Successful video-thoracoscopic drainage for descending necrotizing mediastinitis

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rare but severe disease with a high mortality rate. We report a case of a 77-year-old woman with DNM who was treated using video-thoracoscopic drainage and a Blake drain. She was admitted to our hospital with a 3-day history of a sore throat. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a peritonsillar abscess descending into the anterior and posterior mediastinum below the carina. She was diagnosed with DNM, and emergency surgery was performed. The mediastinal abscess was drained via video-thoracoscopy, and a 24F Blake drain was inserted into the mediastinum. Following mediastinal drainage, cervical drainage was performed for treatment of the retropharyngeal abscess. The outcome of videothoracoscopic mediastinal drainage was satisfactory, and no further invasive treatment was required. We believe that video-thoracoscopic mediastinal drainage is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for DNM with subcarinal spread. Blake drains are useful for mediastinal drainage.     

Observation of healing process of operative wound in the first Polish upper limb transplant]

The goal of this paper was to present the healing process of the operative wound of the hand transplant. The recipient was a man, 32 years of age who lost his right dominant hand 14 years ago, as a result of an accident. The transplant was made at the level of the halves of a forearm. The total ischemia time was 10.5 hrs. The recipient was qualified by a tedious process of preparation, he was thoroughly informed about all of the risks involved. The wound was primarily closed with loose sutures, without a skin graft. The healing process was complicated by creation of a large hematoma, wound dispersal and candida infection. The granulation process was very slow. Only traditional dressings were applied. The secondary wound closure was performed with a skin graft, the healing was ended after 64 days. Within this period neither general infection nor rejection symptoms were observed.     

The Laryngeal Mask Airway for exchange of a nasal for an orotracheal tube in a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome

A new method of exchange of nasotracheal to orotracheal tube, using the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), in a patient with difficult airway, is described. A 36-year-old woman with Treacher Collins syndrome was scheduled for a malar apatite cutting and a chin-level osteotomy. It was necessary to exchange a nasotracheal tube for an orotracheal tube during the operation. An LMA was inserted while the nasotracheal tube was left in place; a new tube was inserted in the LMA, then a fiberoptic laryngoscope (fiberscope) was inserted through these devices. The nasotracheal tube cuff was deflated, and the fiberscope was inserted into the trachea alongside the nasotracheal tube. The nasotracheal tube was removed, and the oral tube was then advanced into the trachea.     

Congenital and acquired esophagobronchial fistula

We report a case of a patient with repeated intractable pneumonia due to congenital and acquired esophagobronchial fistula that was relieved by surgery. The patient was a 69-year-old female, who had repeatedly developed pneumonic symptoms since December 2000. It was found that she had a fistula from an esophageal diverticulum into the right bronchus and was diagnosed with congenital esophagobronchial fistula (Braimbridge classification type I). The patient was not relieved with conservative treatment and the diverticulum and fistula were subsequently excised. Considering the complications, lobectomy was not performed. In postoperative esophagraphy, a second fistula was found at a different site that was then removed during a second surgery. This fistula operation was formed a posteriori based on the conditions around the fistula. We had difficulty with the diagnosis and treatment. However, the patient had a good outcome With surgical treatment. A review of the relevant literature is also presented.     

The use of modularity in revision total hip replacement

A study was undertaken to establish the pattern of components revised in recent years during total hip revision to establish how often a modular feature of a retained component was used. All total hip revisions performed by the total joint service of the University Hospital between 1991 and 1995 were reviewed. Revisions involving a surface replacement, endoprosthesis, bipolar stem, or infection were excluded because retention of components is not an option in these cases. This left 158 cases for review. If a modular femoral or acetabular component was retained, it was determined whether a different length of modular head or different liner type was replanted, thus using a modular feature of the component. The most common pattern of component revision was to revise all components, which was done in 77 of 158 cases (48.7%). The second most common pattern was to revise a socket and leave the stem in place (53/158, 33.5%). The third most common was to revise the stem and leave the socket in place (22/158, 13.9%). The least common was to retain both the stem and socket and exchange the head and liner (6/158, 3.8%). Of the 59 cases in which the stem was retained, a modular head of a different length was used in 52 (88%). Of the 28 cases in which a socket was retained, a different liner type was used in 14 (50%). The modular aspect of the retained component was a valuable asset at the time of revision in a high percentage of cases (66/158, 41.8%).     

Bone remodeling around the tibial component of distal femoral expandable endoprosthesis

Radiographs of 33 patients who had an expandable prosthesis inserted after tumor resection in the distal femur were evaluated. We hypothesized that, when a sleeve was present, there was greater stem migration and cortical reaction. The thickness of medial and lateral cortices of the tibia was measured at 6 months and on the last follow-up radiograph. The distance from the edge of the prosthesis to the cortical edge was also compared. When a sleeve was present, there was greater stem migration (P < .001) and a greater increase in lateral cortical thickness (P < .001). There was a higher revision rate when a sleeve was used, but this was not statistically significant. There was no difference in function according to the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) between the 2 groups. This is the first study to demonstrate that the presence of a polyethylene sleeve is associated with a tendency for the tibial prosthesis to migrate laterally and cause a greater sclerotic reaction.     

Isolated extrahepatic bile duct rupture: a rare consequence of blunt abdominal trauma. Case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT: A 16-year-old girl suffered blunt abdominal trauma. Clinically, a severe motor impairment with paraesthesia of the legs was found. Posterior osteosynthesis in T10-L1 with laminectomy in T10-T12 and posterolateral arthrodesis in T11-T12 was performed because of a dorsal traumatic vertebral fracture. On hospital day 7, because of an acute abdomen, surgical laparoscopic exploration showed sterile bloody fluid without any evident hemorrhagic injury. On hospital day 11, the patient was reoperated on by the laparoscopic approach for increasing abdominal pain and fever: a peritoneal biliary fluid was aspirated. After conversion to open surgery, cholecystectomy was performed. Intraoperative cholangiography was considered as normal. On arrival at our institution 13 days after injury, the patient was operated on for a biliary peritonitis. Intraoperatively, a trans-cystic cholangiography showed a biliary leakage of the common bile duct; a T-tube was placed into the common bile duct; a subhepatic drainage was placed too. On postoperative day 30, a Ttube cholangiography showed a normal biliary tree, without any leakage, and the T-tube was subsequently removed. The patient had a complete recovery.     

A case report of a scalp dermoid cyst containing watery-clear fluid

We report a case of a 7-month-old female with a dermoid cyst on the anterior fontanelle. She was born with a vacuum extractor. Two weeks later, her scalp on the anterior fontanelle bulged. A doctor was consulted when she was 3 months old, because the tumor was enlarging. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed a cystic mass on the anterior fontanelle. She was brought to our institute. At the first medical examination, she was alert and had no neurological deficit. The tumor was suspected to be a sinus pericranii or a pseudo meningocele. She was observed as an out patient, but the tumoral size become more enlarged. When she was seven months old, we punctured the cystic tumor and the tumor collapsed. But, two weeks later, it enlarged again. The cystic fluid was watery clear and the composition differed from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The tumor was resected totally. The histological examination revealed a dermoid cyst which involved ducts of the eccrine glands and folliculi pili. The cystic fluid was thought to be secreted from the eccrine glands.     

A case of ureterovesical malacoplakia that manifested hydronephrosis

A 70-year-old woman visited a nearby physician with a chief complaint of fever and was admitted to a hospital with a diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. After discharge, pyuria persisted and examination revealed an intravesical solid tumor. The patient was referred to this department for close examination and treatment. The right kidney was hydronephrotic. The intravesical tumor that was resected was solid yellowish-white and ranged from the neck of the uterus to both ureteral orifices. In addition, a grain-sized tumoral lesion, was found in the lower part of the ureter and was also resected. There was sclerotic thickening localized to the right intramural ureter, which had a slightly edematous interior. This was considered to be the cause of the hydronephrosis and a ureteral stent was put in place. Pathological diagnosis was given as malacoplakia. With this case, placement of a ureteral stent was chosen based on the findings of a minimal ureteral lesion, a narrow area of scarring in the intramural ureter as a probable cause of hydronephrosis, and a judgement of mild obstruction. A stent is less invasive for patients, but consideration should be given to urinary infection due to long-term placement recurrence of malacoplakia due to the increased risk of infection, and trouble with periodical exchanging of catheters due to aggravated scarring. Absence of pyuria or signs of recurrence after seven months' placement suggests that use of the stent was the best method.     

Mating of a PROSTALAC spacer with an intramedullary nail for reconstruction of an infected interprosthetic femoral shaft fracture: a case report

Reconstruction for concurrent infection of an ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a challenge. We report a 2-stage reconstruction of a THA for chronic infection of both the THA and TKA with severe femoral bone loss secondary to interprosthetic fractures. The reconstruction involved using a custom-made, temporary, antibiotic-impregnated PROSTALAC spacer mated with an intramedullary nail. The acetabulum was then exposed and the necrotic cartilage was removed and curetted. The acetabulum was reamed to accept a PROSTALAC acetabular shell. The shell was cemented into the acetabulum with antibiotic cement. The custom-made spacer was then inserted distally first into the tibia. The distal end of the intramedullary nail was interlocked with a bicortical bolt to minimise nail rotation. Antibiotic-impregnated cement was moulded around the nail and spacer. The proximal end of the spacer was then reduced into the acetabular socket, and the joint was irrigated and the wound closed. A customised abduction brace was fitted, and partial weight bearing was allowed. Sufficient leg length, soft-tissue tension, and range of hip motion were restored, and a total femur and constrained liner was re-implanted 4 months later. Mating of an intramedullary nail with a PROSTALAC spacer is a viable reconstructive option.     

Aggressive recurrence of intra-extradural cervico-thoracic meningothelial meningioma

The authors analysed the case of a 53-years-old woman who presented with an C5-D1 intra-extradural mass. Following subtotal removal, the tumour was histologically classified as meningothelial meningioma and no radiotherapy was recommended. The neuroradiological workup demonstrated that the lesion was stable one year after the operation but, a few months later a tumour recurrence with huge bone destruction was detected. The tumour was totally resected and a circumferential stabilization was performed. Histology remained unchanged but radiotherapy was now recommended. One year after a new recurrence was detected and the patient died. The authors discuss the extremely malignant behaviour of a tumour classified as benign.     

An Abdominal Aortic Rupture Due to Seatbelt Blunt Injury: Report of a Case

A 66-year-old man, who was a passenger in a car involved in a low-speed head-on motor vehicle accident, was rushed to our hospital. His abdomen was tender and distended. An enhanced computed tomography scan showed a massive retroperitoneal hematoma, and its three-dimensional imaging revealed an active leak of the contrast medium from the aortic bifurcation. He went into shock, and was immediately transferred to the operating theater. Through a median laparotomy, a ruptured site measuring 5 mm in diameter was found at the aortic bifurcation and it was closed with sutures under a proximal aortic control. The other organs showed no evidence of injury. Because of the remarkable edema of the bowel, mesentery, and retroperitoneum, the abdomen was temporarily closed with a mesh sheet to prevent the occurrence of abdominal compartment syndrome. A delayed closure was then successfully performed 4 days later, and he was discharged with no residual sequelae 17 days after the initial operation.     

Undetected central core disease myopathy in an infant presenting for clubfoot surgery

A 1-year-old child was scheduled for two stage bilateral clubfoot surgery. Preoperative evaluation was normal and total intravenous anesthesia with a continuous sciatic nerve block was performed. Two months later, before the second clubfoot correction, a hip subluxation was evident suggesting a provisional diagnosis of neuromuscular disease. Anesthesia was identical, except that a femoral nerve block, necessary to permit a diagnostic muscle biopsy was performed. The perioperative course was uneventful but result of the muscular biopsy was surprising in that central core disease was diagnosed. Although congenital myopathies of all grades and severity exist, they are often mild and underestimated. Patients affected by central core disease are considered susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. Because a high prevalence of myopathic changes is reported in children undergoing clubfoot surgery, anesthesiologists must take precautions including a hightened awareness of these events and a high index of suspicion.     

The laryngeal mask airway prevents supraglottic leak during ventilation through an uncuffed cricothyroidotomy

PURPOSE: A 'cannot intubate-cannot ventilate' situation requires emergency insertion of an infraglottic surgical airway. We present a case of postoperative macroglossia requiring emergency insertion of an uncuffed percutaneous cricothyroidotomy tube. The supraglottic leak was eliminated by the insertion of a laryngeal mask airway with an occluded 15-mm connector. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 49-yr-old man underwent clipping of a left posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm and his tracheal tube was removed postoperatively. Two hours later, he became dyspneic and developed significant macroglossia. After application of topical anesthesia, direct laryngoscopy, oral fibreoptic bronchoscopy and laryngeal mask insertion were unsuccessful. The patient became progressively hypoxemic, pulseless electrical activity ensued, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. An uncuffed percutaneous cricothyroidotomy tube was inserted. Oxygenation and hemodynamics were restored. As the cricothyroidotomy tube was uncuffed, there was a large supraglottic leak with manual ventilation. A laryngeal mask airway was inserted and the cuff was inflated. The 15-mm connector was occluded by a piece of tape. Subsequently, there was no further supraglottic leak with manual ventilation. He was taken to operating room and a surgical tracheotomy was performed. CONCLUSION: In a patient with postoperative macroglossia in a 'cannot intubate-cannot ventilate' situation, effective oxygenation was restored by insertion of an uncuffed cricothyroidotomy, but ventilation was affected by a substantial supraglottic leak. A new strategy using an inflated laryngeal mask airway with an occluded connector was utilized to successfully terminate the supraglottic leak, thereby restoring effective lung ventilation.     

Treatment of pericardial cyst under thoracoscopy]

Thoracoscopic therapy was carried out on two cases of pericardial cyst. The first patient was a 24-year-old male. An abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray was pointed out at a regular checkup. Thoracoscopy was carried out under the local anesthesia and a thin-walled cyst was discovered. The cyst was punctured and serous fluid was aspirated. Then, several biopsy specimens were obtained from the cyst wall, a pathological diagnosis of the cyst was made as a pericardial cyst. One year after the thoracoscopy, no abnormal shadow is observed on chest X-ray. The second patient was a 26-year-old male. It was also discovered that he had an abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray at a regular medical checkup. Since a solid mass couldn't be completely denied, thoracoscopy was carried out in preparing for thoracotomy under the general anesthesia. The cyst observed between SVC and the azygos vein, and serous fluid was aspirated form the cyst. Following this, the cyst wall was biopsied and opened. Since no cases of malignant pericardial cysts have been reported, an operation is not usually required for these patients. We suggest that thoracoscopy is very useful tool for the final diagnosis and therapy of pericardial cyst because this method is easily carried out under local anesthesia.     

Endoscopic ureteroureterostomy for a complete obstructed ureter: a case report

We report a case in which the completely obstructed ureter was successfully treated by endourological procedure. The patient was a 66-year-old male who had been admitted for panperitonitis caused by diverticulitis perforation of the sigmoid colon. About one month later, leakage of both stool and urine and left hydronephrosis were observed. Therefore, left percutaneous nephrostomy was performed and the artificial anus was created. Radiographic examination showed about 1 cm defect on the lower one-third of the left ureter. (1st Operation) A 9.5 Fr. rigid ureteroscope was inserted into the left ureter transurethrally and a 7.5 Fr. flexible ureteroscope was inserted percutaneously. Antegrade puncture using a stiff end of a 0.038-inch guidewire into the obstructed segment was failed. Then, we bit off the obliterated tissue with a biopsy forceps transurethrally towards the light from the flexible scope, and a 12 Fr. double-J stent was indwell. (2nd Operation) Eight weeks after the first operation, a 12 Fr. ureteroresectoscope was inserted transurethrally. Full-thickness cold-knife incision of the re-established ureter was failed, however. (3rd Operation) Two weeks after the second operation, a 12.5 Fr. ureteroscope was inserted transurethrally, and a full-thickness incision in the lateral position of the re-established ureter was successfully made by KTP-laser. Then, a 12 Fr. endopyelotomy stent was placed. (Result) Six weeks after the third operation, the stent was removed and DIP revealed the improvement in hydronephrosis. The patient presented no recurrence at 2-year follow up.     

Intussusception caused by a carcinoma of the cecum during pregnancy: Report of a case and review of the literature

A case of intussusception due to a carcinoma of the cecum during pregnancy is reported. A 27-year-old pregnant female was admitted to Shimodate Municipal Hospital because of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Her abdomen was distended, and a relatively hard mass was palpable in the right hypochondrium. Following a diagnosis of intussusception by ultrasonography, a laparotomy was performed. The lesion causing the intussusception was found to be a carcinoma of the cecum, and thus a right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection was carried out. Histological examination revealed that the tumor was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma which had invaded the muscularis propria but was superficial to the subserosa. None of the lymph nodes were cancerous. The incidence of colonic cancer above the peritoneal reflection during pregnancy is very low. Only 24 cases have been previously reported; our patient is only the 25th case, as well as being the first case demonstrating Dukes' A. Due to the intussusception, ultrasonography was effective for diagnosis and the patient was able to undergo a curative operation at an earlier stage than other patients.     

Relationship between evoked motor response and sensory paresthesia in interscalene brachial plexus block

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study sought to define the relationship between a paresthesia and a motor response (MR) to electrical nerve stimulation using a peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) during interscalene block. We sought to determine if at a low amperage (< or =1.0 mA) a MR would precede a paresthesia. METHODS: Twenty-two interscalene blocks were performed using insulated needles and a PNS. A MR was obtained at 0.5 mA and then the PNS was turned off. The needle was further advanced until a paresthesia was elicited. The PNS was again turned on, the needle held immobile, and the amperage increased in 0.1 mA increments up to 0.5 mA, or an MR obtained, whichever occurred first. If no MR was obtained, the needle was withdrawn at 0.5 mA in the same direction as it entered until MR was again observed. RESULTS: A MR was obtained at 0.5 mA in all the patients. After the PNS was turned off and the needle further advanced, a paresthesia was elicited in 21 patients. When the PNS was turned on again, a MR was produced at 0 to 0.5 mA in 13 patients. In a subset of 8 patients without a second MR to stimulation up to 0.5 mA, the needle was withdrawn at that amperage. A MR was subsequently obtained during withdrawal in each patient in this subset. CONCLUSIONS: MR preceded paresthesia in every patient. The most likely explanation for this observation is that MR can be achieved at a small distance from the nerve, whereas elicitation of mechanical paresthesia requires either nerve contact or more intimate location of the needle's tip relative to the nerve. Another possible explanation is that motor fibers are located in a more superficial position and are therefore encountered first. Motor and sensory responses are separate and discrete phenomena.     

Bilateral Galeazzi fracture-dislocations: a case report of early rehabilitation

A 24-year-old man had bilateral Galeazzi fracture-dislocations due to a motorcycle accident. The right radius fracture was a simple fracture and was fixed with a limited contact dynamic compression plate. The left radius fracture was a comminuted fracture and was fixed with a long locking compression plate in the bridging plate fashion while maintaining reduction with a temporary external fixator. Postoperative computed tomography under passive rotation of both forearms showed acceptable congruency of the distal radioulnar joints, and early rehabilitation of forearm rotation was started at 2 weeks after the operation. At 13-month follow-up, bone union of both fractures was achieved, and forearm motion was almost restored to normal. Moreover, no subluxation or dislocation of either distal radioulnar joint was observed.     

Transvaginal resection of a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor

We herein report a case in which a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was resected transvaginally. The patient, a 45-year-old female, had a rectal GIST on the anterior wall of the lower rectum. The tumor was within 6?cm of the anal verge, a location which would normally require performing an ultra-low anterior resection using the Double Staple Technique, and a diverting stoma. To minimize the invasiveness of treatment and to reduce the postoperative morbidity, a transvaginal resection was performed. Under general anesthesia, the posterior vaginal mucosa was incised vertically. The tumor was then excised en bloc with the overlying rectovaginal septum and rectal mesenchymal tissue. The defect was repaired primarily, and a diverting stoma was not required. The procedure was uncomplicated, and the patient was discharged home with an intact anal sphincter function and no abdominal incisions. In female patients, transvaginal resection of low anterior rectal lesions may provide a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional ultra-low anterior resection.