Scipedia: Documents published in 2017

Fuel-mix and energy utilization analysis of Port Harcourt Refining Company, Nigeria

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:36:25 +0200

This study analyses the fuel-mix and energy utilization patterns in Port Harcourt Refining Company from 2000 to 2011. The average fuel mix over the study period is 43% refinery fuel gas, 0% liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 44% low pour fuel oil (LPFO), 8% Coke, and 5% automotive gas oil (AGO). The present ratio of high-carbon fuel consumption to low-carbon fuel consumption adversely influences the specific fuel consumption by increasing it. Our proposal is that the present AGO and LPFO consumption levels are totally replaced with equivalent amounts of natural gas. This would yield the following fuel mix: 46% refinery fuel gas, 46% natural gas, and 8% coke. This, in effect, would result in a proportion of 92% low-carbon fuels and 8% coke. It would also lead to a specific fuel consumption that is averagely unaffected by high-carbon/low-carbon fuel consumption ratios. Natural gas utilization has its main advantage in its flare/waste and consequent environmental degradation reduction. Finally, the proposed fuel mix would generally lead to a reduction in specific fuel consumption, thus saving energy and reducing costs.

Response surface methodology for optimization of bio-lubricant basestock synthesis from high free fatty acids castor oil

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:36:18 +0200

In this paper, an eco-friendly single-step process for the synthesis of biolubricant basestock from high free fatty acid (FFA) castor oil (CO) via epoxidation reaction was investigated. Influence of various process parameters on the structural modification of CO and their interaction with the maximum oxirane oxygen content (OOC) was optimized. Central composite design (CCD) as one of the tools in response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of process variables on maximum OOC. Iodine value (IV) and OOC was used to monitor the progress of epoxidation. From the RSM study, the optimal condition inferred was H2O2, 1.65 mol, catalyst loading, 15.14 wt%, temperature, 52.81°C, and reaction time, 2.81 h. At this optimum condition, OOC was found to be 3.85 mass%. Further, the epoxide product was confirmed by 1H, 13C NMR spectral technique and OOC was determined by the standard HBr method. Finally, the significant physico-chemical properties for the prepared epoxide were determined and compared with the castor oil.

Spectral response measurements of multijunction solar cells with low shunt resistance and breakdown voltages

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:36:03 +0200

Spectral response measurements of germanium-based triple-junction solar cells were performed under a variety of light and voltage bias conditions. Two of the three junctions exhibited voltage and light bias-dependent artifacts in their measured responses, complicating the true spectral response of these junctions. To obtain more insight into the observed phenomena, a set of current-voltage measurement combinations were also performed on the solar cells under identical illumination conditions, and the data were used in the context of a diode-based analytical model to calculate and predict the spectral response behavior of each junction as a function of voltage. The analysis revealed that both low shunt resistance and low breakdown voltages in two of the three junctions influenced the measured quantum efficiency of all three junctions. The data and the modeling suggest that combination of current-voltage measurements under various light bias sources can reveal important information about the spectral response behavior in multijunction solar cells.

Advances on waste valorization: new horizons for a more sustainable society

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:35:51 +0200

Increasingly tighter regulations regarding organic waste, and the demand for renewable chemicals and fuels, are pushing the manufacturing industry toward higher sustainability to improve cost-effectiveness and meet customers’ demand. Food waste valorization is one of the current research areas that has attracted a great deal of attention over the past few years as a potential alternative to the disposal of a wide range of residues in landfill sites. In particular, the development of environmentally sound and innovative strategies to process such waste is an area of increasing importance in our current society. Landfill, incineration and composting are common, mature technologies for waste disposal. However, they are not satisfactory to treating organic waste due to the generation of toxic methane gas and bad odor, high energy consumption and slow reaction kinetics. In fact, research efforts have also been oriented on novel technologies to decompose organic waste. However, no valuable product is generated from the decomposition process. Instead of disposing and decomposing food waste, recent research has focused on its utilization as energy source (e.g., for bioethanol and biodiesel production). Organic waste is also useful to generate useful organic chemicals via biorefinery or white biotechnology (e.g., succinic acid and/or bio-plastics). This article is aimed to summarize recent development of waste valorization strategies for the sustainable production of chemicals, materials, and fuels through the development of green production strategies. It will also provide key insights into recent legislation on management of waste worldwide as well as two relevant case studies (the transformation of corncob residues into functionalized biomass-derived carbonaceous solid acids and their utilization in the production of biodiesel-like biofuels from waste oils in Philippines, as well as the development of a bakery waste based biorefinery for succinic acid and bioplastic production in Hong Kong) to illustrate the enormous potential of biowaste valorization for a more sustainable society. Future research directions and possible sustainable approaches will also be discussed with their respective proofs of concept.

Comparison of the indoor performance of 12 commercial PV products by a simple model

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:35:34 +0200

This article presents a simple comparative model which has been developed for the estimation of the performance of photovoltaic (PV) products' cells in indoor environments. The model predicts the performance of PV solar cells, as a function of the distance from a spectrum of artificial (fluorescent light, halogen light, and light-emitting diodes) and natural light. It intends to support designers, while creating PV-integrated products for indoor use. For the models validation, PV cells of 12 commercially available PV-powered products with power ranging from 0.8 to 4 mWp were tested indoors under artificial illumination and natural light. The model is based on the physical measurements of natural and artificial irradiance indoors, along with literature data of PV technologies under low irradiance conditions. The input data of the model are the surface of the solar cell (in m2), the wavelength-dependent spectral response (SR) of the PV cell, the spectral irradiance indoors, and solar cells distance from light sources. The model calculates solar cells' efficiency and power produced under the specific indoor conditions. If using the measured SR of a PV cell and the irradiance as measured indoors, the model can predict the performance of a PV product under mixed indoor light with a typical inaccuracy of around 25%, which is sufficient for a design process. Measurements revealed that under mixed indoor lighting of around 20 W/m2, the efficiency of solar cells in 12 commercially available PV products ranges between 5% and 6% for amorphous silicon (a-Si) cells, 4–6% for multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) cells, and 5–7% for the monocrystalline silicon (c-Si) cells.

Hydrotreating reactions of tall oils over commercial NiMo catalyst

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:35:18 +0200

Catalytic hydrotreating is an attractive method for upgrading bio-derived oils into renewable feedstocks with less oxygen content, suitable for producing valuable hydrocarbons through various petro-refinery processes. This study evaluates the catalytic activity of a commercial alumina (Al2O3) supported NiMo catalyst for hydrotreating tall oil feeds such as crude tall oil (CTO), distilled tall oil (DTO), and tall oil fatty acid (TOFA). Catalytic experiments carried out in a bench-scale fixed bed reactor set-up at different process conditions [space velocity (1–3 h−1), temperature (325–450°C), and H2 pressure (5 MPa)] produced a wide-range of products from tall oil feeds. Hydrotreating of TOFA produced highest yield of n-alkanes (>80 wt%) compared to DTO and CTO hydrotreating. A high conversion of fatty acids and resin acids was obtained in DTO hydrotreating. In CTO hydrotreating, a drop in conversion of fatty acids and resin acids was observed especially at the lowest temperature tested (325°C). The study revealed that there are various deoxygenation pathways preferential at different hydrotreating temperatures. As an example for TOFA, the decarboxylation route is dominant over the hydrodeoxygenation route at high temperatures (>400°C).

Performance testing of thermal and photovoltaic thermal solar collectors

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:35:02 +0200

This work details a methodology to characterize the performance of solar thermal and photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors using an indoor solar simulator. In this study, several cases have been compared to show that the methodology can be used to extract fundamental performance characteristics from a solar collector. In the first case, a serpentine collector was compared against a header riser collector using the same mass flow rate. It was found that the header riser was less efficient, with a 34% increase in the overall loss coefficient. The experimental results were compared with commonly used empirical models and showed a close agreement. In the second case, the impact on performance of using a polycarbonate cover is presented. The results show that the optical efficiency of the collector is reduced by 12% when using a cover, however, because the loss coefficient is reduced by 53%, the covered collector performs better when there is a large temperature difference between the absorber and the ambient. The third case investigates the combined performance of a PVT collector, that produces both heat and electricity from a single device. By placing photovoltaic (PV) laminates on top of the serpentine absorber, the thermal efficiency is reduced by 15%. When electricity is generated by laminates, the thermal efficiency is reduced by a further 3.5%, this drop in thermal efficiency is a result of the incident radiation producing electricity before reaching the thermal absorber. The combined efficiency of the PVT collectors was compared at controlled inlet temperatures. The serpentine design had the highest combined efficiency of 61% with 8% electricity at the lowest inlet temperature (21°C). The dominant form of loss in the PVT system is temperature driven, as the thermal efficiency decreases, electricity generation makes up a larger percentage of the combined output. This study highlights the potential for manufacturers of bespoke thermal absorbers and PV devices to combine their products into a single PVT device that could achieve improved efficiency over a given roof area.

Energy efficient inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae via controlled hydrodynamic cavitation

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:34:49 +0200

We investigate hydrodynamic cavitation to inactivate commonly employed Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains in an aqueous solution using different reactors and hydraulic circuit selected to demonstrate the process feasibility on the industrial scale. The target to achieve an useful lethality of the yeast at lower temperature when compared with standard thermal and even with other cavitation processes was achieved, with 90% yeast strains lethality at lower temperature (6.3–9.5°C), and about 20% lower energy input. A separate model simulating the combined thermal and cavitational effects on yeast lethality allows to accommodate the data into a comprehensive framework providing a tool to design further targeted experiments and to predict results when changing the process parameters.

The impact of electric vehicles on the power market

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:34:39 +0200

We investigate the impact of massive electric vehicle (EV) adoption onto the power market, both in the presence and in the absence of significant photovoltaic (PV) generation. Although results are derived taking into consideration Italys power market, results are of relevance also to other industrialized countries. One of the most important outcomes of the analysis, that is, the synergistic and beneficial effect on the overall energy bill of the concomitant expansion of EVs utilization and the growth of the renewable energy generation, particularly solar photovoltaics. The Conclusions provide arguments for policymakers for further support to sustainable mobility in their regions.

Theoretical investigation about the optical characterization of cone-shaped pin-Si nanowire for top cell application

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:34:29 +0200

Cone-shaped semiconductor silicon nanowires (CS-Si-NWs) grown in vapor liquid solid mode are promising for the fabrication of low-cost high-performance solar cells because of their low processing cost and lower use of Si materials, as compared to planar devices. In this article, the effect of injected charge carriers on the refractive indices and extinction coefficient values in a cone-shaped pin Si NW (CS-pin-Si NW) were considered. Then, the influence of top diameters and periods on the optical absorption was investigated using a finite difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling method. The absorption increased when we decreased the period from 300 to 150 nm for a light wave with a wavelength of 700 nm. However, in the case of incident light at a wavelength of 500 nm, the absorption significantly increased by up to 100% and was found to be independent of the period. On the other hand, we varied the period and the top diameter of the NWs with a fixed bottom diameter. In this case, we found that the period did not significantly affect the absorption value. A high value of the short circuit current density of 19.5 mA/cm2 was found in the case of NWs with a top diameter of 110 nm and a period of 150 nm. Combined with the analysis of the ultimate photocurrents, an optimum geometric structure with a top diameter of 70 nm and a period of 150 nm for a CS-pin-Si NW-based top cell for tandem solar cell applications was proposed.

Effects of temperature and equivalence ratio on mass balance and energy analysis in loblolly pine oxygen gasification

Scipedia content — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:34:09 +0200

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature and equivalence ratios (ERs) on the distribution of products (primary gases carbon monoxide [CO], H2, CH4, CO2), gas phase contaminants (tar, NH3, HCN, H2S, HCl), char, carbon, and inorganics), and energy flows on an oxygen-blown bubbling fluidized bed gasifier system using loblolly pine. The goal and value of this study was to provide quantitative and qualitative performance analysis and data for process engineering and optimization of these fledgling biomass conversion systems. As temperature and ER increased, mass balance closures also increased from 94.73% to 96.72% for temperature and 89.82–96.93% for ER. In addition, the carbon closures ranged from 80.77% to 92.29% and from 79.09% to 87.13% as temperature and ER increased, respectively. Carbon conversion efficiency to gas product ranged from 72.26% to 84.32% as temperature increased and from 72.26% to 84.66% as ER increased. Carbon flow analysis showed that the char product streams retained 10.26–6.94% and 8.82–2.13% of the carbon fed to the gasifier as temperature and ER increased, respectively. The carbon content in the liquid condensate was minimal compared to the carbon in other product streams and accounted for less than 0.1% of the carbon input to the gasifier at all conditions. The cold and hot gas efficiencies increased from 56.12% to 67.45% and from 67.51% to 83.83% as temperature increased due to higher production of CO and hydrogen (H2). In contrast, cold and hot gas efficiencies decreased from 63.85% to 52.84% and from 78.06% to 73.00% as ER increased, respectively, due to enhanced oxidation of gas products resulting in a net decrease in heating value.

Sliding Loads and their Effect on the Stress Triaxiality and Lode Parameter Responses of Plates and Frames

Bruce Quinton — Wed, 31 May 2017 19:11:01 +0200

Much research has been done on the fracture of ship hulls due to collision or grounding; especially over the past two decades, where emphasis has been on advancing relevant nonlinear finite element analysis techniques. These simulations typically involve prediction of hull fracture/rupture, and may be validated against laboratory or field trials experiments ranging in complexity from uniaxial tensile tests to large-scale grillage fracture. Generally, validation efforts ignore the sliding motion of the “struck object;” with the notable exception of Rodd [8], who mounted 1/5th scale hull side-shell modules to a sled and impacted them against a cone-shaped “rock” composed of steel. For the case of steady-state plate cutting, which is typical of stranding, grounding, and oblique collision events, the sliding motion is intrinsic to the nature of the structural response (i.e. without sliding motion, there is no plate cutting), and is captured by existing analysis tools.
There has been, however, comparatively little focus (except [1], [5], [6], and [7]) on the case of sliding hull loads resulting from grounding on a soft/wide bottom, or due to hull impact with ice. Both scenarios do not implicitly assume that fracture occurs, and the development of the hull structural response from initial impact to the (potential) point of fracture is of great interest. Typically, these scenarios – particularly impacts with ice features – are simplified to exclude tangential load motion. [1] and [6] predicted numerically that this simplification is unrealistic and unconservative, and [7] confirmed these predictions experimentally.
Numerically, the development of fracture due to sliding loads depends on the damage history from the sliding load, the fracture model chosen, and the method of implementation of that fracture model. Quinton [7], using laboratory experiments, showed that nonlinear hull response due to sliding loads (without fracture) exhibits a significantly reduced hull capacity when compared with stationary loads of similar magnitude. This “capacity loss” increased with increasing plastic damage on the trailing side of the sliding load (i.e. increasing damage history). Regarding the fracture model, it is presently common in nonlinear finite element analysis to assume that the ductile fracture of steel (aluminum and some other marine materials) occurs at some equivalent strain that is: 1. a constant (i.e. a point), 2. a function of stress triaxiality (i.e. a line) [3], or 3. a function of stress triaxiality and Lode parameter (i.e. a surface) [2]. Additionally, considering temperature and/or strain-rate effects changes the point, line or surface (as appropriate to the fracture model). Implementation of a fracture model in finite element simulations is non-trivial, and numerous methods are available (e.g. the GISSMO model, the cohesive element approach [4], and the phenomenological approach (e.g. [9]). The application of these approaches to sliding induced fracture, however, is well beyond the scope of this paper; which instead focuses on the development of (i.e. changes in) stress triaxiality and Lode parameter in plates and frames subject to sliding loads; and hence the development of the point of onset of fracture based on the initial choice of fracture model.

REFERENCES
[1]   Alsos, Hagbart S. "Ship Grounding - Analysis of Ductile Fracture, Bottom Damage and Hull Girder Response." PhD Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 2008.
[2]   Bai, Yuanli, and Tomasz Wierzbicki. "A New Model of Metal Plasticity and Fracture with Pressure and Lode Dependence." International Journal of Plasticity 24.6 (2008).
[3]   Bao, Yingbin, and Tomasz Wierzbicki. "On Fracture Locus in the Equivalent Strain and Stress Triaxiality Space." International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 46.1 (2004).
[4]   Cirak, Fehmi, Michael Ortiz, and Anna Pandolfi. "A Cohesive Approach to Thin-Shell Fracture and Fragmentation." Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 194.21–24 (2005).
[5]   Hong, L., and J. Amdahl. "Rapid Assessment of Ship Grounding Over Large Contact Surfaces." Ships and Offshore Structures 7.1 (2012).
[6]   Quinton, B. W. T. "Progressive Damage to a Ship’s Structure due to Ice Loading." Master of Engineering Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2008. Print.St. John's, Newfoundland.
[7]   Quinton, B. W. T. "Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Moving Loads on Hull Structures." PhD Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2015. St. John's, NL.
[8]   Rodd, James L. "Large Scale Tanker Grounding Experiments". Proceedings of the Sixth (1996) International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference. May 26-31, 1996, Los Angeles.
[9]   Woelke, Pawel B., and Najib N. Abboud. "Modeling Fracture in Large Scale Shell Structures." Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 60.12 (2012).

Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins improves venous clinical severity score despite failure of complete closure of the saphenous vein after 1 year

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:53:05 +0200

Endovenous treatment is increasingly supplanting open surgery for the treatment of varicose veins. Among emerging endovenous techniques, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a ClosureFast catheter is popular in Korea. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and patient-reported outcomes of RFA of varicose veins. This is a retrospective study of a prospectively registered database of patients who underwent RFA for varicose veins from 2012 to 2013 in St. Marys Hospital in Seoul. Korea. Efficient ClosureFast RFA catheters (Medtronic, San Jose, CA, USA) were used. The techniques used for RFA of varicose veins were performed according to the manufacturers recommendations. Duplex scans and venous clinical severity scores (VCSSs) were used to document treatment outcome and patient symptoms before and after the procedures. Treatment outcomes were estimated before the procedure and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure. Outcomes were analyzed by paired t test, chi-square test, or Fishers exact test as well as by logistical regression. A total of 117 patients were evaluated for 183 consecutive RFA procedures (183 limbs). The initial technical success was 97.3% (178/183). The estimated mean VCSS changed over time from 4.0 ± 1.67 at preprocedure to 0.6 ± 1.05, 0.5 ± 1.02, and 0.6 ± 1.14 at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure, respectively. The improved VCSS was maintained 1 year after the procedure (p

Evolution of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) techniques for Lung cancer; Minimizing surgical injury and Expanding applications

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:53:00 +0200

Recurrence factors and prevention of complications of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:52:50 +0200

To investigate the factors associated with recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer in children. We combined the clinical and pathological features to guide surgical treatment options, ensure efficacy, and reduce complications. A prospective analysis of clinical data of 43 cases of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer from March 2008 to June 2014 admitted in our department, including 38 cases of papillary cancers and five cases of follicular cancer, 40 cases were Stage I and three cases were Stage II (Union for International Cancer Control [UICC] Tumor Node Metastasis classification [TNM] staging). We performed the operations according to the condition of lesions and lymph nodes. Operations included subtotal resection in 36 cases, total resection in seven cases. We applied statistical methods to investigate the risk factors of recurrence and postoperative complications. The pathologic lymph node metastasis rate was 67.44% (29/43): Area VI lymph nodes metastases in 20 cases and Area III/IV or Area II/V lymph nodes metastases in nine cases. Postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were seen in three cases and hoarseness in three cases, for a total rate of 13.95% (6/43). Until December 2015, patients were followed up from 1.5 years to 8.7 years, with a median of 4.9 years. There were three cases of cervical lymph node recurrence, one case of local recurrence, and one case of lung metastasis, for a total recurrence rate of 11.63% (5/43), all patients survived. Log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox stepwise regression analysis showed that lesion number, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph nodes metastases were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence, the relative risk values were, respectively, 3.117, 2.816, and 4.628 (p = 0.041, p = 0.048, and p = 0.031, respectively) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were, respectively, 1.094∼8.735, 1.046∼7.932, and 1.189∼10.205. However, the lesion excision approach was not a risk factor for postoperative recurrence (p = 0.107). The logistic stepwise regression model showed that lesion excision approach was a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia and hoarseness, the odds ratio value was 2.537 (p = 0.037) and the 95% CI was 1.034∼6.983. Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer has a high metastatic rate to lymph nodes and distant organs, but the total prognosis is good. Application of total resection cannot necessarily reduce the relapse rate of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, but it may increase the postoperative hypocalcemia and hoarseness. The authors propose strictly adhering to various operation indicators, and carrying out various operations with a full understanding of the local lesion and lymph nodes in order to reduce relapse and postoperative complications.

Is the new comer always better?

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:52:41 +0200

Surgical complications after simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation: A single-center experience

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:52:36 +0200

We investigated the rate of early surgical complications after simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation (SPKT) and their impact on both grafts and recipient survival. The retrospective analysis of typical pancreas-related complications, different methods of correction, and their efficacy were performed. Data describing pancreas transplant recipients were drawn from our SPKT waiting list. The overall surgical complications rate was 37.5%. The 1-year pancreas graft survival was 82.5% and 1-year recipient survival was 90%. Surgical complications based on the graft loss rate did not exceed 2.5%. Direct surgical complications did not account for the loss of a single patient. We conclude that the high rate of surgical complications is a major obstacle to widespread application of pancreas transplantation, early recognition and appropriate treatment of graft-related complications is fundamental for graft survival.

Donor site morbidity in buccinator-based myomucosal flaps: A retrospective study

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:52:21 +0200

Buccinator-based myomucosal flaps can be used as a lining in oral cavity, pharyngeal, esophageal, and nasal reconstructions. Donor site morbidity is an important factor in selecting a flap, therefore, it was decided that donor site morbidity of this type of flap should be evaluated. In a retrospective study, patients for whom this flap had been used for oral, nasal, or pharyngeal reconstruction in 2008–2012 were recalled. Donor site morbidity including reduction in maximal interincisal opening (MIO), obliteration of the mandibular vestibule, injury to the Stensen duct, and vertical fibrous band in buccal mucosa were evaluated. Twenty-two buccinator-based myomucosal flaps (20 patients) had been used for oral, nasal, or oropharyngeal reconstruction. The most common flap used was the Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) flap (50%), and the commonest cause for flap use was the presence of a cleft lip/palate sequel in patients (45%). Four patients had developed complications (minimal reduction in MIO) related to the donor site. Donor site morbidity associated with buccinator-based myomucosal flaps is low. However, minimal reduction of mouth opening occurred in 20% of the patients.

Thromboprophylaxis with dabigatran after total hip arthroplasty in Indian patients: A subanalysis of a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized RE-NOVATE II study

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:51:46 +0200

In the Re-NOVATE II study, oral dabigatran provided thromboprophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty and improved compliance postdischarge in a global population. This article aims to identify trends (if any) in the Indian population. In this prospective, double-blind, double-dummy study, patients scheduled for primary, unilateral, elective total hip arthroplasty were randomized to 220 mg oral dabigatran once daily, starting with a 110 mg half-dose, 1–4 hours after surgery, or subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg once daily, starting the evening before surgery. Each group received a placebo of the other study drug. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of total venous thromboembolism (VTE) and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures were composite of major VTE and VTE-related mortality during the treatment period. The major safety outcome was incidence of bleeding events. Of the 179 Indian patients randomized, 91 received oral dabigatran and 88 received subcutaneous enoxaparin for 28–35 days. Total VTE and all-cause mortality occurred in 18.7% of patients in the dabigatran group and 13.7% in the enoxaparin group [odds ratio = 1.4 (95% confidence interval 0.6, 3.5)]. Major VTE and VTE-related mortality was numerically lower in the dabigatran group (7.9%) compared with the enoxaparin group (9.9%). Safety outcomes were comparable between both groups. Dabigatran is an effective oral alternative to enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis as demonstrated by the RE-NOVATE II study global results. Data analyzed in Indian patients indicate comparable effects of dabigatran etexilate for major efficacy and safety outcomes.

Factors associated with reoperation in hypospadias surgery — A nationwide, population-based study

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:51:36 +0200

To analyze the preoperative factors associated with the need for secondary surgery following primary urethroplasty. This study utilized a subset of the National Health Insurance Research Database, which includes the data on all paid medical benefit claims from 1997 to 2007, for 1 million beneficiaries in 2005. We analyzed the claims data for all patients with hypospadias who had undergone primary urethroplasty. The characteristics of the patients, surgeons, and hospitals associated with surgical outcomes were analyzed to investigate possible associations with the need for secondary surgery. Among 52, 705 live male newborn babies, 218 were diagnosed with hypospadias, of whom 89 received repair surgery. A total of 75 (84.3%) male newborn babies received single hypospadias surgery, and 14 (15.7%) underwent more than two surgical procedures. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the type of hypospadias and the surgeon caseload volume were significantly associated with the need for additional hypospadias surgery (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the type of hypospadias (distal vs. proximal, odds ratio, 0.25, p = 0.03) and the surgeon caseload volume (high vs. low, odds ratio, 0.04, p = 0.05) were significantly correlated with secondary operation. The type of hypospadias and the surgeon caseload volume were significantly associated with the need for secondary hypospadias surgery. The findings of this study provide important information on the outcomes of hypospadias repair for parents and specialists.

Surgery remains the best option for the management of pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:51:11 +0200

Controversy related to endoscopic or surgical management of pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis remains. Despite improvement in endoscopic treatments, surgery remains the best option for pain management in these patients.

Management for pilonidal disease: Before you compare, use a classification system

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:51:02 +0200

Perforation of the colon in end colostomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:50:58 +0200

We would like to heartily congratulate the authors Akira Kuriyama and Tetsunori Ikegami for the successful publication of their case report on Perforation of the colon in end colostomy. 1 We read with interest about their experience regarding that of a stercoral perforation occurring proximal to a colostomy in an elderly patient secondary to pressure necrosis from fecal masses. This has enhanced our overall understanding of this rare cause of spontaneous colonic perforation, and we humbly thank them for their citation of our article Surgical pitfalls in patients with Ehlers–Danlos type IV: a case of spontaneous sigmoid perforation in a 17-year-old male.

Dexmedetomidine reduces neuropathic pain in a rat model of skin/muscle incision and retraction

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:50:52 +0200

Dexmedetomidine has been proposed as a novel anesthetic adjuvant. However, it remains unclear whether peripheral administration of dexmedetomidine is safe and effective to reduce acute postoperative pain. This study aimed to examine the effects of dexmedetomidine on neuropathic pain. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized and randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8): Groups S, R, RD1, and RD5 were injected with saline, 0.5% ropivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine combined with 1 μg dexmedetomidine, and 0.5% ropivacaine combined with 5 μg dexmedetomidine, respectively, around the saphenous nerve. Then, the rats were subjected to skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) surgery in the medial thigh. Mechanical and heat sensitivity was evaluated and morphology of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was observed by electron microscopy. Some 62.5%, 50%, 12.5%, and 25% of rats developed mechanical hypersensitivity in Groups S, R, RD1, and RD5, respectively. The number of swollen mitochondria in DRG neurons was significantly more in Group S (257.2 ± 60.9) and Group R (291.6 ± 82.1) than in Group RD1 (97.2 ± 33.3) and Group RD5 (13.6 ± 17.9). In addition, the edema in endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus was decreased in Group RD1 and Group RD5 compared with Group S and Group R. Peripheral administration of dexmedetomidine improves mechanical and heat hyperalgesia and mitigates postoperative pain.

Initial experience with application of single layer modified Kugel mesh for inguinal hernia repair: Case series of 72 consecutive patients

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:50:15 +0200

This is an initial review of the safety and efficacy of anterior preperitoneal modified Kugel (MK) mesh herniorrhaphy application without using optional onlay mesh. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent herniorrhaphy by a single surgeon from July 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2010. During these 18 months, a total of 72 patients underwent single-layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy. Anterior preperitoneal approach was used to place the mesh. If the patients inguinal hernia defect did not exceed the memory ring of MK mesh, the onlay mesh was omitted. Postoperative results (wound infection, recurrence, and chronic pain/discomfort) were recorded and analyzed. A total of 72 patients underwent anterior preperitoneal single layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy. One patient had recurrent hernia after 1 year and was treated with a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal operation. The most common postoperative complaint was mild soreness which was self-resolving after 1 month. Mean total operative time (skin to skin) was 73 minutes. The average hospital stay was 2 days. Most of the postoperative complications including soreness (14%), pain for > 3 months (1.4%), and scrotal hematoma (1.4%) were self-resolving. One patient experienced wound infection, which was treated with oral antibiotics. One patient had recurrence 1 year after the operation. The postoperative complication and recurrence rates of single-layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy was comparable with previously reported tension-free repair. Single-layer application is safe and feasible. A longer follow-up period and larger study group with a control group are needed to verify our method.

Crystallized phenol application and modified Limberg flap procedure in treatment of pilonidal sinus disease: A comparative retrospective study

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:49:54 +0200

Pilonidal sinus treatment includes various surgical and minimally invasive procedures, but there is still no standard treatment. Flap reconstructions and minimally invasive treatment options such as crystallized phenol application have recently been in the center of interest. The aim of this study is to compare crystallized phenol application as a minimally invasive treatment with modified Limberg flap reconstruction from many aspects. Thirty-seven patients diagnosed with pilonidal sinus and treated with modified Limberg flap reconstruction, and 44 patients treated with crystallized phenol application were evaluated retrospectively in terms of age, sex, length of stay in hospital postoperatively, wound complications, and the cause and rate of recurrence. Length of hospital stay was decreased and no postoperative incision problems were found in the group treated with crystallized phenol application (p 24.9 kg/m2) and surgical site infection were strongly correlated with recurrence rate (p

Outcomes of endovascular treatment for TASC C and D aorto-iliac lesions

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:49:45 +0200

The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical success rates, primary patency, and complications for TASC C and D aorto-iliac lesions treated by endovascular procedures. Additionally, the influence of the access site and the clinical outcomes were analyzed. Between 2008 and 2014, data from 39 patients with 45 chronic iliac artery stenosis and/or occlusion who were treated with endovascular treatment were retrospectively reviewed. The procedure time was longer for TASC D lesions than for TASC C lesions (163 ± 82 min vs. 105 ± 34 min, p = 0.002), where there was the more common use of brachial and femoral approach simultaneously. There were two perioperative deaths associated with TASC D lesions caused by one iliac artery rupture and one postoperative hospital-acquired pneumonia. The total perioperative complication rate was higher in the TASC D lesions than in TASC C lesions [five (18.5%) vs. zero, p = 0.073]. The corresponding 2-year primary patency rates were 94.9% in TASC C lesions and 88.4% in TASC D lesions. The simultaneous brachial and femoral approach took the longest procedure time (226 ± 157 min). This study demonstrated that the outcomes of endovascular treatment for TASC C and D aorto-iliac lesions were acceptable, with better technical success in TASC C lesions than in TASC D lesions. Furthermore, the 2-year patency rate for both TASC C and TASC D lesions was acceptable. Additionally, brachial access was useful for complex anatomy, but the failure rate was high.

Meta-analysis of pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy on occurrences of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:39:20 +0200

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most common and challenging complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) versus pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) on occurrences of postoperative PF. A systematic literature search in the Medline, EMBASE, OVID, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Pooled estimates were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Six RCTs involving 1005 patients met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of PF [odds ratio (OR) 0.58, 95% CI, 0.42–0.81, p = 0.001], intra-abdominal abscess or collections (OR 0.43, 95% CI, 0.28–0.65, p

Survival after surgical resection of distal cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic factors

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:39:12 +0200

This study aimed to assess the available evidence on the survival of distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) patients following resection with curative intent and analyze the prognostic factors. Relevant studies published between January 2000 and January 2015 were identified by searching PubMed and Embase and reviewed systematically. Summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using random-effects models. A total of 39 observational studies involving 3258 patients were included in the review. R0 resection was achieved in 84% (range, 46–100%) of patients. The median 5-year overall survival rate after resection was 37% (range, 13–54%), with corresponding rate of 44% (range, 27–63%) in R0 resection. The meta-analysis for 25 studies showed that R1 resection (RR 2.36, 95% CI 1.89–2.93), lymph node metastasis (RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.89–2.93), perineural invasion (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.64–2.34), lymphatic invasion (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.47–2.31), vascular invasion (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.40–2.82), pancreatic invasion (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.39–3.27), and pathological tumor stage ≥ T3 (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.25–1.93) were associated with shorter survival. In general, prognosis of DCC after resection is poor. R0 resection results in a substantially improved survival and represents one of the most important prognostic variables.

Development and evaluation of a new biodegradable vena cava filter in a canine model

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:39:06 +0200

Preliminary testing of a new biodegradable inferior vena cava filter in a canine model. The biodegradable filter consisted of two parts, a filter cone and a stent. The filter cone was constructed of six polyglycolic acid polymer strands anchored to a handmade absorbable stent. Central inferior vena cava fixation was accomplished by the absorbable stent, which was made of polycaprolactone. Device insertion was performed through a 9F sheath under ultrasound guidance on 10 adult beagles. The filters were operatively retrieved at 6 weeks after implantation. The inferior venae cavae were subsequently analyzed grossly and using light microscopy. None of the 10 beagles had abnormal vital signs. All of the 10 filters migrated cephalad approximately

Eyedrop-shaped, modified Limberg transposition flap in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:58 +0200

Pilonidal sinus disease is an inflammatory disease seen in the intergluteal region, which is a commonly encountered problem in surgical practice that mostly affects young people. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the modified Limberg flap technique with eyedrop excision in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease. The study population consisted of 91 patients with pilonidal disease in the sacrococcygeal region who underwent operation between June 2010 and December 2012. All cases underwent eyedrop-shaped excision and modified Limberg flap reconstruction. The mean operative time was 41.2 ± 6.7 minutes. All patients were followed up for >8 months, and the mean follow-up period was 13.1 ± 3.7 months. There were three wound dehiscences because of fecal contamination and riding cycle on postoperative Day 5. Seroma and flap echimosis were observed in two and four cases, respectively. Five patients experienced recurrence in this series (4.5%). The results of the present study suggest that use of the eyedrop-shaped modified Limberg flap is associated with a lower maceration and recurrence rate when compared with the available data on the use of the Limberg flap. Flap necrosis and wound healing was better, and the routine use of drains did not affect the wound-related complications and recurrence rates.

Predictive factors for longer operative times for thyroidectomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:53 +0200

Conventional open thyroidectomy is considered as a safe surgery nowadays. However, surgeons sometimes encounter unexpected difficulty when performing thyroidectomies. The aim of this paper was to identify the predictors of a difficult thyroidectomy for the management of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. A database of patients who underwent open conventional thyroidectomy with cervical lymph node dissection after diagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma between July 2008 and June 2013 was examined. In addition, the patients were subgrouped by difficult thyroidectomy (DT) and nondifficult thyroidectomy to determine the predictors of DT according to operation time. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative morbidities were investigated. No between-group differences in clinicopathologic factors and postoperative complications, except for male sex (p

Comparison between minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy and standard median sternotomy for repair of atrial septal defects

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:47 +0200

The minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy could be a safe and cosmetic alternative to standard median sternotomy. This study reviews our results and experience with a minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy technique for the repair of atrial septal defects compared with standard median sternotomy. The study was designed as a retrospective, observational, and case-controlled study. Between May 2007 and November 2012, 26 patients underwent atrial septal defect closure with standard median sternotomy (Group 1). This group was compared with 21 patients who underwent repair of atrial septal defects using minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (Group 2). Quantitative data were given as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative values were expressed as percentages. In the comparison of the normal variables between the two groups, we used independent sample t test, and in the comparison of categorical variables between groups, Chi-square test was used. The mean length of incision was significantly shorter in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p = 0.03). The time it took to establish cardiopulmonary bypass was longer in Group 2 (p = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.11), aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.10), and total operation time (p = 0.10) between the two groups. Group 2 had less chest tube drainage (p = 0.04), less blood transfusion (p = 0.02), and shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation time (p = 0.09) than Group 1. Minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy can be performed with favorable cosmetic and clinical results for atrial septal defects closure. Infra-axillary thoracotomy provides a good alternative to standard median sternotomy for patients with atrial septal defects.

Should central lymph node dissection be considered for all papillary thyroid microcarcinoma?

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:41 +0200

Central lymph node dissection (CLND) in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors and the incidence of central lymph node metastases (CLNMs) in patients with PTMC who underwent thyroidectomy and CLND. Between 2002 and 2013, 613 patients were enrolled who underwent thyroidectomy with routine CLND for PTMC at the Korea University Medical Center, Ansan Hospital and risk factors and the incidence of CLNM were analyzed. In addition, we also evaluated the complications after thyroidectomy with CLND. Out of 613 patients, 239 (39.0%) were found to have CLNM. Male sex (p = 0.012), tumor size ≥ 0.5 cm (p = 0.001), capsular invasion or extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.029), and multifocality (p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for CLNM. Among the 69 patients who had PTMC without these risk factors, CLNM was identified in 12 (17.4%). In this study group, two (0.3%) had permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, two (0.3%) had persistent hypocalcemia, and two (0.3%) developed postoperative hemorrhage. CLNM in PTMC is highly prevalent in male sex, tumor size ≥ 0.5 cm, extrathyroidal extension, and multifocality. Even in PTMC patients without these risk factors, the incidence of CLNM is rather higher than expected, and the complication rate of thyroidectomy with CLND is acceptable. Thus, CLND should be considered in all patients with PTMC.

Application of the LMA-Supreme™ and i-gel™ laryngeal masks during pelvic operations in adults

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:37 +0200

The aim of this study was to evaluate the practical application and safety of the i-gel and LMA-Supreme laryngeal masks for airway management during pelvic operations in adults. Ninety patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective pelvic operations (ASA Grades I-II) were randomly divided into two groups, the i-gel group and the Supreme group. The laryngeal mask was inserted after induction, and the relevant examination grading indexes were recorded. The Supreme group required less time for laryngeal mask insertion and gastric tube indwelling time. Gastric tube indwelling was easier, compared with those in the i-gel group (p = 0.03), but the i-gel group had fewer complications (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the degree of difficulty in insertion, airway sealing pressure, PETCO2, Ppeak, and laryngeal mask alignment accuracy between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in fibrobronchoscopy grading between the two groups (p > 0.05). The i-gel and LMA-Supreme laryngeal masks are safe and effective for airway management in patients during pelvic operations.

Short-term results of open inguinal hernia repair with self-gripping Parietex ProGrip mesh in China: A retrospective study of 90 cases

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:32 +0200

This study investigated short-term outcomes of Lichtenstein hernia repair using self-gripping Parietex ProGrip mesh in Chinese patients with inguinal hernias. Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing Lichtenstein hernia repair using the Parietex ProGrip mesh at a single hospital in China between July 2012 and June 2013. All patients completed the EuroQol-five dimensions (EuroQoL-5D) and short form-36 questionnaires and were followed up at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month. and 6 months, postoperatively. Ninety cases (66 males, 24 females) were studied. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) patient age was 48.7 ± 16.8 (range, 21–87) years. Most hernias were Gilberts type II (23%) or III (31%). During 6 months of follow-up, none of the patients had recurrent hernia or systemic postoperative complications. The mean ± SD pain visual analog scale score decreased from 32 ± 10.6 at postoperative Day 1 to 0.67 ± 2.5 at 6 months. From postoperative Day 1 to 6 months, there were marked improvements in health and health-related quality of life, mean ± SD visual analog scale EuroQoL score increased from 55.3 ± 8 to 95.2 ± 3 and mean ± SD HR EuroQoL score from 0.31 ± 0.07 to 0.95 ± 0.02. At 6 months, mean scores in all eight dimensions of the short form-36 questionnaires had increased from baseline. The use of self-fixating Parietex ProGrip mesh in open inguinal hernia repair is simple, rapid, effective, and safe, and is associated with low postoperative pain and improved quality life among patients.

Safety of clean urologic operations without prophylaxis antibiotic therapy in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta: A double-blind randomized controlled trial study

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:27 +0200

This study was conducted to identify the safety measures of performing clean urologic operations without administration of prophylaxis antibiotics. We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial with patients who underwent clean urologic operations in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 2013 to January 2014. The local and systemic infection states were compared between the prophylaxis and placebo groups. Local infection was identified as surgical site infection and systemic infection as fever and leukocytosis. A total of 42 patients participated in the study (21 patients in each group), comprising 14 (33.3%) children and 28 (66.7%) adults. The most frequently performed operation was surgical sperm retrieval. No patients in either group were found to have local or systemic infection. However, there was a statistical difference in the white blood cell counts between the two groups (p = 0.003), although there was no sign of local or systemic infection in any of the patients. Clean urologic operations without prophylaxis antibiotic therapy can be safely applied to urologic patients.

Bilateral idiopathic granulomatous mastitis

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:21 +0200

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign rare inflammatory pseudotumor. Bilateral involvement of IGM has been reported in a few cases. To our knowledge, this study is the largest series of bilateral cases to date. The goals of this study were to present clinical features of bilateral IGM and to evaluate the results of treatments. We performed a retrospective review of the idiopathic granulomatous mastitis database from 2010 to 2013. Ten female patients who met required histologic and clinical criteria of IGM in both breasts were included in study. Demographic data, clinical findings, medication history, and radiologic findings are presented. The mean age at onset of the disease was 38.4 ± 8.3 years (range: 29–52 years). Nine patients had no recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 21 months (range: 11–26 months). Additionally, the median time to second breast involvement was 15.6 months. Bilateral IGMs have a higher rate of more relapse and greater resistance to medical therapies than do unilateral IGMs. Surgical management should be avoided unless all medical treatment options have been exhausted. Nevertheless, expectant management seems a rational option for the treatment of bilateral IGM.

The learning curve for laparoscopic colectomy in colorectal cancer at a new regional hospital

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:14 +0200

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been extensively used, although mostly performed in medical centers or university hospitals. We analyzed the learning curve of laparoscopic colectomy in a new regional hospital and determined the experience necessary to achieve proficiency. From July 2008 to December 2013, the retrospective clinical study enrolled 240 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy. They were sequentially divided into Group A (Patients 1–80), Group B (Patients 81–160), and Group C (Patients 161–240). Patient demographics and perioperative parameters were analyzed. Operation time, as a measure of learning time, was analyzed using the moving-average method. All patients were comparable for age, gender, body mass index, tumor location, cancer stage, length of hospital stay, intraoperative complication, morbidity, and mortality. Group A experienced more blood loss (p

Analysis of risk factors of long-term complications in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A single institutions experience

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:09 +0200

To establish better management practices to reduce morbidities in survivors with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Of 60 patients treated for CDH at our institution between 1991 and 2011, 49 patients without severe anomalies were retrospectively reviewed. Since 2004, gentle ventilation (GV) has been the main treatment for CDH. Patients were divided into the following two groups: the non-GV group (n = 29) who were treated before GV treatment was implemented, and the GV group (n = 20). The overall survival rate was 62.1% (18/29) and 95% (19/20) in the non-GV and GV groups, respectively (p = 0.016). Despite the high survival rate, the incidence of long-term complications in survivors was still high (14/19, 73.7%) in the GV group. In the GV group, liver-up (p = 0.106) and the need for patch repair (p = 0.257) tended to be associated with the development of long-term complications, but did not reach statistical significance. The presence of perioperative complications was associated with the development of long-term complications (p = 0.045) in the GV group. Patients who developed short-term complications seemed to be at risk of long-term complications. Therefore, to minimize long-term morbidities in CDH survivors, the prevention of short-term complications might be important.

A case of rare primary cystic-type squamous cell carcinoma of the breast that could be preoperatively diagnosed

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:38:03 +0200

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (SCCB) is a rare disease, with a worldwide incidence

The incidence and outcome of allied disorders of Hirschsprungs disease in Japan: Results from a nationwide survey

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:57 +0200

Allied disorders of Hirschsprungs disease (ADHD) have been proposed to be the concept of the functional obstruction of the intestine with the presence of ganglion cells in the terminal rectum. They are classified into two categories based on pathology: (1) abnormal ganglia, including immaturity of ganglia, hypoganglionosis (HG), and intestinal neuronal dysplasia, (2) normal ganglia, including megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS), segmental dilatation (SD), internal anal sphincter achalasia (IASA), and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIIP). Some of these show poor prognosis, therefore, the establishment of criteria and appropriate treatment strategies is required. The questionnaires were sent to the 161 major institutes of pediatric surgery or gastroenterology in Japan, in order to collect the cases of ADHD during 10 years from 2001 and 2010. In total, 355 cases were collected. They included 28 immaturity of ganglia, 130 HG (121 congenital, 9 acquired), 18 intestinal neuronal dysplasia, 33 MMIHS, 43 SD, three IASA, and 100 CIIP. Of the 95 institutes, 69 (72.6%) had their own criteria for ADHD. Criteria were based on clinical symptoms and signs, and conventional pathological examinations. Prognosis was poor in congenital HG, MMIHS, and CIIP, while the others showed good survival rates. Almost all Japanese cases of ADHD in the past 10 years were collected. Congenital HG and CIIP showed relatively high incidence, whereas acquired HG and IASA were extremely rare in Japan. The criteria of each disorder were also collected and summarized. Prognosis was poor in congenital HG, MMIHS, and CIIP.

Eight cases of salvage pulmonary resection for residual disease or isolated local recurrence detected after definitive chemoradiotherapy for N2 Stage-IIIA lung cancer

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:52 +0200

The concept of salvage pulmonary resection after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is not yet commonly accepted in lung cancer treatment. We report our experience of eight patients in whom we performed salvage pulmonary resection for residual disease or isolated locoregional recurrence detected after dCRT. Between 2005 and 2014, we performed salvage pulmonary resection for eight patients with N2 Stage-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer. The patients had initially received dCRT (radiation ≤ 60 Gy), but eventually underwent pulmonary resection with curative intent for residual disease or isolated locoregional recurrence. The postoperative complications, incidence of recurrence, and survival parameters were evaluated. Salvage pulmonary resection was performed in four patients with residual disease and four patients with locoregional recurrence. Complete resection was successfully performed in all eight patients. Postoperative complications were observed in three patients, however, there were no postoperative mortalities. One patient developed local recurrence in a mediastinal lymph node and two patients died. Of the two fatalities, one was related to lung cancer. The estimated 5-year survival rate of the eight patients was 75.0%. We report our experience of salvage pulmonary resection performed for residual disease or isolated locoregional recurrence diagnosed after dCRT in eight patients with locally advanced lung cancer. Although the postoperative complication rate was high, the survival data were favorable. A larger study is needed to confirm the safety and feasibility of salvage pulmonary resection after dCRT.

Premaxillary osteotomy fixation in bilateral cleft lip/palate: Introducing a new technique

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:46 +0200

In bilateral cleft lip/palate patients, sometimes the premaxilla is severely protruded and twisted. In such situations premaxillary osteotomy is beneficial. In this article a new technique for fixation of premaxilla after osteotomy is presented. The lip-split approach and premaxillary osteotomy and ostectomy from bony nasal septum were carried out. Fixation of osteotomized premaxilla was achieved with low profile miniplate or microplate. Bone grafting of that side was performed during the same session. This procedure was performed in three patients, with good labial repair after the lip split. The bone graft was successful in all the three cases and there were no complication for premaxillary osteotomy in this series. In protruding premaxilla, osteotomy and fixation of premaxilla with miniplate to the vomer bone during alveolar bone grafting through a lip-split approach yielded satisfactory results in patients requiring secondary functional cheilorhinoplasty.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Asia: Long term outcome and revisional surgery

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:41 +0200

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular stand-alone bariatric surgery, despite a paucity of long-term data. Hence, this study is to report the long-term outcome of LSG as primary bariatric procedure and the result of revisional surgery. With retrospective analysis of a prospective bariatric database, participants who defaulted clinic follow-up were interviewed by telephone. A total of 667 LSG was performed as primary bariatric procedure (2006–2012) with mean age of 34.5 ± 9.7 years old, female 74.7%, mean body mass index (BMI) 37.3 ± 8.1 kg/m2. A 36-F bougie was used for all cases. There were 61 patients available with long-term data. The weight loss outcome at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years showed a mean BMI 26.3, 25.2, 25.3, 27.1, and 26.2 with mean excess weight loss (EWL) 76.0%, 79.6%, 77.3%, 73.4%, and 72.6% respectively. However, 17% patients developed de novo gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Eighteen patients (2.2%) needed surgical revisions due to weight regain (n = 6), persistent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, n = 2), stricture (n = 2), and GERD (n = 8). The revision resulted in an additional mean excess weight loss of 23.8% with mean BMI 24.9 kg/m2 at 6 months postoperatively. There was a 23.7% mean reduction of HbA1c with one patient who was in complete diabetic remission at 1 year. Our results showed LSG is a durable bariatric procedure with > 70% EWL at 5 years despite a high incidence of GERD. The need for revision of LSG is low and mainly for GERD.

Cholecystitis after yttrium-90 resin microsphere radioembolization treatment: Clinical and pathologic findings

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:36 +0200

Radioembolization with yttrium microspheres is an established therapeutic modality for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies, with studies demonstrating improved overall survival. There remains a paucity of data on cholecystitis as a complication of radioembolization. We describe a small series of patients who developed cholecystitis as a result of radioembolization. Patients who had developed cholecystitis as a complication of radioembolization in our institution between 2001 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, cancer details including treatment history, and procedural details of radioembolization and complications of cholecystitis were collected. Of 74 patients who underwent radioembolization using yttrium-90emitting microspheres, four (5.4%) presented with acute cholecystitis as a result of their treatment. All patients presented over 4 weeks following radioembolization and did not settle with conservative treatment. At surgery, the gallbladder was fibrotic and contracted in all cases making surgery difficult. The incidence of symptomatic radiation cholecystitis after radioembolization is low, and prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely recommended for patients undergoing radioembolization. Radiation cholecystitis should be suspected in patients presenting with symptoms of biliary colic or cholecystitis following radioembolization. Early cholecystectomy can be considered in patients undergoing surgery for other indications, especially in high-risk surgical patients in whom there is a high likelihood of radioembolization in the future as they do not respond to conservative treatment.

Laparoscopic surgery in functional and nonfunctional adrenal tumors: A single-center experience

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:29 +0200

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is a safe and minimally invasive operation for benign adrenal tumours. The purpose of this study was a retrospective analysis of outcomes following laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy performed for benign adrenal tumours responsible for various endocrinological disorders and non-functioning tumours. A total of 100 laparoscopic adrenalectomy were carried out between January 2007 and March 2013 via the lateral transabdominal approach. The analysed factors included demographic data of patients, indication for surgery, tumour size and side, intraoperative and postoperative outcome of laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy including duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, the complication rate, as well as the conversion rate to open adrenalectomy. There were 34 patients with non-functioning tumours (Group 1) and 66 with functioning tumours (Group 2). The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were not significantly different in the cases among the analysed groups of patients. The median operative time was 101 ± 4.3 (range, 30–210) minute in group 1 and 95 ± 5.9 (range, 30–190) minute in group 2, there was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). The median duration of the postoperative hospital stay in the group 1 was bigger than group 2, this did not differ significantly (p = 0.08). Peroperative complications were occured in 9 (9%) patients, observing 6 (9%) patients in Group 1 and 3 (8.8%) patients in Group 2. There was not statistically significant (p = 0.96). In the postoperative period, three patients in group I, 1 patient in group II developed complications, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.69). The conversion to open surgery was found in 9 (9%) patients. This study shows that laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy is a safe, effective, and technically feasible procedure in the treatment of both functioning and nonfunctioning benign tumours of the adrenal gland.

A comparison of surgical outcome of fasciocutaneous V–Y advancement flap and Limberg transposition flap for recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:24 +0200

The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcome of fasciocutaneous V–Y advancement flap and limberg transposition flap used to treat recurrent sacrococcygeal PSD. A total of 58 patients with recurrent pilonidal sinus who underwent surgery were evaluated retrospectively between January 2008 to December 2013. Fasciocutaneous V–Y advancement flap was performed in 25 patients (Group VYF), and limberg transposition flap repair was performed in 33 patients (Group LTF). Patient demographics, operative and postoperative outcomes were recorded then retrospectively analyzed. The mean age (p = 0.69), sex ratio (p = 0.48), and concomitant diseases (p = 0.98) were not statistically different when compared the VYF with LTF groups. Mean operative time was 55 ± 19 min for the LTF group and 75 ± 25 min for the VYF group (p = 0.01). When length of hospital stay were compared, there was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.01). Return to work was carryed out after a mean of 23 ± 1.1 days in VYF group and 16.7 ± 1.2 days in LTF group, which is significantly different (p

Is surgical plication necessary in diaphragm eventration?

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:18 +0200

Diaphragm plication surgery is conducted to remove dyspnea, which results from mediastinal shift, atelectasia, and ventilation/perfusion dyssynchrony in lungs that occur because of an eventrated diaphragm. This study aims to determine whether diaphragm plication has any effect on respiration by analyzing the patients' changing values in the respiratory function test (RFT) after plication surgery. Sixteen patients who underwent diaphragm plication surgery in our clinic because of plication eventration or paralysis were examined prospectively. Diaphragm eventration values were assessed using a calculation method that uses posteroanterior pulmonary radiographies taken during patient admission and control, then, these data were recorded. The amount of changes in the eventration levels and in restrictive respiratory failure parameters—forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) of RFTs—conducted in pre- and postoperative control periods were compared using statistical analysis methods. The compatibility between the amounts of RFT changes was examined through a satisfaction survey—using a questionnaire that consisted of multiple choice questions with answer options such as “better, ” “the same, ” and “worse”—to understand preoperative and postoperative symptom levels in the 12th month of postoperative control. According to postoperative levels, a decrease between 19% and 23% was observed in eventration amounts within the 1st postoperative month, 6th postoperative month, and 12th postoperative month. In addition, the highest average increase in FEV1 liter (lt) values was 0.2 lt and 0.25 in FVC (lt) values. Researchers of this study believe that more distinctive decisions need to be taken while identifying patients for surgery in unilateral diaphragm eventrations, especially in the adult patient group, surgical option should be used for cases in which the eventrated diaphragm results in mediastinal shift and respiratory failure.

Technique and outcome of autotransplanting thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy for simple multinodular goiters

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:13 +0200

Limited animal and human studies have shown function, albeit inadequate, of implanted thyroid tissue in muscles. This work aimed to ascertain results in a larger number of patients, finding practical method for implantation, studying the effect of changing weight of implant and effect of passage of time on its function. Forty patients had total thyroidectomy for simple multinodular goiters. A piece of the excised gland was finely minced, mixed with saline as emulsion, and injected in thigh muscles. Twelve patients had 5-g implants, while 28 patients had 10-g implants. Four parameters were studied at 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months: technetium isotope uptake by the implant, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4). All autotransplanted thyroid tissue survived and functioned. After 12 months, mean values (± standard deviation) of isotope uptake, TSH, FT3, and FT4 of the 5-g implants were 0.44 ± 0.16%, 27.74 ± 30.4 UI/mL, 3.07 ± 1.10 pg/mL, and 1.01 ± 0.3 ng/dL, repectively. Those for the 10 g implants were 0.71 ± 0.20%, 22.78 ± 19.7 UI/mL, 3.92 ± 1.2 pg/mL, and 1.05 ± 0.3 ng/dL, repectively. Ten-gram implants showed significantly higher isotope uptake than 5-g. TSH, FT3, and FT4 significantly improved over the period of 1 year. Injection of thyroid tissue suspension is a simple method for thyroid autotransplantation. TSH was elevated in the majority to maintain normal or near normal thyroid hormones. Ten-gram implants showed higher isotope uptake than 5-g, although this difference was not reflected by thyroid hormone profile. The implant seemed to function better with the passage of time from 2 months to 12 months.

The role of prophylactic cefazolin in the prevention of infection after various types of abdominal wall hernia repair with mesh

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:08 +0200

There are controversies about the benefits of prophylactic antibiotics in the prevention of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) in mesh herniorrhaphy for a long time. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of systemic prophylactic cefazolin in prevention of wound infection in various types of hernia repair with mesh materials. This is a prospective randomized control study. We evaluated wound infection rates in 395 patients with various kinds of hernia who underwent elective mesh repair using polypropylene mesh from 2007 to 2011. A total of 237 (60.0%) patients received prophylactic cefazolin (study group) and the remaining 158 (40.0%) patients did not receive any prophylactic antibiotics (control group). Patients were followed for infection at the following periods after the operation by an independent surgeon: 10 days, 30 days, 12 months, and then annually for at least 2 years. Eight (2.03%) patients had infection in the site of surgery [2 (1.27%) in the control group and 6 (2.53%) in the study group]. The distribution of infection was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.364). The superficial infections were managed by drainage and irrigation. One patient from the study group developed deep SSI and was readmitted and subsequently received antibiotic therapy, drainage, and debridement. Preoperative administration of single-dose cefazolin for prosthetic hernia repairs did not markedly decrease the risk of wound infection. Our results do not support the use of cefazolin as a prophylactic antibiotic for various kinds of abdominal wall hernia repair with mesh.

Application of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in large invasive pituitary adenoma surgery

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:37:03 +0200

To investigate the clinical application value of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in large invasive pituitary adenoma surgery. A total of 30 patients with large pituitary adenoma underwent microscopic tumor resection under the assistance of an iMRI system, 26 cases received surgery through the nasal–transsphenoidal approach, and the remaining four cases received surgery through the pterion approach. iMRI was performed one or two times depending on the need of the surgeon. If a residual tumor was found, further resection was conducted under iMRI guidance. iMRI revealed residual tumors in 12 cases, among which nine cases received further resection. Of these nine cases, iMRI rescanning confirmed complete resection in six cases, and subtotal resection in the remaining three. Overall, 24 cases of tumor were totally resected, and six cases were subtotally resected. The total resection rate of tumors increased from 60% to 80%. iMRI can effectively determine the resection extent of pituitary adenomas. In addition, it provides an objective basis for real-time judgment of surgical outcome, subsequently improving surgical accuracy and safety, and increasing the total tumor resection rate.

Bariatric versus diabetes surgery after five years of follow up

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:57 +0200

Bariatric surgery (BS) is totally different from diabetes surgery (DS) in the patient characters, goals of surgery, and management although similar in surgical procedure. Comparison of BS and DS with long-term data is lacking. A retrospective review of patients who received BS and patients who received DS at Min-Sheng General Hospital from 2007 to 2013 was designed. All inpatient and outpatient follow-up data were analyzed. Patients undergoing BS for the treatment of morbid obesity were compared with patients undergoing metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients who received revision surgeries were excluded. The main outcome measures were: (1) operation risk, (2) weight loss, and (3) diabetes remission. Between 2007 and 2013, 2073 patients who received BS and 741 patients who received DS were recruited from both centers. DS patients were older (41.1 ± 10.9 years vs. 33.1 ± 9.3 years, p 30%) and 80% of the DS patients had complete remission of their diabetes [hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Outcome and risk factor analysis of patients who underwent open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:50 +0200

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair. Consecutive patients who underwent open repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms at our institution from July 1st 1990 to June 30th 2012 were reviewed from a prospective collected departmental database. Short-term outcomes included 30-day mortality and peri-operative complications. Independent risk factors to predict 30-day mortality were identified. Long-term survival and secondary interventions were also reported. Three hundred and eighty-three patients (317 males, median age 72 years with a range of 15–90 years) underwent open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair during the period, of whom 266 (69.5%) were elective, 18 (4.7%) were urgent for symptomatic but nonruptured cases, and 99 (25.8%) were emergency procedures for ruptured aneurysms. Mean aneurysm size was 6.5 cm (ranging from 2.5 cm to15 cm). All patients were followed up for at least 24 months with a mean follow up period 163 months. Overall 30-day mortality was 11.0% (36.4% for ruptured cases, 11.1% for symptomatic cases, and 1.5% for elective cases, p

Robot-assisted laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy for advanced malignant biliary obstruction

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:45 +0200

To report our experience in palliative hepaticojejunostomy for advanced malignant biliary obstruction by means of robotic approach Robot-assisted laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy for advanced malignant biliary obstruction was performed in nine patients from May 2009 to April 2014. During the study period, robotic hepaticojejunostomy for advanced malignant biliary obstruction was completed successfully in nine patients. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and double (hepaticojejunostomy, and gastrojejunostomy) bypass were performed in five and four patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 212.8 minutes. The mean blood loss was 38.7 mL. The overall complication rate was 22.2%. Bile leak complication occurred in one patient only. There was no procedure-related mortality. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 13.3 days. Five patients received palliative systemic chemotherapy after bypass surgery. The mean survival time was 11.1 months. During follow up, only three patients with cholangiocarcinoma had recurrent biliary obstruction after end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy due to tumor progression, and needed percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Among these nine patients, there were a total of eight episodes of readmission in four patients due to tumor-related symptoms or complications. Robot-assisted laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy for advanced malignant biliary obstruction had a low complication rate and was associated with an improved quality of life.

Prognosis of papillary thyroid cancers with positive serum thyroglobulin antibody after total thyroidectomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:39 +0200

To investigate the influence of serum anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) on the prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. In this retrospective study, the participants were enrolled from 1206 PTC patients (927 women, 279 men, mean age, 42.2 years) with T2 and higher, or N1 or M1 classifications in tumor–node–metastasis staging after total thyroidectomy. We recorded the final serum TgAb data (on thyroxin therapy) at the end of follow-up in 2012. Patients were classified as negative TgAb or positive TgAb groups on the basis of their serum TgAb levels (

Colo-colonic anastomosis in a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device patient

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:35 +0200

Noncardiac operations are being increasingly performed on patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). However, little is known on the impact of continuous-flow LVADs on the vascular supply of the colon for anastomoses. In this case, a 67-year-old male supported on an LVAD underwent four successful noncardiac operations including two intestinal anastomoses, left colon and small bowel anastomosis. To the best of our knowledge, no existing literature has reported successful colonic anastomosis on a continuous-flow LVAD. This case illustrates the plausibility of performing colonic anastomoses with appropriately selected patients supported on an LVAD. A 67-year-old male with congestive heart failure underwent LVAD placement for decompensated heart failure while awaiting orthotopic transplantation. During his recovery, he developed a stage IV sacral decubitus ulcer which required a sigmoid loop colostomy placement and a rotational flap. Subsequent stoma closure with partial sigmoid colectomy and stapled anastomosis was performed, and healed without evidence of anastomotic leak. This case illustrates the potential for colonic anastomoses for patients on continuous-flow LVAD support. Although oxygenation is known to be an important aspect of healing, this patients outcome suggests that intestinal anastomoses can be performed on the induced pulseless environment of an LVAD. Further studies will be needed to further elucidate the success of longer segment resections and appropriate surgical candidates.

Internal hernia after laparoscopic gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:29 +0200

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is increasingly used to treat gastric cancer. Simultaneously, internal hernia (IH) has been reported after LG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RY). The aim of this study was to investigate IH after LG with RY for gastric cancer. This study included 15 patients with IH from a database of 355 consecutive patients who underwent LG with RY for gastric cancers. We retrospectively analyzed IH incidence and clinical characteristics by operative procedures. The total incidence of IH was 4.2%. The incidence of IH at Petersens defect tended to decrease with modifications to the reconstruction methods, but not significantly so. The incidence of IH at jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defect significantly decreased with closure of this defect (p = 0.01). The incidence of IH at transverse mesocolic defect was 1.3% in patients who underwent retrocolic RY, emergent small-bowel resection was only required in two cases of herniation through this defect after laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Retrocolic RY with appropriate closure of defects can reduce IH incidence at Petersens defect and at jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defect. Although the IH incidence at the transverse mesocolic defect is not particularly high, the possibility of herniation through this defect should be kept in mind.

Simultaneous resection of pulmonary tumor following cardiovascular surgery

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:23 +0200

A pulmonary tumor is occasionally detected on a chest computed tomography (CT) scan before cardiovascular surgery. In this study, we examined clinical courses of patients who had undergone the simultaneous resection of a pulmonary tumor following cardiovascular surgery. From 2008 to 2013, 18 patients (13 men and 5 women) with a median age of 69.8 years underwent the wedge pulmonary resection for a lung tumor through a median thoracotomy following cardiovascular surgery in our hospital. Cardiovascular surgeries consisted of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in six patients, aortic valve replacement and/or mitral valve plasty in 10 patients, total arch replacement in 10 patients and descending aorta replacement in 10 patients. No complications associated with pulmonary resections were observed. Pathological examination revealed that 15 patients (83.3%) were diagnosed with lung cancers including 13 adenocarcinomas and two squamous cell carcinomas, with the clinical stages of 1A in 13 patients, 2A in one patient and 2B in one patient. Among them, five patients received the radical pulmonary resection subsequently, whereas 10 patients were unable to receive it due to their poor cardiopulmonary function. Kaplan-Meier analysis of patients with lung cancer revealed that the 5-year survival rate and progression-free survival (PFS) rate after 3 years from the surgery were 46.2% and 73.8%, respectively. The simultaneous resection of pulmonary tumor following cardiovascular surgery is safely performed, and is useful for the pathological diagnosis of the tumor. Further studies are warranted, however, this procedure may contribute to controlling the progression of lung cancer in patients with cardiovascular disease with comorbidities.

Microsurgery in 46 cases with total hand degloving injury

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:18 +0200

To summarize the characteristics of total hand degloving injury and investigate the curative effect of microsurgery. A total of 46 patients with total hand degloving injury were enrolled in this study. The injury classification and treatment methods were as follows: Type I (11 cases), treated by replantation of the gloved skin, Type II (6 cases), treated by reconstruction using thumb wrap-around flap and second toe, Type III (4 cases), treated by reconstruction using bilateral second toe with dorsal foot flap, Type IV (9 cases), treated by replantation in situ or reconstruction, Type V (16 cases), treated by replantation or abdominal flap reconstruction. Of the patients who received Type I treatment, five completely survived, whereas eight had finger necrosis. In Type II, both the reconstructed fingers and hand flaps survived. For four patients who received Type III treatment, eight reconstructed fingers survived. In Type IV, two patients with reconstructed fingers survived, whereas the six with replantation in situ had necrosis of the partial palmar or hand dorsum skin. In Type V, nine patients with reconstructed fingers survived, and five cases with abdominal skin flap reconstruction and one case with anterolateral femoral flap survived. The restoration of hand appearance and function was the best in patients who received replantation. For reconstruction cases, however, the hand function was recovered to the basic self-care level. In cases with abdominal flap reconstruction, the hand function showed poor recovery. Total hand degloving injury can be classified into different types according to the injury degree. The appropriate microsurgical treatment based on these types can produce better curative effect.

Comparative outcomes of lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy versus posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in consecutive patients: A single surgeons experience

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:13 +0200

Among several minimally invasive adrenalectomy techniques, lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LTA) is the procedure of choice for benign adrenal tumors, however, posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) is an alternative that is increasing in popularity. This study compared the outcomes of these two approaches. Since a single surgeon started adrenalectomy, LTA had been performed exclusively until PRA was adopted and became the standard treatment. Therefore, the consecutive patients were allocated into two groups according to the date of surgery: the first group received LTA and the second group received PRA. LTA was performed in 29 patients and PRA in 19 patients. There was no difference in sex, age, body mass index, clinical diagnosis, and tumor size between the LTA and the PRA group. The PRA group showed less blood loss (117.0 mL vs. 58.5 mL, p = 0.035) and tended to have a shorter operating time (92.2 minutes vs. 78.1 minutes, p = 0.054) and less pain score on postoperative Day 1 (3.8 vs. 3.0, p = 0.095) and Day 2 (3.2 vs. 2.5, p = 0.051). The mean operation time was significantly shorter for patients in the PRA group undergoing right adrenalectomy (109.2 minutes vs. 80.5 minutes, p = 0.009), but those undergoing left adrenalectomy had a similar operating time to the LTA group (83.2 minutes vs. 74.8 minutes, p = 0.380). PRA is a good alternative operative technique for an endocrine surgeon who is experienced in the transperitoneal approach.

Risk factors for postoperative complications in patients on maintenance hemodialysis who undergo abdominal surgery

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:08 +0200

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) who undergo abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal disease are at increased risk of postoperative complications. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the predictors of postoperative complications among such patients. The study group comprised 36 HD patients who underwent abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal disease between 2003 and 2012. The clinicopathological factors of the patients who did and did not suffer postoperative complications were compared. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 39% (14/36) and 14% (5/36), respectively. Physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (p = 0.0203) and intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.0013) were found to differ significantly between the groups. The morbidity and mortality rates of HD patients who underwent abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal disease were high. Physical status according to the ASA classification and intraoperative blood loss were found to be associated with postoperative complications. Therefore, patients with comorbidities, such as heart disease and diabetes mellitus, have to be treated appropriately before surgery. In addition, it is important that surgeons perform operations carefully and avoid excessive blood loss.

Administration of adjuvant oral tegafur/uracil chemotherapy post hepatocellular carcinoma resection: A randomized controlled trial

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:36:02 +0200

Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery is frequent, and is an important factor adversely influencing the long-term survival of patients. This prospective study evaluated whether adjuvant chemotherapy with oral tegafur/uracil (UFT) reduces the recurrence rate of HCC. In addition, expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) were investigated in resected tumors and nontumorous tissues, and the relationship between their expression and the effectiveness of UFT was examined. A total of 117 patients who underwent curative hepatic resection for HCC were randomly allocated to UFT 400 mg/d (n = 24, UFT group) or surgery alone (n = 56, control group). The primary endpoint was the recurrence-free survival rate, and the secondary endpoint was the overall survival rate. Expression of the DPD and TS genes were quantified with TaqMan reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay using β-actin as an internal standard. The cut-off value was set at the mean value of TS and DPD expression. Among the 61 patients in the UFT group, 37 patients (60.6%) discontinued UFT within 1 month. Recurrence-free survival (p = 0.16) and overall survival (p = 0.29) were similar in the two groups. In the UFT group, recurrence-free survival did not differ significantly between high-TS (TS > 3.6) and high-DPD (DPD > 8.9, n = 10), and low-TS (TS ≤ 3.6) and low-DPD (DPD ≤ 8.9, n = 9) groups. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in overall survival (p = 0.04). Peroral UFT administration fails to prolong the recurrence-free rates and overall survival rates, in comparison with surgery alone. However, oral administration of UFT may improve the survival of HCC patients when the levels of TS and DPD mRNA are low in the tumor tissue.

Needlescopic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:56 +0200

Our objective was to compare the perioperative parameters of needle-assisted and conventional laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy (LESS-A). We compared 23 patients undergoing needle-assisted LESS-A with 29 patients undergoing conventional LESS-A at Hiroshima University Hospital between November 2009 and February 2014. Needle-assisted LESS-A was performed using a MiniLap instrument (Stryker, San Jose, CA, USA). We used this instrument to protectively retract the liver at the right side of the tumor and the spleen at the left side by grasping with a Securea endoscopic surgical spacer (Hogy Medical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Various parameters including insufflation time, estimated blood loss, pain scale, resumption of oral intake, transfusion rate, and complications were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. In all cases, LESS-A was completed successfully with no major intraoperative complications. Patients in both treatment groups had similar age, body mass index, sex, and laterality. Significantly, needle-assisted LESS-A was performed using the transumbilical approach rather than the subcostal approach. The insufflation time of the needle-assisted LESS-A was shorter than that of the conventional LESS-A (p = 0.0335). No patients required intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusions. Retrospective design and the small sample size are main limitations of this study. Needle-assisted LESS-A was performed safely and in a manner that mitigated many of the difficulties of LESS surgery.

Surgical results of reduced port laparoscopic adrenalectomy using a multichannel port in comparison with conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:50 +0200

We introduced a modified laparoscopic technique, dual-incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy (DILA), using a newly designed multichannel trocar, and we evaluated its perioperative outcomes and operative costs and compared them to those of conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (CLA). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 127 patients who underwent CLA with four trocars or DILA with two trocars at Seoul St. Marys Hospital, Seoul, Korea between October 2007 and September 2014. We analyzed the patients' surgical outcomes and perioperative morbidities. DILA was performed in 45 patients and CLA in 82 patients. There were no significant differences in operative time (DILA: 77.1 ± 28.4 minutes vs. CLA: 76.6 ± 28.0 minutes, p = 0.595) or estimated blood loss during surgery (DILA: 150.0 ± 85.5 mL vs. CLA: 175.5 ± 50.5 mL, p = 0.697). There were no differences in postoperative hospital stay, visual analog scale pain score, or postoperative complication rates between the two groups. However, the operative cost was significantly lower in the DILA group (DILA 813, 603 ± 48, 600 Korean won vs. CLA 968, 368 ± 56, 456 Korean won, p

Laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism: A prospective study with long-term follow up

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:44 +0200

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) adrenalectomy is a promising minimally invasive technique, however, the current evidence has not confirmed its long-term effectiveness in primary aldosteronism (PA). We conducted a study to analyze the long-term efficacy of LESS adrenalectomy in patients with PA. A total of 49 patients who had been clinically confirmed with PA who had an indication for unilateral adrenalectomy were included in this study. Perioperative data were obtained for all patients. Blood pressure and the levels of serum aldosterone, renin, and potassium were checked periodically. The median follow-up was 16.5 months. No intra- or early post-operative complication occurred. All LESS adrenalectomies were completed successfully, except one with laparoscopic conversion. Hypokalemia was resolved in all cases and no patient required potassium supplements after surgery. Post-operative cure of hypertension was achieved in 63% of our patients. Overall, 84% of our PA patients had clinical improvement in blood pressure control after surgery. Our long-term experience revealed that LESS adrenalectomy is a safe and effective approach, which demonstrated comparable long-term cure and improvement of hypertension to a conventional laparoscopic series in treating PA.

Clinical experience of infective endocarditis complicated by acute cerebrovascular accidents

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:39 +0200

To evaluate the clinical results of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) complicated by acute cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). A total of 44 patients with IE complicated by CVA at admission were retrospectively analyzed in a single medical institute from 2005 to 2011. At the time of admission, 18 patients were diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke, and 26 patients were diagnosed with ischemic stroke. Fifteen patients received surgical intervention during hospitalization. The hospital mortality rate was 38.9% for the hemorrhagic stroke group and 42.3% for the ischemic stroke group (p = 0.821). The mortality rate was 33.3% for the surgical group and 44.8% for the nonsurgical group (p = 0.531). At 30 days of hospitalization, 45.8% of the patients experienced an adverse event (defined as death due to organ failure, restroke, cardiogenic shock, or septic shock during the treatment period), and the attrition rate was 1.5% per day. Surgery performed after the adverse events increased mortality (80.0%) compared with surgery performed on patients with no adverse events (10.0%, p = 0.017). A Cox regression analysis revealed that creatinine > 2 mg/dL, diabetes, and staphylococcal infection were the risk factors of the adverse events. Early surgical intervention for IE with ischemic stroke may prevent adverse events, particularly in patients with impaired renal function, diabetes, or staphylococcal infection. A delay in operation of > 30 days is recommended after hemorrhagic stroke.

Predicting rectal cancer T stage using circumferential tumor extent determined by computed tomography colonography

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:34 +0200

Patients with stage T3 or T4 rectal cancer are candidates for neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. The aim of this study is to clarify the usefulness of circumferential tumor extent determined by computed tomography (CT) colonography in differentiating T3 or T4 from T1 or T2 rectal cancer. Seventy consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent curative-intent surgery were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent colonoscopy and CT colonography on the same day. The circumferential tumor extent was estimated in 10% increments. The pathological T stage was used as the reference. The median circumferential tumor extent evaluated by colonoscopy for T1 (n = 6), T2 (n = 21), and T3/T4 (n = 43) were 10%, 30%, and 80%, respectively (T1/T2 vs. T3/T4, p

Evaluation of the POSSUM, p-POSSUM, o-POSSUM, and APACHE II scoring systems in predicting postoperative mortality and morbidity in gastric cancer patients

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:29 +0200

Gastric cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer worldwide. The ability to accurately predict surgery-related morbidity and mortality is critical in deciding both the timing of surgery and choice of surgical procedure. The aim of this study is to compare the POSSUM, p-POSSUM, o-POSSUM, and APACHE II scoring systems for predicting surgical morbidity and mortality in Chinese gastric cancer patients, as well as to create new scoring systems to achieve better prediction. Data from 612 gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy between January 2007 and December 2011 were included in this study. The predictive abilities of the four scoring systems were compared by examining observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios, the receiver operating characteristic curve, Student t test, and χ2 test results. The observed complication rate of 34% (n = 208) did not differ significantly from the rate of 36.6% (n = 208) predicted by the POSSUM scoring system (O/E ratio = 0.93). The observed mortality rate was 2.9% (n = 18). For predicting mortality, POSSUM had an O/E ratio of 0.34 as compared with p-POSSUM (O/E ratio = 0.91), o-POSSUM (O/E ratio = 1.26), and APACHE II (O/E ratio = 0.28). The POSSUM scoring system performed well with respect to predicting morbidity risk following gastric cancer resection. For predicting postoperative mortality, p-POSSUM and o-POSSUM exhibited superior performance relative to POSSUM and APACHE II.

Postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio of living-donor liver transplant: Association with graft size

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:22 +0200

Issues related to small-for-size grafts in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are highly important. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to be an inexpensive index of systemic inflammation for various diseases. We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between NLR and clinical course of 61 adult LDLT recipients in our institute until post-operative day 14. Patients were classified into two groups based on the graft volume divided by standard liver volume, as over 35% of graft volume divided by standard liver volume (GV/SLV) (Group L, n = 55) and under 35% of GV/SLV (Group S, n = 6). No differences were seen in background of the patients between the two groups. Also, absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts in both the groups showed no significant differences. In contrast, the NLR between the groups differed significantly from post-operative day 3 to 10, being higher in the Group S. In addition, the incidence of prolonged hyperbilirubinemia and small for size graft syndrome differed significantly between the two groups. Therefore, the elevation of post-operative NLR in the smaller graft group reflect suggestive pathophysiology of endothelial injuries that related to small for size graft syndrome in LDLT.

Influence of a modified preservation solution in kidney transplantation: A comparative experimental study in a porcine model

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:14 +0200

Currently, due to lack of optimal donors, more marginal organs are transplanted. Therefore, there is a high interest to ameliorate preischemic organ preservation, especially for critical donor organs. In this regard, a new histidine-tryptophane ketoglutarate (HTK-N) solution has been designed and its protective efficacy was compared with the standard preservation solutions—University of Wisconsin solution and standard HTK or Custodiol (Bretschneiders solution). Seventy-two landrace pigs were included into the study, as donors and recipients. The donor kidneys were perfused during explantation with cold University of Wisconsin solution (n = 12), standard HTK (n = 12), or HTK-N solutions (n = 12), kept in the respective preservation solution at 4°C for 30 hours, implanted in the recipient pigs, and reperfused. The pigs survived in daily control for 7 days. The serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were assessed in pre- and postreperfusion phase on the 3rd day and 7th day posttransplantation. Additionally, tissue samples were taken to analyze the histopathological degree of tubular injury and regeneration before and after reperfusion. The three preservation groups were comparable in age, body weight, and hemodynamic parameters. According to statistical proof, they differed in none of the control parameters. Although the new preservation HTK solution is in several points a well-thought-out modification of the standard HTK solution, its preservation efficacy, at least for kidney preservation in a pig model for 30 hours, seems to be comparable to the current used solutions. A real advantage, however, could be confirmed in clinical settings, where marginal organs may influence the clinical outcome.

Evaluation of the modified HTK solution in pancreas transplantation—An experimental model

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:06 +0200

One of the great challenges in pancreas transplantation is the ischemia reperfusion injury. It is mentioned that free oxygen and/or nitrogen radicals play a prominent role in this phase. To minimize this problem, a modified histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK) solution that contains modified antioxidants has been developed. Our aim was to evaluate this solution in improving the viability of the pancreas in comparison with standard HTK and University of Wisconsin (UW) solutions in a porcine model of pancreas transplantation. Twenty-three Landrace pigs were divided into three identical groups. After a 10-hour preservation time at 4°C, the pancreas was implanted in the organs of the recipients in a standardized manner. Serum parameters were assessed prior to and after implantation on the 1st postoperative day, 3rd postoperative day, and 7th postoperative day. Furthermore, three biopsies were taken: prior to and after reperfusion, and on Day 7 to assess the grafts. An analysis of serum glucose among the three groups showed no significant differences. Evaluation of the insulin levels showed no significant difference between the modified and standard HTK groups, however, differences between HTK and UW were significant (p = 0.004 in favor of UW solutions). The histopathological results showed a trend of a higher grade of rejection of pancreas tissue in the UW group compared to both HTK groups. The modified HTK solution could preserve the pancreas for the preservation of the graft with similar results to those observed for standard solutions without any significant difference. The trend showed that the pathological finding in the UW group was not as good as that in the modified HTK and standard HTK groups.

Comparison of Ho:Yag laser and pneumatic lithotripsy combined with transurethral prostatectomy in high burden bladder stones with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:35:01 +0200

To compare the efficacy and reliability of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy (HLL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) in the treatment of bladder stones in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and stones ≥ 20 mm who were transurethrally treated in the same surgical session. We studied the data of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and ≥20 mm bladder stones who were treated with transurethral resection of the prostate and cystolithotripsy in the same session, obtained between January 2010 and February 2014 from three urology clinics. All patients underwent bipolar plasmakinetic (PK) transurethral resection of the prostate. For treatment of the bladder stone, either HLL or PL was applied. A total of 62 patients were divided into two groups: PK-PL (Group 1, n = 29) and PK-HLL (Group 2, n = 33). The data of both groups were analyzed for stone dimensions, stone fragmentation time, total operating time, hospitalization duration, prostate dimensions, success rates, and complications. Group 1 included 29 patients with a mean age of 70 ± 7.6 (range, 57–85) years, whereas Group 2 included 33 patients with a mean age of 67.5 ± 10.5 (range, 45–84) years. In Group 1, five patients had mucosa injury, one patient had residual stone, and one patient had bladder perforation. In Group 2, three patients had mucosa injury, three patients had postoperative fever, and one patient had residual stone. Total operation time and stone fragmentation time were significantly lower in Group 2 (p 0.05). PK-HLL using a single shaft without the need for repeated access has the advantages of shorter fragmentation and operation time.

Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty for breast cancer in women with macromastia: Oncological long-term outcomes

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:55 +0200

To evaluate the long-term results of tumorectomy and concomitant bilateral oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty (ORM) for early stage breast cancer patients with macromastia in terms of local disease control and long-term oncological results. Data of 82 patients with macromastia undergoing ORM for breast cancer between 1996 and 2011 were retrospectively examined and evaluated with regard to oncological results. The median age was 50 years. The median follow-up was 121 months (range 28–212 months). The median breast volume was 1402 cm3 and the median weight of excised breast material was 679 g. The median surgical margin was 16 mm. Ten-year local recurrence rate was 8.7%. The 10-year overall survival rate was 82.2% and the disease-free survival rate was 73.2%. Early and late complication rates were 12.2% and 14.6%, respectively. From the standpoint of local disease control and long-term observation, ORM can be considered a very safe and acceptable treatment for early stage breast cancer in women with macromastia.

Factors determining low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer resection: A study in Thai patients

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:50 +0200

Defective defecation function, also known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), is a common problem after surgical treatment of rectal cancer that has a detrimental effect on quality of life. This study aimed to look for the incidence of LARS in patients whose native rectum could not be kept and determine factors influencing major LARS. Rectal cancer patients who underwent tumor removal with mesorectal excision and colorectal anastomosis by a colorectal surgeon during the years 2004–2013 were asked to participate a structured interview using the verified version of the Low Anterior Resection Score questionnaire. Clinical parameters were analyzed against the incidence of major LARS. The cut-off anastomotic level that corresponded to the risk of major LARS was calculated by using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Anorectal physiology was compared between those with major LARS and those without LARS by anorectal manometry. This study included 129 patients (67 men and 62 women). Incidences of minor LARS (LAR score 21–29) and major LARS (LARS score ≥ 30) score 21een those with major LARS and those univariate analysis, factors associated with major LARS were extent of operation, presence of temporary ostomy, and chemoradiation therapy. Major LARS was found at 28.2% in those who underwent low anterior resection, which was significantly higher than the incidence of 5.2% in the anterior resection group (p

Predisposition and risk factor rates for pilonidal sinus disease

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:46 +0200

The effects of obstructive jaundice on the brain: An experimental study

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:38 +0200

The study aims to evaluate the alterations in the brain due to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation resulting from obstructive jaundice. Forty-one Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Simple laparotomy was performed in the sham group (n = 5). In the remaining 36 rats, the common bile duct (CBD) was found and ligated. They were divided into six groups. Group I, Group II, and Group III were sacrificed at the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day of ligation, respectively. In Group Id, Group IId, and Group IIId ligated bile ducts were decompressed at the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day, respectively. One week after decompression these rats were also sacrificed and samples were taken. After the CBD ligation, serum levels of bilirubin and malondialdehyde were found to be increased progressively in parallel to the ligation time of the CBD. After decompression these values decreased. In electron microscopy evaluation, the damage was found to be irreversible depending on the length of the obstruction period. In Group II, the damage was mostly reversible after the internal drainage period of 7 days. However in Group III, the tissue damage was found to be irreversible despite the decreased values of oxidative stress and bilirubin. Ultrastructural changes in brain tissue including damage in the glial cells and neurons, were found to be irreversible if the CBD ligation period was >7 days and did not regress even after decompression. It is unreliable to trace these changes using blood levels of bilirubin and free radicals. Therefore, timing is extremely critical for medical therapies and drainage.

Modified back wall first artery anastomosis technique in living donor liver transplantation

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:30 +0200

Back wall technique is usually used for hepatic artery anastomosis in living donor liver-transplantation. In this technique, two stitches are placed in the two corners of the artery wall initially and the microclamp on the artery is rotated to place the sutures to the back wall first. In some cases, the microclamp cannot be rotated because of insufficient length of the graft or recipient artery. If this occurs, it may be difficult to rotate the artery to perform the back wall artery anastomosis technique. In these cases, the difficulty of performing the anastomosis can cause intimal tears. Thus, we prefer a modified technique for artery anastomosis in such situations. In this modified technique, two stitches are placed in the middle of the posterior wall and middle of the anterior wall initially. The artery is twisted 90° to the right side and to the left side respectively, instead of one 180° rotation, to place the back wall stitches. In this modified technique, reversing the microclamp is eliminated that can cause intimal damage. Therefore, it may be superior to the conventional method in terms of reducing the difficulty of performing anastomosis and intimal damage to the vessels.

Identifying risk factors for brain metastasis in breast cancer patients: Implication for a vigorous surveillance program

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:26 +0200

Brain metastasis occurs in 10–15% of metastatic breast cancer patients and is associated with poor prognosis. This study aims to identify tumor characteristics of primary breast cancer, which are related to brain metastases in Hong Kong Chinese patients. A retrospective study of patients with invasive breast cancer receiving treatment in a university hospital from January 2001 to December 2008 was performed. The clinicopathological factors of patients with brain metastases were analyzed and compared with those who had no brain metastasis. Risk factors for brain metastasis were identified by univariate analysis first and then by multivariate analysis. A total of 912 patients with invasive breast cancer were treated during the study period. Of these, 30 patients were found to have distant metastases to brain. Patients with brain metastases had more breast tumors of higher histological grade (Grade III, 78.9% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.001). Their tumors also had a significantly higher rate of negative estrogen receptors (78.9% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only high tumor grading was found to be predictive of developing brain metastasis. Chinese breast cancer patients with brain metastasis were more likely to have high-grade tumors and negative estrogen receptor status. A more vigorous surveillance program for the central nervous system should be considered for this group of patients.

New insights after the first 1000 liver transplantations at The University of Hong Kong

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:19 +0200

One thousand liver transplantations have been performed at the only liver transplant center in Hong Kong over a period of 22 years, which covered the formative period of living donor liver transplantation. These 1000 transplantations, which marked the journey of liver transplantation from development to maturation at the center, should be educational. This research was to study the experience and to reflect on the importance of technical innovations and case selection. The first 1000 liver transplantations were studied. Key technical innovations and surgical therapeutics were described. Recipient survival including hospital mortality was analyzed. Recipient survival comparison was made for deceased donor liver transplantation and living donor liver transplantation indicated by hepatocellular carcinoma and other diseases. Among the 1000 transplantations, 418 used deceased donor grafts and 582 used living donor grafts. With the accumulation of experience, hospital mortality improved to

Totally laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy in a donor with trifurcation of bile duct

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:12 +0200

Donor operation in adult living donor liver transplantation is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. To avoid laparotomy wound complications and shorten postoperative recovery, laparoscopic liver graft harvest has been developed recently. However, to determine the cut point of bile duct is challenging. Herein, we report the application of totally laparoscopic approach for right liver graft harvest in a donor with trifurcation of the bile duct. A19-year-old man volunteered for living donation to his father who suffered from hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The graft was 880 mL with a single right hepatic artery and portal vein. The graft to recipient weight ratio was 1.06. The middle hepatic vein was preserved for the donor and the liver remnant was 42.3%. Two branches of middle hepatic veins were > 5 mm in diameter and needed reconstruction with cryopreserved allograft. Ductoplasty using laparoscopic intracorporeal suture technique was done to achieve single orifice of the graft bile duct. The postoperative course was uneventful for the donor. This report adds evidence of the feasibility of pure laparoscopic right donor hepatectomy and describes the necessary steps for bile duct division in donors with trifurcation of bile duct.

Bowel obstruction secondary to incarcerated obturator hernia

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:06 +0200

Obturator hernia is rare type of abdominal hernia and its diagnosis usually is made intraoperatively for bowel obstruction or computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen. The aim of this study was to review patients records with respect to clinical manifestation, CT scan findings, and operative outcomes. From April 2009 to January 2015, six female patients with incarcerated obturator hernia underwent urgent operation for acute intestinal obstruction. The medical records were reviewed with respect to clinical manifestation, findings of CT scan and the outcomes of operation. The median age of patients was 83 years (range, 79–87 years) and the body mass index was 21.61 ± 0.52 kg/m2. CT scans of abdomen demonstrated that intestinal obstruction secondary to obturator hernia, consistency with operative findings. Partial bowel resection was performed in two of six patients because of necrosis of incarcerated obturator hernia. The hernia was repaired with interrupted sutures. Lung infection occurred in one patient, and wound infection in another. One recurrence was observed and two patients died from the unrelated diseases during the period of follow-up. The diagnosis of obturator hernia can be made by CT scan preoperatively, and the obturator hernia should be suspected when an unexplained bowel obstruction in elderly, thin women occurs.

The learning curve of the three-port two-instrument complete thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer—A feasible technique worthy of popularization

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:34:02 +0200

Cosmetic factors are important when considering minimally invasive surgery. For cosmetic improvement, a complete thoracoscopic lobectomy is accomplished via the three-port two-instrument (TPTI) technique. The resected specimen is removed without extending the port wounds. Only three wounds at 1.2 cm are used to finish the procedure. From June 2012 to December 2013, 60 patients with lung cancer were to undergo lobectomy and complete mediastinal lymph node dissection via the TPTI technique without an accessory wound. The initial 28 cases (learning curve group) and the latest 28 cases were compared to assess the learning curve. Excluding four cases of conversion, there were 28 cases in each group. There were no differences between these two groups with respect to age, sex, tumor size, location of the lobectomy, mean blood loss, mean postoperative drainage time, and mean hospitalization time (p > 0.05). The mean surgery time significantly decreased, the mean number of lymph nodes removed significantly increased, and the postoperative stage was significantly more advanced in the latest 28 cases (p

Peritoneal fluid culture and antibiotic treatment in patients with perforated appendicitis in a Pacific Island

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:33:57 +0200

Little data on the usefulness of microbiological samples in appendicular peritonitis (AP) are available. The objectives of the study were to document the clinical value of systematic peritoneal swabbing in complicated appendicitis, to establish whether they influence postoperative outcome, and to help to optimize empirical preoperative treatment. Charts of all consecutive patients undergoing appendicectomy for acute perforated appendicitis were analyzed over a 7-year period from 2005 to 2011 in a tertiary hospital in New Caledonia. From prospectively recorded data, microbiological culture results, and sensitivity of isolates were obtained in relation to histopathological findings and infective morbidity. Overall, 144 cases including 47 (33%) children and 97 (67%) adults with perforated appendicitis were included in the study. Fifty-one (35%) had generalized peritonitis treated laparoscopically in 30 (59%) cases. Peritoneal fluid samples yielded a positive culture in 104 (74%) patients. The most commonly recovered species were Escherichia coli (81%), Streptococcus milleri group (12%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%). Postoperative infectious complications occurred in 32 (22%) including intra-abdominal abscess (n = 20) and wound infection (n = 12). Probabilist antibiotic regimen was less often suitable in children than in adults (p = 0.003). Infectious complications occurred more often in cases with an unsuitable antibiotic regimen after culture results compared with a suitable antibiotic regimen before culture results (p = 0.01). Although antibiotic use may be considered as an adjunct to surgical intervention of AP, the appropriate use of preoperative antibiotics and modifications according to culture results are essential to prevent infectious complications.

Reduced right atrial contractile force in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: A study in human atrial fibers—contractile force and diastolic dysfunction

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:33:51 +0200

The aim of our study was to evaluate right heart contractile force in patients with diastolic dysfunction (DD) with preserved left heart ejection fraction undergoing cardiac surgery. We examined the contractile properties of skinned human fibers obtained from the right auricle in two groups (DD and controls). Right atrial tissue from 64 patients, who were undergoing cardiac surgery, were collected before extracorporal circulation. Tissue was conserved and prepared as “skinned fibers”. We exposed the dissected fibers to increasing calcium concentrations and recorded the force values. Patients with DD develop significantly less force at middle and higher calcium concentrations pCa 4.0: DD 2.58 ± 0.4 mN, controls 5.32 ± 0.4 mN, p = 0.02, pCa 5.5: DD 1.14 ± 0.3 mN, controls 1.45 ± 0.3 mN, p = 0.03. DD significantly correlates with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH, p = 0.03). DD did not significantly occur more often in patients with mitral valve insufficiency, aortic insufficiency or stenosis, or coronary heart disease (all p > 0.10). LVH, which was associated with DD, correlated significantly with mitral valve prolapse (p = 0.05), aortic valve stenosis (p = 0.02), and mitral valve insufficiency (p = 0.03). Contractile force is significantly reduced in right atrial skinned human fibers with DD. DD is significantly associated with LVH, but emerges independently from underlying pathologies like valve diseases or coronary heart disease. This underlines the hypothesis that impairment of contractile capacity directly results from DD—independent from volume or pressure overload due to valvular or ischemic heart disease.

A novel data collection and monitoring system for health status measures in patients undergoing lateral internal sphincterotomy: The Knowledge Program (TKP)

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:33:46 +0200

The Knowledge Program (TKP) allows prospective data collection during routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of TKP for capturing and monitoring health status measures in patients undergoing lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS). TKP data of patients undergoing LIS from December 2008 to May 2013 were retrieved. Health status measures including the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL), European Quality of Life Index (EQ-5D), Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), anorectal pain scores, and satisfaction questions were evaluated in the study. A total of 500 patients underwent LIS within the study period. Overall patient numbers responding to the health status measures in the pre- and postoperative period were as follows: CGQL: 112 preoperatively, 53 postoperatively, EQ-5D: 112 preoperatively, 55 postoperatively, FISI: 102 preoperatively, 30 postoperatively, and anorectal pain score: 107 preoperatively, 45 postoperatively. Among the responders, the number of patients who completed the health status measures both pre- and postoperatively was as follows: EQ-5D: 31, CGQL: 28, anorectal pain: 24, and FISI: 15. A total of 30 patients completed postoperative satisfaction and recommendation questions. Postoperative earliest (p = 0.02) and most recent (p = 0.01) anorectal pain visual analog scores were significantly lower than the preoperative measurements. The earliest postoperative EQ-5D scores were significantly higher than their preoperative values (p = 0.02). The majority of patients who completed the surveys said they were satisfied (70% and 67%) and would recommended (73% and 70%) LIS to others undergoing postoperative earliest and most recent follow up. LIS reduces anorectal pain without worsening quality of life. TKP captures information directly from patients and records it to a database which may reduce the risk of information loss or alteration.

A retrospective study of anastomotic leakage between patients with and without vascular enhancement of esophageal reconstructions with colon interposition: Thammasat University Hospital experience

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:33:41 +0200

Anastomotic leakage is a common complication after operative reconstruction with colon interposition in corrosive esophageal injury patients. Because the underlying causes are ischemic in nature, vascular enhancement would resolve this complication. To compare the incidence of anastomotic leakage between patients with and without vascular enhancement of esophageal reconstructions with colon interposition. This is a retrospective comparative study between patients with and without vascular enhancement during corrosive esophageal reconstructions with colon interposition in Thammasat University Hospital from January 2004 to December 2012. Twenty-five adult patients who received esophageal reconstructions with colon interposition for corrosive esophageal injury were included in this study. Eleven of these patients also received vascular enhancement (classified as the “with vascular enhancement” group) during the reconstruction, whereas the remaining 14 patients did not (classified as the “without vascular enhancement” group). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics of the patients between the two groups (i.e., sex, age, and preoperative hematocrit and serum albumin levels). There was also no significant difference in the leakage rate between the two groups: 35.7% (5/14) and 9% (1/11) in the without and with vascular enhancement groups, respectively (p = 0.180). However, in the “with vascular enhancement” group, the operative time was significantly longer (7.8 hours vs. 6.4 hours, an additional 1.4 hours), whereas length of hospital stay was shorter (18.3 days vs. 28.1 days, reduced by 9.8 days) compared with the other group. Patients who received vascular enhancement along with colon interposition had a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage, however, there was no significant difference between the two groups in this study. Thus, further studies with a large sample size should be conducted in this regard.

Is LigaSure a safe cystic duct sealer? An ex vivo study

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:33:37 +0200

To compare the efficacy and safety of both mechanical methods (clips) and electrosurgical instruments, harmonic scalpel (HS) and LigaSure (LS), for securing the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). During the study period from October 2010 to October 2012, 458 patients with gallbladder stones underwent LC. A total of 38 patients were excluded from the study for different reasons. The gallbladder was excised laparoscopically through the traditional method. The gallbladder specimens of the patients were divided into three equal groups randomly, and the distal part of the cystic duct was sealed ex vivo using ligaclips (Group A), HS (Group B), and LS (Group C). The gallbladders were then connected to a pneumatic tourniquet device and we very gradually increased the pressure with air. The bursting pressure of the cystic duct (CDBP) was measured and differences between the three groups were calculated. The mean CDBP was 329.7 ± 38.8 mmHg in the ligaclip group, 358.0 ± 33.1 mmHg in the HS group, and 219.7 ± 41.2 mmHg in the LS group. A comparison of the mean CDBP between the groups indicated the superiority of HS over ligaclip and LS. CDBP was significantly higher in the ligaclips group compared with the LS group (p 195 mmHg) than the maximum common bile duct pressure, whereas for LS the CDBP range was 150–297 mmHg, indicating that it is not safe for sealing. HS is a safe alternative to clips. In fact, it was even safer than clips. By contrast, LS is not safe for cystic duct sealing.

Diarrhea after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Associated factors and predictors

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:54 +0200

Diarrhea is part of the postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy syndrome, but is not well defined. Published reports have ignored possible associated factors such as the preoperative excretion pattern, gastrointestinal disorders, personality disorders, the effect of drugs, unsanitary food, and high-fat diets. The aim of this study was to define the associated factors and predictors of postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy diarrhea (PLCD) at different time intervals after the operation and to identify the possible associated factors and predictors of PLCD. We also aimed to determine the effectiveness of a low-fat diet in these patients and to educate the patients about their diet after the operation. Data were obtained from clinical records and preoperative interviews with patients, who were also interviewed or contacted by telephone 1 week after the operation, and then surveyed by telephone 3 months later using standardized questionnaires. A total of 125 consecutive patients who were adequately informed and who had assented to accepting a prescription of a low-fat diet after undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy participated in this prospective study. Thirty-eight patients (25.2%) had diarrhea 1 week after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and seven patients (5.7%) had diarrhea 3 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The important predictors of PLCD at 1 week were a low-fat diet (B = −0.177, p = 0.000) and a high score on a preoperative diarrhea scale (B = 0.311, p = 0.031). There was no predictor for PLCD 3 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We advise patients who have undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy to follow a low-fat diet for at least 1 week to reduce the possibility of diarrhea, especially when they are ≤45 years of age, of male sex, and had a high preoperative tendency for diarrhea.

Predictive factors for intraoperative excessive bleeding in Graves’ disease

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:50 +0200

In Graves’ disease, because a thyroid tends to have extreme vascularity, the amount of intraoperative blood loss (AIOBL) becomes significant in some cases. We sought to elucidate the predictive factors of the AIOBL. A total of 197 patients underwent thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease between 2002 and 2012. We evaluated clinical factors that would be potentially related to AIOBL retrospectively. The median period between disease onset and surgery was 16 months (range: 1–480 months). Conventional surgery was performed in 125 patients, whereas video-assisted surgery was performed in 72 patients. Subtotal and near-total/total thyroidectomies were performed in 137 patients and 60 patients, respectively. The median weight of the thyroid was 45 g (range: 7.3–480.0 g). Univariate analysis revealed that the strongest correlation of AIOBL was noted with the weight of thyroid (p

The length of necrosis and renal insufficiency predict the outcome of acute mesenteric ischemia

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:46 +0200

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a potentially life-threatening condition because of its diagnostic difficulty, operative challenges, and comorbidities a patient may have. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes in patients with AMI. The hospital records and clinical data of all patients with AMI were reviewed for a recent 4-year period. Clinical outcomes and factors influencing mortality were analyzed. Included in the study were 104 patients (46 females and 58 males) with an overall mean age of 66 ± 13.4 years. The cause of AMI was arterial pathology in 74 (71%) patients, venous thrombosis in 15 (14%) patients, and nonocclusive ischemia in 12 (12%) patients. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (97% of patients). The 30-day mortality rate was 66%. Univariate analysis showed that mortality was associated with renal insufficiency (p = 0.004), an age greater than 70 years (p = 0.02), the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.001), a leukocyte count greater than 18, 000/mL (p = 0.04), and small bowel necrosis of more than 100 cm (p

A clinical series and literature review of the management of inguinal nodal metastases in patients with primary extramammary Paget disease of the scrotum

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:41 +0200

We describe a series of five patients with extramammary Paget disease of the scrotum with inguinal nodal metastases. These patients underwent combined groin dissection. All patients experienced invasion to the dermis. One patient had invasion of the dartos muscle, another had tumor invading into the skeletal muscle and femoral vein. Four patients had positive Cloquet node involvement on frozen section and formal histology, but only one patient had positive pelvic nodal disease. Another patient with pelvic nodal metastases seen on computed tomography scan had no Cloquet node identified intraoperatively but had positive pelvic nodal metastases. The mean disease-free survival and the overall survival were 28.6 months (range: 2–60 months) and 33.4 months (range: 2–60 months), respectively, for all patients. Three patients developed distant metastases and two patients were disease free to date. No locoregional recurrences were observed. Aggressive lymphadenectomy in selected cases can provide a long-term survival benefit. The use of Cloquet node in the prediction of pelvic nodal disease should be considered. Based on the literature review, sentinel lymph node biopsy can potentially diagnose occult metastases in otherwise nonenlarged nodes.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive liver resection

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:32 +0200

Minimally invasive liver resection is feasible for select patients. The flexibility of robotic surgical instruments improves the possibility of minimally invasive liver resection, even in challenging major liver resection. We accumulated 69 patients who underwent pure laparoscopic liver resection from 2007 to 2011, and 52 patients who underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive liver resection in 2012. The patients' characteristics, surgical procedures, and perioperative parameters were described and compared between these two groups. In 2012, we performed 56 robotic hepatobiliary procedures, which included 52 (92%) robotic-assisted minimally invasive liver resection procedures. Under the assistance of a robotic system, we increased the number of patients undergoing minimally invasive liver resection by more than twofold, and we increased the percentage of minimally invasive surgery for patients with fresh hepatocellular carcinoma, compared to our laparoscopic group (44% vs. 15%, respectively). We also increased the percentage of major hepatectomy for minimally invasive liver resection by a robotic approach (39% vs. 15%) with a comparable conversion rate (5%) and morbidity (8%), compared to the laparoscopic group. We can even perform a challenging living donor liver harvest procedure with a robotic-assisted minimally invasive approach. Robotic assistance increased the percentage of minimally invasive liver resections and the percentage of major minimally invasive liver resections with comparable perioperative results. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive liver resection is feasible, but its role needs more accumulated experience to clarify.

Assessment of postoperative changes in antihypertensive drug consumption in patients with primary aldosteronism using the defined daily dose

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:28 +0200

The number of antihypertensive drug classes cannot accurately reflect the total consumption of antihypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure. The defined daily dose has been adopted to permit consumption analysis of many prescribed drugs. The aim of the present study was to assess postoperative changes in antihypertensive drug consumption in patients with primary aldosteronism using the defined daily dose as the unit of measurement. This retrospective study included 110 Japanese patients who underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy between 1995 and 2012. Antihypertensive drug doses were calculated according to the standard of the defined daily dose recommended by the World Health Organization to compare drug use. After assessing postoperative changes in antihypertensive drug consumption, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinical predictors for a 75% or greater decrease in the defined daily dose. Consumption of antihypertensive drugs decreased postoperatively in 95.4% of patients. The median decrease in the defined daily dose was 76.8%. A postoperative decrease of 75% or greater in the defined daily dose was confirmed in 52.7% of patients. Multivariate analysis identified no medical history of cardiovascular disease, low body mass index, and short duration of hypertension as independent predictors of a postoperative decrease of 75% or greater in the defined daily dose. The defined daily dose is a useful tool for assessing total changes in the consumption of antihypertensive drugs in patients with primary aldosteronism. Using the defined daily dose, clinicians could explain in detail to patients with primary aldosteronism the predicted postoperative change in antihypertensive drug consumption.

Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Literature review and comparison of the procedure of esophagojejunostomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:23 +0200

There has been a recent increase in the use of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) for gastric cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to determine which esophagojejunostomy (EJS) technique is the best. In addition, both short- and long-term oncological results of TLTG are inconsistent. We reviewed 25 articles about TLTG for gastric cancer in which at least 10 cases were included. We analyzed the short-term results, relationships between EJS techniques and complications, long-term oncological results, and comparative study results of TLTG. TLTG was performed in a total of 1170 patients. The mortality rate was 0.7%, and the short-term results were satisfactory. Regarding EJS techniques and complications, circular staplers (CSs) methods were significantly associated with leakage (4.7% vs. 1.1%, p

Endovascular treatment for pseudoaneurysms arising from the hepatic artery after liver transplantation

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:17 +0200

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid life-threatening hemorrhage in these patients. We herein report the case of three patients who developed hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms after living donor liver transplantation. Two patients presented with massive duodenal bleeding secondary to erosion of the hepatic artery into the bile duct, and one patient presented with intra-abdominal bleeding. These patients were managed by catheter-based minimal invasive endovascular procedures including coil embolization and stent grafting. All the patients were treated successfully with uneventful recovery. This technique can be considered as an effective treatment option for hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms instead of a difficult surgical intervention.

Outcomes of radical cystectomy and bladder preservation treatment for muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:11 +0200

To compare the survival outcome of various treatment modalities for organ-confined muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. One hundred and fifty patients with Stage II (T2, N0, M0) or Stage III (T3a-T4a, N0, M0) urothelial carcinoma of the bladder treated at the National Referral Hospital and the National Cancer Center of Indonesia from 1995 to 2010 with a minimum follow-up period of 24 months were included in this study. Overall survival and mean survival times were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients in this study was 57.15 ± 11.6 years and 88% were men. Over 50% of patients had T2 disease, 24.2% had T3 disease, and 21.5% had T4 disease based on pathology. Based on histological grade, 30.8% were intermediate grade tumors and 42.1% were high-grade tumors. Radical cystectomy was performed in 20 patients (13.3%) and 40 patients (26.7%) were treated with radiotherapy. Ninety (60%) patients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor only without further definitive treatment for personal reasons. The actuarial 5-year overall survival for all patients was as follows: radical cystectomy, 50%, radiotherapy, 22.7%, and transurethral resection of the bladder tumor only, 8.3% (log-rank p = 0.029). For stage T2 patients, the 5-year overall survival was: radical cystectomy, 62.5%, radiotherapy, 31.2%, and transurethral resection of the bladder tumor only, 8.3% (log-rank p = 0.017). In our series, radical cystectomy had a superior outcome to radiotherapy or transurethral resection of the bladder tumor only, comparable with results reported elsewhere. Radical cystectomy should be offered as the gold standard treatment for organ-confined muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

Dexamethasone combined with other antiemetics for prophylaxis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:06 +0200

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common and distressing adverse events after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone combined with other antiemetic in the prevention of PONV in patients undergoing LC. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify all relevant RCTs. The primary outcome was PONV in the early period (0–3 hours, 0–4 hours, or 0–6 hours), late period (>6 hours), and the overall period (0–24 hours). Nine RCTs with a total of 1089 patients were included in the analysis. Pooled analysis showed that dexamethasone combined with other antiemetics provided significantly better prophylaxis than single antiemetics in the early period [odds ratio (OR): 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21–0.55, p

Role of laparoscopy and ultrasound in the management of “impalpable testis” in children

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:28:00 +0200

Undescended testes is one of the most common congenital abnormalities in boys. In cases of impalpable testes, ultrasound is often used to find the testis, which frequently provides false-negative results. Recently, laparoscopy has become popular in the management of impalpable testes. Retrospective study of all children with impalpable testes presenting for laparoscopy between August 2007 and July 2011 who had undergone ultrasound examinations without localizing the testes was conducted and the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing impalpable testes was evaluated. Twenty-three patients presented with impalpable testes for laparoscopy. All patients underwent ultrasound examinations in which the testes could not be identified. Of the 23 patients, Five patients were found to have palpable testes in the superficial inguinal pouch under anesthesia and proceeded to conventional open exploration during which the testes were brought into the scrotum. Eighteen patients were found to have impalpable testes in an evaluation under anesthesia (EUA) and proceeded to laparoscopy. Twelve patients were found to have intra-abdominal testes and underwent laparoscopic-assisted orchidopexy. Three patients underwent a two-stage Fowler-Stephens procedure, and two patients with “vanishing” testes with the vas and atrophic vessels entering a closed internal ring proceeded to open exploration and orchidectomy for atrophic testes. In addition, a teenager with atrophic testes underwent laparoscopic orchidectomy. Laparoscopy is superior to ultrasound in the management of impalpable testes when high-resolution ultrasound is not available during the diagnostic process, with respect to both the sensitivity of localizing the testis and being more time and cost effective.

Glued versus stapled anastomosis of the colon: An experimental study to determine comparative resistance to intraluminal pressure

Scipedia content — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:27:53 +0200

This study compared the resistance of glued versus stapled anastomosis of the colon to intraluminal pressures at different times during healing. Forty seven female domestic pigs, mean weight of 30.7 kg, were used. Maximum physiological luminal pressures, i.e. the pressure resisted by a catheter inserted into the intestinal lumen via a puncture without it being released and without injury to the surrounding intestinal wall, was performed in 5 control animals. The remaining 42 animals were divided into 3 groups of 14 animals each based on time from anastomosis construction. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups with stapled or glued anastomoses. Intraluminal pressure was measured on the first, third, and fifth day post-surgery. The maximum pressures resisted by anastomoses were significantly higher than the physiological pressures in all groups. At all time points, stapled anastomoses resisted higher intraluminal pressures than glued ones. However, glued anastomoses resisted pressures significantly higher than physiological pressure. As healing advanced, glued anastomoses neared the resistance to intraluminal pressures of stapled anastomoses. Healing with absorbable synthetic glue was as good as with staples. Glued anastomoses resisted pressures that were statistically significantly higher than physiological intraluminal colon pressures but lower than stapled ones.