Depression and quality of life in terms of personal resources in heart transplant recipients

Background

Heart transplantation is the first option for treatment of heart failure engendering increased survival and quality of life among recipients. However, this surgical intervention causes many psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Protective factors and personal recourses are significant forces behind healthy adjustments to life stresses.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among heart transplant recipients.

Procedure

The study consisted of a sample of 46 patients after heart transplantation. Standardized instruments used to measure the key constructs were Beck Depression Inventory Short Form for the prevalence of depression, World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF for quality of life, Sense of Coherence (SOC-29), and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced BREF to identify coping strategies. The data were analyzed statistically.

Results

We found that sense of coherence and coping strategies were significant predictors for quality of life and prevalence of depression, which were significantly associated with each others. Strategies focused on the problem are moderate quality of life with an age of recipient. Recipients who have a tendency to use emotion-focused strategies and are older showed a poorer quality of life, were less satisfied with their health, and displayed a prevalence of depression.

Conclusions

These results suggested that assessment of coping strategies and sense of coherence should be explored in heart transplant recipients with skills training in this domain.     

Agraphia after awake surgery for brain tumor: new insights into the anatomo-functional network of writing

Background

Controversy still exists about neural basis underlying writing and its relation with the sites subserving oral language. Our objective is to study functional areas involved in writing network, based on the observations of different postoperative writing disorders in a population of patients without preoperative agraphia.

Methods

We analyzed the postoperative agraphia profiles in 15 patients who underwent surgery for cerebral LGGs in functional language areas, using electrical mapping under local anesthesia. These profiles were then correlated to the sites of the lesions, shown by preoperative cerebral imaging.

Results

Our findings showed that (1) spoken language and writing functions could be dissociated, and that (2) writing is subserved, at least partially, by a network of 5 areas located in the dominant hemisphere for language: the superior parietal region, the supramarginalis gyrus, the second and third frontal convolutions, the supplementary motor area, and the insula. Each of these areas seems to have a different role in writing, which will be detailed in this article. However, among the patients, only those with lesions of the supplementary motor area did not recover from agraphia in the postoperative period (in 50% of cases).

Conclusions

On the basis of these results, and in the light of the recent literature, we discuss the relevance of each area in this anatomo-functional network as well as the clinical implications of such better knowledge of the neural basis of writing, especially for brain surgery and functional rehabilitation.     

Inhaled nitric oxide attenuates apoptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rabbit lung

Background

Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury occurs after lung transplantation and various clinical procedures. Recently, apoptosis was reported to be induced after ischemia-reperfusion. We investigated the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on lung ischemia-reperfusion and apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion.

Methods

As a control group, the left pulmonary hilum of Japanese white rabbits (n = 10) was occluded for 120 minutes and reperfused for 120 minutes. In the inhaled NO group (n = 10), 20 parts per million nitric oxide was inhaled during reperfusion. The sham-operated group was ligated at the right hilum and perfused by the left lung only for 120 minutes. The mean pulmonary arterial pressures and Pao₂ were measured during reperfusion. The wet-to-dry weight ratio of the left lower lobe of the lung was calculated. The number of apoptotic cells was estimated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique. The TUNEL staining for a time course study was done using 15 control animals that were killed by exsanguination at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after reperfusion.

Results

After 120 minutes of reperfusion, the mean pulmonary arterial pressures in the control group and in the inhaled NO group were 23.0 ± 3.2 mm Hg and 13.6 ± 2.4 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.01). At the same time point, the Pao₂ in the control group and in the inhaled NO group were 46.1 ± 15.9 mm Hg and 88.1 ± 14.7 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.01). The wet-to-dry weight ratios in the control group and in the inhaled NO group were 0.856 ± 0.024 and 0.808 ± 0.006, respectively (p < 0.01). Apoptotic cells appeared in the early phase of reperfusion (after 15 minutes' reperfusion). The number of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in the inhaled group than in the control group after 120 minutes' reperfusion (1.76% versus 2.87%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the inhaled NO prevents lung ischemia-reperfusion injury and attenuates apoptosis after reperfusion in the rabbit lung.     

Remifentanil for the insertion and removal of long-term central venous access during monitored anesthesia care

Study Objective

To determine the analgesic efficacy of three different rates of remifentanil infusion in patients undergoing insertion or removal of long-term central venous access devices during monitored anesthesia care and local anesthetic field infiltration.

Design

Double-blinded, randomized, controlled study.

Setting

Operating theatre of an University hospital.

Patients

44 unpremedicated, ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients, aged 18-65 years, undergoing insertion or removal of a Port-a-Cath or Hickman catheter.

Interventions

Patients sedated with a propofol target-controlled infusion were randomly allocated to three groups: Group R25 (n = 14), Group R50 (n = 15), and Group R75 (n = 15), to receive remifentanil 0.025, 0.05, and 0.075 μg/kg/min, respectively. Rescue remifentanil 0.5 μg/kg was administered for pain scores > 3. The remifentanil infusion rate was maintained constant unless respiratory and/or cardiovascular unwanted events occurred, whereupon the rate was adjusted in 0.01 μg/kg/min decrements as necessary.

Measurements

Pain scores (primary outcome), sedation, and movement scores (secondary outcomes) were assessed during local anesthetic infiltration of the anterior chest wall and 5 other procedural steps.

Main Results

All infusion rates had equal analgesic efficacy, as shown by comparable pain scores, number of rescue boluses, and number of patients requiring rescue analgesia. Excessive sedation was associated with the highest remifentanil rate such that Group R75 patients were significantly more sedated than Groups R25 or R50 at selective procedural steps (P < 0.05). More Group R75 patients (6/15) required remifentanil rate reduction than did patients from Group R50 (1/15) or Group R25 (0/14), P < 0.01, most commonly because of respiratory depression.

Conclusions

For the insertion or removal of long-term central venous access devices, all three remifentanil infusion rates proved to be equally analgesic-efficient. However, the excessive sedation and tendency to respiratory and cardiovascular events associated with the highest remifentanil infusion rate renders such a rate less desirable for this purpose.     

Review of radiation risks from computed tomography: essentials for the pediatric surgeon

Background/Purpose

Over the past several years, increasing attention has been focused on the potential for radiation exposure from computed tomography (CT) for inducing the development of cancers. An understanding of these issues is important for the practice of pediatric surgery.

Methods

Medline based clinical review of current medical literature of the risks for the induction of cancers by CT. Data includes estimates of cancer risk from computer models, epidemiologic data from survivors of atomic bomb radiation exposure, and consensus opinions from expert panels.

Results

Review of scientific evidence demonstrates varied opinions, but consensus suggests there may be a potential for an increased risk of cancer from low level radiation exposure such as from CT. These calculations suggest that there may be as high as 1 fatal cancer for every 1000 CT scans performed in a young child.

Conclusions

Pediatric surgeons should be aware of the potential risks of CT. Minimizing the radiation risks of CT is a complex endeavor, and will require investments from pediatric surgeons as well as pediatric radiologists.     

Extended left hepatectomy of the left and middle hepatic venous drainage areas along the anterior fissure

Background

Extended left hepatectomy including the middle hepatic vein (MHV) may potentially induce right paramedian sector congestion of the remnant liver.

Methods

To prevent venous congestion in the right paramedian sector, we performed extended left hepatectomy including the left hemiliver and anterior segment, which drain into the MHV and left hepatic vein (LHV), for 15 patients.

Results

In 11 of 15 patients (73%), temporary clamping of the common trunk of the MHV and LHV and the proper hepatic artery provided the anterior fissure. Regeneration rate of the middle segment was similar to that of the right lateral sector (10.8% vs 11.2%) on postoperative computed tomography (CT) after 3 months.

Conclusions

This procedure could represent a useful method for preventing postoperative venous congestion.     

Prophylactic glycopyrrolate prevents bradycardia after spinal anesthesia for Cesarean section: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective trial with heart rate variability correlation

Study Objective

To determine if prophylactic glycopyrrolate prevents bradycardia after spinal anesthesia.

Design

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Setting

Large university-affiliated community hospital.

Patients

81 consecutive term parturients (not in active labor) who were scheduled for elective Cesarean section.

Interventions

Parturients received 1.0 to 1.5 L of intravenous Ringer's lactate and either glycopyrrolate 0.4 mg or an equal volume of saline, with caregivers blinded to the immediate sequelae of study drug. Each patient received intrathecal bupivacaine (12 to 14 mg) with morphine sulfate (0.1 to 0.2 mg).

Measurements

Continuous heart rate (HR) and blood pressure monitoring occurred for 20 minutes, with the minimum HR recorded for each 5-minute epoch. Heart rates < 60 beats per minute defined bradycardia. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis occurred offline.

Main Results

None of 34 patients administered glycopyrrolate and 6 of 35 (17%) patients receiving saline experienced bradycardia (P = 0.02476). Time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear and embedded spectrum entropy analyses all reflected the decrease in HRV accompanying administration of glycopyrrolate.

Conclusion

Bradycardia after spinal anesthesia occurs commonly. Prophylactic glycopyrrolate may prevent the bradycardia, but not necessarily the hypotension.     

The value of open surgical approaches for aspirated pen caps

Purpose

The aim of this study was to present the therapeutic approach of aspirated pen cap foreign bodies, with emphasis on the importance of open surgical intervention.

Methods

The records of patients who underwent bronchoscopy and bronchoscopy and surgical therapy for pen cap foreign bodies between January 1997 and June 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnosis was made based on history, physical examination, radiological methods, and bronchoscopy. Age, sex, symptoms, radiological methods, surgical procedure, complications, and outcomes were recorded.

Results

A total of 24 bronchoscopies were performed on 19 patients (10 boys, 9 girls) with a median age of 11 years (range, 8-15 years). Pen caps were localized in the right bronchial tree in 14 cases (74%). Pen caps were extracted successfully by forceps during bronchoscopy in 9 patients. Of the remaining 10 patients, 5 underwent bronchoscopy and tracheostomy and 5 patients underwent thoracotomy and bronchotomy. Significant complications were observed in 2 patients (10.53%) (severe bronchospasm in one and pneumothorax and subglottic edema in another).

Conclusions

Pen caps aspiration is a challenging problem because of the difficulties during extraction and higher morbidity compared with other foreign body aspirations. In such cases in which classic bronchoscopy failed and/or pen caps could not be removed via vocal cords, open surgical approaches, either bronchoscopy and tracheostomy or thoracotomy and bronchotomy, may be an alternative procedure of choice.     

Combined off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and pulmonary resection

Background

Combined cardiac surgery and pulmonary resection using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been described previously. There are a few reports of combined procedures done without using CPB. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) eliminates organ dysfunction and suppression of immune system related to extracorporeal circulation.

Methods

Six patients underwent combined OPCABG and lung resection during a 4-year period. Follow-up ranging from 9 months to 3 years is available for these patients.

Results

Malignant pathology was the diagnosis in 5 patients and 1 patient was diagnosed with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Right upper lobectomy was performed in 3 patients, left upper lobectomy was performed in 1 patient, right upper and middle bilobectomy was performed in 1 patient, and bilateral lung volume reduction was performed in one patient. Prolonged air leak occurred in 1 patient postoperatively and another patient experienced small right-sided residual pleural space that was resolved at 6 weeks follow-up. There were no operative deaths but there were 2 late deaths. Evidence of recurrence for angina or malignancy upon follow-up was not detected.

Conclusions

A combined procedure is a safe approach in patients diagnosed with concomitant coronary artery and pulmonary disease. Avoidance of CPB may decrease the incidence of postoperative complications.     

Hémorragie sous-arachnoïdienne anévrismale et maladie de Wegener : une association peu commune

Background

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is an uncommon systemic necrotizing vasculitis that demonstrates renal and respiratory tropism. While the pathogenesis of WG remains controversial, autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms are likely to be involved. The nervous system could be affected in up to 54% of cases. Although central nervous system involvement has been reported in 7-11% of cases, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurrence is exceptional.

Methods

We describe the third reported case of WG-related aneurysmal SAH and then discuss the diagnosis and pathogenesis of WG along with the physiopathology of intracranial aneurysm in light of recent data reported in the literature.

Results

A 63-year-old woman with WG was referred to our neurosurgical department for aneurysmal SAH. The vasculitis diagnosis had been established 4 years earlier when she presented with chronic sinusitis, recurrent cystitis, and renal failure. The cerebral angiography revealed an anterior communicating artery dysplastic aneurysm. The neurosurgical management of the aneurysm was scheduled but delayed because the patient was experiencing a vasculitis flare-up. Immunosuppressive therapy and intravenous corticotherapy were given, with the patient's improvement, allowing neurosurgical clipping of the aneurysm.

Conclusions

Wegener granulomatosis-related aneurysmal SAH is an exceptional condition in neurovascular pathology. As inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of aneurysm, the vasculitis flare-up could account for this SAH. The management of WG could benefit from anti-inflammatory therapy, as could the vasculitis-related SAH. SAH occurrence in patients with systemic vasculitis could indicate a vasculitis flare-up.     

Evolving experience with video-assisted thoracic surgery in congenital cystic lung lesions in a British pediatric center

Background/Purpose

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is increasingly used for the resection of congenital cystic lung lesions (CLLs). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of VATS and its outcome in both antenatally and postnatally detected CLLs.

Methods

Forty-six patients managed during 2000-2005 were studied. Demographics, investigations, operative details, and outcome data were collected and evaluated. Patients were divided into 3 groups for analysis.

Results

Antenatally diagnosed (groups I and II, n = 35): group I (20) had VATS at 20 months median (range, 16-35 months). Video-assisted thoracic surgery was successful in 14 of 20 (70%), notably in all cases of extralobar sequestrations and foregut duplication cysts. Inadequate vision/lung collapse and technical difficulties were the main reasons for conversion to open thoracotomy. Group II (n = 15) was considered unsuitable for VATS because of neonatal symptoms (6 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations of the lung [CCAMs]) and/or large size/inexperience (5 CCAMs, 4 sequestrations) and had elective thoracotomy at 8 months median (range, 6 days-20 months).Postnatally diagnosed (group III, n = 11): 3 CCAMs, 6 duplications, and 2 sequestrations were diagnosed because of recurrent chest infection (8) or stridor (2), or incidentally (1) at 8 years median (range, 1.2-14 years). Video-assisted thoracic surgery was successful in 3 foregut duplications. A duplication and an intralobar sequestration were converted; open thoracotomy was performed in others because of previous recurrent pneumonic episodes.Postoperative pain and hospital stay were significantly less (P < .001) in successful VATS resection: median of 2 days (range, 1-7 days) compared with thoracotomy median of 6 days (range, 4-20 days).

Conclusions

Video-assisted thoracic surgery is a safe and effective option for asymptomatic congenital CLLs. It is anticipated that more successful CCAM resections using VATS will occur in the future as our technical ability improves.     

Single-port laparoscopic appendectomy conducted intracorporeally with the aid of a transabdominal sling suture

Background/Purpose

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is becoming popular for the treatment of acute and perforated appendicitis. Since it was first described, LA has been modified various times. We present the results of a new technique of LA conducted through a single port without exteriorizing the appendix to perform the operation.

Materials and Methods

Single-port LA was attempted in 38 patients (23 boys, 15 girls). Under general anesthesia, an 11-mm port with two 5-mm working channels or an 11-mm port through which a 10-mm scope (0°) with a parallel eyepiece and a 6-mm working channel was inserted through the umbilicus. The appendix was grasped and dissected from the surrounding tissues with a single dissector or grasper. With a percutaneously inserted suture from the right lower quadrant into the peritoneal cavity, the appendix was pulled toward the abdominal wall after passing the suture through the mesoappendix. After mesenteric dissection with hook cautery, the base of the appendix was ligated with 2-0 polyglactin with a fisherman knot. The appendix was withdrawn into the trocar and extracted from the abdomen together with the trocar.

Results

Laparoscopic appendectomy was completed in 35 patients through a single port. A second port insertion was required in 3 patients. No peroperative and postoperative complications were encountered. Average duration of the procedure was 38 ± 5.6 minutes.

Conclusion

This unique method further improves the minimal invasiveness of LA because a single port is used. Single-port intracorporeal appendectomy procedure is a safe, highly minimal invasive procedure with excellent cosmetic results.     

Modified Spectrometry (O2C Device) of Intraoperative Microperfusion Predicts Organ Function After Kidney Transplantation: A Pilot Study

Background

Delayed graft function (DGF) is defined as posttransplantation dialysis within 1 week, which might be associated with impaired long-term graft survival. The aim of our pilot study was to establish the ability of intraoperative spectrometry of allograft microperfusion to predict DGF.

Methods

Twenty human kidney allografts transplanted from deceased donors were evaluated intraoperatively after reperfusion using modified organ spectrometry (O2C device). We examined hemoglobin oxygen saturation, intravascular amount of hemoglobin, and microperfusion flow/velocity.

Results

Retrospectively, 10/20 (50%) allografts with measurable impairment of cortical hemoglobin oxygen saturation and microperfusion flow/velocity developed DGF. Retrospectively, we found that if the intravascular amount of hemoglobin was increased upon intraoperative measurement, the kidney was prone to develop DGF.

Conclusions

Spectrometry data predicted DGF. Our results supported the thesis that impaired microperfusion is the key to DGF and might be related to postcapillary endothelial damage or intravascular sludge.     

Indirect versus direct laryngoscopy for routine nasotracheal intubation

Study Objective

To compare the effectiveness of the indirect laryngoscopes, Airtraq (A) and GlideScope (G), with the Macintosh (M) laryngoscope in routine nasotracheal intubation.

Design

Randomized, single-blinded study.

Setting

University-affiliated, tertiary-care hospital.

Patients

62 adult, ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients with normal airways requiring nasotracheal intubation for dental or maxillofacial surgery.

Intervention

Patients in Groups A and G underwent nasal intubation with the Airtraq and GlideScope, respectively, while laryngoscopy in Group M was performed with the Macintosh blade.

Measurements

Performance of the intubating tools was judged by the ease [Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) and numeric rating scale (NRS)] and time to intubation (laryngoscopy and endotracheal tube advancement). In addition, hemodynamic parameters, severity of postoperative sore throat, and posture of the intubator were recorded.

Main Results

IDS score was significantly lower with the Airtraq and GlideScope than with the Macintosh laryngoscope (mean ± SD: A 0.1 ± 0.3, G 0.3 ± 0.6, M 0.8 ± 1.0; P = 0.013). NRS reported by the intubators showed a similar preference for indirect over direct laryngoscopy (A 0.9 ± 0.7, G 1.1 ± 0.6, M 1.9 ± 1.1; P = 0.001). Duration of laryngoscopy and endotracheal tube insertion was similar in all groups. No significant intergroup differences in hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Postoperative sore throat was significantly reduced using the GlideScope compared with the other devices (P = 0.048).

Conclusion

The Airtraq and GlideScope facilitated nasotracheal intubation more so than the Macintosh laryngoscope in adults with apparently normal airways.     

Sustainability of mechanically lengthened bowel in rats

Introduction

It has been shown that the length of an intestinal segment may be doubled by applying gradual mechanical stretching. This study evaluated whether the lengthened intestinal segment retained the structure and function after the stretching device was removed.

Methods

A 1.5-cm jejunal segment was separated from intestinal continuity in 20 rats. After advancing a screw into the isolated jejunal segment by 5 mm 3 times a week until it was stretched by 3 cm, the screw was removed. Three weeks later, the jejunal segments were retrieved for analyses. Comparisons were made between the lengthened jejunal segments.

Results

The jejunal segment doubled its length after gradual stretching and retained this length 3 weeks after the screw removal (3.1 ± 0.8 vs 3.2 ± 0.4 cm, P > .05). The villous height, the muscular thickness, and the total alkaline phosphatase and lactase activities of the stretched jejunal segments were also unchanged 3 weeks after the screw removal.

Conclusions

Mechanical force induced the sustained lengthening of isolated jejunal segments in rats. The histologic and enzymatic alterations also persisted 3 weeks after the mechanical force was removed. This phenomenon may provide a novel method for the treatment of short bowel syndrome.     

Comparison between ureteral replacements using a transverse tubularized colonic tube or ileal ureter: experimental study in dogs

Introduction

We report the comparison between ureteral replacements using a transverse tubularized colonic tube or ileal ureter in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Ten canines were studied. Four underwent ureteral substitution with an ileal ureter; 5 with a single transverse tubularized colonic tube and 1 with a double colonic transverse tubularized tube. The animals were observed for a predetermined interval of 30 days. At 30 days, the animals underwent an intravenous pyelogram, cystogram, urine analysis, and serum electrolyte sampling, and the kidney, ureteral conduit, and bladder were examined grossly and histologically.

Results

The pyelograms of both the ileal ureter and the transverse tubularized colonic tube showed prompt bilateral renal excretion. Grade 1 hydronephrosis was seen in 3 of 4 animals that received the ileal ureter and with 1 of 5 animals that received the colonic tube. Histological exam of the kidneys showed small focal areas of pyelonephritis in both groups without significant injury to the collecting tubules or glomeruli.

Discussion

The transverse tubularized colonic tube is an effective form of ureteral replacement in the animal model. The advantages of using the colon include its proximity to the ureters, the minimal mobilization needed, position outside the radiation portals, and the short colonic segment necessary.