The effect of fibrin sealant combined with fibrinolysis inhibitor on reducing the amount of lymphatic leakage after axillary evacuation in breast cancer. A prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: One third of women undergoing mastectomy with axillary evacuation for primary breast cancer suffer from postoperative seromas leading to unnecessary costs and complications such as infections and new operations. Different methods to prevent seroma formation have been tried without permanent success. The aim of this prospective randomised study was to examine the effect of fibrin sealant with fibrinolysis inhibitor firstly on the reduction of the amount of lymphatic leakage after axillary evacuation and secondly on the reduction of days with drains and postoperative seroma punctures. METHODS: 40 patients with primary breast cancer were prospectively randomised to the treatment group (n = 19) getting fibrin glue combined with fibrinolysis inhibitor (aprotinin) sprayed into the axillary fossa and to the control group (n = 21). RESULTS: There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative seromas between the groups. However, the seromas were easier to treat if fibrin clue was used. Total quantity (mean+/-SD) of lymphorrhea and total number of aspirations (mean+/-SD) were almost twice as high in the patients of the control group compared to those having fibrin sealant. In the treatment group seromas resolved after one or occasionally after two aspirations in 71 % of patients, while in the control group 90 % of patients needed three or more aspirations. CONCLUSION: Potentially, fibrin sealant combined with fibrinolysis inhibitor might be used for the treatment of post- axillary evacuation lymphorrhea and seroma.

Microvascular myocutaneous flaps in the lumbosacral area using the iliac artery and vein as recipient vessels.

Lumbosacral tissue defects are usually closed with local flaps. Sometimes in large high-situated defects free microvascular flaps are used. However, finding a suitable recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis in this region is difficult. In large soft-tissue defects high in the lumbar area, closure with a free flap using the iliac artery and vein as recipient vessels channelled from the pelvic cavity to the back through a drill canal in a bone presents an alternative option where other vessels are damaged by radiotherapy or infection. This has been used successfully in two cases.

Low myocardial temperatures are associated with postoperative conduction defects after coronary artery bypass surgery.

The incidence and significance of postoperative conduction defects after coronary artery bypass surgery were investigated prospectively in 181 patients. Several pre- and perioperative variables, especially the temperature in three regions of the myocardium, were recorded as explanatory variables. The incidence of conduction defect(s) in the immediate postoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) was 55.8%, and 35.9% of the patients had a conduction defect when leaving hospital. Two patients had a permanent third degree atrioventricular (AV) block. Five pacemakers were implanted. Left main coronary artery stenosis was more common (P < 0.01), and the perioperative myocardial temperatures (P < 0.05-0.01) were lower in patients with conduction defects. These patients had also low postoperative cardiac output more often (P < 0.001), their creatine kinase myocardial (MB) fraction values were higher (P < 0.01), and they stayed in hospital longer (P < 0.05). Right bundle branch block had no significant association with the studied variables.

Procaine and timing of aortic declamping affect ventricular reperfusion fibrillation.

Both ventricular fibrillation and electric defibrillation are detrimental to the myocardium. Therefore, we studied the effect of procaine hydrochloride during crystalloid cardioplegia and the effect of performing all central anastomoses before aortic declamping in an attempt to prevent ventricular reperfusion fibrillation during coronary bypass operation. Seventy-four patients were randomised, first to receive procaine hydrochloride or saline during cardioplegia, and secondly, to have central anastomoses performed before and after aortic declamping. In patients receiving procaine in cardioplegic solution (n = 37), the mean ventricular fibrillation time was shorter (27 +/- 79 sec. vs 205 +/- 161 sec., P < 0.0001), the proportion of patients spontaneously achieving stable rhythm was higher (67.6% vs 13.5%, P < 0.0001) and the mean number of defibrillations was lower (0.3 +/- 0.7 vs 2.4 +/- 1.7, P < 0.0001) than in patients receiving placebo (n = 37). Although the aortic occlusion time was longer (112 +/- 28 min vs 91 +/- 26 min, P = 0.0015) in patients with central anastomoses made during cardiac arrest (n = 35) and the mean fibrillation time was shorter (53 +/- 87 sec. vs 173 +/- 179 sec., P = 0.0006) than compared with patients with central anastomoses made after declamping the aorta (n = 39), the mean number of defibrillations (1.2 +/- 1.7 vs 1.4 +/- 1.7, P = 0.59) and the cardiopulmonary bypass time (138 +/- 29 min vs. 132 +/- 34 min, P = 0.47) were not statistically different between these groups. There were no differences in arrhythmias, conduction defects or postoperative recovery between the study groups. We conclude that both procaine hydrochloride during cardioplegia and the performance of central anastomoses of vein grafts during aortic occlusion effectively reduce reperfusion ventricular fibrillation.

Axillary artery rupture complicating anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Case report.

Vascular injury is a rare complication of anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint. Two cases, both in elderly persons (65 and 74 years) were treated in our Department during a 5-year period. Atherosclerotic changes of the axillary artery and previous shoulder dislocation are predisposing factors for such injury.