Spectrum of perforation peritonitis in Pakistan: 300 cases Eastern experience

Background

Portal vein gas is an ominous radiological sign, which indicates a serious gastrointestinal problem in the majority of patients. Many causes have been identified and the most important was bowel ischemia and mesenteric vascular accident. The presentation of patients is varied and the diagnosis of the underlying problem depends mainly on the radiological findings and clinical signs. The aim of this article is to show the clinical importance of portal vein gas and its management in emergency surgery.

Methods

A computerised search was made of the Medline for publications discussing portal vein gas through March 2008. Sixty articles were identified and selected for this review because of their relevance. These articles cover a period from 1975–2008.

Results

Two hundreds and seventy-five patients with gas in the portal venous system were reported. The commonest cause for portal vein gas was bowel ischemia and mesenteric vascular pathology (61.44%). This was followed by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (16.26%), obstruction and dilatation (9.03%), sepsis (6.6%), iatrogenic injury and trauma (3.01%) and cancer (1.8%). Idiopathic portal vein gas was also reported (1.8%).

Conclusion

Portal vein gas is a diagnostic sign, which indicates a serious intra-abdominal pathology requiring emergency surgery in the majority of patients. Portal vein gas due to simple and benign cause can be treated conservatively. Correlation between clinical and diagnostic findings is important to set the management plan.     

Thrombektomie der Vena mesenterica superior bei sekundärer Mesenterialvenenthrombose

Introduction

The clinical presentation of mesenteric venous thrombosis may range from an asymptomatic state to a severe, acute illness.

Patients and methods

A 58 year old woman presented reporting increasing abdominal pain for 3 days. Her leucocytes were not elevated, lactate normal, CRP elevated and she had bloody diarrhoea. The typical CT appearance of superior mesenteric venous thrombosis revealed an enlargement of the thrombotic vein, with a central area of low attenuation containing a clot in the lumen surrounded by a well defined, contrast-enhanced venous wall. The approach to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is similar to that for superior mesenteric artery embolectomy. The vein is to the right of the artery and is much more fragile. A transverse venotomy in the SMV was carried out. A white Fogarty catheter was used to retrieve the centrally located thrombus in the proximal superior mesenteric vein. The clots from peripheral parts of the SMV were removed by a green Fogarty catheter. Suturing of the venotomy followed with 5/0 prolene using the single stitch technique. A resection of the small bowel was not necessary. The patient was able to leave the hospital 12 days after surgery.

Conclusion

Surgeons may not be familiar with the surgical approach to portomesenteric venous thrombectomy. The improved ability for diagnosis of superior mesenteric venous thrombosis by CT means, that this disease does not invariably proceed to intestinal infarction or death, if a venous thrombectomy can be applied.     

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis associated with rectal venous malformations

Purpose

We report thrombosis of portal and mesenteric veins in patients with a pattern of rectal venous malformations (VMs) and ectatic major mesenteric veins.

Methods

Eight patients having rectal VMs with either ectatic mesenteric veins and/or evidence of portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PVT), evaluated from 1995-2009, were reviewed.

Results

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis was evident in 5 patients at presentation. Three had patent ectatic mesenteric veins, 2 with demonstrated reversal of flow, and 2 of whom went on to thrombosis during observation. Six patients developed portal hypertension. Five remain on long-term anticoagulation. After recognizing this pattern, one patient underwent preemptive proximal ligation of the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) to enhance antegrade portal vein flow and prevent propagation or embolization of venous thrombus from the IMV to the portal vein.

Conclusion

Rectal VMs should be evaluated for associated ectatic mesenteric veins. The ectatic vein siphons flow from the portal vein down to the rectal VM, leading to stagnation of blood in the portal vein and resultant thrombosis. Primary thrombosis in the stagnant rectal VM and/or mesenteric vein can also predispose to embolization up into the portal vein. This pattern of rectal VM and ectatic mesenteric vein should be considered a risk factor for devastating PVT.     

Interposition graft with polytetrafluoroethylene for mesenteric and portal vein reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background:

Portal vein–superior mesenteric vein resection is frequently required after surgical resection of tumours of the pancreas head. The ideal graft for portal vein reconstruction (PVR) remains undefined.

Methods:

Between May 2000 and July 2007, 28 patients had portal vein–superior mesenteric vein resection and PVR during pancreaticoduodenectomy. Their clinical reports were reviewed retrospectively with specific attention to the methods of PVR and outcomes.

Results:

Ten patients had PVR with primary anastomosis, seven had PVR with autologous vein, one had a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch, one did not have PVR and nine had PVR with a PTFE interposition graft. There was no infection after PTFE grafting. Six patients had PVR thrombosis after surgery: four after primary anastomosis, one after interposition PTFE and one after vein repair.

Conclusion:

PTFE appeared to be an effective and safe option as an interposition graft for portomesenteric venous reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Perioperative Strategies and Thrombophilia in Children with Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction Undergoing the Meso-Rex Bypass

Background/Purpose

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is an important cause of chronic portal hypertension in children. Although usually idiopathic in etiology, genetic and acquired thrombophilia have been implicated in EHPVO. Meso-Rex bypass is increasingly used to treat EHPVO in children.

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the relationship of postoperative anticoagulation strategies and thrombophilic risk factors to the development of bypass thrombosis following the meso-Rex bypass.

Methods

Records of children who underwent meso-Rex bypass for EHPVO at a single institution from 1999 to 2009 were reviewed, and preoperative thrombophilia testing, perioperative anticoagulation strategies, and postoperative bypass patency based on imaging at last follow-up were examined.

Results

Sixty-five children with EHPVO underwent a first time meso-Rex bypass during the study period, and 9 of 65 (14 %) developed bypass thrombosis. The use of warfarin in the postoperative period was more common among children with thrombosed shunts than among those with open shunts [63 % vs. 20 %; OR, 6.5 (95 % CI, 1.3–31.5), p?=?0.022]. The contribution of genetic or acquired thrombophilia to shunt thrombosis was inconclusive given variability in testing.

Conclusions

Choice of anticoagulation following meso-Rex bypass may affect postoperative incidence of bypass thrombosis. Role of thrombophilic risk factors in the development of shunt thrombosis remains unclear.     

New Surgical Approach to Large Splenorenal Shunt in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Diversion of SMV and SPV Blood Flow

Introduction

The management of a large splenorenal shunt is important because it affects recipient outcome, particularly in living donor liver transplantation.

Methods

To manage large splenorenal shunts in living donor liver transplantation, we diverted superior mesenteric vein and splenic portal vein blood flow by ligation at the root of the splenic portal vein.

Result

This procedure was applied for five patients in whom superior mesenteric vein blood flow had been completely stolen by a splenorenal shunt preoperatively. Postoperative course was excellent in all cases.

Conclusion

This technique completely prevents morbidity related to large splenorenal shunts after living donor liver transplantation.     

Preoperative dual-phase 3D CT angiography assessment of the right hepatic artery before gastrectomy

Purposes

In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of dual-phase three-dimensional (3D) CT angiography (CTA) in the assessment of the vascular anatomy, especially the right hepatic artery (RHA), before gastrectomy.

Methods

The study initially included 714 consecutive patients being treated for gastric cancer. A dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT scan using 32-multi detector-row CT was performed for all patients.

Results

Among the 714 patients, 3D CTA clearly identified anomalies with the RHA arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in 49 cases (6.9 %). In Michels’ classification type IX, the common hepatic artery (CHA) originates only from the SMA. Such cases exhibit defective anatomy for the CHA in conjunction with the celiac–splenic artery system, resulting in direct exposure of the portal vein beneath the #8a lymph node station, which was retrospectively confirmed by video in laparoscopic gastrectomy cases. Fused images of both 3D angiography and venography were obtained, and could have predicted the risk preoperatively, and the surgical finding confirmed its usefulness.

Conclusion

Preoperative evaluations using 3D CTA can provide more accurate information about the vessel anatomy. The fused images from 3D CTA have the potential to reduce the intraoperative risks for injuries to critical vessel, such as the portal vein, during gastrectomy.     

Simultaneous Intra-gastric Balloon Removal and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for the Super-Super Obese Patients—a Prospective Feasibility Study

Background

The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of a strategy of performing simultaneous balloon removal and sleeve gastrectomy in the super-super obese patients.

Methods

Forty consecutive super-super obese patients underwent intra-gastric balloon insertion followed by simultaneous balloon removal and sleeve gastrectomy 6 months later.

Results

Balloon insertion resulted in a reduction in mean body mass index from 69.3?±?1.4 to 62.3?±?1.3 kg/m². Simultaneous balloon removal and sleeve gastrectomy was achieved in 39 cases. There were no operative mortality and no leaks. Six months following sleeve gastrectomy, the mean BMI of the cohort had fallen to 54.1?±?1.2 kg/m².

Conclusions

Simultaneous balloon removal and sleeve gastrectomy in the super-super obese patients is feasible as a single-stage procedure with good perioperative outcomes.     

Portal Vein Thrombosis Due to Factor 2 Leiden in the Post-operative Course of a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity

Portal vein thrombosis can occur after laparoscopic operations. This complication has not been yet reported after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We report the case of a patient who presented mild abdominal pains 2 weeks after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy achieved to cure morbid obesity. Computed tomography led to the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis bound to a genetic disorder due to heterozygote Leiden 2 factor which impaired coagulation. Recommendations for post-surgical follow-up are discussed.     

Characteristics of internal hernia after gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer

Background

Although the internal hernias have been a huge topic in the field of bariatric surgery, there were a few reports in gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence, clinical features, and prevention of internal hernia after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

Twelve patients who underwent surgical treatment for internal hernia in our hospital after gastrectomy were analyzed. Features, including incidence, symptoms, and signs, were investigated in detail.

Results

The operative procedures for preceding gastrectomies were open distal gastrectomy in three patients, open total gastrectomy in three patients, laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy in two patients, and laparoscopic total gastrectomy in four patients. The most frequent sites of internal hernias were jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defects (five patients) and Petersen’s defect (five patients), mesenterium of transverse colon (one patient), and esophagus hiatus (one patient). There was no significant difference between open and laparoscopic preceding gastrectomies. After closure of the mesenteric defect was introduced, no further internal hernias occurred. On CT examination, the whirl sign was present in ten patients on 3D images.

Conclusions

The present data suggest the importance of early recognition and treatment of internal hernia, as well as its prevention by closure of mesenteric defects.     

A Revolutionary Design Change to Improve Stapler Safety

Background

Postoperative staple line leaks and bleeding are the most common reasons for complications in surgical procedures that involve organ resection, such as sleeve gastrectomy. Increasing the safety of these operations requires improving the instruments (endostaplers or endocutters) used for stapling and sectioning the tissues.

Methods

We present a new prototype stapler for marketing in resection surgery, especially designed for the sleeve gastrectomy.

Results

We suggest that the medical instrument industry creates devices in which the channel along which the knife blade runs is located asymmetrically. This would allow more staples to be placed on the side of the gastric remnant, thus improving the sealing and hemostasis of the suture line and reducing the number of complications for patients as a result.

Conclusions

The application of new concepts in medical surgical devices can improve the safety of the procedures in our patients.     

Nutrient Deficiencies Before and After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Obesity is associated with nutritional deficiencies. Bariatric surgery could worsen these deficiencies. Fewer nutritional deficiencies would be seen after sleeve gastrectomy compared to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, but sleeve gastrectomy would also cause further deterioration of the deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of pre-operative nutrient deficiencies in sleeve gastrectomy patients and assess the evolution of the nutritional status during the first post-operative year.

Methods

Four hundred seven sleeve gastrectomy patients were assigned to a standardized follow-up program. Data of interest were weight loss, pre-operative nutrient status and evolution of nutrient deficiencies during the first post-operative year. Deficiencies were supplemented when found.

Results

Two hundred patients completed blood withdrawal pre-operatively and in the first post-operative year. pre-operatively, 5 % of the patients were anemic, 7 % had low serum ferritin and 24 % had low folic acid. Hypovitaminosis D was present in 81 %. Vitamin A had excessive levels in 72 %. One year post-operatively, mean excess weight loss was 70 %. Anemia was found in 6 %. Low-ferritin levels were found in 8 % of the patients. Folate deficiency decreased significantly and hypovitaminosis D was still found in 36 %.

Conclusions

In this study, a considerable amount of patients suffered from a deficient micronutrient status pre-operatively. One year after surgery, micronutrient deficiencies persisted or were found de novo in a considerable amount of patients, despite significant weight loss and supplementation. Significant reductions were seen only for folate and vitamin D.     

Portomesentric and splenic vein thrombosis (PMSVT) after bariatric surgery: a systematic review of 110 patients

Background

Portomesenteric and splenic vein thrombosis (PMSVT) is a rare but potentially serious complication after bariatric surgery. No study has systematically analyzed its incidence and risk factors.

The Results of a Surgical Complication Protection Program (BLIS, Inc.) for Private Pay Bariatric Patients in the U.S.: 2006–2011

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and associated medical co morbidities. There is currently minimal surgical treatment penetration of this widespread disease. BLIS has been able to improve the access to bariatric surgery for cash-pay patients by alleviating concern about the costs of post-surgical complications. Recently, there has become an ability to attract payor groups by offering a “bundled” payment which includes BLIS complication protection.

Methods

A total of 5,364 self-pay patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with BLIS complication insurance.

Results

Of the overall 5,364 patients, the 30-day mortality rate was 0.04 % and 1-year mortality rate was 0.06 %. The frequency of complications was 5.4 % in the gastric banding group, 6.5 % in the sleeve gastrectomy group, and 9.7 % in the gastric bypass group.

Conclusions

The results for mortality and complications in the BLIS data set compares very well with other large data sets in bariatric surgery. BLIS complication insurance improves the access to bariatric surgery in patients who self-pay.     

Optimal Management of the Splenic Vein at the Time of Venous Resection for Pancreatic Cancer: Importance of the Inferior Mesenteric Vein

Background

Resection of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV)-portal vein (PV)-splenic vein (SV) confluence during pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer requires management of the SV.

Discussion

Simple SV ligation can result in sinistral portal hypertension if the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) enters the confluence and is thereby resected, or if the IMV is insufficient to drain the SV. We describe herein three patients whose clinical course confirms the importance of the IMV decompressing the SV to avoid sinistral hypertension.     

Significance of Portal Vein Invasion and Extent of Invasion in Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Introduction

Several studies have confirmed the safety of pancreatoduodenectomy with portal/mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction in select patients. The effect of vein invasion and extent of invasion on survival is less clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between tumor invasion of the portal/mesenteric vein and long-term survival.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at a single academic medical center (2000–2014) was performed. Survival was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. P?<?0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

After non-pancreatic periampullary adenocarcinomas and patients with non-segmental (lateral wall only) resection of portal/mesenteric vein were excluded, there were 567 eligible patients. Of these, segmental vein resection was performed in 90 (16 %) with end-to-end primary anastomosis (67) or interposition graft reconstruction (23). Patients with vein resection more likely received neoadjuvant systemic therapy (59 vs. 4 %, p?<?0.0001). Histopathology of patients undergoing vein resection revealed a distribution of T stage toward larger tumors and higher rates of perineural invasion. Portal/mesenteric vein resection, however, was not associated with differences in hospital stay, postoperative complications, or operative mortality. Patients with or without vein resection had comparable overall survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years. On final surgical histopathology, only 52 of 90 (58 %) vein resections had adenocarcinoma involvement of the venous wall. Of these, depth of invasion was at the level of the adventitia (9), media/intima (34), and full thickness/intraluminal (9). Venous wall invasion (52) did not significantly influence overall survival (14 vs. 21 months, p?=?0.08) but was associated with significantly shorter median disease-free survival (11.3 vs. 15.8 months, p?=?0.03), predominantly due to local recurrence. The extent of invasion (adventitia, media/intima, full thickness/intraluminal) did not impact overall survival or disease-free survival (14.4 vs. 15.5 vs. 7.4 months, p?=?0.08 and 11.2 vs. 12.2 vs. 5 months, 0.59, respectively). Portal/mesenteric vein resection, histopathologic invasion, or the extent of invasion were not independent predictors of overall survival in Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

Although Portal/mesenteric vein resection is associated with increased 90-day mortality, venous resection is not prognostic of overall survival. Although a subgroup analysis showed that a direct tumor invasion into the vein wall on final histopathology was associated with a higher rate of local recurrence but with no difference in overall survival (even when stratified according to extent of venous wall invasion), larger studies with an increased power will be needed to confirm these findings.

     

Use of Cold-Stored Vein Allografts for Venous Reconstruction During Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction

Venous resections and reconstructions of portal vein and/or superior mesenteric vein in course of pancreaticoduodenectomy are becoming a common practice and many surgical options have been described, from simple tangential resection and venorrhaphy to large segmental resections followed by interposition grafting. The aim of this study was to report the first experience of using fresh cadaveric vein allografts for venous reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy focusing on technical feasibility and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

From January 2001 to October 2012, out of 151 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head tumor, 22 (14.5 %) received a vascular resection of the mesentericoportal axis. In five of these patients, vascular reconstruction was accomplished by using cold-stored venous allografts of iliac and femoral veins from donor cadaver. Patients’ data, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Five patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were selected to receive a vascular reconstruction using a fresh venous allograft for patch closure in three cases, conduit interposition in one case and a Y-shaped graft in the last case. No graft thrombosis or stenosis occurred postoperatively and at long-term follow-up. Mortality rate was zero.

Conclusion

The use of fresh vein allografts is a feasible and effective technique for venous reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, prospective surveys including large cohorts of patients are necessary to confirm these results.     

Short-Term Skin Reactions Associated to Sleeve Gastrectomy in Eight Patients

Background

Bariatric procedures have beneficial effects on metabolic disturbances, including dermatological conditions. Short-term skin reactions associated with sleeve gastrectomy are not described in the literature.

Methods

We reviewed our database for patients who underwent bariatric surgery between May and October 2013 who reported a cutaneous rash during the short-term post-surgical period.

Results

Of a total of 195 patients, 8 (0.02 %) developed acute skin reactions during the first 3 months. Case 1 was compatible with reticulated papillomatosis. Case 2 was diagnosed as recurrent angioedema. Cases 3, 4, and 7 presented a cutaneous drug reaction to vitamin supplementation. Cases 5, 6, and 8 seemed to be secondary to xerosis and responded to lubrication.

Conclusion

Acute cutaneous skin reactions after bariatric surgery are unusual. When they do occur, they appear to be benign conditions.