Overcoming Barriers: Sex Disparity in Surgeon Ergonomics.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal discomfort is widely experienced by surgeons across multiple surgical specialties. Developing technologies and new minimally invasive techniques add further complexity and ergonomic stressors. These stressors differentially affect male and female surgeons, but little is known about the role these sex disparities play in surgical ergonomic stress. We reviewed existing literature to better understand how ergonomic stress varies between male and female surgeons. STUDY DESIGN: A literature search was performed via PubMed including but not limited to the following topics: ergonomics, surgeons, female surgeons, women surgeons, pregnancy, and operating room. A review of available quantitative data was performed. RESULTS: Female surgeons endure more pronounced ergonomic discomfort than their male counterparts, with added ergonomic stress associated with pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-fold method is proposed to overcome ergonomic barriers, including (1) improved education on prevention and treatment of ergonomic injury for active surgeons and trainees, (2) increased departmental and institutional support for ergonomic solutions for surgeons, (3) partnerships with industry to study innovative ergonomic solutions, and (4) additional research on the nature of surgical ergonomic challenges and the differential effects of surgical ergonomics on female surgeons.

Clinical presentation, outcomes, and threshold for repair by sex in degenerative saccular vs fusiform aneurysms in the descending thoracic aorta.

OBJECTIVE: Saccular-shaped thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are often treated at smaller diameters compared with fusiform TAAs, despite a lack of strong clinical evidence to support this practice. The aim of this study was to examine differences in presentation, treatment, and outcomes between saccular TAAs and fusiform TAAs in the descending thoracic aorta. We also examined the need for sex-specific treatment thresholds for TAAs. METHODS: All Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for degenerative TAAs in the descending thoracic aorta from 2012 through 2022 were reviewed. Patients were stratified by urgency: emergent/urgent vs elective repairs (ruptured/symptomatic). Demographics, comorbidities, anatomical/procedural characteristics, and outcomes for fusiform TAAs and saccular TAAs were compared. Cumulative distribution curves were used to plot the proportion of patients who underwent emergent/urgent repair according to sex-stratified aortic diameter. RESULTS: Among 655 emergent/urgent TEVARs, 37% were performed for saccular TAAs, whereas among 1352 elective TEVARs, 35% had saccular TAA morphology. Compared with fusiform TAAs, saccular TAAs more frequently underwent emergent/urgent (ruptured/symptomatic) TEVAR below the repair threshold in both females (<50 mm: 38% vs 10%; relative risk, 3.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04-5.70; P < .001), and males (<55 mm: 47% vs 21%; relative risk, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.60-3.18; P < .001). Moreover, among patients with emergent/urgent fusiform TAAs, females presented at smaller diameters compared with males, whereas there was no difference in preoperative aneurysm diameter among patients with saccular TAAs. Regarding outcomes, emergent/urgent treated saccular TAAs had similar postoperative outcomes and 5-year mortality compared with fusiform TAAs. Nevertheless, in the elective cohort, patients with saccular TAAs had similar postoperative mortality compared with those with fusiform TAAs, but a lower rate of postoperative spinal cord ischemia (0.7% vs 3.2%; P = .010). Furthermore, patients with saccular TAAs had a higher rate of 5-year mortality compared with their fusiform counterparts (23% vs 17%; hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12-2.10; P = .010). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with saccular TAAs underwent emergent/urgent TEVAR at smaller diameters than those with fusiform TAAs, supporting current clinical practice guideline recommendations that saccular TAAs warrant treatment at smaller diameters. Furthermore, these data support a sex-specific treatment threshold for patients with fusiform TAAs, but not for those with saccular TAAs. Although there were no differences in outcomes following TEVAR between morphologies in the emergent/urgent cohort, patients with saccular TAAs who were treated electively were associated with higher 5-year mortality compared with those with fusiform TAAs.

Comparison of Male and Female Surgeons' Experiences With Gender Across 5 Qualitative/Quantitative Domains.

Importance: A growing body of literature has been developed with the goal of attempting to understand the experiences of female surgeons. While it has helped to address inequities and promote important programmatic improvements, work remains to be done. Objective: To explore how practicing male and female surgeons' experiences with gender compare across 5 qualitative/quantitative domains: career aspirations, gender-based discrimination, mentor-mentee relationships, perceived barriers, and recommendations for change. Design, Setting, and Participants: This national concurrent mixed-methods survey of Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) compared differences between male and female FACS. Differences between female FACS and female members of the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) were also explored. A randomly selected 3:1 sample of US-based male and female FACS was surveyed between January and June 2020. Female AWS members were surveyed in May 2020. Exposure: Self-reported gender. Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-reported experiences with career aspirations (quantitative), gender-based discrimination (quantitative), mentor-mentee relationships (quantitative), perceived barriers (qualitative), and recommendations for change (qualitative). Results: A total of 2860 male FACS (response rate: 38.1% [2860 of 7500]) and 1070 female FACS (response rate: 42.8% [1070 of 2500]) were included, in addition to 536 female AWS members. Demographic characteristics were similar between randomly selected male and female FACS, with the notable exception that female FACS were less likely to be married (720 [67.3%] vs 2561 [89.5%]; nonresponse-weighted P < .001) and have children (660 [61.7%] vs 2600 [90.9%]; P < .001). Compared with female FACS, female AWS members were more likely to be younger and hold additional graduate degrees (320 [59.7%] were married; 238 [44.4%] had children). FACS of both genders acknowledged positive and negative aspects of dealing with gender in a professional setting, including shared experiences of gender-based harassment, discrimination, and blame. Female FACS were less likely to have had gender-concordant mentors. They were more likely to emphasize the importance of gender when determining career aspirations and prioritizing future mentor-mentee relationships. Moving forward, female FACS emphasized the importance of avoiding competition among female surgeons. They encouraged male surgeons to acknowledge gender bias and admit their potential role. Male FACS encouraged male and female surgeons to treat everyone the same. Conclusions and Relevance: Experiences with gender are not limited to supportive female surgeons. The results of this study emphasize the importance of recognizing the voices of all stakeholders involved when striving to promote workforce diversity and the related need to develop quality improvement/surgical education initiatives that enhance inclusion through open, honest discourse.

CT scan in the evaluation of pediatric abdominal trauma.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the need of computed tomography (CT) for the definition of management in pediatric abdominal trauma. METHODS: observational retrospective study with patients under 18 years old victims of blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma that underwent CT of the abdomen and pelvis at admission. We evaluated CT scan findings, indications and management. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of clinical variables and energy of trauma for findings on CT. RESULTS: among the 236 patients included in our study, 72% (n=170) did not present abnormal findings on CT. It was performed surgical treatment in 15% (n=10), conservative treatment in 54,5% (n=36) and 27% (n=18) did not receive treatment for abdominal injuries. In the assessment of CT indications, 28,8% (n=68) presented no justifications. In this group, 91% (n=62) did not show any abnormal findings. Among the six patients with positive findings, half were selected for conservative treatment, while the rest did not need any treatment for abdominal injuries. The presence of abdominal pain, hemodynamic alterations and high energy blunt trauma had low positive predictive values when isolated, whereas the negative predictive values were higher. CONCLUSION: although CT is necessary in some instances, there is a possible high number of exams that did not make any difference in the management of the pediatric population.

LAPAROSCOPIC INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR: THE LONG-TERM ASSESSMENT OF CHRONIC PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic approaches to inguinal hernia repair include transabdominal extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal, both of which are widely performed and employ mesh. Indicators of success for these surgical procedures include incidence of complications, time to return to daily activities, incidence of postoperative chronic pain, and the long-term postoperative patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare long-term postoperative incidence of chronic pain and overall quality of life among patients undergoing transabdominal extraperitoneal or transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Medical records were analyzed, and the SF-36 questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale were applied to assess quality of life and chronic pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair between January 2017 and February 2021. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients status post laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, who were 3 months postoperatively or longer, were included in the study. Among the early complications seen, seroma was most common in the transabdominal preperitoneal group (p=0.04). Subsequently, 40 of the initial 167 patients answered to the survey instrument (SF-36 and Visual Analog Scale). Mean patient-reported pain (Visual Analog Scale score) was statistically similar between groups, with 1.29 for transabdominal preperitoneal and 1.68 for transabdominal extraperitoneal (p=0.92). In the domains evaluated by the SF-36, there was no significant difference between the samples. CONCLUSION: Both transabdominal extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal techniques for hernia repair have similar results in the late postoperative period regarding quality of life and prevalence of chronic pain. They are also comparable in terms of major early postoperative complications, except for seroma, with a higher incidence in patients undergoing transabdominal preperitoneal.

Clinical-epidemiological changes in patients with non-traumatic acute abdomen during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: we intend to demonstrate the clinical alterations and the postoperative evolution in patients with acute abdomen non-traumatic in conservative or surgical treatment during the pandemic compared to a similar period in the last year. METHOD: a single-center retrospective study, including patients who received clinical-surgical treatment at Hospital do Trabalhador diagnosed with acute abdomen between March and August 2020 and a similar period in 2019.Variables studied ranged from demographic data to indices of social isolation. RESULTS: 515 patients were included, 291 received treatment in a pre-pandemic period and 224 during. There was not statistical difference in relation to comorbidities (p=0.0685), time to diagnosis and seeking medical help. No statistical differences were observed in terms of days of hospitalization (p = 0.4738) and ICU need (p=0.2320). Regarding in-hospital deaths, there was statistical relevance in the age above 60 years (p=0.002) and there were more deaths during the pandemic period (p=0.032). However, when we analyze the factors associated with the number of days until diagnosis by a physician, there was no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: the analyzed data showed that the pandemic period and age over 60 years were the variables that increased the odds ratio for the in-hospital death outcome. However, the length of stay, days in intensive care unit and postoperative surgical complications showed no significant difference.

RISK FACTORS FOR SURGICAL WOUND INFECTION AFTER ELECTIVE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY.

BACKGROUND: One of the ways to avoid infection after surgical procedures is through antibiotic prophylaxis. This occurs in cholecystectomies with certain risk factors for infection. However, some guidelines suggest the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for all cholecystectomies, although current evidence does not indicate any advantage of this practice in the absence of risk factors. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of wound infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in these procedures. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 439 patients with chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, accounting for different risk factors for wound infection. RESULTS: There were seven cases of wound infection (1.59%). No antibiotic prophylaxis regimen significantly altered infection rates. There was a statistically significant correlation between wound infection and male patients (p=0.013). No other analyzed risk factor showed a statistical correlation with wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The nonuse of antibiotic prophylaxis and other analyzed factors did not present a significant correlation for the increase in the occurrence of wound infection. Studies with a larger sample and a control group without antibiotic prophylaxis are necessary.

Fatigue in incident peritoneal dialysis and mortality: A real-world side-by-side study in Brazil and the United States.

BACKGROUND: We tested if fatigue in incident Peritoneal Dialysis associated with an increased risk for mortality, independently from main confounders. METHODS: We conducted a side-by-side study from two of incident PD patients in Brazil and the United States. We used the same code to independently analyze data in both countries during 2004 to 2011. We included data from adults who completed KDQOL-SF vitality subscale within 90 days after starting PD. Vitality score was categorized in four groups: >50 (high vitality), ≥40 to ≤50 (moderate vitality), >35 to <40 (moderate fatigue), ≤35 (high fatigue; reference group). In each country's cohort, we built four distinct models to estimate the associations between vitality (exposure) and all-cause mortality (outcome): (i) Cox regression model; (ii) competing risk model accounting for technique failure events; (iii) multilevel survival model of clinic-level clusters; (iv) multivariate regression model with smoothing splines treating vitality as a continuous measure. Analyses were adjusted for age, comorbidities, PD modality, hemoglobin, and albumin. A mixed-effects meta-analysis was used to pool hazard ratios (HRs) from both cohorts to model mortality risk for each 10-unit increase in vitality. RESULTS: We used data from 4,285 PD patients (Brazil n = 1,388 and United States n = 2,897). Model estimates showed lower vitality levels within 90 days of starting PD were associated with a higher risk of mortality, which was consistent in Brazil and the United States cohorts. In the multivariate survival model, each 10-unit increase in vitality score was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in both cohorts (Brazil HR = 0.79 [95%CI 0.70 to 0.90] and United States HR = 0.90 [95%CI 0.88 to 0.93], pooled HR = 0.86 [95%CI 0.75 to 0.98]). Results for all models provided consistent effect estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients in Brazil and the United States, lower vitality score in the initial months of PD was independently associated with all-cause mortality.

RISK FACTORS FOR SURGICAL WOUND INFECTION AFTER ELECTIVE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY.

AIM: One of the ways to avoid infection after surgical procedures is through antibiotic prophylaxis. This occurs in cholecystectomies with certain risk factors for infection. However, some guidelines suggest the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for all cholecystectomies, although current evidence does not indicate any advantage of this practice in the absence of risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of wound infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in these procedures. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 439 patients with chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, accounting for different risk factors for wound infection. RESULTS: There were 7 (1.59%) cases of wound infection. No antibiotic prophylaxis regimen significantly altered infection rates. There was a statistically significant correlation between wound infection and male patients (p=0.013). No other analyzed risk factor showed a statistical correlation with wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The non-use of antibiotic prophylaxis and other analyzed factors did not present a significant correlation for the increase in the occurrence of wound infection. Studies with a larger sample and a control group without antibiotic prophylaxis are necessary.

Non-Governmental Organizations Delivering Global Cardiac Surgical Care: A Quantitative Impact Assessment.

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 93% of the population lacks safe, timely, and affordable access to cardiac surgical care when needed. As countries slowly build or expand local, independent cardiac centers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) partially bridge the gap in cardiac surgical care delivery in LMICs. However, little is known about the current scope of cardiac NGOs. Here, we perform an analysis of active NGOs involved with the delivery of cardiac surgical services in LMICs or for patients from LMICs. Cardiac surgery NGOs were identified from medical literature, established NGO databases, and Google Scholar searches. The search was performed between December 2019 and May 2020. NGOs whose websites were not updated or described missions or projects taking place no later than 2015 were considered inactive. Eighty-six NGOs are actively providing cardiac surgery services in LMICs or treating patients from LMICs. Five NGOs performed adult cardiac surgery only, 56 performed pediatric cardiac surgery only, and 25 performed both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. NGOs originated from 23 different countries and were operational in a total of 111 countries, 96 of them being LMICs. Fifty-three NGOs reported data on annual surgical volume, of which half performed less than 50 operations per year. NGOs effectively address the burden of cardiac surgical disease in LMICs and contribute to local capacity-building. Increased, more detailed, and standardized reporting of the impact and outcomes of NGOs is necessary to better understand annual cardiac surgical volume and to support local centers working towards independent services.

Women representation in academic and leadership positions in surgery in Brazil.

We aimed to analyze the representativeness of women surgeons in academic and leadership positions in Brazil. We investigated women representativeness across surgical departments of 25 Brazilian universities (2020); across boards of 10 Brazilian surgical societies (2020), and, as speakers, in 281 surgical events (Jan-2014 to Dec-2020). From 383 individuals in university departments, 43 (11.2 %) were women (p < 0.001). Only three universities had women as department chairs. From 163 positions in surgical societies, only 14 positions (8.6 %) were held by women (p < 0.001). The underrepresentation is worse in prestigious positions (presidency and vice-presidency), in which only 1 (5 %) were women. In 281 surgical events, there were 6686 speakers, of which only 886 (13.3 %) of these were women (p < 0.001). Further studies are needed to elucidate the possible causes for the gender gap in these scenarios in Brazil, so as to implement effective strategies to improve gender representativeness in surgery in the country.

Female and Country Representation on Editorial Boards of Cardiothoracic Surgery Journals.

Editorial board positions are prestigious and have important implications as gatekeepers for the advancement of academic surgeons. We assessed the composition of editorial boards of cardiothoracic surgery journals to identify female and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) representation. Journals listed as "Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems" in the 2019 InCites Journal Citation Reports (JCR) directory by Clarivate Analytics were manually searched to identify journals pertaining to cardiothoracic surgery. Editorial boards for each journal were reviewed as available on journal websites, assessing for sex and country income group (high-income country vs. LMIC) of editorial board members. Descriptive statistics were performed, and differences were assessed through t tests and correlations using STATA version 14. Twenty-two cardiothoracic journals were identified, of which 16 were listed on JCR and 6 were sister journals. A total of 1,970 editorial board members were identified, of whom 206 (10.5%) were female and 103 (5.2%) from LMICs (each, p < 0.001). Female representation varied between 0% and 29.7% across journals. There were 391 associate and deputy editors, 62 (15.9%) were female and 15 (3.8%) from LMICs (each, p < 0.001). Only 1 (4.5%) of the 22 journals had a female Editor-in-Chief. A total of 15 LMICs were represented: Brazil (56 members), China (11 members), and India (11 members). LMIC representation varied between 0% and 76.6% (Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery), with the second highest representation being only 16.33%. After excluding the Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery (the only country-specific journal), LMIC representation was only 3.7% on editorial boards. The intersection between female sex and LMIC origin was found in only three editorial board members. A statistically significant positive correlation was seen between percentage of females in editorial boards and journal impact factor (r= 0.769, p < 0.001). No correlation was seen between percentage of LMIC in boards and impact factor (r = -0.306, p = 0.250). Our findings suggest editorial boards of cardiothoracic surgery journals remain highly imbalanced in terms of sex and country income group. Disparities in editorial boards may further result in less inclusive review processes, which may lead to fewer publications and slower academic advancement by underrepresented groups. Societies should partake in active assessment and reporting of disparities across their editorial boards as well as assessment of implicit biases and barriers impeding female and LMIC researchers from joining their boards.

Risk factors for surgical wound infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy / Fatores de risco para infecção de ferida operatória após colecistectomia laparoscópica eletiva

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: One of the ways to avoid infection after surgical procedures is through antibiotic prophylaxis. This occurs in cholecystectomies with certain risk factors for infection. However, some guidelines suggest the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for all cholecystectomies, although current evidence does not indicate any advantage of this practice in the absence of risk factors. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of wound infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in these procedures. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 439 patients with chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, accounting for different risk factors for wound infection. RESULTS: There were 7 (1.59%) cases of wound infection. No antibiotic prophylaxis regimen significantly altered infection rates. There was a statistically significant correlation between wound infection and male patients (p=0.013). No other analyzed risk factor showed a statistical correlation with wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The non-use of antibiotic prophylaxis and other analyzed factors did not present a significant correlation for the increase in the occurrence of wound infection. Studies with a larger sample and a control group without antibiotic prophylaxis are necessary.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: Uma das formas de evitar infecção após procedimentos cirúrgicos é por meio de profilaxia antibiótica. Isso ocorre em colecistectomias com certos fatores de risco para infecção. No entanto, algumas diretrizes sugerem o uso de profilaxia antibiótica para todas as colecistectomias, embora evidências atuais não indiquem qualquer benefício dessa prática na ausência de fatores de risco. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência de infecção em ferida operatória após colecistectomias laparoscópicas eletivas e o uso de antibioticoprofilaxia nesses procedimentos. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 439 pacientes com colecistite crônica e colelitíase, contabilizados os diferentes fatores de risco para infecção de feridas. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram sete casos de infecção de ferida operatória (1.59%). Nenhum esquema de antibioticoprofilaxia alterou significativamente as taxas de infecção. Foi registrada correlação estatisticamente significativa entre infecção de ferida operatória e pacientes do sexo masculino (p=0.013). Nenhum outro fator de risco analisado demonstrou correlação estatística com infecção de ferida operatória. CONCLUSÕES: O não emprego de antibioticoprofilaxia e outros fatores analisados não apresentaram correlação significativa para aumento da frequência de infecção de ferida operatória. Estudos com maior amostra e grupo controle sem antibioticoprofilaxia são necessários.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: the long-term assessment of chronic pain and quality of life / Herniorrafia inguinal laparoscópica: avaliação a longo prazo da dor crônica e qualidade de vida

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic approaches to inguinal hernia repair include transabdominal extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal, both of which are widely performed and employ mesh. Indicators of success for these surgical procedures include incidence of complications, time to return to daily activities, incidence of postoperative chronic pain, and the long-term postoperative patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare long-term postoperative incidence of chronic pain and overall quality of life among patients undergoing transabdominal extraperitoneal or transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Medical records were analyzed, and the SF-36 questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale were applied to assess quality of life and chronic pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair between January 2017 and February 2021. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients status post laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, who were 3 months postoperatively or longer, were included in the study. Among the early complications seen, seroma was most common in the transabdominal preperitoneal group (p=0.04). Subsequently, 40 of the initial 167 patients answered to the survey instrument (SF-36 and Visual Analog Scale). Mean patient-reported pain (Visual Analog Scale score) was statistically similar between groups, with 1.29 for transabdominal preperitoneal and 1.68 for transabdominal extraperitoneal (p=0.92). In the domains evaluated by the SF-36, there was no significant difference between the samples. CONCLUSION: Both transabdominal extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal techniques for hernia repair have similar results in the late postoperative period regarding quality of life and prevalence of chronic pain. They are also comparable in terms of major early postoperative complications, except for seroma, with a higher incidence in patients undergoing transabdominal preperitoneal.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Atualmente o tratamento da hérnia inguinal pode ser laparoscópico totalmente extraperitoneal ou transabdominal pré-peritoneal, ambas as técnicas utilizam tela e são amplamente empregadas. O sucesso do procedimento cirúrgico é medido pelo menor número de complicações, retorno rápido às atividades cotidianas, presença ou não de dor crônica e pelo grau de satisfação do paciente no pós-operatório. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar e comparar a presença de dor crônica e qualidade de vida no pós operatório tardio de pacientes submetidos às duas técnicas de cirurgias laparoscópicas de correção de hérnia inguinal. MÉTODOS: O estudo consistiu em uma abordagem quantitativa transversal retrospectiva. Foi realizada análise de prontuários e aplicação de questionário SF-36 e Escala Visual Analógica para avaliação de qualidade de vida e dor crônica em pacientes submetidos a hernioplastia inguinal laparoscópica entre janeiro de 2017 a fevereiro de 2021. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 167 prontuários com mais de 3 meses de pós-operatório. Dentre as complicações precoces avaliadas, o seroma foi mais comumente diagnosticado no grupo transabdominal pré-peritoneal (p=0,04). Posteriormente, 40 dos 167 pacientes responderam ao instrumento de pesquisa composto por SF-36 e Escala Visual Analógica. A média para dor crônica, mensurada através da Escala Visual Analógica, foi de 1,29 para transabdominal pré-peritoneal versus totalmente extraperitoneal com 1,68 (p=0,92). Já nos domínios avaliados pelo SF-36 não houve diferença significativa entre as amostras (p>0,05). CONCLUSÕES: As técnicas totalmente extraperitoneal e transabdominal pré-peritoneal apresentam resultados semelhantes no pós-operatório tardio com base na qualidade de vida e dor crônica. As técnicas também são comparáveis em termos das principais complicações pós-operatórias precoces, exceto para seroma, que apresentou maior incidência em pacientes submetidos a transabdominal pré-peritoneal.

CT scan in the evaluation of pediatric abdominal trauma / Tomografia computadorizada na avaliação do trauma abdominal pediátrico

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the need of computed tomography (CT) for the definition of management in pediatric abdominal trauma. Methods: observational retrospective study with patients under 18 years old victims of blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma that underwent CT of the abdomen and pelvis at admission. We evaluated CT scan findings, indications and management. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of clinical variables and energy of trauma for findings on CT. Results: among the 236 patients included in our study, 72% (n=170) did not present abnormal findings on CT. It was performed surgical treatment in 15% (n=10), conservative treatment in 54,5% (n=36) and 27% (n=18) did not receive treatment for abdominal injuries. In the assessment of CT indications, 28,8% (n=68) presented no justifications. In this group, 91% (n=62) did not show any abnormal findings. Among the six patients with positive findings, half were selected for conservative treatment, while the rest did not need any treatment for abdominal injuries. The presence of abdominal pain, hemodynamic alterations and high energy blunt trauma had low positive predictive values when isolated, whereas the negative predictive values were higher. Conclusion: although CT is necessary in some instances, there is a possible high number of exams that did not make any difference in the management of the pediatric population.

RESUMO Introdução: avaliar a necessidade da tomografia computadorizada (TC) para definição de condutas em trauma abdominal pediátrico. Métodos: estudo observacional retrospectivo com pacientes menores de 18 anos vítimas de trauma abdominal contuso ou penetrante e que realizaram TC de abdome e pelve na admissão. Avaliou-se achados das tomografias, condutas e justificativas para indicação da TC. Foram calculados sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo de fatores clínicos e energia do trauma para alterações na TC. Resultados: dentre os 236 pacientes incluídos, 72% (n=170) não apresentaram alterações na TC. Foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico em 15% (n=10), tratamento conservador em 54,5% (n=36) e 27% (n=18) não receberam tratamento por lesões abdominais. Na avaliação das indicações de TC, 28,8% (n=68) não apresentavam nenhuma justificativa, sendo que nesse grupo 91% (n=62) resultaram em ausência de achados. Dentre os seis pacientes com achados positivos, metade recebeu tratamento conservador, enquanto o restante não necessitou de tratamento por lesões abdominais. A presença de dor abdominal, alteração hemodinâmica e trauma contuso de alta energia apresentaram baixos valores preditivos positivos de forma isolada, enquanto os valores preditivos negativos foram mais altos. Conclusão: apesar de a TC ser necessária e justificável em alguns casos, há um possível excesso de tomografias dispensáveis para definição de condutas em população pediátrica.

Clinical-epidemiological changes in patients with non-traumatic acute abdomen during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study / Alterações clínico-epidemiológicas em pacientes com abdome agudo não traumático durante a pandemia da COVID-19: um estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Objective: we intend to demonstrate the clinical alterations and the postoperative evolution in patients with acute abdomen non-traumatic in conservative or surgical treatment during the pandemic compared to a similar period in the last year. Method: a single-center retrospective study, including patients who received clinical-surgical treatment at Hospital do Trabalhador diagnosed with acute abdomen between March and August 2020 and a similar period in 2019.Variables studied ranged from demographic data to indices of social isolation. Results: 515 patients were included, 291 received treatment in a pre-pandemic period and 224 during. There was not statistical difference in relation to comorbidities (p=0.0685), time to diagnosis and seeking medical help. No statistical differences were observed in terms of days of hospitalization (p = 0.4738) and ICU need (p=0.2320). Regarding in-hospital deaths, there was statistical relevance in the age above 60 years (p=0.002) and there were more deaths during the pandemic period (p=0.032). However, when we analyze the factors associated with the number of days until diagnosis by a physician, there was no statistical difference. Conclusion: the analyzed data showed that the pandemic period and age over 60 years were the variables that increased the odds ratio for the in-hospital death outcome. However, the length of stay, days in intensive care unit and postoperative surgical complications showed no significant difference.

RESUMO Objetivo: pretendemos demonstrar as alterações clínicas e a evolução pós-operatória em pacientes com abdome agudo não traumático em tratamento conservador ou cirúrgico durante a pandemia em comparação a período semelhante no ano anterior. Método: estudo retrospectivo unicêntrico, incluindo pacientes que receberam tratamento clínico-cirúrgico no Hospital do Trabalhador com diagnóstico de abdome agudo entre março e agosto de 2020 e período semelhante em 2019. As variáveis estudadas variaram de dados demográficos a índices de isolamento social. Resultados: foram incluídos 515 pacientes, 291 receberam tratamento no período pré-pandemia e 224 na pandemia. Não houve diferença estatística em relação às comorbidades (p=0,0685), tempo para diagnóstico e procura de ajuda médica. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas quanto aos dias de internação (p=0,4738) e necessidade de UTI (p=0,2320). Em relação aos óbitos intra-hospitalares, observou-se relevância estatística na idade acima de 60 anos (p=0,002) e ocorreram mais óbitos no período da pandemia (p=0,032). Porém, quando analisamos os fatores associados ao número de dias até o diagnóstico por um médico, não houve diferença estatística. Conclusão: os dados analisados mostraram que o período de pandemia e a idade acima de 60 anos foram as variáveis que aumentaram a razão de chances para o desfecho óbito hospitalar. No entanto, o tempo de internação, dias na unidade de terapia intensiva e complicações cirúrgicas pós-operatórias, não apresentaram diferença significativa.

Predictive Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms Following Open Sleeve Gastrectomy in Brazil Using Clinical Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: To evaluate predictors of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) based on a clinical questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. We included all patients who underwent open SG between May 2013 and March 2017 in a single institution. Patients who could not be contacted or who did not want to participate were excluded. Clinical, demographic, and pre- and postoperative data were collected on medical records. Patients were contacted via telephone and inquired about GERD symptoms postoperatively. Symptoms were quantified using the GERD Questionnaire (GERDq). Patients were divided into three study groups according to GERDq score: asymptomatic (GERDq = 0), mildly symptomatic (GERDq ≤ 8), and severely symptomatic (GERDq > 8). Univariate analysis was performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and chi-square tests. A logistic regression model was built for adjusted analysis of the data. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-nine patients were included. Mean age was 39.7 ± 10.71 years and 45.5% were female. Postoperative median follow-up period was 4.55 years (interquartile range 5.34-3.76). Mean GERDq score was 7.62 ± 10.17. Sixty-four patients were asymptomatic, 63 were mildly symptomatic, and 62 were severely symptomatic. The group of severely symptomatic patients showed a statistically lower preoperative weight when compared to the other groups (p = 0.049), but this association was not observed when analyzing preoperative BMI (p = 0.427). The other variables were not associated with postoperative GERD symptoms, both in univariate and adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION: No variables were statistically and clinically predictive of GERD occurrence or severity after SG. The pathophysiology of GERD is complex and further studies are needed to elucidate this condition.