Real-world short-term VenaSeal ablation outcomes for symptomatic saphenous incompetence.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic venous insufficiency is a common vascular condition with significant resultant patient morbidity. There has been a shift towards minimally invasive treatment modalities with VenaSeal endovenous ablation among the more recent treatment modalities introduced. Long-term outcome data for this treatment modality is not widely available yet. We aim to report 6-week patient outcomes over a 5-year period from a high-volume tertiary vascular centre. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-centre study reporting short-term outcomes following VenaSeal endovenous ablation for symptomatic saphenous incompetence. Patients were followed-up at 6-weeks post-procedurally by telemedicine or in-person clinic appointment without routine venous ultrasound assessment. RESULTS: We report outcomes for 235 patients during this study period. All patients tolerated the procedure under local anaesthesia. Average age was 60.5 years (29-82 years) with slight male predominance (55.7%). The majority were New Zealand European (63.8%). Mean body mass index was 28.5 (22.2-41.4). We report a 21% rate of self-limiting phlebitis and 33 minor complication events. These include 15 cases of residual varicose veins, 9 saphenous nerve neuropraxia, 6 cases of puncture-site cellulitis and 3 deep vein thromboses. Patient demographics and primary surgeon did not have a statistically significant outcome on development of complications. CONCLUSION: We report that VenaSeal endovenous ablation is a safe and effective method of treatment for symptomatic truncal saphenous vein incompetence. We report safely managing post-operative phlebitis conservatively and find a mixture of clinical and phone clinic follow-up sufficient without requirement for objective duplex ultrasound following the procedure to ensure objective saphenous vein closure.

Partial hepatectomy for treatment of multiple liver abscess in a calf: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical vein bacterial infections may cause liver abscesses during bacterial ascent. A single liver abscess can be surgically treated by marsupialization, but a risk of recurrence or non-healing remains. Moreover, there is no effective treatment for multiple abscesses. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-day-old Holstein female calf exhibited reduced general condition, swelling and drainage of the umbilicus, and pressure sores in the area of the carpus, resulting in reluctance to stand up. The umbilicus showed pain at palpation; deep abdominal palpation indicated a swollen umbilical vein coursing from the umbilicus toward the liver. Ultrasonography confirmed a swollen umbilical vein with pus accumulation and multiple abscesses in the liver. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination confirmed that the swollen umbilical vein with fluid continued to the liver, and multiple unenhanced lesions, most likely abscesses, were confirmed in the liver. Partial hepatectomy was performed to remove as many abscesses as possible. For the resection, a vessel sealing device (LigaSureTM) was used to excise a part of the left liver lobe. As we could not remove all the abscesses in the liver during the operation, cefazolin sodium (5 mg/kg) was administered for 14 days after surgery. Post-operatively, blood accumulation was observed in the abdominal cavity, but no signs of peritonitis were found. The calf returned to the farm on day 38 after surgery. Follow-up information was obtained after 1 year, and complications were not reported. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of partial hepatectomy using a vessel sealing device for a calf with multiple liver abscesses. This case report suggests that the combination of partial hepatectomy and long-term administration of antibacterial drugs may restore the health of calves with multiple liver abscesses.

Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis with marked myointimal hyperplasia and perivenous concentric fibrosis.

Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis (ELP) is a rare enteropathy characterized by lymphocytic phlebitis of the mesenteric veins without arteritis. Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is a rare disease similar to ELP, characterized by myointimal hyperplasia that constricts the lumen of veins, causing mucosal injury. A 62-year-old man with chief complaint of abdominal pain was treated by partial resection of the ileum after 3 months of conservative therapy. The pathologic diagnosis was ELP with prominent myointimal hyperplasia. Histologically, the lesion consisted of lymphocytic infiltration into the vein accompanied by prominent myointimal hyperplasia and perivenous concentric fibrosis, which are characteristics shared by ELP and IMHMV. The observations in this case suggest that some of ELP and IMHMV may belong to the same disease spectrum. Furthermore, perivascular concentric fibrosis was a remarkable observation that may contribute to differential diagnosis between ELP and "true" IMHMV.

Segmental colitis caused by idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins.

Diseases causing colonic ischemia may be mistaken with other causes of segmental colitis such as inflammatory bowel disease, especially in young patients. The authors present the case of a 47-year-old male with severe proctosigmoiditis. Assessment excluded infectious causes, thrombophilia and systemic vasculitis. The initial histological specimen was suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease and therapy was initiated with intravenous steroids and, at day 5, infliximab, with no response. The patient was proposed for surgery. Pathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed an idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins, a rare entity exhibiting necrotizing phlebitis with rapid progression to segmental necrosis in the rectosigmoid colon. In this paper the authors discuss the differential diagnosis of proctosigmoiditis in young ages and the approach to this exceptionally rare ischemic entity.

Surgical Management of Omphalophlebitis and Long Term Outcome in Calves: 39 Cases (2008-2013).

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the surgical management of omphalophlebitis and to report the short and long term outcomes in calves. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Calves (n = 39). METHODS: Medical records (2008-2013) of calves diagnosed with omphalophlebitis and that underwent surgical correction were reviewed. Short term (hospital discharge) and long term (≥6 months after surgery) survival rates were obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population and a Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the relationship between clinical signs, surgical management, and outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-nine calves (median age 30 days) were included in the study. Eleven calves had septic arthritis associated with omphalophlebitis and 18 had evidence of liver abscesses on ultrasound. Complete surgical en bloc resection was achieved in 18 calves and umbilical vein marsupialization was performed on the other 21 calves. Thirty-five calves were discharged from the hospital and long term followup was obtained for 30 of them. Twenty-nine animals were performing according to the owner's expectation at least 6 months after surgery (14 for marsupialization and 15 for en bloc resection). A better prognosis was detected when en bloc resection was performed (100% survival); however, when marsupialization was performed, the prognosis was good (74%; P = .05). Septic arthritis had a significant negative effect on overall survival (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The overall survival is good with both surgical options, and even calves with liver involvement and septic arthritis associated can be successfully treated with a combination of long term antibiotics and umbilical vein marsupialization.

[Phlegmasia caerulea dolens: therapeutic considerations]. / Flegmasia cerulea dolens: considerações terapêuticas.

Phlegmasia caerulea dolens is a rare complication of a deep venous thrombosis and is the result of a massive occlusion of all venous outflow of the extremity. Diagnosis must be made early in the course of the process for treatment effectiveness although it can only produce modest results. The authors analyse retrospectively 3 cases that were treated between 2001 and 2005. The three patients suffered from malignancies (2 from lung and one fom prostate). In all patients a venous thrombectomy was performed and the method employed was described, which includes the systematic use of a caval filter. Two patients coursed with good results, with complete resolution or minor amputation. However, one patient needed an above knee amputation. The authors concluded that the time that mediate to the precise diagnosis and the best option of treatment are important determinations on the results, that however are very dependent on the etiology of this clinical situation.

Endovasal laser obliteration of the greater saphenous vein in patients with varicosis.

This paper describes the first results of endovasal laser obliteration of the greater sephenous vein in two patient groups (n=40) math varicosis. In 15 cases (control group), laser obliteration was employed during routine operation as an alternative to phlebectomy according to Babcock following crossectomy. In 25 patients (the main group), operation was performed without ligation of the saphenofemoral anastomosis. After puncture and catheterization according to Seldinger the greater saphenous vein was exposed to thermal action over the length from the osteal valve to the upper third of the leg. The follow up of the patients amounted to 12 months. The results obtained in the main patient group seem most interesting. Stable elimination of truncal varicosis could be attained in more than 90% of cases, which was associated with quick medicosocial rehabilitation, the minimal number of complications and an excellent cosmetic effect.

Panniculitis of the descending colon caused by enterocolic phlebitis: a case report.

A 73-year-old male was referred to our hospital for abdominal pain, diarrhea and general fatigue lasting for 3 weeks. Physical examination of the abdomen revealed a firm mass in the left abdominal region. Computed tomography revealed a mass around the descending colon. Colonoscopy and barium enema revealed poor extensibility of the lumen with edematous mucosa, and narrowing of the descending colon with rugged mucosal surface. Because of the clinical symptoms and findings, the patient was diagnosed clinically as suffering from panniculitis of the descending colon. He underwent the left hemi-colectomy with side-to-side colo-colostomy after making of a loop ileostomy. Histological analysis of the resected colon showed an infiltration of inflammatory cells, predominantly lymphocytes, into veins and venules of the submucosa, muscularis propria and fat tissue of the colonic mesentery, with an involvement of all layers of the vessel wall. Arteries were escaped from inflammatory changes. The histopathological diagnosis of enterocolic phlebitis and venulitis was made because of these findings.

[A case of pseudophlebitis of the great saphenous vein: focal nodular myositis of the gracilis muscle]. / A propos d'un cas de pseudophlébite de la grande veine saphène: une myosite nodulaire focale du muscle gracilis.

A case of focal myositis in a healthy 68-year-old woman is described. The patient was admitted for evaluation of a painful soft-tissue mass localised on the medial side of the left thigh, initially misdiagnosed as thrombophlebitis of the v. saphena magna. Laboratory data were normal, in particular sedimentation rate and muscle enzyme levels. After exclusion of venous thrombosis, the mass localised in the left m. gracilis was surgically removed. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed muscle cell necrosis and severe inflammation, with lymphocytic infiltration leading to the diagnosis of focal myositis. This is a rare benign inflammatory pseudotumour of skeletal muscle. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease remain unclear. It is most commonly seen in the lower extremities and may mimic thrombophlebitis or soft-tissue neoplasm. Ultrasound and magnetic-resonance scans are helpful, but definitive diagnosis is obtained only by histology. Because recurrent lesions in other skeletal muscles are possible, and a third of patients develop polymyositis, a follow-up of several years is recommended.

Isolated granulomatous phlebitis: rare cause of ischemic necrosis of the colon: report of a case.

Isolated phlebitis of the gastrointestinal tract is rare and potentially life threatening. We report on a patient who developed peritonitis, requiring emergency laparotomy, total colectomy, and ileostomy because of colon necrosis. The specimen displayed multiple ulcerations and erosions. Histology showed a predominantly lymphocytic infiltrate of small-sized and middle-sized veins in the submucosa and subserosa, associated with granulomas and foci of vein wall necrosis. Arteries were spared. No local recurrence or systemic vasculitis developed during a follow-up period of two years. Isolated granulomatous phlebitis seems to be self-limited, and its cause is unknown. Surgical resection of the diseased intestine is usually curative.

Lipoplastics of legs: our experience with a new cannula compared with classical technique.

The Authors compare the results obtained between two groups of patients suffering from leg lipodystrophy, who were subjected to a reducing lipoplasty. In the first group, surgeons made use of a new sort of cannula, deprived of the classical grip, whereas in the second group, they employed the traditional probe. The best results, achieved with the first group, prove this new operating system is really effective, particularly on legs, for the following reasons: (1) Higher precision and better control of the instrument (2) Swan-neck cannula abolition (3) Opportunity to operate with both hands (4) Halved operating time (5) No tiredness after the operation.

Lengthening the greater saphenous vein with the use of the lateral femoral cutaneous vein.

Besides quality, the length of the greater saphenous vein dictates the feasibility of vein bypass grafts in femorodistal popliteal or tibial revascularization. A simple and effective technique of lengthening the greater saphenous vein is described that allows the use of the laterofemoral cutaneous vein in continuity. This technique can be applied when the distal segment of the greater saphenous vein is inadequate or unavailable.

Infusion phlebitis in post-operative patients: when and why.

BACKGROUND: The most common complication of intravenous therapy is infusion phlebitis. This study was done to prospectively assess its frequency in a series of consecutive patients who will undergo surgery, and to identify which variables may predict an increased risk for phlebitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 400 consecutive patients who will undergo surgery in a general surgery department were included. Only the first catheter, inserted the day before surgery, was taken into account. Eighteen variables (from the infusion, the catheter and from the patient) were prospectively evaluated for their contribution to the occurrence of phlebitis. RESULTS: 60/400 patients (15%) developed phlebitis, and most of them needed insertion of a further catheter. The univariate analysis showed that patients who developed phlebitis were older, and their pre-operative levels of both blood haemoglobin and neutrophil cound were significantly higher than those in patients who did not develop phlebitis. However, the multivariate analysis only confirmed the association with blood haemoglobin levels: the risk of phlebitis sharply increased in the patients with the highest haemoglobin levels. As to the influence of time on phlebitis development, there was a significant decrease in the day-specific risk, from the 5th day on. COMMENTS: In our series, blood haemoglobin levels were found to be the only variable associated to a higher risk of phlebitis. Besides, in contrast with the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control, no significant increase in the day-specific risk of phlebitis was found. Thus, a guideline to select the type of catheter to be inserted in an individual patient is suggested.

Intramural mesenteric venulitis. A new cause of intestinal ischaemia.

Venous damage is an uncommon cause of intestinal ischaemia. We report on a 44-year-old woman who presented signs and symptoms of acute intestinal ischaemia requiring surgical treatment. Histological examination of the resected right colon showed features of an intramural lymphocytic venulitis with no other demonstrable causes of ischaemic injury of the bowel. Extramural mesenteric veins appeared dilated and congested, without evidence of thrombotic occlusion or of inflammatory involvement. The patient, who was not taking any long-term medication and had no clinical evidence of collagen-vascular disease, promptly recovered after surgery. Follow-up for 7 months with no recurrences suggested a self-limited or indolent process. We propose the name 'intramural mesenteric venulitis' for this condition and believe that it could represent one extreme (the microscopic variant or intramural phase) of the spectrum comprising entero-colic phlebitis and mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease. The immunohistochemical evidence of a marked preponderance of T phenotype in the perivenular lymphocytes suggests lymphocyte-mediated vascular damage as the pathogenesis of the lesion.

Marsupialization of umbilical vein abscesses with involvement of the liver in 13 calves.

Omphalophlebitis with liver involvement was diagnosed by ultrasonography in 13 calves. In the initial surgical procedure, the infected umbilical vein was marsupialized by cranial translocation in a median celiotomy and was flushed daily until healing occurred. In a second surgical procedure, the contracted umbilical vein was removed. Nine calves were clinically healthy after treatment. One had reformation of two abscesses because of inadequate post-surgical treatment. One calf was euthanatized because of an intussusception of the small intestine, and two calves had adverse reactions and developed septic shock when some of the lavage fluid, which was applied under pressure, entered the systemic circulation. It was concluded that umbilical vein abscesses should not be flushed under pressure in calves younger than 2 months of age. The principal advantages of cranial translocation of the umbilical vein in a median celiotomy are that only one abdominal incision is required and that the infected umbilical vein tissue does not have to be passed intraabdominally to a paramedian position.

[Indications for ambulatory phlebectomy]. / Indications de la phlébectomie ambulatoire.

The indications of Out-Patient Phlebectomy have been defined and confirmed. These indications are multiple and cover broad range. Anatomical indications concerning the lower limb essentially concern: primary varicose veins, residual varicose veins after surgery, varicosities affecting long or collateral veins, systems at the top of the thigh or in the popliteal fossa, varicose veins of the foot. Indications concerning the upper limb, abdomen and face must be carefully weighed. In a context of post-phlebitis, meticulous analysis of hemodynamics and careful monitoring are required. Superficial thrombophlebitis is a good indication for out-patient phlebotomy. Decisions concerning esthetic indications must be based upon a certain number of criteria: informed consent of the patient, assessment of general risk factors, assessment of esthetic risk factors.