Aconite-isolated moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) combined with rivaroxaban for lower extremity venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect of aconite-isolated moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) combined with rivaroxaban for lower extremity venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty and the influence on hypercoagulation.@*METHODS@#Seventy-three patients of knee osteoarthritis with lower extremity venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty (KOA) were randomly divided into an observation group (37 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (36 cases, 1 case dropped off). The patients in the control group took orally rivaroxaban tablets, 10 mg a time, once a day. On the basis of the treatment as the control group, the aconite-isolated moxibustion was applied to Yongquan (KI 1) for the patients of the observation group, once daily and 3 moxa cones were used in each treatment. The duration of treatment was 14 days in both groups. Before treatment and 14 days into treatment, the ultrasonic B test was adopted to determine the conditions of lower extremity venous thrombosis in the two groups. Before treatment, 7 and 14 days into treatment, the coagulation indexes (platelet [PLT], prothrombin time [PT], activated partial prothrombin time [APTT], fibrinogen [Fib] and D-dimer[D-D]), the blood flow velocity of the deep femoral vein and the circumference of the affected side were compared between the two groups separately, and the clinical effect was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Fourteen days into treatment, the venous thrombosis of the lower extremity was relieved in both groups (P<0.05), and that of the observation group was better than the control group (P<0.05). Seven days into treatment, the blood flow velocity of the deep femoral vein was increased compared with that before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and the blood flow rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Fourteen days into treatment, PT, APTT and the blood flow velocity of the deep femoral vein were increased in the two groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); and PLT, Fib, D-D and the circumference of the limb (knee joint, 10 cm above the patella and 10 cm below the patella) were all reduced in the two groups (P<0.05). Compared with the control group 14 days into treatment, the blood flow velocity of the deep femoral vein was higher (P<0.05), PLT, Fib, D-D and the circumference of the limb (knee joint, 10 cm above the patella and 10 cm below the patella) were all lower in the observation group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 97.1% (34/35) in the observation group, higher than 85.7% (30/35) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Aconite-isolated moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) combined with rivaroxaban can effectively treat lower extremity venous thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty, relieve hypercoagulation, accelerate the blood flow velocity and alleviate swelling of the lower extremity in the patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Thrombectomy in a severe case of iliofemoral venous thrombosis involving the deep femoral vein via a single percutaneous access from the jugular vein: case report and description of the technique / Trombectomia em caso grave de trombose venosa iliofemoral afetando a veia femoral profunda pela técnica de punção e sessão única realizada pela veia jugular: relato de caso e descrição da técnica

ABSTRACT: Iliac vein thrombectomy is usually performed via access through veins located in the lower limbs, which makes it impossible to treat the deep femoral vein, which in turn is an important inflow route to the iliac vein stent. We describe a clinical case and the previously unpublished technique of percutaneous thrombectomy, angioplasty, and stent implantation performed in a single session and with a single access, obtained via the internal jugular vein.

RESUMO: A trombectomia mecânica venosa ilíaca geralmente é realizada por acesso em veias localizadas nos membros inferiores, o que impossibilita o tratamento da veia femoral profunda, que, por sua vez, é uma importante via de influxo ao stent venoso ilíaco. Descrevemos um caso clínico em que foi aplicada a técnica inédita de trombectomia percutânea, angioplastia e implante de stent, realizada por sessão e acesso único, obtido na veia jugular interna.

Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for detecting bland thrombus from inferior vena cava tumor thrombus in patients with renal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating bland thrombus from tumor thrombus of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated 30 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy and had pathologically confirmed RCC. All patients underwent US and CEUS examination. Two off-line readers observed and recorded thrombus imaging information and enhancement patterns. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for bland thrombus were assessed. Results: Of the 30 patients, no adverse events occurred during administration of the contrast agent. Early enhancement of the mass within the IVC lumen on CEUS was an indicator of tumor thrombus. Bland thrombus showed no intraluminal flow on CEUS. There were eight (26.7%) patients with bland thrombus, including three level II, two level III, and three level IV. There were three cases with cephalic bland thrombus and five cases with caudal bland thrombus. Three caudal bland thrombi extended to the iliac vein and underwent surgical IVC interruption. Based on no intraluminal flow, for bland thrombus, CEUS had 87.5% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 96.7% accuracy, 100% positive predictive value and 95.6% negative predictive value. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the potential of CEUS in the differentiation of bland and tumor thrombus of the IVC in patients with RCC. Since CEUS is an effective, inexpensive, and non-invasive method, it could be a reliable tool in the evaluation of IVC thrombus in patients with RCC.

Transesplenic access in the treatment of varicose gastrointestinal bleeding. Case and technical report / Uso do acesso transesplênico no tratamento do sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso. Relato de caso e técnica

ABSTRACT Varicose gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. Endoscopic treatment is the first therapeutic line for these patients, however, for those whom this therapeutic modality fail, a broad knowledge of alternative treatment options may improve the prognosis. We describe a case of a patient who were successfully embolized from gastroesophageal varices via transsplenic access.

RESUMO O sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso está entre as maiores causas de morbimortalidade nos paciente com doença hepática crônica. O tratamento endoscópico é a primeira linha terapêutica neste pacientes, porém naqueles que apresentam falha nesta modalidade terapêutica, o amplo conhecimento de opções alternativas de tratamento pode melhorar o prognóstico. Descrevemos um caso de paciente submetido à embolização com sucesso de varizes gastresofágicas por acesso transesplênico.

O caminho das pedras no diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome obstrutiva ilíaca venosa crônica / Best practices in diagnosis and treatment of chronic iliac vein obstruction

Resumo A obstrução venosa ilíaca ocorre em 20% a 30% da população. Nos portadores de insuficiência venosa crônica grave, essa prevalência é ainda maior, podendo chegar a 50% a 90% dos pacientes, situação em que essa obstrução é investigada pelo ultrassom intravascular. Métodos diagnósticos menos invasivos, como o Doppler vascular, ou mesmo invasivos, como a flebografia, podem falhar em seu diagnóstico. O tratamento endovascular dessas obstruções tem se demonstrado eficaz, seguro e associado a excelente resultado clínico e de perviedade, desde que princípios anatômicos e técnicos fundamentais sejam considerados e aplicados.

Abstract Iliac vein obstruction occurs in 20-30% of the general population. In patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency, this prevalence can be even higher, reaching 50-90% when the obstruction is investigated using intravascular ultrasound. Less invasive methods, such as venous Duplex Scanning, and even invasive ones such as venography may fail to diagnose the condition. Endovascular treatment of these obstructions is effective, safe, and associated with excellent clinical outcomes and stent patency rates, provided that fundamental anatomical and technical principles are considered and applied.

Experiencia de trabajo en cirugía vascular en Ecuador / Experiences working in vascular surgeries in Ecuador

Introducción: Las enfermedades vasculares periféricas comprenden un variado número de entidades nosológicas que afectan a los sistema arterial (excluidos los vasos del corazón, e intracraneales) y venolinfáticos del organismo. Objetivo: Describir las características de los pacientes que necesitaron ser atendidos por un cirujano vascular por presentar algún tipo de enfermedad vascular periférica. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo realizado en el total de pacientes atendidos por consulta externa y hospitalizados en el Servicio de Cirugía Vascular del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social; Hospital Manuel Ignacio Montero Valdivieso. El período de estudio fue de dos años (septiembre de 2014 a octubre de 2016). Se tuvieron en cuenta las siguientes enfermedades vasculares periféricas: enfermedades vasculares periféricas, insuficiencia venosa crónica, pie diabético, trombosis venosa profunda y trombosis arterial aguda Los resultados se expresaron en trabajo con las frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: La insuficiencia venosa crónica fue la causa más frecuente de hospitalización y consulta externa. Se encontró un predominio del sexo femenino. La úlcera del pie diabético se ubicó en orden decreciente de frecuencia entre las enfermedades consideradas. El desbridamiento quirúrgico o limpieza quirúrgica fue el procedimiento más empleado. La amputación mayor se realizó en todos los pacientes que tuvieron una trombosis arterial aguda de extremidades inferiores. Conclusiones: Se describen las características de los pacientes atendidos por el cirujano vascular en Ecuador, así como las enfermedades vasculares periféricas más frecuentes atendidas que son motivo de consulta externa y de hospitalización(AU)

Introduction: Peripheral vascular diseases include a varied number of nosologic entities that affect the arterial (excluding heart and intracranial vessels) and venolymphatic systems of the organism. Objective: To characterize patients who needed to be treated by a vascular surgeon after presenting some type of peripheral vascular disease. Method: A descriptive and prospective study was carried out in all the patients treated by external consultation and to the patients hospitalized in the service of Vascular surgery of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security and Manuel Ignacio Montero Valdivieso Hospital. The study lasted two years ( from September 2014 to October 2016). The following peripheral vascular diseases were taken into account: peripheral vascular diseases, chronic venous insufficiency, diabetic foot, deep-vein thrombosis and acute arterial thrombosis. The results were expressed in this paper with absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Chronic venous failure was the most frequent cause of hospitalization and outpatient consultation. A prevalence of female sex was found. The diabetic foot ulcer was observed in a decreasing order of frequency. Surgical debridement and/or surgical cleaning were the most used procedures. Major amputations were performed in all patients who had an acute arterial thrombosis of the lower limbs. Conclusions: It was possible to characterize the patients treated by the vascular surgeon in Ecuador, as well as the most frequent peripheral vascular diseases attended that needed outpatient consultation and hospitalization(AU)

Fenômenos tromboembólicos associados a mamoplastia no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital PUC-Campinas / Thromboembolic phenomena associated with mammoplasty at the PUC-Campinas Hospital Plastic Surgery Service

Introdução: A demanda por cirurgia plástica tem aumentado progressivamente, dentre os procedimentos mais frequentes estão as cirurgias de mamas (aumento e redução). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de prontuários de pacientes que foram submetidas a mamoplastia redutora e de aumento, no período de janeiro de 2015 a junho de 2018, no Hospital PUC-Campinas. Resultados: Foram realizadas 13 mamoplastias de aumento e 275 mamoplastias redutoras. Das 288 cirurgias realizadas duas (n=2) evoluíram com TEP (tromboembolismo pulmonar). Conclusão: Portanto, a incidência de fenômenos tromboembólicos em mamoplastias de aumento e redutoras mostrou-se baixa no presente estudo, assim como na literatura. Já as pacientes acometidas no estudo eram consideradas de baixo risco para complicação tromboembólica, de acordo com protocolos de profilaxia, devendo-se atentar para tais fenômenos no pós-operatório. Ainda são necessários mais estudos para padronização do uso de medidas de profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso.

Introduction: The demand for plastic surgery has progressively increased, and breast enlargement and reduction surgeries are among the most frequent procedures. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent reduction and augmentation mammoplasty between January 2015 and June 2018 at the PUC-Campinas Hospital. Results: Thirteen augmentation mammoplasties and 275 reduction mammoplasties were performed. Of the 288 patients who underwent surgeries, two patients developed postoperative pulmonary thromboembolism. Conclusion: The incidence of thromboembolic phenomena in augmentation and reduction mammoplasty is low. Patients in this study were considered at low risk for thromboembolic complications. According to prophylaxis protocols, this phenomena should be monitored postoperatively. Further studies are needed to standardize the use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis measures.

Rivaroxabana para profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso em abdominoplastia após grande perda ponderal: 396 casos / Rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in abdominoplasty after massive weight loss: 396 cases

Introdução: Abdominoplastia consiste em um dos procedimentos estéticos mais populares realizados no Brasil. Pacientes pósbariátricos representam um desafio peculiar ao cirurgião plástico, uma vez que não só requerem reconstruções complexas, mas também apresentam comorbidades residuais e deficiências nutricionais. O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) constitui uma complicação grave e potencialmente fatal da abdominoplastia. Apesar da pequena frequência desta complicação, os métodos aceitos como padrões para prevenção de TEV em pacientes após abdominoplastia, incluindo quimioprofilaxia, permanecem controversos. Objetivo: Avaliar a experiência do autor com rivaroxabana para profilaxia de TEV em pacientes submetidos a abdominoplastia após grande perda ponderal. Métodos: Uma série de 396 casos foi conduzida retrospectivamente. Todos os pacientes submetidos à abdominoplastia após cirurgia bariátrica que receberam rivaroxabana foram incluídos. A dose profilática foi de 10mg por dia. Dados demográficos, comorbidades, tipo de cirurgia e complicações foram registrados. Resultados: 396 casos de pacientes pós-bariátricos (356 mulheres e 40 homens) foram submetidos à abdominoplastia e receberam rivaroxabana no pós-operatório, de julho de 2015 a julho de 2018. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 39,1 anos. O índice de massa corporal médio no momento da abdominoplastia foi de 27,2kg/m². Houve apenas um caso de tromboembolismo venoso (0,25%). Treze pacientes apresentaram hematoma com necessidade de drenagem. Conclusões: A quimioprofilaxia de rotina com rivaroxabana para pacientes submetidos à abdominoplastia após grande perda ponderal revela uma baixa incidência de TEV. Esta medicação oral é bem tolerada e apresenta um perfil de complicação aceitável.

Introduction: Abdominoplasty is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed in Brazil. Postbariatric patients present a challenge to the plastic surgeon as not only do they have complex reconstructive challenges but also they have residual medical comorbidities and nutritional deficiencies. A serious and potentially fatal complication of abdominoplasty is venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite the frequency of this serious complication, the accepted standard methods to prevent VTE in abdominoplasty patients, including chemoprophylaxis, remain controversy. Objective: To evaluate the author experience with rivaroxaban, for VTE prophylaxis in abdominoplasty patients after massive weight loss. Methods: A retrospective 396 cases series were conducted. All patients who underwent abdominoplasty after bariatric surgery and received rivaroxaban were included. The prophylactic dose was 10 mg daily for 30 days, beginning 24 hours postoperatively. Patient demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery and complications were recorded. Results: From July 2015 until July 2018, 396 post bariatric patients (356 women and 40 men) underwent abdominoplasty and received rivaroxaban postoperatively. The mean body mass index prior to their weight loss procedure was 43.8kg/m2 (range, 37.3- 61.9kg/m2) and mean BMI was 27.2kg/m² at the time of the abdominoplasty. Mean patient age was 39.1 years. Only one patient had a symptomatic PTE event. Thirteen patients had a hematoma requiring operative evacuation, and all went on to heal without sequel. Conclusions: Routine chemoprophylaxis with rivaroxaban for abdominoplasty patients after massive weight loss has a low rate of VTE events. This oral medication is well tolerated and has an acceptable complication profile.

Transesophageal echocardiography-guided thrombectomy of level iv renal cell carcinoma without cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Advanced renal cell carcinoma accompanied by tumor thrombus in the venous system is present in up to 10% of cases. Extension of tumor thrombus above the diaphragm or into the right atrium represents level IV disease. Level IV tumors are typically treated with sterno-laparotomy approach with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and veno-venous bypass. In this case report, the surgical technique for the resection of advanced RCC were described, with the concomitant use of transesophageal echocardiography for thrombus extraction without the veno-venous or cardiopulmonary bypass.

Aneurisma de veia poplítea: relato de dois casos / Popliteal vein aneurysm: report of two cases

Os aneurismas venosos são raros, sendo na maioria das vezes diagnosticados de forma incidental. Os aneurismas de veia poplítea são os mais comuns entre os aneurismas venosos e apresentam uma forte associação com a ocorrência de trombose venosa profunda e embolia pulmonar recorrente. O presente estudo descreve dois casos de aneurisma de veia poplítea associados a trombose venosa profunda.

Venous aneurysms are rare and often diagnosed incidentally. Popliteal vein aneurysms are the most common type of venous aneurysms and have a strong association with the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and recurrent pulmonary embolism. This article reports two cases of popliteal vein aneurysms associated with deep vein thrombosis.

Profilaxia da trombose venosa profunda em cirurgia bariátrica: estudo comparativo com doses diferentes de heparina de baixo peso molecular / Deep venous thrombosis prevention in bariatric surgery: comparative study of different doses of low weight molecular heparin

Contexto: A cirurgia bariátrica é considerada a melhor opção para o tratamento da obesidade, cujos pacientes são considerados de alto risco para fenômenos tromboembólicos. Objetivos: Comparar o uso de doses diferentes de heparina de baixo peso molecular (HBPM) na profilaxia da trombose venosa profunda (TVP) em pacientes candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica em relação ao risco de TVP, alteração na dosagem do fator anti-Xa e sangramento pré ou pós-operatório. Métodos: Estudo comparativo transversal em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica distribuídos em dois grupos, que receberam doses de HBPM de 40 mg (grupo controle, GC) e 80 mg (grupo de estudo, GE). Foram avaliados por ultrassonografia vascular e dosagem de KPTT, TAP, plaquetas e fator anti-Xa. Resultados: Foram avaliados 60 pacientes, sendo 34 no GC e 26 no GE. Foi observada diferença significativa somente no peso (p = 0,003) e índice de massa corporal (p = 0,018) no GE em relação ao GC. Não houve diferença na dosagem de KPTT, TAP, plaquetas e fator anti-Xa entre os grupos. Não foram detectados TVP ou sangramentos significativos em ambos os grupos. Conclusões: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na utilização de doses maiores de HBPM na profilaxia da TVP em pacientes candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica em relação ao risco de TVP, dosagem do fator anti-Xa e sangramento pré ou pós-operatório

Background: Bariatric surgery is considered the best treatment option for patients with obesity who are classed as high risk for thromboembolic events. Objectives: To compare two different doses of low weight molecular heparin (LWMH) for prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in candidates for bariatric surgery, in terms of DVT risk, abnormal anti-Xa levels, and preoperative and/or postoperative bleeding. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study of bariatric surgery patients divided into two groups given different doses of LWMH; 40 mg of LWMH (control group, CG) and 80 mg of LWMH (study group, SG), both evaluated by vascular ultrasonography (VU) and according to the results of PTT, PT, platelets, and anti-Xa factor assays. Results: Sixty patients were evaluated, 34 in the CG and 26 in the SG. The only significant differences between the patients in the SG and the CG were weight (p = 0.003) and body mass index (p = 0.018). There were no differences between the groups in PTT, PT, platelets, or anti-Xa factor levels. There was no DVT or significant bleeding in either group. Conclusions: There were no statistical differences when higher doses of LWMH were used for prevention of DVT in bariatric surgery patients, in terms of DVT risk, anti-Xa factor levels, or preoperative and postoperative bleeding

Trombo flutuante em veia femoral / Floating thrombi in femoral veis

O trombo venoso flutuante em veia femoral é um tipo de trombo com alto potencial de embolização pulmonar. Entretanto, ainda é controversa a conduta mais apropriada nesses casos. Tratamentos clínicos com anticoagulantes ou fibrinolíticos e trombectomias abertas ou por meio de dispositivos endovasculares vêm sendo empregados ainda sem um critério de indicação bem definido. Apresentamos três casos clínicos de trombos flutuantes em veia femoral, de etiologias distintas, cujos tratamentos e respectivas evoluções serão discutidos

A floating venous thrombus in the femoral vein is a type of thrombus with a high potential for pulmonary embolization. However, the most appropriate management for these cases is still controversial. Clinical treatments, using anticoagulants or fibrinolytics, open thrombectomies, or thrombectomies by means of endovascular devices have all been used, although the criteria for indication of each are not yet defined. We present 3 clinical cases of floating thrombi in femoral veins with different etiologies and discuss their respective treatments and outcomes

Clinical Impact of Portal Vein Thrombosis Prior to Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Introduction. To identify the impact of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and associated medical and surgical factors on outcomes post liver transplant (LT). Material and methods. Two analyses were performed. Analysis One: cohort study of 505 consecutive patients who underwent LT (Alberta) between 01/2002-12/2012. PVT was identified in 61 (14%) patients. Analysis Two: cohort study of 144 consecutive PVT patients from two sites (Alberta and London) during the same period. Cox multivariable survival analysis was used to identify independent associations with post-LT mortality. Results. In Analysis One (Alberta), PVT was not associated with post-LT mortality (log rank p = 0.99). On adjusted analysis, complete/occlusive PVT was associated with increased mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) 8.4, p < 0.001). In Analysis Two (Alberta and London), complete/occlusive PVT was associated with increased mortality only on unadjusted analysis (HR 3.7, p = 0.02). On adjusted analysis, Hepatitis C (HR 2.1, p = 0.03) and post-LT portal vein re-occlusion (HR 3.2, p = 0.01) were independently associated with increased mortality. Conclusion: Well-selected LT patients who had PVT prior to LT had similar post-LT outcomes to non-PVT LT recipients. Subgroups of PVT patients who did worse post-LT (complete/occlusive thrombosis pre-LT, Hepatitis C or post-LT portal vein re-occlusion) warrant closer evaluation in listing and management post-LT.

Randomized trial of radiofrequency ablation versus conventional surgery for superficial venous insufficiency: if you don't tell, they won't know

OBJECTIVES: This study compared radiofrequency ablation versus conventional surgery in patients who had not undergone previous treatment for bilateral great saphenous vein insufficiency, with each patient serving as his own control. METHOD: This was a randomized controlled trial that included 18 patients and was carried out between November 2013 and May 2015. Each of the lower limbs of each patient was randomly assigned to undergo either radiofrequency ablation or conventional surgery. Clinical features (hyperpigmentation, hematoma, aesthetics, pain, skin burn, nerve injury, and thrombophlebitis) were evaluated at one week, one month, and six months postoperatively. Hemodynamic assessments (presence of resection or occlusion of the great saphenous vein and recurrent reflux in the sapheno-femoral junction and in the great saphenous vein) were performed at one month, six months, and 12 months postoperatively. The independent observer (a physician not involved in the original operation), patient, and duplex ultrasonographer were not made aware of the treatment done in each case. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02588911. RESULTS: Among the clinical variables analyzed, only the aesthetic evaluation by the physicians was significant, with radiofrequency ablation being considered better than conventional surgery (average, 0.91 points higher: standard deviation: 0.31; 95% confidence interval: -1.51, -0.30; p=0.003). However, in our study, we observed primary success rates of 80% for radiofrequency ablation and 100% for conventional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: If the physician is not required to inform the patient as to the technique being performed, the patient will not be able to identify the technique based on the signs and symptoms. Our study revealed that both techniques led to high levels of patient satisfaction, but our results favor the choice of conventional surgery over radiofrequency ablation, as patients who underwent conventional surgery had better hemodynamic assessments.

Surgical treatment for thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale

Abstract We present a case of a 41-year-old female with deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery. The patient quickly developed severe pulmonary embolism and stroke representative of paradoxical embolism. Echocardiography showed a thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale, which was confirmed intraoperatively. An accurate diagnosis and rapid treatment decisions are crucial for preventing patient deterioration in the form of new pulmonary embolisms or stroke.

Venous thromboembolism-incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with head and neck cancer: a tertiary care experience in Pakistan

Introduction Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is seen with morbidity and mortality in various surgical specialties, scarce data are available in the head and neck surgery domain. Objective We aim to determine the incidence of VTE in patients receiving surgery for head and neck cancer. Methods Four hundred thirteen patients who underwent head and neck surgery procedures between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients with head and neck surgery had received thromboprophylaxis (i.e., compression stockings and subcutaneous heparin). Patient demographics, operating time, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. The incidence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) during the initial postoperative hospitalization was assessed. Results Twelve patients were identified who developed VTE. Three patients developed DVT, and nine developed PE. The incidence of DVT and PE was 0.72 and 2.17%, respectively. Interestingly, all of these patients had undergone excision of extensive head and neck cancers accompanied by a reconstructive procedure. Patients who developed PE had a longer hospital stay compared with those who only had DVT. There were overall three mortalities in the nine patients who developed PE. Conclusion Although VTE has a low incidence, it is a known complication of extensive head and neck surgeries with life-threatening outcomes. We recommend early mobilization and physiotherapy with the possible aid from appropriate mechanical and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis.

Management and conduct of vascular diseases of the portal system / Manejo e conduta das doenças vasculares do sistema porta

Aneurysms and thromboses of the portal vein are rare pathologies of the portal system that commonly follow an asymptomatic course. The vast majority of cases are diagnosed as incidental findings during imaging studies. Symptoms of aneurysms are the result of mass effects, while thrombosis symptoms are a function of the liver's ability to form a collateral circulation network in the thrombosis. The scant experience with such cases poses a dilemma for patient management and so the vast majority of authors choose an expectant approach with rigorous patient surveillance and only intervene in symptomatic patients. We report one case of an aneurysm of the portal vein and one case of portal vein thrombosis and discuss management and observation of these patients...

O aneurisma e a trombose de veia porta são doenças raras do sistema porta, que comumente cursam sem sintomas. A grande maioria dos pacientes é diagnosticada com achados em exames de imagem. Os sintomas são atribuídos ao efeito de massa, no caso do aneurisma, e relativos à capacidade hepática de formar uma rede de circulação colateral, no caso da trombose. A escassa experiência nesses casos representa um dilema na abordagem desses pacientes e, portanto, a grande maioria dos autores opta por seguimento rigoroso e a intervenção é indicada apenas para os pacientes sintomáticos. Neste trabalho, relatamos um caso de aneurisma de veia porta e outro de trombose da veia porta, propondo o manejo e o acompanhamento desses pacientes...

Hemorragia digestiva alta por várices gástricas secundarias a trombosis de vena esplénica tratada con esplenectomía / Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastric varices secondary to splenic vein thrombosis treated by splenectomy

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to acute variceal hemorrhage is a medical emergency, with significant morbidity and mortality, which usually requires a multidisciplinary approach from gastroenterologists, intensive care physicians, and surgeons. The most common cause of variceal bleeding is the one that arises from portal hypertension associated with cirrhosis, and best described in terms of prevention, initial management and following treatment that in the minority of cases can be definitive without complex interventions, including liver transplant in cirrhotic patients. Within the etiologies not arising from portal hypertension, splenic vein thrombosis is one of the most important. Characterized by an endoscopic appearance of fundal or isolated gastric varices, without esophageal involvement, a variable number of cases manifest clinically as variceal hemorrhage. Based on different pathophysiology compared to esophageal varices, response to initial treatment is different, endoscopic management involve the use of adhesives (e.g. cyanoacrylate) as treatment of choice, and, in selected cases, surgical treatment can provide a definitive solution. Here we present a clinical case of an adult patient, without history of cirrhosis, who presented to the emergency department with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to gastric varices, admitted in Intensive Care Unit and treated with endoscopy. Complementary studies with abdominal CT showed spleen vein thrombosis, enlarged spleen and multiple varicesin gastric body and fundus. After stabilization, splenectomy was performed as definitive treatment, with regression of gastric varices on ambulatory control with an upper endoscopy...

La hemorragia digestiva alta por sangrado variceal agudo constituye una emergencia médica, con morbimortalidad significativa asociada, requiriendo manejo multidisciplinario de gastroenterólogos, intensivistas y cirujanos. El sangrado variceal por hipertensión portal secundario a daño hepático crónico es el más habitual y mejor caracterizado en prevención, enfrentamiento inicial y manejo posterior, que en la minoría de los casos puede ser definitivo, sin intervenciones complejas, incluyendo trasplante hepático en pacientes cirróticos. Dentro de las causas de sangrado variceal no asociadas a hipertensión portal, la trombosis de vena esplénica es una de las principales. Caracterizada por presentarse en endoscopia como várices gástricas fúndicas o aisladas sin compromiso esofágico, se manifiestan clínicamente como sangrado variceal agudo en un porcentaje variable de casos. Por tener etiopatogenia distinta a las várices por hipertensión portal, la respuesta frente a las medidas terapéuticas iniciales es distinta, el tratamiento endoscópico de elección es el uso de adhesivos tipo cianoacrilato, y en casos seleccionados, el enfrentamiento quirúrgico puede ofrecer una solución definitiva. Presentamos el caso de una paciente sin antecedentes de daño hepático crónico, que se presentó con hemorragia digestiva alta por sangrado de várices gástricas, con manejo inicial en unidad de paciente crítico y hemostasia por vía endoscópica. En estudio complementario se objetivó trombosis de la vena esplénica con esplenomegalia y múltiples formaciones varicosas en fondo y cuerpo gástrico. Posterior a estabilización se realizó esplenectomía como manejo definitivo, logrando regresión de várices gástricas en endoscopia de control...

Pure Conventional Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy with Level II Vena Cava Tumor Thrombectomy

The surgical management with laparoscopic technique for renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (IVTT) remains challenging and technically demanding in urological oncology. We present two patients with level II IVTT that were managed with pure conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy. Two patients were diagnosed with a renal tumor with level II IVTT from December 2011 to January 2012. They both underwent pure conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy. During these operations, intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography was used to detect the thrombus and ensure complete removal. Two patients were operated through retroperitoneal approach for right renal tumor and transperitoneal approach for left renal tumor respectively. The demographics, perioperative and follow-up data were recorded for the study. Both operations were successfully performed without conversion. They both had no radiographic evidence of recurrence during follow-up. It is concluded that it is feasible to manage renal cell carcinoma with level II IVTT through pure conventional laparoscopic approach in carefully selected patients, which might expand the indication for laparoscopic surgery. The pure laparoscopic approach in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with level II vena cava tumor thrombus is challenging and requires advanced laparoscopic skills. Multicenter prospective randomized control trials are needed to prove the benefits of this approach.