Open revascularization in a patient with chronic mesenteric ischemia and a history of aorto-bifemoral bypass - a case report.

INTRODUCTION: This case report describes surgical treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia in a polymorbid patient with the history of an aorto-bifemoral bypass implant. CASE REPORT: The patient suffered from chronic occlusions of the mesenteric arteries. He experienced postprandial pain and significant weight loss. Endovascular repair of the occlusions failed. Open single retrograde bypass from the left branch of the aorto-bifemoral graft to the superior mesenteric artery was implanted successfully. CONCLUSION: The discussion briefly mentions current trends in the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia. Despite the development of interventional radiology, surgical treatment remains a relevant alternative for the management of chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Aorto-iliac endarterectomy: Old-fashioned or re-newed method?

INTRODUCTION: Aorto-iliac occlusive disease is best treated with endovascular angioplasty/stenting or surgical bypass, depending on disease severity. Aorto-iliac endarterectomy was frequently used until the 1980s. However, it can still be performed in cases of previous failure or contraindication of standard methods. The aim was a retrospective evaluation of a single-center case series of aorto-iliac endarterectomy. METHODS: Seven patients at mean age 60±8 years (5768 years) were treated by aorto-iliac endarterectomy between 2013 and 2018. Rutherford categories of leg ischemia were 2 (moderate claudication) 3x, 3 (severe claudication) 2x, 4 (rest pain) and 5 (toe gangrene). The reasons for endarterectomy approach were: late in-stent iliac occlusion in an oncology patient, failure or complication of previous endovascular treatment of short iliac stenosis 2×, high infection risk of prosthesis use in long iliac-femoral occlusion, and short iliac occlusions 3x. Two patients after previous organ transplant were on immunosuppression. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100%. There was no peri-operative (30 days) death or amputation. Mean follow-up was 17 months (1.1 month3.3 year). One patient required additional tibial bypass 1 month after endarterectomy to heal foot gangrene. One patient developed symptomatic re-stenosis which was treated with iliac stenting 8 months after procedure. All patients clinically improved and recovered from leg ischemia. Two patients died of tumor with preserved limb 1.1 month and 3.1 years after procedure, respectively. Five remaining patients are asymptomatic with patent revascularization to date. CONCLUSION: Aorto-iliac endarterectomy is a vital alternative technique for revascularization in selected patients when other methods seem inappropriate. Key words: endarterectomy - peripheral arterial disease - iliac artery - abdominal aorta.

Severe Epidermal Nerve Fiber Loss in Diabetic Neuropathy Is Not Reversed by Long-Term Normoglycemia After Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation.

Whether nerve fiber loss, a prominent feature of advanced diabetic neuropathy, can be reversed by reestablishment of normal glucose control remains questionable. We present 8-year follow-up data on epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) density and neurological function in patients with type 1 diabetes after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) with long-term normoglycemia. Distal thigh skin biopsies with ENF counts, vibration perception thresholds (VPTs), autonomic function testing (AFT) and electrophysiological examinations were performed at time of SPK and 2.5 and 8 years after SPK in 12 patients with type 1 diabetes. In comparison to controls, baseline ENF density, VPT and AFT results of patients indicated severe neuropathy. At follow-up, all SPK recipients were insulin independent with excellent glycemic control and kidney graft function; however, the severe ENF depletion present at baseline had not improved, with total ENF absence in 11 patients at 8-year follow-up. Similarly, no amelioration occurred in the VPT and AFT results. Numerical improvement was seen in some electrophysiological parameters; however, statistical significance was achieved only in median motor nerve conduction velocity. ENF loss and functional deficits in advanced diabetic peripheral neuropathy are rarely reversible, even by long-term normoglycemia, which underscores the importance of neuropathy prevention by early optimal glycemic control.

Portal versus systemic venous drainage of the pancreatic graft: the effect on glucose metabolism in pancreas and kidney transplant recipients.

Two different methods of graft venous drainage are used in pancreas transplantation: portal (PVD) and systemic (SVD). PVD is considered to be more physiologic due to its similarity to venous outflow of the native pancreas. The aim of our study was to compare glucose metabolism in Type 1 diabetic recipients of kidney and pancreatic grafts with PVD versus SVD by intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). We examined 28 insulin-independent patients after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation: 14 recipients with PVD of the pancreatic graft and 14 with SVD after a mean post-transplant period of 1 year. All recipients had stable good function of the kidney graft. Fasting glycemia, insulin levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and standard IVGTT with coefficient of glucose assimilation (KG) calculation were assessed. Insulin sensitivity and production were evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], homeostasis model assessment of B-cell function [HOMA-B]). Total C-peptide and insulin secretions were calculated as areas under the curves (AUCs) from the serum levels during the IVGTT. PVD and SVD groups did not differ in age, body mass index (BMI) and duration of post-transplantation period (P ≥ .05). We did not find any significant difference in fasting glycemia, HbA1c, KG, HOMA-IR, parameters of C-peptide level, fasting insulin level, and response during IVGTT. HOMA-B and AUC of insulin level were higher in the SVD group (45.1 ± 35.1 versus 19.8 ± 15.5, P =.03 and 1075 ± 612 versus 1799 ± 954 mIU/L/60 minutes, P < .03, respectively). In the PVD group, 1 patient had an abnormal response to the glucose stimulus, 8 patients had an impaired glucose tolerance, and 5 patients had a normal glucose tolerance. In the SVD group, an abnormal response was present in none, impaired glucose tolerance in 4, and normal glucose tolerance in 10 recipients. Athough this was not a prospectively randomized trial, we conclude that the change of surgical technique from SVD to PVD did not lead to any substantial change in terms of glucose tolerance.

Pancreatic islet autotransplantation after completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic fistula after hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic islet autotransplantation (IAT) has a potential to prevent brittle diabetes in patients after total pancreatectomy. Because of the fear of tumor spread, IAT has rarely been used in case of malignancy. We report our experience with patients who underwent hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma and later completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic fistula with islet autotransplantation at our institution. METHODS: From August 2007 to December 2012, 5 patients underwent IAT after completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic fistula after hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma. Islets were isolated from the pancreatic tail with the use of digestion with collagenase. Nonpurified islet suspension was infused into the portal vein during surgery. RESULTS: The median number of islets transplanted was 175,000 islet equivalents (range, 70,000-365,000). One patient died after surgery for reasons unrelated to IAT. Another 3 patients had stable diabetes with partial graft function (fasting C-peptide levels 0.23, 0.41, and 0.61 nmol/L and HbA1c 4.8%, 4.6%, and 6.9% at 24, 24 and 9 months after IAT, respectively). The 1st patient, with pancreatic head carcinoma, was alive 28 months after IAT with lymph node and liver recurrence since 18 months after IAT. The 2nd patient, with gall bladder and distal bile duct carcinoma, died 47 months after IAT with tumor recurrence. The 3rd patient, with ampullary carcinoma, died 12 months after IAT with local recurrence and solitary liver metastasis. The last patient had been off insulin 9 months after IAT without tumor recurrence (fasting C-peptide, 0.89 nmol/L; HbA1c, 4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Autotransplantation of pancreatic islets isolated from the residual pancreatic tissue in patients who previously underwent hemipancreatoduodenectomy for cancer may provide stable glucose control and thus improve quality of life. In this small series we did not observe early development of multiple liver metastases caused by islet suspension contamination with malignant cells. Oncologic outcome of the patients was not worse than what would be expected without IAT.

Effect of tacrolimus versus cyclosporine on glucose metabolism of pancreas and kidney recipients in the late (> 8 years) posttransplant period.

Diabetogenic effects of immunosuppressive agents are of great importance in pancreas or islet transplantation. The aim of our study was to compare the glucose metabolism in type 1 diabetic kidney and pancreas recipients on tacrolimus (Tacro) versus cyclosporine-based (Cyclo) immunosuppression in the late posttransplant period. We examined 26 insulin-independent patients with stabile good renal function. They were at least 7 years after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation and with unchanged immunosuppressive therapy for at least 6 years. The mean follow-up in Tacro (n = 13) and Cyclo (n = 13) groups were 9.7 ± 1.9 and 10.9 ± 1.3 years, respectively (P = .08). Fasting glycemia, insulin levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), a standard intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) with coefficient of glucose assimilation (K(G)) calculation and trough Tacro/Cyclo levels were assessed. Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR, HOMA-B). Total C-peptide and insulin secretions were calculated as areas under the curves (AUC) from the serum levels during the IVGTT. Tacro and Cyclo groups did not differ in age and body mass index. We did not find any significant difference in any examined parameters of glucose metabolism (fasting glycemia, insulin and C-peptide levels, HbA(1c,) IVGTT with K(G), HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, AUC of C-peptide and AUC of insulin; P > .05). Two patients in the Tacro group and none in the Cyclo group had K(G) <0.8%/min. Seven recipients in the Tacro group and eight in the Cyclo group had the normal glucose tolerance with K(G) ≥ 1.2%/min. Trough Tacro or Cyclo levels did not correlate with any of examined parameters. The use of different types of calcineurin inhibitors in type 1 diabetic pancreas and kidney recipients had no effect on glucose metabolism in the late posttransplant period.

Neoplasm incidence in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation: a single-center analysis.

BACKGROUND: Long-term immunosuppression is associated with an increased rate of cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of newly diagnosed tumors in simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation (SPKT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of a neoplasm among 360 diabetic subjects who consecutively underwent SPKT from 1985 to August 2010 in a single institution. Data were retrieved from the institutional registry. We evaluated the nature of all newly diagnosed malignant tumors, including posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), to compare Kaplan-Meier survival rates with those of patients free of a neoplasm. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 8 years; the overall 5-year patient survival was 84%. In 25 patients the tumors were malignant. Almost one-fourth of the cancers represented skin tumors (3 squamous cell and 4 basal cell carcinomas). PTLD was diagnosed in 5 recipients. The cumulative survival of patients with malignancies was significantly lower than that in recipients without cancer (8-year survival by 38% vs 70%; P < .001). The mean (±SD) time to diagnosis was 6 ± 3 years. Since 2004, the 12 recipients with malignancy who were switched to sirolimus at the time of diagnosis showed survivals that were not apparently better than those who remained on the established immunosuppression (46% vs 55%; P = .71). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of neoplasm development was similar to that reported by other centers. Recipients of SPKT show higher incidence of cancer, though their overall survival is still significantly better than in those usually remaining on dialysis.

[Simultaneous transplantation of the kidney and the islets of Langerhans]. / Simultánní transplantace ledviny a Langerhansových ostruvku.

Simultaneous kidney and islet transplantation is recent therapeutic alternative for diabetics with end-stage kidney disease, who are not acceptable for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Islet transplantation has less complications but still worse long-term function compared to whole pancreas transplantation.

[Development of pancreas transplantation surgical techniques in IKEM]. / Vývoj chirurgické techniky transplantací pankreatu v IKEM.

A paper on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of foundation of the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine describes past, present and future trends in surgical technique of pancreas transplantation in the Czech Republic.

Similar early complication rate in simultaneous pancreas and kidney recipients on tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil versus tacrolimus/sirolimus immunosuppressive regimens.

INTRODUCTION: We compared the incidence of severe complications among 123 consecutive simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) recipients randomized for treatment either with tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or tacrolimus plus sirolimus during their initial postoperative hospital stay. METHODS: Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and renal failure with no age limit who underwent SPK were randomly assigned to tacrolimus/sirolimus or tacrolimus/MMF immunosuppressive protocols. We analyzed the rate of adverse events that led to death, graft loss, operative revision, or prolonged hospital stay. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2009, 62 recipients were included in the MMF and 61 in the Rapamycin (Rapa) groups. More than 2/3 of recipients suffered from at least 1 complication: 74% MMF and 77 % Rapa group (P > .05). No patient died in the MMF and 3 in the Rapa group (P = .11). Pancreas graftectomy was performed in 13% of the MMF group and in 5% of the Rapa group (P = .20). Ten of 62 recipients in the MMF and 13/61 in the Rapa group required operative treatment of wound infections (P = .49). There were no differences in the rates of gastrointestinal bleeding (11% and 8%), kidney lymphocele (6% and 5%), ileus (1.6% both), pancreatic leak (1.6% both), or ureteral leak (0 and 3%) between the groups. CONCLUSION: We did not observe a difference in the rate of severe postoperative complications between groups. With the use of extraperitoneal placement of the pancreatic graft, fluid collections and wound infections remain the most frequent albeit curable postoperative complications.

[Clinical experience with cold-preservation of venous and arterial allografts. long-term outcomes]. / Klinické zkusenosti s pouzitím chladem konzervovaných zilních a tepenných allostepu: dlouhodobé výsledky.

INTRODUCTION: Venous and arterial allografts extend the possibilities of peripheral arterial disease as well as vascular prosthesis infections treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 10/1997 and 1/2009 we used 112 allogeneic vessels (30 arteries, 82 veins) in 104 patients. Venous allografts were used for 82 reconstructions in 75 patients (M/F 41/34, aged 41-85 years, median 66 years) with critical limb ischemia and no suitable autogenous venous material. Arterial allografts were used in 9 patients (M/F 8/1, aged 56-77 years, median 63 years) with aortoiliac prosthetic infections or mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms and in 20 transplanted patients (M/F 11/9, aged 32-67 years, median 56 years) with aortoiliac atherosclerotic disease. RESULTS: Patients survival rate after allovenous bypasses was 92% at 1 year and 78% at 3 years. Limb salvage rate was 67% at 1 year and 53% and 3 years. Secondary patency rate was 48% at 1 year and 27% at 3 years. Patient survival rate after alloarterial bypasses was 86% at 1 year and 69% at 3 years. No signs of arterial grafts aneurysmal formation and no need for secondary intervention of any arterial reconstruction was observed during the follow up period in any patient after alloarterial transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Cold-stored venous and arterial allografts are suitable alternative conduits for limb salvage procedures, vascular prosthesis infections as well as for arterial reconstructions in transplanted patients.

[One-year survival outcomes in patients with pancreatic head and portomesenteric veins resection]. / Výsledky jednorocního prezití u nemocných po resekci hlavy slinivky brisní resekcí zil portomezenterické oblasti (PMO).

INTRODUCTION: Hemipancreatoduodenectomy is a standard technique for surgical management of pancreatic head carcinomas. However, so far, mesenteric and/or portal vein resections have not been commonly indicated. This original report presents one-year survival outcomes in a group of operated subjects. METHODOLOGY: From 7/2005 to 7/2008, 13 pancreatic resections with concomitant resection of the mesenteric or portal vein were performed in the IKEM Transplant Surgery Clinic. The study objective was to assess the perioperative complications and 30-day mortality rates, and the overall survival period. RESULTS: The study group included 13 patients, 8 males and 5 females, the mean age was 66 (48 to 85) years. Concomitantly, resection of the portal vein (6x) or the superior mesenteric vein (3x), or of the both veins (4x) was performed. In 11 subjects of this patient group, the time period between the surgical procedure and the assessment was over a year. During the portomesenteric reconstruction phase, end-to-end anastomoses were performed in eight subjects, and the resected vein was replaced with the internal jugular vein in two subjects. In three subjects, the venous wall excision site was closed using a simple defect suture. Out of the study group, 5 subjects were surviving at 12 months. Three patients exited due to their primary diagnosis and the fourth one for internal complications two months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: The authors belive that hemipancreatoduodenectomy with concomitant resection of portomesenteric veins should become a standard treatment method in indicated patients, performed in specialized centres.

Aortoiliac reconstruction with allograft and kidney transplantation as a one-stage procedure: long term results.

OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of aortoiliac lesions and abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in renal failure patients waiting for renal transplantation. The aim of our study was to assess long term results of simultaneous renal transplantation and surgical repair of aortoiliac lesions with arterial allografts. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 1997 to June 2007, we performed simultaneous aortoiliac reconstructions using fresh arterial allografts and kidney transplantation in 14 patients with chronic renal failure (men 9, women 5, mean age 53 years). The indication for vascular reconstruction was an asymptomatic abdominal aneurysm in 6 patients or aortoiliac stenosis/occlusion in 8 patients. The median follow up period for the cohort was 55.5 months (range from 1 to 116 months). RESULTS: Three patients died during the follow up period. In none of them there was an allograft (neither arterial nor renal) related death. No signs of arterial grafts infection or aneurysmal formation and no need for secondary intervention (angioplasty and/or thrombolysis) of any arterial reconstruction was observed during the follow up period in any patient. The renal grafts failed in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that it is possible and safe to use arterial allografts in the treatment of arterial occlusive disease or abdominal aortic aneurysm simultaneously with renal transplantation.

Fresh arterial grafts as conduits for vascular reconstructions in transplanted patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome of arterial allografts in patients receiving organ transplantation. DESIGN: From October 1997 to June 2005, we used fresh arterial allografts as vascular conduits in 21 patients for the treatment of claudications (10), abdominal aortic aneurysm (6), complicated renal transplantation (2), acute lower extremity ischemia (2) and gangrene (1). At the time of the vascular procedure, ten of the patients (Group A) had already undergone organ transplantation. The mean follow up period was 32 months for renal and 37 months for heart recipients, respectively. In 11 patients (Group B), the vascular reconstruction was undertaken simultaneously with the renal transplantation. The mean follow up period was 49 months. RESULTS: There was no arterial allograft related deaths. No signs of arterial graft infection or requirement for secondary intervention (angioplasty and/or thrombolysis) were observed during the follow up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that it is possible to use fresh arterial allografts in the treatment of arterial occlusive disease or abdominal aortic aneurysm, both in already transplanted patients and simultaneously with organ transplantation, with good results.

Severe depletion of intraepidermal nerve fibers in skin biopsies of pancreas transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The minimally invasive method of skin biopsy with intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) counts may be used to analyze nerve regeneration in pancreas transplant (PTx) recipients. We assessed IENF counts as a database for long-term follow-up of diabetic neuropathy. METHODS: Skin biopsies were performed using a 3-mm punch from lower thigh and upper calf areas of 16 (13 pancreas/kidney, 3 pancreas alone) PTx patients (mean +/- SD: age, 45+/-8 years; type 1 diabetes duration, 27 +/- 8 years) at 1 month posttransplant. Ten healthy gender- and age-matched controls (C) were also examined. After fixation and freezing, 40-microm sections were stained using rabbit polyclonal antibody to the panaxonal marker PGP 9.5 followed by mouse antirabbit IgG antibody conjugated with rhodamine. Samples were imaged with a digital camera, mounted on a microscope, and equipped for fluorescence. The average number of IENF per millimeter length of epidermis was derived. Clinical neuropathy was assessed by foot vibration perception thresholds (VPT) with a biothesiometer (normal values < mean + 2 SD of C). RESULTS: Significantly lower IENF densities were found in skin biopsies from PTx (PTx vs C: thigh, 0.74 +/- 0.88 vs 9.74 +/- 2.41 IENF/mm; calf, 0.34 +/- 0.91 vs 7.66 +/- 3.16 IENF/mm; P < .001). IENF were totally absent from the thigh and calf samples of 7 and 12 PTxs, respectively. Clinical neuropathy (VPT > 21 V) was present in all but one PTx. CONCLUSIONS: Severe intraepidermal nerve fiber depletion is present in the lower limb area of pancreas transplant recipients with neuropathy. Long-term follow-up would probably be necessary to assess the possibility of posttransplant nerve fiber regeneration.

A prospective comparison of bladder versus enteric drainage in vascularized pancreas transplantation.

In previous years, the number of pancreas transplants has increased significantly. Debate continues over the optimum technique for exocrine drainage. Enteric drainage (ED) has recently been increasingly popular owing to the long-term complications of bladder drainage (BD). We prospectively evaluated 40 consecutive pancreas transplant recipients undergoing either bladder (n = 20) or enteric (n = 20) drainage. After simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation 1-year patient, kidney, and pancreas graft survival rates were 95%, 95%, 85% for the BD group, and 90%, 85%, 85%, for the ED group. Surgical complications were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of acute rejection, major infections and cytomegalovirus disease were also similar. The length of the initial hospital stay was likewise comparable. However, the BD group was characterized by a slight increase in the number of urologic complications, metabolic acidosis, and dehydration. Our results suggest excellent patient and graft survival irrespective of the drainage technique.

[Ischemia of the large intestine after simultaneous kidney transplantation and aortic replacement with a fresh graft in an abdominal aortic aneurysm]. / Ischemie tlustého streva po soucasné transplantaci ledviny a náhrade výdute brisní aorty cerstvým tepenným stepem.

Fresh arterial grafts obtained during multi-organ excisions widen a spectrum of treatment possibilities for obliterating arterial disorders of low extremities or for the abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients waiting for organ transplantation. Between the year 1998 and the end of the year 2002, our work-team performed parallel reconstructions of the abdominal aorta using fresh grafts and cadaverous kidney transplantations in a group of five patients. The simultaneous surgical treatment of the both disorders during a single hospitalization as well as a considerable decrease of the artificial blood vessel prosthesis infection risk during chronic imunosuppression, represent the biggest advantage of this method. On the other hand, the risk of possible surgical complications is increased in these patients. During the operation and postoperation period, our four patients suffered from no serious complications. In case of one patient, ischemic colitis occurred which required surgical revision and subtotal colectomy. In this article, the authors describe the postoperation course of the patient condition with the above complication, which required a close cooperation of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nephrologists, in full detail.

A prospective comparison of bladder versus enteric drainage in vascularized pancreas transplantation.

Although the number of pancreas transplants has increased significantly in previous years, debate continues concerning the optimum technique for exocrine pancreas drainage. Enteric drainage (ED) has recently been increasingly popular due to the long-term complications with bladder drainage (BD). We prospectively assigned 40 consecutive pancreas transplant recipients to either bladder (n = 20) or enteric (n = 20) drainage. Patient, kidney, and pancreas graft survival rates at 1 year after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation were 95%, 95%, 85%, for BD group and 90%, 85%, 85% for ED group, respectively. Surgical complications were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of acute rejection, major infections, and CMV disease were similar between groups. The length of the initial hospital stay was likewise comparable. However, the BD group showed a slight increase in the number of urologic complications, metabolic acidosis, and dehydration. Based on the results of our study, patient and graft survivals were excellent irrespective of technique.

Modulating amylase and lipase secretion in the pancreatic graft by somatostatin administration: preliminary results of a prospective, randomized trial.

Pancreas transplantation is a routine method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. One of the main challenges of a transplant with extraperitoneal placement of the pancreatic graft is impaired wound healing due to massive amylase and lipase secretion by the pancreatic graft, evoking edemtous fluid. From February 2002 through January 2003, we performed pancreatic transplant procedures in 21 patients who were prospectively and randomly assigned to two groups: 8 organ donors and the recipients were administered somatostatin by continuous infusion. Thirteen grafts were harvested and transplanted without somatostatin infusion. The two groups did not show significantly differences in mean donor or recipient ages, weights, of serum amylase and lipase content values or drain output until day 6. There was a significantly lower lipase in the drain output of transplant recipients given somatostatin (12.5 and 54.2 micromol/L, respectively; P <.05). Neither the post-pancreatic transplant wound healing nor the number of rejection episodes were affected by somatostatin administration.

Left retroperitoneal versus transperitoneal approach for abdominal aortic surgery - retrospective comparison of intraoperative and postoperative data.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential advantages of the left retroperitoneal (RP) approach for abdominal aortic surgery and compare the aortic exposure with the transperitoneal (TP) approach which is widely used. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Total 55 consecutive patients who underwent elective aortic surgery between 1998 and 1999 were evaluated retrospectively. Thirty three patients underwent the RP exposure and 22 the TP approach in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm or aortoiliac occlusive disease. Demographic data and premorbid status were not significantly different between these two groups. Fourteen intraoperative and postoperative parameters were monitored and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in three of 14 intraoperative and postoperative parameters. Patients operated with the RP approach to the abdominal aorta were able to take clear fluids orally sooner. A statistically significant difference was also detected in the postoperative extubation time as RP patients were extubated almost one hour sooner than TP patients. Bowel function onset was statistically significantly faster return in the RP group. In the rest of recorded data there were no significant differences, however in all of follow-up parameters we found results in favour of RP group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the RP group of patients had statistically significant improvements three of 14 postoperative clinical parameters. (Tab. 3, Ref. 18.)