Ten years of IRCAD, Barretos, SP, Brazil

Minimally invasive surgery represented a significant milestone in modern surgery; however, continuous innovation and the emergence of new technologies pose new challenges in terms of surgical learning curves since new interventions are associated with increased surgical complexity and a higher risk of complications. For this reason, surgeons are aware of the beneficial effects of "learning before doing" and the importance of safely implementing new surgical procedures in order to obtain better patient outcomes. Considered the largest Latin American training center in minimally invasive surgery, IRCAD Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil, makes it possible to acquire surgical skills through training in different and the most complex areas of medicine, providing the experience of real and simulated situations, with focus on innovation. The center possesses state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology, with a very high-level teaching staff and an affectionate and hospitable reception. Since its inauguration, in 2011, the center has already qualified numerous professionals and has placed the country in a privileged position in terms of surgical knowledge. The present article describes the activities developed over these ten years of the institute in Brazil as the largest training center for surgeons of the continent in order to address the importance of surgical skills training.

Decision making process in simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases. Review of literature

Abstract Purpose: The benefits of laparoscopic approaches to treat colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) separately are well established. However, there is no consensus about the optimal timing to approach the primary tumor and CRLM, whether simultaneously or staged. The objective of this review with practical reports is to discuss technical aspects required for patient selection to perform simultaneous laparoscopic approaches for CRC and CRLM. Methods: Literature review of oncological factors associated with patient selection for surgical treatment of CRLM and the use of laparoscopy in those cases, and report of technical aspects for simultaneous CRC and CRLM approaches. Results: Simultaneous laparoscopic resection has been successful in many series of selected patients, although it seems to be safer to perform minor and major liver resection with non-extended colorectal resections, and to avoid two high-risk procedures at the same time. Conclusions: Simultaneous CRC and CRLM resections seem to be safe when patients are carefully selected, also considering the risk of recurrence concerning oncologic outcomes. The pre-planning of simultaneous resection is mandatory to plan trocar positioning, procedure sequencing, and patient position.

Percutaneous radiofrequency assisted liver partition with portal vein embolization for staged hepatectomy (pralpps) / Divisão hepática assistida com embolização da veia porta para hepatectomia regrada usando radiofrequência percutânea

ABSTRACT Background: When a major hepatic resection is necessary, sometimes the future liver remnant is not enough to maintain sufficient liver function and patients are more likely to develop liver failure after surgery. Aim: To test the hypothesis that performing a percutaneous radiofrecuency liver partition plus percutaneous portal vein embolization (PRALPPS) for stage hepatectomy in pigs is feasible. Methods: Four pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) both sexes with weights between 25 to 35 kg underwent percutaneous portal vein embolization with coils of the left portal vein. By contrasted CT, the difference between the liver parenchyma corresponding to the embolized zone and the normal one was identified. Immediately, using the fusion of images between ultrasound and CT as a guide, radiofrequency needles were placed percutaneouslyand then ablated until the liver partition was complete. Finally, hepatectomy was completed with a laparoscopic approach. Results: All animals have survived the procedures, with no reported complications. The successful portal embolization process was confirmed both by portography and CT. In the macroscopic analysis of the pieces, the depth of the ablation was analyzed. The hepatic hilum was respected. On the other hand, the correct position of the embolization material on the left portal vein could be also observed. Conclusion: "Percutaneous radiofrequency assisted liver partition with portal vein embolization" (PRALLPS) is a feasible procedure.

RESUMO Racional: Quando grande ressecção hepática é necessária, às vezes, o fígado remanescente não é suficiente para manter a função hepática e os pacientes são mais propensos a desenvolver insuficiência hepática após a operação. Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que a realização de uma divisão do fígado com radiofreqüência percutânea mais a embolização percutânea da veia porta (PROPS) para a hepatectomia regrada em porcos é viável. Métodos: Quatro porcos (Sus scrofa domesticus) ambos os sexos com pesos entre 25 a 35 kg foram submetidos à embolização percutânea da veia porta com espirais da veia porta esquerda. Por TC contrastada, a diferença entre o parênquima hepático correspondente à zona embolizada e a normal foi identificada. Imediatamente, usando a fusão de imagens entre ultrassom e CT guiada, as agulhas de radiofrequência foram colocadas percutaneamente e depois foram cortando até a partição do fígado estar completa. Finalmente, a hepatectomia foi completada com abordagem laparoscópica. Resultados: Todos os animais sobreviveram aos procedimentos, sem complicações. O sucesso do processo de embolização do portal foi confirmado por portografia e CT. Na análise macroscópica das peças, analisou-se a profundidade da ablação. O hilo hepático foi respeitado. Por outro lado, a posição correta do material de embolização na veia porta esquerda também pôde ser observada. Conclusão: "Partição do fígado assistida por radiofrequência percutânea com embolização da veia porta" (PRALLPS) é um procedimento viável.

Cystoadenocarcinoma of the urachus

The cystoadenoma of the urachus is an uncommon disease which should evoked in case of a upper vesical (supra vesical) cystic mass. Many authors recommended total cystectomy but recent reports considered that conservative surgical treatment improvad the quality of life without modifying the survival rate