Endoscopic Management of a Chronic Gastrocutaneous Fistula after Bariatric Revisional Surgery Using a Novel Cardiac Septal Occluder.

Introduction: Endoscopic techniques are now considered the first-line approach for the management of bariatric surgery-related fistulas. The off-label use of cardiac septal defect occluders (CSDO) is an emerging technique that has demonstrated favorable outcomes for the closure of extravascular defects, including gastrointestinal (GI) disruptions. Previous case reports have reported similar results with the CSDO Amplatzer™ for the management of GI disruptions following bariatric surgery. However, the use of similar alternative devices for this purpose has not yet been described. Case Presentation: This case report presents the first reported use of the Occlutech® CSDO for the treatment of a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula after bariatric revisional surgery. Despite apparent initial success - no extravasation of contrast material through the device in the contrast study after the CSDO placement - fistula closure failed due to partial dislodgement of the device. The placement of a second device between the discs of the former one ultimately sealed the fistulous orifice. Discussion: In chronic GI fistulas, the mature tract is often not liable to the application of standard endoscopic methods, leading to failed closure attempts. A new application of Occlutech® CSDO can obviate the clinical burden of a high-risk laparotomy in these cases. Appropriate endoscopic equipment as well as the involvement of a multidisciplinary team are prime conditions to ensure successful patient outcomes.

Introdução: As técnicas endoscópicas são atualmente consideradas abordagens de primeira linha no manejo das fístulas associadas a cirurgia bariátrica. O uso off-label de dispositivos de oclusão do septo cardíaco (CSDO) é uma técnica nova que tem demonstrado resultados favoráveis no encerramento de defeitos extra-vasculares, incluindo fístulas gastrointestinais. Relatos de caso prévios reportaram resultados semelhantes com o CSDO Amplatzer ™ para o tratamento de fístulas gastrointestinais pós cirurgia bariátrica. No entanto, o uso de dispositivos alternativos semelhantes para esse fim ainda não foi descrito. Relato de Caso: Este relato de caso apresenta o primeiro uso reportado do CSDO Occlutech® para tratamento de fístula gastrocutânea crônica após cirurgia bariátrica revisional. Apesar do aparente sucesso inicial ­ nenhum extravasamento de contraste através do dispositivo na fluoroscopia após a colocação do CSDO, houve recorrência da drenagem fistulosa devido ao deslocamento parcial do dispositivo. A colocação de um segundo dispositivo entre os discos do primeiro acabou por encerrar o orifício fistuloso. Discussão: Nas fístulas gastrointestinais crônicas, o trajeto epitelizado muitas vezes não é passível de aplicação dos métodos endoscópicos tradicionais, levando a múltiplas tentativas fracassadas de encerramento. A nova aplicação de Occlutech® CSDO pode evitar o risco de uma laparotomia de alto risco nesses casos. Equipamentos endoscópicos adequados, bem como o envolvimento de equipe multidisciplinar são condições primordiais para garantir o sucesso do tratamento.

Treatment of Giant Esophageal Epiphrenic Diverticulum Using Robotic-Assisted Surgery.

Epiphrenic diverticulum is a rare condition associated with esophageal motor disorder, and it is often asymptomatic, with a well-established surgical indication. The present study aims to report a case of a giant epiphrenic diverticulum in a 68-year-old male patient who, due to the symptoms, opted for surgical treatment using the daVinci® system. Robotic surgery consisting of esophageal diverticulectomy with cardiomyotomy was performed. The patient had an excellent recovery with an abbreviated hospitalization, return to food, and satisfactory routine activity.

Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on the Emergency Presentation of Acute Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: The global crisis resulting from the coronavirus pandemic has imposed a large burden on health systems worldwide. Nonetheless, acute abdominal surgical emergencies are major causes for nontrauma-related hospital admissions and their incidences were expected to remain unchanged. Surprisingly, a significant decrease in volume and a higher proportion of complicated cases are being observed worldwide. METHODS: The present study assesses the local impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the emergency presentation of acute appendicitis in a Brazilian hospital. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing emergency surgery for the clinically suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis during the 2-month period of March and April 2020 and the same time interval in the previous year. Data on demographics, timing of symptom onset and hospital presentation, intraoperative details, postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, and histological examination of the specimen were retrieved from individual registries. RESULTS: The number of appendectomies during the pandemic was 36, which represents a 56% reduction compared to the 82 patients operated during the same period in 2019. The average time of symptom onset to hospital arrival was significantly higher in 2020 (40.6 vs. 28.2 hours, P = .02). The classification of appendicitis revealed a significant higher proportion of complicated cases than the previous year (33.3% vs. 15.2%, P = .04). The rate of postoperative complications and the average length of stay were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Further assessment of patients' concerns and systematic monitoring of emergency presentations are expected to help us understand and adequately address this issue.

Quality improvement strategy to enhance compliance with the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist in a large hospital: Quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist is an effective tool to reduce morbidity, mortality, perioperative complications, and hospital length of stay. However, its implementation that involves complex social interaction is still challenging. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to increase use of the Surgical Safety Checklist to 100% of performed surgeries compared to current practice at Hospital Moinhos de Vento, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: A quality improvement strategy was implemented based on the Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle. During the intervention, Surgical Safety Checklist structure and content were adjusted to the local context and surgeons were engaged in discussions of the medical and scientific basis of the Surgical Safety Checklist. Also, the surgery center nursing team was trained as well as empowered to use the Surgical Safety Checklist. RESULTS: As compared to baseline data, there was an increase in the use of the tool and data was monitored to evaluate sustainability of the strategy over 26 months. Mean compliance with the Surgical Safety Checklist after the intervention reached 89%. Compliance with the most critical phase - time out - began at 26%. After the intervention, an increase in time out compliance was noted, varying from 60% to 90%. CONCLUSION: The proposed quality improvement strategy, implemented at no additional cost to the institution, was effective to increase Surgical Safety Checklist compliance and produced sustainable results.

Perspectivas em cirurgia robótica: a visão do cirurgião / Robotic surgery: the surgeon's perspective

Introdução: Avaliar os níveis de conhecimento, interesse e treinamento dos cirurgiões inscritos no Colégio Brasileiro dos Cirurgiões (CBC) da cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, em relação à cirurgia robótica. Métodos: Estudo transversal, baseado em informações coletadas por meio de questionário enviado via plataforma digital para potenciais participantes. O formulário continha perguntas estruturadas e autoaplicáveis, a fim de caracterizar o perfil profissional, capacitação em cirurgia minimamente invasiva, conhecimento, opinião e treinamento específico em cirurgia robótica. Resultados: Dos 146 membros inscritos no CBC na cidade de Porto Alegre, 99 (67,8%) responderam ao questionário. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (88%) e a mediana de idade dos participantes foi de 48 anos. Os procedimentos videolaparoscópicos ou vídeo-assistidos foram maioria na rotina dos cirurgiões. Da totalidade da amostra, a maior parte (78%) já assistiu ao menos um procedimento robótico, e um terço (n = 30) já realizou algum tipo de treinamento ou simulação em cirurgia robótica. Entre os que não realizaram, dois terços pretendem se qualificar no futuro. Apenas 10% dos cirurgiões possuem certificação na área. Conclusão: A maioria dos cirurgiões respondentes inscritos no CBC em Porto Alegre tem em sua rotina predominância de procedimentos minimamente invasivos e acredita que a plataforma robótica será o futuro da cirurgia. Embora ainda não disponível na maioria dos serviços gaúchos, espera-se que o desenvolvimento de novas plataformas e a redução dos custos envolvidos na aquisição de equipamento e de capacitação do cirurgião facilitem a disseminação dessa tecnologia.

Introduction: To assess the practical knowledge, interest, and training levels of surgeons enrolled in the Brazilian College of Surgeons (CBC) of the municipality of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, regarding robotic surgery. Methods: Cross-sectional study, based on information collected with a questionnaire sent to potential participants via digital platform. The form contained structured and self-administered questions, to characterize their professional profile, skills in minimally invasive surgery, knowledge, opinion, and specific training in robotic surgery. Results: Of the 146 members enrolled in the CBC of the municipality of Porto Alegre, 99 (67.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Most were males (88%) with a mean age of 48 years. Video-laparoscopic or video-assisted procedures were the most frequent in the participants' practice. Of the sample, most (78%) already watched at least one robotic surgery, and one third (n = 30) had already completed some sort of training or simulation course in robotic surgery. Among those who did not, two thirds intend to pursue formal training in the future. Only 10% of participating surgeons are certified in the area. Conclusion: Most responding surgeons enrolled in the CBC in Porto Alegre perform mostly minimally invasive procedures daily and believe that the robotic technology will be the future of surgery. Although not yet available in most services of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, it is expected that the development of new platforms and the reduction of costs involved in equipment acquisition and surgical training will facilitate the dissemination of this technology.