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Purpose: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible rectosigmoidoscopy (RSS), as tools used in the CRC screening, in asymptomatic patients, from 50 years of age. Methods: The study is transversal and presents a sample of 102 individuals. The FOBT used was the guaiaco, FECA-CULT® method, held at a single time, in feces collected from a complete evacuation. Individuals, who presented the positive FOBT, were sent to colonoscopy complement, although this is not primary variable examined in this study. All subjects underwent to flexible RSS, after bowel preparation, using a solution of sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate and dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate. Results: Individuals showed minimum age of 50 years and maximum 82 years, 61.6 years average and standard deviation +8.1. Of the 102 individuals, 42 (41%) belong to the males, whereas 60 (58.8%) female. The FOBT presented 10 positive cases (9.8%) (IC 95%: 4.8–17.3%) and 92 negative cases (90.2%) (IC 95%; 82.7–95.2%). The FOBT was effective at 2.9% and presented false-positive result in 6.9%. The result of the FBOT association with flexible RSS showed that 70% of neoplastic polyps showed no bleeding. Its sensitivity was 30% (IC 95%: 0.00–63.40%), the value of the relative risk was 3.94 (IC 95%: 1.20–12.89) and 5.20 valued odds ratio (IC 95%: −23.15 to 1.21). The specificity was 92.40% (IC 95%: 86.43–98.35%). The flexible RSS detected 15 polyps, among which, after histopathological study, 10 were neoplastic, being 09 adenomatous polyps (60%) and 01 malignity (6.7%) (IC 95%: 0.20–31.90%) and 05 non-neoplastic polyps (33.3%), and 03 inflammatory polyps (20%) (IC 95%: 4.3–48.1%) and 02 hyperplastic polyps (13.3%) (IC 95%: 1.7–40.5%). Neoplastic polyps were present in 60% of individuals over 60 years of age. Among the adenomatous polyps, the adenomatous polyp tubular prevalence is 53.33%. Among the 102 individuals, flexible RSS detected 09 adenomatous polyps (8.82%) and 01 (0.98%) malignity polyp. Conclusion: The tools FOBT and flexible RSS presented feasibility and, when associated demonstrated statistical significance in detecting polyps in general and important clinical significance on the detection of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer. Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade e eficácia do teste de sangue oculto nas fezes (TSOF) e retossigmoidoscopia (RSS) flexível, como instrumentos utilizados na triagem do CCR, em pacientes assintomáticos a partir dos 50 anos. Métodos: Esse é um estudo transversal e apresenta uma amostra de 102 indivíduos. O TSOF utilizado foi o método do guaiaco FECA-CULT®, realizado em uma única vez, em fezes coletadas de uma evacuação completa. Indivíduos com TSOF positivo foram encaminhados para o complemento de colonoscopia, embora essa não seja a variável primária examinada neste estudo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma RSS flexível, após a preparação do intestino com o uso de uma solução de fosfato de sódio monobásico mono-hidratado e de fosfato de sódio dibásico hepta-hidratado. Resultados: Os participantes tinham idade mínima de 50 anos e máxima de 82 anos (média ± desvio padrão, 61,6 ± 8,1 anos). Dos 102 pacientes, 42 (41%) eram homens, enquanto 60 (58,8%) eram mulheres. O TSOF revelou 10 casos positivos (9,8%) (IC 95%: 4,8-17,3%) e 92 casos negativos (90,2%) (IC 95%; 82,7-95,2%). O TSOF foi eficaz em 2,9% e apresentou resultado falso-positivo em 6,9%. O resultado da associação de TSOF com RSS flexível demonstrou que 70% dos pólipos neoplásicos não exibiam qualquer sangramento. Sua sensibilidade foi de 30% (IC 95%: 0,00-63,40%), com risco relativo de 3,94 (IC 95%: 1,20-12,89) e razão de sensibilidade (odds ratio) de 5,20 (IC 95%: 1,21-23,15). A especificidade da associação foi de 92,40% (IC 95%: 86,43-98,35%). A RSS flexível detectou 15 pólipos, tendo sido contatado que, depois do estudo histopatológico, 10 eram neoplásicos: 9 pólipos adenomatosos (60%) e 1 malignidade (6,7%) (IC 95%: 0,20-31,90%). Além disso, a RSS flexível detectou 5 pólipos não neoplásicos (33,3%): 3 pólipos inflamatórios (20%) (IC 95%: 4,3-48,1%) e 2 pólipos hiperplásicos (13,3%) (IC 95%: 1,7% -40,5%). Os pólipos neoplásicos estavam presentes em 60% dos pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade. Entre os pólipos adenomatosos, houve prevalência tubular de pólipos adenomatosos em 53,33%. Entre os 102 indivíduos, a RSS flexível detectou 9 pólipos adenomatosos (8,82%) e 1 (0,98%) pólipo maligno. Conclusão: Foi constatada a viabilidade dos instrumentos TSOF e RSS flexível; quando associados, demonstraram significância estatística na detecção de pólipos em geral e importante significado clínico para a detecção de pólipos adenomatosos e do câncer colorretal. Keywords: Colorectal neoplasms, Diagnosis, Occult blood, Palavras-chave: Neoplasias colorretais, Diagnóstico, Sangue oculto

Trata-se de um estudo correlacional e de comparacao entre participantes, em que foram considerados dois conjuntos principais de variaveis: criterio (sindrome de burnout e fadiga) e antecedentes (estresse no trabalho e indicadores de situacao de trabalho). Participaram deste estudo 60 professores/ medicos de instituicoes publicas de ensino superior de Maceio - AL, sendo 36 (60%) homens e 24 (40%) mulheres, com idade variando de 32 ate 67 anos (M = 52,31; DP = 8,41). Os participantes foram solicitados a responder a: (a) o Inventario de Burnout de Maslach; (b) a Escala de Avaliacao da Fadiga; (c) a Escala de Estresse no Trabalho; alem de (d) fornecer suas caracteristicas sociodemograficas. Evidenciou-se que o estresse no trabalho tem implicacoes negativas, como a sindrome de burnout e a fadiga. Por fim, chama-se a atencao para necessidade de intervencao e de mais estudos junto a esta populacao.

Summary Background and objectives Magnesium is predominantly an intracellular ion. Its blocking effects on NMDA receptors are responsible for the analgesic and sedative characteristics of this ion. The objective of this study was to review the physiology, pharmacology, and decreased plasma levels of magnesium, as well as its applications in obstetrics and anesthesia. Contents Magnesium is an intracellular cation with multiple functions: it is a cofactor for enzymes of the glucose metabolism and those that participate in the degradation of nucleic acids, proteins, and fatty acids; it regulates the movements of transmembrane ions; and it intervenes in the activity of several enzymes. Critical patients have a tendency to develop hypomagnesemia, and the treatment consists in correcting the cause, whenever possible, and replacement of magnesium. A reduction in the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhalational agents in animals and the use of opioids in humans under anesthesia has been demonstrated. Conclusions Magnesium sulfate has been used in obstetrics with good results, inhibiting premature labor and in the treatment of eclampsia-associated seizures. It is potentially analgesic and sedative, and could be used as adjuvant during general anesthesia, attenuating the blood pressure response to tracheal intubation and decreasing the need of anesthetics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate chemoprevention by celecoxib in cases of reflux-induced gastric adenocarcinoma, in Wistar rats that underwent gastrojejunostomy. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats of average age three months underwent surgery and were distributed into three groups: group 1, exploratory laparotomy; group 2, gastrojejunostomy; and group 3, gastrojejunostomy and daily celecoxib administration. After 53 weeks, the animals were sacrificed. Changes in the mucosa of the gastric body of group 1 and in the gastrojejunal anastomosis of groups 2 and 3, observed in histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, were compared. All statistical analyses were performed using Epi-Info®, version 3.4.3. RESULTS: Comparison between groups 2 and 3 relative to the presence of adenocarcinoma showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.0023). Analysis of the association between groups 2 and 3 relative to COX-2 expression also showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.0018). CONCLUSION: Celecoxib had an inhibiting effect on gastric carcinogenesis induced by enterogastric reflux in an animal model. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a quimioprevenção pelo celecoxibe no adenocarcinoma gástrico induzido por refluxo, em ratos Wistar, submetidos a gastrojejunostomia. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos machos Wistar, com média de idade de três meses foram operados e distribuídos em 03 grupos: Grupo 1 - Os animais foram submetidos a laparotomia exploradora. Grupo 2 - Os animais foram submetidos a gastrojejunostomia. Grupo 3 - Os animais foram submetidos a gastrojejunostomia e tomaram celecoxib, diariamente. Após um período de 53 semanas, os animais foram sacrificados. As alterações da mucosa do corpo gástrico dos animais do grupo 1 e da anastomose gastrojejunal dos animais dos grupos 2 e 3 foram analisadas no exame histopatológico e imuno-histoquímica e foram comparadas. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas pelo programa Epi Info®, versão 3.4.3. RESULTADOS: No cotejo entre os animais dos grupos 2 e 3 com relação à presença de adenocarcinoma observou-se uma diferença estatística significante (p=0,0023). A análise de associação entre os grupos 2 e 3 com relação à expressão da COX-2, também evidenciou uma diferença estatística significante (p=0,0018). CONCLUSÃO: O celecoxib teve efeito inibidor da carcinogênese gástrica, induzida pelo refluxo em ratos.

Summary Background and objectives A random clinical trial (RCT) is defined as a study involving intervention and control groups with random distribution of the participants. The objective of the present study was to assess the quality of RCT in anesthesiology published during a specific time. Design of the study: descriptive. Methods A manual search of the articles published by the Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology between January 2005 and February 2008 was undertaken to identify studies with characteristics of RCTs. The quality of RCTs was the primary parameter; secondary parameters included: approval by the Ethics on Research Committee (ERC), use of the informed consent (IC), description of the source of the grant, the sample size was calculated, number of authors, place of origin, statistical tests used, level of significance adopted, and classification of the type of study. The quality scale, descriptive statistics, and calculation of the 95% confidence interval were used to evaluate the quality of the RCTs. Results Out of 114 studies, 42 were identified as RCT. Only 3 (7.1%) of those were classified as having good methodological quality considering the random distribution, double blind, losses, and exclusions. One-hundred and seven out of 114 studies were submitted to the ERC, 67 used IC, none of them described the source of the grant, 17 calculated the size of the sample, the studies had a mean of 4.49 authors; 60 publications were from Sao Paulo; the Student t test was used more often (47.4%), a level of significance of 5% was adopted by 97 studies; and 42 were RCTs. Conclusions After the manual search, 7.1% of the random clinical assays were considered of good methodological quality.

With the objective of determining the association between bacteremia and transoperative antegrade mechanical lavage of the colon in an experimental model of obstruction of the left colon in rats, 40 male Wistar rats aged between 90 and 120 days were divided randomly into four groups: A, with intestinal obstruction and with mechanical lavage of the colon; B, with intestinal obstruction and without mechanical lavage of the colon; C, without intestinal obstruction and with mechanical lavage of the colon; and D, without intestinal obstruction and without mechanical lavage of the colon. Analysis of the results showed that there was no bacteremia in the animals in the sham group. On the other hand, bacterial growth in blood cultures was found in three animals (30%) in group C and in four animals (40%) in group B. Positive blood culturing was presented by eight animals (80%) of the rats in group A, and variance analysis on this finding was statistically significant (p = .0029). It can be concluded that, in this experimental model, intestinal obstruction causes a fourfold increase in the risk of bacteremia, while lavage causes an almost threefold increase in the chance of bacterial dissemination into the blood stream. This explains why there was greater incidence of bacteremia in the animals with obstruction and with lavage.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão da proteína p53 no adenocarcinoma gástrico e correlacioná-la com variáveis clínicas e anatomopatológicas, tais como: idade, sexo, infiltração da parede gástrica (T), tipo histológico (Laurén), grau de diferenciação histológica, comprometimento linfonodal, estadiamento (TNM) e sobrevida. MÉTODO: Foram analisados os registros médicos e reestudadas as lâminas de peças cirúrgicas de 45 doentes com adenocarcinomas gástricos submetidos à gastrectomia parcial e total no Serviço de Cirurgia Oncológica da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Maceió-AL e no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, no período de 1991 a 2002. A expressão da proteína p53 foi avaliada pelo método imunohistoquímico com o anticorpo monoclonal DO-7 e comparada com idade, sexo, infiltração na parede gástrica, tipo histológico, grau de diferenciação, comprometimento linfonodal, estadiamento e sobrevida. RESULTADOS: Dos 45 doentes, 27 eram do sexo masculino (60%). A média das idades foi 53,9 anos (26 - 75 anos), e mediana de 57 anos. Em 40 doentes (88,9%) o tumor foi classificado como bem diferenciado. Quanto à infiltração na parede gástrica, em 28 doentes (62,2%) foram classificados como profundos. Em 25 doentes (55,6%) não havia comprometimento linfonodal. O estudo histológico revelou que 29 doentes (64,4%) apresentavam tumores classificados como tipo intestinal de Laurén. O estadiamento TNM demonstrou que 33 (73,3%) doentes apresentavam tumores avançados. Quanto à expressão da p53, 18 doentes (40%) foram considerados positivos. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 1020,4 dias (63 - 3920 dias) e mediana de 798 dias. Trinta e um (68,9%) doentes evoluíram para óbito. As variáveis: idade, estadiamento, comprometimento linfonodal e infiltração do tumor na parede gástrica, foram fatores prognósticos relacionados à sobrevida com significado estatístico (p

OBJETIVO: A presente investigação teve como objetivo implantar um esfíncter artificial de silicone ( C C - Silimed® ) em colostomias terminais, em cães, e analisar a continência às fezes sólidas e líquidas, como também as complicações advindas do procedimento. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 13 cães mestiços, 11 machos e 2 fêmeas, com peso que variou entre 16 e 30kg, média de 22,5 + 4,3kg. Foram construídas colostomias terminais dotadas do C C - Silimed®, que eram ativados por um período de 8 horas diariamente. Os animais eram observados durante 15 semanas. A continência alcançada era demonstrada radiologicamente através de enema baritado. RESULTADOS: A pressão no sistema variou entre 60 e 80cm de água, média de 74,8 + 5,0cm. O volume de fluido que era introduzido no reservatório oscilou entre 5 e 8ml, média de 6,9 + 0,8ml. A continência foi alcançada em todos os animais, mas ocorreu escape fecal esporádico nos cães, durante esforços físicos. Infecção da ferida operatória aconteceu em três cães ( 23,1% ) e obstrução intestinal em ( 7,7% ). CONCLUSÃO: O esfíncter artificial de silicone ( C C - Silimed® ) mostrou-se efetivo na continência para fezes sólidas e líquidas. Assim sendo, abre uma expectativa para seu emprego clínico, em tempo futuro, em indivíduos portadores de colostomia definitiva. PURPOSE: This was the rational and the aim of the present investigation. Artificial silicone coated sphincters were implanted in dog’s colostomies. It was analyzed the continence for solid and liquid stools as well as the complications from these surgical procedures. METHODS: It was used 13 mongrel dogs, eleven males and two females, weights from 16 to 30kg ( 22.5 + 4.3kg ). Terminal colostomies were made using the C C - Silimed® devices, which were activated for an eight-hour periods. The animals were observed for 15 weeks. RESULTS: Fecal continence was proved by barium enema. The pressure in the system varied from 60 to 80cm of water ( 74.8 + 5.0cm ). The liquid volume inserted in the reservoir varied from 5 to 8ml ( 6.9 + 0.8ml ). Fecal continence was obtained in all animals, however, there was an eventual soiling when abdominal pressure was raised. Wound infection occurs in three dogs ( 23.1% ) and intestinal obstruction in one ( 7.7% ). CONCLUSION: The silicone artificial sphincter ( C C - Silimed® ) was effective for obtaining continence for solid and liquid stools. The results of this investigation give support to the future use of this sphincter in human patients with definitive colostomy.

A systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly. We searched electronic databases (LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to August 2014 and researched the described references. The search strategy used the following terms: (visual impairment or blindness) and (elderly) and (depression). Of the 641 electronics, 42 works were selected in full and another 20 were identified as being possibly relevant. Ten studies were included. The studies ranged in sample size from 31 to 21,995 participants. Depression was associated with visual impairment in all studies; however, without standardization of diagnostic tests, we could not conduct a meta-analysis or establish a relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly. RESUMO A revisão sistemática foi realizada para investigar a correlaçõa entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos. Foram pesquisados nas bases eletrônicas (LILACS, SCIELO, MEDLINE e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) do início até agosto de 2014 e pesquisas de referências descritas. A estratégia de busca utilizou os termos: (deficiência visual ou cegueira) e (idosos) e (depressão). Dos 641 eletrônicos, 42 trabalhos na íntegra foram selecionados e mais 20 trabalhos foram identificados como possivelmente relevantes da lista destes. Do total de estudos, 10 foram incluidos. Os estudos variaram entre 31 e 21.995 participantes. A depressão foi relacionada com deficiência visual em todos os estudos, mas sem padronização de testes diagnósticos não foi possível realizar a metanálise, nem estabelecer relação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos.

Background Lower-limb revascularization is a surgical procedure that is performed to restore an adequate blood supply to the limbs. Lower-limb revascularization surgery is used to reduce pain and sometimes to improve lower-limb function. Neuraxial anaesthesia is an anaesthetic technique that uses local anaesthetics next to the spinal cord to block nerve function. Neuraxial anaesthesia may lead to improved survival. This systematic review was originally published in 2010 and was first updated in 2011 and again in 2013. Objectives To determine the rates of death and major complications associated with spinal and epidural anaesthesia as compared with other types of anaesthesia for lower-limb revascularization in patients aged 18 years or older who are affected by obstruction of lower-limb vessels. Search methods The original review was published in 2010 and was based on a search until June 2008. In 2011 we reran the search until February 2011 and updated the review. For this second updated version of the review, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL and Web of Science from 2011 to April 2013. Selection criteria We included randomized controlled trials comparing neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal or epidural anaesthesia) versus other types of anaesthesia in adults (18 years or older) with arterial vascular obstruction undergoing lower-limb revascularization surgery. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently performed data extraction and assessed trial quality. We pooled the data on mortality, myocardial infarction, lower-limb amputation and pneumonia. We summarized dichotomous data as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Main results In this updated version of the review, we found no new studies that met our inclusion criteria. We included in this review four studies that compared neuraxial anaesthesia with general anaesthesia. The total number of participants was 696, of whom 417 were allocated to neuraxial anaesthesia and 279 to general anaesthesia. Participants allocated to neuraxial anaesthesia had a mean age of 67 years, and 59% were men. Participants allocated to general anaesthesia had a mean age of 67 years, and 66% were men. Four studies had an unclear risk of bias. No difference was observed between participants allocated to neuraxial or general anaesthesia in mortality rate (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.38 to 2.07; 696 participants; four trials), myocardial infarction (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.56 to 2.70; 696 participants; four trials), and lower-limb amputation (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.84; 465 participants; three trials). Pneumonia was less common after neuraxial anaesthesia than after general anaesthesia (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.89; 201 participants; two trials). Evidence was insufficient for cerebral stroke, duration of hospital stay, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, complications in the anaesthetic recovery room and transfusion requirements. No data described nerve dysfunction, postoperative wound infection, patient satisfaction, postoperative pain score, claudication distance and pain at rest. Authors' conclusions Available evidence from included trials that compared neuraxial anaesthesia with general anaesthesia was insufficient to rule out clinically important differences for most clinical outcomes. Neuraxial anaesthesia may reduce pneumonia. No conclusions can be drawn with regard to mortality, myocardial infarction and rate of lower-limb amputation, or less common outcomes.

CONTEXT: Search of tumors markers that allow treatment with higher survival rates, and indicate the response to treatment and recurrence of cancer OBJECTIVE: To analyze the immunoexpression of the proteins p53, bcl-2 and Ki-67 in colorectal adenocarcinoma and correlate them with the clinical-pathological prognostic factors. METHOD: Tissue microarray paraffin blocks were made from colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue resected from 82 patients who had undergone surgery but not chemotherapy or radiotherapy, at "Hospital São Paulo", São Paulo, SP, Brazil, between 2002 and 2005. Thin sections (4 µm) were subjected to immunohistochemical reactions, and immunoexpression staining scores were obtained. The scores were correlated with the degree of cell differentiation, staging, disease-free interval, recurrence, survival and specific mortality. The study variables were analyzed using the chi-square and Kaplan-Meier tests to investigate associations with the markers. The significance of the differences between the curves of the disease-free interval and survival was analyzed using the Logrank and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical expression of p53 was positive in 70 tumors (85.4%) and negative in 12 (14.6%). The expression of bcl-2 was positive in 26 (31.7%) and negative in 56 (68.3%). The expression of Ki-67 was positive in 62 (75.6%) and negative in 20 (24.4%). There was no statistically significant correlation between the expressions of these markers separately or in conjunction, in relation to the degree of cell differentiation, staging, disease-free interval, survival and specific mortality. In relation to recurrence, there was a statistically significant correlation with positive expression of Ki-67 (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 in colorectal cancer is associated with recurrence of this disease. CONTEXTO: Pesquisa de marcadores tumorais que permitam tratamento com maiores índices de sobrevida, além de indicarem a resposta ao tratamento e a recurrência da neoplasia. OBJETIVO: Analisar as expressões imunoistoquímicas das proteínas p53, bcl-2 e Ki-67 no adenocarcinoma colorretal, correlacionando-as com os fatores prognósticos clínico-patológicos. MÉTODO: Foram confeccionados blocos de parafina de TMA com tecido de adenocarcinoma colorretal ressecados cirurgicamente em 82 pacientes no Hospital São Paulo da Universidade Federal der São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, de 2002 a 2005, não submetidos a radio ou quimioterapia. Cortes de 4 µm foram submetidos a reação imunoistoquímica e obtidos escores de intensidade das imunoexpressões, que foram correlacionados com o grau de diferenciação celular, estádio, tempo livre de doença, recidiva, sobrevida e mortalidade específica. As variáveis do estudo foram analisadas pelos testes do qui ao quadrado e de Kaplan-Meier para verificar as associações com os marcadores. A significância das diferenças entre as curvas do tempo livre de doença e da sobrevida foi analisada pelos testes de Logrank e Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: A expressão imunoistoquímica da p53 foi positiva em 70 tumores (85,4%) e negativa em 12 (14,6%). A bcl-2 foi positiva em 26 tumores (31,7%) e negativa em 56 (68,3%). A expressão imunoistoquímica da Ki-67 foi positiva em 62 tumores (75,6%), sendo em 20 (24,4%) negativa. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre as expressões imunoistoquímicas dos marcadores analisadas separadamente ou em conjunto, envolvendo o grau de diferenciação celular, estádio, tempo livre de doença, sobrevida e mortalidade específica. Com relação à recidiva, observou-se correlação estatisticamente significante com a expressão imunoistoquímica positiva da Ki-67 (P = 0,035). CONCLUSÃO: A expressão imunoistoquímica positiva da Ki-67 no câncer colorretal está relacionada com a incidência de recidiva da doença.

PURPOSE: To evaluate testicular volume and arterial flow in patients undergoing surgical correction for inguinal hernia, with polypropylene prosthesis. METHODS: This was an observational prospective clinical study on 39 male patients with unilateral inguinal hernia of types III A and III B according to the Nyhus classification who underwent surgical correction with implantation of a polypropylene prosthesis by means of the Lichtenstein technique. The patients were evaluated using Doppler ultrasound before the operation and selectively at the third and sixth months after the operation. The variables studied were testicular volume, systolic and diastolic velocity, resistance index and pulsatility index. RESULTS: No statistically significant alterations in the variables studied were observed over the course of time: testicular volume (p= 0.197); systolic velocity (p= 0.257); diastolic velocity (p= 0.554); resistance index (p= 0.998); and pulsatility index (p= 0.582). CONCLUSION: No alteration in testicular volume and arterial flow over a six-month period was observed among patients who underwent surgical correction for inguinal hernia using a polypropylene prothesis.

Sacrococcygeal teratomas are neoplasias, which are most frequently found in infants, with the sacrococcigea area being the most frequently found extragonadal location. To describe a sacrococcygeal teratoma in a 51-year-old adult patient and discuss the diagnosis and management. The case of a 51-year-old woman who had a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Computed tomography showed a mass containing calcification. Early signs were when she experienced acute lower back pain upon leaning over or sitting. The tumor appeared first as a sacral swelling. The patient also claimed disturbances in her bowel functioning. Computed tomography (CT) showed the tumor and its relationship inside the pelvic cavity. Surgical ablation was performed on the entire tumor and the coccyx was preserved. The surgical block was sent to pathological exam, which showed it to be a mature sacrococcygeal teratoma. A good clinical evolution took place after resection.