Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: hemodynamic characteristics and changes

Objective: To see whether degree of pulmonary hypertension or severity of cardiac failure affect the success of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Methods: From May 1996 to June 1999, 33 patients, all in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 3 or 4 were treated with PTE. Preoperative hemodynamic values were: central venous pressure (CVP) 8±6 (1–23), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) 50±10 (30–69), cardiac output (CO) 3.3±0.9 (1.8–5.2), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 1056±344 (523–1659), and right ventricle ejection fraction (RVEF) 12±5 (5–21). To establish whether some hemodynamic or cardiac variables correlate with surgical failure (early death or functional non-success), these patients were divided into a low risk or a high risk group for each variable: CVP (<9 or ≥9), mPAP (<50 or ≥50), CO (≥3.5 or <3.5), PVR (≥1100 or <1100), and RVEF (≥10 or <10). The duration of 3–4 NYHA class period (<24 or ≥24 months) was also included in the study. Results: Three patients (9.1%) died in hospital, one (3.0%) underwent lung transplant shortly after PTE, and in five cases (15.2%) mPAP and PVR at the 3-month follow-up examination corresponded with our definition of functional nonsuccess (mPAP and PVR decreased by less than 40% of preoperative values). One of the five functional nonsuccess patients underwent lung transplant 3 months after the operation and another died 17 months after the operation from a non-related cause. Thus PTE was successful in 24 patients and unsuccessful in nine. None of the hemodynamic variables considered was found to be associated with the disparate outcomes. At the 3-month examination, all surviving patients were in NYHA class 1 or 2 except for three in NYHA class 3. At 2 years, hemodynamic values were: CVP 2±2 (0–4), mPAP 16±3 (12–21), CO 5.0±1.0 (3.4–6.5), PVR 182±51 (112–282), and RVEF 35±5 (26–40). All differences were significant with respect to baseline values (P<0.001). Preoperative mPAP and RVEF values had a strict linear correlation (R=0.45; P=0.014). Conclusions: None of the variables considered was correlated with early death or functional nonsuccess. Neither preoperative severity of pulmonary hypertension nor degree of cardiac failure influenced the outcome of the operation. PTE leads to hemodynamic recovery even in very compromised patients.     

Medium term outcome for infant repair in tetralogy of Fallot: indicators for timing of surgery

Objective: To assess the impact of early corrective surgery on the short and medium term outcome in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Materials and methods: All patients under 12 months of age undergoing correction of isolated TOF between February 1997 and July 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Outcome data for mortality, post-operative care management, major morbidity and clinical follow-up were analysed. Results: Fifty-two operations were performed. The mean age at surgery was 5 months (range 1–12) of whom 16 (30.8%) were less than 3 months old, including 2 neonates, 22 (42.3%) were 3–6 months old and 14 (26.9%) were 7–12 months old. There was 1 (1.9%) early death caused by a cerebro-vascular accident and 1 (1.9%) late death secondary to acute infective endocarditis. There were no differences in post-operative morbidities attributable to age. Patients under 3 months old required greater duration of post-operative ventilation, ITU stay and in-hospital stay. At a mean follow-up of 4.0 years (range 1.5–8.0), 33 (63.5%) patients had well-tolerated pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and 3 (5.8%) patients required re-operation for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO). All patients had right bundle-branch-block but with QRS < 150 ms. Conclusion: Early definitive repair of TOF can be performed safely on patients under 6 months old. Age at surgery does not appear to affect the medium term haemodynamic outcome. However, early surgery does escalate the need for ICU care. This data suggests repair in asymptomatic patients be delayed until 3–6 months of age.     

Therapeutic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection of colorectal pulmonary metastases

Objective: Careful patient selection is vital when video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) therapeutic pulmonary metastasectomy of colorectal carcinoma is considered. Complete resection of all metastatic disease remains a vital concept. We reviewed our VATS experience for therapeutic metastasectomy of peripheral colorectal pulmonary metastases. Methods: Over 90 months, therapeutic VATS metastasectomy was accomplished upon 80 patients with colorectal metastases. Thin cut computed tomography (CT) was central in identifying lesions. The mean interval from primary carcinoma to VATS resection was 41 months (1–156 months; median, 33). A solitary lesion was resected in 60 patients and multiple (2–7) lesions resected in 20 patients. Statistics were obtained using the Student's t-test. Results: No operative mortality or major postoperative complications occurred. The hospital stay was 4.5±2.2 days (range, 1–13). All lesions were resected by VATS, with four conversions to thoracotomy to improve the margins. The mean survival of patients with one lesion was 34.8 months compared with 26.5 months for patients with multiple lesions (P=0.37). The mean survival was 20.5 months when metastases occurred <3 years vs. 28.1 months for >3 years from primary carcinoma resection (P=0.20). Twenty-five (31%) patients are disease free; with a mean interval of 38.7 (3–84; median, 35) months. Sixty-nine percent (55/80) of patients developed a recurrence: 6/80 (8%) local; 19/80 (24%) regional (same hemithorax away from resection); and 30/80 (38%) distant. The overall survival at 1 year was 81.2%, 48.4% at 3 years and 30.8% at 5 years. Conclusions: Therapeutic VATS resection of colorectal metastases appears efficacious. Preoperative CT can identify peripheral colorectal metastases amenable to VATS. Conversion to thoracotomy is indicated when none of the lesions identified by CT are found or when clear surgical margins are jeopardized.     

Thyroid hormone metabolism in pediatric cardiac patients treated by continuous povidone–iodine irrigation for deep sternal wound infection

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of povidone–iodine mediastinal irrigation used for the treatment of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) on thyroid function. Methods: Thyroid function was studied in 18 pediatric cardiac patients treated with continuous povidone–iodine irrigation for DSWI. The median age of patients was 8 months (18 days–5.3 years). Serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) were measured at three time points: (a) prior to mediastinal reexploration (before povidone–iodine exposure); (b) immediately after discontinuation of povidone–iodine irrigation; (c) 2 weeks after discontinuation of mediastinal irrigation. Urinary iodine excretion was examined on the last day of povidone–iodine exposure. Results: Prior to the mediastinal reexploration, the median TT3 and TT4 levels were below the normal range, then increased significantly to concentrations within the normal range. The median serum FT3 levels were within the normal range throughout the observation period, though a significant increase of FT3 levels was observed after discontinuation of irrigation. The median serum FT4 concentrations were within the normal range prior to irrigation and did not change significantly. The median rT3 levels were within the normal range, close to upper normal limit. The median TBG levels were within the normal range throughout the observation period, though a significant increase of TBG levels was observed during the period of mediastinal irrigation. The median TSH level was within the normal range prior to mediastinal irrigation and did not change significantly. Urinary iodine concentrations in infants with povidone–iodine irrigation were significantly higher 6700 μg/l (range, 1600–15 000 μg/l) than in the group of 53 healthy infants 200 μg/l (range, 20–780 μg/l, P<0,001). Conclusions: Our data showed that the use of povidone–iodine irrigation in the patients with DSWI has not lead to any significant alteration in thyroid function within the study period.     

Long-term results after Heller–Dor operation for oesophageal achalasia

Objective: In the literature, reports on the definitive rate of cure of the surgical treatment of oesophageal achalasia are not numerous. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical–instrumental-based patient's outcome related to long-term follow-up. Methods: One hundred and seventy-four patients (80 men, median age 57 years, range 7–83) consecutively submitted to first instance transabdominal Heller–Dor in the period 1978–2002 were considered. Follow-up consisted of clinical interview, endoscopy, barium-swallow and oesophageal manometry if required. Twenty-six cases (15%) were sigmoid achalasias. Results: One patient died post-operatively (severe haemorrhage in a patient previously operated upon for a cardiovascular malformation and suffering for portal hypertension), 173 were followed-up (mean 109 months, range 12–288, median 93 months) of whom 68 for more than 15 years. On the whole 151 patients (87.3%) had satisfactory and 22 (12.7%) had poor long-term results. Seven out of 173 patients (4%), 6 of whom were pre-operatively classified as sigmoid achalasia, subsequently underwent oesophagectomy, 3 for epidermoid cancer, 1 for Barrett's adenocarcinoma, 2 for stasis oesophagitis and recurrent sepsis, 1 for severe dysphagia. Fifteen patients (8.7%) had an insufficient result due to reflux oesophagitis which appeared in 2 (one erosion) after 184 and 252 months. All 22 patients, whether surgically or medically retreated, achieved satisfactory control of dysphagia and reflux symptoms. Conclusions: In the long term, insufficient results strictly related to Heller–Dor failure, always due to reflux oesophagitis, were recorded in 15/173 patients (8.7%) although it is questionable whether reflux oesophagitis appearing after more than 15 years is due to the Dor incompetence or to ageing. In sigmoid achalasia, oesophagectomy rather than myotomy should be taken into consideration in the first instance. In the long-term, surgery is the best definitive treatment for oesophageal achalasia.     

Forearm fractures in children. Single bone fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nailing in 20 cases

We present our experience with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) used in the single bone fixation of both bones forearm fractures in children. From May 2002 to July 2004, 20 children (14 boys and 6 girls), median age of 10 years (range 6–15 years) were treated with ESIN for 16 closed and 4 grade I open forearm fractures. All patients were reviewed clinically at a median follow-up of 20 months (range 6–30 months). All fractures were radiologically united at a median of 6.7 weeks (6–9 weeks). The median operating time was 35 min (range 25–60 min). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1–3 days). Removal of the nails was undertaken in all 20 children at a median of 19 weeks (range 16–24 weeks) post-operatively. At follow-up, a full range of elbow and wrist movements were found in all cases. There was no clinically significant rotational deformity in any case. ESIN seems to be a safe method in the treatment of single bone fixation of both bones forearm fractures in children between 6 and 15 years of age.     

Evidence for palliative enlargement of the right ventricular outflow tract in severe tetralogy of Fallot

Objective: If the pulmonary artery (PA) tree in patients with Fallot's tetralogy (TOF) is extremely hypoplastic, a shunt procedure may be difficult and not desirable because of side-effects. Moreover, the failing catch-up growth of the pulmonary annulus is well known. In patients with a severe form of TOF, we performed palliative transannular patching of the right ventricular outflow tract. The early and long-term follow-up was evaluated. Methods: Eleven patients (93 days (10–245 days); 3.5±0.7 kg (2.5–4.3 kg)) had highly symptomatic TOF (Hb: 18±2 g/dl, SO₂: 68±11%); angiographic diameters: RPA: 4.1 mm (2.5–6.4 mm), LPA: 3.4 mm (1.6–7.0 mm), PA trunc: 4.4 mm (2.5–7.0 mm). All 11 underwent transannular enlargement of the right ventricular outflow tract without closure of the ventricular septum defect. A PA index (cross-sectional area of the pulmonary arteries to BSA) was used to compare pre- and postoperative data. For follow-up, the patients were repetitively examined clinically and echocardiographically. Results: Preoperative PA index was 87±40 mm²/m² (normal: 330±35 mm²/m²). Postpalliation angiograms (age: 10–14 months) demonstrated a significant catch-up growth in nine patients (PA index from 99±40 to 310±54 mm²/m²) and inadequate growth in two patients (PA index 63 and 115 mm²/m²). Perioperative mortality was zero. Ten patients (43 months; 6–105 months) underwent elective repair. Six patients received pulmonary homograft valves (6–15 years after repair) because of severe pulmonary valve insufficiency and severe RV dilation. Complications: One patient died 10 months postpalliation due to pneumonia, one patient received a pacemaker after repair and died (2 months post-repair) due to pacemaker failure, a 5-year-old patient died 1 month after repair due to sepsis. All eight long-term survivors (12–17years) are in excellent clinical condition. Echocardiography revealed good RV function and near normal diameters at peak systolic pressures between 25 and 50 mmHg. Only one patient developed brady-arrhythmia; a pacemaker was implanted 8 years after repair and 2 years after homograft implantation. Conclusions: In a very severe form of TOF, palliative right ventricular outflow tract construction may provide the potential for complete repair. In the presented high-risk patient group, mortality was not related to the hypoplastic pulmonary arteries. Obviously, all patients need pulmonary valve implantation in the long run.     

13例初始不可切除肝癌经转化治疗后行序贯手术切除的初步报告

目的 评估初始不可切除肝癌经转化治疗后行序贯手术切除的临床疗效和分析其临床特征。方法 回顾性收集并分析南方医科大学南方医院2020年1月至2021年12月期间收治的13例初始不可切除肝癌患者的临床数据。结果 13例患者中,12例为男性患者,1例为女性患者,年龄50.0±12.7岁（23~72岁）;Child-Pugh分级标准均为A级;CNLC Stage分级Ib期5例,Ⅱa期2例,Ⅱb期2例,Ⅲa期3例,Ⅲb期1例;ECOG ps评分均≤1分;肝硬化者有6例,无肝硬化者7例;有门脉癌栓者2例,无门脉癌栓者11例;治疗前最大肿瘤直径9.8±2.7 cm,治疗前中位AFP为848.1 ng/mL（IQR：20.0~4638.1 ng/mL）;有乙肝者12例,无乙肝者1例。转化治疗方案：TACE+免疫方案治疗的有2例、TACE+靶向+免疫方案治疗的有6例、HAIC+靶向+免疫方案3例及TACE+HAIC+靶向+免疫方案治疗的2例。中位转化时间为3.4月（IQR：2.7~5.5月）,转化治疗后术前的肿瘤最大直径为7.1±2.2 cm,转化治疗后术前的中位AFP水平17.2 ng/mL（IQR：4.0~121.6 ng/mL）,术前影像学评估（mRECIST）CR 2例,PR 5例,PD 1例,SD 5例,肿瘤学转化7例,外科学转化6例,术前PS评分均≤1分。转化后行手术切除：10例行肝部分切除,3例行半肝切除,经腹腔镜手术6例,开腹手术7例。中位手术时间295.0 min（IQR：230.5~418.0 min）,中位术中出血量300 mL（IQR：100~375 mL）,术后中位住院天数为10 d（IQR：7~13 d）,术后中位拔除引流管的时间为7 d（IQR：5.5~13 d）。术后病理结果pCR 6例,pPR有7例,MVI分级M0 10例,M1有3例,均为<5处脉管内癌栓,其中2例为1处脉管内癌栓,无一例切缘阳性病例。术后出现心衰1例,术后出现肺动脉栓塞1例,术后出现胆漏1例。术后中位随访时间11.9月（IQR：6.3~15.1月）,3位患者出现复发,随访期间无一例患者死亡。结论 转化后行序贯手术切除的临床疗效效果肯定,安全性尚可。     

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease in 15 Arab children

The study includes 15 children (8 males, 7 females) with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (APRKD) whose ages at diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 7 years (median 10 months). Eleven (73.3%) patients were hypertensive on admission and 1 developed hypertension 4 months later; 5 patients became normotensive after receiving treatment for 18–36 months (mean 23.2 months). Patients were followed for a period of 1–48 months (mean 20.9 months). Glomerular filtration rate remained normal in 7 patients, improved in 4 and deteriorated in 1. Two patients died soon after diagnosis and 1 was lost to follow-up and is assumed dead. Of the 4 patients less than 6 months old at the time of diagnosis, only 1 is alive compared with 10 of 11 presenting after 6 months of age. The cumulative chance of survival from the time of diagnosis was 85% at 3 months and 77% at 6 months. The study highlights the reversible nature of hypertension in ARPKD. Survival is better in patients older than 6 months at the time of diagnosis and those surviving 6 months follow-up.     

Phase II study of capecitabine single-agent therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Fluoropyrimidines are known to have modest activity in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Capecitabine is an orally administered prodrug that is converted to fluorouracil and is of potential use in the treatment of this disease. We conducted a Phase II clinical trial of capecitabine administered as a single agent to patients with metastatic RCC. The treatment consisted of 1250 mg/m² capecitabine orally, twice daily (2500 mg/m² per day) days 1–14, repeated every 21 days. There were 15 patients, including 13 men and 2 women, who underwent a total of 67 cycles (median 3.5; range 1–15). Nine patients had undergone prior systemic therapy consisting of interferon- in 3, interleukin-2 in 1, interferon- plus interleukin-2 in 4, and investigational therapy with bryostatin-1 in 1. There were 14 patients assessable for response (one withdrew), and no responses were seen. Median time to progression was 9 weeks (range 1–45). There were 3 patients (21%) who had stable disease for 18, 39, and 45 weeks. Hematologic toxicity was mild. Three patients had grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal toxicity, and 3 required dose reductions. There were 2 early deaths, including 1 patient with pulmonary edema and 1 with hypotension. The study was terminated because there were no responses in the first 14 assessable patients, indicating that the response rate was likely to be less than 20%. We conclude that single-agent capecitabine has minimal activity for the treatment of metastatic RCC.     

Mid-term results of cardiac autotransplantation as method to treat permanent atrial fibrillation and mitral disease

Objectives: The results of current surgical options for the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with mitral surgery are widely different, particularly in very enlarged left atria. The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term efficacy of cardiac autotransplantation for this goal, through a consistent reduction of left atrium volume and a complete isolation of the pulmonary veins. Methods: From April 2000 to September 2002, 30 patients (male/female 5/25) underwent cardiac autotransplantation for the treatment of mitral valve disease and concomitant permanent AF (>1 year). Surgical technique of bicaval heart transplantation was modified maintaining the connection of inferior vena cava in all but three cases. Twenty-eight patients had mitral valve replacement and two had mitral valve repair. Associated procedures were: aortic valve replacement (6 cases), tricuspid valve repair (2 cases), coronary re-vascularization (2 cases) and right atrium volume reduction (4 cases). Results: No hospital death occurred; 1 patient died 3 months post-operatively for pneumonia. At a mean follow-up of 21.1±7.7 months (range 6–35), 26 patients (89.7%) were in sinus rhythm and 3 (10.3%) in AF. Santa Cruz Score was 0 in 3 patients, 2 in 2 patients and 4 in the remaining 24 patients (82.7%). Mean left atrial diameter and volume decreased from 65.1±16.4 mm (range 50–130 mm) to 49.9±8.4 mm (range 37–78) (P<0.001) and from 118.3±68.4 ml (range 60–426) to 69.4±34.1 ml (range 31–226) (P=0.001), respectively, after the operation. Conclusions: Cardiac autotransplantation is a safe and effective option for the treatment of permanent AF in patients with mitral valve disease and severe dilation of left atrium.     

Outcome of nephrostomy balloon dilation for vesicourethral anastomotic strictures following radical prostatectomy： a retrospective study

To evaluate the efficacy of nephrostomy balloon dilation （NBD） for patients who developed vesicourethral anastomotic stricture （VAS） following radical prostatectomy. NBD was performed in patients who developed VAS following radical prostatectomy. Quality of life （QoL）, International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS） and maximal urinary flow rate （Qmax） were evaluated. Four hundred and sixty-three prostate cancer patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy （RRP）, and 86 underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy （LRP）. Most patients （90.3%） had T2 or T3 prostate cancer and a pathological Gleason score of ; 7. Forty-five （8.2%） and four （4.7%） patients developed VAS due to radical or LRP, respectively. Forty （89%） patients underwent NBD, including three cases of repeat dilation. The median Qmax was 4 ml s- （interquartile range （IQR）, 2.3-5.6） before dilation and improved to 16 ml s- （IQR, 15-19） and 19 ml s-1 （IQR, 18-21） at the 1- and 12-month follow-up, respectively （P〈 0.01）. Fifteen （37.5%） patients had urinary incontinence prior to dilation, whereas only three （7.5%） patients had incontinence 12 months following dilation （P 〈 0.01）. The median IPSS score improved from 19 （IQR, 17-24） before dilation to 7 （IQR, 6-8） at 12 months following dilation, and the QoL score improved from 5 （IQR, 4-6） before dilation to 2 （IQR, 2-3） at 12 months following dilation （P 〈 0.01 in both）. VAS occurs in a small but significant proportion of patients following radical prostatectomy. NBD offers an effective remedy for VAS.     

Thoracoscopic bilateral lung volume reduction for diffuse pulmonary emphysema

Objective: In a prospective study, we investigated the functional results, complications and survival of bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) lung volume reduction (LVR) in a selected group of patients with severe, nonbullous pulmonary emphysema. From January 1994 to September 1996, 42 of 143 candidates (13 female, 29 male, 42–78 years) were operated. They were short of breath on minimal exertion due to severe airflow obstruction and hyperinflation (FEV1<30% pred., TLC>130% pred., RV>200% pred.). Methods: LVR was performed bilaterally by VAT using endoscopic staplers without buttressing the staple lines. Pulmonary function test (PFT), MRC dyspnea score and 12 min walking distance were assessed preoperatively, at 3, 6 and 12 months. In addition lung function was measured at hospital discharge. Results: The patients reported a marked relief of dyspnea, which persisted at all follow-up visits (P<0.001). FEV1 increased from 0.80±0.24 (L) to 1.14±0.41 (L) postoperatively, a 43% gain (P<0.001). A relevant increase of FEV1 persisted for at least 1 year. The residual volume to total lung capacity ratio decreased from 0.64 to 0.56 at hospital discharge. The mean 12 min walking distance increased from 500±195 (m) to 770±222 (m) after 1 year (P<0.001). The mean hospital stay was 13±5.5 days (median 12.0), drainage time was 9±4.3 (median 8.0) days. There was no 30 day mortality. Three patients died between 2 and 15 months postoperatively by non surgery related reasons. One patient underwent lung transplantation 5 months after surgical lung volume reduction. Conclusions: In a selected group of patients with severe, nonbullous pulmonary emphysema, bilateral LVR by VAT results in instantaneous postoperative improvement in pulmonary function and dyspnea. These favorable effects, including an amelioriation in exercise performance, lasted for at least 1 year.     

Right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit has a favorable impact on postoperative physiology after Stage I Norwood: preliminary results

Objective: Although significant progress has been made in the perioperative management of neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), early survival has plateaued. Moreover, low but important interstage mortality remains unsolved. With a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt, the combination of significant diastolic runoff into the pulmonary circulation, a large volume load on the single ventricle and precarious coronary perfusion result in a delicate physiologic state. In order to minimize these detrimental features, a right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV to PA) conduit was used as the source of pulmonary blood flow in patients undergoing Stage I Norwood for HLHS. Methods: Prospective data collection in 15 consecutive patients who underwent Stage I Norwood with an RV to PA conduit. Results: Mean age at surgery was 2.5±2 days (range 1–8), mean weight was 2.9±0.3 kg (range 2.2–3.6) and mean gestational age was 37 weeks (range 35–40). Anatomic diagnosis was HLHS in all patients, aortic atresia was present in ten. Mean ascending aortic size was 2.9±0.9 mm (range 1.5–5). Two patients had moderate atrioventricular valve regurgitation and a genetic syndrome and/or congenital anomaly was present in five patients. Thirteen patients received a 5-mm polytetrafluoroethylene RV to PA conduit, and a 4-mm conduit was used in two. Mean circulatory arrest time was 55±6 min. Postoperatively, mean diastolic blood pressure at 1, 8 and 24 h were 47±7, 46±3 and 43±6 mmHg, respectively. Median time to extubation was 23 h (range 9–96) and was less than 24 h in ten patients. Median intensive care unit and hospital stay were 5 days (range 2–19) and 10 days (6–22), respectively. Early mortality was 1/15 (6%). At a mean follow-up of 10.8±3.4 months, 12 patients underwent stage II, and three patient have completed the Fontan. Conclusion: RV to PA conduit eliminated diastolic runoff into the pulmonary vascular bed resulting in a higher diastolic blood pressure. This physiology appears to be associated with a more stable postoperative course and improved hospital survival.     

肝细胞癌并发梗阻性黄疸的介入治疗

目的评价介入治疗对于肝细胞癌（HCC）并发梗阻性黄疸的疗效。方法对12例HCC伴发梗阻性黄疸接受介入治疗的患者，首先行PTBD，左侧人路3例，右侧2例，双侧人路7例。在PTC显示胆管形态恢复正常后，8例留置内支架（覆膜支架12枚，裸支架2枚）．另4例单纯留置胆道引流管姑息治疗。结果PTBD成功率100％，4例并发胆管内出血。10例行胆管引流术1周后，血清总胆红素下降50％以上，肝功能好转．另2例在引流2周时血清总胆红素下降50％以上。生存时间自首次PTBD时间起3～13个月．平均生存时间6．2个月，6个月生存率41．67％，1年生存率16．67％。留置内支架的病例平均生存时间为6．52个月，仅行引流术而未植入内支架的病例平均生存时间为6．05个月，二者无显著统计学差异（P〉0．05）。7例患者接受经肝动脉化疗栓塞术治疗未发生并发症。结论有效的胆道引流是治疗HCC合并梗阻性黄疸的关键。胆管引流术和胆道内支架留置术都是有效的治疗方法，能够延长生存时间，创造进一步治疗机会。     

Percutaneous Imaging–Guided Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients With Colorectal Pulmonary Metastases: 1-Year Follow-Up

Background: We assessed the safety and evidence of efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal lung metastases with follow-up to 1 year.Methods: Twenty-three patients had percutaneous RFA for 52 colorectal pulmonary metastases under fluoro-computed tomography (CT). Patients received intravenous conscious sedation and local analgesia with routine hospitalization and monitoring for 24 hours after RFA. Patients had CT scanning at 1 month and then every 3 months, with serum carcinoembryonic antigen assessment monthly and every 3 months.Results: All ablations were technically successful. Tumor diameter ranged from .3 to 4.2 cm. Pneumothorax occurred in 43% (10 of 23) of patients. Six patients required intercostal chest drain placement. Six patients had a second RFA, four for new lesions and two for re-treatment of a previously treated lesion. The median admission was 2.0 days (range, 1–9 days). The median follow-up was 428 days (range, 173–829 days); data are reported to 1 year in this article. Five patients died at 5, 6, 8, 8, and 12 months after RFA from extrapulmonary (n = 1) or widespread (n = 4) disease. One patient developed a malignant pleural effusion at 6 months after RFA. Cavitation was seen in nine treated lesions (17%); all resolved with scar tissue contraction by 12 months. Eighteen patients with CT scan follow-up at 1 year have 40 lesions classified as disappeared (n = 17), decreased (n = 5), stable/same size (n = 4), or increased (n = 14).Conclusions: Percutaneous imaging–guided RFA of multiple colorectal pulmonary metastases is a minimally invasive treatment option with modest morbidity. A significant proportion of patients show good evidence of successful local control at 1 year.     

Application of rhBMP-7 and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of long bone non-unions: A prospective randomised clinical study on 120 patients

The purpose of this prospective randomised clinical study was to compare the efficacy of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 7 (rhBMP-7) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as bone-stimulating agents in the treatment of persistent fracture non-unions.One hundred and twenty patients were randomised into two treatment groups (group rhBMP-7 vs. group PRP). Sixty patients with sixty fracture non-unions were assigned to each group (median age: 44 years, range 19–65, for the rhBMP-7 group and 41 years, range 21–62, for the PRP group, respectively). In the rhBMP-7 group, there were 15 tibial non-unions, 10 femoral, 15 humeral, 12 ulnar, and 8 radial non-unions. In the PRP group, there were 19 tibial non-unions, 8 femoral, 16 humeral, 8 ulnar, and 9 radial non-unions. The median number of operations performed prior to our intervention was 2 (range 1–5) and 2 (range 1–5) with autologous bone graft being used in 23 and 21 cases for the rhBMP-7 and PRP groups, respectively.Both clinical and radiological union occurred in 52 (86.7%) cases of the rhBMP-7 group compared to 41 (68.3%) cases of the PRP group, with a lower median clinical and radiographic healing time observed in the rhBMP-7 group (3.5 months vs. 4 months and 8 months vs. 9 months, respectively). This study supports the view that in the treatment of persistent long bone non-unions, the application of rhBMP-7 as a bone-stimulating agent is superior compared to that of PRP with regard to their clinical and radiological efficacy.     

Circulating bone morphogenetic protein levels and delayed fracture healing

Objective

Despite adequate treatment 5–30 % of bone fracture patients experience delayed union. During normal fracture union, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce healing through a sequential cascade of events. Improved fracture healing after BMP-2 or -7 supplementation in patients with impaired fracture union suggests a deficiency of one or more of these factors. We postulated that low levels of circulating BMPs may result in delayed bone healing. The aim of this study was to quantify differences in levels of circulating BMP-2, -4, -6, -7, and −9 in patients that have demonstrated normal or delayed fracture healing.

Patients and methods

Blood samples were collected from an unselected cohort of 65 patients that had been treated for a diaphyseal tibia or femur fracture. Patients were divided into a group with fracture healing within nine months after injury and a group with delayed fracture union. BMP plasma concentrations were quantified using ELISAs and compared between these two groups.

Results

Circulating plasma levels of BMP-2, -4, -6, and -7 did not differ between 34 patients with normal fracture healing and 31 patients with delayed fracture healing. Also the median BMP-9 plasma levels were not statistically different between the two groups of patients. However, the distribution in the patients with normal union showed a wider range (72–2496 pg/ml) compared with the delayed union group (120–816 pg/ml).

Conclusion

In general, circulating BMP concentrations are not statistically different between patients who demonstrated normal or delayed fracture healing. High circulating BMP-9 levels seem to be associated with faster fracture healing, but are apparently not decisive.     

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of spontaneous adult intraventricular hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) has a poor prognosis with mortality rates of between 80 and 100% when all four ventricles are involved. Fibrinolytic therapy has been reported to improve overall outcome.

METHODS Patients with severe primary IVH were treated by direct intraventricular injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) into the lateral ventricles, followed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage if the intracranial pressure rose above 20 mmHg.

RESULTS Over a 15-month period from 1995 through 1996, 10 patients were treated, (4 male and 6 female, mean age 35 years; range, 21–55 years). The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission was 6 (range, 4–8) and the mean Graeb score for severity of IVH on the first CT scan was 10 (range, 8–12). Angiography was negative in five cases but identified arteriovenous malformations in three, a post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm in one, and Moya-moya disease in one. The mean total dose requirement of rt-PA was 8.25 mg (range, 6–12 mg) with a significant reduction in the mean Graeb score after 7 days to 3.9 (range, 2–7, p < 0. 0001). Outcome at 3 months was death in one case (mortality 10%), severe disability in two (20%), moderate disability in three (30%), and good result in four (40%). Four patients (40%) required subsequent CSF shunting. No complications of rehemorrhage, infection, or catheter obstruction were encountered.

CONCLUSION Intraventricular fibrinolysis with rt-PA seems to be safe and effective for the treatment of severe IVH.     

Staged external and internal locked plating for open distal tibial fractures: A retrospective study of 16 patients

Background and purpose

Based on reported success with staged treatment of distal tibial fractures, we designed a 2-stage protocol including external/internal locked plating. We retrospectively assessed the outcome of open distal tibial fractures treated according to this protocol.

Patients and methods

From March 2006 through July 2008, 16 patients who sustained open distal tibial fractures were treated by a two-stage protocol. The first stage consisted of low-profile, locked plates for temporary external fixation after debridement and anatomic reduction, followed by soft tissue reconstruction. The second stage consisted of locked plates for definitive internal fixation, using minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis. All fractures were followed for median 2 (1–3) years.

Results

The reduction was classified as being good in 15 patients and fair in 1 patient. All fractures united at a median of 6 (6–12) months. At the latest follow-up, 7 patients had excellent and 9 had good Iowa ankle scores; ankle motion ranged from a median of 10 (5–20) degrees of dorsiflexion to 40 (20–60) degrees of plantar flexion.

Interpretation

We believe that the 2-stage external/internal locked plating technique is an effective procedure for treatment of open distal tibial fractures in patients who need a long period of external fixation. We achieved good reduction with immediate ankle-sparing stable fixation. Soft tissue reconstruction and subsequent definitive fixation led to union of all fractures with good function.