Use of LigaSure vessel sealing system versus conventional axillary dissection in breast cancer patients: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: In locally advanced breast cancer, axillary lymph node dissection remains a pivotal component of surgical therapy. Apart from this, it has been mostly replaced by sentinel node biopsy. Complications after axillary dissection include wound infection, neuropathy, lymphedema and-most frequently-seroma. In this retrospective multi-centre study, we compared the use of LigaSureTM with monopolar electrocautery regarding perioperative outcome. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis from female breast cancer patients who underwent axillary dissection at two breast centres in Austria that are using two different surgical techniques was performed for this study. We compared the rate of complications and re-operations, length of hospital stay, time to drain removal, total drain fluid, seroma formation after drain removal, number of seroma aspirations and total seroma fluid. RESULTS: Seventy one female patients with a median age of 63 (30-83) were included in this study. In 35 patients LigaSureTM and in 36 monopolar cautery was used for axillary dissection. There was no significant difference regarding intraoperative complications and rate of re-operations between the two groups (2.9 vs. 5.6%; p = 1 and 2.9 vs. 13.9%; p = 0.199). The time to drain removal and the length of hospital stay was similar in both groups. A significant difference in the occurence of postoperative wound infection could also not be shown. However, we found a significantly smaller total drain fluid in the LigaSureTM-group compared to the cautery-group (364.6 ml vs. 643.4 ml; p = 0.004). Seroma formation after drain removal was more frequent in the LigaSureTM-group (68.6 vs. 41.7%; p = 0.032) with a higher number of outpatient seroma aspirations (2.0 vs. 0.9; p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: LigaSureTM and monopolar cautery provide equivalent techniques in axillary lymph node dissection with comparable postoperative outcomes.

Enzyme replacement improves survival among patients with pancreatic cancer: Results of a population based study.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) and malnutrition are prevalent among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can correct PEI but its use among patients with pancreatic cancer is unclear as are effects upon survival. This population-based study sought to address these issues METHODS: Subjects with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Propensity score matching generated matched pairs of subjects who did and did not receive PERT. Progression to all-cause mortality was compared using parametric survival models that included a range of relevant co-variables RESULTS: PERT use among the whole cohort (987/4554) was 21.7%. Some 1614 subjects generated 807 matched pairs. This resulted in a total, censored follow-up period of 1643 years. There were 1403 deaths in total, representing unadjusted mortality rates of 748 and 994 deaths per 1000 person-years for PERT-treated cases and their matched non-PERT-treated controls, respectively. With reference to the observed survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, adjusted median survival time was 262% greater in PERT-treated cases (survival time ratio (STR) = 2.62, 95% CI 2.27-3.02) when compared with matched, non-PERT-treated controls. Survival remained significantly greater among subjects receiving PERT regardless of the studied subgroup with respect to use of surgery or chemotherapy CONCLUSIONS: This population based study observes that the majority of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma do not receive PERT. PERT is associated with increased survival among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma suggesting a lack of clinical awareness and potential benefit of addressing malnutrition among these patients.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Peritoneal Adhesion Prevention Devices in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal operations are followed by adhesions, a prevalent cause of abdominal pain, and the most frequent cause for bowel obstruction and secondary female infertility. This rat study addresses adhesion prevention capability of Adept(®), Interceed(®), Seprafilm(®), and a novel device, 4DryField(®) PH which is provided as powder and generates its effect as gel. METHODS: Sixty-eight male Lewis rats had cecal abrasion and creation of an equally sized abdominal wall defect, and were grouped randomly: A control group without treatment (n=10); two groups treated with 4DryField(®) PH using premixed gel (n=15) or in-situ gel technique (n=16); one group each was treated with Seprafilm(®) (n=8), Interceed(®) (n=9), or Adept(®) (n=10). Sacrifice was on day 7 to evaluate incidence, quality, and quantity of adhesions, as expressed via adhesion reduction rate (AR). Histologic specimens were evaluated. Statistical analyses used ANOVA and unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: 4DryField(®) PH significantly reduced incidence and severity of adhesions both as premixed gel (AR: 85.2%) and as in-situ made gel (AR: 100%), a comparison between these two application techniques showed no differences in efficacy. Seprafilm(®) did not reduce incidence but severity of adhesions significantly (AR: 53.5%). With Interceed(®) (AR: 3.7%) and Adept(®) (AR: 16.1%) no significant adhesion-reduction was achieved. Except for inflammatory response with Interceed(®), histopathology showed good tissue compatibility of all other devices. CONCLUSION: 4DryField(®) PH and Seprafilm(®) showed significant adhesion prevention capabilities. 4DryField(®) PH achieved the highest adhesion prevention effectiveness without restrictions concerning mode of application and compatibility and, thus, is a promising strategy to prevent abdominal adhesions.

A case of successful renal transplantation for hydatid disease after surgical treatment of disseminated cysts.

Hydatid disease is a systemic disorder affecting especially the liver and lungs. Although it is not endemic in Europe, it can be seen sporadically, particularly because of travel and immigration. Severe, multiple organ involvement is quite rare. A 39-year-old Kurdish male patient presented with the previous diagnosis of hydatid disease and disseminated cysts in the liver, lung, and left kidney, leading to renal failure and the need for hemodialysis. Following multiple operations, complete eradication of infectious cysts was achieved, and kidney transplantation was performed. After 4 years of follow-up, the patient is in good condition, especially with normal renal function and no sign of recurrent hydatid disease.

[Abdominal wall injury - risk of seat belt use]. / Bauchwandzerreißung - Risiko Sicherheitsgurt?

Abdominal seat belt marks can be an indication of abdominal wall rupture. The focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) and computed tomography (CT) scanning are the diagnostic tools of choice in hemodynamically stable patients. The typical mechanism of trauma frequently leads to additional intra-abdominal injuries, spinal injuries and in some cases aortic rupture. Abdominal wall injuries of grade IV according to Dennis should be surgically treated. The increasing numbers of obese vehicle occupants and the resulting special risk of injury warrant optimization of technical restraint systems.

Extended surgery for advanced pancreatic endocrine tumours.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic endocrine tumours are often diagnosed at an advanced stage with hepatic metastasis. This study investigated whether extended resections for advanced malignant pancreatic endocrine tumours influenced disease-free and disease-specific survival. METHODS: Patients who had curative resection of pancreatic endocrine tumours were analysed retrospectively for disease-free and disease-specific survival, with a focus on the role of extended surgical resection. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included in the analysis, 13 of whom underwent extended surgical resection in addition to pancreatic resection. This included partial liver resection in nine patients, portal vein resection in three, partial gastric resection in five and liver transplantation in three patients. There were no deaths in hospital or within 30 days. Median follow-up was 40 (range 2-239) months. Thirty-five, 24 and 13 patients survived more than 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. Patients who underwent extended resection had similar disease-specific survival to those who had pancreatic resection alone (hazard ratio (HR) 1·50, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·35 to 6·35; P = 0·581) but with a higher frequency of complications (odds ratio (OR) 4·28, 95 per cent c.i. 1·04 to 17·62; P = 0·044). Among patients with liver metastases, the mortality rate was higher in those in whom liver resection was not possible than in patients who had liver resection (HR 9·24, 1·00 to 85·18; P = 0·049). Patients who had liver resection had similar disease-specific survival to those without liver metastases (HR 0·84, 0·09 to 7·57; P = 0·877). CONCLUSION: Extended surgical resection for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic endocrine tumours is feasible with encouraging disease-specific survival.

Haematogenous abdominal wall metastasis of differentiated, alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatocellular carcinoma after previous antiandrogen therapy within a site of lipoma manifestation since childhood.

BACKGROUND: Cases with subcutaneous metastasis of differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma to the abdominal wall without prior seeding as a consequence of local interventions with a negative or normal alpha-fetoprotein level in the serum are extremely rare. CASE REPORT: This is the first report of a case with AFP-negative, differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis to the abdominal wall within a pre-existing subcutaneous lipoma since childhood after antiandrogen therapy with leuprorelin and buserelin acetate for prostate cancer without seeding. METHODS: Clinical features including histology, immunohistochemistry, clinical course and surgical approach are presented. RESULTS: Histological examination revealed a hepatocellular carcinoma with a trabecular and pseudoglandular growth pattern with moderately atypical hepatocytes with multifocal bile formation within a lipoma. The postoperative course of abdominal wall reconstruction with a monocryl-prolene mesh and a local flap after potentially curative resection was uncomplicated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It may be that previous antiandrogen treatment for prostate carcinoma contributed to the fact that our patient developed alpha-fetoprotein-negative and androgen receptor-negative subcutaneous abdominal wall metastasis within a pre-existing lipoma since childhood.

[Long-term results after liver transplantation]. / Langzeit-Outcome nach Lebertransplantation.

Liver transplantation has been reported to reach excellent results for selected indications. We analysed the results of liver transplantation in our centre over a period of 23 years, with a total of 2,114 consecutive liver transplants in 1,773 patients (eras I-III 5.5 years each, era IV 6.5 years). Overall 20-year survival after liver transplantation was 29.8%. The most frequent leading causes of death were infections of various origins (30%), tumour recurrence (14.2%), and pneumonia (8.4%). The most frequent leading causes for graft loss were infection of various origins (19.6%), initial nonfunction of the graft (14.6%), and tumour recurrence (9.6%). Both long-term patient and graft survival were significantly better after primary liver transplantation than after first retransplantation (P<0.001). Patient and graft long-term survival improved significantly across all four consecutive eras (P<0.001). In era IV, the most recent, 5-year patient survival reached 96% for PBC, 89.4% for PSC, 78.5% for biliary atresia, 70% for acute liver failure, 69.1% for HBV-related cirrhosis, 61.3% for hepatocellular carcinoma, and 56% for HCV-related cirrhosis.

Development and multicentre validation of a prognostic model to predict resectability of pancreatic head malignancy.

BACKGROUND: At the time of planned pancreatoduodenectomy patients frequently undergo exploratory laparotomy without resection, leading to delayed systemic therapy. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model for the preoperative prediction of resectability of pancreatic head tumours. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing attempted resection for confirmed malignant tumours of the pancreatic head in a university hospital in Hannover, Germany. The prognostic value of patient and tumour characteristics was investigated in a multivariable logistic regression model. External validation was performed using data from two other centres. RESULTS: Some 109 patients were included in the development cohort, with 51 and 175 patients in the two validation cohorts. Eighty patients (73·4 per cent) in the development cohort underwent resection, and 37 (73 per cent) and 141 (80·6 per cent) in the validation cohorts. The main reasons for performing no resection in the development cohort were: local invasion of vasculature or arterial abutment (15 patients, 52 per cent), and liver (12, 41 per cent), peritoneal (8, 28 per cent) and aortocaval lymph node (6, 21 per cent) metastases. The final model contained the following variables: time to surgery (odds ratio (OR) 0·99, 95 per cent c.i. 0·98 to 0·99), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 concentration (OR 0·99, 0·99 to 0·99), jaundice (OR 4·45, 1·21 to 16·36) and back pain (OR 0·02, 0·00 to 0·22), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUROC) of 0·918 in the development cohort. AUROC values were 0·813 and 0·761 in the validation cohorts. The positive predictive value of the final model for prediction of resectability was 98·0 per cent in the development cohort, and 91·7 and 94·7 per cent in the two external validation cohorts. [Corrections added on 18 July 2018, after first online publication: The figures for OR of the variables time to surgery and CA19-9 in the abstract and in Table 3 and Table 4 were amended from 1·00 to 0·99]. CONCLUSION: For preoperative prediction of the likelihood of resectability of pancreatic head tumours, this validated model is a valuable addition to CT findings.

Magnetic resonance imaging of focal liver lesions. Comparison of the superparamagnetic iron oxide resovist versus gadolinium-DTPA in the same patient.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors assess the efficacy of static and dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using the superparamagnetic iron oxide SHU-555A (Resovist) versus standard dose of gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA in patients with focal liver lesions. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 30 patients suffering from histopathologically verified malignant (n = 22) and benign (n = 8) liver lesions. T2-weighted conventional and fat-suppressed as well as T1-weighted sequences were used before, during, and after fast intravenous administration of Resovist (1 mL/minute) at three doses of 4, 8, and 16 mumol/kg body weight. One week before the Resovist-enhanced MR imaging study 20 patients underwent Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging. RESULTS: Detection rate was improved for metastatic lesions revealing 36 lesions unenhanced versus 53 focal lesions using Resovist-enhanced MR imaging. Gadolinium-DTPA-enhanced scans showed no additional lesion versus unenhanced and Resovist-enhanced MR imaging. Static and dynamic imaging demonstrated no measurable percentage signal intensity loss (PSIL) using Resovist-enhanced MR imaging versus a percentage enhancement of 79.7% in Gd-DTPA enhanced scans. In the dynamic T2-weighted sequences, hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (n = 4) showed a rapid decrease in signal intensity starting at 44 seconds. Postinfusion of Resovist followed by a low, constant increase in signal intensity. Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced scans showed a percentage enhancement of 73.4 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hemangioma revealed a strong and early dose-dependent PSIL 44 to 60 seconds postinfusion with a prolonged signal loss for the FNH in the late study. Statistical evaluation revealed a statistically significant superiority of Resovist-enhanced MR imaging concerning the detection and delineation of focal liver lesions compared with unenhanced and Gd-DTPA enhanced scans (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The fast infusion of the new superparamagnetic contrast agent Resovist shows advantages for dynamic and static MR imaging of focal liver lesions.

[Dynamic and static MRI using superparamagnetic MRI contrast medium Resovist for visualizing primary and secondary liver tumors]. / Dynamische und statische MRT mit dem superparamagnetischen MRT-Kontrastmittel Resovist zur Darstellung von primären und sekundären Lebertumoren.

PURPOSE: To analyse characteristics of benign and malignant liver tumours in dynamic and static MR imaging with the superparamagnetic MR contrast medium Resovist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All 30 patients were examined on a 1.5 Tesla MR unit (Magnetom 63 SP, Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany) using proton density (PD) weighted (w), T2-weighted-spin-echo, a T1-weighted SE, and a T1-weighted FLASH-2 D gradient echo (GRE) sequence before, during and after the application of Resovist. Dynamic imaging was performed using a T2-weighted GRE-sequence (TurboFLASH; TR/TE = 11/30; flip angle = 10 degrees; Tl = 600 ms). Histopathology revealed benign liver lesions in 8 patients and malignant lesions in 22 patients. RESULTS: Dynamic T2-weighted sequence revealed an early loss of signal intensity in normal liver parenchyma (percentage signal intensity loss (PSIL) = 40.0 +/- 12.2% by 4 mumol Fe/kg, 47.2 +/- 18.8% by 8 mumol Fe/kg and 62.7 +/- 13.0% by 16 mumol Fe/kg), in the spleen, as well as in FNH (PSIL = 49.5 +/- 7.3% by 8 mumol Fe/kg), and regenerating nodules in the first minute after application of Resovist. In two of 4 cases with HCC a short drop in signal intensity was immediately observed after the application, whereas signal intensity remained unchanged in all other malignant liver tumours. Enhanced PDw and T2-weighted SE-sequences revealed an improved detection and delineation of malignant liver lesions versus plain MR imaging. 17 liver lesions of a size lower 10 mm were additionally detected in postcontrast T2-weighted SE-sequences in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Dynamic and static versus plain MR imaging of primary and secondary liver lesions is markedly improved by the superparamagnetic contrast material Resovist, especially in case of intravenous bolus application of this liver-specific contrast medium.

Update on liver transplantation using cyclosporine.

After the introduction of cyclosporine into liver transplantation in 1983, 1-year patient survival more than doubled. Later, with the improved microemulsified formulation of cyclosporine (Neoral) more stable pharmacokinetics were achieved. Today, C(2) monitoring of cyclosporine blood levels allows a more accurate estimation of the area under the concentration-versus-time curve as the single best indicator of cyclosporine exposure. As a consequence, with better control of side effects as well as desired effects the results of cyclosporine in liver transplantation have been further improved. The introduction of mycophenolate mofetil and basiliximab/daclizumab combination therapy has provided new options for the prevention of allograft rejection. The safety profile of individual immunosuppressive regimens comes more into focus since acute allograft rejection may be controlled successfully with competing strategies. As the focus in liver transplantation is shifting toward greatly improved long-term results, late posttransplant mortality with a functioning graft is a major concern. Prevention of long-term complications associated with highly effective immunosuppressants--posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, cytomegalovirus infection, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia-gains importance. Technical advances in living-related and cadaveric split-liver transplantation have lead to increasing use of segmental liver transplantation with the need to consider the effects of immunosuppression on liver regeneration and metabolism. The individualized orchestration of immunosuppression taking into account the underlying liver disease as well as other individual predispositions remains a future challenge.

[Living kidney transplantation. A comparison of Scandinavian countries and Germany]. / Lebendnierenspende. Ein Vergleich zwischen den skandinavischen Ländern und Deutschland.

The discussion of compensating for shortages of cadaveric donation with increased living donation often reveals differences between the Scandinavian countries and Germany. Possible adoption of Scandinavian structures to improve the rate of living donations in Germany warrants analysis of the actual differences between these two regions. Close examination reveals that significantly higher rates of living donation are achieved only in Sweden and Norway. In Norway, a frequently postulated negative effect on cadaveric donation due to very high rates of living donation could not be confirmed. In contrast to Germany and as a consequence of Norwegian geography, kidney transplantation has been regarded in Norway as the first-line therapy for endstage renal disease for more than 35 years. Living donation has since been actively pursued and is traditionally the transplantation of first choice. In Germany, living donation is still regarded as the second choice after cadaveric donation, due to legal regulations. Significant improvements in living donation frequencies could be achieved there by adopting the active Norwegian approach to living donor identification.

Ascites drainage leading to intestinal adhesions at the mesentery of the small intestine with fatal outcome.

A common problem in patients with chronic liver diseases and liver cirrhosis is the development of ascites. First line therapy for ascites is the restriction of sodium intake and a diuretic treatment. Paracentesis is indicated in patients with large compromising volumes of ascites. In selected cases, permanent drainage of ascites over prolonged periods of time may be indicated. In the case presented here, a 66-year-old male patient, who was hospitalized with liver cirrhosis caused by alcoholic abuse, required permanent drainage of ascites. After three weeks of continuous ascites drainage, he developed bacterial peritonitis. Conventional attempts to remove the catheter by transcutaneous pulling failed and we thus decided to perform a median laparotomy to remove the catheter surgically. Intraoperatively an adhesion of the ascites drain (a so called 'basket catheter') to the mesentery very close to the small intestine was found, approximately 50 mm distal of the ligament suspensorium duodeni (ligament of Treitz). The basket catheter used for this patient was especially designed to drain infections, not fluids. We solved the adhesion, removed the basket catheter, placed a new surgical drain and finished the operation. The patient developed a rupture of his abdominal fascia suture 12 days later, which was caused by massive ascites and complicated by hepatorenal syndrome type I. The patient was taken to the operating theater again. After the second operation, the chronic liver failure decompensated and the patient died. Ascites caused by liver cirrhosis is still a medical challenge. The indication for the use of the correct percutaneous catheter for permanent paracentesis should be carefully considered. Some catheters are obviously not suited to drain ascites and may lead to fatal outcomes.

[Diagnosis and therapy of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Weichteilsarkomen der Extremitäten.

The diagnosis of unclear soft tissue tumors represents a common problem in everyday clinical practice. Magnetic resonance imaging often reveals some first information about soft tissue tumors; however, clarification of the dignity can only be achieved by histopathological examination. Most of the lesions are benign but should be treated as a malignant tumor until this can be excluded as unnecessary surgery or biopsies can complicate treatment and worsen the prognosis. These aspects in particular are summarized and discussed in this article.

[Extended donor criteria defined by the German Medical Association : study on their usefulness as prognostic model for early outcome after liver transplantation]. / Erweiterte Spenderkriterien der Bundesärztekammer : Untersuchung zu ihrer Anwendbarkeit als prognostisches Modell für den frühen Verlauf nach Lebertransplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Expansion of the donor pool by the use of grafts with extended donor criteria reduces waiting list mortality with an increased risk for graft and patient survival after liver transplantation. The ability of the number of fulfilled extended donor criteria as currently defined by the German Medical Association (BÄK-Score) to predict early outcome is unclear. PATIENTS: A total of 291 consecutive adult liver transplantations (01.01.2007-31.12.2010) in 257 adult recipients were analyzed. METHODS: Primary study endpoints were 30 day mortality, 3 month mortality, 3 month patient and graft survival and the necessity of acute retransplantation within 30 days. For primary study endpoints a ROC curve analysis was performed to calculate sensitivity, specificity and overall model correctness of the BÄK score as a predictive model. Further methods included Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests, Cox regression analysis, logistic regression analysis and χ(2)-tests. RESULTS: The number of extended donor criteria fulfilled had no statistically significant influence on the primary study endpoints (p > 0.05) or on patient survival (p > 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed areas under the curve ≤ 0.561 for the prediction of primary study endpoints (overall model correctness < 58%, sensitivity < 52%). CONCLUSIONS: The number of fulfilled extended donor criteria as currently defined by the German Medical Association is unable to predict early outcome after liver transplantation.