Endovascular balloon occlusion during reconstruction of portal vein injury.

PURPOSE: Repair of portal vein injury in a hostile abdomen can be very challenging, complicated by massive hemorrhage or stenosis. It can seldom be successfully carried out, even by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons. The ideal venous clamping technique is often not feasible and increases the risk of lethal portal vein laceration. The common mistake being the forceful use of clamps around the vein in the attempt to obtain vascular control, resulting in additional injuries. METHODS: We provide a descriptive report of two cases detailing a careful step-by-step technique for the management of portal vein injury by inserting an endovascular balloon inflated with serum to control bleeding and repair the vein. RESULTS: In patients who required this technique, no bleeding recurrence, nor portal vein thrombosis or stenosis was detected by CT-scan during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The endovascular balloon occlusion technique for the reconstruction of portal vein injuries in hostile abdomen is a safe and life-saving procedure that should be part of the armamentarium of visceral surgeons.

Management of post cholecystectomy vascular injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Vasculobiliary and vascular injuries following cholecystectomy are the most serious complications requiring complex surgical management resulting in greater patient morbidity and mortality. METHODOLOGY: The study was performed at a tertiary teaching hospital of North India. Records of patients referred for biliary or vascular injury sustained during cholecystectomy were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients with vascular injury between January 2009 and March 2018. Clinical profile, hospital course and outcome of these patients were analysed. RESULTS: Over nine years, 117 patients were referred for cholecystectomy related complications. Total incidence of vascular injury was 5.1% (6/117). Combined vasculobiliary injury (VBI) occurred in 3.4% (4/117) while isolated vascular injury was present in 1.7% patients (2/117). Most (5/6) patients were operated for uncomplicated gall stone disease. Incidences of portal vein (PV) and right hepatic artery (RHA) injuries were equal (3/6). PV injuries were repaired either during cholecystectomy (1/3) or during re-exploration after damage control packing (2/3). RHA injuries presented as pseudoaneurysm and were managed surgically (2/3) or by coil embolization (1/3). All VBI referrals (4/117) were following open cholecystectomy. In VBI patients, vascular injury was diagnosed intra-operatively in two while it was diagnosed several weeks after cholecystectomy in two others. Biliary injury manifested as bile leak post-operatively in all four of them. Nature of biliary injury could be characterized in only 50% (2/4) patients. Definitive repair of biliary injury was performed in one patient only. There was one mortality in our series. CONCLUSION: Vascular injury is an uncommon complication of cholecystectomy with catastrophic outcome if not managed timely and properly. Adequate surgeon training, keeping the possibility of aberrant vasculobiliary anatomy in all cases, and proper surgical technique is crucial for prevention of such injuries. However in such an event, proper documentation and referral to tertiary centre will help in decreasing morbidity and further litigation.

Cecal entrapment within the epiploic foramen in a mare.

An 11-year-old Thoroughbred mare with colic unresponsive to medical treatment underwent exploratory laparotomy. During surgery the cecum was found entrapped within the epiploic foramen from left to right. The entrapped cecum was reduced through the foramen by gentle traction. After reduction of the cecum, rupture of the portal vein was detected. Loss of a large amount of blood prompted euthanasia during surgery.

Encapsulation du cæcum dans le foramen omental chez une jument. Une jument Thoroughbred âgée de 11 ans atteinte de coliques ne répondant pas au traitement médical a subi une laparatomie exploratoire. Durant la chirurgie, le cæcum a été trouvé encapsulé dans le foramen omental de gauche à droite. Le cæcum encapsulé a été réduit par le foramen à l'aide d'une légère traction. Après la réduction du cæcum, la rupture de la veine porte a été détectée. La perte d'une grande quantité de sang a entraîné l'euthanasie durant la chirurgie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

[An injury of major vessels during laparoscopic procedure in urology. Surgical management by analyzing of clinical cases].

An injury of major vessels is a life - threating complication in laparoscopic urology. Review of the literature and analysis of own cases have been performed. The authors offer original surgical management with using hand-assistant technic. It has advantages of open and laparoscopic approach.

Non-operative management of isolated liver trauma.

Liver trauma is the most common abdominal emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Now, non-operative management (NOM) is a selective method for liver trauma. The aim of this study was to determine the success rate, mortality and morbidity of NOM for isolated liver trauma. Medical records of 81 patients with isolated liver trauma in our unit were analyzed retrospectively. The success rate, mortality and morbidity of NOM were evaluated. In this series, 9 patients with grade IV-V liver injuries underwent emergent operation due to hemodynamic instability; 72 patients, 6 with grade V, 18 grade IV, 29 grade III, 15 grade II and 4 grade I, with hemodynamic stability received NOM. The overall success rate of NOM was 97.2% (70/72). The success rates of NOM in the patients with grade I-III, IV and V liver trauma were 100%, 94.4% and 83.3%. The complication rates were 10.0% and 45.5% in the patients who underwent NOM and surgical treatment, respectively. No patient with grade I-II liver trauma had complications. All patients who underwent NOM survived. NOM is the first option for the treatment of liver trauma if the patient is hemodynamically stable. The grade of liver injury and the volume of hemoperitoneum are not suitable criteria for selecting NOM. Hepatic angioembolization associated with the correction of hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis is important in the conservative treatment for liver trauma.

Planned versus unplanned portal vein resections during pancreaticoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The management of portal vein (PV) involvement by pancreatic adenocarcinoma during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of unplanned and planned PV resections as part of PD. METHODS: An analysis of PD over 11 years was performed. Patients who had undergone PV resection (PV-PD) were identified, and categorized into those who had undergone planned or unplanned resection. Postoperative and oncological outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Of 249 patients who underwent PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 66 (26·5 per cent) had PV-PD, including 27 (41 per cent) planned and 39 (59 per cent) unplanned PV resections. Twenty-five of 27 planned PV resections were circumferential PV-PD, whereas 25 of 39 unplanned PV resections were partial PV-PD. Planned PV resections were performed in slightly younger patients (mean(s.d.) 60(9) versus 65(10) years; P = 0·031), and associated with longer operating times (mean(s.d.) 602(131) versus 458(83) min; P < 0·001) and more major complications (26 versus 5 per cent; P = 0·026). Planned PV resections were associated with a lower rate of positive margins (4 versus 44 per cent; P < 0·001) despite being carried out for larger tumours (mean(s.d.) 3·9(1·4) versus 2·9(1·0) cm; P = 0·002). There was no difference in survival between the two groups (P = 0·998). On multivariable analysis, margin status was a significant predictor of survival. CONCLUSION: Although planned PV resections for pancreatic adenocarcinoma were associated with higher rates of postoperative morbidity than unplanned resections, R0 resection rates were better.

Development of a lethal, closed-abdomen grade V hepato-portal injury model in non-coagulopathic swine.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage within an intact abdominal cavity remains a leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Despite this need, there is no existing closed-cavity animal model to assess new hemostatic agents for the preoperative control of intra-abdominal hemorrhage. METHODS: We developed a novel, lethal liver injury model in non-coagulopathic swine by strategic placement of two wire loops in the medial liver lobes including the hepatic and portal veins. Distraction resulted in grade V liver laceration with hepato-portal injury, massive bleeding, and severe hypotension. Crystalloid resuscitation was started once mean arterial pressure (MAP) fell below 65 mm Hg. Monitoring continued for up to 180 min. RESULTS: We demonstrated 90% lethality (9/10) in swine receiving injury and fluid resuscitation, with a mean survival time of 43 min. Previous efforts in our laboratory to develop a consistently lethal swine model of abdominal solid organs, including preemptive anticoagulation, a two-hit injury with controlled hemorrhage prior to liver trauma, and the injury described above without resuscitation, consistently failed to result in lethal injury. CONCLUSION: This model can be used to screen other interventions for pre hospital control of noncompressible.

Therapeutic strategies of iatrogenic portal vein injury after cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of vascular injury after a cholecystectomy is often underestimated. Although injuries to the portal vein are rare, they are devastating. The aim of the present study was to analyze suitable therapeutic strategies regarding portal vein injury in the absence of biliary injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with portal vein injuries after laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy were referred to our hospital between 2004 and 2010. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of patients with severe portal vein injuries were reviewed. All the patients were discharged without outstanding clinical conditions. During retrospective analysis, these patients were divided into early, middle, and late stages. RESULTS: All the 11 patients had a portal vein and/or right hepatic artery injury, but no biliary injuries were observed. Among these patients, different management strategies were managed according to the stage of the injury. Eight patients received a direct suture at the time of injury by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon. Two patients received thrombolytic and anticoagulation therapy after cholecystectomy, without additional surgery. One patient received a liver transplant 3 mo after the injury. After long-term follow-up, these patients had no clinical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Direct repair or suture is important during the early stage of portal vein injury. Conservative thrombolytic and anticoagulation therapy may serve an important role in the treatment of acute massive thrombus in portal vein injury during the middle stage. Liver transplantation is a salvage therapy that should be used during the late stage.

A comparison study of local injection and radiofrequency ablation therapy for traumatic portal vein injure guided by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: To compare local injection of hemostatic agents and radiofrequency (RF)-assisted hemostasis in the management of bleeding from the portal vein with varying diameters and blood flow velocities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen Bama pigs were used. Laparotomy was performed to expose the liver and inner diameters and blood flow velocities of the pre-injured portal vein in the hepatic segments and subsegments were measured. Vascular injuries in the portal vein were produced (4 in each pig). The pigs were randomly divided into two groups and local injection of hemostatic agents was performed in one group and RF-assisted hemostasis in the other, both techniques monitored by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Time to hemostasis was measured, and the extent of liver injury was determined 2 h after treatment. RESULTS: In the local injection group, the rates of successful hemostasis were 100, 88.9, and 50% with portal veins with inner diameters of < 1 mm, 1-2 mm, and 2-3 mm, respectively, and the maximum time to achieve hemostasis was 24.0 ± 7.2 s. Hemostasis was not successful when the diameter was > 3 mm. In the RF-assisted group, hemostasis was successfully at all sites regardless of vessel diameter; however, the maximum time to achieve hemostasis was 156.8 ± 31.2 s. Injury to surrounding tissue was significantly greater in the RF-assisted group. CONCLUSION: Both methods can achieve hemostasis with small diameter portal vein injuries; however, RF-assisted hemostasis is necessary for larger vessels, though it is associated with greater damage to surrounding tissue.

Two cases of penetrating abdominal injury from needlefish impalement.

BACKGROUND: Needlefish injuries to humans are extremely rare. An extensive review of the medical literature reveals only 22 cases previously reported. Most injuries reported have occurred in the Indo-Pacific region, but there are scattered reports worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of life-threatening penetrating abdominal injuries from needlefish impalement. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were both struck in the abdomen by a needlefish and required emergent exploratory laparotomy for instability. Their injuries were a laceration of a branch of the left portal vein and a small bowel perforation, respectively. Both patients survived and recovered without incident. CONCLUSION: Although rare, penetrating injuries from needlefish can be life threatening. Treatment should be directed at the organ injured with appropriate antibiotic coverage.

'Extreme' vasculobiliary injuries: association with fundus-down cholecystectomy in severely inflamed gallbladders.

OBJECTIVES: Extreme vasculobiliary injuries usually involve major hepatic arteries and portal veins. They are rare, but have severe consequences, including rapid infarction of the liver. The pathogenesis of these injuries is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of injury through an analysis of clinical records, particularly the operative notes of the index procedure. METHODS: Biliary injury databases in two institutions were searched for data on extreme vasculobiliary injuries. Operative notes for the index procedure (cholecystectomy) were requested from the primary institutions. These notes and the treatment records of the tertiary centres to which the patients had been referred were examined. Radiographs from the primary institutions, when available, as well as those from the tertiary centres, were studied. RESULTS: Eight patients with extreme vasculobiliary injuries were found. Most had the following features in common. The operation had been started laparoscopically and converted to an open procedure because of severe chronic or acute inflammation. Fundus-down cholecystectomy had been attempted. Severe bleeding had been encountered as a result of injury to a major portal vein and hepatic artery. Four patients have required right hepatectomy and one had required an orthotopic liver transplant. Four of the eight patients have died and one remains under treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Extreme vasculobiliary injuries tend to occur when fundus-down cholecystectomy is performed in the presence of severe inflammation. Contractive inflammation thickens and shortens the cystic plate, making separation of the gallbladder from the liver hazardous.

Acute portal venous injury after microwave ablation in an in vivo porcine model: a rare possible complication.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the damage caused by microwave ablation to vessels inside and outside the ablation zone in an in vivo swine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four pigs underwent microwave liver ablation with a 2.45-GHz generator and a 14-gauge water-cooled antenna with a miniature choke. Each animal underwent four 15-minute microwave ablations (two at 40 W, two at 60 W). Mean minimum and maximum diameters of ablation areas were calculated on gross pathologic and histologic examination. At minimum, a whole-mount section and two to four specimens were obtained from each ablation and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Specimens were analyzed to verify the presence of damaged vessels in and outside the ablation area. RESULTS: Mean ablation diameters at gross pathologic examination, including the hemorrhagic halo, were 3.1 cm ± 0.5 at 40 W and 3.6 cm ± 1.1 at 60 W. All ablation zones presented a characteristic pattern consisting of three concentric zones: (i) a central area consisting of coagulative necrosis (mean maximum diameter, 8.5 mm ± 2.6), (ii) a larger area characterized by irreversibly damaged hepatocytes (mean maximum thickness, 11.7 mm ± 3.4), and (iii) a hemorrhagic halo. Twenty-one veins outside the ablation zone were evaluated (mean diameter, 5.6 mm), three of which (14%) showed diffuse endothelial damage. All three represented a continuation of a portal vein within the ablation area. CONCLUSIONS: In a small percentage of microwave ablation cases, endothelial damage can extend from a portal vessel included in the ablation zone to a segment of the vessel situated outside the ablation zone. Further investigation of the clinical significance of this finding is needed.

Successful endovascular management of postoperative arterio portal fistula.

Arterioportal fistulas are rare and mostly a result of late complication of gastric and biliary surgery. Surgical excision has been the therapy of reference. Endovascular treatment is emerging as a real alternative to surgery. The present study reports a case of postsurgical arterioportal fistula involving the gastroduodenal artery, the cause of portal hypertension, which was successfully treated by transarterial embolization using embospheres. Portal hypertension improved dramatically.

Hepatic resection for post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries: a literature review.

OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to identify factors for hepatectomy in the management of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury (BDI) and outcome via a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: Relevant literature was found by searching the PubMed database and the bibliographies of extracted articles. To avoid bias selection, factors for hepatectomy were analysed in series reporting both patients undergoing hepatectomy and patients undergoing biliary repair without hepatectomy (bimodal treatment). Relevant variables were the presence or absence of additional hepatic artery and/or portal vein injury, the level of BDI, and a previous biliary repair. RESULTS: Among 460 potentially relevant publications, only 31 met the eligibility criteria. A total of 99 hepatectomies were reported among 1756 (5.6%) patients referred for post-cholecystectomy BDI. In eight series reporting bimodal treatment, including 232 patients, logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that hepatic arterial and Strasberg E4 and E5 injuries were independent factors associated with hepatectomy. Patients with combined arterial and Strasberg E4 or E5 injury were 43.3 times more likely to undergo hepatectomy (95% confidence interval 8.0-234.2) than patients without complex injury. Despite high postoperative morbidity, mortality rates were comparable with those of hepaticojejunostomy, except in urgent hepatectomies (within 2 weeks; four of nine patients died). Longterm outcome was satisfactory in 12 of 18 patients in the largest series. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomies were performed mainly in patients showing complex concurrent Strasberg E4 or E5 and hepatic arterial injury and provided satisfactory longterm outcomes despite high postoperative morbidity.

[Case of hyperkalemia possibly caused by gabexate mesilate].

We report a case of hyperkalemia in a recipient of living-related liver transplantation. The patient received a continuous infusion of gabexate mesilate at 60 mg x hr(-1) starting about 1 hr after the induction of anesthesia. The serum potassium concentration (K+) was increased from 4.53 mEq x l-(1) to 5.08 mEq x l(-1) within about 1 hr. Thereafter, a massive blood loss caused by an accidental damage of the portal vein necessitated rapid fluid therapy to maintain blood pressure. We observed an abnormal ECG recording including a wide QRS complex and a high T wave when about 30 units of leukocytes-reduced red cell concentrates had been transfused. Blood gas analysis showed high K+ (7.52 mEq x l(-1)) and metabolic acidosis (pH 7.167, base excess-12.5 mmol x l(-1)). We successfully controlled K+ with combination of therapies before causing any cardiac events to the patient. Gabexate mesilate is one possible cause of hyperkalemia in the present case because an increase in K+ was observed before transfusion, and transfusion might have augmented the effect. Gabexate mesilate is one of the protease inhibitors. Naphamostat mesilate, another protease inhibitor, is known to cause hyperkalemia by limiting potassium excretion from the kidney through an inhibition of Na/K-ATPase at the cortical collecting ducts. Although the mechanism by which gabexate mesilate causes hyperkalemia is unclear, it would be of benefit to use this drug cautiously, as it may cause hyperkalemia.