ABSTRACT Background: the barriers to implement emergency laparoscopy in public teaching hospitals involve issues such as resident learning curves and resource costs and availability. This study was designed to describe the issues facing the implementation of laparoscopic approach for acute appendicitis over 15 years in a single academic center in Brazil. Materials and Methods: retrospective study of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy from 2004 to 2018. Clinical data were compared to four major actions implemented in the emergency surgical service: minimally invasive surgery training for residents (2007), laparoscopic stump closure using metal clips (2008), 24/7 availability of laparoscopic instruments for emergency surgeries (2010), and third-party contract for maintenance of the laparoscopic instruments and implementation of polymeric clips for stump closure (2013). We evaluated the increase in laparoscopic appendectomy after the implementation of those major changes. Results: we identified 1168 appendectomies during the study period, of which 691 (59%), 465 (40%), and 12 (1%) were open, laparoscopic, and converted, respectively. The implementation of the major changes since 2004 resulted in an increase of laparoscopic appendectomies from 11% in 2007 to 80% in 2016. These actions were decisive in the widespread use of laparoscopy for acute appendicitis (p<0.001). The standardization of the hem-o-lok clip in the treatment of the appendiceal stump made the procedure more feasible, reducing the surgical time using laparoscopic access and increasing the team’s adherence, so that this became the route of choice in about 85% of cases in the period from 2014 to 2018, 80% performed by 3rd year resident physicians. No intraoperative complications were noted related to laparoscopic access, even in more complicated appendicitis. There was no mortality reported, no reoperations or readmissions to hospital during a 30-day postoperative period. Conclusion: the development of a feasible, reproducible, and safe technical standardization, associated with continuous cost optimization, are the cornerstones for a consistent and viable change in the current practice for appendectomies in middle and lower-income countries.

RESUMO Introdução: o presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar as medidas que permitiram a implementação de cirurgias laparoscópicas de urgência em hospital de ensino médico ao longo de 15 anos. Método: foi realizado estudo clínico retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos a Apendicectomia aberta ou Laparoscópica no período de 15 anos (2004 a 2018). Os dados clínicos foram confrontados com as ações implementadas: 1) Treinamento dos médicos residentes em cirurgia minimamente invasiva (2007); 2) Uso do endoclip para tratamento do coto apendicular (2008); 3) Disponibilidade do set de laparoscopia em tempo integral para o Pronto Socorro (2010); e, 4) Terceirização do serviço de manutenção do set e materiais de vídeo e uso do endoclip Hem-o-lok® para tratamento do coto apendicular (2013). Resultados: foram realizadas 1.168 cirurgias, das quais 691 abertas (59%), 465 laparoscopias (40%) e 12 convertidas (1%). O treinamento da equipe levou à realização de 11% de laparoscopia (2007) e o uso do endoclip para tratamento do coto apendicular para 16% (2008). Com a disponibilização do set de vídeo em tempo integral para o Pronto Socorro a partir de 2011, houve aumento de laparoscopias para 26% (2012). A padronização do endoclip Hem-o-lok® no tratamento do coto apendicular aumentou para 85% e a partir de 2016 foi realizado em todos os casos, sem complicação relacionada ao seu uso, mesmo em apendicites complicadas. Conclusão: o emprego da laparoscopia no serviço de urgência envolve além do treinamento da equipe cirúrgica, investimento tecnológico contínuo e uso de técnicas que sejam factíveis, viáveis e seguras.

RESUMO A traqueostomia percutânea tem sido considerada o método padrão atualmente, sendo a técnica guiada por broncoscopia a mais realizada. Uma alternativa segura é a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassonografia, que pode ser feita pelo próprio cirurgião, evitando-se as dificuldades logísticas de disponibilidade de um especialista em broncoscopia. Estudos comprovam que a eficácia e a segurança da técnica guiada por ultrassonografia, comparada à guiada por broncoscopia, são semelhantes. Assim, é de suma importância que os cirurgiões tenham a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassonografia como alternativa viável e benéfica em relação ao procedimento aberto. Neste artigo, descrevemos oito passos principais da realização da traqueostomia percutânea ecoguiada, destacando pontos técnicos essenciais que podem reduzir o risco de complicações do procedimento. Ainda, detalhamos alguns cuidados que devem ser observados, com o intuito de reduzir o risco de aerolização e contaminação da equipe, quando a traqueostomia percutânea é indicada no paciente com COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Percutaneous tracheostomy has been considered the standard method today, the bronchoscopy-guided technique being the most frequently performed. A safe alternative is ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, which can be carried out by the surgeon, avoiding the logistical difficulties of having a specialist in bronchoscopy. Studies prove that the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided technique are similar when compared to the bronchoscopy-guided one. Thus, it is of paramount importance that surgeons have ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy as a viable and beneficial alternative to the open procedure. In this article, we describe eight main steps in performing ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, highlighting essential technical points that can reduce the risk of complications from the procedure. Furthermore, we detail some precautions that one must observe to reduce the risk of aerosolization and contamination of the team when percutaneous tracheostomy is indicated in patients with COVID-19.

RESUMO Introdução: nas últimas décadas, tem sido difundida a técnica de tamponamento pélvico extraperitoneal, porém ainda existem poucos estudos. Decidiu-se analisar os resultados do tamponamento extraperitoneal de pelve, em pacientes com fratura pélvica e choque, com objetivo de identificar fatores preditivos de mortalidade. Métodos: foi realizada revisão do prontuário dos pacientes submetidos ao tamponamento extraperitoneal de pelve. Foram analisadas as características dos pacientes, dados do atendimento pré-hospitalar e na sala de emergência, classificação da fratura, presença de lesões associadas, exames laboratoriais e de imagem, dados relativos ao tamponamento, e outros procedimentos realizados, complicações, parâmetros hemodinâmicos e quantidade de hemoderivados transfudidos. Resultados: foram analisados os dados de 51 pacientes, com sinais de choque desde o atendimento pré-hospitalar, presença de acidose, elevado déficit de bases e lactato arterial. Houve alta prevalência de lesões graves associadas, requerendo múltiplos procedimentos cirúrgicos. A incidência de coagulopatia foi 70,58% e mortalidade 56,86%. O grupo de pacientes não sobreviventes apresentou idade e intubação orotraqueal pré-hospitalar maiores, e escores na escala de coma de Glasgow menores (p<0,05). O mesmo grupo apresentou, antes e após o tamponamento extraperitoneal de pelve, parâmetros hemodinâmicos menores de pressão arterial média, pH, déficit de bases e hemoglobina, e maior de lactato arterial (p<0,05). O grupo de pacientes não sobreviventes recebeu mais concentrados de hemácias, plasma fresco congelado e concentrado de plaquetas nas 24h seguintes ao tamponamento extraperitoneal de pelve (p<0,05). Conclusão: idade e o excesso de bases são fatores preditivos independentes de mortalidade em pacientes submetidos ao tamponamento extraperitoneal de pelve.

ABSTRACT Introduction: in recent decades, the extraperitoneal pelvic packing technique has been disseminated, but there are still few studies. Thus, it was decided to analyze the results of extraperitoneal pelvic tamponade, in patients with pelvic fracture and shock, in order to identify predictive factors for mortality. Methods: a retrospective review of medical records of patients submitted to extraperitoneal pelvic packing was conduced. We analyzed their characteristics, prehospital and emergency room data, pelvic fracture classification, associated and severity injuries, laboratory and imaging exams, data on packing, arteriography, and other procedures performed, complications, hemodynamic parameters, and amount of transfused blood products before and after packing. Results: data were analyzed from 51 patients, who showed signs of shock from prehospital care, presence of acidosis, with high base deficit and arterial lactate levels. Most patients underwent multiple surgical procedures due to severe associated injuries. The incidence of coagulopathy was 70.58%, and overall mortality was 56.86%. The group of non-surviving patients presented significantly higher age, prehospital endotracheal intubation, and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores (p<0.05). The same group presented, before and after extraperitoneal pelvic packing, significantly worse hemodynamic parameters of mean arterial pressure, pH, base deficit, hemoglobin, and arterial lactate (p<0.05). The non-surviving group received significantly more units of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets within 24 hours following extraperitoneal pelvic packing (p<0.05). Conclusion: age and base deficit are independent predictors of mortality in patients submitted to extraperitoneal pelvic packing.

RESUMO O baço é um dos órgãos mais frequentemente afetados no trauma abdominal contuso. Desde os trabalhos de Upadhyaya, o tratamento do trauma esplênico vem sofrendo importantes modificações. Atualmente, é consenso que todo trauma esplênico que se apresenta com estabilidade hemodinâmica pode ser tratado inicialmente de forma não operatória, desde que o serviço possua estrutura adequada e o paciente não apresente outras condições que indiquem exploração da cavidade abdominal. Entretanto, vários tópicos permanecem controversos no que diz respeito ao tratamento não operatório (TNO) do trauma esplênico. A angioembolização esplênica é uma ferramenta de grande auxílio no TNO, porém não há consenso sobre suas indicações precisas. Não há uma definição na literatura a respeito da forma como o TNO deve ser conduzido, tampouco a respeito da periodicidade do controle hematimétrico, do limiar de transfusão que define falha do TNO, de quando iniciar a profilaxia contra tromboembolismo venoso, da necessidade de exames de imagem de controle, do período de repouso no leito, e de quando é seguro indicar alta hospitalar. O objetivo desta revisão é analisar de forma crítica a literatura a respeito desse tema, expondo o estado da arte no TNO do trauma esplênico.

ABSTRACT The spleen is one of the most frequently affected organs in blunt abdominal trauma. Since Upadhyaya, the treatment of splenic trauma has undergone important changes. Currently, the consensus is that every splenic trauma presenting with hemodynamic stability should be initially treated nonoperatively, provided that the hospital has adequate structure and the patient does not present other conditions that indicate abdominal exploration. However, several topics regarding the nonoperative management (NOM) of splenic trauma are still controversial. Splenic angioembolization is a very useful tool for NOM, but there is no consensus on its precise indications. There is no definition in the literature as to how NOM should be conducted, neither about the periodicity of hematimetric control, the transfusion threshold that defines NOM failure, when to start venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, the need for control imaging, the duration of bed rest, and when it is safe to discharge the patient. The aim of this review is to make a critical analysis of the most recent literature on this topic, exposing the state of the art in the NOM of splenic trauma.

RESUMO A pandemia da COVID-19 tem gerado um número elevado de internações hospitalares e muitos pacientes são admitidos nas unidades de terapia intensiva para suporte ventilatório invasivo. A pneumonia viral provocada pelo Sars-cov-2 pode resultar na síndrome da disfunção respiratória aguda (SDRA) e em um tempo prolongado de ventilação mecânica, gerando uma demanda maior de traqueostomias. Diante do alto potencial de aerossolização desse procedimento, com risco de contaminação da equipe e do ambiente, é necessário criar uma padronização específica de todo o processo que envolve essa cirurgia. Este artigo visa demonstrar as principais etapas dessa padronização desenvolvida por um equipe dedicada à realização de traqueostomias em um hospital terciário dedicado ao atendimento de pacientes com suspeita ou confirmação de COVID-19.

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in a high number of hospital admissions and some of those patients need ventilatory support in intensive care units. The viral pneumonia secondary to Sars-cov-2 infection may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and longer mechanical ventilation needs, resulting in a higher demand for tracheostomies. Due to the high aerosolization potential of such procedure, and the associated risks of staff and envoirenment contamination, it is necesseray to develop a specific standardization of the of the whole process involving tracheostomies. This manuscript aims to demonstrate the main steps of the standardization created by a tracheostomy team in a tertiary hospital dedicated to providing care for patients with COVID-19.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of a PP mesh on duct deferens morphology, testicular size and testosterone levels. Methods Forty adult male rats were distributed into groups: 1) no surgery; 2) inguinotomy; 3) mesh placed on the duct deferens; and 4) mesh placed on the spermatic funiculus. After 90 postoperative days, the inguinal region was resected, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum testosterone (pg/dl). The ducts deferens were sectioned in three axial sections according to the relationship with the mesh — cranial, medial and caudal. The wall thickness and duct deferens lumen area were measured. Results The morphology of the duct deferens was preserved in all groups. The mesh placement did not alter this morphology in any of the analyzed segments. Surgery, with or without mesh placement, did not alter the morphology, wall thickness or lumen area (p>0.05). In all operated groups, serum testosterone levels were similar (p>0.05) but there was a decrease in testicle size (p<0.05). Conclusion Surgery, with or without mesh placement, did not alter the morphology of the duct deferens and, although this treatment resulted in testicular size reduction, it did not affect serum testosterone levels.

OBJECTIVES: The benefits of implementing point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency department are well established. Ideally, physicians should be taught POCUS during medical school. Several different courses have been designed for that purpose and have yielded good results. However, medical students need specifically designed courses that address the main objectives of knowledge acquisition and retention. Despite that, there is limited evidence to support knowledge retention, especially in the mid-term. The purpose of this study is to evaluate short- and mid-term knowledge retention after a student-aimed ultrasound course. METHODS: Medical students participating in a medical student trauma symposium (SIMPALT) in 2017 were included. Their profiles and baseline ultrasound knowledge were assessed by a precourse questionnaire (PRT). The same questionnaire was used one week (1POT) and three months (3POT) after the course. RESULTS: Most of the participants were 1st- to 4th- year medical students. None had prior ultrasound knowledge. They reported costs as the major barrier (65%) to enrollment in an ultrasound course. A comparison between the PRT and 1POT results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.02), while no difference was found between 1POT and 3POT (p>0.09). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the use of a tailored ultrasound course for medical students. Knowledge acquisition and mid-term retention may be achieved by this specific population.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent types of malignant neoplasms. Age is a risk factor for this disease, with 75% of cases diagnosed in patients older than 65 years. Complications such as obstruction, hemorrhage, and perforation are present in more than one-third of cases and require emergency treatment. We aim to analyze the profile of elderly patients undergoing surgery for complicated colorectal cancer, and to evaluate factors related to worse short-term prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent emergency surgical treatment for complicated colorectal cancer was performed. Demographics, clinical, radiological and histological data were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were analyzed. The median age was 72 years, and almost half (46%) of the patients were female. Obstruction was the most prevalent complication at initial presentation (72%). The most common sites of neoplasia were the left and sigmoid colon in 22 patients (32.8%), and the right colon in 17 patients (25.4%). Resection was performed in 88% of cases, followed by primary anastomosis in almost half. The most frequent clinical stages were II (48%) and III (22%). Forty-three patients (65.7%) had some form of postoperative complication. Clavien-Dindo grades 1, 2, and 4, were the most frequent. Complete oncologic resection was observed in 80% of the cases. The thirty-day mortality rate was 10.4%. Advanced age was associated with worse morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with complicated colorectal cancer undergoing emergency surgery have high morbidity and mortality rates. Advanced age is significantly associated with worse outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Intestinal obstruction has a high mortality rate when therapeutic treatment is delayed. Resuscitation in intestinal obstruction requires a large volume of fluid, and fluid combinations have been studied. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of hypertonic saline solution (HS) with pentoxifylline (PTX) on apoptosis, oxidative stress and survival rate. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to intestinal obstruction and ischemia through a closed loop ligation of the terminal ileum and its vessels. After 24 hours, the necrotic bowel segment was resected, and the animals were randomized into four groups according to the following resuscitation strategies: Ringer's lactate solution (RL) (RL-32 ml/kg); RL+PTX (25 mg/kg); HS+PTX (HS, 7.5%, 4 ml/kg), and no resuscitation (IO-intestinal obstruction and ischemia). Euthanasia was performed 3 hours after resuscitation to obtain kidney and intestine samples. A malondialdehyde (MDA) assay was performed to evaluate oxidative stress, and histochemical analyses (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling [TUNEL], Bcl-2 and Bax) were conducted to evaluate kidney apoptosis. Survival was analyzed with another series of animals that were observed for 15 days. RESULTS: PTX in combination with RL or HS reduced the MDA levels (nmol/mg of protein), as follows: kidney IO=0.42; RL=0.49; RL+PTX=0.31; HS+PTX=0.34 (p<0.05); intestine: IO=0.42; RL=0.48; RL+PTX=0.29; HS+PTX=0.26 (p<0.05). The number of labeled cells for TUNEL and Bax was lower in the HS+PTX group than in the other groups (p<0.05). The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was lower in the HS+PTX group than in the other groups (p<0.05). The survival rate on the 15th day was higher in the HS+PTX group (77%) than in the RL+PTX group (11%). CONCLUSION: PTX in combination with HS enhanced survival and attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, when combined with RL, PTX did not reduce apoptosis or mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar epidemiologia, características anatômicas, manejo e prognóstico de pacientes críticos com fraturas de esterno. Métodos: análise retrospectiva de pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) de emergências cirúrgicas e trauma de um centro de trauma Tipo III em São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados: foram admitidos 1552 pacientes traumatizados no período de janeiro de 2012 a abril de 2016. Desses, 439 apresentavam trauma torácico e 13 apresentavam fratura de esterno, configurando 0,9% das admissões de trauma e 3% dos traumas torácicos. Desses pacientes, três apresentavam tórax instável e dois foram submetidos à conduta cirúrgica para fixação da fratura. A mortalidade de pacientes com fratura de esterno foi de 29% (três pacientes). Em um dos óbitos pôde-se atribuir a fratura do esterno como contribuinte principal para o desfecho. Conclusão: a fratura de esterno foi diagnosticada em 0,9% dos pacientes críticos vítimas de trauma em UTI especializada. Somente 15% dos pacientes necessitaram de conduta cirúrgica específica na fase aguda e a mortalidade foi decorrente das outras lesões na maior parte dos casos.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate epidemiology, anatomical characteristics, management, and prognosis of critical patients with sternum fractures. Methods: retrospective analysis of patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of a Level III trauma center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Results: 1552 trauma patients were admitted from January 2012 to April 2016. A total of 439 patients had thoracic trauma and among these, 13 patients had sternum fracture, making up 0.9% of all trauma admissions and 3% of all thoracic trauma cases. Three of these 13 patients had unstable chest, two underwent surgical management for fracture fixation, and three died (mortality was of 29%). In one of the deaths, sternum fracture was assessed as the main contributor to the outcome. Conclusion: sternum fracture was diagnosed in 0.9% of critical trauma patients in a specialized ICU. Only 15% of patients required specific surgical management in the acute phase. In most cases, mortality was due to other injuries.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar o perfil dos residentes de Cirurgia Geral do Hospital das Clínicas (HC) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP). Métodos: foram avaliados os residentes aprovados no concurso do Programa de Residência Médica em Cirurgia Geral do HC-FMUSP nos anos de 2014, 2015 e 2016. O estudo foi realizado por meio de coleta de dados de questionário e informações obtidas da Comissão de Residência Médica da Instituição. Foram analisados: dados da identificação, origem do candidato, escola da graduação, ensino cirúrgico recebido, razão da escolha pela Cirurgia, expectativas na residência, escolha da especialidade futura e pretensões ao término da residência médica. Também foi analisado o resultado do exame de acesso às especialidades. Resultados: a média de idade foi de 25,8 anos, sendo 74,3% do sexo masculino. A maioria (84,4%) cursou a graduação em escolas públicas, sendo 68% no Sudeste; 85,2% dos residentes foram aprovados no primeiro concurso. A escolha da especialidade estava definida em 75,9% no início da residência, porém 49,5% mudaram ao longo do treinamento. Cirurgia Plástica, Urologia e Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo foram escolhidas por 61,5%. Consideraram adequadas as 60 horas semanais 83,3%. Eram favoráveis ao acesso direto à especialidade 27,3%. Ao término da especialidade, 53,3% pretendiam continuar em São Paulo e 26,2% retornar ao Estado de origem. A pós-graduação stricto sensu era pretendida por 68,3%. Conclusão: o perfil atual do residente revela redução na procura pela Cirurgia Geral, definição mais precoce da especialidade, opções por áreas cada vez mais específicas e uma atividade que ofereça melhor qualidade de vida.

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the profile of the General Surgery residents of the Clinics Hospital (HC) of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMUSP). Methods: we evaluated the residents approved in the public contest for the Medical Residency Program in General Surgery of HC-FMUSP in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016. We carried out the study by applying a questionnaire and gathering information from the Medical Residency Commission of the Institution. We analyzed data on identification, origin of the candidate, undergraduate school, surgical teaching received, reason for choosing Surgery, residency expectations, choice of future specialty and pretensions as to the end of medical residency. We also analyzed the result of the examination of access to specialties. Results: the mean age was 25.8 years; 74.3% of residents were male. The majority (84.4%) had attended public medical schools, 68% of which were not in the Southeast region; 85,2% of the residents were approved in the first contest. The specialty choice was present for 75.9% of individuals at the beginning of the residency program, but 49.5% changed their minds during training. Plastic Surgery, Urology and Digestive System Surgery were chosen by 61.5%. Sixty hours per week work were considered adequate by 83.3%; 27.3% favored direct access to the specialty. At the end of the specialty, 53.3% intended to continue in São Paulo, and 26.2%, to return to their State of origin. A strict-sense post-graduate course was intended by 68.3%. Conclusion: the current profile of the resident reveals a reduction in the demand for General Surgery, an earlier definition of the specialty, options for increasingly specific areas and an activity that offers a better quality of life.

RESUMO A necrose pancreática ocorre em 15% das pancreatites agudas. A presença de infecção é o fator mais importante na evolução da pancreatite. Confirmar o diagnóstico de infecção ainda é um desafio. A mortalidade na necrose infectada é de 30% e na vigência de disfunção orgânica, chega a 70%. Nas últimas décadas, ocorreu uma verdadeira revolução no tratamento da necrose pancreática infectada. Mesmo assim, persiste o desafio e há múltiplas questões ainda não resolvidas: tratamento exclusivo com antibiótico, drenagem percutânea guiada por tomografia, drenagem por via endoscópica, desbridamento extra-peritoneal vídeo-assistido, acesso extra-peritoneal, necrosectomia por via aberta? Foi proposto o tratamento por etapas, “step up approach”, iniciando-se com as medidas menos invasivas e reservando-se a intervenção operatória para os casos em que o procedimento anterior não resolver definitivamente o problema. A indicação e o momento da intervenção devem ser determinados pela evolução clínica. O ideal é que a intervenção seja feita apenas depois da quarta semana de evolução, quando já existe melhor delimitação da necrose. O tratamento deve ser individualizado. Não existe um procedimento que deva ser o primeiro e a melhor opção para todos os doentes. O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer uma análise crítica do estado atual do tratamento da necrose pancreática infectada.

ABSTRACT Pancreatic necrosis occurs in 15% of acute pancreatitis. The presence of infection is the most important factor in the evolution of pancreatitis. The diagnosis of infection is still challenging. Mortality in infected necrosis is 20%; in the presence of organic dysfunction, mortality reaches 60%. In the last three decades, there has been a real revolution in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis. However, the challenges persist and there are many unsolved questions: antibiotic treatment alone, tomography-guided percutaneous drainage, endoscopic drainage, video-assisted extraperitoneal debridement, extraperitoneal access, open necrosectomy? A step up approach has been proposed, beginning with less invasive procedures and reserving the operative intervention for patients in which the previous procedure did not solve the problem definitively. Indication and timing of the intervention should be determined by the clinical course. Ideally, the intervention should be done only after the fourth week of evolution, when it is observed a better delimitation of necrosis. Treatment should be individualized. There is no procedure that should be the first and best option for all patients. The objective of this work is to critically review the current state of the art of the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis.