ABSTRACT
This report presents the case of the emergency repair of a radiation-induced aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) with an endograft. The patient presented with multiple episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The fistula was discovered and treated in the operating room. The placement of a temporary aortic endograft was successful. The patient unfortunately exsanguinated while awaiting definitive aortic and esophageal repair. The potential occurrence of AEF should be considered in any patient presenting with massive hematemesis without a clear source of the bleeding. Although the patient succumbed to the fistula, this case illustrates the cryptic nature of an AEF and the difficult issues that are inherent in its treatment.
Subject(s)
Aortic Diseases/surgery , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation , Esophageal Fistula/surgery , Radiation Injuries/surgery , Vascular Fistula/surgery , Aortic Diseases/etiology , Emergencies , Endovascular Procedures , Esophageal Fistula/etiology , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/surgery , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Vascular Fistula/etiologyABSTRACT
In the last 250 years, the treatment of rectal cancer has changed dramatically. Once considered an incurable disease, combined modality therapy has improved mortality from 100% to less than 4% for locally advanced rectal cancer. This dramatic reduction paralleled surgical techniques based on a growing understanding of anatomy and disease pathology. In order to understand modern treatment, it is necessary to recognize the achievements of preceding surgeons.
Subject(s)
Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Humans , Prognosis , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Gangliocytic paraganglioma is a rare tumor, which occurs nearly exclusively in the second portion of the duodenum. Generally, this tumor has a benign clinical course, although rarely, it may recur or metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Only one case with distant metastasis has been reported. We present a case of duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma treated first by local resection followed by pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Examination of the first specimen revealed focal nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic activity, in addition to the presence of three characteristic histologic components: epithelioid, ganglion, and spindle cell. In the subsequent pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen, there was no residual tumor identified in the periampullary area, but metastatic gangliocytic paraganglioma was present in two of seven lymph nodes. This case report confirms the malignant potential of this tumor. We review the published literature on gangliocytic paragangliomas pursuing a malignant course. We conclude that surgical therapy of these neoplasms should not be limited to local resection, as disease recurrence, lymph node involvement, and rarely distant metastasis may occur.
