bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concomitant Blunt Enteric Injuries with Injuries of the Liver and Spleen: A Dilemma for Trauma Surgeons
Authors: Kemmeter Paul R. , Hoedema Rebecca E. , Foote James A. , Scholten Donald J.
Published: November 2022

Prompt identification of enteric injuries after blunt trauma remains problematic. With the increased utilization of nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma gastrointestinal disruptions may escape timely detection and repair. The purpose of this study was to evaluate blunt enteric injuries requiring operative repair in adult patients and the association of concomitant hepatic and/or splenic injuries. Over a 10-year period (January 1990 through December 1999) 1648 patients suffered blunt liver, spleen, and/or enteric injuries, with 87 (5.3%) of these requiring operative repairs of the enteric injury. These patients had enteric injury only (EI) (60.9%; 53 of 87), concomitant enteric/splenic injury (ESI) (10.3%; 9 of 87), concomitant enteric/hepatic injury (EHI) (13 8%-12 of 87), and enteric/hepatic/splenic injury (EHSI) 14.9% (13 of 87). A delay in treatment of >8 hours from presentation of EI compared with either EHI or ESI was not significantly different between the two groups. EHSI had exploratory laparotomy more expeditiously related to hemodynamic instability. Mortality rates were higher with EHI related to hemorrhagic shock and/or severe traumatic brain injury. Morbidity was not related to a delay in diagnosis until the period of delay was greater than 24 hours. The nonoperative management of blunt solid organ injury does not delay the detection and treatment of concomitant bowel injuries compared with isolated blunt enteric injuries. Occult enteric injury with solid organ injury has a low incidence and represents a continuing challenge to the clinical acumen of the trauma surgeon.
Infectious Complications following Duodenal and/or Pancreatic Trauma
Authors: Tyburski James G , Dente Christopher J. , Wilson Robert F. , Shanti Christina , Steffes Christopher P. , Carlin Arthur
Published: November 2022

Patients with pancreatic and/or duodenal trauma often have a high incidence of infectious complications. In this study we attempted to find the most important risk factors for these infections. A retrospective review of the records of 167 patients seen over 7 years (1989 through 1996) at an urban Level I trauma center for injury to the duodenum and/or pancreas was performed. Fifty-nine patients (35%) had isolated injury to the duodenum (13 blunt, 46 penetrating), 81 (49%) had isolated pancreatic trauma (18 blunt, 63 penetrating), and 27 (16%) had combined injuries (two blunt, 25 penetrating). The overall mortality rate was 21 per cent and the infectious morbidity rate was 40 per cent. The majority of patients had primary repair and/or drainage as treatment of their injuries. Patients with pancreatic injuries (alone or combined with a duodenal injury) had a much higher infection rate than duodenal injuries. The patients with duodenal injuries had significantly lower penetrating abdominal trauma indices, number of intra-abdominal organ injuries, and incidence of hypothermia. On multivariate analysis independent factors associated with infections included hypothermia and the presence of a pancreatic injury. Although injuries to the pancreas and duodenum often coexist it is the pancreatic injury that contributes most to the infectious morbidity.
A Prospective Study of the Mesh-Plug Hernioplasty
Authors: Millikan Keith W. , Cummings Brice , Doolas Alexander
Published: November 2022

A prospective study of patients with symptomatic inguinal hernias was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of the mesh-plug hernioplasty. Between May 1, 1997 and March 1, 1999 a total of 309 mesh-plug hernioplasties were performed on 283 patients. There were 43 recurrent and 26 bilateral hernioplasties. There were 273 men and 10 women ranging in age from 15 to 94 years (mean 47 years). There were 199 indirect, 104 direct, and six femoral hernias. Mean operative time for primary hernioplasty was 26 minutes (range 20–34) and 35 minutes (range 31–40) for recurrent hernioplasty. All procedures were performed as outpatient surgery with mean recovery room time being 45 minutes (range 25–27) for primary hernioplasty. Two hundred sixty-six patients (94%) returned to normal activities within 3 days. All manual laborers (124 patients) returned to work without restriction on postoperative day 14. Only 43 patients (15%) required prescription pain medication. At one year postoperatively 283 patients (100% follow-up) have been examined and no recurrence has been detected. At 2 years postoperatively 135 patients (100% follow-up) have been examined and no recurrence has been detected. The mesh-plug hernioplasty uses a minimum of medical resources, is associated with a small amount of postoperative pain, and has an early return to normal activities and manual labor without a documented early recurrence in this study.
Twelve-Year Experience with the Thow Long Intestinal Tube: A Means of Preventing Postoperative Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Sprouse L. Richard , Arnold Coleman I. , Thow G. Bruce , Burns R. Phillip
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Thow long intestinal tube (LIT) for prevention of postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) and to compare the Thow tube with other LITs. The charts of all patients who had placement of a Thow tube between January 1986 and November 1998 were reviewed. Thirty-four patients ranging in age from 9 to 86 years (mean 57.9) were included in the study. Twenty-five were contacted by phone for long-term follow-up. Twenty-nine patients had undergone previous abdominal surgery, and in 11 of 29 the previous surgery was for ASBO. Indications for surgery and Thow tube placement included: bowel obstruction (25), perforated viscus (five), carcinomatosis (two), colitis (one), and atonic bowel (one). Review of the operative notes revealed no difficulty in advancing the Thow tube in 32 of 34 patients (94%). Thow tube-related complications occurred in nine patients (25%). All complications were associated with the gastrostomy site, and only one patient required surgery for the complication. Two (5.9%) patients developed recurrent obstruction during a mean follow-up of 52 months. In one patient the obstruction was caused by adhesions and in another it was the result of an intra-abdominal abscess. Of 23 patients treated for ASBO at the time of Thow tube placement no patient (0%) developed recurrent ASBO during the follow-up period (total 110.5 patient-years). This study along with a review of the literature suggests that LITs decrease the risk of recurrent ASBO. The Thow tube, however, is easily placed and is associated with fewer and less severe complications than other LITs.
Transfemoral Extraction of an Intracardiac Bullet Embolus
Authors: Best Irwin M.
Published: November 2022

Missiles may reach the heart via direct penetration of the thoracic cavity or indirectly by means of the venous circulation. Often the hemodynamic stability of the patient dictates the approach that is used not only to retrieve the projectile but also to repair associated life-threatening injuries. The case of a 40-year-old man with an intracardiac missile after a gunshot wound to the right gluteal area is presented along with the transfemoral technique used to recover an intracardiac projectile. This approach may be used instead of thoracotomy for missile extraction in stable patients.
Reliability of Histologic Diagnosis of Breast Cancer with Stereotactic Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy
Authors: Brem Rachel F. , Schoonjans Joelle M. , Sanow Lieba , Gatewood Olga M.B.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of 11-gauge stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (SVAB) for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Percutaneous biopsies of 426 suspicious breast lesions in 365 patients using 11-gauge SVAB were performed between September 1996 and June 1998. Of these biopsies 59 (13.8%) resulted in a diagnosis of breast carcinoma and 56 (95%) were surgically excised. These 56 lesions constitute the basis of this study. Pathology of SVAB and surgically excised tissue of the 56 carcinomas as well as imaging findings were correlated. At percutaneous biopsy 34 (61%) lesions demonstrated ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 22 (39%) invasive carcinomas. Surgical excision demonstrated the presence of an invasive cancer in three lesions percutaneously diagnosed as DCIS (9%; confidence interval 2–24%). No residual carcinoma was surgically demonstrated in seven (12.5%) lesions. Sensitivity of 11-gauge SVAB for the diagnosis of invasion in breast cancer was 88 per cent. Using SVAB the diagnosis of invasive carcinoma is reliable. However, a percutaneous finding of DCIS does not exclude the presence of invasion in 9 per cent of cases as confirmed by subsequent surgery. Using SVAB 12.5% of carcinomas are completely excised.
Histoplasmosis as an Isolated Liver Lesion: Review and Surgical Therapy
Authors: Martin Robert C.G. , Edwards Michael J. , Mcmasters Kelly M.
Published: November 2022

Histoplasmosis is the most common cause of fungal infection in the Ohio River Valley of the United States. Ninety-nine per cent of patients exposed to histoplasmosis develop only subclinical infections. Liver involvement is common in disseminated histoplasmosis, which usually originates in the lungs. There has been only one prior case described in the literature of histoplasmosis presenting as an isolated liver mass. We report a rare case that presented as a solitary right-sided liver lesion invading the diaphragm, with review of the literature for therapy of histoplasmosis of the liver.
Digital Rectal Examination for Trauma: Does Every Patient Need One?
Authors: Porter John M. , Ursic Caesar M.
Published: November 2022

The digital rectal examination is widely accepted as an essential component in the initial assessment of trauma. However, no data have been published that justify its routine use in all seriously injured patients. The objective of this study was to determine what if any impact on subsequent treatment and management decisions the initial digital rectal examination had on injured patients arriving at our emergency department (ED). We conducted a prospective observational study of all injured patients arriving at a Level II trauma center over a period of 6 months. A digital rectal examination was performed on all patients during the secondary survey phase of their initial evaluation shortly after arrival to the ED. The results of the rectal examination were noted for each patient with particular attention placed on the presence or absence of gross blood, Hemoccult result, prostatic examination, rectal vault integrity, and rectal sphincter tone. In addition the patient's hemodynamic parameters while in the ED and the injuries that were sustained were noted, as was their final disposition. Four hundred twenty-three patients were admitted to the ED after sustaining serious injuries. The mean Injury Severity Score was 9.96. The prostatic examination was normal in more than 99 per cent of patients; no high-riding or nonpalpable prostate glands were noted. Twenty-two patients (5.2%) were Hemoccult positive, but in none of these cases did the presence of occult blood in the stool lead to a change in the initial management or diagnostic approach. Three patients (0.7%) with penetrating injuries to the perineal/pelvic area had gross blood on digital rectal examination that prompted operative exploration to rule out a lower gastrointestinal injury. All three had rectal injuries confirmed at surgery. Rectal sphincter tone was normal in 406 (96%) patients, weak in 17 (4%), and absent in none. The only patient in whom the sphincter tone influenced management was an individual complaining of complete paralysis after a blunt mechanism of injury. He had normal rectal sphincter tone and admitted to malingering shortly thereafter. Overall the rectal examination influenced therapeutic decision making in five cases (1.2%). The digital rectal examination is unlikely to affect initial management when applied indiscriminately to all seriously injured patients during the secondary survey. Patients in whom the rectal examination may have a higher probability of influencing management are those with penetrating injuries in proximity to the lower gastrointestinal tract, questionable spinal cord damage, and severe pelvic fractures with potential urethral disruption or open fractures in continuity with the rectal vault. The Hemoccult test does not add useful information and should be discontinued as part of the secondary survey of injured patients.
A Comparison between Topical and Infiltrative Bupivacaine and Intravenous Meperidine for Postoperative Analgesia after Inguinal Herniorrhaphy
Authors: Waechter Fábio Luiz , Sampaio José Artur , Pinto Rinaldo Danesi , ÁLvares-Da-Silva Mário Reis , Pereira-Lima Luiz
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the present study is to compare postoperative analgesia offered by the simple instillation of local anesthetic on the surgical wound, its infiltration with the same local anesthetic, and the use of an intravenous opioid. Sixty patients were divided into the three analgesia groups to be studied: instillation of local anesthetic (Group I), injection of local anesthetic (Group II), and intravenous opioid (Group III). The pain was quantified using the visual analogue scale. It was observed that there was better analgesia in Groups I and II during the first 6 hours postoperatively as compared with Group III ( P < 0.0001). At the end of the 12 hours the three modes of analgesia proved comparable. However, after 24 hours there was better analgesic development in Group I, whereas Group II had greater postoperative morbidity. We conclude that the instillation of local anesthesia provides analgesia during the immediate postoperative period comparable to local infiltration using the same anesthetic. Both regional analgesia methods are more effective analgesics during the first 6 hours than are intravenous opioids. Furthermore the simple instillation of local anesthetic allows better analgesic evolution of the surgical wound after the first 24 hours considering the lower rate of resulting complications.
The Dramatic Presentation of Colonic Lipomata: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Franc-Law Jeffrey M. , Begin Louis R. , Vasilevsky Carol-Ann , Gordon Philip H.
Published: November 2022

Colonic lipoma with a dramatic presentation requiring urgent operation is a rare occurrence. We report two such cases in conjunction with a review of the literature on colonic lipomata. Clinicopathologic features of two patients who required urgent resection were studied. The preoperative diagnosis of colonic lipoma was suggested on imaging study in one case. A MEDLINE search was conducted with a special goal of revealing cases with a dramatic presentation. One patient presented with rectal bleeding and intussusception related to a partially infarcted 4.5-cm submucosal lipoma of the lower descending colon. The second patient presented with intestinal obstruction related to a near-totally infarcted 6-cm submucosal lipoma at the splenic flexure. In both cases a florid reactive vascular and fibro-/myofibroblastic proliferation and associated hyperplastic mucosal pattern were present at the base and edge of the lipoma. Among 275 previously reported cases of colonic lipoma 28 patients had a dramatic presentation with pain and/or rectal bleeding being the most significant prodromal symptom. In this subset the lipomas tended to be larger, frequently had associated marked necrosis/ulceration, and were less likely to be located in the ascending colon/cecum. Whereas colonic lipomas are relatively common occasional cases present dramatically with massive bleeding, intussusception, or even perforation for which emergency operation is required. Such lipomas usually reveal marked ischemic changes.
Does Intraoperative Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy Improve Outcome in the Surgical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis?
Authors: Rios Gloria A. , Adams David B.
Published: November 2022

Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) is the cornerstone of surgical management of pain associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and ductal dilation. The pathologic key to failure of LPJ is disease confined to the head of the pancreas. Intraoperative pancreatoscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) is a novel technique that avoids resection and eradicates intraductal lithiasis in the head of the gland. This study was undertaken to compare outcome of LPJ alone and LPJ with intraoperative EHL in the surgical management of CP. The records of patients undergoing LPJ with intraoperative EHL between 1996 and 1998 (Group A) were reviewed and compared with our historical data of patients who underwent LPJ alone from 1977 through 1991 (Group B). Quality-of-life questionnaires were administered in person or by telephone. Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney statistical tests were used where appropriate. Twenty patients (12 men, 8 women; mean age 51 years, range 29–68) in Group A underwent LPH with EHL versus 85 patients in Group B (65 men, 20 women; mean age 43.6 years, range 24–73) who had LPJ only. The etiology of CP was attributed to alcohol abuse in 85 per cent of patients in Group A and 96 per cent in Group B. Mean follow-up for Group A was 2.7 years (range 1–4 years) and 6.3 years (range 1–15 years) for Group B. Complications occurred in four patients (Group A) and five patients (Group B) perioperatively. There were no deaths in either group in the early postoperative period. Subsequent operations for complications of CP were significantly fewer in Group A than in Group B ( P < 0.05). Rehospitilizations were required in 35 and 60 per cent of patients in Group A and B respectively ( P < 0.05). Postoperative insulin and enzyme supplementation requirements were unchanged in Group A and continued or worsened in Group B. Ninety per cent of patients in Group A viewed their health status as good or fair compared with 55 per cent in Group B ( P < 0.05). Postoperative narcotic use was present in both groups, although the number of pain pills used decreased considerably from 25 per week to fewer than five in Group A. Intraoperative EHL may represent an alternative to resection of the head of the pancreas or may be used as an adjunct to LPJ in the surgical management of chronic fibrocalcific pancreatitis.
Bile Duct Injury following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Cause for Continued Concern
Authors: Wudel L. James , Wright J. Kelly , Pinson C. Wright , Herline Alan , Debelak Jacob , Seidel Scott , Revis Kevin , Chapman William C.
Published: November 2022

Previous reports suggest that bile duct injuries sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lap chole) are frequently severe and related to cautery and high clip ligation. We performed a review of patients who sustained bile duct injury from lap chole since 1990 and assessed time to injury recognition, time to referral, Bismuth classification, initial and subsequent repairs, rate of recurrence, and length of follow-up. Seventy-four patients [median age 44 years, 58 of 74 female (78%)] were referred with a bile duct injury after lap chole. The level of injury was evenly divided between the bile duct bifurcation and the common hepatic duct: Bismuth III, IV, and V (40 of 74, 54%) versus Bismuth I and II (34 of 74,46%). Concomitant hepatic arterial injury was identified in nine (12%) patients. Patients referred early after bile duct injury and requiring operative intervention underwent hepaticojejunostomy at a median of 2 days after referral. After surgical reconstruction at our center there has been an overall success rate of 89 per cent with no need for reintervention. Six (10%) of these patients have required one additional balloon dilatation at a mean follow-up of >24 months. One (2%) patient underwent biliary-enteric revision in follow-up. In patients with bile duct injury, stricture repair without delay was successful in the majority of patients treated in this series. Only one of 64 patients reconstructed at our center has required reoperation; six others have required a single balloon dilatation with subsequent good or excellent results. The majority of patients treated with operative repair at an experienced center can expect good long-term results with rare need for reintervention.
Paraneoplastic Hypercalcemia in a Patient with Adenosquamous Cancer of the Colon
Authors: Thompson James T. , Paschold Eugene H. , Levine Edward A.
Published: November 2022

Hypercalcemia is a well-known manifestation of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with a variety of malignancies. However, colon cancer has only rarely been associated with hypercalcemia of malignancy. We present the case of a patient with recurrent adenosquamous carcinoma of the ascending colon found to have hypercalcemia. The patient is a 76-year-old white woman who initially presented with colon cancer in the cecum and underwent a right hemicolectomy. All lymph nodes and surgical margins were free of tumor. Pathological examination at that time revealed adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon. Eight months later she complained of dizziness, anorexia, and constipation and was found to have a calcium level of 13.6 mg/dL. CT scan revealed a mass measuring 10.5 to 12.7 cm in the right hepatic lobe, and a bone scan was normal. Her intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 6 pg/mL (normal 12–72) and her PTH-related protein (PTHrP) level was 25.7 pmol/L (normal <1.3). She then underwent a hepatic resection. The serum PTH, calcium, and PTHrP levels normalized after resection. Hypercalcemia of malignancy in colon cancer is rare and has an association with adenosquamous histology. The hypercalcemia is attributed to PTHrP, and here we demonstrate this in the serum and tumor specimens. The effects of PTHrP are shown to be short-lived postoperatively. We find only 14 other cases in the literature of hypercalcemia related to a colonic neoplasm, and this is the only patient reported to be surviving. The diagnosis of a paraneoplastic syndrome mediated via PTHrP should be considered when hypercalcemia is encountered in the setting of metastatic colon carcinoma.
Antiretroviral-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Lactic Acidosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ellozy Sharif , Massen Richard , Chao Lynn , Divino Celia M.
Published: November 2022

As the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to rise the clinician is encountered with a diagnostic challenge. Nonsurgical diseases such as acute colitis or enteritis can appear similar to such true surgical emergencies as abscess, perforation, or mesenteric ischemia. We report a case of fulminant hepatic failure associated with didanosine and masquerading as a surgical abdomen and compare the clinical, biologic, histologic, and ultra-structural findings with reports described previously. This entity should be kept in mind when evaluating the acute abdomen in the HIV-positive patient.
Actual Colonoscopy: What are the Risks of Perforation?
Authors: Tran De Q. , Rosen Lester , Kim Ran , Riether Robert D. , Stasik John J. , Khubchandani Indru T.
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have suggested that virtual colonoscopy (VC) and actual colonoscopy (AC) have similar efficacy for detection of polyps >6 mm. However, procedural risks with emerging technology such as VC need to be assessed before widespread implementation. We propose to demonstrate complication rates after AC that can be used for a comparative benchmark in VC. From 1994 to 1999 all patients undergoing AC who sustained perforation that required operation were analyzed for the mortality and complications. There were 26,162 consecutive colonoscopies that required 21 operations for perforation. Of these 16,948 (65%) colonoscopies were diagnostic and 9,214 (35%) were therapeutic with 11 (0.06%) and 10 (0.11%) operations respectively. Overall risk for colonoscopic perforation that requires operation was one in 1,246 (one in 1,541 for diagnostic and one in 921 for therapeutic). Five perforations were oversewn, 15 were resected (five with stoma), and one was drained. One patient died. There were two reoperations. Mortality was 0.006 per cent (one in 16,948) for diagnostic and zero for therapeutic colonoscopy. Overall risk for perforation that requires operation or mortality after AC is low. Virtual colonoscopists who propose screening and subsequent therapeutic interventions need to report high volume without complications as the perforation rate requiring operation was one in 1,246.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Patients with an Open Abdomen
Authors: Block Ernest F.J. , Cheatham Michael L. , Bee Tiffany K.
Published: November 2022

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a commonly performed procedure for enteral access. In the past decade surgeons have used the open abdomen technique with increased frequency for the treatment of intra-abdominal compartment syndrome. Because these patients often have associated malnutrition long-term enteral access is complicated by the massive ventral hernia. We reviewed the records of two patients with an open abdomen who needed long-term enteral access. Both patients had a large midabdominal soft tissue defect, which posed a concern about the technique for gastrostomy creation. Both patients underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. In each case the entrance site was located on a portion of intact abdominal wall lateral to the open abdomen tissue defect. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. We conclude that percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy can be safely performed in patients with an open abdomen. Adherence to standard principles of performing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy allows for enteral access in these patients.
Anastomotic Technique Influences Outcomes after Partial Gastrectomy for Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Grisé Kimberlee , Mcfadden David
Published: November 2022

The proper reconstructive technique after partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach is often debated, but few data exist to clarify the issue. We evaluated outcomes after different anastomoses used during partial gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. We reviewed the hospital records of all 277 patients who underwent operation for gastric cancer at our institution from 1970 to 1996. Of 118 partial gastrectomies performed with curative intent 57 anastomoses were Billroth II gastrojejunostomies, 22 were Billroth I gastroduodenal reconstructions, and 39 were Roux- en-Y gastrojejunostomies. There was no difference in the incidence of early gastric emptying problems or early or late postoperative obstruction among the groups. Average hospital stay was 14 days for the Billroth I group, 15 days for those with Billroth II reconstructions, and 22 days for the Roux- en-Y cohort. Documented late gastric outlet obstruction occurred in 29 per cent of patients having Billroth I and in 33 per cent of those with Billroth II anastomoses. Antecolic anastomoses represented 30 (53 per cent) and retrocolic 27 (47 per cent) of the 57 Billroth II reconstructions performed. Late gastric outlet obstructions occurred in seven (23 per cent) patients who had antecolic reconstructions and in just one (4 per cent) with a retrocolic anastomosis ( P < 0.05). Five-year cumulative survival was lower for patients having Billroth I reconstructions than for those with Billroth II ( P < 0.05). Among patients with Billroth II reconstructions, 5-year cumulative survival was lower for those with antecolic reconstructions compared with those with retrocolic anastomoses ( P < 0.05). Although conventional teaching dictates otherwise our data indicate that retrocolic Billroth II anastomoses are preferable to antecolic Billroth II reconstructions after partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach, as there is a diminished risk of late gastric outlet obstruction and a greater 5-year survival among patients having the former procedure. Survival is unacceptably low after Billroth I anastomoses.
Breast Conservation: Trends in a Major Southern Metropolitan Area Compared with Surrounding Rural Counties
Authors: Answini Geoffrey A. , Woodard Warden L. , Norton H. James , White Richard L.
Published: November 2022

Despite randomized prospective studies and National Institutes of Health recommendations, surgeons especially in the southern United States have been slow to adopt breast conservation surgery (BCS). Data were analyzed regarding 3349 cases of stage 0, I, and II breast cancer (1991–1998) from Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, NC; 1057 cases from six surrounding rural counties (1995–1997); and 90,398 cases (1995) from the National Cancer Data Base. During 1995 through 1997 Charlotte-Mecklenburg County had statistically significantly higher rates of BCS compared with six surrounding rural counties for stage I (59% and 42% respectively, P = 0.001) and stage II (37% and 19%, respectively, P = 0.001) breast cancer. The BCS rates in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County (1991–1998) showed the following: Stage 0 rate increased from 17 per cent in 1991 to 78 per cent in 1998 ( P = 0.001), stage I rate increased from 31 per cent in 1991 to 65 per cent in 1998 ( P = 0.001), and stage II rate increased from 18 per cent in 1991 to 42 per cent in 1998 ( P = 0.001). BCS rates for early-stage breast cancer in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County have increased over the last 8 years and now equal national rates; however, patients in surrounding rural counties are not receiving BCS as frequently. There is a need for more widespread education of surgeons, other health care providers, and the general public to increase the use of BCS.
Institutional Learning Curve for Sentinel Node Biopsy at a Community Teaching Hospital
Authors: Johnson Jason M. , Orr Richard K. , Moline Stephanie R.
Published: November 2022

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLB) is gaining popularity as an alternative to axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer staging. Although publications have described the inherent learning curve few have analyzed actual performance in community hospitals. This study analyzes the institutional learning curve for SLB in a community teaching hospital without a formal sentinel node credentialing policy. We conducted an analysis of the initial 96 SLBs performed by 15 general surgeons over a 34-month period. The main outcomes were rate of identification of sentinel node and accuracy of SLB. Overall SLB was successful in identifying one or more sentinel nodes (mean = 2.2) in 73 per cent of attempted cases. There were marked differences in performance of individual surgeons; identification rates varied from 25 to 100 per cent. Only one surgeon performed more than 15 procedures during the study period. Nineteen of 21 cases with positive nodes were correctly characterized (sensitivity = 90.5%; 95% confidence interval = 76–100%; false negative rate = 9.5%). Our institutional learning curve was longer than high-volume individual experiences published in the literature, with a lower rate of sentinel node identification. SLB appears to be sensitive for detecting malignancy, but the small number of patients with positive nodes in our series limits our conclusions. The marked variability in individual surgeon performances and the slow rate of overall improvement in our institution suggest a need for a formalized policy for SLB training.
Laparoscopic Anterior Esophageal Myotomy and Toupet Fundoplication for Achalasia
Authors: Heniford B. Todd , Matthews Brent D. , Kercher Kent W. , Yavorski Robert , Greer Steven F. , Goldstein Sharon L. , Deal Steven E. , Paccico Thomas , Drake Sam , Colvin Anthony , Cyzner Ronnie , Sing Ronald F.
Published: November 2022

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by the failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and the absence of esophageal peristalsis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication for achalasia. A 9-cm myotomy was performed in most cases extending 7 cm above and 2 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. Severity of dysphagia, heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation was graded preoperatively and postoperatively using a five-point symptomatic scale (0–4). Patients also graded their outcomes as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Between December 1995 and November 2000 a total of 49 patients (23 male, 26 female) with a mean age of 44.3 years (range 23–71 years) were diagnosed with achalasia. Mean duration of symptoms was 40.2 months (range 4–240 months). Thirty-seven patients (76%) had had a previous nonsurgical intervention or combinations of nonsurgical interventions [pneumatic dilation (23), bougie dilation (five), and botulinum toxin (19)], and two patients had failed esophageal myotomies. Forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication. Two patients received laparoscopic esophageal myotomies without an antireflux procedure, and two were converted to open surgery. One patient presented 10 hours after a pneumatically induced perforation and underwent a successful laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and partial fundoplication. Mean operative time was 180.5 minutes (range 145–264 minutes). Mean length of stay was 1.98 days (range 1–18 days). There were five (10%) perioperative complications but no esophageal leaks. There was a significant difference ( P < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation symptom scores. All patients stated that they were improved postoperatively. Eighty-six per cent rated their outcome as excellent, 10 per cent as good, and 4 per cent as fair. Laparoscopic anterior esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication effectively alleviates dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain accompanying achalasia and is associated with high patient satisfaction, a rapid hospital discharge, and few complications.
Advanced Age Does Not Contribute to Increased Risks or Poor Outcome after Major Abdominal Operations
Authors: Blair Sarah L. , Schwarz Roderich E.
Published: November 2022

Elderly patients are still frequently denied major operations out of concerns over increased morbidity. The impact of advanced age on morbidity, mortality, and late outcomes after major gastric and pancreatic resections was studied by retrospective review with Chi square and regression analysis. Between July 1987 and June 2000, 179 patients underwent a major gastrectomy or pancreatectomy procedure at the City of Hope Cancer Center. There were 96 males and 83 females with a median age of 64 years (range 17–97) and elderly subsets more than 70 (n = 53) and more than 80 (n = 18) years of age. Diagnoses included gastric cancer (n = 83, 46%), pancreatic or periampullary cancer (n = 78, 44%), and benign pancreatic (n = 11, 6%) or gastric (n = 7, 4%) conditions. Age >70 years was correlated with more complex underlying medical conditions ( P = 0.001) and gastrectomy for cancer ( P = 0.01). None of four in-hospital deaths or 11 90-day lethal events occurred in patients >70 years of age ( P = 0.005). Overall complications (35% vs 49%) and major complications (25% vs 37%) were less frequent in the older patient group [P = not significant (NS)]. Median intensive care unit stay (3 vs 2 days) and hospital stay (12 vs 12.5 days) were similar ( P = NS). Pancreatoduodenectomy, gastrectomy for “benign” indications, and splenectomy—but not age—were significant prognostic variables for increased complications and longer hospital stay (at P < 0.05). At a median follow-up of 13 months (20 for survivors) the median survival after resection for gastric cancer (30 vs 16 months) or pancreatic/periampullary cancer (30 vs 23 months) was not inferior in elderly patients ( P = NS). Five-year disease-free survival was superior in gastric cancer patients >70 years (59% vs 26%, P = 0.03) but not for pancreatic cancer. Advanced age under current clinical selection criteria does not impose increased hazards beyond disease- and procedure-related risk factors for patients undergoing gastrectomy or pancreatectomy; no patient should be denied these operations on the basis of age criteria alone.
The Crura and Crura-Sphincter Pressure Dynamics in Patients with Isolated Upright and Isolated Supine Reflux
Authors: Banki Farzaneh , Mason Rodney J. , Hagen Jeffrey A. , Bremner Cedric G. , Streets Christopher G. , Peters Jeffrey H. , Demeester Tom R.
Published: November 2022

The reason why patients with isolated supine reflux do not reflux in the upright position and patients with isolated upright reflux do not reflux in the supine position is unknown. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of the crura, lower esophageal sphincter, crurasphincter dynamics, and esophageal body on manometry, endoscopy, and X-ray in patients with isolated upright and isolated supine reflux. Eighty consecutive patients with isolated upright reflux were compared with 82 consecutive patients with isolated supine reflux. Manometrically there was no difference in lower esophageal sphincter characteristics and esophageal contractions between the two groups. The prevalence of a hiatal hernia on manometry was similar between upright and supine refluxers (88% vs 88%). Upright refluxers had shorter hiatal hernias [median (interquartile range) 1.1 (0.65–1.8) vs 1.2 (1–2.3), P < 0.046)]. The median crural pressure, crura-sphincter pressure gradient, and crura-sphincter pressure ratio in upright refluxers was 14.96 (9.5–21.27), 3.28 (1.7–12.2), and 1.33 (0.87–2.8) mm Hg, respectively. These values were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in supine refluxers at 21.43 (16.6–29.9), 10.66 (4.3–19.7), and 2.1 (1.3–4.2) mm Hg, respectively. We conclude that the significantly higher crural pressure in patients with supine reflux acts as a mechanical ring and as a physiologic protector against the unfolding of the sphincter in the postprandial and upright periods. Higher crura-sphincter pressure gradient and larger-size hiatal hernias in patients with supine reflux results in pressurization of the hernia sac and subsequent reflux when these patients are in a supine position.
Compartment Syndrome in Multiple Uninjured Extremities: A Case Report
Authors: Hoang Chuong , Porter John M. , Ursic Caesar M.
Published: November 2022

Compartment syndrome is a common problem in trauma patients. It can occur within any space bound by a dense fascial layer, such as the extremities or abdomen. It exists when increased tissue pressure within the limited anatomic space compromises perfusion. Failure to decompress the compartment leads to a self-perpetuating ischemia-edema process and resultant irreversible tissue damage. In the extremities, it typically arises from a vascular injury in that same extremity. Herein is reported a case of the unexpected development of compartment syndrome in multiple uninjured extremities in a trauma patient with hypotension requiring systemic vasopressors.
Transduodenal Extended Sphincteroplasty and Removal of Ventral Duct Pancreatic Calculi
Authors: Walsh R. Matthew , Slepavicius Algis
Published: November 2022

The surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis and associated ductal calculi typically involves drainage of the main pancreatic duct or parenchymal resection. Treatment of isolated symptomatic pancreatic duct calculi is usually approached by endoscopic techniques. Herein is described a case report of operative transduodenal extraction of symptomatic pancreatic calculi of the ventral pancreas in a patient with a prior distal pancreatectomy. This case represents an uncommon yet valuable option in selected patients in whom endoscopic treatments have failed or are unavailable.
Epithelial (Epidermoid) Splenic Cysts in Childhood: Surgical Management of Eight Cases
Authors: Mirilas Petros , Demetriades Demetres M. , Siatitsas Yanis S.
Published: November 2022

We report eight cases of splenic epithelial cysts in childhood to summarize our clinical experience and to discuss surgical management. Six boys and two girls, aged 8 to 14 years (mean 10.8 years) were diagnosed over a 16-year period. No patients had a history of preceding trauma or related infection. Presenting symptoms were dull (two) or acute (one) left hypochondrium pain and diffuse abdominal pain (one). In four children the cyst was an incidental finding. Ultrasound and/or CT revealed cysts of diameter 2.9 to 14 cm and radionuclide scan showed a reduced uptake in the splenic area of concern. At operation variable amounts—up to 1500 mL—of liquid were aspirated from the cysts. Splenic artery ligation was undertaken in six cases adjunctively to cystectomy. One total splenectomy was performed because the splenic parenchyma was totally replaced by the cyst. Recurrence occurred in one case, in which multiple tiny communicating cysts were detected. Histology revealed epithelial (n = 5) or stratified squamous (n = 3) lining. Five patients were seen again 0.5 to 5 years later and they were asymptomatic and with a normal ultrasound, CT, or radionuclide scan. Cyst excision was an effective treatment. Adjunctive splenic artery ligation when performed controlled hemorrhage. Other surgical methods to manage splenic cysts are discussed.
The Economic Benefit of Practice Guidelines for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis
Authors: Mostafa Gamal , Sing Ronald F. , Matthews Brent D. , Pratt Broc L. , Norton H. James , Heniford B. Todd
Published: November 2022

The development of practice guidelines is an effective way to provide consistent and cost-effective patient care. Despite much progress in developing practice guidelines for various other clinical problems data documenting the efficacy of these guidelines are lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare usage patterns and cost effectiveness of a stress ulcer prophylaxis guideline in a trauma intensive care unit. The trauma intensive care unit team was observed for a 50-day period. Immediately after this period a stress ulcer prophylaxis guideline was implemented, and the team was again observed for a 50-day period. All information was recorded prospectively. The trauma intensive care unit team was blind to the existence of the study. The days of appropriate use of prophylaxis (ulcer prophylaxis prescribed per the practice guidelines) and inappropriate use (use other than per the practice guidelines) in each study phase and the resulting costs were calculated as the primary measurement of outcome. Forty-six patients were studied. The use of practice guidelines in the period after the guideline was implemented of the study reduced overall stress ulcer prophylaxis by 17 per cent ( P = 0.04). The appropriate prophylaxis was not significantly different when comparing the two periods of study; however, inappropriate use of prophylaxis (and associated charges) was statistically significantly less frequent after implementation of the practice guidelines. No patients developed clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding. The estimated annual savings of $102,895 in patient charges and $11,333 in actual drug costs in our trauma intensive care unit were due to the implementation of stress ulcer prophylaxis guidelines. We conclude that use of practice guidelines can significantly reduce patient charges without compromising patient care.
Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy: Comparison with Transabdominal Radical Nephrectomy
Authors: Mancini Gregory J. , McQuay Leslie A. , Klein Frederick A. , Mancini Matthew L.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (HALN) has benefits over the traditional transabdominal radical nephrectomy. More specifically we focused on the use of the hand-assisted technique as a definitive oncologic procedure for renal cancers. This study is a retrospective nonrandomized study comparing 12 hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomies with 12 transabdominal radical nephrectomies. All patients included in the study had the preoperative diagnosis of renal mass. HALN population averaged 1.83 ± 1.64 (mean ± standard deviation) major comorbidities versus 1.08 ± 0.8 open ( P = 0.032). The HALN OR time averaged 103 ± 32.8 versus 57 ± 18.3 minutes open ( P = 0.001). The estimated blood loss mean for HALN was 83 versus 318 cm3 open ( P = 0.001). Length of stay for HALN was 4.9 ± 2.2 versus 5.9 ± 2.9 days ( P = 0.35). Days to regular diet was 2.9 ± 2.3 in HALN versus 3.5 ± 2.11 open ( P = 0.52). Days of intravenous pain medications were 1.8 ± 0.72 HALN versus 3.0 ± 1.28 open ( P = 0.016). Postoperative complication rates for the two groups were identical: two of 12 (ileus and post-operative bleeding). Tumor size mean was 6.8 ± 2.99 cm for HALN versus 4.2 ± 1.29 cm open ( P = 0.012). Tumor margins were negative for 12 of 12 in HALN versus 11 of 12 open. Selection bias (selecting ailing patients to the HALN cohort) diminished the statistical significance of our postoperative recovery data. It is likely that a prospectively randomized study with a larger population may prove the hand-assisted approach equal if not superior to the open technique. The use of HALN in patients with renal tumors is an effective alternative to traditional transabdominal radical nephrectomy.
Impact of a Voluntary Trauma System on Mortality, Length of Stay, and Cost at a Level I Trauma Center
Authors: Abernathy James H. , McGwin Gerald , Acker Joe E. , Rue Loring W.
Published: November 2022

Trauma systems have been shown to decrease injury-related mortality; however, their development has been slow often requiring legislative codification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a voluntary regional trauma system on outcomes at a Level I trauma center. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma center including all patients admitted to a Level I trauma center during the periods April 1995 through March 1996 (T-1) and April 1997 through March 1998 (T-2). Our main outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, cost of care Compared with T-1 patients T-2 patients had lower mortality (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.71). A similar decline in mortality was observed for the entire six-county region compared with the remainder of the state. Among the most severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score ≤16) T-2 patients had a shorter length of stay (16.5 vs 19.5 days; P < 0.05) and lower mean cost of care ($29,795 vs $34,983; P < 0.05). A voluntary trauma system can be implemented without the need for legislative mandate. After system implementation patient and financial outcomes were improved at an individual Level I trauma center.
Preoperative Chemoradiation in the Management of Adenocarcinoma of the Body of the Pancreas
Authors: Arnoletti Juan P. , Hoffman John P. , Ross Eric A. , Kagan Steven A. , Meropol Neal J. , Freedman Gary , Eisenberg Burton
Published: November 2022

Adenocarcinoma of the body of the pancreas has been traditionally associated with low resectability and poor prognosis. We reviewed 30 consecutive cases of pancreatic body adenocarcinoma presenting between 1988 and 2001. Twenty-six (87%) patients received preoperative chemotherapy (either 5-fluorouracil with or without mitomycin C or gemcitabine) plus radiation therapy (50.4 Gy), and four patients received chemoradiation postoperatively. During or shortly after chemoradiation 16 (53%) patients developed distant metastasis (n = 12), tumor progression (n = 2), or fatal septic complications (n = 2). Fourteen patients underwent surgical resection with curative intent. Resections performed included distal subtotal pancreatectomies (n = 6), extended pancreaticoduodenectomies (n = 6), and total pancreatectomies (n = 2). Ten patients (71%) required vascular reconstruction as a result of involvement of the portal vein or the superior mesenteric, hepatic arterial, or celiac vessels. Median overall survival was 34 months (range 8–152) for the resected group as compared with 8 months (range 1–14) in the unresected group ( P = 0.005). Five-year actuarial overall survival is projected at 45 per cent for the resected group. In this poor-prognostic subset of patients with pancreatic cancer preoperative chemoradiation followed by an aggressive surgical approach was associated with resectability and long-term survival of a significant minority of patients.