Martinho Antonio Gestic

Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis using Frey's procedure: a Brazilian 16-year single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis is indicated for intractable pain. Freys procedure is an accepted treatment for this disease. The aim of the present study was to describe a single-centre experience in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis using Freys procedure. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 73 patients who underwent a Freys procedure between 1991 to 2007 and had at least 1 year of follow-up. Demographics, indication for surgery, peri-operative complications and late outcomes were analysed. RESULTS The median age was 39.9 years. Seventy out of the 73 (95.8%) patients were male. The median pre-operative body mass index (BMI) was 19.1 kg/m(2). All patients had abdominal pain, 34 (46.6%) of them daily and 13 (17.8%) weekly, with moderate or severe intensity in 98.6% (n= 72). The aetiology was secondary to alcohol in 70 patients (95.9%), with a median consumption of 278 g per day. The surgical morbidity rate was 28.7%; there were no deaths. Median post-operative follow-up was 77.0 months; 64 patients (91.4%) had complete pain relief and post-operative BMI was 22.4 kg/m(2) (P<0.001). All patients with pre-operative endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies showed no reversal of the situation. New onset insufficiencies appeared late. CONCLUSIONS Freys procedure was a safe and effective therapeutic option for the surgical treatment of patients with intractable pain caused by chronic pancreatitis.

Impact of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance Parameters

BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex association of clustering metabolic factors that increase risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Surgical treatment has become an important tool to achieve its control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on MetS and its individual components, clinical characteristics, and biochemical features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study is a retrospective cohort of 96 subjects with MetS who underwent RYGB and were evaluated at baseline and after surgery. Clinical and biochemical features were analyzed. RESULTS After surgery, significant rates of resolution for MetS (88.5%), T2DM (90.6%), hypertension (85.6%), and dyslipidemias (54.2%) were found. Significant decreases in levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides and an increase in high-density lipoprotein level were also shown. The decrease in insulin resistance evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was consistent. MetS resolution was associated with postoperative glycemic control, decreases in levels of fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides and in antihypertensive usage, and percentage weight loss. CONCLUSIONS This study found high rates of resolution for MetS, T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemias after RYGB in obese patients. This finding was consistent with current literature. Hence RYGB should be largely indicated for this group of subjects as it is a safe and powerful tool to achieve MetS control.

GLP-2: A POORLY UNDERSTOOD MEDIATOR ENROLLED IN VARIOUS BARIATRIC/METABOLIC SURGERY-RELATED PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISMS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a gastrointestinal hormone whose effects are predominantly trophic on the intestinal mucosa. Aim: Critically evaluate the current literature on the influence of bariatric/metabolic surgery on the levels of GLP-2 and its potential clinical implications. Method s: Narrative review through online research on the databases Medline and Lilacs. There were six prospective human studies, two cross-sectional human studies, and three experimental animal studies selected. Results: There is evidence demonstrating significant increase in the levels of GLP-2 following gastric bypass, Scopinaro operation, and sleeve gastrectomy. There are no differences between gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in regards to the increase in the GLP-2 levels. There is no correlation between the postoperative levels of GLP-2 and the occurrence of adequate or insufficient postoperative weight loss. Conclusion: GLP-2 plays significant roles on the regulation of nutrient absorption, permeability of gut mucosa, control of bone resorption, and regulation of satiety. The overall impact of these effects potentially exerts a significant adaptive or compensatory effect within the context of varied bariatric surgical techniques.

CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS AMONG OBESE DIABETIC PATIENTS

CONTEXT Hypertension is a common disorder in general practice and has a widely known association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low adhesion to clinical treatment may lead to poor results. Obesity surgery can bring early and relevant resolution rates of both morbidities. OBJECTIVE To describe hypertension evolution after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHOD Descriptive observational study designed as a historical cohort of 90 subjects with hypertension and diabetes who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and were evaluated before and after surgery. RESULTS It was observed a hypertension resolution rate of 85.6% along with markedly decrease in anti-hypertensive usage. Mean resolution time was 3.2 months. Resolution was associated with homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance, preoperative fasting insulin, anti-hypertensive usage, hypertension time, body mass index and percentage of weight loss. Resolution of hypertension was not statistically associated with diabetes remission within this sample. CONCLUSION Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was a safe and effective therapeutic tool to achieve hypertension resolution in patients who also had diabetes mellitus.

CORRELATION BETWEEN PRE AND POSTOPERATIVE LEVELS OF GLP-1/GLP-2 AND WEIGHT LOSS AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

ABSTRACT Background: The role of gut hormones in glucose homeostasis and weight loss achievement and maintenance after bariatric surgery appears to be a key point in the understanding of the beneficial effects observed following these procedures. Aim: To determine whether there is a correlation between the pre and postoperative levels of both GLP-1 and GLP-2 and the excess weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods: An exploratory prospective study which enrolled 11 individuals who underwent RYGB and were followed-up for 12 months. GLP-1 and GLP-2 after standard meal tolerance test (MTT) were determined before and after surgery and then correlated with the percentage of excess loss (%EWL). Results: GLP-2 AUC presented a significant postoperative increase (945.3±449.1 vs.1787.9±602.7; p=0.0037); GLP-1 AUC presented a non-significant trend towards increase after RYGB (709.6±320.4 vs. 1026.5±714.3; p=0.3808). Mean %EWL was 66.7±12.2%. There was not any significant correlation between both the pre and postoperative GLP-1 AUCs and GLP-2 AUCs and the %EWL achieved after one year. Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between the pre and postoperative levels of the areas under the GLP-1 and GLP-2 curves with the percentage of weight loss reached after one year.

Tratamento cirúrgico da pancreatite crônica com a técnica de F rey: panorama atual

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disorder characterized by irreversible destruction of pancreatic parenchyma and may be associated with disabling chronic pain and permanent loss of endocrine and exocrine function. Main indication for surgery is intractable abdominal pain and choosing the best technique to be used for a patient remains a challenge. The technique described by Frey combines the effectiveness of pain control characteristic of resection surgery with low mortality and morbidity of derivative procedures. AIM: To compare and discuss the results of surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis with Frey procedure. METHODS: A literature review of scientific articles available in Medline/Pubmed database and the national theses descriptors with terms chronic pancreatitis, surgical treatment and Frey procedure. It was selected the most important articles and that reported more experience with this surgical option. CONCLUSIONS: Frey procedure proves to be an option with high effectiveness in controlling abdominal pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis in the long term in patients with abdominal pain and enlarged pancreatic head, with lower rates of morbidity and mortality. The studies showed little interference of technique in the deterioration of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions.

Bariatric surgery as a treatment for pseudotumor cerebri: case study and narrative review of the literature

CONTEXT Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when there is an increase in intracranial pressure without an underlying cause, usually leading to loss of vision. It is most commonly observed in obese women of child-bearing age. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old woman presented at our service with idiopathic intracranial hypertension that had been diagnosed two years earlier, which had led to chronic refractory headache and an estimated 30% loss of visual acuity, associated with bilateral papilledema. She presented partial improvement of the headache with acetazolamide, but the visual loss persisted. Her intracranial pressure was 34 cmH2O. She presented a body mass index of 39.5 kg/m2, also associated with high blood pressure. Computed tomography of the cranium with endovenous contrast did not show any abnormalities. She underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with uneventful postoperative evolution. One month following surgery, she presented a 24% excess weight loss. An ophthalmological examination revealed absence of visual loss and remission of the papilledema. There were no new episodes of headache following the surgery. There was also complete resolution of high blood pressure. The intracranial pressure decreased to 24 cmH2O, six months after the surgery. CONCLUSION Although the condition is usually associated with obesity, there are few reports of bariatric surgery among individuals with pseudotumor cerebri. In cases studied previously, there was high prevalence of resolution or improvement of the disease following bariatric surgery. There is no consensus regarding which technique is preferable. Thus, further research is necessary in order to establish a specific algorithm.

MANAGEMENT OF PANCREATICOPLEURAL FISTULAS SECONDARY TO CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis. Objective: To describe pancreaticopleural fistula due to chronic pancreatitis and perform an extensive review of literature on this topic. Methods: Comprehensive narrative review through online research on the databases Medline and Lilacs for articles published over the last 20 years. There were 22 case reports and four case series selected. Results: The main indication for surgical treatment is the failure of clinical and/or endoscopic treatments. Surgery is based on internal pancreatic drainage, especially by means of pancreaticojejunostomy, and/or pancreatic resections. Conclusion: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis and the Frey procedure may be an appropriate therapeutic option in selected cases when clinical and endoscopic treatments are unsuccessful.

Bariatric surgery in individuals with severe cognitive impairment: report of two cases

CONTEXT Bariatric surgery has become the gold-standard treatment for refractory morbid obesity. Obesity is frequently associated with certain syndromes that include coexisting cognitive deficits. However, the outcomes from bariatric surgery in this group of individuals remain incompletely determined. CASE REPORT A 25-year-old male with Prader-Willi syndrome, whose intelligence quotient (IQ) was 54, was admitted with a body mass index (BMI) of 55 kg/m2, associated with glucose intolerance. He underwent the Scopinaro procedure for biliopancreatic diversion, with uneventful postoperative evolution, and presented a 55% loss of excess weight one year after the surgery, with resolution of glucose intolerance, and without any manifestation of protein-calorie malnutrition. A 28-year-old male with Down syndrome, whose IQ was 68, was admitted with BMI of 41.5 kg/m2, associated with hypertension. He underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with uneventful postoperative evolution. He presented a 90% loss of excess weight one year after the surgery, with resolution of the hypertension. CONCLUSION Bariatric surgery among individuals with intellectual impairment is a controversial topic. There is a tendency among these individuals to present significant weight loss and comorbidity control, but less than what is observed in the general obese population. The severity of the intellectual impairment may be taken into consideration in the decision-making process regarding the most appropriate surgical technique. Bariatric surgery is feasible and safe among these individuals, but further research is necessary to deepen these observations.

Solitary pancreatic metastasis from breast cancer: case report and review of literature

ABSTRACT CONTEXT Pancreatic metastases from primary malignant tumors at other sites are rare, constituting about 2% of the neoplasms that affect the pancreas. Pancreatic metastasis from breast cancer is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose, because its clinical and radiological presentation is similar to that of a primary pancreatic tumor. CASE REPORT A 64-year-old female developed a lesion in the pancreatic tail 24 months after neoadjuvant therapy, surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy for right-side breast cancer (ductal carcinoma). She underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and left adrenalectomy, and presented an uneventful outcome. The immunohistochemical analysis on the surgical specimen suggested that the lesion originated from the breast. CONCLUSION In cases of pancreatic lesions detected in patients with a previous history of breast neoplasm, the possibility of pancreatic metastasis should be carefully considered.