Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Surgery for Advanced Transverse Colon Cancer

Background

The role of laparoscopic surgery for advanced transverse colon cancer (TCC) remains controversial, especially in terms of long-term oncologic outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 157 consecutive patients who underwent curable resections for advanced TCC between January 2002 and June 2011 (laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC), n?=?74; open colectomy (OC), n?=?83). Short-term outcomes and oncologic long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Compared to the OC group, patients in the LAC group had less blood loss (LAC vs. OC, 79.6?±?70.3 vs. 158.4?±?89.3 ml, p?<?0.001), faster return of bowel function (2.6?±?0.7 vs. 3.8?±?0.8 days, p?<?0.001), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (10.3?±?3.7 vs. 12.6?±?6.0 days, p?=?0.007). Conversions were required in four (5.4 %) patients. Rates of short-term complication, mortality, and long-term complication were comparable between the two groups. The median follow-up time was 54 (26–106) months in the LAC group and 58 (29–113) months in the OC group (p?=?0.407). There were no statistical differences in the rates of 5-year overall survival (73.6 vs. 71.1 %, p?=?0.397) and 5-year disease-free survival (70.5 vs. 66.7 %, p?=?0.501) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery for advanced TCC yield short-term benefits while achieving equivalent long-term oncologic outcomes.     

Comparison of Gastrojejunal Anastomosis Techniques in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Gastrojejunal Stricture Rate and Effect on Subsequent Weight Loss

Background

Different gastrojejunal anastomotic (GJA) techniques have been described in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). There is conflicting data on whether one technique is superior to the other. We aimed to compare hand-sewn (HSA), circular-stapled (CSA) and linear-stapled (LSA) anastomotic techniques in terms of stricture rates and their impact on subsequent weight loss.

Methods

A prospectively collected database was used to identify patients undergoing LRYGB surgery between March 2005 and May 2012. Anastomotic technique (HSA, CSA, LSA) was performed according to individual surgeon preference. The database recorded patient demographics, relevant comorbidities and the type of GJA performed. Serial weight measurements and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) were available at defined follow-up intervals.

Results

Included in the data were 426 patients, divided between HSA (n?=?174, 40.8 %), CSA (n?=?110, 25.8 %) and LSA (n?=?142, 33.3 %). There was no significant difference in the stricture rates (HSA n?=?17, 9.72 %; CSA n?=?9, 8.18 %; LSA n?=?8, 5.63 %; p?=?0.4006). Weight loss was similar between the three techniques (HSA, CSA and LSA) at 3 months (40.6 %?±?16.2 % vs 35.92 %?±?21.42 % vs 48.21 %?±?14.79 %; p?=?0.0821), 6 months (61.48 %?±?23.94 % vs 58.16 %?±?27.31 % vs 60.18 %?±?22.26 %; p?=?0.2296), 12 months (72.94 %?±?19.93 % vs 69.72?±?21.42 % vs 66.05 %?±?17.75 %; p?=?0.0617) and 24 months (73.29 %?±?22.31 % vs 68.75 %?±?24.71 % vs 69.40 %?±?23.10 %; p?=?0.7242), respectively. The stricture group lost significantly greater weight (%EWL) within the first 3 months compared to the non-stricture group (45.39 %?±?16.82 % vs 39.22 %?±?21.93 %; p?=?0.0340); however, this difference had resolved at 6 months (61.29 %?±?18.50 % vs 59.79 %?±?23.03 %; p?=?0.8802) and 12 months (71.59 %?±?18.67 % vs 68.69 %?±?22.19 %; p?=?0.5970).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the rate of strictures between the three techniques, although the linear technique appears to have the lowest requirement for post-operative dilatation. The re-intervention rate will, in part, be dictated by the threshold for endoscopy, which will vary between units. Weight loss was similar between the three anastomotic techniques. Surgeons should use techniques that they are most familiar with, as stricture and weight loss rates are not significantly different.     

Evaluating the porcine dermis graft InteXen® in three-compartment transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim was to assess the efficacy of three-compartment pelvic organ prolapse (POP) vaginal repair using the InteXen® biocompatible porcine dermal graft as compared to traditional colporrhaphy with sacrospinous ligament suspension.

Methods

Preoperative, operative, postoperative and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Objective recurrence was defined as POP quantification ≥ stage II and subjective recurrence as a symptomatic bulge.

Results

Each group consisted of 63 patients. Surgery time was longer using InteXen® (72?±?24.5 vs 55?±?23.5 min, p?=?0.0002). Length of hospital stay (4.6?±?1.6 vs 4.9?±?2.1 days, p?=?0.34) as well as duration of follow-up (37.1 vs 35.7 months, p?=?0.45) were equivalent between the two groups. No case of mesh erosion or infection was noted. The objective (17% vs 8%, p?=?0.12) and subjective recurrence rates (13% vs 5%, p?=?0.12) between the two groups were not statistically different.

Conclusions

InteXen® was well tolerated but had similar efficacy to traditional colporrhaphy and sacrospinous ligament suspension.     

Antioxidant Treatment Attenuates Intestinal Mucosal Damage and Gut Barrier Dysfunction After Major Hepatectomy. Study in a Porcine Model

Background

This study aims to evaluate whether injury of gut mucosa in a porcine model of post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction can be prevented using antioxidant treatment with desferrioxamine.

Methods

Post-hepatectomy liver failure was induced in pigs combining major (70%) liver resection and ischemia/reperfusion injury. An ischemic period of 150 minutes, was followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Animals were randomly divided into a control group (n?=?6) and a desferrioxamine group (DFX, n?=?6). DFX animals were treated with continuous IV infusion of desferrioxamine 100 mg/kg. Intestinal mucosal injury (IMI), bacterial and endotoxin translocation (BT) were evaluated in all animals. Intestinal mucosa was also evaluated for oxidative markers.

Results

DFX animals had significantly lower IMI score (3.3?±?1.2 vs. 1.8?±?0.9, p?<?0.05), decreased BT in the portal circulation at 0 and 12 h of reperfusion (p?=?0.007 and p?=?0.008, respectively), decreased portal endotoxin levels at 6 (p?=?0.006) and 24 h (p?=?0.004), decreased systemic endotoxin levels (p?=?0.01) at 24 h compared to controls. Also, 24 h post-reperfusion mucosal malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls were decreased in DFX animals compared to controls (4.1?±?1.2 vs. 2.5?±?1.2, p?=?0.05 and 0.5?±?0.1 vs. 0.4?±?0.1, p?=?0.04 respectively).

Conclusion

Desferrioxamine seems to attenuate mucosal injury from post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction possibly through blockage of iron-catalyzed oxidative reactions.     

The Effect of Weight Loss on the Cardiac Structure and Function After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery in Morbidly Obese Individuals

Background

Herein, we investigate the anthropometric, biochemical and left ventricle (LV) geometry changes following the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) operation in morbidly obese individuals.

Methods

Eighty-three morbidly obese participants (mean age, 46.1?±?11.5 years; 30.1 % men), scheduled for elective LAGB were examined before and 12 months after the surgery. LV geometry and diastolic function were investigated by 2-dimensional echocardiography, whereas laboratory tests assessed the glycaemic, serum lipid and inflammatory marker profiles.

Results

Twelve months after the operation, body mass index (BMI) decreased from 46.9?±?7.2 kg/m² to 40.1?±?8.2 kg/m² (p?p?p?2.7 vs. 52.0?±?12.3 g/m^2.7, p?p?=?0.0001) and BMI (ß?=?0.26, p?=?0.015) were both associated with diminished LV mass. Additionally, a statistically significant correlation between LV mass and changes in BMI (R?=?0.29, p?=?0.007), waist circumference (R?=?0.32, p?=?0.004), LV end-diastolic diameter (R?=?0.63, p?=?0.0001) and E-wave deceleration time (R?=??0.24, p?=?0.03) were observed within our study population.

Conclusions

LV mass decreases 12 months after LAGB surgery, but no improvements in LV geometry and function occur. The regression of LV mass is better predicted by weight loss than by reduction in blood pressure or changes in metabolic parameters.     

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients Older than 60 Years

Background

Morbidity and mortality following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) occur at acceptable rates, but its safety and efficacy in the elderly are unknown.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients aged >60 years who underwent LSG from 2008 to 2012. These patients were 1:2 matched, by gender and body mass index (BMI) to young patients, 18?<?age?<?50. Data analyzed included demographics, preoperative and postoperative BMI, postoperative complications, and improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities.

Results

Fifty-two morbid obese patients older than 60 years underwent LSG (mean age, 62.9?±?0.3 years). These were matched to 104 young patients, age 18–50 years (mean age, 35.7?±?0.8 years). Groups did not differ in male gender (44 vs. 43 %, p?=?0.9), preoperative BMI (42.6?±?0.7 vs. 42.6?±?0.6, p?=?0.97), and length of follow-up (17?±?2 vs. 22?±?1.4 months, p?=?0.06). Obesity-related comorbidities were significantly higher in the older group (96 vs. 65 %, p?<?0.001). Excess weight loss (EWL) was higher in the younger group (75?±?2.4 vs. 62?±?3 %, p?=?0.001). Older patients had a significantly higher rate of a concurrent hiatal hernia repair (23 vs. 1.9 %, p?<?0.001). Overall postoperative minor complication rate was higher in the older group (25 vs. 4.8 %, p?<?0.001). This included atrial fibrillation (9.5 %), urinary tract infection (7 %), trocar site hernia (4 %), dysphagia, surgical site infection, bleeding, bowel obstruction, colitis, and nutritional deficiency (2 %, each). No perioperative mortality occurred. Comorbidity resolution or improvement was comparable between groups (88 vs. 80 %, p?=?0.13).

Conclusions

LSG is safe and very efficient in patients aged >60, despite higher rates of perioperative comorbidities.     

Serum cystatin C predicts acute kidney injury in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome

Background

We aimed to compare serum cystatin C levels (sCysC) in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) with a control group and to investigate whether it could be used as a predictor for acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

sCysC was measured in 62 neonates with RDS (n?=?28) and control neonates without RDS (n?=?34), whose gestational ages (GA) were between 27 and 29 weeks (subgroup 1) and 30–32 weeks (subgroup 2). AKI was defined as oliguria and/or increase of serum creatinine. Blood samples were obtained on postnatal days (PND) 3 and 30. sCysC levels were determined by particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay.

Results

There were six neonates with AKI (RDS-AKI subgroup) and 22 neonates without AKI (RDS-no AKI subgroup) during the first 7 days. Although sCysC levels were lower in neonates with RDS than controls on PND3 in both GA subgroups, the differences were not significant. However, in neonates with RDS and AKI, sCysC levels were significantly higher than neonates with RDS but no AKI and neonates in the control group on PND3. sCysC level was found to have a statistically significant association with AKI development in preterm neonates with RDS.

Conclusions

sCysC is an independent predictor of AKI in preterm neonates with RDS.     

Clinical Features and Outcome of Postoperative Peritonitis Following Bariatric Surgery

Background

We assessed the clinical features and outcome of morbidly obese patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for management of postoperative peritonitis (POP) following bariatric surgery (BS).

Methods

In a prospective, observational, surgical ICU cohort, we compared the clinical features, empiric antibiotic therapy, and prognosis of BS patients with those developing POP after conventional surgery (cPOP).

Results

Overall, 49 BS patients were compared to 134 cPOP patients. BS patients were younger (45?±?10 versus 63?±?16 years; p?<?0.0001), had lower rates of fatal underlying disease (39 vs 64 %; p?=?0.002), and the same SOFA score at the time of reoperation (8?±?4 vs 8?±?3; p?=?0.8) as the cPOP patients. BS patients had higher proportions of Gram-positive cocci (48 vs 35 %; p?=?0.007) and lower proportions of Gram-negative bacilli (33 vs 44 %; p?=?0.03), anaerobes (4 vs 10 %; p?=?0.04), and multidrug-resistant strains (20 vs 40 %; p?=?0.01). Despite higher rates of adequate empiric antibiotic therapy (82 vs 64 %; p?=?0.024) and high de-escalation rates (67 % in BS cases and 51 % in cPOP cases; p?=?0.06), BS patients had similar reoperation rates (53 vs 44 %; p?=?0.278) and similar mortality rates (24 vs 32 %; p?=?0.32) to cPOP patients. In multivariate analysis, none of the risk factors for death were related to BS.

Conclusions

The severity of POP in BS patients resulted in high mortality rates, similar to the results observed in cPOP. Usual empiric antibiotic therapy protocols should be applied to target multidrug-resistant microorganisms, but de-escalation can be performed in most cases.     

A pilot study of urinary fibroblast growth factor-2 and epithelial growth factor as potential biomarkers of acute kidney injury in critically ill children

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the morbidity of critically ill children. Thus, it is necessary to identify better renal biomarkers to follow the outcome of these patients. This prospective case–control study explored the clinical value of a urinary biomarker profile comprised of neutrophil gelatinase lipocalin (uNGAL), fibroblast growth factor-2 (uFGF-2), and epidermal growth factor (uEGF) to follow these patients.

Methods

Urine samples were collected from 21 healthy children, and 39 critically ill children (mean age 7.5 years?±?6.97 SD) admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit with sepsis or requiring extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). uNGAL, uFGF-2, and uEGF levels were measured using ELISA kits during the first 24 h of admission to PICU, at peak of illness, and upon resolution of the critical illness.

Results

On admission, the uNGAL and uFGF-2 levels were increased, and the uEGF levels were decreased, in critically ill children with AKI (n?=?19) compared to those without AKI (n?=?20), and healthy controls. A biomarker score using the combined cut-off values of uNGAL, uFGF-2, and uEGF (AUC?=?0.90) showed the highest specificity to identify children with AKI, relative to each biomarker alone. uNGAL and uFGF-2 on admission showed high sensitivity and specificity to predict mortality (AUC?=?0.82).

Conclusions

The biomarker profile comprised of uNGAL, uFGF-2, and uEGF increased the specificity to detect AKI in critically ill children, when compared to each biomarker used alone. uNGAL and uFGF-2 may also predict the risk of death. Further validation of these findings in a large sample size is warranted.     

Diagnosis of Diabetes Remission After Bariatic Surgery May be Jeopardized by Remission Criteria and Previous Hypoglycemic Treatment

Background

Controversy exists regarding type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission rates after bariatric surgery (BS) due to heterogeneity in its definition and patients' baseline features. We evaluate T2D remission using recent criteria, according to preoperative characteristics and insulin therapy (IT).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study from a cohort of 657 BS from a single center (2006–2011), of which 141 (57.4 % women) had T2D. We evaluated anthropometric and glucose metabolism parameters before surgery and at 1-year follow-up. T2D remission was defined according to 2009 consensus criteria: HbA1c <6 %, fasting glucose (FG) <100 mg/dL, and absence of pharmacologic treatment. We analyzed diabetes remission according to previous treatment.

Results

Preoperative characteristic were (mean?±?SD): age 53.9?±?9.8 years, BMI 43.7?±?5.6 kg/m², T2D duration 7.4?±?7.6 years, FG 160.0?±?54.6 mg/dL, HbA1c 7.6?±?1.6 %. Fifty-six (39.7 %) individuals had IT. At 1-year follow-up, 74 patients (52.5 %) had diabetes remission. Percentage weight loss (%WL) and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) were associated to remission (35.5?±?8.1 vs. 30.2?±?9.5 %, p?=?0.001; 73.6?±?18.4 vs. 66.3?±?22.8 %, p?=?0.037, respectively). Duration of diabetes, age, and female sex were associated to nonremission: 10.3?±?9.4 vs. 4.7?±?3.8 years, p?<?0.001; 55.1?±?9.3 vs. 51.2?±?9.9 years, p?=?0.017; 58.9 vs. 33.3 %, p?=?0.004, respectively. Prior treatment revealed differences in remission rates: 67.1 % in case of oral therapy (OT) vs. 30.4 % in IT, p?<?0.001. OR for T2D remission in patients with previous IT, compared to those with only OT, were 0.157–0.327 (p?<?0.05), adjusting by different models.

Conclusions

Consensus criteria reveal lower T2D remission rates after BS than previously reported. Prior insulin use is a main setback for remission.     

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Using 42-French Versus 32-French Bougie: The First-Year Outcome

Background

The optimal size of bougie in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the first-year outcome of LSG using two different sizes of bougies.

Methods

This study used a single institute retrospective case-control study of two groups of patients. Group A (N?=?66) underwent LSG using 42-Fr and group B (N?=?54) using 32-Fr bougies. A medication score was applied to assess the change in comorbid conditions.

Results

Groups A and B's age (39.5?±?12 vs. 43.6?±?12.3 years), weight (119?±?17 vs. 120?±?20), and BMI (42.8?±?3.8 vs. 43.6?±?6.9 kg/m²), respectively, were comparable (p?=?NS). Comorbid conditions were type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in 19 (29 %) vs. 23 (43 %) patients, hypertension in 22 (33 %) vs. 18 (33 %) patients, and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in 28 (42 %) vs. 10 (19 %) patients, respectively. At 1 year, group A vs. B BMI was (29.4?±?5 vs. 30?±?5 kg/m²) and excess weight loss was 67 vs. 65 %, respectively (p?=?NS). Postoperatively, T2DM (79 vs. 83 %), hypertension (82 vs. 61 %), and GERD (82 vs. 60 %) (p?=?NS), respectively, in groups A vs. B did not require previous medications anymore. Complications were comparable.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that using a 42-Fr or 32-Fr bougie does not influence LSG first-year weight loss or resolution of comorbid conditions. Long-term data is needed to conclude this issue.     

Relationship Between Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Postoperative Pneumonia with Esophageal Cancer

Background

We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between cytokine gene polymorphisms and development of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy.

Methods

In 120 patients who underwent esophagectomy, serum samples were obtained to measure levels of serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 at four time points (preoperatively, postoperative day (POD)0, POD1, and POD3). DNA extracted from peripheral blood in all patients was analyzed to determine polymorphisms of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α -1031 T/C, IL-1β -511C/T, IL-6 -634C/G, and IL-10 -819 T/C.

Results

Postoperative pneumonia arose in 34 patients (28.3 %). Perioperative serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher for IL-10 -819 C/T?+?C/C genotypes than for T/T genotypes (POD0 16.7?±?2.84 vs. 8.54?±?0.87 pg/ml, p?=?0.0002; POD1 14.0?±?2.64 vs. 8.8?±?0.87 pg/ml, p?=?0.0143; POD3 8.9?±?2.67 vs. 4.4?±?0.52 pg/ml, p?=?0.0076). The frequency of the IL-10 -819 T/T genotype was significantly higher in patients with postoperative pneumonia than in patients without pneumonia (p?=?0.0323). Multivariate analysis of factors such as sex, smoking, length of operation, field of lymph node dissection, and IL-10 polymorphism identified IL-10 polymorphism as independent predictor of postoperative pneumonia.

Conclusions

Patients with IL-10 -819 T/T genotype may be at high risk for postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy.     

Infection surveillance in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery - comparison of lipopolysaccharide-binding-protein, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and body temperature

Background

One of the major concerns in transsphenoidal surgery are infections because the approach to the pituitary includes a route of microbial colonization. To minimize the associated morbidity and mortality, a surveillance program is crucial to monitor for perioperative infections.

Methods

For 1 year, we analysed body temperature (BT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and lipopolysaccharide-binding-protein (LBP) following elective transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Samples were collected on admission, day 1, 3 and 7 as well as 3 months postoperatively.

Results

In 116 patients, all data were available. No postoperative infections occurred within the first postoperative week. BT (37.6?±?0.6, baseline 37.0?±?0.5 °C), WBC (11,366?±?2,541, baseline 6,861?±?2,123/μl), CRP (25.3?±?22.6, baseline 3.1?±?6 mg/l), IL-6 (12?±?13, baseline 2.7?±?2.6 pg/ml), and LBP (11.3?±?4.9, baseline 5.7?±?2.7 μg/ml) peaked on day 1 postoperatively (each p?=?0.001), while ESR peaked on day 3 (25?±?16, baseline 13?±?11 mm/h, p?=?0.001). BT and IL-6 normalized by day 3 and CRP by day 7, while ESR (23?±?16 mm/h, p?=?0.001), WBC (7,807?±?2,750/μl, p?=?0.001) and LBP (7.3?±?2.6 μg/ml, p?=?0.028) were still increased by day 7.

Conclusion

The present study establishes normative values for an infection surveillance following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. CRP, a convenient and reasonable priced parameter, is affected by the procedure for the first postoperative week. IL-6 is more robust and allows a close monitoring on the expense of additional pricing. ESR, WBC and LBP are sustained affected by surgery, and do not offer any advantage. Since no infections were observed, we were unable to calculate the respective sensitivity and specificity.     

Acute and Chronic Effects of Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Surgery on Plasma Visfatin and Apelin Levels in Patients with Severe Obesity

Background

Visfatin is an adipokine linked to obesity and inflammation, and it has insulin-mimetic properties. Apelin is an adipokine with positive cardiac inotropic effects, and it may be related to inflammatory molecules. Variations in plasma visfatin and apelin levels following bariatric surgery remain controversial.

Methods

In this study, patients who underwent a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) were compared to a severely obese group (control group). Anthropometric measures and blood samples were taken before surgery, on days 1 and 5, as well as at 6 and 12 months after surgery in the BDP-DS group. For the control group, the tests were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Seventy subjects in the BPD-DS group and 28 in the control group were included. The expected reduction in body weight at 1 year after a BPD-DS was observed (85.9?±?18.5 vs. 136.6?±?27.7 kg at baseline; p?<?0.001). Plasma visfatin levels decreased at day 1 (16.13?±?5.56 vs. 18.82?±?7.36 ng/mL at baseline; p?=?0.001), while plasma apelin levels decreased at day 5 (0.50?±?0.28 vs. 0.55?±?0.33 ng/mL at baseline; p?=?0.040) after surgery. There were no changes at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline, and no changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusions

Our data show that 1-year weight loss induced by BPD-DS did not influence the overall plasma visfatin and apelin levels in severely obese patients.     

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Mice—Surgical Technique and Characterisation

Background

A reproducible Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) model in mice is needed to study the physiological alterations after surgery.

Methods

Male C57BL6 mice weighing 29.0?±?0.8?g underwent either RYGB (n?=?14) or sham operations (n?=?6). RYGB surgery consisted of a small gastric pouch (~2?% of the initial stomach size), a biliopancreatic and alimentary limb of 10?cm each and a common channel of 15?cm. Animals had free access to standard chow in the postoperative period. Body mass and food intake were recorded for 60?days. Bomb calorimetry was used for faecal analysis. Anatomical rearrangement was assessed using planar X-ray fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) after oral Gastrografin? injection.

Results

RYGB surgery led to a sustained reduction in body weight compared to sham-operated mice (postoperative week 1: sham 27.8?±?0.7?g vs. RYGB 26.5?±?1.0?g, p?=?0.008; postoperative week 8: sham 30.7?±?0.8?g vs. RYGB 28.4?±?1.1?g, p?=?0.003). RYGB mice ate less compared to shams (sham 4.6?±?0.2?g/day vs. RYGB 4.3?±?0.4?g/day, p?p?=?0.13) and faecal energy content (p?=?0.44) between RYGB and shams. CT scan demonstrated the expected anatomical rearrangement without leakage or stenosis. Fluoroscopy revealed rapid pouch emptying.

Conclusions

RYGB with a small gastric pouch is technically feasible in mice. With this model in place, genetically manipulated mouse models could be used to study the physiological mechanisms involved with metabolic changes after gastric bypass.     

Using stress MRI to analyze the 3D changes in apical ligament geometry from rest to maximal Valsalva: a pilot study

Introduction and hypothesis

A method was developed using 3D stress magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was piloted to test hypotheses concerning changes in apical ligament lengths and lines of action from rest to maximal Valsalva.

Methods

Ten women with (cases) and ten without (controls) pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were selected from an ongoing case–control study. Supine, multiplanar stress MRI was performed at rest and at maximal Valsalva and was imported into 3D Slicer v. 3.4.1 and aligned. The 3D reconstructions of the uterus and vagina, cardinal ligament (CL), deep uterosacral ligament (USL_d), and pelvic bones were created. Ligament length and orientation were then measured.

Results

Adequate ligament representations were possible in all 20 study participants. When cases were compared with controls, the curve length of the CL at rest was 71 ±16 mm vs. 59?±?9 mm (p?=?0.051), and the USL_d was 38?±?16 mm vs. 36?±?11 mm (p?=?0.797). Similarly, the increase in CL length from rest to strain was 30?±?16 mm vs. 15?±?9 mm (p?=?0.033), and USL_d was 15?±?12 mm vs. 7?±?4 mm (p?=?0.094). Likewise, the change in USL_d angle was significantly different from CL (p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

This technique allows quantification of 3D geometry at rest and at strain. In our pilot sample, at maximal Valsalva, CL elongation was greater in cases than controls, whereas USL_d was not; CL also exhibited greater changes in ligament length, and USL_d exhibited greater changes in ligament inclination angle.     

Weight Loss and Weight Regain—5-Year Follow-Up for Circular- vs. Linear-Stapled Gastrojejunostomy in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background

Weight regain (WR) occurs in some patients after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). Loss of restriction due to dilation of the gastrojejunostomy (GJS) or the gastric pouch might be the main cause for WR. With different techniques available for the establishment of the GJS, the surgical technique might influence long-term success.

Methods

We present a 5-year follow-up for weight loss and WR of a matched-pair study comparing circular stapled (CSA) to linear stapled (LSA) GJS in a series of 150 patients who underwent primary antecolic antegastric LRYGBP. Complete 5-year follow-up was obtained for 79 % of the patients.

Results

Excess BMI loss (EBL) at 3 months was better with the CSA (p?=?0.02) and comparable thereafter. The 5-year %EBL was 67.3?±?23.2 vs. 73.3?±?24.3 % (CSA vs. LSA, p?=?0.19) WR of?>?10 kg from nadir was found in 24 patients (16 %) with higher incidence in CSA than in LSA patients (20 % vs. 12 %). The %WR was comparable for both groups, 16?±?13 vs. 15?±?19 % (CSA vs. LSA, p?=?0.345). Eleven patients underwent surgical re-intervention for WR by placement of a non-adjustable band (n?=?2), adjustable band (n?=?7) and conversion to distal gastric bypass (n?=?2).

Conclusions

CSA and LSA lead to comparable weight loss in this 5-year follow-up. More patients in the CSA group had WR. Weight regain of more than 10 kg was found in one out of seven patients within 5 years postoperatively.     

Effect of CYP3A5 genotype,steroids, and azoles on tacrolimus in a pediatric renal transplant population

Background

Numerous studies have described the impact of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genotype on Tacrolimus (TAC) exposure. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of genetic and non-genetic factors affecting the TAC dose–exposure relationship over the first year post pediatric renal transplant.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively for the first year post-transplant in pediatric renal transplant patients receiving TAC maintenance immunosuppression. The effect of CYP3A5 genotype (CYP3A5*3 and *6 alleles), age, azoles, and corticosteroids on TAC trough concentration normalized for dose (TAC Co/D ng/ml/mg/kg/day) was assessed using a linear mixed model.

Results

Over time, TAC Co/D was lower in recipients with CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype compared to those with CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype (44.5?±?14.4 vs. 107.6?±?6.4, p?=?0.03), increased in patients >12 years of age compared to?p?=?0.007), and decreased by concomitant corticosteroids (69.5?±?12.7 vs. 89.9?±?20.0, p?=?0.04). The observed increased TAC Co/D in the presence of azoles (271?±?41 vs. 111?±?91, p?=?0.016) could be attributed to clotrimazole.

Conclusions

Multiple factors, including CYP3A5 genotype, and age, influence TAC Co/D in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Clotrimazole administered as troches also contribute to TAC Co/D variability.     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy—comparison of early postoperative results in an Australian rural centre and a German university hospital

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstone disease. Cultural as well as organisational differences can result in significant variations of postoperative length of stay.

Aim of the present study

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether differences in postoperative length of stay and early postoperative outcome can be observed by comparison of an Australian rural centre and a German university hospital.

Results

Between February 2006 and August 2007 (18 months), 359 patients (140 Australia, 219 Germany) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Mean patient age was 50.4?±?1.5 and 53.5?±?1.0 years, respectively. Seventy-seven percent of the Australian and 62% of the German patients were female. Twenty-one percent and 20% of the procedures were emergencies, respectively. Median American Society of Anaesthesiologists score of all patients was two. The conversion rate was 8% in both centres. A 4% complication rate was observed in Australia (N?=?5, 3× bile leak, 1× postoperative bleeding and 1× wound infection) as opposed to 3% in Germany (N?=?7, 2× bile leak, 2× postoperative bleeding and 3× wound infection). Postoperative length of stay in Australia was 1.8?±?0.1 days (median 1 day) and was significantly longer in patients after emergency surgery (1.6?±?0.1 versus 2.6?±?0.3 days, p?<?0.018). Postoperative length of stay in Germany was 3.7?±?0.2 days (median 3 days), and no significant differences were observed when elective and emergency procedures were compared (3.5?±?0.2 versus 3.9?±?0.5 days, p?>?0.05). Comparison of treatment results indicates a significantly shorter postoperative stay in Australia (3 days versus 1 day, p?<?0.001).

Discussion/conclusion

In rural Australia, a median postoperative stay of 1 day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely achieved. Postoperative length of stay is significantly longer in the German setting with otherwise comparable patients and surgical techniques. Simple changes of pre- and postoperative management of elective as well as emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy will allow, for substantial cost savings, for the German health system.