This review presents some aspects about the biology and behavior of the hematophagous bats Diphylla ecaudata and Diaemus youngi. It is notable the lack of information regarding both species, and the need of training in order to identify them properly from Desmodus rotundus. We analyze the main anatomical features that allow differentiation of these species. This will result in a more specific control of Desmodus rotundus populations.

En la presente revisión se presentan algunos aspectos de la biología y comportamiento de las especies de quirópteros hematófagos Diphylla ecaudata y Diaemus youngi. Y se analizan las principales características anatómicas que permiten hacer la diferenciación de estas especies con Desmodus rotundus. Es notable la falta de información sobre las dos primeras especies y la necesidad de capacitación para la correcta identificación de las mismas, lo que redundará en un direccionamiento más específico para controlar las poblaciones de Desmodus rotundus

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores implicados na conversão da colecistectomia laparoscópica. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva dos protocolos dos pacientes submetidos a colecistectomia laparoscópica no período de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2004. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 1734 colecistectomias laparoscópicas neste período. A taxa de conversão foi de 5,7%, sendo de 5,44% nas cirurgias eletivas e de 14% nas cirurgias de urgência. (p=0,019). Não houve diferença na taxa de conversão em relação ao sexo, 7,46% nos pacientes do sexo masculino e 5,39% do sexo feminino. (p=0,178). A conversão foi necessária em 4,41% dos pacientes com menos de 60 anos e em 11,11% dos pacientes maiores de 60 anos (p=0,01). O principal motivo responsável pela conversão foi inflamação e aderência entre as estruturas do pedículo biliar (42,53%), outras causas foram coledocolitíase (17,24%) e suspeita ou lesão da via biliar (9,19%). Um tempo operatório maior que 120 minutos foi observado em 71,43% dos pacientes convertidos, e em apenas 8,2% dos pacientes não-convertidos. Dos pacientes convertidos 79,31% tiveram alta após 48 horas, e entre os pacientes não-convertidos apenas 10,8% tiveram alta após este período.(p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores de risco para conversão observados neste estudo foram idade> 60 anos, cirurgia em caráter de urgência e pacientes com colecistite aguda.

BACKGROUND: This study has the objective to evaluate factors implied with conversion from laparoscopic to open procedures. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed the patients' records submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, from January 2000 to December 2004. RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred and thirty four laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed during this period. The total conversion rate was 5.7%, scheduled surgery was 5.44% and emergency surgery was 14% (p=0.019). Male patients had a conversion rate of 7.46% and female patients had a conversion rate of 5.39%. (p=0.178). Patients older than 60 need conversion in 11.11%, and among patients younger than 60, the rate was 4.41%. (p=0.01). The main cause of conversion was inflammation/adherence in the structures of the gallbladder pedicle, and was responsible for 42.53%, choledocholithiasis accounted for 17.24%, and suspicion or bile duct injury corresponded to 9.19%. An operative time longer than 120 minutes was observed in 71.43% of converted patients, and 8.2% of non-converted ones. In the converted group, 79.31% were discharged more than 48 hours after surgery, and in the non-converted group, 10.8% were discharged after this period. (p=0,001). CONCLUSION: The risk factor observed in this study was age older than 60 years, emergency surgery and acute cholecystitis. The identification of these factors can help estimate the difficulty of the procedure and permit the surgeon to give better information to the patients about the risk of conversion.