Complications and follow-up after pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy for duodenal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Patients with duodenal polyps are at risk of duodenal cancer. Pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy (PPTD) is an alternative to partial pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: Twelve patients (seven men and five women) with a median age of 59 (interquartile range (i.q.r.) 50-67) years underwent PPTD for large (over 20 mm) solitary polyps or multiple (more than three) duodenal polyps confined to the muscularis propria on endoscopic ultrasonography. RESULTS: Median hospital stay was 21 (i.q.r. 10-36) days with no deaths and no blood transfusion. Six patients developed postoperative complications, one requiring reoperation. Histology demonstrated gastrointestinal stromal tumour in three patients, low-grade dysplasia in one, moderate-grade dysplasia in eight and duodenal intramucosal adenocarcinoma in one. During a median follow-up of 20 (i.q.r. 8-41) months one patient experienced recurrent acute pancreatitis (due to hypertriglyceridaemia) and one developed a jejunal adenocarcinoma in the neoduodenum. CONCLUSION: The morbidity of PPTD is similar to that of partial pancreatoduodenectomy, but PPTD preserves the whole pancreas and reduces the number of anastomoses.

Perioperative fluid management: prospective audit.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative fluid management is a core surgical skill but there are few data regarding current fluid management practice and the incidence of potential fluid-related complications in general surgical units. We conducted a prospective audit of postoperative fluid management and fluid-related complications in a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing midline laparotomy. METHODS: Over a 6-month period, the peri-operative fluid management of 106 consecutive patients was prospectively audited. Serum electrolyte data, fluid balance data, co-morbidities, operative and anaesthetic variables and quantities of fluid and electrolytes prescribed were recorded. The development of fluid-related and other complications was noted. RESULTS: There were no correlations between routinely available fluid balance parameters and the quantities of fluid and electrolytes prescribed, suggesting that doctors do not consult fluid balance data when prescribing. Fifty-seven patients (54%) developed at least one fluid-related complication. These patients received significantly greater volumes of fluid and sodium each day postoperatively. They had higher rates of other non-fluid-related complications and death. They had a longer hospital stay. In a multivariate model, mean daily fluid load predicted the development of fluid-related complications. CONCLUSION: Fluid prescription practice in general surgical units is sub-optimal, resulting in avoidable iatrogenic complications. Involvement of senior staff, education and possibly the introduction of prescribing protocols may improve the situation.

Salvage oesophagectomy after local failure of definitive chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is one treatment option for locally advanced oesophageal carcinoma. CRT typically consists of high-dose (50-66 Gy) external beam radiotherapy concurrent with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. When definitive CRT fails to achieve local control, salvage oesophagectomy is frequently the only treatment available that can offer a chance of long-term survival. METHODS: Online databases were searched for publications relating to salvage oesophagectomy and definitive CRT. Nine series containing a total of 105 patients were reviewed. Demographics, indications for surgery, type of resection, complications and outcome data were extracted. RESULTS: Each centre performed one to three salvage resections per year comprising 1.7-4.1 per cent of the oesophagectomy workload. The overall anastomotic leak rate was 17.1 per cent. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.4 per cent. Five-year survival rates of 25-35 per cent were achieved. Prognostic factors for increased survival were R0 resection (P = 0.006) and longer interval between CRT and recurrence (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Salvage resection after CRT is feasible for selected patients but is a formidable undertaking. Restaging investigations after CRT for potentially resectable tumours in fit candidates should include endoscopy and positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Salvage oesophagectomy is carried out with the goal of cure and it should be attempted only if an R0 resection is technically possible.

Adult duodenal intussusception associated with congenital malrotation.

Enteroenteric intussusception is a condition in which full-thickness bowel wall becomes telescoped into the lumen of distal bowel. In adults, there is usually an abnormality acting as a lead point, usually a Meckels' diverticulum, a hamartoma or a tumour. Duodeno-duodenal intussusception is exceptionally rare because the retroperitoneal situation fixes the duodenal wall. The aim of this report is to describe the first published case of this condition. A patient with duodeno-duodenal intussusception secondary to an ampullary lesion is reported. A 66 year-old lady presented with intermittent abdominal pain, weight loss and anaemia. Ultrasound scanning showed dilated bile and pancreatic ducts. CT scanning revealed intussusception involving the full-thickness duodenal wall. The lead point was an ampullary villous adenoma. Congenital partial (type II) malrotation was found at operation and this abnormality permitted excessive mobility of the duodenal wall such that intussusception was possible. This condition can be diagnosed using enhanced CT. Intussusception can be complicated by bowel obstruction, ischaemia or bleeding, and therefore the underlying cause should be treated as soon as possible.

The value of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) in surgical in-patients: a prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is a simple, physiological score that may allow improvement in the quality and safety of management provided to surgical ward patients. The primary purpose is to prevent delay in intervention or transfer of critically ill patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 334 consecutive ward patients were prospectively studied. MEWS were recorded on all patients and the primary end-point was transfer to ITU or HDU. RESULTS: Fifty-seven (17%) ward patients triggered the call-out algorithm by scoring four or more on MEWS. Emergency patients were more likely to trigger the system than elective patients. Sixteen (5% of the total) patients were admitted to the ITU or HDU. MEWS with a threshold of four or more was 75% sensitive and 83% specific for patients who required transfer to ITU or HDU. CONCLUSIONS: The MEWS in association with a call-out algorithm is a useful and appropriate risk-management tool that should be implemented for all surgical in-patients.