Sexual dysfunction after elective laparoscopic or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in men.

INTRODUCTION: Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair can lead to ejaculation and erection troubles in men. There are few studies on sexual dysfunction after endovascular repair (EVAR) but they suggest less retrograde ejaculation than after open repair. We assessed the sexual dysfunction and ejaculation troubles after elective laparoscopic repair or EVAR. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric prospective study on 124 patients undergoing AAA repair between 2013 and 2015. Sexual function was evaluated using the IIEF-15 questionnaire and questions on ejaculation. RESULTS: Only 45 patients (36.3%) accepted to complete the IIEF preoperatively with 20-37.8% having preoperative sexual dysfunction. Among them, 21 (46.7%) accepted to complete the questionnaire at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean age at inclusion was 65±5.6 years in the laparoscopic group and 77±10.5 years in the EVAR group (P=0.003). Erectile and sexual function were slightly improved at 12 months in the laparoscopic group (+1.4 for erectile score and +4.6 for IIEF score) with no significant difference (P=0.83 and 0.74) whereas 8 patients (61.5%) had persistent ejaculation troubles at 3 months. In the EVAR group, patients had moderate sexual dysfunction at baseline without improvement at 12 months, but only one patient reported ejaculation troubles. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients eligible for AAA repair present with baseline erectile and sexual dysfunction. Laparoscopic AAA repair provides no onset of erectile or sexual dysfunction but a global improvement after surgery. Ejaculation troubles are frequent and persistent at 1 year. However, EVAR treatment, doesn't allow recovering of sexual function at 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

An Experimental Study of Laser in situ Fenestration of Current Aortic Endografts.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Laser in situ fenestration (LISF) is emerging as an immediately available alternative in the endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysm. However, its biomechanical features remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to experimentally evaluate textile damage secondary to LISF and to compare LISF with mechanical in situ fenestration (MISF). METHODS: An in vitro study evaluated the damage created by LISF on endograft fabrics versus MISF using a needle. Five different models of commercially available aortic endografts were used (32 samples of polyethylene terephthalate and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fabrics). Tensile strength tests were performed on the fabrics before and after in situ fenestration, to determine the loss of mechanical strength. Integral water permeability tests at the stent-fenestration interface evaluated the watertightness of junctions. Stability of the connection was assessed with a fatigue bench test flexing the branch on the fenestration. In a second step, an in vivo study evaluating LISF in sheep was conducted. RESULTS: Resulting holes had circular and cauterised edges following LISF, whereas fabric filaments were pushed aside after MISF. Tensile tests demonstrated a 34% and a 27% mechanical resistance loss after LISF (p = .004) and MISF (p = .001) compared with non-fenestrated samples. A non-significant global decrease of 7% in mechanical resistance was found following LISF compared with MISF (p = .520). Water permeability tests highlighted that leak rates were higher following LISF than with MISF with regard to multifilament specimens (p < .05). Fatigue tests induced modification of the morphology of fenestrations. The surface area of the fenestration was increased for all samples after 170,000 cycles. Regarding the in vivo study, 14 LISF were performed in 12 sheep with a technical success rate of 88%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that both LISF and MISF create substantial damage to all available endograft fabrics. Until comparisons with reinforced fenestrations are performed, LISF and MISF should not be used outside investigational studies.

A Comprehensive Review of In Situ Fenestration of Aortic Endografts.

OBJECTIVE: Despite technical advances of fenestrated and branched endografts, endovascular exclusion of aneurysms involving renal, visceral, and/or supra-aortic branches remains a challenge. In situ fenestration (ISF) of standard endografts represents another endovascular means to maintain perfusion to such branches. This study aimed to review current indications, technical descriptions, and results of ISF. METHOD: A review of the English language literature was performed in Medline databases, Cochrane Database, Web of Science, and Scopus using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Sixty-seven relevant papers were selected. Thirty-three papers were excluded, leaving 34 articles as the basis of the present review. RESULTS: Most experimental papers evaluated ISF feasibility and assessed the consequences of ISF on graft fabric. Regarding clinical papers, 73 ISF procedures have been attempted in 58 patients, including 26 (45%) emergent and three (5%) bailout cases. Sixty-five (89%) ISF were located at the level of the arch, and eight (11%) in the abdominal aorta. Graft perforation was performed by physical, mechanical, or unspecified means in 33 (45%), 38 (52%), and two vessels (3%), respectively. ISF was technically successful in 68/73 (93%) arteries. At 30 days, two (3.4%) patients died in the setting of an aorto-bronchial fistula and an aorto-oesophageal fistula, respectively. No post-operative death, major complication, or endoleak was described as secondary to the ISF procedure. With follow-up between 0 and 72 months, four (6.9%) late deaths were noted, unrelated to the aorta. One (1.7%) LSA stent was stenosed without symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although there may be publication bias, multiple techniques were described to perform ISF with satisfactory short-term results. Long-term data remain scarce. Aortic endograft ISF is an off-label procedure that should not be used outside emergent bailout techniques or investigational studies. A comparison with alternative techniques of preserving aortic side branches is needed.

Editor's choice--hybrid treatment of thoracic, thoracoabdominal, and abdominal aortic aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the results of hybrid techniques for the treatment of thoracic, thoracoabdominal, and abdominal aortic aneurysms based on multicenter results and the various series regarding hybrid procedures reported in the literature. METHODS: The results of 76 hybrid procedures performed in 19 French university hospital centers between November 2001 and October 2011 were collected. There were 50 men and 26 women, mean age 68.2 (35-86) years. All patients were considered at high risk (ASA≥3) for conventional surgery. Aneurysms involved the thoracic, abdominal, and thoracoabdominal aorta in five, 14, and 57 cases respectively. There were 11 emergent repairs. The revascularization of four visceral arteries was performed in 38 cases. Between one and three visceral arteries were revascularized in the other cases. Visceral artery debranching and stent graft deployment were performed in a one-stage procedure in 53 cases and in a two-stage procedure in 23 cases. RESULTS: There were 26 (34.2%) postoperative deaths. Nine of the survivors developed paraplegia, of which one resolved completely. Bowel ischemia occurred in 13 cases (17.1%), and one patient was treated by a superior mesenteric artery bypass. Four patients required long-term hemodialysis. Postoperative computed tomography scan showed a type II endoleak in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity and mortality in this study were greater than previously reported. Candidates for hybrid aortic repair should be carefully selected.

Total laparoscopic intra-aortic foreign body retrieval.

Thrombo-embolic risk of intra-aortic foreign bodies (IAFB) is unpredictable. Endovascular retrieval is the treatment of choice but not always feasible. We report a case of total laparoscopic IAFB retrieval in a 37 years old patient. He underwent a percutaneous closure of a septal defect using a Helex device (WL Gore). Migration of the device occurred 6 months after the procedure. Device was located at the aortic bifurcation on CT scan. We performed a total laparoscopic retrieval through a transperitoneal direct approach of the abdominal aorta. Postoperative course was uneventful.

Totally laparoscopic tube graft bypass for infrarenal aortic aneurysm: a well-established surgical technique.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair enters the field of laparoscopic surgery. Main advantage of laparoscopic AAA repair is to perform the gold standard endoaneurysmorraphy with a reduced surgical trauma. Since 2001, the technique has evolved and is now well-established. We describe the standard technique of totally laparoscopic endoaneurysmorraphy with tube graft interposition through a transperitoneal left retrorenal approach. Main technical points are discussed.

Experimental development of an endovascular graft for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

AIM: Current treatment of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms is surgical. Despite significant advances in surgical technique and anesthetic management, significant morbidity and mortality remain associated with their repair. In compliance with principles of reducing postoperative morbidity, we developed a thoraco-abdominal endovascular graft in experimental models of type III and type IV thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm. This device had to preserve the vascularization of the visceral arteries while ensuring full aneurysmal exclusion. METHODS: Six implantations of the endovascular graft were performed. This graft was a modular system, made of: 1) a custom made main body containing 4 prosthetic visceral branches, 2) 4 self-expandable stent-grafts connecting prosthetic visceral branches with visceral arteries, 3) a custom made tubular endovascular graft connecting the main body with one of the iliac arteries. RESULTS: On angiographic controls, full aneurysmal exclusion was achieved while maintaining visceral artery perfusion. At the end of each procedure, the experimental model was opened. Macroscopic examination showed harmonious thoraco-abdominal endovascular graft deployments, without abnormal component constraint or kinking. There was no discordance between macroscopic and angiographic CONCLUSIONS: Our experimental work led to the development of a thoraco-abdominal endovascular graft, demonstrating feasibility of thoraco-abdominal aneurysm endoluminal treatment on an in vitro model close to the anatomical conditions observed in human pathology.

Total laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysms repair.

AIM: The aim of the study was to describe our experience of total laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. METHODS: Between February 2002 and September 2004, we performed 49 total laparoscopic AAA repair in 45 men and 4 women. Median age was 73 years (range, 46-85 years). Median aneurysm size was 52 mm (range, 30-95 mm). ASA class of patients was II, III and IV in 16, 32 and 1 cases, respectively. We used the laparoscopic transperitoneal left retrocolic approach in 47 patients. Seven patients were operated via a tranperitoneal left retrorenal approach and one patient via a retroperitoneoscopic approach. RESULTS: We implanted tube grafts and bifurcated grafts in 19 and 30 patients, respectively. Median operative time was 290 min (range, 160-420 min). Median clamping time was 81.5 min (range, 35-230 min). Median blood loss was 1800 cc (range, 300-6900 cc). Mortality was 6.1% (3 patients). In our early experience, two patients died of myocardial infarction. The 3rd death was due to a multiple organ failure. Thirteen major non lethal postoperative complications were observed in 9 patients (18%). Four patients had local/vascular complications, which required reintervention (8%). Nasogastric tube is now removed at the end of procedure. Median duration of ileus, return to general diet, ambulation and hospital stay were 2, 3, 3 and 10 days. With a median follow-up of 19 months (range, 8-39 months), complete recovery with patent graft was observed in 44 patients. Two patients needed a crossover femoral graft for one iliac dissection and one graft limb occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that total laparoscopic AAA repair is feasible and worthwhile for patients once the learning curve is overcome. It remains technically demanding and a previous training in videoscopic sutures is essential. Initial learning curve in laparoscopic aortic surgery with aortoiliac occlusive lesions is preferable before to begin laparoscopic AAA repair.

Laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal schwannoma.

We report a case of a successfully resected retroperitoneal benign schwannoma using laparoscopic surgery. A 62-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic retroperitoneal mass. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a solid tumor compressing the inferior vena cava (IVC). First, we performed an intraoperative biopsy analysis, which revealed a benign neurologic tumor. We then proceeded with the complete laparoscopic resection of the tumor. Pathology revealed a benign schwannoma 8 x 5 cm in size. To our knowledge, only three other cases of the laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal schwannoma have been reported. In our case, despite the large size of the tumor and the high level of compression of the IVC, a totally laparoscopic resection was feasible.

The place for bilobectomy in bronchogenic carcinoma.

From 1978 to 1988, 148 bilobectomies (21 upper and middle and 127 lower and middle) were performed for bronchogenic carcinoma. A conservative procedure was mandatory in 29 patients in whom a pneumonectomy was not functionally feasible while bilobectomy was deliberately performed in 119 patients with near normal lung function. Overall mortality was 6% compared to 4% and 3%, respectively, following pneumonectomies and lobectomies. Preoperative functional status did not significantly influence mortality. The complication rate was 55%. The incidence of bronchopleural fistula electively observed after lower and middle lobe resection was significantly higher (11%) compared to 4% after pneumonectomy and 1.4% after lobectomy (P less than 0.01). The overall 5-year survival was 43% and was similar to that observed at comparable TNM stage after other pulmonary resections. Residual right pulmonary function demonstrated by perfusion isotopic scan was 24% +/- 10 in 21 long-term survivors. These results indicate that bilobectomy can reasonably be considered in patients requiring more than a lobectomy but in whom lung conservation is mandatory despite a significant increase in morbidity. The risk appears justifiable regarding late survival results and functional benefit of the remaining right lobe.

[Results of surgical treatment of lung metastases from colorectal cancers]. / Résultats du traitement chirurgical des métastases pulmonaires des cancers colo-rectaux.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine the long term results and the prognostic factors after surgical resection of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancers. METHODS: Clinical status after surgery and survival were studied in 101 consecutive patients undergoing lung resection for pulmonary metastases from colorectal carcinoma between 1970 and 1993. Prognostic factors were evaluated according to surgical design. Mean interval between colon resection and lung resection was 44 months. Fifty-nine patients had a solitary lesion, 17 had multiple unilateral lesions and 25 multiple bilateral lesions. Eighteen patients had undergone previous surgery for localized extrapulmonary metastases. A wedge resection was performed in 47 patients, lobectomy or bilobectomy in 40, pneumonectomy in 11 and biopsy in 3. RESULTS: There was no postoperative mortality and 5-year survival in complete resection was 21%; all patients with incomplete resection or biopsy died within 3 years. Significant prognostic factors were: complete resection, metachronous disease (vs synchronous metastases) and absence of lymph node involvement. The extent of the colorectal disease and the number of resected metastases did not influence prognosis. Survival for patients with resected extrapulmonary disease was not significantly different as compared with patients with only pulmonary metastases. Eleven patients had repeat pulmonary resections, 6 of these patients are currently alive, 3 of them more than 3 years after the second pulmonary resection. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that resection of colorectal lung metastases is safe and effective, that resectable extrapulmonary disease does not contra-indicate pulmonary resection and that repeat thoracotomy is warranted in selected patients with recurrent lung metastases.

[Post-traumatic aneurysmal dissection of the extracranial internal carotid artery; helical computed tomographic and angiographic aspects: a case]. / Dissection post-traumatique anévrismale de la carotide interne extracrânienne; aspect tomodensiométrique hélicoïdal et angiographique: un cas.

A 20-year-old man presented with mild intracranial bleeding, a Horner's syndrome, and left neck swelling following head injury. Following noncontrast CT of the brain, a contrast-enhanced helical CT was performed through the neck that showed a hematoma in the poststyloid space (carotid sheath) with irregular diameter of the ICA. Selective digital subtraction angiography confirmed the presence of left cervical ICA dissection with pseudoaneurysm formation. The aneurysm was resected and an end-to-end anastomosis was done using an inverted saphenous graft. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of traumatic ICA dissection with pseudoaneurysm formation and there was no evidence of pre-existing pathology. Helical CT is a simple, widely available, and relatively non-invasive imaging technique that correlates well with angiography. It should be considered in the evaluation of patients with suspected cervical ICA dissection.

[Positional occlusion of the descending scapular artery in transverse thoraco-brachial syndrome with neurologic symptoms]. / Occlusion positionnelle de l'artère scapulaire descendante dans un syndrome de la traversée thoraco-brachiale à traduction neurologique.

We report a thoracic outlet syndrome revealed by neurological complications. Angiography of the subclavian artery depicted an isolated positional occlusion of the descending scapular artery. This side branch of the subclavian artery is anatomically located close to and supplies the brachial plexus. Surgical treatment led to improvement of most symptoms and post-operative control angiography was normal. Not previously described, this sign illustrates the objective compression of the brachial plexus. Ischemia is perhaps intricated with compression, a well-known pathophysiological mechanism of neurological complications in this syndrome. This artery feeding the brachial plexus is usually ligated during surgical neurolysis but must be preserved in order to improve recovery of neurological function and prevent surgical failures.

[Is preoperative systematic chest x-ray useful in general surgery? A multicenter prospective study of 3959 patients. ACAPEM. Association des Chirurgiens de l'Assistance Publique pour les Evaluations Médicales]. / La radiographie thoracique préopératoire systématique en chirurgie générale est-elle utile?

In order to define which patients may not require a routine preoperative chest X-ray, a prospective multicenter study was carried out. It included 3,959 consecutive fifteen, or more, year-old patients, free from any cancer, scheduled for a general or gastrointestinal surgical procedure other than thoracotomy, and had a plain chest X-ray beforehand. This investigation was prescribed before surgery, either by the surgeon or the anaesthetist. Patients were classified according to selected risk factors: age, smoking, emergency surgery, a past history of lung, heart or vascular disease, abnormal clinical findings related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and a previous chest film made less than one year before. There were 2,092 patients in Group I (no risk factors), 916 in group II (one risk factor), 645 in Group III (two risk factors), and 276 in group IV (three risk factors). Three endpoints were selected: a modification of operative schedule or anaesthetic technique, a change in surgical procedure, and the diagnosis of postoperative complications. A rate of 23.2% of preoperative chest films were considered to be abnormal. This rate increased with age and the number of risk factors: 6.2% in Group I and 72.5% in Group IV. Surgical and anaesthetic procedures were modified as a result of the chest X-ray in only 0.5% of patients: 0.1% in Group I, 0.3% in Group II, 1.2% in Group III and 1.4% in Group IV. When pulmonary or cardiac complications did occur after the surgery, the preoperative chest film was of no help for making this diagnosis in more than 50% of cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Supracoeliac aortic clamping. Technique and indication in traumatic abdominal pathology]. / Clampage aortique supra-coeliaque. Technique et indication en pathologie abdominale traumatique.

Supracoeliac occlusion of the aorta was performed in two patients with visceral and vascular lesions due to blunt abdominal trauma. In both cases, aortic occlusion was required due to peroperative hypovolaemic shock. The first case was a 30-year-old man hospitalized for blunt thoracic and abdominal trauma. Haemodynamic parameters were unstable at admission with initial blood pressure at 85/45 mmHg. Physical examination indicated a haemoperitonium which was confirmed echographically. At laparotomy, among other injuries, the right supra-hepatologic vein and two posterior veins draining the segment VII were severed. Despite suture and haemostatic procedures, hypovolaemic shock occurred with systolic pressure at 40 mmHg. In the second case, haemoperitonium was also confirmed echographically in a 28-year-old man hospitalized for blunt frontal abdominal trauma. Blood pressure was 70/45 mmHg at admission and emergency laparotomy revealed major avulsion of the left lobe of the liver and lesions to the sub-renal vena cava and the left renal vein in addition to major injury to the pancreas and the stomach. While the supra-coeliac aorta was being prepared, persistent bleeding led to shock with a systolic pressure of 45 mmHg. In both cases, the supracoeliac artery was clamped, for 30 and 35 minutes respectively, making it possible to re-establish satisfactory haemodynamic conditions and allowing favourable outcome. These observations demonstrate that per-operative occlusion of the supracoeliac aorta performed as a salvage manoeuvre in cases of hypovolaemic shock can be an effective means of re-establishing a precarious haemodynamic situation. The technique is simple and rapid and few complications have been reported.

[Rupture to the skin of atheromatous aneurysm on a femoropopliteal venous bypass using an in situ vein]. / Rupture à la peau d'un anévrysme athéromateux sur un pontage veineux fémoro-poplité par veine in situ.

Atheromatous aneurysmal degeneration of a venous bypass graft is a rare and late event after venous bypass grafting. We report the case of a 49-year-old man in whom a large aneurysm of a saphenous graft implanted 10 years earlier ruptured to the skin. Amputation was required. Graft degeneration can lead to complications which may be life or limb-threatening due to graft rupture, graft thrombosis or distal embolization. Close follow-up after arterial reconstruction using a vein graft is therefore highly warranted for early detection and correction of any abnormalities before onset of complications.

[Introducing an implantable central venous catheter via the right pudendal vein]. / Introduction du cathéter veineux central des chambres de perfusion implantables par la veine génitale droite.

Implantable central venous catheters are routinely introduced in the subclavian or jugular veins. In some cases such as thrombosis or infection, this localization must be avoided. In these circumstances, the inferior vena cava is used. The catheter can be inserted into the inferior vena cava via the right genital vein. Surgery is performed under general or loco-regional anesthesia. The right genital vein is approached using a MacBurney incision. The retroperitoneum is entered and the right genital vein is cannulated. The catheter tip is placed at the limit between the inferior vena cava and the right atrium. The port is placed in a subcutaneous pocket in the lower part of the thorax. In cases where the right genital vein is too narrow to allow catheterization, it is easy to proceed through the same incision and puncture the inferior vena cava.

Total laparoscopic aortic surgery: transperitoneal direct approach.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the laparoscopic transperitoneal direct approach to the abdominal aorta. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE: The patient is placed in the right lateral decubitus position, which allows dropping of the small bowel into right side of the abdomen. Anatomical exposure of the abdominal aorta follows the same steps as in open surgery. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic transperitoneal direct approach allows a reproducible exposure of the abdominal aorta. This technique was useful when retrocolic and/or retrorenal approaches were not possible because of previous left nephrectomy.