Preoperative weight loss in super-obese patients: study of the rate of weight loss and its effects on surgical morbidity

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of obesity and particularly super obesity, has increased tremendously. At our institution, super obesity represents 30.1% of all severely obese individuals in the bariatric surgery program. In super obesity, surgical morbidity is higher and the results are worse compared with morbid obesity, independent of the surgical technique. The primary strategy for minimizing complications in these patients is to decrease the body mass index before surgery. Preoperative weight reduction can be achieved by a hypocaloric diet, drug therapy, an intragastric balloon, or hospitalization. The objective of this study was to analyze the results of a period of hospitalization for preoperative weight loss in a group of super-obese patients. METHODS: Twenty super-obese patients were submitted to a weight loss program between 2006 and 2010. The mean patient age was 46 years (range 21-59). The mean BMI was 66 kg/m2 (range 51-98) and 12 were women. The average hospital stay was 19.9 weeks and the average weight loss was 19% of the initial weight (7-37%). The average caloric intake was 5 kcal/kg/day. After the weight loss program, the patients underwent gastric bypass surgery. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed that after 14 weeks of treatment (15% loss of initial weight), the weight loss was not significant. All patients had satisfactory surgical recovery and were discharged after an average of 4.6 days. CONCLUSION: In super obesity, preoperative weight loss is an important method for reducing surgical risks. Hospitalization and a hypocaloric diet are safe and effective. After 14 weeks, the weight loss rate stabilized, signaling the time of surgical intervention in our study

Laparoscopy in diagnosis and extension of peritoneal carcinomatosis

INTRODUÇÃO: O método laparoscópico é efetivo no diagnóstico e verificação do estádio das neoplasias malignas intra-abdominais e permite a exploração do comprometimento da serosa gástrica, folhetos peritoneais parietal e visceral, fígado, epíplons, cavidade pélvica e outros órgãos da cavidade abdominal, e coleta de líquido ascítico. OBJETIVO: Relatar a técnica do método videolaparoscópico e como realizá-lo com vistas à carcinomatose peritoneal. MÉTODO: Após a introdução sob visão direta do trocarte na região da cicatriz umbilical, esvazia-se a ascite ao máximo. Coleta-se fluido peritoneal para realização de exame citológico, evitando-se contaminação com sangue para não diminuir a sensibilidade do método. Se não houver ascite, pode-se realizar o lavado peritoneal. As liberações de bridas e aderências podem ser realizadas previamente à exploração da cavidade e também várias biópsias do peritônio parietal, diafragma, omento e cavidade pélvica para confirmação. Para se determinar se o paciente é candidato à peritoniectomia e/ou quimioterapia hipertérmica intra-abdominal, realiza-se o índice de carcinomatose peritoneal, tendo-se por base a distribuição e o tamanho dos nódulos. Para que isto ocorra é essencial a utilização de mesa operatória com capacidade de se mover para as posições de Trendelenburg, proclive e laterais. CONCLUSÃO: O método laparoscópico apresenta-se bom para se avaliar ascite, metástases hepática e peritoneal, podendo atingir eficiência, sensibilidade e especificidade de até 100% para os referidos atributos. Ele deve ser realizado quando existir suspeita clínica de difusão intraperitoneal da neoplasia não confirmada pelos métodos diagnósticos por imagem.INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic procedure is effective in the diagnosis and verification of level of intra-abdominal malignancies and allows exploration of commitment of the serosa, parietal and visceral peritoneum, liver, epiíplon, pelvic cavity and other organs of the abdominal cavity, and permit to deal with ascites. AIM: To describe laparoscopic technique and method to accomplish the peritoneal carcinomatosis status and indications for peritoniectomies. METHODS: After the introduction of the trocar under direct vision in the region of the umbilicus it is possible to empty ascites to the fullest, and collect material for cytological examination, avoiding contamination with blood. If there is no ascites, peritoneal lavage can be performed. Releases adhesions and adhesions can be also done prior to the operation of the cavity and also several biopsies of parietal peritoneum, diaphragm, omentum and pelvic cavity for confirmation. To determine whether the patient is a candidate for peritoniectomy and / or intra-abdominal hyperthermic chemotherapy, it can permit the realization of index of peritoneal carcinomatosis. For this to occur is essential to use the operating table with the ability to move the positions of Trendelemburg, proclivity and sides. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic method is good to evaluate ascites, hepatic and peritoneal metastases, and may achieve efficiency, sensitivity and specificity of 100% for these attributes. It should be performed when there is clinical suspicion of intraperitoneal dissemination, but no diagnostic imaging confirmation

Local treatment of colostomy prolapse with the MESH STRIP technique: A novel and highly efficient day hospital technique

OBJECTIVE: Stoma prolapse is an intussusception of the bowel through a mature stoma. It can be caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure, excessively mobile bowel mesentery and/or a large opening in the abdominal wall at the time of stoma formation. It occurs predominantly in loop stomas, and correction methods include conservative modalities, such as local reduction to the prolapsed bowel, or surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with the treatment of colostomy prolapse using a novel mesh strip technique. METHODS: Between February 2009 and March 2018, ten consecutive male patients underwent correction of colostomy prolapse under local anesthesia by peristomal placement of a polypropylene mesh strip. Operation time, short- and long-term complications, and recurrence rates were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: No postoperative complications, morbidity or mortality were observed. The median length of the prolapse ranged from 6-20 cm, and the median operative time was 30 minutes. The median duration of follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-89 months). No relapse, mesh strip extrusion, local infection or granuloma formation were found. CONCLUSION: A simple, fast, and low-cost operation under local anesthesia using a mesh strip is a valuable option to treat colostomy prolapse

Surgical Management of Spontaneous Ruptured Hepatocellular Adenoma

AIMS: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma (SRHA) is a rare life-threatening condition that may require surgical treatment to control hemorrhaging and also stabilize the patient. We report a series of emergency surgeries performed at our institution for this condition. METHODS: We reviewed medical records and radiology files of 28 patients (from 1989 to 2006) with a proven diagnosis of hepatocellular adenoma (HA). Three (10.7%) of 28 patients had spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma, two of which were associated with intrahepatic hemorrhage while one had intraperitoneal bleeding. Two patients were female and one was male. Both female patients had a background history of oral contraceptive use. Sudden abdominal pain associated with hemodynamic instability occurred in all patients who suffered from spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma. The mean age was 41.6 years old. The preoperative assessment included liver function tests, ultrasonography and computed tomography. RESULTS: The surgical approaches were as follows: right hemihepatectomy for controlling intraperitoneal bleeding, and right extended hepatectomy and non-anatomic resection of the liver for intrahepatic hemorrhage. There were no deaths, and the postoperative complications were bile leakage and wound infection (re-operation), as well as intraperitoneal abscess (re-operation) and pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular adenoma may be treated by surgery for controlling hemorrhages and stabilizing the patient, and the decision to operate depends upon both the patient's condition and the expertise of the surgical team

Parotidite aguda pós-cirúgica: prevalência atual no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo

Postsurgical acute suppurative parotitis is a bacterial gland infection that occurs from a few days up to some weeks after abdominal surgical procedures. In this study, the authors analyze the prevalence of this complication in Hospital das Clínicas/São Paulo University Medical School by prospectively reviewing the charts of patients who underwent surgeries performed by the gastroenterological and general surgery staff from 1980 to 2005. Diagnosis of parotitis or sialoadenitis was analyzed. Sialolithiasis and chronic parotitis previous to hospitalization were exclusion criteria. In a total of 100,679 surgeries, 256 patients were diagnosed with parotitis or sialoadenitis. Nevertheless, only three cases of acute postsurgical suppurative parotitis associated with the surgery were identified giving an incidence of 0.0028%. All patients presented with risk factors such as malnutrition, immunosuppression, prolonged immobilization and dehydration. In the past, acute postsurgical suppurative parotitis was a relatively common complication after major abdominal surgeries. Its incidence decreased as a consequence of the improvement of perioperative antibiotic therapy and postoperative support. In spite of the current low incidence, we believe it is important to identify risks and diagnose as quick as possible, in order to introduce prompt and appropriate therapeutic measures and avoid potentially fatal complications with the evolution of the disease.A parotidite supurativa pós-cirúrgica é infecção bacteriana da glândula que ocorre poucos dias até algumas semanas após procedimento cirúrgico. Os autores analisam a prevalência desta complicação cirúrgica nos últimos 25 anos do Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo. Foram analisados os prontuários das cirurgias realizadas pelos serviços de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo e Cirurgia Geral da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo no período de 1980 a 2005, num total de 106790 cirurgias. Todos os prontuários que apresentaram entre os diagnósticos das altas complicações cirúrgicas, parotidite ou sialoadenite foram avaliados. Foram identificados 256 prontuários. Pacientes com outras complicações, ou que já apresentavam sialolitíase ou parotidite crônica anterior à internação foram excluídos do estudo. Foram identificados apenas três casos de parotidite aguda supurativa pós-cirúrgica, revelando incidência de 0,0028%. A parotidite supurativa pós-cirúrgica foi complicação relativamente comum de grandes cirurgias abdominais no passado, com acentuada redução atual da sua incidência decorrente da antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro, além de preparação pré-operatória adequada e suporte pós-operatório dos pacientes. Apesar da baixa incidência atual, consideramos importante identificar seus fatores de risco, assim como realizar diagnóstico precoce, conduta terapêutica apropriada para evitar complicações letais associadas a esta infecção

Origem do adenocarcinoma no esôfago de Barrett: bases histopathológicas e expressão dos genes p53 e Ki67

Barrett's esophagus is the substitution of squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus by columnar epithelium. Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus is considered to be the main risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma. Diffuse adenocarcinoma and Barrett's esophagus without intestinal metaplasia are rare, and reports on the subject are scarce. PURPOSE AND METHOD: To estimate the prevalence of adenocarcinoma in 297 patients with Barrett's esophagus, during the period of 1990 to 2002, and in 13 patients undergoing surgery, to conduct detailed macroscopic and microscopic analysis, with performance of immunohistochemical tests for p53 and Ki67, correlating the type of tumor with its adjacent epithelium. RESULTS: In our patients with Barrett's esophagus, there was a prevalence of 5.7% of adenocarcinoma. The tumors developed only when the Barrett's esophagus segment was long (>;3.0 cm). Tumors were located close to the squamous-columnar junction. The histological study revealed 2 patients (15.4%) with Barrett's esophagus adjacent to a tumor with gastric metaplasia without the presence of intestinal metaplasia. Tumors were classified according to Nakamura's classification (23% differentiated pattern, and 77% undifferentiated pattern) and to Lauren's classification (61% intestinal and 39% diffuse). The difference is due to the migration of microtubular and foveolar tumors of undifferentiated (gastric) pattern in Nakamuras classification to the Lauren's intestinal type. The immunohistochemical test for Ki67 was strongly positive in all the patients, thus evidencing intense cell proliferation in both the columnar epithelium and tumor. Expression of p53 was negative in 67% of the adjacent columnar epithelia and 42% of the tumors, without any correlation between the tissue types. CONCLUSION: Adenocarcinoma develops from mixed columnar epithelium, either intestinal or gastric, showing both the gastric and the intestinal patterns; thus, tumors can also grow in columnar epithelium without intestinal metaplasia. Barrett's esophagus should be followed up for the possibility of progression to malignancy, especially when the segment is longer than 3 cm.O esôfago de Barrett é definido como a substituição do epitélio escamoso do esôfago distal por epitélio colunar. A metaplasia intestinal no esôfago de Barrett é considerada por muitos como o principal fator de risco para o desenvolvimento do adenocarcinoma. Embora já descrito, o adenocarcinoma do tipo difuso e o esôfago de Barrett sem metaplasia intestinal, são raros e pouco estudados. OBJETIVO E MÉTODO: O presente estudo objetivou o cálculo da prevalência do adenocarcinoma no esôfago de Barrett, assim como a análise macroscópica e microscópica detalhada de treze pacientes operados no período de 1990 a 2002, com realização de estudo imunohistoquímico do p53 e Ki67, correlacionando o tipo de tumor com o epitélio adjacente a este. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos uma prevalência de 5,7% de adenocarcinoma em pacientes internados para tratamento cirúrgico de esôfago de Barrett . Encontraram-se tumores relativamente grandes, com média de 4,67 ± 2,28 cm, e sempre em esôfago de Barrett longo, com média de 7,71 ± 1,5 cm. Observou-se tendência de os tumores se localizarem próximos à transição escamo-colunar. O estudo histológico mostrou dois pacientes (15,4%) que apresentavam esôfago de Barrett adjacente ao tumor do tipo juncional sem presença de metaplasia intestinal. Classificaram-se os tumores segundo a classificação japonesa de Nakamura (23% de padrão diferenciado ou intestinal e 77% de padrão indiferenciado ou gástico) e pela classificação de Laurén (61% intestinais e 39% difusos). A diferença decorre da migração dos tumores microtubulares e foveolares do padrão gástrico para o tipo intestinal de Laurén. O estudo do Ki67 foi fortemente positivo em todos os pacientes, mostrando o alto índice de proliferação celular no epitélio colunar e no tumor. O p53 mostrou-se negativo em 66,7% dos pacientes no epitélio colunar e 41,7% no tumor, não mostrando correlação entre os dois materiais. CONCLUSÃO: O adenocarcinoma se desenvolve sobre o esôfago de Barrett a partir do epitélio colunar misto, intestinal, bem como do juncional, apresentando padrão tanto gástrico como intestinal; portanto tumores podem se desenvolver em epitélio colunar sem metaplasia intestinal o qual também deve ser seguido, principalmente quando for extenso