETIVO: Três técnicas cirúrgicas para correção de hérnia inguinal estão atualmente validadas. Poucos estudos compararam os resultados entre Lichtenstein e a abordagem laparoscópica transabdominal pré-peritoneal obtidos em uma etapa inicial da curva de aprendizado. Comparar os resultados iniciais do tratamento entre a técnica de Liechtenstein e a abordagem pré-peritoneal transabdominal laparoscópica para fornecer uma base para a tomada de decisão do cirurgião. MÉTODO: Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo 1: aborgadem laparoscópica transabdominal pré-peritoneal (114 pacientes), e grupo 2: reparo aberto de Lichtenstein (35 pacientes). Os dados foram coletados em prontuários médicos durante a evolução do pós-operatório imediato e por contato telefônico após a alta hospitalar. Para a análise das variáveis, foi implementado o teste de independência Qui-Quadrado, com nível de significância estabelecido em p-valor = 0,05. RESULTADOS: Houve forte associação entre laparoscopia, menos dor pós-operatória e maior tempo operatório. Além disso, notou-se preferência pela técnica nos casos de recorrência, bilateralidade, hérnia umbilical associada ou obesidade. Neste estudo, a técnica de Lichtenstein foi associada a um menor tempo de retorno ao trabalho e foi o tratamento de escolha para pacientes idosos. CONCLUSÃO: A herniorrafia laparoscópica transabdominal pré-peritoneal deve ser a primeira escolha em casos de bilateralidade, hérnia umbilical associada, obesidade e recorrência para reparo anterior. O risco cirúrgico é adequado para o procedimento, mesmo nos estágios iniciais da curva de aprendizado.

Hey surgeons! It is time to lead and be a champion in preventing and managing surgical infections!

Appropriate measures of infection prevention and management are integral to optimal clinical practice and standards of care. Among surgeons, these measures are often over-looked. However, surgeons are at the forefront in preventing and managing infections. Surgeons are responsible for many of the processes of healthcare that impact the risk for surgical site infections and play a key role in their prevention. Surgeons are also at the forefront in managing patients with infections, who often need prompt source control and appropriate antibiotic therapy, and are directly responsible for their outcome. In this context, the direct leadership of surgeons in infection prevention and management is of utmost importance. In order to disseminate worldwide this message, the editorial has been translated into 9 different languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Turkish).

Gangrenous cholecystitis in male patients: A study of prevalence and predictive risk factors.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The prevalence and risk factors of gangrenous cholecystitis in male are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence and risk factors of gangrenous cholecystitis in males. METHODS: This cross-sectional study includes 95 patients (59.5±17.1 years), with clinical and histopathological diagnosis, operated laparoscopically on 2012-2016. Eligibility was decided based on the variables of age; tachycardia (>100 bpm); leukocytosis (>10,000/mm3); Murphy's sign; gallbladder wall thickness (>4 mm); biochemical tests, morbidities (diabetes, alcoholism, smoking) and mortality. Multivariate regression, the chi-squared and Prevalent Chances Ratio (PCR) were used to define a few parameters. RESULTS: The prevalence of gangrenous cholecystitis in men older than 50 years was 29.3%. The risk factors for the disease were as follows: diabetes mellitus (p=0.006, RCP=4.191), leukocytosis (p=0.003), gallbladder thickness greater than 4 mm (p=0.035, RCP=3.818), which increased mortality [(p=0.04) (RCP=8.001)]. Murphy's sign showed a negative association (p=0.002, RCP=0.204). Values close to significance were observed in relation to gamma glutamyl transferase (p=0.083, RCP=3.125) and hospital stay (p=0.061, RCP=2.765). CONCLUSIONS: Male gender, and age older than 50 years, were correlated with a high prevalence of necrosis, higher than that reported in females. The risk factors for developing necrosis are the same as those described for female patients.

Acute calculous cholecystitis: Review of current best practices.

Acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) is the most frequent complication of cholelithiasis and represents one-third of all surgical emergency hospital admissions, many aspects of the disease are still a matter of debate. Knowledge of the current evidence may allow the surgical team to develop practical bedside decision-making strategies, aiming at a less demanding procedure and lower frequency of complications. In this regard, recommendations on the diagnosis supported by specific criteria and severity scores are being implemented, to prioritize patients eligible for urgency surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best treatment for ACC and the procedure should ideally be performed within 72 h. Early surgery is associated with better results in comparison to delayed surgery. In addition, when to suspect associated common bile duct stones and how to treat them when found are still debated. The antimicrobial agents are indicated for high-risk patients and especially in the presence of gallbladder necrosis. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and in some cases with antifungal agents is related to better prognosis. Moreover, an emerging strategy of not converting to open, a difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and performing a subtotal cholecystectomy is recommended by adept surgical teams. Some authors support the use of percutaneous cholecystostomy as an alternative emergency treatment for acute Cholecystitis for patients with severe comorbidities.

Laparoscopic Management of Mobile Cecum.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The mobile cecum is an embryologic abnormality and has been associated with functional colon disease (chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome). However, unlike functional disease, the primary treatment is operative, using laparoscopic cecopexy. We compare the epidemiology and pathophysiology of mobile cecum syndrome and functional colon disease and propose diagnostic and treatment guidelines. METHOD: This study was a case-control series of 15 patients who underwent laparoscopic cecopexy. Age, gender, recurrent abdominal pain, and constipation based on Rome III criteria were assessed. Ileocecal-appendiceal unit displacement was graded as follows: I (cecum retroperitoneal or with little mobility); II (wide mobility, crossing the midline); and III (maximum mobility, reaching the left abdomen). Patients with Grades II and III underwent laparoscopic cecopexy. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to modified Visick's criteria, and postoperative complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The mean age was 31.86 ± 12.02 years, and 13 patients (86.7%) were women. Symptoms of constipation and abdominal pain were present in 14 (93.3%) and 11 (73.3%), respectively. Computed tomography was performed in 8 (53.3%) patients. The mean operative time was 41 ± 6.66 min. There were no postoperative infections. One (7.8%) patient was classified as Clavien Dindo IIIb and all patients were classified as Visick 1 or 2. CONCLUSION: Many patients with clinical and epidemiological features of functional colon disease in common in fact have an anatomic anomaly, for which the treatment of choice is laparoscopic cecopexy. New protocols should be developed to support this recommendation.

Liechtenstein versus correção de hérnia laparoscópica transabdominal pré-peritoneal (tapp): um estudo comparativo prospectivo com foco nos resultados pós-operatórios em uma unidade de cirurgia geral / Liechtenstein versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (tapp) hernia repair: a prospective comparative study focused on postoperative outcomes in a general surgery unit

RESUMO - RACIONAL: Três técnicas cirúrgicas para correção de hérnia inguinal estão atualmente validadas. Poucos estudos compararam os resultados entre Lichtenstein e a abordagem laparoscópica transabdominal pré-peritoneal obtidos em uma etapa inicial da curva de aprendizado. OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados iniciais do tratamento entre a técnica de Liechtenstein e a abordagem pré-peritoneal transabdominal laparoscópica para fornecer uma base para a tomada de decisão do cirurgião. MÉTODO: Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo 1: aborgadem laparoscópica transabdominal pré-peritoneal (114 pacientes), e grupo 2: reparo aberto de Lichtenstein (35 pacientes). Os dados foram coletados em prontuários médicos durante a evolução do pós-operatório imediato e por contato telefônico após a alta hospitalar. Para a análise das variáveis, foi implementado o teste de independência Qui-Quadrado, com nível de significância estabelecido em p-valor = 0,05. RESULTADOS: Houve forte associação entre laparoscopia, menos dor pós-operatória e maior tempo operatório. Além disso, notou-se preferência pela técnica nos casos de recorrência, bilateralidade, hérnia umbilical associada ou obesidade. Neste estudo, a técnica de Lichtenstein foi associada a um menor tempo de retorno ao trabalho e foi o tratamento de escolha para pacientes idosos. CONCLUSÃO: A herniorrafia laparoscópica transabdominal pré-peritoneal deve ser a primeira escolha em casos de bilateralidade, hérnia umbilical associada, obesidade e recorrência para reparo anterior. O risco cirúrgico é adequado para o procedimento, mesmo nos estágios iniciais da curva de aprendizado.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Three surgical techniques for inguinal hernia repair are currently validated. Few studies have compared results among Lichtenstein and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic approach obtained at an early step of the learning curve. AIM: This study aims to compare the early treatment results between the Liechtenstein technique and the laparoscopic TAPP approach to provide a basis for the surgeon's decision-making. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent laparoscopic TAPP approach (114 patients), and those who underwent open Lichtenstein repair (35 patients). Data were collected from the medical records during the evolution of the immediate postoperative period and by telephone contact after hospital discharge. For the analysis of the variables, the chi-square test of independence was implemented, with a level of significance set at a p-value of 0.05. RESULTS: There was a strong association between laparoscopy, less postoperative pain, and longer operative time. In addition, a preference for the technique in cases of recurrence, bilaterality, associated umbilical hernia, or obesity was noticed. In this study, the Lichtenstein technique was associated with a shorter time to return to work and was the treatment of choice for elderly patients. CONCLUSION: TAPP laparoscopic herniorrhaphy should be the first choice in cases of bilaterality, associated umbilical hernia, obesity, and recurrence to a previous anterior repair. The surgical risk is adequate for the procedure, even at early stages of the learning curve.

Acute appendicitis: proposal of a new comprehensive grading system based on clinical, imaging and laparoscopic findings.

Advances in the technology and improved access to imaging modalities such as Computed Tomography and laparoscopy have changed the contemporary diagnostic and management of acute appendicitis. Complicated appendicitis (phlegmon, abscess and/ or diffuse peritonitis), is now reliably distinguished from uncomplicated cases. Therefore, a new comprehensive grading system for acute appendicitis is necessary. The goal is review and update the laparoscopic grading system of acute appendicitis and to provide a new standardized classification system to allow more uniform patient stratification. During the last World Society of Emergency Surgery Congress in Israel (July, 2015), a panel involving Acute Appendicitis Experts and the author's discussed many current aspects about the acute appendicitis between then, it will be submitted a new comprehensive disease grading system. It was idealized based on three aspect of the disease (clinical and imaging presentation and laparoscopic findings). The new grading system may provide a standardized system to allow more uniform patient stratification for appendicitis research. In addition, may aid in determining optimal management according to grade. Lastly, what we want is to draw a multicenter observational study within the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) based on this design.

Lessons learned with laparoscopic management of complicated grades of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy has not been consolidated as the approach of first choice in the management of complicated appendicitis. Methodological flaws and absence of disease stratification criteria have been implicated in that less evidence. The objective is to study the safe and effectiveness of laparoscopy in the management of complicated appendicitis according to laparoscopic grading system. METHOD: From January 2008 to January 2011, 154 consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis were evaluated in the prospective way. The patient's age ranged from 12 to 75 years old (31.7 ± 13.3) and 58.3% were male. Complicated appendicitis refers to gangrenous and/or perforated appendix and were graded as 3A (segmental necrosis), 3B (base necrosis), 4A (abscess), 4B (regional peritonitis) and 5 (diffuse peritonitis). The outcomes including operative time, infection complication, operative complications and conversion rate were chosen to evaluate the procedure. RESULTS: The grade 3A was the most frequent with 50 (32.4%) patients. The mean operative time was 69.4 ± 26.3 minutes. The grade 4A showed the highest mean operative time (80.1 ± 26.7 minutes). The wound and intra-abdominal infection rates were 2.6 and 4.6%, respectively. The base necrosis was the most important factor associated with the conversion (5.2%). The grades 4A and 5 were associated with greater possibility of intra-abdominal collection. There were no operative complications. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic management of all complicated grades of acute appendicitis is safe and effective and should be the procedure of first choice. The laparoscopic grading system allows us to assess patients in the same disease stage.

Appendiceal stump closure by metal endoclip in the management of complicated acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Closure of appendicular stump has been performed in different ways; however, the use of the metal endoclip in complicated grades of acute appendicitis, has not been evaluated yet in a prospective way. OBJECTIVE: To establish the effectiveness of appendiceal stump closure by metal endoclip for complicated appendicitis. METHOD: From January 2009 to January 2011 were evaluated 131 consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated acute appendicitis. From those, 118 underwent appendiceal stump closure by metal endoclip. The patient's age ranged from 12 to 75 years old (31.7 ± 13.3) and 52.7% were male. Complicated appendicitis refers to gangrenous and/or perforated appendix, which may lead to abscess formation and degrees of peritonitis. The outcomes viability, operative time, infection complication, operative complications, and conversion rate were chosen to evaluate the procedure. RESULTS: The appendiceal stump closure by metal endoclip was used in 90% of cases. The presence of appendix base necrosis was the most important factor involved in failure of the procedure. Laparoscopic knot (1.5%), laparoscopic endo-suture (3.8%) and video assisted laparotomy (4.7%) were the alternatives used in difficult cases. The mean operative time was (67.54 ± 28.13 minutes). The wound and intra-abdominal infection rates were 2.54% and 5.08%, respectively. There were no operative complications and the conversion rate was 0.85%. CONCLUSION: The appendiceal stump closure by metal endoclip, in complicated grades of acute appendicitis, is a safe and effective procedure. In patients with appendix base necrosis it should be avoided in favor of other alternatives.