Renal function in type 1 diabetics one year after successful pancreas transplantation

Chatzizacharias NA, Vaidya A, Sinha S, Smith R, Jones G, Sharples E, Friend PJ. Renal function in type 1 diabetics one year after successful pancreas transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E509–E515. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: The effect of pancreas transplantation on renal function remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this retrospective, single‐unit study is a preliminary analysis of renal function one yr after pancreas transplant (pancreas alone [PTA] or pancreas after kidney [PAK]). Fifty‐nine patients were included. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels were compared three, six, and 12 months post‐transplantation for the whole sample and separately for PTA and PAK and high (>45 mL/min/1.73 m²) and low (≤45 mL/min/1.73 m²) pre‐transplant eGFR subgroups. Overall, eGFR did not change significantly (p = 0.228) at the end of the first year post‐transplant, with patients of low initial eGFR presenting a more prominent trend toward stable or improved levels. In the PAK subgroup, eGFR was significantly improved (p = 0.035). High eGFR subgroup demonstrated no significant deterioration in renal function, while patients with low initial eGFR had significantly higher levels 3 (p = 0.012) and six months (p = 0.009) post‐transplant. Our study shows that renal function did not deteriorate significantly one yr after pancreas transplant (PTA or PAK), even in patients with substantial pre‐existing renal dysfunction. Evaluation at a wider scale and identification of risk factors for potential deterioration are challenges for future research.     

Defining the Origins of the Iliofemoral, Ischiofemoral, and Pubofemoral Ligaments of the Hip Capsuloligamentous Complex Utilizing Computer Navigation

Purpose  

To use computer navigation software to investigate the specific origins of the hip capsuloligamentous complex.     

Deep vein thrombosis and thromboprophylaxis in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background:

There is no clear evidence in the literature regarding the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Literature also lacks on the recommendations on thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing elective arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. We conducted a prospective analysis to assess incidence of DVT in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

Materials and Methods:

120 consecutive patients with MRI proven ACL injury who were operated for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective study. None of the patients had risk factors (on history) for DVT, and all were below the age of 45 years. All cases were operated upon by a single surgeon and a standard rehabilitation regime was followed. The patients underwent clinical examination and screening (Doppler ultrasonography/venous scan) for any DVT, on the day prior to surgery, day of discharge (Day 3) and at 4 weeks postsurgery. None of the patients received any form of thromboprophylaxis against DVT.

Results:

One hundred and twelve patients (61 males and 51 females) completed the study. The average age was 31.6 years (range 24-42 years). All patients underwent arthroscopic assisted ACL reconstruction surgery within 3 weeks of the injury. Two patients (males) in the series had Doppler venous scan proven DVT. One patient was asymptomatic but the screening Doppler picked up the DVT on the third postoperative day. The other patient was symptomatic at 12 weeks with pain and swelling in the leg and had ultrasound -proven DVT.

Conclusion:

In our study the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is 1.78%. We do not recommend routine thromboprophylaxis in patients, who are not high risk candidates for thrombosis and are of less than 45 years, in patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, with early postoperative rehabilitation.     

Prescribing quality patellofemoral rehabilitation before advocating operative care

In this article we discuss causes of patellofemoral dysfunction, the treatment algorithm of nonsurgical therapy modalities, and what constitutes a quality rehabilitation protocol for a patient with patellofemoral dysfunction.     

Ratio of free-to-total prostate specific antigen correlates with tumor volume in patients with increased prostate specific antigen

PURPOSE: We evaluated the relationship between the ratio of free-to-total prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate pathology, including grade, stage and tumor volume, among patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 54 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy and in whom frozen serum was available for assessment of free-to-total PSA ratio. Pathological review was done with whole mount sections, and total tumor volume was determined by planimetry. Comparison between free-to-total PSA ratio and pathological parameters was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Among the 54 patients mean total and free-to-total PSA ratio were 5.81 and 14.2 ng./ml., respectively, and free-to-total PSA ratio directly correlated with prostate volume (p = 0.037), and inversely correlated with Gleason score (p = 0.012) and extracapsular disease (p = 0.0074). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between free-to-total PSA ratio and pathological stage pT2a/b in 39 cases versus pT3a/b in 15 (p = 0.005). Overall, there was no correlation between free-to-total PSA ratio and tumor volume. However, among 37 patients with an increased PSA, defined as greater than 4.0 ng./ml., a significant inverse relationship between free-to-total PSA ratio and tumor volume was identified (p = 0.01). Among this subset there was only a weak correlation with prostate volume (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that free-to-total PSA ratio may be predictive of tumor biology among those patients with a total PSA of greater than 4 ng./ml. as evidenced by good correlation with tumor grade and volume. This finding appears to be independent of prostate volume. These preliminary results suggest the need for additional studies among patients with an increased PSA designed to evaluate the potential role of free-to-total PSA ratio in combination with traditional clinical variables in the prediction of prostate cancer pathology.     

Tubercular pseudoaneurysm of aorta: a rare association with vertebral tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Pseudoaneurysm of the aorta in association with vertebral tuberculosis is a rare phenomenon. With the resurgence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and associated resistant tuberculosis, this life-threatening complication requires greater awareness. PURPOSE: Our purpose is to report the rare presentation and successful management of tubercular pseudoaneurysm of the aorta in association with vertebral tuberculosis, and to highlight the clinicoradiological features for early and prompt diagnosis of this potentially fatal, but treatable, disease. STUDY DESIGN: A single case report and overview of the disease comprises the design of this study. PATIENT SAMPLE: The patient, already surgically intervened, is a 27-year-old male with increasing abdominal and back pain, upper motor neuron signs, and constitutional signs and symptoms. OUTCOME MEASURES: At 33 months follow-up, there is complete resolution of the signs and symptoms, and the patient is back to his previous vocation. METHODS: The diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and contrast computed tomography. Endoaneurysmorrhaphy of the pseudoaneurysm along with a complete course of antitubercular treatment was given to the patient, and he has presently been followed up for 33 months. RESULTS: The patient's signs and symptoms have been completely resolved without any recurrence. CONCLUSION: Despite the use of modern chemotherapy and imaging techniques, this disastrous complication still occurs and reinforces the need for early suspicion, diagnosis, surgical resection, and antitubercular therapy along with close postoperative follow-up to prevent recurrence. With the resurgence of HIV (and other immunocompromised states) associated and resistant tuberculosis, we should be more alert than ever to this life-threatening complication.     

Biliary Obstruction in Gall Bladder Cancer Is Not Sine Qua Non of Inoperability

Background The presence of biliary obstruction in patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) is generally viewed as an indicator of advanced disease, inoperability and poor prognosis. Methods Data was collected from patients with GBC with obstructive jaundice who underwent resection during the period January 2001 to October 2003. Systematic analysis of prospective data was undertaken; patients were analyzed for resectability, post-operative morbidity, mortality and disease-free survival. Results During this period 14 patients with GBC with biliary obstruction underwent resection with curative intent. In these jaundiced patients, the resectability rate was 27.45% (14 of 51). In the jaundiced group the mortality was 7.14% the morbidity rate 50%, the mean disease free survival was 23.46 months (median 26 months and range of 2 to 62 months). Seven patients (50%) survived more than two years. Conclusion Biliary obstruction in gall bladder cancer is not sine qua non of inoperability and resection results in meaningful prolongation of survival.     

Evidence-based medicine in day surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To present the evidence available for the management of pain, for the prevention of nausea and vomiting, and for the best anaesthetic technique during ambulatory surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective analgesics with a low number needed to treat, and are recommended when not contraindicated. Droperidol, dexamethasone and ondansetron are equally effective in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting during ambulatory surgery. The choice of the anaesthetic technique appears to play a minor role in recovery from anaesthesia or in the occurrence of minor postoperative complications or home discharge, except for the use of total intravenous anaesthesia for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. SUMMARY: Pain should be prevented adequately and treated vigorously. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is common and should be prevented in the at-risk patient. The choice of inhalation agents during ambulatory surgery is of minor importance in recovery from anaesthesia.     

Gait analysis of patients with resurfacing hip arthroplasty compared with hip osteoarthritis and standard total hip arthroplasty

Patients with standard total hip arthroplasties may have reduced hip abduction and extension moments when compared with normal nonosteoarthritic hips. In comparison, patients after resurfacing total hip arthroplasty appear to have a near-normal gait. The authors evaluated temporal-spatial parameters, hip kinematics, and kinetics in hip resurfacing patients compared with patients with unilateral osteoarthritic hips and unilateral standard total hip arthroplasties. Patients with resurfacing walked faster (average 1.26 m/s) and were comparable with normals. There were no significant differences in hip abductor and extensor moments of patients with resurfacing compared with patients in the standard hip arthroplasty group. This study showed more normal hip kinematics and functionality in resurfacing hip arthroplasty, which may be due to the large femoral head.     

Antesternal Colonic Interposition for Corrosive Esophageal Stricture

Restoration of swallowing in a patient with dysphagia due to nondilatable corrosive stricture of esophagus remains a surgical challenge. Organs available for replacement are stomach, jejunum, or colon. Jejunum is useful to replace a small segment, whereas stomach and colon are required for a long-segment replacement. In cases where the stomach is also injured, colon remains the only option. The route of colonic interposition has also been a subject of debate over the years. Antesternal, retrosternal, or esophageal bed passage are the routes described. In the present series, the data of antesternal colonic interposition (ACI) performed for nondilatable benign esophageal strictures in 32 patients (1988–2011) have been retrospectively analyzed. The results indicate that ACI for corrosive strictures is a quick and simple procedure. Thoracotomy is avoided and anastomosis is easily performed in the neck, and mortality rate due to anastomotic failure or graft failure is diminished. This retrospective analysis discusses the ease, effectiveness, quality of life, morbidity, and mortality of ACI and compares the pros and cons of ACI with other procedures described in the literature.