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Background: Robust data comparing long COVID in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients in middle-income countries are limited., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Brazil, including hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Long COVID was diagnosed at 90-day follow-up using WHO criteria. Demographic and clinical information, including the depression screening scale (PHQ-2) at day 30, was compared between the groups. If the PHQ-2 score is 3 or greater, major depressive disorder is likely. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors and protective factors for long COVID., Results: A total of 291 hospitalized and 1,118 non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included. The prevalence of long COVID was 47.1% and 49.5%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 4.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.51-8.37), hypertension (OR = 2.90, 95% CI 1.52-5.69), PHQ-2 > 3 (OR = 6.50, 95% CI 1.68-33.4) and corticosteroid use during hospital stay (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.20-5.04) as predictors of long COVID in hospitalized patients, while female sex (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.95-3.27) and PHQ-2 > 3 (OR = 3.88, 95% CI 2.52-6.16) were predictors in non-hospitalized patients., Conclusion: Long COVID was prevalent in both groups. Positive depression screening at day 30 post-infection can predict long COVID. Early screening of depression helps health staff to identify patients at a higher risk of long COVID, allowing an early diagnosis of the condition., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Malheiro, Bernardez-Pereira, Parreira, Pagliuso, de Paula Gomes, de Mesquita Escobosa, de Araújo, Pimenta, Lin, de Almeida, Tuma, Laselva, Neto, Klajner, Teich, Kobayashi, Edmond and Marra.)

The Scientists of Tomorrow/ Cientistas do Amanhã project is an immersive science training program developed by the Program of Post-Graduation in Health Sciences at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. This program was conducted in partnership with Volunteering and Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Professor Paulo Freire in Paraisópolis, São Paulo, Brazil. The Scientists of Tomorrow Program comprised a short training period conducted in May 2022 involving 37 students, and a long training period from August to December 2022, which included 15 students. It aimed to popularize science through practical activities; transfer knowledge to young students; sensitize and guide them to pursue academic-scientific careers; reduce stereotypes about scientific work and scientists; and help students understand the social, political, and ethical roles of science within society. All activities were led by postgraduate students and professors from our postgraduate program, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, biomedicals, and veterinarians from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, as well as medical students from Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein . Activities in the short training included lectures on cinema and science, strategies to combat fake news, non-violent communication, innovation, design-thinking framework, and developing a scientific project. During the long training period, discussions were focused on nanotechnology, animal research, big data, bioinformatics, meditation, blood and bone marrow donation, telemedicine, sex and sexually-transmitted infections, rehabilitation, career opportunities, and scientific integrity. In addition, practical activities were further expanded using optical and confocal microscopy, cytometry, and basic concepts regarding the structure and function of living cells. The program also included the launching of the open-air outreach Education E-natureza activity, which turned students into ambassadors of nature. In conclusion, the Scientists of Tomorrow Program was innovative and enabled young students to learn that science is a collective activity that can enhance public health. In Brief Rangel et al. enumerated the Scientists of Tomorrow/Cientistas do Amanhã program, an immersive science initiative conducted in collaboration with a public school. The program, which involved 15 students, aimed to promote science, share knowledge, inspire academic paths, and underscore societal impacts. Led by postgraduates, professors, and healthcare experts, the program included diverse lectures and practical laboratory activities. Highlights Every research endeavor commences with a fundamental question. Sharing of findings by researchers and students contributes toward the expansion of knowledge. Teaching scientific methodology is a pivotal step in nurturing critical thinking skills. Science permeates our daily lives and plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues.

Approximately 45% of patients receive medical services with minimal or no benefit (low-value care). In addition to the increasing costs to the health system, performing invasive procedures without an indication poses a potentially preventable risk to patient safety. This study aimed to determine whether a managed quality improvement programme could prevent cholecystectomy and surgery for endometriosis treatment with minimal or no benefit to patients.This before-and-after study was conducted at a private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, which has a main medical remuneration model of fee for service. All patients who underwent cholecystectomy or surgery for endometriosis between 1 August 2020 and 31 May 2021 were evaluated.The intervention consisted of allowing the performance of procedures that met previously defined criteria or for which the indications were validated by a board of experts.A total of 430 patients were included in this analysis. The programme prevented the unnecessary performance of 13% of cholecystectomies (p=0.0001) and 22.2% (p=0.0006) of surgeries for the treatment of endometriosis. This resulted in an estimated annual cost reduction to the health system of US$466 094.93.In a hospital with a private practice and fee-for-service medical remuneration, the definition of clear criteria for indicating surgery and the analysis of cases that did not meet these criteria by a board of reputable experts at the institution resulted in a statistically significant reduction in low-value cholecystectomies and endometriosis surgeries., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To describe and compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to intensive care units during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: In this retrospective single-center cohort study, data were retrieved from the Epimed Monitor System; all adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit between March 4, 2020, and October 1, 2021, were included in the study. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a quaternary private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, during the first (May 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020) and second (March 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021) waves of the COVID-19 pandemic., Results: In total, 1,427 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit during the first (421 patients) and second (1,006 patients) waves. Compared with the first wave group [median (IQR)], the second wave group was younger [57 (46-70) versus 67 (52-80) years; p<0.001], had a lower SAPS 3 Score [45 (42-52) versus 49 (43-57); p<0.001], lower SOFA Score on intensive care unit admission [3 (1-6) versus 4 (2-6); p=0.018], lower Charlson Comorbidity Index [0 (0-1) versus 1 (0-2); p<0.001], and were less frequently frail (10.4% versus 18.1%; p<0.001). The second wave group used more noninvasive ventilation (81.3% versus 53.4%; p<0.001) and high-flow nasal cannula (63.2% versus 23.0%; p<0.001) during their intensive care unit stay. The intensive care unit (11.3% versus 10.5%; p=0.696) and in-hospital mortality (12.3% versus 12.1%; p=0.998) rates did not differ between both waves., Conclusion: In the first and second waves, patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited similar mortality rates and need for invasive organ support, despite the second wave group being younger and less severely ill at the time of intensive care unit admission.

Objectives: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is a health system reform gradually being implemented in health systems worldwide. A previous national-level survey has shown that Latin American countries were in the early stages of alignment with VBHC. Data at the healthcare provider organisations (HPOs) level are lacking. This study aim was to investigate how HPOs in five Latin American countries are implementing VBHC., Design: Mixed-methods research was conducted using online questionnaire, semistructured interviews based on selected elements of the value agenda (from December 2018 to June 2020), analyses of aggregated data and documents. Qualitative analysis was performed using NVivo QSR International, 1.6.1 (4830). Quantitative analysis used Fisher's exact test. Univariate analysis was used to compare organisations in relation to the implementation of VBHC initiatives. A p≤0.05 was considered significant., Participants: Top and middle-level executives from 70 HPOs from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico., Results: The definition of VBHC varied across participating organisations. Although the value equation had been cited by 24% of participants, its composition differed in most case from the original Equation. Most VBHC initiatives were related to care delivery organisation (56.9%) and outcomes measurement (22.4%) but in most cases, integrated practice unit features had not been fully developed and outcome data was not used to guide improvement. Information, stakeholders buy-in, compensation and fragmented care delivery were the most cited challenges to VBHC implementation. Fee-for-service predominated, although one-third of organisations were experimenting with alternative payment models., Conclusions: A wide variation in the definition and level of VBHC implementation existed across organisations. Our finding suggests investments in information systems and on education of key stakeholders will be key to foster VBHC implementation in the region. Further research is needed to identify successful implementation cases that may serve as regional benchmark for other Latin American organisations advancing with VBHC., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests, except for Marcelo Katz who declared having received consulting fees and speaker’s fees from Servier do Brasil and Abbvie Brasil and speaker’s fees from Eli Lilly do Brasil, Brace Pharma Brasil, EMS Brasil and Novo nordisk Brasil, although there is not a direct conflit of interest with the content of this article., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To describe clinical characteristics, resource use, outcomes, and to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit., Methods: Retrospective single-center cohort study conducted at a private hospital in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. All consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to the intensive care unit, between March 4, 2020 and February 28, 2021 were included in this study. Patients were categorized between survivors and non-survivors according to hospital discharge., Results: During the study period, 1,296 patients [median (interquartile range) age: 66 (53-77) years] with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit. Out of those, 170 (13.6%) died at hospital (non-survivors) and 1,078 (86.4%) were discharged (survivors). Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older [80 (70-88) versus 63 (50-74) years; p<0.001], had a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 [59 (54-66) versus 47 (42-53) points; p<0.001], and presented comorbidities more frequently. During the intensive care unit stay, 56.6% of patients received noninvasive ventilation, 32.9% received mechanical ventilation, 31.3% used high flow nasal cannula, 11.7% received renal replacement therapy, and 1.5% used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality included age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, need for mechanical ventilation, high flow nasal cannula, renal replacement therapy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support., Conclusion: Patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit exhibited a considerable morbidity and mortality, demanding substantial organ support, and prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay.

Although Value-Based Health Care (VBHC) is widely debated and cited, there are few empirical studies focused on how its concepts are understood and applied in real-world contexts. This comparative case study of two prominent adopters in Brazil and Sweden, situated at either end of the spectrum in terms of contextual prerequisites, provides insights into the complex interactions involved in the adoption of value-based strategies. We found that the adoption of VBHC emphasized either health outcomes or costs - not both as suggested by the value equation. This may be linked to broader health system and societal contexts. Implementation can generate tensions with traditional business models, suggesting that providers should first analyze how these strategies align with their internal context. Adoption by a single provider organization is challenging, if not impossible. An effective VBHC transformation seems to require a systematic and systemic approach where all stakeholders need to clearly define the purpose and the scope of the transformation, and together steer their actions and decisions accordingly., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Nontechnical skills are of increasing importance in surgery and surgical training. The main studies on its impact on the safety and effectiveness of surgical interventions were mainly published in the first decade of the 2000s. Due to the significant technical complexity and great diversity of instruments for nontechnical skills evaluation, the interest in training and in measuring the impact on surgical safety has relatively decreased. However, the advent of minimally invasive surgery and its peculiar technical characteristics of sophisticated technique and constant innovation through the adoption of new materials and drugs has rekindled interest in this expertise area. In the present review, we have revisited the main instruments available to measure nontechnical skill of surgical teams and analyzed the role of the main competencies on which they are based, such as situational awareness, leadership and communication skills, and the consistency of the intraoperative decision-making process. We conclude that despite the great consensus that exists among all members of the health team on the importance of nontechnical skills for the surgical team in minimally invasive surgery, the reproducible evidence on the subject is scarce and laborious to obtain. To the extent that protecting and expanding nontechnical skills is fundamental to the path toward the high reliability of health institutions, it is possible to anticipate here the role of these institutions as promoters of continuity and new research models in this area of knowledge, especially in minimally invasive surgery, an access route to which more and more patients undergoing surgical treatment in these same institutions are submitted., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Properly performing minimally invasive colorectal procedures requires specific skills. With a focus on patient safety, the training of surgeons on patients is only accepted under exceptionally controlled, expensive, and challenging conditions. Moreover, many new techniques in colorectal surgery have been developed. Therefore, undertaking minimally invasive colorectal surgery in modern times requires specific psychomotor skills that trainee surgeons must gather in less time. In addition, there are not enough proctors with sufficient expertise for such an expressive number of new different techniques likes transanal and robotic procedures. Studies that have demonstrated an improvement in minimally invasive surgery skills to the actual operating room in general surgery and a stepwise approach to surgical simulation with a combination of various training methods appears to be useful in colorectal surgery training programs. However, the scientific evidence on the transfer of skills specifically for colorectal surgery is extremely scarce and very variable. Thus, the evaluation of the results remains quite difficult. In this review, we present the best available evidence on the types of training based on simulation, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and finally the results available on their adoption. Nevertheless, scientific evidence about the benefit of simulation training in minimally invasive colorectal surgery is limited and there is a need to build more robust evidence., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Since the rising of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is uncertainty regarding the impact of transmission to cancer patients. Evidence on increased severity for patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment is posed against deferring oncologic treatment. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patient volumes in a cancer center in an epicenter of the pandemic., Methods: Outpatient and inpatient volumes were extracted from electronic health record database. Two intervals were compared: pre-COVID-19 (March to May 2019) and COVID-19 pandemic (March to May 2020) periods., Results: The total number of medical appointments declined by 45% in the COVID-19 period, including a 56.2% decrease in new visits. There was a 27.5% reduction in the number of patients undergoing intravenous systemic treatment and a 57.4% decline in initiation of new treatments. Conversely, there was an increase by 309% in new patients undergoing oral chemotherapy regimens and a 5.9% rise in new patients submitted to radiation therapy in the COVID-19 period. There was a 51.2% decline in length of stay and a 60% reduction in the volume of surgical cases during COVID-19. In the stem cell transplant unit, we observed a reduction by 36.5% in length of stay and a 62.5% drop in stem cell transplants., Conclusion: A significant decrease in the number of patients undergoing cancer treatment was observed after COVID-19 pandemic. Although this may be partially overcome by alternative therapeutic options, avoiding timely health care due to fear of getting COVID-19 infection might impact on clinical outcomes. Our findings may help support immediate actions to mitigate this hypothesis.

Objectives: As health systems start to discuss alternative payment models for fostering value in healthcare, there is increased interest in understanding how physicians will cope with different remuneration schemes. We conducted a survey of physicians practicing at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, a nonprofit private healthcare provider in Brazil, aimed at capturing their awareness of value-based healthcare (VBHC)., Methods: Our study uses data from a survey administered to doctors practicing at Einstein between September and November 2018. Descriptive statistics and adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to describe physicians' characteristics associated with their views on VBHC., Results: A total of 1000 physicians completed the survey (response rate: 13%). Although only 25% knew the value equation, 67% defined value in health according to Porter's-the outcomes that matter to patients in relation to the costs of offering such outcomes. Most participants identified increased healthcare costs as the main reason for the discussions over new financing models. Only 27% of physicians rated their awareness of VBHC as high or very high. In the multivariate analysis, awareness of VBHC was associated with holding a management position, scoring high in the hospital's physician segmentation program, being familiar with the value equation, and attributing high importance to developing new VBHC financing models for health system transformation., Conclusions: Physician awareness of key VBHC concepts is still heterogeneous in our clinical setting. Promoting opportunities for involving physicians in the discussion of VBHC is key for a successful value-driven transformation of healthcare., (Copyright © 2019 ISPOR--The professional society for health economics and outcomes research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective This study describes epidemiological and clinical features of patients with confirmed infection by SARS-CoV-2 diagnosed and treated at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , which admitted the first patients with this condition in Brazil. Methods In this retrospective, single-center study, we included all laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo, Brazil, from February until March 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were analyzed. Results A total of 510 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in this study. Most patients were male (56.9%) with a mean age of 40 years. A history of a close contact with a positive/suspected case was reported by 61.1% of patients and 34.4% had a history of recent international travel. The most common symptoms upon presentation were fever (67.5%), nasal congestion (42.4%), cough (41.6%) and myalgia/arthralgia (36.3%). Chest computed tomography was performed in 78 (15.3%) patients, and 93.6% of those showed abnormal results. Hospitalization was required for 72 (14%) patients and 20 (27.8%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Regarding clinical treatment, the most often used medicines were intravenous antibiotics (84.7%), chloroquine (45.8%) and oseltamivir (31.9%). Invasive mechanical ventilation was required by 65% of Intensive Care Unit patients. The mean length of stay was 9 days for all patients (22 and 7 days for patients requiring or not intensive care, respectively). Only one patient (1.38%) died during follow-up. Conclusion These results may be relevant for Brazil and other countries with similar characteristics, which are starting to deal with this pandemic.

Background: Transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy (THD-M) is a valuable option for treating patients with haemorrhoidal disease. However, there is still controversy with regard to its efficacy for more advanced grades., Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of THD-M technique for treating hemorrhoidal disease and to compare the immediate and late results in different grades., Method: Seven hundred and five consecutive patients with Goligher's grade II, III or IV symptomatic haemorrhoids underwent surgical treatment using the THD-M method in five participating centres. Six well-trained and experienced surgeons operated on the patients. Average follow-up was 21 months (12-48)., Results: Intraoperative complications were observed in 1.1% of cases, including four cases of haematoma, two of laceration of the mucosa, and two of bleeding. All of these were controlled by means of haemostatic suturing. In relation to postoperative complications, the most common of these were as follows: transitory tenesmus (21.4%); pain (7.2%); mucosal or haemorrhoidal prolapse (6.4%); residual skin tag (5.6%); faecal impaction (3.2%); haemorrhoidal thrombosis (2.8%); bleeding (2.1%); anal fissure (0.7%); and anal abscess (0.3%). Most of the complications were treated conservatively, and only 7.5% (53/705) required some type of surgical approach. There was no mortality or any severe complications. The recurrence of prolapse and bleeding was greater in patients with grade IV haemorrhoidal disease than in those with grade III and II (26.54% and 7.96% vs. 2.31% and 0.92% vs. 2.5% and 1.25%), respectively., Conclusion: The THD-M method is safe and effective for haemorrhoidal disease grades II and III with low rates of surgical complications. However, for grade IV hemorrhoids, it is associated with higher recurrence of prolapse and bleeding. So, THD-M method should not be considered as an effective option for the treatment of grade IV hemorrhoids.

Value-based health care has been touted as the "strategy that will fix healthcare," yet putting this value agenda to work in the real world is not an easy task. Robert Kaplan and colleagues first introduced the concept of a value management office (VMO) that may help to accelerate the dissemination and adoption of this value agenda. In this article, we describe the first known experience of the implementation of a VMO in a Latin American hospital and the main steps we have already taken to accelerate this value agenda at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. We faced a number of challenges in implementing the VMO at Einstein, including integration with existing clinical and financial information areas, transition to a standardized outcomes model, adaptation to our "open medical staff" model by connecting the VMO with the Medical Practice Division, and involvement with our physician-led multidisciplinary groups., (Copyright © 2018 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The best treatment for anal fistula should extirpate infection and promote healing of the tract, whilst preserving the anal sphincter complex and full continence., Aim: To analyze the success rate after a modified technique for ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for patients with anal fistulas., Methods: A prospective (observational cohort study) Brazilian bi-institutional experience with a modified (ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract without excision) LIFT technique was undertaken. A clinical database was settled for the following variables: age, gender, BMI, comorbidities, distance between external orifice and the anus, previous fistula surgery, type of fistula, operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, duration of follow-up, and success rate., Results: Between November 2015 and January 2017, 38 patients with transsphincteric fistulas were operated on using the modified LIFT procedure. Seventeen (44.7%) were men. Median age was 41 (18-67) years. Median BMI was 26.4 (22-38) kg/m2. Five (13.2%) had undergone previous surgery. The fistula was transsphincteric in all cases. Median follow-up was 32 (range, 14-56) weeks. Success was observed in 30 (79%) patients., Conclusions: The LIFT technique without excision of the fistula tract proved to be safe and effective for transsphincteric anal fistulas.

Current available evidence regarding transanal total mesorectal excision (TATME) was analyzed including perioperative and immediate oncologic outcomes. A literature search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane was performed. Thirty-two studies were identified, reporting on 721 patients who underwent TATME. TATME represents a feasible and reproducible technique. Nevertheless, the results of the present review are limited by the design of the included studies, which are mostly case reports and case series. Little is known about long-term oncologic outcomes, intestinal, sexual, urinary function and quality of life after TATME. Multicenter large sample randomized controlled trials are required for further investigation of these issues.

Background: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery. However, it may be associated with a greater risk of symptomatic recurrence. We hypothesized that undertaking a limited surgical excision of hemorrhoid disease after stapling may be a valid approach for selected patients., Aim: To compare long-term results after stapled hemorrhoidopexy with and without complementation with closed excisional technique., Method: In a retrospective uni-institutional cohort study, sixty-five (29 men) patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy and 21 (13 men) underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy with excision. The same surgeons operated on all cases. Patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidectomy associated with excisional surgery if symptoms attributable to external hemorrhoid piles were observed preoperatively, or if residual prolapse or bulky external disease was observed after the firing of the stapler. A closed excisional diathermy hemorrhoidectomy without vascular ligation was utilized in all complemented cases. All clinical variables were obtained from a questionnaire evaluation obtained through e-mail, telephone interview, or office follow-up., Results: The median duration of postoperative follow-up was 48.5 (6-40) months. Patients with grades 3 and 4 hemorrhoid disease were operated on more frequently using stapled hemorrhoidopexy complemented with excisional technique (95.2% vs. 55.4%, p=0.001). Regarding respectively stapled hemorrhoidopexy and stapled hemorrhoidopexy complemented with excision, there was no difference between the techniques in relation to symptom recurrence (43% and 33%, p=0.45) and median interval between surgery and symptom recurrence (30 (8-84) and 38.8 (8-65) months, p=0.80). Eight (12.3%) patients were re-operated after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and 2 (9.6%), after hemorrhoidopexy with excision (p=0.78). Patient distribution in both groups according to the degree of postoperative satisfaction was similar (p=0.97)., Conclusion: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy combined with an excisional technique was effective for more advanced hemorrhoid disease. The combination may have prevented symptomatic recurrence associated to stapled hemorrhoidopexy alone., Competing Interests: none

Laparoscopic rectal surgery continues to be a challenging operation associated to a steep learning curve. Robotic surgical systems have dramatically changed minimally invasive surgery. Three-dimensional, magnified and stable view, articulated instruments, and reduction of physiologic tremors leading to superior dexterity and ergonomics. Therefore, robotic platforms could potentially address limitations of laparoscopic rectal surgery. It was aimed at reviewing current literature on short-term clinical and oncological (pathological) outcomes after robotic rectal cancer surgery in comparison with laparoscopic surgery. A systematic review was performed for the period 2002 to 2014. A total of 1776 patients with rectal cancer underwent minimally invasive robotic treatment in 32 studies. After robotic and laparoscopic approach to oncologic rectal surgery, respectively, mean operating time varied from 192-385 min, and from 158-297 min; mean estimated blood loss was between 33 and 283 mL, and between 127 and 300 mL; mean length of stay varied from 4-10 d; and from 6-15 d. Conversion after robotic rectal surgery varied from 0% to 9.4%, and from 0 to 22% after laparoscopy. There was no difference between robotic (0%-41.3%) and laparoscopic (5.5%-29.3%) surgery regarding morbidity and anastomotic complications (respectively, 0%-13.5%, and 0%-11.1%). Regarding immediate oncologic outcomes, respectively among robotic and laparoscopic cases, positive circumferential margins varied from 0% to 7.5%, and from 0% to 8.8%; the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was between 10 and 20, and between 11 and 21; and the mean distal resection margin was from 0.8 to 4.7 cm, and from 1.9 to 4.5 cm. Robotic rectal cancer surgery is being undertaken by experienced surgeons. However, the quality of the assembled evidence does not support definite conclusions about most studies variables. Robotic rectal cancer surgery is associated to increased costs and operating time. It also seems to be associated to reduced conversion rates. Other short-term outcomes are comparable to conventional laparoscopy techniques, if not better. Ultimately, pathological data evaluation suggests that oncologic safety may be preserved after robotic total mesorectal excision. However, further studies are required to evaluate oncologic safety and functional results.

Oncologic laparoscopic colectomy represents a fully validated surgical approach to the management of colorectal cancer. However, laparoscopic surgery for distal transverse and descending colon lesions remains a challenging procedure. A total laparoscopic approach to the left colectomy is an interesting option for critically ill patients although reports in the literature on this subject are scarce and its approach still not standardized because of its selective nature for indication. There are several advantages associated with conduction of totally laparoscopic approach to the left colon. Intracorporeal vessel sealing ensures an adequate lymph node dissection. Moreover, it enables the construction of a well-vascularized anastomosis. Ultimately, the occurrence of late wound complications are possibly reduced for the placement of a low abdominal incision exclusively used for specimen extraction. This paper aimed at describing our technique for a totally laparoscopic left colectomy for distal transverse and descending colon lesions.

Objective: To present 5-year results of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with transit bipartition (TB) as a metabolic intervention for obesity., Background: Recent data suggest that high glycemic index foods may lead to a hormonally hyperactive proximal gut and a hypoactivate distal gut, which are linked to metabolic syndrome. TB was designed to counterbalance these effects., Methods: A total of 1020 obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 33 to 72 Kg/m underwent SG and TB (SG + TB). TB creates a gastroileal anastomosis in the antrum after the SG; nutrient transit is maintained in the duodenum, avoiding blind loops and minimizing malabsorption. The stomach retains 2 outflow pathways. A lateral enteroanastomosis connects both segments at 80 cm proximal to the cecum., Results: Adequate follow-up data were collected in 59.1% of patients from 4 months to 5 years. The average percent of excess BMI loss was 91%, 94%, 85%, 78%, and 74% in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth year, respectively. Patients experienced early satiety and major improvement in presurgical comorbidities, including diabetes (86% in remission), following surgery. Two deaths occurred (0.2%). Other surgical complications occurred in 6% of patients. Signs of malabsorption were rare., Conclusions: SG + TB is a simple procedure that results in rapid weight loss and remission or major improvement of comorbidities. Strictly aiming at physiological correction, TB avoids prostheses, narrow anastomoses, excluded segments, and malabsorption. Weight and comorbidities are much improved. Diabetes is improved without duodenal exclusion. TB is an excellent complement to an SG.

Context and Objective: Endometriosis is a common affliction that may affect the intestinal tract. The objective of this case report was to describe an unusual clinical presentation of this form of the disease., Case Report: The patient was a 35-year-old woman with epigastric pain that only occurred during menstruation, who had a history of bladder endometriosis. Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract showed normal results. Transvaginal ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance of the pelvis showed a lesion involving the ileocecal junction and appendix, measuring 30 x 22/x/13/mm, that was suggestive of endometriosis. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection of the bowel segment affected by the disease, followed by anastomosis of the ileum and ascending colon for immediate restoration of intestinal transit. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis., Conclusions: In young women, recurrent epigastric pain should be evaluated with regard to its relationship to menstruation, particularly if there is a history of endometriosis, since this may be a clinical sign that the disease is affecting the intestinal transit.

Background: Recent physiological knowledge allows the design of bariatric procedures that aim at neuroendocrine changes instead of at restriction and malabsorption. Digestive adaptation is a surgical technique for obesity based in this rationale., Methods: The technique includes a sleeve gastrectomy, an omentectomy and a jejunectomy that leaves initial jejunum and small bowel totaling at least 3 m (still within normal variation of adult human bowel length). Fasting ghrelin and resistin and fasting and postprandial GLP-1 and PYY were measured pre- and postoperatively., Patients: 228 patients with initial body mass index (BMI) varying from 35 to 51 kg/m(2); follow-up: 1 to 5 years; average EBMIL% was 79.7% in the first year; 77.7% in the second year; 71.6% in the third year; 68.9% in the fourth year. PATIENTS present early satiety and major improvement in presurgical comorbidities, especially diabetes. Fasting ghrelin and resistin were significantly reduced (P < 0.05); GLP-1 and PYY response to food ingestion was enhanced (P < 0.05). Surgical complications (4.4%) were resolved without sequela and without mortality. There was neither diarrhea nor detected malabsorption., Conclusions: Based on physiological and supported by evolutionary data, this procedure creates a proportionally reduced gastrointestinal (GI) tract that amplifies postprandial neuroendocrine responses. It leaves basic GI functions unharmed. It reduces production of ghrelin and resistin and takes more nutrients to be absorbed distally enhancing GLP-1 and PYY secretion. Diabetes was improved significantly without duodenal exclusion. The patients do not present symptoms nor need nutritional support or drug medication because of the procedure, which is safe to perform.

Background: Mechanical obstacles to food ingestion, nutrient-excluded segments and malabsorption are common strategies of bariatric surgery which are a potential cause of symptoms or complications. We describe an operation "Digestive Adaptation with Intestinal Reserve" (DAIR) that does not utilize these tools, aiming fundamentally at neuroendocrine changes., Methods: The operation includes sleeve gastrectomy, omentectomy and enterectomy, maintaining the initial 40 cm of jejunum and final 260 cm of ileum (keeping the bowel length at the lower limit for adaptation to normal). Jejunum is laterally anastomosed to ileum 80 cm proximal to the cecum. A gastroileostomy creates a transit bipartition (ileum and proximal bowel in transit). 55 patients are presented whose follow-up is >12 months (12-34 months). Fasting ghrelin and resistin, and postprandial GLP-1 and PYY were measured., Results: Mean BMI reduction was 4.8, 9.5, 15.4 and 20.1 kg/m(2) respectively at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Patients have early satiety and major improvement in pre-surgical co-morbidities, especially diabetes and hypertension. GLP-1 and PYY response to food ingestion were enhanced; fasting ghrelin and resistin were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Radiographic studies show nutrient transit through the pylorus and through the gastroileostomy. Early surgical complications (2 in 55 patients) resolved without sequelae. There were no signals of malabsorption, no deaths, and most patients present no symptoms at all., Conclusions: DAIR amplifies postprandial neuroendocrine response and provokes intense weight loss. DAIR reduces production of ghrelin and resistin and enables more nutrients to be absorbed distally enhancing GLP-1 and PYY secretion. Diabetes improved significantly without duodenal exclusion.

Context and Objective: Most bariatric surgical techniques include essentially non-physiological features like narrowing anastomoses or bands, or digestive segment exclusion, especially the duodenum. This potentially causes symptoms or complications. The aim here was to report on the preliminary results from a new surgical technique for treating morbid obesity that takes a physiological and evolutionary approach., Design and Setting: Case series description, in Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and Hospital da Polícia Militar, São Paulo, and Hospital Vicentino, Ponta Grossa, Paraná., Methods: The technique included vertical (sleeve) gastrectomy, omentectomy and enterectomy that retained three meters of small bowel (initial jejunum and most of the ileum), i.e. the lower limit for normal adults. The operations on 100 patients are described., Results: The mean follow-up was nine months (range: one to 29 months). The mean reductions in body mass index were 4.3, 6.1, 8.1, 10.1 and 10.7 kg/m2, respectively at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 months. All patients reported early satiety. There was major improvement in comorbidities, especially diabetes. Operative complications occurred in 7% of patients, all of them resolved without sequelae. There was no mortality., Conclusions: This procedure creates a proportionally reduced gastrointestinal tract, leaving its basic functions unharmed and producing adaptation of the gastric chamber size to hypercaloric diet. It removes the sources of ghrelin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and resistin production and leads more nutrients to the distal bowel, with desirable metabolic consequences. Patients do not need nutritional support or drug medication. The procedure is straightforward and safe.

It is presented the experience of 126 cases of acute appendicitis treated by a videolaparoscopic appendectomy using a 12 mm endostapler with 4 lines of staples and a linear cutting device in the middle. It has been used two trocars (5 mm) at the left side and one other (12 mm) trocar at the umbilicus. In the first cases other dispositions were used but this one seemed to be better. Through the left trocars, a dissection is promoted, isolating the appendix, its base and its mesentery, in which a small hole is made, close to the base. Through this hole, it is passed one of the sides of the 12 mm stapler. The device promotes the bilateral stapling and cuts the appendix at its base. The stapler is reloaded with vascular staples and then the mesentery is stapled and cut by the same way. It is a very fast method. Besides, the laparoscopic option gives the opportunity to equally treat appendicitis at unusual positions, to examine other pelvic organs (eventually treating diseases) and to aspirate secretions under direct view, anywhere in the cavity. The specimen is taken out of the cavity inside a plastic bag and we had no case of infection at the trocar sites. Only in 3 cases there were conversion to open surgery, due to difficult dissection and identification of structures, in all of them with very advanced disease and necrosis. It is concluded that this method is fast, safe, easy (although more expensive) and can be utilized routinely, at least in the first approach of the treatment of acute appendicitis.

Intraperitoneal complications related to laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by transabdominal approach had been described. The authors report the first case of postoperative acute appendicitis in a patient submitted to a transuretral prostate resection and bilateral inguinal hernioplasty by the TAPP technique, resulting in a second laparoscopic intervention.

Solitary hepatic cysts an uncommon disease in the past, which incidental diagnosis is increasing with the advent of ultrasound and computed tomography, are nowadays very frequent. Cysts that reach massive proportions often become symptomatic and necessitate surgical intervention. Surgical wide unroofing technique is a simple procedure advocated for the treatment of symptomatic patients. Ten patients with solitary liver cysts were submitted to wide unroofing with good immediate and late results.

The authors present three cases of splenic artery aneurysm in a group of 96 patients with portal hypertension due to Schistosomiasis mansoni. Etiology, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.