ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Despite major advances in the clinical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, some patients still present with acute colitis and require emergency surgery. AIMS: To evaluate the risk factors for early postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for acute colitis in the era of biologic therapy. METHODS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease admitted for acute colitis who underwent total colectomy at a single tertiary hospital from 2012 to 2022 were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Patients with more severe complications (CDC≥2) were compared with those with less severe complications (CDC<2). RESULTS: A total of 46 patients underwent surgery. The indications were: failure of clinical treatment (n=34), patients’ or surgeon's preference (n=5), hemorrhage (n=3), toxic megacolon (n=2), and bowel perforation (n=2). There were eight reoperations, 60.9% of postoperative complications classified as CDC≥2, and three deaths. In univariate analyses, preoperative antibiotics use, ulcerative colitis diagnosis, lower albumin levels at admission, and preoperative hospital stay longer than seven days were associated with more severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery for acute colitis was associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. Preoperative use of antibiotics, ulcerative colitis, lower albumin levels at admission, and delaying surgery for more than seven days were associated with more severe early postoperative complications. The use of biologics was not associated with worse outcomes.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Apesar dos enormes avanços no tratamento das doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), alguns pacientes apresentam quadros de colite aguda refratária ao tratamento clínico, e necessitam de cirurgia de urgência. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os fatores de risco associados com complicações pós-operatórias precoces nos pacientes com colite aguda submetidos a colectomia na era das terapias biológicas. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com DII admitidos com colite aguda grave submetidos a colectomia total em hospital terciário no período de 2012 a 2022 foram analisados. As complicações pós-operatórias foram graduadas de acordo com a classificação Clavien-Dindo (CCD). Pacientes com complicações mais graves (CCD≥2) foram comparados com os menos graves (CCD<2). RESULTADOS: Foram submetidos a cirurgia 46 pacientes. As indicações foram: falha do tratamento conservador (n=34), preferência do paciente ou do cirurgião (n=5), hemorragia (n=3), megacólon tóxico (n=2) e perfuração intestinal (n=2). Reoperação foi necessária em oito pacientes, 60,9% tiveram complicações classificadas como CCD≥2, e três pacientes foram a óbito. Análise univariada identificou que uso de antibióticos no pré-operatório, diagnóstico de colite ulcerativa, hipoalbuminemia na admissão e período de internação maior que sete dias foi associada à complicações pós-operatória mais graves. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com colite aguda submetidos a cirurgia de urgência apresentaram alta taxa de complicações pós-operatórias. Uso pré-operatório de antibióticos, diagnóstico de retocolite ulcerativa, hipoalbuminemia na admissão e retardo na operação por mais que sete dias, esteve associado a complicações pós-operatórias mais graves. Uso de biológicos não se associou a piores desfechos.

Abstract Introduction: Crohn’s disease (CD) has been related to an increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders and suicide risk (SR). However, the nature of their relationship still deserves clarification. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients with CD, and to investigate the relationship between MDD and CD outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving CD patients was performed. CD activity was evaluated by the Harvey-Bradshaw index and CD phenotype by the Montreal classification. The presence of MDD was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire score-9 (PHQ-9). Sociodemographic data and other characteristics were retrieved from electronic medical records. Results: 283 patients with CD were included. The prevalence of MDD was 41.7%. Females had a risk of MDD 5.3 times greater than males. CD disease duration was inversely correlated with MDD severity. Individuals with active CD were more likely to have MDD (OR = 796.0; 95% CI 133.7‒4738.8) than individuals with CD remission. MDD was more prevalent in inflammatory behavior (45.5%) and there were no statistical differences regarding the disease location. 19.8% of the sample scored positive for SR. Conclusion: The present results support data showing an increased prevalence of MDD in individuals with CD. Additionally, it indicates that MDD in CD might be related to the activity of CD. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results and to address whether MDD leads to CD activity, CD activity leads to MDD or both ways are existent.

Abstract Background & Aims Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is the main risk factor for anal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Whether this occurs due to a higher frequency of human papillomavirus remains unclear. The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HPV and high-risk HPV in patients with perianal Crohn's disease, compared with a control group. Methods The authors conducted a two-center cross-sectional study in which perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease patients were matched for age and sex with patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease. Biopsy specimens were obtained from fistulous tracts during examination under anesthesia for both groups. The samples were sent for HPV detection and genotyping using the INNO-LiPA test. Results A total of 108 subjects (54 in each group) were recruited. The perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group showed a statistically higher frequency of HPV in the fistulous tract than the control group (33.3% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.046). Separate analyses on high-risk types demonstrated that there was a numerically higher frequency of HPV in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group. In multiple logistic regression, patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease were found to have a chance of HPV 3.29 times higher than patients without Crohn's disease (OR = 3.29; 95% CI 1.20‒9.01), regardless of other variables. The types most frequently identified in the perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease group were HPV 11 (12.96%) and HPV 16 (9.26%). Conclusion Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with a higher prevalence of HPV than in patients with anorectal fistula without Crohn's disease.

Abstract Introduction Right colon diverticulitis (RCD) is an uncommon condition in Western populations, but its incidence has increased over the last decades. Due to its rarity, many surgeons are unfamiliar with this disease, which is often mistakenly diagnosed as acute appendicitis. The lack of data about the diagnosis and management of RCD in Western populations makes it difficult to establish the optimal therapeutic strategy. Objective To evaluate the outcomes of patients treated for acute RCD and to propose a therapeutic algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients treated for acute RCD between 2008 and 2020 by a single experienced colorectal surgeon was performed. Results In total, 12 patients were identified, 8 male and 4 female subjects, with a mean age of 49.6 years; 9 of these patients were of Western origin. The median follow-up time was of 49 months (range: 12 to 144 months). The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (100%) and fever (66%). Diagnostic errors in imaging exams occurred in four patients. A total of 6 patients were managed clinically, and the other 6 underwent surgical treatment with right colectomy (n = 5) and total colectomy (n = 1), 2 via laparoscopy and 4 through a laparotomy. The anatomopathological examination confirmed RCD in all operated patients. There was no incidental finding of neoplasia and there were no deaths during the study period. Conclusion Uncomplicated RCD can be treated conservatively with a high success rate. Recurrent cases that impact quality of life or complicated forms of RCD should undergo surgical treatment, preferably through a right laparoscopic colectomy. The authors present a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm to facilitate the diagnosis and to guide the management of this uncommon disease.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: A hemorroidopexia mecênica tem sido amplamente utilizada para o tratamento de hemorroidas, mas as preocupações com complicações e recorrências após seguimento prolongado ainda estão em debate. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os resultados a muito longo prazo com a técnica hemorroidopexia mecênica. MÉTODOS: O hemorroidopexia mecênica foi realizada em 155 pacientes entre 2000 e 2003, e os primeiros resultados já foram publicados. No presente estudo, avaliamos os mesmos pacientes após um seguimento muito longo. Os dados foram coletados em relação às complicações tardias, taxa e tempo de recorrência e grau de satisfação do paciente. RESULTADOS: De um total de 155 pacientes, 98 pacientes foram avaliados: 59 (60,2%) foram entrevistados por telefone e 39 (39,8%) foram avaliados por consulta ambulatorial. O seguimento médio foi de 193 meses (variação: 184-231), 52 eram do sexo feminino, 52 eram hemorroidas grau III e 46 eram grau IV. A recorrência foi maior no grau IV (26,1%) do que no grau III (7,7%) (p=0,014). A recorrência após seguimento prolongado foi observada em 16 pacientes (16,3%) e 11 (11,2%) necessitaram de reoperações. As complicações foram: plicomas (3,1%), subestenose anal (2,1%) e incontinência fecal (2,1%). Após seguimento prolongado, 82,5% dos pacientes ficaram muito satisfeitos ou satisfeitos com a cirurgia. CONCLUSÕES: O hemorroidopexia mecênica é um tratamento seguro e eficaz para a doença hemorroidária graus III e IV. A recorrência é maior para hemorroidas grau IV e pode ocorrer até 9 anos de seguimento. As reoperações foram infrequentes e há um alto grau de satisfação do paciente associado a esta técnica.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has been widely used for the treatment of hemorrhoids, but concerns about complications and recurrences after prolonged follow-up are still under debate. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the very long-term results of the stapled hemorrhoidopexy technique. METHODS: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy was performed on 155 patients between 2000 and 2003, and the early results have already been published. In this study, we evaluated the same patients after a very long follow-up. Data were collected with regard to late complications, rate and timing of recurrences, and patients’ degree of satisfaction. RESULTS: From a total of 155 patients, 98 patients were evaluated: 59 (60.2%) were interviewed by telephone and 39 (39.8%) were evaluated by outpatient consultation. The mean follow-up was 193 months (range: 184-231), 52 were female, 52 were grade III hemorrhoids, and 46 were grade IV. Recurrence was higher in grade IV (26.1%) than in grade III (7.7%) (p=0.014). Recurrence after prolonged follow-up was seen in 16 patients (16.3%) and 11 (11.2%) required reoperations. The complications were skin tags (3.1%), anal sub-stenosis (2.1%), and fecal incontinence (2.1%). After a prolonged follow-up, 82.5% of patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a safe and effective treatment for hemorrhoidal disease grades III and IV. Recurrence is higher for grade IV hemorrhoids and may occur up to 9 years of follow-up. Reoperations were infrequent and there is a high patient’s degree of satisfaction associated with this technique.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as distâncias entre as inserções femorais do tendão poplíteo (TP) e o ligamento colateral lateral (LCL) através de dissecções de espécimes cadavéricos em uma população miscigenada. Métodos: Cadáveres frescos foram dissecados. Foram registrados dados antropométricos e foi avaliada a distância da origem do TP e do LCL na região femoral com auxílio de paquímetro digital. Foi também avaliado o diâmetro do footprint femoral do TP e do LCL. Resultados: Foram dissecados 11 joelhos não pareados, 8 homens e 3 mulheres com uma idade média de 71,5 ± 15,2 anos, pesando em média 57,2 ± 15,6 kgs e com altura de 170,5 ± 8,2 cm. A distância do centro do footprint femoral do LCL e do TP foi de 10,0 ± 2,4 mm. As distâncias das bordas mais próximas entre si e das mais distantes entre si foram de 3,1 ± 1,1 mm e 16,3 ± 2,4 mm, respectivamente. Conclusão: A distância entre o ponto central do TP e do LCL em nossa população mais miscigenada demonstrou um valor absoluto menor do que é, frequentemente, relatado na literatura. Uma reconstrução ligamentar do CPL com túneis separados para o LCL e o TP pode não ser tecnicamente possível para indivíduos de qualquer população. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos diagnósticos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyse the distances between the femoral insertions of the popliteus tendon (PT) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) through dissections of cadaveric specimens in a mixed population. Methods: Fresh cadavers were dissected, and the anthropometric data of all specimens were recorded. The distances from the origin of the PT to the LCL in the femoral region and the diameter of each structure were measured using a digital calliper. Results: In total, 11 unpaired knees were dissected, eight men and three women, with an average age of 71.5 ± 15.2 years, weight of 57.2 ± 15.6 kg, and a mean height of 170.5 ± 8.2 cm. The distance from the center of the femoral footprint of the LCL to the PT was 10.0 ± 2.4 mm. The distances between the edges closest to each other and those more distant from each other were 3.1 ± 1.1 mm and 16.3 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The distance between the midpoints of the PT and the LCL in our mixed population is smaller than the distances often reported in the literature. PLC reconstruction with separate tunnels for the LCL and PT may not be technically possible for individuals of any population. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic studies.

OBJECTIVES: Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), all health services worldwide underwent profound changes, leading to the suspension of many elective surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of elective colorectal surgery during the pandemic. METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study. Patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic between March 10 and September 9, 2020, were included. Patient data on sex, age, diagnosis, types of procedures, hospital stay, mortality, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) preoperative screening tests were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 103 colorectal surgical procedures were planned, and 99 were performed. Four surgeries were postponed due to positive preoperative screening for SARS-CoV-2. Surgical procedures were performed for colorectal cancer (n=90) and inflammatory bowel disease (n=9). Laparoscopy was the approach of choice for 43 patients (43.4%), 53 (53.5%) procedures were open, and 3 (3%) procedures were robotic. Five patients developed COVID-19 in the postoperative period, and three of them died in the intensive care unit (n=3/5, 60% mortality). Two other patients died due to surgical complications unrelated to COVID-19 (n=2/94, 2.1% mortality) (p<0.01). Hospital stay was longer in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection than in those without (38.4 versushttps://doi.org/10.3 days, respectively, p<0.01). Of the 99 patients who received surgical care during the pandemic, 94 were safely discharged (95%). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that elective colorectal surgical procedures may be safely performed during the pandemic; however, preoperative testing should be performed to reduce in-hospital infection rates, since the mortality rate due to SARS-CoV-2 in this setting is particularly high.

RESUMO Racional: O tratamento da doença hemorroidária pela técnica de THD (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization) é minimamente invasivo e tem se mostrado seguro e eficiente. No entanto, dados sobre a recorrência e complicações (dor e tenesmo) no pós-operatório são muito variáveis. Objetivo: Avaliar se a desarterialização e mucopexia seletiva, sem o uso de Doppler, é suficiente para o controle de sintomas e se a morbidade pós-operatória é menor com esta técnica. Métodos: Vinte pacientes foram tratados com essa técnica e avaliados sobre controle de sintomas, morbidade pós-operatória e recorrência. Resultados: Controle do prolapso e sangramento foi observado em todos pacientes (n=20). Complicações pós-operatórias foram: tenesmo (n=2), trombose hemorroidária externa (n=2), retenção urinária (n=2). Após um seguimento médio de 13 meses, nenhuma recorrência foi detectada. Conclusões: O procedimento de desarterialização e mucopexias seletivas é seguro e eficiente em termos de controle do prolapso e sangramento. Esta técnica resulta em menor morbidade cirúrgica, uma vez que diminui o número de suturas no canal anal, resultando em menos dor e tenesmo pós-operatório. Para este procedimento o uso de ultrassom Doppler é desnecessário, o que diminui custos e o torna mais atrativo do ponto de vista econômico.

ABSTRACT Background: Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for hemorrhoidal disease, but reports regarding recurrence and postoperative complications (pain and tenesmus) vary significantly. Aim: To evaluate if selective dearterialization and mucopexy at the symptomatic hemorrhoid only, without Doppler guidance, achieves adequate control of the prolapse and bleeding and if postoperative morbidity is reduced with this technique. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with grade II and III hemorrhoids were treated with this new approach and were evaluated for postoperative complications and recurrence. Results: Control of prolapse and bleeding was achieved in all patients (n=20). Postoperative complications were tenesmus (n=2), external hemorrhoidal thrombosis (n=2) and urinary retention (n=2). After a mean follow-up of 13 months no recurrences were diagnosed. Conclusion: Selective dearterialization and mucopexy is safe and achieves adequate control of prolapse and bleeding and, by minimizing sutures in the anal canal, postoperative morbidity is diminished. Doppler probe is unnecessary for this procedure, which makes it also more interesting from an economic perspective.

RESUMO Racional: A desarterialização hemorroidária transanal associada à mucopexia (THD-M) tem sido indicada como alternativa à hemorroidectomia convencional para o tratamento da doença hemorroidária nos seus variados graus. No entanto, ainda hoje existe controvérsia com relação a sua eficácia para os graus mais avançados. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da técnica THD-M para tratamento doença hemorroidária e comparar os resultados imediatos e tardios nos diferentes graus. Método: Entre julho de 2010 e setembro de 2015, 705 pacientes consecutivos com hemorroidas sintomáticas de graus II, III e IV foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico pelo método THD-M e acompanhados por um período médio de 21 meses (12-48). As operações foram realizadas por seis cirurgiões com experiência em cirurgia colorretal, em três estados brasileiros. Resultados: Complicações intraoperatórias foram observadas em 1,1% dos casos, incluindo quatro casos de hematoma, dois de laceração da mucosa e dois de sangramento. Todos foram controlados com sutura hemostática. As complicações pós-operatórias mais comuns foram: tenesmo transitório (21,4%); dor (7,2%); prolapso mucoso ou hemorroidário (6,4%); plicoma residual (5,6%); impactação fecal (3,2%); trombose hemorroidária (2,8%); sangramento (2,1%); fissura anal (0,7%) e abscesso anal (0,3%). Não houve casos de complicações severas ou mortalidade perioperatória. A recorrência do prolapso e sangramento foi maior na doença hemorroidária grau IV do que nos graus III e II (26.54% e 7.96% vs. 2.31% e 0.92% vs. 2.5% e 1.25%; p<0,001), respectivamente. Conclusão: O método THD-M é seguro e efetivo no tratamento da doença hemorroidária nos graus II e III com baixo índice de complicações. No entanto, para a doença hemorroidária de grau IV essa técnica está relacionada com maior índice de recorrência e complicações tardias, não devendo ser considerada opção eficiente neste estágio de doença.

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

OBJECTIVE: Stoma prolapse is an intussusception of the bowel through a mature stoma. It can be caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure, excessively mobile bowel mesentery and/or a large opening in the abdominal wall at the time of stoma formation. It occurs predominantly in loop stomas, and correction methods include conservative modalities, such as local reduction to the prolapsed bowel, or surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with the treatment of colostomy prolapse using a novel mesh strip technique. METHODS: Between February 2009 and March 2018, ten consecutive male patients underwent correction of colostomy prolapse under local anesthesia by peristomal placement of a polypropylene mesh strip. Operation time, short- and long-term complications, and recurrence rates were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: No postoperative complications, morbidity or mortality were observed. The median length of the prolapse ranged from 6-20 cm, and the median operative time was 30 minutes. The median duration of follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-89 months). No relapse, mesh strip extrusion, local infection or granuloma formation were found. CONCLUSION: A simple, fast, and low-cost operation under local anesthesia using a mesh strip is a valuable option to treat colostomy prolapse.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar os resultados de longo prazo da correção de fissuras anais crônicas em pacientes sem hipertonia anal usando a técnica de anoplastia com o plicoma sentinela. Métodos: estudo prospectivo de pacientes com fissura anal crônica refratários ao tratamento conservador e sem hipertonia anal, submetidos à operação de anoplastia com utilização do plicoma anal para cobrir a área cruenta. Foi confirmada a ausência de hipertonia anal através do toque retal e da eletromanometria. Foi aplicado um questionário de dor visual e o escore de incontinência fecal da Cleveland Clinic, antes e após a cirurgia. Resultados: quinze pacientes com fissura anal crônica foram acompanhados por um período médio de 29 meses (12 a 56). A média de idade foi 41 anos (29 a 69) e a duração dos sintomas variou entre seis meses e cinco anos. A cicatrização ocorreu entre três e seis semanas para 13 pacientes (86,7%). Os outros dois pacientes foram submetidos a desbridamento e nova anoplastia, com sucesso. Em nenhum paciente ocorreu necrose do plicoma ou estenose anal. O escore de incontinência anal não se alterou após o procedimento e todos os pacientes referiram melhora da dor. Após 12 meses de seguimento, nenhum paciente apresentou recorrência ou incontinência anal e 93,3% (14/15) dos pacientes responderam estar muito satisfeitos. Conclusão: fissurectomia e anoplastia com o uso do plicoma sentinela é uma técnica segura que resulta em melhora da dor sem alterações da continência fecal e com altas taxas de satisfação.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the long-term results of the correction of chronic anal fissures (CAF) in patients without anal hypertonia using the technique of anoplasty with skin tag flap. Methods: we conducted a prospective study of CAF patients refractory to conservative treatment without anal hypertonia, subjected to anoplasty with the use of anal plicoma to cover the bloody area. We confirmed the absence of anal hypertonia through rectal exam and electromanometry. We applied a visual pain questionnaire and the Cleveland Clinic fecal incontinence score before and after surgery. Results: we followed 15 patients with chronic anal fissure for a mean period of 29 months (12-56). The mean age was 41 years (29-69) and the duration of symptoms ranged from six months to five years. Healing occurred between three and six weeks for 13 patients (86.7%). The other two patients underwent debridement and new anoplasty successfully. No plicoma necrosis or anal stenosis occurred in any patient. The anal incontinence score did not change after the procedure, and all patients reported reduced pain. After 12 months of follow-up, none of the patients presented recurrence or anal incontinence, and 93.3% (14/15) of the patients were very satisfied. Conclusion: fissurectomy and anoplasty with the use of sentinel plie is a safe technique that results in improvement in pain without change of fecal continence and with high satisfaction rates.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os consensos de sociedade de especialistas e guidelines publicados sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento da constipação intestinal crônica em adultos, e confrontar com a experiência dos autores, a fim de padronizar condutas que auxiliem o raciocínio e a tomada de conduta do médico. Foi realizada busca na literatura científica, mais precisamente nas bases de dados eletrônicos Medline/Pubmed, Scielo, EMBASE and Cochrane, tendo sido utilizado os seguintes descritores: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation, Roma IV and surgical treatment. Pode-se concluir que constipação crônica é condição comum em adultos, ocorrendo com maior frequência em idosos e mulheres. Identificar com precisão a fisiopatologia presente na constipação crônica funcional é complexo, requerendo a realização de testes funcionais nos casos refratários. O entendimento da motilidade intestinal e do mecanismo defecatório é importante para o manejo da constipação intestinal crônica funcional, sendo o tratamento cirúrgico indicado para casos selecionados, onde à abordagem medicamentosa não surtiu efeito. As informações contidas neste artigo de revisão devem ser submetidas à avaliação e à crítica do médico especialista responsável pela conduta a ser tomada, frente à sua realidade e ao estado clínico de cada paciente.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the published professional association guidelines regarding the current diagnosis and treatment of functional intestinal constipation in adults and to compare those guidelines with the authors' experience to standardize actions that aid clinical reasoning and decision-making for medical professionals. A literature search was conducted in the Medline/PubMed, Scielo, EMBASE and Cochrane online databases using the following terms: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation, Roma IV and surgical treatment. Conclusively, chronic intestinal constipation is a common condition in adults and occurs most frequently in the elderly and in women. Establishing a precise diagnosis of the physiopathology of functional chronic constipation is complex and requires many functional tests in refractory cases. An understanding of intestinal motility and the defecatory process is critical for the appropriate management of chronic functional intestinal constipation, with surgery reserved for cases in which pharmacologic intervention has failed. The information contained in this review article is subject to the critical evaluation of the medical specialist responsible for determining the action plan to be followed within the context of the conditions and clinical status of each individual patient.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar dados demográficos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro, que promove cobertura de saúde universal a toda população, e discutir os problemas revelados, com particular ênfase nos cuidados cirúrgicos. Métodos: os dados foram obtidos a partir dos bancos de dados de saúde pública da Demografia Médica, do Conselho Federal de Medicina, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística e do Cadastro Nacional dos Estabelecimentos de Saúde. A densidade e a distribuição do trabalho médico e dos estabelecimentos de saúde foram avaliadas, e as regiões geográficas foram analisadas usando o índice de desigualdade público-privado (IDPP). Resultados: o Brasil tem, em média, dois médicos por 1000 habitantes, que são desigualmente distribuídos no país. Tem 22.276 cirurgiões gerais certificados (11,49 por 100.000 habitantes). Existem no país 257 escolas de medicina, com 25.159 vagas por ano, e apenas cerca de 13.500 vagas de residência médica. O índice de desigualdade público-privado é de 3,90 para o país e varia de 1,63 no Rio de Janeiro até 12,06 na Bahia. Conclusão: uma parte significativa da população brasileira ainda encontra muitas dificuldades no acesso ao tratamento cirúrgico, particularmente na região norte e nordeste do país. Médicos e, particularmente, cirurgiões são escassos no sistema público de saúde e incentivos devem ser criados para assegurar uma força médica igual no setor público e no setor privado em todas as regiões do país.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze demographic Brazilian medical data from the national public healthcare system (SUS), which provides free universal health coverage for the entire population, and discuss the problems revealed, with particular focus on surgical care. Methods: data was obtained from public healthcare databases including the Medical Demography, the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and the National Database of Healthcare Establishments. Density and distribution of the medical workforce and healthcare facilities were calculated, and the geographic regions were analyzed using the public private inequality index. Results: Brazil has an average of two physicians for every 1,000 inhabitants, who are unequally distributed throughout the country. There are 22,276 board certified general surgeons in Brazil (11.49 for every 100,000 people). The country currently has 257 medical schools, with 25,159 vacancies for medical students each year, with only around 13,500 vacancies for residency. The public private inequality index is 3.90 for the country, and ranges from 1.63 in the Rio de Janeiro up to 12.06 in Bahia. Conclusions: A significant part of the local population still faces many difficulties in accessing surgical care, particularly in the north and northeast of the country, where there are fewer hospitals and surgeons. Physicians and surgeons are particularly scarce in the public health system nationwide, and better incentives are needed to ensure an equal public and private workforce.