Results from craniocaudal carotid body tumor resection: should it be the standard surgical approach?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate results after carotid body tumor (CBT) surgery using a novel dissection technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all operated CBT in the last 6 years was carried out and results were compared with the current literature and our previous series, which reported another 111 cases operated on until 2005. RESULTS: Forty-five CBTs were removed in 41 (56% hereditary cases) patients (seven Shamblin I, 22 II, and 16 III). There were no cases of permanent cranial nerve injury or stroke. These pre- and postoperative results compare favorably with our previous series and are superior to, generally smaller, studies reported in the contemporary literature. CONCLUSIONS: This large series of surgically-treated CBTs supports craniocaudal dissection as the surgical technique of choice as it limits blood loss and facilitates safe CBT resection.

Outcome of patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

PURPOSE: Ruptured aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (RAAA) is a condition associated with high mortality rate. If Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required, outcome is considered even worse. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of CPR on 30-day mortality of RAAA patients. Furthermore the Hardman index was evaluated. METHODS: 109 patients with RAAA during a 5 year period (2001-2005) were analysed retrospectively. 30-day mortality, the presence of CPR and Hardman risk factors were recorded. The presence of CPR and the Hardman index were related to clinical outcome. RESULTS: 104 patients were included in our analysis. Eighteen patients received CPR. Overall 30-day mortality was 40%. Patients receiving CPR had a higher mortality rate than patients who did not (89% vs. 30%, p <0.0001). Patients receiving CPR prior to surgery had a mortality rate of 100% (n = 12). In patients with a Hardman Index of < or = 1, 2 and > or = 3 the 30-day mortality was respectively 15%, 47% and 81%. CONCLUSION: Requirement of CPR has a detrimental effect on RAAA-patient outcome. Patients receiving CPR prior to surgery have no survival chance. We advocate that surgery in these patients should not be undertaken. Hardman Index has a predictive value concerning 30-day mortality.

Postoperative choledochoscopy. A five-year experience.

In a five-year period postoperative choledochoscopy was used in 85 consecutive patients for therapeutic or diagnostic interventions in the biliary tract. Seventy-three patients underwent postoperative choledochoscopy for removal of retained biliary stones; 67 (92%) had successful removal of 94 retained stones; in 11 stones were located in the intrahepatic ducts; in six postoperative choledochoscopy failed; and in 12 postoperative choledochoscopy was performed for diagnostic or other therapeutic reasons. No serious complications were encountered in this series. The advantage of this simple and effective technique over other instrumental or so-called radiologic techniques is discussed. In our opinion, postoperative choledochoscopy is now the method of choice for diagnostic and therapeutic (re)interventions in the biliary tract by patients with a T tube still in situ.

Germination ecology and seed population dynamics of Digitalis purpurea.

The germination ecology and the dynamics of the generative reproduction in populations of Digitalis purpurea L. were investigated in the field as well as in experiments. Germination of fresh seeds in the dark on moist filter paper appeared to differ between populations. These differences were eliminated when a moist natural soil functioned as germination substrate. An interaction between the spectral composition of light and the germination substrate was present. Germination in gradients of light, temperature and soil moisture revealed some clear-cut results. Germination proved to be strongly dependent on the percentage of vegetation cover. During two years of burial in litter bags, the number of buried viable seeds did not decrease. From one generation of seeds produced in a natural population, 18% was introduced into the buried seed bank, 10% germinated in autumn and 24% was present as a enforced dormant surface seed bank in late autumn.The results are discussed in relation to secondary succession. can be derived from Milton (1936), Salisbury (1942) and Thompson and Grime (1979). Soil disturbance and germination seem to be correlated in D. purpurea (Grime 1979). The purpose of this study is to analyse the dormancy and germination behaviour of D. purpurea in relation to the relevant environmental factors in order to explain the mechanisms of entry into, and the escape of D. purpurea seeds from a seed bank. Furthermore, an attempt will be made to quantify seed rain as well as the fate of different germinating and non-germinating seed rain fractions in space and time per unit area, in different stages of succession.

Growth and reproduction of Digitalis purpurea in different stages of succession.

Growth reproduction and regeneration were investigated in populations of Digitalis purpurea present in different stages of secondary forest succession. Interference between D. purpurea and an experimental vegetation emerging from natural seed banks on a natural soil was studied during two successive growth seasons under natural radiation and temperature conditions.Growth and seed production were found to be strongly reduced and germination was inhibited in the early/midsuccessional vegetation. In later successional stages sparse but relatively stable populations were maintained by seed production and germination. However, local extinction seems inevitable. A remarkable shift occurred from fast and repeated flowering of compounded rosettes in the colonization phase to delayed flowering of monocarpic rosettes in later phases.The significance of secondary rosettes allowing for the repeated flowering is discussed. A condensed scheme of the population cycle of D. purpurea is presented.

Comparison of trans- and intra-abdominal duplex examinations of the splanchnic circulation.

To evaluate the influence of the technical problems experienced when scanning transabdominally, a comparison was made between transabdominal and intra-abdominal Doppler parameters of the aorta and the splanchnic arteries. Peroperative color duplex sonography of the abdominal aorta and the splanchnic arteries was performed on 25 patients who were undergoing abdominal vascular reconstructive surgery under stabilized standardised anaesthesia. Doppler samples and diameter measurements were taken of the aorta, celiac, common hepatic, splenic, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, both trans- and intra-abdominally. Significantly higher velocities were recorded in the celiac artery during intra-abdominal examinations. There was a trend toward higher recorded velocities in the other vessels. There was also a significant difference in the diameter measurements of most of the vessels. The trans- and intra-abdominal results were not always equivalent. The differences were not due to technical aspects. Transabdominal duplex sonography is difficult and may not be completely accurate in detecting quantitative flow parameters in the splanchnic arteries.

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of origin stenosis of the coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries with transabdominal color duplex examination.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of respiration, localization of the Doppler sample, and the presence of origin stenosis on the Doppler parameters of coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries in 22 patients undergoing elective abdominal vascular reconstructive surgery under standardized stable anesthesia. Deep inspiration decreased peak systolic and end diastolic velocities of the coeliac artery origin. Proximal to distal Doppler velocities of normal coeliac and superior mesenteric artery origins were comparable. However, in the presence of an origin stenosis, the increase of Doppler velocities at the origin of the coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries is likely to be missed by transabdominal scanning.

Management of carotid body tumors.

The carotid body tumor is a rare neoplasm that has generated much literature over the past century, and for which continued controversy exists regarding natural history, biologic behavior, proper technique of excision, and the risk of morbidity and mortality. This article discusses overall management of carotid body tumors.

[Determination of the value of spectrum analysis of the Doppler signal in the assessment of the carotid artery bifurcation]. / Waardebepaling van de spectraalanalyse van het Doppler signaal in de beoordeling van de bifurcatie van de arteria carotis.

A prospective trial was set up in 100 patients, who underwent arteriography of the cerebropetal and cerebral arteries, to determine the value of the direct examination of the Carotid arteries using a continuous wave bidirectionnal Doppler with spectrum frequency analysis. The results of this non-invasive direct technique are compared with the biplane arteriography and with the indirect noninvasive oculoplethysmography (OPG-Gee). The conclusions of this study are that the direct Doppler examination with spectrum frequency-analysis is a very good tool in detecting lesions in the Carotid arteries, and is superior to the indirect OPG-Gee examination, especially in stenoses of 30-69%.

Thrombus within an aortic aneurysm does not reduce pressure on the aneurysmal wall.

PURPOSE: The role of thrombus within an aneurysm in relation to the risk of rupture is controversial. In literature, reports describing reduction and increase of rupture risk can be found. In the era of endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, a possible reduction of risk of rupture by the presence of thrombus within the aneurysmal sac can be important in relation to the location of an endoleak to the aneurysmal wall and in relation to the effect of the thrombosis of the endoleak, either spontaneously or by intervention. METHODS: In nine patients who underwent operation for an infrarenal aortic aneurysm by open procedure at the level of the thickest thrombus lining, the pressure within the aneurysmal thrombus (just inside the aneurysmal wall) was measured and compared with the systemic pressure. RESULTS: Pressure within systemic circulation and aneurysmal thrombus correlated well for the mean pressure (r = 0.90; P <.001) and for pulse pressure (r = 0.74; P <.01) Also, there was agreement between the levels of the mean pressure. Conduction of mean and pulse pressure to the aneurysmal wall was not related to the thickness of the thrombus at the level of the pressure measurement (r = 0.18 and r = 0.08, respectively). CONCLUSION: We conclude that thrombus within the aneurysm does not reduce both the mean and the pulse pressure near the aneurysmal wall and thus will not reduce the risk of rupture of the aneurysm.

Nerve-preserving aortoiliac reconstruction surgery: anatomical study and surgical approach.

OBJECTIVE: Dysfunctional ejaculation and, to a lesser extent, dysfunctional erection caused by disruption of efferent sympathetic pathways is a common complication after aortoiliac reconstruction surgery. The aim was to give an anatomic motivation for a nerve-preserving approach on the basis of right-sided unilateral disruption of lumbar splanchnic nerves. METHODS: Anatomic and microscopic analysis of preaortic and para-aortic retroperitoneal regions in human cadavers was performed. Anatomic analysis was conducted of two aortoiliac reconstruction operations performed on human cadavers; one was performed according to a single-blind procedure, the second with a modified procedure. RESULTS: The lumbar splanchnic nerves supplying the superior hypogastric plexus from the right side were found to be less voluminous than the left-sided ones. The superior hypogastric plexus was found slightly shifted to the left of the midsagittal plane across the abdominal aorta and its bifurcation. Microscopic analysis revealed a thin fascia between the aorta and the subperitoneal tissue compartment. This fascia was used as a plain of dissection to mobilize the preaortic nerve-plexuses without damage from the aortic wall. Analysis of the specimens operated on showed a significant difference in nerve disruption. The standard procedure caused total disruption of the superior hypogastric plexus and extensive disruption of the inferior mesenteric plexus. The modified procedure only caused right-sided unilateral disruption of lumbar splanchnic nerves. CONCLUSION: The autonomic nerves supplying the bladder neck, the vas deferens, and the prostate are closely related to the abdominal aorta and its bifurcation. Right-sided unilateral disruption of lumbar splanchnic nerves without further damage to nervous structures would ensure at least one functional sympathetic pathway remaining after aortoiliac reconstruction surgery.

Intraoperative renal duplex sonography: a valuable method for evaluating renal artery reconstructions.

OBJECTIVES: to determine the ability of duplex sonography to intraoperatively detect technical problems with renal artery reconstructions. DESIGN: retrospective evaluation of a standard protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: the outcome of intraoperative duplex was compared with postoperative angiography, surface duplex, MRA, echo or direct inspection in case of re-exploration in 77 renal artery reconstructions in 62 patients. These included six extracorporeal reconstructions, eight and 17 reconstructions with an artery and autogenous vein respectively, 10 renal artery re-implantations in the aorta (prosthesis), 32 endarterectomies and four reconstructions of kidney transplant vessels. RESULTS: intraoperative duplex was normal in 67/73 reconstructions with sufficient data. In six cases technical problems were revealed by intraoperative duplex and the reconstruction was re-explored. After re-exploration intraoperative duplex was normal in all cases. Confirmatory studies demonstrated normal results in 61/64 reconstructions with normal intraoperative duplex and abnormal results in 6/6 reconstructions with technical problems revealed by intraoperative duplex. Three reconstructions with normal intraoperative duplex occluded as demonstrated by angiography less than 2 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: renal duplex sonography is a valuable method available for intraoperative detection of technical problems. Haemodynamic duplex data were less important than B-mode imaging in discriminating between normal and abnormal reconstruction.

Asymptomatic popliteal aneurysm: elective operation versus conservative follow-up.

In a retrospective study 42 patients with asymptomatic popliteal artery aneurysm were followed without surgery to identify variables predicting the risk of complications. The mean aneurysm size was 3.1 cm. Abnormal ankle pulses were found in 18 of the 42 limbs in which an asymptomatic popliteal aneurysm was present. Follow-up was complete (mean 6.2 years). Twenty-five patients developed complications at a mean observation time of 18 months. As a result three lost the limb, eight had claudication, two needed a fasciotomy and one had a peroneal nerve palsy. The cumulative risk of developing complications during follow-up was 24 per cent at 1 year, rising to 68 per cent at 5 years. Patients with absent ankle pulses and those already operated on for abdominal aortic aneurysm proved to be especially at risk. Patient survival appeared to be normal for the period of observation. It is concluded that asymptomatic aneurysm of the popliteal artery is a potentially dangerous lesion that may justify elective surgery; it is possible to select those at highest risk.

Doppler ultrasound diagnosis of complications of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft shunts.

Doppler spectral analysis of PIFE graft shunts for haemodialysis was carried out in 20 patients. All shunts were functioning satisfactorily. One patient had severe oedema of the forearm and hand. In four of the 20 patients, stenosis of the venous anastomosis was diagnosed by Doppler examination. Retrograde venous flow in the ulnar vein at the wrist was seen in the patient with severe oedema. All patients underwent angiography and the diagnosis of stenosis and retrograde flow was confirmed. Graft arteriography has proved useful in detecting shunt lesions, but may be hazardous at the access site and for the patient. Doppler investigation in noninvasive and can detect shunt complications early and with great accuracy.

Carotid recurrent stenosis and risk of ipsilateral stroke: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of follow-up after carotid endarterectomy is to prevent new strokes caused by recurrent stenosis. To determine the most cost-effective follow-up schedule, it is necessary to know the incidence of recurrent stenosis and the risk of stroke it carries. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using standard meta-analytical techniques. RESULTS: Incidence of recurrent stenosis: The data were very heterogeneous. The risk of recurrent stenosis was 10% in the first year, 3% in the second, and 2% in the third. Long-term risk of recurrent stenosis is about 1% per year. Risk of stroke: The reported relative risks of stroke in patients with recurrent stenosis compared with patients without recurrent stenosis showed extreme heterogeneity and ranged from 10 to 0.10. The random effects summary estimator of relative risk was 1.88. CONCLUSIONS: The data were very heterogeneous, and much better data are needed to arrive at truly reliable estimates of these important parameters of follow-up. It is clear, though, that the risk of recurrent stenosis is highest in the first few years after carotid endarterectomy and very low in later years. By use of general decision-analytic arguments, it can be argued that, given the test characteristics of carotid ultrasound, a small number of tests can be done in the first few years and that testing for restenosis should not be done after 4 years.

Experimental study of the influence of endoleak size on pressure in the aneurysm sac and the consequences of thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: This was an experimental study of endovascular aortic surgery, looking at the relationship between the size of an endoleak, pressure in the aneurysm sac and the effect of thrombosis produced by coagulation. METHODS: In three pigs, 16 saccular aneurysms were connected to the aorta by various side branches with different diameters and lengths ('endoleaks'). Mean and pulse pressures were measured in the systemic circulation as well as in the aneurysm sac during the experiment. Duplex ultrasonography was used to determine whether the endoleak and the aneurysm were patent or thrombosed. Thrombosis was influenced by systemic tranexamic acid, fibrinogen in the aneurysm sac, Gelfoam in both endoleak and aneurysm sac, and by Histoacryl glue in the endoleak. RESULTS: With an open endoleak, the mean pressure in the aneurysm and the aorta was identical. Mean aneurysm pressure was lower with a thrombosed endoleak and was related to the diameter of the endoleak. Pulse pressure was recorded in the aneurysm sac when there was an open endoleak and a non-thrombosed aneurysm, and was related to the diameter of the open endoleak. Thrombosed endoleaks never produced pulse pressure in the aneurysm. If Histoacryl and Gelfoam induced thrombosis of the endoleak, the decrease in mean aneurysm pressure was identical to that resulting from the spontaneous thrombosis of endoleaks. CONCLUSION: An open endoleak results in systemic arterial pressure in the aneurysm sac. Pulse pressure is detected if the aneurysm is patent, but absent if there is complete or partial thrombosis of the aneurysm. Endoleak thrombosis, either spontaneous or by embolization, is accompanied by a decrease in mean pressure and the absence of pulse pressure in the aneurysm sac. The extent to which these experimental findings are comparable to the clinical situation represents a field of further research.

Crohn's disease of the appendix.

Two patients with Crohn's disease confined to the appendix are described. The condition may present as acute appendicitis or appendiceal infiltrate. Therapy of either manifestation includes appendectomy. Concurrent Crohn's disease elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract may be found in 25 per cent of the patients. A recurrence rate of 10 to 15 per cent in the remaining patients justifies a follow-up of some three years.

Stent attachment site-related endoleakage after stent graft treatment: An in vitro study of the effects of graft size, stent type, and atherosclerotic wall changes.

OBJECTIVE: Perigraft endoleakage is a major complication of the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The factors that cause this form of endoleakage are not completely identified. The effect of sizing of the prosthesis in combination with either self-expandable or balloon-expandable stents is evaluated in this study. Further, the influence of atherosclerotic changes on endoleakage is evaluated. METHODS: Eight human abdominal aortas were assessed macroscopically at 11 sites for the presence of atherosclerotic changes with intravascular ultrasound scanning (IVUS) and with computed tomography (CT). Five aortas were placed in in vitro circulation with physiologic parameters. After the determination of the proximal and distal landing site of the stent graft, the diameter and surface measurements of the cross sections were taken. The stent graft diameters were chosen from 4-mm undersizing to 6-mm oversizing, both for Gianturco stent grafts (William Cook Europe A/S, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) and for Palmaz stent grafts (Cordis/Johnson & Johnston Co, Warren, NJ). After placement of the stent graft, the diameter and surface measurements of the aortic cross section were determined at the proximal and distal stent attachment sites. The presence and size of the folds at the stent attachment site and the interface with the aortic wall were determined with IVUS and angioscopy. Endoleakage was evaluated with angiography. After angioplasty of the stent attachment site, IVUS, angioscopy, and angiography were repeated. RESULTS: Regarding atherosclerotic changes of the aortic wall, the correlations between clinical impression and CT, clinical impression and IVUS, and CT and IVUS were high (r = 0.77, r = 0.79 and r = 0.79, respectively). For the Gianturco stent grafts, no significant relationship existed between the diameters measured before and after stent graft placement, leading to great differences in intended and achieved oversizing. The achieved oversizing was less in the case of minimal atherosclerotic changes of the aortic wall. The Gianturco stent graft followed the aortic wall closely during the heart cycle. The sizes of the folds of the fabric were clearly correlated with the achieved oversizing (r = 0.83; P =.04) and the grade of endoleakage (r = 0.88; P =.022). Angioplasty after stent graft placement had no effect on the diameter and the grade of endoleakage. Palmaz stent grafts did not follow the aortic wall during the heart cycle. A significant correlation existed between oversizing and both space between aortic wall and stent graft (r = -0.88; P =.02) and grade of endoleakage (r = 0.84; P =.036). Grade of endoleakage in the Palmaz stent graft group was less than in the Gianturco stent graft group. CONCLUSION: With the use of Gianturco stents, a great difference between intended and achieved oversizing is accomplished. The atherosclerotic changes of the aortic wall possibly affect this finding. The configuration of the Gianturco stent results in the formation of fold in the case of oversizing, which is associated with endoleakage. However, the self-expandable character of the stent leads to a close relation to the aortic wall during the heart cycle, and this may possibly accommodate future aortic neck dilation. The Palmaz stent grafts do not follow the aortic wall during the heart cycle, but they do lead to better interface between the graft and the aortic wall, which results in less endoleakage.