Hepatolithiasis after hepatic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia

Background

Hepatolithiasis after hepatic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia has been paid little attention, with only 22 reported cases.

Patients and Methods

Fifteen patients underwent living-related liver transplantation for biliary atresia after hepatic portoenterostomy in our hospital between 1998 and 2004. The resected livers were examined for the existence and location of hepatolithiasis, composition of the calculi, and bacterial infection of bile. The relation between a history of cholangitis and the presence of hepatolithiasis was analyzed.

Results

Intrahepatic calculi were found in 8 (53%) of 15 patients. The calculi consisted of almost 100% calcium bilirubinate. Calculi were found in bile lakes in 8 patients. Bacteria were present in the bile in 8 (53%) of the 15 patients. Of the 8 patients, 7 (88%) had a history of ascending cholangitis.

Conclusions

Hepatolithiasis occurs after hepatic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia more frequently than previously thought. Bile stasis and possibly bile infection are the main causes of calculi formation.     

Post-appendectomy visits to the emergency department within the global period: a target for cost containment

Background

Postoperative visits to the emergency department (ED) instead of the surgeon's office consume enormous cost.

Hypothesis

Postoperative ED visits can be avoided.

Setting

Fully accredited, single-institution, 617-bed hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

Patients

Retrospective analysis of 597 consecutive patients with appendectomies over a 4-year period.

Methods

Demographic and medical data, at initial presentation, surgery, and ED visit were recorded as categorical variables and statistically analyzed (Pearson χ² test, Fisher exact test, and linear-by-linear). Costs were calculated from the hospital's billing department.

Results

Forty-six patients returned to the ED within the global period with pain (n = 22, 48%), wound-related issues (n = 6, 13%), weakness (n = 4, 9%), fever (13%), and nausea and vomiting (n = 3, 6%). Thirteen patients (28%) required readmission. Predictive factors for ED visit postoperatively were perforated appendicitis (2-fold increase over uncomplicated appendicitis) and comorbidities (cardiovascular or diabetes). The cost of investigations during ED visits was $55,000 plus physician services.

Conclusions

ED visits during the postoperative global period are avoidable by identifying patients who may need additional care; improving patient education, optimizing pain control, and improving patient office access.     

Duct-to-Duct Biliary Reconstructions and Complications in 100 Living Donor Liver Transplantations

Objective

We evaluated the risk factors for biliary complications and surgical procedures for duct-to-duct reconstructions in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Patients and Methods

From February 2005 to March 2008, we performed 100 cases of adult LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction, using 64 right lobe grafts, 33 left lobe grafts, and 3 right lateral grafts. We employed 4 types of duct-to-duct procedures: all interrupted 6-0 Prolene suture (group 1, n = 9); continuous posterior and interrupted anterior wall 6-0 Prolene suture (group 2, n = 49); all continuous 7-0 Prolene suture (group 3, n = 26); and all continuous 7-0 Prolene suture with external stent (group 4, n = 16). Biliary complications were defined as an anastomosis stricture or a leakage.

Results

Thirty-four patients experienced biliary complications during the follow-up period (median, 27 months). The incidence of stricture was 27% and that of leakage, 8%. There were no perioperative, intraoperative, or anatomic risk factors for biliary complications, except the type of duct-to-duct procedure. Group 1 and 2 patients showed higher incidences of biliary strictures than groups 3 and 4 (43.1% vs 4.7%; P = .00). Group 3 patients experienced a higher incidence of bile leakage than the other groups (23.1% vs 2.7%; P = .004).

Conclusions

The type of biliary reconstruction is a factor affecting biliary complications following duct-to-duct anastomosis in LDLT. Duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis with 7-0 monofilament suture and a small external stent is a feasible procedure in LDLT that significantly reduces the incidence of biliary complications.     

Long-term outcomes after hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cyst: a 10- to 27-year follow-up

Introduction

Choledochal cyst (CC) is closely associated with anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct, which is considered a high-risk factor for biliary tract malignancy. Early diagnosis and early treatment for CC could lead to a good prognosis. This study investigated late complications and long-term outcomes after surgery for CC.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-six patients with CC and over 10 years of postoperative follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had undergone total resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and hepaticojejunostomy.

Results

Six patients showed liver dysfunction manifested in the first 10 years after surgery, but all returned to normal thereafter. Dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts persisted in 6 postoperatively, and in 3, this was still apparent more than 10 years after. Recurrent abdominal pain was encountered in 3, 1 had pancreas divisum with a pancreatic stone, and 1 had adhesive small bowel obstruction. Two patients developed biliary tract malignancy. A 14-year-old girl died of recurrent common bile duct cancer 2 years after the initial resection of CC with adenocarcinoma. A 26-year-old man with repeated cholangitis owing to multiple intrahepatic bile stones developed cholangiocarcinoma 26 years after the initial resection of CC. Event-free survival rate and overall survival rate were 89% (50/56) and 96% (54/56), respectively.

Conclusions

Choledochal cyst generally has an excellent prognosis with early total resection and reconstruction. Long-term surveillance for the development of malignancy is still essential, especially if there is ongoing dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct or biliary stones.     

A novel approach to the management of late-onset liver failure in biliary atresia

Purpose

Late-onset hyperbilirubinemia in patients who have undergone a successful portoenterostomy (PE) for biliary atresia (BA) is usually considered evidence of ongoing severe liver failure. The authors recently have treated 2 patients who had acute hyperbilirubinemia years and months after a successful PE and had dilated intrahepatic cysts. A combined operative and percutaneous approach reestablished drainage and a reduction in their bilirubin levels.

Methods

Data from 2 cases of BA and late-onset hyperbilirubinemia from obstruction were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

Two patients (15-year-old boy and a 2.5-year-old girl) presented with increasing serum bilirubin after a PE for BA in infancy. Both had extensive preoperative workup, which showed intrahepatic biliary dilatation in one and a large bile lake in the other. They underwent attempted percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and stenting, followed by an intraoperative transhepatic approach in which the dilated ducts were connected to the PE. A rapid and sustained reduction in the serum bilirubin level was noted in these patients.

Conclusions

When patients with BA after a successful PE present with sudden onset of hyperbilirubinemia, imaging for biliary obstruction should be carried out. If biliary dilatation is found, then a combined radiologic and operative approach may help improve the bile flow and delay the need for liver transplant.     

Usefulness of axial planes of helical computed tomography for diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary maljunction in early infants with negative findings on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

Purpose

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is not sufficient to detect pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) in young infants because the main pancreatic duct is not visualized and respiratory artifacts occur. To our knowledge, there are no reports highlighting the diagnostic accuracy of evaluation using the axial planes of helical computed tomographic (CT) scanning with contrast medium instead of 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The aim of this study was to describe our experience and the characteristics of 3 children with PBM diagnosed using the axial planes of helical CT with contrast medium, although they showed negative findings of PBM by MRCP, instead of 3D reconstruction.

Methods

Three patients aged from 1 month to 3 years were diagnosed with PBM using the axial planes of helical CT with contrast medium though MRCP could not show the common channel and/or the entrance of the common channel into the duodenum.

Results

In all 3 patients, PBM of the common channel was not revealed by MRCP. On the other hand, axial planes of contrast-enhanced helical CT scans showed PBM clearly.

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that axial planes of the contrast-enhanced helical CT scan comprise an accurate tool for the diagnosis of fusiform-type PBM and could replace MRCP in younger children. Further studies are necessary for better assessment of the potential advantages and pitfalls of this modality.     

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Introduction

Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are the principal cause of morbidity and graft dysfunction, ranging in incidence from 5.8% to 30% of cases. Biliary strictures are the most frequent type of late complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) to detect biliary anastomotic strictures among patients undergone OLT with abnormal liver function tests.

Materials and methods

One hundred twenty-one of 300 patients who underwent OLT were evaluated by MRC for clinically suspected anastomotic biliary strictures. In all patients, we performed various precholangiographic sequences including T1- and T2-weighted and MRC (radial SE 2D and SS-TSE 3D). Magnetic resonance imaging findings were subdivided as absence or presence of an anastomotic stricture. Diagnostic confirmation was obtained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (n = 32), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (n = 21) or surgical treatment (n = 18).

Results

MRC detected 56 anastomotic biliary strictures, 53 of which were confirmed by other imaging modalities. MRC showed two false-negative cases and three false-positive cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of MRC to detect biliary strictures were 96%, 96%, 95%, 97%, and 96%, respectively.

Conclusion

MRC proved to be a reliable noninvasive technique to visualize the biliary anastomosis and depict biliary strictures after OLT. MRC should be used when a biliary anastomotic stricture is suspected in an OLT patient.     

Diagnostic impact of computed tomography cholangiography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography on pancreaticobiliary maljunction

Background/Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of computed tomography cholangiography (CTC) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in children with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).

Methods

Fifty-three children with PBM were consecutively treated between 1997 and 2009. Among them, the patients who underwent CTC and/or MRCP preoperatively were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography cholangiography was examined after infusion of meglumine iodoxamate with subsequent 3-dimensional rendering. The visualization of the biliary and pancreatic duct systems was evaluated and compared with that visualized with MRCP. The findings of direct cholangiography were used as the standard of reference.

Results

Of the 53 cases with PBM, 17 cases were examined by CTC, 10 cases by MRCP, and 17 with both. The extrahepatic bile tract was visualized in 32 (94.1%) of 34 patients in CTC and in all 27 patients in MRCP. The intrahepatic bile duct was more frequently demonstrated by MRCP than by CTC (96.3% vs 70.6%, P = .02). Pancreaticobiliary maljunction was noted in 13 (38.2%) of 34 with CTC and in 12 (44.4%) of 27 with MRCP. The minimum age for visualization of PBM was at 10 months in CTC and at 1 year and 11 months in MRCP, respectively. The main pancreatic duct was more frequently visualized by MRCP than by CTC (81.5% vs 8.8%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography provides superior visualization of the intrahepatic duct and the pancreatic system when compared with CTC. However, it is still challenging to perform a good-quality examination in young infant. The great advantage of CTC is its ability to produce high-quality images without respiratory artifacts and that it allows accurate assessment of the presence of PBM equivalent to MRCP.     

Biliary complications and management in pediatric living donor liver transplantation for underlying biliary atresia

Background

Biliary complications are a major problem in pediatric liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management and outcomes of biliary complication after pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

From 1994 to 2010, 157 pediatric LDLT due to biliary atresia were performed in our center. Doppler ultrasound was initially performed daily for 2 weeks postoperatively to evaluate biliary and vascular complications. Computed tomography and or magnetic resonance cholangiography were performed when complications were suspected. They were treated using radiological or surgical interventions.

Results

Among the 157 cases, we observed 10 (6.3%) biliary complications, which were divided into three groups: bile leakage (n = 3); biliary stricture without vascular complication (n = 4); and biliary stricture with vascular complication (n = 3). The three cases bile leakages recovered after interventional procedures. The seven biliary strictures underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD). All cases without vascular complications were completely cured after PTCD or a subsequent surgical re-anastomosis. In the vascular complication group, early recorrection of the HA occlusion with successful PTCD treatment were performed in two cases, but one other case with diffuse ischemic biliary destruction had a poor result.

Conclusion

Successful interventional radiographic approaches are effective for anastomotic biliary complications but with poor results in diffuse ischemic biliary destruction.     

An evidence-based clinical protocol for diagnosis of acute appendicitis decreased the use of computed tomography in children

Purpose

The increased use of computed tomography (CT) to diagnose appendicitis in children has led to a concern for the possibility of increased CT-related cancer morbidity. We designed a clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis in children in an attempt to decrease the use of CT scans at our institution.

Methods

Patients who had surgical consultation for suspected appendicitis were placed on the clinical protocol. Data concerning diagnosis and treatment were collected prospectively. Retrospective data from patients admitted to our institution with acute appendicitis before the clinical protocol were collected as historical controls.

Results

One hundred twelve patients were diagnosed and treated by our protocol between June and November 2009. Of these, 100 patients underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis. They were compared with 146 patients from 2007. In-house CT use decreased from 71.2% to 51.7% (P = .01). Preoperative ultrasound use increased from 2.7% to 21% (P < .001). The negative appendectomy rate increased (6.8% vs 11%, P = .25).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the implementation of an evidence-based clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis in children may safely decrease the use of CT scans and increase the use of ultrasound.     

Biliary Complications Following Deceased and Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Review

Introduction

Biliary complications are the most important source of complications after liver transplantation, and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. With the evolution of surgical transplantation techniques, including living donor and split-liver transplants, the complexity of these problems is increasing. Many studies have shown a higher incidence of biliary tract complications in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) compared with deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). This article reviews biliary complications after liver transplantation and correlations with LDLT and DDLT.

Objective

Provide an overview of biliary complications among LDLT and DDLT.

Results

The incidence of biliary complications is higher among LDLT (28.7%) when compared with DDLT (15.5%). Bile leaks were the most common complication due to LDLT (17.1%); however, stricture was the most common complication due to DDLT (7.5%).     

Surgical treatment for anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct with nondilatation of the common bile duct

Background/purpose

For anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AAPBD) with nondilatation of the common bile duct (CBD), the optimal surgical procedure remains controversial. The authors investigated which procedure would be most effective for AAPBD with nondilatation of the CBD.

Methods

The authors encountered 60 children with AAPBD in our institution between 1979 and 2002. Six of the 60 were classified as the nondilated type (CBD diameter; less than 8 mm), whereas the other 54 were classified as the dilated type (CBD diameter; more than 9 mm). Amylase levels in serum, CBD, and gallbladder were examined. Cellular activity of the resected gallbladder was examined for the incidence of hyperplasia and Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI).

Results

The amylase level in the nondilated type was elevated as in the dilated type. Epithelial hyperplasia of the gallbladder was present in 4 of the 6 with the nondilated type (67%). 10 of the 20 with the dilated type (50%), and none of the 6 controls (0%). The Ki-67 LI of the dilated type was significantly higher than that of control.

Conclusions

A free reflux of pancreatic juice into the biliary system was found regardless of dilatation, and cellular proliferative activity of the gallbladder mucosa was increased in both the nondilated and dilated type. Therefore, excision of the extrahepatic bile duct including cholecystectomy is recommended for AAPBD with nondilatation of the CBD.     

Cytomegalovirus infection in severe burn patients monitoring by real-time polymerase chain reaction: A prospective study

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been shown to occur not rarely in critically ill patients in the past decade. However, little data are available on CMV infection in burn patients whereas their susceptibility to CMV infection has been proved.

Methods

We prospectively assessed CMV viremia by real-time polymerase chain reaction and clinical outcome in immunocompetent burn patients with total burn surface area greater than 15%.

Results

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled. The rate of CMV infection was of 71% in CMV seropositive burn patients, and of 12.5% in CMV seronegative burn patients. CMV reactivation was associated with a higher IGS 2 score on admission. High grade CMV viremia was associated with longer mechanical ventilation duration, higher infection number, higher transfused red blood cell number, and longer ICU stays. There were no differences on mortality rate between patients with and without CMV reactivation.

Conclusion

CMV infection rate is considerable in burn patients with TBSA greater than 15%. This infection seems to be mostly due to reactivation of latently existing virus.     

Redilation of bowel after intestinal lengthening procedures--an indicator for poor outcome

Background/Purpose

Despite a good understanding of short-term outcomes of the longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT) and serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) procedures, limited data exist on long-term complications.

Methods

This is a 15-year single-institution retrospective chart review of patients who underwent an intestinal lengthening procedure (ILP). Long-term ILP-related complications, their interval to development, patients' ability to wean off parenteral nutrition (PN), and the need for further procedures were analyzed.

Results

Of 119 patients with short bowel syndrome, 14 had undergone an ILP. Seven patients had an LILT, and 9 patients had a STEP, including repeat ILPs on the same patient. Overall, 93% of patients had complications. Four patients in the LILT group and 3 patients in the STEP group weaned off PN. Eight patients (57%) experienced bowel redilation after their ILP. The 2 deaths in the study came from this group. Seven required another abdominal operation and only one weaned off PN. There were no significant differences in mean bowel length between the redilated group and the non-re-dilated group.

Conclusions

Complications are common after ILPs, and patients who redilated their bowel after ILP did clinically worse than those who did not.     

Biliary Complications After Liver Transplantation Using Side-to-Side Choledochocholedochostomy Reconstruction With or Without T-Tube

Background

Biliary complications are a frequent cause of morbidity, graft loss, and death after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The choledochocholedochostomy anastomosis without a T-tube is controversial, as it has been related to more biliary complications.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and to identify the risk factors of post-OLT biliary complications after reconstruction with or without a T-tube.

Materials and Methods

Ninety-five consecutive adult patients with deceased donor liver transplantations (overall survival rate, 86.3%; mean follow-up, 22.2 months) were analyzed to determine the incidence and type of biliary complications in 2 groups: choledochocholedochostomy with (45 patients, Group I) or without a T-tube (50 patients, Group II). The incidence of biliary complications in Groups I and II was 40% (18/45) and 30% (15/50), respectively (P > .05). In Group I, 49% of the complications were directly related to the T-tube. Biliary anastomosis stricture was more frequent in Group II (28% vs 8.9% in Group I; P = .018). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was the most common therapeutic procedure for the resolution of biliary complications in both groups (Group I, 66.5%; Group II, 58.2%). Arterial thrombosis, high pretransplantation Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and donor obesity were identified as risk factors for biliary complications after OLT.

Conclusion

OLT biliary reconstruction without a T-tube is not related to an increased risk of biliary complications, although stricutre of the anastomosis is more frequent in this group of patients. Donor obesity, arterial thrombosis, and high pretransplantation MELD score are associated with a higher incidence of biliary complications after OLT.     

Evaluation of attitudes toward living organ donation: a multicenter study of compulsory secondary school education teachers

Background

There is a considerable transplant organ deficit. To offset the organ shortage, living donation is being encouraged. Young persons form a sector of the population in whom early awareness is important to encourage favorable attitudes toward donation. Teachers play important roles in education and in generating attitudes.

Purpose

We analyzed the attitudes of secondary school teachers toward living organ donation and sought to determine the psychosocial variables that affect these attitudes.

Materials and methods

We randomly selected Teachers from 10 secondary schools in southeastern Spain. Their attitudes toward living donation were evaluated using a validated questionnaire, which was self-administered anonymously. The statistical tests were Student t test and the χ² test.

Results

Regarding living kidney donation, 92% of teachers were in favor of related donation, decreasing to 16% when it was not from a related individual. In contrast, regarding related donations, 7% were not in favor, and 1% undecided. Teachers who had discussed the matter with their family and friends had more favorable attitudes (P < .05). In the case of living liver donations, 91% were in favor of related donation (falling to 20% if not related), 7% were not in favor, and 2% had doubts. Attitudes were more favorable among women, teachers with children, and those who had discussed the matter with their family and friends (P < .05).

Conclusions

Teachers had favorable attitudes toward living related kidney or liver donation. Their students would receive positive information when they request relevant information.     

Experimental study of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent in a porcine model

Background

Intestinal anastomosis is a major technical component of gastrointestinal procedures. We have developed a new procedure of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent. This article evaluates this procedure.

Methods

Forty pigs were assigned randomly to a stent group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). A colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent was performed in the stent group, and hand-sewn anastomosis was performed in the control group. Pigs of each group were divided evenly into 4 subgroups according to time of death (days 3, 7, and 14, and month 10 postoperatively) to evaluate the healing of anastomosis.

Results

All procedures were completed successfully. The surgical time of the stent group was significantly less than the control group. No complications occurred in either group. Bursting pressure of the stent group was significantly higher than the control group on postoperative days 3 and 7. No significant difference of hydroxyproline content or microvessel density was found between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

The procedure of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent is a simple, feasible, and safe procedure in this porcine model.     

Longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy and selective biliary diversion for chronic pancreatitis in children

Background

Chronic pancreatitis requiring surgery is rare in children. We review our experience in treating pediatric chronic pancreatitis with longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ).

Methods

Records of children with chronic pancreatitis treated with LPJ between 1997 and 2003 were reviewed. Demographic data, associated conditions, endoscopic interventions, operative procedures, postoperative complications, length and costs of hospitalization, and long-term outcome were recorded.

Results

Four patients (one girl), 3 to 16 years old, underwent LPJ. Associated conditions included bile duct obstruction (2), single (1) or multiple (1) pancreatic duct strictures, recurrent familial pancreatitis (1), pseudocyst (1), Down's syndrome (1), and duodenal web (1). Preoperative endoscopic stenting was performed in two patients. All were on restricted diets, one on parenteral nutrition. Pre-LPJ, each child had 3 to 6 admissions for pancreatitis with mean total cost of $39,000, excluding diet charges. At surgery, two patients required biliary diversion for persistent biliary obstruction in addition to LPJ. Postoperatively, no patient developed fistulas or anastomotic leaks. There were no deaths. The median length of hospitalization post-LPJ was 8 days with mean cost of US$37,000. All patients resumed a normal diet post-LPJ. There were no recurrences of pancreatitis with follow-ups between 2 and 6 years.

Conclusion

Longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy is safe and cost-effective for treating pediatric chronic pancreatitis. It has minimal complications and frees patients from pancreatitis-related hospitalizations.     

St. Jude Medical Toronto biologic aortic root prosthesis: early FDA phase II IDE study results

Background

Several biological aortic root replacement techniques have distinct advantages over mechanical composite root replacement including better valvular hemodynamic characteristics and the lack of need for anticoagulation. Current biological root replacement options lack proven long-term durability or are limited by technical or practical concerns. We report the early results from a phase II multicenter clinical trial of the porcine St. Jude Toronto Bioprosthesis with BiLinx (Toronto root).

Methods

176 Toronto roots were implanted as total aortic root replacement from August 2001 through August 2003. Concomitant cardiac procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting (31%) and ascending aortic replacement (55%) were performed in 74%. Patients were followed clinically and were examined with an echocardiogram at discharge, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Root sizes implanted included 29 mm in 38%, 27 mm in 30%, 25 mm in 20%, 23 mm in 10%, and 21 mm in 2.2%.

Results

There are 205 patient years of follow-up through October 2003. Operative mortality was 3.9% (none were valve related) and late mortality was 4%. Operative stroke rate was 1.1% and late stroke rate was 0.6%. Endocarditis developed in 1 patient. Freedom from aortic regurgitation is to date 100% at discharge, 6 months, and 1 year postimplant. Reoperation of the aortic valve/root was not required in any patient. Six-month mean transvalvular gradients for 21-29 mm valves were 12.8, 8.8, 5.3, 4.9, and 4.7 mm Hg, respectively.

Conclusions

Aortic root replacement with the Toronto root is safe and provides superb transvalvular hemodynamics with freedom from anticoagulation. The Toronto root seems widely applicable for all types of aortic root pathology and these early data offer very encouraging results. Long-term follow-up is required.     

Postnatal management for prenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate postnatal management plan for prenatally diagnosed congenital biliary dilatation (CBD).

Methods

Between 1962 and 2002, 5 (5.9 %) of 85 patients had CBD diagnosed prenatally and were examined clinically. Of these 5 patients, 2 (group A) underwent delayed primary definitive surgery after percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD), 1 (group B) underwent early definitive surgery in the neonatal period, and 2 (group C) underwent delayed primary definitive surgery without PTCD in early infancy (within 6 months after birth). The clinical data, operative findings, intra- and postoperative complications, and follow-up were evaluated in these 3 groups.

Results

There were no postoperative complications, such as catheter-related complications, in group A. However, there was adhesion around the choledochal cyst, and the operation was therefore difficult in group A. The diameter of the anastomosis in the hepaticojejunostomy was small, and the cyst wall was thin in group B. Consequently, anastomotic leakage of the hepaticojejunostomy occurred in group B. Neither operative nor postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage or stenosis occurred in group C. Slight fibrosis of Glisson’s sheath was seen in 2 patients of groups A and C. No liver cirrhosis was seen in any group.

Conclusions

The authors propose that asymptomatic patients should undergo elective definitive surgery by 6 months of age. For symptomatic patients, especially when a differential diagnosis of type I cystic biliary atresia is doubtful, early definitive surgery is needed before 2 months of age. PTCD appears to be indicated only under certain circumstances, and delayed primary definitive surgery should be performed as early as possible thereafter.