Background
Cholecystocolonic fistula (CCF) is the second most common cholecystoenteric fistula and is often discovered intraoperatively, resulting in a challenging situation for the surgeon, who is ...forced to switch to a complex procedure, often in old, unfit patients. Management of this uncommon but possible finding is still ill defined.
Methods
An extensive review of 160 articles published from 1950 to 2006 concerning 231 cases of CCF was performed.
Results
CCF is mostly an affliction of women in their sixth to seventh decades and is rarely diagnosed preoperatively. Chronic diarrhea is the key symptom in nonemergency patients, but, in one-fourth of cases, CCF presents with an acute onset, mostly biliary ileus. In one-fourth of patients, a second hepatobiliary abnormality is present, including gallbladder cancer in 2% of cases. In uncomplicated cases, diverting colostomy is not performed anymore, and laparoscopy treatment has been described in specialized centers. Symptomatic treatment of concomitant biliary ileus (without treating CCF) is a feasible option. Resolution of colonic biliary ileus by interventional endoscopy is reported.
Conclusion
CCF should be considered in differential diagnosis of diarrhea, especially in old, female patients. A possible second hepatobiliary abnormality should be always investigated. Extemporaneous frozen section should be performed if gallbladder cancer is suspected. Depending on clinical presentation, different treatments for CCF are indicated, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to extensive resection.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
A pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and its reported incidence varies from 2% to 28%. The aim of the present study was to analyse the ...treatment of a complicated PF comparing the surgical approach with conservative techniques.
From January 2000 through to August 2006, 121 patients were submitted for PD. The study consisted of 70 men and 47 women, with a median age of 60 years (SD ± 12). The main indications for PD were pancreatic duct carcinoma in 52 patients (44.5%), ampullary carcinoma or adenoma in 18 (15.4%) and islet cell tumour in 11 (9.4%). Reconstruction by pancreatogastrostomy was performed in 65 patients (55.6%), and pancreatojejunostomy in 52 patients (44%).
Thirty-five patients (30%) developed a PF. Amongst these, 20 were managed conservatively and 14 were reoperated. These two groups of patients were compared with patients without a PF for analysis. There was no significant difference in the mean age, the gender ratio, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, surgical time and blood replacement, number of associated procedures, vascular resection and type of reconstruction between the three groups. There were five post-operative deaths (4.2%), three patients (21.4%) in the surgical treatment group (P < 0.01). Mean total number of complications (P= 0.02) and mean length of hospital stay (P < 0.001) were greater in the surgical group. The medium delay between the pancreatic resection and reoperation was 10 days (range, 3–32 days). Completion splenopancreatectomy was required in five patients whereas conservative treatment including debridement and drainage was applied in nine patients.
The surgical approach for a PF is associated with a higher mortality and morbidity. There is no advantage in performing completion pancreatectomy (CP) instead of extensive drainage as a result of the same mortality and morbidity rates and the risk of endocrine insufficiency. In cases of complicated PF, radiological or surgical conservative treatment is recommended.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not eligible for curative treatment, which is resection or transplantation. Two recent series have emphasized the potential benefits of ...preoperative arterio-portal embolization prior to surgical resection of such tumours. This preoperative strategy offers a better disease free survival rate and a higher rate of total tumor necrosis. In case of non resectable HCC it is now widely accepted that transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) leads to a better survival when compared to conservative treatment. Thus, the question remains whether combined portal vein embolization (PVE) may enhance the proven efficiency of TACE in patients with unresectable HCC. We herein report the case of a 56-year-old cirrhotic woman with a voluminous HCC unsuitable for surgical resection. Yet, complete tumour necrosis and prolonged survival could be achieved after a combined porto-arterial embolization. This case emphasizes the potential synergistic effect of a combined arterio-portal embolization and the hypothetical survival benefit of such a procedure, in selected patients, with HCC not suitable for surgery or local ablative therapy.
Clinical presentation of primary torsion of the greater omentum is nonspecific, thus rarely allowing for a preoperative diagnosis. Three patients presented with acute but nonspecific abdominal ...symptoms. Because ultrasonographic and radiologic findings were unclear, all patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. In all cases, laparoscopy enabled us to achieve the diagnosis and to perform a resection of necrotic omentum. The mean duration of the procedure was 56 minutes (range: 42 to 76). The postoperative course was uneventful and the patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 (2) and 3. The value of diagnostic laparoscopy increases when the disease can be treated laparoscopically. The laparoscopic vision allowed us to explore the whole peritoneal cavity, so achieving the diagnosis, and to place the operative trocars at the most convenient sites. The laparoscopic resection of the greater omentum is an easy task even for inexperienced laparoscopic surgeons, allowing patients to benefit from the advantages of a mini-invasive approach.
OBJETIVO: Avaliar a morbidade pós-operatória e investigar a existência de seus fatores preditivos. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado de forma retrospectiva, a partir de uma base de dados mantida de ...forma prospectiva. De 1994 a 2008, 100 pacientes consecutivos foram submetidos à ressecções pancreaticas esquerdas. A principal variável de interesse foi a morbidade pós-operatória, tendo diversas outras características da população sido registradas simultaneamente. Posteriormente, para a análise de fatores preditivos de morbidade pós-operatória o subgrupo de pacientes que foi submetido aos procedimentos de pancreatectomia distal com preservação do baço (n=65) foi analisado separadamente quanto à relevância das diferentes técnicas de secção do parênquima pancreático, assim como, outros possíveis fatores preditivos à ocorrência de morbidade pós-operatória. RESULTADOS: Considerando-se juntamente todas as ressecções pancreáticas esquerdas realizadas, a ocorrência de complicações globais, de complicações relevantes e graves foi 55%, 42% e 20%, respectivamente. Os fatores que se mostraram preditivos à ocorrência de morbidade pós-operatória após pancreatectomia distal com preservação do baço foram a técnica de secção do parênquima pancreático, idade, índice de massa corporal e a realização de operação abdominal concomitante. CONCLUSÃO: A morbidade associada às ressecções pancreáticas, à esquerda dos vasos mesentéricos superiores, foi importante. De acordo com a estratificação adotada baseada na gravidade das complicações, alguns fatores preditivos foram identificados. Estudos futuros com coortes maiores de pacientes são necessários para confirmar tais resultados.
Background: Cigarette smoking influences and enhances the development of atherosclerosis. We investigated if nicotine, an important constituent of cigarette smoking, has a stimulatory effect on ...bovine smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro through the mediation of bFGF and TGF-β1. Methods: Bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) were stimulated with (-)-nicotine at various concentrations ranging from 6 × 10-4 mol/L to 6 × 10-8 mol/L. SMC viability and count were assessed. The presence of bFGF and TGF-β1 in serum-free conditioned media was determined by the inhibition antibody-binding assay, and the mitogenic activity of (-)-nicotine on SMC was analyzed by the 3H-thymidine uptake. Polymerase chain reaction was used to study the expression of bFGF and TGF-β1. Results: The bFGF release after (-)-nicotine stimulation was greater than in the controls, whereas TGF-β1 release was lower. The greatest mitogenic activity was found at a (-)-nicotine concentration of 6 × 10-6 mol/L. The addition of monoclonal antibody anti-bFGF decreased the 3H-thymidine uptake of SMC exposed to (-)-nicotine, whereas the addition of monoclonal antibody anti-TGF-β1 increased the 3H-thymidine uptake of stimulated SMC. bFGF mRNA expression was significantly higher in SMC exposed to (-)-nicotine than in the controls, but TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in SMC exposed to 6 × 10-6 mol/L (-)-nicotine than in SMC treated with the other concentrations of (-)-nicotine and in controls. Conclusions: Nicotine is a potent regulator of bFGF and TGF-β1 production and release by aortic SMC, and it seems to play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and neointimal fibrous hyperplasia. (Surgery 2000:127:316-22.)
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Endoscopy plays a pivotal role in the management of adverse events (AE) following bariatric surgery. Leaks, fistulae, and post-operative collection after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) may occur in up to ...10% of cases.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic internal drainage (EID) for the management of leak, fistula, and collection following SG.
Retrospective, observational, single center study on patients referred from several bariatric surgery departments to an endoscopic referral center.
EID was used as first-line treatment for the management of leaks, fistulae, and collections. Leaks and fistulae were treated with double pigtail stent (DPS) deployment in order to guarantee internal drainage and second intention cavity obliteration. Collections were treated with endoscropic ultrasound (EUS)-guided deployment of DPS or lumen apposing metal stents.
A total of 617 patients (83.3% female; mean age, 43.1 yr) were enrolled in the study for leak (n = 300, 48.6%), fistula (n = 285, 46.2%), and collection (n = 32, 5.2%). Median follow-up was 19.5 months. Overall clinical success was 84.7% whereas 15.3% of cases required revisional surgery after EID failure. Clinical success according to type of AE was 89.5%, 78.5%, and 90% for leak, fistula, and collection, respectively. A total of 10 of 547 (1.8%) presented a recurrence during follow-up. A total of 28 (4.5%) AE related to the endoscopic treatment occurred. At univariate logistic regression predictors of failure were: fistula (OR 2.012), combined endoscopic approach (OR 2.319), need for emergency surgery (OR 1.755), and previous endoscopic treatment (OR 4.818).
Early EID for the management of leak, fistula, and post-operative collection after SG seems a safe and effective first-line approach with good long-term results.
Background In vascular reconstructive surgery, myointimal hyperplasia contributes to the adverse outcome of synthetic grafts. This phenomenon is because of unregulated extracellular matrix ...degradation and remodeling, and excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Matrix metallopreoteinase 2 (MMP-2) is known as an important contributor to these events. The aims of our study was to investigate the effects of selective MMP-2 inhibitor (TIMP-2) in endothelialization rate, SMC proliferation, and myointimal hyperplasia in experimental ePTFE arterial grafts. Methods In 20 male Lewis rats, a 1-cm long ePTFE graft has been inserted at the level of the abdominal aorta. Animals were randomized in two groups (10 animals each): group A received six subcutaneous inoculations of TIMP-2 (2.5 μg) after surgery, group B received only the vehicle of TIMP-2. Results Neointimal thickness, as well as SMC density, were augmented in group B, whereas endothelial cells density was augmented in group A, and these findings were statistically significant. In group A SMC were better organized, just like SMC of thoracic aorta. In group B SMC were no organized. Furthermore, anti-TIMP-2 and anti-MMP-2 coloration revealed higher levels of TIMP-2 and lower levels of MMP-2 in group A versus group-B. Conclusions Use of TIMP-2 affects the neointimal formation of experimental e-PTFE arterial grafts, leading to a better-organized neointima, with improved endothelialization.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Introduction
Postoperative collections are an important cause of morbidity following obesity surgery. Surgical revision is most often required if general sepsis is present. Conservative treatment ...consists of broad spectrum antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of any collection. EUS drainage is a new technique that is gaining momentum allowing an easy access to collections close to the GI tract.
Materials and Methods
We present the case report of a 39-year-old woman who underwent to robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. She developed a jejuno-jejunal dehiscence treated with revision surgery. Afterward, a pelvic collection/hematoma was highlighted; however, neither percutaneous approach nor surgery succeeded in draining it.
Results
EUS-guided deployment of a fully covered lumen-apposing metal stent was performed. Subsequently, two necrosectomies were required to remove necrotic tissue and clots from the perirectal cavity. Finally, three double pigtail stents were deployed to promote healing. The patient spontaneously expelled the stents with the stool, and she is asymptomatic after a follow-up of 3 months.
Conclusion
EUS transmural rectal drainage may represent a sound option for the treatment of pelvic postoperative collections. FCLAMS deployment guarantees a rapid drainage allowing to perform an endoscopic necrosectomy.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility of thoracoscopic removal of mediastinal parathyroids.
Mediastinal exploration to resect ectopic parathyroid(s) is needed in approximately 2% of cases in ...hyperparathyroidism. Recent advances in thoracoscopic surgery allow for a minimally invasive treatment.
From 1999 through 2007, 13 patients affected by primary hyperparathyroidism (11 females, mean age 60 years, range: 22-88) underwent thoracoscopic removal of mediastinal parathyroids. Scintigraphy produced positive results in 11 of 13 cases, computed tomography scan in 9 of 10, parathyroid hormone venous sampling in 10 of 10 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging in 5 of 7. Right thoracoscopic access was used in 9 patients, left in 4. Postoperative outcome was analyzed.
Thoracoscopy enabled retrieval of mediastinal parathyroids in 10 of 13 (78%) cases. Mean operating time was 92 minutes (range: 50-240). One procedure (8%) was converted. No perioperative deaths/major complications occurred. Mild complications occurred in 2 of 13 (15%) patients (pneumothorax/pneumonia, transient recurrent nerve palsy). Mean hospital stay was 4.7 days (range: 2-15). At a mean follow-up of 73 months (range: 16-105), parathyroid hormone and calcium venous concentrations were high in 3 patients. Unsuccessful procedures were related to doubtful or non-concordant preoperative localization.
The thoracoscopic approach for mediastinal parathyroidectomy is feasible and safe. An accurate preoperative work-up should be standardized to avoid useless procedures. In case of negative preoperative localization of the abnormal gland, thoracoscopy should not be adopted as a diagnostic tool.
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