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

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a incidência, características epidemiológicas, diagnóstico e evolução dos pacientes que retornaram às unidades de pronto atendimento (UPA) do Hospital Albert Einstein em São Paulo/SP com sinais e sintomas sugestivos de complicações até 30 dias após realização de colonoscopia. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo uni-institucional de pacientes submetidos à colonoscopia em 2014 e que retornaram, em até 30 dias após o procedimento, a uma UPA. Resultados: foram realizadas colonoscopias em 8968 pacientes, dos quais 95 (1,06%) tiveram queixa relacionada à possível complicação. A maioria dos procedimentos foi realizada eletivamente. Complicações menores (dor abdominal inespecífica/distensão) foram frequentes (0,49%) e a maioria dos pacientes recebeu alta após consulta na UPA. Complicações graves foram menos frequentes: perfuração (0,033%), hemorragia digestiva baixa (0,044%) e obstrução intestinal (0,044%). A procura à UPA em menos de 24 horas após o procedimento associou-se a maior índice de colonoscopias normais (P=0,006), mais diagnóstico de febre (P=0,0003) e síndrome dispéptica (P=0,043) e menos diagnóstico de colite/ileíte (P=0,015). A presença de febre em pacientes atendidos na UPA associou-se ao diagnóstico de pólipos na colonoscopia (P=0,030). Conclusão: os dados do presente estudo corroboram as evidências de segurança do exame de colonoscopia e apontam para redução nos índices de complicações mais graves deste exame.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the incidence, epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis and evolution of patients who returned to the emergency care units of the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo/SP with signs and symptoms suggestive of colonoscopy complications up to 30 days after the procedure. Methods: we conducted a retrospective, uni-institutional study of patients submitted to colonoscopy in 2014 who returned to the Emergency department (ED) within 30 days after the procedure. Results: 8968 patients underwent colonoscopies, 95 (1.06%) of whom had complaints related to possible complications. Most of the procedures were elective ones. Minor complications (nonspecific abdominal pain/distension) were frequent (0.49%) and most of the patients were discharged after consultation at the ED. Severe complications were less frequent: perforation (0.033%), lower gastrointestinal bleeding (0.044%), and intestinal obstruction (0.044%). ED consultations in less than 24 hours after the procedure was associated with a higher index of normal colonoscopies (p=0.006), more diagnosis of fever (p=0.0003) and dyspeptic syndrome (p=0.043), and less diagnosis of colitis/ileitis (p=0.015). The observation of fever in patients treated at the ED was associated with the diagnosis of polyps at colonoscopy (p=0.030). Conclusion: the data corroborate the safety of the colonoscopy exam and points to a reduction in major complications rates.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the clinical and pathological factors associated with perioperative morbidity, mortality and oncological outcomes after multivisceral en bloc resection in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Between January 2009 and February 2014, 105 patients with primary colorectal cancer selected for multivisceral resection were identified from a prospective database. Clinical and pathological factors, perioperative morbidity and mortality and outcomes were obtained from medical records. Estimated local recurrence and overall survival were compared using the log-rank method, and Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independence of the studied parameters. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02859155. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 60 (range 23-86) years, 66.7% were female, 80% of tumors were located in the rectum, 11.4% had stage-IV disease, and 54.3% received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The organs most frequently resected were ovaries and annexes (37%). Additionally, 30.5% of patients received abdominoperineal resection. Invasion of other organs was confirmed histologically in 53.5% of patients, and R0 resection was obtained in 72% of patients. The overall morbidity rate of patients in this study was 37.1%. Ureter resection and intraoperative blood transfusion were independently associated with an increased number of complications. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 1.9%. After 27 (range 5-57) months of follow-up, the mortality and local recurrence rates were 23% and 15%, respectively. Positive margins were associated with a higher recurrence rate. Positive margins, lymph node involvement, stage III/IV disease, and stage IV disease alone were associated with lower overall survival rates. On multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with reduced survival was lymph node involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Multivisceral en bloc resection for primary colorectal cancer can be performed with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality and may lead to favorable oncological outcomes.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a incidência, os resultados operatórios e os fatores prognósticos relacionados aos tumores colorretais localmente avançados. MÉTODOS: A população deste estudo foi constituída por 679 pacientes com câncer colorretal tratados entre 1997 e 2007. Dados clínicos, cirúrgicos e histológicos foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Noventa pacientes (mulheres 61%; idade media 59 anos) foram tratados por câncer colorretal localmente avançados (13.2%) no cólon (66%) ou no reto (34%). As ressecções alargadas mais frequentemente envolveram o intestino delgado (19.8%), bexiga (16.4%), útero (12.9%) e ovários (11.2%). Houve morbidade e mortalidade pós-operatórias em 23 (25.6%) e 3 (3.3%) pacientes, respectivamente. Análise de sobrevida e recidiva entre 76 ressecções R0 (84.4%) mostraram sobrevida de 5 anos em 60% e índice de recidiva local em 34%. As curvas de sobrevida demonstraram índices menores para localização retal do tumor (45% vs 65%), grau de penetração (50% para T4 vs 75% para T3), invasão vascular, linfática ou perineural (35% vs 80%) e metástases linfonodais (35% vs 80%). CONCLUSÕES: Carcinomas localmente avançados foram diagnosticados em 13.2% dos pacientes. Os índices de sobrevida foram negativamente afetados pela localização retal e fatores histológicos adversos. O número de órgãos envolvidos e aderências neoplásicas não influenciaram as chances de cura. Foi possível realizar ressecções alargadas R0 em grande proporção de casos, resultando em sobrevida livre de doença em 60% dos doentes, em condições de risco cirúrgico aceitável.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence surgical results and prognostic factors of locally advanced colorectal cancer. METHODS: Cohort study including 679 colorectal cancer patients treated from 1997 to 2007. Clinical, surgical and histological data were analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety patients (females 61%; median age 59 years) were treated for locally advanced carcinomas (13.2%), either in the colon (66%) or rectum (34%). Extended resections most commonly involved the small bowel (19.8%), bladder (16.4%), uterus (12.9%) and ovaries (11.2%). Postoperative morbidity and mortality occurred in 23 (25.6%) and 3 (3.3%) patients, respectively. Survival and recurrence analysis among 76 R0 (84.4%) procedures revealed a 60% 5-year survival and 34% local recurrence rates. Survival curves demonstrated reduced rates for rectal location (45% vs 65%), tumor depth (50% for T4 vs 75% for T3), vascular/ lymphatic/perineural invasion (35% vs 80%) and lymph node metastasis (35% vs 80%). CONCLUSIONS: Locally advanced carcinomas were found in 13.2% of patients. Survival rates were negatively affected by rectal location and adverse histological features. Number of involved organs and neoplastic adhesions did not influenced chances of survival. A radical R0 extended resection was achieved in a high proportion of cases, resulting in a 60% cancer-free survival under acceptable operative risks.

CONTEXTO: As controvérsias quanto a melhor forma de tratamento da polipose adenomatosa familiar confrontam a morbidade da proctocolectomia restauradora contra a suposta mortalidade decorrente de câncer retal após íleo-reto anastomose. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as complicações operatórias e a evolução oncológica dos pacientes submetidos a íleo-reto anastomose ou proctocolectomia restauradora. MÉTODOS: Analisaram-se os dados dos doentes tratados entre 1977 e 2006, procedendo ao levantamento de dados clínicos gerais, endoscópicos, resultados do tratamento cirúrgico, dados anatomopatológicos e informações sobre a evolução precoce e tardia dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: Foram tratados 88 pacientes, sendo 41 homens (46,6%) e 47 mulheres (53,4%). Por ocasião do diagnóstico, 53 pacientes (60,2%) já tinham câncer colorretal associado à polipose. Registraram-se complicações operatórias em 25 doentes (29,0 %) dentre os 86 operados, sendo 17 (19,7%) precoces e 8 (9,3%) tardias. Houve mais complicações após proctocolectomia restauradora (48,1%) em comparação às proctocolectomias com ileostomia (26,6%) e íleo-reto anastomose (19,0%) (P = 0,03). Não houve mortalidade operatória. O risco cumulativo de câncer retal após íleo-reto anastomose foi de 17,2% após 5 anos, 24,1% após 10 anos e 43,1% após 15 anos de seguimento pós-operatório. Já o risco cumulativo idade-dependente começou a existir a partir de 30 anos (4,3%), passando para 9,6% aos 40 anos, 20,9% aos 40 anos e 52% aos 60 anos. Entre os pacientes submetidos a bolsa ileal com seguimento (26), apenas 1 doente (3,8%) desenvolveu câncer na bolsa ileal. CONCLUSÕES: 1. Ocorreram complicações operatórias em cerca de 1/3 dos pacientes, sendo mais frequentes após a confecção de bolsa ileal; 2. idade maior, tempo de seguimento e câncer colônico prévio se associaram ao desenvolvimento de câncer no coto retal após íleo-reto anastomose; 3. pacientes tratados por proctocolectomia restauradora não estão livres do risco de degeneração na bolsa ileal; 4. a complexidade da doença e a existência de diversos fatores de risco envolvidos (clínicos, endoscópicos, genéticos) indicam que a melhor decisão operatória seja baseada em características individuais a serem consideradas por um especialista; 5. todos os pacientes operados requerem vigilância contínua e prolongada no seguimento pós-operatório.

CONTEXT: Controversy regarding the best operative choice for familial adenomatous polyposis lays between the morbidity of restorative proctocolectomy and the supposed mortality due to rectal cancer after ileorectal anastomosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate operative complications and oncological outcome after ileorectal anastomosis and restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS: Charts from patients treated between 1977 and 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and endoscopic data, results of treatment, pathological reports and information regarding early and late outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients - 41 men (46.6%) and 47 women (53.4%) - were assisted. At diagnosis, 53 patients (60.2%) already had associated colorectal cancer. Operative complications occurred in 25 patients (29.0 %), being 17 (19.7%) early and 8 (9.3%) late complications. There were more complications after restorative proctocolectomy (48.1%) compared to proctocolectomy with ileostomy (26.6%) and ileorectal anastomosis (19.0%) (P = 0,03). There was no operative mortality. During the follow-up of 36 ileorectal anastomosis, cancer developed in the rectal cuff in six patients (16,6%). Cumulative cancer risk after ileorectal anastomosis was 17.2% at 5 years, 24.1% at 10 years and 43.1% at 15 years of follow-up. Age-dependent cumulative risk started at 30 years (4.3%), went to 9.6% at 40 years, 20.9% at 40 years and 52% at 60 years. Among the 26 patients followed after restorative proctocolectomy, it was found cancer in the ileal pouch in 1 (3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Operative complications occurred in about one third of the patients, being more frequently after the confection of ileal reservoir; 2. greater age and previous colonic carcinoma were associated with the development of rectal cancer after ileorectal anastomosis; 3. patients treated by restorative proctocolectomy are not free from the risk of pouch degeneration; 4. the disease complexity and the various risk factors (clinical, endoscopic, genetic) indicate that the best choice for operative treatment should be based on individual features discussed by a specialist; 5. all patients require continuous and long-term surveillance during postoperative follow-up.

O desenvolvimento de técnicas minimamente invasivas é um dos mais importantes avanços da cirurgia colorretal. A assistência robótica integra o arsenal de técnicas em cirurgia minimamente invasiva, e vem sendo aplicado em cirurgia colorretal por um restrito grupo de cirurgiões em alguns centros ao redor do mundo com resultados iniciais que merecem atenção. O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar os resultados do emprego da assistência robótica em videocirurgia colorretal. Dentre as vantagens associadas ao emprego de robôs em videocirurgia colorretal, figuram o incremento na precisão dos movimentos e a visão tridimensional. A experiência clínica é ainda pequena, e advém de uma série de casos e estudos comparativos com a videocirurgia colorretal sem assistência robótica com ainda pequeno número de casos. A dissecção pélvica com incremento da preservação autonômica parece ser a maior vantagem associada à assistência robótica em videocirurgia colorretal. Somente através do treinamento de um número mais representativo de cirurgiões colorretais, bem como com a expansão da experiência clínica será possível prever com maior precisão o papel da assistência robótica em videocirurgia colorretal.

The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques represents an important aspect of modern surgical research. Robot-assisted minimally invasive colorectal surgery represents a way of assisting laparoscopic colorectal procedures. Robotic technology overcomes some of these limitations by successfully providing intuitive motion and enhanced precision and accuracy, in an environment that is much more ergonomic. A restrict number of surgeons in specialized centers around the world have been applying robotics. In this review, current evidence about different technologies and its place in colorectal surgery is evaluated. The feasibility of performing robot-assisted colorectal operations has been demonstrated though case series and small case-controlled trials. The potential for enhancing autonomic nerve preservation during proctectomy may be the most remarkable advantage associated to robotic assistance during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Colorectal surgeons should seize the opportunity to begin to use surgical robotic systems. Only through widespread surgeon training and increasing clinical experience with these systems, further technological developments, and continuous research, robotic technology will be routinely incorporated into surgical procedures on the colon and rectum.

A obstrução intestinal constitui complicação freqüente, de etiologia multifatorial, apresentação clínica variável e alta morbidade. Uma vez esgotados os recursos conservadores em casos específicos, a laparotomia exploradora é empregada para o diagnóstico final e tratamento em grande número de pacientes. Apesar do sucesso da via laparoscópica no manuseio de diversas afecções, a utilização desta via na abordagem inicial da obstrução do intestino delgado tem sido bastante limitada e alvo de numerosas críticas. Entretanto, o acúmulo de experiência com o método nos últimos anos, aliado ao avanço tecnológico e instrumental, têm permitido tratar número cada vez maior de pacientes obstruídos por meio do acesso laparoscópico. Assim, o surgimento de novos instrumentos como grampeadores laparoscópicos, pinças e trocáteres menos traumáticos ajudaram a tornar a videolaparoscopia factível e segura nestes pacientes. Neste artigo, os autores apresentam uma revisão sobre o papel da vídeo-cirurgia em casos selecionados de obstrução intestinal, ressaltando a contribuição dos métodos minimamente invasivos para o arsenal diagnóstico e terapêutico desta importante complicação.

Bowel obstruction is a frequent complication that exhibits variable clinical presentation and high morbidity. After conservative measures, laparotomy is performed for final diagnosis and treatment in a large number of patients. Besides the benefits of the laparoscopic approach in the management of many diseases, its use during the initial evaluation of bowel obstruction has been limited and has raised some criticism. However, experience with method and technological-instrumental advances in recent years has facilitated the treatment of a greater number of patients with obstruction. Thus, the development of new instruments such as laparoscopic staplers, less traumatic clamps and trocars had an important role in the feasibility and safety of the laparoscopic approach in this setting. In this article, the authors present a revision about the use of video-surgery in selected cases of intestinal obstruction, standing out the contribution of minimally invasive methods for the diagnosis and therapeutics of this important complication.

O tratamento das patologias colorretais malignas ou benignas, que necessitam tratamento com maior grau de complexidade são prioridades em hospitais terciários, como é o Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), permanecendo assim as patologias orificiais benignas em um segundo plano. Todavia devido à sua característica assistencial, o número de pacientes que procuram o HCFMUSP por doença hemorroidária, fístulas perianais, fissuras, condilomas e cistos pilonidais é muito grande, resultando na hipertrofia dos ambulatórios e lentidão para o tratamento cirúrgico preconizado (às vezes um ano e meio). Os autores descrevem a experiência do HCFMUSP durante oito dias com o atendimento tipo hospital-dia em que 140 pacientes foram atendidos e submetidos a intervenções cirúrgicas. Foram anotados prospectivamente os dados de paciente submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico para patologias orificiais benignas quanto a idade, sexo, diagnóstico, tratamento cirúrgico realizado, e complicações pós operatórias imediatas e tardias e tempo de seguimento ambulatorial. Foram estudados 140 pacientes, operados em oito dias, sendo 68(48,75%) homens e a idade variando entre 25 e 62 anos (média de 35,2 anos). A doença hemorroidária foi a patologia mais freqüente, com 82 doentes operados (58,57%), seguido pela fístula perineal com 20,0% dos casos operados. A complicação mais freqüente foram as anestésicas com a cefaléia pós raquianestesia ocorrendo em nove pacientes (6,42%). Um paciente (0,71%) apresentou hemorragia no PO necessitando reoperação para hemostasia. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 104 dias. O uso do conceito hospital-dia em serviços públicos terciários é factível, com a possibilidade de atendimento de grande quantidade de pacientes com patologias orificiais benignas, em curto espaço de tempo, com qualidade e baixas taxas de complicações.

The treatment of malignant or benign colorectal pathologies that require more complex management are priorities in tertiary hospitals such as "Hospital das Clínicas" University of São Paulo Medical Center (HCFMUSP). Therefore, benign, uncomplicated orifice conditions are relegated to second place. The number of patients with hemorrhoids, perianal fistulas, fissures, condylomas and pilonidal cysts who seek treatment at the HFMUSP is very great, resulting in over-crowding in the outpatient clinics and a long waiting list for recommended surgical treatment (at times over 18 months). The authors describe the experience of the HCFMUSP over an eight-day period with day-hospital surgery in which 140 patients underwent surgery. Data was prospectively taken on the patients undergoing surgery for benign orifice pathologies including age, sex, diagnosis, surgery performed, immediate and late postoperative complications, and follow-up. 140 patients operated on over eight days were studied. 68 were males (48.75%) with ages ranging from 25 to 62 (mean 35.2 yrs.). Hemorrhoids was the most frequent condition encountered (82 hemorrhoidectomies, 58.6%), followed by perineal fistula (28 fistula repairs, 20.0%). The most common complication was headache secondary to rachianesthesia occurring in 9 patients (6.4%). One patient (0.7%) developed bleeding immediately PO that required reoperation. Mean follow-up was 104 days. Day-surgery characterized by quality care and low morbidity is feasible in tertiary public hospitals, permitting surgery for benign orifice pathologies on many patients within a short period of time.