[Central venous catheterization: complications of different placements]. / Accès veineux central: complications des différentes voies d'abord.

STUDY AIM: The aim of this prospective multicentric non-randomised trial was to report the complications of the central venous catheter insertion with different techniques and to assess the advantages of the low lateral approach to the internal jugular vein, according to the technique originally described by Jernigan et al, with our own modifications. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 1993 to August 1997, 2,290 CVC (2,286 by percutaneous puncture and 4 by surgical approach) were placed. The following complications were analysed prospectively: pneumothorax, accidental arterial puncture, more than two punctures of the same vein, necessity to shift to another venous approach, complete failure, malposition of catheter. RESULTS: The veins the most frequently used were internal jugular vein (48.7%), femoral vein (27%) and subclavian vein (24.2%). Internal jugular vein was punctured especially by low lateral approach (75%) and subclavian vein by infraclavicular approach (92%). With these two placements, the rate of pneumothorax was 0% and 3.1% respectively (p < 0.001), the rate of accidental arterial puncture was 1% and 2.7% respectively (p < 0.03) and the rate of more than two consecutive punctures was 3.1% and 6.3% respectively (p < 0.008). CONCLUSION: On our experience, we advocate the low lateral approach to the internal jugular vein as first choice technique for venipuncture in both adults and children for both short and long-term central venous approach, because it is associated to high rate of outcome and to low rate of complications in comparison with other techniques.

Non-tunneled central venous catheters in adult stem cell transplantation recipients: An effective option.

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) recipients require central venous catheter (CVC) insertion for the administration of chemotherapy, antibiotics and total parenteral nutrition. Traditionally, tunneled CVC have been considered as the golden standard although they require surgery for both insertion and removal. We prospectively evaluated the use of a non-tunneled CVC in 182 consecutive patients who had undergone allogenic or autologous SCT. The median duration of CVC was 4 weeks (range 1-24) with a significant difference between allogenic (8 weeks, range 2-24) and autologous SCT (4 weeks, range 1-24) (p<0.0001). The life expectancy of the CVC was significantly influenced by spontaneous removal, which occurred in 26 patients (13.8%). There was a significant increase of this complication in allogenic SCT (p=0.039). The overall incidence of sepsis was 24.5%, although catheter-related sepsis was microbiologically documented by positive culture of the tip only in 17 cases (9%). Non-tunneled CVC in adult SCT recipients allowed (a) bedside insertion and removal, (b) guidewire replacement for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes (dialysis or pheresis procedures) thus reducing the need for repeated venipunctures. (The Journal of Vascular Access 2001; 2: 168-174).

Splenic hemangiosarcoma. A case report.

Splenic hemangiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumor. Up to now, less than 150 cases have been reported. We describe a patient with a rapide course. The diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma was based on immunohistochemical tests (factor-VIII-associated antigen, CD31, CD34). Despite the improvement of diagnostic techniques, pathological examination and immunohistochemistry remain the only methods available for the diagnosis.

Carcinoma of the pancreatic head area. Therapy: resectability and surgical management of resectable tumors.

Surgical resection is being increasingly performed for carcinomas of the area of the head of the pancreas with curative intent. Pre-and intraoperative assessment of the site of origin and the stage of the lesion is of the utmost importance for a more favorable prognosis of non pancreatic forms and for a better evaluation of long term results of treatment adopted. Staging of non pancreatic periampullary tumors is usually very precise since they are most often shown to be resectable on laparotomy. Surgical resection by pancreaticoduodenectomy is the treatment of election based on good long term results. To the contrary, problems involved in the carcinoma of the head of the pancreas are non negligible. Some aspects related to the criteria of resectability of these tumors (diameter of primary lesion, infiltration of adjacent organs and large vessels, lymph node involvement) are discussed. How extensive pancreatic resection (subtotal, total or regional pancreatectomy) should be, is still a debated subject. In fact, it is not directly proportional to an improvement in prognosis. Complementary treatments directed to the improvement of the disappointing results at present achieved with surgery alone, are desirable.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of malignant biliary strictures: review of 505 patients.

The role of ERCP and endoscopic drainage in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant biliary obstruction is well established. Endoscopic drainage is an effective therapy for palliation of malignant obstructive jaundice and does not preclude definitive treatment in appropriate candidate. We report our experience, in a retrospective review, of 505 patients with malignant biliary obstruction. In this series, endoscopic biliary drainage is shown to be safe and effective management for these patients. Relief of obstruction was obtained in a large majority of patients with a low, procedure related, morbidity and mortality. We conclude that ERCP, to diagnose and localize obstructive lesions, followed by endoscopic biliary drainage can be strongly considered in all patients with suspected malignant obstructive jaundice.