Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation of the heart and great vessels

Purpose

Transthoracic examination of the heart and great vessels is an essential skill that allows the anesthesiologist to evaluate cardiac function. In this article, we describe a pragmatic technique to obtain the essential views to evaluate normal or abnormal cardiac function and to appreciate great vessel anatomy and physiology.

Principal findings

The cardiac anatomy and function can be described using standard parasternal, apical, and subcostal views. These windows can also be used to assess the aorta, pulmonary artery, and vena cavae; however, other transthoracic and abdominal windows can be used to complete the evaluation of the great vessels.

Conclusions

The integration of the echocardiographic information particularly from the heart and great vessels with the case story, physical examination, laboratory data, and other relevant clinical information should become the way of the future, and this will benefit the patients under our care.

     

Ex-vivo-Herzperfusion zur Steigerung der Organverfügbarkeit

Background

Heart transplantation still remains the gold standard for patients with end-stage heart failure. Due to the lack of donor organs the use of ex vivo heart perfusion is becoming increasingly more important for reconditioning marginal donor organs.

Objective

New developments in the field of ex vivo heart perfusion are presented with an emphasis on the practical application in a donor organ retrieval service.

Material and methods

The utilization of the Organ Care System (OCS, TransMedics, Andover, MA) for evaluation and reconditioning of marginal donor organs is discussed in the light of the substantial shortage of donor organs.

Results

Preservation using the OCS can be considered as being equivalent to cold cardioplegia in the clinical application. An OCS heart shows a highly significant reduction in the cold ischemia time so that longer transport times and subsequently greater catchment areas are possible. Extended criteria donors can be conditioned to be suitable donor organs by the professional application of the OCS. Resuscitation of so-called donation after cardiac death (DCD) donor hearts using OCS has been clinically established internationally and the results are very promising.

Conclusion

We postulate the standardized application of ex vivo heart perfusion for marginal donor organs to extend the potential donor pool.

     

Which method is the most effective for preventing postoperative infection in spinal surgery?

Background

Several methods have been used to reduce the infection rate in spinal surgeries with instrumentation.

Purpose

Which method is the most effective for preventing postoperative infection?

Study design

Basic science, animal model.

Objective

In the present study, the efficiency of antibiotic prophylaxis, silver-plated screws, and local rifamycin application to the surgical site was investigated in an experimental animal model. Staphylococcus aureus was used as the pathogen.

Methods

Fifty 6-month-old female Wistar albino rats were used. The animals were randomly numbered and divided into five groups of ten rats each (Group 1, control group; Group 2, titanium screw and S. aureus inoculation; Group 3, titanium screw, 0.1 ml rifamycin application to the surgical area, and bacterial inoculation; Group 4, titanium screw, single preoperative dose of IM cefazolin, and bacterial inoculation; Group 5, silver-plated screw and bacterial inoculation). Titanium micro-screws were placed into the pedicles. The control group received a sterile isotonic solution, and the other four groups received bacterial suspensions containing S. aureus. The animals were killed 15 days later.

Results

Intensive S. aureus growth was observed in all tissue and screw samples from Group 2. The results for Group 3 were similar to those for Group 1, no growth was observed in the screw cultures. Intensive growth was observed in the five screw samples in Group 4 and in the eight samples in Group 5.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that rifamycin application to the surgical area in spinal operations with instrumentation is an effective method to prevent S. aureus infections.

     

Patellaformen

Background

Patella height is discussed as a possible factor in the development of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods

PubMed literature search

Results

Contradictory results are found in the literature.

Conclusion

According to the literature, there is currently no evidence that abnormal patella height can induce osteoarthritis of the knee.

     

Weichteiltumoren des Bewegungsapparates

Background

Resection of musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors can cause large resection defects.

Objective

Which defects after resection of musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors can be covered?

Methods

A literature search was carried out, the results were analyzed and are discussed.

Results

Musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors are comparatively rare tumors in Germany. There are guidelines for oncological therapy. Even though there are no guidelines for the plastic reconstruction after musculoskeletal soft tissue tumor resection, multiple concepts have been described in the literature. A differentiation must be made between the resection defect coverage and the restoration of function. The donor site morbidity must also be taken into account when planning the covering. In addition to reconstructions with autologous tissue, a reconstruction with prostheses is also possible.

Conclusion

Decisive for the successful therapy is the early involvement of the plastic or reconstructive surgeon in the treatment planning in order to achieve an optimal result for the patient.

     

Management of Chronic Prostatitis (CP)

Purpose of Review

To review the most up-to-date diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis. We conducted a review of the literature based on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis.

Recent Findings

The use of advanced phenotyping, links to lifestyle, and multimodal approaches has helped to enhance the treatment of chronic prostatitis and its negative effects on quality of life.

Summary

Chronic prostatitis is a common and complex condition that requires a multimodal approach to treat symptoms. Recent advances in phenotyping and risk factors help to individualize treatment and enhance treatment outcomes.

     

Entzündlich-rheumatische Erkrankungen

Background

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases can lead to cartilage changes.

Methods

PubMed literature search

Results

The rheumatoid arthritis can produce degrading enzymes and cause cartilage damage; longitudinal studies do not exist.

Conclusion

There are no high level studies. The expert opinion is that infammatory rheumatic diseases can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee.

     

Successful Surgical Treatment of Intractable Chylous Ascites Using the Lymphatic Cable Flap: A Retrospective Review Study

Objective

For evaluation of a novel surgical procedure for the treatment of chylous ascites.

Summary background data

Chylous ascites is a debilitating condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. At least one-third of patients are refractory to medical therapy and may warrant further treatment. Traditional methods involving ligation of lymphatic fistulas or small bowel resection do not address the basic pathophysiologic mechanism of the underlying obstruction, and identification of chyloperitoneal fistulas may be challenging.

Methods

A novel flap based on deep inferior epigastric vessels with its surrounding lymphatic fatty tissue was designed in this study and transferred into abdominal cavity, with anastomosis to the fourth jejunal vessels. Three consecutive cases with chylous ascites treated by this vascularized lymphatic cable transfer were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All three patients recovered from chylous ascites after the lymphatic cable transfer and tolerated regular diet well, with follow-up of 3 years at least.

Conclusions

Lymphatic cable flap based on the deep inferior epigastric vessels could be a potential option for treatment of intractable chylous ascites, with safe and successful long-term outcomes in three consecutive patients. The proposed functional mechanism of the flap is bypass of the obstructed intra-abdominal lymphatics to an extraperitoneal route as well as local lymphangiogenesis.

     

Anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap for scrotal reconstruction based on the deep external pudendal artery (DEPA) flap

Background

Major scrotal skin loss represents a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Although many therapeutic methods have been established for the treatment of such defects, each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. A posteriorly based pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap at the perianal region has been described for reconstruction of genital organs, but an anteriorly based pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap has not been described for scrotal reconstruction.

Aim

The aim of this study was to introduce and evaluate the use of an anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap for scrotal reconstruction.

Methods

Twenty flaps in 15 patients with major scrotal defects were subjected to reconstruction using this flap. The etiology of scrotal loss was Fournier gangrene in all cases. Five patients each underwent bilateral and ten patient unilateral reconstructions, by the anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap, based on the deep external pudendal artery (DEPA).

Results

All 20 flaps survived completely. Additionally, the donor site was closed directly, and the scar was hidden in the perineal crease. The donor site healed uneventfully, as one patient required a secondary procedure for healing.

Conclusion

An anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap is highly reliable for coverage of major scrotal defects. This flap allows adequate coverage with excellent aesthetic appearance of the scrotum.Level of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study.

     

Versatility of lateral arm flap for hand reconstruction—a clinical experience

Background

The lateral arm free flap (LAFF) has several advantages in hand reconstruction due to multiple factors. We aimed to show the versatility of LAFF in treating hand defects.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all LAAF for hand reconstruction carried out at our institutions between August 2006 and August 2012 was undertaken. Clinical records were reviewed with respect to patients’ age and gender, size and location of defect, type and size of flaps, and complications.

Results

Twenty-four hand defects were reconstructed using LAFF. These included 15 cutaneous flaps, 8 fascial flaps, and 1 osteocutaneous flap. All flaps survived well except for one case that developed arterial insufficiency and required anastomotic revision. Primary closure of the donor site was possible in all patients. No complications occurred during the healing procedure.

Conclusions

The free lateral arm flap is a versatile and reliable option for defect coverage at the hand for small- and medium-size defects. It can be raised as a cutaneous, fascial, or osteocutaneous flap. Several advantages favor the use of lateral arm flap in hand reconstruction. These include preservation of major arm blood vessels, its constant vascular anatomy, long pedicle, and low donor site morbidity.Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

     

Komplikationsmanagement im Internet Marketing

Background

New patients come more and more often over the internet; therefore internet marketing plays an increasingly important role.

Question

How can physicians build an effective internet marketing strategy and avoid complications?

Method

Selection and authorization of a reputable agency.

Results

New customer acquisition through high visibility in the internet, at the same time increasing the image and awareness.

Conclusions

In the overall “marketing mix” internet marketing has become indispensable to physicians who want to be successful. Those who are well positioned in Google are well known by their target audience and thus receive a higher response.

     

Neuromodulation for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Purpose of Review

Chronic pelvic pain is a heterogeneous condition that often requires multiple physician visits and various treatments prior to achieving an acceptable management strategy. Neuromodulation has been used to treat chronic pelvic pain that has failed other therapies.

Recent Findings

Numerous modalities of neuromodulation have been used to alleviate chronic pelvic pain with promising results.

Summary

Numerous modalities of neuromodulation have demonstrated efficacy in the management of pelvic pain. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the most effective treatment modality and to identify the patients who would benefit most from this therapy.

     

Metastasiertes kastrationsresistentes Prostatakarzinom

Background

At the 2016 ASCO annual meeting, new data from two randomized phase III studies concerning taxane-based chemotherapy as a treatment option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) were presented.

Objectives

The focus is on the clinical impact of these data.

Materials and methods

A group of German experts in the field of urogenital–oncologic expertise discussed the clinical impact with respect to the current data.

Results

The study results support the current clinical data. They confirm the efficacy and safety of cabazitaxel beyond first-line therapy with docetaxel for patients with mCRPC.

Conclusions

Cabazitaxel is an important treatment option after docetaxel progression. With respect to the performance status of a patient, it is adequate to reduce the dosage to 20?mg/m² cabazitaxel.

     

Beinachsen- und Fußfehlstellung

Background

Varus and valgus malalignment as well as foot malalignment can change the load applied to the knee.

Methods

PubMed literature search

Results

Inconsistent results for leg axis and the incidence of osteoarthritis of the knee are reported in the literature.

Conclusion

Leg axis and foot malpositioning are not causative factors.

     

Pulmonary vascular disease associated with pulmonary hypertension in 445 patients: diagnosis from lung biopsy and autopsy

Purpose

Diagnosis from lung biopsy or autopsy was performed in 445 patients with congenital (385) or acquired (60) heart disease from all over Japan. The purpose of this study is the presentation of these prospective data collections.

Methods

Of the patients with congenital heart disease, 354 were biopsied to determine whether surgery was indicated. Decisions regarding surgery were based on the index of pulmonary vascular disease in simple cardiac anomalies or atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD). In total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), operative indication was determined by the degree of hypoplasia of small pulmonary arteries. Operability of Fontan procedure was based on the degree of residual medial hypertrophy after pulmonary artery banding.

Results

In patients with simple cardiac anomalies, radical surgery was indicated in 166. Radical surgery was indicated in 50 patients with AVSD. In 26 patients with TAPVC, radical surgery was not indicated in 10. In 68 Fontan candidates, surgery was not indicated in 49. Among 7 patients with tetralogy of Fallot, 1 was not a surgical candidate. Of the 60 acquired heart disease patients, 16 had idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and 36 had chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. In 6 patients, lung biopsy revealed pulmonary veno-occlusive disease; 2 patients had combined valvular disease.

Conclusion

The cardiac surgeon, pediatric cardiologist, and cardiologist who requested diagnosis from lung biopsy or autopsy were gratified with the results.

     

Expression of podoplanin in stromal fibroblasts plays a pivotal role in the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer

Purpose

To investigate the role of podoplanin (PDPN) expression in invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas (IDCP) in humans.

Methods

Tumor samples were obtained from 95 patients with IDCP. Immunohistochemical staining was done to evaluate the expression of PDPN in cancer tissues.

Results

PDPN was detected predominantly in stromal fibroblasts, stained with α-smooth muscle actin. The cutoff value of PDPN-positive areas was calculated according to a histogram. There was no significant difference in clinicopathologic factors between patients with high vs. those with low PDPN expression. The high PDPN group showed significantly poorer disease-free and disease-specific survival rates than the low PDPN group. Among patients from the high PDPN group, those with lymph node metastases and those with a tumor larger than 20 cm in diameter had significantly poorer prognoses than similar patients from the low PDPN group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that a high expression of PDPN was an independent risk factor for disease-specific survival.

Conclusions

PDPN expression in cancer-related fibrotic tissues is associated with a poor prognosis, especially in patients with large tumors or lymph node metastases.

     

Harnröhrenrekonstruktion bei vorausgegangener Hypospadieoperation

Background

The tasks involved in reconstructing the urethra after failed hypospadias repair range from correction of a trivial meatal stenosis to reconstruction of the entire anterior urethra.

Objectives

To describe pathological findings in the urethra after failed hypospadias repair and the respective surgical methods used for their correction.

Materials and methods

The various pathological findings after unsuccessful hypospadias surgery are classified according to their location and complexity.

Results

The general rules of reconstruction that should be applied in each particular situation are described.

Conclusions

Successful reconstruction of the urethra in patients with failed hypospadias surgery requires experience and good knowledge of the anatomy of the normal and hypospadic urethra and penis. Mastery of plastic surgical techniques and profound knowledge of the various surgical methods of hypospadias surgery are essential.

     

Recommendations for perioperative management of lung cancer patients with comorbidities

Objectives

To improve surgical outcomes, clinicians must provide optimal perioperative care for comorbidities identified as significant factors in risk models for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.

Methods

We reviewed trends in perioperative care for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiovascular diseases, and end-stage renal diseases in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery, as large clinical databases indicate that these comorbidities are significant risk factors for lung cancer surgery. Articles identified by keyword searches were included in the analysis.

Results

Significant predictive factors for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were identified. However, no effective perioperative care was identified for prevention of acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. The timing of coronary revascularization and antithrombotic management for cardiovascular diseases are subjects of ongoing research, and acid–base balance is essential in the management of hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal diseases.

Conclusions

To improve surgical outcomes for lung cancer patients, future studies should continue to study optimal perioperative management of comorbidities.

     

Low-risk donor lungs optimize the post-lung transplant outcome for high lung allocation score patients

Purpose

The lung allocation score (LAS) has been generally recognized as a contributor to the overall survival in lung transplant candidates. However, donor-related risks have never been taken into consideration in previous research that validated the LAS. This study aimed to determine whether or not the role of the LAS as a predictor of the posttransplant outcome is influenced by the quality of the donor lungs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 108 patients who underwent lung transplantation at Okayama University Hospital since 1998. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the lung donor score (DS; ≤ 4/> 4). Correlations between the LAS and posttransplant outcomes were investigated in both groups.

Results

In the high-DS group, an elevated LAS was strongly associated with posttransplant PaO₂/FiO₂ (p?=?0.018). However, in the low-DS group, no correlation was found between them. There was no significant difference in the long-term survival according to the LAS in the low-DS group. The LAS effectively predicted the posttransplant outcome only when lungs with DS?>?4 were transplanted; the LAS was not reliable if high-quality lungs were transplanted.

Conclusion

Lung transplantation can be feasible and provides a survival benefit even for high-LAS patients if lungs from a low-risk donor are transplanted.

     

Long-term remission of HSCT-related NS after a second allogenic stem cell transplant

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)-related nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a rare event and has been described as a clinical form of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Although immunological mechanisms are thought to play important roles in NS after HSCT, the exact mechanisms have not been clarified.

Case-Diagnosis/Treatment

We report a 4-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who developed NS during the tapering of immunosuppressants 5 months after an allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT). A renal biopsy was performed, and light and electron microscopy revealed minimal change disease (MCD). Although the response to treatment with steroids and tacrolimus was favorable, the child experienced two relapses of NS within the first 9 months after the initial response. A second allo-HSCT was performed to treat the relapse of ALL. After the second allo-HSCT, the remission of NS was maintained without recurrence for 5 years, even after the cessation of immunosuppressants.

Conclusions

Our patient who had ALL and developed NS after his first allo-HSCT, maintained remission from NS after a second allo-HSCT. This suggests that the immune cells from the first donor origin were associated with the pathogenesis of NS.