Pelvic floor reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM) flap after pelvic exenterations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and report experiences with pelvic floor reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM) flap after extensive pelvic procedures. METHODS: Surgical technique of MRAM harvest and transposition is carefully described. The patients in whom pelvic floor reconstruction with MRAM after either infralevator pelvic exenteration and/or extended lateral pelvic sidewall excision was carried out were enrolled into the study (MRAM group, n=16). Surgical data, post-operative morbidity, and disease status were retrospectively assessed. The results were compared with a historical cohort of patients, in whom an exenterative procedure without pelvic floor reconstruction was performed at the same institution (control group, n=24). RESULTS: Both groups were balanced in age, BMI, tumor types, and previous treatment. Substantially less patients from the MRAM group required reoperation within 60days of the surgery (25% vs. 50%) which was due to much lower rate of complications potentially related to empty pelvis syndrome (1 vs. 7 reoperations) (p=0.114). Late post-operative complication rate was substantially lower in the MRAM group (any grade: 79% vs. 44%; grade≥3: 37% vs. 6%) (p=0.041). The performance status 6months after the surgery was ≤1 in the majority of patients in MRAM (81%) while in only 38% of patients from the control group (p=0.027). There was one incisional hernia in MRAM group while three cases were reported in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor reconstruction by MRAM in patients after pelvic exenterative procedures is associated with a substantial decrease in postoperative complications that are potentially related to empty pelvis syndrome.

[Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy]. / Intrahepatální cholestáza v tehotenství

The review of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy attempts to summarize the current knowledge of this disease by analysing available literary sources. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a disease that typically appears in the third trimester of pregnancy, sometimes already at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. The main symptom of the disease is pruritus. In addition, the disease is characterized by increased levels of liver enzymes and bile acids. The symptoms of the disease disappear spontaneously after delivery. The disease is associated with high incidence of fetal distress, as well as with a high risk of premature labour. The most serious obstetric complication is antenatal sudden fetal death. Fetal complications are probably caused by elevated levels of bile acids. Therefore the aim of treatment should be to minimize negative effects of bile acids on the fetus, to prolong pregnancy and reduce maternal symptoms at the same time.