Surgery for liver metastases originating from sarcoma—case series

Introduction  

Liver metastases originating from various types of sarcoma are a rare reason for hepatic resection. So far, even multicentre studies do hardly provide statistically relevant sample sizes. Thus, review of available data can provide surgeons with useful information in similar cases. Therefore, this study can be regarded more as a contribution to this pool of data than as a stand-alone paper.     

Does a retrorectal tumour remain a challenge for surgeons?

Background: Retrorectal tumours are lesions with a wide range of histological differentiation that are often diagnostic and clinical challenges due to their rare occurrence. Many cases of this pathology are treated in regional hospitals, which results in serious complications because physicians fail to recognize this pathology. We present our experience in treating these tumours.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed using the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics patient database. Thirty-five cases were identified.

Results: Occurrence of retrorectal tumours was higher in women than in men and accounted for 82.86% and 17.14%, respectively. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were the main methods used to confirm diagnosis and plan surgical treatment. We have used a laparotomy, perineal or combined approach for tumour extirpation. The laparotomy approach was the most used, followed by perineal extirpation. The most common histological type was cystic hamartoma, accounting for 20% of cases. In 80% of cases, the histological findings greatly varied. Hospital stays varied from 3 to 21 days with a mean of 11.6?±?5.83 days. The postoperative complication rate was 17.14% and was present in six cases. Overall survival was 85.17%, with an average follow-up period of 71.83 months. There were no recurrent tumours diagnosed during follow-up.

Conclusion: Retrorectal tumours are a very rare pathology with high histological heterogeneity and problematic diagnostics. Patients should be referred to a tertiary centre that has experience and diagnostic capabilities for the best diagnostic and treatment options.     

Data for orthopaedic surgeons – A review

As we step into a technology powered era, where information is available everywhere, managing data forms an important part of professional and everyday life. With developments like online databases, high definition videos and images, social media, robotics, explosion of academic publications, telecommunication, artificial intelligence and internet of things, there is a variable amount of data that the orthopaedic surgeon is exposed to and has to deal with on a regular basis. It is imperative that the surgeon has a basic working knowledge on data and its applications in relation to the field of orthopaedic surgery. This review introduces the surgeon to data and its types, its sources, collection, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), management after collection, Big data and legal issues related to data. Data generators from megabytes to yottabytes are discussed along with options for their storage and analysis.Knowledge on the types of data is important to decide on the type of statistical tests that may be used on them, for the options available for storage, analysis and legal issues. We discuss the different types of data, computer and cloud-based systems of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) with their advantages and disadvantages as well as the differences between conventional and EMRs. Management of data after collection is discussed including storage and backup, archiving and sharing, organizing, tracking changes and analysis. High resolution images, videos, robotics and analytics are powering demand and production of data in Trauma and Orthopaedics. Issues like copyright, Privacy, security, encryption and legal issues related to data are highlighted as these are important as more and more data is being used online and involve issues of privacy and security. We also take a look into the future of data in orthopaedics as digitization of the world is occurring at a rapid pace.     

Is hepatic resection justified for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHepatic resection (HR) is effective for colorectal or neuroendocrine liver metastases. However, the role of HR for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases (NCNNLM) is unknown. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on long-term clinical outcomes after HR for NCNNLM.Methodselectronic search was performed to identify relevant publications using PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Primary outcomes were 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes were post-operative morbidity and 30-day mortality.ResultsThere were 40 selected studies involving 5696 patients with NCNNLM undergone HR. Pooled data analyses showed that the 3- and 5-year OS were 40% (95% CI 0.35–0.46) and 32% (95% CI 0.29–0.36), whereas the 3- and 5-year DFS were 28% (95% CI 0.21–0.36) and 24% (95% CI 0.20–0.30), respectively. The postoperative morbidity rate was 28%, while the 30-day mortality was 2%. Subgroup analysis on HR for gastric cancer liver metastasis revealed the 3-year and 5-year OS of 39% and 25%, respectively.ConclusionsHR for NCNNLM may achieve satisfactory survival outcome in selected patients with low morbidities and mortalities. However, more concrete evidence from prospective study is warrant in future.     

A register for patients undergoing shoulder surgery—perspectives in training of surgeons

Background and aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the results of rotator cuff reconstructions related to surgical experience.

Materials and methods

Since August 2007, all patients (excluding joint replacements) undergoing elective shoulder surgery at our institution have been enrolled into the structural database. The register contains now more than 2,700 operated shoulders with various diagnosis. For the purpose of this study, a cohort of 576 consecutive patients who underwent an arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction was analysed.

Results

Five hundred sixty-nine patients were available for 1-year follow-up (dropout rate 2 %). All the operations were performed arthroscopically by two senior consultants (276 procedures), three specialists (124 procedures) and four residents (169 procedures). The mean age of patients (225 females, 344 males) was 59.6 years. The mean size of the rotator cuff tear was 25.2 mm (SD 17.5). The average operation time was 93 (range 25–235, SD 34)?min. There was a significant difference in the operating time and the experience of the surgeon (p?<?0.001). The preoperative and postoperative Constant scores were 52 (SD 17.4) and 74 (15.5), respectively (p?<?0.0001). There was no significant difference in the pre- and postoperative Constant scores (p?=?0.5816) between the surgeons.

Conclusions

A register provides a tool, which may help also in training of surgeons. Our study shows that even a technically challenging arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction may be performed safely with good outcome by the low-volume surgeons.     

Mesh-wrapping for the treatment of fractured liver—A case report

IntroductionMajor liver trauma is a potentially fatal injury. Management of liver injuries has considerably changed over the past decades with a trend towards a multidisciplinary approach. Most liver injuries can be managed conservatively; however, some cases need operative management.Presentation of caseWe present a case of a 73 year old female who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy that was complicated by a life-threatening liver fracture and was successfully managed by staged laparotomies and liver mesh-wrapping.DiscussionMesh wrapping is an effective approach for achieving hemostasis by a temponading effect. An alternative to liver packing would be the resection of the affected segmented, however this should be assessed based on the extent of the injury as well as on the hemodynamic stability of the patient who, in majority, are hemodynamically compromised. The advantage however of liver wrapping is that there is no need for reoperation to remove the mesh, the hazard of re-bleeding is diminished because the mesh is left in place, and the incidence of septic complications is low. In this case, the mesh was sutured to the diaphragmatic crus as well as to the falciform ligament to secure the mesh on two anchoring points.ConclusionUsing an absorbable mesh on a traumatized and fragmented liver appears to be a safe and effective approach to high grade liver injury. The judicious use of cauterization, beaming or suturing to the liver bed to control oozing or bleeding should be advocated in order to avoid this highly morbid complication.     

Is liver resection justified for patients with hepatic metastases from breast cancer?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine our experience with hepatic resection (HR) in a relatively unselected group of patients with breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM). BACKGROUND: Although medical therapies provide limited survival benefit (median survival, 3-15 months), inclusion of HR into the multimodality treatment of patients with BCLM remains controversial. Our approach has been to offer HR to all patients with BCLM, provided that curative hepatic resection was feasible and extrahepatic disease was controlled with medical and/or surgical therapy. METHODS: Outcomes for 85 consecutive patients (all female, median age, 47 years) with BCLM treated with HR from 1984 to 2004 were reviewed. Extrahepatic metastases had been treated prior to HR or were synchronously present in 27 patients (32%). BCLM were solitary in 32 patients (38%) and numbered more than 3 in 26 patients (31%). The prognostic value of each study variable was assessed with log rank tests for univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard models for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Within 60 days of major hepatectomy (> or =3 segments, 54 patients) or minor hepatectomy (<3 segments, 31 patients), there was no mortality. The median hospital stay was 9 days with complications occurring in 26% of patients. Microscopically and macroscopically positive margins were present in 18% (R1) and 17% (R2) of patients. Following HR, 28 patients (33%) developed isolated hepatic recurrences, 12 of whom were treated with repeat hepatectomy. At a median follow-up interval of 38 months, 32 patients were alive, yielding median and 5-year overall survivals of 32 months and 37%. Median and 5-year disease-free survivals were 20 months and 21%. Study variables independently associated with poor survival were failure to respond to preoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.008), an R2 resection (P = 0.0001), and the absence of repeat hepatectomy (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with BCLM, HR is safe and may provide a significant survival benefit over medical therapy alone. Response to preoperative chemotherapy, resection margin, and rehepatectomy for intrahepatic recurrence are key prognostic factors. Importantly, favorable outcomes can be achieved even in patients with medically controlled or surgically resectable extrahepatic disease, indicating that surgery should be considered more frequently in the multidisciplinary care of patients with BCLM.     

Surgical management of colorectal liver metastases—a practical clinical approach

European Surgery - Despite the remarkable advances that have been made in the management of colorectal cancer over recent years, the optimal treatment for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains...     

Postoperative delirium—a challenge for the orthopedic team

Background and purpose

— Metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI and ultrasound scanning (USS) can both be used to detect pseudotumors, abductor muscle atrophy, and tendinous pathology in patients with painful metal-on-metal (MOM) hip arthroplasty. We wanted to determine the diagnostic test characteristics of USS using MARS MRI as a reference for detection of pseudotumors and muscle atrophy.

Patients and methods

— We performed a prospective cohort study to compare MARS MRI and USS findings in 19 consecutive patients with unilateral MOM hips. Protocolized USS was performed by consultant musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded regarding clinical details. Reports were independently compared with MARS MRI, the imaging gold standard, to calculate predictive values.

Results

— The prevalence of pseudotumors on MARS MRI was 68% (95% CI: 43–87) and on USS it was 53% (CI: 29–76). The sensitivity of USS in detecting pseudotumors was 69% (CI 39–91) and the specificity was 83% (CI: 36–97). The sensitivity of detection of abductor muscle atrophy was 47% (CI: 24–71). In addition, joint effusion was detected in 10 cases by USS and none were seen by MARS MRI.

Interpretation

— We found a poor agreement between USS and MARS MRI. USS was inferior to MARS MRI for detection of pseudotumors and muscle atrophy, but it was superior for detection of joint effusion and tendinous pathologies. MARS MRI is more advantageous than USS for practical reasons, including preoperative planning and longitudinal comparison.     

Repeated hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases: is this concept safe and feasible?

European Surgery - The beneficial outcomes of hepatectomy in patients with colorectal metastases have encouraged the attempts of repeated hepatectomy in patients with recurrent disease. Although...     

“Einsatzchirurgie”—experiences of German military surgeons in Afghanistan

Introduction  

In 2010, the world witnessed 32 wars and other armed conflicts. Epidemiological analyses of mechanisms and patterns of injury of soldiers sent into these conflicts can be utilised to identify the surgical expertise that is required in a combat setting providing important parameters to adjust medical infrastructure and training requirements for future Military Surgeons.     

The surgical treatment of patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases in the setting of the “liver first” approach

A surgical resection is the only curative method in the therapy of colorectal carcinoma and liver metastases. Along with the development of interventional radiological techniques the indications for surgery widen. The number of metastases and patients age should not present a contraindication for surgical resection. However, there are still some doubts concerns what to resect first in cases of synchronous colorectal carcinoma and liver metastases and how to ensure the proper remnant liver volume in order to avoid postoperative liver failure and achieve the best results. Through this review the surgical therapy of colorectal carcinoma and liver metastases was revised in the setting of “liver-first” approach and the problem of ensuring of remnant liver volume.