COVID-19 Downgraded Already Impaired Mental Health of Medical Undergraduates during the Pandemic Years

Background: Measures to contain the COVID-19 transmission reached teaching routines of universities worldwide with possible mental health consequences for anxiety. This study assessed prevalence and risk factors for stress, depression, and anxiety (SDA) in medical students during quarantine by COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of medical students by means of the DASS-21 questionnaire. Risk factors for SDA were assessed based on epidemiologic questions related to COVID-19. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated for each predictor, as well as sensitivity and specificity. Results: This survey reached 1009 responses. A prevalence of 77.5% for some SDA disorder was found, 63% being severe. Previous diagnosis of psychiatric disorder was a factor of risk for anxiety (OR 2.78 CI95% 1.44 - 14.25, p = 0.044), as well as for depression (OR 3.37 CI95% 1.98 - 6.02, p Conclusion: Psychiatric conditions as well as chronic illnesses were risk factors for high prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students.

Comparison between endoscopic sclerotherapy and band ligation for hemostasis of acute variceal bleeding

AIM:To compare band ligation(BL) with endoscopic sclerotherapy(SCL) in patients admitted to an emergency unit for esophageal variceal rupture. METHODS:A prospective,randomized,single-center study without crossover was conducted.After endoscopic diagnosis of esophageal variceal rupture,patients were randomized into groups for SCL or BL treatment.Sclerotherapy was performed by ethanolamine oleate intravascular injection both above and below the rupture point,with a maximum volume of 20 mL.For BL patients,banding at the rupture point was attempted,followed by ligation of all variceal tissue of the distal esophagus.Primary outcomes for both groups were initial failure of bleeding control(5 d) ,early re-bleeding(5 d to 6 wk),and complications,including mortality.From May 2005 to May 2007,100 patients with variceal bleeding were enrolled in thestudy:50 SCL and 50 BL patients.No differences between groups were observed across gender,age,ChildPugh status,presence of shock at admission,mean hemoglobin levels,and variceal size. RESULTS:No differences were found between groups for bleeding control,early re-bleeding rates,complications,or mortality.After 6 wk,36(80%) SCL and 33(77 %) EBL patients were alive and free of bleeding.A statistically significant association between Child-Pugh status and mortality was found,with 16%mortality in Child A and B patients and 84%mortality in Child C patients(P<0.001) . CONCLUSION:Despite the limited number of patients included,our results suggest that SCL and BL are equally efficient for the control of acute variceal bleeding.

Pre-and postoperative systemic hemodynamic evaluation in patients subjected to esophagogastric devascularization plus splenectomy and distal splenorenal shunt:A comparative study in schistomomal portal hypertension

AIM: To investigate the systemic hemodynamic effects of two surgical procedures largely employed for treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension. METHODS: Thirty-six patients undergoing elective surgical treatment of portal hypertension due to hepatosplenic mansonic schistosomiasis were prospectively evaluated. All patients were subjected to preoperative pulmonary artery catheterization; 17 were submitted to esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy (EGDS) and 19 to distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS). The systemic hemodynamic assessment was repeated 4 d after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Preoperative evaluation revealed (mean ± SD) an increased cardiac index (4.78 ± 1.13 L/min per m2),associated with a reduction in systemic vascular resistance index (1457 ± 380.7 dynes.s/cm5.m2). The mean pulmonary artery pressure (18 ± 5.1 mmHg) as well as the right atrial pressure (7.9 ± 2.5 mmHg) were increased,while the pulmonary vascular resistance index (133 ± 62 dynes.s/cm5.m2) was decreased. Four days after EGDS,a significant reduction in cardiac index (3.80 ± 0.4 L/min per m2,P < 0.001) and increase in systemic vascular resistance index (1901.4 ± 330.2 dynes.s/cm5. m2,P < 0.001) toward normal levels were observed. There was also a significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure (12.65 ± 4.7 mmHg,P < 0.001) and no significant changes in the pulmonary vascular resistance index (141.6 ± 102.9 dynes.s/cm5.m2). Four days after DSRS,a non-significant increase in cardiac index (5.2 ± 0.76 L/min per m2) and systemic vascular resistance index (1389 ± 311 dynes.s/cm5.m2) was observed. There was also a non-significant increase in pulmonary artery pressure (19.84 ± 5.2 mmHg),right cardiac work index (1.38 ± 0.4 kg.m/m2) and right ventricular systolic work index (16.3 ± 6.3 g.m/m2),without significant changes in the pulmonary vascular resistance index (139.7 ± 67.8 dynes.s/cm5.m2). CONCLUSION: The hyperdynamic circulatory state observed in mansonic schistosomiasis was corrected by EGDS,but was maintained in patients who underwent DSRS. Similarly,the elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure was corrected after EGDS and maintained after DSRS. EGDS seems to be the most physiologic surgery for patients with schistosomal portal hypertension.

Reliability in endoscopic diagnosis of portal hypertensive gastropathy

AIM: To analyze reliability among endoscopists in diagnosing portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and to determine which criteria from the most utilized classifications are the most suitable. METHODS: From January to July 2009, in an academic quaternary referral center at Santa Casa of S o Paulo Endoscopy Service, Brazil, we performed this singlecenter prospective study. In this period, we included 100 patients, including 50 sequential patients who had portal hypertension of various etiologies; who were previously diagnosed based on clinical, laboratory and imaging exams; and who presented with esophageal varices. In addition, our study included 50 sequentialpatients who had dyspeptic symptoms and were referred for upper digestive endoscopy without portal hypertension. All subjects underwent upper digestive endoscopy, and the images of the exam were digitally recorded. Five endoscopists with more than 15 years of experience answered an electronic questionnaire, which included endoscopic criteria from the 3 most commonly used Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy classifications (McCormack, NIEC and Baveno) and the presence of elevated or flat antral erosive gastritis. All five endosco- pists were blinded to the patients' clinical information, and all images of varices were deliberately excluded for the analysis. RESULTS: The three most common etiologies of portal hypertension were schistosomiasis (36%), alcoholic cirrhosis (20%) and viral cirrhosis (14%). Of the 50 patients with portal hypertension, 84% were Child A, 12% were Child B, 4% were Child C, 64% exhibited previous variceal bleeding and 66% were previously endoscopic treated. The endoscopic parameters, presence or absence of mosaic-like pattern, red point lesions and cherry-red spots were associated with high inter-observer reliability and high specificity for diagnosing Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy. Sensitivity, specificity and reliability for the diagnosis of PHG (%) were as follows: mosaic-like pattern (100; 92.21; High); fine pink speckling (56; 76.62; Unsatisfactory); superficial reddening (69.57; 66.23; Unsatisfactory); red-point lesions (47.83; 90.91; High); cherry-red spots (39.13; 96.10; High); isolated red marks (43.48; 88.31; High); and confluent red marks (21.74; 100; Unsatisfactory). Antral elevated erosive gastritis exhibited high reliability and high specificity with respect to the presence of portal hypertension (92%) and the diagnosis of portal hypertensive gastropathy (88.31%). CONCLUSION: The most suitable endoscopic criteria for the diagnosis of PHG were mosaic-like pattern, redpoint lesions and cherry-red spots with no subdivisions,which were associated with a high rate of inter-observer reliability.

Epidemiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants and toddlers: A systematic review

AIM: To assess the functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGID) prevalence in infants and toddlers. METHODS: Pub Med, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched for original articles from inception to February 2016. The literature search was made in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA). For inclusion, each study had to report epidemiological data of FGID on children up to 4 years old and contain standardized outcome Rome Ⅱ or Ⅲ criteria. The overall quality of included epidemiological studies was evaluated in accordance to Loney's proposal for prevalence studies of health literature. Two reviewers assessed each study for inclusion and extracted data. Discrepancies were reconciled through discussion.RESULTS: It was identified a total of 101 articles through the databases and two through the manual search. A total of 28 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. After reading the full articles, 13 of them were included in the present review. Twelve studies were written in English and one in Chinese, and published between 2004 and 2015. Eight articles(61.5%) were performed in Europe, three(23.1%) in America and two(15.4%) in Asia. Sample size varied between 45 and 9660 subjects. Cross-sectional frequency was reported in majority of studies(k = 9) and four studies prospectively followed the subjects. 27.1% to 38% of participants have met any of Rome's criteria for gastrointestinal syndromes, of those 20.8% presented two or more FGID. Infant regurgitation and functional constipation were the most common FGID, ranging from less than 1% to 25.9% and less than 1% to 31%, respectively. Most included studies were of moderate to poor data quality with respect to absence of confidential interval for prevalence rate and inadequate sampling methods.CONCLUSION: The scarcity and heterogeneity of FGID data call for the necessity of well-designed epidemiological research in different levels of pediatric practice and refinement of diagnostic.

Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis: Dilemmas and current recommendations

Familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited syndrome characterized by multiple adenomatous polyps(predisposing to colorectal cancer development) and numerous extracolonic manifestations. The underlying genetic burden generates variable clinical features that may influence operative management. As a precancerous hereditary condition, the rationale of performing a prophylactic surgery is a mainstay of FAP management. The purpose of the present paper is to bring up many controversial aspects regarding surgical treatment for FAP, and to discuss the results and perspectives of the operative choices and approaches. Preferably, the decision-making process should not be limited to the conventional confrontation of pros and cons of ileorectal anastomosis or restorative proctocolectomy. A wide discussion with the patient may evaluate issues such as age, genotype, family history, sphincter function, the presence or risk of desmoid disease, potential complications of each procedure and chances of postoperative surveillance. Therefore, the definition of the best moment and the choice of appropriate procedure constitute an individual decision that must take into consideration patient's preferences and full information about the complex nature of the disease. All these facts reinforce the idea that FAP patients should be managed by experienced surgeons working in specialized centers to achieve the best immediate and long-term results.

Endoscopic ultrasonography guided biliary drainage: Summary of consortium meeting, May 7^(th) , 2011, Chicago

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the preferred procedure for biliary or pancreatic drainage in various pancreatico-biliary disorders. With a success rate of more than 90%, ERCP may not achieve biliary or pancreatic drainage in cases with altered anatomy or with tumors obstructing access to the duodenum. In the past those failures were typically managed exclusively by percutaneous approaches by interventional radiologists or surgical intervention. The morbidity associated was significant especially in those patients with advanced malignancy, seeking minimally invasive interventions and improved quality of life. With the advent of biliary drainage via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance, EUS guided biliary drainage has been used more frequently within the last decade in different countries. As with any novel advanced endoscopic procedure that encompasses various approaches, advanced endoscopists all over the world have innovated and adopted diverse EUS guided biliary and pancreatic drainage techniques. This diversity has resulted in variations and improvements in EUS Guided biliary and pancreatic drainage; and over the years has led to an extensive nomenclature. The diversity of techniques, nomenclature and recent progress in our intrumentation has led to a dedicated meeting on May 7 th , 2011 during Digestive Disease Week 2011. More than 40 advanced endoscopists from United States, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Spain, Japan, China, South Korea and India attended this pivotal meeting. The meeting covered improved EUS guided biliary access and drainage procedures, terminology, nomenclature, training and credentialing; as well as emerging devices for EUS guided biliary drainage. This paper summarizes the meeting's agenda and the conclusions generated by the creation of this consortium group.

Spontaneous rupture of hepatic hemangiomas:A review of the literature

Hepatic hemangiomas are congenital vascular malformations,considered the most common benign mesenchymal hepatic tumors,composed of masses of blood vessels that are atypical or irregular in arrangement and size. Hepatic hemangiomas can be divided into two major groups:capillary hemangiomas and cavernous hemangiomas These tumors most frequently affect females (80%) and adults in their fourth and fifth decades of life. Most cases are asymptomatic although a few patients may present with a wide variety of clinical symptoms,with spontaneous or traumatic rupture being the most severe complication. In cases of spontaneous rupture,clinical manifestations consist of sudden abdominal pain,and anemia secondary to ahaemoperitoneum. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy can also occur. Haemodynamic instability and signs of hypovolemic shock appear in about one third of cases. As the size of the hemangioma increases,so does the chance of rupture. Imaging studies used in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas include ultrasonography,dynamic contrast-enchanced computed tomography scanning,magnetic resonance imaging,hepatic arteriography,digital subtraction angiography,and nuclear medicine studies. In most cases hepatic hemangiomas are asymptomatic and should be followed up by means of periodic radiological examination. Sur gery should be restricted to specific situations. Absolute indications for surgery are spontaneous or trau m atic rupture with hemoperitoneum,intratumoral blee ding and consumptive coagulopathy (Kassabach-Merrit syndrome). In a patient presenting with acute abdo minal pain due to unknown abdominal disease,sponta neous rupture of a hepatic tumor such as a hemangio ma should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis.

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal dearterialization/transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization: Technical evolution and outcomes after 20 years

In the setting of Hemorrhoidal Disease treatment, the option of conventional hemorrhoidectomy is highly effective, but it is still associated with postoperative pain and discomfort. For this reason, technical alternatives have been developed in order to reduce complications and to provide better postoperative recovery. To accomplish this aim, non-excisional techniques such as stapled hemorrhoidectomy and Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal ligation have been introduced into clinical practice with high expectations. The aim of this article is to revise the literature about transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization technique in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease, looking into its evolution, results and possible benefits over other modalities of surgical treatment. The literature review showed that Dopplerguided hemorrhoidal dearterialization is a safe and effective method to treat grades II to IV hemorrhoidal disease. Outcomes in patients presenting prolapse are satisfactory and the association of anopexy is an important aspect of this operation. Anal physiology disturbances are rarely observed and mainly transitory. This technique is an excellent option for every patient, especially in those with previous anal surgeries and in patients with previous alterations of fecal continence, when an additional procedure might represent a risk of definitive incontinence.

Short-term outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients with previous abdominal surgery: A systematic review

AIM: To perform a systematic review focusing on shortterm outcomes after colorectal surgery in patients with previous abdominal open surgery(PAOS).METHODS: A broad literature search was performed with the terms "colorectal", "colectomy", "PAOS", "previous surgery" and "PAOS". Studies were included if their topic was laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients with PAOS, whether descriptive or comparative. Endpoints of interest were conversion rates, inadvertent enterotomy and morbidity. Analysis of articles was made according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.RESULTS: From a total of 394 citations, 13 full-texts achieved selection criteria to be included in the study. Twelve of them compared patients with and without PAOS. All studies were retrospective and comparative and two were case-matched. The selected studies comprised a total of 5005 patients, 1865 with PAOS. Among the later, only 294(16%) had history of a midline incision for previous gastrointestinal surgery. Conversion rates were significantly higher in 3 of 12 studies and inadvertent enterotomy during laparoscopywas more prevalent in 3 of 5 studies that disclosed this event. Morbidity was similar in the majority of studies. A quantitative analysis(meta-analysis) could not be performed due to heterogeneity of the studies. CONCLUSION: Conversion rates were slightly higher in PAOS groups, although not statistical significant in most studies. History of PAOS did not implicate in higher morbidity rates.

A perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the stomach:An unsuspected diagnosis

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasia and currently well recognized as a distinct entity with characteristic morphological,immunohistochemical and molecular findings.We report a case of PEComa arising in the antrum of a 71-year-old female with melena.The tumor,located predominantly in the submucosa as a well delimited nodule,measured 3.0 cm in diameter and was completely resected,with no evidence of the disease elsewhere.Histologically,it was composed predominantly of eosinophilic epithelioid cells arranged in small nests commonly related to variably sized vessels,with abundant extracellular material,moderate nuclear variation and discrete mitotic activity.No necrosis,angiolymphatic invasion or perineural infil-tration was seen.Tumor cells were uniformly positive for vimentin,smooth muscle actin,desmin and melan A.Although unusual,PEComa should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric neoplasia with characteristic epithelioid and oncocytic features and prominent vasculature.

Colorectal cancer risk in hamartomatous polyposis syndromes

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world, and approximately 5% of them develop in a context of inherited mutations leading to some form of familial colon cancer syndromes. Recognition and characterization of these patients have contributed to elucidate the genetic basis of CRC. Polyposis Syndromes may be categorized by the predominant histological structure found within the polyps. The aim of the present paper is to review the most important clinical features of the Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndromes, a rare group of genetic disorders formed by the peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenil polyposis syndrome and PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome(Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalacaba and Cowden Syndromes). A literature search was performed in order to retrieve the most recent and important papers(articles, reviews, clinical cases and clinical guidelines) regarding the studied subject. We searched for terms such as "hamartomatous polyposis syndromes", "Peutz-Jeghers syndrome", "juvenile polyposis syndrome", "juvenile polyp", and "PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome"(Cowden syndrome, Bananyan-Riley-Ruvalcaba). The present article reports the wide spectrum of disease severity and extraintestinal manifestations, with a special focus on their potential to develop colorectal and other neoplasia. In the literature, the reported colorectal cancer risk for Juvenile Polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers and PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndromes are 39%-68%, 39%-57% and 18%, respectively. A review regarding cancer surveillance recommendations is also presented.

A novel sampling method for the investigation of gut microbiota

AIM: In order to characterize the qualitative and quantitative microorganisms in different sites of the lower digestive tract (LDT) in healthy volunteers, a specific technique was developed for collecting mucous of the distal ileum, colon and rectum. METHODS: A polyethylene tube was designed to go through the colonoscope channel with a No. 8 French tube. In order to avoid internal contamination, the distal extremity was protected with a membrane of microfilm after being sterilized in ethilene oxid. To facilitate the aspiration of a precise volume, its interior was coated with silicone. One hundred microlliter (0.1 mL) sample of mucous was collected and transferred into an Eppenddorff tube containing nine hundred microlliter (0.9 mL) of VMGA-3 (viable medium of Goteborg). This procedure was repeated at each site of the LDT with a new sterilized catheter. RESULTS: All sites revealed the "non pathogenic" anaerobic bacteria Veillonella sp (average 105 colony forming units/mL-CFU/mL), allowing to conclude an environment of low oxidation-reduction potential (redox) in the LDT. It was also characterized the presence of Klebisiella sp with significant statistical predominance (SSP) in the ileum. Enterobacter sp was found with SSP in the sigmoid colon, Bacteroides sp non-pigmented (npg) and E.coli with SSP in the sigmoid colon and rectum, Enterococcus sp and Lactobacillus sp with SSP in the rectum, all in a mean concentration of 105 CFU/mL. CONCLUSION: This procedure is feasible and efficient and can point out a similar distribution of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria with the presence of biological markers of normal microbiota in the LDT.

Prostatic surgery associated acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury(AKI) is associated with extended hospital stays,high risks of in-hospital and long-term mortality,and increased risk of incident and progressive chronic kidney disease.Patients with urological diseases are a high-risk group for AKI owing to the coexistence of obstructive uropathy,older age,and preexistent chronic kidney disease.Nonetheless,precise data on the incidence and outcomes of postoperative AKI in urological procedures are lacking.Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are common diagnoses in older men and are frequently treated with surgical procedures.Whereas severe AKI after prostate surgery in general appears to be unusual,AKI associated with transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP) syndrome and with rhabdomyolysis(RM) after radical prostatectomy have been frequently described.The purpose of this review is to discuss the current knowledge regarding the epidemiology,risk factors,outcomes,prevention,and treatment of AKI associated with prostatic surgery.The mechanisms of TURP syndrome and RM following prostatic surgeries will be emphasized.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for the diagnosis of kidney lesions: A review

Traditionally, treatment of renal lesions is indicated based only on imaging features. Although controversy exists about tissue sampling from small renal masses, renal biopsy is indicated in some cases. In this review, we discuss the rationale for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) andsummarize the recent advances in this field, providing recommendations for the practicing clinician. The use of EUS-FNA appears to be a safe and feasible means of confirming or excluding malignancy. EUS allows assessment and biopsy of masses or lesions within both kidneys and related complications are rare. The main advantages of EUS-FNA are that it can be done as an outpatient procedure, with good results, minimal morbidity and a short hospital stay. Nevertheless, EUS-FNA of renal masses should be indicated only in selected cases, in which there is potential to decrease unnecessary treatment of small renal masses and to best select tumors for active surveillance and minimally invasive ablative therapies. Additionally, some renal lesions may be ineligible for EUS-guided biopsy because of anatomical limitations. EUS-FNA renal biopsy will probably be best applied to central anterior renal masses, while tumors on the posterior aspect of the kidney, percutaneous access will probably be superior.

Splenic artery ligature associated with endoscopic banding for schistosomal portal hypertension

AIM:To propose a less invasive surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension.METHODS:Ten consecutive patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and portal hypertension with a history of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from esophageal varices rupture were evaluated in this study.Patients were subjected to a small supraumbilical laparotomy with the ligature of the splenic artery and left gastric vein.During the procedure,direct portal vein pressure before and after the ligatures was measured.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed at the 30th postoperative day,when esophageal varices diameter were measured and band ligature performed.During follow-up,other endoscopic procedures were performed according to endoscopy findings.RESULTS:There was no intra-operative mortality and all patients had confirmed histologic diagnoses ofschistosomal portal hypertension.During the immediate postoperative period,two of the ten patients had complications,one characterized by a splenic infarction,and the other by an incision hematoma.Mean hospitalization time was 4.1 d(range:2-7 d).Pre-and post-operative liver function tests did not show any significant changes.During endoscopy thirty days after surgery,a decrease in variceal diameters was observed in seven patients.During the follow-up period(57-72mo),endoscopic therapy was performed and seven patients had their varices eradicated.Considering the late postoperative evaluation,nine patients had a decrease in variceal diameters.A mean of 3.9 endoscopic banding sessions were performed per patient.Two patients presented bleeding recurrence at the late postoperative period,which was controlled with endoscopic banding in one patient due to variceal rupture and presented as secondary to congestive gastropathy in the other patient.Both bleeding episodes were of minor degree with no hemodynamic consequences or need for blood transfusion.CONCLUSION:Ligature of the splenic artery and left gastric vein with supraumbilical laparotomy is a promising and less invasive method for treating presinusoidal schistosomiasis portal hypertension.

2-[18F]-fluoro-2-desoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography initial staging impacts on survival in Hodgkin lymphoma

AIM:To assess the prognostic value and risk classification improvement of metabolic staging(MS)with Initial2-[18F]-fluoro-2-desoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography(FDG-PET)in initial staging of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma(HL)patients to predict 5 years overall survival(5y-OS)and event free survival(EFS).METHODS:A total of 275 patients were included in this retrospective study,155 patients were staged with conventional anatomical staging(AS),and 120 also submitted to MS(FDG-PET).Prognostic analysis compared 5y-OS and 5y-EFS of patients staged with AS and MS.Risk-adjusted models incorporated clinical risk factors,computed tomography and FDG-PET staging.RESULTS:During the follow up of 267 evaluated patients,220(122 AS and 98 MS)achieved complete remission after first-line therapy(median follow-up:70±29 mo),treatment failure occurred in 79 patients and 34 died.The 5y-EFS for early vs advanced disease in AS patients was 79.3%and 66.7%,and 85.6%and53.6%in MS patients,respectively(P<0.01).The5y-OS for early and advanced disease with AS was91.3%and 81.5%,and 97.5%and 80.7%for patients staged with MS,respectively.Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that FDG-PET added signifcant prognostic information and improved risk prediction(P=0.02).CONCLUSION:Initial staging FDG-PET could be used as an accurate and independent predictor of OS and EFS in HL,with impact in 5y-EFS and OS.

Does bilioenteric anastomosis impair results of liver resection in primary intrahepatic lithiasis?

AIM:To evaluate the long-term results of liver resection for the treatment of primary intrahepatic lithiasis.Prognostic factors,especially the impact of bilioenteric anastomosis on recurrence of symptoms were assessed.METHODS:Forty one patients with intrahepatic stones and parenchyma fibrosis/atrophy and/or biliary stenosis were submitted to liver resection.Resection was associated with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in all patients with bilateral stones and in those with unilateral disease and dilation of the extrahepatic biliary duct(>2 cm).Late results and risk factors for recurrence of symptoms or stones were evaluated.RESULTS:There was no operative mortality.After a mean follow-up of 50.3 mo,good late results were observed in 82.9% of patients;all patients submitted to liver resection alone and 58.8% of those submitted to liver resection and hepaticojejunostomy were free of symptoms(P=0.0006).Patients with unilateral and bilateral disease showed good late results in 94.1% and 28.6%,respectively(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Recurrence of symptoms in patients with hepaticojejunostomy showed that this may not be the ideal solution.Further studies are needed to establish the best treatment for patients with bilateral stones or unilateral disease and a dilated extrahepatic duct.

Improving the heart team:An interdisciplinary team and integrated practice unit

Heart Team emerged as an important tool in the cardiovascular care,improving the efficiency of decision-making process.In addition to the benefits in patient care,it symbolizes a new culture and mindset.However,beyond the clinical condition,in low/middle-income countries other concerns arise regarding patient's background and these demands are,usually,as challenging as the medical treatment.New models have been proposed face these demands and to assure a holistic care by Integrated Practice Units.Optimization and reorganization of already existing resources and promotion of interdisciplinary and holistic care may be an effective manner to improve outcomes despite socioeconomic barriers.

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy is related to better outcomes in early adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction tumors

BACKGROUND Thoracoscopic esophagectomy is related to an extended lymphadenectomy,and a high number of retrieved lymph nodes,compared to the transhiatal approach;however,its association with an improvement in overall survival(OS)is debatable.AIM To compare thoracoscopic esophagectomy with transhiatal esophagectomy in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction(AEGJ)in terms of survival,number of lymph nodes,and complications.METHODS In total,147 patients with AEGJ were selected retrospectively from 2002 to 2019,and divided into Group A for thoracoscopic esophagectomy,and group B for transhiatal esophagectomy.OS,disease-free survival,postoperative complications,and number of nodes,were similarly evaluated.RESULTS One hundred and thirty(88%)were male;the mean age was 64 years.Group A had a mean age of 61.1 years and group B 65.7 years(P=0.009).Concerning the extent of lymphadenectomy,group A showed a higher number of retrieved lymph nodes(mean of 31.89±8.2 vs 20.73±7;P<0.001),with more perioperative complications,such as hoarseness,surgical site infections,and respiratory complications.Although both groups had similar OS rates,subgroup analysis showed better survival of transthoracic esophagectomy in patients with earlier diseases.CONCLUSION Both methods are safe,having similar morbidity and mortality rates.Transthoracic thoracoscopic esophagectomy allows a more extensive resection of the lymph nodes and may have better oncological outcomes during earlier stages of the disease.Prospective studies are warranted to better evaluate these findings.