[Catamenial hemothorax: Results of 11 operated cases]. / Hémothorax cataménial : résultats de 11 cas opérés.

OBJECTIVE: To report our therapeutic approach toward catamenial hemothorax. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study from January 1994 to November 2018 concerned patients operated under general anesthesia for catamenial hemothorax. A posterolateral thoracotomy approach was implemented either directly or after primary videothoracoscopy. Six-month hormone therapy was systematically prescribed postoperatively. The result was assessed in terms of occurrence or non-occurrence of hemothorax upon resumption of menses after discontinuation of hormone therapy. RESULTS: Eleven patients were selected, with an average age was 32years (25-41). Catamenial hemothorax was associated with hemorrhagic ascites in 5 cases. Endometriotic plaques in the form of diaphragmatic fenestrations were found nine times and were resected (1 case) or covered by a synthetic non-absorbable patch (8 cases). Pleural symphysis completed the surgical procedures. The one hormone used was triptorelin. Mortality was zero. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 10.24days and mean follow-up was 3.5years. One patient was lost to follow-up at 3months. One hemothorax recurrence was observed after discontinuation of hormone therapy at 4months [1], and repeated pleural punctures were carried out while awaiting revision surgery. The five cases of ascites recurred and the patients were monitored in the gynecology unit. CONCLUSION: In patients suffering from catamenial hemothorax with diaphragmatic fenestrations, we recommend phrenoplasty using synthetic patches associated with pleural talcage and 6-month complementary concomitant hormone therapy.

[Surgical management of lungs destroyed by tuberculosis]. / Résultats chirurgicaux des poumons détruits post-tuberculeux.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to report our experience with surgical management of lungs destroyed by tuberculosis and to analyze our results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 45 patients who underwent surgery between January 1978 and December 2004 after medical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis considered successful. The series included 31 men and 14 women, mean age 31 years (range: 7-55 yr). Indications for surgery were chronic bronchorrhea (91.1%) and hemoptoic sputum associated with bronchorrhea (8.9%). Lung function tests were preformed in 42 patients and noted a restrictive syndrome with shunt in all: mean FEV1 was 1 890 ml. All patients were given a preoperative medical regimen for at least four weeks. Pneumectomy (17 right and 28 left) was performed; all bronchial sutures were made manually and protected. Operative bleeding was a constant feature and blood transfusion was needed (mean 1,500 cc). RESULTS: Operative mortality was 4.4% from hemorrhagic and infectious causes. Complications were non-fatal (16.3%) and marked by bleeding (0.9%) empyema with bronchopleural fistulae (8.9%). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 13 days without empyema and 150 days with empyema. Long-term outcome was satisfactory after a mean 7.5 years follow-up (range: 4 months - 20 years). CONCLUSION: Indications are patient comfort and necessity. Morbidity and mortality are acceptable with adequate preoperative preparation.

Surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Analysis of 145 cases operated on in Abidjan (Cote D'Ivoire).

This retrospective study aims to analyse our surgical procedures and our results after surgery of patent ductus arteriosus (P.D.A.) in children. Since 1978 to 1992 we have reported Abidjan Cardiology Institute 145 children operated cases. The average age was 4.7 years, the average weight 16 kg. There was female predominance with a sex ratio of 2.3/1. All patent ductus arteriosus had been confirmed by two dimensional echocardiography (2D echocardiography) and cardiac catheterization. Type 11a of NADAS' Classification was the most frequent (50%). Double or triple ligation supported on teflon felt was the most frequent technique used (86 times ie 59.3%). This technique gave good results in view of the absence of hospital mortality, only 4 cases of ductus "recanalization" supervened, a low rate of ductus arteriosus recurrence patency at long follow up of all patients from one to 10 years (mean 5 years). Double or triple ligation on teflon felt according to Wright procedure seems to be a securising technique alternative in our countries.