Abdominal emergencies in surgical oncology.

INTRODUCTION: In general, abdominal emergencies are urgent situations that require a prompt and correct diagnosis and treatment. They involve a broad spectrum of diagnoses and can occur in all age groups. The situation is often modified in oncologic patients according to the extent and level of progression of the primary oncological disease. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the group of adult patients with abdominal emergencies treated in Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute between 2011-2017. RESULTS: In total, 601 patients underwent emergency surgery during the 7-year period. The causes included gastrointestinal obstruction (43%), intra-abdominal inflammatory complications (33%) and bleeding (17%). Acute appendicitis or cholecystitis was the cause in only less than 4% of all patients. CONCLUSION: The problems of acute abdominal emergencies in oncologic patients are substantially different from those in the general population, particularly in terms of the causes where gastrointestinal obstruction is the leading cause.

Surgical solution of the extensive post-radiation defect developped 33 years after radiotherapy for breast carcinoma case report.

INTRODUCTION: Damage of the skin and its underlying structures is a common side effect of radiotherapy. These conditions limit further treatment and dealing with these complications is a routine practice of clinical oncologist. The majority of the complications are immediate, with a perspective of healing ad integrum within a few weeks. Less frequently, but sometimes with severe manifestations, chronic toxicity occurs belatedly after months, or even many years after irradiation, in form of post-radiation ulcer, for instance with potential of secondary malignant transformation. Regarding surgery, it might be one of the most challenging chronic wounds to treat. In extreme cases, extensive resection of the entire affected area is needed, inevitably ending with demanding reconstruction of the resulting defect. CASE REPORT: This case report presents a female patient with rapidly progressive post-radiation chest wall defect 33 years after the irradiation, when relatively insignificant skin injury occured. Prior to this sudden deterioration, only long-term, non-progressive changes, without a cutaneous defect, were described during the dispensarisation. After a protracted outpatient treatment with unsatisfactory results, when the patient repeatedly refused mastectomy, the condition inevitably led to the complex surgical procedure with necessary cooperation of breast, plastic and thoracic surgeons. CONCLUSION: Although changes of the similar severity rarely occur even after many years following the treatment, we havent found such a dramatic change of the patients condition three decades after the therapy with urgency of this type of complex,  surgical intervention in current literature.

Surgical treatment of lung cancer.

Surgical resection is a principal treatment modality in the early stages of non-small cell lung cancer. The risks of surgical procedures are decreasing due to advancements in surgical techniques. However, optimal treatment strategy in locally advanced stages is unclear. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy could be a future treatment alternative.

Evaluation of three purely polypropylene meshes of different pore sizes in an onlay position in a New Zealand white rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the pore size of a polypropylene mesh on the shrinkage and elasticity of the mesh-tissue complex and the inflammatory reaction to the implant in an open onlay hernia repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one 10 × 10 cm samples of polypropylene meshes of a different pore size (3.0 × 2.8 mm-PP3, 1.0 × 0.8 mm-PP1 and 0.6 × 0.5 mm-PP.5) were implanted in an onlay position in 21 New Zealand white rabbits. After 90 days of implantation the shrinkage, elasticity and foreign body reaction (FBR) were assessed. RESULTS: The shrinkage of PP3 was 30.6 ± 4.3 %, PP1 49.3 ± 2.9 % and PP.5 49.5 ± 2.6 %. The shrinkage of PP3 was significantly lower (PP3 × PP1 p = 0.007, PP3 × PP.5 p = 0.005), PP1 and PP.5 were similar. The elasticity was similar. The strength of FBR in mesh pores was similar. The width of foreign body granuloma layers at the mesh-tissue interface was significantly reduced with increasing pore size (inner: PP3 10.1 ± 1.2; PP1 12.5 ± 2.9; PP.5 17.4 ± 5.2 and outer: PP3 21.2 ± 2.5; PP1 30.6 ± 6.3; PP.5 60.4 ± 14.9). All differences between the widths of granuloma layers were statistically significant (p < 0.010). One animal (PP1) was excluded because of a mesh infection. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of polypropylene mesh of a pore size of 3 mm in an onlay position is associated with a significant reduction of shrinkage in comparison to a 1 mm pore lightweight and 0.5 mm pore heavyweight mesh. A pore size increase to 3 mm is not sufficient for an improvement of mesh-tissue complex elasticity in comparison to a 1 mm pore lightweight and 0.5 mm heavyweight mesh. Polypropylene mesh with enlarged pores to 3 mm is associated with a similar strength of FBR in mesh pores and a reduced foreign body granuloma in comparison to a 1 mm pore lightweight and 0.5 mm pore heavyweight mesh.

[Systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy in surgery for sarcomatous pulmonary metastases]. / Význam systematické mediastinální lymfadenektomie v chirurgii plicních metastáz sarkomového puvodu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Systematic lymph node dissection is performed as standard curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Its role in lung metastasectomy is unknown. The aim of our study was to find out the frequency of lymph node metastases, the survival of patients with and without lymph node involvement, and to consider if routine lymph node dissection should be recommended. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was undertaken at three departments of surgery and included 14 patients undergoing lung metastasectomy between July 2008 and December 2011. In all patients systematic lymph node dissection was also performed. When wedge resection was done, N1 nodes were removed only as part of a local procedure at that anatomical site. Patients with mediastinal lymph node involvement detected by pre-operative CT or PET scans were not included in the study. RESULTS: Lung metastasectomy for metastatic sarcoma was performed in 14 patients. Nine patients had bilateral lung metastases. Solitary lung metastasis was found in only one case. The mean number of removed mediastinal lymph nodes was 14.8 (7-32). Mediastinal lymph node metastases were found in two patients (14.3%). The average disease free interval (DFI) was 79.6 months (median, 25.5 months). Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the 3-year survival rate was 46% (0.46±0.15). The Cox-Mantel test for comparing the survival curves showed, at a 0.05 level of significance, better survival rates for the patients with no metastatic lymph node involvement (p=0.01). DISCUSSION: The frequency of mediastinal lymph node involvement in our study was 14.3% and this was in agreement with the data reported in the literature. The 3-year survival rate was 46% in our patients; the published 5-year survival is 15-50%. A systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy during lung metastasectomy for metastatic sarcoma has been recommended, but also argued against because of a low incidence of mediastinal lymph node involvement in sarcomatous metastases reported by some authors. We showed that mediastinal lymph node involvement was a negative prognostic factor. Systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy as a routine procedure provides for a better staging. This is important in association with the development of adjuvant modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies, at present or a gene therapy in the future. CONCLUSIONS: Even in a carefully selected group of patients, incidence of mediastinal lymph node metastases is high. Since no relevant data based on large patient groups are available, we recommend routine nodal dissection for all patients indicated for lung metastasectomy. Drawing a definite conclusion will require analyses of large numbers of data from multi-institutional studies and cooperation with the international database, if possible.

[Repeated resection for recurrent pulmonary metastases]. / Opakované plicní resekce v chirurgii plicních metastáz.

INTRODUCTION: Repeated pulmonary resections are predominantly used in sarcomas, colorectal cancer, Grawitz tumours, and at a young age in general. Patients with the recurrence of pulmonary metastases within a period of six months have a poor prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the period from I/1997 to XII/2011, a total of 165 operations were performed in 149 patients. 11patients had multiple pulmonary resections. According to histological origin, sarcomas were found in 6 cases, Grawitz tumours in 2 cases, Schwannoma malignum in 1 case and laryngeal carcinoma in 1 case. There was synovialosarcoma, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar sarcoma and uterine sarcoma in the group of sarcomas. RESULTS: In our retrospective study, the most commonly used approach was muscle-sparing vertical thoracotomy in 14 patients, posterolateral thoracotomy in 8 patients, VATS in 3 patients and clamshell thoracotomy in 3 patients. We performed 22 extraanatomic resections - of which 3 times VATS, 6 times lobectomy (of which 1 completion pneumonectomy). We observed complications in 6 cases (small air leak in 3 patients, wound infection in 3 patients) in the postoperative period. No rethoracotomy for complications was needed, lethality was 0. The overall 5-year survival that we observed was 45.4%. CONCLUSION: Surgery is an integral part of complex oncological care. What is extremely important is strict selection of patients eligible for surgery for repeated resections and, of course, an experienced team of thoracic surgeons, but also other physicians. When performed by experienced specialists, surgical treatment of lung metastases is a safe and very useful procedure.

[Wound microbial sampling methods in surgical practice, imprint techniques]. / Metody odberu vzorku na kultivacní vysetrení v chirurgické praxi, otiskové metody.

The wound is a damage of tissue. The process of healing is influenced by many systemic and local factors. The most crucial and the most discussed local factor of wound healing is infection. Surgical site infection in the wound is caused by micro-organisms. This information is known for many years, however the conditions leading to an infection occurrence have not been sufficiently described yet. Correct sampling technique, correct storage, transportation, evaluation, and valid interpretation of these data are very important in clinical practice. There are many methods for microbiological sampling, but the best one has not been yet identified and validated. We aim to discuss the problem with the focus on the imprint technique.

[Resection and reconstruction of the chest wall for primary or metastatic tumours]. / Resekce a rekonstrukce hrudní steny pro primární ci metastatické nádorové onemocnení.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to assess mortality and the complication rate after the extensive resection of chest wall tumour and subsequent soft tissue reconstruction. We wanted to evaluate the justification for major surgery in the group of patients with primary or secondary tumours, including those with an advanced stage of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients after major chest wall resection within an eight-year period (2000-2008) were analysed retrospectively. A major resection was defined as resection of 75 cm2 or more of full thickness of the chest wall. There were 19 cases of primary malignant tumour of the chest wall, 10 cases of secondary tumour, and 6 cases of benign or semi-malignant lesions. The chest was stabilised with the help of either polypropylene or a double layer mesh of polyester covered with polyurethane. For soft tissue reconstruction, a musculocutaneous flap was used in 18 cases. The number of resected ribs ranged from two to seven. The vertebral body was partially resected in four cases, and total sternectomy was performed in two cases. This surgery was carried out with potentially curative intent in 30 (85.7%) and with palliative intent in five patients (14.3%). RESULTS: No post-operative mortality occurred. The complication rate was 17.1 %. The one-year survival rate was 88.6 %. There were seven long-term survivors at 5 or more years after resection of the chest wall for soft tissue sarcoma. Local recurrence occurred in six patients (17.1%). Neither the type of prosthesis nor the type of surgical procedure influenced the complication rate. DISCUSSION: Chest wall resection is an established surgical procedure in the treatment of primary chest wall tumours and, occasionally, solitary metastatic disease. The groups of patients reported in the literature have been heterogeneous and usually small, and thus an estimation of the true risk of the major procedure is difficult. Three studies involving large patient groups published in the last 11 years have shown morbidity in 24.4%, 33.2% and 46.0% of patients and mortality in 7.0%, 3.8% and 4.1% of patients, respectively. The results in our group of unselected patients are comparable with these studies; however, we did not perform extensive procedures like pneumonectomy and chest wall resection, or extended fore quarter amputation. CONCLUSIONS Complete resection of the chest wall is feasible even in advanced tumours without significant peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Major chest wall resection as a palliative procedure remains selective for motivated patients in a good physical condition but with low quality of life caused by a chest wall tumour.

The anatomical relationship between the saphenous nerve and the great saphenous vein.

OBJECTIVE: Damage to the saphenous nerve (SN) has been a known complication during varicose vein surgeries. We tested whether a better knowledge of the anatomy of the SN and the great saphenous vein (GSV) can prevent such damage. METHODS: We conducted a morphological and histological examination on 86 limbs from 43 cadavers in order to analyse the anatomical interrelation between the SN and the GSV in the lower leg and we also measured the distance between the nerve and the vein in a sample of 42 sections from three parts of the lower leg. RESULTS: The anatomical relationship between the SN and the GSV is varied and the two structures run close to each other so a better knowledge of their anatomy in itself proved insufficient in preventing damage to the SN. CONCLUSION: However, in the case of endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation tumescent anaesthesia decreases the risk of damage to the SN.

[Is pneumonectomy justified in the management of lung metastases?]. / Je oprávnené provedení pneumonektomie v lécbe plicních metastáz?

The authors discuss about questions of possibility pneumonectomy in concept of lung metastasis therapy. They analysed in detail indications, surgery, complications, survival and factors of survival. The authors also introduce case report of one patient with pneumonectomy in your group of patients.

[Spontaneous pneumomediastinum--a case review]. / Spontánní pneumomediastinum--kazuistika.

The authors present in the following case review a patient with spontaneous pneumomediastinum which can be on of the causes of acute chest pain and it is necessary to think about it in the differential diagnosis of this condition.

[Rates of metastatic affections of mediastinal nodes during pulmonary metastasectomy]. / Cetnost metatastického postizení mediastinálních uzlin behem plicní metastasektomie.

OBJECT: The aim is the evaluation of lymph node metastasis rate during pulmonary metastasectomy harvested by technique of systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy in year 2009-2010. METHODS: We performed systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy (the same technique as in non-small cell lung cancer) during pulmonary metastasectomy. RESULTS: There was found lymph node metastasis in four cases from 70 patients. The rate of metastatic involved mediastinal lymph node 5.7% harvested during lung metastasectomy is on lower limit of published interval. We expected higher lymph node involvement in lung metastasis of colorectal origin.

[Malignant mediastinal teratoma--a case review]. / Maligni teratom mediastina--kazuistika.

In this case report the authors present a case of mediastinal malignant teratoma of a 23 years old patient, who suddenly suffers form chest pain as the only symptom. During examination is a huge mediastinal tumor diagnosed. After histological diagnosis is a radical surgery performed. According to the definitive histology is an adjutant oncological treatment indicated. The aim of our report is to think always about the mediastinal tumors as one of the possible cause of thoracic pain.

[Open pleural window at treatment of the advanced thoracic empyema: 20 high-risk patients' treatment experience]. / Otevrené pleurální okénko v lécbe pokrocilého empyému hrudníku: zkusenosti s lécbou dvaceti rizikových pacientu.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the retrospective clinical study was the analysis of the 20 high-risk patients operated in our department within years 2000-2008 by the modified Eloesser procedure for the serious thoracic empyema. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have analyzed the data of the 17 men and 3 women. The most important objectives were the cause of the disease, type of procedure, perioperative mortality, length of stay and subsequent procedures. The underlying disease was the malignant intrathoracic disease in 40%, diabetes mellitus was found in 25%. The cause of empyema was pleuropneumonia in 45%, postresectional empyema occurred in 35%. RESULTS: There were two perioperative deaths (10%), remaining patients were all dismissed in a stabilized condition the 22nd postoperative day at average. Six subsequent reconstructive procedures were performed. There was no early death for the postpneumonectomy empyema. CONCLUSION: In case of the serious pleural empyema in a high-risk patient is the modified Eloesser procedure safe and life saving surgical operation. The timing of the procedure and correct indication for surgery are essential.

[Mediastinal lymphadenectomy in surgery of pulmonary metastasis]. / Mediastinální lymfadenektomie v chirurgii plicních metastáz.

The effect of lymphadenectomy in pulmonary metastasectomy is unceratain. Good indication and right radicality of resection are to-days surgery possibilities to manage the best patient survival. Next possibility is performance of systematic mediastinal lymphdenecomy for currative effect and increasing of staging quality for indication of adjuvant therapy by metatatic lymphnode involvement. The answer about performance of mediastinal lyphadenectomy and its kind was seeked by authors in retrospective study in years 1999-2008. Hundred and six patient underwent pulmonary metastasectomy, 34% patients were of sarcomatous origin. Mediastinal lymhadenectomy was made in 31% patients. There were found the lyphnode involvement in five cases. The group of own patiens is non homogenous for exact conclusion of impact mediastinal lymphadenectomy on survival after pulmonary metastasectomy. The comparison of patient survival with diferent kind of lymphadenectomy isn't acceptable because sampling of lymphonodes may be false negative. For exact comparison of mediastinal lymphadenectomy importance is necessary to do systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy in prospective multicentric study.

[Robot-assisted pulmonary lobectomy--our first experiences]. / Robotická plicní lobektomie--nase prvni zkusenosti.

The authors present their first experience and the results of robot-assisted pulmonary lobectomies. The paper reports on the placement of the working channels, auxiliary minithoracotomies, the patient's position, the positions of the four-arm body of the da Vinci robotic system, and particularly the technique of lobectomy. In our institution, 5 robot-assisted lobectomies were performed in two women and three men (aged 45, 52, and 57, 67, 54 years, respectively). The lower lobectomy was performed four times left and once right. The surgery was always supplemented with mediastinal lymphadenectomy. The vessels were ligated mechanically with the use of the robot. No serious complications were observed during the surgery or in the postoperative period. Robot-assisted lobectomy is a safe method of pulmonary resection in the early stages of bronchogenic carcinoma (Ia, Ib); it ensures a faster convalescence of the patient compared with open surgery.

[Robotic procedures in the colorectal surgery]. / Robotické výkony v kolorektální chirurgii.

PURPOSE: The da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) was developed specifically to compensate the technical limitations of laparoscopic instruments, such as two-dimensional vision, misalignment of hands and instruments, limited dexterity of instruments inside the patient, and fixed instrument tips. The da Vinci system provides a stable camera platform, three-dimensional imaging, excellent ergonomics, tremor elimination, ambidextrous capability, motion scaling, and instruments with multiple degrees of freedom. METHODS: These advantages can be applied in the field of colorectal surgery, and that's why we are reporting 45 cases that underwent robotic colorectal surgery. We concluded that the da Vinci system may be useful in surgical procedures, such as splenic flexure takedown, dissection of the inferior mesenteric artery with identification of the nervous plexus, and dissection of a narrow pelvis. The major drawbacks of robotic systems are high cost, and a lack of tactile sensation and tensile feedback to the surgeon, who must depend on visual cues to estimate the tension exerted on tissue by the robotic arms. RESULTS: In conclusion, robotic colorectal surgery can be performed safely and effectively, using the da Vinci surgical system, because this system has more dexterity and flexibility than conventional laparoscopic instruments. However, prospective randomized studies are necessary to evaluate the preservation of sexual and voiding function, as well as the oncological and functional (pelvic floor disorders) outcomes of this approach.

[Multiple lung metastasectomy for the poor differentiated metastatic synovial sarcoma]. / Metastazektomie více'etných plicních metastáz nízce diferencovaného synoviálního sarkomu.

OBJECTIVES: Synovial sarcoma is the rare indication for the pulmonary metastasectomy due to its aggressive biologic behavior and early dissemination. The radical surgical approach in therapy of the multiple pulmonary metastases could improve quality of life and median survival in carefully selected patients. METHODS: From the group of 7 patients with the lung metastases of the synovial sarcoma operated in our department during the last 5 years we are presenting the case of the 39 years old man with the previous history of the surgical removal of the synovial sarcoma near the cubital fossa one year before. Considering the lungs as the only organ involved, bilateral complete metastasectomy through muscle sparing vertical thoracotomies was done. There were 12 metastases from all lung lobes with the exception of the right middle lobe. Analysis of the pathologist showed biphasic metastatic synovial sarcoma with the high mitotic activity. The 6 cycles of the MAID regime succeeded. RESULTS: Median survival of the whole group is 25 months, there are 3 patients alive. In the above mentioned patient 1 year after the metastasectomy PET-CT showed focus of the 4th left rib suspected to be malignant. Wide resection of the rib was done, but no malignancy was disclosed, there were only reparative changes. The patient has been tolerated the oncological treatment very well and 45 months after the lung metastasectomy there are no sings of a malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Lung metastasectomy of the multiple lung metastases of the synovial sarcoma is of value despite of uncertain long-term prognosis. It is recommended to consider the metastasectomy even in low differentiated tumors. The prerequisite for the effective treatment is a complete resection.

Rare incidence of pulmonary gangrene--algorithm of the treatment.

The pulmonary gangrene is rare and serious disease. Our experience is based on the treatment of the 2 patients with pulmonary gangrene during the last twenty years. The first and lifesaving step in the treatment of sepsis is the early removal of the necrotic tissue. Next surgery succeeds usually after one week after initial treatment. Surgical treatment continues step by step, we do not advise providing of a major anatomical resection in the initial stage of the disease. This policy is effective in the treatment of this serious disease.