Repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in octogenarians.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether advanced age was independently associated with prohibitive surgical risks or impaired long-term prognosis after ruptured aortic aneurysm repair. DESIGN: Post-hoc analysis of prospective cohort. MATERIALS: Consecutive patients undergoing ruptured aneurysm repair between January 2001 and December 2010 at a tertiary referral centre. METHODS: Surgical mortality (i.e., <30 days) was compared between octogenarians and younger patients using logistic regression modelling to adjust for suspected confounders and to identify prognostic factors. Long-term survival was compared with matched national populations. RESULTS: Sixty of 248 involved patients were octogenarians (24%) and almost all were offered open repair (n = 237). Surgical mortality of octogenarians was 26.7% (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9-5.2) and confounded by cardiac disease. Hypovolaemic shock predicted perioperative death of octogenarians best (OR 5.1; 95%CI, 1.1-23.4; P = 0.037). After successful repair, annual mortality of octogenarians averaged 13.7% vs. 5.2% for younger patients. At 2 years, octogenarian survival was at 94% of the expected 'normal' survival in the general population (vs. 96% for younger patients). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical mortality of ruptured aneurysm repair was not independently related to advanced age but mainly driven by cardiac disease and manifest hypovolaemic shock. An almost normal long-term prognosis of aged patients after successful repair justifies even attempts of open repair, particularly in carefully selected patients.

A modified DRIL procedure by flow reversal of an aborted distal cephalic vein for critical hand ischaemia.

Treatment of dialysis access-related hand ischaemia with preservation of the access remains an issue. We report the case of a patient presenting critical hand ischaemia 2 years after proximalisation of a distal radio-cephalic fistula with preservation of the original access. After valvulotomy, the distal cephalic vein was used as in situ bypass and directly anastomosed to the distal brachial artery, providing a direct flow to the hand. This procedure relieved the hand ischaemia without sacrificing the functioning fistula. Six months later, the fistula and bypass were still patent, showing that flow reversal of a previous fistula can be an efficient strategy to correct dialysis access-related hand ischaemia in selected cases.

Prevention of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Two thirds of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) have relevant coronary artery disease (CAD). AAAs are prevalent in up to 16% of smokers with CAD. General screening of AAA is controversial. Aim was to assess the potential of finding AAA prior to rupture among patients with known CAD. Main endpoint was whether AAA could have been found during follow-up by sonography or at other time of cardiovascular evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study. 213 consecutive, formerly unknown emergently operated AAAs, treated emergently for symptoms (n = 91) or rupture (n = 122) (rAAA) between January 1998 and June 2005. Patient charts were analysed and primary care physicians contacted. RESULTS: At presentation, mean age was 71 (+/-9) years, twenty (9%) were female. AAA had a mean diameter of 7.6 cm. Two thirds (143) were clinically obese (BMI 27 +/-5). 137 (64%) were active smokers, 32 (15%) had diabetes, 151 (71%) were hypertensive, and 80 (38%) received statin treatment. CAD had been diagnosed in 95 (45%) 9 years earlier and followed up. Thirty-five (16%) had had myocardial infarction. Echocardiography had been performed in 52 (24%). Thirty day mortality after open surgery was 25 (21%). CONCLUSION: All patients with rAAA had been seen by a GP or cardiologist within a year prior to presentation. The cost effectiveness of selective AAA screening should be evaluated in a larger study.

Cystic adventitial degeneration: ectopic ganglia from adjacent joint capsules.

Cystic adventitial degeneration is a rare non-atherosclerotic cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, mainly seen in young men without other evidence of vascular disease. Diagnosis will be established by clinical findings and by ultrasound or angiography and can be treated by excision or enucleation of the affected arterial segment or by percutaneous ultrasound-guided aspiration. However, the etiology of adventitial cysts remains unknown. We report a case of cystic adventitial degeneration showing a connection between the joint capsule and the adventitial cyst, supporting the theory that cystic adventitial degeneration may represent ectopic ganglia from adjacent joint capsules.

Generalized dilating diathesis in patients with popliteal arterial aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) and generalized arteriomegaly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this consecutive serie, thirty-three patients (1 woman, mean age 69.7 +/- 9.6 years) undergoing PAA repair between 1996 and 2000 agreed to participate in a duplex screening program to assess the diameters of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, common and external iliac, common and superficial femoral and contralateral popliteal arteries as well as common carotid and brachial arteries. RESULTS: The prevalence of arteriomegaly and aneurysmal disease, respectively, was as follows: abdominal aorta 15/33 (45.5%) and 8/33 (24.2%), common iliac artery 34/66 (51.5%) and 23/66 (34.8%), common femoral artery 55/66 (83.3%) and 7/66 (10.6%) as well as contralateral popliteal artery 7/33 (21.2%) 15/33 (45.5%). Significantly larger carotid artery diameters were found comparing PAA patients with age- and body surface adjusted healthy controls (p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with multiple peripheral arterial aneurysms had significantly larger diameters of the brachial (p < 0.02) and external iliac (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis of a diathesis for a generalized arteriomegaly with a predilection for further aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, femoral and contralateral popliteal arteries in patients with PAA.

Polytetrafluoroethylene and bovine mesenterial vein grafts for hemodialysis access: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and patency rate of bovine mesenterial vein grafts (BMVG) for vascular access (VA) in hemodialysis patients (HDP), compared to expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE grafts) over a mid- to long-term period. METHODS: Patency and complication rate of 23 consecutive HDP with BMVG for VA were compared to a control group consisting of 23 similar HDP with ePTFE grafts. In both groups, the graft was placed preferably in a forearm loop configuration. The same surgeon performed all procedures. All patients were followed over a period of 4 yrs. RESULTS: Graft placement was successful in all patients. Patency rates did not differ significantly in both groups. However, there were less severe complications in the BMVG group. CONCLUSION: The BMVG is a viable alternative for HD access in patients where autologous construction is not possible, and should be given priority in patients with a failed ePTFE graft or high risk for infection.

Spontaneous dissection of common iliac artery. A case report.

Spontaneous dissection of the iliac artery is very rare but known as a complication of high-energy traumatic injuries and has been reported in connection with pregnancy, collagen diseases, and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The authors report a 42-year-old man with an acute dissection of the common iliac artery during exercise. Groin pain and claudication were the early symptoms. Computerized angiotomography was diagnostic. Operative iliac artery reconstruction was performed. A prerelease control computed tomography examination showed a dissection of the distal aorta and left iliac artery. To their knowledge, the combination of the 2 dissections has not been previously published.

Intermediate outcome and risk factor assessment of bovine vascular heterografts used as AV-fistulas for hemodialysis access.

OBJECTIVES: This observational study was set up to prospectively follow all bovine heterograft (ProCol) fistulas implanted for hemodialysis access between 1998 and 2002. METHODS: ProCol was implanted if autogenous vein was not available or if patients presented with a history of failed, infected or otherwise complicated ePTFE grafts and/or on immunosuppressive therapy. Fistula patency was the primary outcome; secondary outcomes were clinical events and the rate of access revisions. RESULTS: Sixty-two ProCol grafts were implanted in 56 patients. The mean primary (PP) and secondary patency (SP) was 334 (SEM 57) and 528 (SEM 59) days, respectively. Coronary heart disease was associated with a significantly better SP (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.9) whilst diabetes mellitus was associated with a significantly worse SP (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.9). Reinterventions were performed at a mean rate of 1.23 (SEM 0.17) per fistula. The relative risk of access revision was significantly higher in patients with diabetes mellitus (OR 9.2, 95% CI 2.3-37.2). CONCLUSIONS: ProCol grafts, used for AV-fistulas, demonstrate acceptable patency rates in high-risk haemodialysis patients. Diabetes mellitus jeopardizes the patency of these fistulas and is associated with a high revision rate.

[Vacuum-assisted Therapy in Vascular Surgery]. / Das Vakuumsystem in der Gefässchirurgie.

Since the first use of vacuum-assisted therapy (V.A.C.) in wound care, the indications of this therapy have rapidly expanded. Vascular surgery presents many types of problematic wounds. In the current cost conscious atmosphere, there is a great demand for simple and effective therapies. The V.A.C. system has a lot of potential in the management of vascular wounds. In this article we present indications for vacuum-assisted therapy in vascular surgery: chronic leg ulcers, mesh skin graft, wound care after fasciotomy for compartment syndrome, problematic inguinal wound, false aneurysms, diabetic foot gangrene and amputations with marginal circulations.

Bovine mesenteric vein graft (ProCol) in critical limb ischaemia with tissue loss and infection.

OBJECTIVES: Poor results have been reported following infrainguinal reconstructions using heterogenous grafts. The objective of this study was to assess the use of bovine mesenteric vein (ProCol) graft in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI), tissue loss/infection and no autologous vein available for reconstruction. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 32 patients with CLI and tissue loss/infection, in whom reconstruction with ProCol was undertaken between October 1999 and May 2002. RESULTS: The primary patency rate was 16% at 1 month. After thrombectomy, the secondary patency rate was 50% at 1 month and 26% at 14 months. No graft infections were seen. Aneurysmal dilatation of the graft occurred in 2 (6%). Limb salvage at 14 months was 47%. CONCLUSION: In patients with critical limb ischaemia, tissue loss/infection and no available vein, the ProCol graft may be an alternative. However, primary patency is a problem. In situations without tissue loss/infection, where the risk of graft infection is less, prosthetic material may be a better alternative.

Common femoral artery--uncommon aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Femoral artery aneurysms are rare. Their natural history, tendency to embolize or rupture are not well known. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of all patients seen 1996-2002 with femoral artery aneurysms at the Swiss Cardiovascular Center were analysed. Nine patients with 13 aneurysms of the common femoral artery (CFA) were identified. Only true aneurysms with a diameter of at least 2.5 cm were included. All patients were male, mean age 70 years (range: 57-85 years). Four patients had bilateral femoral aneurysms. Risk factors included hypertension (9/9), smoking (7/9). One of the aneurysms was palpable in 5/9. Four patients were asymptomatic, 5 had Fontaine class II claudication. Five patients also had an aortic aneurysm (AAA), one a thoracic aneurysm; and 6/9 popliteal aneurysms. In all patients, diagnosis was confirmed with duplex scan. Angiography was performed preoperatively. RESULTS: The aneurysms were operated on electively using aneurysm secclusion and interposition grafting. There were no significant perioperative complications. Median hospital stay was 8 days. CONCLUSION: CFA aneurysms are rare. They are palpable in nearly half of the cases. They rarely cause thrombotic or embolic complications, but are almost always connected to other aneurysms. Patients with CFA aneurysms should be screened with duplex scan. Operative therapy is straightforward, few complications can be expected. Postoperative follow-up with annual duplex scans is suggested.

Does infection affect amputation rate in chronic critical leg ischemia?

BACKGROUND: Aim was to analyze the association between local infection and amputation rate in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI) with or without successful revascularization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 56 consecutive patients with 57 critically ischemic legs seen at the University Hospital Bern. Patients with CLI were selected if ischemic lesions and follow-up of more than 2 months were documented. Infection was suggested when 2 of the following criterion were present: temperature > 37 degrees C, C-reactive protein > 50 mg/L, leukocytes > 10 x 10(3)/microliter ("2 of 3" criterion), or a putrid secretion was documented ("secretion" criterion). RESULTS: In patients with successful revascularization (n = 39), there was a significant shift from 10.3% major to 33.3% minor amputations (Chi Square p value = 0.014) as compared to patients without or with failed revascularization (n = 18) with 44.4% and 11.1% (Chi Square p value = 0.008), respectively. An infection was suggested in 22 of 53 limbs (41.5%) according to the "2 of 3" criterion, and 30 of 57 limbs (52.6%) satisfying the "secretion" criterion. Both criteria, were significantly more common in patients undergoing amputation as compared to patients without amputation (p = 0.001). Multiple lesions were more common in patients with major amputations (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Successful revascularization effectively reduces major amputations and leads to healing of ischemic ulcers. Secondary foot infections are frequent. Infections are associated with a significantly higher rate of minor and major amputations, also in patients with successful revascularization, and should be treated adequately as well as in time with antibiotics.

Iliac graft access to facilitate endovascular repair of a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm -- a case report.

Arterial access for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is usually gained through a common femoral artery approach. In small femoral arteries this can be difficult or even impossible owing to the large size of the introduction sheath of the delivery system. In such cases the iliac arteries or the abdominal aorta can be used for vascular access, although, in heavily calcified arteries,even this can be hazardous. The authors report an 81-year-old woman with a contained rupture of the thoracic aorta in whom a polyester graft was used to facilitate vascular access to the common iliac artery for a safe two-stage endovascular repair of the aneurysm.

[Minimally invasive therapy in varicose veins]. / Minimal invasive Therapie bei Varizen.

In patients with varicose vein a duplex ultrasound is absolutely necessary prior to surgery in order to check the deep and the superficial vein systems. A standard classification is recommended to describe the type of venous insufficiency. Teleangiectasis and small varicose veins can be treated by sclerotherapy, but laser-therapy gets more and more popular. The inverting (partial)stripping of the greater and/or lesser saphenous vein avoiding nerve damage has gained popularity as did the miniphlebectomy. Newer methods using heat by radiofrequency order cryosurgery should generate less complications and have to show similar long term results than the classical procedures. Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) is effective. Local or extended fascioctomy followed by skin transplantation in patients with recurrent ulcerations is considered as an option of therapy.

A comparative evaluation of intrathoracic latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscle transposition.

BACKGROUND: Comparison of intrathoracic latissimus dorsi (LD) versus serratus anterior (SA) muscle transposition for treatment of infected spaces, broncho-pleural fistulae, and for prophylactic reinforcement of the mediastinum after extended resections following induction therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty LD and 17 SA transfers were performed for prophylactic reinforcement (11 LD; nine SA), and treatment of infections (nine LD; eight SA) from 1995 to 1998. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 0% following prophylactic reinforcement and 29% following treatment of infections (three LD; two SA). Prophylactic mediastinal reinforcement was successful in 11 of 11 patients with LD and nine of nine with SA transpositions, and treatment of infected spaces in eight of nine patients with LD and two of three with SA transfers. Morbidity requiring re-intervention consisted of flap necrosis (one LD), bleeding (one SA), and skin necrosis over a winged scapula (one SA). Subcutaneous seromas and chest wall complaints were more frequent following LD (45 and 36%, respectively) compared with SA transfers (29 and 27%, respectively), whereas impaired shoulder girdle function was more frequent after SA than after LD transfer (27 vs. 21%). CONCLUSION: Intrathoracic LD and SA muscle transpositions are both efficient for the prevention or control of infections following complex thoracic surgery, and are both associated with similar and acceptable morbidity and long-term sequelae.

[Rare, but severe complication of varicose vein surgery. Compartment syndrome]. / Seltene, aber folgenschwere Komplikation der Varizenchirurgie. Das Kompartment-Syndrom.

The compartment syndrome is an extremely rare complication after varicose vein surgery. If the early symptoms are not recognized and a treatment is not performed immediately most patients lose sensomotory function. Three cases with compartment syndrome after varicose vein stripping were the reason to point out the anatomy and pathophysiology of this complication and to explain the surgical technique.

Treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, a permanent challenge or a waste of resources? Prediction of outcome using a multi-organ-dysfunction score.

OBJECTIVES: in a retrospective study, attempts have been made to identify individual organ-dysfunction risk profiles influencing the outcome after surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: out of 235 patients undergoing graft replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysms, 57 (53 men, four women, mean age 72 years [s.d. 8.8]) were treated for ruptured aneurysms in a 3-year period. Forty-eight preoperative, 13 intraoperative and 34 postoperative variables were evaluated statistically. A simple multi-organ dysfunction (MOD) score was adopted. RESULTS: the perioperative mortality was 32%. Three patients died intraoperatively, four within 48 h and 11 died later. A significant influence for pre-existing risk factors was identified only for cardiovascular diseases. Multiple linear-regression analysis indicated that a haemoglobin <90 g/l, systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg and ECG signs of ischaemia at admission were highly significant risk factors. The cause of death for patients, who died more than 48 h postoperatively, was mainly MOD. All patients with a MOD score >/=4 died (n=7). These patients required 27% of the intensive-care unit (ICU) days of all patients and 72% of the ICU days of the non-survivors. CONCLUSION: patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms from treatment should not be excluded. However, a physiological scoring system after 48 h appears justifiable in order to decide on the appropriateness of continual ICU support.

[Is a minimally-invasive treatment concept in the late stage of pleural empyema successful?]. / Ist ein minimal-invasives Behandlungskonzept in späten Stadien des Pleuraempyems erfolgreich?

INTRODUCTION: Thoracoscopic treatment of pleural empyema is still a controversial method, especially in the chronic stage of the disease. The issue is raised whether the thoracoscopic approach to the empyema-possibly combined with a small additional thoracotomy in advanced stages-is successful and of low risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1993 and May 1995 we treated 13 patients in advanced stages of pleural empyema. The patients were all seriously ill and had severe underlying disease. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia involving intubation with a double-lumen endotracheal tube. The steps of our standard operative procedure are outlined. RESULTS: In 5 patients with a pleural empyema in stage III thoracoscopy was facilitated by a small additional thoracotomy. A complete resolution of the disease was obtained in 12 cases and a secondary intervention was necessary in 1 patient. There was no peri- or postoperative mortality, and apart from a prolonged drainage of the pleural cavity in 3 patients no morbidity was registered. In the long-term follow up, 3 patients had died. There was no correlation between the deaths and the intervention or the empyema disease. DISCUSSION: We discuss the advantages of a limited additional thoracotomy in case of intraoperative difficulties encountered with late stages of empyema. This treatment can still be considered minimally invasive. All patients tolerated the procedure well, and the overall results were favourable in 92% of our collective. However, thoracoscopic treatment should preferably take place at an earlier stage. CONCLUSION: We recommend the thoracoscopic approach-possibly combined with a limited thoracotomy-as primary treatment in late stages of pleural empyema.

[Laparoscopically assisted formation of end stage and loop ileostomies and colostomies]. / Laparoskopisch assistiertes Anlegen von endständigen und doppelläufigen Ileostomien und Kolostomien.

Especially in obese or severely ill patients, forming of an ileostomy or colostomy can be very difficult and laparotomy itself can lead to many complications. The intraabdominal part of this operations can easily be performed laparoscopically. The method is quick and simple and many complications can be avoided.

[Signet ring cell carcinoma of Vater's papilla: a very rare malignancy]. / Siegelringzellkarzinom der Papilla Vateri: ein sehr seltenes Malignom.

We describe a rare variant of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. A 70-year-old man with several illnesses and a newly appeared jaundice was investigated and a signet-ring cell carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater diagnosed. We performed a local transduodenal excision. One year after operation the patient is asymptomatic. This is the second case report in the literature.