Luiz Eduardo Villaça Leäo

Role of video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis

CONTEXT Essential hyperhidrosis is a frequent disorder causing significant functional impairment. The advent and development of video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques now allows thoracic sympathectomy to be carried out precisely and safety with good results and minimal morbidity. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy in patients diagnosed as presenting severe and disabling hyperhidrosis. TYPE OF STUDY This was a longitudinal study of the clinical course of all hyperhidrosis cases selected for surgery between May 1999 and January 2003. SETTING Division of Thoracic Surgery, Universidade Federal de S o Paulo (UNIFESP). PARTICIPANTS 743 patients with surgery indicated due to palmar hyperhidrosis (49.8%), palmar-axillary hyperhidrosis (38.1%), craniofacial hyperhidrosis (8.9%) or isolated axillary hyperhidrosis (2.8%). PROCEDURES Video-thoracoscopic sympathectomy was performed, isolating the second thoracic ganglion (T2) in all patients, with additional sympathectomy of T3 and T4 if necessary. MAIN MEASUREMENTS The clinical course was followed up via questionnaires, phone calls, letters and statements. Simple questions were asked regarding the disappearance of symptoms and presence and intensity of compensatory sweating. RESULTS The surgery was regarded as efficient in all cases of palmar hyperhidrosis. In the craniofacial hyperhidrosis cases, partial recurrence of the symptoms occurred in 2 cases (3.0%). Partial recurrence or persistence of symptoms occurred in 20% of the patients with predominantly axillary symptomatology. The compensatory sweating was considered disagreeable or uncomfortable by about 30% of the patients, but it only reached the level of regretting the operation for 3% of them. This occurred more frequently in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. Ten cases of complications occurred. CONCLUSION Thoracoscopic sympathectomy provides very good results in most patients, with a very low complication rate. However, the assessment of surgical results using conventional methods is imprecise and inaccurate. Different methodology, including quality of life assessment, must be used for comparing results and providing objective data on the results of this operation.

Traqueostomia na UTI: vale a pena realizá-la?

OBJETIVO: Analisar a viabilidade, as complicacoes e a mortalidade da traqueostomia realizada em ambiente de unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). METODOS: Analise retrospectiva dos prontuarios medicos dos 73 pacientes que foram submetidos a traqueostomia nos leitos das UTIs do Hospital Sao Paulo da Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo no periodo de janeiro a novembro de 2003. Os procedimentos foram realizados sempre por um residente de cirurgia, sob a orientacao de um cirurgiao toracico, utilizando a tecnica aberta sistematizada no servico. RESULTADOS: A idade media dos pacientes foi de 55,2 anos, sendo que 47 eram do sexo masculino (64,4%) e 26 eram do sexo feminino (35,6%). A indicacao mais frequente foi a intubacao orotraqueal prolongada (76,7%). Nao houve mortalidade relacionada ao procedimento, e em todos os pacientes o procedimento pode ser realizado na UTI. As complicacoes imediatas ocorreram em 2 pacientes (2,7%), nos quais houve sangramento local aumentado que cessou com compressao local. A complicacao tardia foi a infeccao ao redor da ferida operatoria, a qual ocorreu em 2 pacientes (2,7%) e foi tratada com curativos locais, sem maiores repercussoes clinicas. CONCLUSOES: Com base nos resultados de nossa analise, os quais sao comparaveis aos resultados sobre traqueostomias realizadas no centro cirurgico encontrados na literatura, concluimos que a traqueostomia na UTI e viavel e apresenta baixo indice de complicacoes, mesmo quando realizada em pacientes graves por cirurgioes em treinamento. Portanto, a nosso ver, e possivel afirmar que vale a pena realizar a traqueostomia na UTI.

Randomized trial - oxybutynin for treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis in women after sympathectomy

OBJECTIVE: Hyperhidrosis is a common disease, and thoracoscopic sympathectomy improves its symptoms in up to 95% of cases. Unfortunately, after surgery, plantar hyperhidrosis may remain in 50% of patients, and compensatory sweating may be observed in 70%. This clinical scenario remains a challenge. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of oxybutynin in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis and compensatory sweating and its effects on quality of life in women after thoracoscopic sympathectomy. METHOD: We conducted a prospective, randomized study to compare the effects of oxybutynin at 10 mg daily and placebo in women with persistent plantar hyperhidrosis. The assessment was performed using a quality-of-life questionnaire for hyperhidrosis and sweating measurement with a device for quantifying transepidermal water loss. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01328015. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in each group (placebo and oxybutynin). There were no significant differences between the groups prior to treatment. After oxybutynin treatment, there was a decrease in symptoms and clinical improvement based on the quality-of-life questionnaire (before treatment, 40.4 vs. after treatment, 17.5; p = 0.001). The placebo group showed modest improvement (p = 0.09). The outcomes of the transepidermal water loss measurements in the placebo group showed no differences (p = 0.95), whereas the oxybutynin group revealed a significant decrease (p = 0.001). The most common side effect was dry mouth (100% in the oxybutynin group vs. 43.8% in the placebo group; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin was effective in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis, resulting in a better quality of life in women who had undergone thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

Forty-Year-Old Intrathoracic Gossypiboma After Cardiac Valve Surgery

A 59-year-old asymptomatic man, who had undergone cardiac valve surgery 40 years earlier, demonstrated a paracardiac mass on routine chest x-ray (Figure 1). Subsequently, a chest computed tomography scan was performed, which showed a 14.0×9.5 cm heterogeneous lesion, with lobulated contours, along the inferior aspect of the left and right ventricles (Figure 2). It was possible to identify areas of low density as well as high-density areas. Peripheral calcification was also present. There was mild peripheral enhancement after iodinated intravenous contrast injection. It was not possible to exclude cardiac invasion because this lesion had extensive contact with the cardiac ventricles. Figure 1. A, Posteroanterior chest radiograph showing an ill-defined opacity at the left pericardic region. B, This is better identified in the lateral projection (white arrows). Figure 2. …

Análise semiquantitativa de biópsias cirúrgicas de diferentes lobos pulmonares de pacientes com pneumonia intersticial usual/fibrose pulmonar idiopática

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences between surgical biopsies of distinct lung lobes in terms of the histopathological features of usual interstitial pneumonia, using a semiquantitative score. METHODS: We selected all of the patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and submitted to surgical biopsy in two distinct lobes between 1995 and 2005 at the Hospital Sao Paulo and other hospitals operated by the Federal University of Sao Paulo. In the histological evaluation of the specimens, we used a semiquantitative method based on previous studies, assigning a score to each of the biopsied sites. RESULTS: In this sample of patients, we found no statistically significant differences that would alter the stage of the disease, based on the score used. This finding was independent of the biopsy site (middle lobe or lingular segment). CONCLUSIONS: No significant histological differences were found between the lung lobes studied. The definitive histological diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia did not alter the stage of the disease.

Polialveolose: patogênese do enfisema lobar congênito?

BACKGROUND: Congenital lobar emphysema is an unusual condition and its pathogenesis remains unknown. The variety of findings in pathology studies of the ressected specimens led to increasing academic interest. About 50 per cent of the cases have no definitive diagnosis in pathology. The most recent theory proposes an increased number of alveoli within each acinus (polyalveolar lobe). PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to report the morphometric measures of surgical specimens of 12 patients with congenital lobar emphysema, using the Emery and Mithal technique (radial alveolar count). METHODS: We made a case-control study, classifying the cases by age. Mann-Whitney´s U test and linear regression techniques were used in data analysis: Mann-Whitney´s U in comparing the cases and respective controls and linear regression to evaluate the influence of age in the measures found. RESULTS: The results revealed a significantly higher radial alveolar count than expected for the age group under 3 years; no difference was observed in the age group between 3 and 7 years and in children older than 7, the radial alveolar count was lower than expected. The normal development of the lung consists in an increasing number of alveoli increase from birth until adulthood, but this number remains constant, independent of age in congenital lobar emphysema. CONCLUSIONS: Such findings allow us to conclude that polyalveolar lobe can and must be diagnosed by a simple and practical method, such as the radial alveolar count, which decreases the incidence of the unknown etiology. The findings of an increased number of alveoli on patients younger than 3 is related to congenital lobar emphysema, since the number of alveoli does not increase in congenital lobar emphysema, just the opposite to what one would expect in the normal development of the lung.

The role of intercostal nerve preservation in acute pain control after thoracotomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the acute pain experienced during in-hospital recovery from thoracotomy can be effectively reduced by the use of intraoperative measures (dissection of the neurovascular bundle prior to the positioning of the Finochietto retractor and preservation of the intercostal nerve during closure). METHODS: We selected 40 patients who were candidates for elective thoracotomy in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Federal University of São Paulo/Paulista School of Medicine, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The patients were randomized into two groups: conventional thoracotomy (CT, n = 20) and neurovascular bundle preservation (NBP, n = 20). All of the patients underwent thoracic epidural anesthesia and muscle-sparing thoracotomy. Pain intensity was assessed with a visual analog scale on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5, as well as by monitoring patient requests for/consumption of analgesics. RESULTS: On postoperative day 5, the self-reported pain intensity was significantly lower in the NBP group than in the CT group (visual analog scale score, 1.50 vs. 3.29; p = 0.04). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the number of requests for/consumption of analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing thoracotomy, protecting the neurovascular bundle prior to positioning the retractor and preserving the intercostal nerve during closure can minimize pain during in-hospital recovery.

Análise e validação de modelos probabilísticos de malignidade de nódulo pulmonar solitário em uma população no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and radiographic findings that influence the pathological diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) and to compare/validate two probabilistic models for predicting SPN malignancy in patients with SPN in Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 110 patients diagnosed with SPN and submitted to resection of SPN at a tertiary hospital between 2000 and 2009. The clinical characteristics studied were gender, age, presence of systemic comorbidities, history of malignancy prior to the diagnosis of SPN, histopathological diagnosis of SPN, smoking status, smoking history, and time since smoking cessation. The radiological characteristics studied, in relation to the SPN, were presence of spiculated margins, maximum transverse diameter, and anatomical location. Two mathematical models, created in 1997 and 2007, respectively, were used in order to determine the probability of SPN malignancy. RESULTS: We found that SPN malignancy was significantly associated with age (p = 0.006; OR = 5.70 for age > 70 years), spiculated margins (p = 0.001), and maximum diameter of SPN (p = 0.001; OR = 2.62 for diameters > 20 mm). The probabilistic model created in 1997 proved to be superior to that created in 2007-area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.79 ± 0.44 (95% CI: 0.70-0.88) vs. 0.69 ± 0.50 (95% CI: 0.59-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, greater maximum SPN diameter, and spiculated margins were significantly associated with the diagnosis of SPN malignancy. Our analysis shows that, although both mathematical models were effective in determining SPN malignancy in our population, the 1997 model was superior.

Estudo das pressões no interior dos balonetes de tubos traqueais

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Since controlling tracheal tube cuffs internal pressure is unusual and there is no detailed description in the literature on how to maintain it below 30 cmH2O without manometer, this study aimed at checking tracheal tube intra-cuff pressures in intensive care unit and operating room patients. A maneuver was tested to keep intra-cuff pressure below 30 cmH2O, but at minimum levels needed for ventilator cycling with no tidal volume leakage. METHODS Tracheal tube intra-cuff pressures were evaluated in 50 intensive care unit intubated patients (Group I) and 72 intubated patients in the operating room (Group II). A maneuver was tested to obtain the minimum tracheal tube intra-cuff pressure to maintain adequate ventilation with no air leakage. Initial tracheal tube intra-cuff pressure (P1) was recorded using a gaged digital manometer (cmH2O) coupled to a 15-ml syringe. Oropharynx secretion was aspirated. With the investigators external acoustic meatus positioned 10-20 cm apart from patients mouth and cuff connected to the manometer, cuff was slowly deflated until a murmur sound was heard, determined by tidal volume leakage during the inspiratory period of artificial ventilation. At this moment, cuff was slowly inflated until murmur disappearance. Final intra-cuff pressure (P2) and the remaining air volume in the manometer syringe (V) were recorded. RESULTS Mean P1 values in groups I and II were 85.3 and 56.2 cmH2O, respectively. Mean P2 values in groups I and II were 26.7 and 15.5 cmH2O, respectively. After the maneuver, standard deviation decreased from 56.3 to 8.2 in group I, and from 48 to 6.7 in group II. Maneuver has decreased cuff volume and pressure in 100% of group I patients, and in 97.3% of group II patients. CONCLUSIONS Both groups had intra-cuff pressures higher than necessary to keep ventilator cycling with no tidal volume leakage. Maneuver to keep intra-cuff pressure below 30 cmH2O was simple and cheap.JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Como no es de rutina el control de la presion en el interior de los balones de tubos traqueales, y como tambien no hay descripcion detallada en la literatura de como mantenerla abajo de los 30 cmH2O sin utilizacion de manometro, se decidio confirmar las presiones en el interior de los balones de tubos traqueales en pacientes bajo intubacion traqueal en la unidad de terapia intensiva y en el centro quirurgico, ensayando maniobras para mantener la presion en el balon abajo de 30 cmH2O, mas en niveles minimos necesarios para el ciclo del ventilador sin perdida del volumen corriente. METODO: Se estudiaron las presiones en el interior de balones de tubos traqueales de 50 pacientes bajo intubacion traqueal en la unidad de terapia intensiva (Grupo I) y 72 pacientes bajo intubacion traqueal en el centro quirurgico (Grupo II). Se experimento una maniobra para obtener la presion minima en el interior del balon del tubo traqueal, necesaria para una adecuada ventilacion, sin vaciamiento de aire. Se registro la presion inicial (P1) en el interior de los balones de los tubos traqueales utilizandose un manometro digital graduado en centimetros de agua, acoplado a una jeringa de 15 ml. Fue aspirada secrecion de la orofaringe. Con el meato acustico externo del examinador proximo de la boca del paciente entre 10 y 20 cm, se conecto el manometro al balon, que fue vaciado lentamente, hasta escucharse ruido en soplo, por el vaciamiento del volumen corriente en el periodo inspiratorio de la ventilacion artificial. En este momento, se lleno lentamente el balon hasta el desaparecimiento del ruido. Se anoto la presion final (P2) del balon y el volumen de aire que quedo en la jeringa del manometro (V). RESULTADOS: Las medias de las presiones P1 en los grupos I y II fueron 85,3 y 56,2 cmH2O, respectivamente. Las medias de presiones P2 en los grupos I y II fueron 26,7 y 15,5 cmH2O respectivamente. Despues de la maniobra hecha, el desvio patron bajo de 56,3 para 8,2 en el grupo I, y de 48 para 6,7 en el grupo II. En el grupo I, la maniobra redujo el volumen y la presion del balon en 100% de los pacientes y en el grupo II, en 97,3 %. CONCLUSIONES: Los dos grupos presentaron presiones en el interior de los balones en niveles arriba de lo necesario para el ciclo del ventilador sin perdida del volumen corriente. La maniobra para mantener la presion en el interior del balon en niveles inferiores a 30 cmH2O fue simples y de pequeno costo.

Reconstituição da valva pulmonar e via de saída do ventrículo direito, com prótese bivalvular e prótese tubular valvada de tronco pulmonar de porco: estudo experimental e aplicação clínica

Obstruction of the right ventricle outlet tract (RVOT) has been the object of arguments regarding its surgical correction, while there are different criteria for reconstruction. Thus two kinds of prostheses were developed from the pig pulmonary trunk (PT). 1) One with two valves of the pulmonary valve (PV), named bivalvular graft, and could be used for correction of Fallot with pulmonary ring hypoplasia. 2) The other, with a tubular form, containing the pig PV itself and named valved conduit, could be used in RVOT reconstruction for patients with pulmonary atresia (PA). These prostheses were tested in an experimental model: implant of the bivalvular graft was performed in 16 sheep with the aid of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). The surgical technique consisted of resection of the two valves of the PV and of the anterior wall of the infundibulum; this condition was similar to Fallot correction. Implant of the valvular conduit was carried out in 12 sheep, without ECC, by direct clamping of the RV infundibulum. The PT was then ligated, deviating blood flow through the conduit. Intraoperative hemodynamics and echodoppler evaluation of the bivalvular graft showed good PV competence and only 1 case of gradient higher than 10 mmHg. Because of frequent pulmonary hemorrhage followed by death due to ECC, this group was not evaluated in the postoperative period. Intraoperative hemodynamic measurements of the valvular conduit were carried out showing good valvular competence and gradient higher than 10 mmHg in 3 cases. There was no operative mortality. Seven sheeps were followed-up during the late postoperative period with a control echodoppler on days 99 and 135 of follow-up. Gradients ranged from 9.85 to 49 mmHg (mean = 19.7). Four sheep underwent hemodynamic studies at six months of follow-up. There was a slight increase in the gradient between RV and PT (mean = 22.3 mmHg), no gradient being observed inside the conduit. Anatomopathological evaluation was performed. Clinical applications of the bivalvular prostheses was performed in 3 patients with tetralogy of Fallot and hypoplasia of the pulmonary ring (2 cases) and PV absent (1 case); they were 16,2 and 7 years old. The postoperative echodopplercardiogram showed gradients between 10 to 20 mmHg and mild pulmonary valve insufficiency. Clinical application of the valvular conduit was performed in 2 patients: 1 with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (VSD), the other with corrected transposition of the great arteries, VSD and subpulmonary stenosis (10 and 6 years old, respectively). The postoperative echodopplercardiogram showed gradients between 15 to 18 mmHg. Although the results of the experiment may be considered acceptable, reconstruction of the RVOT with the newly developed prostheses, obviously requires to be tested over time to better evaluate their resistance to calcification, infection, obstruction and rupture.