bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Recurrence of Breast Cancer after MammoSite® Brachytherapy
Authors: Voth Matthew , Budway Raye , Keleher Angela , Caushaj Philip F.
Published: June 2020

Women undergoing breast conservation therapy (BCT) for stage 1 breast cancer have adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBR). In addition, the use of brachytherapy radiation is being used. We present two local tumor recurrences for review. Our first patient underwent BCT, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNBx) and MammoSite® brachytherapy for a T1N0M0 infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the right breast. Pathology: 0.6 cm poorly differentiated ER, PR, and Her-2/ Neu negative IDC. At 18 months, she had palpable axillary lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration and ultrasound-guided core biopsy of a nodule showed IDC. She underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and EBR. Our second patient underwent BCT, SLNBx, and MammoSite® brachytherapy for a T1N0M0 IDC of the left breast. Pathology: 0.8 cm poorly differentiated, ER+, PR-, and Her-2/Neu negative tumor. At 18 months, a retroareolar mass was detected. Ultrasound guided core needle biopsy showed recurrent IDC. She chose a re-excision and EBR and not MRM. Pathology: 1.3 cm poorly differentiated, ER+, PR-, and Her-2/Neu negative tumor. Our 2 recurrences were >2 cm away from the lumpectomy site and therefor outside the 1 cm treatment plan of the MammoSite® catheter. Both recurrences were biologically identical to the initial tumors and are felt to be local failures rather than new primaries.
Brachial Arteriovenous Fistula as a Complication of Placement of a Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tran Hoang S. , Burrows Brian J. , Zang William A. , Han David C.
Published: June 2020

Peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) lines have become a frequently used method of intravenous access for long-term administration of antibiotics, chemotherapy, and parenteral nutrition. Catheter-related complications involving the arterial tree are rare. We report a case of a 25-year-old woman with a history of difficult PICC line placement that presented with an arteriovenous fistula in the left arm. Duplex ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of a brachial artery-to-brachial vein arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and the patient underwent surgical repair. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an AVF resulting from PICC line placement. Correction of AVF is indicated to alleviate symptoms as well as to prevent future complications.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: Are Newer Generation Probes Better?
Authors: Ahmad Aziz , Chen Steven L. , Kavanagh Maihgan A. , Allegra David P. , Bilchik Anton J.
Published: June 2020

Second-generation radiofrequency ablation (RFA) probes and their successors have more power, shorter ablation times, and an increased area of ablation compared with the first-generation probes used before 2000. We examined whether the use of the newer probes has improved the clinical outcome of RFA for hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer at our tertiary cancer center. Of 160 patients who underwent RFA between 1997 and 2003, 52 had metastases confined to the liver: 21 patients underwent 46 ablations with the first-generation probes and 31 patients underwent 58 ablations with the newer probes. The two groups had similar demographic characteristics. At a median follow-up of 26.2 months, patients treated with the newer probes had a longer median disease-free survival (16 months vs 8 months, P < 0.01) and a lower rate of margin recurrence (5.2% vs 17.4%); eight patients had no evidence of disease and one patient was alive with disease. By contrast, of the 46 patients treated with the first-generation probes, 2 patients had no evidence of disease and 1 patient was alive with disease. Newer-generation probes are associated with lower rates of margin recurrence and higher rates of disease-free survival after RFA of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using the MammoSite Device: Early Technical Experience and Short-Term Clinical Follow-Up
Authors: Tsai Peter I. , Ryan Marianne , Meek Kelly , Ryoo Monica C. , Tome Michael , Takasugi Jan , Haigh Philip , Difronzo L. Andrew
Published: June 2020

The MammoSite brachytherapy system is a novel form of intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) that allows treatment over a 5- to 7-day course after breast conserving surgery (BCS). Fifty-one patients with invasive breast carcinoma underwent BCS and APBI using the MammoSite device, with 30 (59%) patients having drain placement in the lumpectomy cavity. Main outcome measures included time to initiating APBI, cosmesis using the Harvard Scale, and local and distant tumor recurrence with short-term follow-up. Five (9.8%) devices were explanted because of unfavorable final pathological findings or infection. Mean time to the start of APBI in patients without drain placement was 7.2 days (range, 5–12 days) compared with 5.1 days (range, 3–8 days) in patients with drains (P = 0.003). Cosmetic results were excellent in 25 (54.3%) patients, good in 19 (41.3%) patients, and fair in 2 (4.4%) patients. With a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 6–38 months), no ipsilateral breast recurrences developed in any of the 51 patients. Thirteen patients had at least a 2-year follow-up. Two patients developed brain metastases and died at 19 and 23 months, respectively. The favorable short-term outcomes support further studies comparing APBI with standard whole-breast irradiation in patients undergoing BCS.
Success of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Conversion of Mastectomy to Breast Conservation Surgery
Authors: Kaufmann Paul , Dauphine Christine E. , Vargas M. Perla , Burla Melissa L. , Isaac Nova M. , Gonzalez Katherine D. , Rosing David , Vargas Hernan I.
Published: June 2020

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) in patients with breast cancer results in high response rates and has been used with the purpose of reducing tumor size and achieving breast conservation (BC) in individuals who initially require mastectomy. Our objective is to determine the success of NC in achieving BC in women who initially were not candidates for BC. We conducted a cohort study of women with invasive breast cancer who required mastectomy but desired BC surgery. Outcomes measured were tumor response and rates of BC. Thirty-seven women had a mean age of 45 years. Mean tumor size was 51 mm, and 62 per cent were larger than 4 cm. Tumors were predominantly infiltrating ductal carcinoma (83.3%) and high grade (62.2%). Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil with or without taxotere were most commonly used (86%). Complete clinical and pathologic responses were seen in 32.4 per cent and 10.8 per cent of patients, respectively. BC was achieved in 56.7 per cent of cases. Only initial tumor size predicted tumor regression and success of BC (P = 0.014). Neither tumor histology nor biologic markers predicted tumor response. In conclusion, NC is an effective alternative in achieving tumor reduction and BC in selected patients who require mastectomy but desire BC surgery.
Pelvic Fractures in Children
Authors: Momiy Janneth P. , Clayton John L. , Villalba Herman , Cohen Marilyn , Hiatt Jonathan R. , Cryer H. Gill , Tillou Areti
Published: June 2020

Although rare, pelvic fractures in children have significant morbidity and mortality. No specific guidelines have been developed for the management of these injuries. We reviewed all trauma patients of age 16 years or younger with pelvic fractures treated at our Level I trauma center over the past 12 years. Of 1008 patients with pelvic fractures, 74 were children. Early hemodynamic instability was seen in 14 per cent of cases. Blood transfusions were required in 26 per cent of cases, angiography in 3 per cent of cases, operations for associated injuries in 46 per cent of cases, operative pelvic fracture fixation in 18 per cent of cases, and intensive care unit care in 58 per cent of cases. Mortality was 5 per cent, mostly from hemorrhage and multiple complex injuries. We conclude that pelvic fractures in children are associated with a high frequency of pelvic bleeding and associated injuries that often require operative interventions and intensive care unit care.
Obesity Does Not Affect Mortality after Trauma
Authors: Alban Rodrigo F. , Lyass Sergey , Margulies Daniel R. , Shabot M. Michael
Published: June 2020

Although obesity has been proposed as a risk factor for adverse outcomes after trauma, numerous studies report conflicting results. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of obese and nonobese patients after trauma. The study population consisted of all trauma patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit in a Level I trauma center from January 1999 to December 2002. Admission data, demographics, injury severity score (ISS), severity of illness, hospital course, complications, and outcomes were compared between obese (OB; body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30), and nonobese patients (NOB; BMI ≤ 29). A total of 918 patients was included in the study, 135 OB (14.7%) and 783 NOB (85.3%). There was no significant difference in demographic data, ISS, APACHE II score, and hospital stay. Intensive care unit stay was longer for OB patients (6.8 vs 4.8 days, P = 0.04). Overall mortality was 5.9 per cent for OB and 8.0 per cent for NOB patients (P = 0.48). Mortality by mechanism of injury was 3.4 per cent OB versus 7.4 per cent NOB (P = 0.26) for blunt and 10.6 per cent OB versus 10.2 per cent NOB (P = 0.9) for penetrating injury. The three most common complications associated with death were pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological deterioration. Using logistic regression analysis, age and ISS and APACHE II scores were associated with mortality, but BMI was not. We conclude that obesity does not appear to be a risk factor for adverse outcomes after blunt or penetrating trauma. Further research is warranted to uncover the reason for discrepant findings between centers.
Intra-Abdominal Placement of Antimicrobial-Impregnated Mesh is Associated with Noninfectious Fever
Authors: Cobb William S. , Paton B. Lauren , Novitsky Yuri W. , Rosen Michael J. , Kercher Kent W. , Kuwada Timothy S. , Heniford B. Todd
Published: June 2020

The antimicrobial, silver/chlorhexidine, when impregnated on mesh has been demonstrated to resist mesh infection in in vitro and in vivo models. The clinical, human systemic response to intraperitoneal placement of silver/chlorhexidine-impregnated mesh has not been investigated to date. Between October 2002 and November 2004, all in-patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair were retrospectively analyzed. All repairs used expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE) Dual Mesh (DM) or ePTFE impregnated with silver/chlorhexidine, Dual Mesh Plus (DM+). Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, mesh type, operative details, and hospital course data were collected. Noninfectious fevers were defined as a temperature greater than 100.4 F without an identified source. Standard statistical methods were used. During the 2-year study period, 120 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (DM = 55, DM+ = 65). The two groups were similarly matched in terms of age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, defect size, and mesh size. Postoperative fever without an identified source occurred in 10 (18.2%) patients with DM and in 25 (38.5%) patients using DM+ (P = 0.015). A multivariant analysis revealed that only mesh type and body mass index predicted postoperative fever. All fevers resolved within the first 72 hours in the DM patients; however, 16 per cent of the DM+ group had persistent fevers of unknown origin after 72 hours. Within the DM+ group, patients with postoperative fevers had significantly longer postoperative stays (4.8 days vs 3.0 days; P = 0.009). The use of antimicrobial-impregnated ePTFE mesh with silver/chlorhexidine in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is associated with noninfectious postoperative fever. In our patients, the evaluation and management of these fevers resulted in a significantly longer hospital stay.
Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case of Small Bowel Volvulus and Review of the Literature
Authors: Biswas Saptarshi , Gray Keith D. , Cotton Bryan A.
Published: June 2020

Presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course Program, Southeastern Surgical Congress, Lake Buena Vista, FL, February 18–21, 2006.
Lung Cancer Resection in Octogenarians: A Reasonable Approach for our Aging Population
Authors: Hope William W. , Bolton William D. , Kalbaugh Corey A. , Blackhurst Dawn W. , Stephenson James E. , Taylor Spence M.
Published: June 2020

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer but accounts for more deaths per year than breast, prostate, and colon cancer combined. Traditionally, age older than 80 years was a relative contraindication to pulmonary resection. Recently, multiple studies have validated the safety and efficacy of pulmonary resections in octogenarians. The purpose of this study was to review the authors’ regional teaching hospital's experience with lung resections in octogenarians. A retrospective analysis of 20 octogenarians who underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer from 1999 to 2004 was performed. Average age was 82.1 years. Ten patients (50%) were male. Seventeen patients (85%) had at least one comorbidity. Ten patients (50%) had stage I disease, with squamous cell being the most common histologic type (35%). Lobectomy, performed in 12 patients (60%), was the most common technique of resection. There was a 45 per cent overall complication rate and a 20 per cent major complication rate. The overall perioperative mortality rate was 10 per cent. Survival probability estimates show overall survival at 1 year to be 59 per cent and at 2 years to be 39 per cent. Overall median survival was 21.1 months. We conclude that octogenarians can undergo anatomic resections for lung cancer with acceptable morbidity and survival.
The Use of Prognostic Indicators in the Development of a Statistical Model Predictive for Adrenal Insufficiency in Trauma Patients
Authors: Fann Stephen A. , Kosciusko Robert D. , Yost Michael J. , Brizendine John B. , Blevins Wayne A. , Sixta Sherry L. , Morrison James E. , Bynoe Raymond P.
Published: June 2020

We performed a retrospective chart review of trauma patients admitted to Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital and identified 63 cases of adrenal insufficiency along with 65 trauma patient controls. Two statistical models, a neural network and a multiple logistic regression, were developed to predict patients with increased risk of developing adrenal insufficiency. Each model had 11 selected independent variables, along with patient demographic data, to make a probabilistic prediction of patient outcome. The neural network model was trained with 102 patients to identify linear and nonlinear relationships that could yield a predictive capability. The neural network achieved an accuracy of 71 per cent. The logistic regression model achieved an accuracy of 82 per cent. With these models, we have shown the feasibility of a method to more accurately screen patients with an increased risk of adrenal insufficiency. This ability should allow earlier identification and treatment of patients with adrenal insufficiency. Further development with a larger database is needed to improve the accuracy of the present models.
Occult Aortic Injury after Penetrating Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Sonfield John , Robison Jacob , Leon Stuart M.
Published: June 2020

Although pseudoaneurysms after penetrating extremity trauma are well described, we describe an unusual case of residual occult aortic injury after an initial attempt at repair that was recognized on postoperative imaging. Reoperation with primary resection and end-to-end repair was accomplished successfully. Because this entity is so unusual, we review strategies to avoid and recognize its occurrence. Early imaging allows early identification of aortic pseudoaneurysms should they occur, and will preclude delayed manifestation of complications, including death. Our case illustrates the utility of such postoperative scanning. Other alternatives to primary repair or interposition grafting in management of penetrating abdominal aortic trauma, such as interventional stent grafting, are discussed.
A Prospective Evaluation of Ultrasonic Dissector plus Harmonic Scalpel in Liver Resection
Authors: Arru Marcella , PulitanÒ Carlo , Aldrighetti Luca , Catena Marco , Finazzi Renato , Ferla Gianfranco
Published: June 2020

Several techniques have been described for safe dissection of the liver parenchyma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of combining two different electronic devices, the ultrasonic dissector and the harmonic scalpel, during hepatic resection. One hundred consecutive patients who underwent liver resection between January and December 2004 were enclosed in the study. Patients requiring concomitant colic resection or biliary-enteric anastomosis were excluded from the study. Operative variables (type of procedure, operating time, Pringle time, blood losses, transfusions, and histological tumor exposure at the transection surface), hospital stay, and complications were recorded. The extent of hepatic resection was a minor resection in 31 and major in 69 cases. Median blood loss was 500 mL (range, 100–2000 mL) and the Pringle maneuver was used in 58 patients. Median operative time was 367 minutes (range, 150–660 minutes). Hepatic resection was performed in 32 cirrhotic livers. Surgical complications included one postoperative hemorrhage and two bile leaks. The overall morbidity and mortality rate was 14 and 1 per cent, respectively. In conclusion, the combined use of these electronic devices allows liver resection to be safely performed, even in cirrhotic patients, with the advantage of reducing surgical complications. A prospective randomized trial is needed to clarify the clinical benefits of liver resections performed combining these two devices.
Removal of a Large Spherical Foreign Object from the Rectum Using an Obstetric Vacuum Device: A Case Report
Authors: Feigelson Suzanne , Maun Dipen , Silverberg Daniel , Menes Tehillah
Published: June 2020

Reports of retained rectal foreign bodies are increasingly common worldwide. It is likely that any surgeon practicing at a major medical center will encounter this type of case, and thus, should be familiar with both surgical and nonsurgical management options. The diagnosis is usually easy to confirm with a thorough history and physical exam and plain abdominal films. Low-lying objects can usually be extracted in the emergency room transanally, whereas high-lying foreign bodies may require anesthesia and laparotomy. We report an experience using an obstetric vacuum device to extract a high-lying foreign body from the rectum.
Multiple Indomethacin-Induced Jejunal Ulcerations with Perforation: A Case Report with Histology
Authors: Risty Gina M. , Najarian Melissa M. , Shapiro Stephen B.
Published: June 2020

Gastric and duodenal inflammation and ulceration are well-known complications of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) usage. However, small bowel ulceration and perforation secondary to NSAID use is uncommon and has rarely been reported in the literature. We describe a perforated jejunal ulcer that developed in a patient using indomethacin for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. We performed a literature review of NSAID-induced small bowel injury and compared the histology of NSAID-related injury with more familiar causes of small bowel perforation.
An Appraisal of Trauma in the Elderly
Authors: Sharma Om P. , Oswanski Michael F. , Sharma Vijay , Stringfellow Kathryn , Raj Shekhar S.
Published: June 2020

To review the trends of trauma in the elderly experienced at our trauma center compared with other Level I trauma centers. This was a retrospective trauma registry analysis (1996–2003) of 2783 blunt trauma in elderly (BTE) and 4568 adult (BTA) patients in a Level 1 trauma center. Falls and motor vehicular crashes were the most common mechanisms noted in 47 per cent and 31 per cent (84% and 13% in BTE, 25% and 42% in BTA). BTE were sicker, with higher Injury Severity Scores (ISS), lengths of stay, and mortality (5% vs 2%, P value < 0.05). ISS was 5.2-fold higher in nonsurvivors to survivors in BTA and 2.4-fold in BTE. Elevation in ISS resulted in higher linear increase in mortality in BTE ( vs BTA) at any ISS level. Mortality in patients with ISS ≥ 25 was 43.5 per cent vs 23.8 per cent. ISS ≥ 50 had 31 per cent adult survivors but no elderly survivors. Among isolated injuries, head trauma in the elderly carried the highest mortality, at 12 per cent (19% in patients with an Abbreviated Injury Score ≥3). Abdominal injuries were the most lethal (18.3% and 41.2% in patients with an Abbreviated Injury Score ≥3) in multiple trauma victims (41% vs 18% in isolated trauma). There was 4.4-fold increased mortality in the presence of thoracic trauma. Combined head, chest, and abdominal trauma carried the worst prognosis. Thirty-four per cent of BTE and 88 per cent of BTA patients were discharged home. Elderly patients need more aggressive therapy, as they are sicker with higher mortality.
Nephron-Sparing Radical Excision of a Giant Perirenal Liposarcoma Involving a Solitary Kidney
Authors: Gaston K.E. , White R.L. , Homsi S. , Teigland C.
Published: June 2020

We describe our experience in a patient with a congenital solitary kidney encased by a perirenal liposarcoma managed by nephron-sparing excision. The best predictor of survival with liposarcoma is complete resection of the tumor. Generally a diffuse peri-renal liposarcoma arising within Gerota's fascia would necessitate a radical nephrectomy. Having a congenitally solitary kidney, this patient refused nephrectomy, therefore a kidney-sparing excision of his liposarcoma was attempted. To obtain negative margins and to provide a nephron-sparing excision, the capsule of the kidney was resected with the mass. Direct extension into the diaphragm necessitated an en bloc resection of 4 x 6 cm of the left hemidiaphragm. The defect was reconstructed with a Gortex patch graft. Pathology revealed a 32 x 22 x 8-cm liposarcoma with areas of sclerosing liposarcoma and poorly differentiated spindle cell sarcoma, focally Grade 3 of 3, with the remaining tumor being Grade 1. There was diaphragmatic invasion, but all surgical margins were negative. At 22 months CT follow-up, the patient has no radiographic evidence of disease. Excision of this mass with the renal capsule allowed our patient to be margin negative and maintain normal renal function. This is the only report in the literature describing nephron-sparing resection of a giant perirenal liposarcoma involving a solitary kidney.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Diagnosis of Traumatic Right Diaphragmatic Tears: A Method for Correct Diagnosis in Selected Patients
Authors: Mintz Yoav , Easter David W. , Izhar Uzi , Edden Yair , Talamini Mark A. , Rivkind Avraham I.
Published: June 2020

Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm is no longer uncommon. Because of the increasing frequency of motor vehicle accidents, the rate of blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen, which are the most common causes of diaphragmatic rupture, is increased as well. However, the diagnosis is frequently missed or delayed because of the lack of sensitivity and specificity of imaging modalities. Diagnostic laparoscopy is considered a standard tool for penetrating injuries to the left diaphragm and is widely practiced in selected cases. Right diaphragmatic tears, however, are more difficult to diagnose because of the sealing effect of the liver. Blunt abdominal trauma can cause large right diaphragmatic tears, causing liver incarcerations and respiratory compromise, therefore demanding the need for a comparable diagnostic tool. A high index of suspicion, together with knowledge of the mechanism of trauma, is the key factor for the correct diagnosis. Once the diagnosis has been considered, diagnostic laparoscopy and/or diagnostic thoracoscopy should be performed to confirm or rule out this injury. Factors suggestive of a right diaphragmatic tear include newly or progressive elevation of the right diaphragm and respiratory distress without underlining lung injury. The timing of the procedure should be in accordance with the hemodynamic and respiratory status of the patient. This procedure should be performed semielectively if there are no other indications for surgical intervention.
Ischemic Colitis: An Uncommon Manifestation of Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Szmulowicz Ursula M. , Savoie Lisa M.
Published: June 2020

Pheochromocytoma are rare neuroectodermal tumors, responsible for less than 1 per cent of cases of hypertension. The protean manifestations of pheochromocytomas arise from the effects of catecholamine hypersecretion upon α and β receptors. The lesion may infrequently present with gastrointestinal complaints ranging from constipation and nausea to megacolon and ischemic colitis. Ischemic colitis in association with pheochromocytoma occurs from intense splanchnic vasoconstriction. A case of pheochromocytoma presenting as ischemic colitis is reported.
Cardiac Impalement from a Rib after Blunt Trauma
Authors: Wrightson William R. , Conn C. Adam , Franklin Glen A.
Published: June 2020

Blunt chest trauma produces a variety of injuries. We present a case report of a hemodynamically stable patient after blunt chest trauma with radiographic images suggestive of the left fifth rib penetration to the heart. The diagnosis, surgical approach, and course of the patient are discussed.
Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Resection of an Insulinoma: Report of an Unusual Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gutelius Bruce J. , Korytkowski Mary T. , Carty Sally E. , Hamad Giselle G.
Published: June 2020

Insulinomas are rare endocrine tumors that are usually diagnosed by inappropriate elevations in insulin and C-peptide during hypoglycemia. We report a case of a surgically confirmed insulinoma diagnosed by a mild elevation in proinsulin with suppressed insulin and C-peptide at the time of hypoglycemia during a supervised fast. A supervised fast with serial measurements of plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide was performed in a patient with documented hypoglycemia. Proinsulin was measured at the beginning and end of the fast. Tumor localization was accomplished with spiral CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound. Minimally invasive tumor resection was performed. The presence of an insulinoma was confirmed on the basis of a minimally elevated proinsulin level with a suppressed insulin level at the time of symptomatic hypoglycemia. Tumor resection was performed without complications, resulting in resolution of the hypoglycemia. This case demonstrates the importance of measuring proinsulin as a routine component of the 72-hour fast for detection of an insulinoma. Even mild elevations in circulating proinsulin can be an independent indicator of aberrant insulin secretion during hypoglycemia. Once the diagnosis of insulinoma is made and tumor localization is achieved, minimally invasive tumor resection is a safe and effective treatment modality.
Colonic Resection in the Setting of Damage Control Laparotomy: Is Delayed Anastomosis Safe?
Authors: Miller Preston R. , Chang Michael C. , Hoth J. Jason , Holmes James H. , Meredith J. Wayne
Published: June 2020

Based on a large body of literature concerning the subject, trauma surgeons are becoming more comfortable with anastomosis rather than stoma creation in patients with destructive colon injuries requiring resection. This literature was largely generated before the widespread acceptance of the importance of damage control laparotomy (DCL). Thus, when such injuries occur in patients initially left in colonic discontinuity after DCL, the question of anastomosis versus stoma becomes more difficult, and there are no data to guide management decisions. The goal of this report is to describe the results of our early experience with delayed anastomosis (DA) after destructive colon injury in the setting of DCL. We reviewed the records of patients with destructive colon injuries at our Level I trauma center over a 5.5-year period for demographics, injury characteristics, and outcome. Studied outcomes included anastomotic leak, intra-abdominal abscess, and colon injury-related death. The decision to proceed with DA was based on individual surgeon opinion at the time of re-exploration. From January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2006, 92 patients sustained colon injury, 55 of which required resection (31 blunt mechanism and 24 penetrating). Twenty-two resections occurred in the setting of DCL. Six of these patients underwent stoma creation and 11 underwent DA. Three died before reoperation, and two had an anastomosis created during the initial DCL. The remaining 33 resections occurred during initial definitive operation, and 21 underwent anastomosis, whereas 12 had a stoma created. Comparing the 11 patients undergoing DA with the 21 undergoing immediate anastomosis, the anastomotic leak rate (0% vs 5%), abscess rate (36% vs 24%), and colon related-death rate (9% vs 0%; all P > 0.05) were similar. Six patients undergoing DA had a right hemicolectomy with ileocolonic anastomosis, four had a segmental left colon resection, and one had a near total abdominal colectomy with ileosigmoid anastomosis. Delayed anastomosis of colon injuries after DCL is safe in selected patients and has a similar complication rate as resection and anastomosis performed during initial definitive operation. DA avoids stoma creation in some patients who are not candidates for anastomosis during initial DCL. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported series of DA after DCL, an area in which further work is needed to carefully define indications for the safe application of this concept.
Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Comparison of Local Anesthetic and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Postoperative Pain Management after Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Newcomb William , Lincourt Amy , Hope William , Schmelzer Thomas , Sing Ronald , Kercher Kent , Heniford B. Todd
Published: June 2020

Compared with the open approach, laparoscopy has been shown to significantly reduce postoperative pain. Improving postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic surgery is an area of continued interest. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of local anesthetic infiltration with or without preoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board-approved, prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled comparison study. Patients were randomized into four groups: Group I, preoperative oral administration of a placebo medication and prein cision local infiltration of 40 mL of 0.5 per cent bupivicaine at trocar sites; Group II, preoperative oral administration of 50 mg of rofecoxib; Group III, preoperative oral administration of 50 mg of rofecoxib and preincision local infiltration of 40 mL of 0.5 per cent bupivicaine into skin, muscle, and peritoneum; and Group IV, preoperative oral administration of a placebo medication. Postoperative pain scores were assessed at 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours using a visual analog scale. Postoperative analgesic use, complications, and length of stay were recorded. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Fifty-five patients (46 women and 9 men) were enrolled in this study and underwent a standardized, elective, laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild, symptomatic cholelithiasis (96.4%) and gallbladder polyps (3.6%). No patient had pain immediately before surgery. Postoperative analgesic requests, visual analog scale results, incidence of postoperative vomiting at 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours, in addition to length of stay, were not statistically different between the four groups. No complications occurred. The use of preoperative rofecoxib, 0.5 per cent bupivicaine infiltration, or both for postoperative analgesia did not decrease postoperative pain or decrease length of stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with placebo. Preoperative administration of an oral anti-inflammatory pain medication, infiltration of a local anesthetic, or both had no greater effect than placebo in controlling discomfort after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The challenge of preempting postoperative pain continues and will require further investigation.
Surgical Options in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Williams Regan , White Jared , Croce Martin , Dilawari Raza
Published: June 2020

In response to an increase in hepatitis C virus infection in the United States, we reviewed our experience with surgically treated hepatocellular carcinoma in an academic setting to assess the proper treatment protocol for patients who are amenable to surgical therapy. A chart review was conducted on all patients with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and surgical therapy from 1990 to 2006 identified through the tumor registries at three university-affiliated institutions. Data on patient characteristics, tumor features, and complications were collected. Outcomes evaluated included recurrence and survival. One hundred three patients were identified; 44 underwent resection, 49 underwent transplantation, and 11 underwent radiofrequency ablation. Patients undergoing transplantation had more severe liver disease and less advanced tumors. Recurrence was lower in the transplant group. Survival in the resection group was 65 per cent, 28 per cent, and 24 per cent at 1, 3, and 5 years. Survival in the transplanted group was 83 per cent, 65 per cent, and 52 per cent at 1, 3, and 5 years. Transplantation offers better survival than resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with stage I disease may be eligible for resection based on small tumor size and liver function; however, these patients should be considered for transplantation to improve their long-term survival.
Diminished Dose Minimally Invasive Radioguided Parathyroidectomy: A Case for Radioguidance
Authors: You Christopher J. , Zapas John L.
Published: June 2020

Minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) has been established as an alternative to bilateral neck exploration (BNE) for primary hyperparathyroidism. We investigate whether a diminished dose of technetium-99m sestamibi gives similar results to the standard dose. One hundred one patients were offered MIRP or diminished-dose MIRP (ddMIRP). Patients received intravenous Tc-99m sestamibi at a dose of either 25 mCi 1.5 hours or 5 mCi 1 hour preoperatively. The procedure was terminated when the 20 per cent rule was satisfied. All tissue was confirmed to be parathyroid tissue by frozen section analysis. In addition, intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels were measured in a majority of patients. Patients who failed IOM underwent BNE. Frozen section analysis and intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring were also performed in the BNEs. Postoperatively, serum calcium levels were measured at 1 week and 6 months. Fifteen per cent of patients were male and 85 per cent were female. The median age was 63 years (range, 25–89 years). The first 58 patients had the standard dose of 25 mCi, whereas 43 patients had ddMIRP. Six patients (10%) failed intraoperative mapping in the MIRP group and were found to have single-gland disease. Five patients (12%) failed intraoperative mapping in the ddMIRP group. However, two patients were identified to have multigland disease making the true failure rate of intraoperative mapping 7 per cent (three patients). Median operative times for MIRP, ddMIRP, and BNE were 40 minutes, 46 minutes, and 105 minutes, respectively. The 20 per cent rule was satisfied in 96 per cent of patients undergoing MIRP and 98 per cent of patients undergoing ddMIRP. Frozen section analysis and intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring did not result in a change in management. Median follow up was 193 days and serum calcium levels at 6 months were normal. Diminished-dose MIRP is a feasible alternative to standard-dose MIRP without compromising surgical outcomes.
Jejunal Diverticular Disease with Unborn Enterolith Presenting as a Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Crace Phillip P. , Grisham Andre , Kerlakian George
Published: June 2020

Jejunal diverticuli are rare and usually asymptomatic. More commonly, they are seen as incidental findings on CT images, enteroclysis, or during surgery. Complications such as bleeding, perforation, obstruction, malabsorption, diverticulitis, blind loop syndrome, volvulus, and intussusception may warrant surgical intervention. An interesting case of an unborn enterolith (enclosed calculus) from a jejunal diverticulum presenting as a small bowel obstruction is presented. The patient is a 66-year- old woman with no prior history of abdominal surgery who presented with a high-grade bowel obstruction. CT with intravenous barium contrast confirmed the presence of a transition point from dilated to decompressed small bowel in the mid jejunum. At laparotomy, a freely mobile mass was found in this area leading to the bowel obstruction. The mass was removed by making a small enterotomy in the jejunum. While running the small bowel proximally, a small segment of jejunum, approximately 8 cm, containing several diverticuli was found. This bowel obstruction was the result of an unborn enterolith from this segment of bowel. The patient's hospitalization was benign and she was discharged home on postoperative day 4.
Central Venous Sampling for Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Monitoring: Are Peripheral Guidelines Applicable?
Authors: Broome James T. , Schrager Jason J. , Bilheimer Dean , Chambers Eugene P. , Jacobs J. Kenneth , Phay John
Published: June 2020

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring has become an integral adjunct to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Guidelines for predicting therapeutic excision of all hyperactive parathyroid tissue have been routinely based on peripheral blood samples drawn at various time intervals. Whether these same guidelines can be used to predict success based on central blood draws has not been established. The authors wanted to evaluate whether peripheral criteria were applicable when PTH levels were drawn from a central location. Simultaneous peripheral venous (PV) and central venous (CV) PTH samples were drawn from 64 patients undergoing cervical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism. Median preexcision PTH was significantly higher centrally at 165 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 101–391 pg/mL) versus peripherally 102 pg/mL (interquartile range, 73–156 pg/mL, P < 0.0001). Postexcision PTH was slightly greater in CV (38 pg/mL; IQR, 24–62) than in PV (29 pg/mL; IQR, 22–51; P < 0.0001). The decrease in intraoperative PTH was compared after excision of an initial gland. Fifty-four of the 64 patients had all hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue removed after initial gland resection. Pre- to postexcision ratios for CV and PV were compared using receiver operating characteristic curve methods, and summarized by area under the curve (AUC). PV (AUC = 0.85) appears to be a slightly more sensitive discriminator than CV (AUC = 0.83), although the difference is not statistically significant ( P = 0.5). Despite higher absolute values for CV, both peripheral and central sample sites accurately predict outcomes based on established guidelines for intraoperative PTH monitoring.
Is Primary Anastomosis Safe in the Surgical Management of Complications of Acute Diverticulitis?
Authors: Stumpf Michael J. , Vinces Fausto Y. , Edwards Joseph
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this article is to determine whether primary anastomosis is a safe option in the surgical management of complications of acute diverticulitis in low-risk patients. Over the past century, the management of diverticulitis has evolved from a three-stage procedure to resection and primary anastomosis. In the beginning of the century, Mayo described drainage and proximal colostomy, a three-stage procedure. This was done by performing a diverting colostomy but leaving the diseased segment of colon, hoping that the inflammation would subside. Later, the patient went back for resection of the diseased segment. Then a third procedure was performed for reversal of the colostomy. Around the late 1970s to early 1980s, it was found that patients had better outcomes if the diseased segment was resected during the first operation–the Hartman procedure. During the late 1990s to early 2000s, some surgeons began performing resection and primary anastomosis in selected groups of patients with diverticulitis. There have been a number of studies published showing that resection and primary anastomosis has an acceptable morbidity and mortality. However, most of these studies are retrospective and do not achieve statistical significance. They also do not attempt to establish guidelines to help decide which patients are good candidates for resection and primary anastomosis. The goal of this study is to establish safe and reasonable practice guidelines that can be applied to a selected group of (low-risk) patients. This study is a retrospective review of all the patients treated surgically for complications of acute diverticulitis from 1998 to 2003 at United Hospital Medical Center in Port Chester, New York. Patients were classified as high or low risk based on their age, APACHE II score, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and Hinchey score. There were a total of 66 patients operated on for complications of acute diverticulitis (left-sided) over this 5-year period. Thirty-six of them underwent resection and primary anastomosis and 30 underwent the Hartman procedure. Of the 36 who underwent resection and primary anastomosis, 19 were considered low risk. There were no complications in this low-risk group who underwent primary anastomosis. Patients who were low risk based on the mentioned criteria can safely undergo resection and primary anastomosis.
Recombinant Factor VII as an Adjunct to Control of Hemorrhage from Chest Trauma in a Jehovah's Witness
Authors: Bhullar Indermeet S. , Braman Robin , Block J. , Ernest F.
Published: June 2020

Presented during Poster Grand Rounds at the Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course Program, Southeastern Surgical Congress, Savannah, GA, February 10–13, 2007.
Cecal Epiploic Appendagitis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Dilemma
Authors: Patel Vijaykumar G. , Rao Arundathi , Williams Reginald , Srinivasan Radha , Fortson James K. , Weaver William L.
Published: June 2020

Acute epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a rare and often misdiagnosed cause of acute abdominal pain. Though a benign and often self-limiting condition, EA's ability to mimic other disease processes makes it an important consideration in patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms. Careful evaluation of abdominal CT scan findings is crucial in the accurate diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis, thus avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention. We report a case of a 29-year-old male presenting with a two day history of generalized abdominal pain. Physical exam revealed a diffusely tender abdomen with hypoactive bowel sounds. The patient had a leukocytosis of 18,000 and abdominal CT scan revealed right lower quadrant inflammatory changes suggestive of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic exploration revealed an inflamed gangrenous structure adjacent to the ileocecal junction. Pathologic evaluation revealed tissue consistent with epiploic appendagitis. Retrospective review of the CT scan revealed a normal appearing appendiceal structure superolateral to the area of inflammation. The patient recovered uneventfully with resolving leukocytosis. We present a case of cecal epiploic appendagitis mimicking acute appendicitis and review the current literature on radiographic findings, diagnosis, and treatment of this often misdiagnosed condition. General surgeons should be aware of this self-limiting condition and consider this in the differential diagnosis.
Metastatic Malignant Melanoma of the Gallbladder Presenting as Biliary Colic: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Nelms Justin K. , Patel Jitesh A. , Atkinson Donald P. , Raves John J.
Published: June 2020

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most common cancer to metastasize to the gastrointestinal tract. Autopsy reports estimate that up to 15 per cent of these patients also have gallbladder metastases, and MM accounts for up to 60 per cent of metastatic lesions to the gallbladder. However, despite its prevalence, MM to the gallbladder is reported only sparingly in the literature. This discordance may be explained by the fact that these lesions are seldom symptomatic. Abdominal ultrasound remains the modality of choice in studying gallbladder pathology and has the ability to define metastatic lesions. The effect of screening for gallbladder metastases on improving survival is not well defined, and thus its role remains controversial. Cholecystectomy for melanoma metastases to the gallbladder seems to be mostly palliative, although there have been isolated reports of excellent long-term survival outcomes. The role for immunotherapy and chemotherapy in this population is not well defined, and overall prognosis is poor. Recent reports have advocated laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the treatment of choice, though there remains a concern for peritoneal port site seeding. We present the case of a 48-year-old man with MM metastatic to the gallbladder and a brief review of the literature.
Posttraumatic Hernias: Historical Overview and Review of the Literature
Authors: Crandall Marie , Popowich Daniel , Shapiro Michael , West Michael
Published: June 2020

Diaphragmatic, lumbar, and extra-thoracic hernias are well-described complications of blunt trauma. However, in the absence of an immediate indication for surgery in the injured patient, early recognition of these hernias can be a diagnostic challenge and delayed presentation is common. Upon diagnosis, surgical repair is necessary secondary to the high morbidity and mortality associated with herniation and strangulation of abdominal organs. Surgical treatment of these hernias is evolving and a variety of options are available to the surgeon. This article will provide a historical overview of post-traumatic diaphragmatic and multi-cavity hernias, and a review of the literature addressing key issues of diagnosis and management.
Hanging Maneuver in Right Hepatectomy for Recurrent Metastases with Diaphragmatic Infiltration after Radiofrequency Ablation: A New Indication
Authors: Nuzzo Gennaro , Giuliante Felice , Ardito Francesco , Vellone Maria , Giovannini Ivo
Published: June 2020

The liver hanging maneuver is a safe technique to prevent bleeding during transection when a right hepatectomy by an anterior approach, without previous mobilization of the liver, is required. This article proposes a new indication for this technique. The liver hanging maneuver may be useful during right hepatectomy for local recurrence of liver metastases previously treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In these cases, necrosis or fibrosis induced by RFA and local recurrence may cause strong adhesions between liver parenchyma and the diaphragm, thus increasing the risk of bleeding during liver mobilization. Between January 2003 and March 2006, seven patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases of the right hemiliver, after previous treatment by RFA, underwent right hepatectomy. Liver resection was feasible with the proposed technique in all patients. In four cases, a limited diaphragmatic resection was associated. There was no mortality. Postoperative morbidity was 42.8 per cent. An anterior approach with the liver hanging maneuver for recurrent liver metastases after RFA should be recommended when the metastases are located posteriorly, are not detachable from the diaphragm, and the preliminary mobilization of the right liver may be difficult.