Aortobifemoral reconstruction and renal transplantation in a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm and occlusion of iliac arteries: A case report.

Introduction: Aortoiliac occlusive disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with renal insufficiency on hemodialysis can significantly influence the success of renal transplantation. In the recent past, advanced atherosclerosis was considered as contraindication for renal transplantation. Complicated creation of vascular anastomoses and progression of occlusive or aneurysmal disease were the main reasons. Case report: We presented a 52-year-old man with a 5-year history of end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis. The patient was previously excluded from renal transplantation program because of severe aortoiliac atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Resection of abdominal aortic aneurysm with occlusion of the iliac arteries and reconstruction with aortobifemoral synthetic grafts was performed and followed by cadaveric renal transplantation. Conclusion: Advanced atherosclerotic disease in aortoiliac segment requires elective vascular surgical reconstruction, as part of preparation for renal transplantation in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Different techniques of vessel reconstruction during kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Multiple renal arteries (MRAs) represent a surgical challenge by the difficulty in performing anastomoses, bleeding and stenosis. MRAs should be preserved and special attention should be paid to accessory polar arteries. All renal arteries (RAs) must be reconstructed and prepared for safe anastomosis. The paper decribed the different techniques of vessel reconstruction during kidney transplantation including important steps within recovery of organs, preparation and implantation. METHODS: In a 16-year period (1996-2012) of kidney transplantation in the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, a total of 310 living donors and 44 human cadaver kidney transplantations were performed, of which 28 (8%) kidneys had two or more RAs. RESULTS: All the transplanted kidneys had immediate function. We repaired 20 cases of donor kidneys with 2 arteries, 4 cases with three RAs, one case with 4 RAs, one case with 4 RAs and renal vein reconstruction, one case with 3 arteries and additional polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft reconstruction, one case with transected renal artery and reconstruction with 5 cm long deceased donor external iliac artery. There were no major complications and graft failure. At a minimum of 1-year follow-up, all the patients showed normal renal function. CONCLUSION: Donor kidney transplantation on a contralateral side and "end-to-end" anastomosis of the renal artery to the internal iliac artery (IA) is our standard procedure with satisfactory results. Renal artery reconstruction and anastomosis with IIA is a safe and highly efficient procedure and kidneys with MRAs are not contraindicated for transplantation. A surgical team should be fully competent to remove cadaveric abdominal organs to avoid accidental injuries of organs vessels.

Traumatic mesenteric pseudocyst.

INTRODUCTION: Mesenteric pseudocysts have rarely been described in literature. They belong to a group of mesenteric cysts that are very rare intra-abdominal pathology regardless of the origin. The diagnosis is often difficult to make, because of the diversity of clinical symptoms. The definitive histopathological diagnosis determines the origin and further course of treatment. CASE REPORT: We reported a patient with post-traumatic mesenteric pseudocyst. It was localised on the mesenteric side, in the direct contact with the small intestine. We surgically removed the pseudocyst along with a part of the small intestine with success. The patient's recovery was eventless, with no complications. CONCLUSION: Only by complete cyst removal, the definitive, accurate histopathological diagnosis and classification can be made.

Sclerosing mesenteritis as a rare cause of upper ileus.

INTRODUCTION: Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare pathological entity characterized by non-specific tumor-like expansion in mesentery. Accurate diagnosis of this disease is rarely made preoperatively. Surgery takes place in diagnosis, as well in treatment of the disease. We presented a case of sclerosing mesenteritis that affected the final portions of duodenum and initial part of jejunum with clinical picture of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man without previous medical history was presented with vomiting and loss of weight in the last 6 months. Due to suspicion of parapancreatic tumor by CT examination and clinical presentation of the disease, the patient underwent laparotomy. A mass infiltrated mesenteric root, initial part of superior mesenteric artery, the fourth duodenum portion and the ligament of Treitz, while the stomach and duodenum were dilatated. The intraoperative biopsy indicated a benign process. The mass was reduced with desobstruction of the duodenum. Definitively, histopathological finding showed fibromatosis in different phases of activity. Postoperative course passed without complications. The patient continued to receive an immunosuppressive drug therapy. After a 6-month treatment the patient showed no gastrointestinal problems. CONCLUSION: Sclerosing mesenteritis that affects the duodenum and the proximal part of the jejunum with subacute upper gastrointestinal obstruction is an extremely rare condition. In the presented case a surgical procedure was necessary for marking the diagnosis and treatment as well.

Correlation between procalcitonin and intra-abdominal pressure and their role in prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early assessment of disease severity and vigilant patient monitoring are key factors for adequate treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of procalcitonin (PCT) serum concentrations and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as prognostic markers in early stages of AP. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 51 patients, of which 29 had severe AP (SAP). Patients were evaluated with the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, C-reactive protein (CRP) and PCT serum concentrations and IAP at 24 h from admission. PCT was measured three times in the 1st week of disease and three times afterward, while IAP was measured daily. PCT and IAP values correlated with each other, and also compared with APACHE II score and CRP values. RESULTS: PCT, IAP, CRP values and APACHE II score at 24 h after hospital admission were significantly elevated in patients with SAP. There was significant correlation between PCT and IAP values measured at 24 h of admission, and between maximal PCT and IAP values. Sensitivity/specificity for predicting AP severity at 24 h after admission was 89%/69% for APACHE II score, 75%/86% for CRP, 86%/63% for PCT and 75%/77% for IAP. CONCLUSIONS: Increased IAP was accompanied by increased PCT serum concentration in patients with AP. PCT and IAP can both be used as early markers of AP severity.

Procalcitonin and BISAP score versus C-reactive protein and APACHE II score in early assessment of severity and outcome of acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Early assessment of severity and continuous monitoring of patients are the key factors for adequate treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to determine the value of procalcitonin (PCT) and Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) scoring system as prognostic markers in early stages of AP with comparison to other established indicators such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score. METHODS: This prospective study included 51 patients (29 with severe AP). In the first 24 h of admission in all patients the APACHE II score and BISAP score, CRP and PCT serum concentrations were determined. The values of PCT serum concentrations and BISAP score were compared with values of CRP serum concentrations and APACHE II score, in relation to the severity and outcome of the disease. RESULTS: Values of PCT, CRP, BISAP score and APACHE II score, measured at 24 h of admission, were significantly elevated in patients with severe form of the disease. In predicting severity of AP at 24 h of admission, sensitivity and specificity of the BISAP score were 74% and 59%, respectively, APACHE II score 89% and 69%, respectively, CRP 75% and 86%, respectively, and PCT 86% and 63%, respectively. It was found that PCT is highly significant predictor of the disease outcome (p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: In early assessment of AP severity, PCT has better predictive value than CRP, and similar to the APACHE II score. APACHE II score is a stronger predictor of the disease severity than BISAP score. PCT is a good predictor of AP outcome.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm as a complication of pancreatic pseudocyst.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic pseudocyst presented as pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery is a potential serious complication in patients with chronic pancreatitis. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old male patient with a long-standing evolution of chronic pancreatitis and 8-year long evolution of pancreas pseudocyst was referred to the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade due to worsening of the general condition. At admission, the patient was cachectic, febrile, and had the increased values of amylases in urine and sedimentation (SE). After clinical and diagnostic examination: laboratory assessment, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS), ultrasonography (US), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), multislice computed scanner (MSCT) angiography, pseudoaneurysm was found caused by the conversion of pseudocyst on the basis of chronic pancreatitis. The patient was operated on after founding pancreatic pseudocyst, which caused erosion of the splenic artery and their mutual communication. Postoperative course was duly preceded without complications with one year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Angiography is the most reliable and the safest method for diagnosing hemorrhagic pseudocysts when they clinically present as pseudoaneurysms. A potentially dangerous complication in the presented case was treated surgically with excellent postoperative results.