Tumor markers in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a clinical entity of a persistent relevance in clinical practice and its early diagnosis is a determinant factor to obtain better therapeutic results. Tumor markers are helpful means for a better approach to individuals with such neoplasm. In the present review, the authors analyze the phases in which surgical-clinical treatment markers must be used: diagnosis, determination of tumor stage, establishment of prognosis and detection of recurrence. Current and future markers and the consensus on their use are discussed. Causal factors for errors in diagnosis with markers and perspectives of use are also presented.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Disciplina de Gastroenterologia CirúrgicaUNIFESP, EPM, Disciplina de Gastroenterologia CirúrgicaSciEL

Handsewn or stapled colorectal anastomosis? Or how evidence based is surgical practice?

Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Unsuspected colon adenocarcinoma revealed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

A particularly rapid and fatal outcome has been noted in cases of malignant soft-tissue metastases occurring after cancer surgery. Abdominal wall metastases occurring in scars after laparotomy for cancer resection show a similar poor outcome. On the other hand, neoplasm seeding at trocar sites after laparoscopy has been reported with an increasing frequency. A case is presented of a 68-years-old woman with metastatic seeding of non-diagnosed colon cancer at the umbilical trocar site used for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The gallbladder was extracted through the umbilical incision. Pathological examination confirmed chronic cholecystitis. Eight months latter, the patient was seen with a tender umbilical mass protruded through a 4,5 cm the umbilical incision site. Biopsies of this tissue were taken and histopathological examination showed metastatic adenocarcinoma, probably of a gastrointestinal origin. A colonoscopy performed at the same time revealed a 2-cm lesion at the hepatic flexur which was shown to be a differentiated adenocarcinoma. An 8.0 x 6.0 x 6.0-cm pelvic mass without signs of liver metastases was identified by computerised tomography. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed a diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis. The pelvis could not be approached, except for simple biopsy, and no surgical procedure was performed. It is presumed that the primary colon cancer existed prior to cholecystectomy. Laparoscopy is the procedure of choice to perform cholecystectomy and fundoplication. It has also been increasingly used to diagnose, resect and perform the staging of malignant tumours. As in any relatively new technique, questions arising about its safety and risk of complications must be extensively studied. Many questions about the specific features of laparoscopy promoting cancer growth remain unanswered.UNIFESP-EPM Departamento de CirurgiaHospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São PauloUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de CirurgiaSciEL

Evaluation of extracorporeal circulation effects on gallstone formation

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to clarify the relationship between cardiopulmonary bypass with the use of a heart-lung machine and gallstones in a short-term follow-up. METHOD: A total of 135 patients with ischaemic heart disease were included in this study. All were followed up by the Cardiology Department of Hospital São Paulo, Federal University of São Paulo. They were divided into three groups: Group 1 - 51 patients who were treated clinically; Group 2 - 43 patients who underwent coronary artery grafting bypass without cardiopulmonary bypass; and Group 3 - 41 patients who underwent coronary artery grafting bypass with cardiopulmonary bypass and the use of a heart-lung machine. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in relation to gender, age, body mass index or associated diseases (p<0.05). All the patients underwent ultrasound examination 12 months after beginning their cardiological treatment (clinical treatment alone or surgical plus follow-up). RESULTS: The prevalence of gallstones in the groups was: Group 1 - 7.84%, Group 2 - 11.62%, and Group 3 - 19.51%. There was no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.248). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that cardiopulmonary bypass does not appear to have a close relationship with gallstone formation one year after coronary artery bypass grafting. However, long-term follow-up is advisable.OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre o uso da circulação extracorpórea e o desenvolvimento de colelitíase. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 135 pacientes coronariopatas acompanhados na Disciplina de Cardiologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) - Escola Paulista de Medicina, no período de janeiro de 2000 a setembro de 2002, distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo 1 - 51 pacientes tratados clinicamente; Grupo 2 - 43 pacientes revascularizados sem circulação extracorpórea e Grupo 3 - 41 pacientes revascularizados com circulação extracorpórea. Foram controladas as variáveis sexo, idade, índice de massa corpórea e doenças associadas entre os grupos e foi realizada ultra-sonografia total de abdome em todos os pacientes, aos doze meses de tratamento (clínico ou cirúrgico), para verificar a existência de colelitíase. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de colelitíase encontrada nos grupos foi: Grupo 1 - 7,84 %; Grupo 2 - 11,62 % e Grupo 3 - 19,51 %. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos quanto à existência de colelitíase (p=0,248). CONCLUSÃO: Baseado neste estudo não se pode afirmar que o uso da circulação extracorpórea predisponha a maior prevalência de colelitíase.UNIFESP-EPMUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de CirurgiaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) Disciplina de Cirurgia CardiovascularUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de CirurgiaUNIFESP, EPM, Disciplina de Cirurgia CardiovascularSciEL