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BACKGROUND: To examine the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), age, and mortality rates after emergency surgery. METHODS: In this observational study, a total of 851 patients undergoing emergency surgery between January 2022 and January 2023 were retrospective examined. Using 30 and 180 days mortality data, NLR differences and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed using a 65-year threshold. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed incorporating age and NLR. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for mortality. RESULTS: Among 851 patients, the 30 and 180 days mortality rates were 5.2% and 10.8%, respectively. Median NLR in 30 days was 5.6 (3.1 to 9.6) in survivors and 8.7 (4.6 to 13.4) in deceased patients (p < 0.0001); in 180 days, it was 5.5 (3.1 to 9.8) and 8.8 (4.8 to 14.5), respectively (p < 0.0001). In the 30- and 180-days mortality analyses, median NLRs were 5.1 (2.9 to 8.9) and 4.9 (2.9 to 8.8) in survivors and 10.6 (6.9 to 16.6) and 9.3 (5.4 to 14.9) in deceased patients aged < 65 years, respectively. The ROC AUC in patients younger than 65 years was higher for 30 days (AUC 0.75; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.87) and 180 days (AUC 0.73; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.81). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the NLR (odds ratio, 1.03 [95% CI 1.005 to 1.053; p = 0.0133) and age (odds ratio, 1.05 [95% CI 1.034 to 1.064; p < 0.0001) significantly contributed to the model. Survival analysis revealed differences in the 180 days mortality (p = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: We observed differences in preoperative NLR between patients who survived and those who died after emergency surgery. Age impacts the use of NLR as a mortality risk factor. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06549101, retrospectively registered.

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A large Argentine tegu (Salvator merianae) presented with anorexia. Initial radiographs revealed a metallic foreign body in the stomach. The tegu vomited and became inactive two days later. A follow-up radiograph revealed the persistence of the foreign body in the same region. The foreign body was identified as a cluster of multiple magnets resembling neodymium magnets reported missing by the owner. An emergent laparotomy was performed due to gastrointestinal perforations caused by the multiple magnets. The surgical intervention revealed perforations in the walls of the stomach and small intestine and progressing acute peritonitis. Three magnets were extracted from the abdominal cavity and the tegu showed recovery. At 200 days postoperatively, the tegu continued to demonstrate good appetite and energy levels.

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Background: COVID-19 has further burdened the Brazilian healthcare system, especially emergencies. Patients may have delayed seeking care for surgical abdominal pain. Delays in the approach may have impacted clinical evolution and outcomes. This study evaluated appendectomies and their complications performed by the public system during one-year follow-up of COVID-19 in a hospital in southern Brazil. Materials and methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, we included adult patients who underwent appendectomy from March 2019 to April 2021 (n = 162). Patients were divided into pre-pandemic (n = 78) and pandemic (n = 84) groups based on the surgery date. The analyzed variables included hospitalization duration, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, surgical approach, histopathological findings, COVID-19 testing, patient outcomes, and 30-day survival rate. Results: The cohorts exhibited similar epidemiology, with the sex ratio and average age being maintained. No statistical difference was found in the 30-day survival rate and clinical outcomes. Of the four patients admitted to the ICU, three belonged to the pandemic cohort and tested negative for COVID-19. Only 47.6 % of the patients in the pandemic cohort underwent COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction examination; one tested positive (2.5 %). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there was no increased risk for appendectomies during the first wave of the pandemic. Surgeries were safe during this period. Patients continued to access the emergency service despite surgical abdominal pain and restrictive measures imposed by health authorities. The similar results observed across cohorts are attributed to the readiness of the teams and the availability of medical surgical equipment in safe quantities.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health outcomes (postoperative morbidity and mortality) and the functional status at discharge of elderly patients older than 80 years who underwent emergency surgery. METHOD: Patients > 80 years of age who underwent emergency surgery during one year at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain. Preoperative data (age, sex, type of surgery, comorbidity) and postoperative data (complications) were evaluated, as well as in-hospital mortality, at 30 days and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Five-hundred-sixty-eight patients underwent emergency surgery between 2018 and 2019. After the review, 407 patients were included in the study. Average age: 86.9 years. Women 61.7%. Mean hospital stay: 10.4 days. Traumatic interventions 41.3%, vascular surgery 19.7%, general-digestive surgery 25.3%. Medium ASA risk: 2.88. Functional status at discharge: 3.15. Postoperative complications: Clavien-Dindo I 40.8%, II 40.3%, IIIA 3.4%, IIIB 2.5%, IVA 3.9%, IVB 2.0% and V 7.1%. Hospital mortality 7.1%, 30-day mortality 10.3%, mortality at 6 months 24.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients > 80 years of age undergoing urgent surgery have high preoperative comorbidity, postoperative complications, and high mortality at 30 days and 6 months after surgery. This mortality is more significant in those ASA IV, nonagenarians and those undergoing high-risk surgery.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados en salud (morbilidad y mortalidad posoperatorias) y el estado funcional al alta de los pacientes mayores de 80 años sometidos a cirugía de urgencia. MÉTODO: Pacientes de edad > 80 años sometidos a cirugía de urgencia durante 1 año en el Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, España. Se evaluaron datos preoperatorios (edad, sexo, tipo de cirugía, comorbilidad) y posoperatorios (complicaciones), así como mortalidad hospitalaria, a los 30 días y a los 6 meses de la cirugía. RESULTADOS: En 2018-2019 fueron operados de urgencia 568 pacientes, de los cuales 407 fueron incluidos en el estudio. Edad media: 86.9 años. El 61.7% fueron mujeres. Estancia media hospitalaria: 10.4 días. El 41.3% fueron intervenciones traumatológicas, el 19.7% cirugía vascular, el 25.3% cirugía general-digestiva. Riesgo ASA medio: 2.88. Estado funcional al alta: 3.15. Complicaciones posoperatorias: Clavien-Dindo I 40.8%, II 40.3%, IIIA 3.4%, IIIB 2.5%, IVA 3.9%, IVB 2.0% y V 7.1%. Mortalidad: hospitalaria 7.1%, a los 30 días 10.3% y a los 6 meses 24.6%. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes > 80 años sometidos a cirugía urgente presentan elevada comorbilidad preoperatoria, complicaciones posoperatorias y elevada mortalidad a 30 días y 6 meses de la cirugía. Esta mortalidad es más significativa en los ASA IV, nonagenarios y sometidos a cirugía de alto riesgo.

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Background Postoperative complications (POC) are undesirable consequences of surgery and are a major area of concern adversely affecting the quality of surgical care and patient safety. Emergency surgery has been observed to have a higher incidence of different POC. The analysis of POC is of great importance due to their impact on the quality of life of patients and because they have become an indicator to measure the quality of hospital services. Objective This study aimed to describe the POC of emergency surgeries in patients from the general surgery department of a referral hospital in eastern Venezuela. Methodology A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, including patients undergoing emergency surgery at "Dr. Luis Razetti" University Hospital, Barcelona, Venezuela, between November 2022 and May 2023. Results Medical records of 178 patients were analyzed. Most were male (53.7%), with an average age of 34.98 and a standard deviation of 18.2 years. POC was registered in 28 (15.7%) patients, with surgical site infection being the most common in 21 (39.62%) patients. Those over 65 years old (21.4% vs. 6.4%, p=0.013), patients with a history of hypertension (25% vs. 6.3%, p=0.002), hypoalbuminemia (100% vs. 43.8%, p=0.027), diagnosed with peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation (21.4% vs. 6%, p=0.007), trauma (25% vs. 9.3%, p=0.018), and those with a midline incision (75% vs. 31.3%, p<0.001) had a higher frequency of POC. There was a mortality rate of 2.8% with no significant difference based on the development of POC. Conclusion POC represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing emergency surgeries. The studied sample showed a similar frequency of POC compared to previous reports but with lower mortality. Complications were associated with higher frequencies of hypertension, midline approach, hypoalbuminemia, and emergency surgery for peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation and trauma.

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In this case report, we discuss a rare incident of avulsion-type renal injury in a 24-year-old male with no significant medical history. The injury occurred during a traffic accident, where he was involved in a direct impact collision between a motorcycle and a vehicle, leading to altered corticomedullary differentiation in the right kidney, a retroperitoneal hematoma, and free fluid in the cavity. The patient underwent successful emergency abdominal surgery, which involved the removal of the damaged kidney due to the severity of the injury. During his postoperative recovery in the ICU, he received extensive care, including sedation, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor support. Ultimately, he made a successful recovery and was discharged after rehabilitation. This case highlights the complexities involved in managing patients with renal injuries resulting from high-energy impact accidents. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treatment, the challenges associated with deciding on surgical intervention, and the significance of rehabilitation in patient recovery. The uniqueness of this case, characterized by its distinct mechanism of injury and the severity of the trauma, contributes to our broader understanding of renal trauma management in the field of trauma medicine. It underscores the need for personalized patient care strategies and emphasizes the effectiveness of surgical interventions in severe cases of renal trauma.

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Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provoked disruptions in healthcare delivery, leading to the cancellation and postponement of various health services, including surgery. Numerous countries closed their borders and established laws mandating the use of face masks and social distancing and enforced lockdowns, and various activities were constrained. Brazil, the largest and most populous country in Latin America, also experienced a rapid and sustained surge in infections and deaths. Brazil was the most severely impacted nation in Latin America. The impact of the pandemic on surgical services in Brazil has not been adequately studied since most studies only cover the early phases of the pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical services throughout the entire period. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional design was used to examine surgical cases from 2019 to 2022 and compared the following indicators: (1) number of hospital admissions, (2) length of hospital stay (LOS) (in days), and (3) volume of urgent and elective procedures. Data was divided into four time periods, pre-pandemic (March-December 2019), pandemic (March-December 2020), recovery (March-December 2021), and post-pandemic (March-December 2022), and was analyzed for the number of admissions and LOS based on surgical procedures performed by stratifying according to region, sex, age, and type of surgery (urgent versus elective). Results The number of admissions for surgical procedures ranged between 859,646 and 4,015,624 for 2019, 686,616 and 3,419,234 for 2020, 787,791 and 3,829,019 for 2021, and 760,512 and 3,857,817 for 2022 for the category of region; 4,260,900 and 5,991,775 for 2019, 3,594,117 and 4,984,710 for 2020, 4,182,640 and 5,590,808 for 2021, and 4,077,651 and 5,561,928 for 2022 for the category of sex; and 2,170,288 and 3,186,117 for 2019, 1,516,830 and 2,825,189 for 2020, 1,748,202 and 3,030,272 for 2021, and 1,900,023 and 2,859,179 for 2022 for the category of age. The variable age showed a comparable trend, albeit with an expressive decline for surgeries in the age range of 0-19 years. The LOS (in days) for surgical procedures ranged between 110,157 and 910,846 for 2019, 58,562 and 897,734 for 2020, 67,926 and 904,137 for 2021, and 100,467 and 823,545 for 2022. Thoracic surgery indicated no statistically significant difference in the number of admissions and LOS. Elective surgeries had a decline in the number of admissions and LOS, a 13% and 9.3% decline between 2019 and 2020, respectively. Urgent surgeries experienced a slight decrease in admissions and LOS, with a decline of 2.4% and 2.8% between 2019 and 2020, respectively. Conclusions Population characteristics, such as age, sex, and region, showed decreased hospital admissions during the pandemic, followed by a recovery toward pre-pandemic levels afterward. The number of surgical admissions and the length of hospital stays decreased during the pandemic but gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels in the recovery and post-pandemic phases. Notably, thoracic surgery remained statistically consistent across all periods, indicating its emergency nature compared to other surgeries. Thus, we conclude that the pandemic had minimal impact on thoracic surgery cases, contributing to a stable trend.

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Introducción: El manejo del paciente geriátrico en cirugía siempre ha representado un gran desafío por considerarse de "alto riesgo". Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, terapéuticas y epidemiológicas concernientes a las complicaciones quirúrgicas infecciosas en adultos mayores tras cirugía abdominal de urgencia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de casos y controles en pacientes adultos mayores que presentaron complicaciones quirúrgicas tras cirugía abdominal de urgencia en el período comprendido de 2019 hasta 2021 en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba. Se trabajó con una muestra de casos complicados y otra de controles, representada por aquellos que no sufrieron complicaciones. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, comorbilidades gérmenes aislados y tratamiento requerido. Resultados: Las complicaciones quirúrgicas en la cirugía abdominal urgente afectan fundamentalmente a pacientes adultos mayores en edades tempranas de ambos sexos con antecedentes de enfermedades endocrinas y/o cardiovasculares. La infección superficial y profunda del sitio quirúrgico es la complicación predominante. Los gérmenes más frecuentemente aislados fueron: Escherichia coli, Pseudomona aureoginosa y Klebsiella. El tratamiento farmacológico seguido del quirúrgico se utilizó en la mayoría de los enfermos para la solución de sus complicaciones. Conclusiones: Las comorbilidades constituyen el factor de riesgo principal para la aparición de complicaciones quirúrgicas infecciosas en adultos mayores, tras cirugía abdominal de urgencia con primacía de la infección superficial y profunda del sitio quirúrgico. Los gérmenes causales están en relación con la microbiota de la piel, donde se realiza la incisión, y la microbiota de los órganos donde se efectúa la intervención quirúrgica(AU)

Introduction: The surgical management of the geriatric patient has always represented a great challenge because such is considered as "high risk." Objective: To describe the clinical, therapeutic and epidemiological characteristics concerning infectious surgical complications in older adults after emergency abdominal surgery. Methods: An analytical observational study of cases and controls was carried out with older adult patients who presented surgical complications after emergency abdominal surgery, in the period from 2019 to 2021, at the general surgery service of Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora, of Santiago de Cuba. The study work was conducted with a sample of complicated cases and another sample of controls, the latter represented by those who did not suffer complications. The analyzed variables were age, sex, comorbidity, isolated germs and required treatment. Results: Surgical complications in emergency abdominal surgery affect mainly older adult patients at early ages, from both sexes and with a history of endocrine or cardiovascular diseases. Superficial and deep surgical-site infection is the predominant complication. The most frequently isolated germs were Escherichia coli, Pseudomona aureoginosa and Klebsiella. Pharmacological treatment followed by surgical treatment was used in most of the patients, with the aim of giving a solution to their complications. Conclusions: Comorbidity is the main risk factor for the appearance of infectious surgical complications in older adults after emergency abdominal surgery, primarily for superficial and deep surgical-site infection. The causal germs are related to the skin microbiota, according to the site where the incision is made, as well as the microbiota of the organs where the surgical intervention is performed(AU)

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Introduction: The number of surgeries for groin hernia (GH) among the elderly follows the increase in life expectancy of the population. The greater number and severity of comorbidities in this group increases the surgical risk, promoting discussion regarding the indication of elective surgery and the benefits of watchful waiting approach (WWA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of emergency hernia surgery among the elderly population. Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed in Pubmed and Scielo databases for the past early 10 years, until July 2022. The subject was groin hernia in the emergency setting focusing the elderly population. The PRISMA statement was followed and the classification of elderly was based on the World Health Organization's definition. Results: A total of 1,037 results were returned and we ended with nine original articles with emphasis in groin hernia in the emergency among the elderly population. In these subjects, the complications rate ranged between 21.2% and 28.9% and the mortality rate ranged between 1.2% and 6%. Cardiopulmonary disease, high ASA and Charlson's scales were associated with greater risk of complications and death. Conclusion: Emergency GH surgery in the elderly population carries an increased risk of complications and mortality. GH surgery is safe or, at least, less harmful when done electively. The risk and benefits of WWA and upfront surgery needs to be assessed and exposed to the patients. Our review sugest that elective surgery should be the option over WWA in this patient population.

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INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Gastrointestinal perforation is a surgical emergency that is associated with a high mortality rate and requires special care. During the pandemic, there has been competition with COVID-19 patients for health resources, especially ICU bed availability. The primary aim of our study was to compare the incidence of gastrointestinal perforation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases registered before the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single center, cohort study was conducted that included patients that underwent emergency surgery for gastrointestinal perforation in the periods during the pandemic (6 months) and before the pandemic (12 months). Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, duration of hospital and ICU stay, status at discharge, and perforation site were compared. RESULTS: The study included 67 subjects (33 in the pre-pandemic period and 34 in the pandemic period). There were no significant differences regarding sex, age, or comorbidity. The perforation rate per emergency intervention was 4-times higher during the pandemic. There was an increase in the number of patients that were foreigners (4 [11%]) and nonresidents (6 [17%]). ICU admissions decreased (6 [19%]) but ICU stay increased to 137 h. Hospital stay increased by 5 days and delay in care increased 4.5 h. The number of deaths was higher (from 5 [15.2%] to 10 [29.4%]). Four patients with perforations were positive for COVID-19, were admitted to the ICU, and died. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic there was an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal perforations at our healthcare system area; symptoms were more advanced, and mortality was higher.

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INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Gastrointestinal perforation is a surgical emergency that is associated with a high mortality rate and requires special care. During the pandemic, there has been competition with COVID-19 patients for health resources, especially ICU bed availability. The primary aim of our study was to compare the incidence of gastrointestinal perforation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases registered before the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single center, cohort study was conducted that included patients that underwent emergency surgery for gastrointestinal perforation in the periods during the pandemic (6 months) and before the pandemic (12 months). Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, duration of hospital and ICU stay, status at discharge, and perforation site were compared. RESULTS: The study included 67 subjects (33 in the pre-pandemic period and 34 in the pandemic period). There were no significant differences regarding sex, age, or comorbidity. The perforation rate per emergency intervention was 4-times higher during the pandemic. There was an increase in the number of patients that were foreigners (4 [11%]) and nonresidents (6, [17%]). ICU admissions decreased (6 [19%]) but ICU stay increased to 137 h. Hospital stay increased by 5 days and delay in care increased 4.5 h. The number of deaths was higher (from 5 [15.2%] to 10 [29.4%]). Four patients with perforations were positive for COVID-19, were admitted to the ICU, and died. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic there was an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal perforations at our healthcare system area; symptoms were more advanced, and mortality was higher.

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An earthquake in 2018 resulted in irreparable damage to the Port of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago, and severely affected orthopaedic services. This study investigates the rate and reasons for cancellation on the day of surgery of orthopaedic cases during the post-earthquake period. We prospectively collected data on all cases scheduled to undergo surgery during the study period. Information was gathered on patient demographics, the number and reasons for cancellation. Data were analysed using Analyse-it for Microsoft Excel 5.40 (Analyse-it Software Ltd). Our results show that 43 patients were cancelled, resulting in a 44.3% cancellation rate. Patients who had their surgery cancelled were older, with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class compared with patients whose surgery was not cancelled. Hospital-related factors were found to be responsible for the majority of cancellations. Placed in context, our findings suggest that limited operating time due to the earthquake-induced hospital damage was the principal reason for the high rate of surgery cancellations.

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Introducción: El manejo de la vía aérea, conceptualizado como el conjunto de maniobras y empleo de dispositivos que permiten una ventilación adecuada y segura en pacientes que por diversas condiciones clínicas lo requieren, llega a ser uno de los desafíos más importantes que enfrenta un anestesiólogo en su práctica. Se considera que el resultado final dependerá de las características del paciente, la disponibilidad de equipos, así como de su destreza y habilidades. Cuando no se tienen en cuenta estos aspectos, aumenta la incidencia de morbilidad y mortalidad perioperatoria. Objetivo: Describir la conducta anestesiológica ante una paciente con diagnóstico de vía aérea difícil no prevista durante el perioperatorio. Presentación de caso: Se presenta el caso de una paciente anunciada para cirugía de urgencia, sin antecedentes patológicos personales, con antecedente de anestesia para amigdalotomía en la niñez. A pesar de un interrogatorio y examen físico minucioso, con utilización de herramientas como los test predictivos de vía aérea difícil y el empleo de dispositivos para su abordaje, no fue posible la intubación y se hizo necesario un abordaje quirúrgico de urgencia. Conclusiones: La vía aérea es parte integral del manejo anestésico. En la actualidad no se cuenta con un método clínico capaz de incluir la valoración de todos los parámetros que sugieran la presencia de vía aérea difícil. Una historia preoperatoria detallada y minuciosa evaluación de esta puede identificar factores de riesgos potenciales, pero casos como estos demuestran que a pesar de las medidas que se puedan tomar, no se está exento de fracasar en la permeabilización de la vía aérea(AU)

Introduction: The management of the airway, conceptualized as the set of maneuvers and use of devices that allow adequate and safe ventilation in patients who require it due to various clinical conditions, becomes one of the most important challenges faced by an anesthesiologist in the practice. It is considered that the final result will depend on the characteristics of the patient, the availability of equipment, as well as their dexterity and skills. When these aspects are not taken into account, the incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality increases. Objective: Describe the anesthesiological behavior in a patient with a difficult airway diagnosis not foreseen during the perioperative period. Case presentation: The case of a patient announced for emergency surgery, without a personal pathological history, with a history of anesthesia for tonsillectomy in childhood is presented. Despite a thorough interrogation and physical examination, with the use of tools such as predictive tests of difficult airway and the use of devices for their approach, intubation was not possible and an emergency surgical approach was necessary. Conclusions: The airway is an comprehensive part of anesthetic management. At present there is no clinical methods capable of including the assessment of all the parameters that suggest the presence of a difficult airway. A detailed preoperative history and thorough evaluation of this can identify potential risk factors, but cases like these show that despite the measures that can be taken, it is not exempt from failing to permeate the airway(AU)

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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the course of diseases that require emergency surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer disease stage. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis in the city of Rize, Turkey. METHODS: This was a comparative analysis on two groups of patients with various symptoms who underwent surgical colorectal cancer treatment. Group 1 comprised patients operated between March 11, 2019, and December 31, 2019; while group 2 comprised patients at the same time of the year during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 included 56 and 48 patients, respectively. The rate of presentation to the emergency service was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.02). The stage of the pathological lymph nodes and the rate of liver metastasis was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.004 and P < 0.041, respectively). The disease stage was found to be more advanced in Group 2 (P < 0.005). The rate of postoperative complications was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.014). CONCLUSION: The presentation of patients with suspicious findings to the hospital was delayed, due both to the fear of catching COVID-19 and to the pandemic precautions that were proposed and implemented by healthcare authorities worldwide. Among the patients who presented to the hospital with emergency complaints and in whom colorectal cancer was detected, their disease was at a more advanced stage and thus a higher number of emergency oncological surgical procedures were performed on those patients.

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Abdominal gunshot trauma is the third leading cause of death and is responsible for more than 90% of deaths among people ages 15 to 24 years old. It can cause multi-system organ damage, shock, and infection. We present a case of a through-and-through abdominal bullet wound where laparotomy exploration has found nothing as damage inside the abdomen.

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BACKGROUND: The impact of public health policy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on access to surgical care is poorly defined. We aim to quantify the surgical backlog during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Brazilian public health system and determine the relationship between state-level policy response and the degree of state-level delays in public surgical care. METHODS: Monthly estimates of surgical procedures performed per state from January 2016 to December 2020 were obtained from Brazil's Unified Health System Informatics Department. Forecasting models using historical surgical volume data before March 2020 (first reported COVID-19 case) were constructed to predict expected monthly operations from March through December 2020. Total, emergency, and elective surgical monthly backlogs were calculated by comparing reported volume to forecasted volume. Linear mixed effects models were used to model the relationship between public surgical delivery and two measures of health policy response: the COVID-19 Stringency Index (SI) and the Containment & Health Index (CHI) by state. FINDINGS: Between March and December 2020, the total surgical backlog included 1,119,433 (95% Confidence Interval 762,663-1,523,995) total operations, 161,321 (95%CI 37,468-395,478) emergent operations, and 928,758 (95%CI 675,202-1,208,769) elective operations. Increased SI and CHI scores were associated with reductions in emergent surgical delays but increases in elective surgical backlogs. The maximum government stringency (score = 100) reduced emergency delays to nearly zero but tripled the elective surgical backlog. INTERPRETATION: Strong health policy efforts to contain COVID-19 ensure minimal reductions in delivery of emergent surgery, but dramatically increase elective backlogs. Additional coordinated government efforts will be necessary to specifically address the increased elective backlogs that accompany stringent responses.

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Resumen: El ayuno preoperatorio es fundamental como requisito previo a la mayoría de cirugías tanto para las electivas como para las urgencias relativas. Sin embargo, no siempre se cumplen las condiciones idóneas al momento de abordar a un paciente y la falta de ayuno es una condición que puede poner en riesgo la vida del mismo, siendo un factor de riesgo mayúsculo para la broncoaspiración del contenido gástrico. Hasta el momento se cuenta con un reducido arsenal farmacológico de medicamentos que con distinta función e intensidad aceleran el vaciamiento gástrico; la eritromicina no se encuentra en esta lista de manera oficial. A pesar de que ya ha sido utilizada ampliamente con este fin en el ámbito de los procedimientos endoscópicos, no existen aún suficientes reportes en los que se haya puesto a prueba su eficacia procinética en cirugía de urgencia, específicamente una cesárea. Este artículo, además de ofrecer un breve sumario de dicho macrólido, presenta el caso de una paciente embarazada con ingesta alimenticia reciente, en la cual se obtuvieron las condiciones idóneas para cirugía tan sólo cuatro horas después de la administración de la eritromicina.

Abstract: Preoperative fasting is essential as a prerequisite for most surgeries, either elective procedures or relative emergencies. However, the ideal conditions for surgery are not always fulfilled at the time of approaching a patient, and the lack of fasting is a factor that could endanger patient's life, being a major risk factor for bronchoaspiration of gastric content. Until now there is a small pharmacological list of medications that with different function and intensity accelerate gastric emptying, erythromycin is not officially on this list. Despite the fact that it has already been widely used for this purpose in the field of endoscopic procedures, there are not enough reports about its efficacy in emergency surgery, specifically C-section. This article, in addition to offering a brief summary of this macrolide, presents a case in which after erythromycin administration to a pregnant patient with a recent food intake, the ideal conditions for surgery were obtained only four hours later.

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Introduction: The Joana de Gusmão Children's Hospital is a leading pediatric hospital in Santa Catarina, However, with the pandemic caused by the new Coronavirus, experienced in 2020, the profile of care has changed due to the suspension of elective surgeries in the State of Santa Catarina. Objectives: To analyze the incidence and profile of elective, urgent and emergent procedures performed by the Pediatric Surgery service, at the Joana de Gusmão Children's Hospital, comparing the period before and during the pandemic. Method: A Retrospective descriptive study conducted between September 2019 and September 2020, using data from the Medical and Statistical Archive Service at the Joana de Gusmão Children's Hospital. Elective, urgent and emergent surgical procedures were compared, quantitatively, six months before and six months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: 1.035 operations were performed by the Pediatric Surgery Service, six months before the pandemic: 610 were elective procedures (59,93%) and 425 urgent and emergent procedures (41,06%). On the other hand, during the pandemic, there was a total of 589 operations, from which 128 elective (21,73%) and 461 urgent and emergent surgical procedures (78,26%). Most of these procedures, both urgent and elective, in both periods, were among four topics of study. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the number of surgeries performed during the pandemic, mainly due to an important decrease in elective surgeries. There was also a slight increase in the number of emergency surgeries.

Introdução: O Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão (HIJG), é um hospital pediátrico de referência em Santa Catarina. Contudo, com a pandemia causada pelo novo Coronavírus, vivenciada neste ano de 2020, o perfil de atendimentos teve alterações, devido à suspensão de cirurgias eletivas no Estado de Santa Catarina. Objetivos: Analisar a incidência e tipos de procedimentos eletivos, de urgência e emergência realizados pelo serviço de Cirurgia Pediátrica, no HIJG, no período antes da pandemia comparando com o mesmo período durante a pandemia. Método: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo horizontal realizado entre setembro de 2019 e setembro de 2020, utilizando dados acessados através do Serviço de Arquivo Médico e Estatístico (SAME) do HIJG. Foram comparados os procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos, de urgência e emergência, de forma quantitativa, por seis meses antes; e seis meses seguintes durante a pandemia do COVID-19. Resultados: Foram realizadas 1.035 operações pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Pediátrica, no período seis meses antes da pandemia: 610 procedimentos eletivos (59,93%)e 425 procedimentos de urgência e emergência (41,06%). Enquanto que, no período durante a pandemia, foram 589 operações, no total, sendo 128 eletivas (21,73%) e 461 procedimentos cirúrgicos de urgência e emergência ( 78,26%). Destes números, a maioria dos procedimentos tanto de urgência como eletivos, nos dois períodos, ficaram entre quatro tópicos do estudo. Conclusão: Observou-se redução significativa no número de cirurgias realizadas, às custas, principalmente, de uma importante diminuição das cirurgias eletivas. Também se verificou um discreto aumento no número de cirurgias de urgência.

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PURPOSE: COVID-19 is associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery. Contrary to elective procedures, emergency operations should not be postponed. We aim to evaluate the profile and outcomes of COVID-19 patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of perioperative data of COVID-19 patients undergoing emergency surgery from April 2020 to August 2020. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were evaluated due to abdominal complaints, yielding 22 emergency surgeries. The mean APACHE II and SAPS were 18.7 and 68, respectively. Six patients had a PaO2/FiO2 lower than 200 and more than 50% of parenchymal compromise on chest tomography. The most common indications for emergency surgery were hernias (6; 27.2%). The median length of stay was 30 days, and only two patients required reoperation. Postoperatively, 10 (43.3%) patients needed mechanical ventilation for a mean of 6 days. The overall mortality rate was 31.8%. CONCLUSION: Both postoperative morbidity and mortality are high in COVID-19 patients with respiratory compromise and abdominal emergencies.

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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide. The effect of the pandemic on emergency general surgery patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality and morbidity among emergency general surgery cases. DESIGN AND SETTING: Data on patients who were admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Samsun, Turkey, and had consultations at the general surgery clinic were analyzed retrospectively. METHODS: Our study included comparative analysis on two groups of patients who received emergency general surgery consultations in our hospital: during the COVID-19 pandemic period (Group 2); and on the same dates one year previously (Group 1). RESULTS: There were 195 patients in Group 1 and 132 in Group 2 (P < 0.001). While 113 (58%) of the patients in Group 1 were women, only 58 (44%) were women in Group 2 (P = 0.013). Considering all types of diagnosis, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.261). The rates of abscess and delayed abdominal emergency diseases were higher in Group 2: one case (0.5%) versus ten cases (8%); P < 0.001. The morbidity rate was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1: three cases (1.5%) versus nine cases (7%); P = 0.016. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of unnecessary nonemergency admissions to the emergency department, but has not delayed patients' urgent consultations. The pandemic has led surgeons to deal with more complicated cases and greater numbers of complications.

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