Traumatic abdominal hernia caused by cough, presenting with intestinal obstruction.

A case of traumatic abdominal hernia is reported in a patient with a history of chronic cough. After a bout of coughing 3 months prior to her presentation, the patient developed a large herniation on the left lateral side of the abdomen. The patient presented with intestinal obstruction due to the herniation. A CT scanning confirmed the hernia and showed a peritoneal defect with herniation of most of the intestine on the left lateral side of the abdomen. An emergency midline laparotomy was performed, and the defect was corrected.

A phase II study of the vitamin D analogue Seocalcitol in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour, which has a poor prognosis. Surgical resection can be curative but most patients are inoperable and most chemotherapy agents have minimal activity in this disease. Seocalcitol, a vitamin D analogue, induces differentiation and inhibits growth in cancer cell lines and in vivo. The vitamin D receptor is expressed in hepatocytes and more abundantly in HCC cells. In total, 56 patients with inoperable advanced HCC were included in an uncontrolled study of oral Seocalcitol treatment for up to 1 year (with possible extension for responders). The dose was titrated according to serum calcium levels. The treatment effect was evaluated by regular CT scans. Out of 33 patients evaluable for tumour response, two had complete response (CR), 12 stable disease and 19 progressive disease. The CRs appeared after 6 and 24 months of treatment, and lasted for 29 and at least 36 months (patient still in remission when data censored). Seocalcitol was well tolerated; the most frequent toxicity was hypercalcaemia and related symptoms. Most patients tolerated a daily dose of 10 micro g of Seocalcitol. This is the first study showing activity, by reduction in tumour dimensions, of a differentiating agent in patients with an advanced bulky, solid tumour. Seocalcitol may have an effect in the treatment of HCC, especially in early disease when a prolonged treatment can be instituted. The survival benefit with or without tumour response should be determined in controlled studies.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary cancer in patients more than 70 years of age.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the indications for and results of pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients more than 70 years old with periampullary cancer. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four consecutive patients older than 70 years with periampullary cancer. The surgical procedure was pancreaticoduodectomy (Whipple's operation) with an extensive dissection of lymph nodes and the connective tissue in the peripancreatic region. Main outcome measures were postoperative morbidity and mortality, median and 5-year survival rates. RESULTS: Postoperative medical complications occurred in 24% and surgical complications in 53% of the patients. Four patients (12%) died in the postoperative period (within 30 days), and 3 patients (9%) died later in the postoperative course. The cumulative and age corrected 5-year survival rate for the remaining patients was 26%. Fifteen patients died of recurrence, and 7 patients of other causes. Five patients are still alive more than 5 years after surgery. In patients with noncurative operation the median survival time was 1 1/2 years, which is longer than would be expected from other palliative procedures. Apart from a moderately increased postoperative mortality the results were similar to those reported for younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be considered in patients older than 70 years with resectable periampullary cancer. A 5-year survival rate of 20-35% can be obtained. Palliative resection may be indicated in patients in good general condition, as resection gives the best palliation and longer survival than other palliative methods.

Closing the gastrin loop in pancreatic carcinoma: coexpression of gastrin and its receptor in solid human pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-amidated gastrin promotes the growth of nontransfected pancreatic cell lines expressing the gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptor. Gastrin/CCK-B and CCK-A receptors recently were demonstrated in human pancreatic adenocarcinomas, but to the authors' knowledge expression of their ligands to date have not been adequately investigated. As a prerequisite for making suggestions regarding local growth stimulation, the authors examined whether gastrin and the homologous CCK peptides as well as their specific receptors were expressed in consecutively collected solid human pancreatic adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Using a library of radioimmunoassays specific for different epitopes on proCCK, progastrin, their processing intermediates, and bioactive end products, CCK and gastrin gene expression was measured in extracts of solid human pancreatic adenocarcinomas (n = 19), resection margins (n = 15), and normal pancreatic tissue (n = 8). Moreover, CCK, CCK-A receptor, and gastrin/CCK-B receptor mRNA were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Amidated gastrins were synthetized in 14 of 19 carcinomas (median, 0.4 pmol/g; range, < 0.1-84.0 pmol/g) and in 12 of 15 resection margin samples (median, 0.3 pmol/g; range, < 0.1-6.1 pmol/g). In contrast, normal human pancreatic tissue expressed only traces of poorly processed progastrin. Gastrin/CCK-B receptor mRNA was present in all carcinomas, resection margins, and normal pancreatic tissue. CCK-A receptor mRNA was detected in most tumors, but neither the mature ligands (alpha-amidated and O-sulfated CCK peptides) nor their precursors were expressed in carcinoma and normal pancreatic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate that alpha-amidated gastrin peptides and their receptor invariably are coexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Therefore these findings support the contention of a role for local gastrin regulatory mechanisms, but no CCK mechanisms, in pancreatic carcinoma.

Impact of intraoperative ultrasonography on surgical treatment of liver tumours.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) on surgical decision-making in patients with liver tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: IOUS of the liver was performed in 116 patients undergoing surgery for liver tumours. The patients were evaluated preoperatively by ultrasonography, CT and in some cases, by ERCP and scintigraphy. IOUS findings were compared with the results of preoperative imaging and surgical findings. RESULTS: The surgical procedures were altered in 50 cases (43%), extended in 19 cases (16%) and reduced in 8 cases (7%). Twenty-three patients (20%) were found inoperable. Intraoperative evaluation caused surgical modification by IOUS in 13 patients (11%), by surgical findings in 14 patients (12%) and by a combination of both in 23 patients (20%). CONCLUSION: IOUS is a precise diagnostic method for staging the operability of liver tumours. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be avoided. In total, IOUS altered the preoperative plan in one-third of our patients and is therefore recommended as a routine procedure in connection with major liver surgery.

Insulinoma diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biopsy.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is a new technique that seems to expand the utility of EUS, making definitive diagnosis of pancreatic lesions possible. However, the exact indications for the method, as well as its limitations, are not fully defined. We report on a patient with an insulinoma in the tail of the pancreas undetected by other imaging modalities that was conclusively diagnosed by EUS-FNA. Endoscopic ultrasonography is a unique imaging modality for localization of small pancreatic lesions. In combination with FNA, it represents a significant improvement for the exact diagnosis of these tumors.

[Pancreaticoduodenectomy--Whipple's operation--for periampullary cancer in patients over 70 years of age]. / Pankreatikoduodenektomi--Whipples operation--for periampullaer cancer hos patienter over 70 år.

Thirty-four consecutive patients with an age over 70 years with periampullary cancer were operated on with pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure). The operative procedure included an extensive dissection of the regional connective tissue and lymph nodes including the retroperitoneum. Postoperative medical complications occurred in 24% and surgical complications in 53% of the patients. Four patients (12%) died in the postoperative period (within 30 days), and three patients (9%) died later in the postoperative course. The cumulative and age corrected five-year survival for the remaining patients was 26%. Fifteen patients died from recurrence, and seven patients from other causes. In patients with a non-radical operation the median survival was 1 1/2 years, which is longer than could be expected with other palliative procedures. Apart from a moderately increased postoperative mortality the results were similar to those reported for younger patients. In conclusion, pancreaticoduodenectomy may be considered in patients with an age over 70 years with operable periampullary cancer. A five-year survival rate of 20-35% can be obtained. Palliative resection is indicated in patients in good general condition, as resection gives the best palliation and longer survival than other palliative methods.

Doppler ultrasound assessment of TIPS patency and function--the need for echo enhancers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to illustrate the versatility of an i.v. administered echo enhancer for Doppler US assessment of TIPS patency and function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 22 Doppler US evaluations of TIPS patency and function were performed in 5 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and recurrent oesophageal bleeding who had been treated with TIPS. TIPS patency was evaluated by means of colour or power Doppler US. The volume flow (VF) was assessed in the TIPS and in the portal vein by spectral Doppler. The ratio of the VF in the TIPS to the VF in the portal vein (T/P ratio) was used to express the functional status of the TIPS. If Doppler signals were inconclusive or absent, echo-enhanced US was performed. RESULTS: In 22 follow-up Doppler US examinations, echo-enhanced Doppler US was required in 7 cases (29%). The Doppler enhancement persisted in the range of 3-5 min. No adverse effects were observed. An apparently normal TIPS function reflected a T/P ratio in the range of 0.44-1.10, median 0.78 +/- 0.20 (2SD). CONCLUSION: The i.v. administration of echo enhancers would seem to be indicated in the assessment of the TIPS function if conventional Doppler US fails to prove normal TIPS patency and function. The T/P ratio may be a convenient monitoring parameter for reflecting the TIPS function.

[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Treatment of patients with recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices]. / Transjugular intrahepatisk portosystemisk shunt. Behandling af patienter med recidiverende esophagusvariceblødning.

We report the results of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure in six patients with liver cirrhosis and recurrent bleeding or acute intractable bleeding from oesophageal varices in spite of multiple sessions of sclerotherapy. Median follow-up was 15 months (range 1-24 months). The procedure was technically successful in all patients without procedure-related morbidity or mortality. Four of the procedures were performed electively and two as an emergency procedure. The portosystemic pressure gradient decreased to below 12 mmHg following TIPS implantation and the shunt bloodflow was one quarter to three-quarters of the portal bloodflow determined by Doppler ultrasound. Recurrent bleeding occurred in one patient but was amenable to endoscopic sclerotherapy. In this patient the shunt had developed a stenosis that was treated by balloondilatation and insertion of an additional stent six months following the initial procedure, and no further bleeding occurred. The remaining five patients had no rebleeding episodes. Repeated Doppler examinations in the followup period demonstrated patency of all shunts. None of the patients developed portosystemic encephalopathy. One patient died of cerebral haemorrhage, unrelated to TIPS, 16 months following implantation. Another patient died 14 months following TIPS due to acute mesenteric occlusion and septicaemia. We conclude that TIPS is feasible and effective in selected patients with liver cirrhosis and persistent or recurrent variceal bleeding following repeated endoscopic therapy.

[Liver trauma]. / Levertraumer.

Over a 15-year period 43 patients were treated for liver trauma in a surgical department, subspecialized in liver surgery. The trauma mechanism was blunt in 88% and penetrating in 12%. According to the Organ Injury Scale system of liver trauma, they consisted of 10 in class I, three in class II, 16 in class III, 11 in class IV and three in class V. Thirty-seven patients were treated operatively while six patients were treated conservatively. The overall mortality rate was 9% and liver related mortality 7%. Other organ lesions were present in 53% of the patients. Patients treated conservatively met initial criteria of which the most important was haemodynamic stability. The most important diagnostic method was CT. If strict criteria are followed, a large proportion of liver trauma patients can be treated nonoperatively, provided there is adequate surveillance facilities including CT, and operative capacity to meet unexpected late bleeding complications.

Early detection of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma by endosonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Fine-needle aspiration guided by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has shown promising results in establishing the cytological diagnosis of lesions identified during endoscopic ultrasound examinations. We report here on a case of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed by EUS-guided biopsy in which curative resection was possible as a result of early diagnosis.

Ispaghula (Vi-Siblin) versus standard preparation for barium enema.

PURPOSE: To compare 2 methods of colonic cleansing before double-contrast barium enema. A standard preparation of bisacodyl was compared with a preparation of dietary fibre (ispaghula). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients referred for double-contrast barium enema were randomly allocated to one of the colonic cleansing regimens. The effectiveness and patient acceptance of the preparations were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significantly poorer colon cleanness score in the ispaghula group (p = 0.0001). Patient tolerance of the 2 regimens was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Ispaghula alone is not sufficient as a cleansing preparation for double-contrast barium enema.

Transduodenal excision of tumours of the ampulla of Vater.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment by transduodenal excision, of tumours in the ampulla of Vater. DESIGN: Open study of consecutive patients. SETTING: University hospital, Denmark. SUBJECTS: Six patients with tumours in the ampulla of Vater. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasonography, duodenoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Endoscopic biopsy if tumour was visible at the papilla. Transduodenal excision of the ampulla and anastomoses of the common duct and pancreatic duct to the duodenum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications and survival. RESULTS: None of the tumours could be seen on ultrasonography. All the tumours were diagnosed on duodenoscopy with ERCP. The histopathological diagnoses of the endoscopic biopsy specimens were adenoma (n = 3), suspicion of adenocarcinoma (n = 2), and adenocarcinoma (n = 1). Curative resection by transduodenal excision of the ampulla of Vater was possible in all cases. Pathological examination of the surgical specimens showed three adenomas and three adenocarcinomas. One patient had a recurrence after 2.5 years and had a further resection. Three patients died after one, three, and nine years, respectively; two had no recurrence and one was suspected of having one. The other three patients were alive 8-20 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: The procedure is recommended for small and probably benign tumours and, when technically possible, in malignant tumours in patients at high operative risk. Close postoperative follow-up with duodenoscopy and ERCP is recommended.

[Randomized trial and meta-analysis of somatostatin versus placebo in bleeding esophageal varices]. / Randomiseret undersøgelse og metaanalyse af somatostatin over for placebo ved blødende esophagusvaricer.

We studied whether somatostatin or its derivative, octreotide, is more effective than placebo in the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices in a randomised, double-blind trial and a meta-analysis with blinded data analysis and manuscript writing. Patients suspected of bleeding from oesophageal varices and of having cirrhosis of the liver were eligible. Eighty-six patients were randomised; 16 died in each group within six weeks (95% confidence interval (CI) for difference in mortality -19% to 22%). There were no differences between somatostatin and placebo in median number of blood transfusions (8 vs 5, p = 0.07, CI 0 to 4 transfusions) or in numbers of patients who needed balloon tamponade (16 vs 13, p = 0.54, CI -11% to 28%). In a meta-analysis of three trials, involving 290 patients, somatostatin had no effect on survival compared with placebo (p = 0.59, odds ratio 1.16, CI 0.67 to 2.01). For blood transfusions and use of balloon tamponade there was heterogeneity between the trials with no convincing evidence in favour of somatostatin.

Somatostatin reduces bile secretion and loss of bile constituents in patients with external biliary drainage.

The effect of 24-hours continuous somatostatin-14 infusion on the volume of the bile secretion and on the bile composition were studied in seven patients with malignant biliary obstruction who had transhepatic external biliary drainage. The bile acid composition was measured with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Somatostatin infusion significantly reduced the daily bile loss from median 473 ml to 140 ml (41 per cent, p = 0.01) with a concomitant significant reduction in the daily molar loss of cholesterol, triglyceride, Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca+2 and Mg+2. The loss of chloride and sodium was reduced with median 50 mmol/day each (p = 0.01). The relative concentrations of the measured bile constituents did not change significantly, except for bile acids (p = 0.02): the concentration of glycochenodeoxycholic acid increased significantly (p = 0.04). The molar loss of taurocholic acid decreased significantly (p = 0.035), so the increased concentration of glycochenodeoxycholic acid resulted only in a marginally significant reduction in the total molar loss of bile aids (p = 0.051). Somatostatin is a potent inhibitor of bile secretion. The peptide may be used in severely bile depleted patients for reducing their serious electrolyte and acidity problems. Analysis of bile acid composition by HPLC is well suited for further investigations of the regulatory mechanisms of bile acid secretion.

Direct cholangiography and biliary drainage.

Direct cholangiography by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography has greatly improved diagnostic work-up of patients with known or suspected biliary obstruction. These diagnostic procedures were introduced in Denmark in the early 1970s, and technical refinements and clinical research of the methods were initiated. The Danish contribution led to definition of indications for direct cholangiography and general acceptance of the methods in daily clinical practice; nationally as well as internationally. The transhepatic cholangiography with selective catheterization of the biliary ducts permitted external drainage of obstructed ducts. The disadvantages of this technique inspired the innovation of internal biliary drainage and the invention of the biliary endoprosthesis. The endoscopic approach to the biliary tract and the technical improvements of accessory instruments led to the early introduction of therapeutic procedures, i.e. papillotomy, stone removal, biliary drainage and treatment of strictures and post-traumatic lesions. Experimental and clinical research with endoprostheses improved their function and prevented dislodgment. Clinical research documented that biliary drainage by endoprosthesis is a valuable alternative to surgical bypass in patients with inoperable biliary obstructions. Endoscopic therapeutic procedures for common bile duct stones have almost replaced conventional surgical treatment. Endoluminal imaging techniques are under evaluation and may contribute to future improvements.

[Extensive rectal cancer--preserved intestinal and urinary continence after en-block rectal resection and radical cystectomy]. / Udbredt cancer recti--bevaret tarm- og urinvejskontinens efter en bloc-rectumresektion og radikal cystektomi.

A patient with rectal cancer and invasion of the urinary bladder without extra-pelvic spread underwent total pelvic exenteration with rectal resection and bladder substitution with the urethro-ileal Kock reservoir. The patient has normal bowel and voiding functions and is without recurrence after two years.

[Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's operation) for periampullary cancer]. / Pankreatikoduodenektomi (Whipples operation) for periampullaer cancer.

This study evaluated the indications for and effects of pancreaticoduodenectomy (102 patients) or total pancreatectomy (15 patients) with extensive lymph node dissection performed upon 117 patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma. Presenting symptoms and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were recorded. Cumulative survival rates were evaluated in relation to origin, size, and staging of tumour. The postoperative mortality rate after Whipple's operation was 8% (eight patients). The median survival period was 1.1 year and the overall five year survival rate was 15% (confidence limits, 5 to 25%). The five year survival rate for patients without tumour extension beyond the pancreas was 25% (confidence limits, 5 to 50%), and in patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla af Vater, 34% (confidence limits, 3 to 65%). The median survival rate in patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater was 3.3 years, which was significantly longer than in the other patients. Fifty-nine patients with distant spread could be divided into 14 patients with para-aortic lymph node metastases who had a significantly shorter survival period than 45 patients without para-aortic lymph node metastases (p = 0.004). Resection of periampullary carcinoma provides a better palliation and survival rate than nonoperative biliary drainage or bypass operation. An improved preoperative verification of para-aortic metastases could restrict resection to patients with a prognostic five year survival rate of more than 25% and a postoperative mortality rate of less than 5%.

[Liver resection of metastases from colorectal cancer]. / Leverresektion for metastaser fra kolorektal cancer.

From 1978 to the end of 1991, 66 patients were operated on for liver metastases from colorectal cancer. All patients had had a curative resection of their colorectal cancer. Forty resections of the liver were major anatomic resections. This study was undertaken to determine the indications for and value of liver resection for metastases from colorectal cancer. Five patients died in the postoperative period. All resections were intended to be curative, but in 16 of the patients the resection became noncurative. None of these patients lived more than two years after liver resection. Fifty patients with a curative resection had a three-year survival rate of 36 percent, postoperative death included. Recurrence in the liver was observed in 30 patients (60 percent) from three to 33 (median 11) months after the liver resection. Four patients had repeated resections performed. Two of them are alive without recurrence at respectively 34 and 60 months after the first liver resection. The difference in survival between curative and noncurative liver resection was highly significant (p = 0.01). Sex, age, Dukes' stage of primary colorectal cancer, synchronous or metachronous appearance of metastases, or number of metastases could not predict long-term prognosis. The only factors of predictive value were tumour size, a free resection margin, and no extrahepatic tumour. If it is possible to perform a curative resection, there should be few contraindications against liver surgery as it is the only treatment that can demonstrate long-term survival for approximately one-third of the patients, and it is the only possibility of cure. Palliative resection is not recommended.