Is preoperative radiographic localization of islet cell tumors in patients with insulinoma necessary?

Preoperative localization tests [sonography, computed tomography, angiography, percutaneous transhepatic portal venous sampling for insulin radioimmunoassay (PTP)] have a sensitivity of 60% to 90% in cases of organic hyperinsulinism. In all publications, however, the sensitivity of intraoperative localization, 75% to 100%, is distinctly higher. With the exception of PTP, all tumors that can be identified by preoperative localization can also be detected using palpation or intraoperative sonography. Preoperative localization diagnosis is therefore not absolutely necessary prior to primary operation in the case of organic hyperinsulinism. It is requested by many surgeons because: (1) only a few clinics have extensive experience with patients with an organic hyperinsulinism; (2) only a few clinics have extensive experience with intraoperative sonography; (3) the accuracy of palpation is improved following appropriate preoperative localization; and (4) in rare cases, the results of a PTP influence the operative procedure.     

Is conservative organ-sparing treatment of penile carcinoma justified?

PURPOSE: The results of different conservative organ-sparing methods - radiotherapy, chemotherapy and radiochemotherapy - in the treatment of penile carcinoma were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conservatively treated 223 patients with penile carcinoma seen in three hospitals between 1959 and 1996 years were studied retrospectively. Among them 155 received radiotherapy, 33 chemotherapy, and 35 radiochemotherapy. RESULTS: The local control was achieved in 135 (60.5%) of 223 patients. The difference in local control rate among these three groups of patients has not reached statistical significance. The efficacy of conservative treatment was highly associated with three factors: tumor size, grade and patient's age. Overall, 24 of 135 patients (17.7%) had local recurrence. Ten patients (4.5%) developed regional metastases. The recurrence rate did not correlate with tumor size and grade and was similar for all treatment modalities. Long-term results of each method were approximatley equal and 5-year survival varied from 78 to 88%. CONCLUSION: Conservative organ-sparing treatment of early-stage penile carcinomas is justified. Failure should be corrected by surgery without compromising survival.     

Is there a benefit of preoperative meningioma embolization?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of preoperative embolization of meningiomas on surgery and outcomes. METHODS: In a prospective study, 60 consecutive patients with intracranial meningiomas who were treated in two neurosurgical centers were included. In Center A, embolization was performed for none of the patients (n = 30). In Center B, 30 consecutive patients with embolized meningiomas were treated. Preoperatively, tumor size and location, neurological status, and Barthel scale score were recorded. In Center B, the extent of tumor devascularization was evaluated using angiography and postembolization magnetic resonance imaging. Intraoperatively, blood loss, the numbers of blood units transfused, and the observations of the neurosurgeon concerning hemostasis, tumor consistency, and intratumoral necrosis were recorded. Postoperatively, the neurological status and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Six months after surgery, the outcomes were assessed using the Barthel scale and neurological examinations. RESULTS: The mean tumor sizes were 22.9 cc in Center A and 29.6 cc in Center B (P > 0.1). The mean blood losses did not differ significantly (646 ml in Center A versus 636 ml in Center B; P > 0.5). However, for a subgroup of patients with subtotal devascularization (>90% of the tumor) on postembolization magnetic resonance imaging scans in Center B, blood loss was less, compared with the entire group in Center A (P < 0.05). The observations of the neurosurgeon regarding hemostasis, tumor consistency, and intratumoral necrosis did not differ significantly. There were no surgery-related deaths in either center. The rates of surgical morbidity, with permanent neurological worsening, were 20% (n = 6) in Center A and 16% (n = 5) in Center B. There was one permanent neurological deficit (3%) caused by embolization. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, only complete embolization had an effect on blood loss. The value of preoperative embolization for all meningiomas must be reconsidered, especially in view of the high costs and risks of embolization.     

What preoperative assessment is necessary for insulinomas? Calculating the degree of waste: analysis of 29 cases

In patients affected with insulinomas the preoperative work-up is debated. The success rate of various localisation procedures seems considerably inferior in respect to intraoperative results. Aim of the study is to evaluate our personal experience with this dichotomy. Twenty nine patients with definitive diagnoses of primary hyperinsulinemia from 1985 until June of 2001 were selected. Sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy, positive predictive value and cost of ultrasound (US) (29 pts.), computerised tomography (CT) (29 pts.), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (16 pts.), selective angiography (18 pts) and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) (18 pts.) in the localisation of neoplasm were evaluated. The presence of neoplasm was verified at operation or at autopsy in 27 cases (93%). The sensitivity of US, CT, MRI and selective angiography was 52%, 44%, 57% and 82%, respectively, with a cost of non-diagnostic studies equal to 422 [symbol: see text]/patient with a comprehensive waste equal to 43.7% of resources utilised. The sensitivity of IOUS and visualisation or physical exam by the surgeon was 100%, 46% and 96%, respectively. In 2 cases where there was a recurrence of symptoms after surgery, the histological exam of the operative specimen did not have evidence of insulinoma tissue. Surgery with the help of IOUS, preceded by only one pre-op diagnostic imaging technique represents the best approach for establishing the diagnosis of and treating insulinomas.     

Is routine removal of syndesmotic screw justified? A meta-analysis

BackgroundSyndesmosis injuries are common with rotational ankle injuries, and placement of a positional syndesmotic screw to maintain its reduction is used as the ligaments heal. There is no clear consensus on routine removal or retention of syndesmotic screw. This study aimed to appraise the current evidence both on removal and retention of syndesmotic screw and to conduct a meta-analysis comparing outcomes and rate of complications of syndesmotic screw removal and retention.MethodsFollowing PROSPERO registration, a systematic search using was performed using keywords (‘Syndesmosis’ OR ‘Syndesmotic’ OR ‘Transsyndesmotic’ OR ‘distal tibiofibular’) AND (‘Screw’) AND (‘Removal’ OR ‘Retention’) AND ‘Outcome’ in various databases. No language restrictions were applied and the meta-analysis incorporated the PRISMA statement. VAS (Visual analogue scale for pain), AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot And Ankle Society) scores expressed as mean ± SD, and both groups’ complication rates were compared. Comparisons with a random-effects model were performed, and heterogeneity between the studies was calculated using the I2 statistic. T-test for two independent sample means was used to compare pooled mean and Z-test for two proportions to assess the difference in the proportion of complications.ResultsA total of 7 studies with 522 patients were included in this review for analysis. Pooled analysis showed non-significant difference in AOFAS score (MD = −1.84; 95% CI: −4.33 to 0.66; p = 0.150) as well as for VAS score (MD = −0.48; 95% CI: −1.56 to 0.60; p = 0.390) between the two groups. The value of z and p-value for complication rates was 0.6021 and 0.5485, respectively, which was not significant.ConclusionThere doesn’t appear to be a difference in functional outcome, pain scores, and complication rates between patients who had their syndesmotic screws removed and those where screw was retained. The fear of inferior outcomes with retained screws is thus unfounded, and routine removal adds to morbidity and financial burden. In conclusion, present data does not support the routine removal of the intact syndesmosis screw, and a change in practice is needed to abandon routine syndesmotic screw removal.     

Is pancreaticoduodenectomy justified in elderly patients?

BackgroundAlthough mortality &; morbidity for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have improved significantly over the last two decades, the concern for elderly undergoing PD remains. This study examines the outcome of the elderly patients who had pancreaticoduodenectomy in our institution.MethodsA prospective database comprising 69 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2001 and May 2008 was analyzed. Using WHO definition, elderly patient is defined as age 65 and above in this study. Two groups of patients were compared [Group 1: Age ≤65 &; Group 2: Age >65].ResultsThe mean age of our patients was 62 ± 11 years. There were 37 (54%) patients in Group 1 and 32 (46%) patients in Group 2. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of gender and race. However, there were more patients in the Group 2 with >2 comorbidities (p = 0.03).The median duration of operation was significantly longer in Group 2 (550 min vs 471 min, p = 0.04). Morbidity rate in Group 2 was higher (56% vs 44%, p = 0.04). There was higher proportion of post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in the elderly group (37.5% vs 16.7%, p = 0.05). Majority of them are Grade A POPF according to the ISG definition.The median post-operative length-of-stay (LOS) in hospital was 9 days longer in Group 2 (p = 0.01). Mortality rate between the 2 groups of patients was comparable (0% vs 3%, p = 0.28).ConclusionElderly patients are at increased risk of morbidity in pancreatocoduodenectomy, in particular POPF. However, morbidity and mortality rates are acceptable. It is therefore justified to offer PD to elderly patients who do not have significant cardiopulmonary comorbidities.     

Is laparoscopic left pancreatic resection justified?

BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience of laparoscopic left pancreatectomy to establish the feasibility of this approach and the characteristics of the operating procedure. METHODS: Thirteen patients with a mean age of 60 years were deemed for a left pancreatectomy. Preoperative diagnoses were: nine mucinous cystadenoma and one insulinoma, intraductal mucinous ectasia, chronic pancreatitis with ductal stenosis, and distal pancreatic tumor. RESULTS: Operative mortality was nil. Two patients required conversion for bleeding from splenic vein injuries leading to a splenectomy in one case. The spleen was preserved in 10 cases. Postoperative course was uneventful in nine cases. Four patients experienced postoperative complications: one pancreatic fistula, two liquid cysts on the pancreatic margin, and one reoperation for bleeding from a trocar port. Length of stay ranged from 5 to 22 days. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results confirm that in selected cases laparoscopic resection of the left pancreas is feasible and safe.     

Is an emergency heart transplantation justified?

INTRODUCTION: Emergency heart transplantation remains an important controversy due to the shortage of donors and the previously demonstrated results inferior to other patients. These recipients display a worse clinical status and their donors are more often considered suboptimal. Nevertheless, it is the only therapeutic option for patients with advanced cardiomyopathy and acute decompensation with no response to other therapies. We compared results among the emergency indication with those of elective transplants. METHODS: We analyzed the 213 patients who underwent cardiac transplantation in our center up to December 2004 to compare emergency with elective heart transplantations for preoperative and surgical variables as well as outcomes. RESULTS: A higher percentage of emergency patients were New York Heart Association class IV, displayed renal dysfunction, and were women. Regarding donors, a higher percentage were over 40 years of age. No differences were observed in the early and first-year mortality or morbidity rates, although we noted a greater 5-year mortality rate among emergency cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our center emergency heart transplantation was associated with only slightly worse results compared with elective transplantations. Both donors and recipients should be carefully selected to improve results.     

Is total glossectomy for advanced carcinoma of the tongue justified?

Total glossectomy (with or without total laryngectomy) followed by postoperative radiotherapy remains the principal treatment method for advanced base of tongue carcinoma. The procedure remains controversial owing to poor cure rates and the inevitable functional deficits associated with it. However, even though total glossectomy is a major surgical procedure that impacts on speech, deglutition and quality of life, it may offer patients the best chance of cure in many centres, especially in the developing world. METHODS: We did a retrospective chart review of all patients at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, who had undergone total glossectomy, with or without total laryngectomy, for stage IV squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue between 1998 and 2004. RESULTS: Eight patients had a total glossectomy performed during the study period. At 2, 3 and 5 years 63%, 38% and 25% of patients respectively were alive without disease. No patient required permanent nasogastric or gastrostomy feeding, and all returned to a full oral diet. Three of 5 patients who had laryngeal preservation and could be assessed for speech had intelligible speech. All but 1 patient (88%) reported pain relief following surgical excision. Perineural invasion was present in 75%, and 38% had positive resection margins. Five patients had recurrence, 2 cervical, 1 local, and 2 local and cervical. CONCLUSION: Advanced SCC of the tongue is a devastating disease causing severe pain and disorders of speech and swallowing. Total glossectomy (with or without total laryngectomy) and postoperative radiotherapy is a reasonable treatment option, particularly in the developing world setting. It has cure rates superior to primary radiotherapy, and provides motivated patients with excellent pain relief and a reasonable quality of life.     

The preoperative skin shave in neurosurgery: is it justified?

Shaving the scalp prior to surgery is a very common practice. Out of 105 cases operated upon without skin shave at the Royal London Hospital, only one became infected (0.95%). A search into the history of aseptic surgery shows that there are no scientific grounds for the practice of shaving. An examination of contemporary practices worldwide shows that there is a greater realization that preoperative skin shaving does not confer any benefit against postoperative wound infection and that, paradoxically, it may lead to higher rates of wound infection due to the epidermal injury that it inflicts.     

Is laparoscopic approach for pancreatic insulinomas safe? Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

No consensus exists as to whether laparoscopic treatment for pancreatic insulinomas (PIs) is safe and feasible. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of laparoscopic approach (LA) for PIs. The abovementioned approach is also compared with open surgery.

Methods

A systematic literature search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Citation Index, and Ovid journals) was performed to identify relevant articles. Articles that compare the use of LA and open approach to treat PI published on or before April 30, 2013, were included in the meta-analysis. The evaluated end points were operative outcomes, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications.

Results

Seven observational clinical studies that recruited a total of 452 patients were included. The rates of conversion from LA to open surgery ranged from 0%–41.3%. The meta-analysis revealed that LA for PIs is associated with reduced length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference, −5.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], −7.11 to −4.16; P < 0.00001). No significant difference was observed between LA and open surgery in terms of operation time (weighted mean difference, 2.57; 95% CI, −10.91 to 16.05; P = 0.71), postoperative mortality, overall morbidity (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.35–1.17; P = 0.14], incidence of pancreatic fistula (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.51–1.44; P = 0.56), and recurrence of hyperglycemia (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 0.41–7.95; P = 0.43).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic treatment for PIs is a safe and feasible approach associated with reduction in length of hospital stay and comparable rates of postoperative complications in relation with open surgery.     

Is the preoperative removal of dentures reasonable in every case?

Traditionally, dentures are removed prior to anaesthesia. Modern techniques in dentistry and the widespread use of regional anaesthesia should lead to a more individual approach to this problem. From a legal standpoint, the information about advantages and disadvantages concerning the removal of dentures can be explained without problems to the patient without medical background.     

Is extended hepatectomy for hepatobiliary malignancy justified?

BACKGROUND: Extended hepatectomy may be required to provide the best chance for cure of hepatobiliary malignancies. However, the procedure may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We analyzed the outcome of 127 consecutive patients who underwent extended hepatectomy (resection of > or = 5 liver segments) for hepatobiliary malignancies. RESULTS: The patients underwent extended hepatectomy for colorectal metastases (n = 86; 67.7%), hepatocellular carcinoma (n =12; 9.4%), cholangiocarcinoma (n =14; 11.0%), and other malignant diseases (n =15; 11.5%). Thirty-two left and ninety-five right extended hepatectomies were performed. Eight patients also underwent caudate lobe resection, and 40 patients underwent a synchronous intraabdominal procedure. Twenty patients underwent radiofrequency ablation, and 31 underwent preoperative portal vein embolization. The median blood loss was 300 mL for right hepatectomy and 600 mL for left hepatectomy (P = 0.02). Thirty-six patients (28.3%) received a blood transfusion. The overall complication rate was 30.7% (n = 39), and the operative mortality rate was 0.8% (n = 1). Significant liver insufficiency (total bilirubin level > 10 mg/dL or international normalized ratio > 2) occurred in 6 patients (4.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that a synchronous intraabdominal procedure was the only factor associated with an increased risk of morbidity (hazard ratio [HR], 4.9; P = 0.02). The median survival was 41.9 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 25.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Extended hepatectomy can be performed with a near-zero operative mortality rate and is associated with long-term survival in a subset of patients with malignant hepatobiliary disease. Combining extended hepatectomy with another intraabdominal procedure increases the risk of postoperative morbidity.