Blood flow disturbance in digestive organs--a viewpoint of vascular surgery

Various blood flow disturbances in intraabdominal digestive organs were studied clinically and experimentally from a viewpoint of vascular surgery. Acute gastric mucosal lesion may occur due to ischemia and reperfusion injury of the gastric mucosa. Bleeding from stomach ulcer may be rarely caused by consumption coagulopathy along with aortic aneurysm. Heparin therapy was successful to interrupt it. Gastrectomy is not indicated for such condition but aneurysm should be repaired. Portal vein reconstruction for the radical resection of hepatic, biliary and pancreatic cancers should be carefully made, because early or late stenosis occurs frequently, and they may connect to early or late morbidities or mortalities. On the other hand, resection and replacement of the suprarenal vena cava invaded by the retroperitoneal malignant tumor may be safely carried out. For the acute mesenteric arterial occlusion, early diagnosis and arterial reconstruction are essential to save catastrophe. Positive Doppler sound on the vasa recta seems to be the most reliable parameter for assessing bowel viability. Approach from the proximal large arteries is recommended for uncontrollable intraperitoneal bleeding.     

Application of the puncture biopsy in diagnosis of malignant tumors of suprarenal glands

Possibilities of application of the fine-needle aspiration puncture biopsy (FNAPB) in diagnosis of suprarenal glands tumors were studied. Of 43 patients, to whom FNAPB was performed, in 27 the suprarenal gland tumor was diagnosed, in 11--renal tumor, in 5--the puncture biopsy material occurred noninformative. Of 27 patients with tumor of suprarenal gland in 15 it was malignant, in 11--benign adenoma and cyst of suprarenal gland were revealed. FNAPB of the suprarenal gland tumor is a safe, informative and in some situations curative method. FNAPB is recommended for diagnosis of primarily revealed tumors of suprarenal glands more than 2 cm in diameter. The procedure should be performed by specially trained physician, who determines technical conditions of its conduction by himself and possesses the method o fultrasonography. Data of cytological investigationspermits to differentiate benign and malignant tumor, to determine the tumor type, what constitutes diagnostic background for the tactic choice of surgical intervention and the disease prognosis.     

Resection of the inferior vena cava for neoplasms with or without prosthetic replacement: a 14-patient series

OBJECTIVE: To review the outcome of resection of the suprarenal or infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) and possible indications for prosthetic replacement. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Involvement of the IVC has long been considered a limiting factor for curative surgery for advanced tumors because the surgical risks are high and the long-term prognosis is poor. Prosthetic replacement of the IVC is controversial. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed a 7-year series of 14 patients who underwent en bloc resection including a circumferential segment of the IVC. The tumor was malignant in 12 patients and benign in 2. The resected segment of the IVC was located above the kidneys in eight patients and below in six. Resection was performed without extracorporeal circulation in all patients. RESULTS: In all but one patient, IVC resection was associated with multivisceral resection, including extended nephrectomy (n = 8), major hepatic resection (n = 3), digestive resection (n = 3), and infrarenal aortic replacement (n = 2). Prosthetic replacement of the IVC was performed in eight patients cases and was more common after resection of a suprarenal (6/8) than an infrarenal segment of the IVC (2/6). One patient died of multiorgan failure. Major complications occurred in 29% of patients. Symptomatic complications of prosthetic replacement occurred in one patient (acute postoperative thrombosis, successfully treated by surgical disobstruction). Graft-related infection was not observed. Marked symptoms of venous obstruction developed in three of the six patients who did not undergo venous replacement. In patients undergoing surgery for malignant disease, the estimated median survival was 37 months and the actuarial survival rate was 67% at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Multivisceral resection including a segment of IVC is justified to achieve complete extirpation in selected patients with extensive abdominal tumors. Prosthetic replacement of the IVC may be required, particularly in cases of suprarenal resection. It is a safe procedure with a low complication rate and good functional results.     

Giant suprarenal tumor

Adrenal tumors evoke considerable interest and represent various diagnostic challenges. Adrenal tumors can be stratified into adrenal medullary and adrenocortical tumors. Approximately 60% of adrenocortical tumors are hormonally active and show specific signs and symptoms. Patients with a nonfunctioning adrenal tumor usually present with abdominal discomfort due to the mass effect of the tumor. An imaging feature that differentiates benign from malignant adrenal neoplasms is the tumor size. Thus, for the differential diagnosis of adrenal lesions, measurement of the Hounsfield units on an unenhanced computed tomographic scan is of great value when differentiating malignant from benign lesions. Herein, we describe a young female patient who presented with a huge left suprarenal tumor. She underwent complete resection of the adrenal tumor. The final pathological diagnosis was an adrenocortical carcinoma. There has been no evidence of recurrence for the last 4 years.     

BIFRONTAL MENINGEAL FIBROSARCOMA IN A PATIENT WITH METASTASES TO THE LIVER,KIDNEYS AND SUPRARENAL GLANDS

Primary meningeal sarcoma is a rare malignant tumour of the central nervous system and metastases to the liver, kidney and the suprarenal gland have not been reported elsewhere. A 47 year old Chinese woman who presented with a short history of headache and vomiting was found to have metastatic meningeal fibrosarcoma in the liver 4 months after resection of primary bifrontal meningeal fibrosarcoma. The computerized tomography findings and relevant histology are presented.     

Mycotic aneurysm of the suprarenal abdominal aorta.

We report on the successful treatment of a patient with a mycotic aneurysm of the suprarenal aorta. The aorta was resected and reconstructed using an in-situ polytetrafluoroethylene graft with a side arm branch to the left renal artery. The use of polytetrafluoroethylene graft for aortic reconstruction after suprarenal mycotic aneurysm resection has not been previously reported. The etiology, bacteriology, diagnosis, and principles of management of mycotic aneurysms of the suprarenal aorta are discussed.     

Antenatal detection and management of suprarenal masses

The indications for, and timing of, surgical intervention for suprarenal masses detected prenatally are unclear. Also, the definitive diagnosis of suprarenal masses using imaging studies is difficult at best. We report 2 cases of antenatally detected suprarenal masses. One case represents an initial cystic mass expanding and becoming solid that had benign pathologic features. The second case was a stable solid mass that, on exploration, was malignant. Management options are discussed.     

Total replacement of the suprarenal inferior vena cava with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft in 2 patients with tumor thrombi from renal cell carcinoma

Total replacement of the suprarenal inferior vena cava using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft was successful in 2 renal cell carcinoma patients with extended tumor thrombi densely adherent to the vena caval wall. Right radical nephrectomy in 1 patient and enucleation of the tumor in the solitary right kidney were performed concomitantly. Both patients are well without tumor recurrence and with good vena caval patency 14 and 6 months postoperatively. This procedure could be a safer mode of operation in cases of extended vena caval involvement by malignant tumors. Total reconstruction of the inferior vena cava enables more radical resection of the tumor.     

Papillomatosis Confined to the Distal Biliary Tract — A Rare Cause of Obstructive Jaundice: Report of a Case

Based on the findings of a patient with recurrent obstructive jaundice due to papillomatosis of the distal bile duct, we herein describe the diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic options in this very rare disease. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and, in particular, cholangioscopy are the imaging procedures of choice if biliary papillomatosis is suspected. Due to the tendency of such patients to demonstrate malignant transformation and develop biliary cirrhosis with septic complications, an early and radical surgical resection is recommended in rare cases of localized papillomatosis. This approach may offer the only chance of a cure although the potential risk of multifocal recurrence cannot be ruled out. When considering a radical resection, intraoperative cholangioscopy is strongly recommended to confirm any localized papillomatosis and rule out any diffuse papillomatosis of the entire biliary tract.     

Intra-abdominal pulmonary secuestration as an exceptional cause of abdominal mass in the adult

INTRODUCTIONPulmonary sequestration (PS) is an extremely rare malformation defined as a portion of lung tissue isolated from the pulmonary system. PSs are classified into intralobar type and intra-abdominal PS that represents only 2.5% of cases. There are 20 cases of PS reported in adults and only two were managed by laparoscopic approach. We report a case of intra-abdominal PS mimicking a gastroesophageal duplication cyst in an adult. Besides its rarity, this is the first intra-abdominal PS in an adult managed by an anterior laparoscopic approach.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 60-year-old female patient had had epigastric and left upper quadrant pain for several days. Physical examination was normal. Image test were consistent with a gastroesophageal duplication. The patient was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic exploration and resection. The pathological diagnosis was extralobar pulmonary sequestration.DISCUSSIONLess than 20 cases of PS have been reported in adults and only two cases were managed by a lateral laparoscopic approach. In contrast to these reports, we used an anterior approach due to the GEJ suspected origin of the mass.CONCLUSIONExtralobar intra-abdominal PS is an extremely rare condition during adulthood but this diagnosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of a left-sided suprarenal mass. Due to the difficulty in achieving a definitive preoperative diagnosis, surgery is recommended. Laparoscopic resection is safe and effective but careful preoperative imaging studies are recommended in order to plan the most suitable approach.     

Transurethral resection of bladder neoplasms]

The technique of removal of bladder tumours is discussed on the basis of experience with transurethral resection performed on 200 patients suffering from bladder tumour (113 benign and 87 malignant tumours). The indications for the intervention are as follows. With benign tumours, resection has to be given preference over exposure. When malignant tumours are operable and situated on the mobile part of the bladder, radical surgery is recommended. When the tumour is in some other position, transurethral resection is the procedure of choice.     

Indications for the Greenfield filter at the distal side of renal veins. 15 cases

Analysis of results of short- and medium-term use of 15 Greenfield's filters (GF) introduced distal to renal veins confirmed the good nephrologic tolerance and efficacy of partial interruption of suprarenal inferior vena cava. The surgical technic necessarily involves use of internal jugular vein (with the exclusion of femoral vein) and it is recommended to insert the GF in the retro-hepatic vena cava at a distance from renal veins. Review of 53 cases reported in the world literature indicates cases suitable for this procedure as being patients with severe thromboembolic accidents unable to be treated by direct surgery, fibrinolysis or by effective anticoagulation. Indications for use of a suprarenal GF include suprarenal extension of a caval thrombus or lack of efficacy of an anterior caval block proximal to renal veins. In these cases, that are rare and should remain so, the suprarenal Greenfield filter is the most satisfactory solution at the present time for ensuring the very poor vital prognosis of this very particular group of patients.     

Suprarenal vena caval occlusion. Principles of operative management.

Retrohepatic occlusion of the inferior vena cava caused by tumor complicates complete resection and not infrequently is associated with life-threatening symptoms that accelerate the lethality of the underlying malignant process. This report summarizes our experience with caval thrombectomy and reconstruction that allowed complete removal of all gross tumor in seven patients with malignant occlusion of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava. Included in this group are five patients with renal cell carcinoma and extension of tumor into the retrohepatic vena cava. Three of these patients had extension of tumor thrombus into the right atrium. A sixth patient had recurrent right adrenal cortical carcinoma with tumor invasion of the vena cava and occlusion to the right atrium. Associated hepatic vein occlusion and secondary Budd-Chiari syndrome also was successfully managed in this patient. The final patient with occlusion of the entire suprarenal vena cava required caval reconstruction after resection of a primary leiomyosarcoma of the retrohepatic portion of the vena cava. Careful planning of the operative procedure, adequate exposure, complete mobilization of the retrohepatic vena cava, and control of the hepatic venous effluent will allow patients with retrohepatic vena caval occlusions to be managed with safety and success.     

Atrophic upper pole of a duplex collecting system masquerading as suprarenal mass: a case study and literature review

The growing use of maternal fetal ultrasound is leading to the discovery of an increasing number of suprarenal masses. Our experience with a cystic suprarenal mass detected on antenatal ultrasound is described. Location and radiographic features could not rule out the possibility of a cystic neuroblastoma; therefore, surgical resection of the mass was performed. Despite the absence of common radiologic characteristics, the pathology of the specimen revealed a non-functioning upper pole of a duplex kidney with complete duplication of the collecting system. Neonatal evaluation and management and the differential diagnosis are discussed.     

Clostridial mycotic aneurysm of the suprarenal abdominal aorta

Clostridial mycotic aneurysms are unusual. We therefore record a fatal case of a ruptured clostridial mycotic aneurysm of the suprarenal aorta which developed several weeks after the resection of a segment of gangrenous small bowel.     

Resection of Suprarenal Aortic Aneurysm With Autotransplantation of the Kidney

This is a report of a patient with renovascular hypertension associated with a suprarenal aortic aneurysm that was treated by nephrectomy, resection of the aneurysm and autotransplantation of the kidney. The autografted kidney was preserved on the Mox-100 perfusion-preservation apparatus for over four hours, during which time the aneurysm was resected and replaced with a Dacron bifurcated graft. The authors believe this is the safest method for the management of aneurysms of the suprarenal aorta, especially when associated with renovascular disease, and it deserves wider application in treating major renovascular disease.     

Use of 5-ALA fluorescence guided endoscopic biopsy of a deep-seated primary malignant brain tumor

The introduction of fluorescence-guided resection of primary malignant brain tumors was a milestone in neurosurgery. Deep-seated malignant brain tumors are often not approachable for microsurgical resection. For diagnosis and therapy, new strategies are recommended. The combination of endoscopy and 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX (5-ALA-induced Pp IX) fluorescence-guided procedures supported by neuronavigation seems an interesting option. Here the authors report on a combined approach for 5-ALA fluorescence-guided biopsy in which they use an endoscopy system based on an Xe lamp (excitation approximately λ = 407 nm; dichroic filter system λ = 380-430 nm) to treat a malignant tumor of the thalamus and perform a ventriculostomy and septostomy. The excitation filter and emission filter are adapted to ensure that the remaining visible blue remission is sufficient to superimpose on or suppress the excited red fluorescence of the endogenous fluorochromes. The authors report that the lesion was easily detectable in the fluorescence mode and that biopsy led to histological diagnosis.     

Laparoscopic resection for malignant lymphoma of the ileum causing ileocecal intussusception

A 22-year-old man was admitted with right lower abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed a ball-like tumor at the ileum. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography showed ileocecal intussusception. Microscopic examination of the biopsy specimen showed malignant lymphoma. Laparoscopic ileocecal resection was performed. Histologic diagnosis of the resected tumor was diffuse large B cell-type malignant lymphoma. Intussusception due to malignant lymphoma is relatively rare in adults. If contraindications of laparoscopy are not present, laparoscopic resection can be performed safely and should be considered for diagnosis and treatment for intussusception in ileocecal lesions in adults.     

Surgical treatment of patients with stenosis of the central airway due to tracheal tumours

This study retrospectively evaluated bronchoscopic and surgical treatments for patients with central airway stenosis due to tracheal tumours. Seven patients treated by resection and reconstruction of the trachea for tracheal tumours between 1994 and 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The most common histological finding was thyroid carcinoma (n = 3), followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 2), a metastatic thyroid tumour (n = 1), and a benign granular cell tumour (n = 1). Three of the patients required preoperative laser treatment (Nd:YAG) for recanalization. Five patients underwent end-to-end anastomosis for reconstruction. There was no postoperative mortality or morbidity such as anastomotic insufficiency of the reconstructed trachea. Three patients with a microscopic residual tumour required postoperative external radiotherapy. Surgical resection of malignant tracheal tumours is recommended not only for curative purposes, but also for reduction of the risk of smothering.     

Phyllodes tumor of breast

Phyllodes tumors account for 0.3%-0.5% of all the breast tumors. They are usually benign but malignant variants exist and have the potential to metastasize. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment as there is no proven benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Wider excision with 1 cm clear margins is recommended in cases where the resection margins are involved. Simple mastectomy is recommended even for large benign tumors as there is increased likelihood of recurrence. We are presenting a case of 42 years old female with benign phyllodes tumor and a brief review of literature on the subject.