Skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy for cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with esophageal cancer after resection of the extraesophageal component of the neoplastic process en bloc with the esophageal tube.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Opinions are conflicting about the addition of extended resection of locoregional lymph nodes and soft tissue to removal of the esophageal tube.

METHODS

Esophagectomy performed en bloc with locoregional lymph nodes and resulting in a real skeletonization of the nonresectable anatomical structures adjacent to the esophagus was attempted in 324 patients. The esophagus was removed using a right thoracic (n = 208), transdiaphragmatic (n = 39), or left thoracic (n = 77) approach. Lymphadenectomy was performed in the upper abdomen and lower mediastinum in all patients. It was extended over the upper mediastinum when a right thoracic approach was used and up to the neck in 17 patients. Esophagectomy was carried out flush with the esophageal wall as soon as it became obvious that a macroscopically complete resection was not feasible. Neoplastic processes were classified according to completeness of the resection, depth of wall penetration, and lymph node involvement.

RESULTS

Skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy was feasible in 235 of the 324 patients (73%). The 5-year survival rate, including in-hospital deaths (5%), was 35% (324 patients); it was 64% in the 117 patients with an intramural neoplastic process versus 19% in the 207 patients having neoplastic tissue outside the esophageal wall or surgical margins (P <.0001). The latter 19% represented 12% of the whole series. The 5-year survival rate after skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy was 49% (235 patients), 49% for squamous cell versus 47% for glandular carcinomas (P =.4599), 64% for patients with an intramural tumor versus 34% for those with extraesophageal neoplastic tissue (P <.0001), and 43% for patients with fewer than five metastatic nodes versus 11% for those with involvement of five or more lymph nodes (P =.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of attempting skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy in all patients offers long-term survival to one third of the patients with resectable extraesophageal neoplastic tissues. These patients represent 12% of the patients with esophageal cancer suitable for esophagectomy and 19% of those having neoplastic tissue outside the esophageal wall or surgical margins.

Erythromycin enhances early postoperative contractility of the denervated whole stomach as an esophageal substitute

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether early postoperative administration of erythromycin accelerates the spontaneous motor recovery process after elevation of the denervated whole stomach up to the neck.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Spontaneous motor recovery after gastric denervation is a slow process that progressively takes place over years.

METHODS

Erythromycin was administered as follows: continuous intravenous (i.v.) perfusion until postoperative day 10 in ten whole stomach (WS) patients at a dose of either 1 g (n = 5) or 2 g (n = 5) per day; oral intake at a dose of 1 g/day during 1.5 to 8 months after surgery in 11 WS patients, followed in 7 of them by discontinuation of the drug during 2 to 4 weeks. Gastric motility was assessed with intraluminal perfused catheters in these 21 patients, in 23 WS patients not receiving erythromycin, and in 11 healthy volunteers. A motility index was established by dividing the sum of the areas under the curves of >9 mmHg contractions by the time of recording.

RESULTS

The motility index after IV or oral administration of erythromycin at and after surgery was significantly higher than that without erythromycin (i.v., 1 g: p = 0.0090; i.v., 2 g: p = 0.0090; oral, 1 g: p = 0.0017). It was similar to that in healthy volunteers (i.v., 1 g: p = 0.2818; oral, 1 g: p = 0.7179) and to that in WS patients with >3 years of follow-up who never received erythromycin (i.v., 1 g: p = 0.2206; oral, 1 g: p = 0.8326). The motility index after discontinuation of the drug was similar or superior to that recorded under medication in four patients who did not experience any modification of their alimentary comfort, whereas it dropped dramatically parallel to deterioration of the alimentary comfort in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Early postoperative contractility of the denervated whole stomach pulled up to the neck under either i.v. or oral erythromycin is similar to that recovered spontaneously beyond 3 years of follow-up. In some patients, this booster effect persists after discontinuation of the drug.

Terminalized semimechanical side-to-side suture technique for cervical esophagogastrostomy

BACKGROUND

The classic manual end-to-side technique of esophagogastrostomy after gastric pull-up to the neck carries a rather high risk of fistula and stricture.

METHODS

A terminalized semimechanical side-to-side technique of cervical esophagogastrostomy was performed in 16 patients by the application of an Endo-GIA stapler across the gastric and esophageal walls placed side by side, so as to create a V-shaped posterior opening between the two lumina. The anterior aspect of the anastomosis was hand-sewn using a classic running suture. The cross-sectional area of the semimechanical anastomoses was estimated by barium swallow study 2 months after operation and compared with that of 24 manual end-to-side esophagogastrostomies.

RESULTS

The cross-sectional area was 225 +/- 15.7 mm2 (mean +/- standard error of the mean) for the 16 semimechanical anastomoses versus 136 +/- 15 mm2 for the 24 manual anastomoses (p = 0.0001). The anastomotic area decreased from 206.6 +/- 13.5 mm2 in 29 patients without dysphagia to 107.5 +/- 4.7 mm2 in 7 patients with moderate dysphagia for solids that did not require endoscopic dilation and to 55.7 +/- 16 mm2 in 4 patients with severe dysphagia that required dilation (p = 0). The anastomotic area in 6 of the 7 patients with initial moderate dysphagia for solids increased spontaneously with time from 107.3 +/- 5.5 mm2 to 174.6 +/- 8.1 mm2, with concomitant symptomatic relief (p = 0.0277).

CONCLUSIONS

The terminalized semimechanical side-to-side suture technique produces a larger anastomosis than the classic end-to-side esophagogastrostomy technique. Inflammatory changes related to the operation may cause transient narrowing of a cervical esophagogastrostomy.

Inadequate detection of accessory spleens and splenosis with laparoscopic splenectomy. A shortcoming of the laparoscopic approach in hematologic diseases

BACKGROUND

The ultimate goal of surgery for hematological disorders is the complete removal of both the spleen and accessory spleens in order to avoid recurrence of the disease. Whereas splenectomy by open surgery provides excellent results, the validity of laparoscopic splenectomy in this regard remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detection of accessory spleens during laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic diseases.

METHODS

We therefore evaluated the pre-, intra-, and postoperative detection of accessory spleens in a consecutive series of 18 patients treated by elective laparoscopic splenectomy for hematological diseases by using computed tomography (CT) and denatured red blood cell scintigraphy (DRBCS).

RESULTS

Preoperative CT, DRBCS, and laparoscopic exploration detected 25%, 25%, and 75% of accessory spleens, respectively. At time of laparoscopy, 16 accessory spleens were detected in seven of the 18 patients (41%). In two patients (11%), laparoscopic exploration failed to detect accessory spleens, whereas preoperative CT (one case) and DRBCS (one case) did reveal them. Postoperatively, during a mean follow-up of 28 months (median, 24; range, 12-44 months), nine patients (50%) showed persistence of splenic tissue by DRBCS, and three of them had signs of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective clinical study suggests that elective laparoscopic surgery for hematological diseases does not allow complete detection of accessory spleens. Moreover, after such a laparoscopic approach, residual splenic tissue is detectable in half of the patients during the follow-up.

The denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute is a contractile organ

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute is an inert conduit or a contractile organ.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The motor response of gastric transplants to deglutition suggests that the stomach pulled up to the neck acts as an inert organ.

METHODS

The gastric motility of 11 healthy volunteers and 33 patients having either a gastric tube (GT) (n = 10) or their whole stomach (WS) (n = 23) as esophageal replacement was studied with perfused catheters during the fasting state, after a meal, and after intravenous administration of erythromycin lactobionate. A motility index was established for each period of recording by dividing the sum of the areas under the curves of all contractions of >9 mmHg by the time of recording.

RESULTS

Over years, the denervated stomach recovers more and more motor activity, even displaying a real phase 3 motor pattern in 6 of the 10 WS patients and 1 of the 7 GT patients with >3 years of follow-up. Erythromycin lactobionate generates a phase 3-like motor pattern regardless of the length of follow-up. Extrinsic denervation of the whole stomach does not significantly modify the fasting motility index established >3 years after surgery (+17% on average, p > 0.05), but it reduces that in the fed period by an average of 62% (p = 0.0016). Tubulization of the denervated whole stomach lowers the fasting motility index by an average of 60% (p = 0.0248) and further impairs that in the fed period by an average of 67% (p = 0.0388).

CONCLUSIONS

The denervated stomach as an esophageal substitute is a contractile organ that may even generate complete migrating motor complexes. Motor recovery is better in the fasting than in the fed period, and it is more marked in WS patients than in GT patients.

A stratified intraoperative surgical strategy is mandatory during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for common bile duct stones. Lessons and limits from an initial experience of 92 patients

BACKGROUND

Open exploration and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) remain the preferred treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS). The recent spread of laparoscopy has worsened the dilemna of choosing between surgical and endoscopic treatment of CBDS. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the results of our preliminary experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE) for CBDS.

METHODS

Ninety-two consecutive patients were prospectively submitted to laparoscopic CBDE. Surgical strategy included an initial transcystic approach or laparoscopic choledochotomy. Failure of stone clearance was managed by conversion to open CBDE or by postoperative ES. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy and papillary balloon dilatation were selectively used. Stone clearance was assessed by choledochoscopy and control cholangiography.

RESULTS

The overall laparoscopic stone clearance in this series was 84% (transcystic route 63% and choledochotomy 93%). Conversion to laparotomy was mandatory in 12% of the patients because of incomplete stone clearance and in 5% because of intraoperative complications. Postoperative ES was required in 4% of the patients, giving an overall surgical success rate of 96%. When indicated (small and limited number of stones located below the cysticocholedochal junction, with a dilated and patent cystic duct) the transcystic route had the lower success rate, the higher complication rate, and the shorter operative time and postoperative hospital stay. When indicated (accessible and dilated common bile duct over 7 mm), laparoscopic choledochotomy had the higher success rate, the lower complication rate, the longer operative time, and the longer postoperative hospital stay, which is related to associated external biliary drainage. The hospital mortality included two high-risk patients (2%) and the complications rate was 15%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic CBDE is safe in selected patients. A stratified intraoperative surgical strategy is mandatory in deciding between a transcystic route and choledochotomy with specific indications for each approach. When feasible, laparoscopic choledochotomy is more efficient and safe than the transcystic route, but it is associated with a longer postoperative hospital stay, which is due to external biliary drainage.

Adult polycystic liver disease: is fenestration the most adequate operation for long-term management?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term results in a retrospective series of patients with highly symptomatic adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) treated by extensive fenestration techniques. A classification of APLD was developed as a stratification scheme to help surgeons conceptualize which operation to offer to patients with APLD.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Treatment options for APLD remain controversial, with partisans of fenestration techniques or combined liver resection-fenestration.

METHODS

Clinical symptoms, performance status, liver volume measurement by computed tomography (CT), and morbidity were recorded before surgery and after surgery. Adult polycystic liver disease was classified according to the number, size, and location of liver cysts and the amount of remaining liver parenchyma. Follow-up was obtained by clinical and CT examinations in all patients.

RESULTS

Ten patients with highly symptomatic APLD were operated on using an extensive fenestration technique (by laparotomy in 8 patients and by laparoscopy in 2 patients, 1 of whom conversion to laparotomy was required). The mean preoperative liver volume was 7761 cm3. There was no mortality. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 50%, mainly from biliary complications, requiring reintervention in two cases. Massive intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in one patient. During a mean follow-up time of 71 months (range, 17 to 239 months), all patients were improved clinically according to their estimated performance status. The mean postoperative liver volume was 4596 cm3, which represents a mean liver volume reduction rate of 43%. However, in type III APLD, despite absence of clinical symptoms, a significant increase in liver volume was observed in 40% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive fenestration is effective in relieving symptoms in patients with APLD. Hemorrhage and biliary complications are possible consequences of such an aggressive attempt to reduce liver volume. The procedure can be performed laparoscopically in type I APLD. A longer follow-up period is mandatory in type II APLD, to confirm the usefulness of the fenestration procedure. In type III APLD, significant disease progression was observed in 40% of the patients during long-term follow-up. Fenestration may not be the most appropriate operation for long-term management of all types of APLD.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in adults and children: experience with 31 patients

BACKGROUND

Open surgery is the standard approach for splenectomy in hematologic disorders, but a few cases of successful laparoscopic splenectomy have been reported.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients (18 adults, group 1; and 13 children, group 2) underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. Indications for surgery included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (25 patients), congenital spherocytosis (4 patients), and hemolytic anemia (2 patients). In 97% of the patients the diameter of the spleen was less than 15 cm.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic splenectomy was successful in 94% of the patients; conversion to open surgery was mainly related to hemorrhage. Accessory spleen was found in 39% in group 1 and 8% in group 2. Two adults received intraoperative autotransfusion. Postoperative morbidity was minimal. The median postoperative stay was 3 days (range, 2 to 12 days) in group 1 and 2 days (range, 2 to 5 days) in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe in both adults and children. Adequate selection of patients (small-size spleen, splenic destruction on preoperative scanning of platelets), appropriate preparation in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (immunoglobulin G), and meticulous surgical technique (with routine opening of the gastrocolic ligament to search for accessory spleen) are key factors in obtaining the same long-term results as with open surgery.

Heller-Dor procedure for achalasia: from conventional to video-endoscopic surgery

A Heller-Dor procedure was performed by laparotomy (group A: n = 8) or by laparoscopy (group B: n = 12) after failure of one to 17 sessions of intraluminal dilatations (n = 13) or as a primary treatment of oesophageal achalasia (n = 7). The oesophagomyotomy was extended over the thoracic oesophagus by thoracoscopy in two patients having vigorous achalasia. Injury to the oesophageal mucosa occurred in two group A patients who had previously been dilated. At follow-up (range: 1 to 113 months), 6 patients of group A (75%) and 10 of group B(83.3%) had no residual dysphagia. The four patients (group A: n = 2; group B: n = 2) who complained of heartburn prior to the operation were asymptomatic, only one group A patient developed symptoms of reflux, and oesophageal pH-monitoring was normal in the 6 group B patients investigated at follow-up. The laparoscopic approach reduces the magnitude of the operation, and the magnified overview permits precise dissection of the intraparietal adhesions which may develop after numerous sessions of dilatation.

[Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis with predominant cephalic involvement by double Wirsung duct diversion and restoration of permeability of the cephalic duct]

The aim of this study is to assess the long-term results of an original surgical technique for the treatment of patients suffering from painful chronic pancreatitis. From 1981 to 1994, 54 patients with chronic painful pancreatitis were operated, by means of an original duct drainage procedure, named by the authors "double drainage" because it consists of a large transduodenal sphincterotomy and a long pancreatic duct, accompanied by repermeabilization of the cephalic pancreatic duct. This procedure was used exclusively for type I pancreatitis with major lesions in the head of the gland (calcified stones, narrowing of the ducts, inflammatory process). There were 40 men and 14 females in this series. No perioperative mortality and a low morbidity (22%) were observed. Mean follow-up in 52 patients was 56 months (median: 59.5 months). The 5- year actuarial survival was 85.2% and 81% were free of pain (91% when the pancreatic duct was dilated to > 6 mm) versus 63% when the pancreatic duct was (6 mm) (p < 0.01). These excellent results should serve as a baseline for any alternative treatment of this category of painful chronic pancreatitis patients.

Extensive lymph node clearance for cancer of the esophagus or cardia: merits and limits in reference to 5-year absolute survival

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The present study evaluates both merits and limits of extensive lymph node clearance in the mediastinum and upper abdomen on patients operated on more than 5 years ago.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-four esophageal cancer patients underwent subtotal (n = 97) or distal (n = 47) esophageal resection more than 5 years ago. Twenty-six patients operated on in a curative attempt were given radiotherapy (n = 14) or radiochemotherapy (n = 12).

RESULTS

Esophagectomy with extensive lymph node clearance was feasible in 102 of the 144 patients (70.8%). In-hospital mortality was 1.4%. Thirty-six patients lived more than 5 years, ie. 25% of all the esophagectomized patients and 35.3% (36/102) of those who were operated on in a curative attempt. Five-year absolute survival was 38.4% after combined therapy v.s. 34.2% after surgery alone (p > 0.05). In the latter instance, it was 57.1% for those patients with normal lymph nodes v.s. 14.6% for those with metastatic lymph nodes, and it was 64% for those with non-transmural tumors v.s. 19.6% for those with transmural tumors. One half of those patients who were not given adjuvant therapy following esophagectomy with extensive lymph node clearance died of neoplastic spread, namely distant metastases (27.6%), cervical spread (3.9%), and local recurrence (10.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagectomy with extensive lymph node clearance is not feasible in 30% of the patients in whom it is attempted, and it does not prevent further neoplastic spread in one half of those in whom it is feasible. It is capable of curing 15 to 20% of those patients with locally advanced neoplasms and shelters 90% of the patients from local recurrence.

Esophageal replacement: gastric tube or whole stomach?

BACKGROUND

The stomach can be used either in its entirely or as a greater curvature tube for esophageal replacement.

METHODS

The study compares the gastric tube (group A; n = 112) to the whole stomach whose lesser curvature is denuded (group B; n = 100) in terms of technical complication and alimentary comfort. The clinical results are substantiated by assessment of the eating performance of patients and control subjects at a test meal, measurement of the gastric dimensions before and after both tailoring procedures, and intraarterial staining of the gastric wall.

RESULTS

Major differences between the two groups are cervical anastomosis stenoses (22.3% versus 6% [A versus B]; p = 0.008), fistulas (7.9% versus 1%; p = 0.0209), number of meals and snacks per day (4.6 versus 4; p = 0.0275), sensation of early fullness at meals (52.4% versus 17.8%; p < 0.0001), ratings given to the long-term alimentary comfort (presymptomatic condition = 10 points) (7.6 versus 8.8 out of 10 on average; p < 0.0001), and calories consumed in 1 minute at a test meal (59% [p < 0.05] versus 77% of those consumed by control subjects). The volume of the stomach is reduced by a range of 21.4% to 47.2% after tubulization (group A) whereas it increases by a range of 4.9% to 17.4% after denudation of the lesser curve (group B). Intraarterial staining of the gastric wall reveals the poor vascularity of the upper-most segment of the greater curve.

CONCLUSION

Slight increase of the gastric capacity and maintenance of the submucosal vascular network account for the better results achieved with the whole stomach.

Acute colonic complications after kidney transplantation

Over a 30-year period (1963-1993), 12 patients out of 2091 renal allograft recipients (0.5%) were identified for an acute colonic complication. They were 7 males and 5 females with a mean age of 43 years. The mean elapsed time from transplantation to symptoms was 55 months. Peritonitis was diagnosed in all cases, requiring an emergency laparotomy in 6 patients (50%); delayed surgery was possible in 4 patients (33%) after failure of conservative treatment. One patient (9%) was operated electively later on while the last patient died before any surgery from sepsis after diffuse bowel ischaemia. Aetiology included complicated diverticulitis in 9 instances (75%), one colon perforation caused by faecal impaction, one cytomegalovirus colitis and one bowel ischaemia. Another patient died postoperatively after colon resection for perforated diverticulitis. The use of cyclosporine since 1985 did not reduce the incidence of colonic complication. In conclusion aggressive medical support and early surgical exploration are mandatory for renal recipients presenting with an acute colonic complication.

[Hepatic angiosarcoma developed 5 years following treatment for subacute glomerulonephritis]

A patient with hepatic angiosarcoma is described. This tumour, thought rare, still generates clinical interest, because of its characteristic association with occupational exposure to certain chemicals such as vinyl chloride and thorotrast. That association has led to extensive screening of high risk populations. An additional case of liver angiosarcoma which probably developed following long-term treatment with cyclophosphamide. The significant aspects of this tumour are delineated and the diagnostic modalities are discussed.

Use of the circular stapler in 1000 consecutive colorectal anastomoses: experience of one surgical team

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to assess the exact performance of the conventional way of stapling colorectal anastomoses. Information collected from 1000 consecutive anastomoses performed by one surgical team could be considered as reliable reference with which results obtained by new approaches could be compared.

METHODS

One thousand consecutive anastomoses were performed from 1979 to 1992. Characteristics of the procedure, intraoperative events, mortality rate, complications, and clinical outcome were detailed.

RESULTS

There were 528 men and 472 women (age range, 20 to 90 years; average age, 63 years). Anastomoses were constructed by means of a circular stapler loaded with the largest cartridge in 82.3% of the cases. Imperfections were identified during operation in 124 cases. A diverting colostomy was performed in 127 cases. Postoperative mortality rate averaged 2.2%. Clinical anastomotic leaks developed in 35 patients: in 11.4% after low stapling (less than 5 cm from the dentate line) and in 2.2% after high stapling. The presence of a diverting colostomy influenced the leakage rate in patients with very low anastomoses. Total failure rate (death, definitive colostomy) as a result of anastomotic leak was 1.6%. Among the 933 survivors who had follow-up examination, the incidence of bad functional results decreased from 10% at the first attendance to 4.3% at the last one. Transanal dilatation and restapling were required for symptomatic narrowing in three and one patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The conventional way of stapling colorectal anastomoses in reliable, but it requires strict observance of the rules for anastomosing intestine and a careful check of the stapled sutures. Results obtained by new approaches could be compared with these data.

Primary squamous-cell carcinoma of the colon: a case report

We report a new case of S.C.C. of the large bowel with multiple liver metastases. A resection of the primary tumour and liver biopsies were performed with administration of a postoperative chemotherapy (5-Fluorouracil). After a stabilization of 3 months, the metastases were rapidly progressive and the patient died a year after the diagnosis. About 70 cases of S.C.C. of the colon and rectum have been described in the literature. It is most common in the fifth decade and occurs equally in male and female. The most frequent locations are the rectum and the sigmoid. Clinical and physical features and common diagnostic methods do not differentiate the S.C.C. from adenocarcinoma. Treatment is the same but the prognosis of S.C.C. appears to be worse than that of adenocarcinoma.

CT of the portal vein after portacaval shunt with arterialization

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to assess the state of the portal vein in cirrhotic patients treated with a portacaval shunt associated with an arterialization of the portal vein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the follow-up CT of 23 patients treated by portacaval shunt with arterialization of the portal vein.

RESULTS

Five patients demonstrated an aneurysm of the portal vein. Follow-up studies revealed progression of the aneurysm and development of a mural thrombosis in four patients. The thrombosed portal vein was calcified in three patients. One patient demonstrated a dilatation of the saphenous vein graft in addition to the portal vein aneurysm. Only one of the five patients was symptomatic, presenting with ascites, dilatation of intrahepatic biliary ducts, and jaundice secondary to the compression of hilar structures by the huge portal vein.

CONCLUSION

Aneurysm of the portal vein following portacaval shunt associated with arterialization of the portal vein is not a rare complication.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed on eight patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to medical treatment. Preoperative infusion of immunoglobulin G gamma-globulin was used to boost the platelet count. Accessory spleens were sought by preoperative computed tomography and peroperative examination of the usual anatomical locations. Seven patients underwent successful laparoscopic splenectomy, with a mean postoperative stay of 3.6 days. One patient with an accessory spleen detected before operation but not during laparoscopy required conversion to open surgery for control of haemorrhage from the splenic hilum. Another patient had a transient pancreatic fistula. Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible and sfe in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Long-term results require evaluation as detection of accessory spleens can prove difficult during laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery. What is real progress?

OBJECTIVE

The authors aim to substantiate, with objective arguments, potential advantages of laparoscopic versus open antireflux surgery in the light of the recent crude experience of the Louvain Medical School Hospital.

METHODS

Seventy-two consecutive patients with disabling gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD], n = 56), symptomatic hiatal hernia without GERD (n = 5), or unsatisfactory outcome after unsuccessful antireflux procedure (n = 11) were operated on by laparotomy (n = 28), laparoscopy (n = 39), or thoracotomy (n = 5). The antireflux procedure was a subdiaphragmatic Nissen fundoplication (n = 60), an intrathoracic Nissen fundoplication (short esophagus, n = 3), a subdiaphragmatic 240 degrees fundoplication (severe motility disorders, n = 3), a Lortat-Jacob repair (hiatal hernia without GERD, n = 5), and a duodenal diversion (delayed gastric emptying, n = 1).

RESULTS

Major postoperative morbidity included two pulmonary embolisms (one laparoscopy patient and one laparotomy patient), and one hemothorax (one thoracotomy patient). Mean hospital stay was 6.4 days for laparoscopy, 7.8 days for laparotomy, and 12.5 days for thoracotomy. Postoperative morphine consumption (patient-controlled analgesia) averaged 47 mg/48 hrs (laparoscopy) versus 46 mg/48 hrs (laparotomy with primary antireflux surgery) (p > 0.05). Although 93% of the laparoscopy patients returned to work within 3 weeks after surgery, 92% of the laparotomy and thoracotomy patients resumed their activity after more than 6 weeks. At follow-up, 87.5% of the patients were asymptomatic or had inconsequential symptoms, 9.8% had disabling side effects, and 2.7% had persistent or recurring esophageal symptoms. There were four parietal herniations, i.e., one incisional hernia and one recurrence of a repaired umbilical hernia in the laparotomy group, and two herniations of the wrap into the chest--probably related to a premature return to manual work--in the laparoscopy group. Three laparoscopy patients were dissatisfied with the esthetics of their scars. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal acid exposure in the laparoscopy patients who were investigated were normal in 100% and 95%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy is a good approach for achieving successful antireflux surgery in selected cases. However, its fails to substantially reduce postoperative complication rate and discomfort, duration of the hospital stay, and the risk of esthetic sequela. Early return to work is questionable for manual workers. The subdiaphragmatic Nissen fundoplication is not an all-purpose antireflux procedure.

Clinical, radiological and functional results of remedial antireflux operations

Fifty-five patients were reoperated on for an unsatisfactory outcome after antireflux surgery. Presenting symptoms were heartburn alone (27), heartburn and dysphagia (10), dysphagia alone (9), chest pain (4), left shoulder pain (1), left shoulder pain and fever (1), and signs of anemia (3). The symptom of dysphagia was usually of immediate onset whereas heartburn reoccurred after a symptom-free period (p = 0.014). The most common failed antireflux procedure was a Nissen fundoplication (37). The incompleteness of the residual wrap, its location around the stomach and the irreducibility of the gastro-oesophageal junction below the diaphragm were accurately predicted by barium swallow study in 70, 83 and 92% of the patients, respectively. Abnormal oesophageal body motility was related to oesophagitis, herniation of the residual repair into the chest or both (16/20), and it normalized in 6 of the 11 patients evaluated at follow-up. Oesophageal acid exposure and prevalence of oesophagitis were higher in patients with heartburn than in those with other symptoms (p < 0.02). Intraoperative findings were breakdown of the repair, its location around the stomach, its herniation into the chest, its too excessive tightness, a gastric fistula, or any combination. Remedial surgery consisted of a new antireflux procedure (42), a new antireflux procedure combined with closure of a gastric fistula (3), a closure of a gastric fistula alone (1), a closure of the crura (4), an oesophageal resection (3), a total gastrectomy (1), and a duodenal diversion (1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

En bloc and standard esophagectomies by thoracoscopy

Subtotal esophagectomy was attempted by right thoracoscopy on 13 patients, 10 having cancer and 3 long caustic stenosis. Thoracoscopy was converted into thoracotomy in 2 patients, owing to loss of selectivity in one-lung ventilation in 1 and injury to a right intercostal artery flush to the aorta in the other. One patient with cancer underwent an esophageal bypass operation only, owing to tumor invasion into the lung at exploratory thoracoscopy. The ten esophagectomies that could be performed in totality by thoracoscopy consisted of seven en bloc resections of the esophagus with extensive lymph node clearance in the posterior mediastinum, and three standard resections without any lymph node dissection. Postoperative complications included one death due to hepatic failure, two cases of acute pneumonitis, and one persistent chest wall discomfort at the trocar sites. Up to 51 lymph nodes were found in the resected specimens of the cancer patients. Six of the 7 cancer patients who were discharged from the hospital after esophagectomy completed by thoracoscopy were alive at 2 to 20 months of follow-up. Five of them were disease free. The study shows that esophageal resections as extensive as those carried out by thoracotomy can be performed by thoracoscopy. It suggests that prompt management of untoward injury to any mediastinal structure adjacent to the esophagus is less easy by thoracoscopy than by thoracotomy, and that classic complications of open thoracic surgery may occur after thoracoscopy as well.

Endoscopic stapling technique of esophagodiverticulostomy for Zenker's diverticulum

We present an endoscopic technique of division of the common wall between the esophagus and the hypopharyngeal (Zenker's) diverticulum. The novelty of the technique, as compared with endoscopic sutureless coagulating methods, consists of stapling the esophageal to the diverticular wall using the Endo-GIA 30 stapler (US Surgical Corp, Norwalk, CT), which protects the neck from any contamination from the digestive lumen and ensures optimal hemostasis of the wound edges. The stapler has been designed such that perforation of the bottom of the diverticulum is not likely. The technique has been applied to 6 patients.

Endorectal ultrasonography for staging small rectal tumors: technique and contribution to treatment

Thirty-one tumors, lying in the lower two-thirds of the rectum and possibly suitable for local excision, were analyzed by endorectal ultrasonography (EUS) using the Aloka scanner SSD 520. There were 18 sessile villous adenomas (group I) and 13 invasive cancers 3 cm or less (group II). Preoperative endosonographic staging (uT, uN stages) was compared with the histologic analysis of the specimens (pT, pN) and the possible contribution to therapy was evaluated. In group I, the depth of tumor infiltration was accurately assessed in 89% of cases. Malignant transformation was suspected in 4 cases (uT2) and confirmed postoperatively in 3 cases. In group II, the extent of the tumor was correctly evaluated in 84% of cases. With regard to the overall differentiation between T1 and T2/T3 tumors on one hand, and between T1/T2 and T3 lesions on the other hand, the positive predictive values were 93.3% and 100%, respectively. The negative predictive values were 93.7% and 92.8%. In group II the search for regional lymph nodes was positive in 4 cases and negative in 9 cases. An accuracy rate of 82% (sensitivity 75%, specificity 85%) was estimated by analysis of the specimens and postoperative follow-up. The exact performance could not be evaluated because a radical resection was not carried out in most cases. EUS was useful for planning the treatment of villous adenomas. A board full-thickness excision was carried out without delay for the four uT2 villous tumors, allowing safe margins to be obtained in all cases. Using EUS the choice of local excision was questioned for six small invasive cancers (uT3 and/or uN+), although radical resection was carried out for only two. As high sensitivity could not be achieved when detecting lymphatic metastasis, the choice of limited surgery based on EUS staging requires strict postoperative follow-up.

[5-year survival after subtotal extensive esophagectomy for cancer]

Over a seven year period, subtotal esophagectomy for cancer was performed on 125 patients (79.6% of the referred patients). Resection was potentially curative in 92, and it was palliative in 33. Potentially curative esophagectomies were carried out either by right thoracotomy, cervicotomy and laparotomy (n = 77), by combined transhiatal and transcervical approach without formal thoracotomy (n = 14), or by median sternotomy, cervicotomy and laparotomy (n = 1) depending on the tumor location in the esophagus and the general status of the patient. It included resection of the esophagus itself, and the lymph nodes and adjacent soft tissues located in the posterior mediastinum from the apex of the chest down to the diaphragm in patients operated on by right thoracotomy, in the posterior inferior mediastinum from the pulmonary veins down to the hiatus in those operated on by a transhiatal approach, and in the upper and lower mediastinum in those operated on transsternally. Twenty-eight patients operated on by potentially curative esophagectomy were given adjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Thirty-day and in-hospital postoperative mortalities were 0 and 2.4% (3/125), respectively. Five-year actuarial survival was 30% in the whole series, and 41% after potentially curative resection. In the latter instance, it was 48% for adenocarcinomas v.s. 38% for squamous cell carcinomas (p > 0.05), 38% after transthoracic resection v.s. 61% after transhiatal resection (p > 0.05), 44% after surgery alone v.s. 38% after surgery plus adjuvant therapy (p > 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quality of life three years or more after esophagectomy for cancer

The quality of life and alimentary comfort of 17 patients with esophageal cancer who were disease free more than 3 years after an esophageal resection were evaluated by analyzing responses to a follow-up questionnaire. Fourteen patients had subtotal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up to the neck. Three patients underwent a total esophagopharyngolaryngectomy, the digestive continuity being restored by means of an isoperistaltic colon segment interposed between the base of the tongue and the stomach. Current body weight, when compared with that existing postoperatively, was increased in 13 patients and unchanged in four. The number of meals per day was an average of 2.8, but 12 patients took additional snacks between main meals (2.3 as a mean). The major long-term complaints were a sensation of early fullness during eating in 11 patients, dysphagia in three, diarrhea in two, cough-induced vomiting in two, and postprandial sweating in two. Ratings given by self-evaluation of current alimentary comfort in comparison with that predating the initial esophageal symptoms ranged from 3 of 10 to 10 of 10 (mean 7.1/10). Thirteen patients led active lives, seven at home and six employed outside the home. The present survey suggests that most disease-free patients may obtain a satisfactory quality of life after esophagectomy and gastric or colonic pull-up; long-term alimentary comfort is conditioned mainly by the small capacity of the esophageal substitute.

[Role of liver transplantation in the treatment of metastatic disease of the liver]

The authors report their experience of liver transplantation for metastatic tumor in 6 patients. Although good palliation can be offered with prolonged survival in some patients, secondaries of the liver remain the poorest indication for liver transplantation. A prospective multicentric study would be needed to evaluate the usefulness of post-transplantation chemotherapy.

Retroperitoneal laparostomy: a surgical treatment of pancreatic abscesses after an acute necrotizing pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

From 1982 to 1988, 20 patients with pancreatic abscesses after an acute necrotizing pancreatitis underwent a retroperitoneal laparostomy (RPL).

METHODS

The severity of the disease was assessed by Ranson's bioclinical and Hill's computed tomographic scoring systems. The RPL, guided by the results of repeated computed tomographic scans (high frequency of peripancreatic necrotic extension through the anterior pararenal space) consists of a left or right lateral incision under the twelfth rib, allowing direct access to the pancreas and peripancreatic spaces.

RESULTS

Four patients (20%) had local complications: colonic fistula (one patient), gastric and colonic fistula (one patient), jejunal fistula (one patient), and local hemorrhage (one patient). Only one complication was lethal (gastric and colonic fistula). Four patients died (mortality rate 20%). In two of the cases death was related directly to a persistent sepsis after the RPL, whereas the two other patients died despite a complete surgical drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

RPL (left or right, sometimes bilateral) allows a total exploration of the pancreas and peripancreatic spaces in most cases, as well as a complete manual removal of the necrotic infected masses. Furthermore, several second-look removals of newly formed necrotic masses can be performed without the risk of peritoneal contamination and with a low rate of digestive fistula.

Acute localized diverticulitis: optimum management requires accurate staging

Between 1977 and 1989, 151 patients were treated in our institution for acute sigmoid diverticulitis. Thirty-one patients were operated on for diffuse peritonitis, and were excluded from the study. One hundred twenty patients had localized disease. There were 59 men and 61 women, with a mean age of 60 years (range, 30 to 87 years). Thirteen were under 40 years of age. A "phlegmonous" diverticulitis (no pericolic abscess) was diagnosed in 78 cases (group I). A pericolic abscess was identified in 42 cases (group II). The medical treatment was successful in 97% of the patients of the group I. Only 15 patients required a delayed elective resection for recurrence or chronic complications, within the next 24 months. There were no operative deaths. All the other patients were doing well after a mean follow-up of 5 years (9-144 months), without any disease-related death. Patients presenting with a localized pericolic abscess (group II, n = 42) were initially treated either conservatively (n = 22) or by a more or less extensive drainage (n = 20). There were two deaths in the "conservative" group. Primary or delayed colonic resection was indicated in 34 cases because of uncontrolled sepsis, recurrence or secondary chronic complications. It is concluded that accurate classification of the disease is essential. If no peritonitis has developed, the presence of an abscess is the main determinant in both prognosis and treatment. Most patients who develop an acute phlegmonous diverticulitis do well with conservative treatment, and prophylactic resection is not indicated. Curative colectomy is reserved for patients developing persistent complications over the next few months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Feasibility and effectiveness of en bloc resection of the esophagus for esophageal cancer. Results of a prospective study

En bloc resection of the esophagus was attempted by right thoracotomy, laparotomy, and left cervicotomy in 82 patients suffering from an esophageal cancer. Tumors were classified by the depth of wall penetration and node involvement: 21 tumors penetrated at the most into but not through the muscle (W1), and 61 invaded the full thickness of the wall (W2). Twenty-five were associated with normal lymph nodes (N0), 26 with metastatic thoracic nodes only (N1), and 31 with metastatic extrathoracic nodes (N2). Digestive continuity was restored by gastric pull-up in all cases except one in which the transverse colon was used. Thirty day and hospital mortality were 0 and 2.4% (2/82) respectively. Posterior mediastinectomy was feasible in 65 patients but in seven of them an unsuspected metastatic spread was detected during the second step of the operation. It was not feasible in 17 patients owing to the involvement of adjacent mediastinal organs. It was feasible in all W1 tumors and in 72% of W2. Feasibility did not significantly depend on the tumor location or length. Of the 24 palliative operations, 17 were carried out for N2 tumors. After potentially curative mediastinectomy (N = 58), three year survival was 38% and after palliative operation (N = 24), 18 months survival was 11% only. After mediastinectomy, survival dropped as the node involvement and the depth of wall penetration increased (W1: 66%, W2: 28%, N0: 58%, N1: 32% at three years and N2: 17% at 2 years). Overall survival in group N2 was not significantly different from that achieved in palliative cases and no patient classified W2 N2 was alive at 18 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Esophageal resection and by-pass: a 6 year experience with a low postoperative mortality

From 1984 to 1989, 175 esophageal cancer patients, 10 patients admitted for severe caustic esophagitis, and 1 patient with pyothorax due to iatrogenic perforation of the esophagus underwent an esophageal resection or bypass operation. One hundred sixty-eight esophageal resections were performed on 167 patients; 13 were total, 106 subtotal and 49 distal. Nineteen digestive transplants were pulled up to the neck to bypass the esophagus or re-establish continuity after an esophagectomy made elsewhere. Digestive continuity was restored by a long gastric transplant in 120 patients, a colon segment in 17, a jejunal loop in 35, and a short gastric transplant after limited esophago-gastrectomy in 14 patients. Thirty day mortality was 0 in the whole group. Hospital mortality was 1.2% in the resection group and 10.5% in the bypass group (p = 0.048). Nonfatal postoperative complications consisted of respiratory distress in 33 patients, recurrent nerve palsy in 10, anastomotic fistula in 10 (cervical in 8 and intrathoracic in 2) and anastomotic stenosis in 18 patients. Respiratory complications were more frequent in patients with a cancer of the thoracic esophagus (29/111) than in those operated on for a cancer located in the esophago-gastric junction (4/50) (p less than 0.01). Anastomotic stenosis occurred more frequently in the neck (17/137) than in the chest (1/49) (p less than 0.05). Nine patients were reoperated on for a technical complication; intraabdominal hemorrhage (1), thoracic duct injury (2), acute cholecystitis (1), tight stricture of the esophageal anastomosis (2), jejuno-duodenal anastomotic fistula (2), or stridor related to recurrent nerve palsy (1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intrathoracic Nissen fundoplication: long-term clinical and pH-monitoring evaluation

From 1976 until April 1989, 31 intrathoracic total fundoplications were performed for reflux esophagitis and irreducible hiatus hernia. In the first 16 patients (group 1) the operation was complicated with acute perforation of the wrap in 4 cases, bronchogastric fistula in 1, and herniation of the wrap higher in the chest in 1. Technical modifications were applied to 15 more recent patients (group 2). These are enlargement of the hiatus, looseness of the wrap and its appropriate anchorage, avoidance of forceps when handling the stomach, care with the vagi, and efficient gastric decompression in the postoperative period. The postoperative course was always uneventful in group 2. Twenty-six patients, who still have their initial wrap, were considered for clinical evaluation: 11 from group 1 (mean follow-up, 81.5 months) and 15 from group 2 (mean follow-up, 32.8 months). All are free from any symptom of reflux; gas-bloat syndrome is infrequent and dysphagia is relieved. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring, performed in 14 patients (3 from group 1 and 11 from group 2) (mean follow-up, 42 months), was normal in 13; a pathological upright reflux (time pH less than 4, 8.4%) was demonstrated in one symptom-free woman in whom endoscopy was unremarkable. Mechanisms of complications experienced in group 1 are analyzed in the light of the technical evolution of the procedure, and the place of the intrathoracic total fundoplication in the management of short esophagus is defined, considering the other available surgical techniques.

[The surgical treatment of obstructive cancers of the left colon. Apropos of a series of 66 cases]

From 1977 to 1989, 66 patients were operated on in emergency, without any bowel preparation, for acutely obstructing left-sided colon cancer. Two synchronous cancers were diagnosed and the 68 tumours were located as follows: 13 on the left transverse colon or at the splenic flexure, 7 on the descending colon, 37 on the sigmoid, and 11 at the rectosigmoid junction or below. According to Astler-Coller staging, 15 patients were classified as B, 17 as C and 25 as D. Initial treatment was a colostomy in 58 patients (88%), or a resection with or without anastomosis in 2 and 6 cases respectively. Most patients underwent a two- or more rarely a three-stage resection and 44 patients left the hospital without either tumour or stomy. Cumulative operative mortality was 12%. Five-year survival rates were 21% for the patients with a minimal potential follow-up of 5 years, and 39% for curative resections (disease-free survival of 33%). From these results, we think that two-staged resection, with close proximal colostomy followed by resection and anastomosis, remains an appropriate approach for most obstructing left-sided colon cancers; more tempting procedures such as resection with primary anastomosis or subtotal colectomy are probably indicated in selected patients.

[Reoperation following failure of anti-reflux surgery]

Reoperation is the treatment of choice of failed antireflux procedures. Preoperative full-scale evaluation of both residual anatomy and function of the upper digestive tract is mandatory. Conservative surgery is almost always feasible. Success rate of reoperations is high with experienced teams.

[The treatment of perforated gastro-duodenal ulcer]

Seventy-four patients, admitted in emergency for acute perforation of a duodenal or gastric ulcer were reviewed retrospectively: 40 patients with one or several risk factor such as shock, old perforation, severe chronic illness or advanced age and 34 other patients without any risk factor. In this selected population, the surgical treatment, initially performed in 44 cases, consisted of suturing the perforation and draining the peritoneal cavity in all cases but four in which it was associated with a vagotomy (2 cases) or a distal gastrectomy (2 cases). Thirty younger patients admitted without shock, within 6 hours following the onset of the perforation were initially treated by digestive aspiration alone: this medical treatment was successful in 15 patients but required a subsequent laparotomy in the other cases. The overall postoperative mortality is 18% but is zero in the group of patients in whom a medical therapy was initially performed. Long-term follow-up shows that 70% of the patients with a perforated duodenal ulcer and without any anti-inflammatory drug past history at the time of the perforation are free from any symptom. A strategy for the management of perforated duodenal and gastric ulcers, applicable to a non-selected population, is proposed in reference to the surgical literature.

The effect of peritoneal dialysis with and without aprotinin on acute experimental pancreatitis in rats

Acute pancreatitis was induced in 139 Wistar rats by injection of trypsin in the common bilio-pancreatic duct. Peritoneal dialysis was performed in 93 rats. In some of these rats, aprotinin (250,000 UI/L) was added to the lavage fluid. Macroscopically, we noted the amount of steatonecrosis, pulmonary congestion and pleural effusion produced. The pancreatic and pulmonary lesions were studied microscopically. The effect of peritoneal dialysis with and without aprotinin on the survival rate was evaluated. Survival curves were established for the different groups of rats i.e. the non-treated group and the two groups of dialysed rats (with and without aprotinin). Peritoneal dialysis reduces the amount of steatonecrosis and the incidence of pulmonary complications of trypsin-induced pancreatitis in rats, but does not influence the pancreatic lesions. Peritoneal dialysis significantly improves the early survival rate. Addition of aprotinin to the dialysis fluid reduces the total mortality rate.

[Arterialization of the portal vein associated with a portocaval shunt: long-term results of a controlled prospective study]

In order to evaluate the benefit of arterialization of the portal vein in conjunction with a therapeutic end-to-side porto-caval shunt, we started in December 1979 a prospective randomized study, comparing these two techniques in Child class A and B cirrhotic patients with a hepatopetal portal flow of at least 100 ml per min. Sixty-four patients have been included in the study: 33 underwent a porto-caval shunt (NART) and 31 were arterialized (ART). The two groups of patients were similar as regards clinical and hemodynamic parameters. The operative mortality was lower after arterialization, considering the whole group (ART: 6.5%, NART: 12%) and high risk patients (Child class B: ART: 0%, NART: 22%--emergency operation: ART: 0%, NART: 17%) but the differences were not statistically significant. Postoperative ascites was more frequent in arterialized patients (ART: 45%, NART: 18%; p = 0.02), with an increased need for reoperation (ART: 26%, NART: 6%; p less than 0.05). The mean follow-up period is 56.9 +/- 28.1 months (SD) for the 58 surviving patients. The five-year actuarial survival rate is 68% for ART patients and 60.6% for NART patients (NS). In child B patients the five-year actuarial survival rate is 75% in ART patients and 22% in NART patients (p less than 0.05). Actuarial estimation of arterialization patency--proved by angioscan--is 38% at five years. There were no significant differences in the incidences of postoperative and long-term encephalopathy and liver function between the two groups. In conclusion, arterialization of the portal vein in conjunction with a therapeutic end-to-side porto-caval shunt improved survival in high risk patients (Child class B), did not increase operative mortality in Child A and B patients, was followed by a higher incidence of postoperative ascites and did not decrease the incidence of long-term encephalopathy.

[Stomach cancer: surgical experience in the clinics of the Louvain University (UCL) 1969-1986]

Gastric carcinoma: surgical experience at the University of Louvain Clinics from 1969 to 1986. From january 1969 to june 1986, 201 gastrectomies were performed for gastric adenocarcinoma (curative resection in 81%, palliative resection in 19% of the patients). Hospital postoperative mortality was 6.9%. Five and ten year actuarial survival rates were, +/- 4% and 34 +/- 7%, respectively. In this series, there was a rather high percentage of early gastric carcinoma (23% of the patients), with, as expected, a high actuarial 5 year survival rate: 90 +/- 6%.

[Treatment of extrahepatic bile duct atresia: Kasaï's operation or hepatic transplantation?]

The authors analyse the records of 60 children who had a failed Kasaï procedure and were referred for liver transplantation between 1984 and 1986. By the end of 1987, 45 had been transplanted, eight had died before transplantation, four had been excluded while three were still waiting for a potential donor. Actuarial survival at 2 and 3 years of the 30 children with a follow-up greater than one year is 79 +/- 8%. Nowadays, the surgical therapy of biliary atresia should include liver replacement. The original porto-enterostomy (one Roux-en-Y loop, no stoma) according to Kasaï should remain the first surgical procedure performed under 8 weeks by a trained surgeon. Good long-term results can be expected in 30 to 40%. In case of straight failure, liver replacement should be recommended in early age and, in case of delayed failure, before the age of 6 to avoid chronic disabling.

[Liposarcoma of the ischiorectal fossa, an unusual tumoral site]

The main locations of the liposarcoma, the most common of the soft tissue sarcomas, are the lower limbs and the retroperitoneal space. We report the case of a 58 year-old male patient presenting with a huge and painless mass of the left fossa ischiorectalis. Preoperative tests and CT-scan of the pelvis evoked the diagnosis of liposarcoma, laminating and lifting the rectum and bladder. Visceral walls were respected. The patient underwent a en-bloc excision of the tumour by a combined perineal and abdominal route. Pathological examination of the mass (1.7 kg) confirmed the diagnosis of well differentiated liposarcoma. No further treatment was initiated, but, because of the high risk of local recurrence, the patient has been placed under a close follow-up schedule.

Liver transplantation for biliary atresia: indications and results

This report reviews the results of some paediatric surgical departments and points out the unsolved problems in biliary atresia disease. The authors conclude that a 5-year survival rate of 60% may be achieved in long-term follow-up, but a complete cure is observed only in 30%. Children who develop a cirrhosis and portal hypertension without or in spite of bile flow can benefit only by liver transplantation. As a result of long-term clinical experience conditions are defined that should be taken in consideration in the surgical treatment of bile duct atresia. In respect of liver transplantation the disadvantages of an external bile draining fistula to prevent cholangitis, an extensive mobilisation of the liver for HPE procedure, and the disadvantages of reoperation are discussed. By avoiding these disadvantages liver transplantation procedure will be facilitated and a 1-2 year survival rate of 80% may be achieved.