ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nowdays, more relevant applications of perinatal derivatives, such as amniotic membrane (AM), are emerging in our environment as a source of biomaterials for use in different healing processes. The study of anastomosis healing associated with antimetabolic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a potential target of AM. AIMS: To evaluate the healing effects of AM in rats treated with 5-FU at a dose of 20 mg/kg on the seventh day of postoperative evolution, regarding the parameters percentage of type I collagen (mature), cell viability, microvascular density and formation of granulation tissue. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were used, submitted to colotomy and colorraphy, separated into four groups of eight, which received different treatments daily, intraperitoneally, until the day of sacrifice: saline solution (C), 20 mg/kg 5-FU, 20 mg/kg 5-FU and AM. RESULTS: Treatment with 20 mg/kg of 5-FU, on the seventh postoperative day, induced adverse effects on the anastomotic healing process, evidenced by a decrease in the percentage of type I (mature) collagen, cell viability, microvascular density, fibrin-leukocyte scab formation and angiofibroblast proliferation; the use of AM under these conditions induced an improvement in the percentage of type I (mature) collagen. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with 20 mg/kg of 5-FU on the seventh postoperative day induced adverse effects on the anastomotic healing process, and the use of AM under these conditions induced an improvement in the percentage of type I (mature) collagen.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The use of mesh in the repair of large hiatal hernias is still controversial. One of the most feared adverse events related to the use of mesh is erosion into the esophageal and gastric walls. AIMS: To record the endoscopic treatment of mesh that has migrated into the gastric lumen after surgical treatment of hiatal hernia. METHODS: The technical option was to wait for the progressive migration of the mesh into the gastric lumen, monitoring with upper digestive endoscopy, with removal by traction at the best time, with the aid of foreign body forceps. RESULTS: The mesh was completely removed, and the evolution was satisfactory, without complications. CONCLUSIONs: In patients with mesh migration into the stomach who are oligosymptomatic and do not show signs of complications, endoscopic surveillance and subsequent removal of the foreign body can be successfully performed when the mesh is not adhered to the gastric wall, avoiding surgical procedures with high morbidity and mortality.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatectomy is historically associated with higher morbidity and mortality, related to intraoperative blood loss and biliary fistulas. Technological advances and improvements in surgical and anesthetic techniques have led to greater safety in performing these surgeries. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hepatectomy. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing liver resections. The type of hepatectomy, indications, need for intraoperative blood transfusion, hospital stay, complications, and postoperative mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 48 hepatectomies were performed during the studied period, the most common being 26 (54.16%) major hepatectomies, distributed among 13 (50%) left hepatectomies, 11 (42.30%) right hepatectomies, and 2 (7.70%) others. In total, 24 (45.84%) minor hepatectomies were performed, 11 (50%) mono segmentectomies, and 5 (22.72%) left lateral hepatectomies. The main indications for resection in benign diseases were 6 (12.50%) neotropical hepatic hydatidosis, five (10.41%) intrahepatic lithiasis, and in primary malignancies, 9 (18.75%) hepatocarcinomas. There was no need for an intraoperative blood transfusion. Hospital stays after surgery ranged from 2 to 40 days (average=7 days), and 41 (85.42%) patients went to the ICU in the first 72 h after surgery. In total, 9 (18.75%) patients developed postoperative complications. Overall mortality was 2.08%. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocellular carcinoma and neotropical hydatidosis were the main diseases with surgical indication, and major hepatectomies were the most performed procedures. Morbidity and mortality were in line with results from major global centers.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastrectomy offers advantages in the postoperative period compared to the open approach. Most studies have been performed on distal gastrectomies; however, laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is not universally accepted. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the results of LTG, on postoperative morbidity outcomes and long-term survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study from a prospective database of patients who underwent LTG, from 2005 to 2022, due to early and advanced gastric cancer. A totally laparoscopic technique was utilized, and the Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed in all cases. Postoperative complications and long-term survival were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included (men 57, age 64 years, and body mass index 26). A D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in 68 cases. The postoperative hospitalization period was 8 days (6–62 days). Postoperative complications occurred in 26%, with 7% esophago-jejunal anastomosis leak, 4% abdominal collections, and 2% gastrointestinal bleeding. In 7% of cases, the complication was considered Clavien 3 or greater. Operative mortality was 1%. The pathology findings confirmed advanced gastric cancer in 50 cases. The median lymph node count was 38, and surgery was considered R0 in 99%. The median follow-up was 50 months. Overall 5-year survival was 74%. Survival in T1 cases was 95% at 5 years. For stage I, survival was 95%, and for stages II and III, it was 52% and 43%, at 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the feasibility and oncological adequacy of minimally invasive total gastrectomy. Postoperative morbidity has an acceptable rate. Long-term survival was in accordance with the disease stage.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The relationship between thrombosis and cancer is based on evidence that cancer promotes prothrombotic changes in the host hemostatic system. The activation of blood coagulation is closely linked to tumor growth and dissemination. AIMS: To evaluate whether quantifications of plasma circulation tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and thrombin-antithrombin complex could act as predictors for thrombotic events and death in patients with gastric or colorectal adenocarcinomas, while also evaluating the Karnofsky Performance Status. METHODS: Eighty-two patients were included in the study and divided into three groups: controls (n=20), gastric adenocarcinomas (n=21), and colorectal adenocarcinomas (n=41). In order to calculate the Karnofsky index, information was collected to measure the patient’s ability to perform common daily tasks. The following serum measurements were conducted: complete blood count, platelet count, extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid, and thrombin-antithrombin complex. RESULTS: Ten patients (16%) experienced thrombosis during treatment. Patients with thrombin-antithrombin complex levels greater than 0.53 had a five-times higher risk of thrombosis. Lower Karnofsky Performance Status was also a risk factor for the event in this population. Neither thrombin-antithrombin complex nor plasma circulation tumor DNA were predictors of death after multivariate adjustment. Thus, Karnofsky index signaled a better overall survival prognosis for colorectal and gastric adenocarcinoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombin-antithrombin complex acts as a marker for thrombosis in patients with colorectal and gastric adenocarcinomas. We recommend prophylactic anticoagulation when the Karnofsky value is low and/or the thrombin-antithrombin complex concentration is greater than 0.53 ng/ml.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The hospitals’ volume, specialization, availability of all oncological services, and experience in performing complex surgeries have a favorable impact on gastric cancer (GC) treatment. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the results of GC treatment according to the type of oncological hospital in the State of São Paulo. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with GC between 2000 and 2022 in qualified hospitals for cancer treatment were evaluated by data extracted from the hospital cancer registry. Patients were assessed according to the type of hospital for cancer treatment: Oncology High Complexity Assistance Unit (UNACON) and Oncology High Complexity Care Center (CACON), which has greater complexity. RESULTS: Among the 33,774 patients, 23,387 (69.2%) were treated at CACONs and 10,387 (30.8%) in UNACONs. CACON patients were younger, had a higher level of education, and had a more advanced cTNM stage compared to UNACON (all p<0.001, p<0.05). The time from diagnosis to treatment was over 60 days in 49.8% of CACON’s patients and 39.4% of UNACON’s (p<0.001, p<0.05). Surgical treatment was performed in 18,314 (54.2%) patients. The frequency pN0 (40.3 vs 32.4%) and pTNM stage I (23 vs 19.5%) were higher in CACON. There was no difference in overall survival (OS) between all adenocarcinoma cases treated at CACON and UNACON (9.3 vs 10.3 months, p=0.462, p>0.05). However, considering only patients who underwent curative surgery, the OS of patients treated at CACON was better (24.4 vs 18 months, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GC who underwent gastrectomy at CACONs had better survival outcomes, suggesting that the centralization of complex cancer surgery may be beneficial.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifactorial disease affecting a significant portion of the population. Bariatric surgery emerges as a prominent approach in this context, representing an effective treatment both in the short and long term. The costs associated with bariatric surgery vary depending on the characteristics of the patients, current hospital practices, and available funding sources. AIMS: To analyze the costs of minimally invasive bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity in a tertiary federal public hospital. METHODS: An observational and descriptive study aimed at assessing the costs associated with laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy (GV) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in a federal public tertiary service from 2018 to 2021. Data were obtained through the management of medical-hospital expenses related to surgical and anesthetic supplies, as well as the amount reimbursed by the funding source to the hospital. RESULTS: Over the analyzed period, a total of 177 minimally invasive bariatric surgeries were performed. In terms of the charges, since 2018, the hospital has been receiving an amount of R$ 6,145.00 for the “bariatric surgery by videolaparoscopy” procedure, which includes RYGB, and R$ 4,095.00 for “vertical gastrectomy.” Regarding the average hospital cost of surgical supplies, RYGB incurred a total of R$ 9,907.54, while GV incurred a total of R$ 9,315.84. The average total cost of RYGB was R$ 10,799.23, and, for GV, it was R$ 10,207.53. These figures indicate that the hospital incurred a loss of approximately R$ 4,654.23 for performing RYGB and R$ 6,112.53 for GV. CONCLUSION: Despite the increasing number of eligible patients for surgical treatment of obesity and the consequent quantitative growth of these procedures funded by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), the costs exceed the reimbursement from the funding source in federal public hospitals. There is a need for a precise assessment of financing in the fight against obesity.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is recent evidence showing that obesity is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal dysmotility, although symptoms are not always present. AIMS: This is a prospective study based on high-resolution manometry findings in bariatric surgery candidates and their correlation with postoperative dysphagia. METHODS: Manometric evaluation was performed on candidates for bariatric surgery from 2022 to 2024. The examination was conducted according to the protocol of the fourth version of the Chicago Classification, including different positions and provocative maneuvers to confirm the diagnosis of dysmotility. Patients were followed for 90 days after surgery to verify the occurrence of dysphagia or difficulty adapting to the diet. RESULTS: High-resolution manometry was performed on 46 candidates for bariatric surgery with a mean body mass index of 46.5 kg/m2. Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction was diagnosed in 16 (34.8%) patients, and ineffective esophageal motility was diagnosed in 8 (17.4%) patients. None of the subjects reported symptoms during the preoperative period. Out of the 46 individuals initially included, 44 underwent bariatric surgery, 23 (52.3%) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 21 (47.7%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy. One patient with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction reported dysphagia after Roux-en-Y bypass, but symptoms spontaneously resolved during the 90-day follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with severe obesity have a high prevalence of esophageal motility disorders, no clinical repercussions were observed after bariatric surgery during the study period.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is the third most common malignancy in Colombia, only exceeded by prostate and breast cancers. It is the second most common cancer among females and the third most common among males. The epidemiology of this disease has changed in Colombia, and its peak incidence has now surpassed that of gastric cancer. AIMS: We aimed to determine the association between hospital surgical volume and mortality in patients with colon cancer undergoing surgical resection in Colombia. METHODS: This was a national retrospective cohort study based on administrative data and included adult patients undergoing surgical resection for colon cancer who were enrolled in Colombia’s contributory health system between 2012 and 2017. We defined exposure as the hospital’s surgical volume where the colon cancer surgery was performed. We classified the patients as exposed to a high surgical volume (above the 90th percentile of the provider distribution) and a low surgical volume (under the 90th percentile). The main outcomes were 30-day and 1-year mortality. Multivariate Poisson regressions were used to identify the association between exposure and mortality rates. RESULTS: The study included 4,647 patients, of which 4,188 underwent surgery at hospitals with a colectomy volume lower than 33 per year and 459 underwent surgery at institutions with volumes equal to or higher than 33 per year. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for observable variables, a lower risk of 30-day mortality was found in patients who underwent surgery at high surgical volume institutions (relative risk - RR 0.57, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 0.033-0.97). No differences were found in the one-year mortality. CONCLUSION: The high surgical volume of a hospital is associated with a 30-day mortality in colon cancer, as described in other studies, but the 1-year mortality did not show this association. Prospective studies are required to establish a causal relationship.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Many free radicals result in an inflammatory process due to complications caused by gallstones. These free radicals are inactivated by various reactions and participate in different reactions. Molecules are oxidants and antioxidants that take an active role in almost every event that takes place in the body. AIMS: To analyse the changes in total antioxidant level (TAL) and total oxidant level (TOL) in the follow-up of patients hospitalized for cholelithiasis or its complications, showing the active oxidative stress, and to test the usability of these parameters in the evaluation of treatment success. METHODS: Forty-five patients took part in the study. Blood samples were taken twice, previous to surgery and 6 hours after surgery. Tissue samples were also obtained from patients who were operated. Then, the samples were sent to a laboratory to measure the total oxidant and antioxidant status of patients. RESULTS: The median for the TAL_before (pre-operation or hospitalization in non-operational) variable was 2.40 (interquartile range — IQR=0.50), and the median for the TAL_after variable was 2.20 (IQR=0.33). The median of the tissue-derived TAL variable was 0.32 (IQR=0.13), and the median of the TOL variable was 0.43 (IQR=0.52). The median value of the TAL_before variable for men was 2.50 (IQR=0.50), while the median value for the TAL_before variable for women was 2.30 (IQR=0.50). TAL_before variable values did not show a statistically significant difference according to gender (Z=1.446; p=0.154, p>0.05). Similarly, the median values of TOL_before variable by gender were similar (Z=0.614; p=0.545, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cholelithiasis and its complications cause many inflammatory responses, ending with free radical formation. During follow-up, its level decreases due to consumption or success of the treatment.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) was considered a contraindication for liver transplantation. However, recent studies have shown that highly selected cases of patients with a good response to neoadjuvant therapy may achieve acceptable survival rates when following liver transplantation. AIMS: To present two cases of patients with iCCA, without extrahepatic disease, who underwent living donor liver transplantation after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Two cases of patients with histopathological diagnosis of locally advanced iCCA, ineligible for resection and without evidence of extrahepatic disease, are presented. RESULTS: These patients underwent at least nine sessions of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, with or without the addition of immunobiological agents, resulting in a radiological tumor response. They subsequently underwent living donor liver transplantation. The average follow-up time was 15 months, with no clinical or radiological signs of disease. CONCLUSIONS: In well-selected patients without extrahepatic disease, living donor liver transplantation represents a potential therapeutic option for iCCA.

ABSTRACT Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine tumors (MiNEN) are a rare type of tumor formed by two components, a non-neuroendocrine component that is most often an adenocarcinoma and a neuroendocrine tumor, and each of these components must represent at least 30% of the tumor. The origin of this tumor on the ampulla of Vater or periampullary region is more infrequent. Usually, the lesions are highly aggressive and quickly metastasizing, and their biological behavior is dictated by the high grade of the neuroendocrine component. This is the first report of a patient with ampullary MiNEN treated employing a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Although being submitted to aggressive treatment with complete surgical resection followed by systemic therapy, the patient developed early recurrence with hepatic metastatic disease, demonstrating the hostile nature of these tumors.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Pancreas divisum is an anatomical abnormality where the junction of the main and accessory pancreatic duct fails to occur and the smaller-caliber duct acts as dominant, resulting in overload during the drainage of the organ’s secretion through the minor duodenal papilla. AIMS: To report a case of recurrent acute pancreatitis due to symptomatic pancreas divisum who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old male patient presented with intermittent painful crises, located in the upper abdomen, with radiation to the back, associated with nausea and vomiting, for the past three years. Magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed pancreas divisum, subsequently confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound. An attempt was made through endoscopic intervention but failed to catheterize the minor papilla; therefore, a pancreaticoduodenectomy was indicated. The organ was identified as hard and atrophied, with moderate peripancreatic inflammation. The histopathological findings also identified a focal well-differentiated G1-type neuroendocrine tumor measuring 0.4 cm. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pancreas divisum, rare cases may progress to recurrent acute pancreatitis. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is an option in symptomatic patients who had no success with endoscopic treatment.

ABSTRACT Obesity is recognized as a significant risk factor for various types of cancer. Although the incidence of some types of cancer across various primary sites is decreasing due to specific prevention measures (screening programs, smoking cessation), the incidence of neoplasms in the young population shows a significant increase associated with obesity. There is sufficient evidence to say that bariatric surgery has been shown to significantly lower the risk of developing obesity-associated cancers, which are linked to metabolic dysregulation, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and hormonal alterations such as elevated levels of insulin and sex hormones.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Anal cancer is a relatively rare disease, and there is a lack of survival data from low- and middle-income countries. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the survival rates and prognostic factors of anal cancer cases treated at a High-Complexity Oncology Care Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 665 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus/anal canal treated from 2000 to 2016. To estimate the 5-year overall survival probability and survival according to selected variables, the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were applied. To identify factors associated with survival, the Cox proportional hazards model, stratified by staging, was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (95%CI) were also calculated. RESULTS: The overall survival probability was 62.20% (95%CI 57.90–66.20). Higher survival rates were observed in female cases, those with non-advanced staging, and those treated with chemoradiotherapy (p<0.001). Among cases with advanced staging, being female was a protective factor against death (HR=0.52; 95%CI 0.28–0.93). Compared to chemoradiotherapy, at least one type of treatment was identified as a risk factor: chemoradiotherapy + surgery among cases with non-advanced staging (HR=22.65; 95%CI 5.65–90.81), radiotherapy among cases with advanced staging (HR=2.71; 95%CI 1.39–5.30), and among cases with unknown staging, no treatment (HR=3.36; 95%CI 1.73–6.50), radiotherapy (HR=2.38; 95%CI 1.46–3.88), and radiotherapy + surgery (HR=3.99; 95%CI 1.20–13.27). CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the superiority of chemoradiotherapy over other therapeutic modalities for anal cancer, resulting in increased survival and a better prognosis.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) improves the prognosis of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors of the histological response of CRLM after neoadjuvant treatment. METHODS: A retrospective monocentric study including patients with CRLM operated after neoadjuvant treatment. Assessment of histological response was based on the Rubbia-Brandt tumor regression grading score. The scores were grouped into two types of response: Response Group (R) and No Response Group (NR). RESULTS: The study included 77 patients (mean age=56 years, sex ratio=1.57). Node metastases were noticed in 62% of cases. Synchronous liver metastasis was present in 42 cases (55%) and metachronous liver metastasis in 45%. Neoadjuvant treatment consisted of CT only in 52 patients (68%) and CT with targeted therapy in 25 patients (32%). Chemo-induced lesions were present in 44 patients (57%). Histological response was presented (Group R) in 36 cases (47%) and absent (Group NR) in 41 cases (53%). The overall survival of our patients was 32 months. For Group R, survival was significantly greater (p=0.001). The predictive factors of histological response identified were delay in the onset of liver metastasis greater than 14 months (p=0.027) and neoadjuvant treatment combining CT and targeted therapy (p=0.031). In multivariate analysis, the type of neoadjuvant treatment (p=0.035) was an independent predictive factor of histological response. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive factors of histological response would allow us to identify patients who would benefit most from neoadjuvant treatment. These patients with CRLM onset of more than 14 months and treated with CT combined with targeted therapy would be the best candidates for a neoadjuvant CT strategy followed by surgical resection.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Chile presents one of the lowest organ donation rates, resulting in pediatric liver waitlist mortality rates up to 38.1%. Live donor liver transplantation is one of the main alternatives to decrease waitlist mortality, mostly utilized in our country for small children up to 20 kg. AIMS: The aim of this study was to report a three-case series of adult-to-pediatric living donor liver transplantation using a full left lobe graft. METHODS: We report three cases of children with more than 20 kg who received complete left hemi-grafts in different clinical scenarios. The indications and techniques adopted are discussed. RESULTS: Three children, two girls and one boy, aged 11, 7, and 3 years, were transplanted. The indications for transplant were fulminant hepatitis of autoimmune etiology, hepatoblastoma, and chronic liver failure due to autoimmune hepatitis, respectively. The evolution was satisfactory in all three children, and to date, all are well, approximately 12–24 months after the transplant. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a living donor left lateral segment (segments 2 and 3) has been successfully employed in pediatric liver transplantation. However, it is only suitable for infants and low-weight children. This approach using the whole left hemi-liver graft contributes to the reduction of small-for-size syndrome, mortality rate, and waiting times associated with deceased donors.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: According to the literature, some factors are associated with the development of postoperative complications including surgical approach, smoking, comorbidities, nutritional status, classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), fasting time period, and others. In the case of surgical patients, some factors are important for the assessment of the outcomes. AIMS: To investigate the factors associated with the likelihood of postoperative complications in surgical patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted with patients who were admitted to hospital more than 24 h. The following variables were investigated: nutritional risk screening, body mass index, ASA classification, fasting time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. For statistical analysis, the Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann-Whitney tests were used. To investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative complications, simple and multiple Cox regression analyses were used. RESULTS: In the total group of patients, there was an association between postoperative complications and men (p=0.0197), surgical risk (ASA) (p=0.0397) and length of hospital stay (p<0001); men showed a risk 2.2 times greater than women for some kind of postoperative complication (p=0.0456; PR=2.167; 95%CI 1.015–4.624). In patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, there was an association between postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (p<0001). In patients undergoing other surgeries, there was an association between postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (p<0001) and ASA classification (p=0.0160); ASA classification was considered a factor associated with the probability of postoperative complications (p=0.0335; PR=4.125; 95%CI 1.117–15.237). CONCLUSIONS: Men in the total group of patients and the ASA 3 or 4 criteria in the group of patients undergoing other surgeries were considered factors associated with the occurrence of complications in the postoperative period.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The incidence of biliary duct injuries remains higher in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in comparison to open surgery. The Critical View of Safety (CVS) was introduced by Strasberg as a strategy for reducing this catastrophic complication. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate how often an adequate CVS is achieved during LC, the determining factors for its success, and the associated surgical outcomes. METHODS: This is a prospective study. CVS photographs of all patients who underwent LC by the same surgeon between 2020 and 2023 were taken. Success in achieving CVS was analyzed by the surgeon herself and posteriorly by hepatobiliary specialists. Patients were classified into two groups: CVS achieved and CVS not achieved. Finally, multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between preoperatory factors and surgical complications. RESULTS: Three hundred and nine consecutive patients were submitted to LC. There were 73.5% elective CL and 26.5% acute cholecystitis. The age ranged from 14 to 87 years, and 76.8% were female. The median body mass index was 26.7. Previous abdominal surgeries were present in 64%, and 26% were obese. The CVS was achieved in 79.9% of the patients, and there were no surgical complications in this group. The factors associated with nonachievement were acute cholecystitis (p=0.007), male sex (p=0.014), and previous surgeries (p=0.021). Three patients needed a subtotal cholecystectomy due to severe inflammation. There was no statistical correlation between the identification of CVS and surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: The CVS is achieved in most patients. Acute cholecystitis, male sex, and previous abdominal operations are associated with difficulties in obtaining CVS.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Lymph node status is vital for gastric cancer (GC) prognosis, but the conventional pN stage may be limited by variations in lymphadenectomy and stage migration. The N-Ratio, which assesses the ratio of metastatic to resected lymph nodes, emerges as a promising prognostic tool. AIMS: To assess N-Ratios prognostic value in GC, particularly in patients with <25 resected lymph nodes. METHODS: Patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent for GC were retrospectively evaluated. The N-Ratio categories were determined using the ROC curve method, and the area under the curve (AUC) was used as a measure of performance in predicting recurrence/death. RESULTS: A total of 561 GC patients were included in the study, 57% had pN+ status, and 17.5% had <25 resected lymph nodes. N-Ratio, with a mean of 0.12, predicted survival with 74% accuracy (AUC=0.74; 95%CI 0.70–0.78, p<0.001). N-Ratio categories included: N-Ratio 0 (43%); N-Ratio 1 (12.3%); N-Ratio 2 (31.6%); and N-Ratio 3 (13.2%). Disease-free survival (DFS) varied among all N-Ratio groups, with N-Ratio 3 showing worse survival than pN3 cases (DFS=21.8 vs. 11 months, p=0.022, p<0.05). In cases with <25 resected lymph nodes, DFS was not significantly worse in N-Ratio 0 (68.8 vs. 81.9%, p=0.061, p>0.05) and N-Ratio 1 (66.2 vs. 50%, p=0.504, p>0.05) groups. The DFS of N-Ratio-0 cases with <25 lymph nodes was similar to N-Ratio 1 cases. CONCLUSIONS: N-Ratio influenced survival in GC patients, especially in advanced lymph node disease (N-Ratio 3). Considering that N-Ratio does not impact pN0 cases, individualized prognosis assessment is essential for patients with <25 resected lymph nodes.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The unresectable pancreatic head tumors develop obstructive jaundice and cholestasis during follow-up. Cholestasis is associated with complications and treatment options are endoscopic stenting (ES) and biliary bypass surgery (BBS). AIMS: The aim of the current study was to compare the safety and efficacy of biliary bypass surgery (BBS) and endoscopic stenting (ES) for cholestasis in advanced pancreas cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of patients with cholestasis and unresectable or metastatic pancreas cancer, treated with BBS or ES. Short and long-term outcomes were evaluated. We considered the need for hospital readmission due to biliary complications as treatment failure. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients (BBS=43; ES=50) were included in the study. BBS was associated with a higher demand for postoperative intensive care (37 vs.10%; p=0.002, p<0.050), longer intensive care unit stay (1.44 standard deviation±2.47 vs. 0.66±2.24 days; p=0.004, p<0.050), and longer length of hospital stay (7.95±2.99 vs. 4.29±5.50 days; p<0.001, p<0.050). BBS had a higher risk for procedure-related complications (23 vs. 8%; p=0.049, p<0.050). There was no difference in overall survival between BBS and ES (p=0.089, p>0.050). ES was independently associated with a higher risk for treatment failure than BBS on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 3.97; p=0.009, p<0.050). CONCLUSIONS: BBS is associated with longer efficacy than ES for treating cholestasis in advanced pancreatic cancer. However, the BBS is associated with prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stays and higher demand for intensive care.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia (IH) is an abdominal wall defect due to a previous laparotomy, and surgical repair is the only treatment. IH has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. In the last decades, the approach has improved from open to laparoscopic and robotic surgery with the objective of promoting better abdominal wall function after reconstruction. Today, robotic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (reTEP) is one of the most advanced techniques for abdominal wall reconstruction. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze the early results of patients with incisional hernia submitted to repair with reTEP. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study, and all patients who underwent reTEP surgery for ventral hernia in the years 2021 and 2022 were included. The only exclusion criteria were patients who underwent another type of herniorrhaphy. Statistical analysis was performed using the Stata software. RESULTS: A total of 32 participants were submitted to reTEP; the majority had an incisional hernia, and according to the European Hernia Society, EUS-M score 3 was the most prevalent. The mean surgical time was 170 min, and the console time was 142 min. Most patients stayed 2 days in the hospital. No intraoperative complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: reTEP is a safe and effective technique and has favorable outcomes in the early postoperative period. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.