Evaluation of psychological symptoms in patients before and after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a single-center cross-sectional study

Purpose: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) brings several benefits for insulin-dependent type-1 diabetic patients associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, data on psychological outcomes for the waiting list and the transplanted patients are still lacking. Methods: Using the psychological Beck inventories of anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI), 39 patients on the waiting list were compared to 88 post-transplanted patients who had undergone SPKT. Results: Significant differences were found regarding depression (p = 0.003) but not anxiety (p = 0.161), being the pretransplant patients more vulnerable to psychological disorders. Remarkable differences were observed relative to the feeling of punishment (p < 0.001) and suicidal thoughts (p = 0.008) between the groups. It was observed that patients who waited a longer period for the transplant showed more post-transplant anxiety symptoms due to the long treatment burden (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These results demonstrated the positive impact of SPKT on psychological aspects related to depression when comparing the groups. The high number of stressors in the pretransplant stage impacts more severely the psychosocial condition of the patient.

Abdominal drain amylase on the first day after pancreatectomy: a predictive factor for pancreatic fistula

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To analyze abdominal drain on the first postoperative day and evaluate its predictive nature for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Fistula exclusion, seeking to establish a cutoff point from which lower values demonstrate safety in excluding the possibility of this complication. METHODS: From August 2017 to June 2020, data from 48 patients undergoing pancreatic resection were collected and analyzed from a prospective cohort. The patients were divided into two groups, one group consisting of patients who did not develop PF (Group A), and the other composed of patients who developed PF (Group B). The receiver operation characteristic curve was constructed, and cutoff points were evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Group A brought 30 patients together (62.5%) and Group B brought 18 patients together (37.5%). The 444 U/L value was the most satisfactory cutoff point for the receiver operation characteristic curve (CI 0.690-0.941), with a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 60%, thus being able to select 18 of 30 patients who did not succumb to PF. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal drain on the first postoperative day can be used as a predictive factor in the diagnosis of PF exclusion (CI 0.690-0.941), with the value of 444 U/L being the best performance cutoff point.

Metalloproteinases and colorectal cancer. Correlation of gene expression and clinical-pathological parameters

Abstract Purpose: To analyze gene and protein expression of metalloproteinases 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 and their correlation with clinicopathological variables in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods: A retrospective study of 114 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma treated surgically in the period 2006 to 2008 in Hospital de Câncer de Barretos - Fundação Pio XII. The evaluation of gene expression was performed by RT-PCR, and protein by immunohistochemistry. The analysis of gene expression was classified as overexpressed genes and poorly expressed (fold change of approximately 2, p<0.05). The positivity of the markers in the immunohistochemical study was performed by semi-quantitative analysis. The tissue of TMA (Tissue Microarray) was done by two independent pathologists. Results: The gene expression validated by immuno - histochemical was MMP-1(p= 0.00 and 1.57 fold change) and MMP - 2 (p= 0.01 and - 1.84 to fold change) when correlated with the histological types mucinous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP9 (p=0.01 and fold change of 1.13) and MMP-16 (p=0.03 and 1.61 fold change) when compared with the histological types villous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP - 11 statistically significant in relation to male (p = 0.04 and 1.65 fold change). Conclusions: The MMPs 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 gene and protein expression with statistical significance in at least one of the clinicopathological variables studied. Thus, we conclude that these MMPs have potential as a prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Effect of low power laser in biomodulation of cultured osteoblastic cells of Wistar rats

Abstract Purpose: To analyze aspects of the biomodulating effect of light in biological tissues, bone cells from surgical explants of the femur of rats were irradiated with low intensity laser. Methods: Bone cells were cultured and irradiated with LASER light (GaAlAs). Growth, cell viability, mineralized matrix formation, total protein dosage, immunostimulatory properties, cytochemical analysis, gene expression of bone proteins were examined using live cell imaging and cell counting by colorimetric assay. The gene expression of: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen, osteocalcin and osteopontin through the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: At 8 days, the viability of the irradiated culture was 82.3% and 72.4% in non-irradiated cells. At 18 days, the cellular viability (with laser) was 77.42% and 47.62% without laser. At 8 days, the total protein concentration was 21.622 mg / mol in the irradiated group and 16, 604 mg / mol in the non-irradiated group and at 18 days the concentration was 37.25 mg / mol in the irradiated group and 24, 95 mg / mol in the non-irradiated group. Conclusion: The laser interfered in the histochemical reaction, cell viability, matrix mineralization, and maintained the cellular expression of proteins

Use of fibrinogen and thrombin sponge in pediatric split liver transplantation

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the use of this sponge in pediatric patients undergoing split-liver transplantation. Methods: Retrospective study, including 35 pediatric patients undergoing split-liver transplantation, divided into two groups according to the use of the sponge: 18 patients in Group A (no sponge) and 17 in Group B (with sponge). Results: The characteristics of recipients and donors were similar. We observed greater number of reoperation due to bleeding in the wound area in Group A (10 patients - 55.5%) than in Group B (3 patients - 17.6%); p = 0.035. The median volume of red blood cells transfused in Group A was significantly higher (73.4 ± 102.38 mL/kg) than that in Group B (35.1 ± 41.67 mL/kg); p = 0.048. Regarding bile leak there was no statistical difference. Conclusion: The use of the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge, required lower volume of red blood cell transfusion and presented lower reoperation rates due to bleeding in the wound area.

Avaliação do tratamento dos nódulos do hepatocarcinoma nos pacientes em lista de espera para transplante hepático / Evaluation of the treatment of the hepatocarcinoma nodules in the patients in waiting list for liver transplant

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar o resultado do transplante de fígado por hepatocarcinoma em pacientes submetidos ou não ao tratamento loco-regional e downstaging, em relação à sobrevida e risco de recidiva na fila de transplante. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo dos pacientes portadores de hepatocarcinoma submetidos a transplante hepático na região metropolitana de São Paulo, entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2011, a partir de doador falecido. A amostra foi constituída de 414 pacientes. Destes, 29 foram incluídos na lista por downstaging. Os demais 385 foram submetidos ou não ao tratamento loco-regional. Resultados: as análises dos 414 prontuários demonstraram um predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (79,5%) e com média de idade de 56 anos. O tratamento dos nódulos foi realizado em 56,4% dos pacientes em fila de espera para o transplante. O método mais utilizado foi a quimio-embolização (79%). Os pacientes submetidos ao tratamento loco-regional tiveram redução significativa no tamanho do maior nódulo (p<0,001). Não houve diferença estatística entre grupos com e sem tratamento loco-regional (p=0,744) e em relação à mortalidade entre pacientes incluídos no Critério de Milão ou ao downstaging (p=0,494). Conclusões: não houve diferença na sobrevida e ocorrência de recidiva associadas ao tratamento loco-regional. Os pacientes incluídos através do processo de downstaging apresentaram resultados de sobrevida comparáveis àqueles previamente classificados como Critério de Milão/Brasil.

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the outcome of liver transplantation for hepatocarcinoma in submitted or not to locoregional treatment and downstaging regarding survival and risk of recurrence in transplant waiting list patients. Methods: retrospective study of patients with hepatocarcinoma undergoing liver transplantation in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, between January 2007 and December 2011, from a deceased donor. The sample consisted of 414 patients. Of these, 29 patients were included in the list by downstaging. The other 385 were submitted or not to locoregional treatment. Results: the analysis of 414 medical records showed a predominance of male patients (79.5%) with average age of 56 years. Treatment of the lesions was performed in 56.4% of patients on the waiting list for transplant. The most commonly used method was chemoembolization (79%). The locoregional patients undergoing treatment had a significant reduction in nodule size greater (p<0.001). There was no statistical difference between groups with and without locoregional treatment (p=0.744) and on mortality among patients enrolled in the Milan criteria or downstaging (p=0.494). Conclusion: there was no difference in survival and recurrence rate associated with locoregional treatment. Patients included by downstaging process had comparable survival results to those previously classified as Milan/Brazil criteria.

Does mesenchymal stem cell improve the liver regeneration after the 70% hepatectomy?

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells on liver regeneration in rats following a 70% hepatectomy. Methods: Forty rats were subjected to 70% hepatectomy and then ~106 mesenchymal stem cells (test group), or saline solution (control group), were infused into their livers via the portal vein. Each treatment group was divided into early and late subgroups (euthanized 3 d and 5 d following the operation, respectively). Group comparisons of Albumin, aminotransaminases (AST, ALT), and Alcaline Phosphatase (AP) levels, proliferative index (ki-67+ straining), and mitotic cell counts were conducted. Results: No significant differences in liver regeneration rate, number of mitoses, proliferative index, or serum levels of albumin, AST, or AP were observed. ALT levels were higher in the test group than in the control group (p<.05). Conclusions: Mesenchymal stem-cell therapy did not improve liver regeneration rate 3 d or 5 d after 70% hepatectomy in rats. Likewise, the therapy appeared not to affect liver function, proliferative index, or number of mitoses significantly.

Argon plasma versus electrofulguration in the treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata in patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of anal and perianal condylomata treatment using argon plasma and electrofulguration. Methods: From January 2013 to April 2014, 37 patients with anal and perianal condylomata, who had been diagnosed through proctological examination, oncotic cytology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histology, underwent treatment with argon plasma and electrofulguration. The perianal and anal regions were divided into two semicircles. Each semicircle was treated using one of the methods by means of simple randomization. Therapeutic sessions were repeated until all clinical signs of infection by HPV were eliminated. The patients were evaluated according to several variables like the genotype of HPV, HIV infection, oncological potential per genotype, oncotic cytology and histology. Results: Among all the variables studied, only immunosuppression due to HIV influenced the results, specifically when the fulguration method was used. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between argon and fulguration based on lesion relapse (p > 0.05). However, among HIV-positive patients, fulguration presented worse results, with a significant difference (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Regarding treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata, comparison between applying fulguration and argon demonstrated that these methods were equivalent, but use of fulguration presented more relapses among HIV-positive patients.

Growth factors and cox2 in wound healing: an experimental study with ehrlich tumors / Avaliação dos fatores de crescimento e cox-2 na cicatrização de camundongos com neoplasia de ehrlich

ABSTRACT Background: Healing is an innate biological phenomenon, and carcinogenesis acquired, but with common humoral and cellular elements. Carcinogenesis interferes negatively in healing. Aim: To evaluate the histological changes in laparotomy scars of healthy Balb/c mice and with an Ehrlich tumor in its various forms of presentation. Methods: Fifty-four mice were divided into three groups of 18 animals. First group was the control; the second had Ehrlich tumor with ascites; and the third had the subcutaneous form of this tumor. Seven days after tumor inoculation, all 54 mice were submitted to laparotomy. All of the animals in the experiment were operated on again on 7th day after surgery, with resection of the scar and subsequent euthanasia of the animal. The scars were sent for histological assessment using immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate Cox-2 (cyclooxygenase 2), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor). Semi-quantitatively analysis was done in the laparotomy scars and in the abdominal walls far away from the site of the operation. Results: Assessing the weight of the animals, the correct inoculation of the tumor and weight gain in the group with tumoral ascites was observed. The histological studies showed that groups with the tumor showed a statistically significant higher presence of Cox-2 compared to the control. In the Cox-2 analysis of the abdominal wall, the ascites group showed the most significant difference. VEGF did not present any significant differences between the three groups, regardless of the site. The FGF showed a significant increase in animals with the tumor. Conclusion: Histological findings in both laparotomy scar and the abdominal wall showed that with Ehrlich's neoplasia there was an exacerbated inflammatory response, translated by more intense expression of Cox-2 and greater fibroblast proliferation, translated by more intense expression of FGF, that is, it stimulated both the immediate inflammatory reactions, observed with Cox-2 reactions, and late scarring by fibroblasts and FGF.

RESUMO Racional: A cicatrização é fenômeno biológico inato, e a carcinogênese adquirido, mas com elementos humorais e celulares comuns. A carcinogênese interfere de forma negativa na cicatrização. Objetivo: Avaliar as modificações histológicas nas cicatrizes laparotômicas de camundongos Balb/c sadios como controles, e com a neoplasia de Ehrlich, em suas diferentes formas de apresentação. Métodos: Foram utilizados 54 camundongos, divididos em três grupos de 18 animais cada um. O primeiro era controle; o segundo com a neoplasia de Ehrlich em sua forma ascítica; e o terceiro na forma subcutânea. Sete dias após a inoculação do tumor, todos os 54 camundongos foram submetidos à laparotomia e reoperados no sétimo dia de pós-operatório, com ressecção da cicatriz e posterior eutanásia. As cicatrizes foram encaminhadas para estudo histológico com técnicas imunoistoquímicas para avaliar Cox-2 (ciclo-oxigenase 2), VEGF (fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular) e FGF (fator de crescimento dos fibroblastos) e analisadas de forma semiquantitativana tanto na cicatriz laparotômica como na parede abdominal mais distante do local operado. Resultados: Avaliando o peso, observou-se a correta inoculação do tumor e o aumento de peso no grupo com a neoplasia na modalidade ascítica. Os estudos histológicos mostraram que os grupos com a neoplasia apresentaram maior presença da Cox-2 em relação ao controle, estatisticamente significante. No estudo da Cox-2 da parede abdominal foi o local em que o grupo ascítico apresentou a diferença mais expressiva. O VEGF não apresentou diferenças significantes entre os três grupos, independentemente do local estudado. O FGF teve aumento significante nos animais com neoplasia. Conclusão: Os achados histológicos encontrados tanto na cicatriz das laparotomias quanto na parede abdominal mostraram que com a neoplasia de Ehrlich houve resposta inflamatória exacerbada, traduzida por expressão mais intensa da Cox-2 e maior proliferação fibroblástica, traduzida por expressão mais intensa do FGF, ou seja, estimulou tanto as reações inflamatórias imediatas, observadas nas reações da Cox-2, como nas cicatriciais tardias com os fibroblastos e o FGF.

Pediatric liver transplantation with ex-situ liver transection and the application of the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge in the wound area / Transplante hepático pediátrico com transecção hepática ex-situ e aplicação da esponja de fibrinogênio e trombina humana na área cruenta

ABSTRACT Background: Surgical strategy to increase the number of liver transplants in the pediatric population is the ex-situ liver transection (reduction or split). However, it is associated with complications such as hemorrhage and leaks. The human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge is useful for improving hemostasis in liver surgery. Aim: Compare pediatric liver transplants with ex-situ liver transection (reduction or split) with or without the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge. Methods: Was performed a prospective analysis of 21 patients submitted to liver transplantation with ex-situ liver transection with the application of the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge in the wound area (group A) and retrospective analysis of 59 patients without the sponge (group B). Results: The characteristics of recipients and donors were similar. There were fewer reoperations due to bleeding in the wound area in group A (14.2%) compared to group B (41.7%, p=0.029). There was no difference in relation to the biliary leak (group A: 17.6%, group B: 5.1%, p=0.14). Conclusion: There was a lower number of reoperations due to bleeding of the wound area of ​​the hepatic graft when the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge were used.

RESUMO Racional: Estratégia cirúrgica para aumentar o número de transplantes hepáticos na população pediátrica é a transecção hepática ex-situ (redução ou split). No entanto, ela está associada com complicações, tais como hemorragia e fístulas. A esponja de fibrinogênio e trombina humana é útil para melhorar a hemostasia nas operações hepáticas. Objetivo: Comparar transplantes hepáticos pediátricos com transecção hepática ex-situ (redução ou split) com ou sem a esponja de fibrinogênio e trombina humana. Métodos: Foi realizada análise prospectiva de 21 pacientes submetidos ao transplante de fígado com transecção hepática ex-situ com a aplicação da esponja de fibrinogênio e trombina humana na área cruenta (grupo A) e análise retrospectiva de 59 pacientes sem a esponja (grupo B). Resultados: As características dos receptores e doadores eram semelhantes. Observou-se menor número de reoperações devido à hemorragia na área da cruenta no grupo A (14,2%) em comparação com o grupo B (41,7%, p=0,029). Não houve diferença em relação à fístula biliar (grupo A: 17,6%, grupo B: 5,1%, p=0,14). Conclusão: Houve menor número de reoperações por sangramento da área cruenta do enxerto hepático quando a esponja de fibrinogênio e trombina humana foi utilizada.

Main controversies in the nonoperative management of blunt splenic injuries / Principais controvérsias do tratamento não operatório das lesões contusas do baço

Introduction: The nonoperative management of traumatic spleen injuries is the modality of choice in patients with blunt abdominal trauma and hemodynamic stability. However, there are still questions about the treatment indication in some groups of patients, as well as its follow-up. Aim : Update knowledge about the spleen injury. Method: Was performed review of the literature on the nonoperative management of blunt injuries of the spleen in databases: Cochrane Library, Medline and SciELO. Were evaluated articles in English and Portuguese, between 1955 and 2014, using the headings "splenic injury, nonoperative management and blunt abdominal trauma". Results: Were selected 35 articles. Most of them were recommendation grade B and C. Conclusion: The spleen traumatic injuries are frequent and its nonoperative management is a worldwide trend. The available literature does not explain all aspects on treatment. The authors developed a systematization of care based on the best available scientific evidence to better treat this condition.

Introdução: O tratamento não operatório das lesões traumáticas do baço é a modalidade de escolha nos pacientes com trauma abdominal contuso e estabilidade hemodinâmica. No entanto, ainda existem dúvidas sobre a indicação do tratamento em determinado grupo de pacientes, assim como o seu seguimento. Objetivo : Atualizar o conhecimento sobre as lesões do baço. Método: Realizou-se revisão da literatura sobre o tratamento não operatório das lesões contusas do baço nas bases de dados: Cochrane, Medline e SciELO. Foram incluídos os artigos em línguas portuguesa e inglesa entre 1955 e 2014, utilizando os descritores "splenic injury, nonoperative management e blunt abdominal trauma". Resultado: Foram selecionados 35 artigos. A maioria dos trabalhos eran em grau de recomendação B e C. Conclusão: As lesões traumáticas do baço são frequentes e o seu tratamento não operatório apresenta tendência mundial. A literatura disponível não esclarece todos os aspectos deste tratamento. Elaborou-se sistematização de atendimento baseada nas melhores evidências científicas disponíveis para facilitar seu manejo.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas / Neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de pâncreas

ABSTRACT Background: The solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is a rare tumor of the pancreas. However, it´s etiology still maintain discussions. Aim: To analyze it´s clinical data, diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records of all patients treated from January 1997 until July 2015. Results: Were identified 17 cases. Most patients were women (94.11%) and the average age was 32.88 years. The main complaint was abdominal mass (47.05%). The most frequent location was in the body/tail of the pancreas (72.22%) and the most frequently performed surgery was distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (64.70%). No patient had metastases at diagnosis. Conservative surgery for pancreatic parenchyma was performed in only three cases. The rate of complications in the postoperative period was 35.29% and the main complication was pancreatic fistula (29.41%). No patient underwent adjuvant treatment. Conclusions: The treatment is surgical and the most common clinical presentation is abdominal mass. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was the most frequently performed surgery for its treatment.

RESUMO Racional: A neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar é tumor raro de pâncreas de tratamento cirúrgico. No entanto, sua causa ainda gera discussões. Objetivo: Analisar os dados clínicos, do diagnóstico e do tratamento da dessa neoplasia. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com dados médicos de pacientes tratados entre janeiro de 1997 a julho de 2015. Resultados: Foram identificados 17 casos. A maioria era de mulheres (94,11%) e a média de idade foi de 32,88 anos. A principal queixa era massa abdominal (47,05%). A localização mais frequente era no corpo/cauda do pâncreas (72,22%) e a operação mais realizada foi a pancreatectomia corpocaudal com esplenectomia (64,70%). Nenhum caso apresentou metástase no momento do diagnóstico. Operação conservadora de parênquima pancreático foi realizada em apenas três casos. A taxa de complicações no pós-operatório foi de 35,29% e a principal complicação foi fístula pancreática (29,41%). Nenhum paciente realizou adjuvância no seguimento. Conclusões: A mais comum apresentação clínica da neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar é de massa abdominal. Ela é de tratamento cirúrgico e pancreatectomia corpocaudal com esplenectomia é o procedimento mais realizado para seu tratamento.

Repair of large incisional hernias. To drain or not to drain. Randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the occurrence of seroma and surgical wound infection after surgery. METHODS: A total of 42 individuals with large incisional hernias were subjected toonlay mesh repair. Following the mesh placement, the participants were randomly allocated to two groups. In group 1, closed-suction drains were placed in the subcutaneous tissue, while progressive tension sutures were performed in group 2. The participants were subjected to clinical and ultrasound assessment to detect seroma and surgical wound infection at three time-points after surgery. RESULTS: The occurrence of seroma at the early, intermediate or late assessments was respectively 19.0%, 47.6%, 52.4% in group 1 and 28.6%, 57.1%, 42.9% in group 2 and was not significantly different between groups (p 0.469; 0.631; 0.619). Surgical wound infection occurred 19% in group 1 and 23.8% in group 2, without a significant difference between the groups (p>0.999). CONCLUSION: The frequency of seroma and infection did not exhibit significant differences between individuals subjected to onlay mesh repair of large incisional hernias with drains or progressive tension sutures without drainage.

Evaluation of systemic inflammatory responses in cholecystectomy by means of access. Single-port umbilical incision, transvaginal NOTES, laparoscopy and laparotomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare clinical and inflammatory responses to the surgical trauma caused by cholecystectomy via several access approaches: single-port umbilical incision (SILS), transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), laparoscopy, and Laparotomy.METHODS: Twenty-eight female pigs were equally divided into four groups and submitted to cholecystectomy by single-port umbilical incision, transvaginal NOTES, laparoscopy, or Laparotomy. An additional five animals served as controls (sham group). Animals were monitored perioperatively regarding anesthesia and surgical procedure times, as well as for the presence of complications. Postoperatively, they were evaluated regarding time to ambulation and feeding, and the presence of clinical events. Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and AQUI feron-gamma (IFN-γ) measurements were performed before surgery and immediately, two days, and seven days after surgery. Animals were sacrificed and necropsied at seven days after surgery.RESULTS: All procedures were successfully performed as proposed in each group. Only minor complications, such as gallbladder perforation and bleeding from the liver bed, were observed during surgery in all groups. The vaginal NOTES group showed higher anesthesia and surgical procedure times compared to the other groups (p<0.001). No other between-group differences in perioperative or postoperative times, clinical evolution, or serum inflammatory markers were observed. Only adhesions were found on necropsy, with no differences between groups.CONCLUSION: The single-port umbilical and transvaginal NOTES access approaches were feasible and safe compared to laparoscopic and laparotomy for cholecystectomy.

Comparative study of collagen deposition in the colon wall of patients operated for sigmoid diverticular disease

PURPOSE: To investigate the deposition of collagen in the colon wall of patients with sigmoid diverticulitis.METHODS: Samples of sigmoid tissue from 15 patients (disease group), seven men and eight women aged 37-77 years who underwent surgery for the treatment of diverticulitis, were selected. For the control group, specimens from five patients, three men and two women aged 19-58 years undergoing emergency surgery for sigmoid trauma were selected. These subjects had no associated diseases. The histological study of the surgical specimens was performed by staining with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius and using a histochemical method for collagen quantification.RESULTS: Collagen deposition in the colon wall in terms of area (F), glandular epithelium (E) and total area was significantly higher in the disease group compared to control (p=0.003, p=0.026 and p=0.010, respectively). The collagen volume fraction (F fraction) and muscle tissue (M fraction) were also significantly higher compared to control (p=0.044 and p=0.026, respectively). The muscle (M area) and volume fraction of glandular epithelium (E fraction) did not differ significantly between the two groups, (p=0.074 and p=1.000, respectively).CONCLUSION: In this study, collagen deposition in the colon wall of the patients operated for sigmoid diverticulitis was higher compared to patients without the disease.

An evaluation of the protective effect of an infusion of chilled glucose solution on thermal injury of the bile ducts caused by radiofrequency ablation of the liver

PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effects of chilling the bile ducts with cold (5°C) 5% glucose solution (GS) during radiofrequency (RF) administration. METHODS: Twenty male pigs (3 mos. old; 25-30 kg) were subjected to RF delivery with chilling (experimental group, N=10) or without chilling (control group, N=10). Half of the animals in each group were euthanized immediately after the operation, and half were euthanized one week later. The following histological variables in relation to the bile ducts were evaluated by a pathologist (blind examiner): degenerative changes to the epithelium; epithelial necrosis; ulceration, regenerative changes of the epithelium; polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration; and thermal effects. RESULTS: The experimental group (88 bile ducts examined) showed reduced thermal damage relative to the control group (86 bile ducts examined) as demonstrated by significant differences in the following histopathological parameters: epithelial detachment of biliary epithelium (84.1% vs. 59.3%; p<0.006); elongation/palisade arrangement of nuclei (65.1% vs. 87.5%; p<0.001); pseudo-goblet cells (32.9% vs. 56.8%; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Infusion of 5% glucose solution (5°C) has a protective effect on bile ducts subjected to heat (95-110°C, 12 min) from radiofrequency thermal ablation device. .

Colonografia por tomografia computadorizada na visão do médico encaminhador: qual o seu valor segundo a visão de especialistas? / CT colonography: the value of this method in the view of specialists

Objetivo: Mapear a visão dos cirurgiões sobre o papel da colonografia por tomografia computadorizada (CTC). Materiais e Métodos: Envio de questionário eletrônico aos membros do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões. O questionário constou de 16 questões de múltipla escolha que abordaram dados demográficos e conhecimentos gerais sobre a CTC. Resultados: Foram obtidas 144 respostas; 90,3% dos especialistas eram homens, 60% com menos de 30 anos de formado, 77,1% eram gastrocirurgiões, 22,9% eram cirurgiões gerais, 53,5% encontravam-se na vida acadêmica e 59,7% exerciam sua atividade profissional em cidades com mais de 500.000 habitantes. Em relação ao conhecimento da CTC, 84,7% conheciam o método, 70,8% sabiam como é realizado, 56,9% relataram conhecer o preparo intestinal utilizado, 31,3% utilizavam o método e 53,5% conheciam algum serviço de CTC na cidade em que atuam. Cerca de metade dos profissionais não conhecia a precisa indicação do método. Profissionais que atuam em cidades com mais de 500.000 habitantes conhecem e utilizam mais o método (p < 0,005). Houve uma tendência de os profissionais com carreira acadêmica utilizarem mais o método. Conclusão: A CTC, embora ainda pouco utilizada em nosso meio, é bastante conhecida, principalmente em grandes centros urbanos e no ambiente acadêmico. .

Objective: To map the view of surgeons on the role played by computed tomography colonography (CTC). Materials and Methods: An electronic questionnaire was sent to members of the Brazilian College of Surgeons. The questionnaire consisted of 16 multiple-choice questions about demographics and general knowledge about CTC. Results: The authors obtained 144 responses; 90.3% of the specialists were men, 60% with less than 30 years from graduation, 77.1% were gastrointestinal surgeons, 22.9% were general surgeons, 53.5% were involved in academic activity, and 59.7% had their professional activity in cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants. As regards the knowledge about CTC, 84.7% of the respondents knew the method, 70.8% knew how it is performed, 56.9% reported knowing the bowel preparation used for the procedure, 31.3% used the method, and 53.5% knew some CTC service in their city. About half of the respondents did not know the precise indication of the method. The method is most frequently known and used by professionals working in cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants (p < 0.005). There was a tendency of a more frequent use of the method by the professionals pursuing an academic career. Conclusion: Despite its infrequent use in Brazil, CTC is a well known method, particularly in large urban centers and in the academic environment. .

Immunohistochemical evaluation of fibrillar components of the extracellular matrix of transversalis fascia and anterior abdominal rectus sheath in men with inguinal hernia / Avaliação imunoistoquímica dos componentes fibrilares na matriz extracelular da fáscia transversal e da bainha do músculo reto abdominal de homens portadores de hérnia inguinal

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the role of fibrillar extracellular matrix components in the pathogenesis of inguinal hernias. METHODS: samples of the transverse fascia and of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle were collected from 40 men aged between 20 and 60 years with type II and IIIA Nyhus inguinal hernia and from 10 fresh male cadavers (controls) without hernia in the same age range. The staining technique was immunohistochemistry for collagen I, collagen III and elastic fibers; quantification of fibrillar components was performed with an image analysis processing software. RESULTS: no statistically significant differences were found in the amount of elastic fibers, collagen I and collagen III, and the ratio of collagen I / III among patients with inguinal hernia when compared with subjects without hernia. CONCLUSION: the amount of fibrillar extracellular matrix components did not change in patients with and without inguinal hernia. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar a participação dos componentes fibrilares da matriz extracelular na etiopatogenia das hérnias inguinais. MÉTODOS: foram retiradas amostras da fáscia transversal e da bainha anterior do músculo reto abdominal de 40 homens na faixa etária entre 20 e 60 anos, portadores de hérnia inguinal tipo II e IIIA de Nyhus e de 10 controles constituído por cadáveres frescos, na mesma faixa etária, sem hérnia. A técnica de coloração foi a imunoistoquímica para colágeno I, colágeno III e fibras elásticas e a quantificação dos componentes fibrilares foi realizada através de sistema computadorizado e software de processamento e análise de imagem. RESULTADOS: não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes na quantidade de fibras elásticas, colágeno I e colágeno III, e na proporção de colágeno I/III entre os pacientes portadores de hérnia inguinal em comparação com indivíduos sem hérnia. CONCLUSÃO: a quantidade dos componentes fibrilares da matriz extracelular não se alterou nos pacientes com e sem hérnia inguinal. .