Lower esophageal ring: experiences in treatment of 88 patients.

The lower esophageal ring is an unusual clinical disorder of the esophagus and consists of a thin submucosal circumferential scar that forms in the lower esophagus. It is probably an acquired lesion resulting from repeated insults to the lower esophageal mucosa. The symptom of dysphagia results from esophageal obstruction, and the degree of obstruction is directly related to the internal diameter of the ring. Episodic aphagia results from impaction of food at the site of the ring. Since 1970, 88 patients have been seen with either dysphagia or episodic aphagia. Sixty-five with chronic limited reflux were treated primarily by oral dilation. Two of them required an antireflux procedure at a later date because of accentuation of reflux symptoms. Eighteen patients received surgical treatment initially because of severe reflux disease. Treatment consisted of interruption of the ring combined with an antireflux procedure. Five patients received no treatment. Lower esophageal ring may be managed satisfactorily through oral dilation, resulting in relief of dysphagia. If reflux disease is present or is accentuated by dilation and cannot be controlled medically, then the appropriate antireflux procedure should be done.

Delayed chest wall pain due to sternal wire sutures.

This report describes 18 patients with disabling chest wall pain due to one or more sternal wire sutures. The pain occurred from 2 to 84 months after a median sternotomy. The pain was described either as sharp and stabbing or as a deep-seated ache. The involved wires had an exaggerated fibrous tissue reaction surrounding the twisted portion. The adjacent noninvolved wires had minimal reaction. In the last 7 patients, serial sections of the fibrous tissue revealed entrapment of one or more sensory nerve fibers. In 6 of the 7 electrical potentials were measured and found to be elevated, indicating wire damage during twisting. Ferroxyl tests confirmed the collection of iron ions at this anodic point as a result of corrosion. Removal of the involved wires and the fibrous tissue surrounding this anodic point relieved the symptoms of pain and tenderness resulting from entrapped sensory nerves.

Preoperative assessment of the high-risk patient for lung resection.

BACKGROUND: We wanted to determine if cardiopulmonary exercise testing could better identify the threshold where physiologic function is irreparably impaired for patients with borderline pulmonary function who are being considered for lung cancer resection. METHODS: We performed an open, prospective preoperative trial and a postoperative outcome evaluation with a combined medical, surgical, and exercise physiology evaluation at three university hospitals. All eligible patients had spirometry, lung volume determination, and quantitative perfusion scanning and performed a cardiopulmonary stress test, stair climbing, and a 12-minute walk for distance. Functional status was determined with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, a dyspnea score, and a cardiopulmonary risk index. RESULTS: We identified 12 patients who met strict criteria for borderline pulmonary function during a 1-year study period. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 1.38 L (48% of predicted). The mean predicted postoperative FEV1 based on pneumonectomy was 700 mL. Eleven of the patients did the stair climb and 10 passed. All 12 patients achieved a maximum oxygen consumption greater than or equal to 10 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) (mean value, 13.8 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Thirteen operations were performed on the 12 patients. Nine complications occurred in 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with borderline pulmonary function can undergo resection safely if they have an FEV1 equal to or greater than 1.6 L or 40% of its predicted value, a predicted postoperative FEV1 of 700 mL or more, a maximum oxygen consumption of 10 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) or greater, or stair climbing of three flights or more. Cardiopulmonary stress testing and stair climbing add valuable clinical information for patients with an FEV1 of less than 1.6 L.

Cushing's syndrome associated with bronchial adenoma.

A case of Cushing's syndrome associated with a bronchial adenoma treated eight years before with bilateral adrenalectomy was cured by surgical excision of the bronchial adenoma. A discussion of clinical and hormonal features of this lesion is presented. It is concluded that this tumor manifested a capability of synthesizing and releasing substances which are chemically and biologically similar to adrenocorticotropic hormone andmelanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Stimulation of the adrenal cortex by this material results in hyperplasia and hypersecretion, and stimulation of the melanocytesy MSH resulted in excessive pigmentation. Acknowledgment: We are indebted to Doctors Wendell Nicholson, David N. Orth, and Grant W. Liddle of Vanderbilt University for determinations of ACTH and MSH levels and to Mrs. E.P. Jessup for assistance in preparation of statistical data for this manuscript.

A new technique for resection of thoracoabdominal aneurysms.

This report describes a temporary bypass shunt as a simple and effective method of reducing stasis time to the visceral arteries when resecting thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus.

Carcinoma of the esophagus, the fourth most common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, still has a dismal outlook. Since July 1960, we have collected data on 642 patients with this lesion. Adenocarcinomas (which might arise from gastric mucosa) have been excluded. Almost one-fifth of the patients were far-advanced and inoperable when first diagnosed. Time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was deemed excessive in over half of the patients; physicians frequently accounted for much of this delay. Preoperative diagnosis proved accurate in 99 per cent of the cases. Evaluations of direct extensions and distant metastases and attention to nutritional status correction were of prime importance. Operative technique and indications for surgery have become "standardized," and while surgical mortality has remained about 20 per cent throughout the period, morbidity has decreased steadily. Comparisons of irradiation and surgery in relation to palliation indicate that palliation is probably better in the surgically treated patient. However, it is emphasized that this comparison, as well as comparison of other results, is not scientifically valid since the groups of patients are not comparable due to clinical selection.