Previously unreported high-grade complications of adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: Serious complications of adrenalectomy are rare but the incidence may be underestimated if they occur outside major referral centers. We report five cases of high-grade complications after adrenalectomy that have not been previously described. METHODS: The records of five cases of adrenalectomy performed at outside hospitals were reviewed. Four cases were referred for management of complications and one for medical-legal review. The nature of the adrenal lesion, operative approach, complication(s), and subsequent clinical course and complication management were assessed. Both open adrenalectomy (OA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) cases were included. RESULTS: Operative indications were pheochromocytoma (N = 3), aldosteronoma (N = 1), and a nonfunctioning 6-cm hypervascular mass (N = 1). Complications of adrenalectomy included: case 1--complete transection of the porta hepatitis during right LA resulting in hepatic failure requiring emergent liver transplantation; case 2--ligation of the hepatic artery during right OA resulting in recurrent cholangitis and bile duct sclerosis requiring liver transplantation; case 3--ligation of the left ureter during LA resulting in postoperative hydronephrosis and loss of renal function; case 4--loss of left kidney function after OA, likely secondary to renal artery ligation ultimately requiring laparoscopic nephrectomy; case 5--LA of a normal adrenal gland for a 6-cm hypervascular mass thought to be arising from the adrenal gland. Three-month postoperative imaging demonstrated a persistent mass and the patient underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy for a left upper pole renal cell carcinoma that was missed at the time of LA. CONCLUSION: Despite the generally low morbidity of adrenalectomy, serious and potentially life-threatening complications can occur. Surgeon inexperience may be a factor in the occurrence of some of these complications which have not been previously described.

Incidence of residual choledocholithiasis detected by intraoperative cholangiography at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients having undergone preoperative ERCP.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of residual common bile duct (CBD) stones after preoperative ERCP for choledocholithiasis and to evaluate the utility of routine intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in this patient population. METHODS: All patients who underwent preoperative ERCP and interval LC with IOC from 5/96 to 12/05 were reviewed under an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved protocol. Data collected included all radiologic imaging, laboratory values, clinical and pathologic diagnoses, and results of preoperative ERCP and LC with IOC. Standard statistical analyses were used with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients (male:female 72:155, mean age 51.9 years) underwent preoperative ERCP for suspicion of choledocholithiasis. One hundred and eighteen patients were found to have CBD stones on preoperative ERCP, and of these, 22 had choledocholithiasis diagnosed on IOC during LC. However, two patients had residual stones on completion cholangiogram after ERCP and were considered to have retained stones. Therefore, 20 patients overall were diagnosed with either interval passage of stones into the CBD or a false-negative preoperative ERCP. In the 109 patients without CBD stones on preoperative ERCP, nine patients had CBD stones on IOC during LC, an 8.3% incidence of interval passage of stones or false-negative preoperative ERCP. In both groups, there was no correlation (p > 0.05) between an increased incidence of CBD stones on IOC and a longer time interval between ERCP and LC, performance of sphincterotomy, incidence of cystic duct stones, or pathologic diagnosis of cholelithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of retained or newly passed CBD stones on IOC during LC after a preoperative ERCP is 12.9%. Although the natural history of residual CBD stones after preoperative ERCP is not known, the routine use of IOC should be considered in patients with CBD stones on preoperative ERCP undergoing an interval LC.

Laparoscopic repair of colonoscopic perforations: indications and guidelines.

Iatrogenic colonic perforation is one of the most serious potential complications of colonoscopy. Standard management is surgical repair. No prospective data exist to clearly define the indications for laparoscopic repair. We report the largest case series to date of laparoscopic repair of colonoscopic perforations. A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing either exploratory laparoscopy with conversion to open repair, or laparoscopic repair of colonoscopic perforation. Exploratory laparoscopy for the attempted repair of colonoscopic perforations was performed in 11 patients at our institution. The mean colonic perforation size was 2.7 cm. Three cases were converted immediately to open laparotomy. A fourth patient that underwent primary laparoscopic repair of a 4-cm tear developed a leak at the repair site, necessitating reoperation. A fifth patient in whom exploratory laparoscopy was unrevealing underwent separate laparotomy for continued sepsis. Six patients underwent successful laparoscopic repair. Most perforations secondary to colonoscopy warrant rapid exploratory laparoscopy. Extensive inflammation or fecal soilage may require colonic diversion. Inability to laparoscopically localize the area of perforation or doubt regarding the security of the repair should prompt conversion to laparotomy. Laparoscopic repair of colonic perforations in experienced hands is a viable alternative to the open approach.

Endostapler versus Hem-O-Lok clip to secure the appendiceal stump and mesoappendix during laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Our study evaluates the safety and cost of using the Hem-O-Lok (HOL) clip in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). METHOD: We prospectively compared 30-day postoperative outcomes and cost between HOL clip and endoscopic stapler (ES) in LA at a single institution. RESULTS: HOL clip was used in 45 out of 92 LA. Perforated appendicitis (29.8% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.027) and postoperative complications were more common in the ES group (19.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, HOL clip was associated with lower complications rate (OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.003-0.744; p = 0.030). In propensity score matched cohort, complications were not different (p > 0.05). In patients with non-perforated appendicitis, HOL use increased operative time by 10 min on average (p = 0.004). Minimum ES cost per single appendectomy was $273.13, while HOL clip cost was $32.14. CONCLUSION: The use of HOL clip in LA is safe and it reduced the costs of the procedure in comparison to the use of ES.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis found at time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Analysis of a large integrated health care system database.

BACKGROUND: We compared endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for managing choledocholithiasis found at time of cholecystectomy. METHODS: One hundred and five LCBDE (2005-2015) were compared to 195 LC/ERCP (2014-2015) from the Southern California Kaiser Permanente database. RESULTS: LC/ERCP was more effective at clearing the CBD (98% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.01); but required more procedures per patient (mean ± standard deviation, 1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 2.0 ± 0.12, p < 0.001). Morbidity, hospital length of stay and readmission were not different (P > 0.05). Four patients failed ERCP, while 12 patients failed LCBDE and had subsequent ERCP (10) or CBD exploration (2). All patients with RYGB had successful LCBDE. CONCLUSION: LC/ERCP is better than LCBDE in clearing CBD stones, but has similar morbidity and is an effective alternative for patients with RYGB.

Safety of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in older adults.

The published recurrence rate after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is much less than the rate of recurrence via the open approach. Studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this procedure but have had relatively young patient populations. We present our experience in a significantly older population. A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at our institution from May 2000 to September 2004 was performed. Data extracted from charts included demographics, number and type of previous abdominal operations, number of previous hernia repairs, defect and mesh size, postoperative complications, and follow-up. Ninety-seven patients underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (50 men and 47 women). The mean age was 68.5 years (37-85 years) with 78% of patients over the age of 60. Patients had undergone a mean of 2.1 prior abdominal operations. Thirty-five (36%) patients had undergone a mean of 1.8 previous open hernia repairs; 54% with mesh. The mean length of stay was 3.4 days (0-31 days). Thirty-three minor complications occurred in 27 patients. Six major complications occurred in five patients. Three patients required reoperation. Thirty-one percent of patients complained of pain at a transabdominal suture site 6 weeks after surgery. Nine percent of patients had seromas lasting longer than 6 weeks. Two recurrences occurred during follow-up and two patients required mesh removal. There were no deaths. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can be performed safely in patients regardless of age. Length of stay and overall complications are not affected by age. Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of LVHR in this patient population.

Role of the small heat shock proteins in regulating vascular smooth muscle tone.

BACKGROUND: Vasospasm occurs in conduits used for vascular reconstructions. The small heat shock proteins, HSP20 and HSP27, coordinately regulate vascular smooth muscle tone. Phosphorylated HSP20 is associated with vasorelaxation, and phosphorylated HSP27 inhibits the phosphorylation of HSP20 and relaxation. We hypothesized that the relationship between the phosphorylated states of these two proteins might dictate the tone of a vessel and may contribute to vasospasm. STUDY DESIGN: Sodium nitroprusside relaxation of vascular smooth muscle was recorded using pig coronary artery and human saphenous vein. Segments were frozen and homogenized, and extracted proteins were separated by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, transferred to Immobilon (Millipore), and probed with anti-cGMP-dependent protein kinase (anti-PKG), -HSP20, -HSP27, and -phosphoHSP27 antibodies. Band intensity was estimated using densitometry. RESULTS: Pig coronary artery completely relaxed (100%) with SNP (10(-7)M), but human saphenous vein only partially relaxed (20%). The levels of cGMP-dependent protein kinase and HSP20 were similar in the two tissue types. Human saphenous vein had significantly higher levels of HSP27 versus pig coronary artery (30.14 +/- 0.8 versus 6.62 +/- 0.2 pixels/mg; p < or = 0.001) and phosphoHSP27 (8.29 +/- 3.43 versus 0.012 +/- 0.008 pixels/mg; p < or = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Human saphenous vein contained significantly higher levels of HSP27 and pHSP27. Increased levels of phosphorylated HSP27 might contribute to vasospasm in human saphenous vein.

Combined laparoscopic near-total gastrectomy and colectomy.

Synchronous gastrointestinal lesions of the abdomen are uncommon. Although laparoscopic gastric resection and colonic resection have been previously described, the combined laparoscopic resection of these 2 organs is unique. We report a case of a 72-year-old man with in situ gastric cancer and high-grade dysplasia of a colon polyp who underwent successful laparoscopic resection of both lesions. This report highlights the importance of preoperative planning and port placement in combined laparoscopic procedures.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed Via the "Marionette" Technique Shows Equivalence in Outcome and Cost to Standard Four Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Selected Patient Population.

The aim of our study is to compare single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) performed using the "marionette" technique (m-SILC), to the standard four-port technique [four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4PLC)]. Patient information was extracted from a prospectively maintained database (n = 188). Our primary endpoint was operative costs (determined by operating time and instruments used). Secondary endpoints were length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complication rates. Univariate and adjusted multivariate analysis was used to compare the outcomes. There were a total of 188 patients for this study. Gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and resident participation were similar. Patients undergoing m-SILC were younger (43.8 vs 49.8 years old), less likely to have cholangiogram (32% vs 54%), and were more likely to undergo cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis (73.3% vs 52%). In univariate analysis, cholecystectomy performed by the "marionette method" as compared with the 4PLC was associated with shorter operative time (67 vs 59 minutes respectively) and shorter hospital stay (1.2 vs 2.08 days respectively). In multivariate analysis, SILC was associated with shorter hospital stay and comparable operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Instrumentation cost was less in SILC (by $94). SILC done by an experienced surgeon with the "marionette" technique on a carefully selected population shows a statistically significant cost benefit while maintaining clinically comparable outcomes to the standard 4PLC.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and results of laparoscopic resection of benign pheochromocytomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign pheochromocytomas at all 3 Mayo Clinic sites between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2001. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, imaging studies, biochemical findings, operative intervention, and outcome were examined. Long-term follow-up was obtained via chart review and/or by direct telephone contact with the patient or a relative. RESULTS: Twenty-four women and 23 men with a mean age of 53.1 years (range, 16-81 years) underwent attempted laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas. In 5 patients, the procedure was converted to open laparotomy because of bleeding (2), inadequate exposure (2), and adhesions (1). The mean tumor size was 4.3 cm. The mean operative time (181.8 vs 1405 minutes; P = .03), mean hospital stay (6.00 vs 2.64 days; P < .001), and mean blood loss (340 mL vs 80 mL; P < .001) were greater in patients who underwent open laparotomy vs those who underwent laparoscopic resection. All specimens were classified as benign. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 10-89 months). No patients experienced a recurrence or developed metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: In light of surgical and anesthesia expertise, laparoscopic resection of benign pheochromocytomas is safe and effective with resultant short hospital stays. A low threshold to convert to an open procedure reduces operative times and decreases potentially serious complications. Although there have been no recurrences to date, long-term follow-up is required for all patients, especially those with hereditary forms of pheochromocytomas.

Transducible recombinant small heat shock-related protein, HSP20, inhibits vasospasm and platelet aggregation.

BACKGROUND: Human saphenous vein (HSV) is the autologous conduit of choice for peripheral vascular reconstruction. Injury during harvest leads to vasospasm and a thrombogenic endoluminal surface. A proteomic transduction approach was developed to prevent vein graft vasospasm and thrombosis. METHODS: Recombinant HSP20 protein linked to the TAT protein transduction domain was generated in a bacterial expression system (TAT-HSP20). The effect of this protein on the inhibition of smooth muscle contraction was determined using rings of rabbit aorta and HSV in a muscle bath. In addition, the effects of TAT-HSP20 on platelet aggregation were determined in vitro using human citrated whole blood. RESULTS: Recombinant TAT-HSP20 inhibited norepinephrine-induced contraction of rabbit aortic and HSV segments. Similarly, TAT-HSP20 induced smooth muscle relaxation in HSV segments precontracted with norepinephrine. In human-citrated whole blood, platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited by TAT-HSP20 in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that recombinant TAT-HSP20 inhibits vascular smooth muscle contraction and platelet aggregation. This suggests that HSP20 may be an ideal effector molecule to target as a proteomic approach to enhance early vein graft patency rates by preventing acute vasospasm and thrombosis.

Histologic severity of appendicitis can be predicted by computed tomography.

HYPOTHESIS: A regression model based on computed tomographic (CT) findings alone can accurately predict the histologic severity of acute appendicitis in patients who have a high disease likelihood. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. PATIENTS: Consecutive sample of 105 patients (50 women and 55 men, aged 15-89 years) undergoing nonincidental appendectomy within 3 days of nonfocused abdominal CT. INTERVENTIONS: Computed tomographic scans and histologic features were retrospectively reinterpreted. Each patient's histologic and CT findings were scored by standardized criteria. An ordinal logistic regression model was constructed with a subset of CT findings that statistically correlated best with the final histologic features. Predicted severity values were then generated from the model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Agreement between predicted and actual histologic severity, using weighted kappa measurement. RESULTS: Computed tomography variables used in the model were fat stranding, appendix diameter, dependent fluid, appendolithiasis, extraluminal air, and the radiologist's overall confidence score. The weighted kappa measurement of agreement between predicted and actual histologic severity was 0.75, with a 95% confidence interval between the values of 0.59 and 0.90. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomographic findings, when used with the regression model developed from this pilot study, can accurately predict the histologic severity of acute appendicitis in patients initially seen with a high clinical suspicion of the disease. These findings provide a platform from which to prospectively test the model.

Serial abdominal closure technique (the "SAC" procedure): a novel method for delayed closure of the abdominal wall.

Abdominal compartment syndrome may occur after any elective or emergent abdominal operations that are complicated by postoperative hemorrhage or in the trauma patient who has massive fluid replacement for intra-abdominal bleeding. Once the abdomen is decompressed the type of closure varies as much as the surgeon performing the procedure. We have devised a simple, reproducible, inexpensive, and safe method to close the abdomen at the bedside. Serial abdominal closure (SAC) was performed on three patients 45, 54, and 14 years of age who had developed abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to an upper gastrointestinal bleed requiring massive transfusion, a tear of the superior mesenteric vein, and a grade 4 liver laceration respectively, all necessitating abdominal decompression. All three patients had their abdominal wounds closed at the bedside over the course of several days with our SAC technique. Subsequent postoperative course was uneventful and the abdominal wall was free of defects at one-year follow-up. SAC is an efficient, inexpensive, and easily reproducible method of managing the open abdomen. The use of SAC prevented abdominal closure-related complications such as enteric fistula and hernia formation in our three patients.

Intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal colonic perforation following diagnostic colonoscopy.

Both intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal colonic perforations have been reported after colonoscopy; however, cases with combined types of perforation are rare. We present the case of a 55-year-old man with a history of Crohn disease who complained of acute abdominal pain after a diagnostic colonoscopy. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed extensive pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, and leftsided pneumothorax. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and the patient underwent subtotal colectomy and end ileostomy with placement of a left-sided chest drain for the left-sided pneumothorax. The patient was discharged home postoperatively in good condition. As the utility of colonoscopy continues to broaden, its complications will also be more common. Whereas intraperitoneal perforation is a known and not uncommon complication, extraperitoneal perforation is an uncommon complication. Combined intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal perforation is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Early diagnosis and operative management resulted in a satisfactory outcome in this particular case.

Laparoscopic gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor resection: the mayo clinic experience.

HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is safe and effective. DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs from April 1, 2000, to April 1, 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic data, diagnostic workup, operative technique, tumor characteristics, morbidity, mortality, and follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent attempted laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs, with 31 operations completed laparoscopically. The mean patient age was 68 years (age range, 35-86 years). The female to male ratio was 18:15. Sixteen patients (49%) were asymptomatic, and their tumors were found incidentally. Of 24 patients (73%) who underwent preoperative endoscopic ultrasonography, the results of fine-needle aspiration verified the diagnosis in 13 patients (54%). The mean operative time was 124 minutes (range, 30-253 minutes). A combined endoscopic-laparoscopic approach was used in 11 patients (33%). The mean tumor size was 3.9 cm (range, 0.5-10.5 cm). Two patients (6%) underwent conversion to an open procedure. The median hospital stay duration was 3 days. The mean follow-up was 13 months (range, 3-64 months). There were no local recurrences. Three patients (9%) experienced complications, including 1 wound infection and 2 episodes of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: Although technically demanding, the laparoscopic approach to gastric GISTs is safe and effective, resulting in a short hospital stay duration and low morbidity.

Short-term, moderate dosage Vitamin E supplementation may have no effect on platelet aggregation, coagulation profile, and bleeding time in healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vivo effect of short-term, moderate dosage synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate supplementation on platelet aggregation, coagulation profile, and simulated bleeding time in healthy individuals. alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active isomer of Vitamin E, traditionally promoted as an antioxidant and therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease. In vitro studies have suggested that alpha-tocopherol plays a role in the inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, further investigations into the effect of alpha-tocopherol on bleeding in vivo have not duplicated these findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 healthy volunteers complied with a 2-week abstinence period from the use of anti-platelet agents followed by determination of baseline platelet aggregation properties and coagulation studies using citrated whole blood. Moderate dosage Vitamin E (800 IU of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate) was then self-administered for 14 days with reevaluation of platelet aggregation and coagulation profile, and simulated bleeding time after 14 days of Vitamin E supplementation. RESULTS: Forty subjects completed the 4-week study period. All 40 subjects demonstrated normal baseline coagulation studies and all had collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation assessment performed in triplicate. After Vitamin E supplementation, no significant difference was demonstrated in any study parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with moderate dosage synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate did not significantly prolong bleeding or platelet aggregation in vivo. The affect of Vitamin E on platelet aggregation in vitro does not appear to be reproducible in vivo. Therefore, peri-operative discontinuation of Vitamin E may not be necessary.

Intraoperative peripherally inserted central venous catheter central venous pressure monitoring in abdominal aortic aneurysm reconstruction.

Numerous studies have found no clinically significant benefit to the perioperative use of pulmonary artery catheters (PACs), and peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) have been reported to measure central venous pressure (CVP) accurately. The objective of this study was to determine whether the dynamic shifts in preload associated with elective reconstruction of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are accurately reflected by CVP measurements from open-ended PICCs compared to CVP measurements from concomitant indwelling PACs. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. PICCs and PACs were placed preoperatively in five patients undergoing elective AAA reconstruction. CVP measurements were recorded every 15 min during the operation. Bland-Altman statistical analysis was used to determine the degree of agreement in data collected by the two measurement devices. Seventy-three paired measurements of CVP from concomitant indwelling PICCs and PACs obtained from five patients undergoing elective AAA reconstruction revealed PICC measurements to be higher than PAC measurements by 0.6 mm Hg (overall correlation coefficient 0.92). The difference between the two measurement devices was expected to be <3.4 mm Hg at least 95% of the time. The findings of this pilot study indicate that PICCs are an effective method for CVP monitoring in situations of dynamic systemic compliance and preload, such as those observed during elective AAA reconstruction.