Recurrence and long-term outcome after open cystectomy with omentoplasty for hepatic hydatid disease in an endemic area.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Surgery is the cornerstone in the treatment of echinococcosis. The purpose of this study is to report the long-term results of partial cystectomy and omentoplasty in the management of hepatic hydatid disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective survey over the past 20 years (1982-2001) there were 36 patients (13 men and 23 women, with a mean age of 50 years) with hepatic echinococcosis, treated by partial cystectomy and omentoplasty. All patient data were carefully studied and short-term as well as long-term results were assessed. The cystic lesion was single in all but two cases (5.6%), located in the right lobe of the liver (69.4%), the left lobe (25%) or both lobes (5.6%). The mean size of the cyst was 12 cm in diameter (range 3 to 25 cm). The follow-up was achieved at regular intervals and recently in all, including computed tomography and specific immunological test ELIZA. It has completed a mean 12-year period (range 2 to 21 years) and in 75% of cases up to 10 years. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 23 days (range 9 to 51 days). The morbitity was 8/36 (22%) due mainly to septic complications. The 30-day mortality was 1/36 (2.7%). The residual cavity remained for a mean of 8 months (range 4 to 18 months), while fistula formation was seen in 1/36 (2.7%). There was cure in 29 cases (80.6%) without any serological or imaging evidence of residual disease. However, recurrence was documented in 7 cases (19.4%) requiring further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Following the experience of the authors, partial cystectomy and omentoplasty may be an acceptable alternative to more radical procedures, especially in high risk cases and in developing countries.

Detection of tract formation for prevention of bile peritonitis after T-tube removal. Case report.

Bile leakage after removal of T-tube is a relatively rare complication caused by inadequate tract formation around the tube. We report a case of bile peritonitis after removal of a latex T-tube. The patient underwent reoperation and a new T-tube was introduced. The T-tube was removed six weeks later. Immediately after removal of the tube, the cutaneous ostium of the tube was catheterized with a thin Nelaton catheter. The administration of gastrographin showed the presence of an intact tract. The removal of the t-tube was uneventful. We would propose this method for detecting the tract after removal of the T-tube in order to prevent severe bile leakage after inadequate tract formation.

Splenectomy versus spleen-preserving surgery for splenic echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The spleen is the third most common location of hydatid disease after liver and lung. The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term outcome of surgical treatment of patients with splenic echinococcosis comparing splenectomy with spleen-preserving surgery. METHODS: During a period of 25 years (1976-2001), 19 (5.4%) patients with splenic echinococcosis were treated in our department out of 349 patients with abdominal hydatid disease. In 16 patients the spleen was the only organ involved, while in 3 patients the liver was also affected. RESULTS: Eleven patients had splenectomy and in the other 8 the spleen was preserved: enucleation (n = 4), partial cystectomy and omentoplasty (n = 2) and cystojejunal Roux-en-Y anastomosis (n = 2). One (6%) patient died in the early postoperative period and 5 (29%) patients had postoperative complications. There was no significant difference between the splenectomy and spleen-preserving groups concerning median hospital stay and postoperative complication rate. The median follow-up in 15 patients was 52 (range 6-300) months. Two patients (13%) developed recurrence of the disease requiring re-operation at 2 and 3 years, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 1 (12%) patient in the splenectomy group and in 1 (14%) out of 7 patients in the spleen-preserving group. CONCLUSION: In the present series it was possible to preserve the spleen in 8 (42%) of 19 patients, without significant increase of recurrent echinococcosis.

Hypoplasia of the right hepatic lobe combined with a floating gallbladder.

Agenesis or hypoplasia of the right hepatic lobe combined with a floating gallbladder is an extremely rare condition. We report a case of hypoplasia of the right hepatic lobe, discovered in a 65-year old female. This was an incidental finding at CT scan for staging of a right colonic cancer. The CT evidenced the presence of a hypoplastic right lobe, while the left lobe was diffusely enlarged. Furthermore, the gallbladder was described as floating with partially calcified walls. The diagnosis of this rare anomaly was confirmed intraoperatively. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy and cholecystectomy. Biopsies were taken from both right and left hepatic lobes, revealing the presence of normal hepatic parenchyma. Since all causes of acquired atrophy of the liver had been ruled out, we considered this case to be of congenital origin.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is characterized by dysphagia, iron deficiency, anemia and the presence of esophageal web or webs. Two cases of this syndrome are reported in middle-aged women, which were treated over the last eight years. Both patients presented with dysphagia, anemia, sideropenia, glossitis and cheilitis. Radiological examination of the pharynx showed the presence of webs in both cases. The patients were treated with iron supplementation, which resulted in elimination of the symptoms. Both patients remain in good general condition and without any dysphagic complaints, 5 and 8 years after the diagnosis, respectively.

Intrahepatic lithiasis as a late complication of hepaticojejunostomy.

The development of intrahepatic lithiasis proximal to a bilodigestive anastomosis is rare. We report a case of intrahepatic lithiasis of the right hepatic duct, which developed almost 6 years after a hepaticojejunostomy performed for an iatrogenic lesion of the common hepatic duct. The patient experienced repeated episodes of acute cholangitis and was treated with intracorporeal lithotripsy and dilation of the stenosis.

Disruption of the small-intestine mucosal barrier after intestinal occlusion: a study with light and electron microscopy.

It is known that the gut may serve as a reservoir for various microorganisms, which under specific circumstances may intrude into the systemic circulation, causing systemic infections. The aim of the present study was to estimate the "critical time" of disruption of the small-intestine mucosal barrier in conditions of experimentally induced intestinal occlusion, based on the histopathological alterations observed under light and electron microscopy. Forty rabbits underwent small-intestine obstruction through ligation with a nonabsorbable suture. Blood cultures from portal vein and inferior vena cava, as well as cultures from the peritoneal fluid, a hepatic fragment, and a mesenteric lymph node, were obtained before the ligation (0 h). The same cultures were repeated at 4 and 8 h (group A, 20 rabbits) and at 6 and 12 h after the ligation (group B, 20 rabbits). Small-intestine specimens proximal to the occlusion were taken for examination under the optic and electronic microscope in the same time intervals. Five of 20 rabbits of group A died within 4 h and 6 of 20 rabbits of group B died within 6 h after the operation. All anaerobic cultures were negative. All aerobic cultures that became positive developed Escherichia coli colonies. Intestinal epithelium of dead animals was transformed to cuboid with destruction of goblet cells and alteration in secretion of acid polysaccharides. The mucosal appearance of all rabbits that survived 12 hours after ligation was the same. The disruption of the mucosal barrier begins 4 h after complete intestinal occlusion. At 12 h after complete intestinal occlusion, the disruption is total with different degrees of severity.

Tropisetron vs ondansetron for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are observed in increased frequency after laparoscopic surgery. This study was performed in order to compare the efficacy of two 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, ondansetron and tropisetron, in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blind study design, 87 ASA I and II patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to receive 4 mg ondansetron (Group A, n = 29), 5 mg tropisetron (Group B, n = 31), or placebo (Group C, n = 27) intravenously (IV) before induction of anesthesia. The end points evaluated were frequency of nausea, nausea intensity rated on a scale from 1 (mild) to 5 (most severe), frequency of vomiting, and need for rescue antiemetics. These parameters were measured immediately after surgery (0 h), at 3 h, 6 h, and 12 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The frequency of nausea was significantly higher in group A (31.2%) compared to group B (14%) at 12 h postoperatively (p <0.01). However, patients of group A had significantly lower nausea scores at 3 h postoperatively compared to group B. Postoperative vomiting occurred in 13.8% of patients in group A and 9.6% of patients in group B throughout the whole study period (p = n.s.). The need for rescue antiemetics was similar between groups A and B. Both groups were superior to placebo concerning all studied parameters. CONCLUSION: Our results show that ondansetron may be more effective in controlling nausea intensity during the first 3 h after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, while tropisetron has a longer-acting activity, with a major impact on nausea frequency at 12 h postoperatively.

An unusual case of retroperitoneal accessory spleen with vascular supply directly from the aorta.

We report on a case of a retroperitoneal accessory spleen with vascular supply directly from the aorta. A 47-year old woman presented with a six-month history of epigastric pain, intermittent nausea and vomiting. The CT scan of the abdomen revealed the presence of a retroperitoneal tumor between the spleen, left kidney and pancreas. The MR-tomography confirmed the presence of a solid tumor, with vascular supply directly from the aorta. The exploratory laparotomy showed the presence of a well-shaped accessory spleen, which was confirmed by the histological examination of the specimen. The surgeon should be aware of the possible existence of accessory spleens for the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors.

Incidence of abdominal wall hernias in patients undergoing aortic surgery for aneurysm or occlusive disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of abdominal and incisional hernias in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) versus patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included retrospectively 121 patients, who underwent elective aortic surgery due to AAA (n = 63) or AOD (n = 58) in the period between January 1998 and January 2000. The patients were examined for the presence of abdominal hernias upon admission, as well as for the development of incisional hernias on follow-up. RESULTS: The incidence of inguinal hernias was significantly higher in the group AAA (21/6-33.3%) compared to the group with AOD (6/58-10.3%) (p < 0.01). The incidence of other abdominal wall hernias (umbilical, epigastric or miscellaneous hernias) was also significant higher in AAA group. Furthermore, the incidence of inguinal hernias was significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with an aneurysm diameter more than 6 cm (41.5% vs 18.2%, p < 0.05). The mean follow-up of the patients was 1.7 +/- 0.3 years. 7 cases of incisional hernia were noted in the AAA group (11.1%) and only 2 cases in the AOD group (3.4%) (p < 0.05). The size of the aneurysm had no influence on the incidence of incisional hernias in the AAA group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that there seems to be an increased incidence of abdominal wall hernias as well as postoperative incisional hernias in patients undergoing aortic surgery for aneurysm disease compared with aortoiliac occlusive disease.

Helicobacter pylori infection in patients undergoing appendectomy.

AIMS: Helicobacter pylori has been found in the upper gastrointestinal tract; it is incriminated as aetiological factor in various pathological conditions. This prospective study assesses the presence of this microorganism in the appendix flora and the possible role of its infection in the pathogenesis of acute appendicitis. METHODS: H. pylori was investigated in 46 consecutive patients undergoing emergent appendectomy for presumed acute appendicitis. Blood sample for serological test of H. pylori infection was drawn before operation. The removed appendix specimen was stained for H. pylori; confirmation was made by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis. The intensity of inflammation was determined pathologically grading from no inflammation to gangrenous appendicitis. Statistical analysis was made using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Seropositivity for H. pylori infection was found in 18 patients (39%), but the microbe was detected in just two appendix specimens (4%). In all seropositive patients acute appendicitis was confirmed by the pathology study; serous (33%) and purulent or gangrenous (67%). The latter incidence in the seronegative patients was 50%. There were found eight specimens (17%) negative for inflammation dealing all with seronegative patients. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that H. pylori colonizes the appendix in small proportion and is unlikely to be associated in direct correlation with acute appendicitis. However, seropositive patients with acute inflammation are likely to suffer from purulent or gangrenous form.

Congenital double pyloric ostium in the adult.

Duplication of the pylorus, an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the stomach, consists of two openings connecting the antrum of the stomach to the duodenal bulb. Approximately 70 cases of double pylorus have been described in the literature, most of which are associated with the presence of chronic peptic ulcers, thus indicating an acquired origin of the condition. We report a case of congenital double pylorus in a 64-year-old man who complained about mild postprandial epigastric discomfort and nausea of approximately 3 months' duration. Endoscopic examination of the stomach showed a double pyloric ostium connecting the stomach to the duodenum. No signs of acute or chronic peptic ulcer were noted. A biopsy was taken from the region between the two openings, which showed normal mucosa and a muscularis mucosae layer. Apart from a mild gastritis, no other pathology (chronic peptic ulcer, ulcerated malignancy) suggesting an acquired origin of the double pylorus was observed. Therefore, the case was considered to be congenital in origin. The patient was successfully treated conservatively with antacids and gastrokinetics.

Modern stapled Longo procedure vs. conventional Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postoperative pain is the most distressing sequela of conventional hemorrhoidectomy. A modern alternative of circumferential mucosectomy has been proposed to reduce the pain in this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This controlled trial included 80 patients with second to fourth degree hemorrhoidal disease operated on over a 2-year period. The patients were randomly allocated to undergo either the stapled Longo procedure (group 1) or Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (group 2) under epidural anesthesia. The operating time, postoperative pain scores at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, analgesic consumption, hospital stay, and complication rate were recorded. At follow-up the outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean operating time in group 1 was shorter than in group 2, postoperative pain scores at all time points and the mean epidural morphine requirement was lower, and mean hospital stay was shorter. The complication rate did not differ (three cases of postoperative bleeding in group 1 and two cases in group. At follow-up no recurrence or complains were recorded except three cases of mild incontinence (one in group 1 and two in group 2). The patients in group 1 (95%) were more satisfied than in group 2 (89%). CONCLUSION: The Longo procedure is thus a simple, safe, and effective method that entails less postoperative pain, more satisfaction, and shorter hospital stay than the standard Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Abdominal wall sinus due to impacting gallstone during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an unusual complication.

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, perforation of the gallbladder can occurs in < or = 20% of cases, while gallstone spillage occurs in < or = 6% of cases. In most cases, there are no consequences. Gallstones can be lost in the abdominal wall as well as the abdomen during extraction of the gallbladder. The fate of such lost gallstones, which can lead to the formation of an abscess, an abdominal wall mass, or a persistent sinus, has not been studied adequately. Herein we report the case of a persistent sinus of the abdominal wall after an emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an 82-year-old woman with gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation of the friable wall in association with an empyema of the gallbladder. The culture of the obtained pus was positive for Escherichia coli. After a small leak of dirty fluid from the wound of the epigastric port site of 4 months' duration, surgical exploration under local anesthesia revealed that the sinus was caused by spilled gallstones impacting into the abdominal wall between the posterior sheath and left rectus abdominalis muscle. The removal of the stones resulted in complete healing. Long-term complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy involving the abdominal wall are rare but important possible consequences that could be avoided.

Functional capacity of the thyroid autograft: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the functional capacity of thyroid autografts after total thyroidectomy in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-eight rabbits underwent total thyroidetomy. One of the two thyroid lobes was cut into 1-mm pieces and was introduced intramuscularly into the right quadriceps muscle (group A, n = 10), the right rectus abdominalis muscle (group B, n = 10), and the right sacrodorsalis muscle (group C, n = 10). Another group of 8 rabbits underwent total thyroidectomy without autologous implantation and served as the control group (group D). The animals were observed for 8 weeks with weekly measurements of thyroid hormones. At the end of the 8th week, a scintigram was performed. The autografts were removed 2 days later. RESULTS: The thyroid hormone levels showed a gradual decrease until the 2nd-5th week after implantation, followed by a gradual increase and establishment of euthyroid levels between the 5th and 8th weeks. Respectively, an increase of thyreotropin hormone was noted with maximal values in the 4th week, followed by a gradual decrease until the end of the 8th week. The scintigram at the end of the 8th week revealed the presence of functional thyroid tissue in all cases. Functional thyroid follicles were found in all animals who survived. In 35.7% of the autografts, we noted the development of fibrous tissue and gigantocytic granulomas in the periphery, which could be interpretated as a "foreign body" reaction. CONCLUSION: Thyroid autografts can completely substitute thyroid function after total thyroidectomy.

[Unusual complications of the Peutz-Jeghers-syndrome in two consecutive generations of the same family]. / Ungewöhnliche Komplikationen des Peutz-Jeghers-Syndroms in zwei Generationen derselben Familie.

The Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disease, characterized by the presence of hamartomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract and perioral mucocutaneous pigmentation. The incidence of surgical complications in these patients is relatively rare, and correlates with the size and location of the polyps. We report on two complications of the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome which occurred in two generations of the same family. There was a perforation and an invagination of the small intestine. Both cases were treated by resection of the small intestine.

Comparison between modern mesh and conventional non-mesh methods of inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of the study were to compare the tension-free mesh repair with non-meash conventional repair of groin hernia. METHODS: In the past two years in 299 consecutive unselected patients 339 inguinal hernia repairs were carried out. They randomly allocated to undergo either a non-meash modified Bassini's repair (n=164) or a tension-free mesh repair (n=175). The latter group consisted of laparoscopic TAPP repair (n=46) and open onlay patch repair (n=64) or plug and patch repair (n=65). Operation time, postoperative pain and complications, hospital stay, return to work and recurrence were assessed. Statistical analysis was made using the "t"-Student test. RESULTS: The characteristics of the patients in each group and the operation time did not differ significantly. The planned procedure was completed in all and no death occurred. The analgesic requirements (none 2.5 vs 56.4%, opiods 77 vs 23.6%), complication rate (9.4 vs 4.3%), hospital stay (4.2 vs 1.8 days), return to work (17.2 vs 7.3 days) and recurrence rate (5.5 vs 1.2%) in non-mesh group were more than in the mesh group. All differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Among the three subgroups of mesh group no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The tension-free mesh repair either open or laparoscopic provides excellent results with better short-term outcome and lower recurrence rate than non-mesh modified Bassini's repair.

Continuous monitoring of arterial blood gases and pH during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a Paratrend sensor.

BACKGROUND: The safety of laparoscopic procedures has been studied broadly. The effects on cardiopulmonary function and reliable methods of monitoring concentrate more interest. METHODS: A prospective study in 22 consecutive patients with ASA I and II was designed. The continuous assessment of alterations of arterial blood gases, pH, arterial pressure and heart rate during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum American technique was achieved using an intra-vascular multi-parameter sensor Paratrend. RESULTS: Statistically significant increase of both PaCO2 and PE.CO2 in parallel and a corresponding decrease of pH were found in correlation with the duration of the pneumoperitoneum. The values of PaO2, Sat O2, base excess, H-CO3, mean arterial pressure and heart rate showed no statistically significant alterations at any time throughout the procedure. No differences were noted between younger patients and in the elderly or between patients with ASA I and II. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial blood-gas sensor ensures continuous on-line monitoring, but no abnormal and threatening changes occur during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in otherwise healthy people.