Predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia occurring after a total thyroidectomy: results of prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid surgeries are among the most common operations performed in the world. Hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy is a common complication that is sometimes difficult to correct. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors for hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy and their clinical value. METHODS: From January 2015 through to April 2017, 400 patients were included in this prospective multicenter study. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy due to various thyroid diseases. The following risk factors were analyzed: pre-operative and post-operative biochemical blood parameters, clinical effects and factors related to surgery, the patient, and the disease. RESULTS: Post-operative hypocalcemia developed in 257 patients (64.2%). Of them, 197 patients (76.7%) were diagnosed with asymptomatic hypocalcemia. Clinical symptoms were present in 60 of the 257 patients with hypocalcemia (23.3%). The statistically significant predictors of hypocalcemia were decreased calcium and ionized calcium pre-operatively (p < 0.001), parathyroid hormone on day one following surgery (p < 0.001), thyrotoxicosis <10 years before surgery (odds ratio 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.70, p = 0.046), the number of parathyroid glands found during surgery (odds ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.38-0.70, p < 0.001), ligation of the trunk of the left inferior thyroid artery (odds ratio 2.04, 95% CI 1.27-3.29, p = 0.003), ligation of the trunk of the right inferior thyroid artery (odds ratio 2.37, 95% CI 1.47-3.81, p < 0.001), and the number of transplanted parathyroid glands (odds ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.12-2.97, p = 0.015). In the multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09, p = 0.029) and gender (odds ratio 5.94, 95% CI 1.13-31.26, p = 0.035) were statistically significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there is a number of different patient (gender, age, and duration of thyrotoxicosis <10 years before surgery) and surgical (number of parathyroid glands found during surgery, decreased calcium and ionized calcium before surgery, parathyroid hormone on day one following surgery, and ligation of the trunk of the left and right inferior thyroid artery) risk factors predictive of hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy. Optimization of the surgical technique could possibly prevent the occurrence of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy in some cases; in other cases, identification of known risk factors post-operatively could permit early detection and effective treatment of these patients.

The utility of the Bethesda category and its association with BRAF mutation in the prediction of papillary thyroid cancer stage.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the utility of the Bethesda category and its association with BRAF mutation in prediction of the papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) stage. METHODS: A prospective study analyzed patients who had ultrasound-suspicious thyroid nodules, underwent FNA and cytological examination, and were classified according to the Bethesda system. Patients from Undetermined Significance Or Follicular Lesion Of Undetermined Significance (AUS/FLUS), Follicular Neoplasm or Suspicious for a Follicular Neoplasm (FN/SFN), Suspicious for Malignant Cells (SMC), and Positive for Malignant Cells (PMC) groups were examined for the BRAF mutation and had a thyroid surgery. Demographical and histological features and stage of the disease were evaluated for PTC patients in accordance with the Bethesda category and its association with BRAF mutation. RESULTS: Three hundred eight of all patients underwent operation. One hundred forty-three (46.4%) of them were diagnosed with PTC. In 14 (9.8%) PTC cases, FNA biopsies were classified as AUS/FLUS, 23 (16.1%) as FN/SFN, 41 (28.7%) as SMC, and 65 (45.5%) as PMC. I-II stages of PTC were diagnosed for 88 (61.5%) patients and III-IVA for 55 (38.5%). Patients from the SMC and PMC groups had larger tumors, higher incidence of lymph node metastases, classical PTC type, B-type Raf (BRAF) positive, and III-IVA stage cancer, than patients from the AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN groups. When comparing 27 (18.9%) BRAF-negative patients from the AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN groups with 116 (81.1%) BRAF-negative patients from the SMC and PMC groups and all BRAF-positive patients, the prediction of more aggressive histological features and stage was slightly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Higher Bethesda categories are associated with higher stages of PTC. Association of the Bethesda category with BRAF mutation can slightly improve the value of stage prediction.

Infantile hemangioma: Predicting proliferation by infrared thermography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are benign lesions found in infants. Predicting the cosmetic outcome of these lesions is very difficult. Therefore, in this prospective study, we assessed whether using an infrared thermometer (IRT) to measure the surface temperature of IHs would help to predict their proliferative potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and March 2014, we prospectively investigated 103 children up to 6 months of age with a diagnosis of IH. None of them required immediate treatment. Two projection plain photographs of the IHs were obtained and the temperature of the IH surface was measured with the IRT at each visit. The IHs in these patients were divided into three groups: stable, slightly growing and growing IHs. We analyzed temperature differences between the groups, relative operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and possible application of this method to clinical practice. RESULTS: The median initial temperatures in the groups were 36.7°C for the stable group, 37°C for the slightly growing group, and 37.4°C for the growing group (P<0.01). The area under the ROC curve for the temperature values to predict growth was 0.929. Temperatures at or above 37.4°C showed a specificity of 95%, a sensitivity of 75%, a positive predictive value 81%, and a negative predictive value of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: IRT is a time and cost effective tool, and is easy to learn. The surface temperature of IH reflects its remaining growth potential and could be used in the outpatient setting for the evaluation and follow-up of IH.

Laparoscopic distal resection of the pancreas. Can be all resections of body and tail of the pancreas called the same?

INTRODUCTION: Distal resection of the pancreas is a routine procedure in high-volume centres. However, the volume of this procedure can vary. This variation plays a very important role in laparoscopic approach of pancreatic surgery and can be a real challenge if the anatomical situation is underestimated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To present our experience in minimally invasive treatment of the pancreatic tumours and to discuss different approaches to different anatomical situations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients, who underwent laparoscopic pancreas resection for pancreatic cancer in our hospital since 2014 to 2016 February. According to extension of operation, patients were divided into two groups: distal pancreatectomy and left hemipancreatectomy for cases that required preparation of the portal vein. Demographic characteristics, and operative and postoperative data were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Out of 16 patients, distal pancreatectomy was performed for 7 (43.8%) and left hemipancreatectomy for 9 (56.2%) patients. For 1 (14.3%) laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and for 2 (22.2%) laparoscopic left hemipancreatectomy patients surgical conversion to laparotomy was performed. The average operation time was 205 (195-245) min for distal pancreatectomy and 412.5 (280-520) min for left hemipancreatectomy group (p = 0.001), blood loss 125 (20-250) ml and 250 (50-1800) ml accordingly (p = 0.138). Totally postoperative fistula occurred in 7 (43.8%) cases; out of them, 5 (71.4%) patients were from the left hemipancreatectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic left hemipancreatectomy is more complicated than distal pancreatectomy. Extension and technique selection of distal resection of the pancreas depends on the Yonsei criteria and tumour relation to the portal vein.

Three-port retroperitoneoscopic necrosectomy in management of acute necrotic pancreatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Because of major morbidity and mortality after open surgery in acute necrotic pancreatitis, an interest in minimally invasive necrosectomy approaches has increased. We report the results of a recently developed minimally invasive technique that we adopted in 2007. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article contains a retrospective analysis of cases and description of original retroperitoneoscopic necrosectomy technique. There were eight patients aged 25-58 years, who underwent retroperitoneoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy in the Center of Abdominal Surgery, Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, between 2007 and 2009. All patients had at least 30% pancreatic necrosis with extensive retroperitoneal fluid collections on the left side, proved by CT scan. Operations were performed on the 21st-56th days of illness (median, 36th day). RESULTS: The mean postoperative hospital stay was 49 days (range, 14-99 days). All patients survived. Two patients underwent three additional procedures; two patients, one additional procedure due to remaining infected necrosis. Three patients had no requirement for additional procedures. One patient underwent laparotomy because of bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: We assume that minimally invasive techniques should be considered a first-choice surgical option in patients with acute necrotic pancreatitis, whenever it is possible. Pancreatic necrosis less than 30% with large fluid collections in the left retroperitoneal space facilitates employment of three-port retroperitoneoscopic necrosectomy.

Significance of BRAF V600E Mutation and Cytomorphological Features for the Optimization of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Diagnostics in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy with cytologic analysis is an initial step in diagnostic of thyroid nodules. Unfortunately, up to 30% of biopsies are indeterminate and diagnostic surgery is required. The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic value of BRAF V600E mutation status combined with cytomorphological features for diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. METHODS: A prospective study analyzed patients who had ultrasound suspicious thyroid nodules, underwent fine needle aspiration and cytological examination, and were classified according to the Bethesda system. Patients from indeterminate diagnostic categories were examined for BRAF V600E mutation and 22 cytomorphological features, and underwent thyroid surgery. A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the diagnostic utility. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients met study criteria. After histological examination, 77 (35.2%) patients were diagnosed with PTC and 142 (64.8%) with benign nodular thyroid disease. According to logistic regression model, significant features for PTC diagnosis were: liquid colloid consistency, papillary structures, eosinophilic colloid bodies, and BRAF V600E mutation. Risk groups classified by this model have sensitivity of 80.5% (95% CI: 69.9 to 88.7), specificity of 99.3% (95% CI: 96.1 to 100), positive predictive value of 98.4% (95% CI: 89.8 to 99.8), negative predictive value of 90.4% (95% CI: 85.7 to 93.7), and accuracy of 92.7% (95% CI: 88.4 to 95.8) for PTC diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of BRAF V600E mutation status combined with cytomorphological features for diagnosis of PTC in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of diagnostic operations (calculator available at www.ptc-calc.we2host.lt).

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury assessment by intraoperative laryngeal ultrasonography: a prospective diagnostic test accuracy study.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is one of the major complications related to thyroid surgery. Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve functional status monitoring is becoming a standard part of thyroid surgery. However, the current methods for intraoperative nerve functional status assessment are associated with a demand for specialized devices and increased costs. AIM: To assess the validity of a new method - intraoperative laryngeal ultrasonography - for prediction of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective diagnostic test accuracy study included 112 patients undergoing thyroid surgery in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics. Neurostimulation combined with laryngeal ultrasonography and laryngeal palpation was performed intraoperatively to evaluate recurrent laryngeal nerve functional status. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was confirmed by laryngoscopy, which was performed on the first postoperative day and considered to be the gold standard method. RESULTS: Data on 112 consecutive patients and 200 nerves at risk were collected. The temporary vocal cord palsy rate was 5.4% per patient and 3% per nerve at risk. No permanent palsy or bilateral injury cases were registered in the study cohort. Laryngeal ultrasound sensitivity counted per nerve at risk was 83.3%, specificity 97.2%, accuracy 96.4%, positive predictive value 62.5% and negative predictive value 99%. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal ultrasonography is a feasible new technique for accurate intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve injury evaluation.

Focused versus conventional parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism: a prospective, randomized, blinded trial.

BACKGROUND: For many years bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was the gold standard operation for primary hyperparathyroidism (pPHP). With advances in preoperative pathological gland localization and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IPTH) monitoring, minimally invasive approaches have evolved. This study is aimed to compare BNE and focused parathyroidectomy (FP) in a prospective, randomized, blind trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2007, 48 patients with pPHP were enrolled in our study. Twenty three patients were randomized to the BNE group and 24 to the FP group. Patients in the FP group underwent preoperative localization studies. All parathyroidectomies were guided by intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (IIPTH) monitoring. In the BNE group, neither IIPTH nor preoperative localization studies were performed. RESULTS: All patients were cured by the primary operation. Overall, the operative time was similar in both groups. In the focused exploration (FE) group, compared to the BNE group, there was lower pain intensity at 4, 8, 16, 24, 36 and 48 h after surgery (p < 0.001), lower consumption of analgesics (p < 0.001), lower analgesia request rate (p < 0.001), shorter scar length (p < 0.001), higher cosmetic satisfaction rate 2 days, 1 month (p < 0.001) and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05), but after 1 year cosmetic satisfaction rate became not significant (p = 0.38). Focused exploration (FE) was more expensive (p < 0.05). We did not find any difference in quality of life after 1 month and 6 months after surgery in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both methods of parathyroidectomy for PHP are safe and effective. Focused exploration (FE) has several advantages: lower postoperative pain, lower analgesic request rate, lower analgesic consumption, shorter scar length, better cosmetic satisfaction rate in a short time period.

Risk factors of developing the hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Around 13% of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) postoperatively develop a condition known as the hungry bone syndrome (HBS). Although the condition is quite prevalent, the research in this field is very limited. The aim of our study was to determine possible risk factors of developing HBS after parathyroidectomy for PHPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we enrolled patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT from January 2005 to December 2016 and performed a retrospective analysis. We used the definition of HBS as hypocalcaemia with normal or elevated PTH values. Patients were divided into two groups by the postoperative HBS prevalence: patients with postoperative HBS and those without postoperative HBS. RESULTS: In all, 94 patients were included into the final analysis. We found that patients who developed HBS more often underwent parathyroidectomies simultaneously with a thyroid surgery, underwent longer operations (73.9 ± 41.7 vs. 102.4 ± 44.8 minutes; p = 0.001), and had heavier parathyroid glands removed (0.6 (0.3-8.0) vs. 0.8 (0.15-14.0) g; p = 0.041). Also, these patients had higher preoperative PTH values (15.3 (6.1-63.7) vs. 22.4 (9.2-47.8) pmol/l; p = 0.003). From the ROC curve of the preoperative PTH values and the development of the hungry bone syndrome (AUC = 0.721 (95% CI 0.59-0.85); p = 0.003) we found a 45 pmol/l PTH cut-off value that shows a 90% tendency to develop postoperative HBS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing longer parathyroidectomies and those with heavier removed parathyroid glands tend to develop HBS. A preoperative PTH value higher than 45 pmol/l determines an over 90% risk of developing HBS.

Recommendations and a guideline for referral of infantile haemangioma to tertiary centres.

BACKGROUND: Infantile haemangioma is the most common childhood vascular tumour, which causes great anxiety to parents and treating first-line physicians due to its proliferative nature. It accounts for a large percentage of a tertiary centre consultations, thus delaying consultation time for patients in need of immediate care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of literature and experience of treatment and observation of infantile haemangiomas in a tertiary centre of paediatric surgery. RESULTS: Based on the gathered information, we established an observation guideline of infantile haemangiomas for first-line physicians. CONCLUSIONS: First-line physicians must recognise the infantile haemangioma that requires immediate referral to a tertiary centre in order to prevent the appearance of associated complications. The remaining population of the patients of infantile haemangioma can be actively monitored once a month for at least a year by the treating pediatrician or family doctor. New and easy to use protocoled diagnostic tests such as thermography would greatly benefit first-line and tertiary-centre physicians in the follow-up of infantile haemangiomas.

Thoracoscopic approach in the treatment of ectopic thymic parathyroid adenoma.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is overproduction of parathyroid hormone, causing hypercalcemia. Parathyroid adenomas have been found to be the etiology for 80% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, while almost a quarter of them are ectopic. We present a case of ectopic thymic parathyroid adenoma, treated by the thoracoscopic approach. Preoperative computed tomogram and technetium-99-sestamibi imaging showed an adenoma, located in the front mid-mediastinum, approximately 8 × 10 mm in size. Resection of the tumor was indicated according to the persistent hypercalcemia after unsuccessful surgical treatment performed 3 years ago. It was decided to perform a parathyroidectomy during thoracoscopy. The diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma was established on postoperative histopathology staining. The patient was discharged from hospital 5 days after the surgery. We found this minimally invasive operation to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option, determined by the experience of the surgeon.

Is minimally invasive surgical treatment justified for severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis patients with dysfunction of two or more organ systems?

INTRODUCTION: When minimally invasive therapy was introduced, it became possible to cure some patients without open surgery, or at least delay the operation for longer than a month. AIM: To determine the optimal timing to operate on patients with severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis based on the severity of organ insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in all severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis patients treated in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VUL SK) from 2007 to 2016. The patients were divided into groups based on the number of dysfunctional organ systems (one or more) and whether the minimally invasive step-up approach to treatment was used. RESULTS: The patients with one organ dysfunction had a delay of 35 (without the step-up approach) and 36 (with the step-up approach) days before the open surgery, while the patients with two or more organ systems' dysfunction had almost an identical delay of 28 days, using both surgical treatment methods. The mortality of the patients who had one organ dysfunction and in whom the step-up approach was used was 0%, while in patients without the step-up approach it was 41.7%. In the two or more organ systems' dysfunction group, the mortality for those treated with a step-up approach was 64.3%, and without it 70.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment should be initiated with a minimally invasive procedure. Additionally, the surgery on patients with two or more organ systems' dysfunction should not be delayed for more than one month.

Laparoscopic approach in the treatment of large epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum.

Epiphrenic diverticulum of the lower third of the esophagus is a relatively rare disorder. We present the case of a large, 7.5 cm diameter esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum treated by the laparoscopic approach. Surgery was indicated by the severity of the patient's symptoms and size of the diverticulum. A laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy with a myotomy and Dor fundoplication was carried out. The overall operative time was 180 min. The patient tolerated the surgery well and was discharged from hospital 4 days after the surgery. From the 10(th) postoperative day the patient resumed a regular diet. Four weeks after the operation the patient had no complaints, symptoms of dysphagia or vomiting. The laparoscopic approach in the treatment of a large, 7.5 cm epiphrenic diverticulum of the esophagus is feasible, safe and well tolerated by the patient.

The value of the repeated examination of BRAF V600E mutation status in diagnostics of papillary thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Nodular thyroid disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed pathologies of the adult population in iodine-deficient regions. Approximately 30% of thyroid aspirates are classified as nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory or indeterminate. However, patients with indeterminate cytology still undergo surgery. The object of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of re-examining the BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients underwent ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration of a thyroid nodule. They were assigned to one of the four groups (indeterminate or positive for malignant cells) of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Genetic investigation of the BRAF V600E mutation was performed for all of the fine-needle aspiration cytology specimens. All of the patients underwent surgery. Subsequently, histological investigation of the removed tissues was performed. Additional analysis of the BRAF V600E mutation from the histology specimen was then performed for the initially BRAF-negative cases. RESULTS: Two hundred and fourteen patients were involved in the study. One hundred and six (49.53%) patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Of these 106 patients, 95 (89.62%) patients were diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. The BRAF V600E mutation was positive in 62 (65.26%) and negative in 33 (34.74%) histologically confirmed papillary thyroid cancer cases. After the genetic investigation, a total of 74 (77.89%) papillary thyroid cancer cases were positive for the BRAF V600E mutation and 21 (22.11%) were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated examination of the BRAF V600E mutation status in the fine-needle aspiration may potentially increase the sensitivity of papillary thyroid cancer diagnostics.

Common bile duct villous adenoma: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, benign bile duct tumors are exceedingly uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, we report the largest extrahepatic bile duct villous adenoma described in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 77-year-old Caucasian woman with obstructive jaundice. Laboratory tests revealed that she had elevated bilirubin and liver enzyme levels. A computed tomographic scan showed a homogeneous 5 × 3-cm mass obstructing the common bile duct. The results of brush cytology were consistent with a bile duct villous papilloma. However, on the basis of the tumor's radiological features, a preliminary diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct malignant tumor was made. After discussion among the multidisciplinary team, a surgical resection of the bile duct tumor was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed a villous adenoma. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with bulky extrahepatic bile duct tumors, surgical resection alone may be safe and curative.

Is acute appendicitis still misdiagnosed?

OBJECTIVE: The optimal diagnostics and treatment of acute appendicitis continues to be a challenge. A false positive diagnosis of appendicitis may lead to an unnecessary operation, which has been appropriately termed negative appendectomy. The aim of our study was to identify the effectiveness of preoperative investigations in preventing negative appendectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on adult patients who underwent operation for suspected acute appendicitis from 2008 to 2013 at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos. Patients were divided into two groups: group A underwent an operation, where appendix was found to be normal (non-inflamed); group B underwent an appendectomy for inflamed appendix. Groups were compared for preoperative data, investigations, treatment results and pathology findings. RESULTS: 554 patients were included in the study. Preoperative laboratory tests results of hemoglobin, hematocrit concentrations and white blood cell count were significantly higher in group B (p<0.001). Ultrasonography was performed for 78 % of patients in group A and 74 % in group B and did not provide any statistically significant results. Comparing Alvarado score results, there were more patients with Alvarado score less than 7 in group A than in group B. In our large series we could find only four independent risk factors, and they could only account for 24 % of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, acute appendicitis is still often misdiagnosed and the ratio of negative appendectomies remains rather high. Additional investigations such as observation and computed tomography should be used to prevent this.

Successful management of gastropulmonary fistula due to invasive fungal infection after chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. Acquired gastropulmonary fistula is a rare complication of IFI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a case history of a patient with malignant myeloma. She was treated with autologous stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy for three years. She had been treated with antifungal agents as well. Following a specific treatment, she developed an invasive fungal infection (IFI) of the left lung which had been complicated with left gastropulmonary fistula. The patient's general condition was deteriorating, so it was decided to perform a surgical intervention. At the first procedure, open-window thoracostomy was created in order to facilitate treatment by daily packing of the cavity. Four weeks after the thoracostomy, a thoracomyoplasty was performed to repair a gastropleural fistula. During the laparotomy, the gastric fundus was freed from adjacent tissues and repaired. Intrathoracic transposition of the latissimus dorsi and anterior serratus muscle flaps was performed simultaneously to create a new diaphragm. The open-window thoracostomy was left open due to some small bronchial fistulas. The thoracostomy opening healed spontaneously during the following six months. CONCLUSION: We report what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of an invasive fungal infection (Geotrichum capitatum) successfully treated with intravenous amphotericin B, voriconazole, and surgery on infected soft tissues (organs) for a patient with multiple myeloma in prolonged neutropenia. The efficacy and safety of the surgery for infected soft tissues requires further evaluation.

Prospective analysis of risk for hypothyroidism after hemithyroidectomy.

Objectives. To evaluate risk factors and to develop a simple scoring system to grade the risk of postoperative hypothyroidism (PH). Methods. In a controlled prospective study, 109 patients, who underwent hemithyroidectomy for a benign thyroid disease, were followed up for 12 months. The relation between clinical data and PH was analyzed for significance. A risk scoring system based on significant risk factors and clinical implications was developed. Results. The significant risk factors of PH were higher TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level and lower ratio of the remaining thyroid weight to the patient's weight (derived weight index). Based on the log of risk factor, preoperative TSH level greater than 1.4 mU/L was assigned 2 points; 1 point was for 0.8-1.4 mU/L. The derived weight index lower than 0.8 g/kg was assigned 1 point. A risk scoring system was calculated by summing the scores. The incidences of PH were 7.3%, 30.4%, and 69.2% according to the risk scores of 0-1, 2, and 3. Conclusion. Risk factors for PH are higher preoperative TSH level and lower derived weight index. Our developed risk scoring system is a valid and reliable tool to identify patients who are at risk for PH before surgery.

Endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy for adrenal metastases.

Objectives. To evaluate whether retroperitoneal approach for adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for adrenal metastases (AM). Methods. From June 2004 to January 2014, nine consecutive patients with AM were treated with endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (ERA). A retrospective study was conducted, and clinical data, tumor characteristics, and oncologic outcomes were acquired and analyzed. Results. Renal cancer was the primary site of malignancy in 44.4% of cases. The mean operative time was 132 ± 10.4 min. There were 5 synchronous and 4 metachronous AM. One patient required conversion to transperitoneal laparoscopic procedure. No mortality or perioperative complications were observed. The median overall survival was 11 months (range: 2-42 months). Survival rates of 50% and 25% were identified at 1 and 3 years, respectively. At the end of the study, 4 patients were alive with a mean observed follow-up of 20 months. No patients presented with local tumor relapse or port-site metastases. Conclusions. This study shows that ERA is a safe and effective procedure for resection of AM and advances the surgical treatment of adrenal disease. The use of the retroperitoneal approach for adrenal tumors less than 6 cm can provide very favorable surgical outcomes.

Two-stage bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large pheochromocytomas.

A 66-year-old Lithuanian female patient with a history of hypertension was diagnosed with bilateral adrenal tumors during a routine sonoscopy. Scintigraphy with metaiodobenzylguanidine and computed tomography scan revealed right 130/116/93 mm and left 85/61/53 mm pheochromocytomas. The patient suffered from hypertension with blood pressure over 240/100 mm Hg and heartbeat disturbances. Blood adrenaline levels exceeded the norm 10-fold. After possible spread of tumors was rejected, laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy was planned in 2 stages, starting on the right then followed by the left side. After preoperative treatment with adrenoblockers, 2-stage bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed. 13 cm × 12 cm × 9.5 cm right adrenal and, 3 months later, 8.5 cm × 8 cm × 6 cm left adrenal pheochromocytomas were removed. Histologically - radical extirpation, pheochromocytomas with possible malignant potential. Stable remission of hypertension was achieved postoperatively. Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy is a safe and feasible method of treatment of large benign and possible malignant, but noninvasive pheochromocytomas.