Abstract The present study aims to verify the effect of ozone gas (OZY® System) and high frequency electric pulse (Endox® System) systems on human root canals previously contaminated with Escherichia colilipopolysaccharide (LPS). Fifty single-rooted teeth had their dental crowns removed and root lengths standardized to 16 mm. The root canals were prepared up to #60 hand K-files and sterilized using gamma radiation with cobalt 60. The specimens were divided into the following five groups (n = 10) based on the disinfection protocol used: OZY® System, one 120-second-pulse (OZY 1p); OZY® System, four 24-second-pulses (OZY 4p); and Endox® System (ENDOX). Contaminated and non-contaminated canals were exposed only to apyrogenic water and used as positive (C+) and negative (C-) controls, respectively. LPS (O55:B55) was administered in all root canals except those belonging to group C-. After performing disinfection, LPS samples were collected from the canals using apyrogenic paper tips. Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) was used to quantify the LPS levels, and the data obtained was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The disinfection protocols used were unable to reduce the LPS levels significantly (p = 0.019). The use of ozone gas and high frequency electric pulses was not effective in eliminating LPS from the root canals.

OBJECTIVES: The anesthetic gas xenon is reported to preserve hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia. However, the effects of the gas during shock are unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Xe on hemodynamic stability and tissue perfusion in a canine model of hemorrhagic shock. METHOD: Twenty-six dogs, mechanically ventilated with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 21% and anesthetized with etomidate and vecuronium, were randomized into Xenon (Xe; n = 13) or Control (C; n = 13) groups. Following hemodynamic monitoring, a pressure-driven shock was induced to reach an arterial pressure of 40 mmHg. Hemodynamic data and blood samples were collected prior to bleeding, immediately after bleeding and 5, 20 and 40 minutes following shock. The Xe group was treated with 79% Xe diluted in ambient air, inhaled for 20 minutes after shock. RESULT: The mean bleeding volume was 44 mL.kg-1 in the C group and 40 mL.kg-1 in the Xe group. Hemorrhage promoted a decrease in both the cardiac index (p<0.001) and mean arterial pressure (p<0.001). These changes were associated with an increase in lactate levels and worsening of oxygen transport variables in both groups (p<0.05). Inhalation of xenon did not cause further worsening of hemodynamics or tissue perfusion markers. CONCLUSIONS: Xenon did not alter hemodynamic stability or tissue perfusion in an experimentally controlled hemorrhagic shock model. However, further studies are necessary to validate this drug in other contexts.

CONTEXTO: Apesar de reconhecer que o número apresentado pelo mutirão de cirurgias eletivas não refletisse inteiramente a realidade, foi significativa a implementação financeira do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, bem como o aumento de cirurgias de varizes, após criação do Fundo de Ações Estratégias e Compensação (FAEC). OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da aplicação do investimento financeiro do Ministério da Saúde no mutirão de cirurgias de varizes. MÉTODOS:Foi realizado um estudo transversal de natureza retrospectiva, utilizando informações do banco de dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Foram incluídas na pesquisa todas autorizações de internação hospitalar das cirurgias de varizes de membros inferiores pagas pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, no período de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2004. RESULTADOS: Em 1998, antes da implementação do mutirão de cirurgias eletivas foram realizadas 23.531 cirurgias de varizes e investidos R$ 5.819.033,27. Após a criação do FAEC, foram realizadas 457.026 cirurgias de varizes de membros inferiores, no período de 1999 a 2004, e foram investidos R$ 187.760.196,81 com média de R$ 31.293.336,13 por ano. CONCLUSÃO: O investimento feito pelo Ministério da Saúde durante o programa de mutirões de cirurgias eletivas pelo FAEC, proporcionou aumento significativo do número de cirurgias de varizes em todo Brasil.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the fact that the number of surgeries presented by the elective surgery task force did not entirely reflect the reality, it is possible to declare that the financial implementation of the Brazilian Ministry of Health has been significative, as well as the increasing number of varicose vein surgeries, especially after the creation of the Strategic Actions and Compensation Fund (FAEC). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of financial investment in the Ministry of Health campaign for varicose vein surgery. METHODS: A transversal study of retrospective nature has been conducted, using information available at the Data Processing Department of the National Healthcare System database (DATASUS). All the authorization of hospital internment from the inferior member varicose vein surgeries, financed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health from January 1998 to December 2004, have been included in the research. RESULTS: In 1998, before the implementation of the elective surgery task force, 23,531 varicose vein surgeries have been performed, and R$ 5,819,033.27 invested. After the creation of the FAEC, 457,026 inferior member varicose vein surgeries have been performed from 1999 to 2004, and R$ 187,760,196.81 were invested with an average of R$ 31,293,336.13 per year. CONCLUSION: Thus, it is possible to conclude that the bigger investment from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, represented by the implementation of the elective surgery task forces by the FAEC, has been responsible for increasing the number of varicose vein surgeries all around Brazil.

CONTEXTO: Traumatismos ou tromboses que possam evoluir com alterações da drenagem venosa do membro superior, dependendo do território interrompido, podem ter como mecanismo compensatório uma via colateral de drenagem sem que haja prejuízo para o retorno venoso desse membro. A veia braquial comum apresenta-se como uma alternativa plausível e pouco conhecida. OBJETIVO: Descrever a anatomia da veia braquial comum como via de drenagem colateral no membro superior. MÉTODOS: Utilizamos 30 cadáveres do sexo masculino, cujos membros superiores estavam articulados ao tronco, não importando a raça, formolizados e mantidos em conservação com solução de formol a 10%. Utilizamos como critérios de exclusão cadáveres com um dos membros desarticulado ou alterações deformantes em topografia das estruturas estudadas. RESULTADOS: A veia braquial comum esteve presente em 73% (22/30) dos cadáveres estudados, sendo que em 18% (04/22) dos casos drenou para a veia basílica no seguimento proximal do braço e em 82% (18/22), para a veia axilar. CONCLUSÃO: A veia braquial comum está frequentemente presente e, na maior parte das vezes, desemboca na veia axilar.

BACKGROUND: Trauma and thrombosis that can result in changes in the venous drainage of the upper limb, depending on the vascular territory interrupted, may have as a compensatory mechanism a collateral drainage channel that prevents damage to the venous return of that limb. The common brachial vein is a plausible and little known collateral channel for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomy of the common brachial vein as a collateral drainage channel of the upper limb. METHODS: We have dissected 30 cadavers of people of different races, whose upper limbs were articulated to the trunk and preserved in a 10% formaldehyde solution. The exclusion criteria were disarticulated limbs or deformities in the topography of the studied structures. RESULTS: The common brachial vein was present in 73% (22/30) of the cadavers dissected. The common brachial vein drained into the axillary vein in 82% (18/22) and into the basilic vein in the proximal segment of the upper limb in 18% of the cadavers (04/22). CONCLUSION: The common brachial vein is frequently present, and, in most cases, it drains into the axillary vein.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using endovascular repair to treat penetrating arterial injuries with covered stents. Feasibility was examined according to the circumferential extent of the injury. INTRODUCTION: Surgical trauma often increases the risk of major morbidity and mortality associated with vascular injury, and endovascular repair has many advantages in such situations. METHODS: Twenty white male domestic pigs weighing 28-38 kg with controlled vascular injuries were divided into four equal groups according to the circumferential extent of their vascular lesion (i.e., no lesion, lesion <50%, lesion >50%, and complete lesion). The left common carotid artery was dissected with proximal and distal control, and this procedure was followed by controlled sectioning of the arterial wall. Local manual compression was applied for 10 min and was followed by endovascular repair with the placement of a 5x50 mm VIABHAN TM covered stent using the femoral approach. We also monitored additional variables, such as the duration of the procedures (the mean was 56.3 ± 19.1 min), ultrasound parameters (e.g., maximum arterial diameter, peak systolic and diastolic velocity, and resistance index), arteriography findings, and fluctuations in vital signs (e.g., cardiac output, arterial pressure, and central venous pressure). RESULTS: The experimental procedure was found to be feasible and reproducible. Repairs were successful in all animals in the control (no lesion) and <50% lesion groups. Success was also achieved in four out of five pigs in the >50% group and in one pig in the complete lesion group. DISCUSSION: The endovascular repair of an arterial injury is possible, but success depends on the circumferential extent of the arterial lesion. The present experimental model, which involved endovascular techniques, highlighted important factors that must be considered in future studies involving similar animals and materials.

Com o objetivo de contribuir à pesquisa em cirurgia experimental, este artigo apresenta uma análise dos principais parâmetros exigidos a serem observados pelos comitês internacionais e nacionais de ética e bem-estar animal, cujo cumprimento é pré-requisito para publicação em periódicos arbitrados de circulação internacional. A padronização da genética, do estado sanitário e do ambiente das espécies de animais Mus musculus (camundongos), Rattus norvegicus (ratos), Oryctolagus cuniculus (coelhos) e Sus scropha domesticus (suínos), a observação de condições adequadas no transporte, aclimatação, enriquecimento do ambiente, treinamento de técnicos em experimentação animal, gestão de informação, biossegurança, dieta, anestesia, cuidados pós-operatórios, analgesia e eutanásia, aliados a projetos de pesquisa bem planejados são apresentados como etapas fundamentais para a obtenção de resultados com alto grau de acuidade, alto nível de reprodutibilidade e precisão.

This study aimed to present the general principles for experiments performed on laboratory animals as required by international and national ethical committees on animal welfare. Compliance to these principles is a prerequisite for publication in international journals. Details of genetic, sanitary and environmental standards, transportation, acclimation, environmental enrichment, appropriate education and training of all those involved in handling of live animals, information management strategy, biossecurity, diet, anesthesia, analgesia, postoperative care and euthanasia for Mus musculus (mice), Rattus norvegicus (rat), Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit) and Sus scropha domesticus (pig) combined with well planned biomedical research are fundamental to increase the accuracy, reproducibility and precision of the experimental results.

PRUPOSE: Bacterial translocation has been shown to occur in critically ill patients after extensive trauma, shock, sepsis, or thermal injury. The present study investigates mesenteric microcirculatory dysfunctions, the bacterial translocation phenomenon, and hemodynamic/metabolic disturbances in a rat model of intestinal obstruction and ischemia. METHODS: Anesthetized (pentobarbital 50 mg/kg, i.p.) male Wistar rats (250-350 g) were submitted to intestinal obstruction or laparotomy without intestinal obstruction (Sham) and were evaluated 24 hours later. Bacterial translocation was assessed by bacterial culture of the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), liver, spleen, and blood. Leukocyte-endothelial interactions in the mesenteric microcirculation were assessed by intravital microscopy, and P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expressions were quantified by immunohistochemistry. Hematocrit, blood gases, lactate, glucose, white blood cells, serum urea, creatinine, bilirubin, and hepatic enzymes were measured. RESULTS: About 86% of intestinal obstruction rats presented positive cultures for E. coli in samples of the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and 57% had positive hemocultures. In comparison to the Sham rats, intestinal obstruction induced neutrophilia and increased the number of rolling (~2-fold), adherent (~5-fold), and migrated leukocytes (~11-fold); this increase was accompanied by an increased expression of P-selectin (~2-fold) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (~2-fold) in the mesenteric microcirculation. Intestinal obstruction rats exhibited decreased PaCO2, alkalosis, hyperlactatemia, and hyperglycemia, and increased blood potassium, hepatic enzyme activity, serum urea, creatinine, and bilirubin. A high mortality rate was observed after intestinal obstruction (83% at 72 h vs. 0% in Sham rats). CONCLUSION: Intestinal obstruction and ischemia in rats is a relevant model for the in vivo study of mesenteric microcirculatory dysfunction and the occurrence of bacterial translocation. This model parallels the events implicated in multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) and death.

Sepsis is a syndrome related to severe infections. It is defined as the systemic host response to microorganisms in previously sterile tissues and is characterized by end-organ dysfunction away from the primary site of infection. The normal host response to infection is complex and aims to identify and control pathogen invasion, as well as to start immediate tissue repair. Both the cellular and humoral immune systems are activated, giving rise to both anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory responses. The chain of events that leads to sepsis is derived from the exacerbation of these mechanisms, promoting massive liberation of mediators and the progression of multiple organ dysfunction. Despite increasing knowledge about the pathophysiological pathways and processes involved in sepsis, morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. A large number of immunomodulatory agents have been studied in experimental and clinical settings in an attempt to find an efficacious anti-inflammatory drug that reduces mortality. Even though preclinical results had been promising, the vast majority of these trials actually showed little success in reducing the overwhelmingly high mortality rate of septic shock patients as compared with that of other critically ill intensive care unit patients. Clinical management usually begins with prompt recognition, determination of the probable infection site, early administration of antibiotics, and resuscitation protocols based on "early-goal" directed therapy. In this review, we address the research efforts that have been targeting risk factor identification, including genetics, pathophysiological mechanisms and strategies to recognize and treat these patients as early as possible.

CONTEXTO: Boa parte das insuficiências venosas é devida à incompetência de suas válvulas. Como uma das alternativas cirúrgicas, temos os enxertos venosos valvulados no segmento insuficiente. OBJETIVO: Descrever a anatomia das válvulas da veia braquial comum. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 30 cadáveres do sexo masculino, independentemente de raça, que tinham seus membros superiores articulados ao tronco. Os mesmos estavam formolizados e foram mantidos em conservação com solução de formol a 10%. Utilizamos como critério de exclusão a existência de desarticulação de um dos membros ou de alterações deformantes em topografia das estruturas estudadas. RESULTADOS: O número total de válvulas identificadas foi de 28 em membro superior direito e de 33 em membro superior esquerdo, sendo 15 no segmento proximal direito e 21 no segmento proximal esquerdo. Mais de 91% das válvulas foram do tipo bicúspide e parietal. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a veia braquial comum apresenta freqüentemente válvulas do tipo bicúspide e parietal.

BACKGROUND: A great part of venous insufficiencies is due to valve incompetence. Valved venous grafts in the insufficient segment are a surgical alternative. OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomy of the common brachial vein valves. METHODS: We used 30 male corpses of varied races with their upper limbs articulated to the trunk. They were preserved in formol and fixed in a 10% formol solution. Exclusion criteria were presence of disarticulation in one limb or deforming alterations in the topography of assessed structures. RESULTS: The total number of identified valves was 28 in the right arm and 33 in the left arm, 15 of them in the right proximal segment and 21 in the left proximal segment. More than 91% of the valves were bicuspid and parietal. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the common brachial vein often presents bicuspid and parietal valves.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos hemodinâmicos sistêmicos e esplâncnico da expansão volêmica inicial com SSH em modelo de choque hemorrágico controlado. MÉTODOS: Dez cães foram submetidos a sangramento controlado (20 ml/min) até uma pressão arterial média de 40±5 mmHg (PAM). Após 30 minutos de choque, receberam 4 ml/Kg de SSH em 5 minutos e posteriormente observados sem intervenções adicionais durante 60 minutos. As variáveis hemodinâmicas sistêmicas foram obtidas de um cateter arterial e de um cateter de Swan-Ganz, enquanto as regionais através da cateterização da veia porta, fluxômetro ultrassônico na veia porta e um tonômetro na cavidade. A oferta, taxa de extração e consumo esplâncnico de oxigênio, pH intramucoso e os gradientes veno-arterial, porta-arterial e mucosa-arterial da pCO2 (Dap-a pCO2, Dvp-a pCO2 e Dt-a pCO2, respectivamente), foram calculados. RESULTADOS: A hemorragia (29,8±2,4 ml/Kg) reduziu a pressão arterial média (125±6 para 42±1 mmHg), o DC (1,9±0,2 para 0,6±0,1 L/min) e o fluxo porta (504±73 para 126±12 ml/min), enquanto elevou o Dap-a pCO2 (5,3±0,8 para 19,9±1,6 mmHg), Dvp-a pCO2 (5,4±1,4 para 22,6±2,1 mmHg) e o Dt-a pCO2 (6,1±1,1 para 43,8±7,5 mmHg). A infusão de SSH resultou em recuperação parcial dos fluxos sistêmico e porta. Atenuou os gradientes de CO2 com menor impacto sobre o Dt-a pCO2. CONCLUSÃO: A SSH promoveu benefícios parciais na perfusão sistêmica e esplâncnica, os quais foram especialmente limitados na microcirculação regional, como demonstrado pelo Dt-a pCO2. Além disso, as variáveis sistêmicas e regionais dependentes de oxigênio, não refletem a adequação da perfusão da mucosa gástrica, enfatizando a importância da monitorização deste território - pela tonometria - durante os estados de choque.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of SSH resuscitation on systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic variables in an experimental model of controlled hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Ten mongrel dogs were bled (20 ml/min) to a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40±5 mmHg. After 30 minutes of shock, animals received SSH infused in 5-minute and they were observed for 60 minutes thereafter. Systemic hemodynamics were evaluated through a Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters while gastrointestinal tract perfusion by a catheter inside the portal vein, an ultrasonic flowprobe around portal vein blood flow (PVBF) and a gastric tonometer. Splanchnic oxygen delivery and consumption, intramucosal pH and veno-arterial, portal-arterial and mucosal-arterial pCO2-gradients (Dap-a pCO2, Dvp-a pCO2 e Dt-a pCO2, respectively) were assessed. RESULTS: Hemorrhage (29.8±2.4ml/Kg) induced significant decreases in MAP (125±6 to 42±1 mmHg), in CO (1.9±0.2 to 0.6±0.1 L/min), and PVBF (504±73 to 126±12 ml/min) while significant increases were detected in Dap-a pCO2 (5.3±0.8 to 19.9±1.6 mmHg) Dvp-a pCO2 (5.4±1.4 to 22.6±2.1 mmHg) and Dt-a pCO2 (6.1±1.1 to 43.8±7.5 mmHg). SSH infusion promoted only partial benefits in systemic and splanchnic blood flows. Reduced pCO2 gradients but fewer effects in Dt-a pCO2 were observed. CONCLUSION: The SSH infusion promoted partial systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic benefits. Those benefits were especially poor at the splanchnic microcirculation, as evaluated by Dt-a pCO2. In addition, systemic and regional oxygen-derived variables do not reflect the regional microcirculation disturbances. Gastrointestinal tonometry clearly represents a useful tool for monitoring splanchnic perfusion in patients in hemodynamic shock.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o atendimento pré-hospitalar de crianças e adolescentes em São Paulo, avaliar o banco de dados das Unidades de Suporte Básico (UR) e Avançado (USA) e propor um método simples e eficaz para a avaliação da gravidade do trauma pediátrico na fase pré-hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Uma única central do Corpo de Bombeiros (COBOM) coordena todo o atendimento pré-hospitalar em São Paulo. Dois bancos de dados foram analisados para crianças de 0 a 18 anos de idade, entre 1998 e 2001: um das Unidades de Suporte Básico de Vida (UR- bombeiros) e outra de Unidades de Suporte Avançado (USA - médico e bombeiros). Neste período, o Serviço de Atendimento Médico de Urgência do Estado de São Paulo (SAMU) forneceu relatórios médicos de 604 vítimas, enquanto os bombeiros forneceram relatórios de 12.761 vitimas (UR+USA). A classificação do trauma pré-hospitalar pediátrico é baseada na condição fisiológica, mecanismo de trauma e lesões anatômicas das vítimas. A classificação do trauma pré-hospitalar pediátrico foi comparada à Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) e ao Escore de Trauma Revisado (RTS). RESULTADOS: Houve predominância do sexo masculino em ambos bancos de dados. O mecanismo de trauma mais freqüente foi relacionado a transporte, seguido de quedas. A mortalidade foi 1,6% nas Unidades Básicas e 9,6% no Suporte Avançado. Houve associação entre a classificação do trauma pré-hospitalar pediátrico, Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) e ao Escore de Trauma Revisado (RTS) GCS e RTS (p<0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A classificação do trauma pré-hospitalar pediátrico é um método simples e confiável para a avaliação, triagem e recrutamento de recursos para o atendimento pré-hospitalar do trauma pediátrico.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the pediatric prehospital care in São Paulo, the databases from basic life support units (BLSU) and ALSU, and to propose a simple and effective method for evaluating trauma severity in children at the prehospital phase. METHODS: A single firemen headquarter coordinates all prehospital trauma care in São Paulo city. Two databases were analyzed for children from 0 to 18 years old between 1998 and 2001: one from the Basic Life Support Units (BLSU - firemen) and one from the Advanced Life Support Units (ALSU - doctor and firemen). During this period, advanced life support units provided medical reports from 604 victims, while firemen provided 12.761 reports (BLSU+ALSU). Pre-Hospital Pediatric Trauma Classification is based on physiological status, trauma mechanism and anatomic injuries suggesting high energy transfer. In order to evaluate the proposed classification, it was compared to the Glasgow Coma Score and to the Revised Trauma Score. RESULTS: There was a male predominance in both databases and the most common trauma mechanism was transport related, followed by falls. Mortality was 1.6% in basic life support units and 9.6% in ALSU. There was association among the proposed score, the Glasgow Coma Score and to the Revised Trauma Score (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Pre-Hospital Pediatric Trauma Classification is a simple and reliable method for assessment, triage and recruitment of pediatric trauma resources.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer, através de um estudo caso-controle, a mortalidade precoce e sobrevida a longo prazo após o tratamento cirúrgico do aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico comparada aos respectivos controles, submetidos ao reparo do aneurisma da aorta abdominal não roto, operado eletivamente. PACIENTES E MÉTODO: De Janeiro de 1992 a Dezembro de 2002, 465 pacientes foram submetidos ao reparo de aneurismas da aorta abdominal. Destes, 13 eram aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico (2,8%), que foram comparados a 26 controles nos quais a correção eletiva do aneurisma ocorreu imediatamente antes e após a correção do aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico. RESULTADO: Não houve diferença entre os grupos com relação a idade, sexo, fatores de risco para aterosclerose, doenças associadas e cardiopatia isquêmica. Pacientes com aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico apresentaram maior incidência de dor lombar (92,3% versus 3,9%; p<0,001); febre e perda ponderal foram detectados em cinco (38,5%) dos pacientes com aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico e em nenhum dos controles (p=0,0022). A média de transfusão de hemácias também maior no aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico (1516±697 vs. 773±463 ml (p=0,0003). As complicações pós-operatórias foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A mortalidade precoce foi de 7,7% nos pacientes com aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico e 0% nos controles. A sobrevida em cinco anos foi significativamente menor nos portadores de aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico (68.4%) do que no grupo controle (84,4%, p=0,04). CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que o aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico representa um desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico, que pode ser adequadamente conduzido com mortalidade precoce e taxas de complicações semelhantes ao aneurisma da aorta abdominal eletivo; entretanto, a mortalidade tardia do aneurisma da aorta abdominal roto contido crônico é maior.

OBJECTIVE: To establish, in a case-control study, the early mortality and long-term survival after surgical correction of sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm, compared to controls who underwent standard, nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1992 to December 2002, 465 patients underwent infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Of those, 13 had sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm (2.8%). These cases were compared to 26 controlsin which surgical repair was performed immediately preceding or succeeding each one of the sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries. RESULTS: Age, sex, risk factors for atherosclerosis, associated disease, and cardiac ischemia were similar between groups. Patients with sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm presented a higher incidence of lumbar pain than controls (92.3% versus 3.9%; P < .001); fever and weight loss were detected in 5 (38.5%) patients with SAAA and in none of controls (P = .0022). Mean red blood cell transfusion was greater for sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm than controls (1,516 ± 697 vs. 773 ± 463 mL (P = .0003). Postoperative complications were similar between groups. Early mortality was 7.7% for sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm and 0% for controls. Five-year survival was significantly lower for sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm (68.4%) than for controls (84.4%, P = .04). CONCLUSION: We conclude that sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm presents diagnostic and surgical challenges that can be adequately managed, achieving early postoperative mortality and complication rates that are similar to standard abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, patients with sealed rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm present higher mortality in the long term compared with patients having standard abdominal aortic aneurysm.

CONTEXTO: A fístula e/ou o abscesso colecistocutâneo são complicações extremamente raras da colecistopatia crônica calculosa. Nos últimos 50 anos, menos de 20 casos de fistulas colecistocutâneas foram descritos na literatura médica. Nós descrevemos um caso de cálculos biliares no tecido subcutâneo como rara apresentação clínica de fístula biliar. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente de 81 anos deu entrada no serviço de emergência apresentando um grande abscesso na região de hipocôndrio direito. A tomografia computadorizada de abdome demonstrou a presença de dois cálculos no tecido celular subcutâneo e a comunicação da vesícula biliar com a parede abdominal. O paciente foi submetido a uma colecistectomia e drenagem externa do abscesso da parede abdominal. Este caso demonstra que um alto grau de suspeita desta rara complicação da colecistopatia crônica calculosa é fundamental para o correto diagnóstico pré-operatório, e a tomografia computadorizada deve ser realizada rotineiramente em todos os casos de abscessos de parede abdominal de origem indeterminada.

CONTEXT: Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous abscess or fistula is an extremely uncommon complication secondary to cholecystitis. Over the past 50 years fewer than 20 cases of spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistulas have been described in the medical literature. We here report a case of subcutaneous gallstone as a rare clinical presentation of the already uncommon cholecystocutaneous fistula. CASE REPORT: An 81-year-old man presented with a large subcutaneous abscess in the right subcostal area with surrounding cellulitis and crepitus. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed two subcutaneous gallstones and communication between the abscess and the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy was performed and the abdominal wall abscess was drained externally. This case report demonstrates that maintaining a high degree of suspicion of this rare entity is helpful in achieving correct preoperative diagnosis, and that computed tomography scan should be performed in all cases of unexplained abdominal wall suppuration or cellulitis.

O transplante intestinal tem sido utilizado como uma alternativa promissora no tratamento da síndrome do intestino curto em pacientes adultos e pediátricos. Vários modelos experimentais foram desenvolvidos com a finalidade de testar diferentes soluções de preservação. No entanto são modelos complexos que levam, muitas vezes, um tempo prolongado para a sua realização. OBJETIVO: Neste estudo, desenvolvemos um modelo alternativo de autotransplante intestinal in situ analisando os efeitos hemodinâmicos e metabólicos iniciais da perfusão hipotérmica com solução de Ringer lactato. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados seis cães machos sem raça definida (22,8±1,4 Kg); as variáveis hemodinâmicas sistêmicas foram obtidas por meio de cateter arterial e pelo Swan-Ganz. A perfusão do trato gastrintestinal foi avaliada pela medida do fluxo sangüíneo da veia mesentérica superior (FSVMS, fluxômetro ultra-sônico), e através da medida do pCO2 intestinal (pCO2-int e pCO2-gap, tonometria a gás). Inicialmente realizamos a secção do jejuno proximal e íleo distal e isolamento dos vasos mesentéricos com fitas cardíacas, todo o tecido nervoso e linfático em torno do eixo vascular intestinal foi seccionado. O território mesentérico foi perfundido através da artéria mesentérica superior por 30 minutos com 1000 ml de Ringer lactato a 4ºC, e o efluente drenado através de uma pequena incisão na veia mesentérica superior. Os animais foram observados por 120 min após o inicio do período de reperfusão. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas da aorta abdominal, para análise gasométrica. RESULTADOS: A perfusão intestinal hipotérmica induziu uma redução do FSMVS apenas nos primeiros 30 min de reperfusão (587±70,9 para 398±102,8 ml/min) e um aumento do pCO2-gap (2±2,7 para 29,8±6 mmHg). Não foram observadas alterações significativas em relação a parâmetros hemodinâmicos e metabólicos sistêmicos (PAM, DC, pH, excesso de bases, hemoglobina) assim como na temperatura central. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo de autotransplante intestinal é extremamente útil e de fácil execução, para a avaliação inicial de soluções de preservação e/ou drogas antioxidantes, comumente utilizadas no transplante de intestino.

Intestinal transplantation is an acceptable therapy for children and adults with short bowel syndrome. The great majority of large animal experimental models of intestinal transplantation are complex and take a lot of time to be performed. In this study, we developed an alternative model of intestinal autotransplantation and evaluate the initial impact of isolated hypothermic intestinal perfusion with Ringer’s lactate solution on hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Six pentobarbital anesthetized mongrel dogs were used in this study (22,8±1,4 Kg). Systemic hemodynamic were evaluated through a Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters; while gastrointestinal tract perfusion by superior mesenteric vein blood flow (SMVBF, ultrasonic flowprobe) and intestinal mucosal pCO2 (pCO2-int and pCO2-gap, gas tonometry). Initially, the proximal jejunum and distal ileum were transected; at the basis of the mesentery excepting the superior mesenteric artery and vein. The small bowel was then perfused in situ with cold (4ºC) Ringer’s lactate solution for 30 minutes, with an automatic pump. The animals where observed for 120 minutes after reperfusion. Blood samples were collected from thoracic aorta for gas blood analysis. RESULTS: Hypothermic intestinal perfusion induced a partial reduction on SMVBF, only in the first 30 min of reperfusion (398±102,8 to 587±70,9 ml/min) and an increase on pCO2-gap (2±2,7 to 29,8±6 mmHg). During the experimental protocol, we did not observe significant alterations on systemic hemodynamic or metabolic parameters (MAP, CO, pH, base excess and hemoglobin levels) as well as on central core temperature. CONCLUSION: The model of intestinal transplantation is very useful to test different preservation solutions and/or antioxidants drugs, which are often used in clinical small bowel transplantation.