Effect of polylactic acid film barrier on intra-abdominal adhesion formation

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of an absorbable polylactic acid film barrier in preventing postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions, inflammation, and fibrosis in an animal model. METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into treatment and control groups. All rats underwent laparotomy with subsequent cecal wall abrasion and abdominal wall injury. The treatment group had a polylactic acid film barrier placed between the cecal and abdominal injured surfaces while control group received nothing. The animals were sacrificed on postoperative day 21. Three observers graded the intra-abdominal adhesions and resected specimens for histological examination of fibrosis and inflammation. Fibrosis, inflammation, and adhesions were graded using a quantitative scoring system. RESULTS: The treatment group showed significantly less adhesions and inflammation (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the amount of fibrosis. Statistical correlations between adhesion-inflammation, adhesion-fibrosis, and inflammation-fibrosis were also significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of polylactic acid film barriers between injured surfaces is associated with a significantly reduced rate of postoperative adhesions and inflammation. This may be a promising result for reducing the morbidity and costs related to postoperative adhesions.     

Comparative Evaluation of Adhesions to Intraperitoneally Placed Fixation Materials: A Laparoscopic Study in Rats

After laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, the nature of the adhesions to fixation materials or to mesh had not been clarified. We examined adhesion formation specific to the fixation material in rats. We designed an experimental laparoscopy setup, and placed four intraperitoneal fixation materials on the peritoneum of rats without a mesh graft. Another group of researchers documented the incidence and intensity of postoperative adhesion formation. The adhesion scores for the nickel-titanium anchor were significantly greater than those for polylactic acid (p = 0.004), a titanium tacker (p < 0.0001), and fibrin glue (p < 0.0001). No adhesions occurred in the fibrin glue group. Fibrin glue is the preferred fixation material because it produced no postoperative adhesions. The nickel-titanium anchor produced heavy adhesions but may be applicable for recurrent hernia cases and in patients with thin abdominal walls.     

Practical Limitations of Bioresorbable Membranes in the Prevention of Intra-Abdominal Adhesions

Introduction  Intra-abdominal adhesions are a significant source of postoperative morbidity. Bioresorbable barriers composed of hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) reduce adhesion formation by physically separating injured or healing peritoneal surfaces. To assess whether the efficacy of a physical barrier can extend beyond the site of application, we evaluated the effectiveness of an HA/CMC barrier in preventing adhesions distal to the site of placement. Methods  Adhesions were induced in rats by creating peritoneal ischemic buttons on either side of a midline incision. An HA/CMC barrier (Seprafilm™ Genzyme) was intraoperatively placed either under the midline incision, unilaterally over half the ischemic buttons, or bilaterally over all ischemic buttons. Control buttons received no HA/CMC. On day 7 adhesions were scored. In similar experiments, peritoneal fluid was collected at 24 h to assess the effects of HA/CMC on tissue plasminogen activator activity. Results  Placement of HA/CMC under the midline incision did not reduce adhesion formation to distal ischemic buttons (72 ± 7%) compared to controls (80 ± 8%). Unilateral placement of HA/CMC significantly (p < 0.05) reduced adhesion formation to those ischemic buttons over which the barrier was applied (35 ± 7%) compared to both contralateral (83 ± 9%) and control (80 ± 8%) ischemic buttons. The bilateral application of HA/CMC also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced adhesion formation to all ischemic buttons compared to controls (22 ± 7% vs. 66 ± 7%, respectively). HA/CMC did not affect peritoneal tPA activity. Conclusions  Effective adhesion reduction by the physical barrier HA/CMC appears to be limited to the site of application in this rat model. Despite the presence of a bioresorbable membrane at predicted sites of adhesion formation in the peritoneal cavity, adhesions readily form to distal unprotected sites. Presented, in part, at the 49th Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, May 17–21, 2008, San Diego, CA, USA This work was supported in part, by the Smithwick Endowment Fund to the Department of Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine.     

An Assessment of the Effects of Two Types of Bioresorbable Barriers to Prevent Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Adhesions in Rats

Purpose This study assessed and compared the efficacy of two types of bioresorbable membranes in the prevention of postoperative adhesion under clean contaminated and bacterial peritonitis conditions using a cecal ligation and puncture model in rats. Methods Wistar albino rats (n = 72) were divided into six groups. Bacterial peritonitis was induced using a cecal ligation and puncture model in groups 2, 4, and 6. Groups 1, 3, and 5 served as controls for clean contaminated procedures in the absence of bacterial peritonitis. Groups 1 and 2 were the untreated clean contaminated and bacterial peritonitis groups and served as controls for the effect of the bioresorbable membranes in each condition. In groups 3 and 4, a 1.5 × 3 cm USP glycerol/sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose membrane was wrapped around the cecal resection area and a 2 × 4 cm membrane was left under the incision. The oxidized regenerated cellulose membrane was similarly applied in groups 5 and 6. Four weeks later, the adhesions were evaluated. In addition, fibrosis and inflammation were observed histopathologically. Results Adhesion development (P = .008), fibrosis (P = .008), and inflammation (P = .0001) differed among the groups. Both materials increased adhesion formation in the bacterial peritonitis condition. Increased fibrotic activity was detected in all material-applied groups under both conditions. In addition, more inflammation was detected in the groups that received the application of a material, especially in the presence of bacterial peritonitis. Conclusion Neither material prevented adhesions in clean contaminated conditions. Moreover, they increased adhesion formation in bacterial peritonitis.     

Simvastatin Improves Wound Strength after Intestinal Anastomosis in the Rat

Background  Simvastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor commonly known as a cholesterol-lowering drug with additional pleiotropic effects. Also, it is demonstrated that it prevents postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rat. This study was designed to assess its effects on the healing process of colonic anastomosis. Methods  Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomized into two groups and subjected to colonic anastomosis. The study group was treated with simvastatin and the control group received only tap water instead. The rats were killed 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Wound complications, intra-abdominal abscesses, and anastomotic leaks and stenosis were recorded. Four types of assessment were performed: bursting pressure, hydroxyproline content, histopathology, and biochemical analysis. Results  Compared to the control group, simvastatin-treated rats displayed a higher bursting pressure (p < 0.001) and anastomotic hydroxyproline content (p < 0.05). Simvastatin treatment leads to a significant decrease in malondealdehyde levels (p < 0.05) and increase in paraoxonase activity (p < 0.001) at both time points. Histopathological analysis revealed that simvastatin administration leads to a better anastomotic healing in terms of reepithelialization, decreased granuloma formation, reduced ischemic necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration to muscle layer. Conclusion  Clinically relevant doses of simvastatin do not have a negative impact on colonic anastomosis but improve intestinal wound healing in rats. Oral presentation at the “Turkish National Surgery Congress”, Antalya, Turkey, May 2008.     

Does Low Molecular Weight Heparin Impair Anastomotic Wound Healing?

Background  Enoxaparin is an important molecule which had been using in prophylaxis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis. Also, it is showed that it prevents postsurgical peritoneal adhesions in rats. It is aimed to evaluate its effects on gastrointestinal wound healing. Methods  Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups as control, subcutan, and intraperitoneal enoxaparin groups. Left colon anastomoses were performed. On postoperative seventh day, anastomotic healing was evaluated by measuring anastomotic bursting pressure, tissue hydroxyproline levels, and histopathological examination. Results  The anastomotic bursting pressure was highest in subcutan enoxaparin group (p < 0.001), intraperitoneal enoxaparin group (p < 0.01) came the second, and the control group has the worst value. The hydroxyproline results were found nearly similar to the bursting pressure values (subcutan (p < 0.001) > intraperitoneal (p < 0.05) > control). Neovascularization in subcutan group (p < 0.001) has a statistically significant difference to other groups. Conclusion  Enoxaparin did not interfere with colonic anastomotic resistance but improved the intestinal wound healing.     

Development of a novel antiadhesive material,alginate flakes,ex vivo and in vivo

Purpose  

Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion sometimes causes significant morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of our newly developed antiadhesive material, alginate flakes, to the most commonly used combination of hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose film.     

Comparison of Prosthetic Materials in Incisional Hernia Repair

Purpose Incisional hernias are not uncommon after abdominal surgery, but their repair is associated with a high risk of complications, including adhesions and recurrence. Many different types of meshes and adhesion barriers have been developed in an attempt to overcome these problems, some of which we have assessed in a rat model.Methods We made a full-thickness 1.5 × 2.5-cm abdominal wall defect in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into three groups according to the materials used for repair: 2 × 3-cm polypropylene mesh (group 1); expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with double-layer polypropylene mesh (group 2); or polypropylene mesh with oxidized cellulose adhesion barriers (group 3). We assessed adhesion formation, tensile strength, and histopathologic findings.Results The mean adhesion scores were 3.3, 1.3, and 0.7, in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < 0.001). The area involved by adhesions was significantly greater in group 1 than in groups 2 or 3 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). The tensile strength in group 2 was less than that in groups 1 or 3 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (P > 0.05).Conclusion Although there was less adhesion formation with PTFE and oxidized cellulose, PTFE not only impaired the tensile strength, but also induced fibrosis and inflammation. An oxidized cellulose adhesion barrier can be safely used in incisional hernia repair to prevent intra-abdominal adhesions.     

Urinary ?2-microglobulin in very preterm neonates with chorioamnionitis

It is important to identify premature infants with prenatal inflammation as it contributes to short- and long-term complications. Our object was to study how prenatal inflammation affects the urinary β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG) level. Preterm neonates were divided based on the presence of chorioamnionitis (CAM) into the CAM (n = 100) and non-CAM groups (n = 117). These were further subdivided into five groups each: 30 preterm neonates of 23–26; 42 neonates of 27–28; 54 neonates of 29–30; 51 neonates of 31–32; and 40 neonates of 33–34 weeks’ gestation. The urinary β₂-MG level within 48 h of birth was significantly higher in the CAM group than in the non-CAM group among the neonates of 23–26 weeks’ gestation (18.3 ± 6.9 vs 10.0 ± 5.6 × 10⁴ μg/gCr, p = 0.0018) and the neonates of 27–28 weeks’ gestation (16.2 ± 10.8 vs 8.8 ± 3.3 × 10⁴ μg/gCr, p = 0.0101). However, there was no difference in urinary β₂-MG level between the CAM and the non-CAM group among the neonates ≥ 29 weeks ’gestation. Moreover, the elevated urinary β₂-MG level in the neonates ≤ 28 weeks ’ gestation with CAM had disappeared by 1 week after birth. The reasons for the increase in urinary β₂-MG level within 48 h of birth in very preterm neonates (≤ 28 weeks’ gestation) with CAM are believed to be not only prematurity, but also prenatal inflammation. It is suggested that the urinary β₂-MG level during the early postnatal period can identify prenatal inflammation.     

In vitro evaluation of erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser-treated enamel demineralization

This study evaluated the effect of different parameters of erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation on enamel mineral loss in a simulated caries model. Forty-five enamel samples obtained from third molar teeth (3 mm× 3 mm) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 9): G1—Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.25 W, 20 Hz, 2.8 J/cm²; G2—Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.50 W, 20 Hz, 5.7 J/cm²; G3—Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.75 W, 20 Hz, 8.5 J/cm²; G4—sodium fluoride (NaF) dentifrice (positive control); G5—no treatment (negative control). After irradiation, the samples were submitted to 2 weeks of pH cycling. After the acid challenge, the samples were assessed by cross-sectional microhardness at different depths from the enamel surface. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student–Newman–Keuls tests were performed (α = 5%). The percentage of lesion inhibition for each group was: G1 37%; G2 38%; G3 64%, and G4 50.5%. Regarding the relative mineral loss values (micrometers × volume percent), groups G1 (1,392 ± 522) and G2 (1,292 ± 657) did not differ significantly from each other, but both had higher values than group G3 (753 ± 287); the groups irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser did not differ from group G4. Although the findings of the study revealed that Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 8.5 J/cm² can be an alternative for the enhancement of the enamel’s resistance to acid, lower energy densities also produced a cariostatic potential comparable to the use of fluoride dentifrice.     

Identification of Patients at Risk for Development of Tertiary Peritonitis on a Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Background  Tertiary peritonitis (TP) is defined as a severe recurrent or persistent intra-abdominal infection after adequate surgical source control of secondary peritonitis (SP). The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients with SP who will further develop TP in order to define early diagnostic markers for TP. Study Design  Over a 1-year period, all patients on the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) with SP were prospectively assessed for the development of TP applying the definition of the ICU consensus conference. The Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) were assessed at the initial operation (IO) that was diagnostic for SP and in the postoperative period. Results  Among 69 patients with SP, 15 patients further developed TP, whereas 54 patients did not develop TP. Compared to SP, patients with transition to TP had significantly higher MPI at IO (28.6 vs. 19.8; p < 0.001), relaparotomy rate (2.00 vs. 0.11; p < 0.001), mortality (60% vs. 9%; p < 0.001), duration of ICU stay (14 vs. 4 days; p < 0.005), as well as SAPS II (45.1 vs. 28.4; p < 0.005) and CRP (265 mg/dL vs. 217 mg/dL; p < 0.05) on the second postoperative day after IO. Conclusions  The MPI at IO as well as CRP and SAPS II at the second postoperative day helps to identify patients at risk for tertiary peritonitis. This paper was presented by the principal author (A.M. Chromik) at the “Papers Session GS71 Trauma and Critical Care” of the 94th Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, October 12–16, 2008, San Francisco, (Abstract # NP2008-1246). Ansgar M. Chromik and Andreas Meiser contributed equally to this publication.     

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair of Ventral Hernia: A Step Towards Physiological Repair

The laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with preperitoneal placement of mesh minimizes the complications related to the intraperitoneal position of mesh and fixating devices. It allows safe use of conventional and less expensive polypropylene mesh. The prospectively collected data of 68 patients who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal mesh hernioplasty, for different types of ventral hernias between January 2005 and December 2009 was retrospectively reviewed. The study included 68 patients, 16 males and 52 females with a mean age 51.1 ± 11.1 years (range 23–74 years). Most of the hernias (67.6%) were in the midline position. The mean size of the defect was 30.8 ± 24.4 cm2 (range, 4–144 cm2) and the mean mesh size was 237.8 ± 66.8 cm2 (range, 144–484 cm2). The mean operating time was 96.7 ± 16.7 min (range 70–150 min). All repairs were done with polypropylene mesh. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.5 ± 0.6 days (range, 1–4 days). Nineteen patients (27.9%) suffered from postoperative complications. Four patients (5.8%) were detected to have seroma formation. There were two recurrences (2.9%). The mean follow up was 22.7 ± 13.4 months (range, 6–48 months). The laparoscopic preperitoneal ventral hernia repair with polypropylene mesh is cheaper and has acceptable postoperative outcomes. Peritoneal coverage of the mesh not only acts as a barrier between mesh and bowel and thereby prevents adhesions, it also provides an additional security of fixation. This is a safe and feasible option of ventral hernia repair in expert hands. However, for proper validation of these conclusions a long term prospective clinical trial is required.     

Is Fixation During Gastric Banding Necessary? A Randomised Clinical Study

Anterior fixation via a gastro-gastric suture in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is commonly performed to prevent band-related complications. However, the necessity of this common technique has never been proven. Not fixing the band would be time sparing and would reduce adhesions on the stomach and probably make revisional surgery easier. This study was conceived as a 3-year randomised clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of the non-fixation technique. From December 2006 to December 2007, 81 patients undergoing LAGB were randomly distributed into two groups: group A, with gastro-gastric sutures (n = 41) and group B, without gastro-gastric fixation (n = 40). The two groups were equivalent regarding initial body mass index (BMI), age and sex ratio. The main outcome was postoperative complications and secondary outcomes were operative time and weight loss expressed by the percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL). All patients were prospectively followed up for 2 years. The mean preoperative BMI was 42.5 kg/m2 (35–56). All patients were available for follow-up at 2 years. The mean overall preoperative time was 82 ± 20 min for the fixation group and 72 ± 20 min for the non-fixation group (p = 0.13). The mean hospital stay was 4.1 ± 1.5 days (no significant difference between the two groups). The 2-year %EBMIL was 35.9 for group A and 39.4 for group B (p = NS). The mean BMI at 2 years was 36.3 and 36.1, respectively, with no statistical difference. We observed three early band slippages in the non-fixation group and none in the fixation group. Three bands were removed during the second year of follow-up for causes other than band slippage (no significant difference between the two groups). This study was interrupted before a statistical significance could be reached, under the general agreement of all participating surgeons, because of the three unexpected early band slippages. For the patients who did not suffer from this complication, we did not observe any differences between the two groups in terms of late complications and weight loss. The operative time was shorter in the non-fixation group. This randomised clinical trial suggests that care should be taken when not fixating the LAGB because of the risk of early postoperative band slippage. We suggest that fixing the LAGB by gastro-gastric sutures should remain common practice.     

Effect of acid etching duration on tensile bond strength of composite resin bonded to erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser-prepared dentine. Preliminary study

The purpose of this study was to compare the tensile bond strength of composite resin bonded to erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Er:YAG) laser-prepared dentine after different durations of acid etching. The occlusal third of 68 human third molars was removed in order to expose the dentine surface. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups: group B (control group), prepared with bur and total etch system with 15 s acid etching [37% orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄)]; group L15, laser photo-ablated dentine (200 mJ) (laser irradiation conditions: pulse duration 100 μs, air–water spray, fluence 31.45 J/ cm², 10 Hz, non-contact hand pieces, beam spot size 0.9 mm, irradiation speed 3 mm/s, and total irradiation time 2 x 40 s); group L30, laser prepared, laser conditioned and 30 s acid etching; group L60, laser prepared, laser conditioned and 60 s acid etching; group L90, laser prepared, laser conditioned and 90 s acid etching. A plot of composite resin was bonded onto each exposed dentine and then tested for tensile bond strength. The values obtained were statistically analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) coupled with the Tukey–Kramer test at the 95 % level. A 90 s acid etching before bonding showed the best bonding value (P < 0.05) when compared with all the other groups including the control group. There is no significance difference between other groups, nor within each group and the control group. There was a significant increase in tensile bond strength of the samples acid etched for 90 s.     

Staple-Line Reinforcement with Bovine Pericardium in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Experimental Comparative Study in Pigs

Background We studied the usefulness of Bovine Pericardial strips (BPS) as a buttress in the prevention of complications from the gastric staple-line in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods LSG was carried out in 18 pigs. Resection of the stomach was performed with 4.8-mm/ 30-mm linear stapler either without (Control Group – n = 9) or with BPS (Buttress Group – n = 9). Intra- and postoperative blood losses were assessed. Leaks were evaluated with methylene blue test intra-operatively and then clinically. The animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after surgery and the abdominal cavity was evaluated for fluid collections and adhesions, and the burst pressure of the stomach was measured and histopathological study of the staple-line was performed. Student t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results No leaks were detected except for one small subclinical leak in the buttress group. Internal ulcers at the staple-line were seen more frequently in the Buttress group (6 vs. 3, not significant). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regards to operative time (65.3 ± 14.2 min, 69.7 ± 12.8 min), intra-operative bleeding (9.6 ± 2.2 ml, 8.2 ± 1.5 ml), postoperative hemoglobin levels (11.3 ± 1.9 g%, 11.8 ± 2.2 g%), and burst pressure (152.6 ± 23.5 mmHg, 161.2 ± 15.8 mmHg) for the Control and Buttress groups respectively. More intense adhesions and inflammatory response were observed in the Buttress Group. Conclusions In this experimental model, the use of bovine pericardium as a staple-line buttress in LSG was easy and safe; however, it did not decrease the occurrence of complications.     

Feasibility of Sleeve Gastrectomy as a Revision Operation for Failed Silastic Ring Vertical Gastroplasty

Background  Restrictive bariatric operations are efficient with low morbidity but entail high rate of failure on follow up of several years. We present our experience in laparoscopic revision of patients who previously underwent silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) into laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Methods  Data on 12 patients who underwent revisional operations after SRVG was prospectively collected. Six patients underwent LRYGB and six patients underwent LSG. The pathogeneses for failures of SRVG were disruption of staple line, enlargement of gastric pouch, and opening of the ring. Results  The average age and body mass index (BMI) were 39 and 43, respectively, in the LSG group versus average age and BMI of 39 and 45, respectively, in the LRYGP group (p = 0.45 and p = 0.35, respectively). The average operative time were 206 and 368 min in the LSG and LRYGB groups, respectively (p < 0.01). There were five postoperative complications among LSG group versus two complications in LRYGB group (p < 0.01). Patients who underwent LSG suffered from the following complications: staple line leak in two patients, intra-abdominal hematoma in one patient, intra-abdominal collection in one patient, and gastric outlet obstruction in one patient. Anastomotic leak and wound infection were the complications seen among patients underwent LRYGB. All complications were treated conservatively without necessitating immediate reoperations. Follow-up has shown adequate reduction of body weight and improved quality of life in both groups of patients. Conclusions  Revisional bariatric operation is a challenging laparoscopic procedure with higher morbidity compared to primary bariatric operations. Morbidity of LSG compared to LRYGB as a revisional procedure for SRVG is significantly higher.     

Long-term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hepatectomy

Objective  The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy. Material and Methods  From January 1983 to December 2006, 2,283 patients with HCC received hepatectomy in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The clinicopathological data and treatment outcomes of 67 elderly HCC patients (elderly group, ≥70 years of age) and 268 patients (control group, <70 years of age) who were selected randomly from the 2216 younger patients were compared retrospectively. Results  The elderly HCC patients had lower hepatitis B surface antigen-positive rate (P < 0.001), lower rate of marked α-fetoprotein elevation (P = 0.004), higher infection rate of hepatitis C virus (P = 0.010), more preoperative comorbidities (P < 0.001), higher rate of tumor encapsulation (P = 0.040), and better overall survival rate (P = 0.017); whereas there were no significant differences between these two groups in other factors, including gender ratio, liver function, accompanying cirrhosis, pathological tumor–node–metastasis (pTNM) staging, satellite nodules, vascular invasion, tumor rupture, resection margin, intraoperative blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications, hospital mortality, and disease-free survival rate. Multivariate analysis showed that pTNM staging was an independent prognostic factor of long-term survival in elderly patients with HCC. Conclusion  HCC in the elderly was less HBV-associated, less advanced, and less aggressive. Hepatectomy for selected elderly patients with HCC possibly have a better curative effect compared with younger patients. For the elderly patients without preoperative comorbidities or with controlled comorbidities, hepatectomy is a safe and effective treatment. pTNM staging is the only independent predictor of postoperative overall survival in elderly HCC patients.     

Assessment of long-term renal complications in extremely low birth weight children

We assessed the long-term renal complications in a regional cohort of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) children born in 2002–2004. The study group, comprising 78 children born as ELBW infants (88% of the available cohort), was evaluated with measurement of serum cystatin C, urinary albumin excretion, renal ultrasound, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements. The control group included 38 children born full-term selected from one general practice in the district. Study patients were evaluated at a mean age of 6.7 years, and had a median birthweight of 890 g (25th–75th percentile: 760–950 g) and a median gestational age of 27 weeks (25th–75th percentile: 26–29 weeks). Mean serum cystatin C levels were significantly higher (0.64 vs. 0.59 mg/l; p = 0.01) in the ELBW group. Hypertension was diagnosed in 8/78 ELBW and 2/38 of the control children (p = 0.5). Microalbuminuria (>20 mg/g of creatinine) was detected only in five ELBW children (p = 0.17). The mean renal volume was significantly lower in the ELBW group (absolute kidney volume 81 ml vs. 113 ml; p < 0.001, relative kidney volume 85 vs. 97%; p < 0.001). Abnormally small kidneys (<2/3 of predicted size) were detected in 19 ELBW and four control children (p = 0.08). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the only independent risk factor for renal complications was weight gained during neonatal hospitalization (odds ratio: 0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.94). Serum cystatin C and kidney volume are significantly lower in school-age ELBW children. It is important to include systematic renal evaluation in the follow-up programs of ELBW infants.     

Preoperative Liver Function Tests and Hemoglobin will Predict Complications Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction  Previous studies identified an association between dilated pancreatic and biliary ducts and lower rates of pancreatic leak after pancreaticoduodenectomy, but it remains unclear whether elevated liver function tests are also associated with lower rates of complications. The purpose of this study was to determine if preoperative liver function tests are associated with postoperative complications. Materials and Methods  We identified 452 patients who received a pancreaticoduodenectomy from 1990–2007. Clinicopathological data was collected for each patient, and regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of postoperative complications. Results  Of the patients studied, 289(64%) experienced no postoperative complications. In univariate analysis, patients with a low or normal preoperative aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.03) or alkaline phosphatase(p = 0.03), had higher rates of complications. Multivariate analysis confirmed an elevated alkaline phosphatase was associated with a lower incidence of complications (OR = 0.56, p = 0.02), while preoperative anemia was found to be a predictor of complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy(OR = 2.01, p = 0.02). Conclusion  Anemic patients and those with normal liver function tests were more likely to experience complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. This may represent extent of disease and tumors not causing biliary or pancreatic dilatation, respectively. Precautions, such as intraoperative ductal stents, should be considered when operating on this group of patients to minimize complications. Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, May 17–21, 2008. San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California.     

Relief of Dysphagia after Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy Improves Long-Term Quality of Life

Background and Objective  Quality of life (QoL) is getting more attention in the medical literature. Treatment outcomes are now gauged by their effect on the QoL along with their direct effect on the diseases they are targeting. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of residual dysphagia on QoL after laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia. Methods  QoL was evaluated using the short-form-36 (SF-36) and postoperative dysphagia was assessed using a dysphagia score. The score (range 0–10) was calculated by combining the frequency of dysphagia (0=never, 1 = < 1 day/wk, 2 = 1 day/wk, 3 = 2–3 days/wk, 4 = 4–6 days/wk, 5=daily) with the severity (0=none, 1=very mild, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=moderately severe, 5=severe). Patients were classified in the Nonresponder group when their dysphagia score was in the upper quartile. Results  Questionnaires were mailed to 110 patients. The overall response rate was 91% with 100 patients (54 female) returning the questionnaires. The average follow-up was 3.3 years. There was a significative inverse correlation between dysphagia score and mental component (P = 0.0001) and total SF-36 (P = 0.001) scores. According to their postoperative dysphagia scores, 77 patients were assigned to the Responder Group and 23 patients to the Nonresponder Group. The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, rate of fundoplication, and length of follow-up. Mental component and total SF-36 scores were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the Responder group. Successful relief of dysphagia after Heller myotomy was associated with health-related quality of life scores that were 13 higher in Vitality (P < 0.05), 11 points higher in mental health (P < 0.05), and 12 points higher in General Health (P < 0.05). Overall patient satisfaction with surgical outcome was 92%, with only eight patients not satisfied with the surgery. Conclusion  Laparoscopic Heller myotomy offers excellent long-term relief of achalasia-related symptoms, namely dysphagia, and this was projected on a significant improvement in quality of life and patient satisfaction. Presented at the 47th annual meeting at Digestive Disease Week 2006