Abstract BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is the definitive surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis and a nationwide study has suggested that cultural and socioeconomic factors play a role in the numbers of operations performed. Thus, there is a need to evaluate local data in order to understand the local epidemiology and trends in hyperhidrosis treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of sympathectomy for treating hyperhidrosis in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Population-based retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data on sympathectomies for treating hyperhidrosis between 2008 and 2018 were assessed from the database of the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 65.29% of the patients were female, 66.2% were aged between 20 and 39 years and 37.59% had registered with addresses outside São Paulo. 1,216 procedures were performed in the city of São Paulo from 2008 to 2018, and 78.45% of them were in only two public hospitals. The number of procedures significantly declined over the years (P = 0.001). 71.63% of the procedures were associated with 2-3 days of hospital stay, only 78 intensive care unit days were billed and we did not observe any intra-hospital death. CONCLUSION: The profile of patients operated on in São Paulo (young women) is similar to that described in other populations. Sympathectomy is a very safe procedure, with no mortality in our series. There was a decreasing trend in the number of surgeries over the years.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although endovascular correction is a promising perspective, the gold-standard treatment for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurisms and type-B dissections with visceral involvement remains open surgery, particularly due to its well-established long-term durability. This study aims to describe and evaluate public data from patients treated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurism in the Brazilian public health system in a 12-year interval. Methods: Data from procedures performed between 2008 and 2019 were extracted from the national public database (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, or DATASUS) using web scraping techniques. Procedures were evaluated regarding the yearly frequency of elective or urgency surgeries, in-hospital mortality, and governmental costs. All tests were done with a level of significance P<0.05. Results: A total of 812 procedures were analyzed. Of all surgeries, 67.98% were elective cases. There were 328 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 40.39%). In-hospital mortality was lower in elective procedures (26.92%) than in urgency procedures (46.74%) (P=0.008). Total governmental expenditure was $3.127.051,56 — an average of $3.774,22 for elective surgery and $3.791,93 for emergency surgery (P=0.999). Conclusion: The proportion of urgency procedures is higher than that recommended by international literature. Mortality was higher for urgent admissions, although governmental costs were equal for elective and urgent procedures; specialized referral centers should be considered by health policy makers.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although endovascular correction is a promising perspective, the gold-standard treatment for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurisms and type-B dissections with visceral involvement remains open surgery, particularly due to its well-established long-term durability. This study aims to describe and evaluate public data from patients treated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurism in the Brazilian public health system in a 12-year interval. Methods: Data from procedures performed between 2008 and 2019 were extracted from the national public database (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, or DATASUS) using web scraping techniques. Procedures were evaluated regarding the yearly frequency of elective or urgency surgeries, in-hospital mortality, and governmental costs. All tests were done with a level of significance P<0.05. Results: A total of 812 procedures were analyzed. Of all surgeries, 67.98% were elective cases. There were 328 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 40.39%). In-hospital mortality was lower in elective procedures (26.92%) than in urgency procedures (46.74%) (P=0.008). Total governmental expenditure was $3.127.051,56 — an average of $3.774,22 for elective surgery and $3.791,93 for emergency surgery (P=0.999). Conclusion: The proportion of urgency procedures is higher than that recommended by international literature. Mortality was higher for urgent admissions, although governmental costs were equal for elective and urgent procedures; specialized referral centers should be considered by health policy makers.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of varicose vein stripping in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo. METHODS: Open and anonymous data regarding varicose vein surgeries between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated from the TabNet platform of the Municipal Health Secretary of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Most patients were female and adults. A total of 66,577 varicose vein surgeries were performed in public hospitals and outpatient clinics in São Paulo, with a statistically significant increase for both unilateral (p=0.003) and bilateral (p<0.001) procedures. Since 2016, unilateral procedures have been performed more frequently than bilateral procedures. Most procedures were associated with same-day (54.8%) or next-day (32%) discharge. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0.0045%. The total amount reimbursed was $20,693,437.94, corresponding to a mean value of $310.82 per procedure. CONCLUSION: Surgeries to treat chronic vein disease totaled 66,577 in 11 years, demanding $20,693,437.94 from the public health system. The majority of treated patients were female, over 40 years of age, and local residents. Procedure rates have increased over the years. The in-hospital mortality rate was very low (0.0045%).

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the technical specificities and feasibility of simulation of minimally invasive spine surgery in live pigs, as well as similarities and differences in comparison to surgery in humans. Methods A total of 22 Large White class swine models, weighing between 60 and 80kg, were submitted to surgical simulations, performed during theoretical-practical courses for training surgical techniques (microsurgical and endoscopic lumbar decompression; percutaneous pedicular instrumentation; lateral access to the thoracic spine, and anterior and retroperitoneal to the lumbar spine, and management of complications) by 86 spine surgeons. For each surgical technique, porcine anatomy (similarities and differences in relation to human anatomy), access route, and dimensions of the instruments and implants used were evaluated. Thus, the authors describe the feasibility of each operative simulation, as well as suggestions to optimize training. Study results are descriptive, with figures and drawings. Results Neural decompression surgeries (microsurgeries and endoscopic) and pedicular instrumentation presented higher similarities to surgery on humans. On the other hand, intradiscal procedures had limitations due to the narrow disc space in swines. We were able to simulate situations of surgical trauma in surgical complication scenarios, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and excessive bleeding, with comparable realism to surgery on humans. Conclusion A porcine model for simulation of minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques had similarities with surgery on humans, and is therefore feasible for surgeon training.

ABSTRACT Objective Despite the development of endovascular procedures, open repair remains the gold standard for the treatment of aortic thoracoabdominal aneurysms and some type B dissections, with well-established good outcomes and long-term durability at high-volume centers. The present study described and analyzed public data from patients treated in the public system in a 12-year interval, in a city where more than 5 million inhabitants depend on the Public Health System. Methods Public data from procedures performed between 2008 and 2019 were extracted using web scraping techniques. The variables available in the database include sex, age, elective or emergency hospital admission, number of surgeries, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and information on reimbursement values. Results A total of 556 procedures were analyzed. Of these, 60.79% patients were men, and 41.18% were 65 years of age or older. Approximately 60% had a residential address registered in the municipality. Of all surgeries, 65.83% were elective cases. There were 178 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 32%). In the elective context, there were 98 deaths 26.78% versus 80 deaths (42.10%) in the emergency context (p=0.174). Mortality was lower in the hospitals that performed more surgeries. A total of USD 3,038,753.92 was paid, an average of USD 5,406.95 for elective surgery and USD 5,074.76 for emergency surgery (p=0.536). Conclusion Mortality was no different between groups, and hospitals with higher volume presented more favorable outcomes. Specialized referral centers should be considered by health policy makers.

Resumo Contexto O implante de filtro de veia cava é considerado um procedimento de baixa complexidade, o que pode resultar em indicação excessiva. No entanto, não é isento de complicações a curto e longo prazo. Objetivos Avaliar as taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde e a origem geográfica e mortalidade intra-hospitalar dos pacientes. Métodos Foi conduzida uma análise em um banco de dados públicos referente às taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados de 2008 a 2018 na cidade de São Paulo, utilizando o sistema de big data. Resultados Foram analisados 1.324 implantes de filtro de veia cava financiados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Identificou-se tendência de aumento da taxa de implantação até 2010 e de redução dos números após esse período. Do total de pacientes, 60,5% eram do sexo feminino; 61,75% tinham menos de 65 anos; e 34,07% possuíam endereço oficial em outra cidade ou estado. A taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 7,4%. Conclusões Observamos aumento das taxas de implante de filtro de veia cava até 2010 e redução das taxas após esse período, o que coincide com o ano em que a organização norte-americana Food and Drug Administration publicou uma recomendação para melhor avaliar as indicações de filtros.

Abstract Background Vena cava filter implantation is considered a simple procedure, which can lead to overuse and over-indication. It is nevertheless associated with short and long-term complications. Objectives The goals of this study were to evaluate rates of vena cava filter implantation conducted by Brazil’s Unified Public Health System, analyzing in-hospital mortality and migration of patients from other cities seeking medical attention in São Paulo. Methods This study analyzed all vena cava filter procedures conducted from 2008 to 2018 in the city of São Paulo and registered on the public database using a big data system to conduct web scraping of publicly available databases. Results A total of 1324 vena cava filter implantations were analyzed. 60.5% of the patients were female; 61.7% were under 65 years old; 34.07% had registered addresses in other cities or states; and there was a 7.4% in-hospital mortality rate. Conclusions We observed an increase in the rates of use of vena cava filters up to 2010 and a decrease in rates from that year onwards, which coincides with the year that the Food and Drug Administration published a recommendation to better evaluate vena cava filter indications.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of varicose vein stripping in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo. METHODS: Open and anonymous data regarding varicose vein surgeries between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated from the TabNet platform of the Municipal Health Secretary of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Most patients were female and adults. A total of 66,577 varicose vein surgeries were performed in public hospitals and outpatient clinics in São Paulo, with a statistically significant increase for both unilateral (p=0.003) and bilateral (p<0.001) procedures. Since 2016, unilateral procedures have been performed more frequently than bilateral procedures. Most procedures were associated with same-day (54.8%) or next-day (32%) discharge. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0.0045%. The total amount reimbursed was $20,693,437.94, corresponding to a mean value of $310.82 per procedure. CONCLUSION: Surgeries to treat chronic vein disease totaled 66,577 in 11 years, demanding $20,693,437.94 from the public health system. The majority of treated patients were female, over 40 years of age, and local residents. Procedure rates have increased over the years. The in-hospital mortality rate was very low (0.0045%).

Abstract BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is the definitive surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis and a nationwide study has suggested that cultural and socioeconomic factors play a role in the numbers of operations performed. Thus, there is a need to evaluate local data in order to understand the local epidemiology and trends in hyperhidrosis treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of sympathectomy for treating hyperhidrosis in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Population-based retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data on sympathectomies for treating hyperhidrosis between 2008 and 2018 were assessed from the database of the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 65.29% of the patients were female, 66.2% were aged between 20 and 39 years and 37.59% had registered with addresses outside São Paulo. 1,216 procedures were performed in the city of São Paulo from 2008 to 2018, and 78.45% of them were in only two public hospitals. The number of procedures significantly declined over the years (P = 0.001). 71.63% of the procedures were associated with 2-3 days of hospital stay, only 78 intensive care unit days were billed and we did not observe any intra-hospital death. CONCLUSION: The profile of patients operated on in São Paulo (young women) is similar to that described in other populations. Sympathectomy is a very safe procedure, with no mortality in our series. There was a decreasing trend in the number of surgeries over the years.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the laparoscopic skills of medical students and identify personal characteristics in terms of greater easiness in performing laparoscopic surgical procedures. Methods This study included medical students in the 6th semester of a Medical School in Brazil who answered 10 questions concerning their habits and characteristics. A laparoscopic platform and an abdominal synthetic model were used to assess surgical skills comprising the three following surgical steps: to pass the needle through the trocar and to place it in the laparoscopic needle holder, to perform a laparoscopic simple stitch in synthetic liver parenchyma and, to perform a laparoscopic surgical knot. The duration of the activity was limited to four minutes and the procedure was monitored by a laparoscopic surgeon. Results The study included 50 students. Of these, 18% completed the three surgical stages. Steps 1 and 2 were completed by 94% and 88% of students, respectively. No statistically significant variables were found when characteristics of the groups with and without success in the three stages were compared. The group that finished the activity had a faster time completing step 2 than the group that failed (mean time of 115.3 seconds against 157.8 seconds, p=0.03). Conclusion The minority of students could complete effectively all three surgical steps. No personal traits related to greater surgical skill were identified.

Resumo Contexto A doença arterial periférica (DAP) é uma doença com alta morbidade global, afetando mais de 200 milhões de pessoas. Objetivos Neste estudo, analisamos o tratamento cirúrgico para DAP no sistema público de saúde do Brasil no período de 12 anos, com base em dados publicamente disponíveis. Métodos O estudo foi conduzido a partir da análise de dados disponíveis na plataforma do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), do Ministério da Saúde, avaliando a distribuição da técnica cirúrgica utilizada, a mortalidade e o custo ao longo dos anos. Resultados Um total de 129.424 procedimentos foram analisados (para claudicantes e isquemia crítica, em proporção desconhecida). A maiora dos procedimentos foi via endovascular (65,49%), com tendência de aumento nessa desproporção (p < 0,001). Houve 3.306 mortes intra-hospitalares (mortalidade de 2,55%) com menor mortalidade no grupo endovascular (1,2% vs. 5,0%; p = 0,008). O investimento governamental total para esses procedimentos foi de US$ 238.010.096,51, e os procedimentos endovasculares foram significativamente mais caros que a cirurgia aberta convencional (US$ 1.932,27 vs. US$ 1.517,32; p = 0,016). Conclusões No sistema público de saúde brasileiro, as revascularizações de membros inferiores ocorreram com frequência crescente entre 2008 e 2019. Os procedimentos endovasculares foram mais comuns e relacionados a menor mortalidade intra-hospitalar, mas a maiores custos.

Abstract Background Worldwide, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disorder with high morbidity, affecting more than 200 million people. Objectives Our objective was to analyze surgical treatment for PAD provided on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System over 12 years using publicly available data. Methods The study was conducted with analysis of data available on the Brazilian Health Ministry’s database platform, assessing distributions of procedures and techniques over the years and their associated mortality and costs. Results A total of 129,424 procedures were analyzed (performed either for claudication or critical ischemia, proportion unknown). The vast majority of procedures were endovascular (65.49%) and this disproportion exhibited a rising trend (p<0.001). There were 3,306 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 2.55%), with lower mortality in the endovascular group (1.2% vs. 5.0%, p=0.008). The overall governmental expenditure on these procedures was U$ 238,010,096.51, and endovascular procedures were on average significantly more expensive than open surgery (U$ 1,932.27 vs. U$ 1,517.32; p=0.016). Conclusions Lower limb revascularizations were performed on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System with gradually increasing frequency from 2008 to 2019. Endovascular procedures were vastly more common and were associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates, but higher procedure costs.

Resumo Contexto No Brasil, a mortalidade por aneurisma de aorta aumentou 16,8% de 1990 a 2015. São Paulo é a maior cidade do Brasil, e cerca de 5 milhões de pessoas dependem do sistema público de saúde. Objetivos Análise epidemiológica das cirurgias do aneurisma de aorta abdominal na cidade de São Paulo. Métodos As cirurgias para correção do aneurisma de aorta infrarrenal realizadas no período de uma década (de 2008 a 2017) foram estudadas utilizando-se plataformas publicamente disponíveis do Sistema Único de Saúde e do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Resultados Foram analisados 2.693 procedimentos, entre os quais 66,73% eram endovasculares. Entre os pacientes, houve predominância do sexo masculino (78,7%) e daqueles com 65 anos ou mais (70,7%). Um total de 64,02% eram admissões hospitalares eletivas. Ocorreram 288 óbitos hospitalares (mortalidade: 10,69%). A mortalidade durante a internação foi menor para cirurgia endovascular do que para cirurgia aberta tanto no contexto eletivo (4,13% versus 14,42%) quanto urgente (9,73% versus 27,94%) (p = 0,019). O maior volume (n = 635) apresentou menor mortalidade intra-hospitalar (3,31%). Foi pago um total de $24.835.604,84, sendo uma média de $2.318,63 para cirurgia abertura eletiva, $3.420,10 para cirurgia abertura de emergência, $12.157,35 para cirurgia endovascular eletiva e $12.969,12 para cirurgia endovascular na urgência. Os custos dos procedimentos endovasculares foram estatisticamente superiores aos valores pagos para as cirurgias abertas (p < 0,001). Conclusões Foram realizadas duas vezes mais cirurgias endovasculares do que abertas, as quais apresentaram menor tempo de internação e menor mortalidade.

Abstract Background From 1990 to 2015, mortality from aortic aneurysms increased 16.8% in Brazil. São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and about 5 million people depend on the public health system there. Objectives To conduct an epidemiological analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries in the city of São Paulo. Methods Infra-renal aortic aneurysm procedures performed over a decade (from 2008 to 2017) were studied using publicly-available platforms from the Unified Health System and DATASUS. Results 2693 procedures were analyzed; 66.73% were endovascular; 78.7% of patients were male; 70.7% were aged 65 years or more; 64.02% were elective hospital admissions. There were 288 in-hospital deaths (mortality: 10.69%). In-hospital mortality was lower for endovascular surgery than for open surgery; both for elective (4.13% versus 14.42%) and urgent (9.73% versus 27.94%) (p = 0.019) admissions. The highest volume hospital (n = 635) had the lowest in-hospital mortality (3.31%). USD 24,835,604.84 was paid; an average of $ 2,318.63 for elective open, $ 3,420.10 for emergency open, $ 12,157.35 for elective endovascular and $ 12,969.12 for urgent endovascular procedures. Endovascular procedure costs were statistically higher than the values paid for open surgeries (p <0.001). Conclusions Endovascular surgeries were performed twice as often as open surgeries; they had shorter hospital stays and lower mortality.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study examines the changes in anxiety and depression scores of 84 patients subjected to aortic or iliac aneurysm correction with no previous psychiatric history. METHODS: Patients were referred to the evaluation using the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories no more than 3 days before surgery (i.e., preoperative [Pre-Op]), 30 days after revascularization (i.e., Early postoperative [PO]), and at least 6 months after revascularization (i.e., Late PO). RESULTS: Mean anxiety scores declined from baseline at both the Early (mean difference: 2.75, p<0.001) and Late PO (mean difference: 2.74, p=0.001). The depression levels showed no significant variation in either evaluation (Early PO; mean difference: −0.84, p>0.05, Late PO: 0.87, p=0.05). A more severe degree of anxiety at baseline was related to better anxiety results both in the Early PO (p=0.041) and Late PO (p=0.008). An endovascular technique was related to the improvement in depression symptoms in the Early PO (p=0.01) but the worsening of the symptoms in the Late PO (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Patients subjected to aortoiliac aneurysm corrections have a higher incidence of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Anxiety symptoms, but not the depressive ones, improved considerably following the successful treatment. The formal psychiatric evaluation may be beneficial for patients with less improvement in the symptom.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of signs of impending rupture (SIR) in asymptomatic patients with abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms, and to evaluate whether these signs were associated with rupture in asymptomatic patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with abdominal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms identified on computed tomography (CT) over a 10-year period in a single center. The CT scans were reviewed by two reviewers, and patients with SIR were assigned to one of three groups: (1) early symptomatic (ES), (2) late symptomatic (LS), and (3) always asymptomatic (AA). The four main SIR described in the literature were investigated: 1) crescent sign, 2) focal wall discontinuity of circumferential calcifications, 3) aortic bulges or blebs, and 4) aortic draping. RESULTS: From a total of 759 aortic and iliac aneurysm reports on 2226 CT scans, we identified 41 patients with at least one SIR, and a prevalence of 4.14% in asymptomatic patients. Focal wall discontinuity of circumferential calcifications was the most common sign, and it was present in 46.3% of these patients (19/41); among these, 26 were repaired (ES: 9, LS: 2, AA: 15). Eleven asymptomatic patients underwent follow-up CT. The aneurysm increased in size in 6 of the 11 (54.5%) patients, and three ruptured (all with discontinuity of calcifications), one of which had no increase in diameter. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of focal wall discontinuity of circumferential calcifications was the most common SIR. There was a prevalence of all signs in less than 5% of asymptomatic patients. In unrepaired patients, the signs could be observed on follow-up CT scans with an increase in aneurysm size, indicating that the presence of SIR alone in the absence of other clinical factors or aneurysm characteristics is an insufficient indication for surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) represent one-third of the hospitalizations for aortic diseases. The prevalence rate depends on the definition of the normal size of the aorta, which is quite variable, depending on the population studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the thoracic aorta of Brazilian smokers, identifying the normal size of the aorta, presence of anatomical variations, and prevalence of TAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 711 patients underwent radiological evaluation with low-dose computed tomography (CT) from January 2013 to July 2014 with the initial objective of lung nodule tracking. Two examiners evaluated these images, and measurements of maximum and serial diameters were performed manually in true orthogonal planes. Serial diameter measurements were taken every 2 cm in the ascending aorta and 5 cm in the descending segment. We searched for anatomical variations, aortic arch type, and correlations between anatomical characteristics, sex, body mass index, and body surface area (BSA). RESULTS: The maximum diameters were 33.61 (standard deviation [SD] 3.88), 28.66 (SD 2.89), and 28.36 mm (SD 3.09) for the ascending segment, aortic arch, and descending segment, respectively. A positive correlation was found between male sex, age, and BSA and aorta diameter. The bovine arch was the most common variation of the aortic arch type, and we found one (0.14%) case of TAA. CONCLUSIONS: This study with low-dose CT allowed the determination of the mean diameters of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta in Brazilian smokers and TAA prevalence.