Neovascularization after ischemic conditioning of the stomach and the influence of follow-up neoadjuvant chemotherapy thereon.

INTRODUCTION: Esophagectomy and reconstruction remain the optimal treatment for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. Neovascularization after ischemic conditioning of the stomach before esophagectomy is a laparoscopic procedure which may potentially reduce gastric conduit ischemia. AIM: To investigate the influence of ischemic conditioning on neovascularization along the greater curvature of the stomach and to explore the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on neovascularization after ischemic conditioning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Staging laparoscopy was performed before the main resection procedure; during this procedure ischemic conditioning was performed. Samples taken from the human stomach were divided into 3 groups: group A - patients after ischemic conditioning with a delay of 30-45 days after left gastric artery (LGA) ligation (n = 4); group B - patients who were undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a delay of 90-140 days after left gastric artery ligation (n = 4); and control group C - patients without ischemic conditioning (n = 7). RESULTS: After ischemic conditioning with a delay of 30-45 days, the count of neovessels along the greater curvature of the stomach increased from 5.4 ±0.7 in the control group to 17.5 ±0.9 in a low-power field of view (LPF) in group A and increased still further on average to 19.8 ±10.4 in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Left gastric artery ligation only is a sufficient procedure for ischemic conditioning of the stomach. Neovascularization along the greater curvature is a continuous process that depends on delay time. Neoadjuvant therapy has no influence on the effect of neovascularization.

Comparison of the results and complications of palmar and dorsal miniinvasive approaches in the surgery of scaphoid fractures. A prospective randomized study.

AIMS: To compare the functional results and complications associated with palmar percutaneous and dorsal limited approaches in the surgical treatment of nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fractures type B2. METHODS: A total of 76 patients with acute nondisplaced or minimally displaced type B2 scaphoid fractures were included in a prospective randomised study. The assignment patients to groups according to type of operative approach was based on systematic sampling. Clinical follow-up, X-ray or CT imaging were performed at four, eight and twelve weeks and one year after the surgery. Patient satisfaction and the results of DASH form were evaluated as well. The differences were statistically tested. RESULTS: We found significantly better flexion and grip strength in the group of palmar percutaneous aprroach during the follow-up examination at eight weeks after the surgery. Significantly better flexion of the same group persisted at twelve-week follow-up examination. No differences in results or complications were statistically significant up to one year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: We found no advantage to the palmar percutaneous approach in the treatment of nondisplaced and minimally displaced scaphoid fractures type B2 compared to dorsal limited approach.