Clinical results of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To review our results of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: We evaluated the medical records of patients undergoing carotid artery revascularization procedure, between 2001 and 2013 in Baskent University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Carotid artery stenting or CEA procedures were performed in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (>/=70%) or symptomatic stenosis (>/=50%). Demographic data, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Primary outcome measures were in 30-day stroke/transient ischemic attacks (TIA)/amaurosis fugax or death. Secondary outcome measures were nerve injury, bleeding complications, length of stay in hospital, stroke, restenosis (ICA patency), and all-cause death during long-term follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-four CEA and 115 CAS procedures were performed for symptomatic and/or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. There is no significant differences 30-day mortality and neurologic morbidity between CAS (13%) and CEA procedures (7.7%). Length of stay in hospital were significantly longer in CEA group (p=0.001). In the post-procedural follow up, only in symptomatic patients, restenosis rate was higher in the CEA group (p=.045). The other endpoints did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Endovascular stent treatment of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is an alternative for vascular surgery, especially for patients that are high risk for standard CEA. The increasing experience, development of cerebral protection systems and new treatment protocols increases CAS feasibility.

Emergency cholecystectomy vs percutaneous cholecystostomy plus delayed cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: In low-risk patients with acute cholecystitis who did not respond to nonoperative treatment, we prospectively compared treatment with emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy or percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy followed by delayed cholecystectomy. METHODS: In 91 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II) who had symptoms of acute cholecystitis ≥72 hours at hospital admission and who did not respond to nonoperative treatment (48 hours), 48 patients were treated with emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 43 patients were treated with delayed cholecystectomy at ≥4 weeks after insertion of a percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy catheter. After initial treatment, the patients were followed up for 23 months on average (range 7-29). RESULT: Compared with the patients who had emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patients who were treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy and delayed cholecystectomy had a lower frequency of conversion to open surgery [19 (40%) vs 8 (19%); P=0.029], a frequency of intraoperative bleeding ≥100 mL [16 (33%) vs 4 (9%); P=0.006], a mean postoperative hospital stay (5.3+/-3.3 vs 3.0+/-2.4 days; P=0.001), and a frequency of complications [17 (35%) vs 4 (9%); P=0.003]. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute cholecystitis who presented to the hospital ≥72 hours after symptom onset and did not respond to nonoperative treatment for 48 hours, percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy produced better outcomes and fewer complications than emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Endovascular Management of Hematomas in Pediatric Transplant Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter arterial embolization is used to control active hemorrhage at different anatomic locations. Because hematomas can suddenly deteriorate and become life threatening for transplant patients, they require prompt diagnosis and intervention rather than conservative management. Here, we evaluated computed tomography in treatment planning and transcatheter embolization effectiveness for hematoma management in pediatric liver transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2012 and December 2021, 10 pediatric liver transplant patients were referred to our interventional radiology unit. Computed tomography and angiograms were reviewed for hematoma location and presence of extravasation. We analyzed correlations between computed tomography and angiography findings and technical and clinical success of the endovascular interventions. RESULTS: Active leak of contrast material during arterial phase was detected on 9/10 CT scans. Although there was no active bleeding on CT in 1 patient, active arterial bleeding was detected on angiography. On the contrary, in 2 patients, although active bleeding was observed on computed tomography, it was not detected on angiography. Source of bleeding was superior mesenteric artery branches in 4, hepatic artery branch in 2, superior epigastric artery in 1, and phrenic artery in 1 patient. Six of 8 patients with active bleeding were treated with endovascular procedures. The remaining 2 patients received surgery: 1 had bleeding from liver cut surface originating from a hepatic artery branch and received open surgery because the bleeding branch was too thin for catheterization, and 1 was hemodynamically unstable and selective catheterization of the internal thoracic artery would take time. Two patients received embolization procedures with N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (glue) diluted with iodized oil, and 1 patient had coil and glue with iodized oil. Embolization with coils was performed in 3 patients. Rate of success with transcatheter arterial embolization was 75%. No complications related to patient comorbidities or embolization procedures were shown. No deaths occurred due to progression of the hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter arterial embolization is effective and safe for treatment of pediatric liver transplant patients with hematomas. Computed tomography has value in identifying the bleeding source and its anatomic relationships and may enhance our intervention abilities to become quicker, more effective, and more secured.

Our Living Donor Protocol for Liver Transplant: A SingleCenter Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The shortage of deceased donor organs is a limiting factor in transplant. The growing discrepancy between the wait list demand versus the supply of deceased donor organs has created an incentive for consideration of living donor liver transplant as an alternative. Here, we describe our evaluation process and donor complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1988, we have performed 659 (449 living donor and 210 deceased donor) liver transplants. The most important evaluation criteria is the relationship between donor and recipient, and we require thatthe donor must be related to the recipient. The evaluation protocol has 5 stages. Donor complications were defined as simple, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: We retrospectively investigated data for 1387 candidates, and 938 (67.7%) were rejected; subsequently, 449 living donor liver transplants were performed. There were no complications in 398 of the donors (88.7%). Total complication rate was 11.3%. Simple complications were seen in 31 patients (6.9%). Moderate complications were seen in 19 patients (4.2%). We had only 1 severe complication, ie, organ failure from unspecified liver necrosis, which resulted in death. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between donor and recipient and donor safety should be the primary focus for living donor liver transplant. Donor selection should be made carefully to minimize complications and provide adequately functional grafts.

Long-term results of angioplasty and stent placement for treatment of central venous obstruction in 126 hemodialysis patients: a 10-year single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to report and compare long-term results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of central venous obstruction in hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hemodialysis patients who underwent successful endovascular treatment of central venous obstruction were retrospectively evaluated. Stenotic lesions greater than 50% or inducing extremity swelling were subject to treatment. The primary treatment was angioplasty, and stent placement was accomplished in angioplasty-resistant obstructions. Angioplasty was the primary treatment of recurrence after stent placement. Additional stenting was reserved for angioplasty-resistant recurrences. RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven veins in 126 patients (63 males, 63 females) between 15 and 82 years old primarily underwent 101 angioplasties and 46 stent placements. The mean follow-up was 22.1 +/- 16.3 (SD) months. The average number of interventions per vein in the stent group (2.7 +/- 2.4 interventions) was significantly higher than that in the angioplasty group (1.5 +/- 1.0 interventions). Primary patency was significantly higher in the angioplasty group (mean, 24.5 +/- 1.7 months) than that in the stent group (mean, 13.4 +/- 2.0 months). Assisted primary patency of the angioplasty group (mean, 31.4 +/- 2.0 months) and that of the stent group (mean, 31.0 +/- 4.7 months) were equivalent. The overall mean primary patency was 21.1 +/- 1.4 months, and the overall mean assisted primary patency was 31.7 +/- 2.5 months. There were no significant differences in patency rates with regard to patient sex, the type of stent used, the vein or veins treated, or the type of lesions. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of central venous obstruction is a safe and effective procedure in hemodialysis patients. Stenting has a significantly lower primary patency rate than angioplasty but adds to the longevity of vein patency in angioplasty-resistant lesions; therefore, stent placement should be considered in angioplasty-resistant lesions.

Appendiceal endometriosis presenting as perforated appendicitis: report of a case and review of the literature.

While endometriosis is a common disorder in women of reproductive age, appendiceal endometriosis accounts for less than 1% of all pelvic endometriotic lesions. Involvement at this site may present as acute appendicitis and be diagnosed only upon postoperative histopathologic examination. We report such an occurrence of appendiceal endometriosis in a 40-year-old woman who presented with acute perforated appendicitis.

Treatment approaches for spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding.

In this study, we investigated critical issues in the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding. The medical records of 16 patients who were admitted to the emergency department and were diagnosed as having spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding were reviewed retrospectively. Retroperitoneal bleeding was diagnosed by intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography in 8 men and 8 women (median age, 70.5 years; mean hemoglobin level, 7.4 +/- 1.3 mg/dl). Thirteen patients (81%) received conservative treatment. Bleeding was controlled by therapeutic angiographic intervention in two patients (12%) and by surgery in one patient (6%). Two patients (12%) died. Clinicians should suspect retroperitoneal bleeding in anemic patients who are admitted to an emergency department. If active bleeding is detected, interventional radiologic methods should be used as the initial treatment, and surgery can be performed if conservative and interventional radiologic methods fail.

Percutaneous sonographic guidance for TIPS in Budd-Chiari syndrome: direct simultaneous puncture of the portal vein and inferior vena cava.

OBJECTIVE: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a clinical condition characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective means of decompressing the portal system in patients unresponsive to traditional medical therapy. TIPS may be difficult in patients with BCS owing to the presence of hepatic venous occlusive disease. We present our experience using direct percutaneous simultaneous puncture of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava to place a TIPS in patients with BCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2003 and October 2006, percutaneous sonographically guided TIPS was performed on 11 patients (five women and a girl, four men and a boy; age range, 6-43 years). Indications for the TIPS procedure were intractable ascites in nine patients and intractable ascites and variceal bleeding in two patients. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 23.5 to 9.8 mm Hg. The cumulative rate of primary patency was 60% at 1 year. Nine revisions were performed in five patients. In nine of the 11 patients, ascites resolved completely, and in two patients, it was relieved. CONCLUSION: Excellent technical and clinical success can be achieved with percutaneous sonographically guided direct simultaneous puncture of the portal vein and inferior vena cava in patients with BCS.

Endovascular therapy for thoracic and abdominal aortic emergencies.

BACKGROUND: Emergent situations of both the thoracic and abdominal aortae are serious life-threatening situations. Endovascular stent graft repair offers an alternative to conventional operation for management of aortic diseases. Our aim was to report our experience with endovascular stent graft repair of thoracic and abdominal aortic emergencies. METHODS: Between April 2004 and March 2007, endovascular stent graft repair was performed in 16 patients (13 males, 3 females; mean age 61.4+/-16.3; range 38 to 86 years). The emergent lesions were in the thoracic aorta in 8 patients and abdominal aorta in the remainder. The deployed stent graft systems were Talent-Medtronic (n=8) and Excluder-Gore (n=8). RESULTS: Successful deployment of the stent grafts in the appropriate position was achieved in all patients. Hospital mortality occurred in 3 patients. There was no conversion to open surgery. The total number of endoleaks was 3 (18.75%). CONCLUSION: Endovascular stent graft placement is a feasible and effective approach in the emergency treatment of patients with complicated emergent pathologies of both thoracic and abdominal aortae.

Transcatheter retrieval of embolized catheter using venovenous loop in a neonate.

Varan B, Yakut K, Harman A. Transcatheter retrieval of embolized catheter using venovenous loop in a neonate. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 113-115. Umbilical venous catheters are reliable in providing adequate medical care for premature babies however complications include infections, bleeding, thrombosis, catheter occlusion and migration of a piece of catheter to other parts in the body. Here, we present a case with migration of a piece of umbilical venous catheter which has been trapped between hepatic vein and right upper pulmonary vein causing apnea episodes, recurrent respiratory symptoms, need for mechanical ventilation and increase of acute phase reactants. The embolized catheter was retrieved successfully via percutaneous route.

Perforated ileal diverticulitis: CT findings.

Diverticulosis of the ileum is very uncommon. The differential diagnosis for any inflammatory process in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen includes appendicitis, Crohn's disease, and other infectious and inflammatory conditions of the terminal ileum and cecum. Diagnosis of small bowel diverticulitis is based on radiological findings, and computed tomography is the method of choice to demonstrate mural changes and the mesenteric extent of the inflammation. Preoperative knowledge of this condition may influence surgical and medical management.

Percutaneous management of anastomotic bile leaks following liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: To review our experience with percutaneous internal-external biliary drainage in treating biliary anastomotic leaks following orthotopic liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 1997 and June 2006, 157 liver transplantations were performed in our hospital. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed in 10 patients (9 males, 1 female; mean age, 32.9 years; age range, 2-62 years) with patent hepatic arterial systems to treat clinically significant anastomotic bile leaks. RESULTS: Bile leaks were resolved and anastomotic patency was restored in all patients. Massive hemobilia occurred in 1 patient due to arterial pseudoaneurysm and was treated with embolization. No major complications were seen in the other patients. During a mean follow-up of 19.5 months, anastomotic stricture occurred in 2 patients (1 in combination with a recurrent leak). Both patients were successfully treated with percutaneous methods. The remaining 8 patients had no biliary problems. CONCLUSION: When treating anastomotic bile leaks in liver transplant patients, percutaneous procedures may be performed with high technical success and low complication rates.

Endovascular treatment of active bleeding after liver transplant.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of active bleeding complications following transplant and the efficacy of interventional radiologic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2000 and February 2007, 14 liver transplant patients with active bleeding were treated via endovascular techniques (coils, glue, or graft-covered stents). Active bleeding was spontaneous in 6 patients through the inferior epigastric artery (n=1), the inferior phrenic artery (n=1), the superior mesenteric artery (n=2), the internal mammary artery (n=1), and the hepatic artery (n=1). In 8 patients, active bleeding was due to transhepatic biliary or endovascular interventions. Hemobilia (n=2) due to pseudoaneurysm formation after transhepatic biliary interventions was embolized with coils. Hepatic artery rupture was observed in 6 patients during endovascular interventions performed on hepatic artery stenosis or thrombosis that had been treated with graft-covered stents. Technical success, clinical improvement, and complications were documented. RESULTS: Active bleeding was stopped by endovascular intervention in 13 of 14 patients. Embolizations with coils or glue were successful. In 1 patient with hepatic artery bleeding, the graft-covered stent failed to seal the rupture site, and this patient underwent reoperation. CONCLUSION: Arterial bleeding complications after liver transplant during the early and late postoperative period, due either to spontaneous active bleeding or to percutaneous or endovascular interventions, can be successfully managed with interventional radiologic techniques.

Unusual Treatment of Unusual Complication: Stenting of Left Ventricular Assist Device Outflow Graft Stenosis.

Due to the increase in the number of patients waiting for heart transplantation and shortage of heart donors, both the use of mechanical assist devices and their associated complications increase. Here we present the case of a stenosis occurring in a patient at aortic outflow graft anastomosis for whom we applied a left ventricular assist device, followed by a discussion of the diagnosis, approach, and the treatment we offer in our clinic.

Incidence and Treatment of Bile Stones After Liver Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Although the incidence of bile stones after liver transplant is rare (2%-6%), various complications can occur, including recurrent cholangitis, biliary strictures, graft loss, and patient mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated bile stone incidence, pathogenesis, and treatment in 352 liver transplant recipients, comparing demographics, transplant indication, blood lipid profile, bile reconstruction technique, postoperative complications, time of diagnosis, and treatment regimens. RESULTS: Of 352 recipients, 18 had bile stones, with 13 of these patients (72.2%) receiving duct-to-duct bile reconstruction, 17 having biliary complications before bile stone development, 7 (38.9%) having biliary stricture, 6 (33.3%) having biliary leakage, 4 (22.2%) having biliary strictures secondary to biliary leakage, and 7 (38.9%) having hepatic artery complications early posttransplant. Previous biliary complications and recurrent cholangitis significantly increased bile stones. Incidence in patients with triglyceride levels > 250 mg/dL was significantly different from those with levels at < 250 mg/dL. Cold ischemia time was significant in those with and without bile stones (P = .001). Three patients (16%) were treated by endoscopic tools, with others (15/18, 84%) treated via percutaneous procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Bile stone risk can be greater in those with previous biliary complications, hepatic artery problems, long cold ischemia time, and high cholesterol levels. It can be successfully treated by endoscopic and percutaneous techniques.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis in critically ill patients: one center's experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The standard treatment for acute cholecystitis is cholecystectomy; however, cholecystectomy is not an option in some patients who are too high-risk for emergency surgery. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy is an alternative for such patients. This study presents one center's five-year clinical experience with ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy for treatment of acute cholecystitis. METHODS: In this study the records of all patients (18 total; mean age, 68.2+/-15.4 years; range, 42-91 years) who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis between June 1998 and October 2003 were reviewed. Duration of hospitalization, duration of tube placement, mortality and morbidity after tube placement, complication rates, culture results for aspirated bile, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis and four were diagnosed with acalculous cholecystitis. The average hospital stay was 19+/-12.6 days (range, 5-52 days), and the average duration of catheter drainage was 20.5+/-19.1 days (range, 1-75 days). Six patients underwent open cholecystectomy between days 16 and 26 of catheter drainage, and none had postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy is a relatively safe and easy method for treating acute cholecystitis in critically ill patients. The risk of complications is low and the likelihood of success is high.

Ultrasound-guided brachiocephalic vein catheterization in infants weighing less than five kilograms.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with the use of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein approach for central vein catheterization in infants weighing less than 5 kg. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for infants who underwent ultrasound-guided central vein catheterization from January 2012 to November 2014. Infants weighing less than 5 kg with supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein access were included in the study. Indications for central venous access, venous access side, catheter type and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-four catheterizations in 34 infants weighing from 1.5 to 4.9 kg (median 3.48 kg) were included in the study (aged 11 days to 7 months and 10 days, weight range 1.5 to 4.9 kg). Technical success rate was 97% (33 of 34 infants). No technical or clinical major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein access is a favorable alternative for central venous catheterization in low-weight infants with regard to high technical success rate and absence of major complications.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of liver biopsy following liver transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool for liver pathology after liver transplant. However, biopsy can cause life-threating complications. There is limited knowledge about efficacy and complications of liver biopsy after liver transplant. Our aim was to evaluate the risk and benefit of liver biopsy after liver transplant and quality of biopsy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all liver biopsies performed after liver transplant between January 2000 and October 2014. All patients were monitored for minimum 24 hours after biopsy. RESULTS: We performed 245 liver biopsies in 159 liver transplant patients. Fifteen biopsies (6%) were nondiagnostic. In the samples, there were 102 cases (41%) of acute rejection, 79 cases (35%) of cholangitis, and 49 cases (20%) of cholestasis observed. Complications after biopsy were seen in 23 patients (9%) and biopsies. There were 7 patients who had severe abdominal pain followed by fever. We diagnosed 4 patients who had intercostal/subcapsular bleeding and 12 patients who had vasovagal reaction. All patients were treated with analgesic agents and monitored for 24 hours. No blood transfusion or surgery was required. CONCLUSIONS: Liver biopsy after liver transplant is an invasive diagnostic tool for liver pathology. However, it can be used safely in experienced centers.

The role of choice-lock catheter and trocar technique in percutaneous ablation of symptomatic renal cysts.

BACKGROUND: The most common benign lesions of the kidney are simple cysts. They are acquired lesions and mostly affect the elderly population. OBJECTIVES: To describe the usage of choice-lock catheter and trocar technique in percutaneous renal cyst treatment and determining long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out between February 2000 and July 2011. Eighty-eight cysts all of which were Bosniak type-1 cysts were selected in 75 patients. The treatment indications were flank pain, hydronephrosis and hypertension. The choice-lock catheter was used for 84 cysts with the trocar technique. Ninety-five percent ethanol was used as the sclerosing agent. Maximum volume of the injected ethanol was 175 ml. The mean follow-up time after the treatment procedure was 23 months. Sixty-four cysts were located in the cortical and 24 cysts were located at the parapelvic region. RESULTS: Fifty-seven cysts had complete regression, while 31 cysts regressed partially. After the procedure, pain was relieved in 44 (82%) patients and the pain alleviated in four (8%). Normotension was obtained in five (62.5%) of the eight hypertensive patients and no hydronephrosis was detected in nine patients. There were no relationship between the localization and the regression rate. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous ethanol sclerotheraphy in simple cysts is a safe, cost-effective and minimally invasive method. We consider that this technique may be an alternative solution in the percutaneous cyst treatment.