Resección fría sin clips / Cold resection with no clip placement

Cold resection of colonic polyps is an important tool that reduces the incidence of colon cancer. Cold loop polypectomy is a safe and effective technique in colonic lesions smaller than 10 mm and cold mucosectomy with submucosal injection is a growing technique for the resection of non-pedunculated lesions between 10 and 19 mm. Post polypectomy bleeding is an infrequent complication in cold resection, but its recognition is key to reduce the impact of its consequences. The use of hemostatic clips is one of the methods preferred by endoscopists for the management of immediate post polypectomy bleeding, however its usefulness in the prevention of late bleeding is uncertain. In recent years, both meta-analysis and cost- effectiveness studies have concluded that the use of hemoclips does not reduce the incidence of late post-polypectomy bleeding, so their use should be reserved only for high-risk patients.

La resección fría de pólipos colónicos es una importante herramienta que reduce la incidencia de cáncer de colon. La polipectomía con asa fría es una técnica segura y efectiva en lesiones colónicas menores de 10 mm y la mucosectomía fría con inyección submucosa es una técnica en auge para la resección de lesiones no pediculadas entre 10 a 19 mm. El sangrado pospolipectomía es una complicación infrecuente en la resección fría, pero su reconocimiento es clave para disminuir el impacto de sus consecuencias. El uso de clips hemostáticos es uno de los método preferidos por los endoscopistas para el manejo del sangrado inmediato pospolipectomía, no obstante su utilidad en la prevención del sangrado tardío es incierto. En los últimos años, tanto metaanálisis como estudios de costo efectividad concluyen que el uso de hemoclips no reduce la incidencia de sangrado tardío pospolipectomía por lo que su uso debería reservarse sólo a pacientes de alto riesgo.

Assessment of the effect of the Aquamantys® system on local recurrence after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma through propensity score matching.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the intraoperative application of the Aquamantys® system to treat the hepatic resection margin on local and overall recurrence of HCC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 101 patients admitted from November 2016 to June 2018 who underwent hepatectomy using the Aquamantys® as hemostatic device, who were matched with 101 patients (control group) using conventional hemostatic devices through PSM. Univariate and multivariate analyses of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline data and surgical procedures between the two groups. The Aquamantys® group showed less blood loss (P = 0.005) and a lower blood transfusion rate (P = 0.036), while the incidences of postoperative complications of the two groups showed no difference (P = 0.266). OS rates of the Aquamantys® group and the control group were 82.6% and 84.2%, respectively (P = 0. 446), and RFS rates were 65.5% and 58.2%, respectively (P = 0.153), with no significant differences. The Aquamantys® group and the control group had two cases and 11 cases of local recurrence, respectively, with LRFS rates of 98% and 87.9%, respectively, in the follow-up period, corresponding to a significant difference (P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis showed that microvascular invasion (MVI), tumor diameter > 5 cm, and the control group were independent risk factors for LRFS. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that application of the Aquamantys® system in hepatectomy can reduce local recurrence, but it can neither reduce overall recurrence nor improve OS.

Effectiveness of harmonic scalpel in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy: systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the harmonic scalpel compared to the conventional technique in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy. METHOD: This is a systematic review with inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared both techniques. An electronic search was carried out in the Medline and Lilacs databases until June 2017. The outcomes analysed were operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical morbidity, and costs. RESULTS: Data from 31 primary studies were included. The use of the harmonic scalpel correlates to a shorter operation time (p <0.001) and a lower volume of intraoperative bleeding (p <0.001). There were no differences in the risk of transient (p = 0.53) and permanent (p = 0.70) hypocalcaemia, transient (p = 0.61) and permanent (p = 0.50) dysfunctions of the inferior laryngeal nerve and hematoma (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel is effective and safe compared to the conventional technique.

Damage control of caval injuries in a porcine model using a retrievable Rescue stent.

OBJECTIVE: Early hemorrhage control before the operating room is essential to reduce the significant mortality associated with traumatic injuries of the vena cava. Conventional approaches present logistical challenges on the battlefield or in the trauma bay. A retrievable stent graft would allow rapid hemorrhage control in the preoperative setting when endovascular expertise is not immediately available and without committing a patient to the limitations of current permanent stents. This study details a refined retrievable Rescue stent for percutaneous delivery that was examined in a porcine survival model of penetrating caval hemorrhage. METHODS: A retrievable caval stent was reduced in delivery profile to a 9F sheath using finite element analysis. The final stent was constructed with a "petal and stem" design using nitinol wire followed by covering with polytetrafluoroethylene. Seven Yorkshire pigs (79-86 kg) underwent 22F injury of the infrarenal vena cava with intentional class II hemorrhage (1200 mL). Percutaneous deployment of the Rescue stent was used to temporize hemorrhage for 60 minutes, followed by resuscitation with cell saver blood and permanent caval repair. Hemorrhage control was documented with photography and angiography. Vital signs were recorded and laboratory values were measured out to 48 hours postoperatively. Data were examined with a repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The profile of the caval Rescue stent was successfully reduced from 16F to 9F while remaining within fracture and shape memory limits for nitinol. In addition, both rapid deployment and recapture were preserved. Following intentional hemorrhage after caval injury, animals revealed a significant drop in mean arterial pressure (average, 30 mm Hg), acidosis, and elevated lactate level compared with before injury. Compared with uncontrolled hemorrhage, which resulted in death in <9 minutes, the Rescue stent achieved hemorrhage control in <1 minute after venous access in all seven animals. All animals were successfully recovered after permanent repair. There was no significant change in levels of transaminases, bilirubin, creatinine, or hemoglobin at 48 hours compared with preinjury baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A retrievable Rescue stent achieved rapid percutaneous hemorrhage control after a significant traumatic injury of the vena cava and allowed successful recovery of all injured animals. Further development of this approach may have utility in preoperative damage control of caval injuries.

Effectiveness of harmonic scalpel in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy: systematic review with meta-analysis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the harmonic scalpel compared to the conventional technique in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy. METHOD: This is a systematic review with inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared both techniques. An electronic search was carried out in the Medline and Lilacs databases until June 2017. The outcomes analysed were operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical morbidity, and costs. RESULTS: Data from 31 primary studies were included. The use of the harmonic scalpel correlates to a shorter operation time (p <0.001) and a lower volume of intraoperative bleeding (p <0.001). There were no differences in the risk of transient (p = 0.53) and permanent (p = 0.70) hypocalcaemia, transient (p = 0.61) and permanent (p = 0.50) dysfunctions of the inferior laryngeal nerve and hematoma (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel is effective and safe compared to the conventional technique.

Advancement in liver laparoscopic resection - development of a new surgical device.

Liver resection is the standard treatment for any liver lesion. Laparoscopic liver resection is associated with lower intra-operative blood loss and fewer complications than open resection. Access to the posterior part of the right liver lobe is very uncomfortable and difficult for surgeons due the anatomic position, especially when employing laparoscopic surgery. Based on these experiences, a new laparoscopic device was developed that is capable of bending its long axis and allowing the application of radiofrequency energy in areas that were not technically accessible. The device is equipped with four telescopic needle electrodes that cause tissue coagulation after the delivery of radiofrequency energy. Ex vivo testing was performed in 2012 and 2014 at the University Hospital, Ostrava, on a porcine liver tissue. The main goal of this testing was to verify if the newly proposed electrode layout was suitable for sufficient tissue coagulation and creating a safety zone around lesions. During the ex vivo testing, the material of needle electrodes was improved to achieve the lowest possibility of adhesion. The power supply was adjusted from 20 to 120 W and the ablation time, which varied from 10 to 110 s, was monitored. Subsequently, optimal power delivery and time for coagulation was determined. This experimental study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the newly developed device. Based on the ex vivo testing, LARA-K1 can create a safety zone of coagulation. For further assessment of the new device, an in vivo study should be performed.

Hemostasis with the Ultrasonic Scalpel.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ultrasonically activated scalpel is a surgical instrument that is used in minimally invasive surgery to safely cut and seal vessels. This study reported the experimental observations of the use of a laparoscopic ultrasonic scalpel, including its safety and feasibility. in sealing vessels of different diameters in an in vivo animal model during both physiological and supraphysiological blood pressure (BP) conditions. METHODS: One healthy female swine was used. We performed resections of the omentum, biopsies in different regions of the liver, and a hysterectomy. Vessels with diameters ranging from 2 to 10 mm were sealed with the ultrasonic scalpel under regular hemodynamic conditions and during pharmacologically induced arterial hypertension (BP challenge). RESULTS: For 10 random cuts made in the omentum and during the hysterectomy, the ultrasonic scalpel was effective and fast, with no immediate or delayed bleeding. Bipolar energy, sutures, and hemoclips were not required to control bleeding. No bleeding was observed in sealed vessels up to 8 mm, even during BP challenges sustained for longer than 5 minutes. When testing vessels of 10 mm, bleeding occurred in 1 common iliac vein before 10 minutes of waiting (the point of bleeding was easily identified) and bleeding occurred in 1 of the common iliac arteries during the BP challenge. CONCLUSION: Our findings corroborate that the ultrasonic scalpel can safely seal arteries up to 8 mm in diameter to prevent or control bleeding during laparoscopic procedures, even when BP exceeds normal levels.

Safety assessment of the use of ultrasonic energy in the proximity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energy have demonstrated reduction of operating time and blood loss in thyroidectomy. However, these devices generate heat and thermal dispersion that may damage adjacent structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). This study was designed to evaluate the safety profile of the Harmonic Focus+® (HF+) device through the evaluation of thermal injury to the RLN using different algorithms of distance and time with state of the art technology. METHODS: 25 Vietnamese pigs underwent activation of HF+ in the proximity of their RLN. They were divided into 4 groups according to activation distance (3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm and on the RLN). Time of activation, time between tones of the ultrasonic generator, changes in the electromyographic signal using continuous nerve neuromonitoring, vocal fold mobility assessed by direct laryngoscopy and histological thermal damaged were evaluated. RESULTS: None of the pigs had loss of signal in the electromyography during the procedure; only one pig had isolated transient decrease in amplitude and one increase in latency. One pig had transient vocal fold paresis in the group with activation on the nerve. Evaluation of the nerves by histology and immunohistochemistry did not show significant changes attributed to thermal injury. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasonic energy close to the RLN is safe, provided that activation time does not exceed the necessary time to safely transect the tissue.

Advancement in liver laparoscopic resection - development of a new surgical device

Liver resection is the standard treatment for any liver lesion. Laparoscopic liver resection is associated with lower intra-operative blood loss and fewer complications than open resection. Access to the posterior part of the right liver lobe is very uncomfortable and difficult for surgeons due the anatomic position, especially when employing laparoscopic surgery. Based on these experiences, a new laparoscopic device was developed that is capable of bending its long axis and allowing the application of radiofrequency energy in areas that were not technically accessible. The device is equipped with four telescopic needle electrodes that cause tissue coagulation after the delivery of radiofrequency energy. Ex vivo testing was performed in 2012 and 2014 at the University Hospital, Ostrava, on a porcine liver tissue. The main goal of this testing was to verify if the newly proposed electrode layout was suitable for sufficient tissue coagulation and creating a safety zone around lesions. During the ex vivo testing, the material of needle electrodes was improved to achieve the lowest possibility of adhesion. The power supply was adjusted from 20 to 120 W and the ablation time, which varied from 10 to 110 s, was monitored. Subsequently, optimal power delivery and time for coagulation was determined. This experimental study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the newly developed device. Based on the ex vivo testing, LARA-K1 can create a safety zone of coagulation. For further assessment of the new device, an in vivo study should be performed.

High-resolution tweezers for cutting and coagulation reprocessing.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of the use of high resolution instruments in surgery, with reduction in the operative time, easy handling and effectiveness in the incisions, as well as lower smoke generation and thermal tissue damage. AIM: To demonstrate the technical feasibility of reusing devices of high resolution for cutting and coagulation, theoretically recommended for single use. METHOD: Was evaluated the efficacy of cleaning, sterilization process and functional quality of the material. The process was applied in four tweezers brand Ligasure - Valleylab. Each was identified with ribbons of different colors autoclavable for tracking. Two were submitted directly to the cleaning after the first use and from the other two were collected samples of this cleaning for the first culture. All tweezers passed through the cleaning process prior to sterilization. Then were sterilized in hydrogen peroxide. After the sterilization process, was taken material from the devices and put it on saline solution for culture. After, the tweezers were tested by a surgeon to analyze its performance in a sample of beef. Randomly at each test the researcher contaminated tweezers with strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This process was repeated four times. The material was sent to the laboratory and seeded in culture medium capable of microbiological identification. For quality control tests all biological, chemical and quality certification of products used in the process were attached. RESULTS: The results of all cultures were negative, and functionality was preserved in the four reuses. CONCLUSION: As to the functionality, the tweezers may be used at least four times, the number of times tested in this experiment. Therefore, it can be used for five times, the first coming from the factory and four more after reprocessing.

Reprocessamento de pinças de alta resolução para corte e coagulação / High-resolution tweezers for cutting and coagulation reprocessing

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos estudos demonstraram as vantagens clínicas da utilização dos instrumentos de alta resolução em cirurgia, com a redução do tempo operatório, fácil manuseio e efetividade nas incisões, assim como menor geração de fumaça e danos térmicos teciduais. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a viabilidade técnica de reutilização das pinças de alta resolução para corte e coagulação teoricamente recomendadas para uso único. MÉTODO: Foi avaliada a eficácia da limpeza, garantia do processo de esterilização e qualidade funcional do material. O processo foi aplicado em quatro pinças da marca Ligasure- Valleylab. Cada uma foi identificada com fitas autoclaváveis de cores diferentes para rastreamento. Duas foram submetidas diretamente à limpeza após a primeira utilização e nas outras duas foi coletado, antes desta limpeza, material para a primeira cultura. Todas as pinças passaram por processo de limpeza antes da esterilização. Em seguida foram esterilizadas em peróxido de hidrogênio. Após o processo de esterilização foi colhida, de cada pinça, cultura em meio de solução fisiológica. Após esta coleta todas as pinças foram testadas por um cirurgião quanto à sua atuação em uma amostra de carne bovina. Randomicamente, a cada teste o pesquisador contaminava uma pinça com cepas de Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans. Este processo foi repetido por quatro vezes. O material foi encaminhado ao laboratório e semeado em meio de cultura passível de identificação microbiológica. Para controle de qualidade todos os testes biológicos, químicos e certificados de qualidade dos produtos utilizados no processo foram anexados. RESULTADOS: Os resultados de todas as culturas foram negativos e a funcionabilidade preservada nas quatro reutilizações. CONCLUSÃO: Quanto à funcionabilidade, as pinças podem ser utilizadas por no mínimo até quatro vezes, que foi o número de vezes testado neste experimento. Portanto, ela pode ser utilizada por cinco vezes, sendo a primeira vinda de fábrica e mais quatro após reprocessamento.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of the use of high resolution instruments in surgery, with reduction in the operative time, easy handling and effectiveness in the incisions, as well as lower smoke generation and thermal tissue damage. AIM: To demonstrate the technical feasibility of reusing devices of high resolution for cutting and coagulation, theoretically recommended for single use. METHOD: Was evaluated the efficacy of cleaning, sterilization process and functional quality of the material. The process was applied in four tweezers brand Ligasure - Valleylab. Each was identified with ribbons of different colors autoclavable for tracking. Two were submitted directly to the cleaning after the first use and from the other two were collected samples of this cleaning for the first culture. All tweezers passed through the cleaning process prior to sterilization. Then were sterilized in hydrogen peroxide. After the sterilization process, was taken material from the devices and put it on saline solution for culture. After, the tweezers were tested by a surgeon to analyze its performance in a sample of beef. Randomly at each test the researcher contaminated tweezers with strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This process was repeated four times. The material was sent to the laboratory and seeded in culture medium capable of microbiological identification. For quality control tests all biological, chemical and quality certification of products used in the process were attached. RESULTS: The results of all cultures were negative, and functionality was preserved in the four reuses. CONCLUSION: As to the functionality, the tweezers may be used at least four times, the number of times tested in this experiment. Therefore, it can be used for five times, the first coming from the factory and four more after reprocessing.

Desenvolvimento e avaliação de método substitutivo para a prática da hemostasia em cadáveres quimicamente preservados / Development and evaluation of a substitute method for hemostasis practice in chemically preserved cadavers

O aprendizado e o ensino da cirurgia veterinária envolvem o desenvolvimento de habilidades que podem ser obtidas em laboratórios, por meio de vários modelos já disponíveis, incluindo o treinamento em cadáveres. Nestes, quando comparados aos procedimentos em animais vivos, duas limitações são notadas e frequentemente mencionadas, e referem-se às alterações de consistência dos tecidos e à ausência de sangramento durante o treinamento cirúrgico. Este trabalho foi focado na superação destas questões, por meio da realização da simulação de circulação sanguínea em cadáveres adequadamente preservados, permitindo aos usuários do sistema a possibilidade de treinamento cirúrgico em um modelo mais próximo do animal vivo, viabilizando também o aprendizado e a prática da hemostasia. Depois de desenvolvido o sistema, o mesmo foi utilizado por estudantes de Medicina Veterinária com distintos níveis de experiência, que avaliaram todo o método por meio de questionário, ressaltando também os pontos positivos e negativos observados. Concluiu-se que é possível realizar a simulação de sangramento em cadáveres quimicamente preservados, e que tal sistema foi bem aceito por quem o utilizou, sendo mais uma alternativa para melhor preparar estudantes para as experiências em animais vivos que necessitem de intervenções cirúrgicas

Veterinary surgery demands skills acquisition and refinement that can be obtained in laboratories using several available models, including training on cadavers. Those, when compared to live animal procedures, two limitations are noted and often mentioned, and are due to tissue consistency alterations and absence of bleeding during surgical training. This work was focused on overcoming these issues, by performing blood flow simulation in properly chemically preserved cadavers, giving users of this system the possibility of surgical training in a model closer to live animal, also enabling learning and practice of hemostasis. After developed the system, it was used by veterinary students with distinct experience levels, evaluating the whole method through a questionnaire, emphasizing positive and negative aspects. It was concluded that bleeding simulation in chemically preserved cadavers is possible, and that such a system was well accepted by those who used it, being an alternative to better prepare students for experiments on live animals that require surgical interventions

[Use of Foley's catheter to control abdominal wall bleeding in the trocar insertion place during laparoscopic surgery]. / Uso de la sonda de Foley para el control del sangrado de la pared abdominal por los orifi cios de los trócares durante la cirugía laparoscópica.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall bleeding in the port-site insertion place during laparoscopic surgery is sometimes difficult to control and can be associated with morbidity ranging from parietal pain up to haematoma and massive haemoperitoneum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We perform a retrospective study of our experience in the management of the abdominal wall bleeding port-site using a Foley's catheter (24F), in those cases when haemostasis with electrocautery was not achieved. RESULTS: This technique was used in 35 patients (27 women and 8 men) with a mean age of 45,37 years (range 24-82 years). The median of time up to the removal of the catheter was 36 hours (range 24-48 hours), without observing bleeding or prolongation of the hospital stay or readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Foley's catheter is a simple and efficient method for the control of the port-site bleeding during laparoscopic surgery.

Uso de la Sonda de Foley para el Control del Sangrado de la Pared Abdominal por los Orificios de los Trócares durante la Cirugía Laparoscópica / Use of Foley’s catheter to control abdominal wall bleeding in the trocar insertion place during laparoscopic surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las hemorragias en los puntos de entrada de los trócares son en ocasiones difíciles de cohibir y se asocian con una morbilidad que oscila desde el dolor parietal y el hematoma, hasta el hemoperitoneo masivo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo de nuestra experiencia en el control de las hemorragias en los puntos de entrada de los trócares de laparoscopia mediante compresión con balón de sonda de Foley, en los que la hemostasia mediante electrocoagulación no fue efectiva. RESULTADOS: La técnica fue empleada en 35 pacientes (27 mujeres y 8 varones) con una edad media de 45,37 años (intervalo 24 - 82 años). La mediana de tiempo hasta la retirada de la sonda fue 36 horas (intervalo 24 - 48 horas), sin evidenciarse ningún tipo de complicación hemorrágica, prolongación de la estancia ni reingreso hospitalario. CONCLUSIONES: La compresión con balón de sonda de Foley es un método sencillo y eficaz para el control de las hemorragias a través de los orificios de los trócares de laparoscopia.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall bleeding in the port-site insertion place during laparoscopic surgery is sometimes difficult to control and can be associated with morbidity ranging from parietal pain up to haematoma and massive haemoperitoneum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We perform a retrospective study of our experience in the management of the abdominal wall bleeding port-site using a Foley’s catheter (24F), in those cases when haemostasis with electrocautery was not achieved. RESULTS: This technique was used in 35 patients (27 women and 8 men) with a mean age of 45,37 years (range 24-82 years). The median of time up to the removal of the catheter was 36 hours (range 24-48 hours), without observing bleeding or prolongation of the hospital stay or readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Foley’s catheter is a simple and efficient method for the control of the port-site bleeding during laparoscopic surgery.

Secure reconstruction technique after partial nephrectomy irrespective of tumor size and location.

INTRODUCTION: Nephron-sparing surgery for large renal masses is not considered a safe procedure because of high complication rate. We present our experience using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) and Hem-O-Lok (Weck Clip) as hemostatic agents during open partial nephrectomy (OPN) to perform nephron-sparing surgery for large renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients underwent OPN for suspicious renal cell carcinomas. Thirty-four patients with tumors < 2.5 cm in size underwent OPN with Gore-Tex alone (group 1). Clinical data from a computerized database were reviewed and compared to a contemporary group of 26 patients with tumors >or= 2.5 cm in size who underwent OPN with Gore-Tex and Hem-O-Lok (group 2). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 53 years (range, 35-85 years), and the mean duration of follow-up was 41.8 months (range, 6-56 months). The mean cold ischemic times were 24.0 minutes (range, 12-37 minutes) and 35.3 minutes (range, 18-65 minutes) respectively in group 1 and 2. The tumor sizes in groups 1 and 2 were 1.7 +/- 0.4 cm and 4.74 +/- 2.75 cm, respectively. No major complications, such as urine leakage or delayed bleeding, were noted in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Nephron-sparing surgery using Gore-Tex alone or a Gore-Tex and Hem-O-Lok combination was safe without high-priced hemostatic agents because the tensile strength was sufficient to maintain firmness in the repaired parenchyma. In addition, the procedure is easy to perform and takes less time to complete. Furthermore, major complications, recurrence, and impaired renal function did not occur with this procedure.

Wound healing in the jugal mucosa of rats with a cold blade scalpel and an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel.

UNLABELLED: Ultrasound harmonic scalpel has been recently introduced in otorhinolaryngological procedures. AIM: to assess macro and microscopic evolution of the healing process of wounds created in the jugal mucosa of rats by the use of ultrasound scalpel. METHOD: we used 30 Wistar rats in which we made mucosal incisions on the right jugal mucosa with the ultrasound harmonic scalpel (USHS) and on the left side with the cold blade scalpel (CBS). Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were carried out on the third, seventh and fourteenth days of postoperative. For the microscopic evaluation we used HE to asses the inflammatory process and the Sirius Red approach for collagens type I and III. Anti-CD 3 antibodies and anti-factor VIII assessed the concentration of T-lymphocytes and neovessels. RESULTS: the USHS caused greater cell damage with reepitelization delay. Microscopy showed more intense inflammatory reactions and a loss in collagen build up, delay in scar maturation and a greater vessel neoformation. CONCLUSION: USHS brings about a greater lesion in the incision area; delayed regeneration; promotes greater inflammatory process and angiogenic activity; delays in fibroplasia and scar tissue maturation on the rats' jugal mucosa when compared to cold blade scalpel.

Secure reconstruction technique after partial nephrectomy irrespective of tumor size and location

Introduction: Nephron-sparing surgery for large renal masses is not considered a safe procedure because of high complication rate. We present our experience using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex®) and Hem-O-Lok® (Weck® Clip) as hemostatic agents during open partial nephrectomy (OPN) to perform nephron-sparing surgery for large renal masses. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients underwent OPN for suspicious renal cell carcinomas. Thirty-four patients with tumors < 2.5 cm in size underwent OPN with Gore-Tex® alone (group 1). Clinical data from a computerized database were reviewed and compared to a contemporary group of 26 patients with tumors ≥ 2.5 cm in size who underwent OPN with Gore-Tex® and Hem-O-Lok® (group 2). Results: The mean patient age was 53 years (range, 35-85 years), and the mean duration of follow-up was 41.8 months (range, 6-56 months). The mean cold ischemic times were 24.0 minutes (range, 12-37 minutes) and 35.3 minutes (range, 18-65 minutes) respectively in group 1 and 2. The tumor sizes in groups 1 and 2 were 1.7 ± 0.4 cm and 4.74 ± 2.75 cm, respectively. No major complications, such as urine leakage or delayed bleeding, were noted in either group. Conclusions: Nephron-sparing surgery using Gore-Tex® alone or a Gore-Tex® and Hem-O-Lok® combination was safe without high-priced hemostatic agents because the tensile strength was sufficient to maintain firmness in the repaired parenchyma. In addition, the procedure is easy to perform and takes less time to complete. Furthermore, major complications, recurrence, and impaired renal function did not occur with this procedure.

Wound healing in the jugal mucosa of rats with a cold blade scalpel and an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel / Cicatrização de feridas realizadas na mucosa jugal de ratos com bisturi com lâmina fria e com bisturi harmônico ultrassônico

Ultrasound harmonic scalpel has been recently introduced in otorhinolaryngological procedures. AIM: to assess macro and microscopic evolution of the healing process of wounds created in the jugal mucosa of rats by the use of ultrasound scalpel. METHOD: we used 30 Wistar rats in which we made mucosal incisions on the right jugal mucosa with the ultrasound harmonic scalpel (USHS) and on the left side with the cold blade scalpel (CBS). Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were carried out on the third, seventh and fourteenth days of postoperative. For the microscopic evaluation we used HE to asses the inflammatory process and the Sirius Red approach for collagens type I and III. Anti-CD 3 antibodies and anti-factor VIII assessed the concentration of T-lymphocytes and neovessels. RESULTS: the USHS caused greater cell damage with reepitelization delay. Microscopy showed more intense inflammatory reactions and a loss in collagen build up, delay in scar maturation and a greater vessel neoformation. CONCLUSION: USHS brings about a greater lesion in the incision area; delayed regeneration; promotes greater inflammatory process and angiogenic activity; delays in fibroplasia and scar tissue maturation on the rats' jugal mucosa when compared to cold blade scalpel.

O bisturi harmônico ultrassônico foi introduzido recentemente em operações otorrinolaringológicas. ObJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução macro e microscópica do processo de cicatrização de feridas realizadas na mucosa jugal de ratas com uso de bisturi ultrassônico. MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas 30 ratas Wistar com incisões na mucosa, no lado direito com bisturi harmônico ultrassônico (BHU) e à esquerda com bisturi com lâmina fria (BLF). As avaliações macroscópicas e microscópicas foram realizadas no terceiro, sétimo e décimo quarto dias pós-operatório. Na análise microscópica utilizou-se coloração HE para avaliar o processo inflamatório e a técnica de Sirius red para os colágenos I e III. Anticorpos anti-CD 3 e anti-Fator VIII avaliaram a concentração de linfócitos T e neovasos. RESULTADOS: O BHU promoveu maior dano celular com atraso de reepitelização. A microscopia constatou-se reações inflamatórias mais intensas e prejuízo da deposição de colágeno, atraso na maturação das cicatrizes e a neoformação maior de vasos. CONCLUSÃO: O BHU proporciona maior área de lesão na incisão; atrasa a regeneração; promove maior processo inflamatório e atividade angiogênica; atrasa a fibroplasia e a maturação das cicatrizes na mucosa jugal de ratas em relação ao bisturi de lâmina fria.

Histerectomia vaginal sem prolapso com sistema de selamento de vasos de baixo custo / Vaginal hysterectomy in non prolapsed uterus using economic vessel sealer system

A cirurgia ginecológica teve um avanço muito significativo nos últimos anos, sobretudo com o surgimento de novas técnicas cirúrgicas minimamente invasivas. A histerectomia vaginal sem prolapso com sistema de selamento de vasos de baixo custo baseia-se na técnica descrita por Heaney, modificada com a utilização de um clamp autoclavável (Marclamp) conectado a um sistema gerador de energia bipolar de selamento de vasos (Maxium - KLS Martin). As vantagens da histerectomia vaginal com sistema de selamento de vasos de baixo custo são: menor tempo cirúrgico, pós-operatório menos doloroso, menor tempo de internação e retorno mais rápido às atividades habituais. A histerectomia vaginal pode ser realizada em regime ambulatorial.

The gynecological surgery had a very significant advance in recent years, over all with the new minimally invasive surgical techniques. The vaginal hysterectomy in nonprolapsed uterus using economic vessel sealer system is based on Heaney modified technique using the Marclamp connected to Maxium (Martin's bipolar vessel sealing system). The advantages of the vaginal hysterectomy with economic vessel sealer system are: less operative time, less post-operative pain, lesser time of internment and faster return to the habitual activities. The vaginal hysterectomy can be realized in ambulatorial hospital care.

Double skeletonized internal thoracic artery vs. double conventional internal thoracic artery in diabetic patients submitted to OPCAB.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the technique used in the dissection of thoracic arteries in the evolution of diabetic patients submitted to OPCAB. METHODS: Seventy diabetic patients submitted to OPCAB using bilateral thoracic arteries were evaluated. In Group A, thoracic arteries were dissected as a pedicle, while in Group B they were skeletonized. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in Group A was 52.14 +/- 7.35 years old versus 55.71 +/- 8.1 years for Group B (p=0.057). In Group A, six patients (17.1%) were insulin dependent against nine (25.7%) in Group B (p = 0.561). The EUROSCORE was 3.97 +/- 2.49 for Group A opposed to 4.14 +/- 3.06 for Group B (p = 0.879). The number of distal anastomoses in Group A was 3 +/- 0.77 versus 3.03 +/- 0.89 in Group B (p = 0.981). Three patients (8.57%) from Group A presented with mediastinitis. Insulin dependence was the only significant risk factor (p=0.008) for mediastinitis. In this group the use of skeletonized internal thoracic arteries significantly decreased the incidence of mediastinitis (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The incidence of mediastinitis was lower in the group for which mammary arteries were dissected using skeletonization. Among insulin-dependent diabetics, 50% of the patients from the group in which the pedicled internal thoracic artery was utilized presented with mediastinitis; the utilization of skeletonized internal thoracic arteries significantly decreases the incidence of mediastinitis.