Fatores determinantes para a escolha da especialidade médica no Brasil

Fundamento. A escolha da especialidade médica é complexa e multifatorial. A importância dos diferentes fatores varia mundialmente e está associada a diferentes valores e sistemas de educação. O objetivo do estudo é identificar os fatores que determinam essa escolha no Brasil. Métodos. Um questionário foi enviado, via internet (eletronic mail), para graduandos dos seis anos do curso de medicina, solicitando informações demográficas e a avaliação de fatores que influenciam na escolha da especialidade médica. Resultados. A idade média foi de 22 anos. Quanto à influência de familiares, 42,5% dos alunos têm pelo menos um médico como parente próximo, sendo as especialidades mais comuns desse parente: Pediatria, Ginecologia e Obstetrícia e Oftalmologia. A quantidade de respondentes que declararam certeza da carreira a ser seguida ao entrar na faculdade foi 19%, enquanto essa certeza foi de 22,2% na ocasião da pesquisa. Afinidade pela especialidade e estilo de vida foram fatores avaliados como importantes ou muito importantes por mais de 95% dos respondentes. Urgência em ganhar dinheiro rápido, tempo curto de residência, alto rendimento inicial e influência familiar foram os fatores avaliados como menos importantes pelos respondentes na escolha de sua especialidade. Quase metade dos respondentes (49,7%) descartaram uma especialidade que cogitaram fortemente, as principais razões para isso foram ter descoberto não ter afinidade pela especialidade pela qualidade de vida. Conclusões. Afinidade e estilo de vida são os fatores determinantes da escolha e da rejeição de especialidade médica em nosso meio.Background. Choosing medical specialty is complex and depends on multiple factors. The importance of the different factors varies across the world, according to different values and systems of education. The purpose of this study is to identify the determining factors involved in this choice among medical students in Brazil. Methods. A questionnaire was sent by email to medical students from first to sixth year of a selected institution, asking demographic information and the evaluation of factors that may influence the choice of the medical specialty. Results. The mean age was 22 years. Regarding the influence of relatives, 42.5% of the students has at least one physician as a close relative, the most common specialties of this relative were: Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics and Ophthalmology. 19% of the respondents declared being sure of the career when they entered University, while 22.2% of them were sure about the choice at the occasion of the study. Affinity for the specialty and lifestyle were evaluated as important or very important by more than 95% of respondents. Urge to earn money fast, short time of medical residency, high initial profit and family influence were the factors evaluated as less important by the respondents. Almost half of the respondents (49.7%) rejected a specialty they had strongly cogitated once. The main reasons for this were the lifestyle and the fact that they discovered not having affinity for the specialty. Conclusions. Affinity and medical lifestyle are the defining factors in choosing and rejecting a medical specialty in Brazil

Devepopment of methodology for measurement of hyaluronic acid and appliance in the diagnosis and post-operatory evaluation in patients with transitional cell carcinoma

Objetivo: A proposta deste estudo é desenvolver um método ultra-sensível, para dosagem de ácido hialurônico urinário e aplicar na prática clínica, no diagnóstico, avaliação do grau histológico e da presença de tumores residuais de pacientes com Carcinoma de Células Transicionais (CCT), os quais são responsáveis por 90 por cento dos tumores vesicais. Pacientes e Método: O ácido hialurônico urinário (AH) foi medido por um método sensível e específico "ELISA-LIKE" utilizando HABP ("Hyaluronic Acid Binding Protein"), proteína que interage especificamente com o ácido hialurônico, mesmo quando na presença de quantidade excessiva de outros glicosaminoglicanos (condroitim sulfato, dermatam sulfato, heparam sulfato e heparina) ou proteínas. É possível quantificar a presença do AH em concentrações de 0,2 até 500,0 μg/L. As placas foram coberta com HABP purificada de cartilagem e incubadas sucessivamente com amostras contendo soluções padrão de AH e de urina, HABP conjugada com biotina e estreptavidina marcada com európio. Após a liberação do európio da estreptavidina com solução específica, a fluorescência é medida em fluorímetro. Neste trabalho foram avaliados 355 pacientes, entre janeiro de 2002 a janeiro de 2005, e as amostras colhidas antes do procedimento endoscópico. Também foram colhidas amostras no pós-operatório, de 83 pacientes. Após os procedimentos foram detectados 163 indivíduos portadores de CCT, comprovados pelo exame histopatológico. Resultados: Esta nova técnica se mostrou bastante precisa e sensível, sendo capaz de detectar AH em quantidades mínimas como 0.2 μg/L. Este ensaio não competitivo evita pré-incubação, consome menos tempo (<5h) do que os ensaios competitivos descitos fluorimétricos (72h) ou radioativos. A acurácia da metodologia descrita pela curva ROC foi de 88 por cento. Com a regressão logística, verificou-se que aumento de 1 μg/L no AH urinário levaria a um aumento na chance do paciente portar a neoplasia em 3,9 por cento(OR). Através do valor de corte estabelecido (13,0 μg/L) verificou-se uma sensibilidade geral de 82,3 por cento, especificidade 81,2 por cento, valor preditivo positivo 78,9 por cento, valor preditivo negativo 84,2 por cento e acurácia de 81,7 por cento. Considerando o valor de corte, 76,6 por cento dos pacientes com tumor de estadio superficial seriam detectados. Entretanto, entre os indivíduos com carcinomas invasivos, a sensibilidade seria de 94,6 por cento…(au).BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertaçõe

Development of methodology for measurement of hyaluronic acid in biological fluids: application in prostatic diseases

O acido hialuronico (AH) e um glicosaminoglicano presente na matriz extracelular. O acido hialuronico tem papel relevante em diversas patologias como doencas do flgado, doencas articulares, bem como doencas especificas como esclerose sistemica, mielofibrose, mixedema pre-tibial, uremia e cancer, entre outras. Isso nos levou a desenvolver um metodo para sua dosagem. Neste estudo comparamos amostras de urina e soro de pacientes com hiperplasia prostatica benigna (HPB) e com cancer de prostata, usando um novo metodo fluorimetrico de dosagem, ultrasensivel. Metodo: As placas foram pre-incubadas com proteina de ligacao (PL,) preparada a partir de cartilagem de septo nasal bovino e depois incubadas, respectivamente, com amostras de AH presente em diversos fluidos biologicos (soro e urina), PL biotinilada e estreptavidina marcada com europio, seguida de medida da fluorescencia. Foram coletadas amostras de 25 pacientes com HPB e 8 com cancer de prostata, que foram admitidos para tratamento. Urina e soro foram coletadas na manha antes da cirurgia, preparados e armazenados -20ºC ate serem testados. Resultados: O metodo e bastante especifico para o AH, mesmo na presenca de condroitim, dermatam, heparam sulfato, heparina ou mesmo proteinas contaminantes. E possivel quantificar AH entre 0,24 e 500 mg/L. A dosagem de acido hialuronico nos mostrou que houve diferenca estatisticamente significante entre pacientes com cancer de prostata e com HPBBV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertaçõe

Bladder exstrophy: reconstructed female patients achieving normal pregnancy and delivering normal babies

PURPOSE: Bladder exstrophy (BE) is an anterior midline defect that causes a series of genitourinary and muscular malformations, which demands surgical intervention for correction. Women with BE are fertile and able to have children without this disease. The purpose of this study is to assess the sexual function and quality of life of women treated for BE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients in our institution treated for BE from 1987 to 2007 were recruited to answer a questionnaire about their quality of life and pregnancies. RESULTS: Fourteen women were submitted to surgical treatment for BE and had 22 pregnancies during the studied period. From those, 17 pregnancies (77.2%) resulted in healthy babies, while four patients (18.1%) had a spontaneous abortion due to genital prolapse, and there was one case (4.7%) of death due to a pneumopathy one week after delivery. There was also one case (5.8%) of premature birth without greater repercussions. During pregnancy, three patients (21.4%) had urinary tract infections and one patient (7.14%) presented urinary retention. After delivery, three patients (21.4%) presented temporary urinary incontinence; one patient (7.14%) had a vesicocutaneous fistula and seven patients (50%) had genital prolapsed. All patients confirmed to have achieved urinary continence, a regular sexual life and normal pregnancies. All patients got married and pregnant older than the general population. CONCLUSIONS: BE is a severe condition that demands medical and family assistance. Nevertheless, it is possible for the bearers of this condition to have a satisfactory and productive lifestyle

Tamsulosin vs. Tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is recommended for distal ureteral stones from 5 to 10 mm. The best drug for MET is still uncertain. In this review, we aim to compare the effectiveness of tadalafil and tamsulosin for distal ureteral stones from 5 to 10 mm in terms of stone expulsion rate (SER), stone expulsion time (SET) and the side effect profile. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception until April 2023. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Results: Eleven publications with 1,330 patients were included. We observed that tadalafil has a higher SER (OR 0.55, CI 95% 0.38;0.80, p=0.02, I2=52%) and the same efficacy in SET (MD 1.07, CI 95% -0.25; 2.39, p=0.11, I2=84%). No differences were found when comparing side effects as headache, backache, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension. Conclusion: Tadalafil has a higher stone expulsion rate than tamsulosin as a medical expulsive therapy for patients with distal stones from 5 to 10 mm without differences in side effects

Does displacement of lower pole stones during retrograde intrarenal surgery improves stone-free status? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: Kidney stones are one of the most common urological diseases worldwide. The size and location of the stone are the most important factors in determining the most suitable treatment options. The aim of this review was to evaluate the displacement of lower pole stones. Methods: Three studies assessing the efficacy of translocating kidney stones from the lower pole of the kidney to other locations during retrograde intrarenal surgery published in the last 20 years were included. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Web of Science databases using the following search terms: “Lower pole,” “Lithotripsy.” Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4. Results: Stone-free rates were improved through displacement (odds ratio – OR = -0.15; 95% confidence interval–95%CI -0.24–-0.05; p = 0.002; I2 = 21%), but at the cost of increased surgical duration (mean difference = -12.50; 95%CI -24.06–-0.95; p = 0.03; I2 = 94%). Although this represents a potentially negative outcome, the improvement in clearance rates justifies the additional investment of time and effort. Conclusions: Displacement of lower pole kidney stones for subsequent lithotripsy brings significant benefits in terms of stone-free rate, with no difference in laser energy usage. However, it results in increased surgical time. Despite these factors, the benefits to patients undergoing the procedure are substantial

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: initial experience in Brazil and a review of the literature

CONTEXT AND PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy has become the standard of care for renal tumors less than 4 cm in diameter. Controversy still exists, however, regarding the best surgical approach, especially when minimally invasive techniques are taken into account. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) has emerged as a promising technique that helps surgeons achieve the standards of open partial nephrectomy care while offering a minimally invasive approach. The objective of the present study was to describe our initial experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and extensively review the pertinent literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2009 and February 2010, eight consecutive selected patients with contrast enhancing renal masses observed by CT were submitted to RALPN in a private institution. In addition, we collected information on the patients' demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics and detailed operative, postoperative and pathological data. In addition, a PubMed search was performed to provide an extensive review of the robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy literature. RESULTS: Seven patients had RALPN on the left or right sides with no intraoperative complications. One patient was electively converted to a robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy. The operative time ranged from 120 to 300 min, estimated blood loss (EBL) ranged from 75 to 400 mL and, in five cases, the warm ischemia time (WIT) ranged from 18 to 32 min. Two patients did not require any clamping. Overall, no transfusions were necessary, and there were no intraoperative complications or adverse postoperative clinical events. All margins were negative, and all patients were disease-free at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a feasible and safe approach to small renal cortical masses.Further prospective studies are needed to compare open partial nephrectomy with its minimally invasive counterparts

Can the learning of laparoscopic skills be quantified by the measurements of skill parameters performed in a virtual reality simulator?

Purpose To ensure patient safety and surgical efficiency, much emphasis has been placed on the training of laparoscopic skills using virtual reality simulators. The purpose of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic skills can be objectively quantified by measuring specific skill parameters during training in a virtual reality surgical simulator (VRSS). Materials and Methods Ten medical students (with no laparoscopic experience) and ten urology residents (PGY3-5 with limited laparoscopic experience) were recruited to participate in a ten-week training course in basic laparoscopic skills (camera, cutting, peg transfer and clipping skills) on a VRSS. Data were collected from the training sessions. The time that individuals took to complete each task and the errors that they made were analyzed independently. Results The mean time that individuals took to complete tasks was significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05), with the residents being faster than the medical students. The residents' group also completed the tasks with fewer errors. The majority of the subjects in both groups exhibited a significant improvement in their task completion time and error rate. Conclusion The findings in this study demonstrate that laparoscopic skills can be objectively measured in a VRSS based on quantified skill parameters, including the time spent to complete skill tasks and the associated error rate. We conclude that a VRSS is a feasible tool for training and assessing basic laparoscopic skills

Mini-incisions by lombotomy or subcostal access in living kidney donors: a randomized trial comparing pain, safety, and quality of life

Objectives: the aim of this study was to compare two mini-incision techniques and judge the impact on the quality of life, pain, and safety of living kidney donors.Patients and methods: From March through September 2003, a prospective randomized study with 60 donors had nephrectomy performed - 30 through a lombotomy and another 30 patients underwent subcostal mini-incisions. the same anesthetic procedure was used for both groups. All patients were evaluated from baseline (T0) to day 90 after surgery. Pain evaluation included visual analog scale (VAS) and drug usage. To assess quality of life (QOL), the questionnaire SF-36 was used and surgical outcomes were also checked.Results: Sixty patients (41.6 +/- 8.9 yr old) were included in the protocol. Regarding incision length and blood loss, no statistical difference was observed. However, irrespective to the site of the mini-incision, patients with body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 kg/m(2) had significantly longer incision length as well as higher blood loss. There were no complications. No significant difference in tramadol or in pain perception was observed between groups. QOL was also not different between groups, however, there was a significant loss with subsequent return to baseline levels.Conclusion: the position of the mini-incision (lombotomy or subcostal) has no significant impact on surgical outcomes, pain perception, and QOL of living kidney donors. Mini-incision techniques represent fast and safe approaches to perform nephrectomy in the healthy population. Special care must be taken in obese patients in order to minimize surgical complications.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Urol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Nephrol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Urol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Nephrol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc