Effects of iodine intake on thyroid secondary lysosomes after subtotal thyroidectomy.

This study tested the effects of different iodine intakes on thyroid ultrastructure and function in thyroid remnants after subtotal thyroidectomy (sub-tx). Removal of most of the thyroid gland causes an elevation of endogenous TSH, which chronically stimulates the residual tissue. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; Low Iodine Group (LIG), Moderate Iodine Group (MIG), and High Iodine Group (HIG). There was no significant difference among total thyroid weights removed by sub-tx, but thyroid remnant weights and TSH levels were higher at death (6 weeks after sub-tx) in LIG than in MIG and HIG. Total specific activities of cathepsin D and of arylsulfatase A in the sedimentable and nonsedimentable subcellular fractions were at least 38% lower in LIG than in MIG and HIG. The ratio between relative follicular volume and colloid volume determined by morphometry was higher in LIG than in MIG and lower in HIG than in MIG. Ultrastructurally, the relative volume occupied by secondary lysosomes was higher in HIG than in MIG, whereas the number of secondary lysosomes was not higher in LIG than in controls. Autoradiographic studies with 125I revealed that a large part of the radioactivity was in thyroid cell secondary lysosomes in MIG and HIG when radioiodine was injected 3 weeks before death. It is concluded that after sub-tx, iodine 1) regulates the weight of thyroid remnants, perhaps only indirectly through TSH, 2) modulates the number of secondary lysosomes in thyroid cells, and 3) slows down the turnover of secondary lysosomes. An iodine-deficient regimen impedes the secondary lysosomes to increase. Because of these findings, we postulate that chronic TSH stimulation along with a possible toxic role of iodine after sub-tx could induce an accumulation of lysosomal bodies.

Thyroid lysosomal enzyme activity and ultrastructure after subtotal thyroidectomy.

Subtotal thyroidectomies were performed in rats to increase the level of endogenous TSH, creating a condition of chronic TSH stimulation. The activities of various classes of lysosomal enzymes (cathepsin D, beta-glucuronidase, and aryl sulfatase A) were studied in thyroid tissue remaining in situ at various time intervals after subtotal thyroidectomy (sub-tx). These alterations were correlated with morphometric and ultrastructural changes in tissue lysosomes and with serum T4 and TSH. Specific activities of all three lysosomal enzymes were elevated in the residual tissue as compared with those in control tissue during 7 weeks after sub-tx in the first experiment. In the second experiment, the activities of all three enzymes were elevated both 3 and 6 weeks after sub-tx, and the activities of cathepsin D and aryl sulfatase A in the postnuclear homogenate (S2) were significantly elevated. Plasma TSH was elevated and T4 was decreased both 3 and 6 weeks after sub-tx. The results of the third experiment determined that there were significant alterations in nuclear cytoplasmic ratios as well as in the number, area, and volume density of lysosomes in both groups compared with respective control values. In addition, both lysosomal area and volume density in animals 6 weeks after sub-tx were significantly larger than those in animals 3 weeks after sub-tx. We conclude that chronic stimulation of residual thyroid tissue 6 weeks after sub-tx causes alterations in lysosomal ultrastructure as well as in lysosomal enzyme activity.

Treatment of nontoxic megacolon by colonoscopy.

The indications for colonoscopy in a recent consecutive series of 232 examinations were analyzed. Of these examinations, 30 (13%) were performed for nontoxic megacolon. Nontoxic megacolon is defined as severe dilatation of a segment or the entire colon unaccompanied by signs or symptoms of colon toxicity. Mechanical factors (volvulus, anastomosis, diverticulosis, carcinoma) were responsible for the nontoxic megacolon in 13 of these patients. Nontoxic megacolon was classified as secondary to acute pseudoobstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome, pancolonic megacolon, acute myxedema ileus) in 17 patients. All patients were being evaluated for possible exploratory celiotomy to prevent perforation of the colon because of the massive colonic distention. Colonoscopic examination was performed at the bedside or in the intensive care unit for 11 of 30 patients. No bowel preparation was used. Evacuation of air and fecal material was more efficiently accomplished by use of an external suction device attached to the biopsy part of the endoscope. For 12 of the 13 patients who had a mechanical basis for their nontoxic megacolon the colon was successfully decompressed. All 17 patients with acute pseudoobstruction were successfully treated. There were no iatrogenic perforations. Possible emergency operation was avoided for all patients except one who had a cecal volvulus. Colonoscopy should be considered as the initial treatment for nontoxic megacolon prior to surgical intervention.

Benign mechanical obstruction of the common hepatic duct (Mirizzi syndrome).

Common hepatic duct obstruction that results from a gallstone impacted in the cystic duct or fundus of the gallbladder is an uncommon cause of obstructive jaundice and cholangitis. In the literature, the Mirizzi syndrome frequently is used to describe a rare entity consisting of an anatomic variation of the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder, an impacted gallstone in the cystic duct, and a benign mechanical obstruction of the hepatic duct which causes jaundice and cholangitis. Recently, we saw two patients who had this syndrome. Their case reports, operative management, and a review of the Mirizzi syndrome are discussed in this article.

A lysosomal study of cold-induced hyperthyroidism in the rat: comparison to human hyperthyroid tissue.

Prolonged exposure to cold in the adult rat is considered an acceptable model to study experimental hyperthyroidism. In our experiments adult rats were exposed to cold (1 degree to 4 degrees C) for various periods of time, after which their thyroid tissue and plasma were assayed for lysosomal enzyme activity. In additional animal experiments we examined the cold-exposed rats during propranolol treatment. After 2 weeks of exposure to cold, rat thyroid glands were hypertrophied and hypervascular. There was a significant increase in all three lysosomal enzymes measured in the rat thyroid tissue compared to age-matched controls. The percent of enzyme activity found in the various subcellular fractions did not change. The plasma triiodothyronine concentration increased slightly in the cold-exposed rats, whereas there was no change in thyroxine or lysosomal activity. Propranolol had no effect. In separate experiments human thyroid tissue from patients with diffuse toxic goiter or histologically normal thyroid tissue was examined. Similar to cold-exposed rat thyroid tissue, diffuse toxic goitrous tissue showed a twofold to threefold increase in lysosomal enzyme activity compared to control tissue. These data suggest that increased thyroidal lysosomal enzyme synthesis is one of the factors operative in the increased secretion of active thyroid hormones in Graves' disease.

Rectal foreign bodies: case reports and a comprehensive review of the world's literature.

The surgical management of two patients presenting with incarcerated, apparently self-inserted foreign bodies is reported. The large volume of prior literature on this subject is reviewed, with tabulation of 182 previous cases by type and number of objects recovered and with a discussion of patients' age distribution, history, complications, and prognosis. Management problems addressed include history, differential diagnosis of reported pruritus ani, and handling of suspected assault. The variety of surgical techniques used to remove rectal foreign bodies transanally or after celiotomy is discussed. Vaginal foreign bodies and large bowel injuries due to fist fornication, colorectal instrumentation, pneumatic rupture, foreign body ingestion, impalement, and abdominal trauma are also discussed.

Prolongation of survival of rat parathyroid allografts by enhancing serum and tissue culture.

To determine whether survival of allografted rat parathyroid tissue could be enhanced either by the administration of antidonor serum (enhancing serum) or by tissue culture of the graft, parathyroids from Lewis x Brown Norway F1 (LBNF1) rats were transplanted beneath the fascia and between hamstring muscle fibers of hypocalcemic parathyroidectomized Lewis recipients (serum calcium 4.3 +/- 0.13mg%--mean +/- SEM). A drop in serum calcium below 7.5 mg% indicated rejection. Seven group 1 rats that received isogeneic parathyroids recovered from their hypocalcemic state and remained normocalcemic indefinitely. Seven group 2 rats that received LBNF(1) parathyroids experienced a reduced mean maximal response (MMR) of calcium increase of 4.1 +/- 0.2 mg% and the grafts had a median survival time (MST) of 16.0 +/- 1.32 days. Group 3 rats that received 1 ml of enhancing serum by intraperiotoneal injection, cytotoxic titer 1:128, on alternate days for five doses experienced an MMR of 5.0 +/- 0.7 mg% and had an MST of 19.3 +/- 1.07 days. When enhancing serum, cytotoxic titer 1:256, was administered to group 4, the MST of the grafts was increased to 29.7 +/- 1.19 days. When LBNF(1) parathyroid tissue was preserved in tissue culture for 14 to 21 days and then transplanted into Lewis recipients, the MST was 22.5 +/- 1.48 days. The administration of enhancing serum to recipients of cultured parathyroids further extended graft survival, MST 57.5 +/- 2.32 days. In summary, survival of allografted parathyroid tissue can be prolonged by the administration of enchancing serum or tissue culture of the graft. When enhancing serum was administered to recipients of cultured allografted parathyroid tissue, survival was further increased.

Modified quadruple-loop (W) ileal reservoir for restorative proctocolectomy.

Reconstructive ileal pouch procedures are well-accepted alternatives to a permanent ileostomy in select patients requiring proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis. Double-, triple-, and quadruple-loop and lateral isoperistaltic designs have been described; however, the ideal pouch capacity and configuration are still debatable. Evidence has been reported that improved functional results and lower stool frequency with less antidiarrheal medication can be achieved with larger volume reservoirs. We describe a new modification of a quadruple-loop pouch that has been successfully performed in 10 patients. This new approach to pouch construction produced excellent functional results 6 to 12 months after ileostomy takedown and was easier to construct and engage into the muscular cuff of the distal rectum than quadruple-loop pouches of equal length loops.

Value of colonoscopy after ureterosigmoidostomy.

Ureterosigmoidostomy (US) is an acceptable procedure for urinary diversion. Despite problems with ascending pyelonephritis, anal incontinence, and recently a reported 100- to 500-fold increase in the incidence of colonic carcinoma, the popularity of US is predicted to increase. The records of 110 patients who have undergone US at our institution have been reviewed. Invasive colon cancer developed at the site of ureter implantation in three of these patients. All patients had rectal bleeding and obstipation as initial symptoms. We have located 17 of our US patients and all consented to colonoscopy and urologic follow-up. At colonoscopy 41% of these patients had one to three polyps (0.5 to 6 cm) involving or near the site of the US. No polyps were seen proximal to the US sites. Polyps were histologically defined as tubovillous adenomas or mixed tubovillous-transitional cell adenomas. A single patient with three 4 to 6 cm polyps had superficial adenocarcinoma found in two of the polyps. Recurrent polyps or dysplasia has not been found on follow-up examination. Despite the disadvantages of US, the likely increased popularity of this procedure mandates that all patients be followed regularly for polyps and cancer. Our data support the following recommendations: (1) surveillance colonoscopy should be started soon after US, and (2) conversion to an alternative diversion should be made if recurrent polyps, cancer, or dysplasia is found. Yearly colonoscopy and screening for occult blood must be part of the comprehensive follow-up on all patients after US.

The W ileal reservoir: long-term assessment after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis.

BACKGROUND: This report examines the viability of the W reservoir as a reliable option for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis and studies W reservoir adaptation as reflected by changes in compliance and stool frequency. METHODS: Since 1984, 109 patients have undergone proctocolectomy with W reservoir reconstruction. Ileal reservoir static compliance was measured in 70 and 57 patients at 2 and 12 months after ileostomy takedown and in 25 patients at 3 years. Compliance was calculated as the change in volume over change in pressure. RESULTS: Twenty-four-hour stool frequency decreased from 7.3 +/- 0.2 at 2 months to 4.9 +/- 0.2 at 1 year for patients with ulcerative colitis and from 6.3 +/- 0.4 to 3.4 +/- 0.4 for patients with familial polyposis (p less than or equal to 0.05). Compliance increased from 12.7 +/- 0.6 ml/mm Hg to 14.3 +/- 0.6 ml/mm Hg between 2 months and 1 year. No significant increase in compliance occurred after 1 year. Ninety-six percent of patients were continent during the day at 12 months although 10% experienced occasional minor leakage at night. Average postoperative morbidity (for example, small-bowel obstruction, anastomotic complications) was 35%. No operative deaths, pelvic sepsis, or reservoir loss occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that W ileal reservoirs (1) are an excellent option for ileal reservoir reconstruction, (2) have optimal functional and compliance properties versus lower capacity designs and straight ileoanal pull-through procedures, and (3) maintain stable compliance characteristics and functional reservoir volume after the initial year of adaptation.

Absence of maladaptive neuronal plasticity after genitofemoral-ilioinguinal neurectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pain (neuralgia) and paresthesia in the inguinal region after lower abdominal surgery is rare. Historically, treatment consisted of neurolysis, local injections, and administration of various medications. The management of chronic pain syndromes is often coordinated by anesthesiologists. Neurolytic therapy is seldom recommended, on the basis of the theory of maladaptive neuronal plasticity. METHODS: Twenty-three patients underwent genitofemoral neurectomy at our institution between 1981 and 1990. Records were reviewed to determine preoperative symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. Patients were contacted and questioned about current symptoms and disability. RESULTS: All records were reviewed. Sixteen (70%) of the patients were located for long-term follow-up. Patients were symptomatic for an average of 3.3 years and underwent 3.1 operations before referral. Inguinal herniorrhaphy was the most common initial surgery (14 of 16 patients). All patients underwent multidisciplinary evaluation. Fifteen underwent L1-2 paraspinous nerve block, and 13 had total pain relief. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 36 to 144 months. Ten patients reported significant pain relief, and three patients reported slight improvement. Three of the six patients who had persistent neuralgia had significant orchialgia. None of the patients who had significant relief had preoperative testicular pain. CONCLUSIONS: Genitofemoral neurectomy provided long-term relief in 62.5% of patients with genitofemoral neuralgia. Severe testicular pain indicated a less favorable outcome. These data do not support the maladaptive neuronal plasticity theory but do support early referral of some patients for neurectomy.

The effects of hypoproteinemia and volume expansion on lung and soft tissue transvascular fluid filtration.

Resuscitation from major trauma or replacement of major operative blood loss frequently results in varying levels of protein depletion and alterations in plasma volume. To assess the importance of these factors on pulmonary and soft tissue transvascular fluid filtration, we compared the effects of hypoproteinemia and plasma volume expansion on the rate of lung and soft tissue transvascular fluid filtration in unanesthetized adult sheep. Ten animals were surgically prepared with chronic lung and soft tissue lymph fistulas. Lung (QL) and soft tissue (Qs) lymph flow rates were used to determine changes in transvascular fluid filtration. Initially, lactated Ringer's solution (LR) was infused to elevate pulmonary arterial wedge pressure of normoproteinemic animals (Norm/LR) 5 mm Hg for 2 1/2 hours. After a plasmapheresis-induced protein depletion of 30% to 35%, similar volume expansions with LR (Hypo/LR) and fresh frozen plasma (Hypo/Plas) were performed. Plasma, lung lymph, and soft tissue lymph oncotic pressures were determined, and transvascular oncotic gradients were calculated. Plasma volume expansion during Hypo/Plas conditions limited (p less than or equal to 0.05, 3 hours after infusion) Qs elevations compared with Hypo/LR expansion. However, there appeared to be no significant advantage with fresh frozen plasma over LR infusion in limiting QL. During fresh frozen plasma infusion, a distinct 10- to 12-hour lag in protein transport into the interstitium was observed in the soft tissue but not the lung microcirculation. The resultant differences in fluid filtration properties were in part the result of significant widening of the oncotic gradient in soft tissue. Plasma protein infusion appeared not to be beneficial over LR in limiting lung transvascular fluid filtration during hypoproteinemic states but significantly decreased soft tissue transvascular fluid flux.

Prevention of rat colon cancer metastases by perioperative immunostimulation.

Major intra-abdominal operations result in profound immunodepression. In addition, manipulation of malignant tumors may release tumor cells into the systemic and portal circulations. The additive effects of immunodepression and tumor cell release may enhance the metastatic potential of tumors. Perioperative correction of immune depression by levamisole can restore lymphocyte proliferation levels in rats. We have developed a model in which rat colon carcinoma cells transplanted into the portal venous system consistently induce hepatic metastases by 4 weeks and death within 9 weeks. Rats pretreated with levamisole (4 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally) the day before and the day of tumor implantation developed fewer metastases (41% of animals treated with levamisole compared with 6% of animals not treated with levamisole had less than or equal to two metastases per liver). Twenty percent of the rats treated with levamisole developed no hepatic metastases. Comparison of median liver weights between the group treated with levamisole and the nontreated, tumor-bearing group was highly significant (p less than 0.005). We conclude that the perioperative period is critical for the implantation and growth of metastases and that perioperative immunostimulation may be a factor in decreasing the incidence of metastases. This model may have relevance to the adjuvant treatment of human colon cancer.

Quadruple-loop (W) ileal pouch reconstruction after proctocolectomy: analysis and functional results.

This report analyzes experience with a modified four-limb W-shaped ileal pouch that has a larger initial capacity than do J- or S-shaped pouch designs. Fifteen patients (median age: 35 years) underwent W pouch reconstruction after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Follow-up on each patient averaged 14 months (range: 6 to 24 months). All procedures were performed without death and with minimal morbidity. Assessment of functional results showed 24-hour stool frequency (mean +/- SEM) decreasing from 6.0 +/- 0.39 initially to 4.8 +/- 0.43 at 1 year (p less than 0.005). Night evacuation decreased from 1.1 +/- 0.2 at 1 month after surgery to 0.25 +/- 0.12 at 1 year (p less than 0.025), with 10 of 15 patients having no nocturnal pouch evacuation. Continence was excellent in all patients with the exception of three of 15 patients who had occasional minimal nighttime seepage. Pouch volume determined at surgery by saline solution infusion was 200 +/- 21 ml. Pouch volume and compliance (pressure/volume) were measured before ileostomy closure and at 6 months after surgery via a special pressure-monitored balloon catheter. Maximal pouch volume increased from 190 +/- 21 ml (at time of ileostomy takedown) to 470 +/- 85 ml at 6 months. Ileal reservoir construction with a W pouch design resulted in a low 24-hour and nighttime stool frequency and excellent compliance and evacuation characteristics.

Diagnosis and treatment of genitofemoral and ilioinguinal entrapment neuralgia.

During the past 7 years 30 patients were diagnosed as having either ilioinguinal or genitofemoral entrapment neuralgia. A multidisciplinary approach (surgeon, neurologist, and anesthesiologist), as well as local blocks of the ilioinguinal nerve and/or paravertebral blocks of L-1 and L-2 (genitofemoral nerve), were essential to determine accurately which nerve was specifically involved. Fifteen of the 17 patients (88%) diagnosed as having ilioinguinal neuralgia after previous inguinal herniorrhaphy are pain free after resection of the entrapped portion of the nerve. Thirteen patients were diagnosed as having genitofemoral neuralgia after previous inguinal herniorrhaphy, blunt abdominal trauma, or other surgery. Neurectomy of the genitofemoral nerve proximal to the entrapment controlled the persistent pain in 10 of 13 (77%) of these patients. Ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerve entrapment neuralgias are rare complications of surgery in the inguinal region. When accurately diagnosed, neurectomy of the specific nerve is highly successful in relieving severe pain and paresthesia without significant morbidity.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation: surgical strategy.

BACKGROUND: An analysis of our experience with tertiary hyperparathyroidism (III HPT) in renal transplantations between 1981 and 1996 was reviewed to examine a variety of laboratory and clinical variables in this population. METHODS: A total of 3233 kidney transplantations were performed; 48 patients underwent parathyroidectomy for III HPT. Five patients were excluded from analysis due to the development of renal dysfunction. The index 43 patients were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 31 patients (72%) with either enlargement of all parathyroid glands (n = 26) or 3/4 gland enlargement (n = 5). These patients were assumed to have hyperplasia and underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy or total parathyroidectomy. Group II consisted of 12 patients (28%) with single (7/12; 58%) or two-gland enlargement (5/12; 42%). Group II patients underwent resection of only the enlarged glands. RESULTS: Laboratory and clinical parameters showed no difference between the groups during long-term follow-up. Most patients in groups I and II were eucalcemic after parathyroidectomy. However, postoperative hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia did occur in group I (mean postoperative calcium: group I = 9.29 +/- 0.63 mg/dL; group II = 9.42 +/- 0.58 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Four gland parathyroid enlargement is a frequent finding in III HPT, although asymmetric enlargement can occur. Histologically, this represents sporadic adenomas and asymmetric hyperplasia. Intraoperative findings should dictate surgical strategy; with asymmetric enlargement only the enlarged parathyroid glands should be resected.

Thoracic versus lumbar epidural anesthesia's effect on pain control and ileus resolution after restorative proctocolectomy.

BACKGROUND: Epidural anesthesia as a perioperative adjunct has been shown to provide superior pain control and has been implicated in more rapid ileus resolution after major abdominal surgery, possibly through a sympatholytic mechanism. Studies suggest that the vertebral level of epidural administration influences these parameters. METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine patients (120 male, 59 female; average age, 36 years) underwent restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis between 1989 and 1995. Patients were grouped according to type of anesthesia. Group THO (n = 53) received thoracic (T6 to T10) epidurals. Group LUM (n = 51) received lumbar (L2 to L4) epidurals, and group PCA (n = 75) received patient-controlled intravenous narcotic analgesia. Patients were compared for complications, perioperative risk factors, postoperative pain, and ileus resolution. RESULTS: Epidural narcotics, alone or combined with local anesthetics, were administered for an average of 2 (LUM) to 4 (THO) days without significant complications. Infrequent problems related to the epidural catheters included self-limited headaches or back pain (four) and site infections (two). Epidural failure, as measured by conversion to PCA for inadequate pain control, was not significantly greater for LUM (25%) than THO (23%). Average pain scores, rated daily on a visual analog scale, were significantly higher (indicating more pain) for PCA patients (4.2) during postoperative days 1 through 5 than for LUM (3.5) (p < 0.05) and for THO (2.4) (p < 0.05). Ileus resolution, as determined by stool output and return of bowel sounds, was significantly faster in THO than in LUM or PCA (p < 0.05). Resolution of ileus was not significantly different between PCA and LUM (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic epidural analgesia has distinct advantages over both lumbar epidural or traditional patient-controlled analgesia in shortening parameters measuring postoperative ileus and in reducing surgical pain. The procedure is safe and associated with low morbidity. Thoracic epidural anesthesia is also economically justifiable and may prove to impact significantly on future postoperative management by reducing length of hospitalization. Our data and those of others are most striking in these regards for patients with thoracic catheters, indicating the importance of vertebral level in epidural drug administration.

Erythrocyte filterability and lysosomal enzymes in patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

Erythrocyte filterability, an index of deformability, and lysosomal enzyme activity were studied in 34 patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. In addition fresh human erythrocytes were analyzed after incubation for filterability changes after exogenous lysosomal enzymes were added to the suspension medium. The results showed statistically significant elevations of the filterability index (decrease in filterability of the red cells) after 10 minutes on cardiopulmonary bypass as well as postoperatively. Likewise cathepsin D concentration after 10 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass of 8.4 plus or minus 0.8 U. was significantly elevated over the preoperative level of 5.3 plus or minus 0.7 U. Furthermore, the pump prime was found to have the highest filterability index as well as concentration of cathepsin D. Supporting our hypothesis that lysosomal enzymes may be a factor affecting erythrocyte integrity was the elevation of the filtration index to 10.5 plus or minus 0.3 U. during incubation with exogenous lysosomal enzymes compared with the control index of 9.0 plus or minus 0.2 U. This stduy implies that the pump prime should be an area of further investigation if alterations of erythrocyte filterability (deformability) and lysosomal enzymes during extracorporeal circulation are shown to have clinical importance.

Acute colonic ileus (pseudo-obstruction) in renal transplant recipients.

Colon complications are a potential source of serious morbidity to the immunosuppressed patient. Because of multiple predisposing factors, renal transplant patients are a high-risk group for the development of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. During a recent 18-month period, 290 renal transplants (79 living, 211 cadaveric donors) were performed and prospectively analyzed for colonic dysmotility. A total of 34 episodes of acute colonic ileus (30 primary, 4 recurrent) occurred in 30 (10.3%) renal transplant recipients. Acute colonic ileus was more frequent after living-donor transplantation (19.0% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.006). Analysis of multiple variables revealed that the incidence of acute colonic ileus was directly related to mean cumulative prednisone dosage (p less than 0.05). Medical therapy (rapid steroid reduction, bowel rest) resulted in a 76.7% response, whereas 8 patients underwent colonoscopy because of progression to acute pseudo-obstruction. The success rate for colonoscopic decompression was 87.5%; in 1 patient cecal perforation developed after unsuccessful decompression. Overall, 33 of 34 (97.1%) episodes of acute colonic ileus were successfully treated. Steroid-induced ileus (pseudo-obstruction) is a potentially malignant early form of colonic dysmotility infrequently reported in transplant recipients. Successful management requires early clinical recognition, reduction in steroid dosage, bowel rest, and urgent colonoscopic decompression in select cases.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation: operative indications.

A retrospective analysis of our renal transplant population between 1981 and 1987 was undertaken to study the natural history of posttransplant hypercalcemia and to review indications and recommendations regarding the timing of parathyroidectomy. During this period, 1158 renal transplant procedures were performed in 1025 patients, with 819 allografts (71%) functioning currently. Posttransplant hypercalcemia greater than 10.5 mg/dl was associated with a longer duration of dialysis and developed in 227 patients, with onset of hypercalcemia occurring in 90% of these patients by 1 year. In 69% of these patients, spontaneous resolution of the hypercalcemia occurred between 6 months and 7 years after transplantation. A total of 42 patients with asymptomatic hypercalcemia are currently being followed up, with a mean serum calcium level of 11.0 +/- 0.41 mg/dl and a mean follow-up interval of 3.3 +/- 1.6 years since transplantation. Nine symptom-free patients with moderate hypercalcemia (12.0 to 12.4 mg/dl) more than 1 year after transplantation were identified. Five of these patients had spontaneous resolution of the hypercalcemia between 2 and 7 years. Fifteen patients with posttransplant hyperparathyroidism (6.6%) required parathyroidectomy--11 for symptomatic and four for asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism. One patient had symptomatic hyperparathyroidism despite the presence of normocalcemia. One symptom-free patient with significant hypercalcemia (serum calcium level, 14.7 mg/dl) underwent parathyroidectomy 3 months after transplantation. The remaining three symptom-free patients had serum calcium determinations of greater than or equal to 12.5 mg/dl more than 1 year after renal transplantation. Patients with pretransplant and posttransplant hypercalcemia required parathyroidectomy more frequently than did patients with only posttransplant hypercalcemia (18% versus 3.0%; p less than 0.001). An unusual finding was the occurrence of a single adenoma in two patients, which represents sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism in the patient undergoing renal transplantation rather than tertiary hyperparathyroidism. We recommend a conservative approach to posttransplant hypercalcemia, with surgery reserved for patients with symptomatic disease and patients with asymptomatic persistent hypercalcemia greater than or equal to 12.5 mg/dl more than 1 year after transplantation.