PARTIAL HEPATECTOMY USING LINEAR CUTTER STAPLER: ARE THERE ADVANTAGES?

BACKGROUND: Morbidity of liver resections is related to intraoperative bleeding and postoperative biliary fistulas. The Endo-GIA stapler (EG) in liver resections is well established, but its cost is high, limiting its use. The linear cutting stapler (LCS) is a lower cost device. AIMS: To report open liver resections, using LCS for transection of the liver parenchyma and en bloc stapling of vessels and bile ducts. METHODS: Ten patients were included in the study. Four patients with severe abdominal pain had benign liver tumors (three adenomas and one focal nodular hyperplasia). Among the remaining six patients, four underwent liver resection for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases, three of which had undergone preoperative chemotherapy. The other two cases were one patient with metastasis from a testicular teratoma and the other with metastasis from a gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor. RESULTS: The average length of stay was five days (range 4-7 days). Of the seven patients who underwent resections of segments II/III, two presented postoperative complications: one developed a seroma and the other a collection of abdominal fluid who underwent percutaneous drainage, antibiotic therapy, and blood transfusion. Furthermore, the three patients who underwent major resections had postoperative complications: two developed anemia and received blood transfusions and one had biloma and underwent percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the linear stapler in hepatectomies was efficient and at lower costs, making it suitable for use whenever EG is not available. The size of the LCS stapler shaft is more suitable for en bloc transection of the left lateral segment of the liver, which is thinner than the right one. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety of LCS for large liver resections and resections of tumors located in the right hepatic lobe.

Partial hepatectomy using linear cutter stapler: are there advantages? / Hepatectomia parcial empregando grampeador linear cortante: há vantagens?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Morbidity of liver resections is related to intraoperative bleeding and postoperative biliary fistulas. The Endo-GIA stapler (EG) in liver resections is well established, but its cost is high, limiting its use. The linear cutting stapler (LCS) is a lower cost device. AIMS: To report open liver resections, using LCS for transection of the liver parenchyma and en bloc stapling of vessels and bile ducts. METHODS: Ten patients were included in the study. Four patients with severe abdominal pain had benign liver tumors (three adenomas and one focal nodular hyperplasia). Among the remaining six patients, four underwent liver resection for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases, three of which had undergone preoperative chemotherapy. The other two cases were one patient with metastasis from a testicular teratoma and the other with metastasis from a gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor. RESULTS: The average length of stay was five days (range 4-7 days). Of the seven patients who underwent resections of segments II/III, two presented postoperative complications: one developed a seroma and the other a collection of abdominal fluid who underwent percutaneous drainage, antibiotic therapy, and blood transfusion. Furthermore, the three patients who underwent major resections had postoperative complications: two developed anemia and received blood transfusions and one had biloma and underwent percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the linear stapler in hepatectomies was efficient and at lower costs, making it suitable for use whenever EG is not available. The size of the LCS stapler shaft is more suitable for en bloc transection of the left lateral segment of the liver, which is thinner than the right one. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety of LCS for large liver resections and resections of tumors located in the right hepatic lobe.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A morbidade das ressecções hepáticas está relacionada a sangramento intraoperatório e fístulas biliares pós-operatórias. O grampeador Endo-GIA (EG) em ressecções hepáticas está bem estabelecido, mas o seu custo é elevado, limitando seu uso. O grampeador de corte linear (LCS) é um dispositivo com menor custo. OBJETIVOS: Relatar ressecções hepáticas abertas, empregando o LCS para transecção do parênquima hepático e grampeamento em bloco de vasos e ductos biliares. MÉTODOS: Dez pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro pacientes com dor abdominal importante apresentavam tumores hepáticos benignos (três adenomas e um hiperplasia nodular focal). Dentre os demais seis pacientes, quatro foram submetidos à ressecção hepática para o tratamento de metástases hepáticas colorretais, sendo que três deles haviam sido submetidos à quimioterapia pré-operatória. Os dois outros casos foram um paciente com metástase de teratoma testicular e o outro com metástase de tumor neuroectodérmico gastrointestinal. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de internação foi de 5 dias (variação=4-7 dias). Dos sete pacientes submetidos a ressecções dos segmentos II/III, dois apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias: um paciente desenvolveu seroma e o outro uma coleção de fluido abdominal submetido a drenagem percutânea, antibioticoterapia e transfusão de sangue. Além disso, os três pacientes submetidos a ressecções maiores tiveram complicações pós-operatórias: dois pacientes desenvolveram anemia e receberam transfusões de sangue e um paciente apresentou biloma e foi submetido a drenagem percutânea e antibioticoterapia. CONCLUSÕES: O emprego do grampeador linear nas hepatectomias foi eficiente e a custos mais baixos, tornando-o adequado para uso sempre que EG não estiver disponível O tamanho da haste do grampeador LCS é mais adequado para a transecção em bloco do segmento lateral esquerdo do fígado, que é mais fino que o direito. Novos estudos são necessários para avaliar a segurança do LCS para grandes ressecções hepáticas e ressecções de tumores localizados no lobo hepático direito.

Severe hepatopulmonary syndrome with hypoxemia refractory to liver transplant: Recovery after 67 days of ECMO support.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a complication of end stage liver disease (ESLD) and is manifested by severe hypoxemia, which usually responds to liver transplantation (LT). As compared to patients undergoing LT for other etiologies, patients with HPS present an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. There is no effective treatment for patients whose hypoxemia does not respond to LT. This subset of patients is at a highly increased risk of death. There are very few reports on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in this setting with rapid response. However, there is no prior report of ECMO utilization for longer than 4 weeks. We present the case of a 17 year-old male patient who underwent LT for ESLD secondary to chronic portal vein thrombosis and HPS. He received a liver from a deceased donor and presented with severe HPS after LT, requiring ECMO support for 67 days. The patient was discharged home and is breathing in ambient air. He is currently asymptomatic and has a normal liver function.

Giant hepatic extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor treated with cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant systemic therapy: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (E-GIST) of the liver are rare. The clinical presentation may range from asymptomatic to bleeding or manifestations of mass effect. Oncologic surgery followed by adjuvant therapy with imatinib is the standard of care. However, under specific circumstances, a cytoreductive approach may represent a therapeutic option. We describe herein the case of an 84-year-old woman who presented with a tender, protruding epigastric mass. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a large, heterogeneous mass located across segments III, IV, V, and VIII of the liver. The initial approach was transarterial embolization of the tumor, which elicited no appreciable response. Considering the large size and central location of the tumor and the advanced age of the patient, non-anatomic complete resection was indicated. Due to substantial intraoperative bleeding and hemodynamic instability, only a near-complete resection could be achieved. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of primary E-GIST of the liver. Considering the risk/benefit ratio for therapeutic options, debulking surgery may represent a strategy to control pain and prolong survival. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we present a case report of a patient diagnosed with E-GIST primary of the liver, which was indicated a cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant therapy with imatinib. CONCLUSION: E-GIST primary of the liver is a rare conditional, the treatment is with systemic therapy and total resection surgery. However, a cytoreductive surgery will be necessary when a complete resection is no possible.

GISTs múltiplos em neurofibromatose tipo 1: diagnóstico incidental em paciente com abdome agudo / Multiple GISTs in neurofibromatosis type 1: incidental diagnosis in a patient with acute abdomen

INTRODUÇÃO: Tem sido descrito na literatura incidência aumentada de tumores estromais gastrointestinais (GISTs) em portadores de neurofibromatose tipo 1. Estes tumores tipicamente ocorrem no intestino delgado e, frequentemente, são múltiplos.RELATO DO CASO: Diagnóstico incidental de GIST em um paciente portador de neurofibromatose tipo 1 com abdome agudo. No trans-operatório foi identificada apendicite retrocecal perfurada e massa neoplásica no jejuno proximal. A referida lesão ocupava aproximadamente 70% da circunferência do órgão e não apresentava invasão de estruturas adjacentes. Além disso, observaram-se dezenas de pequenos nódulos disseminados por toda a extensão do jejuno e íleo. O anatomopatológico revelou neoplasia compatível com GIST, com grau moderado de atipias, baixo índice mitótico (<5/50) e ausência de necrose. Na análise imunoistoquímica, as células neoplásicas foram positivas para CD-34 e CD-117 (c-KIT), e negativas para a desmina. Depois da operação, o uso do quimioterápico Imatinib foi indicado. Após período de acompanhamento de 12 meses, o paciente não demonstrou sinais de recidiva.CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de GISTs deve ser sempre lembrada na avaliação de pacientes com massas abdominais e neurofibromatose tipo 1, principalmente em intestino delgado. Muitas vezes o comportamento da neoplasia é favorável e o uso de Imatinib deve ser individualizado.

BACKGROUND: The literature described an increased incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. These tumors typically occur in the small intestine, and frequently are multiple. Often the behavior of the tumor in this association is more favorable than in sporadic cases.CASE REPORT: Incidental diagnosis of GIST was done in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 during treatment for acute abdomen. Trans-operatively was identified a retrocecal perforated appendicitis and a neoplastic mass in the proximal jejunum. The lesion occupied approximately 70% of the circumference of the organ and had no invasion of adjacent structures. Moreover, there were dozens of small nodules scattered throughout the length of the jejunum and ileum. The pathology revealed malignancy consistent with GIST, with moderate degree of atypia, low mitotic index (<5 / 50) and absence of necrosis. In immunohistochemical analysis, the neoplastic cells were positive for CD-34 and CD-117 (c-KIT), and negative for desmin. After surgery, the use of Imatinib chemotherapy was indicated. After a follow-up period of 12 months, the patient showed no signs of recurrence.CONCLUSION: GISTs should be considered in the presence of abdominal mass and neurofibromatosis type 1, affecting mainly small bowel. Sometimes Imatinib can be administered with good results in the control of the disease.

Histoplasmosis presenting as addisonian crisis in an immunocompetent host.

A 71-year-old man with presumptively treated pulmonary tuberculosis ten years earlier and previous alcoholism presented with adrenal insufficiency. HIV serology was negative. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen showed enlarged right adrenal. He recovered after emergency treatment with hydrocortisone IV. Right adrenalectomy was performed. Histoplasmosis was diagnosed and the patient was treated with itraconazole, corticosteroid replacement, and discharged with good health.

Histoplasmosis presenting as addisonian crisis in an immunocompetent host

Homem de 71 anos de idade com tratamento presuntivo de tuberculose pulmonar 10 anos antes e de alcoolismo prévio apresentou-se com insuficiência de supra-renal. HIV soro-negativo. A tomografia computadorizada abdominal mostrou aumento da glândula supra-renal direita. Ele melhorou após tratamento de emergência com hidrocortisona EV. Supra-renalectomia direita forneceu diagnóstico de histoplasmose. O paciente foi tratado com itraconazol, reposiçäo hormonal e teve alta em boas condições.

Divertículo único do ceco: experiência de um hospital geral brasileiro / Solitary diverticulum of the cecum: experience of a Brazilian general hospital

RACIONAL: A diverticulite cecal é uma condição rara, especialmente em populações ocidentais. Sua importância reside no fato de fazer parte do diagnóstico diferencial da apendicite aguda e do carcinoma ulcerado de ceco. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODOS: Apresenta-se a experiência de um hospital geral do sul do Brasil no tratamento da diverticulite cecal. Descrevem-se quatro casos de divertículo único inflamado de ceco. Um destes teve diagnóstico pré-operatório através de tomografia computadorizada de abdome, tendo o paciente tratado clinicamente com remissão do quadro de diverticulite. Os outros três pacientes foram submetidos a colectomia direita com íleo-transverso anastomose. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade foi nula e nos casos operados não houve complicações pós-operatórias. Quando se consegue obter diagnóstico pré-operatório, pode-se optar por manejo clínico. CONCLUSAO: Recomendamos laparotomia exploradora quando não há certeza diagnóstica. Preconizamos manejo cirúrgico radical quando o diagnóstico é efetuado através de laparotomia.

Fatores prognósticos na ressecção de metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal / Prognostic factors following liver resection for hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

OBJETIVO: Determinar o impacto de fatores prognósticos na sobrevida de pacientes com metástases hepáticas ressecadas e originadas de câncer colorretal. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os prontuários de 28 pacientes submetidos a ressecção hepática de metástases de câncer colorretal de abril de 1992 a setembro de 2001. Foram realizadas 38 ressecções (8 pacientes com mais de uma ressecção no mesmo tempo cirúrgico e 2 pacientes submetidos a re-ressecções). Todos haviam sido submetidos previamente a ressecção do tumor primário. Utilizou-se protocolo de rastreamento de metástases hepáticas que incluiu revisões clínicas trimestrais, ecografia abdominal e dosagem de CEA até se completarem 5 anos de seguimento e após, semestralmente. Os fatores prognósticos estudados foram: estágio do tumor primário, tamanho das metástases > 5cm, intervalo entre ressecção do tumor primário e surgimento da metástase < 1 ano, CEA >100 ng/mL, margens cirúrgicas < 1cm e doença metastática extra-hepática. O estudo foi retrospectivo e a análise estatística foi feita pela curva de Kaplan-Meier, log-rank e regressão de Cox. RESULTADOS: A morbidade foi 39,3 por cento e a mortalidade operatória foi 3,6 por cento. A sobrevida em 5 anos foi de 35 por cento. Os fatores prognósticos independentes adversos foram: intervalo < 1 ano entre ressecção do tumor primário e surgimento da metástase, e doença metastática extra-hepática. CONCLUSÕES: A ressecção hepática de metástases de câncer colorretal é um procedimento seguro com sobrevida em 5 anos acima dos 30 por cento. Foram fatores prognósticos independentes adversos: doença metastática extra-hepática e intervalo < 1 ano entre ressecção do tumor primário e surgimento da metástase.

[Solitary diverticulum of the cecum: experience of a Brazilian general hospital]. / Divertículo único do ceco: experiência de um hospital geral brasileiro.

BACKGROUND: Cecal diverticulitis is a rare condition, specially in western people. Its importance concerns of being part of the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis and ulcerated cecal carcinoma. AIM: To present the experience of southern Brazilian general hospital in the treatment of cecal diverticulitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present four cases of single inflamed cecal diverticulum. One was diagnosed by pre-operatively computer tomography and was treated medically without complications. The other three cases were diagnosed during operation and treated by right hemicolectomy and ileotransverse anastomosis. RESULTS: There were no deaths or complications. When cecal diverticulitis is pre-operatively diagnosed it may be treated medically. We preclude laparotomy when the diagnosis is uncertain. CONCLUSION: We recommend radical surgical management when the diagnosis is made during operation.

[Prognostic factors following liver resection for hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer]. / Fatores prognósticos na ressecção de metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal.

AIM: To determine the impact of prognostic factors on survival of patients with metastases from colorectal cancer that underwent liver resection. METHODS: The records of 28 patients that underwent liver resection for metastases from colorectal cancer between April 1992 and September 2001 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-eight resections were performed (more than one resection in eight patients and two patients underwent re-resections). The primary tumor was resected in all the patients. A screening protocol for liver metastases including clinical examinations every three months, ultrassonography and CEA level until 5 years of follow-up and after every 6 months, was applied. The prognostic factors analyzed regarding the impact on survival were: Dukes C stage of primary tumor, size of metastasis >5 cm, a disease-free interval from primary tumor to metastasis < 1 year, CEA level > 100 ng/mL, resection margins < 1 cm and extrahepatic disease. The Kaplan-Meier curves, log rank and Cox regression were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Perioperative morbidity and mortality were 39.3% and 3.6%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 35%. The independent prognostic factors were: disease-free interval from primary tumor to metastasis < 1 year and extrahepatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The liver resection for metastases from colorectal cancer is a safe procedure with more than 30% 5-year survival. Disease-free interval from primary tumor to metastasis < 1 year and extrahepatic disease were independent prognostic factors.