Applications of phase-contrast velocimetry sequences in cardiovascular imaging.

AIMS: To describe and illustrate the main applications of phase-contrast flow quantification in cardiovascular imaging. CONCLUSION: Phase-contrast velocimetry sequences provide an accurate, reliable, reproducible and non-invasive study of blood flow, information which is sometimes not available from other investigation methods. The haemodynamic information obtained from these complement MRI angiography images. They appear to have a range of clinical applications, firstly improving pathophysiological understanding but also contributing to the treatment and follow-up strategy after surgical or endovascular treatment.

[Laparoscopic rectal excision for cancer using total mesorectaol excision (TME). Long term outcome of a series of 179 patients]. / Résection rectale pour cancer par laparoscopie avec exérèse totale du mésorectum (ETM). Résultats à long terme d'une série de 179 patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and the five-year survival of 179 consecutive patients with rectal carcinoma operated with a laparoscopic procedure between April 1992 and April 2003. METHODS: Patients with obstructing, bulky cancers were excluded from this study. Tumor stage was defined according to the TNM classification. Preoperative radiation therapy was offered to T(3) N(0) or N(+) patients (45 Gy). The laparoscopic-assisted technique included total mesorectal excision (TME), primary high vascular ligation, centrifugal dissection of the mesentery, and "no touch" technique. All the N+ patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The outcomes were defined as five-years recurrence (local recurrence and distant metastasis) and the diseases-free survival. The survival rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier test. RESULTS: There were 108 males and 71 females, median age was 67 (range 39-88). There were 61 upper rectum localizations (34%), 68 middle rectum (38%) and 50 low rectum (28%). Twenty-nine patients required open conversion (16%). Surgical operative morbidity was 24% and medical morbidity was 4%. There were 60 stage I (40%), 25 stage II (16%), 49 stage III (32%), and 16 stage IV (10%). Ninety patients (71%) are alive and disease free, ten (5%) are alive with disease recurrence, and 37 patients (20%) are deceased. Only one case of trocar site implantation occurred after curative resection during an average follow up of 76 months. Five-year observed survival rate were 85% for stage I, 70% for stage II, and 63% for stage III. CONCLUSION: In our experience laparoscopic rectal resection could be done safely. The oncologic outcome was similar to that of open surgery. Further randomized trials will be necessary to confirm the value of this technique.

Laparoscopic rectopexy for full-thickness rectal prolapse: a single-institution retrospective study evaluating surgical outcome.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach promises to become the gold standard for the transabdominal management of full-thickness rectal prolapse. The aim of this study was to review our experience and to highlight the functional results achieved with this new technique. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with full-thickness external prolapse underwent laparoscopic repair between February 1997 and February 2003. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation of their rectal function. Patients with isolated rectal ulcer without prolapse or with internal prolapse and patients deemed by the anesthesiologist to be unfit for general anesthesia were excluded from the study. The laparoscopic technique was either a mesh rectopexy without resection (n = 35) or a suture rectopexy with sigmoid resection (n = 13). Patients with intractable constipation preceding the development of the rectal prolapse were advised to have a resection-rectopexy. In the postoperative follow-up, attention was paid to mortality, morbidity, recurrent prolapse, incontinence, and constipation. Follow-up was done by clinical review and postal questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no deaths and no septic or anastomotic complications. The postoperative morbidity rate was 5%. Oral intake was started on postoperative day 1. Discharge from the hospital was on postoperative day 4 in patients without sigmoid resection and on postoperative day 7 in patients with sigmoid resection. Two patients (4%) developed recurrent total prolapse during a median follow-up period of 36 +/- 15 months (range, 7-77). The functional results were good or excellent in 72% of the cases, without digitations or dyschesia. Continence was improved in 31% of the patients and remains unchanged in 64% of them. In 11 patients (23%), constipation was worsened by the procedure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic rectopexy with or without resection is both safe and effective. Advantages include low-morbidity, improved cosmesis, the rapid return of intestinal function, early discharge from hospital, and a low recurrence rate. The fecal continence score is improved; however, constipation is frequently worsened.

Five-year results of 206 laparoscopic left colectomies for cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 5-year survival of 206 consecutive patients with left colon carcinoma operated with a laparoscopic procedure between March 1992 and December 2000. METHODS: Patients with obstructing or bulky cancers were excluded from this study. Tumor stage was defined according to the Dukes modified classification. The laparoscopic-assisted technique included primary high vascular ligation, centrifugal dissection of the mesentery, and "no touch" technique. The survival rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier test. RESULTS: There were 109 males and 97 females, median age 67 (range 34-91). There were 30 left hemicolectomies (15%) and 177 sigmoid colectomies (85%). 22 patients required open conversion (11%). Overall operative mortality (1 month) was 1% and morbidity 12% (surgical and medical). There were 56 Dukes A carcinomas (27%), 69 Dukes B (34%), 54 Dukes C (26%), and 27 Dukes D (13%). 125 patients (61%) are alive and disease free, 22 (11%) are alive with disease recurrence, and 59 patients (28%) are deceased. None have been lost to follow-up. Only 1 case of trocar site implantation occurred after curative resections. Three-year observed survival rate were 93% for Dukes A + B (node negative tumors confined to the bowel wall), 78% for Dukes C, and 15% for Dukes D. The 5-year survival rates were 85% for Dukes A + B, 61% for Dukes C, and 8% for Dukes D. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colectomy for cancer seems to be a safe procedure. The long-term results are comparable to those of open surgery. Further randomized trials will be necessary to confirm the value of this technique.

Morbidity of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux: a retrospective study about 1470 patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this retrospective study was to report and quantify the immediate and 3-year complications after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery in order to understand the mechanism. METHODOLOGY: From 1992 to 1996, 1470 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed for symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease. Preoperative checkup included upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy in 1437 patients (97.7%), esophageal manometry in 934 patients (63.5%), and 24-hour pHmetry in 799 patients (54.3%). Three procedures were performed: Nissen (n = 655), Nissen-Rossetti (n = 423), and Toupet (n = 392). The results were estimated at 1 and 3 months; thereafter they were evaluated at 3 years. Patients unable to return to the hospital center were contacted by telephone. RESULTS: Mean length of hospital stay was 4.6 days (range: 2-48 days). The preoperative complication rate was 2.1% (n = 31). The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 2.9% (43 patients) and 0.07% (1 patient), respectively. Conversion rate to laparotomy was 6.5% (96 patients). At 3 months, 87 patients (5.9%) had invalid dysphagia but there was no difference between the 3 procedures. Twelve patients have been reoperated (0.8%). At 3 years, 78 patients (5.6%) presented a clinical recurrence. The rate of dysphagia was 0.35%, and 38 patients were reoperated. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic fundoplication is safe and effective with a low morbidity and mortality rate if junior surgeons commenced this procedure under the direct supervision of an experienced surgeon. Despite the advantage of this technique, we believe that indications for surgical management remain unchanged in the laparoscopic era.

Laparoscopic left colon resection for diverticular disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease. METHODS: All patients presenting with acute or chronic diverticulitis, obstruction, abscess, or fistula were included. Symptomatic diverticular disease was the main surgical indication (95%). RESULTS: Between March 1992 and August 1999 170 consecutive patients underwent surgery. Of these, 21 patients (12%) had significant obesity, with body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. The average length of surgery was 141 +/- 36 min. In 163 patients (96%), the procedure was performed solely with the laparoscope. The nasogastric tube was removed on postoperative day 2 +/- 1.9, and oral feeding was started on postoperative day 3.4 +/- 2.1. The average length of hospital stay after surgery was 8.5 +/- 3.7 days. During the first postoperative month, there were no deaths. However, 11 patients (6.5%) had surgical complications: 5 anastomotic leaks (2.9%), 1 intraabdominal abscess (0.6%), and 3 wound infections (1.7%). There were four reinterventions (2.4%), with two diverting colostomies. Secondarily, 10 anastomotic stenoses (5.9%) were observed. Eight patients required a reintervention: seven anastomotic resections by open laparotomy and one terminal colostomy. Seven patients (4.1%) reported retrograde ejaculation, and one reported impotence. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of the laparoscopic approach to diverticular disease is established with a conversion rate of 4%, a low incidence of acute septic complications (5.3%), and a mortality rate of 0%. Therefore, laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy has become our procedure of choice in the treatment of diverticular disease.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery: comparative study of Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, and Toupet fundoplication. Société Française de Chirurgie Laparoscopique.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results of Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, and Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication in terms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: From 1992 to 1996, 1,470 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed using one of three procedures: Nissen (n = 655), Nissen-Rossetti (n = 423), and Toupet (n = 392). Preoperative checkup included esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 1,437 patients (97. 7%), esophageal manometry in 934 patients (63.5%), and 24-h pH-metry in 799 patients (54.3%). The results were estimated at 1 month, 3 months, and 2 years. Patients unable to visit the hospital center were contacted by telephone. RESULTS: The three groups were quite similar regarding demographic data such as age, gender, preoperative clinical symptoms, and duration of GERD. One death (0.07%) occurred. At 3 months, there were no differences among the three groups concerning conversion, morbidity, dysphagia, early reintervention, or postoperative length of stay. The length of surgery was more important in the Toupet procedure. In the Nissen group, there were fewer Visick grade I patients but more Visick grade III patients. At 2 years, the recurrence and reintervention rates were similar. The overall residual severe dysphagia rate was 0.35% (n = 5). In the Nissen group, there were fewer Visick grade I patients but more in Visick grade II patients. There was no difference in Visick grade III and IV among the groups. More than 90% of the patients were satisfied (Visick I + Visick II), with no significant difference among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not differ significantly from the data reported in the literature, suggesting such surgical techniques are effective and well tolerated, and that both can be properly used in the treatment of GERD.

[Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux. Multicenter study of 1,470 cases]. / Fundoplicature laparoscopique pour reflux gastro-oesophagien. Etude multicentrique de 1,470 cas.

STUDY AIM: The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to evaluate the immediate and 2-year results of the laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1992 to 1996, 1,470 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed for symptomatic GERD. Preoperative workup included upper GI tract endoscopy in 1,437 patients (97.7%), 24-hour pHmetry in 799 patients (54.3%) and esophageal manometry in 934 patients (63.5%). Four procedures were performed: Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, Toupet and Toupet with cardiopexy. The results were estimated at 1 month and 3 months. The patients were examined or called 2 years after surgery in order to evaluate the functional results with Visick classification. RESULTS: Mean length of hospital stay was 4.6 days (range 2-48 days). Morbidity and mortality rates were 3.2% (47 patients) and 0.07% (1 patient) respectively. Conversion rate into laparotomy was 6.5% (96 patients). After 3 months, 87 patients (5.9%) had severe dysphagia and 91.9% of the patients were satisfied. At 2 years, 78 patients (5.6%) had a clinical recurrence. Five patients (0.35%) had a persistent dysphagia, 90 patients (6.5%) had secondary side effects; 38 patients had been reoperated; 92.7% of the patients were satisfied. There was no significant difference between the results of the four procedures, 3 months and 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic fundoplication for treatment of GERD is a safe and effective procedure; 92.7% of the patients were satisfied 2 years after surgery.

[Laparoscopic resection of the colon for adenocarcinoma. Report of a series of 218 cases]. / Résection coelioscopique du côlon pour adénocarcinome. Présentation d'une série de 218 cas.

STUDY AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results of a series of 218 laparoscopic resections for adenocarcinoma of the colon by the same surgical team over a 6-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic procedures included, for the right and the left colon, at first a ligature of the vascular pedicles, secondarily a dissection of the mesocolons, and were almost identical to the conventional procedures. A conversion to open laparotomy was necessary in 8.3% of the patients. Among 218 patients, there were 117 men and 101 women; the mean age was 69 years. Twenty nine per cent of the patients had already undergone open laparotomy. Mean ASA grade was 2.1. An emergency operation was necessary for 9% of the patients in relation with colonic obstruction (n = 20) or peritonitis (n = 3). RESULTS: Colonic resections were considered curative in 180 patients (82.6%). The mean duration of surgery was 157 minutes for the right colectomies and 148 for the left. The proportion of A, B, C, D Dukes stage tumours was respectively 19.3%, 38.5%, 27.5% and 14.7%. There was one post-operative death related to a serious epileptic seizure due to unknown cerebral metastases. The morbidity rate was 5.5% and the early reintervention rate 2.8%. There was no lost to follow-up. With a mean 35-month follow-up. 82.2% of the patients were alive after curative surgery. Abdominal wall recurrence at port sites occurred in four patients operated on for a Dukes C cancer before 1994. Prognosis was significantly dependent on cellular differentiation, lymph node extension, pericolic extension and Dukes stage. The 5-year actuarial survival rate, according to Kaplan-Meier method was 65.36%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colon cancer resection was used by the authors in 92% of patients during 1997. The conversion rate to open laparotomy has been lower than 5% since 1995. Post-operative mortality was 0.4% and post-operative morbidity 5.5%. After curative colonic cancer resection, the 5-year actuarial survival rate was 65%.

[Interbody arthrodesis of the lumbar vertebrae using retroperitoneal videoendoscopy. A preliminary study of 38 cases]. / Arthrodèse intersomatique du rachis lombaire par vidéoendoscopie rétropéritonéale. Etude préliminaire de 38 cas.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To report a series of 38 patients presenting retroperitoneoscopic inter-body fusion of the lumbar spine from L2 to L5, performed between 1995 and 1998. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This series included 25 women and 13 men aged from 16 to 74 years (mean age: 48.5 years). Surgery was performed in 32 patients for primary degenerative or post-operative instability of the lumbar spine, in five patients for painful sequels of burst fracture, and in one patient for sequels of disc infection. The main complaint was lumbar pain but a real sciatic pain was present in nine patients and was not a contraindication for this surgery. Standard X-rays were performed for each patient, and MRI performed in 30 patients confirmed the diagnosis and was also useful in determining vascular abnormalities. A cast immobilisation of the lumbar spine was done as a preoperative test in every patient. RESULTS: Forty-two levels were fused: 31 with a cage filled with cancellus bone and screwed between the end plates, and 11 with cancellus bone alone or in association with bone substitute, such as beta TCP. Post-operative complications included only a transient paresthesia of the thigh in two cases and a chyloretroperitoneum spontaneously resolutive. After 2.3 months of plaster immobilisation with a follow-up of 11.4 months, patient satisfaction rate was 84.5%, with 68.5% reporting no further back pain. The improvement was estimated by Prolo score. Fusion was considered effective by X-ray examination in all patients with an increase in the intervertebral space of 35% and a recovery of the local lordosis of 15%. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopic surgery is an elegant and secure method for lumbar interbody fusion of L2 to L5 with very few postoperative complications.

[Parenteral hyperalimentation in the treatment of esophageal, gastric and intestinal fistulas (author's transl)]. / L'hyperalimentation parentérale dans le traitement des fistules oesophagiennes, gastriques et intestinales.

Parenteral hyperalimentation and complete bowel rest reduce fistula output, and permit sufficient caloric and nitrogen intakes needed for healing. It corrects metabolic and nutritional deficiencies due to digestive fistulas, and allows spontaneous closure of fistulas in two out of three patients. If spontaneous healing is not obtained after six weeks of parenteral alimentation, surgical treatment may be undertaken more safety, as the patient will be in better nutritional condition.