The role of Hartmann's procedure in the elective management of rectal cancer: results of a Brazilian cohort study.

Background: although preservation of bowel continuity is a major goal in rectal cancer surgery, a colorectal anastomosis may be considered an unacceptably high-risk procedure, particularly for patients with multiple comorbidities. We aimed to assess rates of surgical complications in rectal cancer patients according to the type of procedure they had undergone.

Materials And Methods: this cohort included all rectal cancer patients undergoing elective resection at a referral academic hospital over 16 years.

Locked mouths: Tooth loss in a women's prison in northeastern Brazil.

Prisoners, in general, exhibit unsatisfactory oral conditions, especially with regard to the large number of missing teeth and with untreated caries. The aim of this study was to assess tooth loss, use of and need for prosthetic rehabilitation, and use of dental services among inmates. A cross-sectional study involving 65 inmates was developed at the Regional Women's Prison of Campina Grande, Brazil.