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Biomedical subjects

C Bloechle

Publications and source records attributed to C Bloechle.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Angiogenesis, angiogenic growth factors, and cell adhesion molecules are upregulated in chronic pancreatic diseases: angiogenesis in chronic pancreatitis and in pancreatic cancer.

Recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) have an increased risk of developing pancreatic carcinoma (PCA). In spite of numerous similarities in both diseases, mechanisms for progression from CP to PCA are poorly understood. We hypothesized that enhanced angiogenesis might play a pivotal role in the etiology and histopathology of both CP and PCA, and thus form a possible link between precancer and carcinoma. In surgical specimens of 18 patients with CP, 10 with PCA, and 18 controls, absolute numbers of blood vessels and relative blood vessel density were assessed after immunostaining of endothelial cells for von Willebrand factor and PECAM-1 (platelet/ endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1). Furthermore, the expression of cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) was investigated in all specimens. Both CP and PCA exhibited areas of high vascular density ("hot spots"). The mean number of blood vessels in these areas in PCA was 132.2+/-16.8 per mm2, and in CP, 99.2+/-7.4 per mm2. The mean vessel count in controls was 25.1+/-5.1. Relative vessel density was increased in both PCA (41.3+/-3.5%) and CP (30.6+/-2.6%) versus controls (8.0+/-0.8%). Both absolute vessel count and relative vessel density were significantly higher (p<0.05) in PCA than in CP. Enhanced expression of ICAM-1 in CP and PCA was seen in ductal cells in CP and cancer cells. In controls, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were expressed only at low levels in endothelial cells. VCAM-1 was strongly expressed in acinar cells as well as in ductal cells. In CP and PCA, VEGF was strongly expressed in ductal cells in CP as well as in cancer cells. We show for the first time that angiogenic activity is increased in both CP and PCA. Based on this study, we suggest that antiangiogenesis might be a novel target for prevention or therapy in chronic pancreatic diseases.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

[Haemosuccus pancreaticus as a rare initial manifestation of chronic pancreatitis].

Haemosuccus pancreaticus is an unfrequent but known cause of an upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Pathogenesis of spontaneous severe hemorrhage of the pancreatic duct includes chronic pancreatitis generated pseudocysts or aneurysms of the visceral arteries. We present two cases of severe spontaneous gastrointestinal bleeding as a first manifestation of chronic pancreatitis, in which the diagnosis chronic pancreatitis was not known and the patients denied any gastrointestinal symptoms in their medical history at the time of hemorrhage.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Laparoscopic vs open repair of gastric perforation and abdominal lavage of associated peritonitis in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is increasingly used in conditions complicated by peritonitis, e.g., peptic ulcer perforation. Of some theoretical concern is the capnoperitoneum, which may aggravate peritonitis and induce septic shock due to increased intraabdominal pressure and distension of the peritoneum. This animal study was devised to analyze the effectiveness of laparoscopic versus traditional open repair of gastric perforation and abdominal lavage for associated peritonitis. METHODS: To simulate gastric perforation, female Duroc pigs were subjects to standardized gastrotomy. Either 6 or 12 h after gastric perforation, the animals underwent either traditional open or laparoscopic repair of the gastric defect and peritoneal lavage. The subjects were divided into the following four groups: peritonitis for 6 h and open surgery (group I) or laparoscopic surgery (group II); peritonitis for 12 h and open surgery (group III) or laparoscopic surgery (group IV). After an observation period of 6 days, the surviving animals were killed. The main outcome criteria were survival, perioperative changes of hemodynamics suggestive for septic shock, bacteremia, and endotoxemia. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between group I and II. Mortality was 22% in group III, as compared to 78% in group IV (p = 0.045). In group IV, the incidence of perioperative bacteremia and plasma endotoxin concentrations were significantly higher than in group III. Concomitantly, decreased mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance, and increased cardiac output suggested a higher incidence of septic shock in group IV. CONCLUSION: Critical appraisal of laparoscopic surgery is warranted in conditions associated with severe, longstanding peritonitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Longitudinal V-shaped excision of the ventral pancreas for small duct disease in severe chronic pancreatitis: prospective evaluation of a new surgical procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The technique of longitudinal V-shaped excision of the ventral pancreas for small duct chronic pancreatitis is presented and its efficacy in terms of pain relief and improvement of quality of life is evaluated. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Small duct chronic pancreatitis has been regarded as a classical indication for more or less extensive resection, in which the therapeutic success of pain relief is offset by the considerable risk of significant perioperative mortality and morbidity and the burden of substantial loss of pancreatic function. METHODS: Thirteen patients with severe pain who were diagnosed with small duct pancreatitis (defined as maximal Wirsungian ductal diameter of 2 mm) underwent longitudinal V-shaped excision of the ventral pancreas. In addition to routine pancreatic workup, a multidimensional psychometric quality-of-life questionnaire and a pain score were used. Assessment of exocrine and endocrine function included fecal chymotrypsin and the pancreolauryl test as well as oral glucose tolerance, serum concentrations of insulin, C-peptide, and hemoglobin A1c. The interval between symptoms and surgery ranged from 12 months to 10 years (mean, 5.4 years). Median follow-up was 30 months (range, 12-48 months). RESULTS: There were no deaths. Overall morbidity was 15.4%. In 92% of patients, complete relief of symptoms was obtained. Median pain score decreased by 95%. Physical status, working ability, and emotional and social functioning scores improved by 40%, 50%, 67%,, and 75%, respectively. Global quality-of-life index increased by 67%. Occupational rehabilitation was achieved in 69% of patients. Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function was well preserved. CONCLUSIONS: In small duct chronic pancreatitis, longitudinal V-shaped excision of the ventral pancreas is a safe and effective alternative to resection procedures. The new technique provides pain relief and improvement of quality of life, thus offering the benefit of a resection procedure without its burden.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Extended drainage versus resection in surgery for chronic pancreatitis: a prospective randomized trial comparing the longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy combined with local pancreatic head excision with the pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of extended drainage--that is, longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy combined with local pancreatic head excision (LPJ-LPHE)-and pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) in terms of pain relief, control of complications arising from adjacent organs, and quality of life. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Based on the hypotheses of pain origin (ductal hypertension and perineural inflammatory infiltration), drainage and resection constitute the main principles of surgery for chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Sixty-one patients were randomly allocated to either LPJ-LPHE (n = 31) or PPPD (n = 30). The interval between symptoms and surgery ranged from 12 months to 10 years (mean 5.1 years). In addition to routine pancreatic diagnostic workup, a multidimensional psychometric quality-of-life questionnaire and a pain score were used. Endocrine and exocrine functions were assessed in terms of oral glucose tolerance and serum concentrations of insulin, C-peptide, and HbA1c, as well as fecal chymotrypsin and pancreolauryl testing. During a median follow-up of 24 months (range 12 to 36), patients were reassessed in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: One patient died of cardiovascular failure in the LPJ-LPHE group (3.2%); there were no deaths in the PPPD group. Overall, the rate of in-hospital complications was 19.4% in the LPJ-LPHE group and 53.3% in the PPPD group, including delayed gastric emptying in 9 of 30 patients (30%; p < 0.05). Complications of adjacent organs were definitively resolved in 93.5% in the LPJ-LPHE group and in 100% in the PPPD group. The pain score decreased by 94% after LPJ-LPHE and by 95% after PPPD. Global quality of life improved by 71% in the LPJ-LPHE group and by 43% in the PPPD group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures are equally effective in terms of pain relief and definitive control of complications affecting adjacent organs, but extended drainage by LPJ-LPHE provides a better quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Strictureplasty with a pedunculated jejunal patch in Crohn's disease of the duodenum.

Surgical treatment for duodenal stenosis caused by Crohn's disease is only indicated in symptomatic duodenal obstruction when conservative treatment has failed. Previously described operative procedures include strictureplasty for short stenoses and bypass or resectional procedures, if duodenal stenosis is extensive. In this case of an extensive duodenal Crohn's stenosis, we performed a strictureplasty of the duodenum with a pedunculated jejunal patch. Thus, duodenal passage could be well preserved, and the patient has remained asyptomatic during a follow-up of more than 9 months.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Inhibition of bradykinin B2 receptor preserves microcirculation in experimental pancreatitis in rats.

The effect of B2 receptor bradykinin antagonist icatibant on postcapillary leukostasis, microcirculatory stasis, and tissue necrosis was studied in acute pancreatitis. In rats, pancreatitis was induced by intraductal injection of sodium taurocholate (ST), intravenous caerulein and intraductal infusion of glucodeoxycholic acid (GDOC), or intravenous caerulein infusion alone. Intravital pancreatic microcirculation was observed. Icatibant or vehicle was given 30 min before induction of pancreatitis. In ST pancreatitis, the number of perfused capillaries increased in icatibant-pretreated rats (77% vs. 0% for controls, P < 0.001). Capillary flow was preserved in icatibant-treated rats; total stasis was observed in controls. Mean venular leukocyte adherence decreased in icatibant-treated rats (26% vs. 74% for controls, P < 0.001), and median histopathologic score was reduced (icatibant vs. controls, 5.0 vs. 12 points, respectively; P < 0.01). Kinase II inhibitor captopril or exogenous bradykinin in addition to an otherwise effective dosage of icatibant resulted in microcirculatory stasis, extensive venular leukocyte adherence, and severe histological damage. With a 100 times greater icatibant dosage, this adverse effect was compensated. The beneficial effects of icatibant were also observed in intermediate pancreatitis (caerulein + GDOC). In ST and intermediate pancreatitis, icatibant preserved microcirculation, reduced venular leukocyte adherence, and prevented pancreatic tissue damage. B2 receptor bradykinin-mediated postcapillary leukostasis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of severe forms of acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

[Drainage versus resection in surgical therapy of chronic pancreatitis of the head of the pancreas: a randomized study].

Drainage and resection are the principles of surgery in chronic pancreatitis. The techniques of duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas as described by Beger and Frey combine both to different degrees. In a prospective randomized trial both procedures were compared: 74 patients were randomly allocated to either Beger's (n = 38) or Frey's, (n = 36) group. In addition to routine pancreatic diagnostic work-up a multidimensional psychometric quality-of-life questionnaire and a pain score were used. Assessment of endocrine and exocrine function included oral glucose tolerance test, serum concentrations of insulin, C-peptide, and HbA1c, as well as fecal chymotrypsin and pancreolauryl test. The mean interval between symptoms and surgery was 5.1 years (1-12 years). The median follow-up was 30 months. There was no mortality. Overall morbidity was 27% (32% Beger, 22% Frey). Complications from adjacent organs were definitively resolved in 91% (92% Beger, 91% Frey). A decrease in pain score of 95% and 93% after Beger's and Frey's procedure, respectively, and an increase of 67% in the overall quality-of-life index in both groups were observed. Endocrine and exocrine function did not differ between the two groups. Both techniques of duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas are equally safe and effective with regard to pain relief, improvement of quality of life, and control of complications affecting adjacent organs. Neither procedure leads to further deterioration of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Drainage operation as therapeutic principle of surgical organ saving treatment of chronic pancreatitis].

Intraductal and intraparenchymal hypertension represent the rationale for surgical drainage procedures in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. "Simple" drainage procedures such as longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy according to Partington-Rochelle have to be distinguished from "extended" drainage operations, e.g. the combination of longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy with limited local excision of the pancreatic head. This "extended" drainage procedure according to Frey is just as effective as resective procedures in terms of persistent pain relief and definitive management of pancreatitis-associated complications of adjacent organs, i.e. distal common bile duct and duodenal stenosis. This operation also addresses an inflammatory mass in the pancreatic head. In contrast to "simple" drainage procedures the Frey operation allows reliable exclusion of pancreatic carcinoma. With low perioperative morbidity and zero mortality the Frey procedure significantly improves quality of life and leads to social and occupational rehabilitation.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗
PubMed1997

Laparoscopic treatment of nonparasitic cysts of the liver with omental transposition flap.

BACKGROUND: Between 1991 and November 1994, 18 patients with large, solitary, nonparasitic liver cysts underwent laparoscopic deroofing; the last 13 of them also received an omental transposition flap in addition. METHODS: Using three to four trocars, the cystic contents were first aspirated, and the cyst derooted widely using diathermia. An omental transposition flap was fashioned and stapled into the cyst cavity itself. RESULTS: Postoperative complications included one case of pulmonary atelectasis. Another patient developed a subhepatic bile collection which was aspirated percutaneously. On average, patients were discharged on the 4th (2-14) postoperative day. Follow-up was performed with abdominal ultrasound for 2-43 months (mean 19 months). There were two early cyst recurrences, both in cases without an omental transposition flap (overall recurrence rate, 11%; in patients with omental flap, 0). CONCLUSIONS: Deroofing in combination with an omental transposition flap is a safe and effective therapy for symptomatic solitary liver cysts and can be performed using minimal-access surgical techniques.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Prospective randomized study of drainage and resection on non-occlusive segmental portal hypertension in chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: In chronic pancreatitis, compression of the splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) by an inflammatory mass may cause segmental portal hypertension. Drainage and resection are the principles of surgery for chronic pancreatitis. This study was devised to evaluate the effect of drainage and resection on venous splanchnic blood flow in patients with non-occlusive segmental portal hypertension. METHODS: In 14 of 30 patients with chronic pancreatitis predominantly involving the pancreatic head, segmental portal hypertension due to compression of the splenic vein and SMV was detected by means of indirect splenomesentericoportography and Doppler ultrasonography. None of these 14 patients had symptomatic gastric fundic varices. They were allocated randomly to surgical drainage or resection. Median follow-up was 30 (range 12-48) months. RESULTS: In the resection group, mean(s.d.) splenic vein blood flow increased from 316(46) ml/min before operation to 396(57) ml/min at follow-up (P < 0.01). In the drainage group, preoperative splenic vein blood flow (318(37) ml/min) was not increased after operation (322(37) ml/min). Mean(s.d.) SMV flow increased from 292(42) ml/min before operation to 436(64) ml/min at follow-up (P < 0.01) in the resection group. In the drainage group mean(s.d.) SMV blood flow was 296(32) ml/min before operation and 314(34) ml/min at follow-up. No patient developed fundic gastric varices during follow-up. CONCLUSION: In non-occlusive segmental portal hypertension due to chronic pancreatitis, resection, but not drainage, restores normal venous splanchnic blood flow.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Intrahepatic pressure, oxygen partial pressure and pain in chronic pancreatitis].

We investigated the relationship between pain, intraductal and parenchymal pancreatic pressures and oxygen partial pressure in 39 patients who underwent surgery for chronic pancreatitis with intractable pain. Acute pain was correlated with parenchymal pressure; correlation between pain and oxygen pressure could not be found. Since no strong correlation exists between pain and parenchymal pressure, we hypothesise that pressure and parenchymal factors contribute to the pathogenesis of pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed1996

Toxic megacolon caused by cytomegalovirus colitis in a multiply injured patient.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is a rare event that has been described mainly in immunocompromised patients with immunosuppressive medication or HIV infection. An association with severe trauma has not been described previously. We report a formerly healthy, multiply injured 75-year-old male who subsequently developed what appeared to be pseudomembranous colitis. By the time the diagnosis of toxic megacolon on the basis of CMV colitis was established, he had succumbed to multiple organ failure. Whenever pseudomembranous colitis is clinically suspected but not confirmed in a critically ill formerly healthy patient, CMV colitis should be excluded. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, generous resection of all affected colon is mandatory in view of the limited benefit of antiviral therapy in CMV-induced toxic megacolon.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Effect of a pneumoperitoneum on the extent and severity of peritonitis induced by gastric ulcer perforation in the rat.

Laparoscopic surgical repair of perforated gastroduodenal ulcer is technically feasible. To study the effect of a pneumoperitoneum on the extent and severity of peritonitis this animal study was devised. In rats gastric ulceration was induced by instillation of ethanol (50%, 2 ml) and followed by gastrotomy to simulate perforation. Animals were randomly allocated to pneumoperitoneum (PP) and control groups. In PP groups CO2 was insufflated intraperitoneally 6, 9, 12, and 24 h after gastrotomy. In controls the abdomen was only punctured. Animals were sacrificed 5 h after the end of PP or abdominal puncture. Blood cultures and intraabdominal swabs were assessed. A peritonitis severity score (PSS) based on histologies from peritoneum, liver, left kidney, spleen, and first jejunal loop was estimated. Six and 9 h after gastrotomy no significant differences between the PP and control groups were observed; 12 h after gastrotomy cultures of blood samples and abdominal swabs were positive in 67% and 75% in the PP group compared to 42% (P < 0.05), and 42% (P < 0.05) in controls. The mean PSS was 20.8 (standard deviation [SD] 2.2) in the PP group compared to 11.3 (1.5) (P < 0.01) in controls; 24 h after gastrotomy cultures of blood samples and abdominal swabs were positive in 83% and 100% in the PP group compared to 42% (P < 0.05) and 50% (P < 0.01) in controls. The mean PSS was 22.1 (1.5) in the PP group compared to 11.8 (2.4) (P < 0.01) in the controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗