Hemodynamic Monitoring During Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Using the FloTrac/Vigileo System.

Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC has provided a chance for long-term survival in selected patients. However, perioperative management remains a challenge for the anesthesiology team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in hemodynamic parameters during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) using the FloTrac/Vigileo system. Forty-one consecutive patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC were enrolled. Heart rate (HR), esophageal temperature, and cardiac output (CO) steadily increased until the end of HIPEC. In the first half of HIPEC, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and central venous pressure (CVP) increased whereas systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased; SVR stabilized in the second half. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and stroke volume (SV) showed no significant variation. Male gender was related to increased CVP, CO, and SV, and decreased SVR; age >55 years was related to increased SBP, and peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was correlated with HR, DBP, and SV. PCI >14 was associated with increased HR and decreased DBP and MAP. American Society of Anesthesiologists score >1 was related to decreased CO and SV. Patients undergoing HIPEC develop a hyperdynamic circulatory state because of the increased temperature, characterized by a steady decrease in SVR and continuous increase in HR and CO. FloTrac/Vigileo system may provide an easy-to-handle, noninvasive monitoring tool.

Reinforcing the staple line during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: prospective randomized clinical study comparing two different techniques. Preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy involves the creation of small gastric reservoir based on lesser curvature of the stomach, which is fashioned by a longitudinal gastrectomy that preserves the antrum and pylorus together with its vagal innervation. The main complications in the early postoperative course are bleeding and gastric leak. In order to reduce these complications the staple line can be reinforced in many different ways. The purpose of this study was to randomly compare two different techniques in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG): buttressing the staple line at the gastroesophageal junction (angle of Hiss) with Gore Seamguard and staple-line suturing with PDS 2.0. METHODS: Between July 2009 and July 2010, 90 patients were prospectively and randomly enrolled in the two different techniques of handling the staple line during LSG. Forty-eight of these patients belonged in group A (application of Gore Seamguard) and 42 in group B (application of a continuous suture). Operative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative leak affected two patients in group A (4.2%) and bleeding occurred in one patient of group A (2%). Total complication rate was 6.2% for group A. No major surgical complication occurred in group B. The differences between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference is evidenced in terms of bleeding and postoperative leak between the two techniques of enhancing the staple line in LSG. Suturing of the staple line may be more time consuming but costs are considerably less.

Prospective comparative study of the efficacy of staple-line reinforcement in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Staple-line reinforcement has been used with promising results in laparoscopic gastric bypass in order to reduce leakage, increase staple-line integrity, and diminish staple-site bleeding. The purpose of this study was to determine if staple-line reinforcement with bovine pericardial strips reduces surgical complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: This is a prospective comparative study of all patients who underwent LSG by a standard operative team in an 18-month period. Patients were enrolled in group A if they received staple-line reinforcement and in group B when not. The staple line was reinforced with bovine pericardium strips [Peri-Strips Dry (PSD)]. RESULTS: In total, 187 patients, with a median preoperative BMI of 45.3 kg/m(2) (range = 35.1-72.7), underwent LSG. Ninety-six patients were enrolled in group A and 91 in group B; the two groups were comparable in their various characteristics. Morbidity rate representing grade III-IV surgical complications reached 7.4% and mortality rate was 0.5%. Reinforcement with PSD significantly reduced the occurrence of bleeding from the staple line and intra-abdominal collections (P = 0.012 and 0.026). The leak rate was not significantly reduced in group A. Patients in group A required fewer days of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Reinforcement of the staple line in LSG resulted in significantly fewer surgical complications compared to standard stapling of the gastric tube. The additional cost due to the reinforcement of the staple line may be counterbalanced by the reduction in the length of hospitalization.

Clinical implications of sleeve gastrectomy as a source of spleen infarction or ischemia.

Splenic arterial demarcation has been observed during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The present study aims to detect its actual incidence during LSG and clarify its clinical significance. This is a prospective observational study of 287 consecutive patients that underwent LSG by the same surgical team over 3 years. In all patients, the gastric fundus was mobilized using a standard technique. Before withdrawal of the pneumoperitoneum, the spleen was exposed and carefully inspected for evidence of arterial demarcation. Patients with a clear demarcation were followed with Doppler ultrasound. Computed tomography scan with oral contrast was performed to rule out septic complications. Median preoperative body mass index was 46 kg/m(2) (range 35.1-78). Median operative time was 58 min (range 42-185), median hospital stay was 3 days (range 3-45), and overall morbidity rate was 8.6%. Intraoperative demarcation of the upper splenic pole was evident in 12 patients (4.1%). Eleven patients had uneventful postoperative course. One patient raised temperature of 38.5°C at the 7th postoperative day and was readmitted for further treatment. Once afebrile, the patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day and continued on prophylactic low molecular weight heparin (tinzaparin, 7,500 U sc.) for 20 days. Splenic discoloration following LSG is an uncommon complication with minimal clinical significance, which could be related to hematoma, venous congestion, or ischemia. The possibility of a late splenic abscess cannot be ruled out. No risk factors can be identified preoperatively.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed with intent to treat morbid obesity: a prospective single-center study of 261 patients with a median follow-up of 1 year.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to look at laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a procedure with intent to cure morbid obesity. Secondary endpoints are related to the safety profile of the procedure. METHODS: This is a prospective clinical study conducted in a single university surgical clinic. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-one patients (2.5:1 female to male ratio, median age of 37 years) underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 45.2 kg/m(2). Mortality and morbidity rates were 0.7% and 8.4%, respectively. Risk factors for postoperative complications were history of diabetes mellitus under medical treatment (OR, 4.0; p = 0.014) and prior bariatric operation on the same patient (OR, 5.7, p = 0.034). Median follow-up was 12 months (range 1-29 months). A BMI > 50 kg/m(2) is connected with greater weight loss. Analysis of the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) during follow-up at specific time intervals showed a rapid increase for the first 12 months followed by a more gradual rise thereafter. The median %EWL for the first year of follow-up was 65.7 (range 33.8-102.3). The median BMI for the patients that had completed at least 1 year of follow-up was 30.5 kg/m(2) (range 21.2-42.7). The overall success rate after the first year was 74.3% when accounted for %EWL > 50 and 81.7% for BMI < 35 kg/m(2). CONCLUSIONS: The actual long-term efficacy of the procedure remains to be confirmed. Morbidity rates may prove higher than expected especially during the learning curve.

The use of a harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery: report of a 3-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Hemostasis in thyroid surgery is of utmost importance for a successful surgery and an uneventful postoperative course. The present article reports a single surgeon's 3-year experience in the use of the harmonic scalpel. The device was developed in the early 1990s and offered adequate and safe hemostasis for vessels up to 3 mm in width. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. Data sheets from all patients who had surgery by a single endocrine surgeon in the period from 1999 to 2004 were evaluated. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the surgical technique used: group I comprised the conventional knot-and-tie technique, group II comprised the ligation of all but the superior thyroid vessels with a scalpel, and group III comprised patients in whom the device was used exclusively. The groups were compared in regard to surgical time, cost, and complication rate. RESULTS: A total of 272 patients were included in the study: 107 patients were included in group I, 77 in group II, and 88 group III. The surgical time of group I differed significantly compared with groups II and III (P < .0001 in both cases). Surgical times between groups II and III did not differ significantly (P = .701). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the harmonic scalpel reduces surgical time, but it increases the cost of the surgery. It is our belief that by including in the absolute cost the time saved and the reduction in human resources needed, the use of the scalpel would prove to be economic.

Unusual site of recurrent musculoskeletal hydatid cyst: case report and brief review of the literature.

A case of a large multiplex recurrent hydatid cyst involving the left gluteal muscle and the left iliopsoas, accompanied with degeneration of the musculature of the left upper leg is presented along with a review of the relevant literature. Very few such cases have been reported worldwide. The presented case is also distinguished by the involvement of muscles of distant anatomic areas.

Prospective study of the incidence and risk factors of postsplenectomy thrombosis of the portal, mesenteric, and splenic veins.

HYPOTHESIS: Splenectomy is recognized as a cause of portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis. The exact incidence of the complication and its predisposing factors are not known. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. The median follow-up time of the patients was 22.6 months. SETTING: University surgical clinic in a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 147 consecutive patients who underwent splenectomy in a 4-year period were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included ultrasonography with color Doppler flow imaging of the portal system, results of blood coagulation tests, fibrinogen levels, D-dimer levels, and complete blood counts. Operative sheets were recorded and reviewed. When portal system thrombosis (PST) was diagnosed, a complete control for acquired and congenital thrombophilia disorders was obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary end points of the study were the assessment of the incidence of postsplenectomy PST and the identification of risk factors for its occurrence. RESULTS: Portal system thrombosis occurred in 7 (4.79%) of 146 patients who underwent splenectomy. The age, sex, type or length of the operation, and use of preoperative and postoperative thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin did not prove to be significant factors in the occurrence of PST. Platelet count of more than 650 x 10(3)/microL and greater spleen weight (>650 g) was associated with the development of PST (P = .01, P = .03). Normal D-dimer levels on diagnosis of the complication showed a negative predictive value of 98%. Two of the affected patients were diagnosed with thrombophilia disorders. In a median follow-up period of 22.6 months, no other case of PST was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Postsplenectomy PST occurs in approximately 5% of patients. Possible risk factors are thrombocytosis, splenomegaly, and congenital thrombophilia disorders.

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy in patients with beta thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy is considered the standard of care for the removal of the spleen in benign diseases. There are not sufficient data for the routine application of this technique in patients with beta thalassemia major. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive beta thalassemia major patients who underwent elective splenectomy were randomized for open and laparoscopic splenectomy. Patient demographics, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, conversion rate, transfusions, and length of stay were recorded. RESULTS: There was no mortality in this series. There was no difference in complication rates between the two groups. Operative time was markedly increased in the group treated laparoscopically, as was the need for blood transfusions. Median hospital stay was decreased in the laparoscopic group (5 days) compared to the open group (6.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with beta thalassemia major is feasible; however, it is more time consuming and bleeding occurs more often.

Delayed presentation of ilio-iliac arteriovenous fistula following laparoscopic cholecystectomy treated with percutaneous graft-covered stent placement.

Major vascular injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are rare, usually readily apparent, and immediately treated. We report a case of delayed presentation of a retroperitoneal vascular injury. The patient presented with abdominal pain and increasing edema of the lower extremities 1 year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and was found to have an ilio-iliac arteriovenous fistula. Endovascular treatment was accomplished using a graft-covered polytetrafluoroethylene stent. The patient remained free of symptoms at 1-year follow-up.

Independent lung ventilation for asymmetrical chest trauma: effect on ventilatory and haemodynamic parameters.

Complex thoracic injuries significantly alter the lung mechanics. There appears to be severe ventilation-perfusion inequality that is enhanced by the asymmetrical compliance of the injured areas. In cases of unilateral massive air leaks large tidal volumes are needed to deliver adequate air volume to the injured lung. In such cases, mechanical ventilation via a standard tracheal tube will direct a large fraction of the tidal volume to the less affected areas. An alternative means of ventilating these patients is the application of independent lung ventilation through a double lumen tracheal tube and the use of two separate ventilators. Two such cases are presented with emphasis given on the ventilatory and haemodynamic changes that were recorded.

Laparoscopic placement of Oreopoulos-Zellerman catheters in CAPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is widely accepted for the management of end-stage renal disease. Various techniques have been described for the insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters. Lately, with the evolution of laparoscopic surgery, different laparoscopic techniques have also been presented, suggesting the technique is preferable to the open and percutaneous methods. OBJECTIVE: To introduce and evaluate a new laparoscopic technique for insertion of Oreopoulos-Zellerman catheters in CAPD patients. SETTING: The study was carried out in the First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Athens University Medical School, Hippokration Hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2000 and March 2002, the technique was applied in 20 consecutive patients (mean age 62 years, range 54 - 70 years) with end-stage renal disease. During this technique, a 10-mm trocar is placed just below the umbilicus for the optics and a 5-mm trocar is placed in the right lower quadrant. With the help of a 10-mm trocar, a tunnel is formed in the standard paramedian position on the left side, 2 - 3 cm below the plane of the umbilicus, for the insertion of the peritoneal catheter. A laparoscopic needle (GraNee needle; R-Med, Oregon, Ohio, USA) is used for the closure of the 10-mm trocar-induced peritoneal and fascia defect using a purse-string suture. The catheter is advanced into the abdomen under direct vision and guided toward the Douglas pouch. The subcutaneous tunnel and the patency test of the catheter are performed as the last main steps in our procedure. One surgeon undertook all procedures. RESULTS: All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 30 minutes (range 25 - 40 minutes). There was no intraoperative complication or surgical mortality. One patient developed leakage at the catheter exit site 3 days after surgery; it was corrected under local anesthesia. During a mean follow-up time of 17 months (range 12 - 28 months), 1 patient required catheter removal due to fungal peritonitis. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic insertion of the Oreopoulos-Zellerman catheter is a simple, quick, and safe method. We believe future experience will encourage the laparoscopic technique as the method of choice.

Total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy, and end-ileostomy for the surgical palliation of mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis from non-gynecologic cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The optimal management of symptomatic advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis of non-gynecologic origin is not defined. Historic controls of surgical efforts report high postoperative mortality and morbidity rates with equivocal palliation. Novel surgical procedures need to be tested in terms of the impact on survival and quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 46 consecutive patients who underwent total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy with construction of an end-ileostomy for palliation of peritoneal carcinomatosis. RESULTS: Total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy, and end-ileostomy was successfully performed in 46 patients of median age of 54.4 years. Overall median survival was 10.7 months, with a mean follow-up period of 12 months. Patients with appendiceal malignancy had a median survival of 19.7 months. Prognosis was poorer for patients with colon cancer, who had a median survival of 7.0 months, while patients with primary peritoneal carcinomatosis had a median of 7.8 months. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 19.5 and 8.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy, and end-ileostomy is a technically feasible procedure and is advocated for the palliation of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin. It is not clear if the procedure should be advocated for more invasive gastrointestinal malignancies.

Plexiglas (polymethylmethacrylate) implantation: technique, pre-clinical and clinical experience.

Over the past few decades, a great scientific effort has been made to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This reflects a trend in modem medicine toward optimizing quality of life, reducing health-related lost working hours, and minimizing costs of chronic treatments. It also reflects a revived interest in diseases that can be studied using novel equipment and that can be cured using minimally invasive techniques. In an effort to further minimize surgical trauma, novel endoscopic techniques are beginning to challenge the standard therapeutic approach to GERD.

Selenium metabolism in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential trace element for living organisms. In many publications, researchers express concern about a possible Se deficiency in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure (ESCRF) undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). However, in a number of published articles, the data provide no evidence that patients under CAPD develop Se deficiency. OBJECTIVE: We investigated Se metabolism in ESCRF patients on CAPD. SETTING: The study was carried out at the Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Athens University; the Laboratory for Material Analysis of the Nuclear Physics Institute; and the State General Hospital, Athens, Greece. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group included 24 patients on CAPD treatment, 14 ESCRF patients, and 17 healthy controls. We measured the Se and Fe content of serum, blood, and erythrocytes. We also measured hematocrit, serum total proteins and albumins, and Se in dialysate effluent. RESULTS: As compared with healthy subjects, the ESCRF and CAPD patients exhibited reduced serum concentrations of Se. However, considering the difference in hematocrit values, the total serum-transported Se per liter of blood was close to normal. Erythrocyte Se proved normal for both groups. The measured Se in the spent effluent indicates that patients under CAPD receive approximately 100 microg Se from their daily diet, as normal subjects do. The Se measurement data from the effluent indicate that 90% of the Se carried by the serum is bound to albumins and that only the remaining 10% is in the form of low molecular weight selenate, free to pass the peritoneal membrane. Of the 24 CAPD patients studied, 4 patients (all women) showed extremely low Se serum levels. Data suggest that those low levels are more likely due to the significantly lower serum albumin levels in the 4 patients than to an insufficient dietary intake. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the present experimental work suggest that patients undergoing CAPD receive the necessary quantities of Se from their regular diet. The data contradict statements in the relevant literature that CAPD patients develop Se deficiency.