Giant Paraesophageal Hernia With Obstructing Splenic Flexure Mass in the Left Hemithorax

Giant paraesophageal hernias contain greater than fifty percent of the stomach above the diaphragm. Over fifty percent of large bowel obstructions are due to colorectal adenocarcinoma. Here, we present a rare case of a 69-year-old female patient who developed a closed loop colonic obstruction caused by a colonic mass in the distal transverse colon within a giant paraesophageal hernia. We successfully performed emergent paraesophageal hernia reduction and mesh repair with extended right hemicolectomy and ileocolonic anastomosis. Emergent hernia repair via an abdominal approach can be used in this setting.

Effect of acute myocardial infarction on the angle between the mitral and aortic valve plane

The present study shows that acute myocardial infarction affects the left ventricle at the base as well as in the infarct region by widening of the angle between the mitral and aortic valve planes. The valve plane angle did not change over time despite significant recovery of left ventricular function, suggesting that acute myocardial infarction causes irreversible structural changes in the left ventricular myocardium remote from the infarct region.

Benefits and safety of hepatic resection for colorectal metastases

BACKGROUND

Metastatic colorectal carcinoma to the liver is a potentially curable disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-one consecutive hepatic resections in 110 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer between January 1978 and September 1998 performed by a single surgeon were reviewed.

RESULTS

The actuarial 5-year survival for all patients in the series was 46%. Of the patients operated on before 1993, the actual 5-year survival was 43% and actual disease-free 5-year survival was 28%. The actual 10-year survival was 27%, and of all patients operated on in the last 20 years, 48% are alive today. When comparing initial regional lymph node status, the 5-year survival was 54% for the patients with negative lymph nodes and 40% for patients with positive nodes. Only 18% of patients required a perioperative blood transfusion, and the median length of stay was 7 days. There were complications in 34% of cases, and the operative mortality was 4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic resection for metastatic colon cancer is safe, and significant longevity and cure can be obtained after resection.