Efficacy of Pulsed Field vs Radiofrequency for the Reablation of Chronic Radiofrequency Ablation Substrate: Redo Pulsed Field Ablation

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of pulsed field ablation (PFA) for redo procedures is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PFA when performing PFA over chronic RFA (redo environment).

METHODS

This was a 3-step in vivo study. In step 1 (creation of redo environment), 6 swine underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a local impedance measuring catheter and a contact force-enabled catheter in 3 different sites: the right atrium (RA) (intercaval line with intentional gaps), the left atrium (LA) (pulmonary vein isolation [PVI] with intentional gaps and superficial posterior wall ablations), and the left ventricle (LV) (short RFA applications [chronic RFA]). In step 2 (re-ablation), following a survival period of ≈5 weeks, animals were retreated as follows: in the RA, a focal PFA catheter over the prior intercaval line; in the LA, PVI using a pentaspline PFA catheter; and in the LV, animals were randomized to focal PFA or RFA. In each arm, 2 types of lesions were performed: acute or acute over chronic. In step 3 (remapping and euthanization), following an additional 3 to 5 days, all animals were remapped and sacrificed.

RESULTS

In the RA, re-ablation with PFA resulted in a complete intercaval block in all animals, expanding and homogenizing the disparate chronic RFA lesions from a width of 4 to 7 mm (chronic RFA) to a width of 16 to 28 mm (PFA over chronic RFA). In the LA, re-ablation with PFA resulted in complete PVI and transmural ablation of the PW. In the LV, the mean depth for acute RFA (post 2-5 days survival) was 7.6 ± 1.3 mm vs 3.9 ± 1.6 mm in the acute over chronic RFA lesions (P < 0.01). In contrast, the mean depth for acute PFA was 7.0 ± 1.6 mm, similar to when ablating with PFA over RFA (7.1 ± 1.3 mm; P = 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

PFA is highly efficient for ablation following prior RFA, which may be beneficial in patients presenting for redo procedures. In the ventricle, PFA resulted in lesions that are deeper than RFA when ablating over chronic superficial RFA lesions.

Risk of Sinus Sequestration During Redo Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: The Prevalence, Predictors, and Risk Stratification

The number of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the potential for reintervention is steadily increasing; however, there is a risk of sinus sequestration (SS) during a redo TAVI. The prevalence, predictors, and risk stratification of the risk for SS remain uncertain. We analyzed computed tomography acquired from 263 patients who underwent TAVI between 2021 and 2022: balloon-expandable valve (BEV) (71%) and self-expandable valve (SEV) (29%). Patients were considered at risk for SS if they met the following: (1) BEV frame > sinotubular junction (STJ) or SEV neocommissure greater than the STJ and (2) valve-to-STJ <2 mm. The risk of left, right, and any SS in 51%, 50%, and 65%, respectively, did not differ between BEV and SEV. The predictors of any SS were the height of the left and right coronary cusp (odds ratio [OR] 0.81 and 0.71, cutoff 18.6 and 19.2 mm, respectively) and STJ minus the annulus diameter (OR 0.65, cutoff 3.7 mm) in BEV, and STJ diameter (OR 0.47, cutoff 27.6 mm) in SEV. The number of predictors stratified the risk of any SS: low risk with BEV at 0 predictors (14% at risk of SS), intermediate risk at 1 predictor (65%), high risk at 2 or 3 predictors (81% and 95%), and low risk with SEV at 0 predictors (33%) versus high risk at 1 predictor (91%). In conclusion, 2/3 of patients who underwent TAVI were at risk of SS. The height of the coronary cusp and the STJ diameter were associated with and adequately stratified the risk of SS.

Minimally Invasive Strategy to Repair Mitral Valve after Repeated Coronary Revascularization: A Case Report and Literature Review

Redo cardiac surgery after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is burdened by high morbidity and mortality, either intraoperatively and postoperatively, with the repeated sternotomy playing a crucial role as risk factor. The right minithoracotomy approach guarantees a safer control on conduits integrity and the right ventricular wall and a low impact on the respiratory mechanics. Herein, we report a patient who previously underwent two CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) procedures and who was admitted to the hospital with a picture of heart failure caused by a severe mitral regurgitation. He was successfully submitted to a mitral valve repair on a beating heart via the right minithoracotomy approach.

Sutureless Aortic Valve Prosthesis in Redo Procedures: Single-Center Experience

Background and Objectives: Sutureless aortic valve prostheses have presented favorable hemodynamic performance while facilitating minimally invasive access approaches. As the population ages, the number of patients at risk for aortic valve reoperation constantly increases. The aim of the present study is to present our single-center experience in sutureless aortic valve replacement (SU-AVR) in reoperations. Materials and Methods: The data of 18 consecutive patients who underwent SU-AVR in a reoperation between May 2020 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.9 ± 11.1 years; patients showed a moderate-risk profile with a median logistic EuroSCORE II of 7.8 (IQR of 3.8-32.0) %. The implantation of the Perceval S prosthesis was technically successful in all patients. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 103.3 ± 50.0 min, and the cross-clamp time was 69.1 ± 38.8 min. No patients required a permanent pacemaker implantation. The postoperative gradient was 7.3 ± 2.4 mmHg, and no cases of paravalvular leakage were observed. There was one case of intraprocedural death, while the thirty-day mortality was 11%. Conclusions: Sutureless bioprosthetic valves tend to simplify the surgical procedure of a redo AVR. By maximizing the effective orifice area, sutureless valves may present an important advantage, being a safe and effective alternative not only to traditional surgical prostheses but also to transcatheter valve-in-valve approaches in select cases.

Does Secondary Antibiotic Prophylaxis Improve Clinical Outcomes in Adult Rheumatic Heart Disease Patients Post-Valve Replacement?

BACKGROUND

Secondary prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever in individuals with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) requires continuous antibiotic prophylaxis. However, the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis on the outcome of patients with severe RHD who underwent heart valve replacement is unknown. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the use of antibiotics as secondary prophylaxis in RHD patients who underwent valve replacement and clinical outcomes including mortality, reoperation, and valve-related hospitalization.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared outcomes of adult patients who underwent heart valve replacement for RHD at our institution from 1990 through 2014 and who received secondary antibiotic prophylaxis (prophylaxis group) with those who did not receive prophylaxis (nonprophylaxis group) using propensity score matching analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1094 patients (56% females, median age 40 years, range 31-53 years) were included with a median follow-up of 9.6 years (range 2.9-12.6 years). Antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed in 201 patients (18%). Propensity score matching analysis demonstrated no significant difference in overall survival (95% [92%-98%] vs 97% [95%-99%], respectively; P = .7), valve-related hospitalization-independent survival (72% [range 65%-78%] vs 81% [range 76%-88%]; P = .25), and redo valve surgery-independent survival [76% [range 70%-83%] vs 75% [range 72%-79%]; P = .41) at 10-year follow-up in the nonantibiotic prophylaxis versus the antibiotic prophylaxis group.

CONCLUSION

Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis among adult RHD patients following valve replacement is not associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement versus redo surgery for mitral prosthesis failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has emerged as an alternative to redo surgery. TMVR compared with redo surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR) in patients with mitral prosthesis failure remains limited. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of TMVR (including valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring) versus redo surgery for mitral prosthesis failure.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then we extracted data. We compared the outcomes of TMVR and redo SMVR for mitral prosthesis failure in terms of the in-hospital mortality, stroke, renal dysfunction, vascular complication, pacemaker implantation, exploration for bleeding, paravalvular leak, mean mitral valve gradient, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality.

Results

Nine retrospective cohort studies and a total of 3,038 patients were included in this analysis. Compared with redo SMVR for mitral prosthesis failure, TMVR was associated with lower in-hospital mortality [odds ratios (OR): 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30-0.64; P < 0.001], stroke (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.29-0.67; P = 0.0001), renal dysfunction (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.37-0.75; P = 0.0003), vascular complication (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.43-0.78; P = 0.004), pacemaker implantation (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.15-0.36; P < 0.00001), and exploration for bleeding (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06-0.96; P = 0.04). Conversely, redo SMVR had lower paravalvular leak (OR: 22.12; 95% CI: 2.81-174.16; P = 0.003). There was no difference in mean mitral valve gradient (MD: 0.04; 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.55; P = 0.87), 30-day mortality (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.36-1.17; P = 0.15), and 1-year mortality (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.63-1.45; P = 0.84).

Conclusion

In patients with mitral prosthesis failure, TMVR is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and lower occurrence of postoperative complications, except for paravalvular leak. TMVR offers a viable alternative to the conventional redo surgery in selected patients.

Surgical Considerations for Treatment of Fungal Homograft Endocarditis in Re-re-re-re-do

Fungal endocarditis is associated with high surgical mortality rates. Advanced expertise is required for surgical treatment of this serious condition. In the present report, we describe the homograft replacement in a beating heart during re-re-re-re-do in a 29-year-old female patient with fungal endocarditis. The previous operations included Fallot correction at the age of 1 year, Contegra graft implantation in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) due to severe pulmonary insufficiency, homograft implantation in pulmonary position due to Contegra endocarditis, and on-pump pericardial defect closure after homograft injury during sternal rewiring following wound infection.

Hemodynamic follow-up after valve-in-valve TAVR for failed aortic bioprosthesis

BACKGROUND

"valve-in-valve" TAVR (VIV-TAVR) is established and provides good initial clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. Lacking long-term durability data baffle the expand to lower risk patients. For those purposes, the present study adds a hemodynamic 3-years follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 77 patients underwent VIV-TAVR for failing aortic bioprosthesis during a 7-years period. Predominant mode of failure was stenosis in 87.0%. Patients had a mean age of 79.4 ± 5.8 years and a logistic EuroSCORE of 30.8 ± 15.7%. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons-PROM averaged 5.79 ± 2.63%. Clinical results and hemodynamic outcomes are reported for 30-days, 1-, 2-, and 3-years. Completeness of follow-up was 100% with 44 patients at risk after 3-years. Follow-up ranged up to 7.1 years.

RESULTS

Majority of the surgical valves were stented (94.8%) with a mean labeled size of 23.1 ± 2.3 mm and true-ID of 20.4 ± 2.6 mm. A true-ID ≤21 mm had 58.4% of the patients. Self-expanding valves were implanted in 68.8% (mean labeled size 24.1 ± 1.8 mm) and balloon-expanded in 31.2% (mean size 24.1 ± 1.8 mm). No patient died intraoperatively. Hospital mortality was 1.3% and three-years survival 57.1%. All patients experienced an initial significant dPmean-reduction to 16.8 ± 7.1 mmHg. After 3-years mean dPmean raised to 26.0 ± 12.2 mmHg. This observation was independent from true-ID or type of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)-prosthesis. Patients with a true-ID ≤21 mm had a higher initial (18.3 ± 5.3 vs. 14.9 ± 7.1 mmHg; p = .005) and dPmean after 1-year (29.2 ± 8.2 vs. 13.0 ± 6.7 mmHg; p = .004). There were no significant differences in survival.

CONCLUSIONS

VIV-TAVR is safe and effective in the early period. In surgical valves with a true-ID ≤21 mm inferior hemodynamic and survival outcomes must be expected. Nonetheless, also patients with larger true-IDs showed steadily increasing transvalvular gradients. This raises concern about durability.

Hemoadsorption in Complex Cardiac Surgery-A Single Center Experience

(1) Background: Cardiac surgery may evoke a generalized inflammatory response, typically magnified in complex, combined, redo, and emergency procedures with long aortic cross-clamp times. Various treatment options have been introduced to help regain control over post-cardiac surgery hyper-inflammation, including hemoadsorptive immunomodulation with CytoSorb^®. (2) Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery. Patients intra-operatively treated with CytoSorb^® were compared to a control group. The primary outcome was the change in the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) from pre-operatively to post-operatively. (3) Results: A total of 52 patients were included in the analysis, where 23 were treated with CytoSorb^® (CS) and 29 without (controls). The mean VIS increase from pre-operative to post-operative values was significantly lower in the CS group compared to the control group (3.5 vs. 5.5, respectively, p = 0.05). In-hospital mortality in the control group was 20.7% (6 patients) and 9.1% (2 patients) in the CS group (p = 0.26). Lactate level changes were comparable, and the median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were similar between groups. (4) Conclusions: Despite notable imbalances between the groups, the signals revealed point toward better hemodynamic stability with CytoSorb^® hemoadsorption in complex cardiac surgery and a trend of lower mortality.

Five-year outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve implantation and redo surgery for mitral prosthesis degeneration

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has emerged as a feasible alternative to redo surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR) in patients with degenerated mitral prostheses, with limited comparative data.

METHODS

We compared mid-term outcomes in patients with degenerated mitral valve prostheses treated with TMVR or redo SMVR. The primary endpoint was survival at 5 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2020, 215 patients presented with degenerated mitral valve prostheses. Of whom 86 (40%) were treated with TMVR (75[87%] valve-in-valve and 11[13%] valve-in-ring), while 129 patients (60%) underwent SMVR. The TMVR cohort was older (p < 0.0001), more symptomatic (p = 0.0003) and had more chronic lung disease (p = 0.02), worse renal function (p = 0.02) and higher right ventricular systolic pressures (p < 0.0001). Thirty-day mortality was lower with TMVR versus SMVR (2.4% vs. 10.2%, OR4.69 [95% CI 1.25-30.5], p = 0.04) with probability of mortality at 1, 2, and 5 years being 14.7% versus 17.5%, 24.5% versus 20.7%, and 49.9% versus 34.0%, respectively. Mode of prosthesis degeneration, baseline hemodynamics, and valve selection did not appreciably impact outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

TMVR for degenerated mitral prostheses is associated with better early survival compared to SMVR despite a greater burden of comorbidities. In contrast, 5 year survival rates appear more favorable with SMVR, which may reflect the lower baseline risk of this population. Clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic follow-up support the mid-term durability of TMVR for degenerated mitral prostheses. Further dedicated studies, however, are required to optimize outcomes in this challenging patient cohort and to navigate the choice of approach for each individual patient.

The effect of in situ laser fenestration for total endovascular arch repair in redo aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of aortic arch pathologies in redo cases is technically challenging. In this study, we assessed early and mid-term outcomes of total endovascular arch repair combined with a new method of in situ laser fenestration.

METHODS

Between January 2018 and March 2019, five patients with a history of cardiovascular surgery underwent in situ laser fenestration procedures using the "squid capture technique" for aortic arch pathologies with dissection. All patients were followed up regularly and imaging examinations were performed. The technical success, procedural complications, as well as the early and mid-term mortality and morbidity rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients survived the operation and fenestration was technically successful in all of the patients. There was no in-hospital mortality. No patients developed major complications, such as peri-operative strokes, transient ischemic attacks, or spinal cord ischemia. The 11-22 months follow-up (mean, 17 months) was completed by all patients. No endoleaks were discovered; false lumen thromboses and subsequent positive remodeling of the aorta were demonstrated and all in situ laser-fenestrated arteries were patent.

CONCLUSIONS

In situ laser fenestration combined with "squid capture technique" was shown to may be an effective and safe option for reconstruction of aortic arch during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. In situ laser fenestration combined with "squid capture technology" was shown to be an effective treatment option for patients with prior history of cardiovascular surgery and who are at high risk for redo open operations.

Minimally Invasive Coronary Revascularisation Surgery: A Focused Review of the Available Literature

Minimally invasive coronary revascularisation was originally developed in the mid 1990s as minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting is a less invasive approach compared to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to address targets in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Since then, MIDCAB has evolved with the adoption of a robotic platform and the possibility to perform multivessel bypass procedures. Minimally invasive coronary revascularisation surgery also allows for a combination between the benefits of CABG and percutaneous coronary interventions for non-LAD lesions – a hybrid approach. Hybrid coronary revascularisation results in fewer blood transfusions, shorter hospital stay, decreased ventilation times and patients return to work sooner when compared to conventional CABG. This article reviews the available literature, describes standard approaches and considers topics, such as limited access procedures, indications and patient selection, diagnostics and imaging, techniques, anastomotic devices, hybrid coronary revascularisation and outcome analysis.

Redo mitral valve replacement through minithoracotomy on ventricular fibrillation: Bailout for a nightmare Redo

A 56-year-old woman entered the emergency department due to worsening dyspnea. Severe mitral regurgitation and pulmonary artery dilation with flow compatible with fistula were observed by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The patient had history of an ALCAPA (anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery) syndrome having undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (saphenous venous graft to left anterior descending artery) 30 years before. Coronary angiography and computed tomography revealed patency of the graft, with the dilated vein running across the front of the ascending aorta and being responsible for the perfusion of the left anterior descending artery and circumflex artery. We resent this case for discussion of which surgical strategy/options are available in order to treat the mitral valve and avoid injuring the patent graft.

Endovascular Vena Cavae Occlusion Technique in Minimally Invasive Tricuspid Valve Surgery in Patients With Previous Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to describe a bicaval endovascular occlusion technique in minimally invasive tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in patients with previous cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Single tertiary university center.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised ten patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Endovascular occlusion of vena cavae for minimally invasive TV redo surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2017, ten patients with previous cardiac surgery underwent TV minimally invasive surgery (repair or replacement; isolated or with concomitant procedures) using the Coda balloon catheter (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) to occlude both vena cavae. Data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records. Superior and inferior vena cava occlusion with Coda balloon catheters was successful with no complications. The drainage of the vena cavae was optimal with excellent surgical exposure. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 131 ± 119 minutes, with 30% of patients undergoing aortic clamping (two with a Chitwood clamp, one with an endoaortic balloon). Intensive care unit length of stay was 3.9 ± 2.7 days, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 30%.

CONCLUSION

Bicaval endovascular occlusion of vena cavae is a feasible and effective technique in patients with previous cardiac surgery who are undergoing a minimally invasive TV procedure. The high mortality rate is associated with the inherent risk of a redo surgery involving the TV.

Six-year follow-up of aortic valve reoperation rates: Carpentier-Edwards Perimount versus St. Jude Medical Trifecta

BACKGROUND

The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount valves have a proven track record in aortic valve replacement: good durability, hemodynamic performance, rates of survival, and low rates of valve-related complications and prosthesis-patient mismatch. The St. Jude Medical Trifecta is a newer valve that has shown comparable early and midterm outcomes. Studies show reoperation rates of Trifecta are comparable with Perimount valves, with a few recent studies bringing into focus early structural valve deterioration (SVD), and increased midterm SVD in younger patients. Given that midterm data for Trifecta is still sparse, we wanted to confirm the early low reoperation rates of Trifecta persist over time compared with Perimount.

METHODS

The Maritime Heart Centre Database was searched for AVR between 2011 and 2016, inclusive. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause reoperation rate.

RESULTS

In total, 711 Perimount and 453 Trifecta implantations were included. The reoperation hazards were determined for age: 0.96 (0.92-0.99; p = .02), female (vs. male): 0.35 (0.08-1.53; p = .16), smoker (vs. nonsmoker): 2.44 (0.85-7.02; p = .1), and Trifecta (vs. Perimount): 2.68 (0.97-7.39; p = .06). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in subgroups-age <60, age ≥60, male, female, smoker, and nonsmoker-showed Perimount having lower reoperation rates than Trifecta in patients younger than 60 (p = .02) and current smokers (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of reoperation of Perimount and Trifecta were comparable, with Trifecta showing higher rates in patients younger than 60 years, and current smokers. Continued diligence and further independent reporting of midterm reoperation and SVD rates of the Trifecta, including detailed echocardiographic follow-up, are needed to confirm these findings.

Redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: outcomes from a case-controlled study

AIM

To assess short- and long-term outcomes of redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (redo-IPAA) for failed IPAA, comparing them with those of successful IPAA.

METHOD

This was a case-control study. Data were collected retrospectively from prospectively maintained databases from two tertiary care centres. Patients who had a redo-IPAA between 1999 and 2016 were identified and matched (1:2) with patients who had a primary IPAA (p-IPAA), according to diagnosis, age and body mass index.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine redo-IPAAs (16 transanal and 23 abdominal procedures) were identified, and were matched with 78 p-IPAAs. After a mean follow-up of 56 ± 51  (2.6-190) months, failure rates after transanal and abdominal approaches were 50% and 15%, respectively. Reoperation after the transanal approach was higher than after p-IPAA (69% vs 7%; P < 0.001). No differences were noted between the abdominal approach for redo-IPAA and p-IPAA in terms of morbidity (61% for redo-IPAA vs 38% for p-IPAA; P = 0.06), major morbidity (9% vs 8%; P = 0.96), anastomotic leakage (13% vs 10%; P = 0.74), mean daily bowel movements (6 vs 5.5; P = 0.68), night-time bowel movements (1.2 vs 1; P = 0.51), faecal incontinence (13% vs 7%; P = 0.40), urgency (31% vs 27%; P = 0.59), use of anti-diarrhoeal drugs (47% vs 37%; P = 0.70), mean Cleveland Global Quality-of-Life score (7 vs 7; P = 0.83) or sexual function.

CONCLUSION

The abdominal approach for redo-IPAA is justified in cases of pouch failure because it achieves functional results comparable with those observed after p-IPAA, without higher postoperative morbidity. The transanal approach should be chosen sparingly.

Benefits of a right anterolateral minithoracotomy rather than a median sternotomy in isolated tricuspid redo procedures

BACKGROUND

To compare results of tricuspid valve (TV) reoperation between incision via a right anterolateral minithoracotomy (RAMT) and median sternotomy (MS).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 49 patients who underwent isolated TV surgery as a reoperation at our institution between 2006 and 2015. Previous cardiac operations included mitral, aortic, and TV surgeries, atrial septal defect repair, and pericardiectomy. The mean age of the patients was 51.9±12.8 years, 14 (28%) were male and 35 (72%) were female. Follow-up was 95% (38/40) complete, with a mean duration of 41.3±19.5 months.

RESULTS

Perioperative demographic and laboratory tests did not show any significant differences between the RAMT and MS groups. The drainage volume, total red cell unit, total serum volume and platelet were significantly different 1150±803.5/2,270±1,920, 4.8±4.1/8.7±8.9, 478.2±488.9/950.0±857.6, 0.04±0.21/0.38±0.64 (P<0.05), while other perioperative data were similar. There were no significant differences in early postoperative death and complications between the RAMT and MS groups. A multivariate linear regression analysis predicted that serum creatinine (Scr), age, and MS group were independent risk factors for bleeding. The Cox regression demonstrated that the MS group had a longer drainage duration (P<0.05) and had a relative hazardous risk (HR) of 2.691 (1.328, 5.450 CI) compared with the RAMT group.

CONCLUSIONS

The RAMT approach is an alternative, safe, and feasible procedure for isolated TV reoperation. It has the advantages of less drainage and reduced requirement for blood products.

Recurrent achalasia after Heller-Toupet procedure: Laparoscopic extended redo heller myotomy and floppy Dor

Recurrences of symptoms after the surgery for achalasia cardia are not uncommon. There are several causes of recurrences but the early recurrences are speculated to be secondary to incomplete myotomy and late recurrence due to fibrosis after the myotomy or megaesophagus. These recurrences can be managed by regular dilation failing which a redo surgery is indicated. Laparoscopic approach is now standard because of the obvious benefits for patients and surgeons. Extent of myotomy and addition of fundoplication are debatable issue in the management of achalasia cardia but evidence suggests that some kind of fundoplication would be necessary after the complete division of lower esophageal sphincter. We present our experience in a case of recurrent achalasia, secondary to incomplete myotomy managed laparoscopically by extended myotomy and a floppy anterior fundoplication. Patient is asymptomatic six months after the surgery and radiologically there is free passage of barium in the stomach.