Hybrid 18F-FDG PET/CT of colonic anastomosis

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a known method to diagnose inflammatory processes and thus may be a promising imaging technique to detect anastomotic bowel leak. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative FDG uptake in colorectal anastomosis in patients without suspicion of active infection or anastomotic leakage. Patients, methods: Design of a prospective observational pilot study in order to assess normal FDG uptake in the patient anastomosis after colorectal surgery. Patients that underwent colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis received FDG-PET of the abdomen, 2–6 days postoperatively. Results: 35 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three patients were not scanned for various reasons. Of the remaining 32 patients, one demonstrated an increased uptake of FDG at the site of the anastomosis. In the other 31 patients FDG uptake was negligible (n = 17) or scored as physiological (n = 14). None of the scanned patients developed a clinical relevant anastomotic leakage within the first 30 days after surgery. Conclusion: The present study shows that FDG uptake in colorectal anastomosis remains low within the first six days after surgery in patients without anastomotic leakage. Therefore, FDG-PET might be useful to investigate further as a tool to detect anastomotic leakage in an the early postoperative phase.

The laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker technique is safe and has a low recurrence rate: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Parastomal hernia is a frequent complication of intestinal stomata. Mesh repair gives the best results, with the mesh inserted via laparotomy or laparoscopically. It was the aim of this retrospective multicenter study to determine the early and late results of the laparoscopically performed, modified Sugarbaker technique with ePTFE mesh.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2010, a total of 61 consecutive patients (mean age = 61 years), with a symptomatic parastomal hernia, underwent laparoscopic repair using the modified Sugarbaker technique with ePTFE mesh. Fifty-five patients had a colostomy, 4 patients an ileostomy, and 2 a urostomy according to Bricker. The records of the patients were reviewed with respect to patient characteristics, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. All patients underwent physical examination after a follow-up of at least 1 year to detect a recurrent hernia. Morbidity rate was 19 % and included wound infection (n = 1), ileus (n = 2), trocar site bleeding (n = 2), reintervention (n = 2), and pneumonia (n = 1). One patient died in the postoperative period due to metastasis of lung carcinoma that caused bowel obstruction. Concomitant incisional hernias were detected in 25 of 61 patients (41 %) and could be repaired at the same time in all cases. A recurrent hernia was found in three patients at physical examination, and in one patient an asymptomatic recurrence was found on a CT scan. The overall recurrence rate was 6.6 % after a mean follow-up of 26 months.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic Sugarbaker technique is a safe procedure for repairing parastomal hernias. In our study, the overall morbidity was 19 % and the recurrence rate was 6.6 % after a mean follow-up of 26 months. Moreover, the laparoscopic approach revealed concomitant hernias in 41 % of the patients, which could be repaired successfully at the same time.

Outcomes of colorectal cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis treated with chemotherapy with and without targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Although systemic therapies have shown to result in survival benefit in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), outcomes in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) are poor. No data are available on outcomes of current chemotherapy schedules plus targeted agents in mCRC patients with PC.

METHODS

Previously untreated mCRC patients treated with chemotherapy in the CAIRO study and with chemotherapy and targeted therapy in the CAIRO2 study were included and retrospectively analysed according to presence or absence of PC at randomisation. Patient demographics, primary tumour characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and occurrence of toxicity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients with PC were identified in the CAIRO study and 47 patients in the CAIRO2 study. Median OS was decreased for patients with PC compared with patients without PC (CAIRO: 10.4 versus 17.3 months, respectively (p ≤ 0.001); CAIRO2: 15.2 versus 20.7 months, respectively (p < 0.001)). Median number of treatment cycles did not differ between patients with or without PC in both studies. Occurrence of major toxicity was more frequent in patients with PC treated with sequential chemotherapy in the CAIRO study as compared to patients without PC. This was not reflected in reasons to discontinue treatment. In the CAIRO2 study, no differences in major toxicity were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate decreased efficacy of current standard chemotherapy with and without targeted agents in mCRC patients with PC. This suggests that the poor outcome cannot be explained by undertreatment or increased susceptibility to toxicity, but rather by relative resistance to treatment.

Experimental study of radioimmunotherapy versus chemotherapy for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) has been shown to reduce the incidence of local recurrence of colorectal cancer in an experimental model. The aim of the present study was to investigate the survival benefit of RIT compared with chemotherapy.

METHODS

An anastomosis was constructed in male Wag/Rij rats after intraluminal injection of CC531 tumour cells. The therapeutic efficacy of (177) Lu-labelled MG1 (single intravenous dose of 300 MBq/kg, n = 20) was compared with that of 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (6 weekly cycles administered intraperitoneally, n = 20) and no treatment (n = 20). The primary endpoint was survival. Toxicity was monitored by bodyweight measurement.

RESULTS

Both chemotherapy and RIT affected bodyweight, but the weight of animals in the RIT group remained significantly higher than in the chemotherapy group (median slope of bodyweight plot 0·48 versus 0·30 g/day; P < 0·001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that overall survival in the RIT and chemotherapy groups was significantly better than that in the control group (50 and 46 per cent versus 25 per cent respectively after 170 days; P = 0·024 and P = 0·029). Survival after treatment with RIT did not differ from that after chemotherapy (P = 0·911).

CONCLUSION

RIT is as effective as chemotherapy in experimental colorectal cancer.

Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis in an experimental model

BACKGROUND

The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the treatment of choice for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin. However, it remains to be proven whether the addition of HIPEC to CS is essential for the reported survival benefit.

METHODS

Sixty WAG/Rij rats were inoculated intraperitoneally with the rat colonic carcinoma cell line CC-531. Animals were randomized into three treatment groups: CS alone, CS followed by HIPEC (mitomycin 15 mg/m(2) ) and CS followed by HIPEC (mitomycin 35 mg/m(2) ). Survival was the primary outcome parameter.

RESULTS

The median survival of rats treated with CS alone was 43 days. Rats receiving HIPEC 15 mg/m(2) and HIPEC 35 mg/m(2) both had a significantly longer median survival of 75 days (P = 0·003) and 97 days (P < 0·001) respectively. Rats receiving HIPEC showed a significantly lower tumour load at autopsy compared with rats treated with CS alone.

CONCLUSION

A combination of CS and HIPEC results in longer survival than CS alone in rats with PC of colorectal origin.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) versus conventional postoperative care in colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are associated with reduced hospital morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the introduction of ERAS care improved the adverse events in colorectal surgery. In a cohort study, mortality, morbidity, and length of stay were compared between ERAS patients and carefully matched historical controls.

METHODS

Patients were matched for their type of disease, the type of surgery, P-Possum (Portsmouth-Possum), CR-Possum (Colorectal-Possum) Physiological and Operative Score for Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM), gender, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. The primary outcome measures of this study were mortality and morbidity. Secondary outcome measures were fluid intake, length of hospital stay, the number of relaparotomies, and the number of readmissions within 30 days. Data on the ERAS patients were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients treated according to the ERAS program were compared with 122 patients who received conventional postoperative care. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, ASA grade, P-Possum (Portsmouth-Possum), CR-Possum (Colorectal-Possum) score, type of surgery, stoma formation, type of disease, and gender. Morbidity was lower in the ERAS group compared to the control group (14.8% versus 33.6% respectively; P = <0.01). Patients in the ERAS group received significantly less fluid and spent fewer days in the hospital (median 6 days, range 3-50 vs. median 9 days, range 3-138; P = 0.032). There was no difference between the ERAS and the control group for mortality (0% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.55) and readmission rate (3.3% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.60).

CONCLUSION

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program reduces morbidity and the length of hospital stay for patients undergoing elective colonic or rectal surgery.

Early anastomotic repair in the rat intestine is affected by transient preoperative mesenteric ischemia

INTRODUCTION

During bowel surgery, perioperative blood loss and hypotension can lead to transient intestinal ischemia. Recent preclinical studies reveal that the strength of intestinal anastomoses can be compromised after reperfusion. So far, this phenomenon has not been investigated in the very first days of healing when wound strength is lowest.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Ischemia was induced in rats by clamping both the superior mesenteric artery and ileal branches for 30 min. Immediately after declamping, anastomoses were constructed in both terminal ileum and descending colon. The same was done in control groups after sham-ischemia. Anastomotic bursting pressure and breaking strength were measured immediately after operation (day 0) and after 1, 2, or 3 days. Anastomotic hydroxyproline content, gelatinase activity, and histology were analyzed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In ileal anastomoses, at day 1, both the breaking strength and bursting pressure were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the ischemic group, while at day 2, this was the case for the bursting pressure only. In the colon, the bursting pressure in the ischemic group was lower at day 1. Anastomotic hydroxyproline content remained unchanged. Increased presence of the various gelatinase activities was found in ileum only at day 0 and in colon at days 1 and 2. Histological mucosal damage was found in ischemia-reperfusion groups.

CONCLUSION

Transient mesenteric ischemia can negatively affect anastomotic strength during the very first days of healing, even if the tissue used for anastomotic construction looks vital.

Colectomy in patients with acute colitis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

For patients with acute colitis, the decision when and how to operate is difficult in most cases. It was the aim of this systematic review to analyze early mortality and morbidity of colectomy for severe acute colitis in order to identify opportunities to improve perioperative treatment and outcome.

METHODS

A systematic review of the available literature in the Medline and PubMed databases from 1975 to 2007 was performed. All articles were assessed methodologically; the articles of poor methodological quality were excluded. Articles on laparoscopic colectomy for acute colitis were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

In total, 29 studies met the criteria for the systematic review, describing a total of 2,714 patients, 1,257 of whom were operated on in an acute setting, i.e., urgent or emergency colectomy. Reported in-hospital mortality was 8.0%; the 30-day mortality was 5.2%. Morbidity was 50.8%. The majority of complications were of infectious and thromboembolic nature. Over the last three decades, there was a shift in indications from toxic megacolon, from 71.1% in 1975-1984 to 21.6% in 1995-2005, to severe acute colitis not responding to conservative treatment, from 16.5% in 1975-1984 to 58.1% in 1995-2007. Mortality decreased from 10.0% to 1.8%. Morbidity remained high, exceeding 40% in the last decade. Mortality after laparoscopic surgery was 0.6%. Complication rate varies from 16-37%.

CONCLUSION

Colectomy for acute colitis is complicated by considerable morbidity. The incidence of adverse outcome has substantially decreased over the last three decades, but further improvements are still required. The retrospective nature of the included studies allows for a considerable degree of selection bias that limits robust and clinically sound conclusions about both conventional and laparoscopic surgery.

Radioimmunotherapy prevents local recurrence of colonic cancer in an experimental model

Background

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is suitable for the treatment of microscopic residual disease and might therefore have an adjuvant role after colonic cancer surgery.

Methods

An anastomosis was constructed in male Wag/Rij rats after intraluminal injection of 2 × 106 CC531 tumour cells. The biodistribution of 111In-labelled MG1 monoclonal antibody was assessed after intraperitoneal administration. The therapeutic efficacy of 177Lu-labelled MG1 (74 MBq per rat), administered on the day of surgery (D0, n = 13) or 5 days later (D5, n = 13), was compared with that of carrier only (n = 13). The primary endpoint was perianastomotic tumour growth 28 days after surgery.

Results

111In-labelled MG1 preferentially accumulated in perianastomotic CC531 tumours. RIT resulted in a transient reduction in bodyweight in both treatment groups compared with controls, but there were no other signs of clinical discomfort. No macroscopic or microscopic perianastomotic tumour growth was found in eight of 11 animals in the D0 group and 11 of 13 in the D5 group, whereas 11 of 13 controls had macroscopic tumour (P = 0·011 and P = 0·001 respectively).

Conclusion

This study suggests that RIT may be an effective adjuvant treatment for preventing local recurrence after resection of colonic cancer.

Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair using a keyhole technique results in a high recurrence rate

INTRODUCTION

Parastomal herniation is a common complication of stoma formation, and its operative treatment is notoriously difficult. Recently we have reported the promising short-term results of a keyhole technique in which a Gore-Tex Dual Mesh with a central keyhole is laparoscopically fashioned around the bowel to close the hernia. In the long-term, recurrence is one of the major issues in hernia repair, therefore, this aspect was prospectively investigated.

METHODS

Since 2002, a total of 55 consecutive patients (27 men; median age, 63 years) with a symptomatic primary (n = 45) or recurrent parastomal hernia (n = 10) were electively operated using this technique. Patients were invited to the outpatient clinic on a regular basis and were examined for the occurrence of a recurrent hernia. At the last visit, all patients were asked to complete a short questionnaire.

RESULTS

Median follow-up (98%) was 36 (range, 12-72) months. During follow-up a recurrent parastomal hernia was diagnosed in 20 patients (37%). Three recurrences were asymptomatic and were treated conservatively. The other 17 patients (85%) developed mild-to-severe symptoms necessitating redo-surgery in 9 (45%) patients. Surprisingly, satisfaction with the procedure was high among patients (89%), even in the presence of a recurrence. Patients who reported unsatisfactory results belonged mainly to the group in whom the initial laparoscopic approach had to be converted to an open procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results from the present study, which represents one of the largest patient series with the longest follow up available to date, it is concluded that laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair using a keyhole technique has an intolerably high recurrence rate with the currently available meshes. A new mesh with a less pliable central part and without the tendency to shrink is awaited.

Plasminogen activator, but not systemic antibiotic therapy, prevents abscess formation in an experimental model of secondary peritonitis

Background

Intra-abdominal abscesses are sources of recurrent or ongoing abdominal sepsis. They are an important target for prevention and treatment during or after surgical treatment of peritonitis. Experimental data suggest that fibrinolytic therapy may be effective when antibiotics are not.

Methods

Peritonitis was induced via intra-abdominal injection of a faeces and bacteria mixture in male Wistar rats. Surgical debridement was performed after 1 h. Next to untreated controls, animals were treated with antibiotics (ceftriaxone plus metronidazole), recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) or both. Abdominal fluid samples were taken at 24, 72 and 120 h for interleukin 6, interleukin 10 and tumour necrosis factor α measurements and cell counts. After 5 days the abdomen was inspected for the presence of abscesses.

Results

Antibiotics did not significantly affect abscess formation. However, giving rtPA significantly reduced the number of rats with abscesses and the abscess load per rat, both in the absence and presence of concomitant antibiotic therapy. No adverse side-effects were observed and no meaningful differences in the local inflammatory response were found.

Conclusion

In this rat model, rtPA consistently reduced abscess formation after surgical treatment of secondary peritonitis. It therefore represents a promising adjuvant to conventional therapy.

An overview of the features influencing pain after inguinal hernia repair

Pain is a prominent issue in inguinal hernia repair research as its persisting appearance is a severe complication. The interest is also urged by the combination of a high number of repairs with an estimated risk for chronic postoperative pain of 11%. Almost every healthcare provider could encounter this complication. Pain is a complex study subject, mostly defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Various explanatory factors for pain following hernia repair have been reported. Most investigators, however, discuss only a few aspects. In the present review, these factors are collected to provide a more holistic synopsis of pain following hernia repair. It may be a resource for understanding this and other postsurgical pain.

Repair of giant midline abdominal wall hernias: "components separation technique" versus prosthetic repair : interim analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Reconstruction of giant midline abdominal wall hernias is difficult, and no data are available to decide which technique should be used. It was the aim of this study to compare the “components separation technique” (CST) versus prosthetic repair with e-PTFE patch (PR).

Method

Patients with giant midline abdominal wall hernias were randomized for CST or PR. Patients underwent operation following standard procedures. Postoperative morbidity was scored on a standard form, and patients were followed for 36 months after operation for recurrent hernia.

Results

Between November 1999 and June 2001, 39 patients were randomized for the study, 19 for CST and 18 for PR. Two patients were excluded perioperatively because of gross contamination of the operative field. No differences were found between the groups at baseline with respect to demographic details, co-morbidity, and size of the defect. There was no in-hospital mortality. Wound complications were found in 10 of 19 patients after CST and 13 of 18 patients after PR. Seroma was found more frequently after PR. In 7 of 18 patients after PR, the prosthesis had to be removed as a consequence of early or late infection. Reherniation occurred in 10 patients after CST and in 4 patients after PR.

Conclusions

Repair of abdominal wall hernias with the component separation technique compares favorably with prosthetic repair. Although the reherniation rate after CST is relatively high, the consequences of wound healing disturbances in the presence of e-PTFE patch are far-reaching, often resulting in loss of the prosthesis.

A comparison between radioimmunotherapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis of colonic origin in rats

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CS) followed by heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is considered the standard of care for the treatment of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal cancer (CRC). These surgical procedures result in a median survival of 2 years at the cost of considerable morbidity and mortality. In preclinical studies, radioimmunotherapy (RIT) improved survival after CS in a model of induced PC of colonic origin. In the present studies we aimed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of CS followed by adjuvant RIT in experimental PC to the standard of care, HIPEC.

METHODS

PC was induced by intraperitoneal inoculation of CC-531 colon carcinoma cells in three groups of Wag/Rij rats. Treatment comprised CS only, CS + RIT or CS + HIPEC, immediately after surgery. RIT consisted of intraperitoneal administration of 74 MBq Lutetium-177 labeled MG1. HIPEC was performed by a closed abdomen perfusion technique using mitomycin C (16 mg/L during 60 minutes). The primary endpoint was survival.

RESULTS

CS only or combined with RIT was well tolerated. Rats receiving CS + HIPEC were lethargic, suffered from diarrhea, and lost significantly more weight in the first postoperative week. Median survival of rats treated with CS + RIT was significantly longer than after CS alone (97 and 57 days, respectively, P < .004), whereas survival after CS + HIPEC or CS alone were not significantly different (76 and 57 days, respectively, P = .17).

CONCLUSION

Survival after CS was significantly improved by RIT with Lutetium-177-MG1 in rats with PC of colorectal origin. Adjuvant HIPEC did not improve survival and was more toxic than adjuvant RIT.

Autologous tissue repair of large abdominal wall defects

Background and method

Techniques for autologous repair of abdominal wall defects that could not be closed primarily are reviewed. Medline and PubMed were searched for English or German publications using the following keywords: components separation technique (CST), Ramirez, da Silva, fascia lata, tensor fasciae latae, latissimus dorsi, rectus femoris, myocutaneous flap, ((auto)dermal) graft, dermoplasty, cutisplasty, hernia, abdominal wall defect, or combinations thereof. Publications were analysed for methodological quality, and data on surgical technique, mortality, morbidity and reherniation were abstracted.

Results and conclusions

The CST is the best documented procedure; it is associated with a high morbidity rate of 24·0 per cent and a recurrence rate of 18·2 per cent. Although the results of the da Silva technique are good (morbidity 5–20 per cent and reherniation 0–3 per cent), the poor methodological quality of the studies precludes firm conclusions. Repair with free fascia lata or dermal grafts is an alternative if the above techniques cannot be used, but wound complications affect 42 per cent of patients and recurrent hernia up to 29 per cent. Pedicled or free vascularized flaps are reserved for complex situations.

Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair is feasible and safe: early results of a prospective clinical study including 55 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Parastomal herniation is a common complication, and its operative treatment is notoriously difficult. Recently, the authors have described a laparoscopic technique for closure and reinforcement of the hernia with a hand-made "funnel-shaped" Gore-Tex Dual Mesh. Potentially this technique combines the advantages of a mesh repair with those of minimal invasive surgery.

METHODS

In 2002, a multicenter trial of this new technique was started in The Netherlands. To date, 55 consecutive patients (27 men; median age, 63 years) with a symptomatic primary (n = 45) or recurrent (n = 10) parastomal hernia have undergone elective surgery using this technique. The demographic, perioperative, and early follow-up data prospectively collected for these patients are presented in this report.

RESULTS

Of the 55 procedures, 47 (85.5%) could be completed laparoscopically (median operation time, 120 min). Conversion to laparotomy was indicated because of dense adhesions prohibiting safe dissection (n = 4) or bowel injury (n = 4). No in-hospital mortality occurred. Postoperative recovery was uneventful for 47 patients (85%), who had a median hospital stay of 4 days. Surgical and nonsurgical complications occurred, respectively, for four patients each (7.2%). Full-thickness enterotomy appeared to be the most troublesome complication. After 6 weeks, when all the patients were reexamined, one recurrence was noted.

CONCLUSION

Maximal efforts should be undertaken to prevent perioperative full-thickness enterotomy. Because this was achieved for the vast majority of patients, it is concluded that laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair is feasible and safe. Although a longer follow-up period is needed for definitive conclusions to be drawn regarding the recurrence rate, early follow-up evaluation shows very promising results.

Guideline proposal to reconstructive surgery for complex perineal sinus or rectal fistula

AIM

To evaluate a guideline approach of reconstructive surgery for complex perineal sinus or rectal fistula.

METHODS

pre-, per-, and postoperative data of 28 patients undergoing transposition of rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM), gracilis muscle (GM), gluteal thigh flap (GTF), or omentoplasty (OP) for complex perineal sinus or rectal fistula were analyzed. A fistula higher than 10 cm and a sinus with a length of >10 cm were treated with TRAM or OP. If <8 cm, the first choice was GM or GTF. The operative team made choice between 8 and 10 cm. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) therapy was used as adjunct therapy before and after muscle transposition in huge sinus. Success was defined as no residual or recurrent sinus or fistula within 6 months, postoperatively. Long-term complaints of perineum and muscle donor site were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five out of 28 patients (90%) were treated according to the guideline. VAC therapy was done in six. Three patients died during mean follow up of 40 months (6-90). Initial success rate was 61% (17/28). After secondary surgery in seven, four (57%) were successful. Overall success rate, including VAC therapy, was 79% (22/28). Success was highest with GM and GTF and in small sinus or fistula.

CONCLUSION

A guideline approach to complex perineal sinus or fistula based on length or height of the sinus or rectal fistula, respectively, is successful in about 80% of cases. Large defects may best be downsized by VAC therapy, followed by muscle flap. Long-term complaints are acceptable.

The omentum-polypropylene sandwich technique: an attractive method to repair large abdominal-wall defects in the presence of contamination or infection

BACKGROUND

Repair of abdominal wall defects in the presence of contamination or infection continues to be a significant problem for surgeons. The loss of tissue warrants reinforcement of the abdominal wall, preferably by autologous material. However, autologous repair often requires extensive operations that carry a high morbidity. Moreover, the lack of sufficient fascia may be so extensive that insertion of a prosthetic material is inevitable. Polypropylene (PP) is the most appropriate material to use under these circumstances, but without coverage, the mesh will wrinkle and ultimately be extruded. The present report describes an alternative technique for repair of heavily contaminated abdominal-wall defects.

PATIENTS

Two patients with a very large heavily contaminated abdominal wall defect due to necrotizing fasciitis in one patient and a lion's bite in the other were treated with the omental sandwich technique. After radical debridement, resulting in a full thickness loss of the abdominal wall, the peritoneum was restored using absorbable polyglactin mesh. The fascial defect was bridged with a PP mesh that was fixed to the adjacent myoaponeurosis and covered with a pedicled omental flap. In both patients the omentum was covered with a split skin.

RESULTS

Wound healing in both patients was without complications. Both patients had a sufficient abdominal wall, without signs of herniation after a follow up of 4 and 30 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The omental sandwich technique is an attractive method to repair large abdominal wall defects in the presence of contamination or overt infection.

Modulation of endothelial monolayer permeability induced by plasma obtained from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated whole blood

The aim of this study was to elucidate the time course of the permeability response of endothelial monolayers after exposure to plasma obtained from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human whole blood; to investigate the role of apoptosis in monolayer permeability, and to inhibit the permeability increase, particularly after addition of the plasma stimulus. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured on semiporous membranes and the permeability for albumin was measured after exposure, according to different schedules, to LPS-conditioned plasma. Apoptotic HUVEC were measured by both flow cytometry and ELISA. A variety of agents, including antibodies against cytokines, inhibitors of NF-kappaB, and a caspase inhibitor, were added to HUVEC, either prior to or after the stimulus. A maximum increase of the permeability was achieved after 4-6 h of exposure to LPS-conditioned plasma. This response was not accompanied by an increase in the number of apoptotic HUVEC. Administration of antibodies against both Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) to HUVEC within 1 h after stimulation significantly reduced the permeability increase. Similarly, pyrollidine di-thiocarbamate (PDTC), but not N-acetylcysteine, could prevent the permeability response, and was still effective when added within 2 h after LPS-conditioned plasma. The TNF-alpha/IL-1beta signal present in LPS-conditioned plasma appears to increase endothelial permeability through intracellular pathways that very likely involve the activation of NF-kappaB. Although poststimulatory inhibition of the permeability response proves to be possible with agents such as PDTC, the window of opportunity appears very small if placed in a clinical perspective.

Selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibition affects ileal but not colonic anastomotic healing in the early postoperative period

BACKGROUND

Selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors are increasingly prescribed in the perioperative period. Recent recognition of a possible role for COX-2 in wound healing has raised concerns about the safety of their use in surgical practice. Therefore, the influence of celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, on early anastomotic healing was investigated.

METHODS

Celecoxib, in doses of 15, 50 or 200 mg per kg per day, was given daily from the day before operation onwards to male Wistar rats that received both ileal and colonic anastomoses. Anastomotic strength was assessed by measuring the breaking strength and bursting pressure on the third day after operation. A second group received a dose of 50 mg per kg per day and a colonic anastomosis only, and healing was assessed on the third and fifth day after surgery.

RESULTS

Expression of COX-2 protein was upregulated in the anastomotic area. Administration of celecoxib, at all doses tested, resulted in a significantly higher ileal dehiscence rate than in control rats (P = 0.002). In contrast, colonic anastomoses healed normally within the same animals. The latter was confirmed in rats with colonic anastomoses only.

CONCLUSION

In this model, administration of the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib affected ileal but not colonic anastomotic healing in the early postoperative period.

Adhesion formation and reherniation differ between meshes used for abdominal wall reconstruction

Incisional hernia is a common surgical problem, frequently requiring prosthetic mesh repair. The demands of the ideal mesh seem conflicting; ingrowth at the mesh-fascia interface, without development of adhesions at the visceral mesh surface. Various antiadhesives combined with macroporous mesh and composite meshes were studied for prevention of adhesions to mesh and ingrowth into the fascia. In 60 rats an abdominal wall defect was created and repaired with underlay mesh. Rats were divided into six groups and treated with polypropylene mesh (PPM, control), PPM with auto-cross-linked polymers (ACP) gel, PPM with fibrinogen glue (FG), polypropylene/expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh, polypropylene/sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) mesh, and polypropylene-collagen/polyethylene-glycol/glycerol (CPGG) mesh. Mesh infection was assessed in the postoperative period, adhesions and reherniations were scored at sacrifice 2 months after operation, and tensile strength of the mesh-tissue interface was measured. Six rats developed mesh infection, half of them were treated with PPM/ePTFE. The PPM/HA/CMC group showed a significant reduction in the amount and severity of adhesions. In animals treated with PPM/ACP and PPM/FG, severity of adhesions was reduced as well. Reherniation rate in the PPM/ACP group was 50% and significantly higher than that in other groups. Rats in the PPM/HA/CMC had the highest tensile strength. PPM/HA/CMC approaches the demands of the ideal mesh best, having superior antiadhesive properties, no reherniation and no infection in this rat model of incisional hernia.

No detrimental effects of repeated laparotomies on early healing of experimental intestinal anastomoses

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the impact of repeated laparotomies on intestinal anastomotic healing. While experimental data are completely lacking, the sparse data available from clinical studies report high anastomotic failure rates, suggesting a negative effect in this respect. Since the unequivocal determination of such an effect may have important consequences for choosing the optimal treatment strategy for patients suffering from intra-abdominal infection, an experimental study has been performed in an established rodent model.

METHODS

Intestinal anastomoses were constructed in healthy Wistar rats (ileal and colonic anastomoses) or 24 h after peritonitis was induced by caecal ligation and puncture (colonic anastomosis only). Rats were then scheduled to undergo no, one (after 24 h) or two relaparotomies (after 24 and 48 h). Anastomotic strength was assessed 3 and 5 days after anastomotic construction. On the third post-operative day anastomotic hydroxyproline levels, matrix metalloproteinase activity and myeloperoxidase activity were measured.

RESULTS

No negative impact of repeated laparotomies was measured on any of the parameters measured. Under non-infectious conditions even an improvement in breaking strength (+48%, p=0.017) but not bursting pressure was found after two relaparotomies, but only in the ileum on the third post-operative day.

CONCLUSIONS

In this experimental setting, early anastomotic healing is not adversely affected by repeated laparotomies.

Surgical smoke and infection control

Gaseous byproducts produced during electrocautery, laser surgery or the use of ultrasonic scalpels are usually referred to as 'surgical smoke'. This smoke, produced with or without a heating process, contains bio-aerosols with viable and non-viable cellular material that subsequently poses a risk of infection (human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus) and causes irritation to the lungs leading to acute and chronic inflammatory changes. Furthermore, cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects have been demonstrated. The American Occupational Safety and Health Administration have estimated that 500000 workers are exposed to laser and electrosurgical smoke each year. The use of standard surgical masks alone does not provide adequate protection from surgical smoke. While higher quality filter masks and/or double masking may increase the filtration capability, a smoke evacuation device or filter placed near (2-5 cm) the electrocautery blade or on endoscope valves offers additional (and necessary) safety for operating personnel and patients.

Radioimmunotherapy and colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the success of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) using radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) directed against tumour-associated antigens in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, therapeutic success in solid tumours has been modest. In the past decade, a dozen Mabs have been investigated clinically for their potential usefulness in RIT of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

The application of radiolabelled Mabs for the treatment of solid cancers is discussed, and clinical trials investigating RIT for colorectal cancer listed in the Medline and Embase databases are reviewed.

RESULTS

Uptake of radiolabelled Mabs in tumour and, consequently, the therapeutic efficacy of RIT is inversely correlated with tumour size. The bone marrow is the most important dose-limiting organ. Twenty-three phase I/II studies were found that investigated the feasibility and efficacy of RIT using five radionuclides and 15 Mabs against carcinoembryonic antigen, tumour-associated glycoprotein 72, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, A33 or colon-specific antigen p, mainly in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. A few responses were recorded but no particular antibody construct seemed superior.

CONCLUSION

RIT might be an effective adjuvant treatment modality in colorectal cancer. Future studies should focus on its application in patients with small-volume or minimal residual disease.

Hyaluronan-Based Antiadhesive Membrane Has No Major Effect on Intraperitoneal Growth of Colonic Tumour Cells

BACKGROUND

A relationship between post-surgical adhesion formation and peritoneal tumour implantation has been proposed. Hyaluronan (HA)-based agents reduce adhesion formation, but the effect on peritoneal tumour is not established. This study investigated the influence of a HA-containing agent on intraperitoneal tumour in an experimental model.

METHODS

66 Balb/c mice underwent laparotomy and damage was inflicted to the parietal peritoneum. The animals were randomized into five groups. Groups 1 and 2 received HA-carboxymethylcellulose bioresorbable membrane and no treatment, respectively. Mice in groups 3-5 were injected intraperitoneally with 10(5) colon 26-B cells after the laparotomy. Treatment consisted of HA membrane, no HA agent and placement of HA membrane on the non-traumatized peritoneal wall, respectively. Animals were killed after 14 days; adhesions were scored in groups 1 and 2, and the tumour mass in groups 3-5. 45 Wag/Rij rats underwent the same procedures and treatment as mice in groups 3-5. In rats, 10(6) CC-531 cells were injected. Rats were killed after 3 weeks and the tumour mass was scored.

RESULTS

HA membrane resulted in a significant reduction of adhesions, but had no major effect on the intraperitoneal tumour mass in mice and rats.

CONCLUSION

HA-carboxymethylcellulose bioresorbable membrane has no major effect on intraperitoneal tumour implantation and growth in an experimental model.

Repair of large midline incisional hernias with polypropylene mesh: comparison of three operative techniques

Polypropylene mesh is widely used for the reconstruction of incisional hernias that cannot be closed primarily. Several techniques have been advocated to implant the mesh. The objective of this study was to evaluate, retrospectively, early and late results of three different techniques, onlay, inlay, and underlay. The records of 53 consecutive patients with a large midline incisional hernia -- 25 women and 28 men, mean age 60.4 (range 28-94) -- were reviewed. Polypropylene mesh was implanted using the onlay technique in 13 patients, inlay in 23 patients, and underlay in 17 patients. Either the greater omentum or a polyglactin mesh was interponated between the mesh and the viscera. The records of these 53 patients were reviewed with respect to: size and cause of the hernia, pre- and postoperative mortality and morbidity, with special attention to wound complications. Patients were invited to attend the outpatient clinic at least 12 months after implantation of the mesh for physical examination of the abdominal wall. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 (26.4%) patients. The onlay technique had significantly more complications, as compared to both other techniques. Reherniation occurred in 15 (28.3%) patients. The reherniation rate of the inlay technique was significantly higher than after the underlay technique (44% vs 12%, P=0.03) and tended to be higher than the onlay technique (44% vs 23%, P=0.22). Repair of large midline incisional hernias with the use of a polypropylene mesh carries a high risk of complications and has a high reherniation rate. The underlay technique seems to be the better technique.

Promising new technique in the repair of parastomal hernia

Parastomal hernia is a common complication after stoma formation. Although not all hernias require surgical repair, a variety of surgical techniques exist. Fascial repair, relocation of the stoma, and the local use of a nonabsorbable mesh are the three major approaches. Despite this variety of techniques, recurrence rate and complications are high. We therefore invented a laparoscopic technique where we close the hernia and reinforce it with a hand-made "funnel-shaped" Gore-Tex dual mesh. This technique has all advantages of laparoscopy (less pain, short hospitalization) combined with the advantages of local mesh repair (no stoma replacement necessary, low recurrence rate). The risk of infection is also minimized. The shape of the Gore-Tex mesh reduces hernia recurrence even more, prevents prolapse, and allows easy colonoscopy and stoma irrigation.

Pathophysiology of intra-abdominal adhesion and abscess formation, and the effect of hyaluronan

BACKGROUND

Intra-abdominal adhesions and abscesses cause significant morbidity and mortality. The formation of fibrin in the abdominal cavity is a common pathophysiological pathway for both. The aim of this review was to investigate the pathophysiology of intra-abdominal adhesions and abscesses, and to explore the possible sites of action of hyaluronan.

METHODS

Data were reviewed from the literature using the Medline database.

RESULTS

Both surgery and peritonitis disturb the equilibrium between coagulation and fibrinolysis in the abdominal cavity in favour of the coagulation system. Hyaluronan-based agents reduce adhesion formation after surgery. Moreover, hyaluronan solution reduces abscess formation in experimental peritonitis. Possible mechanisms of action include mechanical separation of wound surfaces, improvement of peritoneal healing, modulation of the inflammatory response and enhanced fibrinolysis.

CONCLUSION

Diminished fibrin degradation is a common pathway for the formation of adhesions and abscesses. The potential of hyaluronan-based agents to reduce intra-abdominal adhesions and abscesses in abdominal surgery and sepsis is a promising new concept. Elucidating the mechanisms involved and the clinical application of hyaluronan in peritonitis are challenges for future research.

Treatment of liver metastases, an update on the possibilities and results

Long-term results after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases show 5-year survival rates between 35 and 40%. However, only a limited number of patients appear to be candidates for resection, far more patients prove to have unresectable disease. Present challenges in liver surgery for colorectal metastases are to improve patient selection, to increase the resectability rate and to improve survival by multimodality treatment approaches. The variables most consistently associated with a poor prognosis and tumour recurrence are tumour-positive resection margins and the presence of extra-hepatic disease. Hence, patient selection and preoperative staging should concentrate on accurate imaging of the liver lesions and the detection of extrahepatic disease. For liver imaging, spiral computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), supplemented by intra-operative ultrasound, are currently regarded as the best methods for evaluating the anatomy and resectability of colorectal liver metastases. Extrahepatic disease should be investigated by spiral CT of the chest and abdomen and when possible by 2-fluouro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Resection remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases. In experienced centres, resection is a safe procedure and mortality rates are below 5%. The aim of resection should be to obtain tumour-negative resection margins. Edge cryosurgery should be considered in cases where very close resection margins are anticipated. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy after resection is still controversial, although two recent studies show a clear benefit. For the moment, local tumour ablative therapies such as cryotherapy and radiofrequency therapy should be considered as an adjunct to hepatic resection in those cases in which resection can not deal with all of the tumour lesions. In these cases, there seems a beneficial effect of a combined treatment consisting of resection and local tumour ablation. At this stage, there are no randomised data that local tumour ablation is as effective as resection. For a selected group of patients with unresectable liver metastases, there may be a chance to turn unresectable disease to resectable disease by aggressive neo-adjuvant chemotherapy or portal vein embolisation. For patients with unresectable disease, many different chemotherapy schedules may be used based on systemic drug administration. Regional chemotherapy and isolated liver perfusion should only be used within a study design.

Long-term results of bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy in patients with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The management of pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis is difficult. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the early and long-term pain relief provided by bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy.

METHODS

From August 1995 to August 1999, 44 patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy. Data were collected prospectively. Thirty-six patients required opioids. Pain intensity was registered before operation and at regular intervals after surgery by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Use of analgesics (opioids; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen; no analgesics or aminocetophen) was noted before and after splanchnicectomy. Median follow-up was 36 (range 12-60) months.

RESULTS

The procedure was technically successful in 40 patients. Thirty-six patients had no complications. Eleven of 24 patients who have been followed up for 24 months or more had a significantly reduced VAS score at 2 years (median (range) 8.5 (7-10) versus 2.5 (0-5); P < 0.01). The cumulative rate of pain relief was 46 per cent 48 months after splanchnicectomy.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy alleviated pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. It was associated with a low morbidity rate and no deaths. Pain eventually recurred in approximately 50 per cent.

Long-term results of bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy in patients with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The management of pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis is difficult. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the early and long-term pain relief provided by bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy.

METHODS

From August 1995 to August 1999, 44 patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy. Data were collected prospectively. Thirty-six patients required opioids. Pain intensity was registered before operation and at regular intervals after surgery by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Use of analgesics (opioids; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen; no analgesics or aminocetophen) was noted before and after splanchnicectomy. Median follow-up was 36 (range 12-60) months.

RESULTS

The procedure was technically successful in 40 patients. Thirty-six patients had no complications. Eleven of 24 patients who have been followed up for 24 months or more had a significantly reduced VAS score at 2 years (median (range) 8.5 (7-10) versus 2.5 (0-5); P < 0.01). The cumulative rate of pain relief was 46 per cent 48 months after splanchnicectomy.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy alleviated pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. It was associated with a low morbidity rate and no deaths. Pain eventually recurred in approximately 50 per cent.

Metastatic pattern of CC531 colon carcinoma cells in the abdominal cavity: an experimental model of peritoneal carcinomatosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal spread of tumour cells is a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients with colorectal cancer. In order to develop strategies to prevent intraperitoneal dissemination and to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis, the spread of tumour cells in the peritoneal cavity was studied.

METHODS

Two million CC531 colon carcinoma cells were administered intraperitoneally in five groups of eight rats. The rats were killed after 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours and 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. After inspection of the abdominal cavity, samples of blood and ascites were taken. Liver, spleen, omentum, mesentery, diaphragm, parathymic lymph nodes and lungs were removed for histology and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

No abnormalities were seen in the abdominal cavity until day 3. Subsequently the peritoneum and omentum became thickened and after 21 days all rats had haemorrhagic ascites and peritoneal carcinomatosis. The abdominal fluid contained tumour cells at all stages. The number of tumour cells decreased in the first 8 hours, and increased thereafter. At microscopy the peritoneum was completely covered by tumour cells after 3 days. Tumour cells concentrated in the milky spots (MS) of the omentum within 4 hours. The size of the MS increased as a result of an increase in number of tumour cells and macrophages. After 7--21 days the MS were completely replaced by tumour cells and new MS were formed. In the diaphragm tumour cells invaded the lymphatic lacunae after 8 h, and obliterated these after 3--7 days. Also invasion of the muscle fibres was seen after 3 days. Microscopically no tumour cells were found in blood, liver, spleen, parathymic nodes and lung.

CONCLUSION

After intraperitoneal administration of CC531 colon carcinoma cells, tumour cells spread throughout the abdominal cavity, and concentrate in the milky spots of the greater omentum, the paracolic gutters, the subhepatic and subphrenic spaces and in the lymphatic lacunae of the diaphragm.

Unexplained rising carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer: the utility of positron emission tomography (PET)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of positron emission tomography with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) in patients with unexplained rising carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer. 50 consecutive patients with elevated CEA levels and a completely normal (n=31) or equivocal (n=19) conventional diagnostic work-up (CDW) were retrospectively selected. All PET images were reviewed with full knowledge of the CDW. The gold standard consisted of histology, or clinical follow-up of more than 1 year. Recurrent disease was established in 56 lesions in 43 patients. On a patient-based analysis, the sensitivity of FDG-PET was 34/43 (79%), and the positive predictive value 34/38 (89%). In 14/50 patients (28%), the FDG-PET findings led to a surgical resection with curative intent. On a lesion-based analysis, FDG-PET detected 42/56 lesions (sensitivity: 75%), the positive predictive value was 79% (42/53). These results demonstrate that FDG-PET can have a clear impact on patient management in patients with an unexplained elevation in CEA levels.

The implementation of the sentinel node biopsy as a routine procedure for patients with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The sentinel node procedure for breast cancer allows for accurate staging of the axilla while the axillary node dissection can be avoided in patients with no sentinel node metastasis. This study describes those patients in whom an axillary dissection is performed, depending on the outcome of the sentinel node procedure, with particular emphasis on the use of strict criteria for the procedure and its practical limitations.

METHODS

Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed in 115 consecutive patients. The sentinel nodes were located with the use of a gamma probe and blue dye. Axillary dissection was performed at the same time when the sentinel node procedure was positive by frozen section or not successful by the criteria used.

RESULTS

The sentinel node procedure was successful in 106 patients, with the sentinel node being both radioactive and blue in 94% of these patients. The frozen section was positive in 21 of 37 patients with sentinel node metastases. Axillary dissection could be avoided in 69 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The triple technique (with the use of lymphoscintigraphy, the gamma probe, and the blue dye) gives a high success rate of the sentinel node procedure, even when strict criteria for a successful sentinel node procedure are used. Palpation of the open axilla for metastatic nonsentinel nodes is advocated.

Ultrasound-guided lumpectomy of nonpalpable breast cancers: A feasibility study looking at the accuracy of obtained margins

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Complete excision of a nonpalpable breast cancer after wire localization is a difficult procedure. Often, adequate margins are not obtained, and a second procedure is then required. Prospectively, we studied the feasibility of ultrasound-guided excisions of nonpalpable breast cancers, with particular attention to the accuracy of the procedure in obtaining adequate margins.

METHODS

Prospectively, 19 patients with 20 mammographically detected nonpalpable, highly suspect, breast tumors were entered in this feasibility study. In 15 of these, the diagnosis of invasive malignancy was established preoperatively. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided excision with the intent to obtain adequate margins. We also reviewed our own experience with the excision of nonpalpable breast cancers after wire localization.

RESULTS

Of the 20 excisions with ultrasound guidance, there were 19 carcinomas and 1 ductal carcinoma in situ. Of the 19 carcinomas, 17 (89%) were excised with adequate margins. Of the 43 carcinomas that were excised after wire localization, only 17 (40%) had been resected with adequate margins.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided excision appears to be a reliable procedure for obtaining adequate margins in the resection of nonpalpable breast cancers. Other advantages of this procedure are increased patient comfort and decrease in operating room time.

Local treatment of generalised peritonitis in rats; effects on bacteria, endotoxin and mortality

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of debridement, intraoperative lavage with saline, and additional instillation of taurolidine or imipenem/cilastatin in rats with faecal peritonitis.

DESIGN

Laboratory study.

SETTING

University hospital, The Netherlands.

MATERIAL

60 male Wistar rats.

INTERVENTIONS

Rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of a faecal suspension containing Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis. Six groups of 10: sham operation, debridement, debridement with saline lavage, debridement with saline lavage with intraperitoneal instillation of saline or taurolidine, or imipenem/cilastatin, were studied.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Bacterial growth and endotoxin concentration in abdominal exudate and plasma, abscess formation, and mortality.

RESULTS

Debridement temporarily reduced bacterial growth and the concentration of endotoxin in abdominal exudate, and delayed mortality. Lavage with saline further reduced bacterial growth and the endotoxin concentration. It also reduced the plasma endotoxin concentration, and mortality. Additional instillation of taurolidine did not reduce bacterial growth, but did initially reduce the endotoxin concentration in abdominal exudate and plasma. Instillation of imipenem/cilastatin, after debridement and lavage, significantly reduced all variables measured.

CONCLUSION

In rats with faecal peritonitis, debridement, lavage with saline, and additional instillation of imipenem/cilastatin, all have cumulatively reducing effect on bacterial growth, endotoxin concentrations, abscess formation, and mortality. Instillation of taurolidine reduces only the amount of endotoxin.

Ultrasound-guided lumpectomy of nonpalpable breast cancers: A feasibility study looking at the accuracy of obtained margins

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Complete excision of a nonpalpable breast cancer after wire localization is a difficult procedure. Often, adequate margins are not obtained, and a second procedure is then required. Prospectively, we studied the feasibility of ultrasound-guided excisions of nonpalpable breast cancers, with particular attention to the accuracy of the procedure in obtaining adequate margins.

METHODS

Prospectively, 19 patients with 20 mammographically detected nonpalpable, highly suspect, breast tumors were entered in this feasibility study. In 15 of these, the diagnosis of invasive malignancy was established preoperatively. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided excision with the intent to obtain adequate margins. We also reviewed our own experience with the excision of nonpalpable breast cancers after wire localization.

RESULTS

Of the 20 excisions with ultrasound guidance, there were 19 carcinomas and 1 ductal carcinoma in situ. Of the 19 carcinomas, 17 (89%) were excised with adequate margins. Of the 43 carcinomas that were excised after wire localization, only 17 (40%) had been resected with adequate margins.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided excision appears to be a reliable procedure for obtaining adequate margins in the resection of nonpalpable breast cancers. Other advantages of this procedure are increased patient comfort and decrease in operating room time.

Selection of patients for resection of colorectal metastases to the liver using diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) and laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) in the staging and selection of patients with colorectal liver metastasis.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Preoperative imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are limited in the assessment of the number and exact location of hepatic metastases and in the detection of extrahepatic metastatic disease. Consequently, the surgeon is often faced with a discrepancy between preoperative imaging results and perioperative findings, resulting in either a different resection than planned or no resection at all.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients were planned for DL and LUS in a separate surgical sitting to assess the resectability of their liver metastases. All patients were considered to be candidates for resection on the basis of preoperative imaging studies.

RESULTS

Laparoscopy could not be performed in 3 of the 50 patients because of dense adhesions. The remaining 47 patients underwent DL. On the basis of DL and LUS, 18 (38%) patients were ruled out as candidates for resection. Of the 29 patients who subsequently underwent open exploration and intraoperative ultrasonography, another 6 (13%) were deemed to have unresectable disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of DL and LUS significantly improves the selection of candidates for resection of colorectal liver metastases and effectively reduces the number of unnecessary laparotomies.

Reliability of intraoperative frozen section and imprint cytological investigation of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer

AIMS

The sentinel lymph node procedure enables selective targeting of the first draining lymph node, where the initial metastases will form. A negative sentinel node (SN) predicts the absence of tumour metastases in the other regional lymph nodes with high accuracy. This means that in the case of a negative SN, regional lymph node dissection is no longer necessary. Besides saving costs, this will prevent many side-effects of lymph node dissection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of intraoperative cytological and frozen section investigation of the SN to detect metastases. This would allow the axillary lymph node dissection to be performed in the same session as the SN procedure and the excision of the primary tumour in case of a positive SN.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-four SNs were detected by gamma probe detection of nanocolloid and visual localization of Patent Blue accumulations in 54 women with stage T1-2N0M0 invasive breast cancer. The identified SN were immediately investigated by frozen section and imprint cytological investigation. Diagnoses were confirmed on the paraffin material, and in case of negative frozen section and paraffin haematoxylin and eosin sections, skip sections and immunohistochemistry were performed. Thirty-one SNs (42%) contained metastases, of which 27 were detected by the frozen section procedure (sensitivity 87%). There were no false positives (specificity 100%). The sensitivity of the imprints was 62% with a specificity of 100%. When evaluating the data per patient, for the frozen section procedure the sensitivity was 91% and the specificity 100%, and for the imprints, the sensitivity was 63% and the specificity 100%. There were no SNs in which the imprints showed metastases and the frozen section did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative frozen section analysis is a reliable procedure by which a high percentage of sentinel lymph node metastases can be detected in breast cancer patients without false positive results. This allows the surgeon to perform an immediate axillary lymph node dissection in case of positive SNs. In up to 10% of cases, the final paraffin sections will reveal micrometastases that were not detected by the frozen section, and in these patients axillary lymph node dissection will have to be performed in a second session. The imprint method is significantly less sensitive than the frozen section but may be used as an alternative when frozen section is not possible.

[The sentinel node procedure: standard intervention for surgical treatment of breast cancer]

Axillary lymph node dissection may be avoided in the surgical treatment of breast cancer if the sentinel node appears to be free of metastatic tumour cells. The sentinel node concept has been validated in hundreds of patients, in whom this node has been localized successfully by dye-guided node mapping and (or) gamma-probe localization after injection of a radiopharmaceutical agent. The success rate of sentinel node localization depends on different factors, such as type, volume and injection site of the radiopharmacon, choice of the handheld gamma-probe, timing of the blue dye injection, and clinical stage of the disease. The combination of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative gamma-probe guidance and blue dye administration will increase the success rate of a sentinel node biopsy. Recent reports, from both Europe and the United States, appear to indicate that the sentinel node biopsy will soon be standard procedure in the surgical treatment of (T1-2) breast cancer. In the majority of breast cancer patients axillary lymph node dissection, a cause of much morbidity, may thus be avoided.

Early and long term results of necrosectomy and planned re-exploration for infected pancreatic necrosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the early and long term results of necrosectomy, planned re-explorations and open drainage in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective and case control study.

SETTING

University hospital, The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

10 patients with documented infected pancreatic necrosis (Balthazar D and E) and 6 matched healthy volunteers who served as controls for assessment of pancreatic endocrine function.

INTERVENTIONS

Planned re-explorations 24-hourly until necrosis was completely removed. At follow-up after 3 years intravenous glucose tolerance test in surviving patients and in healthy volunteers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mortality, intra-abdominal complications, long term pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function.

RESULTS

Three patients died of multiple organ dysfunction. No patient developed a residual intra-abdominal abscess. Half of the patients developed complications including intra-abdominal haemorrhage, necrosis of the transverse colon and enterocutaneous fistula. One patient had steatorrhoea, another developed insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Patients had impaired glucose tolerance but significantly (p < 0.05) raised glucagon and insulin concentrations compared with matched healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSION

This treatment prevents residual intra-abdominal abscesses in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis but is associated with high morbidity. Surviving patients have impaired glucose tolerance, surprisingly accompanied by increased serum insulin and glucagon concentrations.

Complications of planned relaparotomy in patients with severe general peritonitis

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the complications of planned relaparotomy for severe general peritonitis and to define when to discontinue relaparotomies.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital, The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

24 consecutive patients who underwent planned relaparotomy for widespread faecal peritonitis caused by large bowel perforation (n = 15) or postoperative anastomotic leakage (n = 9).

INTERVENTIONS

136 planned relaparotomies and 23 emergency laparotomies for intra-abdominal bleeding.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mortality, intra-abdominal complications, multiple organ failure (MOF) scores, and cultures of the abdominal cavity.

RESULTS

Seven patients died (29%). These patients had significantly higher MOF scores than survivors (p < 0.001) MOF scores did not change during the first seven days. Intra-abdominal complications were more common among those that died than survivors (p < 0.02) and correlated strongly with the number of planned relaparotomies (r = 0.90; p < 0.001). In all but three patients intra-abdominal cultures ceased to grow pathogens (< 10(3) cfu/ml microorganisms) after a median of 3 relaparotomies. Patients in whom fascial closure was achieved had undergone significantly fewer relaparotomies than those in whom it was not possible (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Planned relaparotomy seems to be associated with appreciable morbidity and does not reverse organ dysfunction. The criterion of < 10(3) cfu/ml before cessation of planned relaparotomies might be useful.