Cecal volvulus - a rare cause of acute abdomen with ileus.

In this article, we present case reports of two patients admitted to the University Hospital in Pilsen for acute abdomen due to a disorder of the passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Both were indicated for surgery. The patients were diagnosed intraoperatively with rarely occurring cecal volvulus (CV). The findings required an ileocecal resection; nevertheless, both patients fully recovered despite the need the resection.

Transhepatic perforation of the gallbladder with massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage as a rare complication of acute cholecystitis.

INTRODUCTION: Perforation of the gallbladder into the hepatic parenchyma with massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity is a very rare but life-threatening complication of acute cholecystitis. Initially, the clinical finding may not differ significantly from the normal course of acute cholecystitis, but later there is a significant deterioration associated with hemorrhagic shock. Monitoring of the patients clinical condition as well as radiological methods have a crucial role in early and accurate diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 55-year-old patient who was admitted to our clinic with the clinical finding of acute cholecystitis. During the third day of hospitalization, there was a significant deterioration in his clinical condition with circulatory instability. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed massive hemoperitoneum with a large hematoma reaching into the liver parenchyma and the gallbladder bed. Based on this finding, the patient was indicated for urgent laparotomy. The perioperative finding confirmed intrahepatic perforation of the gallbladder with a stone collapsed into the hepatic parenchyma and secondary perforation of the hepatic capsule with massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity. The authors present an unusual complication of acute cholecystitis, its diagnosis and surgical solution. CONCLUSION: Massive intraperitoneal bleeding associated with transhepatic perforation of the gallbladder is very rare, occurring only in single-digit percent of acute cholecystitis cases. It is essential to evaluate not only the clinical and laboratory findings, but above all to complete an appropriate imaging assessment. The timing of the assessment is crucial for proper preoperative diagnosis and for reducing the risks of urgent surgical treatment.

Infections associated with vascular reconstruction procedures at the Department of Surgery in Pilsen in retrospect.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular graft infection is a rare but serious complication in vascular surgery, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of vascular graft infection is important for proper and timely surgical and antibiotic treatment that improves the outcome. The tactic and techniques of surgical treatment of vascular graft infection have changed over the last two decades, and this trend can also be observed in our retrospective study. METHODS: We evaluated a group of patients with prosthetic vascular reconstructions performed at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen in the period of 2003-2021 using retrospective analysis. In the analyzed 19-year period, 23 infected vascular grafts were managed out of a total of 2090 performed peripheral bypasses, and 27 infected vascular grafts were managed out of a total set of 1940 central reconstructions. RESULTS: The incidence of peripheral vascular graft infections at our Department of Surgery in the period of 2003-2021 reached 1.1% with the early mortality rate of 8.7%; 1.4% central vascular graft infections occurred in the same time period with 33% early mortality. CONCLUSION: The results of our retrospective study are comparable virtually in all parameters with the experience of other departments. Consistently, our department switched to in situ replacements for explanted vascular grafts and we can confirm good experience with silver impregnated grafts.

Rupture of a large aneurysm of common hepatic artery - case report.

Visceral artery aneurysms are rare findings in the practice of vascular surgeons. Their inaccessibility to physical examination, asymptomatic nature in many cases, but also an inherent risk of rupture that can be life threatening, make them a complex diagnostic and therapeutic problem. By presenting a case report of a ruptured common hepatic artery aneurysm the authors summarize basic characteristics of these aneurysms, as well as diagnostic and treatment options.

Experimental surgery as part of the development of degradable biomaterials for cardiovascular surgery

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the population. Artificial vascular grafts are often essential for surgical procedures in radical or palliative treatment. Many new biodegradable materials are currently under development. Preclinical testing of each new material is imperative, both in vitro and in vivo, and therefore animal experiments are still a necessary part of the testing process before any clinical use. The aim of this paper is to present the options of using various experimental animal models in the field of cardiovascular surgery including their extrapolation to clinical medicine. Methods: The authors present their general experience in the field of experimental surgery. They discuss the selection process of an optimal experimental animal model to test foreign materials for cardiovascular surgery and of an optimal region for implantation. Results: The authors present rat, rabbit and porcine models as optimal experimental animals for material hemocompatibility and degradability testing. Intraperitoneal implantation in the rat is a simple and feasible procedure, as well as aortic banding in the rabbit or pig. The carotid arteries can also be used, as well. Porcine pulmonary artery banding is slightly more difficult with potential complications. The banded vessels, explanted after a defined time period, are suitable for further mechanical testing using biomechanical analyses, for example, the inflation-extension test. Conclusion: An in vivo experiment cannot be avoided in the last phases of preclinical research of new materials. However, we try to strictly observe the 3R concept ­ Replacement, Reduction and Refinement; in line with this concept, the potential of each animal should be used as much as possible to reduce the number of animals.

Gigantic intra-abdominal tumors the experience of one center.

A complex review of surgery treatment of unusually giant intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal tumors regardless of their origin and histological findings. The therapy of such neoplasms requires a multidisciplinary approach which is necessary to make a reasonable and responsible decision concerning not only the indication of surgery, but also its extent. The authors describe 5 case reports, highlighting specific aspects and pitfalls of the diagnosis and treatment of these rare cases.

Aorto-caval fistula - case report.

Aorto-caval fistula can be associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm. The fistula can manifest with nonspecific symptoms. The rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the leading symptoms. The symptoms and the necessity of treatment are related to these acute conditions. This article describes the case of a 78 years old man with a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm and aorto-caval fistula that was presented with a sudden onset of abdominal pain, dyspnoea, hypotension and cardiac insufficiency with an acute cor pulmonale. Urgent surgery was performed - aneurysm resection with transaortic suture of the fistula and aortic replacement using a Dacron graft. Resuscitation and defibrillation were needed during the surgery due to fibrillation cardiac arrest, which were successful. The post-operative period was complicated with a persisting consciousness disorder of the patient and persisting myocardial ischaemia, resulting in the patients death 3 weeks after the surgery. The aim of this report is to point out the severity of this condition, the various treatment options of this uncommon disease with an uncertain prognosis, and also the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, essential in the entire treatment process as well as in the primary diagnosis.

Benefits of hybrid methods (PET/CT, PET MRI) in the diagnosis of abdominal aortic pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound and CT angiography are common diagnostic methods of abdominal aortic pathologies. In the last decade, hybrid methods (PET/CT, PET/MRI) have become more common in this diagnostic algorithm. Originally they were indicated in malignancies or inflammatory processes. Currently, efforts are developed to visualize possible local inflammatory activity in the aortic wall and thus to assess a certain “disease activity” with the goal to anticipate further development of aortic pathology. The aim of our study was to analyze potential benefits of hybrid methods in predicting abdominal aortic pathology progression. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label, observational study we examined 75 patients referred to PET/CT (N=61) or PET/MRI (N=14) due to any aortic pathology in 2015-2017. The patients included those with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (N=48; 64%), aortitis (N=5; 6.7%), aortic dissection (N=4; 5.3%), patients undergoing EVAR (N=6; 8%), patients with excessive atherosclerosis (N=7; 9.3%), patients with concomitant AAA and retroperitoneal fibrosis (N=4; 5.3%) and patient with an intramural hematoma (N=1; 1.3%). The minimum follow-up period was 6 months (0.5-2.5 years). Clinical symptoms, aortic diameter, growth rate and CRP levels were analyzed during the follow-up and correlation with PET/CT or PET/MRI findings was evaluated. RESULTS: Increased metabolic activity in the aorta was found in 25 of the 75 examined patients (33.3%). Based on statistical analysis there were no associations between increased activity based on PET/CT or PET/MRI in the aortic wall and disease symptoms or progression. CONCLUSION: Our results provide no evidence that hybrid methods can predict further development of pathological findings in the abdominal aorta. PET/CT- or PET/MRI-based activity did not correlate with disease symptoms, AAA progression rate or dissection, either. Our results are also supported by some recent literature data.

Options to improve the quality of kidney grafts from expanded criteria donors experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: There is a worldwide discrepancy between the number of donors and the number of organs needed for transplantation, leading to certain expansion of criteria, resulting in acceptance of donor organs. This means that organs with worse parenchymal qualities may be harvested for transplantation. One possibility, how to ameliorate the quality of these organs, is to change the concept of their preservation during cold ischemia or even after sudden circulatory arrest, prior to the collection of the organ itself. The goal of our experimental study was to try to improve organ quality from these marginal donors. METHODS: In the first part of our experimental study, we tested retrograde oxygen persufflation (ROP) in preservation of ischemically damaged kidney grafts. In ten animals (domestic pig), we compared standard intra-arterial perfusion of the grafts using cooled perfusion solution (N=5), with a retrograde oxygen persufflation method (N=5). The main criterion for evaluation was the histopathological analysis of renal parenchyma after transplantation of the kidney graft. In the second part of our experimental study, again using an animal model of an ischemic kidney (laboratory rabbit), we compared machine perfusion of the kidney graft with routinely used perfusion by hydrostatic pressure. For evaluation, we added another two criteria - the volume of perfusate that flowed through the graft and the temperature drop during perfusion. RESULTS: In the first part of the study, we proved the ability of ROP to preserve and even ameliorate the quality of ischemically damaged kidney grafts. Results of histopathological analysis of samples taken during ROP were without statistically significant difference in comparison with those taken during standard intra-arterial perfusion. In the second part of the study, we observed a significant difference in maximal flow rate measured during perfusion of the kidney grafts, favoring mechanical perfusion over perfusion using hydrostatic pressure (p=0.004). The same situation was seen with the drop of temperature measured in the parenchyma of the grafts (p<0.001). Finally, histopathological evaluation of the renal parenchyma found better washing out of blood particles from the capillaries during mechanical perfusion (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: The presented results of our experimental studies establish that alternative methods of preservation during cold ischemia and before removal of kidney grafts from the donor may be beneficial for its function after transplantation. We believe that these methods may be suitable especially for so-called marginal grafts from extended criteria donors.Key words: transplantation donors after circulatory death controlled organ perfusion in situ perfusion retrograde oxygen persufflation.

Indications to open surgical revascularization of visceral arteries in the endovascular era.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the high success rate of endovascular procedures, open surgical treatment of visceral arteries has become rarer worldwide. Yet, open surgical techniques remain essential for cases of chronic mesenteric ischemia as well as in other clinical instances. METHODS: Drawing on their own experience and literary data, the authors summarize the indications to open surgical repair of the visceral arteries. They point out the situations in which surgical management is the method of choice even in the endovascular era. Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various vascular reconstructions, they point out their technical challenges. CONCLUSION: Although used less frequently, open surgical repair of the visceral arteries needs to remain among the vascular surgeons tools. Not only for situations when an endovascular technique fails, but also for elective procedures in patients in whom an endovascular approach is contraindicated or not possible. Key words: mesenteric ischemia aorto-mesenteric bypass endovascular approach.

Hypogastric artery aneurysm - a case report.

Isolated hypogastric artery aneurysm (internal iliac artery aneurysm) is a rare disease, more often associated with the occurrence of aneurysms in other localities. It typically occurs in older men. Rupture as the most serious complication is associated with high mortality, which is many times higher than the mortality in case of elective repair. Nearly half of the patients are asymptomatic and eventual symptoms tend to be very diverse. Therefore, in the diagnostic process, it is necessary to consider this disease even in case of symptoms apparently unrelated to the arterial system. Treatment is surgical or endovascular. The report presents the case of a female patient with an isolated aneurysm of the hypogastric artery treated endovascularly. Key words: aneurysm hypogastric artery - stentgraft diagnosis.

[Use of viscoelastic methods in surgery]. / Vyuzití viskoelastických metod v chirurgii.

INTRODUCTION: Major liver resections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The main causes of this fact include a significant blood loss which may be associated with this surgical procedure. Hemocoagulation disorder, diagnosed by standard laboratory tests, is very frequent in the postoperative period and often requires the administration of blood derivatives. Several recent studies, however, have questioned the presence of such coagulopathy when viscoelastic methods are used to assess the coagulation process. The studies have concluded that that the coagulation disorder only exists at a laboratory level, the coagulation process itself being unaffected, and no therapeutic intervention is therefore needed. The use of viscoelastic methods may play a crucial role in deciding whether or not to correct the assumed coagulation disorder. METHOD: Our study was designed as a prospective observational study. Data were collected in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit during one year (1 January - 31 December 2016). The study included 18 patients who underwent major liver resection. When coagulation disorder was diagnosed using standard coagulation tests in the postoperative period, we performed a ROTEM examination. The results of the standard and ROTEM examination were then compared. RESULTS: Out of the total of 18 patients enrolled in the study, a coagulopathy was diagnosed in 15 cases (83%) using standard coagulation tests. In these patients, we performed rotational tromboelastometry (ROTEM) which did not show any coagulation disorder. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that when viscoelastic methods are used to evaluate the function of blood clotting in patients after major hepatic surgery, no coagulopathy has been found as opposed to the evaluation with standard blood clotting tests. Unnecessary transfusions of blood derivatives can be avoided as well as all risks linked to their administration. Viscoelastic methods of coagulation assessment (ROTEM, TEG) help provide a detailed insight into the coagulation process and our observations have shown that they should play a significant role in the postoperative assessment of patients following major hepatic resections.Key words: ROTEM - viscoelastic methods - coagulopathy.

[Our experience with left-sided retroperitoneal approach to resection of abdominal aortic aneurysm]. / Nase zkusenosti s levostranným retroperitoneálním prístupem pri resení výdutí brisní aorty.

INTRODUCTION: At most vascular surgery departments, transperitoneal approach predominates in resections of the aortic aneurysms. For difficult reconstructions of the aorta in the visceral segment, a left flank retroperitoneal approach is used most frequently. METHOD: The authors retrospectively evaluate the left retroperitoneal approach in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms during a 10-year period. From the total number of 445 operated patients, the left-sided retroperitoneal approach was used in 23 cases. RESULT: All operated patients survived. Average hospital stay was 10 days in the case of elective operations. CONCLUSION: Based on favorable results, the authors confirm that left-sided retroperitoneal approach is rightly considered as a choice in the technically demanding reconstruction of the aorta in the visceral segment.Key words: aortic aneurysm visceral segment of the aorta retroperitoneal approach.

[Popliteal vein aneurysm]. / Aneuryzma vena poplitea.

Popliteal vein aneurysm is a rare disease of the lower limb venous system. Massive pulmonary embolism may be a clinically serious presentation of the disease. The authors present surgical management of the popliteal vein aneurysm in two case reports.Key words: popliteal vein aneurysm surgical management.

[Dual kidney transplantation - a single-center experience]. / Duální transplantace ledvin - zkusenosti jednoho centra.

INTRODUCTION: Dual kidney transplantation is one of the options to utilize the so-called marginal grafts, kidneys that would be insufficient for normal single transplantation. This time-consuming surgical procedure is also burdensome for the patient. METHODS: The authors present their experience from the Pilsen Transplant Center. Between 2008 and 2016, 13 dual kidney transplantations were performed. Median donor age was 66 years (34-77) and median recipient age 46 years (40-78). Mean operating time was 4 hours and 40 minutes (3-6 h). Mean surgery ward stay was 5 days (4-6). Bilateral surgical technique was used in all cases. Mean follow-up time was 63 months (18-101). RESULTS: From our group of DKTs (N=13), 4 patients (31%) experienced delayed graft function and we observed no primary graft non-function. Surgical complications occurred in 4 patients (31%). Currently, all 13 patients are living with good graft function, none of them being dependent on dialysis. CONCLUSION: Dual kidney transplantation is currently a viable option. The success and benefits of this surgical procedure are directly related to careful donor and recipient selection.Key words: dual kidney transplantation - marginal donor - chronic renal failure - expanded criteria donor.

Management of aortic graft infections - the present strategy and future perspectives.

Aortic graft infections (AGI) are serious complications of open and endovascular types of surgery with an incidence rate of 0.6-3 %. AGI are associated with 30-60 % perioperative mortality and 40-60 % morbidity rate with limb amputation rates between 10 % and 40 %. The economic cost of AGI is substantial. At the time of aortic reconstruction, almost 90 % of patients have one or more predisposing factors for AGI. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptomatology, laboratory markers, microbial cultures, and imaging modalities. The general principle of surgical treatment lies in the removal of infected graft, debridement of infected periprosthetic tissues, and vascular reconstruction by in situ or extra-anatomic bypass with long-term antibiotic therapy. The conservative treatment is used only for selected patients with endograft infection. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the incidence, predisposing factors, etiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention of aortic vascular graft and endograft infections. With the growing number of endovascular procedures we can expect more cases of infected aortic endografts in patients with severe comorbidities in the near future, where the recent radical surgical approach (graft excision, debridement, and new revascularization) cannot be used. Therefore the less invasive, sophisticated and individualized treatment strategies will have to be used in search of the best therapeutic approach to each specific patient (Fig. 4, Ref. 82).

[Extragenital malignant Müllerian carcinosarcoma with invasion of inferior vena cava - a case report]. / Extragenitální maligní Müllerianský karcinosarkom infiltrující dolní dutou zílu - kazuistika.

UNLABELLED: The authors present the case of a 57-year-old woman with a very rare extragenital malignant retroperitoneal Müllerian carcinosarcoma invading the inferior vena cava. Tumor resection with partial resection of the vena cava wall and resection of metastases in the pelvic area is described. The authors further discuss diagnostic options of metastases of this tumour and the recommended adjuvant chemotherapy. KEY WORDS: extragenital Müllerian carcinosarcoma malignant mixed Müllerian tumour - diagnosis therapy.

[Giant aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries]. / Gigantické aneuryzma abdominální aorty a pánevních tepen.

UNLABELLED: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is related with higher age and poses a serious threat to the patient´s life. Aneurysms larger than 5.5 cm in diameter are indicated for open or endovascular repair. Giant aneurysms are rarely encountered due to a high risk of rupture. We present a case report of such a giang aneurysm and its open repair. KEY WORDS: abnominal aortic aneurysm - iliac artery aneurysm - open repair - complications.

[Kidney donors after circulatory death (DCD) - single centre experience]. / Dárci ledvin po nezvratné zástave obehu (DCD) - zkusenosti jednoho centra.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney procurement from donors after circulatory death (DCD) is an important part of worldwide transplantation programmes. The first kidney transplantation from DCD was successfully performed in the Czech Republic in 2002. METHOD: Forty four kidneys from DCD were procured in the Transplant Centre of Pilsen between 2002 and 2015. We used the technique of "in situ" procurement with the double balloon triple lumen catheter and 510 minutes of the no-touch interval. The method of pulsatile hypothermic perfusion was used to test the viability of the kidneys. Twenty eight recipients with mean age 51.1 (2673) years were transplanted. Sixteen (57.1%) kidneys were from the 2nd, 8 (28.6%) from the 3rd and 4 (14.3%) from the 4th category according to the Maastricht criteria. RESULTS: 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 0 and 10.7% i. e.14.3% respectively (N=4). Primary non-function was presented in 2 (7.1%), and delayed graft function in 5 (17.9%) cases. One, five and ten years of recipient and graft survival rates were 100%, 86.4% and 76.7%; and 92.9%, 69.6% and 61.9%, respectively. The long-term results are fully comparable with kidneys transplanted from donors after brain death. CONCLUSION: DCD are an important source for kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation from DCD is a logistically, economically and personally demanding method with very good long-term results. KEY WORDS: donors after circulatory death - kidney transplantation - results.

[Choledochal cyst]. / Cysta ductus choledochus.

Choledochal cyst is a rare disease with a considerably higher incidence found in the Asian population. Although its etiology is not completely known, the disease is believed to be associated with anomalies in the anatomy of the biliary tract. While being a benign unit, it is considered as a precancerosis with the risk of conversion to the biliary tract carcinoma. Radical surgical removal with biliary tract reconstruction is the only curative solution. The authors present the case report of a patient with choledochal cyst type I according to Todani