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Biomedical subjects

B E Stabile

Publications and source records attributed to B E Stabile.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Source of plasma chromogranin A elevation in gastrinoma patients.

Chromogranin A (Cg A) is a protein that is coreleased with peptide hormones from gut endocrine cells and tumors. Plasma levels of Cg A, pepsinogen group I, and gastrin were measured in 31 patients with gastrinoma. Mean Cg A level in 10 patients with gastrinoma who were not operated on was 169 +/- 32 ng/mL, while in 9 control patients it was 28 +/- 5 ng/mL. In 18 patients with gastrinoma with residual tumor after total gastrectomy, the mean Cg A level was 45 +/- 6 ng/mL, and in 10 patients with normal gastrin levels after total gastrectomy and tumor excision, the mean Cg A level was 40 +/- 4 ng/mL. In 7 patients in whom pregastrectomy and postgastrectomy Cg A levels were measured, the mean reduction was 94 +/- 27 ng/mL, or 66%. There was no correlation between Cg A levels and amount of tumor, presence of metastases, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type I syndrome. There was a significant correlation between Cg A and pepsinogen I levels but no correlation between Cg A and gastrin levels. The results suggest that the elevated plasma Cg A levels in patients with gastrinoma are determined primarily by the trophic effects of gastrin on gastric enterochromaffinlike cells rather than by corelease from the gastrin-producing tumor itself.

Adult↗

Exertional disruption of axillofemoral graft anastomosis. 'The axillary pullout syndrome'.

Five cases of exertional disruption of the axillary anastomosis occurred at intervals of 13 to 30 days after axillofemoral polytef (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]) graft insertion. Graft evulsion was preceded by effort and heralded by axillary pain, an expanding hematoma, and a pseudoaneurysm formation. Proximal control of the subclavian artery by a supraclavicular approach or balloon allowed safe wound exploration. Successful reconstruction required lengthening of the graft or replacement. Secondary disruption occurred with simple repair. Although temporary postoperative brachial plexus neuropathy was common, no significant hand ischemia was noted. Twenty-two reports of axillary anastomotic disruption were made to the Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, during a 2-year period, and one manufacturer of polytef grafts provided data on 10 reports received throughout 7 years. Surface anatomy measurements in 20 control patients demonstrated that arm abduction and lateral flexion of the body increased the distance between the axillary and femoral arteries by a mean of 15.5%. Similar measurements taken from the proximal axillary artery showed a mean length increase of less than 10%. This complication may be avoided by inserting the polytef graft with several centimeters of excess length and positioning the axillary anastomosis medial to the pectoralis minor muscle.

Adult↗

The dichotomous distribution of gastrinomas.

Our experience with 47 sporadic gastrinomas suggests that no less than 85% of these tumors are located to the right of the superior mesenteric artery. This finding is unexpected because approximately 75% of insulinomas and glucagonomas are located to the left of the superior mesenteric artery. All of our extrapancreatic gastrinomas have been located to the right. These observations prompted us to determine if other extrapancreatic gastrinomas were also predominantly located to the right side. We searched the world's literature and found 10 cases of ovarian gastrinomas and one case of a renal gastrinoma. Nine of these remote extrapancreatic gastrinomas were located on the right side. This distribution of remote extrapancreatic gastrinomas is similar to our experience with peripancreatic gastrinomas. This unexpected right-sided preponderance of both remote and peripancreatic gastrinomas suggests a common origin for both.

Adult↗

Safety and long-term benefit of carotid endarterectomy in the asymptomatic patient.

In order to determine the safety and long-term salutary effects of carotid endarterectomy in the asymptomatic patient, we retrospectively reviewed all asymptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy from 1980 through 1986. There were 60 carotid endarterectomies performed in 54 patients, 53 men and one woman. The mean age was 64 years. Arteriography revealed a high grade stenosis of 70% or greater in 46 carotid arteries (77%), ulceration in five (8%), and both in nine (15%). Risk factors included coronary artery disease in 60% of patients, smoking in 87%, hypertension in 67%, and diabetes in 22%. Perioperative morbidity included three cranial nerve injuries, one myocardial infarction and one contralateral stroke. There were no deaths. Mean follow-up was 47 months with only two patients being lost to follow-up. During follow-up three patients suffered ipsilateral transient ischemic attacks without recurrent carotid stenosis and one patient had a transient ischemic attack secondary to contralateral carotid occlusion. There was one ipsilateral stroke occurring two years after operation secondary to restenosis that required reoperation and four late contralateral strokes. Ten patients died in the follow-up period. Causes of death were stroke (1), cardiac (4), malignancy (2), pulmonary (2), and unknown (1). All surviving patients were evaluated by duplex scan at a mean interval following surgery of 47 months. Restenosis of endarterectomized arteries was seen at the following rates: less than 50% in 41 (87%); 50-75% in four (8.5%); 80% in one (2%); and 90% in one (2%). Life table analysis revealed a 98% ipsilateral stroke-free rate at five and eight years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

Severe posthemicolectomy diarrhea: evaluation and treatment with SMS 201-995.

The effect of subcutaneous somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corp., East Hanover, NJ) was investigated in a patient with acute postoperative secretory diarrhea. The patient was hospitalized with bowel obstruction caused by a descending colon adenocarcinoma. One week after left hemicolectomy and transverse colostomy, watery colostomy output, which exceeded 10 L per day developed. Jejunal perfusion studies suggested that the patient's diarrhea was caused by abnormal net secretion of water and electrolytes by the small intestine. Circulating levels of various peptide hormones were normal with the exception of elevated level of pancreatic polypeptide. SMS 201-995 administration reduced colostomy output and normalized many of the abnormalities found during jejunal perfusion. These results indicate that the patient's acute secretory diarrhea, occurring after large intestinal obstruction, originated in the small intestine and that SMS 201-995 can be used to manage this unusual severe postoperative problem.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Anatomic distribution of pancreatic endocrine tumors.

Pancreatic endocrine tumors are grouped together by their common histologic, cytochemical, and ultrastructural features. Although useful conceptually, this paradigm has been unable to predict the anatomic location of different tumor types. Successful surgical excision of these tumors would be facilitated by an improved understanding of their anatomic distribution. Based on the available data, a bimodal distribution of pancreatic endocrine tumors was identified. Cluster 1 (gastrinomas, pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-secreting tumors, somatostatinomas) had 75% of tumors to the right of the superior mesenteric artery, whereas cluster 2 (insulinoma, glucagonoma) had 75% of tumors to the left of the superior mesenteric artery (p less than 0.05). This distribution is similar to that distribution predicted based on the volume density of the corresponding islet cells for insulinoma, glucagonoma, and PP-secreting tumors, but not for somatostatinoma. These findings suggest that pancreatic endocrine tumors are derived from similar cytologic precursors as pancreatic islet cells, and their distribution may be a consequence of embryologic development from either the ventral (cluster 1) or dorsal (cluster 2) pancreatic buds.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Preoperative percutaneous drainage of diverticular abscesses.

To define the role of percutaneous catheter drainage in the initial management of diverticular abscess, we reviewed 19 patients who were followed for an average of 17.4 months after drainage. All patients had large paracolic or pelvic abscesses with a mean size of 8.9 cm. There were no complications related to catheter placement, and 15 patients (79 percent) required drainage for less than 3 weeks. Sepsis resolved rapidly, and only two patients (11 percent) had persistent fever or leukocytosis beyond the third day of drainage. Routine sinography revealed fistulous communications to the colon in nine patients (47 percent), but only three (16 percent) had grossly feculent drainage. Fourteen patients (74 percent) completed the treatment plan of preoperative catheter drainage followed by single-stage sigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis without complications. Two patients refused operation, one of whom died 16 days postoperatively from recurrent sepsis and end-stage pulmonary disease. The three patients with fecal fistulas all had inadequate control of infection, suggesting the need for early operation and fecal diversion in such cases. We conclude that preoperative percutaneous catheter drainage obviates the need for colostomy and multiple-stage surgery in approximately three-fourths of patients with large diverticular abscesses.

Abscess↗

Gastrinoma excision for cure. A prospective analysis.

The role of surgery in the treatment of gastrinoma is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine prospectively the surgical cure rate using a controlled clinical trial. Eleven patients who fit the entry criteria underwent abdominal exploration and attempted tumor resection for cure. A historical control group was used for comparison. Cure was defined as: (1) normal serum gastrin level, (2) no response to intravenous secretin, (3) no symptoms when antisecretory medications are stopped, and (4) no tumor recurrence on follow-up examination. Tumors found in both groups tended to be small (1.5 cm vs. 2.2 cm), multiple (71% vs. 40%), and in lymph nodes (70% vs. 70%). All tumors identified were located anatomically within the gastrinoma triangle. Tumors were found in 10 of 11 patients (91%) in the study group, and significantly more patients had their tumors excised for cure as compared to controls (82% vs. 27%, p less than 0.05). The current prospective cure rate for gastrinoma is higher than previously appreciated and tumors within lymph nodes do not preclude curative resection.

Adult↗

The effects of incisional bupivacaine on postoperative narcotic requirements, oxygen saturation and length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit.

We compared postoperative pain and narcotic requirements, oxygen saturation (SaO2) and length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) in patients who received 30 ml of either 0.25% bupivacaine (B) or saline placebo (S) infiltrated into the operative incision. Twenty ASA I-III patients undergoing abdominal surgery were studied in a double-blinded randomized prospective trial. Study and control groups were not different in patient age, procedure, intra-operative narcotics administered or preoperative SaO2. In the PACU, patients receiving B had significantly lower analog pain scores (6.0 vs 8.3, P = 0.02). They had lower respiratory rates (15.6 b/min vs 19.1, P = to 0.02), required significantly less narcotic (4.5 mg morphine sulphate vs 11.0, P = to 0.03) and were discharged from the PACU almost an hour sooner than patients receiving S (P = 0.02). Patients receiving B had significantly higher minimum SaO2 than those receiving S (93.3% vs 89.9, P = 0.04). Discharge pain scores, SaO2 and respiratory rates were not significantly different between B and S groups. Finally, mean requirements for narcotics for the first 24 h were reduced by approximately 30% (from 406.9 mg meperidine to 255.5 mg, P = 0.006). This study demonstrates that infiltration of a long-acting local anesthetic lowers initial pain scores and requirements for narcotics in the PACU. The effect can be seen for at least the first 24 h. A lower requirement for postoperative narcotics is accompanished by faster wake-up, more alert patients, and, most importantly, higher SaO2 and shorter PACU stay. This may have a significant effect on pulmonary morbidity following abdominal operations.

Adult↗

Zero operative mortality rate in 109 consecutive elective aortic operations performed by residents.

One hundred and nine consecutive elective abdominal aortic operations were performed at the Veterans Administration Medical Center San Diego between 1984 and 1987. All of the operating surgeons were residents in general surgery who were assisted by attending staff. The mean age of the patients was 66.1 years and 34 patients were 70.0 years or older. The indication for operation was aortic aneurysm in 69 and aortoiliac occlusive disease in 40. Fifteen patients underwent highly complex procedures. The mean duration of operation was 5.6 hours, mean aortic clamp time was 72 minutes and mean volume of blood replacement was 1,186 milliliters. There was no operative mortality. Twenty-nine patients had 32 nonfatal complications. Patency of the graft was 100 per cent at discharge. We conclude that excellent clinical results with complex elective aortic operations can be achieved by surgical residents with appropriate supervision.

Aged↗

Gallstone ileus associated with Crohn's disease.

Gallstone ileus in association with Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum is a surprisingly uncommon occurrence. The diseased ileal segment may be responsible for gallstone lithogenesis as well as for luminal stenosis that prevents gallstone passage. We report only the third case of gallstone ileus in Crohn's disease and the first to be correctly diagnosed before surgery. The patient was successfully managed by planned ileal resection and cholecystectomy.

Cholelithiasis↗

Inhibition of the stimulated canine exocrine pancreas by amino acids and fat.

To investigate the possible exocrine pancreatic inhibitory actions of amino acids and fat, pancreatic fistula outputs and plasma concentrations of glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide were measured for response to intravenous (IV) and intraduodenal nutrient administration in six dogs submaximally stimulated with cholecystokinin. Intravenous amino acids caused abrupt and significant 45% to 73% reductions in stimulated pancreatic protein, bicarbonate, and volume outputs. There were no significant associated changes in plasma hormone concentrations and no similar immediate pancreatic inhibition with IV mannitol, thus suggesting a possible direct inhibitory effect of amino acids. Intraduodenal amino acids and IV fat evoked no significant pancreatic output suppression. Intraduodenal fat rapidly caused a significant 40% to 62% reductions in stimulated outputs that were associated with an 81% rise in plasma pancreatic polypeptide concentration, suggesting a gut-mediated inhibition. We conclude that IV amino acids and intraduodenal fat both inhibited stimulated pancreatic secretion but probably by different mechanisms.

Amino Acids↗

Septic peripheral embolization from bacterial and fungal endocarditis.

Arterial embolization is second only to cardiac failure as a potentially lethal complication of acute infectious endocarditis. Embolization may be encountered with increasing frequency due to the prolongation of life afforded by antibiotics and cardiac valve replacement surgery. While distal organs are more often affected, peripheral embolization of the lower extremities is by no means rare. Over a two-year period, we have treated six patients with acute infectious endocarditis who developed lower extremity ischemia. Four patients had Gram positive bacterial endocarditis while two immunosuppressed patients developed fungal endocarditis. Treatment of all six patients included lower extremity embolectomy or bypass grafting and long-term intravenous antimicrobial or antifungal therapy. Cardiac valve replacement was required in all six patients. All lower extremities were successfully reperfused, and no patient required amputation. Although the four patients with bacterial endocarditis survived, the two patients with fungal endocarditis eventually died. In conclusion, aggressive use of arteriography, embolectomy, antimicrobial drugs, and cardiac valve replacement appear to offer the best chance for survival and limb salvage for arterial embolism related to endocarditis.

Adult↗

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Indications for abdominal surgery, pathology, and outcome.

Thirty-six major abdominal operations were performed on 35 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients (33 men, two women). Twenty-two elective operations were indicated for diagnosis of abdominal or retroperitoneal mass (6), incomplete bowel obstruction (5), intra-abdominal infection (4), biliary symptoms (3), thrombocytopenia (3), and toxic megacolon (1). Fourteen emergency operations were for perforated viscus or peritonitis (11), massive gastrointestinal bleeding (2), and cecal volvulus (1). In 5 of 22 (23%) elective operations AIDS was unknown to the treating physicians until diagnosed by the surgical pathology; in contrast, all 14 emergency operations were in patients who had a known diagnosis of AIDS. The operative findings were related to AIDS in 34 of 36 (94%) operations. Cytomegalovirus was the most common pathogen, isolated or identified microscopically in 11 patients (eight emergency and three elective operations). Mycobacterial infections presented as retroperitoneal adenopathy or splenic abscess in six patients. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma was the most common malignancy found, presenting as an abdominal mass (4), bowel obstruction (3), or with gastrointestinal bleeding (2). Kaposi's sarcoma was diagnosed at laparotomy in four patients. The 1-month operative mortality rate for elective operation was 9% (2 of 22) and 46% (6 of 13) in emergencies. Postoperative complications included 1 reoperation for sepsis caused by inadequately resected CMV colitis; 1 pancreatic fistula; 1 wound dehiscence, and 2 minor wound infections.

Abdomen↗

Percutaneous drainage of infected and noninfected pancreatic pseudocysts: experience in 101 cases.

Percutaneous drainage of 101 pancreatic pseudocysts (51 infected, 50 noninfected) in 77 patients is described. In this group of patients, 91 of 101 pseudocysts were cured by means of catheter drainage (90.1%) (noninfected, 43 of 50 [86%]; infected, 48 of 51 [94.1%]). Six patients underwent operation after percutaneous treatment due to persistent drainage. In patients with infected pseudocysts, the infection was eradicated by percutaneous drainage before operation. Four pseudocysts recurred and were redrained percutaneously. The mean duration of drainage was 19.6 days (infected pseudocysts, 16.7 days; noninfected, 21.2 days). Various access routes were used for catheter drainage: transperitoneal, retroperitoneal, transhepatic, transgastric, transduodenal, and transsplenic (inadvertent). Four major (superinfections) and six minor complications occurred. An unexpected finding in seven patients was spontaneous fistulization of the pseudocyst into the gastrointestinal tract. Percutaneous drainage is an effective front-line treatment for most pancreatic pseudocysts; cure is likely if fluid collections are drained adequately and if sufficient time is allowed for closure of fistulas from the pancreatic duct.

Bacterial Infections↗

The changing epidemiology of pseudoaneurysm. Therapeutic implications.

To elucidate newly emerging trends in pseudoaneurysm causation, 57 patients with 81 pseudoaneurysms were reviewed. Only two (8%) of 24 pseudoaneurysms treated surgically before 1977 were infected, whereas 17 (30%) of 57 treated during the past decade were infected. There were four deaths among 12 patients (33%) with infected pseudoaneurysms compared with only one death among 45 patients (2%) with noninfected pseudoaneurysms. All five amputations were consequences of infected pseudoaneurysms. We conclude that (1) infection as a cause of pseudoaneurysm is increasing, (2) mortality and limb loss are now confined almost exclusively to cases involving infection, and (3) the current approach to pseudoaneurysm should include a high index of suspicion in patients at risk for infection, increased use of newer diagnostic scans, and an aggressive surgical attack on infected pseudoaneurysms that may require complete graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass.

Adult↗

Transperitoneal absorption of glucose and amino acids for nutritional support.

To evaluate the peritoneal membrane as an absorptive surface for nutritional support, 14 New Zealand rabbits with peritoneal catheters were rapidly infused with 75 mL/kg of a 5% glucose and 2.5% mixed amino acid solution. Plasma and peritoneal fluid glucose, amino acid, and electrolyte concentrations and osmolarities were measured serially for six hours following infusion, and nutrient absorptions were calculated. Plasma osmolarity rose minimally, peritoneal fluid osmolarity declined rapidly, and there was a small increase in peritoneal fluid volume. Peritoneal fluid concentrations of glucose and amino acids fell precipitously during the initial two hours, while plasma concentrations rose in reciprocal fashion. Two thirds of the glucose and 83% of the amino acid loads were absorbed at six hours, with most of the absorption occurring within the first two hours. Amino acid absorption was independent of molecular weight and configuration. While glucose and amino acids were rapidly absorbed in adequate amounts, an intraperitoneal nutrition support system will require fat to provide total energy needs.

Amino Acids↗