Indications of coronary angioplasty and stenting in 2003: what is left to surgery?

For many years, coronary artery by-pass graft (CABG) remained the only effective treatment of multivessel disease compared to medical treatment. The first technical revolution was in 1977 when Gruentzig introduced balloon percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), the 2nd in the 90's with the developments of stents and antiaggregant protocols. The equipment for PTCA became more and more sophisticated, and the skill of cardiologists greater. In the 90's, interventional cardiology played a predominant role in revascularization as the number of CABG decreased at the same time, and emergency CABG for bail out almost disappeared (0% to 0.5%). Systematic stenting decreased the need for repeat revascularization to about 18-20% nowadays in the majority of centers, except in diabetic patients. Despite this fact restenosis remains the pitfall of angioplasty, mostly in diabetic patients presenting multivessel disease in which surgery with "all arterial grafts" gives good long term RESULTS: The first studies comparing PTCA and CABG are favourable to surgery (BARI), then late ones using stents (ARTS, ERACI 2) showed that stenting was at least equivalent to CABG, in terms of mortality or serious complications (major acute coronary events, MACE), despite a higher target vessel revascularisation (TVR) mainly due to restenosis in the angioplasty cohort. The same results are observed by stenting a high risk lesion as the unprotected left main stenosis can be, until then treated surgically. However, high volume centers studies treating by PTCA+stent the unprotected left main artery (LMA) shows that the 1 year survival rate is similar to surgery, but always related to a restenosis rate of 20% at 6 months in the stent group, which represents the only significant difference in terms of MACE; the new drug eluting stents lead us to expect, according to SIRIUS and TAXUS II studies, to reduce the restenosis rate, and by the way, the MACE could be dramatically lowered from 50% to 60%. Randomised studies would be necessary, but the extrapolation of the actual data, more particularly results of subgroups with a high risk of restenosis, diabetic patients and small vessels, lead us to think that stenting could come in first intention before surgery if TVR is significantly reduced. A complex anatomy, failed attempted chronic occlusion, several lesions on tortuous vessels, would remain the last surgical indication if CABG provides a more complete revascularization. The impact of these new drugs seems promising. However, we should await early results of studies in diabetic patients and bifurcations. But in high volume experienced centers, CABG indications would be reduced in the future to the technical pitfalls of stenting (complex or tortuous anatomy, chronic occlusions) or to the adverse additional cost of this device, unless reduction of restenosis or TVR could also cancel this extra cost. We expect randomised studies CABG versus stented angioplasty using drug eluting stents to confirm these preliminary data.     

Carotid stenosis: Endarterectomy or angioplasty and stenting?

Opinion statement Atherosclerotic narrowing of the proximal internal carotid artery is an important mechanism in ischemic stroke. Optimal medical management of internal carotid stenosis includes antiplatelet agent and statin administration, blood pressure reduction, weight control, and smoking cessation. Decisions regarding the use of invasive procedures to treat carotid disease—specifically carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty and stenting—must weigh the long-term risk reduction in ipsilateral ischemic stroke against the immediate intervention risks. Clinical trials evaluating the benefits of carotid endarterectomy were conducted before widespread use of statins and newer blood pressure-lowering agents such as angiotensin-receptor blockers; it is unclear what impact this may have had on trial results. Regardless, carotid endarterectomy is clearly superior to medical therapy for patients with symptomatic severe stenosis. Conversely, the benefit from endarterectomy is muted in individuals with symptomatic moderate stenosis or asymptomatic stenosis, and decisions regarding surgical intervention must incorporate surgeon proficiency and patient comorbidity. Currently, there is a lack of evidence to support the use of carotid artery angioplasty and stenting in the routine management of carotid disease. Selected patients with severe symptomatic stenosis for whom endarterectomy cannot be safely performed may still benefit from endovascular management. However, it is unlikely that asymptomatic patients or symptomatic patients with moderate stenosis considered at high risk for endarterectomy would benefit from any intervention.     

Renal angioplasty and stenting: is it still indicated after ASTRAL and STAR studies?

A renal artery stenosis (RAS) is common among patients with atherosclerosis, up to a third of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Fibromuscular dysplasia is the next cause of RAS, commonly found in young women. Atherosclerosis RAS generally progresses overtime and is often associated with loss of renal mass and worsening renal function (RF). Percutaneous renal artery stent placement is the preferred method of revascularization for hemodynamically significant RAS according to ACC and AHA guidelines. Several randomized trials have shown the superiority of endovascular procedures to medical therapy alone. However, two studies ASTRAL and STAR studies were recently published and did not find any difference between renal stenting and medical therapy. But these studies have a lot of limitations and flaws as we will discuss (poor indications, poor results, numerous complications, failures, poor technique, inexperienced operators, ecc.). Despite these questionable studies, renal stenting keeps indications in patients with: uncontrolled hypertension; ischemic nephropathy; cardiac disturbance syndrome (e.g. "flash" pulmonary edema, uncontrolled heart failure or uncontrolled angina pectoris); solitary kidney. To improve the clinical response rates, a better selection of the patients and lesions is mandatory with: good non-invasive or invasive imaging; physiologic lesion assessment using transluminal pressure gradients; measurements of biomarkers (e.g., BNP); fractional flow reserve study. A problem remains after renal angioplasty stenting, the deterioration of the RF in 20-30% of the patients. Atheroembolism seems to play an important role and is probably the main cause of this R.F deterioration. The use of protection devices alone or in combination with IIb IIa inhibitors has been proposed and seems promising as shown in different recent reports. Renal angioplasty and stenting is still indicated but we need: a better patient and lesion selection; improvements in techniques and maybe the use of protection devices to reduce the risk of RF deterioration after renal stenting.     

Long-term followup of newborns with myelodysplasia and normal urodynamic findings: Is followup necessary?

PURPOSE: A subset of newborns with myelodysplasia have normal bladder function on urodynamic assessment. We analyzed long-term followup in this population to determine the necessity for subsequent urological surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 25 of 204 newborns (12%) with myelodysplasia in whom neurourological evaluation was normal after surgical repair of the spinal defect. Initial assessment included complete urodynamic study, renal ultrasound, urinalysis and urine culture. These patients were reevaluated every 3 months until age 3 years, semiannually until age 6 years and yearly thereafter. The longest followup was 18.6 years. RESULTS: Of the 25 newborns 22 had myelomeningocele and 3 had meningocele. During a mean followup of 9.1 years urodynamics subsequently showed neurourological deterioration in 8 children (32%). No changes in urodynamics were observed in any patient older than 6 years. All children with neurourological deterioration underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which confirmed a tethered spinal cord that was then surgically corrected. After the untethering procedure 2 patients (25%) regained normal voiding function, whereas in 6 (75%) mild or moderate neurogenic bladder dysfunction persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Newborns with myelodysplasia and initially normal urodynamic studies are at risk for neurological deterioration secondary to spinal cord tethering, especially during the first 6 years of life. Close followup of these children is important for the early diagnosis and timely surgical correction of tethered spinal cord, and for the prevention of progressive urinary tract deterioration.     

Pleurectomy in primary pneumothorax: is extensive pleurectomy necessary?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of parietal pleurectomy in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax comparing extensive pleurectomy performed by thoracotomy versus more limited pleurectomy performed by VATS. METHODS: Records of the patients operated on for primary pneumothorax at Royal Brompton Hospital from January 1994 to April 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to patients asking about further pneumothorax and the presence of long-term chest problems on the operated side. A statistical uni- and multivariate analysis was performed searching predictors for postoperative complications, recurrence and chronic chest problems. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients underwent extensive pleurectomy through a limited postero-lateral thoracotomy (40%, group A), 54 patients had a limited pleurectomy (60%, group B), 50 by VATS and 4 by axillary thoracotomy. Overall, 11 patients had postoperative complications (12.2%). In group A, 4 patients (11.1%) had complications (2 reoperation, 2 air leak >7 days). In group B, 7 patients (12.9%) had complications (1 reoperation, air leak >7 days, 1 wound infection). Two patients experienced recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax after surgery, both belonging to group B (overall recurrence rate 2.5%, group B 4.1%). Thirteen patients in both groups (respectively 41.9% in group A and 27% in group B) admitted chest problems on the operated side. From statistical analysis, "indication" resulted a predictor of complications (p=0.03) and "thoracotomy" a predictor of long-term chest problems (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Many theoretical advantages of limited VATS pleurectomy have still to be confirmed and it is reasonable to use it in uncomplicated primary pneumothorax. The superb exposure obtained with thoracotomy and the superiority of extensive pleurectomy in terms of recurrence indicate this approach in case of complicated pneumothorax or when long-term security is of paramount importance.     

Long-term results of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures treated with the pi-plate: is hardware removal necessary?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using dorsal plates and screws (AO/ASIF pi-plate) for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius. Although extensor tendon rupture is a recognized complication of all distal radial fractures, there appears to be an increased risk of this using dorsal plating. In addition, there is the added complication of extensor tendon irritation and dorsal wrist pain, which may necessitate plate removal. The low-profile pi-plates intended to overcome this problem have not done so, with quoted rates ranged from 19% to 55%.We treated 32 completely evaluated patients (13 men and 19 women) in our department between 2000 and 2004, with an average age of 46 years. They underwent ORIF of dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius using the specially designed pi-plate. Bone graft was used in 18 patients who had significant metaphyseal defect. Clinical examination, plain radiographs, and functional assessments using the modified Mayo Wrist Score were performed at an average follow-up of 86 months (range, 56-115 months). Satisfactory reduction was achieved in all 32 fractures at the time of operative fixation with no instances of loss of fracture reduction during the study period. According to the Mayo Wrist Score, 23 patients (72%) had excellent or very good results, 7 (22%) had fair results, and 2 (6%) had poor results. Two cases (6.25%) of extensor tendon rupture were noted during the first postoperative month, and 2 other patients showed progressive weakness of index finger extension 6 months postoperatively. The remaining 28 patients had no soft tissue problems.     

Shock wave lithotripsy in solitary functioning kidneys: is prophylactic stenting necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) without prophylactic stents in solitary functioning kidneys. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen solitary functioning kidneys with 23 renal stones with a size of <15 mm were treated with SWL as the primary modality. All patients were counseled about the possibility of obstruction, and treatment was offered to those who consented. The safety of SWL was assessed by the need for interventions and the posttreatment renal function. RESULTS: In 14 patients lithotripsy was uneventful. The duration of treatment ranged from 5 to 35 days. One patient with a 15-mm pelvic calculus presented with anuria which resolved before intervention. In 1 patient fragmentation failed, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In solitary functioning kidneys, SWL is safe without prophylactic stents in properly selected and closely monitored patients. Avoiding stents decreases costs, duration of treatment, and stent-related morbidity without unduly compromising safety.     

Routine ureteral stenting after ureteroscopy for ureteral lithiasis: is it really necessary?

PURPOSE: We assessed the cost-effectiveness of routine ureteral stenting after ureteroscopic stone removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 295 consecutive patients who underwent rigid ureteroscopic stone removal 133 in group 1 and 162 in group 2 were randomized to receive and not receive a stent, respectively, after the procedure. Operative time, stone size, stone location, success rate, postoperative pain and complications were analyzed in each group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the 2 groups regarding stone size, stone location, success rate, postoperative pain or complications. However, in group 1 operative time was significantly longer than in group 2 (chi-square test p = 0.019). The hospital charge per patient when placing and not placing a stent after ureteroscopy for stone removal was $9,900.95 and $3,661.78, respectively. The female patients with a stent without a suture required an extra charge for stent removal in the operating room, while no men had a stent with a suture. CONCLUSIONS: Routine catheter placement after ureteroscopic stone removal increased operative time and did not seem to improve patient outcome. The cost was 30% that without a stent.     

Diagnosis and staging of prostatic carcinoma: what is really necessary?

Diagnosis and staging of prostatic carcinoma should be considered in men in whom treatment with curative intent is possible. The primary tools for detection of cancer are digital rectal examination (DRE) and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), whereas transrectal ultrasonography is best used to guide the needle for biopsy. Staging should be based on the TNM system. The most reliable staging methods include a combination of DRE, PSA and systematic biopsies for local tumor extension, pelvic lymphadenectomy for regional lymph nodes, and PSA and bone scintigraphy for distant metastases. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are not necessary in most cases. Copyright Copyright 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel     

Gastric adenocarcinoma with distant metastasis: is gastrectomy necessary?

HYPOTHESIS: For distant metastatic (M1) gastric adenocarcinoma, a policy to maximally avoid resection of the primary tumor is safe and efficacious. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Academic tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Sixty-seven (32%) of 211 consecutive patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction had synchronous M1 disease on computed tomography or laparoscopy. Sixty-three patients with M1 disease were treated nonoperatively, and complete data sets were available for 40 men and 15 women (median age, 73 years). Pretreatment functional performance status was good in 67%. The primary tumor was at the gastroesophageal junction in 20% and was poorly differentiated in 60%. The M1 disease involved the peritoneum in 80% or was exclusively nonperitoneal in 20%. Systemic chemotherapy was administered to 67%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of subsequent invasive intervention for primary tumor-related complications and survival in 55 nonoperatively managed patients with M1 disease. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (25%) had intervention a median of 5 months after diagnosis. Eight patients had more than 1 intervention. Intervention was for gastric obstruction (20%), bleeding (7%), or perforation (2%). No patient underwent gastrectomy. Laparotomy was performed in 9%; the remainder had endoscopic or radiologic procedures or radiotherapy. There was no intervention-related mortality. Median survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval, 4-10 months). In Cox regression univariate analysis, good functional performance status, exclusively nonperitoneal metastasis, nonpoor differentiation, and chemotherapy predicted significantly longer survival; chemotherapy was the only independently significant predictive factor. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative interventions were performed in 25% of patients, with no mortality. Survival characteristics were similar to those of previous series of noncurative gastrectomy for M1 disease.     

Is carotid angioplasty and stenting more cost effective than carotid endarterectomy?

OBJECTIVE: Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has been advocated as a minimally invasive and inexpensive alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, a precise comparative analysis of the immediate and long-term costs associated with these two procedures has not been performed. To accomplish this, a Markov decision analysis model was created to evaluate the relative cost effectiveness of these two interventions. METHODS: Procedural morbidity/mortality rate for CEA and costs (not charges) were derived from a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell (n = 447). Data for CAS were obtained from the literature. We incorporated into this model both the immediate procedural costs and the long-term cost of morbidities, such as stroke (major stroke in the first year = $52,019; in subsequent years = $27,336/y; minor stroke = $9419). We determined long-term survival rate in quality-adjusted life years and lifetime costs for a hypothetic cohort of 70-year-old patients undergoing either CEA or CAS. Our measure of outcome was the cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS: The immediate procedural costs of CEA and CAS were $7871 and $10,133 respectively. We assumed major plus minor stroke rates for CEA and CAS of 0.9% and 5%, respectively. We assumed a 30-day mortality rate of 0% for CEA and 1.2% for CAS. In our base case analysis, CEA was cost saving (lifetime savings = $7017/patient; increase in quality-adjusted life years saved = 0.16). Sensitivity analysis revealed major stroke and death rates as the major contributors to this differential in cost effectiveness. Procedural costs were less important, and minor stroke rates were least important. CAS became cost effective only if its major stroke and mortality rates were made equivalent to those of CEA. CONCLUSION: CEA is cost saving compared with CAS. This is related to the higher rate of stroke with CAS and the high cost of stents and protection devices. To be economically competitive, the mortality and major stroke rates of CAS must be at least equivalent if not less than those of CEA.     

Emergency endovascular repair of iliac artery rupture caused by post-stenting angioplasty with an endograft

I liac artery rupture is a rare complication of post-stenting angioplasty and can lead to massive life-threatening haemorrhage. Conventional surgery can not repair the damaged vessel easily and may cause substantial blood loss and high operative morbidity and mortality. We report our experience with a self-expanding covered endoprosthesis for endovascular repair of the rupture of an iliac artery caused by stenting angioplasty.     

Cystoscopy at the time of ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux: is it necessary? Incidence of undetected anomalies and cost

Objectives.To evaluate the impact on the planned procedure and associated cost of cystoscopy performed immediately before the surgical repair of vesicoureteral reflux. Cystoscopy is commonly performed at the time of ureteroneocystostomy to rule out a previously unsuspected anomaly such as ureterocele or ureteral duplication.Methods.We retrospectively reviewed the results of preoperative voiding cystourethrograms and ultrasound studies performed on 128 patients who underwent ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux between 1994 and 2000. Radiographic findings were compared with observations made at cystoscopy and reimplantation to determine the rate of unsuspected ureterocele or duplication in the presence of a radiologic evaluation considered adequate by the operating surgeon and/or radiologist. We then performed an itemized analysis to determine the cost cystoscopy contributed to the procedure.Results.Of the 128 patients, 1 (0.7%) was found to have a small, undiagnosed ureterocele at cystoscopy. A review of this patient’s preoperative evaluation revealed that her ultrasound examination was incomplete, lacking views of the bladder. At our institution, cystoscopy increased the total direct and indirect operating room costs of this procedure by 16.2%, adding $123.77 to the original cost of $762.97.Conclusions.Routine cystoscopic examination before ureteral reimplantation in the setting of an adequate preoperative radiologic evaluation yields little diagnostic information. In this series, it did not have an impact on the surgical procedure to be performed but did add significantly to the cost. Cystoscopy before ureteral reimplantation for primary reflux should only be considered in those children with suspicious or inadequate radiologic studies.