bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Palpable Breast Masses: Ultrasound-Guided Large Core Biopsy in a Multidisciplinary Setting
Authors: Vargas Hernan I. , Vargas M. Perla , Gonzalez Katherine D. , Venegas Rose , Canet Martha , Burla Melissa , Eldrageely Kamal , Khalkhali Iraj
Published: November 2022

Cytologic diagnosis of palpable breast masses is an accepted method for diagnosis. However, the high nondiagnostic rate causes repeat biopsy, unnecessary delays, and increased costs. Our purpose is to evaluate the use of ultrasound (US)-guided large-core needle biopsy as part of the minimally invasive multidisciplinary diagnosis of palpable breast masses. We studied 502 consecutive patients with 510 palpable solid breast masses seen and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. Patients had US-guided core biopsy. Clinical–imaging–pathologic correlation (CIPC) was done in all cases. Core biopsy was deemed conclusive if CIPC was congruent and was used to guide definitive management. The median age of our patients was 39 years. Median tumor size was 2.2 cm. Of these cases, 463 (91%) had a conclusive diagnosis on CIPC. Core needle findings on 47 masses were nondefinitive to guide therapy (fibroepithelial lesion, atypical ductal hyperplasia, intraductal papilloma, CIPC). Three cancers were detected in this group on excisional biopsy. In conclusion, US-guided large-core needle biopsy is a sensitive method for diagnosis of palpable breast masses. Multidisciplinary correlation of clinical findings, imaging, and pathology is essential for success. This approach improves use of operating room resources and maximizes patient participation in the decision-making process.
Laparoscopic Gastrojejunostomy for Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kazanjian Kevork K. , Reber Howard A. , Hines Oscar J.
Published: November 2022

Up to 20 per cent of patients with pancreatic cancer develop gastric outlet obstruction. Traditionally, these patients have been managed with an open gastrojejunostomy. Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy may now be a preferable approach. We conducted a retrospective review of nine patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy in 2001–2004. All nine patients had unresectable pancreatic cancer. There were six men and three women. Median age was 66 years (range 36–87). Two patients had prior laparotomies for attempted resection. Four patients had previously placed duodenal stents that failed. Four others had undergone unsuccessful attempts of duodenal stenting. Median operating time was 116 minutes (range 75–300). There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open procedure. Median time to postoperative oral intake was 4 days (range 3–6), and median postoperative length of stay was 7 days (range 5–18). Eight of our nine patients were palliated successfully using this technique. There were no complications or deaths related to the operation. All patients were discharged from the hospital. Six patients have since died, with a median postoperative survival of 2.5 months (range 1.5–8). Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy provides safe and effective palliation of gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. This approach allows for rapid palliation in a group of patients with a very limited survival.
What Proportion of Patients with an Ostomy (for Diverticulitis) Get Reversed?
Authors: Maggard Melinda A. , Zingmond David , O'Connell Jessica B. , Ko Clifford Y.
Published: November 2022

A common operation for patients with complicated sigmoid diverticulitis is resection and placement of an ostomy (Hartmann procedure). This population-based study examines that proportion of ostomates who undergo reversal. In the California inpatient file, patients admitted for acute diverticulitis in 1995 were identified, including a subset that had surgical resection. Data regarding receipt of ostomy were obtained (4-year follow-up). Demographics and clinical data (procedure, ostomy reversal, time to reversal, comorbidity score, and complications) were collected. In 1995, 11,582 admissions for diverticulitis occurred in California. Of these, 24.2 per cent (n = 2808) underwent surgery at admission; 88.9 per cent were sigmoid/left colectomies; and 41.7 per cent had a Hartmann procedure. Patients with ostomies were older ( P = 0.0004) and male ( P = 0.03). Median comobidity score was the same for patients with or without an ostomy. Of the 1176 patients who had the Hartmann procedure, 65 per cent underwent reversal (mean 143 days). A larger proportion of men than women had their ostomies reversed (74.5% vs 55.9%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Median comorbidity scores for both groups were low, 0 for those reversed and 1 for nonreversed. Our study shows that although the majority of patients had their ostomies reversed, over 35 per cent did not at 4-year follow-up. Further studies are required to evaluate how this rate may be improved.
Underuse of Wide Excision for Primary Cutaneous Melanoma in the United States
Authors: Haigh Philip I. , Urbach David R.
Published: November 2022

Three randomized trials support wide excision (WEX) for primary cutaneous melanoma. The objective was to evaluate WEX use for melanoma in the United States. Patients with localized melanoma were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database between 1988 and 1997. Associations between predictor variables and WEX compared to biopsy alone were evaluated using logistic regression. Of 8,268 patients identified, 74.9 per cent had WEX, whereas 25.1 per cent had biopsy alone. WEX use peaked in 1990 at 81.6 per cent and was lowest in 1995 at 69.8 per cent. Overall, WEX use decreased over time. WEX use was independently associated with Breslow thickness (odds ratio [OR] per 1-mm depth of invasion 1.4, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 1.5), and was inversely related to patient age (OR per 10 years of age 0.93; 95% CI 0.90, 0.96). As compared with the time period 1988 to 1990, WEX use declined during 1991 to 1993 (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60–0.83) and from 1994 to 1997 (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.57–0.75). Many patients with localized melanoma undergo biopsy alone without a WEX. Use of WEX is associated with thicker melanomas and younger patients. Use of WEX has decreased over time, despite results from three randomized trials supporting its use.
Use of Yttriurn-90 TheraSphere for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Michael D. , Uaje Michelle B. , Al-Ghazi Muthana S. , Fields Denise , Herman June , Kuo Jeffrey V. , Milne Norah , Nguyen Thong H. , Ramsinghani Nilam S. , Tokita Kenneth M. , Tsai Fong Y. , Vajgrt Duane J. , Imagawa David K.
Published: November 2022

This is a retrospective analysis of a new treatment modality, intra-arterial administration of Yttrium-90 TheraSphere, for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with HCC not amenable to surgical treatment who had satisfactory physiological function without comorbid disease or significant pulmonary shunting were eligible for treatment. Patients were categorized into complete, partial, or no response based on serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and CT or MRI imaging. Fourteen patients were considered candidates for treatment. Three patients were excluded due to significant hepatopulmonary shunting. Eleven patients were treated with TheraSphere. One patient (9%) had a complete response, eight patients (78%) had a partial response, and two patients (18%) showed no response. Partial and complete responders with AFP-associated HCC demonstrated a median decrease in AFP levels of 79 per cent at 73 days. No patients developed liver toxicity nor died due to treatment. Five patients (45%) died of progressive disease at a median of 7 months post-treatment. Six patients (54%) were alive at a median of 11 months (range, 9 to 20 months). Okuda stage 2 and 3 patients showed a median survival of 11 months and 7 months, respectively. Yttrium-90 TheraSphere treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is well tolerated and appears to extend survival.
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in Patients ≤50 Years Old: Delayed Diagnosis and Advanced Disease at Presentation
Authors: Portale G. , Peters J.H. , Hsieh C.C. , Tamhankar A.P. , Almogy G. , Hagen J.A. , Demeester S.R. , Bremner C.G. , Demeester T.R.
Published: November 2022

During the past decade, we encountered an increasing number of young patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is not clear whether young patients have more aggressive course and worse prognosis. Our aim was to compare clinicopathological characteristics/treatment results of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who were ≤50 and >50 years of age. We studied 263 consecutive patients with resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma: 32 (12.1%) were ≤50 years old. Dysphagia was present in 69 per cent of patients ≤50 years old and in 48 per cent of older patients ( P = 0.019). The median duration of dysphagia was 3.5 months in younger patients compared to 2 months in patients >50 years ( P < 0.0001). Seven of 22 (31.8%) young and three of 108 (2.8%) older patients with dysphagia reported dysphagia for ≥6 months ( P < 0.0001). Fifty per cent of younger patients were stage HI/IV and >70 per cent were node positive ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.02 vs patients >50 years, respectively). Five-year survival was 32.6 per cent for <50 years and 45.5 per cent for >50 years. More than 10 per cent of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients undergoing surgery are now ≤50 years of age. They usually present with dysphagia, are symptomatic for a longer time before diagnosis, and have more advanced disease compared to older patients. With appropriate aggressive treatment, survival is similar. Liberal use of endoscopy and aggressive diagnostic approach are paramount in young patients with dysphagia/symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Laparoscopically Assisted Total Gastrectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy for Early Gastric Cancer: Preliminary Results
Authors: Tanaka Kouji , Tonouchi Hitoshi , Kobayashi Minako , Konishi Naomi , Ohmori Yukinari , Mohri Yasuhiko , Kusunoki Masato
Published: November 2022

This study sought to describe a procedure involving laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) with sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and to evaluate the results of the first three patients. LATG for early gastric cancer was performed with sentinel node (SN) identification using a combined patent blue-violet dye and 99mtechnetium-labeled tin colloid technique. Laparoscopically resected SNs were processed for frozen section examination by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical cytokeratin (IHC-CK) stains. LATG consists of a four-surgical port technique, removal of the specimen through a small 5-cm laparotomy, and stapled Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. Five patients were candidates for LATG with SNB between March 2001 and June 2003; two had open surgery because of a tumor extending the serosal surface and peritoneal dissemination, whereas in the remaining three, SNs were successfully identified and evaluated with no evidence of sentinel node (micro) metastases intraoperatively. Based on the results of SNB, three patients underwent LATG with adequate lymphadenectomy. Mean operative time and blood loss were 375 min and 219 mL, respectively. No dissected lymph nodes had evidence of metastasis by H&E and IHC-CK on permanent sections. LATG with SNB followed by adequate lymphadenectomy is technically feasible, and with its acceptable operative time and blood loss, presents an excellent therapeutic option for early gastric cancer; while SNB and subsequent frozen section analysis by H&E and IHC-CK staining is a rapid and reliable diagnostic method for intraoperative detection of SN (micro) metastasis. This combination treatment is a promising alternative to laparoscopic gastrectomy with conventional lymphadenectomy.
Radio-Frequency Tissue Ablation in Liver Trauma: An Experimental Study
Authors: Felekouras Evangelos , Kontos Michael , Pissanou Theodora , Drakos Elias , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Papalois Apostolos , Bramis John , Diamantis Theodoros , Georgopoulos Sotirios , Nikolaos Nikiteas , Sigala Frangiska , Papalambros Efstathios , Pappas Paris , Bastounis Elias
Published: November 2022

The liver is the most frequently injured intra-abdominal organ. Radio-frequency tissue ablation (RFA) with cooled tip electrodes is here experimentally used for the treatment of liver trauma. A grade III and a grade III to IV trauma each were produced in the livers of 10 domestic pigs. RFA was applied around the sites of injury until hemostasis was achieved. The animals were sacrificed at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days and examined. The livers were subjected to histologic and radiologic examination. Two similar traumas were created in the livers of two more animals and were left surgically untreated as a control group. The two untreated animals died immediately postoperatively, proving the severity of the injuries. Hemostasis was achieved in all treated animals. Mortality and morbidity were zero. No blood, pus, bile, or other fluid was found in the abdomen at sacrifice. A three-zone pattern of lesion was recognized around the electrode placement at histology. RFA is an efficient and safe hemostatic method for grade HI and grade III to IV hepatic trauma. Further studies are required for its use in humans.
Endovascular Treatment as a Bridge to Successful Surgical Revascularization for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Biebl Matthias , Oldenburg W. Andrew , Paz-Fumagalli Ricardo , Mckinney J. Mark , Hakaim Albert G.
Published: November 2022

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) can be treated with surgical revascularization or with angioplasty and stenting. As experience has been gained, endovascular treatment appears safe and effective in selected patients. Currently, surgical revascularization has better success and patency rates but also a higher short- and midterm mortality and morbidity, especially in patients at high surgical risk. A 72-year-old female with severe respiratory dysfunction presented with CMI resulting in profound malnutrition. Serial percutaneous interventions averted urgent surgery and reversed the mesenteric ischemia. Nine months later, after repeated angioplasty and stenting had failed, elective uncomplicated iliomesenteric bypass, in a medically optimized patient, resolved the ischemia. At an 18-month follow-up, the graft remained widely patent and the patient asymptomatic with a body weight corresponding to her ideal body weight. Compared to surgical revascularization, reocclusion or restenosis occurs more frequently after endovascular treatment of CMI, and reintervention may be necessary. Nevertheless, percutaneous intervention effectively provides relief from mesenteric ischemia and has lower perioperative complication rates compared to surgery in patients at high surgical risk. After initial relief of the CMI, the patient's condition may improve, allowing for more definitive secondary surgical revascularization, if needed.
Duodenal Ulceration into the Cystic Artery with Resultant Massive Hemorrhage
Authors: Britt Rebecca C. , Collins Jay N. , Cole Frederic J. , Weireter Leonard J. , Britt L.D.
Published: November 2022

Anterior duodenal ulceration with erosion into the cystic artery is an extremely rare source of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Interventions that have previously been reported include open exploration with cholecystectomy, open exploration while leaving the gallbladder in situ, and angiographic management. We report a case of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to duodenal ulcer penetration of the cystic artery and discuss potential management strategies.
Occult Breast Carcinoma Presenting as an Axillary Mass
Authors: Scoggins Charles R. , Vitola Joao V. , Sandler Martin P. , Atkinson James B. , Frexes-Steed Maria
Published: November 2022

Breast carcinoma presents rarely (<5% of cases) as an axillary mass without an obvious primary tumor. The value of mammography in detecting an occult breast carcinoma is low, with a sensitivity of 29 per cent and specificity of 73 per cent. MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) are potentially more sensitive in this setting. We present a case recently seen at the Vanderbilt University Hospital, a 63-year-old woman with a 2-cm painless mass in the right axilla. Mammography was negative, and fine needle aspiration revealed atypical cells suspicious for malignancy. An excisional biopsy of the right axillary lymph node revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma, most likely breast primary. A PET showed increased uptake of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose and 99m Technetium in the right axilla and the right lateral breast. The patient underwent right modified radical mastectomy. The final pathological report revealed a 0.9-cm primary tumor in the upper inner quadrant of the breast and 1 of 41 nodes positive for tumor. This case confirms that mammography has low sensitivity in identifying the primary tumor in occult breast carcinoma and illustrates the usefulness of PET in identifying the primary tumor. We advocate an aggressive approach to evaluation of the breast in women presenting with metastatic adenocarcinoma in the axillary nodes. This evaluation should include clinical examination and mammography in all cases, and PET and MRI in selected cases. PET and MRI may be particularly useful when considering a breast-conserving surgical procedure.
Intestinal Mucosal Injury in Critically Ill Surgical Patients Preliminary Observations
Authors: Gollin Gerald , Zieg Paul M. , Cohn Stephen M. , Lieberman Joshua M. , Marks William H.
Published: November 2022

This was a prospective study designed to evaluate the extent to which intestinal mucosal compromise occurs in adult critical care patients with and without systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and to correlate the degree of intestinal injury with outcome. Ten patients from a university hospital surgical intensive care unit were identified who manifested SIRS at the time of admission to the intensive care unit. Five other critical care patients without SIRS were also evaluated. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was determined. Intestinal mucosal viability was assessed by serial measurement of serum and urine iFABP intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP), a sensitive and specific marker for mucosal injury. Outcome in terms of the development of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and survival was determined. iFABP was detectable in the serum or urine in 8 out of 10 patients with SIRS. Among the 4 patients with detectable serum iFABP, 2 died and 1 developed severe adult respiratory distress syndrome. Nine of 11 patients without detectable serum iFABP recovered without major morbidity. iFABP was detectable in most patients with SIRS, suggesting that subclinical intestinal mucosal compromise is a frequent component of this syndrome. When iFABP was detectable, particularly in the serum, the prognosis was poor, even in the absence of SIRS, indicating that iFABP may be a relevant and independent predictor of outcome in critical care patients.
Lymphocyte Subset Analysis for the Diagnosis of Rejection and Infection in Recipients of Liver Transplants
Authors: Jindal R. M. , Greer Gerald , Popescu Irinel , Sidner R. A.
Published: November 2022

We retrospectively investigated the predictive value of lymphocyte subset changes in the peripheral blood of 37 consecutive liver transplant recipients for rejection and infection, both bacterial and cytomegalovirus, during a period of 2 years. Total lymphocyte count correlated with biopsy-proven rejection. There was moderate elevation of CD16+ count during the course of bacterial infection.
Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis Caused by a Gastric Duplication Communicating with an Aberrant Pancreas
Authors: Whiddon David R. , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Broderick Timothy J. , Mills A. Scott , Turner Mary Ann , Zfass Alvin M. , Sugerman Harvey J.
Published: November 2022

A 24-year-old female patient who had suffered from recurrent bouts of acute pancreatitis for over 3 years was found on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to have an aberrant pancreatic duct that terminated in a cyst. An aberrant lobe of pancreas had been discovered at exploratory laparotomy 3 years previously and was left untreated. Excision of the aberrant lobe of pancreas and accompanying gastric duplication cyst was curative. This case illustrates the importance of obtaining endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in all young individuals with recurrent pancreatitis to detect this rare, but curable, cause of pancreatitis.
Preferred Route of Tracheostomy—Percutaneous versus Open at the Bedside: A Randomized, Prospective Study in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Porter John M. , Ivatury Rao R.
Published: November 2022

Percutaneous tracheostomy has been touted as the preferred route of tracheostomy. However, to date, no prospective randomized study comparing bedside percutaneous (BP) to bedside open (BO) tracheostomy has been performed. Surgical intensive care unit (sICU) patients were randomized to receive either a BP or a BO tracheostomy. Patients were monitored for complications. Procedure time was documented. A group of medical ICU patients had open tracheostomies in the operating room (OR) and served as contemporaneous controls. Over 11 months, there were 24 surgical ICU patients randomized to receive either BP tracheostomy or BO tracheostomy, 12 in each group. Forty-six medical ICU patients received standard open tracheostomy in the OR. The number of ventilator days before placing the tracheostomy was similar between the BP and BO groups, 9.8 and 12.4, respectively. The clinical indications for tracheostomy were similar between the two groups. The procedure time for the BP group was 14.5 minutes, whereas 25.2 minutes for the BO group. There were no postprocedure complications in the BP and BO groups. There was a trend toward more complications in the BP group, including the loss of the airway, leading to death. The procedure time and complications were similar between the BO and OR groups. These data do not support that BP tracheostomy is the preferred route of tracheostomy when compared with BO tracheostomy. These data support that experienced surgical intensivists can perform BO tracheostomies with lower risk and cost, when compared with BP tracheostomy.
Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Lower Extremity in Pregnancy: A Challenging Dilemma
Authors: Aburahma Ali F. , Boland James P.
Published: November 2022

This study reviews our experience in the management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity during pregnancy and analyzes the outcome of various treatment alternatives, including conventional full-dose heparin therapy and Greenfield filter insertion. Twenty-four patients treated over an 8-year period were reviewed. Fifteen patients were treated with conventional full-dose intravenous heparin therapy for 5 to 10 days, followed by subcutaneous low-dose heparin until labor, and continued for 6 weeks postpartum (Group A); Eleven patients had Greenfield filters inserted, followed by the same low-dose subcutaneous heparin regimen (Group B). There were 18 femoral or iliofemoral, 5 femoropopliteal, and 1 popliteal and below-knee DVT. The indications for Greenfield filter insertion included two patients in Group A (one with pulmonary embolism, despite adequate heparin therapy, and one with significant bleeding). Nine other patients had prophylactic indications: two for free-floating iliofemoral DVT, three with iliofemoral DVT (occurring just 1–2 weeks before labor), and four with femoropopliteal DVT. There were three immediate major complications (pulmonary embolism, bleeding, or death) in Group A; two with pulmonary embolism, one of which was fatal, and one with significant bleeding (3 of 15 patients; 20%). No major complications occurred in Group B. On long-term follow-up (mean, 61 months), 4 of 12 patients (33%) in Group A had significant leg swelling, with partial resolution of DVT in 2 patients and venous occlusion in 2 patients by duplex ultrasound. This is in contrast to 3 of 11 patients (27%) in Group B with significant leg swelling. There was no fetal morbidity or mortality in either group. Conventional full-dose heparin therapy for DVT of the lower extremity in pregnancy can carry significant morbidity and mortality. Greenfield filters may be used safely in some of these patients.
Central Nervous System Metabolic and Physiologic Effects of Laparoscopy
Authors: Moncure Michael , Salem Raja , Moncure Kimberly , Testaiuti Mark , Marburger Robert , Ye Xiaodan , Brathwaite Collin , Ross Steven E.
Published: November 2022

We set out to determine whether the increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) associated with CO2 insufflation had any metabolic effect on the central nervous system in a head injury when compared with gasless laparoscopy (GL). To test this hypothesis, we looked at both the ICP and jugular bulb venous saturation (JVS), with and without a coexisting cerebral mass lesion. Twenty-five kilogram male pigs had tracheostomy, epidural balloon, pulmonary arterial catheter, arterial line, and jugular bulb catheter placed. Intravenous Pentobarbital was used for anesthesia. Either CO2 laparoscopy (CL; n = 7) or GL (n = 7) were performed both with and without an epidural balloon inflated to a baseline ICP of 25. Data were analyzed using the Student's t test with a P value <0.05 being significant. Cerebral perfusion pressure and most hemodynamic values did not differ. Both central venous pressure and peak inspiratory pressure were significantly elevated whenever CO2 insufflation took place, reflecting an increased intrathoracic pressure. When comparing both study groups, the partial pressure of CO2 did not differ. CL increases ICP significantly above the gasless group in our head injury model. This is most likely secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure. The question still remains whether these changes are clinically significant. We could not demonstrate significant metabolic effects secondary to laparoscopy. In patients suffering head injury, GL rather than CL might be safer to avoid ICP elevation. Additional studies looking at central nervous system metabolic and objective histopathologic effects should be undertaken with larger numbers of study animals.
Anterior-Retroperitoneal Living Donor Nephrectomy: Technique and Outcomes
Authors: Jones Kenneth W. , Peters Thomas G. , Walker George W.
Published: November 2022

Of 133 consecutive renal transplants, 61 (46%) were living donor grafts recovered in an anterior-retroperitoneal approach. Donor demographics, operative-anesthetic care, length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and complications were reviewed with donor and recipient follow-up of 4 to 40 months. Donors included 35 women and 26 men, ages 22 to 61 years (mean, 42.2); thirty-nine were living related and 22 were living unrelated donors. Pretransplant evaluation defined renal anatomy and function (minimal creatinine clearance, 75 cc/minute). Hospital admission occurred the morning of donation. Nephrectomy by the anterior-retroperitoneal approach (no rib resection) was followed by postoperative epidural pain control, early resumption of diet, progressive ambulation, and aggressive pulmonary care. Operating room time door-to-door averaged 2 hours, 43 minutes (range, 1 hour, 45 minutes-3 hours, 55 minutes). Donors were hospitalized for 2 (n = 7), 3 (n = 24), 4 (n = 19), and 5 to 8 (n = 11) days (mean LOS, 3.75; range, 2–8 days). The mean charge for donor hospitalization was $15,329 (range, $10,808–$29,579). One donor required transfusion; another was readmitted for wound drainage and pneumonia treated medically. All donors remain well with normal renal function. One early graft loss (3 days) occurred from arterial intimal dissection; all others gained life-sustaining function. Recipient (98%) and graft (92%) survival was excellent at 4 to 40 months. Anterior-retroperitoneal living donor nephrectomy is safe and effective, permitting hospital LOS of usually <4 days, early recovery, and no lasting complications. Excellent donor and recipient results from this procedure should compel critical assessment of techniques requiring more extensive operative exposure or more costly operating room and hospital approaches to donor surgical management.
The Occult Pneumothorax: An Increasing Diagnostic Entity in Trauma
Authors: Hill Stephen L. , Edmisten Timothy , Holtzman Golde , Wright Andi
Published: November 2022

The increasing use of CT for the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma has diagnosed undetected pneumothoraces in many patients. We performed a retrospective study at a major trauma center to determine the incidence of occult pneumothorax in the trauma patient. All trauma patients (3121) admitted to a Level I trauma center over a 51-month period were reviewed to determine the incidence of pneumothorax and occult pneumothorax, the method of diagnosis, and treatment. All major trauma patients received a chest X-ray (CXR), whereas 842 patients (27%) underwent an abdominal CT scan. In the 172 patients diagnosed with pneumothorax, 157 abdominal CT scans were performed and 143 were positive for pneumothorax. CXR revealed 49 right-sided pneumothoraces and 58 left-sided pneumothoraces in 95 patients. Abdominal CT scans diagnosed 73 right pneumothoraces and 90 left pneumothoraces in 143 patients. There were 67 patients (71 thoraces) who were seen to have a pneumothorax on abdominal CT scan not seen on admission CXR. This represents 2.2 per cent of all trauma patients and 7.9 per cent of patients with abdominal CT scans. In looking at just trauma patients with pneumothorax, the CT scan was responsible for diagnosing 39 per cent of the patients with a pneumothorax. The occult pneumothorax is being diagnosed more frequently as methods of evaluating and diagnosing trauma patients become more sensitive.
Laparoscopic Management of Mesenteric Cyst
Authors: Vu Jonathan-Hien , Thomas Eric L. , Spencer David D.
Published: November 2022

Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal tumors. Most are found during laparotomy for other reasons. The symptoms are often vague and minimal. CT of the abdomen gives the most information and is the diagnostic method of choice. The preferred treatment for mesenteric cysts is complete resection at laparotomy. However, the advancement of minimal-access surgery has allowed laparoscopic excision as a safe and advantageous approach with minimal morbidity and shorter hospital stay and recovery time for the patient.
Right-Sided Colonic Diverticular Disease as a Source of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Bok-Yan So Jimmy , Kok Kenneth , Ngoi Sing-Shiang
Published: November 2022

Right-sided colonic diverticular disease is a distinct disease entity uncommon in the West. Occasionally, the condition may be complicated by hemorrhage and present as lower gastrointestinal bleeding. We report a series of 25 cases of bleeding right colon diverticulosis and discuss its presentation and management. Patients were selected from the colonoscopic reports of all 190 patients presented with suspected acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in National University Hospital, Singapore, from 1988 to 1994. Fifty-seven patients (30%) had bleeding diverticulosis in which 25 patients (44%) suffered from right-sided disease. Sixty-four per cent of patients had a history of hypertension. Patients presented with either fresh blood in stools or melena. Fifteen patients (60%) required blood transfusion (median, 2 units). Colonoscopy showed blood clots in the right colon in 15 cases (60%) and active bleeding from the right colon diverticula in 3 patients (12%). The bleeding stopped spontaneously in 16 patients (64%). The other 9 patients required surgery because of continuous or recurrent bleeding. All had a right hemicolectomy performed. The hospital stay was 13 days in this group, compared with 5 days for those undergoing conservative treatment (P = 0.0004). There were no deaths. No patients had further bleeding episodes during a median 7-month follow-up.
Atlanto-Occipital Subluxation/Dislocation: A “Survivable” Injury in Children
Authors: Shamoun John M. , Riddick Leroy , Powell Randall W.
Published: November 2022

Atlanto-occipital dislocation occurs more often in children due to the laxity of the ligamentous structures anchoring the occiput to the axial skeleton. The mechanism of action usually involves a sudden acceleration-deceleration force on the head of the child. The dislocation usually severs the spinal cord at the foramen magnum, resulting in acute respiratory arrest. We have managed four patients who sustained this injury and arrived at our trauma center with signs of life. Two patients were hemodynamically unstable, had positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage, and underwent splenectomy. Both patients had obvious separation of the occiput and C1 on lateral cervical spine films. Both remained very unstable and died soon after celiotomy. The other two patients were stabilized, and both met criteria for brain death; one family agreed to organ donation. A 5-year analysis revealed 57 pediatric deaths, with 10 patients sustaining atlanto-occipital dislocations (17.5%). Nine of 10 patients sustained other injuries, but in only 2 patients were the injuries immediately life-threatening. With continued improvement in emergency medical systems and pediatric trauma care, we can expect to see more pediatric patients with this injury arriving in trauma centers with signs of life. In our experience, 50 per cent of patients may meet organ donor criteria, and our incidence of this injury (17.5%) reveals atlanto-occipital dislocation as a major contributor to pediatric trauma mortality.
Severe Anal Ulceration Secondary to Histoplasma Capsulatum in a Patient with HIV Disease
Authors: Winburn Ginger B. , Yeh Karen A.
Published: November 2022

Severe fungal infections have become increasingly common in the immunocompromised patient, including those infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Histoplasma capsulatum occurs in about five per cent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients in the endemic areas of the Mississippi and Ohio River Valley. Immunocompromised patients who present with severe ulceration and suppuration of the anus require exam under anesthesia and thorough laboratory evaluation for opportunistic infections. Thus, surgeons play a critical role in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. A case of infiltrating H. capsulatum of the anus is presented, including the natural history, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Limited Utility of Preoperative Studies in Preparation for Colostomy Closure
Authors: Pokorny Richard M. , Heniford Todd , Allen Jeffrey W. , Tuckson Wayne B. , Galandiuk Susan
Published: November 2022

Numerous diagnostic and therapeutic practices are used in an attempt to reduce the morbidity of colostomy closures. Our principal aim was to evaluate the role of preoperative studies, specifically barium enemas and endoscopic examinations, performed before colostomy closures. Additionally, we wished to identify other practices involved in the perioperative management of patients undergoing colostomy closure that influenced morbidity. The records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent elective colostomy closure at University of Louisville Hospital between January 1989 and July 1995 were reviewed. Wound infection was the most common complication (12%). Various bowel preparations were equivalent in efficacy and did not influence the complication rate. Intermittent wound irrigation with antibiotics for 3 days postoperatively, via subcutaneous drains, was associated with a low incidence of incision infection. Preoperative barium enema or sigmoidoscopy were often performed but rarely useful. Performing these examinations merely increased hospital cost without a corresponding decline in morbidity.
Palliative Surgery for Far-Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Study on 305 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Doglietto Giovanni Battista , Pacelli Fabio , Caprino Paola , Alfieri Sergio , Carriero Concetta , Malerba Marina , Crucitti Francesco
Published: November 2022

Few reports of the Western countries have investigated the value of palliative surgery for stomach cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of palliative surgery in a large series of patients affected by gastric carcinoma, consecutively treated by the same surgical team. The hospital records of 305 patients affected by gastric cancer who did not undergo surgical treatment or who underwent a palliative surgical procedure at our unit between 1981 and 1995 were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to calculate the 5-year survival probabilities with respect to the following variables: demographic data, tumor location and gross appearance, spread of the disease, histological type according to P. Lauren, and type of treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that resectional surgery and tumor spread limited to local sites were independently associated with better survival. The study indicates that even though there are host-related factors that govern survival in far-advanced stomach cancer, the type of surgery can have a significant effect on prognosis; resectional surgery should be undertaken whenever possible in such patients.
Does the Length of the Interposed Segment in the Henley Procedure Influence Duodenogastric Reflux? An Experimental Study
Authors: Vianna Raul Andrade , Andrade José Ivan , Ceneviva Reginaldo , Rosa Celina Santaela
Published: November 2022

This study assesses duodenogastric reflux (DGR) using 99mTechnetium-diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid in unoperated dogs and in dogs 28 days after a Billroth II gastrectomy and 28 days after the Henley procedure. Fourteen mongrel dogs were divided randomly into two groups of seven each, according to the length of the interposed jejunal segment used (Group A 10 cm; Group B, 20 cm). All dogs were subjected to a Billroth II gastrectomy, followed by the Henley procedure 30 days later. In Group A, DGR was significantly lower in the preoperative period (median, 0.0%; range, 0.0–0.02%) than after gastrectomy (median, 0.13%; range, 0.08–0.70%) and the Henley procedure (median, 0.12%; range, 0.06–0.22%), but did not differ significantly after gastrectomy and jejunal interposition. In Group B, DGR was significantly higher after gastrectomy (median, 0.15%; range, 0.10–0.64%) than in the preoperative period (median, 0.00%; range, 0.00–0.09%) or than after the Henley procedure (median, 0.00%; range, 0.00–0.7%). DGR did not differ significantly between the preoperative period and after Henley procedure. After jejunal interposition, DGR was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B. The Henley procedure is effective in preventing DGR when the interposed segment is 20 cm in length.
Wound Management in Perforated Appendicitis
Authors: Lemieur Timothy P. , Rodriguez Jorge L. , Jacobs Donald M. , Bennett Mary Ellen , West Michael A.
Published: November 2022

Open wound management after perforated appendicitis was common practice but, recently, primary closure has been advocated to reduce costs and morbidity. Hospital records from 319 adults who underwent appendectomy from 1993 to 1996 were reviewed to identify surgical wound infections (SWIs) and examine risk factors. Information about age, length of stay (LOS), operative time, white blood cell count, and antibiotic administration were obtained. Perforation was either noted at operation or identified microscopically by the pathologist. If primary wound closure was performed, patients with acute appendicitis and perforation had a 4-fold higher readmission rate, a 5-fold increase in SWI, and twice the LOS compared with patients with acute appendicitis without perforation. Patients with grossly perforated acute appendicitis had no difference in LOS if the wound was treated open or closed primarily. No patient with microscopic perforation and primary wound closure developed SWI. Primary wound closure after acute appendicitis was safe in the absence of clinical perforation. In the presence of clinical appendiceal perforation the wound should be left open.
Penetrating Cardiac Injuries
Authors: Mittal Vijay , Mcaleese Paul , Young Shun , Cohen Max
Published: November 2022

Our objective was to determine the influence of several clinical factors on the survival of patients with penetrating wounds to the heart. A retrospective review of 80 consecutive penetrating cardiac injuries treated in a Level II urban trauma center from 1980 through 1994 were examined. Thirty-six patients (45%) had gunshot wounds (including 1 shotgun wound), and 44 (55%) had stab wounds. Intervention consisted of emergency room (ER) or operating room thoracotomy. We measured the effect of several clinical factors on morbidity and patient survival. Survival rate was 17 of 36 (47%) in gunshot injuries and 35 of 44 (80%) in stab injuries, with an overall survival rate of 52 of 80 patients (65%). The average age was 24 years (range, 9–53), and there were 3 female patients. Twelve patients (15%) had multiple cardiac injuries, and 63 (79%) had other associated injuries. Fourteen patients (17%) presented with no blood pressure, and 55 (69%) were hypotensive on admission. ER thoracotomy was performed on 7 of 52 survivors (13%) and 24 of 28 nonsurvivors (86%). Survival after ER thoracotomy was 7 of 31 patients (22%). A selective approach is recommended, because ER thoracotomy has a limited role in penetrating cardiac injury. A high index of suspicion, prompt resuscitation, and immediate definitive surgical management resulted in a high survival rate for these frequently lethal injuries.
Spontaneous Esophageal Rupture: A Frequently Missed Diagnosis
Authors: Lemke Thomas , Jagminas Liudvikas
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic features of spontaneous esophageal rupture and compare them with those traditionally applied in making this diagnosis. A retrospective 15-year chart review was performed on all cases listing esophageal rupture as a diagnosis. Only those cases diagnosed by contrast studies or direct visual confirmation were included. Facets of the history, physical examination, laboratory results, and X-ray procedures were examined and compared with the “classic” presentation of this diagnosis as noted in current medical texts. Fourteen cases of confirmed esophageal rupture were found. Only a small minority of cases presented in a fashion resembling a classic case. Esophageal rupture was the admitting diagnosis in 29 per cent of the cases. Laboratory values associated with esophageal rupture included elevated white blood cell count and hypoxia. The chest X-ray was abnormal in all but one patient, with findings of pneumothorax and/or pleural effusion in the majority. We conclude that reliance on classic findings will lead to misdiagnosis in the vast majority of cases presenting to the Emergency Department. Conversely, toxic appearance, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, elevated white blood cell count, azotemia, and hypoxia are all positively associated with this disease. In toxic-appearing patients with pleural effusions and/or pneumothoraces, spontaneous esophageal rupture should be considered.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer: The Role of Previous Biopsy on Patient Eligibility
Authors: Miner Thomas J. , Shriver Craig D. , Jaques David P. , Maniscalco-Theberge Mary E. , Krag David N.
Published: November 2022

Several reports have demonstrated the accurate prediction of axillary nodal status with radiolocalization and selective resection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with breast cancer (BC). Because of concerns over lymphatic disruption, several authors have proposed that prior excisional breast biopsy is a contraindication for SLN biopsy. Clear unfiltered 99mtechnetium-sulfur colloid (1.0 mCi) was injected around the perimeter of the breast lesion (palpable and nonpalpable) or prior biopsy site. Resection of the radiolocalized SLN was then performed. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed immediately after SLN biopsy in the first 57 patients. Eighty-two BC patients underwent SLN biopsy. The SLN was localized in 98 per cent (80 of 82). The type of previously performed diagnostic biopsy or the location of the primary lesion did not influence the ability to localize the sentinel lymph node. In the 57 patients who had axillary lymph node dissection, metastatic disease was identified in 23 per cent (13 of 57). Axillary nodal status was accurately predicted in 98 per cent (56 of 57). Early experience with radiolocalization and selective resection of SLN in BC remains promising. By demonstrating the effective localization of the SLN regardless of the extent of prior biopsy, these data support expanding the number of patients potentially eligible for SLN biopsy.
Sentinel Node Biopsy and Cytokeratin Staining for the Accurate Staging of 478 Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Pendas Solange , Dauway Emilia , Cox Charles E. , Giuliano Rosemary , Ku Ni Ni , Schreiber Robert H. , Reintgen Douglas S.
Published: November 2022

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is an effective and accurate method of sampling the axillary nodal basin for metastatic disease. The SLN is the first node to receive afferent lymphatic drainage from the primary tumor. Lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy have allowed pathologists to perform a more detailed examination of the SLN(s) and, therefore, provide more accurate staging of the regional lymphatic basin. Recently, more sensitive assays have been developed to increase the detection rate of micrometastatic to the axillary lymph nodes. Cytokeratin (CK) immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of the SLN detects micrometastatic disease, which is frequently missed on routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histology. Therefore, lymphatic mapping combined with CK IHC staining of the SLN provides more accurate staging of the regional lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. At Moffitt Cancer Center, 478 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping using a combination of vital blue dye and technetium-labeled sulfur colloid. The excised SLNs were examined grossly, by intraoperative imprint cytology, by standard H&E histology, and by IHC stains for CK. SLNs that were only CK positive were confirmed malignant by sectioning the block, staining with H&E and finding cells with malignant cytology. Lymphatic mapping and CK IHC staining of the SLNs was successfully performed in 478 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Twenty-eight patients had unsuccessful lymphatic mapping for an overall failure rate of 5.5 per cent. A total of 134 (28%) patients had positive nodes (N1) detected. Ninety-three of these patients had both H&E and CK-positive lymph nodes, and an additional 41 patients had only CK-positive SLN(s). A total of 385 patients had H&E-negative SLNs, but only 344 patients had negative SLN(s) defined as both H&E and CK negative. Therefore, 41 (10.6%) of the 385 H&E-negative patients were upstaged, because of the detection of malignant cells by cytokeratin IHC staining of the SLN. Microstaging of SLNs with CK has shifted 10.6 per cent of our patient population from stage I to stage II disease. Undetected micrometastatic disease to the regional lymph nodes may account for the significant proportion of stage I breast cancer treatment failures. Furthermore, the ability to accurately stage the axilla by using lymphatic mapping techniques, SLN biopsy, and more sensitive assays may help identify a subgroup of truly node-negative patients with invasive breast cancer who can avoid the morbidity associated with a complete axillary dissection or systemic chemotherapy. Finally, those patients found to have micrometastatic disease to the regional lymph nodes can be treated appropriately in a more selective fashion.