Outcome Quality After Colorectal Cancer Resection in Certified Colorectal Cancer Centers­Patient-Reported and Short-Term Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In this observational study, patient-reported outcomes and short-term clinical outcome parameters in patients with colorectal cancer were studied 12 months after the start of treatment. Outcomes were also compared across German Certified Colorectal Cancer Centres. METHODS: Data were collected from 4239 patients with colorectal cancer who had undergone elective tumor resection in one of 102 colorectal cancer centers and had responded to a quality-of-life questionnaire before treatment (EORTC QLQ-C30 and -CR29). 3142 (74.1%) of these patients completed a post-treatment questionnaire 12 months later. Correlation analyses were calculated and case-mix adjusted comparisons across centers were made for selected patient-reported outcomes, anastomotic insufficiency, and 30-day-mortality. RESULTS: At 12 months, mild improvements were seen in mean quality-of-life scores (66 vs. 62 points), constipation (16 vs. 19), and abdominal pain (15 vs. 17). Worsening was seen in physical function (75 vs. 82) and pain (22 vs. 19). Better patient-reported outcomes at 12 months were associated with better scores before treatment. Better results in at least three of the five scores were associated with male sex, higher educational level, higher age, and private health insurance. Major worsening of fecal incontinence was seen among patients with rectal cancer without a stoma. The largest differences across centers were found with respect to physical function. Anastomotic insufficiency was found in 4.3% of colon cancer patients and 8.2% of rectal cancer patients. 1.9% of patients died within 30 days after their resection. CONCLUSION: Clinicians can use these findings to identify patients at higher risk for poorer patient-reported outcomes. The differences among cancer centers that were found imply that measures for quality improvement would be desirable.

Selective biliary occlusion in rodents: description of a new technique.

Background: Modern therapy concepts are of limited success in patients with cholestasis (e.g., biliary occluding malignancies). Therefore, we established a new animal model enabling simultaneous investigation of liver regeneration and hepato-biliary remodelling in biliary obstructed and biliary non-obstructed liver lobes. Methods: Biliary occlusion of different extent was induced in 50 male rats: Ligation and transection of the common bile duct (100% of liver, tBDT, n=25); or of the left bile duct (70% of liver, sBDT, n=25). At postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 we assessed the hepatic histomorphological alterations, proliferative repair, progress of liver fibrosis (HE, BrdU, EvG) and signs of liver regeneration (liver lobe weight gain). In addition, we determined systemic markers of hepatocellular injury (ASAT, ALAT), cholestasis (Bilirubin) and synthetic liver function (INR). The animals were monitored daily (body weight gain, stress score, survival). Results: All animals survived until the planned date of sacrifice. sBDT induced in the biliary occluded liver lobes similar histomorphological alterations, proliferative repair and progress of liver fibrosis like tBDT. In the biliary non-ligated liver lobes in sBDT animals we noticed a temporarily enhanced biliary proliferation and a persistent low grade liver fibrosis in the periportal area. Conclusions: Our model of sBDT represents a safe and valid method to induce selective cholestasis. The model enables further comparative investigation of liver regeneration in different extents of occlusive cholestasis (e.g., mimicking biliary occluding malignancies).

Species specific morphological alterations in liver tissue after biliary occlusion in rat and mouse: Similar but different.

BACKGROUND: The selection of the appropriate species is one of the key issues in experimental medicine. Bile duct ligation is the mostly used experimental model in rodents to explore special aspects of occlusive cholestasis. We aimed to clarify if rats or mice are suitable for the same or different aspects in cholestasis research. METHODS: We induced biliary occlusion by ligation and transection of the common bile duct (tBDT) in rats and mice (each n = 25). Recovery from surgical stress was assessed by daily scoring (stress score, body weight). At five different time points (days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 after tBDT) we investigated hepatic morphometric and architectural alterations (Haematoxylin-Eosin staining, Elastica van Gieson staining) and the proliferative activities of parenchyma cells (Bromodeoxyuridine staining); as well as established systemic markers for liver synthesis, hepatocellular damage and renal dysfunction. RESULTS: We found substantial differences regarding survival (rats: 100%, 25/25 vs. mice 92%, 22/25, p = 0.07) and body weight gain (p<0.05 at postoperative days 14 and 28 (POD)). Rats showed a faster and progressive hepatobiliary remodelling than mice (p<0.05 at POD 7+14+28), resulting in: i) stronger relative loss of hepatocellular mass (rats by 31% vs. mice by 15% until POD 28; p<0.05 at POD 7+14+28); ii) rapidly progressing liver fibrosis (p<0.05 at POD 14); iii) a faster and stronger proliferative response of parenchyma cells (hepatocytes: p<0.05 at POD 1+14+18; cholangiocytes: p<0.05 at POD 1+3+7+28); and iv) only tiny bile infarcts compared to mice (p<0.05 at POD 1+3+7+14). Both species showed comparable elevated markers of hepatocellular damage and serum bilirubin. CONCLUSION: The key difference between rats and mice are the severity and dynamics of histological alterations, possibly accounting for their different susceptibilities for (septic) complications with low survival (mice).

Corrosion Cast and 3D Reconstruction of the Murine Biliary Tree After Biliary Obstruction: Quantitative Assessment and Comparison With 2D Histology.

Background: Obstructive cholestasis can lead to significant alterations of the biliary tree depending on the extent and duration of the biliary occlusion. Current experimental studies reported about advanced techniques for corrosion cast and 3D reconstruction (3D-reco) visualizing delicate microvascular structures in animals. We compared these two different techniques for visualization and quantitative assessment of the obstructed murine biliary tree with classical 2D histology. Methods: Male mice (n = 36) were allocated to 3 different experiments. In experiments 1 and 2, we injected two different media (Microfil© for 3D-reco, MV; Batson's No.17 for corrosion cast, CC) into the extrahepatic bile duct. In experiment 3 we sampled liver tissue for 2D histology (HE, BrdU). Time points of interest were days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 after biliary occlusion. We used different types of software for quantification of the different samples: IMALYTICS Preclinical for 3D scans (MV); NDP.view2 for the digital photography of CC; HistoKat software for 2D histology. Results: We achieved samples in 75% of the animals suitable for evaluation (MV and CC, each with 9/12). Contrasting of terminal bile ducts (4th order of branches) was achieved with either technique. MV permitted a fast 3D-reco of the hierarchy of the biliary tree, including the 3rd and 4th order of branches in almost all samples (8/9 and 6/9). CC enabled focused evaluation of the hierarchy of the biliary tree, including the 4th to 5th order of branches in almost all samples (9/9 and 8/9). In addition, we detected dense meshes of the smallest bile ducts in almost all CC samples (8/9). MV and CC allowed a quantitative assessment of anatomical details of the 3rd and 4th order branches of almost every sample. The 2D histology identified different kinetics and areas of proliferation of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Complementary usage of 3D-reco, corrosion casting and 2D histology matched dense meshes of small bile ducts with areas of intensive proliferative activity of cholangiocytes as periportal proliferative areas of 4th and 5th order branches (∼terminal bile ducts and bile ductules) matched with its morphological information the matching assessment of areas with increased proliferative activity (BrdU) and a partial quantification of the characteristics of the 4th order branches of the biliary tree. Conclusion: The 3D-reco and corrosion casting of the murine biliary tree are feasible and provide a straightforward, robust, and reliable (and more economical) procedure for the visualization and quantitative assessment of architectural alterations, in comparative usage with the 2D histology.

The Interplay Between Biliary Occlusion and Liver Regeneration: Repeated Regeneration Stimuli Restore Biliary Drainage by Promoting Hepatobiliary Remodeling in a Rat Model.

Background and Aims: Patients with malignant biliary obstruction do not seem to benefit from "two-stage hepatectomy" due to an impairment of liver regeneration. We designed a novel model of "repeated regeneration stimuli" in rats mimicking a "two-stage hepatectomy" with selective or complete biliary occlusion mimicking Klatskin tumors III° or IV°. Using this new model, we wanted to investigate (1) the impact of preexistent cholestasis of different extent on the time course of liver regeneration and (2) the dynamics of hepatobiliary remodeling under regeneration conditions. Materials and Methods: Rats were subjected to a sequence of three operations: surgical induction of biliary occlusion, followed by "repeated regeneration stimuli" consisting of ligation of the left branch of the portal vein (supplying 70% of the liver volume, sPVL) as first stage and a 70%-hepatectomy (70%PHx) as second stage. Biliary occlusion (1st procedure) was induced by ligating and transection of either the common (100%, tBDT) or the left bile duct (70%, sBDT). A sham operation without ligating the bile duct was performed as control (0%, Sham). Two weeks later, on day 14 (POD14), the sPVL (2nd procedure) was performed. Another week later (POD 21), the 70%PHx (3rd procedure) took place and animals were observed for 1 week (POD 28). The first experiment (n = 45 rats) was dedicated to investigating liver regeneration (hypertrophy/atrophy), proliferative activity and hepatobiliary histomorphology (2D-histology: HE, BrdU) in the future liver remnant (FLR). The second experiment (n = 25 rats) was performed to study the dynamics of hepatobiliary remodeling in livers with different regenerative pressure (tBDT only POD21 vs. tBDT only POD 28 vs. tBDT + sPVL vs. tBDT + 70%PHx vs. tBDT + sPVL + 70%PHx) using µCT scans of explanted livers. Effect of biliary occlusion: Total biliary occlusion (tBDT) led to a 2.4-fold increase in whole liver volume due to severe biliary proliferation within 14 days. In contrast, partial biliary occlusion (sBDT) caused only a volume gain of the obstructed liver lobes due to biliary proliferates, resulting in a minor increase of total liver volume (1.7-fold) without an increase in bilirubin levels. Liver regeneration and atrophy: As expected, sPVL caused substantial volume gain (tBDT: 3-fold; sBDT: 2.8-fold; Sham 2.8-fold) of FLR and a substantial volume loss (tBDT: 0.9-fold; sBDT: 0.6-fold; Sham: 0.4-fold) of the portally deprived "future resected lobes" compared to the preoperative liver volume. The subsequent 70%PHx promoted a further volume gain of the FLR in all groups (tBDT: 4-fold; sBDT: 3-fold; Sham 3-fold compared to original volume) until POD 28. Hepatobiliary remodeling: After tBDT, we identified histologically three phases of hepatobiliary remodeling in the FLR. Following tBDT, biliary proliferates developed, replacing about 15% of the hepatocellular tissue. After sPVL we found incomplete restoration of the hepatocellular tissue with a visible reduction of the biliary proliferates. The 70%PHx led to an almost complete recovery of the hepatocellular tissue in the FLR with a nearly normal liver architecture. In contrast, after sBDT and Sham we observed a near normal liver morphology in the FLR at all time points. CT-scanning of the explanted livers and subsequent 3D reconstruction visualized the development of extrahepatic biliary collaterals. Collaterals were detected in 0/5 cases 1 week after sPVL (first regeneration stimulus), and in even more cases (3/5) 1 week after the 70%PHx (second regeneration stimulus). Histological workup identified the typical biliary cuboid epithelium as inner lining of the collaterals and peribiliary glands. Conclusion: Liver volume of the FLR increased in cholestatic rats mainly due to biliary proliferates. Application of repeated regeneration stimuli in the style of a "two-stage hepatectomy" promoted almost full restoration of hepatocellular tissue and architecture in the FLR by reestablishing biliary drainage via formation of biliary collaterals. Further exploration of the dynamics in hepatobiliary modeling using this model might help to better understand the underlying mechanism.

Wilhelm Waldeyer-An Important Scientific Researcher of the 19th Century in the Context of His Memoirs and Major Monographies.

Wilhelm Waldeyer was one of the most important anatomists of his time. The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of his death. His name not only lives on in terms such as "Waldeyer's pharyngeal ring" or "Waldeyer's fascia," he also coined the terms "neuron" and "chromosome." He produced monumental monographies such as "The Pelvis" and "Ovary and Egg". Waldeyer's legacy is a large body of lifetime work that continues to impress to this day. However, he also published works that today would be described as racist. His view of a woman's role was and is also controversial. Nevertheless, reading his autobiography (Lebenserinnerungen) today is still beneficial because it vividly illustrates the academic life and a scholarly existence of that era.

Biocellulose for Incisional Hernia Repair-An Experimental Pilot Study.

Ventral or incisional hernia are a common disease pattern in general surgery. Mostcommonly, a mesh repair is used for reconstruction, whereby the mesh itself might causecomplications, like infections or adhesions. Biological materials, like biocellulose, might reducethese clinical problems substantially. In this prospective rodent study, a biocellulose mesh(produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus) was implanted either by a sublay technique or assupplementation of the abdominal wall. After an observation period of 90 days, animals weresacrificed. The adhesions after the reconstruction of the abdominal wall were moderate. Thehistologic investigations revealed that the biocellulose itself was inert, with a minimal regenerativeresponse surrounding the mesh. The explanted mesh showed a minimal shrinkage (around 15%) aswell as a minimal loss of tear-out force, which might be without clinical relevance. This is the firstin vivo study describing biocellulose as a suitable mesh for the repair of ventral hernia in twodifferent hernia models. The material seems to be a promising option for solving actual problems inmodern hernia surgery.

What Is the Current Knowledge About Sublay/Retro-Rectus Repair of Incisional Hernias?

Introduction: There continues to be very little agreement among experts on the precise treatment strategy for incisional hernias. That is the conclusion drawn from the very limited scientific evidence available on the repair of incisional hernias. The present review now aims to critically assess the data available on the sublay/retro-rectus technique for repair of incisional hernia. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed in May 2018 using Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. This article is based on 77 publications. Results: The number of available RCTs that permit evaluation of the role of the sublay/retro-rectus technique in the repair of only incisional hernia is very small. The existing data suggest that the sublay/retro-rectus technique has disadvantages compared with the laparoscopic IPOM technique for repair of incisional hernia, but in that respect has advantages over all other open techniques. However, the few existing studies provide only a limited level of evidence for assessment purposes. Conclusion: Further RCTs based on a standardized technique are urgently needed for evaluation of the role of the sublay/retro-rectus incisional hernia repair technique.

Treatment of Large Incisional Hernias in Sandwich Technique - A Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: In a systematic review of the surgical treatment of large incisional hernia sublay repair, the sandwich technique and aponeuroplasty with intraperitoneal mesh displayed the best results. In this systematic review only the sandwich technique, which used the hernia sac as an extension of the posterior and anterior rectus sheath and placement of a non-absorbable mesh in the sublay position, was included. Other modifications of the sandwich technique are published in the literature and were also analyzed in this literature review. METHODS: A systematic search of the available literature was performed in November 2017 using Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library using the terms "sandwich technique", "double prosthetic repair", "double mesh intraperitoneal repair", and "component separation technique with double mesh". This review is based on 24 relevant publications. Unfortunately, the evidence of the available studies is not very high since only prospective and retrospective case series have been published. There are no comparative studies at all. Therefore, the findings of the published case series must be viewed in a critical light. RESULTS: The published studies report a remarkably low recurrence rate of 0-13% with a follow-up of 1-7 years. One limitation that must be mentioned here is that in around half of the studies the method of follow-up was not specified and in the remaining cases this was based on clinical examination by the surgical team. This puts into perspective the reported results, which appear to be too favorable given the complex nature of the hernias involved.The major disadvantage of the sandwich technique is a very high rate of wound complications of up to 68%, mainly induced by creation of large skin and subcutaneous cellular tissue flaps. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to evaluate the significance of the various modifications of the "sandwich technique" based on the available literature since it includes only case series and no comparative studies. The techniques used are associated with very high wound complication rates but with only relatively low recurrence rates despite the complexity of the cases involved. This must be verified in studies with a well-designed methodology.

What Do We Know About Component Separation Techniques for Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair?

INTRODUCTION: The component separation technique (CST) was introduced to abdominal wall reconstruction to treat large, complex hernias. It is very difficult to compare the published findings because of the vast number of technical modifications to CST as well as the heterogeneity of the patient population operated on with this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main focus of the literature search conducted up to August 2017 in Medline and PubMed was on publications reporting comparative findings as well as on systematic reviews in order to formulate statements regarding the various CSTs. RESULTS: CST without mesh should no longer be performed because of too high recurrence rates. Open anterior CST has too high a surgical site occurrence rate and henceforth should only be conducted as endoscopic and perforator sparing anterior CST. Open posterior CST and posterior CST with transversus abdominis release (TAR) produce better results than open anterior CST. To date, no significant differences have been found between endoscopic anterior, perforator sparing anterior CST and posterior CST with transversus abdominis release. Robot-assisted posterior CST with TAR is the latest, very promising alternative. The systematic use of biologic meshes cannot be recommended for CST. CONCLUSION: CST should always be performed with mesh as endoscopic or perforator sparing anterior or posterior CST. Robot-assisted posterior CST with TAR is the latest development.

Posttraumatic venous gas in the liver - a case report and review of the current literature.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous causes of hepatic gas formation that range from serious pathologies to incidental findings, including mesenteric infarction, liver abscess, inflammatory bowel disease or minimally invasive hepatic interventions. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 50-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency room after a car accident. The clinical examination and further diagnostics revealed a craniocerebral injury with a fracture of the skull, concomitant soft tissue lesions and subarachnoidal bleeding. Furthermore, a blunt thoracic trauma with hemopneumothorax due to rib fractures was treated with a chest tube. No obvious abdominal pathology was seen. While in the operating theatre for the surgical revision of the cranial soft tissue lesions, a femoral venous catheter was inserted without any complications. A routine ultrasound of the abdomen six hours after the trauma revealed unclear hepatic gas formation. A contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen was performed, and the gas formation was found to be localized within the left hepatic vein. Afterwards, there was no specific treatment of the hepatic venous gas formation, as no alterations of liver function or liver enzymes were seen. The further course of the patient was uneventful regarding the gas formation in the liver, and another ultrasound two days later revealed no further gas in the liver. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of a femoral venous catheter is a risk factor for gas formation in liver veins. No further treatment is needed in cases with stable liver function. To rule out serious pathologies, diagnostic findings (e.g., ultrasound, CT), clinical history and underlying diseases need to be analyzed carefully after the detection of intrahepatic gas formation. With contrast-enhanced CT, the localization of the gas and its potential causes might be detectable.

Wilhelm von Waldeyer-Hartz-A Great Forefather: His Contributions to Anatomy with Particular Attention to "His" Fascia.

Wilhelm Waldeyer was, at his time, one of the most well-known authors in the field of Anatomy, Pathology, and Embryology. He held various distinguished academic positions. He was Professor of (Pathological) Anatomy in Breslau, Strasbourg, and Berlin. He remained in Berlin for the unusually long period of 33.5 years, as Full Professor for Anatomy and Director of the Anatomical Institute. His great talent as a teacher ensured that his lectures were always filled to the brim. Between 1862 and 1920, he published 270 works, including classics such as "Das Becken" (The Pelvis). The portrayal of this most important area is counted as one of the most complete which has ever been accomplished in the field of topographic anatomy, it includes the description of the fascia of Waldeyer. He also coined the phrases "chromosome" and "neuron" with their anatomical-morphological concepts. Already during his lifetime, his teaching ability significantly preceded the research capacity. It would, however, be false to overshadow Waldeyer's merits as a researcher. His main scientific merit is in his excellent summarizing interpretations of current questions of anatomy and evolution, which particularly shows his simultaneous gift as a researcher and a teacher.

In vitro analysis of biopolymer coating with glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on hernia meshes.

Certain coatings may improve the biocompatibility of hernia meshes. The coating with self-assembled monolayers, such as glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOPS) can also improve the materials characteristics of implants. This approach was not yet explored in hernia meshes. It was the aim of this work to clarify if and how hernia meshes with their three-dimensional structure can be coated with GOPS and with which technique this coating can be best characterized. Commercially available meshes made from polypropylene (PP), polyester (PE), and expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) have been coated with GOPS. The coatings were analyzed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and cell proliferation test (mouse fibroblasts). Cell viability and cytotoxicity were tested by MTT test. With the GOPS surface modification, the adherence of mouse fibroblasts on polyester meshes and the proliferation on ePTFE meshes were increased compared to noncoated meshes. Both XPS and CLSM are limited in their applicability and validity due to the three-dimensional mesh structure while CLSM was overall more suitable. In the MTT test, no negative effects of the GOPS coating on the cells were detected after 24 h. The present results show that GOPS coating of hernia meshes is feasible and effective. GOPS coating can be achieved in a fast and cost-efficient way. Further investigations are necessary with respect to coating quality and adverse effects before such a coating may be used in the clinical routine. In conclusion, GOPS is a promising material that warrants further research as coating of medical implants. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1083-1090, 2017.

Microbiology of the infected recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

The aim of the present retrospective single centre study was to define the changes in the microbiological flora of the recurring sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (PS). Microbiological findings of swab samples of abscess-forming PS from 2000 to 2010 were evaluated. Within this time span, 73 swab samples were taken from primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (pPS) and 23 swab samples of patients with recurring sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (rPS). Our results show a statistically significant shift of the bacterial flora towards the gram-positive range (P = 0·029) and a shift with tendency towards the aerobic range (P = 0·090). Pathogens of pPS are not always solely anaerobic or gram-negative, and those of rPS not always aerobic or gram-positive. Therefore, antibiosis preceding microbiological examination should cover both the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as the gram-positive and the gram-negative spectrum.

Predictive factors for survival and recurrence rate in patients with node-negative gastric cancer--a European single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: Gastric cancer is a common disease with poor prognosis. Lymph node involvement is the strongest prognostic factor regarding survival in curatively (R0) resected patients. The aim of this study was to determine if a subgroup with higher risk for tumour recurrence exists in patients with node-negative gastric cancer. Furthermore, we aimed to identify prognostic factors and recurrence patterns for this subgroup. METHODS: We collected demographical, clinical, pathohistological and follow-up data from 1,074 patients with gastric cancer in a prospectively maintained database. In 228 cases, R0 resections for node-negative gastric cancer were performed. The median follow-up period was 59 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: The 5- , 10- and 15-year overall survival was 83, 75.5 and 73 %, respectively, with a disease-free survival of 78, 73 and 73 %. Tumour recurrence was observed in 18.9 % (43 cases), 14 % of which were diagnosed after more than 5 years. Gender, T-category , lymphangioinvasion, tumour differentiation, serosal infiltration, histological growth pattern, tumour size and classification according to Lauren were significant prognostic factors for overall survival in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed tumour size and female sex to be independent prognostic factors. Non-exophytic tumour growth was a relevant factor for the development of local recurrence. Diffuse type gastric cancers as well as signet ring cells were significantly associated with the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis, and male gender with hematogenous metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal treatment and individual follow-up might be beneficial in patients with higher risk of recurrence after R0 resection of node-negative gastric cancer.

Suture granuloma mimicking a recurrent sacro-coccygeal pilonidal sinus after Limberg flap.

Sacro-coccygeal pilonidal sinus disease is classified as an asymptomatic, acutely abscess-forming or chronic subcutaneous inflammation in the sacro-coccygeal region featuring characteristic pits in the bottom cleft. Due to high rates of recurrence, two flap techniques have been established in the course of the past three decades. One of them is the Karydakis operation, the other option is a rotation flap named Limberg procedure. We report about a case of suture granuloma in the area of a Limberg flap after recurrent pilonidal sinus with extrusion of the suture material, thus mimicking recurrence. In case of recurrent pilonidal sinus following plastic coverage or primary closure, respectively, the differential diagnosis of suture granuloma should be considered.

Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Antimicrobial Therapy of Intra-Abdominal Infections.

BACKGROUND: The increase of antimicrobial resistances to first- and second-line antibiotics, especially of Gram-negative bacteria, and the lack of novel antimicrobial substances are a challenge in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections. METHODS: Review article. RESULTS: The efficacy and safety of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in visceral surgery has been demonstrated by several meta-analyses. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is defined as a single administration of antibiotics shortly before a surgical intervention. A so-called prolonged prophylaxis including the postoperative period (e.g. 1-3 days postoperatively) should be avoided as it does not reduce the number of wound infections and is associated with an increased risk of antimicrobial resistance and side effects. Antimicrobial management of severe intra-abdominal infections involves a delicate balance of optimizing empirical therapy which has been shown to improve outcomes while simultaneously reducing unnecessary use of antimicrobials. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to human health and requires a rational use of antibiotics to curb further spreading. This applies for perioperative prophylaxis as well as for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections.

Clinical symptoms and sonographic follow-up after surgical treatment of nonparasitic liver cysts.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of nonparasitic liver cysts is still a topic of debate. Only symptomatic cysts are being considered as requiring treatment. Aim of this study is to evaluate our experience with this disease over the past ten years with a structured follow-up program. METHODS: From January 2000 to August 2010, 56 consecutive patients with nonparasitic liver cysts were treated at our institution. We assessed morbidity, recurrence and complication rates, quality of life as well as pre- and post-operative sonographic status of the cysts and course of clinical symptoms. RESULTS: In 84% of the patients surgery was started as a laparoscopic procedure. Conversion rate was 6.4%. Average diameter of deroofed cysts was 12 cm. Overall complication rate was 16% and overall recurrence rate 28.3% (8.7% recurrences at the surgical site, 19.6% new or enlarged cysts). One half of the patients were symptom-free after surgery and the other half had at least one persisting symptom post-operatively. In one half of these patients with persisting symptoms, symptoms were ameliorated by surgery. In the other half of patients the number of symptoms increased after surgery. Two thirds of the overall patients reported their post-operative health as being good or very good. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical deroofing is the most effective treatment option for symptomatic liver cysts. Half of our patient population retained at least one symptom from a group of more than ten abdominal symptoms.Only the minority of these cases may be attributed to true recurrence, de-novo cysts or growing pre-existing cysts. The analysis of our cases suggests that the persistent symptoms in our patients may in part be due to the fact that the association between clinical complaints and the liver cysts was not sufficiently established. A more rigid patient selection should be implemented in order to achieve better results from the treatment of cysts. Because even large cysts are frequently asymptomatic, patient selection should not primarily be based on the cyst size only. The decision should be based strictly on the correlation between cyst / cyst location and symptoms / clinical complaints. In our opinion, further diagnostic procedures may be necessary in individual cases to clarify such a correlation.

Waiting time, not donor-risk-index, is a major determinant for beneficial outcome after liver transplantation in high-MELD patients.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing donor shortage, patients undergo liver transplantation actually mostly with high MELD-scores. In this study, we analyze high-MELD patients who underwent liver transplantation at a german single center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since implementation of the MELD-score within the Eurotransplant region (December 2006) up to May 2011, 45 patients with a lab-MELD-score ≥ 36 underwent liver transplantation at our center. We correlated the 1-year-survival with donor data (especially the donor risk index, DRI), the time interval from reaching a lab-MELD-score ≥ 36 up to liver transplantation and the recipient's state prior transplantation. RESULTS: The overall 1-year-survival in our cohort is 68,8%. Waiting time of survivors was significantly shorter compared to non-survivors (MedianSurvivors: 2 days vs. MedianNon-survivors: 4 days; p=0.049). DRI showed no significant differences between both groups. Furthermore, the recipient's state prior transplantation (dialysis, mechanical ventilation, catecholamines) showed no significant association with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome after liver transplantation in high-MELD patients is worse compared to that of patients with a marked lower MELD-score. Especially the time interval between reaching a lab-MELD score ≥ 36 to the transplantation is a major determinant for survival. Since the DRI is not associated with a worsened outcome, transplantation centers should accept even marginal organs for high-MELD patients to keep the waiting time as short as possible.