STAPLED FASCIAL CLOSURE VS. CONTINUOUS HAND-SEWN SUTURE: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL ON PORCINE MODEL AND HUMAN CADAVER.

BACKGROUND: One of the primary complications associated with large incisions in abdominal surgery is the increased risk of fascial closure rupture and incisional hernia development. The choice of the fascial closure method and closing with minimal tension and trauma is crucial for optimal results, emphasizing the importance of uniform pressure along the suture line to withstand intra-abdominal pressure. AIMS: To evaluate the resistance to pressure and tension of stapled and sutured hand-sewn fascial closure in the abdominal wall. METHODS: Nine abdominal wall flaps from human cadavers and 12 pigs were used for the experimentation. An abdominal defect was induced after the resection of the abdominal wall and the creation of a flap in the cadaveric model and after performing a midline incision in the porcine models. The models were randomized into three groups. Group 1 was treated with a one-layer hand-sewn small bite suture, Group 2 was treated with a two-layer hand-sewn small bite suture, and Group 3 was treated with a two-layer stapled closure. Tension measurements were assessed in cadaveric models, and intra-abdominal pressure was measured in porcine models. RESULTS: In the human cadaveric model, the median threshold for fascial rupture was 300N (300-350) in Group 1, 400N (350-500) in Group 2, and 350N (300-380) in Group 3. Statistical comparisons revealed non-significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.072, p>0.05), Group 1 and Group 3 (p=0.346, p>0.05), and Group 2 and Group 3 (p=0.184, p>0.05). For porcine subjects, Group 1 showed a median pressure of 80 mmHg (85-105), Group 2 had a median of 92.5 mmHg (65-95), and Group 3 had a median of 102.5 mmHg (80-135). Statistical comparisons indicated non-significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.243, p>0.05), Group 1 and Group 3 (p=0.468, p>0.05), and Group 2 and Group 3 (p=0.083, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stapled and conventional suturing resist similar pressure and tension thresholds.

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR: DIFFERENCES IN DIRECT COSTS FROM A BRAZILIAN PUBLIC INSTITUTE PERSPECTIVE.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted surgery research has grown dramatically in the past two decades and the advantages over traditional videolaparoscopy have been extensively debated. For hernias, the robotic system can increase intraoperative strategies, especially in complex hernias or incisional hernias. AIMS: This study aimed to compare the direct cost differences between robotic and laparoscopic hernia repair and determine each source of expenditure that may be related to the increased costs in a robotic program from the perspective of a Brazilian public institution. METHODS: This study investigated the differences in direct costs from the data generated from a trial protocol (ReBEC: RBR-5s6mnrf). Patients with incisional hernia were randomly assigned to receive laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) or robotic ventral incisional hernia repair (RVIHR). The direct medical costs of hernia treatment were described in the Brazilian currency (R$). RESULTS: A total of 19 patients submitted to LVIHR were compared with 18 submitted to RVIHR. The amount spent on operation room time (RVIHR: 2,447.91±644.79; LVIHR: 1,989.67±763.00; p=0.030), inhaled medical gases in operating room (RVIHR: 270.57±211.51; LVIHR: 84.55±252.34; p=0.023), human resources in operating room (RVIHR: 3,164.43±894.97; LVIHR: 2,120.16±663.78; p<0.001), material resources (RVIHR: 3,204.32±351.55; LVIHR: 736.51±972.32; p<0.001), and medications (RVIHR: 823.40±175.47; LVIHR: 288.50±352.55; p<0.001) for RVIHR was higher than that for LVIHR, implying a higher total cost to RVIHR (RVIHR: 14,712.24±3,520.82; LVIHR: 10,295.95±3,453.59; p<0.001). No significant difference was noted in costs related to the hospital stay, human resources in intensive care unit and ward, diagnostic tests, and meshes. CONCLUSION: Robotic system adds a significant overall cost to traditional laparoscopic hernia repair. The cost of the medical and robotic devices and longer operative times are the main factors driving the difference in costs.

Robotic-assisted compared with laparoscopic incisional hernia repair following oncologic surgery: short- and long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with abdominal site cancer are at risk for incisional hernia after open surgery. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted (RVIHR) with the laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) in an oncologic institute. METHODS: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial. Patients were randomized into two groups: RVIHR and LVIHR. RESULTS: Groups have similar baseline characteristics (LVIHR: N = 19; RVIHR: N = 18). No difference was noted in the length of hospital stay (RVIHR: 3.67 ± 1.78 days; LVIHR: 3.95 ± 2.66 days) and postoperative complications (16.7 versus 10.5%; p = 0.94). The mean operating time for RVIHR was significantly longer than LVIHR (RVIHR was 355.6 versus 293.5 min for LVIHR; p = 0.04). Recurrence was seen in three patients in LVIHR and two in RVIHR at 24-month follow-up, with no significant difference. (p > 0.99). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted incisional hernia repair show similar short- and long-term outcomes for cancer patients.

Management of biliary stones in bariatric surgery.

Morbidly obese and post-bariatric surgery patients are at increased risk for biliary stones formation. The complications related to biliary stones may impose complexity on their management. This study aimed to review the management of biliary conditions in obese and bariatric patients. In this study, a narrative review was performed of the medical, surgical, and endoscopic procedures for the management of biliary stones and their related complications. Knowing the main prophylactic and therapeutic interventions options is essential for clinicians to properly manage the biliary stones in patients candidates or submitted to bariatric surgery. Plain Language Summary: Management of biliary stones in bariatric surgery The complications related to biliary stones may impose complexity on their management. Knowing the main prophylactic and therapeutic intervention options is essential for clinicians to properly manage the biliary stones in patient candidates or submitted to bariatric surgery. This study reviewed the main tools clinicians can handle to properly manage candidates for bariatric surgery or patients submitted to bariatric surgery.

Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: differences in direct costs from a brazilian public institute perspective / Hernioplastia incisional robótica versus laparoscópica: diferenças nos custos diretos sob a perspectiva de um instituto público brasileiro

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted surgery research has grown dramatically in the past two decades and the advantages over traditional videolaparoscopy have been extensively debated. For hernias, the robotic system can increase intraoperative strategies, especially in complex hernias or incisional hernias. AIMS: This study aimed to compare the direct cost differences between robotic and laparoscopic hernia repair and determine each source of expenditure that may be related to the increased costs in a robotic program from the perspective of a Brazilian public institution. METHODS: This study investigated the differences in direct costs from the data generated from a trial protocol (ReBEC: RBR-5s6mnrf). Patients with incisional hernia were randomly assigned to receive laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) or robotic ventral incisional hernia repair (RVIHR). The direct medical costs of hernia treatment were described in the Brazilian currency (R$). RESULTS: A total of 19 patients submitted to LVIHR were compared with 18 submitted to RVIHR. The amount spent on operation room time (RVIHR: 2,447.91±644.79; LVIHR: 1,989.67±763.00; p=0.030), inhaled medical gases in operating room (RVIHR: 270.57±211.51; LVIHR: 84.55±252.34; p=0.023), human resources in operating room (RVIHR: 3,164.43±894.97; LVIHR: 2,120.16±663.78; p<0.001), material resources (RVIHR: 3,204.32±351.55; LVIHR: 736.51±972.32; p<0.001), and medications (RVIHR: 823.40±175.47; LVIHR: 288.50±352.55; p<0.001) for RVIHR was higher than that for LVIHR, implying a higher total cost to RVIHR (RVIHR: 14,712.24±3,520.82; LVIHR: 10,295.95±3,453.59; p<0.001). No significant difference was noted in costs related to the hospital stay, human resources in intensive care unit and ward, diagnostic tests, and meshes. CONCLUSION: Robotic system adds a significant overall cost to traditional laparoscopic hernia repair. The cost of the medical and robotic devices and longer operative times are the main factors driving the difference in costs.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A pesquisa em cirurgia robótica assistida cresceu dramaticamente nas últimas duas décadas e as vantagens sobre a videolaparoscopia tradicional têm sido amplamente debatidas. Para as hérnias, o sistema robótico pode aumentar as estratégias intraoperatórias, principalmente em hérnias complexas ou hérnias incisionais. OBJETIVOS: Comparar as diferenças de custo direto entre a hernioplastia incisional robótica e a laparoscópica e determinar cada fonte de gasto que pode estar relacionada ao aumento de custos em um programa de robótica na perspectiva de uma instituição pública brasileira. MÉTODOS: Investigar as diferenças nos custos diretos dos dados gerados a partir de um protocolo de ensaio clínico (ReBEC: RBR-5s6mnrf). Pacientes com hérnia incisional foram aleatoriamente designados para serem submetidos a reparo robótico ou laparoscópico (RVIHR). Os custos foram descritos na moeda brasileira (R$). RESULTADOS: Dezenove pacientes submetidos à cirurgia robótica foram comparados com dezoito submetidos à cirurgia laparoscópica. O valor gasto com tempo de centro cirúrgico (Robótica: 2.447,91±644,79; Robótica: 1.989,67±763,00; p=0,030), gases medicinais inalados em centro cirúrgico (Robótica: 270,57±211,51; Robótica: 84,55±252,34; p=0,023), recursos humanos em centro cirúrgico (Robótica: 3.164,43±894,97; Laparoscópica: 2.120,16±663,78; p<0,001), recursos materiais (Robótica : 3.204,32±351,55; Robótica: 736,51±972,32; p<0,001) e medicamentos (Robótica: 823,40±175,47; Robótica: 288,50 ± 352,55; p<0,001) para cirurgia robótica foi maior que cirurgia laparoscópica, implicando em maior custo total para cirurgia robótica (Robótica: 14.712,24±3.520,82; Laparoscópica: 10.295,95±3.453,59; p<0,001). Não foi observada diferença significativa nos custos relacionados à permanência hospitalar, recursos humanos em UTI e enfermaria, exames diagnósticos e telas. CONCLUSÕES: O sistema robótico adiciona um custo global significativo à hernioplastia incisional laparoscópica tradicional. O custo dos dispositivos médicos e robóticos, além de tempos cirúrgicos mais prolongados, são os principais fatores que impulsionam a diferença nos custos.

Insights of Outcome after Resection of Small Nonfunctioning Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of small nonfunctioning neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors (NF-PNETs) has been increasing systematically in the last few decades. Surgical resection was once considered the treatment of choice but has been questioned in the direction of a more conservative approach for selected patients. Our aim was to analyze the outcome of surgical resection of small (≤3cm) NF-PNETs. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 14 patients with sporadic NF-PNETs who underwent pancreatic resection. Data were collected from patients' medical records. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients included, 35.71% were men, and the average age was 52.36 ± 20.36 years. Comorbidities were present in 92.86% of the cases. The incidence of postoperative complications was 42.86%, the 30-day mortality was zero, and the length of follow-up was 3.31 ± 3.0 years. The results of pathological evaluations revealed WHO grade I in 42.86% of cases, II in 21.43%, and neuroendocrine carcinoma in 35.71%. The median tumor size was 1.85cm (range, 0.5-3cm), and 2 cases had synchronous metastasis. The median TNM stage was IIa (range, I-IV). The disease-free and patient survival rates were 87.5% and 100% at 3 years and 43.75% and 75% at 10 years, respectively. The tumor pathological grade was significantly higher in head tumors than body-tail tumors, but there were no differences with respect to tumor size and TNM staging. CONCLUSION: A surgical approach to treat small sporadic NF-PNETs is safe with low mortality and high patient survival. Based on these data, small pancreatic head tumors can be more aggressive, suggesting that surgical resection is still the best option to treat small nonfunctioning PNETS. Thus, conservative treatment should be indicated very cautiously for only cases with absolute contraindications for surgery.

Laparoscopic SpyGlass cholangioscopy evaluation during bilioenteric anastomosis for hepatolithiasis, a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Careful evaluation of intrahepatic injury of biliary tract diseases is crucial to assure proper management and estimate disease prognosis. Hepatholithiasis is a rare condition that can be associated to cholestatic liver diseases. Additional tools to improve diagnosis and patient care are of great interest specially if associated to decreased morbidity. Recently the spread of single-operator platforms of cholangioscopy brought this procedure back to scene. Our aim was to identify safety, feasibility and utility of SpyGlass cholangioscopy of biliary tract during laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 53 years-old man with hepatolithiasis associated to choledolithiasis under treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid and fenofibrate for 8 months, was submitted to laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy with cholangioscopy for biliary duct evaluation. Spyscope was inserted through a right lateral laparoscopic trocar entering the common bile duct. Examination of intra-hepatic bile ducts showed injury of right biliary. Few microcalculi were visualized. Left biliary ducts presented normal mucosa. Histopathological examination showed a chronic inflammatory process. During the procedure contrasted radiologic images were performed to assure Spyscope location. Following cholangioscopy evaluation, a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed. To enlarge hepatic duct, a small longitudinal incision was made, and a PDS-5.0 running suture was used for bilioenteric anastomosis. Patient was discharged on postoperative day 6, with drain removal on day 20. CONCLUSION: SpyGlass cholangioscopy during laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy is feasible leading to minimal additional invasion of the surgical. In this case the method was performed safely, providing detailed examination of injured biliary ducts, adding elements to determine disease prognosis and patient care.

Long Term Follow-up Results of Surgical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis.

Background: Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive loss of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function. Surgical procedures are required in cases of intractable pain, biliary obstruction or intestinal obstruction, complications from pseudocysts, or pancreatic fistulae. Objective: To assess the outcomes after surgical management of chronic pancreatitis, in a long-term follow-up. Methods: Patients that underwent surgical management of chronic pancreatitis,from 2006 to 2017, were reviewed. Demographics and complications of the procedures were recorded. Visual analogue pain scale was used for pain control evaluation. The 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire was used for quality of life assessment. Results: Sixty-five patients were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 60.26 months. Twenty patients underwent lateral pancreatojejunostomy, 22 to Roux-en-Y cystojejunostomy, 7 to transgastric cyst-gastrostomy,1 to Frey procedure, 4 to hepaticojejunostomy, 1 to Frey procedure and hepaticojejunostomy, 1 to lateral pancreatojejunostomy and cyst-gastrostomy, 7 to lateral pancreatojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy and 2 to cystojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy. No cases of perioperative deaths were recorded. A Pancreatic fistula was found in 5 cases, and all of them followed non-operative management. Of the 65 patients included in the study, 39 answered the questionnaires. Mean scores on SF-12, physical and mental scales were respectively 42.72 +- 10.76 and 49.84 +- 11.75. Conclusion: Surgical management of chronic pancreatitis is safe, with low mortality and morbidity rates. These procedures are effective in assuaging pain and in providing good quality of life.

Palliative laparoscopic resection of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the stomach: report of a case.

The most common sites of metastases in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are lung and bone. However, unusual sites, including the stomach, are characteristic of RCC.This article presents a case of a metastatic RCC (lung and liver) with a symptomatic gastric metastasis treated by a laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR).A 66-year-old woman, diagnosed with RCC underwent a right nephrectomy. During her follow-up, an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy showed an ulcerated lesion at the stomach. A biopsy of the specimen revealed metastatic RCC. The patient underwent a palliative LWR and was discharged home 8 days after surgery.Therefore, LWR is a relatively simple technique with the advantages of minimal invasive access in the treatment of palliative cases.

Comparison of MB fraction of creatine kinase mass and troponin I serum levels with necropsy findings in acute myocardial infarction.

Serum levels of troponin and heart-related fraction of creatine kinase (CK-MB) mass are used as diagnostic and prognostic criteria in myocardial infarction, but the relation between those levels and the necropsy-determined size of necrosis has not been tested in human beings. In this retrospective study, 1-cm-thick transverse sections of the ventricles were cut from the base to the apex in the necropsy hearts of 27 patients aged 47 to 86 years (mean 66, median 69; 19 men). Total and necrotic areas were measured using a computer-linked image analysis system. The weights of the necrotic areas were also calculated. The correlations of the areas and weights of necrotic myocardium with the highest serum values of CK-MB mass and troponin I, which had been quantified during life by chemiluminescence immunoassays, were verified by Pearson's test; results were considered significant at p