Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, but not sleeve gastrectomy, decreases plasma PCSK9 levels in morbidly obese patients.

AIM: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a master regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism, acting as an endogenous inhibitor of the LDL receptor. While it has been shown that bariatric surgery differentially affects plasma LDL-C levels, little is known of its effects on plasma PCSK9 concentrations. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (i) investigate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on plasma PCSK9 concentrations; and (ii) correlate baseline or postoperative plasma PCSK9 concentration variations with anthropometric and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Fasting plasma PCSK9 levels were measured by ELISA in morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after bariatric surgery. Patients were recruited from three prospective cohorts (in Nantes and Colombes in France, and Antwerp in Belgium). RESULTS: A total of 156 patients (34SG, 122RYGB) were included. Plasma PCSK9, LDL-C and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels were significantly reduced after RYGB (-19.6%, -16.6% and -19.5%, respectively; P<0.0001), but not after SG. In all patients, postoperative PCSK9 change was positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG; r=0.22, P=0.007), HOMA-IR (r=0.24, P=0.005), total cholesterol (r=0.17, P=0.037) and non-HDL-C (r=0.17, P=0.038) variations, but not LDL-C. In contrast to what was observed for glucose parameters (FPG, HOMA-IR), correlation between PCSK9 and non-HDL-C changes after RYGB was independent of total weight loss. CONCLUSION: RYGB, but not SG, promotes a significant reduction in plasma PCSK9 levels, and such changes in circulating PCSK9 levels after RYGB appear to be more associated with glucose improvement than with lipid homoeostasis parameters.

Cefazolin tissue concentrations with a prophylactic dose administered before sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients: a single centre study in 116 patients.

BACKGROUND: In obese patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, the blood and fatty-tissue concentrations of cefazolin required for adequate antibiotic prophylaxis are uncertain. METHODS: This was a single centre prospective study in obese (Group A: 40≤ BMI ≤50 kg m-2) and severely obese (Group B: 50< BMI ≤65 kg m-2) patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Blood and fatty-tissue samples were collected after a cefazolin 4 g i.v. injection. The primary aim was to compare cefazolin concentrations in subcutaneous fatty tissue with a targeted tissue concentration of 4 µg g-1 according to Staphylococcus aureus resistance breakpoint. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients were included: 79 in Group A and 37 in Group B. At the beginning of the surgery, cefazolin concentration in subcutaneous fatty tissue was 12.2 (5.4) µg g-1 in Group A and 12 (6.1) µg g-1 in Group B (P=0.7). At the end, cefazolin concentrations in subcutaneous fatty tissue were 9.0 (4.9) and 7.8 (4.2) µg g-1 in Groups A and B, respectively (P=0.2). The plasma concentration of free cefazolin during surgery was higher in Group A than in Group B (P<0.0001). Fatty-tissue concentrations of 95% and 83% patients in Groups A and B, respectively, were above S. aureus resistance breakpoint. CONCLUSIONS: After a 4 g dose, the concentrations of cefazolin in fatty tissue were above the 4 µg g-1 tissue concentration target, providing adequate antibiotic tissue concentrations during bariatric surgery. As cefazolin concentration in fatty tissue is a surrogate endpoint, the results should be considered in conjunction with the results on free cefazolin concentrations in subcutaneous tissue. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01537380.

Indicators of iron status are correlated with adiponectin expression in adipose tissue of patients with morbid obesity.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess interactions between glucose and iron homoeostasis in the adipose tissue (AT) of obese subjects. METHODS: A total of 46 obese patients eligible for bariatric surgery were recruited into the study. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were assessed, and biopsies of subcutaneous (SCAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) performed. The mRNA levels of genes involved in iron and glucose homoeostasis were measured in their AT and compared with a pool of control samples. RESULTS: Gene expression of hepcidin (HAMP) was significantly increased in the SCAT and VAT of obese patients, while transferrin receptor (TFRC) expression was reduced, compared with non-obese controls, suggesting a higher iron load in obese patients. Also, mRNA levels of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) were decreased in both SCAT and VAT in obese patients, and correlated negatively with hepcidin expression, while adiponectin expression was positively correlated with TFRC expression in both SCAT and VAT. Interestingly, TFRC expression in VAT correlated negatively with several metabolic parameters, such as fasting blood glucose and LDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Iron content appears to be increased in the SCAT and VAT of obese patients, and negatively correlated with adiponectin expression, which could be contributing to insulin resistance and the metabolic complications of obesity.

[Venous leiomyosarcoma mimicking deep venous thrombosis: contribution of positron emission tomography]. / Léiomyosarcome veineux mimant une thrombose veineuse profonde : intérêts de la tomographie par émission de positrons.

Leiomyosarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal tumors. We report the case of a 55-year-old man with a lung metastasis from an iliofemoral leiomyosarcoma mimicking a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Vascular leiomyosarcoma occurs in the wall of large vessels, and usually presents as unexplained DVT. To date, few cases of peripheral leiomyosarcomas have been described in the literature. This observation demonstrates the usefulness of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), beyond oncologic staging, in such indications as the workup of an unexplained DVT. In this report, PET prevented a misdiagnosis of DVT by showing a peculiar cockade appearance of the vessel. Compared with conventional imaging, PET can provide complementary information. The specificity of such information still needs to be assessed.

Internal hernias: anatomical basis and clinical relevance.

The aim of this study was to present and discuss the anatomical basis of internal hernias thanks to our clinical experience of 14 cases. Internal hernias are uncommon cases of acute intestinal obstruction when a viscera protrudes through an intraperitoneal orifice, remaining inside the peritoneal cavity. It excludes iatrogenic post surgical hernias. From an anatomical point of view, three kinds of orifices may be interested. The orifice may be normal: epiploic or omental (Winslow's) foramen, or abnormal through a pathologic transomental hole realizing an internal prolapsus or procidentia, without sac. Or this orifice may be a paranormal peritoneal fossa (para duodenal or retrocaecal) acting as a trap for the bowel: these hernias possess a sac and are considered as true hernias. The clinical diagnosis is always difficult. CT scan can be useful confirming the obstruction and leads to an urgent operation. This retrospective study evaluates diagnosis, management and follow-up according to the type of anatomical orifice and delay of surgery.

[Meckel's diverticulum Diagnosed by CT-Enteroclysis]. / Diagnostic d'un diverticule de Meckel hémorragique par entéroscanner.

The authors report the case of a 24 year old woman presenting with acute lower GI hemorrhage caused by a Meckel's diverticulum. Diagnosis was made by CT-enteroclysis and confirmed at surgery. This new imaging technique will be briefly described and compared to the other more traditional small bowel imaging techniques. The authors will then present the CT-enteroclysis imaging features of this congenital anomaly.

[Techniques, indications and early results of splenic preservation during left pancreatectomy]. / Techniques, indications et résultats précoces de la conservation splénique dans les exérèses pancréatiques gauches.

STUDY AIM: Splenic preservation is rarely performed during left pancreatectomy. We compared retrospectively the early results of left pancreatectomy with and without splenic preservation to define the place of this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1979 to 1997, among 54 left pancreatectomies for another indication than adenocarcinoma, 13 were performed with and 41 without splenic preservation. The technique used for splenic preservation was prograde dissection of the left pancreas with (n = 4) and without (n = 9) preservation of both splenic artery and vein. The preoperative characteristics of the patients, peroperative data, postoperative morbidity and length of stay were compared. RESULTS: Mean operative time was longer with splenic preservation (262 +/- 67 min versus 215.6 +/- 59 min, p < 0.05), particularly in case of splenic vessels preservation (295 +/- 38 min, p < 0.02) whereas no difference was noted with splenic vessels ligation (240 +/- 76 min, p > 0.05). No mortality occurred. Prevalence of preoperative or postoperative haemorrhage, morbidity, or length of stay (intensive care unit and whole hospitalisation) did not differ with or without splenic preservation. Five patients developed pancreatic fistula without influence of splenic preservation: 1/13 (7.7%) versus 4/41 (9.7%); conversely, surgery following acute pancreatitis was associated with an higher risk of pancreatic fistula: 3/5 versus 2/49 (p < 0.005). No splenic necrosis occurred after splenic preservation. CONCLUSION: During left pancreatectomy, splenic preservation increases the operative duration (only in case of preservation of splenic vessels) but does not increase morbidity. This technique should be used whenever possible to allow long term immunological benefits of splenic preservation.

[Abnormal catheter mobility in a totally implantable venous access depending on the upright or supine position in an obese patient]. / Mobilité anormale d'un cathéter de chambre implantable selon la posture chez une patiente obèse.

The authors advise on an exceptional complication in a totally implantable venous access and give recommendations on how to avoid this problem. In an obese person, one week after the implantation of a totally implantable venous access, a chest X-ray showed that the catheter was too short. In the operative room, at the time of the second intervention, the radioscopy did not find this anomaly. The subcutaneous injection port was positioned too low. When the patient was in a supine position, the subcutaneous injection port was in the correct position but when she was in an upright position, the breast descended and pulled down the subcutaneous injection port and the catheter.

[Accessory cystic duct discovered by intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy]. / Canal cystique accessoire découvert par cholangiographie peropératoire au cours d'une cholécystectomie.

The study aim was to report a rare biliary variation detected with an intraoperative cholangiography during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. After the ligation of the cystic duct, the gallbladder was opacified via an accessory cystic duct flowing into a branch of the right hepatic duct. This accessory cystic duct was clipped and the postoperative course was uneventful.

[Complicated colonic diverticulosis. Results of surgical treatment between 1981 and 1998 in 370 patients]. / Les diverticuloses coliques compliquées. Résultats du traitement chirurgical entre 1981 et 1998 chez 370 patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze case reports of all the patients with complicated diverticular disease of the colon admitted in the same surgical center during an 18-year period and to report the postoperative results in patients operated on in emergency and in patients operated on electively. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1981 to 1998, 501 patients were admitted for complicated diverticular disease. There were 233 men and 268 women. Mean age was 66 years (range: 27-96). One hundred and thirty-one patients were only treated medically and 370 patients were operated on, either as an emergency (n = 211) or electively (n = 159). The complicated diverticular disease was located on the left colon in 362 cases and in the right colon in 8 cases. RESULTS: In the emergency group, 103 patients were operated on for pelvic (n = 24) and generalized purulent (n = 67) or stercoral (n = 12) peritonitis, mainly with Hartmann procedure (n = 80) with 14 postoperative deaths; 67 were operated on for pericolic abscess with 6 deaths, 19 for colonic obstruction with two deaths and 22 for profuse hemorrhage with 4 deaths. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 12.3%, and morbidity rate 38.7%. Intestinal continuity was restored in 74% and eventrations were present in 10%. In the elective group, there were two postoperative deaths in patients with a colic fistula (n = 30), no mortality and a 10.8% morbidity rate in the other patients (n = 129). CONCLUSION: This series of an 18-year duration emphasizes the severity of surgery for acute complications in diverticular disease of the colon and the advantages of elective surgery. Large progress in the management of peritonitis and pericolic abscesses has made possible the improvement of their prognosis.

Interleukin 1 and interleukin 1beta converting enzyme (caspase 1) expression in the human colonic epithelial barrier. Caspase 1 downregulation in colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL) 1beta converting enzyme (now known as caspase 1) is able to process pro-IL-1beta into its active form and is involved in proapoptotic signalling. AIMS: To characterise IL-1 and caspase 1 expression in human colonic epithelial cells. METHODS: Intracellular IL-1 content (IL-1alpha and IL-1beta) was measured by ELISA in freshly isolated human normal colonocytes. Caspase 1 expression was determined both at the mRNA level using in situ hybridisation and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and at the protein level by immunoblotting experiments using antibodies specific for the proform of caspase 1 and for its cleavage forms. RESULTS: Low amounts of IL-1beta were found in nearly all preparations (92%), and IL-1alpha was detected in only 45% of human colonocyte preparations. The normal colonic epithelium strongly expressed caspase 1, both at the mRNA level and at the protein level in its latent form. In contrast, caspase 1 was not expressed in colon cancer (primary colonic adenocarcinomas and cancer cell lines). CONCLUSIONS: The demonstration that the human colonic epithelial barrier is able to express caspase 1 and its substrate IL-1beta reinforces the concept that, under certain conditions, the epithelium could trigger an inflammatory reaction. In addition, the finding that caspase 1 was downregulated in colonic adenocarcinomas supports the concept that disrupted apoptosis pathways may be involved in tumour formation and/or may confer resistance to treatment.

[Severe pancreaticoduodenal trauma: review of a series of 30 patients]. / Traumatismes fermés duodéno-pancréatiques sévères. A propos d'une série de 30 patients.

Retrospective study of a series of 30 patients (mean age: 25.5 years), including 8 children with severe duodenopancreatic trauma, treated over a period of 15 years. This series consisted of 14 cases of duodenal perforation, 3 cases of duodenal haematoma, 11 cases of isolated pancreatic lesions (including 5 isthmic ruptures) and 2 cases of associated duodenal and pancreatic lesions. Injuries were due to road accidents in 60% of cases. Eight patients were considered to have multiple injuries. Twelve patients required emergency surgery. Eighteen were observed in a surgical unit. Two duodenal haematomas were operated. Duodenal perforations were operated urgently in 8 cases and electively in 6 cases. The surgical procedure consisted of simple suture (n = 3), suture combined with diversion (n = 7), or resection-anastomosis (n = 4). Five patients with pancreatic contusion were operated, in a context of acute pancreatitis in four cases and for associated lesions in one case. Isthmic ruptures were treated by left pancreatic resection. This was a rare lesion (1.8 to 9% of organ lesions). Duodenal haematomas justify first-line medical treatment, while duodenal perforations must be operated. The presence of a lesion of the pancreatic duct frequently justifies pancreatic resection.

[Surgical treatment of colonic cancer after 75 years of age. Study of a series of 240 patients]. / Traitement chirurgical des cancers coliques après 75 ans. Etude d'une série de 240 patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results of the surgical treatment for large bowel cancer in patients over 75 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1985 to 1996, 240 patients. 114 men and 126 women, aged 75 years or over (mean age: 82, range: 75 to 95 years) underwent surgical treatment for large bowel carcinoma. Tumors were located in the right colon (n = 120), left colon (n = 100), transverse colon (n = 5), or were multiple (n = 15). Clinical presentation was failure of general condition (25%), intestinal obstruction (20%), rectal bleeding (20%), abdominal pain (17%). ASA score was I (n = 1), II (n = 69), III (n = 134), or IV (n = 36). Emergency surgery was mandatory in 110 cases (43 urgent and 67 delayed procedures) and 130 patients underwent elective surgery. Surgical resection was performed in 221 cases, including 177 cases with curative intent (67%). Surgical procedures included right colectomy (n = 119), left colectomy (n = 59), transverse colectomy (n = 9) or subtotal colectomy (n = 31). Histopathological staging was Astler--Coller A (n = 8), B (n = 116), C (n = 54) et D (n = 62). RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful in 157 cases (65.4%). Medical complications occurred in 46 patients with 34 deaths; and surgical complications in 39 patients with 20 subsequent reoperations and 15 deaths. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 20.4% (n = 49). Postoperative mortality rate was higher after emergency operations (32.7% vs 10%), higher with the level of ASA grading (class II: 8.6%, Class III: 17.1%, Class IV: 38.8%), higher in patients over 90 years (37.4% vs. 19.1%) and in patients without surgical resection (42% vs 18.5%). Disease specific 5-year survival rate was 45% and did not differ when compared to patients younger than 75 years (42%, data not reported). CONCLUSIONS: Patients older than 75 years remain a high risk group, specially if operated on emergency. Nevertheless, age is not a limiting factor in the surgical treatment of colon cancer. Prognosis is mostly depending on ASA grading. Colectomy with curative intent has to be performed when possible.

Study of survival and prognostic factors in patients undergoing resection for gastric linitis plastica: a review of 86 cases.

A retrospective study was conducted in a series of 86 patients (51 men and 35 women; mean age 63.4 years) treated from 1979 to 1995 for linitis plastica of the stomach (LP). The mean interval between the first manifestations and surgery was 3.5 months. The most frequent clinical sign was epigastric pain which occurred in 80.4% of cases. Biopsies were positive in 75.6% of cases. Typical features of LP were found in only 46% of esogastric barium enemas and 11.8% of upper gastrofiberscopic examinations. Seventy-four patients had surgical excision (51 total and 23 partial gastrectomies). There were 6 (7%) postoperative deaths and 10 (11.6%) surgical complications. Node involvement was found in 54 (72.9%) patients. Overall actuarial survival (n = 86) was 50% at 12 months, 40% at 18 months and 7.5% at 84 months. Survival did not depend on the delay in diagnosis, histological analysis of the extremities of the excised piece, associated tissue differentiation, node involvement or the type of surgical excision. The prognosis differed according to tumor height (P<0.01) and involvement of the deep stomach wall (P<0.001). No independent prognostic factor was found in multivariate analysis. Surgery remains the sole possibility for curative therapy in these patients.

[Adult fecal incontinence due to anal sphincter lesions: which preoperative preparations? Which surgical solutions?]. / Incontinence anale par atteinte sphinctérienne de l'adulte: quel bilan préopératoire? Quelles solutions chirurgicales?

Management of fecal incontinence due to anal sphincter lesions involves a good preoperative evaluation. This tends to confirm the incontinence, to search its mechanism, and to classify it according to the type of sphincter lesion owing to manometry, ultrasonography, and defecography. The surgical option is discussed after failure of medical treatment and biofeedback. The aim of surgery is to restore the incontinence and to maintain the exemption function. The surgical procedures include the sphincter repairs, the sphincter substitution, or even colostomy. Among the procedures of sphincter repairs, the direct repair is performed for obstetrical ruptures or postsurgical lesions of the anal sphincter, and the pelvic floor repairs are performed for fecal incontinence with intact but poorly functioning sphincter. Failures of these conservative methods lead the surgeons to develop new techniques for anal sphincter substitution. Dynamic graciloplasty and artificial sphincter (both under evaluation) constitute currently the promising alternatives to colostomy.

[Oncocytic tumors of the thyroid. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Report of 17 cases and review of the literature]. / Tumeurs oncocytaires de la thyroïde problèmes diagnostiques et thérapeutiques. Rapport de 17 cas et revue de la littérature.

Histopathologic and clinical follow-up data of 17 patients observed 3-104 months (mean: 38 months) after operation for oncocytic tumors of the thyroid gland are presented. Mean patient age was 50 +/- 15 years. Benign and malignant lesions were respectively 13 and 4. Frozen sections were positive for benign and malignant lesions in respectively 7 and 2 cases. Total thyroidectomy was performed in all cases of malignant lesions and in 7 cases of benign lesion, the latter in order to treat high volume adenomas or associated controlateral lesions. No tumor relapse was observed during the follow-up period (data about 16 patients). A review of the literature indicates that thyroid oncocytic adenoma diagnosis can be trusted and that this tumor is not especially prone to a malignant course with the mode of treatment applied. Thus total thyroidectomy should be recommended for: 1) malignant tumors. 2) and for selected benign adenomas depending on the tumor volume or on associated lesions.

[Post-appendectomy fistulas of the cecum. Apropos of 22 cases]. / Fistules caecales post-appendicectomies. A propos de vingt-deux cas.

Appendicitis, usually a benign disease, can have its prognosis worsened in case of postoperative fistula. The latter occurs rarely after open appendectomy (0.133%), but accounts for 10% of the morbidity rate. The authors reviewed 22 cases of these fistulas, treated during a 24-year period (January 1970 to December 1993). The aim of these retrospective study was to precise their clinical features, to evaluate paraclinical examinations in diagnosing these complications and to give guidelines for their treatment. Fistulas occurred at day 14 in the postoperative course. In 21 case, appendicitis was severe (suppurative, gangrenous or perforated) or appendectomy quoted as technically difficult. Location of the appendix was atypical in 7 cases. Drainage of the site was performed in 17 cases at the time of appendectomy. Diagnosis was made on the aspect of the drainage fluid in 14 cases. Diagnosis workup of the fistula associated plain abdominal radiograph and abdominal ultrasonography (n = 22). Fistulography (n = 6) confirmed the clinical diagnosis of fistula, showing the leaking in all cases. Medical treatment was attempted first in 14 cases and was successful in 11 cases with a healing time from 13 to 72 days. Surgical treatment (open drainage of the site) was attempted first in 11 cases, and was mandatory in 3 other cases because of medical treatment failure: one patient died and 5 patients underwent re-operation (right colectomy in 3 cases, bypass in 1 case and re-drainage in 1 case). Fistulography in our experience, is highly reliable and is considered to be a great assistance in management of these fistulas. Medical treatment remains the best initial treatment modality. Surgery must be contemplated in case of established external fistulas, and of purulent or faecal fistulas. Nevertheless, prognosis remains poor (50% re-operation rate).