Clinical experience with duodenum-preserving total resection of the head of the pancreas with pancreaticocholedochoduodenostomy

The results of duodenum-preserving total resection of the head of the pancreas (DpTRHP) in 20 patients were compared with the results of pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenostomy (PpPD), a procedure in conventional use for the treatment of benign diseases, in 19 patients. The mean operative time for DpTRHP was 4.5±0.9 h, this being not significantly different from that for PpPD, whereas the mean intraoperative blood loss with DpTRHP (825±508ml) was significantly less than that with PpPD (1382±798 ml) (P<0.05). The morbidity and mortality rates of patients treated with DpTRHP were 25% and 0%, respectively, and there were no significant differences between the two surgical treatment groups for these values. The outcome of treatment with DpTRHP was excellent, as was that of PpPD, in terms of the frequency of early gastric stasis, the duration of hospital stay, the patient's capacity for taking food, gaining weight, and working, and the performance status 6 months postoperatively. Thus, DpTRHP, which entails the least extent of resection of the head of the pancreas compared to other currently employed procedures and enables the operator to accomplish reconstruction of the pancreatic and biliary systems without resecting or interrupting the continuity of the digestive tract, was not attended by any serious complications, while, digestive tract function was well preserved, and satisfactory results were produced.     

Esophagoplasty with the colon in flap patients with burn strictures of the esophagus

Results of coloesophagoplasty in 366 patients with long burn strictures of the esophagus are presented. The lesion was total in 74 (21.2%) of them. Inefficacy of bougieurage was indication for plastic surgery in 133 (36.3%) patients, complete obliteration of esophagus--in 53 (14.5%). Left half of the colon was used in 296 (80.9%) cases, transverse colon--in 48 (13.1%), right half of the colon--in 22 (6.0%) cases. Retrosternal shunting esophagoplasty was performed in 247 (67.5%) patients. Complications were in 84 (34.0%), necrosis of the transplant--in 4 (1.6%) patients. Extirpation of the esophagus with posteriormediastinoplasty was performed in 16 (4.4%) patients, in 14 of them--transhiatally. Complications occurred in 7 patients coloesophagopharyngoplasty was carried out in 52 (14.2%) patients with combined stricture of the esophagus and the pharynx, in 23 of them--simultaneously. Complications were in 28 (53.8%) patients. Intrapleural of coloesophagoplasty was performed in 51 patients. General hospital lethality was 3.3%. Long-term results were studied in 259 patients. Good results of esophagoplasty were seen in 135 (52.1%) patients, satisfactory--in 65 (25.1%), unsatisfactory--in 59 (22.8%) patients. Dysfunction of the artificial esophagus was seen in 22.0% patients, 12.7% patients underwent repeated reconstructive surgeries.     

Conflicts of interest with the hand surgeon's relationship with industry

Many advances in hand surgery have been supported and enabled by the integral relationship that exists between the profession of hand surgery and industry. This relationship takes many forms, including medical education, development of new technology and methodology, research, and opportunities for patient education. As with all of these endeavors, the primary focus of both the physician and industry must be the care of the patient. When a collaborative relationship exists between physicians and industry, a conflict of interest is present and must be recognized as such and managed to avoid any detriment to patient care. Although the hand surgeon, the patient, and industry share the common interest of advancement of patient care, there does exist real and potential conflicts of interest, which are unavoidable, but not necessarily undesirable. Multiple guidelines exist to govern relationships between industry and physicians. The cooperative relationship between the physician and industry is not only helpful, but it can be critical to the advancement of and innovations in patient care. When properly managed, collaboration between the physician and industry can effectively achieve the common goal of serving the best interest of the patient.     

Four-Year Experience with the Routine use of the Programmable Hakim Valve in the Management of Children with Hydrocephalus

Summary  Objective. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) over- and underdrainage symptoms are frequent sequelae of shunt placement in patients with hydrocephalus, sometimes requiring repeated operations. To achieve more adequate CSF drainage, the non-invasively programmable Hakim valve has been developed. Because the clinical experiences with this valve so far are confined to adults, we describe our experiences with the routine use of the programmable Hakim valve in childhood hydrocephalus.  Method. Sixty children (mean age of 3.4 years) with hydrocephalus of various aetiologies have been shunted with the programmable Hakim valve. In the majority of cases, initial opening pressures of between 100 and 120 mm H₂O were selected. The mean follow-up period was 2.1 years.  Results. Thirty-three readjustment of the pressure setting of the valve were performed in 20 children because of CSF overdrainage (low intracranial pressure syndrome n=13, slit ventricle syndrome n=2, hygroma n=1), CSF underdrainage (n=3) and CSF leakage through the operation wound (n=1). The symptoms of inadequate CSF drainage were cured in 18 of the 20 children. The necessity for valve readjustments was independend of the aetiology of the hydrocephalus. Thirty-one complications requiring repeated operation occurred during the follow-up period, accounting for an annual complication rate of 24.6%. Three complications were valve-related.  Conclusion. In the majority of cases, the programmable Hakim valve allows the successful management of symptoms related to CSF over- and underdrainage by non-invasive change of the initial pressure setting of the valve. Therefore, the programmable Hakim valve should be considered as an alternative to non-programmable valves of advanced design.     

Electrovaporization of the prostate with the Gyrus device

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and the safety of a new transurethral endoscopic device using bipolar electrocautery, the Gyrus system. This system permits rapid prostate tissue removal by endoscopic vaporization with little bleeding and no pad return using saline irrigation and therefore eliminating TURP syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients (mean age 70; range 49-90 years) with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without suspected cancer, confirmed by digital rectal examination and PSA tests, were treated between October 1998 and February 1999 with the Gyrus and evaluated at 1 and 3 months postoperatively by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum urinary flow rate. RESULTS: No postoperative bleeding necessitating catheterization for postoperative retention occurred. The duration of the procedure was < or = 30 minutes in 12 patients, 30 to 60 minutes in 27 patients, and >60 minutes in 3 patients. The mean time of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation was 1.2 days (0.5-3 days). The mean catheterization time was 1.4 days (range 0.5-5 days). Urethral stricture requiring treatment occurred in two patients. Dysuria was reported by four patients (mild two, severe two). The postoperative hospitalization was a mean of 2.2 days. The mean peak flow rate increased from 7.9 to 19.7 mL/sec at 3 months, and the IPSS decreased from 16 to 9 at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results with a bipolar electrode for electrovaporization of the prostate using the Gyrus suggest that it is a useful and safe endoscopic device. It appears to be an effective treatment for BPH; however, long-term results (i.e., 1-year follow-up) should be evaluated. This pilot series permits a comparative study with TURP to assess the benefits for patients and the health care system.