Surgery in Brazilian Health Care: funding and physician distribution.

Objective: to analyze demographic Brazilian medical data from the national public healthcare system (SUS), which provides free universal health coverage for the entire population, and discuss the problems revealed, with particular focus on surgical care. Methods: data was obtained from public healthcare databases including the Medical Demography, the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and the National Database of Healthcare Establishments. Density and distribution of the medical workforce and healthcare facilities were calculated, and the geographic regions were analyzed using the public private inequality index. Results: Brazil has an average of two physicians for every 1,000 inhabitants, who are unequally distributed throughout the country. There are 22,276 board certified general surgeons in Brazil (11.49 for every 100,000 people). The country currently has 257 medical schools, with 25,159 vacancies for medical students each year, with only around 13,500 vacancies for residency. The public private inequality index is 3.90 for the country, and ranges from 1.63 in the Rio de Janeiro up to 12.06 in Bahia. Conclusions: A significant part of the local population still faces many difficulties in accessing surgical care, particularly in the north and northeast of the country, where there are fewer hospitals and surgeons. Physicians and surgeons are particularly scarce in the public health system nationwide, and better incentives are needed to ensure an equal public and private workforce.

Objetivo: analisar dados demográficos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro, que promove cobertura de saúde universal a toda população, e discutir os problemas revelados, com particular ênfase nos cuidados cirúrgicos. Métodos: os dados foram obtidos a partir dos bancos de dados de saúde pública da Demografia Médica, do Conselho Federal de Medicina, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística e do Cadastro Nacional dos Estabelecimentos de Saúde. A densidade e a distribuição do trabalho médico e dos estabelecimentos de saúde foram avaliadas, e as regiões geográficas foram analisadas usando o índice de desigualdade público-privado (IDPP). Resultados: o Brasil tem, em média, dois médicos por 1000 habitantes, que são desigualmente distribuídos no país. Tem 22.276 cirurgiões gerais certificados (11,49 por 100.000 habitantes). Existem no país 257 escolas de medicina, com 25.159 vagas por ano, e apenas cerca de 13.500 vagas de residência médica. O índice de desigualdade público-privado é de 3,90 para o país e varia de 1,63 no Rio de Janeiro até 12,06 na Bahia. Conclusão: uma parte significativa da população brasileira ainda encontra muitas dificuldades no acesso ao tratamento cirúrgico, particularmente na região norte e nordeste do país. Médicos e, particularmente, cirurgiões são escassos no sistema público de saúde e incentivos devem ser criados para assegurar uma força médica igual no setor público e no setor privado em todas as regiões do país.

Surgery in Brazilian Health Care: funding and physician distribution / Cirurgia no Sistema Brasileiro de Saúde: financiamento e distribuição de médicos

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze demographic Brazilian medical data from the national public healthcare system (SUS), which provides free universal health coverage for the entire population, and discuss the problems revealed, with particular focus on surgical care. Methods: data was obtained from public healthcare databases including the Medical Demography, the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and the National Database of Healthcare Establishments. Density and distribution of the medical workforce and healthcare facilities were calculated, and the geographic regions were analyzed using the public private inequality index. Results: Brazil has an average of two physicians for every 1,000 inhabitants, who are unequally distributed throughout the country. There are 22,276 board certified general surgeons in Brazil (11.49 for every 100,000 people). The country currently has 257 medical schools, with 25,159 vacancies for medical students each year, with only around 13,500 vacancies for residency. The public private inequality index is 3.90 for the country, and ranges from 1.63 in the Rio de Janeiro up to 12.06 in Bahia. Conclusions: A significant part of the local population still faces many difficulties in accessing surgical care, particularly in the north and northeast of the country, where there are fewer hospitals and surgeons. Physicians and surgeons are particularly scarce in the public health system nationwide, and better incentives are needed to ensure an equal public and private workforce.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar dados demográficos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro, que promove cobertura de saúde universal a toda população, e discutir os problemas revelados, com particular ênfase nos cuidados cirúrgicos. Métodos: os dados foram obtidos a partir dos bancos de dados de saúde pública da Demografia Médica, do Conselho Federal de Medicina, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística e do Cadastro Nacional dos Estabelecimentos de Saúde. A densidade e a distribuição do trabalho médico e dos estabelecimentos de saúde foram avaliadas, e as regiões geográficas foram analisadas usando o índice de desigualdade público-privado (IDPP). Resultados: o Brasil tem, em média, dois médicos por 1000 habitantes, que são desigualmente distribuídos no país. Tem 22.276 cirurgiões gerais certificados (11,49 por 100.000 habitantes). Existem no país 257 escolas de medicina, com 25.159 vagas por ano, e apenas cerca de 13.500 vagas de residência médica. O índice de desigualdade público-privado é de 3,90 para o país e varia de 1,63 no Rio de Janeiro até 12,06 na Bahia. Conclusão: uma parte significativa da população brasileira ainda encontra muitas dificuldades no acesso ao tratamento cirúrgico, particularmente na região norte e nordeste do país. Médicos e, particularmente, cirurgiões são escassos no sistema público de saúde e incentivos devem ser criados para assegurar uma força médica igual no setor público e no setor privado em todas as regiões do país.

Safety in selective surgical exploration in penetrating neck trauma.

BACKGROUND: Selective management of penetrating neck injuries has been considered the standard of care with minimal risks to patient safety. In a previous non-randomized prospective study conducted at our center, selective management proved to be safe and reduced unnecessary exploratory cervicotomies. In the present study, the role of clinical examination and selective diagnostic tests were assessed by reviewing demographic and clinical data. A comparison of results between two groups (mandatory surgical exploration versus selective surgical exploration) was made to check the safety of selective management in terms of the rates of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective analysis at the Emergency Department of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of Sao Paulo was performed by a chart review of our trauma registry, identifying 161 penetrating neck trauma victims. RESULTS: Of the 161 patients, 81.6 % were stabbed and 18.4 % had gunshot injuries. Stratifying the wound entry points by neck zones, we observed that zone I was penetrated in 32.8 %, zone II in 44.1 % and zone III in 23.1 % of all the cases. Thirty one patients (19.2 %) had immediate surgical exploration, which had a mean length of stay of 6 days, a complication rate of 12.9 % and a mortality rate of 9.4 %. Of the 130 who underwent selective surgical exploration 34 (26.1 %) required operative procedures after careful physical examination and diagnostic testing based on clinical indications. The mean length of stay for the selective surgical exploration group was 2 days with a complication rate of 17.6 % with no mortality, and virtually all of them were related to associated injuries in distant body segment. No statistical significance was found comparing mortality and complication rates between the two groups. Selective approach avoided 59 % of unnecessary exploratory cervicotomies. CONCLUSION: Careful evaluation of asymptomatic and stable patients with minor signs of injury can safely avoid unnecessary neck explorations with low rates of morbidity. This should be the standard management of such patients.

Unintentionally retained foreign bodies after surgical procedures. Analysis of 4547 cases.

OBJECTIVE: this study aims to explore the experience of Brazilian surgeons on Unintentionally Retained Foreign Bodies (RFB) after surgical procedures. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to surgeons by electronic mail, between March and July 2012. The questions analyzed their experience with foreign bodies (FB), foreign bodies' types, clinical manifestations, diagnoses, risk factors and legal implications. RESULTS: in the 2872 eligible questionnaires, 43% of the surgeons asserted that they had already left FB and 73% had removed FB in one or more occasions, totalizing 4547. Of these foreign bodies, 90% were textiles, 78% were discovered in the first year and 14% remained asymptomatic. Among doctors with less than five years after graduation, 36% had already left a FB. The most frequently surgical procedures mentioned were the elective (57%) and routine (85%) ones. Emergency (26%), lack of counting (25%) and inadequate conditions of work contributed (12.5%) to the occurrence. In 46% of the cases patients were alerted about the FB, and 26% of them sued the doctors or the institution. CONCLUSIONS: challenging medical situations, omission of security protocols and inadequate work conditions contributed to RFB. However, RFB occurs mostly in routine procedures such as cesarean or cholecystectomy, and at the beginning of the professional career, highlighting, particularly in poorest countries, the need for primary prevention. Textiles predominated causing clinical repercussions and they were diagnosed in the first postoperative months. Surgeons were sued in 11.3% of the RFB cases.

Active Staphylococcus aureus infection: Is it a contra-indication to the repair of complex hernias with synthetic mesh? A prospective observational study on the outcomes of synthetic mesh replacement, in patients with chronic mesh infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

INTRODUCTION: The management of chronic mesh infection is challenging and controversial. The use of synthetic material to repair the abdominal wall in the infected setting is not recommended, especially in the presence of active infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study designed to evaluate the outcomes in patients with active mesh infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Patients underwent simultaneous removal and replacement of polypropylene mesh. The treatment protocol included the complete removal of infected mesh, followed by the anatomical reconstruction, and reinforcement of the abdominal wall using a new onlay polypropylene mesh. Early and late wound complications, medical complications, and hernia recurrences were analyzed. RESULTS: From 2006 until 2014, 22 patients with a mean age of 57.2 years and mean BMI of 29,3 kg/m2 were studied. Sinuses were present in 21 patients. A recurrent ventral hernia was observed in 14 patients; two patients required a complex abdominal wall reconstruction due to enteric fistulas. Bowel resections or other potentially contaminated procedures were associated in 10 patients. Fourteen patients (63.6%) had an uneventful postoperative course; 5 (22.7%) patients had wound infections requiring debridement and three required partial (2) or total (1) mesh removal. Two patients died due to medical complications. Adverse results on long-term follow-up included one hernia recurrence after complete mesh removal and one persistent sinus after partial mesh removal requiring a reoperation to remove mesh remnants. All of the patients were considered free of infection after a mean follow-up of 44 months. CONCLUSIONS: Synthetic mesh replacement in patients with active Staphylococcus aureus infection has an acceptable incidence of postoperative wound infection and prevents hernia recurrence. Large-pore polypropylene mesh is a suitable material to be used in the infected surgical field as an onlay graft.

Unintentionally retained foreign bodies after surgical procedures. Analysis of 4547 cases / Retenção inadvertida de corpos estranhos após intervenções cirúrgicas. Análise de 4547 casos

Objective: this study aims to explore the experience of Brazilian surgeons on Unintentionally Retained Foreign Bodies (RFB) after surgical procedures. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to surgeons by electronic mail, between March and July 2012. The questions analyzed their experience with foreign bodies (FB), foreign bodies' types, clinical manifestations, diagnoses, risk factors and legal implications. Results: in the 2872 eligible questionnaires, 43% of the surgeons asserted that they had already left FB and 73% had removed FB in one or more occasions, totalizing 4547. Of these foreign bodies, 90% were textiles, 78% were discovered in the first year and 14% remained asymptomatic. Among doctors with less than five years after graduation, 36% had already left a FB. The most frequently surgical procedures mentioned were the elective (57%) and routine (85%) ones. Emergency (26%), lack of counting (25%) and inadequate conditions of work contributed (12.5%) to the occurrence. In 46% of the cases patients were alerted about the FB, and 26% of them sued the doctors or the institution. Conclusions: challenging medical situations, omission of security protocols and inadequate work conditions contributed to RFB. However, RFB occurs mostly in routine procedures such as cesarean or cholecystectomy, and at the beginning of the professional career, highlighting, particularly in poorest countries, the need for primary prevention. Textiles predominated causing clinical repercussions and they were diagnosed in the first postoperative months. Surgeons were sued in 11.3% of the RFB cases.

Objetivo: avaliar a experiência de cirurgiões brasileiros com a retenção inadvertida de corpos estranhos (RICE) após procedimentos cirúrgicos. Métodos : foi enviado por correio eletrônico um questionário para cirurgiões, de março a julho de 2012. As questões avaliavam a sua experiência com RICE, os tipos de corpos estranhos, suas manifestações clínicas, diagnósticos, fatores de risco e implicações jurídicas. Resultados : 2872 questionários foram analisados. Destes, 43% dos cirurgiões já teriam deixado algum corpo estranho (CE) e 73% removido um CE em uma ou mais ocasiões. De um total de 4547 CE, 90% eram têxteis, 78% foram descobertos dentro do primeiro ano, e 14% assintomáticos. No grupo dos médicos graduados há menos de cinco anos, 36% já havia deixado um CE. Os procedimentos operatórios mais relacionados eram eletivos (54%) e rotineiros (85%). Emergência (26%), ausência de contagem (25%) e condições inadequadas de trabalho também contribuíram com a ocorrência (12,5%). Em 46% dos casos os pacientes tomaram ciência da retenção e 26% deles processaram os médicos ou as instituições. Conclusão: s ituações médicas desafiadoras, omissão de protocolos de segurança e condições inadequadas de trabalho contribuíram com a RICE. Entretanto, as RICE ocorreram principalmente em operações de rotina, como cesarianas e colecistectomias, principalmente no início da carreira profissional, ressaltando, principalmente em países mais pobres, a necessidade de prevenção primária. Os têxteis predominaram, acarretando repercussões clínicas e sendo diagnosticados nos primeiros meses de pós-operatório. Os médicos foram processados em 11,3% dos casos de RICE.

Retrospective study of heart injuries occurred in Manaus - Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the forms of treatment employed to heart injuries and the main aspects related to their morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study of 102 patients with cardiac injuries treated in the two emergency rooms in Manaus (Dr. John Lucio Pereira Machado Emergency Hospital and August 28 County Emergency Hospital) from January 1998 to June 2006. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients, 95.1% were men; mean age was 27 years; stab wounds accounted for 81.4% of cases and gunshot wounds for 18.6%; cardiorrhaphy was performed in 98.1% of cases. The heart chambers affected were: Right Ventricle (RV): 43.9% (36.2% isolated and 7.7% associated with other chambers); Left Ventricle (LV): 37.2%; Right Atrium (RA): 8.5%; and Left Atrium (LA): 10.4%; specific mortalities were of 21%, 23%, 22% and 45%, respectively. The mortality injuries to two associated chambers was 37.5%, 20% being for RA + RV, 100% for RV + LV, and zero for RV + LA. The lung accounted for 33.7% of the 89 associated lesions. Mean time of surgery and hospital stay were 121 minutes and 8.2 days, respectively. About 22.5% of patients displayed 41 complications. The mortality rate was 28.4%. Lesions grade IV and V corresponded to 55% and 41% of cases, with specific mortality of 26% and 15%, respectively. All patients with grade injuries VI died. CONCLUSION: Cardiac stab wounds were associated with lower mortality, cardiac lesions grade IV were associated with higher mortality and a shorter operative time was associated with greater severity and mortality.

Estudo retrospectivo de ferimentos cardíacos ocorridos em Manaus/AM / Retrospective study of heart injuries occurred in Manaus - Amazon

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as formas de tratamento empregadas e os principais aspectos relacionados à morbidade e à mortalidade dos ferimentos cardíacos.. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 102 doentes com lesão cardíaca, atendidos nos dois prontos socorros de Manaus (Pronto Socorro Municipal 28 de Agosto e Hospital Pronto Socorro Dr. João Lúcio P. Machado) no período de janeiro de 1998 a junho de 2006. RESULTADOS: Dos 102 doentes, 95,1% eram homens; a média de idade foi 27 anos; ferimentos por arma branca representaram 81,4% dos casos, contra 18,6% por arma de fogo; cardiorrafia foi realizada em 98,1% dos casos. As câmaras cardíacas atingidas foram: VD: 43,9% (36,2% isoladamente e 7,7% associada a outras câmaras); VE: 37,2%; AD: 8,5% e AE: 10,4%, com mortalidades específicas de 21%, 23%, 22% e 45%, respectivamente. Lesões de duas câmaras associadas alcançaram mortalidade de 37,5%, sendo 20% para VD+AD, 100% para VD+VE e zero para VD+AE. O pulmão correspondeu a 33,7% de 89 lesões associadas. Os tempos médios de cirurgia e de internação foram de 121 minutos e 8,2 dias, respectivamente. Cerca de 22,5% complicaram representando 41 complicações. A mortalidade foi 28,4%. Lesões grau IV e V corresponderam a 55% e 41% dos casos, com mortalidade específica de 26% e 15%, respectivamente. Todos os doentes com lesão grau VI morreram. CONCLUSÃO: O ferimentos cardíacos por arma branca estiveram associados a menor mortalidade, as lesões cardíacas grau IV estiveram associadas à maior mortalidade e um menor tempo operatório esteve associado à maior gravidade e mortalidade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the forms of treatment employed to heart injuries and the main aspects related to their morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study of 102 patients with cardiac injuries treated in the two emergency rooms in Manaus (Dr. John Lucio Pereira Machado Emergency Hospital and August 28 County Emergency Hospital) from January 1998 to June 2006. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients, 95.1% were men; mean age was 27 years; stab wounds accounted for 81.4% of cases and gunshot wounds for 18.6%; cardiorrhaphy was performed in 98.1% of cases. The heart chambers affected were: Right Ventricle (RV): 43.9% (36.2% isolated and 7.7% associated with other chambers); Left Ventricle (LV): 37.2%; Right Atrium (RA): 8.5%; and Left Atrium (LA): 10.4%; specific mortalities were of 21%, 23%, 22% and 45%, respectively. The mortality injuries to two associated chambers was 37.5%, 20% being for RA + RV, 100% for RV + LV, and zero for RV + LA. The lung accounted for 33.7% of the 89 associated lesions. Mean time of surgery and hospital stay were 121 minutes and 8.2 days, respectively. About 22.5% of patients displayed 41 complications. The mortality rate was 28.4%. Lesions grade IV and V corresponded to 55% and 41% of cases, with specific mortality of 26% and 15%, respectively. All patients with grade injuries VI died. CONCLUSION: Cardiac stab wounds were associated with lower mortality, cardiac lesions grade IV were associated with higher mortality and a shorter operative time was associated with greater severity and mortality.

Blood loss and transcapillary refill in uncontrolled treated hemorrhage in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated retroperitoneal hematomas produced by bilateral injury of iliac arteries (uncontrolled hemorrhage), blood volume loss, transcapillary refill, the effects of volume replacement on retroperitoneal bleeding and the hemodynamic changes with and without treatment. METHODS: Initial blood volume was determined with Tc(99m)-labelled red cells, and bleeding was evaluated by means of a portable scintillation camera positioned over the abdomen. Previously splenectomized mongrel dogs (16.8 +/- 2.2 kg) were submitted to hemorrhage for 30 minutes and randomized into three groups: I - no treatment (n=7); II - treatment with 32 mL/kg of Lactated Ringer's for three to five minutes (n=7); and III - treatment with 4 mL/kg of 7.5% NaCl plus 6.0% dextran 70 for three to five minutes (n=7). They were studied for an additional 45 minutes. RESULTS: Volume replacement produced transitory recovery in hemodynamic variables, including mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac index, with significant increase in dogs treated with 32 mL/kg of Lactated Ringer's and 7.5% NaCl plus 6.0% dextran 70 (p<0.001, against no treatment), along with a decrease (p<0.001) in the systemic vascular resistance index. Groups II and III had significant initial decreases in hematocrit and hemoglobin. The treated dogs (groups II and III) presented rebleeding, which was greater during treatment with 32 mL/kg of Lactated Ringer's (group II). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the rebleeding observed in treated groups, the utilization of hypertonic saline solution with dextran proved to be effective in the initial reanimation, producing evident transcapillary refill, while the Lactated Ringer's solution produced capillary extravasation and was ineffective in the initial volume replacement in this model of uncontrolled hemorrhage.

A perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the stomach: an unsuspected diagnosis.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasia and currently well recognized as a distinct entity with characteristic morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings. We report a case of PEComa arising in the antrum of a 71-year-old female with melena. The tumor, located predominantly in the submucosa as a well delimited nodule, measured 3.0 cm in diameter and was completely resected, with no evidence of the disease elsewhere. Histologically, it was composed predominantly of eosinophilic epithelioid cells arranged in small nests commonly related to variably sized vessels, with abundant extracellular material, moderate nuclear variation and discrete mitotic activity. No necrosis, angiolymphatic invasion or perineural infiltration was seen. Tumor cells were uniformly positive for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, desmin and melan A. Although unusual, PEComa should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric neoplasia with characteristic epithelioid and oncocytic features and prominent vasculature.

Blood loss and transcapillary refill in uncontrolled treated hemorrhage in dogs

Objetive: This study evaluated retroperitoneal hematomas produced by bilateral injury of iliac arteries (uncontrolled hemorrhage), blood volume loss, transcapillary refill, the effects of volume replacement on retroperitoneal bleeding and the hemodynamic changes with and without treatment. Methods: Initial blood volume was determined with Tc99m-labelled red cells, and bleeding was evaluated by means of a portable scintillation camera positioned over the abdomen. Previously splenectomized mongrel dogs (16.8 ± 2.2 kg) were submitted to hemorrhage for 30 minutes and randomized into three groups: I - no treatment (n=7); II - treatment with 32 mL/kg of Lactated Ringer's for three to five minutes (n=7); and III - treatment with 4 mL/kg of 7.5 percent NaCl plus 6.0 percent dextran 70 for three to five minutes (n=7). They were studied for an additional 45 minutes. Results: Volume replacement produced transitory recovery in hemodynamic variables, including mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac index, with significant increase in dogs treated with 32 mL/kg of Lactated Ringer's and 7.5 percent NaCl plus 6.0 percent dextran 70 (p<0.001, against no treatment), along with a decrease (p<0.001) in the systemic vascular resistance index. Groups II and III had significant initial decreases in hematocrit and hemoglobin. The treated dogs (groups II and III) presented rebleeding, which was greater during treatment with 32 mL/kg of Lactated Ringer's (group II). Conclusions: Despite the rebleeding observed in treated groups, the utilization of hypertonic saline solution with dextran proved to be effective in the initial reanimation, producing evident transcapillary refill, while the Lactated Ringer's solution produced capillary extravasation and was ineffective in the initial volume replacement in this model of uncontrolled hemorrhage.

Achados epidemiológicos relacionados aos acidentes de transporte e álcool / Epidemiologic findings relating to transportation accidents and alchol

Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-exploratório de base quantitativa, no qual buscou identificar o número de pacientes envolvidos em acidentes de trânsito que apresentavam-se alcoolizados. Para tal, utilizou-se do meio documental (prontuários) de 220 pacientes que deram entrada vivos em um hospital de referência para o atendimento ao trauma no Município de São Paulo. Os principais resultados mostram que 60 por cento da população analisada havia consumido álcool, a maioria era do sexo masculino e com idades inferiores a 40 anos. O traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) foi encontrado em 46,6 por cento da população e as vítimas que mais evoluíram para óbito foram os pedestres.

Standard examination system for laparoscopy in penetrating abdominal trauma.

BACKGROUND: The high missed occult small bowel injuries (SBI) associated with laparoscopy in trauma (LIT) is a major reason why some surgeons still preclude LIT today. No standardized laparoscopic examination for evaluation of the peritoneal cavity is described for trauma. The objective of this article is to verify if a systematic standardized laparoscopic approach could correctly identify SBI in the peritoneal cavity for penetrating abdominal trauma (PAT). METHODS: Victims with PAT were evaluated in a prospective, nonrandomized study. A total of 75 hemodynamically stable patients with suspected abdominal injuries were operated by LIT and converted to laparotomy if criteria were met: SBI and lesions to blind spot zones--retroperitoneal hematoma, injuries to segments VI or VII of the liver, or injuries to the posterior area of the spleen. Inclusion criteria were equivocal evidence of abdominal injuries or peritoneal penetration; systolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg and <3 L of IV fluids in the first hour of admission; Glasgow Coma Scale score >12; and age >12 years. Exclusion criteria were back injuries; pregnancy; previous laparotomy; and chronic cardiorespiratory disease. RESULTS: Sixty patients were males and there were 38 stab wounds and 37 gunshot wounds. No SBI was missed, but a pancreatic lesion was undiagnosed due to a retroperitoneal hematoma. Twenty patients (26.6%) were converted. Unnecessary laparotomies were avoided in 73.33%. Therapeutic LIT was possible in 22.7%. Accuracy was 98.66% with 97.61% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Standard systematic laparoscopic exploration was 100% effective to detect SBI in the peritoneal cavity. Conversion from LIT to laparotomy should be done if injuries to blind spot zones are found which are poorly evaluated by LIT. Therapeutic LIT is feasible in PAT.

Prevenção e atendimento inicial do trauma e doenças cardiovasculares: um programa de ensino / Prevention and life support in case of trauma and cardiovascular diseases: an educational program

A Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, ao cumprir as prerrogativas da universidade quanto ao ensino, pesquisa e prestação de serviços à comunidade, tem desenvolvido programas direcionados à graduação e à coletividade, abrangendo diversos aspectos do trauma e das doenças cardiovasculares. Respeitando protocolos internacionais, cursos teórico-práticos são organizados e ministrados por instrutores reconhecidos pela American Heart Association e American College of Surgeons. A comparação entre pré e pós-testes demonstrou resultado melhor quando os alunos eram profissionais da área da saúde, o que foi atribuído a seu melhor preparo em relação à comunidade leiga. Entretanto, como a finalidade era a capacitação de todos, profissionais da saúde ou não, uma reavaliação da metodologia tornou-se necessária, salientando-se como principal preocupação uma duração maior das atividades práticas e maior possibilidade de discussões.

Pursuing its mission of teaching, research and delivery of services to the community, the University of São Paulo Medical School has developed programs directed not only to its students but also to the community at large. One of these programs addresses first aid in case of trauma and cardiovascular diseases. Following international guidelines recognized by the American Heart Association and the American College of Surgeons, the institution offers theoretical and practical courses organized and held by certified instructors. A comparison of the tests made before and after the course showed that the health professionals achieved better results, probably as a result of their previous professional training. However, as the main goal of the course was providing first-aid training to the lay community, the used methodology was reviewed and more attention was given to the practical activities and space for discussions.

[Aortoesophageal fistula: successful management of hazardous complication caused by foreign body]. / Fístula aortoesofágica: manejo exitoso de una complicación peligrosa causada por un cuerpo extraño.

The rate of foreign body ingestion in the gastrointestinal tract requiring endoscopic treatment is 10% to 20% and its retention in the esophagus may represent risk of severe complications. Additionally to endoscopic treatment, surgical procedure might be necessary in approximately 1%.The case of an alcoholic patient, which accidentally ingested a dental prosthesis during an episode of severe drunkenness, is reported. He developed an aortoesophageal fistula that, after endoscopic evaluation, was surgically treated with success.

Gut ischemia/reperfusion induced acute lung injury is an alveolar macrophage dependent event.

BACKGROUND: Although the role of the lung alveolar macrophage (AM) as a mediator of acute lung injury (ALI) after lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has been suggested by animal experiments, it has not been determined whether AMs mediate ALI after intestinal I/R. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of AM elimination on ALI after intestinal I/R in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 90) were randomly divided into three groups: the clodronate-liposomes (CLOD-LIP) group received intratracheal treatment with CLOD-LIP; the liposomes (LIP) group received intratracheal treatment with LIP; and the nontreated (UNTREAT) group received no treatment. Twenty-four hours later each group was randomly divided into three subgroups: the intestinal I/R subgroup was subjected to 45-minute intestinal ischemia and 2-hour reperfusion; the laparotomy (LAP) subgroup was subjected to LAP and sham procedures; the control (CTR) subgroup received no treatment. At the end of reperfusion, ALI was quantitated in all the animals by the Evans blue dye (EBD) method. RESULTS: ALI values are expressed as EBD lung leakage (microg EBD/g dry lung weight). EBD lung leakage values in the CLOD-LIP group were 32.59 +/- 12.74 for I/R, 27.74 +/- 7.99 for LAP, and 33.52 +/- 10.17 for CTR. In the LIP group, lung leakage values were 58.02 +/- 18.04 for I/R, 31.90 +/- 8.72 for LAP, and 27.17 +/- 11.48 for CTR. In the UNTREAT group, lung leakage values were 55.60 +/- 10.96 for I/R, 35.99 +/- 6.89 for LAP, and 30.83 +/- 8.41 for CTR. Within each group, LAP values did not differ from CTR values. However, in the LIP and UNTREAT groups, values for both the LAP and CTR subgroups were lower than values for the I/R subgroup (p < 0.001). The CLOD-LIP I/R subgroup value was less (p < 0.001) than the I/R subgroup values in the LIP and UNTREAT groups. These results indicated that I/R provokes ALI that can be prevented by CLOD-LIP treatment, and further suggested that AMs are essential for ALI occurrence induced by intestinal I/R in rats.