Treatment of pericardial effusion through subxiphoid tube pericardiostomy and computerized tomography- or echocardiography - guided percutaneous catheter drainage methods

Abstract Objective: In this retrospective study, we aimed to observe the efficacy of pericardial effusion (PE) treatments by a survey conducted at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University. Methods: In order to get comparable results, the patients with PE were divided into three groups - group A, 480 patients who underwent subxiphoid pericardiostomy; group B, 28 patients who underwent computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage; and group C, 45 patients who underwent echocardiography (ECHO)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage. Results: In the three groups of patients, the most important symptom and physical sign were dyspnea and tachycardia, respectively. The most common causes of PE were uremic pericarditis in patients who underwent tube pericardiostomy, postoperative PE in patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage, and cancer-related PE in patients who underwent ECHO-guided percutaneous catheter drainage. In all the patients, relief of symptoms was achieved after surgical intervention. There was no treatment-related mortality in any group of patients. In patients with tuberculous pericarditis, the rates of recurrent PE and/or constrictive pericarditis progress were 2,9% and 2,2% after tube pericardiostomy and ECHO-guided percutaneous catheter drainage, respectively. Conclusion: Currently, there are many methods to treat PE. The correct treatment method for each patient should be selected according to a very careful analysis of the patient's clinical condition as well as the prospective benefit of surgical intervention.

Left lateral intercostal region versus subxiphoid position for pleural drain during elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The pleural drain insertion site after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may alter lung function, especially respiratory muscle strength. The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of use of the left lateral intercostal region versus the subxiphoid position for pleural drainage during elective CABG surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC). DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized trial conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: 48 patients were assigned to group 1 (pleural drain in the left lateral intercostal region) or group 2 (pleural drain in the subxiphoid position). Respiratory muscle strength was measured in terms of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), in cmH2O, by means of manovacuometry preoperatively, 24 and 72 hours after drain removal and before discharge from hospital. Painand dyspnea scales, presence of infections, pleural effusion and atelectasis, duration of drain use, drainage volumes and surgical reinterventions were also evaluated. RESULTS: After adjustments, there were no significant differences between the groups at the end of the study (before discharge), in predicted percentages either for MIP (delta group 1: -17.21% versus delta group 2: -22.26%; P = 0.09) or for MEP (delta group 1: -9.38% versus delta group 2: -13.13%; P = 0.17). Therewere no differences between the groups in relation to other outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in maximal respiratory pressures in relation to the pleural drain insertion site among patients who underwent CABG surgery using ECC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEc V1111.1159.4447.

Percutaneous drainage of iliopsoas abscess: an effective option in cases not suitable for surgery / Drenagem percutânea de abscesso de iliopsoas: uma opção efetiva em casos não candidatos à cirurgia

ABSTRACT The aim of this study were to describe the technique of percutaneous drainage of iliopsoas abscess, and to discuss the benefits of using this minimally-invasive tool. A single center study with retrospective analysis of patients with psoas abscess confirmed by imaging scans, sent to the interventional medicine center and submitted to computed tomography and ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage, from November 2013 to August 2016. Seven patients underwent percutaneous drainage of psoas abscess in this period. The mean initial drained volume was 61.4±50.7mL (ranging from 10 to 130mL), and the mean drainage duration was 8.3±2.8 days (ranging from 4 to 12 days). The success rate of the percutaneous procedures was 71.5%, and two patients required re-intervention. Image-guided percutaneous drainage of iliopsoas abscess is a minimally invasive, efficient and safe procedure, and an extremely valuable technique, especially for patients who are not suitable for surgical repair.

RESUMO Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever a técnica de drenagem percutânea de abscesso de iliopsoas e discutir os benefícios do uso desta ferramenta minimamente invasiva. Trata-se de estudo unicêntrico com análise retrospectiva de pacientes com abscesso de psoas confirmado por exames de imagem, encaminhados a um centro de medicina intervencionista e submetidos à drenagem percutânea guiada por tomografia computadorizada e ultrassonografia, de novembro de 2013 a agosto de 2016. Sete pacientes foram submetidos à drenagem percutânea de abscesso de psoas no período avaliado. O volume drenado inicial médio foi 61,4±50,7mL (variação de 10 a 130mL), e a duração média da drenagem foi de 8,3±2,8 dias (variação de 4 a 12 dias). A taxa de sucesso dos procedimentos percutâneos foi 71,5%, e dois pacientes necessitaram de reintervenção. A drenagem percutânea guiada por imagem de abscesso de iliopsoas é um procedimento minimamente invasivo, eficiente e seguro, além de ser uma técnica muito valiosa, especialmente em pacientes que não são candidatos à abordagem cirúrgica.

Do Foley Catheters Adequately Drain the Bladder? Evidence from CT Imaging Studies

The Foley catheter has been widely assumed to be an effective means of draining the bladder. However, recent studies have brought into question its efficacy. The objective of our study is to further assess the adequacy of Foley catheter for complete drainage of the bladder.

Drenaje y stent percutáneo de via biliar en tumores hepato-bilio pancreáticos / Drainage and percutaneous stent of bile duct in hepato bilio pancreatic tumors

Introducción: Los pacientes con obstrucciones biliares malignas, tienen generalmente un mal pronóstico y una mala calidad de vida. Muchos de estos tumores son irresecables y se presentan ictericos a la consulta. El drenaje percutáneo transhepático con o sin stent, es un método mini-invasivo paliativo que aporta calidad de vida, con baja morbi-mortalidad. Objetivo: analizar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción biliar maligna mediante el acceso percutáneo transhépatico. Lugar de aplicación: Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Padilla - Actividad extra hospitalaria. Tucumán. Diseño: estudio observacional retrospectivo. Población: fueron analizados 59 pacientes, 30 varones y 29 mujeres, a los cuales se les realizo un drenaje percutáneo de la vía biliar. Método: los drenajes percutáneos se realizaron con guía exográfica y radiológica, en sala de operación, con anestesia local, sedación y/o general, previo análisis de riesgo, beneficio y táctica propuesta de un equipo multidisciplinario, para el tratamiento de cada paciente. Resultados: se realizó el drenaje a los 59 pacientes. Se trataron 22 Ca de vesícula, 21 tumores de vía biliar, 8 ca de páncreas, y 6 recidivas tumorales (vía biliar, estomago y páncreas). Se colocaron 17 drenajes externos, 28 externos-internos bilaterales. En 22 pacientes se colocó stent posterior. Las complicaciones observadas fueron: absceso hepático 2 ptes, coleperitoneo 1 pte, hematoma hepático 2 ptes, absceso subfrenico 1 pte, hemofilia 4 ptes, pancreatitis aguda 1 pte. Tuvimos una mortalidad relacionada al procedimiento de 1 pte (1.6 por ciento) y de 12 pacientes (20.3 por ciento) en los primeros 30 días del drenaje relacionados a su patología oncológica. Conclusiones: el drenaje percutáneo de vía biliar es un método efectivo para paliar la ictericia en pacientes con obstrucciones biliares malignas avanzadas...

Prosthesis for open pleurostomy (POP): management for chronic empyemas

OBJECTIVES: We developed a prosthesis for open pleurostomy cases where pulmonary decortication is not indicated, or where post-pneumonectomy space infection occurs. The open pleural window procedure not only creates a large hole in the chest wall that is shocking to patients, also results in a permanent deformation of the thorax. prosthesis for open pleurostomy is a self-retained silicone tube that requires the removal of 3 cm of one rib for insertion, and acts as a mature conventional open pleural window. Herein, we report our 13-year experience with this device in the management of different kinds of pleural empyema. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients with chronic empyema were treated. The etiology of empyema was diverse: pneumonia, 20; lung resections, 12 (pneumonectomies, 7; lobectomies, 4; non-anatomical, 1); mixed-tuberculous, 6; and mixed-malignant pleural effusion, 6. After debridment of both pleural surfaces, the prosthesis for open pleurostomy was inserted and attached to a small recipient plastic bag. RESULTS: Infection control was achieved in 20/20 (100 percent) of the parapneumonic empyemas, in 3/4 (75 percent) of post-lobectomies, in 6/7 (85 percent) of post-pneumectomies, in 6/6 (100 percent) of mixed-tuberculous cases, and in 4/6 (83 percent) of mixed-malignant cases. Lung re-expansion was also successful in 93 percent, 75 percent, 33 percent, and 40 percent of the groups, respectively CONCLUSIONS: Prosthesis for open pleurostomy insertion is a minimally invasive procedure that can be as effective as conventional open pleural window for management of chronic empyemas. Thus, we propose that the use of prosthesis for open pleurostomy should replace the conventional method.

Utilização da válvula unidirecional de tórax como sistema de drenagem no pós-operatório de ressecções pulmonares / Use of a one-way flutter valve drainage system in the postoperative period following lung resection

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a drenagem pleural através de válvula unidirecional de tórax no pós-operatório de ressecção pulmonar eletiva. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas 39 ressecções pulmonares, de forma prospectiva e com análise descritiva, em pacientes que utilizaram a válvula unidirecional de tórax (VUT) como o método de drenagem pleural durante o período pós-operatório. Foram excluídos os pacientes com idade inferior a 12 anos, os submetidos à pneumectomia ou a operação de urgência, os que não completaram o seguimento do estudo e os pacientes que utilizaram o sistema de frasco em selo d'água como método inicial de drenagem pleural. Observou-se a expansão pulmonar, o tempo de permanência com o sistema de drenagem, o período de internação e as complicações pós-operatórias. RESULTADOS: Neste estudo, foram incluídos e analisados 36 pacientes. A média de permanência com o sistema de drenagem pleural foi de 3,0 ± 1,6 dias. O laudo da radiografia de tórax, realizado após 30 dias do procedimento cirúrgico foi considerado normal em 34 (95,2 por cento) pacientes. Ocorreram oito (22,4 por cento) casos de complicações pós-operatórias, sendo três (8,4 por cento) relacionadas à VUT. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização da VUT no pós-operatório de ressecção pulmonar eletiva foi eficiente, bem tolerada e apresentou baixo índice de complicação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pleural drainage using a one-way flutter valve following elective lung resection. METHODS: This was a prospective study, with descriptive analysis, of 39 lung resections performed using a one-way flutter valve to achieve pleural drainage during the postoperative period. Patients less than 12 years of age were excluded, as were those submitted to pneumonectomy or emergency surgery, those who were considered lost to follow-up and those in whom water-seal drainage was used as the initial method of pleural drainage. Lung expansion, duration of the drainage, hospital stay and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were included and analyzed in this study. The mean duration of pleural drainage was 3.0 ± 1.6 days. At 30 days after the surgical procedure, chest X-ray results were considered normal for 34 patients (95.2 percent). Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (22.4 percent) and were related to the drainage system in 3 (8.4 percent) of those. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a one-way flutter valve following elective lung resection was effective, was well tolerated and presented a low rate of complications.

Randomized prospective evaluation of nephrostomy tube configuration: impact on postoperative pain

OBJECTIVE: Conduct a prospective randomized single-blind comparison of two nephrostomy catheter designs, evaluating specifically intraoperative placement and postoperative comfort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The single-blind, prospective randomized trial was conducted with institutional review board approval. All patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy who gave informed consent were randomized to placement of either a Boston Scientific Flexima 8.3F pigtail nephrostomy tube #27-180 (PIG) or a Boston Scientific 8.2F nephroureteral stent #410-126 (NUS). Randomization was concealed from the surgeon until time of placement. Subjective intraoperative placement characteristics were rated by the surgeon on a scale of 1 = excellent, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = poor. The patient's postoperative pain intensity was evaluated with a Visual Analog Pain Score (0 = no pain to 10 = worst pain). RESULTS: Nine patients were randomized to each group. The PIG group was rated significantly better than the NUS group with regards to ease of placement (p = 0.007) and radiopacity of the tube (p = 0.007) by surgeon. Visual analog pain scores on postoperative day one, was significantly lower in the PIG group (mean = 2+/-2) than the NUS group (mean = 5+/-1) (p = 0.004). The mean amount of intra-venous morphine equivalent given in the PIG group (mean = 1+/4 Eq morphine) was less on average compared to the NUS group (mean = 6+/13 Eq morphine), but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Following percutaneous nephrolithotomy, use of a small pig-tail nephrostomy tube results in greater ease of placement and less postoperative pain than a nephroureteral catheter.

Likelihood of retrograde double-J stenting according to ureteral obstructing pathology

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the likelihood of retrograde double-J stenting in urgent ureteral drainage according to obstructing pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2002 to January 2003, 43 consecutive patients with ureteral obstruction who needed urgent decompression were evaluated at our institution, where we performed a total of 47 procedures. Emergency was defined as ureteral obstruction associated with infection, obstructive acute renal failure, or refractory pain. Ureteral obstruction was defined as intrinsic and extrinsic based on etiology and evaluated by ultrasound. Patients submitted to previous double-J stenting were excluded. Failures in retrograde ureteral stenting were treated with percutaneous nephrostomy. Results were analyzed with Fisher's exact test and regression analysis. RESULTS: Failure in retrograde ureteral stenting occurred in 9 percent (2/22) and 52 percent (13/25) of the attempts in patients with intrinsic and extrinsic obstruction respectively (p < 0.001). Failures in stenting extrinsic obstructions occurred due to lack of identification of the ureteral meatus in 77 percent and impossibility of catheter progression in 23 percent (p < 0.05). All attempts of retrograde catheter insertion failed in obstructions caused by prostate or bladder pathologies (6/6). Inability to identify the ureteral meatus was the cause of all failures. CONCLUSION: Retrograde double-J stenting has a low probability of success in extrinsic ureteral obstruction caused by prostate or bladder disease. Such cases might be best managed with percutaneous nephrostomy.