Yield of surgery in solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: A case series and literature review.

Background: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) of the pancreas represents approximately 2% of non-endocrine tumors of the pancreas. It is described in the literature as a rare and predominant tumor in young women.

Aim: To report a case series with SPN and analyzing clinical, surgical, anatomopathological characteristics, as well as the prognosis and review of literature.

Guidelines for the management of neuroendocrine tumours by the Brazilian gastrointestinal tumour group.

Neuroendocrine tumours are a heterogeneous group of diseases with a significant variety of diagnostic tests and treatment modalities. Guidelines were developed by North American and European groups to recommend their best management. However, local particularities and relativisms found worldwide led us to create Brazilian guidelines.

Common bile duct investigation in patients with mild biliary pancreatitis. when and how? A prospective analysis of 48 patients.

Background/aims: To define how and when patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis must have their biliary tree investigated.

Methodology: We analyzed 48 patients' files with mild biliary pancreatitis between 1995 and 2004. After clinical treatment, magnetic resonance or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and then surgery was performed.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in elderly patients.

Background: Acute cholecystitis is the major complication of biliary lithiasis, for which laparoscopic treatment has been established as the standard therapy. With longer life expectancy, acute cholecystitis has often been seen in elderly patients (>65 years old) and is often accompanied by comorbity and severe complications. We sought to compare the outcome of laparoscopic treatment for acute cholecystitis with special focus on comparison between elderly and nonelderly patients.

Factors leading to long-term hospitalization after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Background: Randomized studies demonstrate that laparoscopic appendectomy yields better results compared with open techniques. We sought to identify factors that determine an extended hospital stay among patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods: This was a prospective study including 669 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.

Laparoscopic gastric banding in the rat model as a means of videolaparoscopic training.

The development of laparoscopy in bariatric surgery has attracted a large number of surgeons. Learning this method for future clinical practice requires intensive training with inert tissues, simulators and experimental surgery in animals. Performing these procedures in small animals, with the same equipment used in humans, is feasible, allowing familiarization with and comprehension of the basic techniques.