Adjuvant external beam radiation for medullary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant radiation is rarely used to treat medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We hypothesized that external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) would improve overall survival (OS) in MTC patients. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database identified patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and lymph nodes excision for MTC between 1988 and 2004. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for univariate comparisons of OS. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models controlled for gender, age, lymph node status, tumor size, extent of disease, and EBRT. RESULTS: After 12 years, EBRT did not significantly improve OS (log rank, P < 0.14). In node-positive patients, univariate analysis demonstrated an OS benefit with EBRT (log rank, P < 0.05). In a multivariate model of node-positive patients, only increasing age (P < 0.001) and tumor size (P < 0.001) significantly influenced OS. CONCLUSIONS: The OS benefit attributed to EBRT in node-positive patients by univariate analysis could not be duplicated when controlling for known prognostic factors.

An evaluation of lymph node yield and lymph node ratio in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

It is unknown whether the number of lymph nodes harvested (lymph node yield, LNY) or the proportion of metastatic lymph nodes resected (metastatic lymph node ratio, MLNR) influence survival in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC). We hypothesized that overall survival in WDTC is influenced by the LNY and MLNR. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to identify all patients with primary, nonmetastatic WDTC who underwent thyroidectomy with at least one lymph node removed between 1988 and 2004. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for LNY and MLNR were compared using the log rank test. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models included tumor and patient-specific factors. WDTC patients that met entry criteria totaled 9926. In the univariate model, LNY and MLNR had a significant impact on survival (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, increasing LNY was associated with poorer survival in all patients (P = 0.001) and node-negative patients (P = 0.03), but not for node-positive patients (P = 0.27). MLNR did not influence survival in node-positive patients (P = 0.84). Among patients with WDTC treated with thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy, increasing LNY and MLNR were associated with decreased survival. The decrease in survival associated with increasing LNY, even in node-negative patients, indicates that nodal understaging is inconsequential to WDTC survival.

Prognostic value of lymph node yield and metastatic lymph node ratio in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphadenectomy and thyroidectomy is standard treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), but the prognostic importance of the number of lymph nodes removed (lymph node yield, LNY) and the proportion of metastatic lymph nodes resected (metastatic lymph node ratio, MLNR) is unknown. We hypothesized that MTC survival is influenced by LNY and MLNR. METHODS: Patients (N = 534) who underwent thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy for MTC between 1988 and 2004 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for univariate comparisons of survival for LNY and MLNR with a maximum follow-up of 12 years. Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, extent of disease, tumor size, nodal status, LNY, and MLNR. RESULTS: By univariate analysis, increasing LNY was associated with improved survival in all patients (P < 0.002) and node-positive patients (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis using LNY and MLNR as categorical variables, significant factors influencing survival included: age (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), LNY (P = 0.007), and MLNR (P < 0.02); in node-negative patients: age (P = 0.002); in node-positive patients: age (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), and LNY (P = 0.001). Using LNY and MLNR as continuous variables, significant factors influencing survival included: age (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), and MLNR (P = 0.01); in node-negative patients: age (P < 0.001); in node-positive patients: age (P < 0.001) and tumor size (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy for MTC, LNY and MLNR predict poorer survival, but their impact on survival was limited to node-positive patients and was otherwise dominated by the effects of age and extent of disease.

Contrast-assisted ultrasound for sentinel lymph node detection in spontaneously arising canine head and neck tumors.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate a minimally invasive contrast-assisted ultrasound (US) technique for sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization. METHODS: Microbubble contrast medium was injected into peritumoral tissues in 10 dogs with spontaneous head or neck tumors. Regional lymph nodes (LNs) were imaged up to 20 minutes after contrast administration using power Doppler US. Comparative lymphoscintigraphy studies were performed in all dogs by peritumoral injection of 99mTc-sulfur colloid administered around the primary lesion. RESULTS: US contrast enhancement of SLN revealed sentinel nodes and associated lymphatics in 8 of 10 dogs. In each instance in which contrast-enhanced LN was identified with US, a corresponding SLN was detected by lymphoscintigraphy. Multiple SLNs were present in 2 dogs. Regional lymph nodes were positive for metastasis in 1 dog and reactive in 9 dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-assisted US is effective in localizing SLN. This technique could reduce or eliminate many of the limitations of current SLN detection procedures.

Experience and attitudes of surgeons toward palliation in cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgery can effectively palliate symptoms in patients with advanced malignancy and thereby maintain quality of life. However, the goal of surgical palliation should be balanced with the associated risks, and the decision to operate can be challenging for even the most experienced surgeon. HYPOTHESIS: There are significant deficiencies in training during residency and in continuing medical education in palliative surgical care leading to a lack of agreement for treatment recommendations. DESIGN AND SETTING: A survey of general surgeons involving 4 clinical vignettes of patients with advanced malignancies and varying degrees of symptoms. Respondents were asked to select the best treatment option for each patient from a list of 6 alternatives. Furthermore, respondents identified the clinical factors that most influenced the decision, as well as the major goal of the palliative intervention. SUBJECTS: Surgeons in a midsized urban setting and its surrounding region. RESULTS: Of 124 surveys sent out, 70 (56%) were completed. Significant deficiencies in education were identified; 59 (84%) of the respondents did not receive any education in palliative surgical care during residency and 28 (44%) lacked continuing medical education. A consensus treatment recommendation was not selected in 3 of the 4 clinical vignettes, but the respondents used similar clinical factors and goals of treatment for selection of the specific recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care is a major deficiency of postgraduate surgical training. A more focused effort in training surgeons in palliative care may allow for the more uniform and standard provision of palliative surgical care to patients with advanced cancer.

Quantitation of in vivo human folate metabolism.

BACKGROUND: A quantitative understanding of human folate metabolism is needed. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to quantify and interpret human folate metabolism as it might occur in vivo. DESIGN: Adults (n = 13) received 0.5 nmol [(14)C]pteroylmonoglutamate (100 nCi radioactivity) plus 79.5 nmol pteroylmonoglutamate in water orally. (14)C was measured in plasma, erythrocytes, urine, and feces for >/=40 d. Kinetic modeling was used to analyze and interpret the data. RESULTS: According to the data, the population was healthy and had a mean dietary folate intake of 1046 nmol/d, and the apparent dose absorption of (14)C was 79%. The model predictions showed that only 0.25% of plasma folate was destined for marrow, mean bile folate flux was 5351 nmol/d, and the digestibility of the mix (1046 + 5351 nmol/d) was 92%. About 33% of visceral pteroylmonoglutamate was converted to the polyglutamate form, most of the body folate was visceral (>99%), most of the visceral folate was pteroylpolyglutamate (>98%), total body folate was 225 micromol, and pteroylpolyglutamate synthesis, recycling, and catabolism were 1985, 1429, and 556 nmol/d, respectively. Mean residence times were 0.525 d as visceral pteroylmonoglutamate, 119 d as visceral pteroylpolyglutamate, 0.0086 d as plasma folate, and 0.1 d as gastrointestinal folate. CONCLUSIONS: Across subjects, folate absorption, bile folate flux, and body folate stores were larger than prior estimates. Marrow folate uptake and pteroylpolyglutamate synthesis, recycling, and catabolism are saturable processes. Visceral pteroylpolyglutamate was an immediate precursor of plasma p-aminobenzoylglutamate. The model is a working hypothesis with derived features that are explicitly model-dependent. It successfully quantitated folate metabolism, encouraging further rigorous testing.

Modern parathyroid surgery: a cost-benefit analysis of localizing strategies.

HYPOTHESIS: Preoperative and intraoperative localizing techniques are more cost-effective than a nondirected bilateral neck exploration in the initial treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). DESIGN: A clinical outcome model was developed to simulate the surgical management of primary HPT. Clinical scenarios modeled included a nondirected bilateral neck exploration and surgery using the following localizing strategies: preoperative technetium Tc 99m sestamibi scanning, intraoperative "quick" intact parathyroid hormone assay, or intraoperative radioguidance. Average total charges based on intent to treat were estimated from our practice and from the literature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Average total charges per patient (for the primary operation and for reexploration for persistent HPT, if needed), incidence of surgical failure (ie, persistent HPT), and risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (cumulative risk of the primary procedure and a subsequent operation for persistent HPT). RESULTS: The use of any localizing strategy reduced total charges, risk of persistent HPT, and cumulative risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury compared with a nondirected bilateral neck exploration. The greatest cost savings and the lowest risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were achieved when technetium Tc 99m sestamibi scanning was combined with intraoperative radioguidance. The lowest rate of persistent HPT was found when technetium Tc 99m sestamibi scanning was combined with an intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay. CONCLUSIONS: Limited parathyroid surgery using any localizing strategy is cost-effective, safe, and efficacious in the management of primary HPT. The cost benefit was primarily achieved by reduced operative charges and immediate hospital discharge rather than a lower need for reexploration for persistent HPT.

Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy increases wound complications: however, initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy is not delayed.

BACKGROUND: Immediate breast reconstruction is being increasingly used after mastectomy, although it may increase the incidence of wound complications. The indications for chemotherapy in breast cancer are expanding and wound complications following mastectomy may delay the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy. HYPOTHESIS: Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer does not lead to an increased incidence of wound complications nor delay the initiation of systemic chemotherapy. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective medical record review at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-eight women treated with a mastectomy for breast cancer over an 8-year period (January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2002). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical site complications (infectious and noninfectious) and time to initiation of postoperative chemotherapy. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight mastectomy procedures in 128 women with breast cancer were evaluated. We analyzed 4 subgroups according to whether or not immediate breast reconstruction was part of the surgical procedure (76 or 72 procedures, respectively) and whether or not postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was administered (81 or 47 patients, respectively). There was an increased incidence of wound complications in patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction compared with those who did not (6/72 [8.3%] vs 17/76 [22.3%]; P = .02). However, these complications did not delay initiation of postoperative chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Although we observed an increased incidence of wound complications when immediate breast reconstruction was combined with mastectomy, there was no delay in the initiation of adjuvant therapy. Immediate breast reconstruction should remain an important treatment option after mastectomy even when postoperative chemotherapy is anticipated.

Preoperative assessment of liver function.

At the present time, the decision to resect and the choice of the extent ofa hepatic resection are largely based on surgical judgment. The CP score is the best assessment tool we can now employ. There is uniform agreement that even segmental resections are not possible in the vast majority of Child Class B patients, CP score 7 to 9. The CP score can be augmented by radiographic testing, ICG retention testing, and by assessing tumor extent and the severity of the patient's cirrhosis at surgery. Surgeons need a simple means to assist with liver function evaluation--a test to augment the CP score. Although determining ICG retention is simple, it is questionable whether it adds to one's ability to define the poor-risk patient with better accuracy than the CP score. Abundant data exist to dispute the accuracy and reproducibility of ICG retention. That surgeons use it says more about the fervent desire to find a test that supports clinical judgment in these difficult patients than the scientific validity of the test. Whether a series of tests would better define the Child-Pugh Class A patient who is also a relatively poor risk is not clear at present. Many investigations demonstrate the correlation of various assessment tools with each other, yet nothing distinguishes them in predicting risk beyond what is learned from the CP score. In a group of CP Class A patients, the extent of the disease, the nature of underlying cirrhosis, and the extent of resection provide the clinical backdrop against which a decision for resection must be made. It may well be that one test may not do it, or that one single assessment of the ICG or the 15-minute receptor volume of GSA may be inadequate to project the nuances of liver function. Thus, 99m-Tc GSA scintigraphy will provide volumetric receptor data, as well as kinetic distribution curves, and may prove a useful test in the future. Whether GSA is ultimately to be proven useful requires a correlation of the test with actual clinical outcomes, rather than correlation with other tests or with the CP score. Discovering which patients are the poor risk Child Class A patients is the desired goal. To have value, the GSA scan must augment, not mimic, the CP score. In view of the fact that experienced surgeons appear to be astute in their ability to select patients for hepatic resection, finding a more refined test will require large numbers of patients at several centers to correlate the test results and the outcomes against the spectrum of postoperative liver failure, including death. It appears that one lesson learned from portal vein embolization is that functional liver volume can be preserved. The compensatory hyperplasia that occurs in the contralateral hepatic lobe demonstrates two important features: (1) function of the opposite lobe has been transferred when evaluated by 99m-Tc-GSA, and (2) one considerable metabolic drain on the postoperative recovery from hepatic resection (ie, liver regeneration) can be attended to before the surgery. Cirrhotic livers do regenerate, but more slowly. Thus, pregrowing the remnant section of liver eliminates one stress on liver reserves following liver resection. For hepatocellular carcinoma or metastasis in cirrhotic patients, portal vein occlusion may be the best way to improve hepatic functional reserve. ICG retention may not corroborate return-to-baseline hepatic function within 2 weeks of portal vein occlusion,but may demonstrate a return to baseline when studied 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure. 99m-Tc-GSA is presently the best means to document compensatory hyperplasia and, possibly, a shift of functional reserve to the planned remnant of a more than four-segment hepatic resection. Whether this will predict the safe outcome of resection remains to be seen.

Inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma: is reconstruction necessary after resection?

BACKGROUND: Leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava represent a rare form of soft-tissue sarcomas. Management strategies necessarily vary because of limited experience. Questions about necessity of multimodality therapy and IVC reconstruction remain. STUDY DESIGN: Six patients were referred to our institution during a period of 6 years for leiomyosarcomas of the IVC. Demographic data, imaging results, pathology reports, preoperative radiation regimen, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. Outcomes were compared with those of other published institutional experiences. RESULTS: After preoperative external-beam radiation (4,500 to 5,000 cGy), all patients underwent en bloc resection of the primary malignancy. Four patients (66%) had an R0 resection. All tumors were high grade. No reconstruction of the IVC was undertaken. Lower-extremity edema developed in 3 patients (50%), but this was well tolerated and did not lead to any long-term sequelae. Pulmonary metastasis developed postoperatively in 1 patient (17%) and was successfully treated with chemotherapy and metastectomy. Acute renal failure developed in 3 patients, but all recovered full function. Chylous leak developed in 2 patients (34%). CONCLUSIONS: Leiomyosarcoma of the IVC is a treatable malignancy. Preoperative external-beam radiation facilitates marginally negative resection, although our study is too small to demonstrate a survival benefit. Reconstruction of the IVC is not necessary for resection of tumors below the level of the hepatic veins in most if not all cases. Lower-extremity edema after ligation of the IVC is well tolerated. Acute renal failure can be a common, albeit transient, early postoperative complication. Extensive periaortic dissection can be associated with chylous leak, which can be managed with internal or external drainage.

Concordance of peritumoral technetium 99m colloid and subareolar blue dye injection in breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has emerged as a less invasive method for axillary lymph node staging in patients with breast cancer. Blue dye and radioisotopes are commonly used agents to localize SLNs, but the optimal site for the injection of these agents continues to be debated. In this study, we evaluated whether subareolar injection of blue dye led to the identification of the same SLNs as peritumoral injection of technetium colloid. METHODS: From March 2003 to August 2006, 124 patients with invasive breast cancer, diagnosed by core needle biopsy, were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from medical records. Approximately 1 h prior to surgery, all patients had peritumoral injection of 37 Mbq of Tc-99m-sulfur colloid. In the operating room, 3 to 5 mL of 1% lymphazurin was injected into the subareolar area. SLNs were categorized as radio-labeled-only, blue-only, or radio-labeled + blue. Data were analyzed with 95% exact confidence intervals, Spearman rank coefficient and kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The mean number of SLNs identified was 1.9 (range 1-5). With the combination of two methods 122 out of 124 patients (98.4%) had successful identification of SLNs. One hundred fifteen patients (92.7%) had SLNs that were blue and 121 patients (97.6%) had radio-labeled SLNs. One hundred fourteen patients had at least one SLN that was both blue and radio-labeled, yielding a concordance rate of 91.9% (95% CI, 0.88-0.98). Metastatic disease was identified in SLNs of 28 patients. All lymph nodes with evidence of metastasis were both blue and radio-labeled. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a high degree of concordance between subareolar blue dye and peritumoral radiocolloid in identification of SLNs. These results further support that the breast parenchyma and subareolar plexus drain to similar SLNs within the axilla. These two techniques can complement each other in localizing SLNs with a high success rate.

Upstaging and improved survival of early breast cancer patients after implementation of sentinel node biopsy for axillary staging.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become a standard for axillary staging for early breast cancer patients. Prior studies suggest that SLNB may be more sensitive for the identification of lymph node disease than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We hypothesized that SLNB use increases the incidence of node-positivity in early breast cancer patients compared to ALND. Furthermore, survival improves due to more accurate staging (stage migration). METHODS: Registry data from an NCI-designated cancer center was reviewed for breast cancer patients with T1 and T2 tumors for two 5-year periods: before (1993-1997) and after (2000-2004) SLNB implementation (1998). TNM staging was updated to conform to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 2003 guidelines. RESULTS: There were no differences in tumor size or stage groupings between the two time periods (n = 316 and 577). There was a non-significant increase in the proportion of patients with lymph node involvement (32 vs. 27%; P = .16) after SLNB implementation; though a trend of increased incidence of single-node positive patients was observed (13 vs. 8%; P = .07). This was significant in patients with T1A/T1B tumors (10 vs. 3%; P = .04), though not seen in T1C or T2 tumors. Stage II survival improved in the later time period (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in single-node positivity after SLNB implementation supports the theory that SLNB is more sensitive than ALND. Improvements in survival are likely due to the stage migration of patients who would have been node-negative by ALND (but were found to be node-positive by SLNB) in addition to improvements in adjuvant therapy.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: reappraisal of wide local excision and impact of inadequate initial treatment.

BACKGROUND: The extent of local invasion in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is often clinically difficult to appreciate, and this leads to inadequate resections. We examined the effect of inadequate initial treatment and the efficacy of wide resection. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of 35 patients with DFSP treated at our institution (1985 and 2001). Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon's ranked sum test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients eligible for analysis, 11 had definitive wide resection after diagnostic excisions elsewhere (primary group), and 13 had recurrent tumors after previous surgical treatment elsewhere (recurrent group). Twenty-three patients were treated with wide resection only, and adjuvant radiation was administered to one patient who had a fibrosarcoma. At a median follow-up of 54 months, patients definitively treated at our institution had a 100% local recurrence-free survival. In comparison to the primary group, recurrent DFSPs were significantly larger and deeper and occurred in the head and neck region. Five cases had bone involvement, and of these, 80% occurred in the recurrent group. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate initial treatment results in larger, deeper recurrent lesions, but these can be managed by appropriate wide excision. Wide resection of DFSP (whether recurrent or primary) with negative histological margins predicts a superior local recurrence-free survival.

Percutaneous transhepatic portography with intravascular ultrasonography for evaluation of venous involvement of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and utility of percutaneous transhepatic portography (PTP) with intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) for preoperative evaluation of major spleno-mesenteric-portal venous invasion by tumors of the pancreas, porta hepatis, or liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a 2-year prospective observational study including 15 consecutive patients (five men, 10 women; mean age, 63.3 y +/- 10.2) with tumors of the pancreas (n = 8), liver (n = 3), or porta hepatis (n = 4) who underwent PTP/IVUS after computed tomography indicated possible tumor invasion into a major portal radical. Transhepatic portal access was created under fluoroscopic guidance with an 8-F vascular sheath and IVUS was performed with an 8-F, 10-MHz system. When appropriate, operative exploration was performed (nine of 15) and findings were correlated with imaging data from PTP/IVUS. RESULTS: PTP/IVUS was performed successfully in all patients and good visualization of the major portal radicals was achieved. There were no complications from PTP/IVUS, which was performed as an outpatient procedure in most (n = 14) patients. PTP/IVUS provided precise anatomic data regarding the longitudinal and circumferential extent of major portal venous invasion by these tumors. There was excellent correlation between PTP/IVUS and operative findings. CONCLUSIONS: PTP/IVUS can be performed safely in a preoperative outpatient setting and accurately defines the extent of major portal venous invasion by tumors of the pancreas, porta hepatis, and liver.

Multimodality management of a giant cell tumor arising in the proximal sacrum: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive. OBJECTIVE: To outline a novel multimodality approach for a difficult surgical resection of a giant cell tumor in the cephalad portion of the sacrum. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Giant cell tumors of the sacrum are rare primary bone tumors. Recent reports have demonstrated diminished giant cell tumor recurrence with cryosurgery by using a "direct pour" technique with liquid nitrogen. Although successful in decreasing tumor recurrence, this technique is accompanied by a 4%-8% rate of skin necrosis and high rates of pathologic fracture. The authors describe resection and a novel, controlled method of argon-based cryotherapy (followed by a unique pelvic reconstruction) for a large, difficult giant cell tumor of the sacrum. METHODS: A 29-year-old woman presented with complaints of right foot drop and decreased sensation of the right buttock, posterior thigh, posterior calf, and lateral aspect of the right foot. Radiographic evaluation revealed a mass in the right sacrum; histologic examination of CT-guided biopsy revealed a giant cell tumor. A combined anterior abdominal and posterior sacral approach was performed, the tumor was resected, and the margin of the cavity was treated with controlled argon-based cryotherapy. The combination of thermocouples, electromyographic monitoring, and rapid freeze-thaw cycles allowed a controlled ablation of the tumor margin while ensuring that surrounding structures, such as the rectal wall, sacral nerves, and gluteal muscles, were not damaged. Posterior spinal fusion L4 to sacrum, posterior spinal instrumentation L4 to pelvis, and allograft reconstruction of the right sacrum were performed. RESULTS: The patient recovered well without skin necrosis or pathologic fracture. Urinary and fecal continence were preserved. At the 20-month follow-up the patient has no evidence of local tumor recurrence and is fully ambulatory without a brace or narcotic medication. CONCLUSION: A novel multimodality approach, consisting of resection, controlled cryosurgery, and a unique lumbopelvic reconstruction, was safe and successful in managing a challenging proximal sacral giant cell tumor. Twenty months after surgery the patient has excellent bowel and bladder control, no tumor recurrence, and functional ambulation without a brace or pain.

Controlled tamponade of severe presacral venous hemorrhage: use of a breast implant sizer.

Hemorrhage from the presacral venous plexus is a potentially life-threatening complication of pelvic operations. The morbidity and mortality that stems from severe hemorrhage has led to the development of various hemostatic techniques. Although suture ligature, packing, and placement of tacks can be very effective, they can often be unsuccessful. When these conventional hemostatic techniques fail, alternative approaches are required. We describe the successful use of an expandable breast implant sizer and outline the practical, theoretical, and financial advantages of applying this technique when more conservative approaches have failed.

Method for the simultaneous determination of retinol and beta-carotene concentrations in human tissues and plasma.

To understand differential tissue distribution of retinoids and carotenoids, as it might influence biological processes in humans, we developed and demonstrated a method for measuring them in selected human tissues. The method includes internal standards and a secondary reference standard to eliminate the need for external standard calibration and to minimize sample-handling errors. Tissues were digested (saponified) in ethanolic KOH. Retinol and beta-carotene were extracted with organic solvent containing internal standards. Analytes were separated using isocratic liquid chromatography and quantified at 325 nm for retinol and 450 nm for beta-carotene. Plasma was analyzed in a similar way but without saponification. Retinal-O-ethyloxime and beta-apo-12'-carotenal-O-t-butyloxime served as internal standards. Plasma, breast, and fat from breast surgery patients and colon, liver, muscle, and fat from colon surgery patients were analyzed. Within-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) for plasma were <0.04 for beta-carotene and <0.03 for retinol, between-day RSDs were <0.05 for beta-carotene and <0.04 for retinol. Saponification ensured complete extraction of retinol and beta-carotene and removal of triglycerides that "foul" chromatographic columns. It seems retinol and beta-carotene concentrations in tissues and blood of cancer patients are the same or higher than those in corresponding tissues of patients without these cancers.