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Bertrand Millat

Publications and source records attributed to Bertrand Millat.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Is collagen a good banding material for outlet control of vertical gastroplasty? Preliminary study in pigs.

BACKGROUND: To maintain the long-term effects of a gastric bariatric operation, bands are often placed to control the restriction. Erosion into the gastric wall by these devices remains a problem. A soft resiliant prosthesis of animal origin, constituted by a network of non-absorbable collagen fibres, may be a solution to this problem. This study assessed, in a porcine model, the histological reaction of the gastric wall following apposition of a band of porcine collagen (Pelvicol, Bard). METHODS: 15 female pigs weighing on average 21 kg underwent vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). Stoma control was achieved with a band of porcine collagen (2 cm wide, 7 cm long and 2 mm thick). The pigs were sacrificed 1 month after VBG, and histological analysis was performed at a macroscopic and microscopic level. RESULTS: There was no peri-operative death, although 2 pigs died in the postoperative period (the first case developed a bowel fistula and sepsis, and the second pig died of unrelated causes). There were 2 additional morbidities (gastric fistula on the linear staple-line away from the Pelvicol band) that led to an early euthanasia of 2 pigs. Post-mortem macroscopic analyses in the remaining 11 pigs did not reveal migration of the device, and there was no tissue reaction on postoperative microscopic analyses. 10 of the pigs had lost weight at 1 month, averaging 3.42 kg. CONCLUSION: Porcine collagen appears to be an effective and safe alternative to the current methods of control of pouch outlet. The flexibility and homogeneity of this prosthesis may be useful to limit the risk of erosion of the gastric wall. Although these properties have been assessed in pelvic operations in humans, this work needs to be studied in a prospective long-term study in humans.

Animals↗

Management and prognosis of colon cancer in patients with intestinal obstruction or peritonitis: a French population-based study.

BACKGROUND: In spite of recent advances in our knowledge of tumor biology and therapy, the management and prognosis of patients with colon cancer (CC) revealed by intestinal obstruction or peritonitis (IOP) are not well defined. This study was undertaken to identify other factors which may influence morbidity and prognosis of CC revealed by IOP. MATERIAL/METHODS: We studied medical documentation from 247 incidental cases of CC registered in the Herault district in 1992 and followed up until 1997. The difference in postoperative mortality and the 5-year survival rate between CC with (n=41) and without IOP (n=206) were evaluated separately in relation to clinico-pathological characteristics, surgeon volume, and healthcare institutions by non-conditional logistic regression and multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS: Higher rates of Dukes' stages B-C-D were observed in the emergency group than in the elective. Older age was associated with the presence of IOP (p=0.02). Factors predictive for postoperative mortality were IOP (p=0.02), surgical treatment in non-specialized hospitals (p=0.04) and residence in rural areas (p=0.01). The primary independent negative prognostic factor in multivariate analysis was the presence of nodal or distant metastases (Dukes' stage D, p=0.0001), followed by lack of chemotherapy (p=0.008), initial treatment in non-specialized hospitals (p=0.01), onset with IOP (p=0.02), low-volume surgeons (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: As the presence of IOP influenced independently postoperative mortality and specific five-year survival, we suggest that the management of CC revealed by IOP should be concentrated in the hands of those surgeons and healthcare institutions that show the best outcomes.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Patient's preference and randomization: new paradigm of evidence-based clinical research.

The limitations associated with the traditional randomized controlled design as applied to clinical surgical research must be recognized. The aim of randomization is to ensure initial comparability between groups of eligible patients for whom treatments are compared, thus eliminating their individual influence on outcome. Randomized controlled trials in the surgical literature are sparse; patient preferences might be a major obstacle to their performance. External validity of results of clinical trials depends on the representativity of patients who participate in trials: Compliance to participate through informed consent may act as a selection bias. In surgical randomized trials where it is not often possible for patients to remain blinded to the treatment to which they have been allocated, patient preferences can influence the effectiveness of treatments. In this setting, we need to look at alternatives and the potential advantages of adopting more flexible and clinically relevant approaches to the design of surgical trials. We have to accept the weight of the patient's individual decision in everyday practice. Hence, to negate the importance of these individual choices when evaluating surgical outcomes is unrealistic. An original design reported herein might become a new paradigm for surgical evaluation.

Ethics, Clinical↗

A controlled randomized multicenter trial of pancreatogastrostomy or pancreatojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Only 2 large (more than 100 patients) prospective trials comparing pancreatogastrostomy (PG) with pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) have been reported until now. One nonrandomized study showed that there were less pancreatic and digestive tract fistula with PG, whereas the other, a randomized trial from a single high-volume center, found no significant differences between the two techniques. METHODS: Single blind, controlled randomized, multicenter trial. The main endpoint was intra-abdominal complications (IACs). RESULTS: Of 149 randomized patients, 81 underwent PG and 68 PJ. No significant difference was found between the two groups concerning pre- or intraoperative patient characteristics. The rate of patients with one or more IACs was 34% in each group. Twenty-seven patients sustained a pancreatoenteric fistula (18%), 13 in PG (16%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8-24%) and 14 in PJ (20%; 95% CI 10.5-29.5%). No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups concerning the mortality rate (11% overall), the rate of reoperations and/or postoperative interventional radiology drainages (23%), or the length of hospital stay (median 20.5 days). Univariate analysis found the following risk factors: (1) age > or =70 years old, (2) extrapancreatic disease, (3) normal consistency of pancreas, (4) diameter of main pancreatic duct <3 mm, (5) duration of operation >6 hours, and (6) a center effect. Significantly more IAC, pancreatoenteric fistula, and deaths occurred in one center (that included the most patients) (P = .05), but there were significantly more high-risk patients in this center (normal pancreas consistency, extrapancreatic pathology, small pancreatic duct, higher transfusion requirements, and duration of operation >6 hours) compared with the other centers. In multivariate analysis, the center effect disappeared. Independent risk factors included duration of operation >6 hours for IAC and for pancreatoenteric fistula (P = .01), extrapancreatic disease for pancreatoenteric fistulas (P < .04), and age > or =70 years for mortality (P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: The type of pancreatoenteric anastomosis (PJ or PG) after PD does not significantly influence the rate of patients with one or more IAC and/or pancreatic fistula or the severity of complications.

Adult↗

Prognostic factors for early gastric cancer in France: Cox regression analysis of 332 cases.

Early gastric cancer (EGC) is defined as a lesion in which the depth of invasion is limited to the mucosa, submucosa, or both regardless of lymph node status; moreover, it has an excellent prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of more than 90%. We aimed to determine the prognostic factors for EGC in a large Western series. Over a 10-year period from January 1979 to December 1988 a series of 332 patients (mean age 64 years) with EGC were operated on in 23 centers (two French Associations for Surgical Research). The clinicopathologic data retrospectively and screened it for prognostic effect. The mean follow-up for the 332 EGC patients was 80 months. Postoperative mortality was 4% among 243 partial and 89 total gastric resections. The overall 5- and 7-year survival rates were 82% and 72%, respectively. The cumulative 5- and 7-year survival rates (mean follow-up 80 months) were 92.0% and 87.5%, respectively, excluding both operative and unrelated mortality. There was no significant difference in survival between partial and total gastric resection for lesions located in the lower third of the stomach ( p > 0.6). When survival data (excluding postoperative deaths) were analyzed using univariate analysis and Cox's proportional hazards model, lymphatic involvement ( p = 0.01), the site of the tumor in the upper two-thirds of the stomach ( p = 0.02), and submucosal lesions ( p = 0.049) showed a significant effect on predicting a poor prognosis. These results suggest that because of its prognostic value lymphadenectomy should be performed in addition to gastric resection for adequate classification of EGCs. Follow-up might be required only for patients with at least one poor prognostic factor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Cost-effectiveness of two follow-up strategies for curative resection of colorectal cancer: comparative study using a Markov model.

The follow-up of patients with curative resection of colorectal cancer is still controversial. The means mobilized for postoperative monitoring come at a high cost. However, the modalities are neither formalized nor validated with regard to an improved 5-year survival rate. To compare the cost-effectiveness of both strategies for patient follow-up during the 7 years following curative resection of colorectal cancer, we performed a costeffectiveness analysis adjusted for quality of life. Using data from the literature and a population study, a simulation of follow-up on patients who had undergone curative resection of colorectal cancer was carried out over a 7-year period using a Markov model. Two Markov processes were modeled to compare the cost-effectiveness ratio adjusted for quality of life in patients with a follow-up in accordance with the recommendations of the 1998 French Consensus Conference (standard follow-up) with the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay and a simplified follow-up. The influence of standard follow-up on the quality-adjusted life expectancy of patients who had Duke's stage A and B colorectal cancer appears to be modest, with increases of 2.5 months and 1.3 months, respectively; it is more acceptable for patients who had had Duke's stage C, with an increase of 11 months. The high variability of cost-effectiveness ratios (> 7 years) of +/- 44,830 and 180,195 Euro per quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), respectively) did not favor the standard follow-up. The cost-effectiveness ratio (> 7 years) of patients having had Duke's stage C colorectal cancer was 1,058 (sd: 2746) Euro per QALY and could favor the standard follow-up. This study showed that standard follow-up with CEA assay tended to preferentially improve the survival of Duke's stage C patients. The type of examination needed and the frequency with which it has to be carried out should take account of the stage, treatment for the initial illness, and the patient's age.

Aged↗

[Identification and management of HNPCC syndrome (hereditary non polyposis colon cancer), hereditary predisposition to colorectal and endometrial adenocarcinomas].

BACKGROUND: The HNPCC syndrome (hereditary non polyposis colon cancer) is an inherited condition defined by clinical and genealogical information, known as Amsterdam criteria. In about 70% of cases, HNPCC syndrome is caused by germline mutations in MMR genes, leading to microsatellite instability of tumor DNA (MSI phenotype). Patients affected by the disease are at high risk for colorectal and endometrial carcinomas, but also for small intestine, urothelial, ovary, stomach and biliary tract carcinomas. HNPCC syndrome is responsible for 5% of colorectal cancers. Identification and management of this disease are part of a multidisciplinary procedure. METHODS: 12 experts have been mandated by the French Health Ministry to analyze and synthesize their consensus position, and the resulting document has been reviewed by an additional group of 4 independent experts. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: The lack of sensitivity of Amsterdam criteria in recognizing patients carrying a MMR germline mutation led to an enlargement of these criteria for the recruitment of possible HNPCC patients, and to a 2-steps strategy, asking first for a tumor characterization according to MSI phenotype, especially in case of early-onset sporadic cases. The identification of germline MMR mutations has no major consequence on the cancer treatments, but influences markedly the long-term follow-up and the management of at-risk relatives. Gene carriers will enter a follow-up program regarding their colorectal and endometrial cancer risks, but other organs being at low lifetime risk, no specific surveillance will be proposed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Risk factors for mortality and morbidity after elective sigmoid resection for diverticulitis: prospective multicenter multivariate analysis of 582 patients.

The prevalence of diverticular disease of the colon is increasing in occidental countries. It would be useful to further decrease the mortality and morbidity after elective sigmoid resection (ESR) for diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to identify modifiable preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for mortality and morbidity after ESR for diverticulitis. A database of 2615 patients who underwent a colon or rectal resection with primary anastomosis between 1985 to 1998 has been constructed from prospective randomized studies published by a French surgical group. Of those patients, 582 had undergone ESR for diverticulitis, and they constitute the population of the present study. A total of 46 potential preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for mortality and morbidity have been studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. The operative mortality for our series was 1.2%, and the overall morbidity was 24.9%. The multivariate analysis revealed two statistically significant independent risk factors of mortality: age >75 (odds-ratio=7.9; 95% confidence interval [CI 1.7-36.6]; p=0.01) and obesity (odds-ratio=5.2; 95% CI [1.1-27.9]; p=0.04). The abdominal morbidity (AM) was 6.5% (38/582). The absence of antimicrobial prophylaxis administration with ceftriaxone was the only significant risk factor for AM in multivariate analysis (p=0.003; odds-ratio=2; 95% CI [1.1-4]). The extraabdominal morbidity (EAM) was 18.4% (107/582). Both chronic pulmonary disease (p=0.008; odds-ratio=2.9; 95% CI [1.4-6]; p=0.008) and cirrhosis (odds-ratio=12; 95% CI [1.2-120]) proved to be significant risk factors for EAM. Weight control prior to surgery, routine administration of prophylactic preoperative antibiotics, and preoperative optimization of the respiratory status of patients with chronic pulmonary disease could decrease the postoperative mortality and morbidity associated with ESR for diverticulitis.

Aged↗

Influence of environment and healthcare structures on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer: a French population-based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer is one of the highest-ranking cancers in France, both sexes combined, with 33000 new cases per year. To report on the practice and the efficiency of the healthcare system, an evaluation of the therapeutic management of colorectal cancer was carried out in the department of the Herault, in the south of France. METHODS: Cases of colorectal cancer in 1992 (344 colorectal cancer incidental cases) in the department of the Herault were reviewed. The diversity of the therapeutic choices and survival were evaluated for the different types of healthcare facilities (private hospitals, nonspecialized and specialized hospitals) and residential areas (rural, semi-urban, urban). RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-one patients with colorectal cancer (78.8%) and 234 patients with colorectal cancer (67.7%) were respectively diagnosed and treated in the private sector. Sixteen cases (23.5%) in the public sector (29.7% in the university hospital) and 24 cases (19%) in the private sector involved surgical emergencies (peritonitis, intestinal obstructions) (P = 0.003). Radiotherapy was performed in 59% of patients with rectal cancer. Preoperative radiotherapy was used primarily in specialized hospitals (80% of radiated rectal cancer; P = 0.002), as opposed to postoperative radiotherapy, which was used predominantly in private hospitals (P = 0.005). Forty-five percent of the patients with colorectal cancer who had lymph node involvement have been treated with chemotherapy. In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis and the presence of metastases (Dukes stage) were the most important independent pejorative prognostic factors, followed by the initial treatment in nonspecialized hospitals, complicated colorectal cancer (intestinal obstruction, peritonitis), lack of histological differentiation, and rural and urban residential areas. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from independent prognostic factors, such as parietal, ganglionic, or metastatic extensions, the lack of histological differentiation, and the complicated forms, heterogeneity and inequality persist in the distribution, treatment for, and the survival of patients with colorectal cancer based on the type of healthcare facility and the living area of this French population.

Adult↗

Medial pancreatectomy: a multi-institutional retrospective study of 53 patients by the French Pancreas Club.

BACKGROUND: The results of medial pancreatectomy have been previously reported anecdotally. The purpose of the study was to provide short- and long-term results of MP in a large multicenter collective series. METHODS: From 1990 to 1998, 53 patients (mean age +/- SD = 49 +/- 15 years) underwent medial pancreatectomy for primary cystic neoplasms of pancreas (n = 19), endocrine neoplasms (n = 17), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) (n = 6), fibrotic stenosis of the Wirsung's duct (n = 4), or other benign (n = 4) or malignant (n = 3) diseases. The proximal (right) pancreatic remnant was sutured (n = 53), and the distal (left) remnant was either anastomosed to a jejunal loop (n = 26), to the stomach (n = 25), or oversewn (n = 2). Medial pancreatectomy was indicated in 3 patients (6%) because of failed enucleation, in 3 (6%) to prevent worsening of preexisting diabetes, or to prevent de novo diabetes in a patient with chronic pancreatitis, and deliberately in the 47 others. RESULTS: The length of the resected pancreas was 5.0+/- 2.2 cm (range, 2-15). One patient (2%) died from a pancreatic fistula and portal thrombosis. Three patients were reoperated on because of complications related to the left pancreas, which was partially or totally resected. Pancreatic fistula developed in 16 patients (30%). Mean delay for the return of oral feeding was related to the presence of a pancreatic fistula. At follow-up (median = 26 months, range, 12-131), 1 pancreatic recurrence and 1 de novo diabetes occurred in patients without IPMN. In patients with IPMN, the rates of pancreatic recurrence and diabetes were 40% (2/5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medial pancreatectomy effectively preserves long-term endocrine function and is associated with a low risk of local recurrence, except in patients with IPMN. However, there is a high risk (30%) of PF after medial pancreatectomy.

Adolescent↗

Gastrointestinal quality of life before and after laparoscopic heller myotomy with partial posterior fundoplication.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia using a specific quality of life (QoL) instrument for gastrointestinal disorders. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Current therapies for achalasia do not restore normal esophageal motility but aim at palliating dysphagia. However, many other symptoms may persist that cannot be assessed objectively by currently available symptom scores. Although generic QoL instruments have shown improvement in QoL after myotomy, disease-specific QoL instruments may be more responsive to change and therefore more reliable for comparing outcomes of therapeutic options for achalasia. METHODS: The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) was studied before and after laparoscopic Heller myotomy associated with posterior partial fundoplication. RESULTS: Starting in January 1991, 73 consecutive patients were operated on laparoscopically for various clinical stages of achalasia. Since 1996, 40 patients completed a GIQLI questionnaire both preoperatively and after a minimum postoperative follow-up of 1 year. Median preoperative GIQLI score was 84 (range 34-129) out of a theoretical maximum score of 144. At a median follow-up of 31 months (range 12-54), the score had significantly improved to 119 (range 77-143), close to the range for the normal French population. Not only items assessing gastrointestinal symptoms but also the domains of physical, social, and emotional function were significantly improved. The most marked improvements were achieved in patients with the lowest preoperative scores. CONCLUSIONS: The GIQLI allows us to objectify the impact of achalasia symptoms on health-related QoL. At medium-term follow-up, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, performed either as primary treatment or after endoscopic dilation, significantly improves most health-related QoL aspects. Short of randomized comparisons between the different therapeutic options available for achalasia, reported series could be made more comparable if validated QoL instruments specific for gastrointestinal disorders were used routinely for outcome evaluation.

Adolescent↗

Dysphagia after Laparoscopic 360 Repair for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

In comparison to medical treatment, antireflux surgery is recognized as an effective, efficient and longlasting therapy, as well as the only treatment that is able to modify the natural history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The 360 fundoplication is the most widely used surgical procedure for GERD. Although performed in the era of H2-blockers and open surgery, comparison of the so-called Nissen repair to both symptomatic and continuous medical therapies concluded that surgery was superior to medical therapy in every outcome measure used.

Journal Article↗

Cost and effectiveness of follow-up examinations in patients with colorectal cancer resected for cure in a French population-based study.

The cost of follow-up examinations for patients having undergone potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer is considerable. The aim of this study was to provide a thorough assessment of the cost and effectiveness of the follow-up tests used during the 5 years after surgical resection for colorectal cancer and its recurrences. We studied medical and economic data from the records of 256 patients registered in the Herault Tumor Registry who underwent potentially curative surgical resection in 1992. Recurrence, curative recurrence, survival, and the cost of follow-up tests were assessed respectively for at least 5 years. We analyzed the cost and effectiveness of follow-up tests in patients who received either follow-up with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) monitoring as advocated by the 1998 French consensus conference recommendations (standard follow-up) or a more minimal follow-up schedule. Nine patients died in the postoperative period. The 5-year survival rates in the standard and minimal follow-up groups were 85% and 79%, respectively (p=0.25). Cost-effectiveness ratios were 2123 in Dukes' stage A patients, 4306 in Dukes' stage B patients, and 9600 in Dukes' stage C patients. Cost-effectiveness ratios for CEA monitoring and abdominal ultrasonography per patient alive in the standard follow-up group were 1238 and 2261.5, respectively. Cost-effectiveness ratios for CEA monitoring and abdominal ultrasonography per patient alive in the minimal follow-up group were 1478 and 573, respectively. There were no survivors 5 years after a recurrence when the recurrence was detected by physical examination, chest X-ray, and colonoscopy in either follow-up group. Dukes' classification is a poor indicator of patient selection. The follow-up tests should only include CEA monitoring and abdominal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of recurrence.

Adult↗