Combining machine learning and texture analysis to differentiate mediastinal lymph nodes in lung cancer patients.

Evaluate whether texture analysis associated with machine learning approaches could differentiate between malignant and benign lymph nodes. A total 18 patients with lung cancer were selected, with 39 lymph nodes, being 15 malignant and 24 benign. Retrospective computed tomography scans were utilized both with and without contrast medium. The great differential of this work was the use of 15 textures from mediastinal lymph nodes, with five different physicians as operators. First and second order statistical textures such as gray level run length and co-occurrence matrix were extracted and applied to three different machine learning classifiers. The best machine learning classifier demonstrated a variability of less than 5% among operators. The support vector machine (SVM) classifier presented 95% of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and 89% of sensitivity for sequences without contrast medium. SVM classifier presented 93% of AUC and 86% of sensitivity for sequences with contrast medium. Texture analysis and machine learning may be helpful in the differentiation between malign and benign lymph nodes. This study can aid the physician in diagnosis and staging of lymph nodes and potentially reduce the number of invasive analysis to histopathological confirmation.

Mitomycin C in the Endoscopic Treatment of Laryngotracheal Stenosis: Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-Analysis

Abstract Introduction Mitomycin C is a natural antibiotic that has been used to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts in scar tissue. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical Mitomycin C as an adjuvant in the endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenoses. Data synthesis A systematic review of experimental or observational studies that have evaluated the treatment of laryngotracheal stenoses with the use of topical Mitomycin C was performed. Databases researched: LILACS, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science. Outcomes: resolution (symptom-free time ≥ one year), number of procedures required, and complications resulting from the procedure. A total of 15 studies (involving 387 patients) were selected. Mitomycin C was administered to every patient in 11 studies, and in 4 other studies, the patients were separated into 2 groups, 1 receiving mitomycin C, and the other not. The resolution of the stenosis evaluated in 12 studies in which the patients received mitomycin C was of 69% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 61-76%; I2 = 17.3%). A total of 52% of the patients (95%CI: 39-64%, 11 studies; I2 = 64.7%) were submitted to a single endoscopic procedure, and 48% (95%CI: 36-61%, 11 studies; I2 = 64.7%) were submitted to more than 1 procedure. Complications (mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema, dysphonia, laceration or vocal fold paralysis and acute light obstruction) were reported in 9% of the patients (95%CI: 3-18%, 9 studies; I2 = 79.8%). Conclusions The evidence suggests that mitomycin C is an effective and safe option in the endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis.

Mitomycin C in the Endoscopic Treatment of Laryngotracheal Stenosis: Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-Analysis.

Introduction Mitomycin C is a natural antibiotic that has been used to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts in scar tissue. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical Mitomycin C as an adjuvant in the endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenoses. Data synthesis A systematic review of experimental or observational studies that have evaluated the treatment of laryngotracheal stenoses with the use of topical Mitomycin C was performed. Databases researched: LILACS, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science. Outcomes: resolution (symptom-free time ≥ one year), number of procedures required, and complications resulting from the procedure. A total of 15 studies (involving 387 patients) were selected. Mitomycin C was administered to every patient in 11 studies, and in 4 other studies, the patients were separated into 2 groups, 1 receiving mitomycin C, and the other not. The resolution of the stenosis evaluated in 12 studies in which the patients received mitomycin C was of 69% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 61-76%; I 2 = 17.3%). A total of 52% of the patients (95%CI: 39-64%, 11 studies; I 2 = 64.7%) were submitted to a single endoscopic procedure, and 48% (95%CI: 36-61%, 11 studies; I 2 = 64.7%) were submitted to more than 1 procedure. Complications (mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema, dysphonia, laceration or vocal fold paralysis and acute light obstruction) were reported in 9% of the patients (95%CI: 3-18%, 9 studies; I 2 = 79.8%). Conclusions The evidence suggests that mitomycin C is an effective and safe option in the endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis.

Clinical usefulness of prethymectomy plasmapheresis in patients with myasthenia gravis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to evaluate, through a systematic review, the efficacy of plasmapheresis in the preoperative preparation of the patient for a thymectomy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Scopus and CENTRAL databases were searched. The following outcomes were evaluated: myasthenic crisis, mortality, pneumonia, bleeding, use of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. RevMan 5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The total number of patients evaluated in the 7 included studies was 360. Plasmapheresis during the preoperative period did not decrease the myasthenic crisis [risk ratio (RR) 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08-1.66; I2 = 44%; 5 studies, 243 patients]. There was also no change in the mortality rate (RR 0.7, 95% CI 0.11-4.62; I2 = 0%; 3 studies, 172 patients) or pneumonia cases (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.07-1.09; I2 = 27%; 5 studies, 272 patients). Bleeding was greater in patients who underwent plasmapheresis (mean difference 34.34 ml; 95% CI 24.93-43.75; I2 = 0%). We evaluated the following outcomes: need for mechanical ventilation, hospital stay, ICU stay and mechanical ventilation, but these outcomes were not adequate to perform the meta-analysis due to the high heterogeneity among the studies. Subgroup analysis showed that plasmapheresis performed during the preoperative period in patients with severe disease (Osserman III and IV) decreased the myasthenic crisis postoperatively (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.65; I2 = 63%). CONCLUSIONS: Plasmapheresis may reduce the myasthenic crisis during the postoperative period in patients with severe disease but may produce little or no difference in patients with mild clinical expression of the disease.

New sternal closure methods versus the standard closure method: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate, by means of a systematic review, the efficiency of new methods for sternal closure in order to prevent sternal wound complications after sternotomy. METHODS: The method of study was a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. We included studies that used rigid plates, thermoreactive clips, cables and flat wires, in comparison with the standard closure method. Patients included adults, regardless of gender and race. RESULTS: Seven clinical trials were included involving 1810 patients. Five trials were carried out in the USA, 1 in Australia and 1 in Italy, and the trials include both male and female patients. The included studies compared conventional sternal closure with new closure methods (rigid plate, thermoreactive clips, cables and flat wires). The new sternal closure methods make little or no difference compared to the standard closure when we analyse deep sternal wound infection [risk ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02-7.63; I2 = 74%; 5 studies], superficial wound infection (risk ratio 1.34, 95% CI 0.46-3.92; I2 = 11%, 3 studies) and death (risk ratio 1.16, 95% CI 0.42-3.21; I2 = 0%, 3 studies), but pain score was lower in new sternal closure methods (mean difference -0.57, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.16, I2 = 0%, 3 studies). There were no meta-analyses of sternal union, hospital stay, reoperation or mechanic ventilation time because of the high heterogeneity between the studies in terms of these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: New sternal closure methods probably make little or no difference regarding the prevention of sternal complications in the postoperative period when compared to the standard closure method.

2017 WSES guidelines on colon and rectal cancer emergencies: obstruction and perforation.

ᅟ: Obstruction and perforation due to colorectal cancer represent challenging matters in terms of diagnosis, life-saving strategies, obstruction resolution and oncologic challenge. The aims of the current paper are to update the previous WSES guidelines for the management of large bowel perforation and obstructive left colon carcinoma (OLCC) and to develop new guidelines on obstructive right colon carcinoma (ORCC). Methods: The literature was extensively queried for focused publication until December 2017. Precise analysis and grading of the literature has been performed by a working group formed by a pool of experts: the statements and literature review were presented, discussed and voted at the Consensus Conference of the 4th Congress of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) held in Campinas in May 2017. Results: CT scan is the best imaging technique to evaluate large bowel obstruction and perforation. For OLCC, self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS), when available, offers interesting advantages as compared to emergency surgery; however, the positioning of SEMS for surgically treatable causes carries some long-term oncologic disadvantages, which are still under analysis. In the context of emergency surgery, resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) is preferable to Hartmann's procedure, whenever the characteristics of the patient and the surgeon are permissive. Right-sided loop colostomy is preferable in rectal cancer, when preoperative therapies are predicted.With regards to the treatment of ORCC, right colectomy represents the procedure of choice; alternatives, such as internal bypass and loop ileostomy, are of limited value.Clinical scenarios in the case of perforation might be dramatic, especially in case of free faecal peritonitis. The importance of an appropriate balance between life-saving surgical procedures and respect of oncologic caveats must be stressed. In selected cases, a damage control approach may be required.Medical treatments including appropriate fluid resuscitation, early antibiotic treatment and management of co-existing medical conditions according to international guidelines must be delivered to all patients at presentation. Conclusions: The current guidelines offer an extensive overview of available evidence and a qualitative consensus regarding management of large bowel obstruction and perforation due to colorectal cancer.

Hyperhidrosis: prevalence and impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in the city of Botucatu, Brazil, and to evaluate how this disorder affects the quality of life in those suffering from it. METHODS: A population survey was conducted in order to identify cases of hyperhidrosis among residents in the urban area of the city, selected by systematic cluster sampling. In accordance with the census maps of the city, the sample size should be at least 4,033 participants. Ten interviewers applied a questionnaire that evaluated the presence of excessive sweating and invited the subjects who reported hyperhidrosis to be evaluated by a physician in order to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 4,133 residents, in 1,351 households, were surveyed. Excessive sweating was reported by 85 residents (prevalence = 2.07%), of whom 51 (60%) were female. Of those 85 respondents, 51 (60%) agreed to undergo medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and only 23 (45%) were diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis (prevalence = 0.93%). Of the 23 subjects diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, 11 (48%) reported poor or very poor quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of self-reported excessive sweating was greater than 2%, the actual prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in our sample was 0.93% and nearly 50% of the respondents with primary hyperhidrosis reported impaired quality of life.

Hyperhidrosis: prevalence and impact on quality of life / Hiperidrose: prevalência e impacto na qualidade de vida

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in the city of Botucatu, Brazil, and to evaluate how this disorder affects the quality of life in those suffering from it. Methods: A population survey was conducted in order to identify cases of hyperhidrosis among residents in the urban area of the city, selected by systematic cluster sampling. In accordance with the census maps of the city, the sample size should be at least 4,033 participants. Ten interviewers applied a questionnaire that evaluated the presence of excessive sweating and invited the subjects who reported hyperhidrosis to be evaluated by a physician in order to confirm the diagnosis. Results: A total of 4,133 residents, in 1,351 households, were surveyed. Excessive sweating was reported by 85 residents (prevalence = 2.07%), of whom 51 (60%) were female. Of those 85 respondents, 51 (60%) agreed to undergo medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and only 23 (45%) were diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis (prevalence = 0.93%). Of the 23 subjects diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, 11 (48%) reported poor or very poor quality of life. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of self-reported excessive sweating was greater than 2%, the actual prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in our sample was 0.93% and nearly 50% of the respondents with primary hyperhidrosis reported impaired quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer a prevalência de hiperidrose primária no município de Botucatu (SP) e avaliar como o transtorno afeta a qualidade de vida dos seus portadores. Métodos: Foi realizado um levantamento populacional para identificar os casos de hiperidrose em moradores da região urbana da cidade, selecionados por amostragem sistemática de conglomerados. O número amostral de 4.033 participantes foi calculado usando os mapas censitários do município. Dez entrevistadores aplicaram um questionário que avaliou a presença de transpiração excessiva e convidaram os sujeitos que referiram hiperidrose para uma entrevista com um médico para a confirmação do diagnóstico. Resultados: Foram pesquisados 1.351 domicílios, com 4.133 moradores. Desses, 85 queixaram-se de sudorese excessiva (prevalência = 2,07%), sendo 51 (60%) do gênero feminino. Dos 85 indivíduos, 51 (60%) concordaram receber avaliação médica para confirmar o diagnóstico, e apenas 23 (45%) apresentaram hiperidrose primária (prevalência = 0,93%). Dos 23 indivíduos diagnosticados com hiperidrose primária, 11 (48%) referiram qualidade de vida ruim ou muito ruim. Conclusões: Embora as queixas de transpiração excessiva tenham sido superiores a 2%, a prevalência real de hiperidrose primária em nossa amostra foi de 0,93% e o distúrbio afetava a qualidade de vida em quase 50% dos indivíduos.

Management of intra-abdominal infections: recommendations by the WSES 2016 consensus conference.

This paper reports on the consensus conference on the management of intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) which was held on July 23, 2016, in Dublin, Ireland, as a part of the annual World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) meeting. This document covers all aspects of the management of IAIs. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendation is used, and this document represents the executive summary of the consensus conference findings.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazilian Patients With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is endemic to Latin America, where 10 million people may be infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis/Paracoccidioides lutzii and 1,600,000 individuals live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. An epidemiological overlapping of these infections occurred early in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome era with nearly 180 published cases. This study presents epidemiological, clinical, and outcome profiles for 31 PCM patients with HIV infection diagnosed in a teaching hospital in Brazil, and includes an update of previously reported cases. Medical records were reviewed and data compared with 64 PCM patients without HIV infection. Of the 31 PCM patients with HIV infection, 23 (74.1%) were male, with a median age of 36.7 years, whereas of the 64 PCM, 45 (70.3%) were male, with a median age of 35.1 years. Both groups presented similar proportions for smoking and alcoholism. PCM patients with HIV infection presented more fever, weight loss, and the acute clinical form than the PCM patients who had more mucosal and respiratory involvement characterizing the chronic form. Most PCM patients with HIV infection exhibited overlapping symptoms from both clinical forms with median symptom duration of 4.5 months compared with 8.3 months for the PCM control. Patients received sulfonamides and/or itraconazole for a median of 15.7 and 16.7 months for PCM/HIV-infected and PCM, respectively. Relapses occurred more in PCM (12 [30%]) than PCM/HIV-infected (4 [14.8%]) patients, whose mortality rate was higher (10 [32.8%]) than PCM patients (8 [20%]). The cases of PCM/HIV infection confirm that HIV can interact with some endemic diseases without increasing their frequency, while changing their natural history, clinical presentation, and outcome. The data presented here are in agreement with those observed in other studies.

Amputação interescapulotorácica sob anestesia locorregional / Forequarter amputation under locoregional anesthesia

Forequarter amputations are an uncommon option for the treatment of upper limb and shoulder girdle tumors nowadays. This procedure can be done by different approaches and general anesthesia is commonly used. The authors report a case of forequarter amputation by the posterior approach performed for treatment of a soft-tissue sarcoma under a brachial plexus block associated with venous sedation and local anesthesia.

[Forequarter amputation under locoregional anesthesia]. / Amputação interescapulotorácica sob anestesia locorregional.

Forequarter amputations are an uncommon option for the treatment of upper limb and shoulder girdle tumors nowadays. This procedure can be done by different approaches and general anesthesia is commonly used. The authors report a case of forequarter amputation by the posterior approach performed for treatment of a soft-tissue sarcoma under a brachial plexus block associated with venous sedation and local anesthesia.

A rare case of invasive vaginal carcinoma associated with vaginal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: The carcinoma of vagina is a rare entity in the gynecological oncology field and a standardized therapy is not established due to lack of clinical experience even in major oncology centers. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports that assess the clinical experience of primary vaginal carcinoma associated with vaginal prolapse. CASE: A 73-year-old P11 L11 female presented with verrucous epidermoid carcinoma in prolapsed vagina which has occurred 16 years after transvaginal hysterectomy approached for treatment of third degree uterine prolapse associated with cervix decubital ulcer. Radiation was the main therapy implemented on the present case, however, concurrent surgery was performed to remove the vaginal prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Careful preoperative histological evaluation of cervix in cases of uterine prolapse and postoperative cytologic and colposcopic follow-up of the vagina after hysterectomies are important because possible association with cervical carcinoma and occurrence of late vaginal cancer. Surgery and radiotherapy were effectively combined in this case that remains with no recurrence after 2 years follow-up.

[Therapeutical and inflammatory response in rats with secondary peritonitis and topical use of ampicilin/sulbactam]. / Resposta terapêutica e inflamatória de ratos com peritonite secundária submetidos ao uso tópico de ampicilina/sulbactam.

OBJECTIVES: The acute peritonitis is an important cause of sepsis and death on intensive care units and surgery. The treatment must include: systemical use of antibiotics, drainage of abscess and restauration of gastrointestinal integrity. The topical use of antibiotics in the peritoneal cavity is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of topical use of ampicilin/ sulbactam in the treatment of peritonitis. METHODS: We measured the plasmatic levels of nitric oxide, count of eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal cavity, using a model of peritonitis in rats (transfixation and ligature of cecum). Twenty four Wistar rats were divided in 4 groups (n = 6 each). group A: induction of peritonitis with ligature of cecum and topical treatment with saline; group B: induction of peritonitis with ligature of cecum and topical treatment with ampicilin/sulbactam; group C: transfixation of cecum; group D: laparotomy and peritoneal exsudate + blood sample. The transfixation-ligture of cecum remained for 24 hs before treatment. A relaparotomy was performed in 18 rats and peritoneal exsudate/blood were collected. Dosage of Nitric oxide, count of eosinophil, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal exsudte were done. RESULTS: The difference was not significant in the levels of nitric oxide, eosinophil, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal exsudate (p > 0,05) among the studied groups. CONCLUSION: The use of ampicilin associated to sulbactam via intraperitoneal in rats with fecal peritonitis did not change survival.; the levels of plama nitric oxide, count of eosinophil, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal exsudate were not affected.

Resposta terapêutica e inflamatória de ratos com peritonite secundária submetidos ao uso tópico de ampicilina/sulbactam / Therapeutical and inflammatory response in rats with secondary peritonitis and topical use of ampicilin/sulbactam

OBJETIVOS: A peritonite aguda representa uma importante causa de sepsis e óbito nas unidades de terapia intensiva e cirurgia. Classicamente o seu tratamento deve incluir: a administração sistêmica de antibióticos, a remoção mecânica dos contaminantes e a restauração da integridade gastrintestinal. A utilização de antibióticos diretamente na cavidade peritoneal é controversa. Estudo com o objetivo de avaliar o uso terapêutico, intraperitoneal da ampicilina associada ao sulbactam. MÉTODOS: foram mensurados os níveis plasmáticos do óxido nítrico, bem como a contagem de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos no sangue e no lavado peritoneal, utilizando-se modelo de peritonite em ratos (ligadura-transfixação cecal). Vinte quatro ratos Wistar, machos, foram divididos em quatro grupos de seis animais, assim distribuídos: grupo A: método de indução de peritonite - soltura da ligadura + tratamento com soro fisiológico; grupo B: método de indução de peritonite + soltura da ligadura + tratamento com soro fisiológico acrescido de ampicilina / sulbactam; grupo C: método de indução de peritonite + soltura da ligadura-transfixação cecal; e grupo D: laparatomia para realização de lavado peritoneal mais coleta de sangue. A ligadura-transfixação do cecum permaneceu por 24 horas, antes do tratamento instaurado. Foi realizada uma relaparotomia nos 18 ratos com coleta de líquido de lavado peritoneal e sangue. Foram dosados os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico e determinado o número de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos no sangue e no lavado peritoneal. RESULTADOS: Não ocorreu diferença estatisticamente significante (p > 0,05) nos níveis de óxido nítrico, bem como no número de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos no sangue e no lavado peritoneal, entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, concluiu-se que: a utilização de ampicilina associada a sulbactam por via intraperitoneal nos ratos com peritonite fecal: não modificou a sobrevida; não alterou os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico; não alterou a contagem de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos tanto no sangue como no lavado peritoneal.

Resposta terapêutica e inflamatória de ratos com peritonite secundária submetidos ao uso tópico de ampicilina/sulbactam

OBJECTIVES: The acute peritonitis is an important cause of sepsis and death on intensive care units and surgery. The treatment must include: systemical use of antibiotics, drainage of abscess and restauration of gastrointestinal integrity. The topical use of antibiotics in the peritoneal cavity is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of topical use of ampicilin/sulbactam in the treatment of peritonitis. METHODS: We measured the plasmatic levels of nitric oxide, count of eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal cavity, using a model of peritonitis in rats (transfixation and ligature of cecum). Twenty four Wistar rats were divided in 4 groups (n=6 each). group A: induction of peritonitis with ligature of cecum and topical treatment with saline; group B: induction of peritonitis with ligature of cecum and topical treatment with ampicilin/sulbactam; group C: transfixation of cecum; group D: laparotomy and peritoneal exsudate + blood sample. The transfixation-ligture of cecum remained for 24 hs before treatment. A relaparotomy was performed in 18 rats and peritoneal exsudate/blood were collected. Dosage of Nitric oxide, count of eosinophil, lynphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal exsudte were done. RESULTS: The difference was not significant in the levels of nitric oxide, eosinophil, lynphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal exsudate (p > 0,05) among the studied groups. CONCLUSON: The use of ampicilin associated to sulbactam via intraperitoneal in rats with fecal peritonitis did not change survival.; the levels of plama nitric oxide, count of eosinophil, lynphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in blood and peritoneal exsudate were not affected.

OBJETIVOS: A peritonite aguda representa uma importante causa de sepsis e óbito nas unidades de terapia intensiva e cirurgia. Classicamente o seu tratamento deve incluir: a administração sistêmica de antibióticos, a remoção mecânica dos contaminantes e a restauração da integridade gastrintestinal. A utilização de antibióticos diretamente na cavidade peritoneal é controversa. Estudo com o objetivo de avaliar o uso terapêutico, intraperitoneal da ampicilina associada ao sulbactam. MÉTODOS: foram mensurados os níveis plasmáticos do óxido nítrico, bem como a contagem de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos no sangue e no lavado peritoneal, utilizando-se modelo de peritonite em ratos (ligadura-transfixação cecal). Vinte quatro ratos Wistar, machos, foram divididos em quatro grupos de seis animais, assim distribuídos: grupo A: método de indução de peritonite - soltura da ligadura + tratamento com soro fisiológico; grupo B: método de indução de peritonite + soltura da ligadura + tratamento com soro fisiológico acrescido de ampicilina / sulbactam; grupo C: método de indução de peritonite + soltura da ligadura-transfixação cecal; e grupo D: laparatomia para realização de lavado peritoneal mais coleta de sangue. A ligadura-transfixação do cecum permaneceu por 24 horas, antes do tratamento instaurado. Foi realizada uma relaparotomia nos 18 ratos com coleta de líquido de lavado peritoneal e sangue. Foram dosados os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico e determinado o número de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos no sangue e no lavado peritoneal. RESULTADOS: Não ocorreu diferença estatisticamente significante (p > 0,05) nos níveis de óxido nítrico, bem como no número de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos no sangue e no lavado peritoneal, entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, concluiu-se que: a utilização de ampicilina associada a sulbactam por via intraperitoneal nos ratos com peritonite fecal: não modificou a sobrevida; não alterou os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico; não alterou a contagem de eosinófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e neutrófilos tanto no sangue como no lavado peritoneal.