Search

Backgrounds/Aims: Within two years of surgery, 70% of resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) recur. Better biomarkers are needed to identify those at risk of “early recurrence” (ER). In this study, we defined ER and investigated whether preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic-inflammatory index were prognostic of both overall relapse and ER after curative hepatectomy for iCCA. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for iCCA between 2005 and 2017 were created. The cut-off timepoint for the ER of iCCA was estimated using a piecewise linear regression model. Univariable analyses of recurrence were conducted for the overall, early, and late recurrence periods. For the early and late recurrence periods, multivariable Cox regression with time-varying regression coefficient analysis was used. Results: A total of 113 patients were included in this study. ER was defined as recurrence within 12 months of a curative resection. Among the included patients, 38.1% experienced ER. In the univariable model, a higher preoperative NLR (> 4.3) was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence overall and in the first 12 months after curative surgery. In the multivariable model, a higher NLR was associated with a higher recurrence rate overall and in the ER period (≤ 12 months), but not in the late recurrence period. Conclusions: Preoperative NLR was prognostic of both overall recurrence and ER after curative iCCA resection. NLR is easily obtained before and after surgery and should be integrated into ER prediction tools to guide preoperative treatments and intensify postoperative follow-up.

Background The impact of packed Red Blood Cell (pRBC) transfusion on oncological outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. We evaluated the impact of pRBC transfusion on HCC recurrence and overall survival (OS) after LT for HCC. Methods Patients with HCC transplanted between 2000 and 2018 were included and stratified by receipt of pRBC transfusion. Outcomes were HCC recurrence and OS. Propensity score matching was performed to account for confounders. Results Of the 795 patients, 234 (29.4%) did not receive pRBC transfusion. After matching the 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was 6.6%, 12.5% and 14.8% for no-pRBC transfusion, and 8.6%, 18.8% and 21.3% (p = 0.61) for pRBC transfusion. The OS at 1-, 3-, 5-year was 93.0%, 84.6% and 75.8% vs 92.0%, 79.7% and 73.5% (p = 0.83) for no-pRBC transfusion and pRBC transfusion, respectively. There were no differences in recurrence (HR 1.13, 95%CI 0.71–1.78, p = 0.61) or OS (HR 1.04, 95%CI 0.71–1.54, p = 0.83). Conclusion Perioperative administration of pRBC in liver transplant recipients for HCC resulted in a nonsignificant increase of HCC recurrence and death after accounting for confounder. Surgeons should continue to exercise cation and optimize patients iron stores medically preoperatively.

BACKGROUND The main concern with live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the risk to the donor. Given the potential risk of liver insufficiency, most centers will only accept candidates with future liver remnants (FLR) >30%. We aimed to compare postoperative outcomes of donors who underwent LDLT with FLR ≤30% and >30%. METHODS Adults who underwent right hepatectomy for LDLT between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. Remnant liver volumes were estimated using hepatic volumetry. To adjust for between-group differences, donors with FLR ≤30% and >30% were matched 1:2 based on baseline characteristics. Postoperative complications including liver dysfunction were compared between the groups. RESULTS A total of 604 live donors were identified, 28 (4.6%) of whom had a FLR ≤30%. Twenty-eight cases were successfully matched with 56 controls; the matched cohorts were mostly similar in terms of donor and graft characteristics. The calculated median FLR was 29.8 (range, 28.0-30.0) and 35.2 (range, 30.1-68.1) in each respective group. Median follow-up was 36.5 mo (interquartile range, 11.8-66.1). Postoperative outcomes were similar between groups. No difference was observed in overall complication rates (FLR ≤30%: 32.1% versus FLR >30%: 28.6%; odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-3.27) or major complication rates (FLR ≤30%: 14.3% versus FLR >30%: 14.3%; OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.33-4.10). Posthepatectomy liver failure was rare, and no difference was observed (FLR ≤30%: 3.6% versus FLR >30%: 3.6%; OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.11-11.1). CONCLUSION A calculated FLR between 28% and 30% on its own should not represent a formal contraindication for live donation.

Background Pediatric kidney transplant (KT) using larger, deceased or living donor adult kidneys can be challenging in the pediatric population due to limited space in the retroperitoneum. Liver and native kidney (L/NK) mobilization techniques can be used in smaller and younger transplant recipients to aid in retroperitoneal placement of the renal allograft. Here, we compare the clinical outcomes of pediatric retroperitoneal KT with and without L/NK mobilization. Methods We retrospectively analyzed pediatric renal transplant recipients treated between January 2015 and May 2021. Donor and recipient demographics, intraoperative data, and recipient outcomes were included. Recipients were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique utilized: with L/NK mobilization (Group 1) and without L/NK mobilization (Group 2). Baseline variables were described using frequency distributions for categorical variables and means and standard errors for continuous variables. Tests of association with the likelihood of using L/NK mobilization were performed using standard χ2 tests, t tests, and the log-rank test. Results Forty-six pediatric recipients were evaluated and categorized into Group 1 (n = 26) and Group 2 (n = 20). Recipients in Group 1 were younger (6.7 ± 0.8 years vs. 15. 3 ± 0.7, P P . 48.6 ± 3.4 kg, P P = 0.22), and there was one death with a functioning graft (in Group 2, P = 0.21). Conclusions Retroperitoneal liver/kidney mobilization is a feasible and safe technique that facilitates implantation of adult kidney allografts into pediatric transplant recipients with no increased risk of developing post-operative complications, graft loss, or mortality.

Background: Multiple renal arteries (MRA) are often encountered during living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), requiring surgeons to pursue complex renovascular reconstructions prior to graft implantation. With improvements in reconstruction and anastomosis techniques, allografts with MRA can be successfully transplanted with similar outcomes to allografts with a single renal artery. Here, we describe in detail various surgical techniques for reconstruction of MRA grafts with the intent of creating a single arterial inflow.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all LDKT recipients with laparoscopically procured MRA kidneys between March 2008 and July 2021. Recipient and donor characteristics, operative data, type of reconstruction, and recipient outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcomes were the incidence of developing delayed graft function (DGF) and/or a vascular or urological complication within 12 months post-transplant.Results: Seventy-three LDKT recipients of MRA donor allografts were evaluated. Two renal arteries (RA) were encountered in 62 allografts (84.9%) and three RA in 11 allografts (15.1%). Renal artery reconstruction was performed in 95.8% (70/73) of patients. Eighteen different reconstruction techniques of MRA were utilized, the most common being side-to-side anastomosis in allografts with two RA (N = 44) and side-to-side-to-side anastomosis in allografts with three RA (N = 4). Interposition grafting was performed in seven cases (9.6%). A single ostium was created in 69 cases (94.5%), and the median warm ischemia time was 27 (range 20–42) minutes. None of the patients developed DGF or post-operative vascular or urological complications. Median creatinine at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant remained stable at 1.1 mg/dl. With a median follow-up of 30.4 months post-transplant, only one graft failure has been observed–death-censored graft survival was 98.6%.Conclusion: Complex reconstruction techniques to create a single renal artery ostium for graft implantation anastomosis in allografts with MRA show acceptable warm ischemic times, with no increased risk of post-operative vascular or urological complications.

Liver transplantation (LT) listing criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain controversial. To optimize the utility of limited donor organs, this study aims to leverage machine learning to develop an accurate posttransplantation HCC recurrence prediction calculator. Patients with HCC listed for LT from 2000 to 2016 were identified, with 739 patients who underwent LT used for modeling. Data included serial imaging, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), locoregional therapies, treatment response, and posttransplantation outcomes. We compared the CoxNet (regularized Cox regression), survival random forest, survival support vector machine, and DeepSurv machine learning algorithms via the mean cross-validated concordance index. We validated the selected CoxNet model by comparing it with other currently available recurrence risk algorithms on a held-out test set (AFP, Model of Recurrence After Liver Transplant [MORAL], and Hazard Associated with liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma [HALT-HCC score]). The developed CoxNet-based recurrence prediction model showed a satisfying overall concordance score of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.84). In comparison, the recalibrated risk algorithms’ concordance scores were as follows: AFP score 0.64 (outperformed by the CoxNet model, 1-sided 95% CI, >0.01; P = 0.04) and MORAL score 0.64 (outperformed by the CoxNet model 1-sided 95% CI, >0.02; P = 0.03). The recalibrated HALT-HCC score performed well with a concordance of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63-0.81) and was not significantly outperformed (1-sided 95% CI, ≥0.05; P = 0.29). Developing a comprehensive posttransplantation HCC recurrence risk calculator using machine learning is feasible and can yield higher accuracy than other available risk scores. Further research is needed to confirm the utility of machine learning in this setting.

BACKGROUND: Compared with the United States, risk-adjusted mortality in the United Kingdom has historically been worse in the first 90 d following liver transplantation (LT) and better thereafter. In the last decade, there has been considerable change in the practice of LT internationally, but no contemporary large-scale international comparison of posttransplant outcomes has been conducted. This study aimed to determine disease-specific short- and long-term mortality of LT recipients in the United States and the United Kingdom. METHODS: This retrospective international multicenter cohort study analyzed adult (≥18 y) first-time LT recipients between January 2, 2008, and December 31, 2016, using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing and the UK Transplant Registry databases. Time-dependent Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) comparing disease-specific risk-adjusted mortality in the first 90 d post-LT, between 90 d and 1 y, and between 1 and 5 y. RESULTS: Forty-two thousand eight hundred seventy-four US and 4950 UK LT recipients were included. The main LT indications in the United States and the United Kingdom were hepatocellular carcinoma (25.4% and 24.9%, respectively) and alcohol-related liver disease (20.3% and 27.1%, respectively). There were no differences in mortality during the first 90 d post-LT (reference: United States; HR, 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-1.12). However, between 90 d and 1 y (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.85) and 1 and 5 y (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63-0.81]) the United Kingdom had lower mortality. The mortality differences between 1 and 5 y were most marked in hepatocellular carcinoma (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58-0.88) and alcohol-related liver disease patients (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Risk-adjusted mortality in the United States and the United Kingdom was similar in the first 90 d post-LT but better in the United Kingdom thereafter. International comparisons of LT may highlight differences in healthcare delivery and help benchmarking by identifying modifiable factors that can facilitate improved global outcomes in LT.

A esofagectomia é o tratamento curativo do câncer de esôfago não metastático atualmente. Contudo ainda há falta de evidências fiéis que mostrem uma diferença significativa entre as técnicas cirúrgicas e permanece a controvérsia sobre a localização anatômica ideal da anastomose esofagogástrica, intratorácica ou cervical. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência do local da anastomose, cervical ou torácica, nas complicações operatórias e mortalidade da esofagogastrectomia com linfadenectomia em dois campos.

Liver transplantation (LT) has been utilized in the last two decades for the treatment of selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, in most jurisdictions worldwide, only tumor size and number determine transplant candidacy, which may not sufficiently predict tumor behavior. Both tumor downstaging and expanding transplant criteria play an important role in expanding access to LT for HCC patients. New downstaging protocols are emerging that incorporate response to locoregional therapies (LRT) among those that initially present beyond the accepted Milan criteria. In parallel, new serologic, histologic, and radiographic tools are being identified that may better predict outcomes after LT for HCC, in so-called extended criteria. The efforts of different jurisdictions worldwide in creating new treatment protocols have made it possible to evaluate and compare outcomes of patients over time. Improvements of LRT and expansion of the criteria for LT for HCC will both play a role in optimizing outcomes for patients with HCC.

Purpose of review Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the setting of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been adopted worldwide over the past decade. Many centers have implemented LDLT because of the limited supply of deceased organs, which has also provided an opportunity for centers to expand the indication for transplantation for patients with HCC. Recent findings Center-specific expanded HCC criteria have proven to be well tolerated in terms of overall and disease-free survival when compared with the standard, Milan criteria. There is a need to overcome size and number as the sole limiters. New technologies to better predict outcomes after liver transplantation for HCC, response to treatments and/or bridging therapies while waiting for a liver transplantation, along with determining tumour behaviour are being incorporated into criteria. Improved outcomes of LDLT for all causes has increased utilization of the procedure for HCC patients worldwide. Summary LDLT has become a great treatment option for HCC patients. Progressively better understanding of tumour behaviour and different surrogates of tumour biology assessments will allow better patient selection for LDLT.

BACKGROUND Despite transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a significant number of patients will develop progression on the liver transplant (LT) waiting list or disease recurrence post-LT. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of a pre-TACE radiomics model, an imaging-based tool to predict these adverse outcomes. METHODS We analyzed the pre-TACE computed tomography images of patients waiting for a LT. The primary endpoint was a combined event that included waitlist dropout for tumor progression or tumor recurrence post-LT. The radiomic features were extracted from the largest HCC volume from the arterial and portal venous phase. A third set of features was created, combining the features from these 2 contrast phases. We applied a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator feature selection method and a support vector machine classifier. Three prognostic models were built using each feature set. The models' performance was compared using 5-fold cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS . Eighty-eight patients were included, of whom 33 experienced the combined event (37.5%). The median time to dropout was 5.6 mo (interquartile range: 3.6-9.3), and the median time for post-LT recurrence was 19.2 mo (interquartile range: 6.1-34.0). Twenty-four patients (27.3%) dropped out and 64 (72.7%) patients were transplanted. Of these, 14 (21.9%) had recurrence post-LT. Model performance yielded a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.70 (±0.07), 0.87 (±0.06), and 0.81 (±0.06) for the arterial, venous, and the combined models, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A pre-TACE radiomics model for HCC patients undergoing LT may be a useful tool for outcome prediction. Further external model validation with a larger sample size is required.

Objectives. Endoscopic gastrostomy occasionally presents limitations such as costs, availability of equipment and special materials, and difficult access to the gastric cavity in the setting of obstructive esophageal tumors. Open jejunostomies present high rates of postoperative complications and limited capacity for abdominal evaluation due to reduced incision size. Thus, to reduce procedure-related complications and overall costs and provide a thorough intraoperative evaluation of the peritoneal cavity, we present the following simplified technique. Methods. Video-assisted jejunostomy in ten steps. Results. The use of this Video-assisted laparoscopic technique proves to be a safe, viable alternative, with cost reduction, decreased use of disposable materials, shortened operative time, and accelerated recovery, in addition to increased technical ease and wide applicability across a variety of hospital settings.

Cavernous hemangiomas are congenital hamartomatous lesions that originate from mesodermal tissue composed of dilated blood vessels. Abdominal pain and palpable mass are the most common presenting symptoms. The different types of treatment for symptomatic patients remain controversial. However, surgical resection is always the most preferred method when possible. To date, there are no reports of endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS-guided) absolute ethanol injection as a treatment for such disease when surgery is not an option. A 19-year-old girl with giant cavernous intra-abdominal hemangioma extending to the hepatic hilum, also affecting the gastric wall and occupying the entire supra-mesocolic cavity, initially presents with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and loss of 20 kg in 1 year (BMI = 18 kg/m2). Percutaneous angiography identified a mass with arterial blood supply by the left gastric artery that was embolized. After re-bleeding, an alternative treatment with EUS-guided injection of alcohol was proposed once resection was not feasible without major risks to a young patient. This procedure was repeated 15 and 45 days after the initial treatment, with the ethanol injection of 25 cc and 15 cc, respectively. On the second and third procedure dates, there was evident regression of the hemangioma. On the third procedure, it was possible to identify all anatomic structures that were not clear on the first EUS. After 45 days of last injection, abdominal CT and EUS showed notorious regression of the lesion. Eight months later, abdominal CT showed only a remnant lesion in the hepatogastric ligament with 129 cm3 on volumetry (87% lower in comparison to the initial image), and the patient remains asymptomatic with BMI of 26. In the most recent follow-up CT, 4 years and 2 months after first treatment, the patient presents with a slight increase in the hemangioma—now with 183 cm3 on volumetry. Transgastric EUS-guided ethanol injection in the treatment of giant intra-abdominal cavernous hemangioma can provide good outcomes without major complications and can be repeated if necessary.

Background Mucinous cyst neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) comprise less than 5% of all cystic liver lesions and is characterized by the presence of ovarian stroma and absence of bile duct communication. Case presentation Here, we discuss a 45-year-old woman who presented with symptomatic liver mass. Diagnostic workup detected a 4.2 × 3.6 cm septate cyst located in segments I, V, and VIII of the liver in communication with the right hepatic duct. An open right liver resection with total bile duct excision and hilar lymphadenectomy was performed. Pathology revealed a multiloculated cyst with lined mucinous epithelium and ovarian-like stroma, consistent with low-grade MCN-L. Conclusions This case shows that unusual location and bile duct communication can be present in MCN-L.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor, with more than 800,000 new cases diagnosed each year and with high mortality, ranking fourth in the world in cancer deaths. The worst prognosis is related to the late diagnosis, in which the tumor is at an advanced stage and curative treatments are not efficient in terms of increasing overall survival. Currently, screening and monitoring tests based on current guidelines have limited accuracy, which points to the need for the development of new biomarkers that improve HCC detection as well as its early diagnosis. This review will discuss the five phases of development of a biomarker, from its discovery to its application in clinical practice, and indicate the main biomarkers per development phase. Potential emerging technologies such as "Radiomics", "Proteomics" and "Metabolomics" will also be discussed, which should serve as tools for the elucidation of tumor heterogeneity, as well as provide data for future studies on HCC biomarkers.

Pancreatic duct stones are direct sequelae of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and can occur in ∼50% of patients. Selection of the appropriate treatment method for pancreatic duct stones depends on location, size and number of stones. We present a patient with upper abdominal pain and weight loss for the previous 3 months. Diagnostic workup detected a chronic inflammation of the pancreas with stone in the main pancreatic duct and a nodular lesion in the head of the pancreas. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed without success. Given the rise in incidence and prevalence of CP, the potential complications and high mortality rate, it is imperative that physicians understand the risk factors, disease process and management of this disease. Pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with CP is a feasible option for the treatment of focal cystic lesions to the head of the pancreas associated to pancreatic stone in selected cases.

Despite improvements in postliver transplant outcomes through refinements in perioperative management and surgical techniques, several changing trends in liver transplantation have presented challenges. Mortality on the waitlist remains high. In the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom, there is an increasing need for liver transplantation, primarily as a result of increased incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis and cancer indications. Meanwhile, donor suitability has decreased, as donors are often older and have more comorbidities. Despite a mismatch between organ need and availability, many organs are discarded. Notwithstanding this, many solutions have been developed to overcome these challenges. Innovative techniques in allograft preservation, viability assessment, and reconditioning have allowed the use of suboptimal organs with adequate results. Refinements in surgical procedures, including live donor liver transplantations, have increased the organ pool and are decreasing the time and mortality on the waitlist. Despite many challenges, a similar number of solutions and prospects are on the horizon. This review seeks to explore the changing trends and challenges in liver transplantation and highlight possible solutions and future directions.

Background Hepatic metastasis are frequent and liver resection may be an option for some cases, despite the high complexity of the procedure and the possibility of postoperative complications. Methods This retrospective comparative descriptive study aims to evaluate a series of 86 consecutive liver resections (LRs) performed for the treatment of metastatic liver tumors, comparing the results between patients undergoing major and minor LR. All patients submitted to LR from October 2010 to July 2015 at the Erasto Gaertner Hospital in Curitiba-PR were included. Quantitative numerical variables were analyzed with the Student t-test. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test was used for numerical variables of non-normal distribution. Categorical variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test with Fisher's correction. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 23.0 and STATA 15 programs, being p Results Eighty-six LR were performed, 56 cases by colorectal metastasis. The major LR corresponded to 68 cases, with 13.2% of Clavien-Dindo III–V complications and 2.9% of reoperation rate. Eighteen minor LR were performed and one patient had a postoperative complication requiring reoperation. Conclusion Preoperative elevation of transaminases and jaundice negatively influence surgical outcomes in patients undergoing LR. Tumors greater than 3 cm presented worse postoperative survival. Major LR did not significantly increase the surgical morbidity rate. Institutional Review Board registration 1.122.319/2015

Quality is a term used by various specialists, from different perspectives, having as a common point to identify focuses that promote their development in institutional management. Quality processes allow us to improve assistance, reducing complication and death rates and reducing costs. Currently, the positive experience of the patient is highly valued and should be sought by all institutions. The benefits of quality procedures are extensive. There is evidence of lower complication and mortality rates, cost reduction, uniformity of care, improved communication and opportunity for health education. There is a need for financial investment by the institutions, but they can be converted in the future. The idea that these are just bureaucratic steps must be fought because individualistic attitudes are no longer part of safe medicine. The success of a quality process requires interdisciplinarity, integration with quality offices for effective communication. The implementation of feasible attitudes should be sought, with a high adherence rate to seek patient satisfaction and safety. We will address historical aspects, the requirements for the implementation of a quality program, the concepts of indicators and the aspects that influence the quality in surgery, in addition to presenting benefits that such a program can offer to the surgeon and the institution.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver resection (LR) adversely affects prognosis but is difficult to predict. Aberrant expression of Polo-Like Kinase 4 (PLK-4) is implicated in several adult malignancies. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of PLK-4 expression in HCC after curative-intent LR. Methods Patients undergoing LR for HCC between July-2015 and November-2017 at our centre were retrospectively identified. PLK-4 expression was measured in tumour and adjacent non-tumour liver tissue using quantitative RT-PCR. Disease-free survival (DFS) was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard models. Results A total of 145 patients were identified. Patients were divided according to PLK-4 expression (high: n = 58, low: n = 87) by generating a receiver operating characteristic curve for recurrence with an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.6–0.8). Recurrence and death rates were similar between groups. In patients without mVI, low PLK-4 expression was associated with worse actuarial DFS (low 1-, 3-, 5-year 83%, 60%, 47% vs. high 91%, 81%, 81%; p = 0.02). In patients without mVI, high PLK-4 expression was an independent predictor of survival (HR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–1.0; p = 0.04). Conclusion PLK-4 represents a biomarker for good prognosis in patients with HCC who do not have mVI. This could aid clinical decision making for adjuvant clinical trials.

Objective: to compare the acquisition and retention of knowledge about surgical cricothyroidostomy by the rapid four-step technique (RFST), when taught by expository lecture, low fidelity and high-fidelity simulation models. Methods: ninety medical students at UFPR in the first years of training were randomized assigned into 3 groups, submitted to different teaching methods: 1) expository lectures, 2) low-fidelity simulator model, developed by the research team or 3) high-fidelity simulator model (commercial). The procedure chosen was surgical cricothyroidostomy using the RFST. Soon after lectures, the groups were submitted to a multiple-choice test with 20 questions (P1). Four months later, they underwent another test (P2) with similar content. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the grades of each group in P1 with their grades in P2, and the grades of the 3 groups 2 by 2 in P1 and P2. A multiple comparisons test (post-hoc) was used to check differences within each factor (test and group). Statistical significance was considered when p0.05). Conclusions: the simulation of low fidelity model was more effective in learning and knowledge retention, being feasible for RFST cricothyroidostomy training in inexperienced students. RESUMO Objetivo: comparar a aquisição e retenção de conhecimento, sobre cricotireoidostomia cirúrgica pela técnica rápida de quatro tempos (TRQT), quando ensinada por aula expositiva, simulação de baixa fidelidade e de alta fidelidade. Métodos: noventa alunos de medicina da UFPR dos primeiros anos foram randomizados em 3 grupos: 1) aula expositiva, 2) simulador de baixa fidelidade, ou 3) simulador de alta fidelidade (comercial). O tema exposto foi a cricotireoidostomia cirúrgica pela técnica rápida de quatro tempos (TRQT). Logo após as aulas, os grupos foram submetidos a uma prova de múltipla escolha com 20 questões (P1). Quatro meses após, realizaram uma outra prova (P2), com conteúdo similar. Análise de Variância foi usada para comparar as notas de cada grupo na P1 com suas notas na P2, e as notas dos 3 grupos de 2 a 2 na P1 e na P2. Utilizou-se um teste de comparações múltiplas (post-hoc) para verificar diferenças dentro de cada fator (prova e grupo). Considerou-se significância estatística quando p0,05). Conclusão: a simulação de baixa fidelidade foi mais eficaz no aprendizado e na retenção de conhecimento, sendo viável para o treinamento de cricotireoidostomia TRQT em alunos inexperientes.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is high, and 50–60% of colorectal cancer patients will progress with distant metastases. The liver is the most common site for CRC and the diagnosis can be made preoperatively, during the initial presentation of the disease, intraoperatively, or during the follow-up after the treatment of the primary. This diagnosis is based in clinical, laboratory, and radiological studies. This chapter will address the different circumstances of the diagnosis and the role of each of the present diagnostic tools.

The initial management of a patient with cardiac or great vessel trauma is to ensure airway and ventilation with adequate oxygenation, and treat shock according to ATLS protocol. FAST is a very useful adjunct tool in cardiac trauma because it allows diagnosis of injuries in the emergency room. Penetrating wounds to the anatomic area, known as the “cardiac box” (bordered superiorly by the clavicles, inferiorly by the xiphoid, and by the nipples laterally), should increase the suspicion of cardiac injury. Firearm injuries to the heart are more often associated with bleeding and exsanguination rather than tamponade. Definitive treatment involves surgical exposure through an anterior thoracotomy or median sternotomy with subsequent tamponade relief and/or hemorrhage control. The primary management of blunt cardiac injury (BCI) is supportive care. The role of surgery in BCI should be restricted to patients with structural abnormalities and/or a positive FAST. The clinical picture of great vessel trauma includes hypotension, unequal arterial pressures or pulses in the extremities, external evidence of major thoracic trauma, and palpable fracture of the sternum or thoracic spine. Indications for emergency thoracotomy include hemodynamic instability, significant bleeding in the thoracic drains, or radiographic evidence of a rapidly expanding mediastinal hematoma.

Shock is a syndrome caused by a disorder in systemic perfusion leading to cellular hypoxia, inadequate tissue oxygenation, and organic dysfunction. To approach the shock, the following sequence must be followed: recognize its presence, preferably in the initial phase; establish measures of general support; establish the etiology of the shock; and establish early correction of the primary cause (stop the bleeding). During care in the emergency room, to evaluate these signs quickly and efficiently, one should observe the pulse, skin color, and level of consciousness. Other signs of shock are oliguria, hypotension, tachypnea, hypothermia, and reduction of pulse pressure. There are several types of shock: hemorrhagic, neurogenic, cardiogenic, septic, and obstructive.

Spleen injury should be recognized as quickly as possible to prevent the patient bleed to death. There are some criteria to define patients who can be managed nonoperatively. The first criterion is hemodynamic stability. The second important criterion is the presence of peritonitis. Patient with hemodynamic stability and without signs of peritonitis should undergo CT scan. Angiography should be considered if CT scan shows splenic injury greater than III, presence of contrast blush, aneurysm, or arteriovenous fistula, moderate hemoperitoneum, or another evidence of ongoing splenic bleeding. If none of these signs and no other severe injury present, nonoperative management can be done. The patient must be monitored for the first 48 hours and daily blood count should be considered on the first 4 days. Increasing or persistent abdominal pain, and unexplained drop in hemoglobin. If new instability shows up, patient should undergo exploratory laparotomy.

Damage control surgery (DCS) is an abbreviated laparotomy for patients who have life-threating bleeding, injuries, and septic sources. The procedure consists of hemorrhage control, by procedures like hemostasis, packing, clamping, and ligation; limits contamination by simple resections, primary suturation, closed absorbent systems, and external drainage; and leads to temporary abdominal closure as quickly as possible. The non-life-threatening injuries are delayed to a reoperation. The main purpose of the damage control surgery is to prevent complications of the lethal triad: coagulopathy, acidosis, and hypothermia.

Trauma systems are an integrated, hierarchical, and regionalized network of agencies, institutions, and resources aimed at full collaboration, trained, and dedicated to control, treat, and prevent deaths and permanent disability in a population, directly or indirectly related to trauma disease. The main objective of trauma systems is to maximize the effort and effectiveness of all human, material, and financial resources available. The main objective of trauma registries is to provide information for trauma systems, and that includes accurate and reliable information of the causes, circumstances, and type of injuries of the population.

The injury severity scores can estimate the prognosis and risk of complications after a trauma. They serve as important adjuncts in triage, patient care, and research. Furthermore, they can be used for evaluation of hospital resource utilization and cost-effectiveness studies in trauma. They consist of complex mathematical equations in which variable qualitative and quantitative data are standardized and transformed into a single value, which represents the clinical conditions and prognosis of the patient shortly after injury.

While immediate laparotomy is still indicated for patients who present with hemodynamic instability, signs of shock, evisceration, impalement, or peritonitis, further investigation and/or serial clinical examinations can be undertaken in the stable patient without evidence of peritonitis. Head injury, high spinal cord injury, depressed mental status due to intoxication, sedation, or anesthesia all mandate further diagnostic investigation or laparotomy to exclude intraperitoneal injury. In abdominal gunshot wounds (GSWs), the entrance and exit wounds, if present, should be identified with radiopaque markers and chest and abdominal X-rays taken in order to identify the location of the ballistic. If the patient remains hemodynamically normal and without signs of peritonitis, the clinician should strongly consider computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast. In hemodynamically stable, asymptomatic patients with a stab wound (SW) to the anterior abdominal wall, defined as the area between the costal margin, the anterior axillary lines, and the inguinal ligaments, local wound exploration can be performed. The role of diagnostic laparoscopy for the detection of peritoneal violation remains unclear. CT scan with IV contrast is indicated in patients presenting with penetrating trauma to the flank or back in order to evaluate for retroperitoneal injury. Solid organ injuries in the hemodynamically stable patient may be managed nonoperatively with serial clinical examinations.

Summary: Liver transplantation is widely indicated as a curative treatment for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, with recent therapeutic advances, as well as efforts to increase the donor pool, liver transplantation has been carefully expanded to patients with other primary or secondary malignancies in the liver. Cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal and neuroendocrine liver metastases, and hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma are amongst the most relevant new indications. In this review we discuss the fundamental concepts of this ambitious undertaking, as well as the newest indications for liver transplantation, with a special focus on future perspectives within the recently established concept of transplant oncology. Keywords: Liver transplant, Oncology, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma, Colorectal Liver Metastasis, Neuroendocrine Tumours, Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

Objective To evaluate the perception of doctors, residents, and medical students of smartphone use on daily medical practice. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study with data collected online by questionnaire on Google Docs®, with closed multiple-choice questions regarding smartphones use in medical practice and its impact on decision-making and patients' privacy. Results There were 118 questionnaires, mostly from students (61%), followed by medical residents (31%) and medical preceptors (8%). All preceptors confirmed eventual use of smartphones on clinical cases discussions, 77.8% of whom use it in less than half of the time. Among the residents, 94.6% use theirs smartphones, 77% of them in more than half of the time. On the contrary, 12.5% of the students do not use this kind of resource, and among those that do use it, 50% do so more than half of the time. All preceptors, 94.6% residents and 80.6% of the students believe its use does not expose the patients' privacy. Conclusion Preceptors and residents use smartphones more often than medical students. Most agree its use helps on daily decision-making and does not jeopardize the patients' privacy. How to cite this article Abreu-Reis P, Bassani T, Collaco IA, Pereira GD, Faggion HZ, Sawczyn GV, Uchida EP, Nasr A, Tomasich FS, Lopes JA. Telemedicine inside the Pocket: The Impact of Smartphones on Daily Patients' Evaluations. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(2):88-92.