bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of body water compartments after ligation of the common bile duct in the rabbit
Authors: Martinez-Ródenas F , Oms L M , Carculla X , Segura M , Sancho J J , Piera C , Fernández-Espina M R , Sitges-Serra A
Published: March 2007

To elucidate the pathogenesis of renal insufficiency associated with obstructive jaundice we have studied spontaneous water intake and body water compartments in rabbits undergoing common bile duct ligation. Total body water, extracellular water and plasma volume were measured by multi-isotope dilution technique. During the initial 6 postoperative days spontaneous water intake was 898 ml in sham operated animals (SO) but only 280 ml in jaundiced rabbits (OJ6) (P<0.01). Creatinine clearance was almost unchanged in SO but fell to 60 per cent of the preoperative values both in OJ6 and in paired-drink sham operated animals (SO2). There was a 15 per cent decrease in total body water (P<0.01) and a 24 per cent decrease in extracellular water (P<0.01) 6 days after bile duct ligation. There was a further reduction of the extracellular water to 35 per cent and a 15 per cent reduction of plasma volume 12 days after ligation. Water restriction mimicked the alterations in body composition produced by bile duct ligation. We conclude that bile duct ligation is associated with hypodypsia and a depletion of extracellular water and plasma volume. These alterations could explain the tendency to develop hypotension and renal failure which are associated with obstructive jaundice.
Debridement and closed cavity irrigation for the treatment of pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Larvin M , Chalmers A G , Robinson P J , McMahon M J
Published: March 2007

Pancreatic and peripancreatic debridement combined with a closed cavity system of drainage was used to manage necrotic sequelae of severe acute pancreatitis in 14 patients. Intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography, or latterly incremental dynamic computed tomographic angiography, accurately detected and localized necrotic tissue. Operation was delayed where possible to permit demarcation of the necrotic area and the development of a ‘capsule’ of inflammatory tissue. A retrocolic route of access to the necrotic area was used in nine cases, and purpose-made silicone elastomer tubes with an outside diameter of 20 mm were positioned so that drainage was assisted by gravity when the patient was supine. The cavity was irrigated with saline (initially 2 litres daily), and in the last seven patients Trasylol® was included in the irrigation fluid (5 × 106 kallidinogenase inactivator (KI) units/litre) for the first postoperative week. Three elderly patients died (mean age 72 years) but all patients aged less than 68 years survived. Planned reoperation was carried out in two patients, but further reoperations were not required in the remaining 11. Drainage tubes were removed when contrast studies showed the cavity to be small and superficial; the median duration of drainage was 28 days. Although sinograms demonstrated fistulae between cavity and small bowel (n = 4) or small bowel and colon (n = 2), no clinical problems resulted and all closed spontaneously. Closed drainage may be as effective as techniques of marsupialization, but avoids the need for frequent relaparotomy.
Continuous single-layer gastrointestinal anastomosis: A prospective audit
Authors: Sarin S , Lightwood R G
Published: March 2007

Single-layer bowel anastomoses have conventionally been constructed using an interrupted suture technique. A single-layer continuous technique has been avoided on the grounds that it may predispose to ischaemia of the bowel ends. We have routinely used a single-layer continuous suture technique with an absorbable suture material (polyglycolic acid) to construct all recent intraperitoneal bowel anastomoses, and we present a 3-year audit of this technique. A total of 131 patients were studied of whom 66 had undergone upper gastrointestinal resections and 65 had had colonic resections. Twenty-two patients had emergency operations. Anastomotic failure was noted in 4.5 and 6.2 percent of patients in each group respectively. The incidence of minor wound infection was 1.5 and 7.7 per cent respectively. The overall mortality rate was 8.4 per cent. This study suggests that a single-layer continuous suture technique gives acceptably reliable results when used in gastrointestinal anastomosis.
Use of a bioprosthesis to relieve tension in oesophageal anastomosis: An experimental study
Authors: Carachi R , Azmy A , Gorham S , Reid J , French D A
Published: March 2007

Collagen-coated Vicryl® mesh was assessed as a prosthetic repair material in the oesophagus of growing piglets. In a group of six piglets (group A), a full thickness defect was created in the oesophagus without fully transecting the organ. The removed tissue was subsequently replaced with a patch of collagen-coated Vicryl mesh. Animals were killed at 4 weeks and in the five surviving piglets the prosthesis had been replaced by host scar tissue with a normal epithelial lining. Two further groups of six piglets (groups B and C) were used as controls. In group B the oesophagus was either partly transected (four animals) or completely transected (two animals) and an anastomosis was performed, whereas in group C a 2.5-cm length of oesophagus was removed so that the anastomosis was performed under tension. In group B, all six piglets survived, whereas in group C, where the anastomosis was performed under tension, only two piglets survived. Microscopic and macroscopic examination of all groups showed that the collagen-coated Vicryl prosthesis was replaced by scar tissue; moderate stenosis was observed in only one animal in group A. Collagen-coated Vicryl mesh may be used either to reinforce an anastomosis performed under tension or may find use in tubular form to bridge the gap between the two ends of the oesophagus to be joined. It is envisaged that such a material may find applications in the treatment of oesophageal atresia.
Leucine kinetics in surgical patients I: A study of the effect of surgical ‘stress’
Authors: Harrison R A , Lewin M R , Halliday D , Clark C G
Published: March 2007

At present there is no consensus about the effect of surgical and accidental trauma on protein metabolism. Leucine kinetics, an index of protein turnover, have been studied in ten patients before intra-abdominal surgery and on either the third (n = 5) or seventh (n = 5) postoperative day. Only small changes in leucine kinetics were noted in the early postoperative study but, by the seventh day, there was evidence of increased synthesis as part of an overall elevation of turnover rates. It is suggested that the previously expressed opinion that protein synthesis is reduced after surgery must be re-examined.
Leucine kinetics in surgical patients II: A study of the effect of malignant disease and tumour burden
Authors: Harrison R A , Lewin M R , Halliday D , Clark C G
Published: March 2007

Isotope studies of protein turnover have given conflicting evidence about the effects of a malignant tumour on the protein metabolism of the host. Leucine kinetics have been studied, as an index of protein turnover, using a well established methodology. Twenty patients were studied, five with benign disease of the colon, ten with localized malignant tumours of the large bowel, and five in whom there was evidence of metastatic disease from a colonic primary. No effect was observed on the leucine turnover of the patients that might be attributable to the presence or size of the tumour burden. It is suggested that some of the previously conflicting results may be attributable to variability in the experimental design, the heterogeneous patient groups studied and the methods used to express the results obtained.
Salvage surgery for advanced local recurrence of breast cancer
Authors: Flook D , Webster D J T , Hughes L E , Mansel R W
Published: March 2007

The development of myocutaneous flaps and other reconstructive procedures has made it possible to offer surgical palliation to many patients with advanced local recurrence of breast cancer who previously would have been regarded as untreatable. We present the results of excision of such recurrences in 42 patients treated from 1982 to 1986 after non-surgical measures had failed. Good palliation was achieved in all of the patients with acceptable morbidity. There was one death. Further local recurrences developed in 12 (29percent) patients, though none was painful or offensive. Thirteen patients remain alive and free from local disease; 17 patients remained free from local disease until they died.
Acute ischaemia of the upper limb compared with acute lower limb ischaemia; a 5-year review
Authors: Stonebridge P A , Ciason A E , Duncan A J , Nolan B , Jenkins A Mcl , Ruckley C V
Published: March 2007

A series of 61 patients with acute upper limb ischaemia treated over a 5-year period is analysed and compared with patients presenting with acute lower limb ischaemia during the same period. The mean age was 74 years with a female to male ratio of 2.2:1. Eighty-two per cent were treated by operation. Three patients died and no survivors required a major or minor limb amputation, in contrast to a 5 per cent major limb amputation rate in patients with acute lower limb ischaemia. Mortality for upper limb ischaemia was 5 per cent compared with a 30 per cent mortality rate in patients with acute lower limb ischaemia in whom cardiopulmonary debility (New York Heart Association score 3–4) was significantly greater.
Extended role for needle biopsy in the management of carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Baildam A D , Turnbull L , Howell A , Barnes D M , Sellwood R A
Published: March 2007

Treatment choice in primary breast cancer is wide and still controversial; it seems likely that the optimum treatment for individual patients could be dictated by biological indicators of tumour behaviour. If biopsy could provide prognostic information as well as detailed tissue diagnosis then definitive treatment, with or without adjuvant systemic therapy, could be planned from the outset. We studied 140 patients with a clinical diagnosis of primary breast cancer to determine how much information could be obtained from Tru-Cut® needle biopsies performed at the first clinic visit. Ten patients were found to have benign disease. Of 130 carcinomas, 123 (95 per cent sensitivity) were diagnosed correctly from the needle biopsies, with seven false negative and no false positive results (100 per cent specificity). Precise histopathology was predicted in 121 (93 per cent). Grade was correctly assessed in 77 of 112 (69 per cent), but needle biopsy was not accurate for assessment of lymphatic invasion nor elastosis. Steroid hormone receptors were assayed in 59 needle biopsies, and the incidence of oestrogen receptor positivity (34, 58 per cent) was similar to the resected tumours (35, 59 per cent), but the incidence of progesterone receptor positivity (26, 44 per cent) was lower (33, 56 per cent, P < 0·04). Immunostaining with monoclonal antibody human milk fat globule membrane was accurate in the needle biopsies. DNA analysis by flow cytometry was performed in 37 tumours and the concordance between needle biopsies and resected samples was high. Tru-Cut needle biopsy obviates open biopsy and gives reliable detailed information.
Omental transposition in the treatment of locally advanced and recurrent breast cancer
Authors: Williams R J L , Fryatt I J C , Abbott W C , White H
Published: March 2007

An analysis was carried out of 43 patients treated by omental transposition for locoregional problems associated with breast cancer. Indications for surgery included advanced primary tumour (five), locally recurrent tumour (32), radiation induced sarcoma (two), and radionecrosis (four). Tumours were typically extensive (mean diameter 7·2 cm) and skin ulceration affected 30 patients. Other treatment modalities had been exhausted. Surgical excision followed by reconstruction using transposed omentum resulted in worthwhile local control and symptom relief in 31 patients (median duration 22 months). Chest wall disease rapidly recurred peripheral to the omental graft in 12 patients. On multiple regression analysis, duration of local control was significantly related to tumour diameter, ulceration, and earlier radioresistance (hazard ratios 15·8, 3·8 and 14·8 respectively). Survival (median 21, range from 1·5 to 122 months) correlated with tumour size, previous chemotherapy, and early re-recurrence (hazard ratios 7·2, 3·0 and 4·3). Omental transfer is a reliable method of restoring epithelial cover after radical surgery and is particularly useful after previous irradiation injury. In advanced and recurrent breast cancer, an aggressive surgical approach significantly improved the quality of life of most patients, but careful case selection is required to avoid inappropriate surgery for irremediable tumours.
Graft occlusion following aortofemoral bypass for peripheral ischaemia
Authors: Naylor A R , Ah-See A K , Engeset J
Published: March 2007

Over a 10-year period, 241 patients with non-aneurysmal aortoiliac disease underwent aortofemoral bypass to 476 limbs. Four patients (1·7 per cent) occluded their grafts within 30 days of surgery, while 25 (10·4 per cent) suffered late graft occlusion. Postoperative occlusions were associated with significant morbidity and only one patient avoided major limb amputation or death. Overall, 46 episodes of graft thrombosis involving 51 graft limbs were encountered, the most common underlying cause being pre-existing or progressive multilevel distal occlusive disease. The overall cumulative graft patency rates were 95 and 87 per cent at 1 and 5 years respectively. Cumulative 5-year patency was significantly higher in patients presenting with claudication (91 per cent) than in patients presenting with rest pain (77 per cent) or ulceration and/or gangrene (71 per cent). Patients with evidence of multilevel distal occlusive disease at the time of aortic surgery had a significantly higher incidence of occlusion compared with those in whom there was no significant distal disease. In 35 episodes of occlusion (76 per cent), surgery was undertaken to restore limb blood flow, being successful in all but one case, with the most commonly performed procedure being graft limb thrombectomy. Seven of 28 patients (25 per cent) ultimately required major limb amputation and three patients died as a direct consequence of graft thrombosis.
Role of venous elasticity in the development of varicose veins
Authors: Clarke H , Smith S R G , Vasdekis S N , Hobbs J T , Nicolaides A N
Published: March 2007

A reduction in the ‘elasticity’ of the venous system has been proposed as a precursor of venous insufficiency, but the concept remains controversial. This study was designed to develop a method of assessing venous elasticity, and to use this method to investigate the aetiology of varicose veins. Simultaneous measurements of calf volume (determined using strain gauge plethysmography) and venous pressure (obtained via a dorsal foot vein) were made during venous occlusion plethysmography. The elastic modulus, K, defined as stress/strain when the veins are full, was calculated from the pressure/volume relationship. The elastic modulus was determined in 19 normal legs, 33 legs with superficial venous insufficiency, 16 legs with deep venous insufficiency, and 18 legs of a high risk group of volunteers or patients without varicose veins but with a strong history of factors associated with their development. The results showed a clear difference in elasticity between normal limbs and limbs with varicose veins, and also between normal limbs and high risk limbs. These results support the hypothesis that reduced elasticity has a role in the development of varicose veins and precedes the onset of valvular incompetence.
Lower limb vein trauma: A long-term clinical and physiological assessment
Authors: Aitken R J , Matley P J , Immelman E J
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term clinical and physiological sequelae of lower limb venous trauma in a civilian practice. Twenty-six patients who had undergone surgery for lower limb venous trauma (median elapsed time 19·5 months) underwent assessment. Injuries had been sustained to the external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral and popliteal veins in two, four, nine and eleven limbs respectively. Using clinical assessment, photoplethysmography recovery time, the presence of popliteal reflux and venographic evidence of thrombosis, the final outcome was graded as good, fair or poor. Fourteen patients had pedal oedema, including two with a postphlebitic limb. The overall photoplethysmography recovery time (mean and s.d.) was 20·6 (8·7)s in the injured and 32·1 (6·7)s in the non-injured limbs (P = 0·002). Patients with a venographically occluded vein had a shorter photoplethysmography recovery time than those in whom the vein was patent (13·4 (5·6) versus 21·6 (8·7)s; P = 0·07). Popliteal reflux was present in 12 injured limbs. Seven of 12 venograms performed on limbs with a vein repair had evidence of previous thrombosis. Vein ligation carried considerable morbidity and all end-to-end anastomoses initially failed. In retrospect, saphenous vein grafts were too narrow for the recipient veins and panel grafts might have been more appropriate. Overall 11 of 26 patients (42 per cent) had a poor result. The repair of choice is a saphenous vein patch for lesser injuries and a saphenous panel graft for major injuries. Vein ligation should be avoided unless another life-threatening injury demands priority.
Ultrasonographic screening of the abdominal aorta among siblings of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Bengtsson H , Norrgård Ö , Ängquist K A , Ekberg O , Öberg L , Bergqvist D
Published: March 2007

To evaluate the prevalence of abdominal aortic dilatations among asymptomatic brothers and sisters of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), an ultrasonographic screening study was performed. One hundred and two siblings of patients operated on for AAAs at two Swedish hospitals were invited to attend, and 87 of them (35 men and 52 women) from 32 different families, accepted the invitation. Their median age was 63 years (range 39–82 years). Aortic dilatation was diagnosed in ten of the brothers (29 per cent) and three of the sisters (6 per cent). In ten cases (eight men and two women) there was a localized dilatation caudal to the coeliac axis, and in three a general dilatation of the abdominal aorta with the diameter at the coeliac axis > 29 mm. None of the aortic dilatations had been known before this study was performed. The conclusion is that the prevalence of asymptomatic aortic dilatations among brothers of patients with AAAs seems to be high and that this group should be selected for further screening studies.
Acute ischaemia of the lower limb: The effect of centralizing vascular surgical services on morbidity and mortality
Authors: Clason A E , Stonebridge P A , Duncan A J , Nolan B , Jenkins A McL , Ruckley C V
Published: March 2007

Surgical audit data for two 5-year periods (1974–78 and 1983–87) have been compared in a Health Board Area to assess the impact of centralization of emergency vascular services on the treatment of the acutely ischaemic lower limb. Patient populations in each period were comparable. Mortality rates remained constant in both periods at approximately 30 per cent. A significant improvement in overall limb salvage was observed (from 54 to 67 per cent, P < 0·05). Limb salvage in survivors was improved from 80 to 95 per cent (P < 0·001) and was paralleled by an increase in the number of reconstructive vascular procedures performed. We concluded that the centralization of emergency vascular services has not led to a reduced risk of mortality but has been associated with improved limb salvage.
Anal and ileal pouch manometric measurements before ileostomy closure are related to functional outcome after ileal pouch—anal anastomosis
Authors: Scott N A , Pemberton J H , Barkel D C , Wolff B G
Published: March 2007

Anal canal length, anal canal resting and squeeze pressures, ileal pouch capacity and pouch compliance were measured in 104 patients after ileal pouch—anal anastomosis but before ileostomy closure. The intention was to determine if such parameters were associated with late functional outcome after re-establishment of intestinal continuity. Functional outcome in terms of stool frequency (day and night), incontinence (day and night), perianal pad use, perianal skin irritation, and the use of constipating agents was assessed for all 104 patients 1 year or more (median 438 days) after ileostomy closure. A low mean anal sphincter resting pressure before ileostomy closure was associated with subsequent nocturnal incontinence (P < 0·05) and, to a lesser extent, the need to use constipating agents (P = 0·08). Pouch compliance if low before ileostomy closure was associated with an increased frequency of nocturnal stool frequency after 1 year (P < 0·05). Anal canal length, anal sphincter squeeze pressure and pouch capacity before ileostomy closure were not related to subsequent functional outcome in these patients.
External and internal anal sphincter responses to rectal distension in normal subjects and in patients with idiopathic faecal incontinence
Authors: Bannister J J , Read N W , Donnelly T C , Sun W M
Published: March 2007

The responses of the external anal sphincter and the internal anal sphincter to rectal distension were studied in 18 female patients who had idiopathic faecal incontinence with perineal descent and 11 female control subjects, by measuring pressures at six sites within the anal canal and the electrical activity of the external sphincter. The pressure profile in the normal anal canal, at rest, was asymmetric with the highest pressure recorded in the outermost channels. Rectal distension caused a transient increase in the activity of the external sphincter, which was associated with an increase in anal pressure, particularly in the outermost two channels. This was followed by a symmetrical reduction in anal pressure throughout the anal canal, caused by relaxation of the internal sphincter and shortening of the high-pressure zone. Two patterns of response were observed in the patients with idiopathic incontinence. Twelve patients (group 1) showed normal anal relaxation, but the maximum anal pressures recorded during rectal distension or a conscious squeeze were abnormally low, suggesting weakness of the external anal sphincter. The remaining six subjects (group 2), who were older than the group 1 patients, had much lower resting pressures and showed only external sphincter contraction in response to rectal distension, with no obvious internal sphincter relaxation. However, the maximum pressures recorded during a conscious contraction of the external sphincter were lower in this group than in the normal control subjects. These results suggest that group 2 patients have impaired internal anal sphincter tone, as well as external anal sphincter weakness. This may explain why all except one of the group 2 patients, compared with only 17 per cent of group 1 patients, reported incontinence to both solids and liquids.
Ileitis and pouchitis after colectomy for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Scott A D , Phillips R K S
Published: March 2007

Ileitis can occur after surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis. Following continent ileostomy or restorative proctocolectomy ileitis can become a serious clinical problem and is then known as pouchitis although this condition is yet to be clearly defined. It is likely that pouchitis is the result of an abnormal host response to a change in bacterial flora and that the nature of this host response is related to the underlying pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Continued study of the immunological basis of ulcerative colitis is therefore required to solve the problem of pouchitis.
Follow-up of two treatment modalities for ductal cancer in situ of the breast
Authors: Arnesson L-G , Smeds S , Fagerberg G , Gröntoft O
Published: March 2007

In a mammography screening programme for the early detection of breast cancer 66 cases of ductal cancer in situ of the breast (DCIS) were diagnosed between 1978 and 1984 and prospectively followed up. In the beginning of the study period, DCIS was treated by mastectomy without axillary clearance but sector resection has been performed increasingly. Since 1982 the latter procedure has become standard treatment. Radical resection was confirmed by specimen X-ray and histopathological examination of whole organ sections. No postoperative radiotherapy was given. Twenty-eight women had mastectomy and 38 had sector resection. The median. follow-up times were 77 and 60 months respectively. In the mastectomy group postoperative monitoring did not reveal any local recurrence but one contralateral new invasive cancer was discovered. In the sector resection group five recurrences were found. Three of the latter were new cases of DCIS and two appeared as small invasive cancers (stage I). Mastectomy will cure ductal cancer in situ but has a greater morbidity. Sector resection has been established as the method of choice in stage I invasive cancer and is probably also safe in DCIS. The possible beneficial effect of postoperative local radiotherapy after sector resection for DCIS is currently being analysed in a randomized trial which started in Sweden in 1987.
High-output external fistulae of the small bowel: Management with continuous enteral nutrition
Authors: Lévy E , Frileux P , Cugnenc P H , Honiger J , Ollivier J M , Parc R
Published: March 2007

Three hundred and thirty-five patients with high-output enterocutaneous fistulae arising from the small intestine are reported. Median fistula output was 1350 ml/24 h. Eighty-two per cent of patients were referred from other institutions. The fistula opening was associated with evisceration in 165 cases (49 per cent). One or more severity factors were present in 75.5 per cent of the patients. Patients were divided into three groups according to their initial therapy: 21 patients (6 per cent) referred in a moribund state were not operated on (non-intervention); 80 patients (24 per cent) were operated on as an emergency, and the fistula was either exteriorized or defunctioned; 234 patients (70 per cent) were initially managed conservatively. Appropriate local care and nutrition were provided in all cases. Enteral nutrition was the exclusive nutritional support in 285 patients (85 per cent). In 92 cases with proximal fistulae, methods limiting the fistula output or allowing reinfusion of chyme were required. The overall mortality rate was 34 per cent: 100 per cent in the non-intervention group, 55 per cent after emergency surgery, and 19 per cent after conservative treatment. In the latter group, spontaneous closure was obtained in 88 patients (38 per cent). Overall mortality rate was reduced to 19 per cent in patients treated since 1980. Enteral nutrition with appropriate local care may be used in the majority of high-output enterocutaneous fistulae, with an acceptable rate of spontaneous closure. Conservative management is the treatment of choice in the initial period. Emergency surgery should be restricted to the treatment of haemorrhage or intra-abdominal abscesses associated with uncontrolled systemic sepsis.
Colon interposition in children
Authors: Mitchell I M , Goh D W , Roberts K D , Abrams L D
Published: March 2007

Since 1960 we have performed 80 colonic interpositions on 79 children. We present a retrospective review of their progress. Sixty-nine interpositions were for long-gap oesophageal atresia, while the remainder followed oesophagectomies, eight for strictures and two others. Overall, the transthoracic route was used in 69 per cent of cases, while 29 per cent were retrosternally placed and one was retropleural. The mean follow-up was 11.08 years. The mortality rate was 12 per cent, with one-third of deaths unrelated to the operation. Graft failure, which occurred on eight occasions (10 per cent), was due to ischaemia in four, intractable stricture in two and stomal ulceration in two. Leakage from the proximal anastomosis occurred in 31 per cent of cases and stricture formation in 27 per cent. Thirty per cent of patients complained of acid reflux, of whom one-third developed stomal ulceration. We present data concerning other complications, including long-term recurrent respiratory infections, malabsorption, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction and redundancy of the graft. Staging the procedure did not affect the outcome, however the higher incidence of serious complications encountered following retrosternal interposition finally led us to abandon this procedure in favour of the transthoracic route. There has been little improvement in the growth rate, but in terms of swallowing ability the outcome was satisfactory in 94 per cent of cases.
Umbilical sepsis
Authors: Sroujieh A S , Dawoud A
Published: March 2007

Pilonidal sinus of the umbilicus is rarely reported, and there are only 17 reported cases. On reviewing the records from Jordan University Hospital, 24 patients who were treated surgically for a discharging umbilical sinus were found. Three patients had known causes for their umbilical sepsis, namely stitch sinus, urachal remnant and an umbilical polyp. Of the remaining 21 patients, seven had clinical and pathological evidence of hair in their umbilicus. Most of our patients were young men who presented with discharge, soreness or pain, swelling, and cellulitis. Treatment by umbilical excision, leaving the skin defect to heal by secondary intention, proved satisfactory. The resultant scar resembles a normal umbilicus.
Surgical significance of the bile duct of Luschka
Authors: McQuillan T , Manolas S G , Hayman J A , Kune G A
Published: March 2007

In 20 post-mortem dissections, the subvesical bile duct of Luschka was noted in six specimens. Microscopic examination of ten other post-mortem gallbladders revealed small bile ducts on the gallbladder surface in five. Four cases of injury to the duct of Luschka during cholecystectomy are described and illustrated with cholangiographic and histological evidence. Post-cholecystectomy bile leaks from the drain tube, which closed spontaneously without sequelae, were noted in 9 per cent of 204 randomly selected cases and were regarded, at least in some, as being caused by a divided duct of Luschka. The practical significance of this duct during cholecystectomy is to keep close to the gallbladder wall during removal of the gallbladder, and to ligate a divided bile duct of Luschka if recognized at surgery.
Serum phospholipase A2 activity in acute pancreatitis: An early guide to severity
Authors: Bird N C , Goodman A J , Johnson A G
Published: March 2007

Daily measurements of serum phospholipase A2 activity were carried out on 73 consecutive patients admitted to hospital with acute pancreatitis. During the first 6 days there were significant differences in activity in those patients predicted as severe by multiple prognostic criteria when compared with those with mild disease. Follow-up studies at 6 weeks showed no difference between those graded as mild and those graded as severe at the time of attack. In the patients with elevated activity, nine had this at the time of admission and all were raised within 24 h. Elevated activity correlated well with the clinical outcome and showed good agreement with the multiple prognostic criteria in the prediction of severe disease. It is suggested that measurement of serum phospholipase A2 activity may provide a simple test for the early identification of most patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
Operative mortality following surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Canivet J-L , Damas P , Desaive C , Lamy M
Published: March 2007

From 1973 to 1986 at the Baviere Hospital, University of Liège. 476 patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancers. The overall operative mortality rate was 13·4 per cent. The following postoperative life-threatening complications occurred: myocardial infarction (14 per cent of the postoperative deaths) during the first three postoperative days; bronchopneumonia (27 per cent of the postoperative deaths) mainly during the first postoperative week; pulmonary embolism (17 per cent of the postoperative deaths) mainly during the second postoperative week; anastomotic leakage and cerebrovascular accident (14 and 8 per cent of the postoperative deaths respectively) mainly during the third and fourth postoperative weeks. Specific risk factors were chronic obstructive airways disease associated with a higher incidence of postoperative bronchopneumonia, and previous myocardial infarction associated with postoperative myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. General risk factors were old age and emergency procedure, both of which were associated with a higher incidence of infectious complications. The operative mortality rate fell from 20·1 per cent in the 1973–79 period to 7·8 per cent in the 1980–86 period.
Idiopathic constipation associated with impaired urethrovesical and sacral reflex function
Authors: Kerrigan D D , Lucas M G , Sun W M , Donnelly T C , Read N W
Published: March 2007

Sixteen chronically constipated women (age range 20–66 years) and 29 healthy control subjects (age range 22–53 years) underwent neurophysiological assessment of the integrity of pelvic spinal reflexes. The results were compared with videourodynamic studies and multiport anorectal manometry combined with external anal sphincter electromyography. The neurophysiological assessment consisted of electrical stimulation of the dorsogenital nerve, while recording any evoked reflex activity in the external anal and urethral sphincters with concentric needle and surface electrodes. Of these constipated women, 75 per cent had absence of one or more evoked sacral reflexes (compared with 20 per cent of healthy controls, P < 0·05). Sensory thresholds and motor unit potentials in the external anal sphincter were similar in healthy and constipated women. Nine (56 per cent) constipated women displayed urodynamic abnormalities (increased bladder capacity, acontractile bladder and genuine stress incontinence). Only 38 per cent of constipated women perceived a desire to defaecate during rectal distension with up to 100 ml, compared with 95 per cent of normal subjects (P < 0·0005). Moreover, 73 per cent of constipated women did not relax the external anal sphincter during defaecation, compared with 12 per cent of controls (P = 0·001). Taking into account the possible significance of our data in relation to previous findings it is suggested that the integration of sensory information within the sacral cord may be impaired in chronic idiopathic constipation.
Effect of anterior resection on anal sphincter function
Authors: Horgan P G , O'Connell P R , Shinkwin C A , Kirwan W O
Published: March 2007

Minor difficulties with continence may occur after low anterior resection. Intraoperative injury to the internal anal sphincter or its nerve supply may contribute to this. To study the effect of low anterior resection on the anal sphincter mechanism, anal manometry was performed on 20 patients before and 10 days after resection. Fifteen patients were studied again 6 months after operation. Resting, maximum squeeze and squeeze increment pressures were recorded. Intraoperative manometry (n = 11) and presacral nerve stimulation (n = 6) were performed to determine whether peroperative injury to the internal anal sphincter had occurred. Resting and maximum squeeze anal canal pressures were reduced by low anterior resection, and did not recover. The squeeze pressure increment did not change. Division of the inferior mesenteric artery, full mobilization of the rectum and mesorectum, and rectal transection did not affect resting anal pressure, which was reduced after EEA® anastomosis (mean (s.e.m.) before, 40(5) mmHg; after, 27(4) mmHg; P < 0.05, n = 5). Presacral nerve stimulation produced relaxation of the internal sphincter. Anal sphincter pressures are reduced after low anterior resection. The external anal sphincter and the nerve supply to the internal anal sphincter appear intact. A direct injury to the internal sphincter is postulated.
Fatty tumours of the large intestine: A clinicopathological review of 13 cases
Authors: Ryan J , Martin J E , Pollock D J
Published: March 2007

Thirteen cases of benign fatty tumours of the colon have been reviewed. There were ten instances of submucosal lipoma, two of which were multiple, and three of lipohyperplasia of the ileocaecal valve. Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding were the commonest symptoms. Barium enema and angiography were misleading, the former in confusing polypoid lipomas and protruberant ileocaecal valves with carcinoma, the latter in misinterpreting fatty tissue vasculature as angiodysplasia in three patients. Most lesions were in the right side of the colon, and many were treated by limited colectomy as if for carcinoma or angiodysplasia. No patient has died as a result of their disease. Awareness of the possibility of colonic lipomas and knowledge of the normal ileocaecal valve anatomy are of importance to radiologists and endoscopists, particularly now that angiography is localizing the smaller fatty lesions.
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch for the repair of large abdominal wall defects
Authors: van der Lei B , Bleichrodt R P , Simmermacher R K J , van Schilfgaarde R
Published: March 2007

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) was used to repair 11 large abdominal wall defects in ten patients. Three patches were fixed to the adjacent abdominal aponeurosis with a single row of sutures; seven patches were implanted with a 1–2 cm overlap of patch and aponeurosis and a double row of sutures. Recurrent buttonhole hernias were found in two patients, in both of whom a single row of sutures had been used. This reherniation was due to insufficient anchorage of the patch to the fascia. It is concluded that ePTFE is a useful material to repair large abdominal wall defects provided the patch is fixed to the aponeurosis with an overlap and a double row of sutures to prevent buttonhole hernias.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus at one hospital from 1948 to 1984
Authors: Pintor M Pinna , Northover J M A , Nicholls R J
Published: March 2007

Two hundred and twenty-eight patients with anal carcinoma treated between 1948 and 1984 were reviewed. Of 145 with anal canal carcinoma, 118 were treated by total anorectal excision, nine by local excision and 13 by radiotherapy. Fifteen patients were inoperable. There were five postoperative deaths. Crude and cancer-specific survival rates of 123 patients treated 5 or more years previously were 58 and 64 per cent. These rates for patients undergoing total anorectal excision were 62 and 65 per cent, and local excision 87 and 100 per cent. Eighty-three patients had carcinoma of the anal margin. Of these, 55 were treated by local excision, 18 by total anorectal excision and 20 by radiotherapy. Eight patients were inoperable. Crude and cancer-specific survival rates for 72 patients followed for 5 years were 55 and 57 per cent with respective rates of 65 and 69 per cent after local excision and 36 and 40 per cent after total anorectal excision. The 5-year survival rate of 27 patients with TNM N1 stage was 48 per cent. Histological confirmation was obtained in only nine of these patients, however, but five (55 per cent) survived 5 years after block dissection or radiotherapy. Metachronous lymphadenopathy occurred in 25 patients. The 5-year survival rate in the 23 cases that were histologically confirmed was 35 per cent after block dissection (17 cases) and radiotherapy (four cases). Using a modification of Papillon's T classification for anal canal carcinoma, stage correlated with survival after combining T1 with T2 tumours and T2 with T3 tumours. Five-year survival rates in these groups were 60 and 54 per cent respectively. The TN M-UICC classification for anal margin carcinoma correlated with survival in a similar manner. The 5-year survival rate was 65 per cent for patients with T1 and T2 tumours and 33 per cent for those with T3 and T4 tumours.
Chronic intussusception in children
Authors: Reijnen J A M , Festen C , Joosten H J M
Published: March 2007

Nine children presented with intussusception lasting for 14 days or more. Their mean age was 8·5 years. Diagnosis of intussusception was delayed considerably, probably due to an unusual presentation. Compared with acute intussusception, symptoms consist of infrequent attacks of abdominal pain, sporadic vomiting and no, or small, changes in defecation. Marked weight loss and an abdominal mass assume diagnostic significance, in contradiction to bloody stools. Ultra-sonography can be of diagnostic value. An attempt at hydrostatic reduction is often unsuccessful. A high frequency of organic lesions precipitating intussusception warrants early surgical intervention.
Relationship between DNA ploidy and survival in patients with primary breast cancer
Authors: Eskelinen M J , Pajarinen P , Collan Y , Pesonen E , Alhava E , Kettunen K , Nordling S
Published: March 2007

The DNA ploidy of breast cancer tissue from paraffin blocks was measured by flow cytometry in 117 patients whose disease had been detected and treated with surgery between 1974 and 1976. Patients with aneuploid tumours had positive axillary nodes and distant metastases more often than those with diploid tumours. Aneuploid tumours were more common in postmenopausal than premenopausal women. The S-phase fraction (SPF) was significantly higher in aneuploid than in diploid tumours and positive axillary lymph nodes were found in 26 per cent of the patients who had a tumour with a SPF below the median (4·8 per cent) and in 48 per cent of those with tumours with SPF values above the median. At the primary clinical investigation 2 per cent of the patients with diploid tumours and 6 per cent of those with aneuploid tumours had distant metastases. During the follow-up, the proportion of patients with distant metastases increased to 42 and 72 per cent, respectively. With a follow-up of 11·5 years, the DNA aneuploidy of the tumour showed a significant association with decreased survival. Thirty-three per cent of patients with diploid and 65 per cent of patients with aneuploid tumours had died from breast cancer during the follow-up (P < 0·001). All patients with hypertetraploid or multiploid tumours died from breast cancer. High SPF values were associated more closely with distant metastases or death during the follow-up than low SPF values. Our results suggest that DNA ploidy measured by flow cytometry from paraffin embedded tissue blocks of human breast cancer can be used to predict the aggressiveness of the tumour and the survival of the patients.
CA15-3: Its relationship to clinical stage and progression to metastatic disease in breast cancer
Authors: Kerin M J , McAnena O J , O'Malley V P , Grimes H , Given H F
Published: March 2007

There is increasing interest in the potential role of monoclonal antibodies as tumour markers in the early detection of metastatic disease. CA15-3 is a circulating antigen which is relatively specific for breast tissue and defined by two monoclonal antibodies. It is elevated in the serum of patients with breast cancer but its relationship to clinical stage and tumour progression has not been well defined. CA15-3 levels have been measured in a consecutive series of 97 patients with breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and at 3-monthly intervals thereafter. All patients have been evaluated and followed by using routine biochemical and radiological parameters to detect occult metastatic disease. There was no difference between a control group of patients who presented with benign disease (n = 18: mean(s.d.) 18·0(5·1) units/ml): and those who presented with stage I disease (n = 37: 18·4(5·3) units/ml) or stage II disease (n = 21: 18·0(4·0) units/ml). Patients with stage III disease (n = 23: 32·0(10·4) units/ml) had significantly elevated levels of CA15-3 compared with those in stage I (P <0·001). All patients with documented metastatic disease at presentation or at follow-up had markedly elevated CA15-3 levels (n = 10: 155·8(50·2) units/ml). CA15-3 is a reliable tumour marker in patients with advanced disease.
Benign non-traumatic inflammatory strictures of the extrahepatic biliary system
Authors: Standfield N J , Salisbury J R , Howard E R
Published: March 2007

Obstructive jaundice was the presenting feature in 12 patients with benign, non-traumatic strictures of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Ages at presentation ranged from 1·5 to 60 years and 11 were initially referred with diagnoses of malignant strictures. Histological examination, however, showed benign changes of chronic inflammation, with ulceration in seven, which were distinct from those of primary sclerosing cholangitis. All of the patients remain well from 3 to 14 years after surgery. The aetiology of the strictures is not known.
Endoscopic sphincterotomy for bile duct stones in patients with intact gallbladders
Authors: Hansell D T , Millar M A , Murray W R , Gray G R , Gillespie G
Published: March 2007

Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 121 patients (age range 34–92 years; median 80 years) with intact gallbladders and bile duct stones. Clearance of the duct by basket or balloon extraction was attempted in 97 patients (80 per cent) and achieved in 93 of these patients (96 per cent). In 24 patients the duct was left to empty spontaneously and this occurred in 22 patients. Immediate complications due to endoscopic sphincterotomy occurred in five patients (two haemorrhage, two perforation, one haemorrhage and perforation). Of the 101 patients reviewed 12–72 months (median 24 months) after endoscopic sphincterotomy, 76 (75 per cent) have remained asymptomatic throughout the follow-up period. Eighteen patients (18 per cent) required cholecystectomy for recurrent gallbladder symptoms 1–24 months after endoscopic sphincterotomy. One of the asymptomatic patients underwent cholecystectomy on the advice of his consultant. A further seven had recurrent biliary colic or cholangitis necessitating enlargement of the sphincterotomy and further stone retrieval in three of these patients. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is an effective treatment for bile duct stones in high risk patients, but subsequent cholecystectomy is required in a significant number of patients owing to continuing gallbladder symptoms.
Pancreatic duct pressure, duct permeability and acute pancreatitis
Authors: Harvey M H , Wedgwood K R , Austin J A , Reber H A
Published: March 2007

The relationship between pancreatic duct pressure, duct permeability to macromolecules and the development of acute pancreatitis was studied in a cat model. Perfusion of the pancreatic duct with 15 mM glycodeoxycholic acid, ethanol administration, or secretagogue-stimulated pancreatic secretion against > 50 per cent duct obstruction resulted in an increase in peak pancreatic duct pressure in all animals. Duct permeability to 20 000 molecular weight dextran molecules was increased in 22 of 29 experimental animals compared with two of 22 control animals (P <0·01). Perfusion of the pancreatic duct with activated pancreatic enzymes resulted in acute pancreatitis in 24 of 29 experimental animals compared with three of 22 control animals (P <0·01). These results suggest that pancreatic ductal hypertension, resulting in increased ductal permeability to large molecules, may be a common early event in gallstone and alcoholic pancreatitis.