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Biomedical subjects

Fred Brody

Publications and source records attributed to Fred Brody.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopic resection of an adrenal pseudocyst.

Adrenal pseudocysts are rare cystic lesions surrounded by a layer of fibrous tissue that lacks epithelial or endothelial cells. Patients with adrenal pseudocysts may be asymptomatic or present with abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms. We present the case of a morbidly obese 41- year-old woman who presented with left flank pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis discovered an 8-cm adrenal lesion. The lesion was hormonally inactive and a transperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed to exclude malignancy. Pathology discerned multiple pseudocysts with and without calcifications. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. She has been asymptomatic in terms of left flank pain for 12 months. We report this case in detail and briefly review the literature regarding adrenal pseudocysts.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗

Laparoendoscopic techniques for occult gastrointestinal bleeding.

Up to 5% of gastrointestinal bleeds occur between the ligament of Treitz and the ileocecal valve. These patients present with occult bleeding and pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Currently, an array of technology exists for diagnostic purposes, including upper and lower endoscopies, capsule endoscopy, nuclear scans, angiography, and intraoperative endoscopy. All of these modalities have advantages and disadvantages. However, the diagnostic gold standard for occult gastrointestinal bleeding does not exist. We present a case of an 18-year-old male with occult gastrointestinal bleeding to illustrate the variety of available modalities. Initially, the patient underwent upper, lower, and push endoscopies. Subsequently, he had a nuclear bleeding scan, video capsule endoscopy, and an angiogram. Ultimately, the patient had a diagnostic laparoscopy with mobilization of the terminal ileum and right colon. The bowel was exteriorized and an intraoperative endoscopy was performed through a small bowel enterotomy. Multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were ascertained and resected. This case is presented in detail and the technique of intraoperative endscopy is reviewed. The diagnostic literature regarding AVMs is also reviewed.

Adolescent↗

Predictive factors for successful laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

HYPOTHESIS: Younger patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and high preoperative platelet counts successfully respond to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Private, tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Sixty-seven consecutive patients undergoing LS for ITP between 1995 and 2001. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A successful response to LS was defined as a postoperative platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL without medical therapy. Failures were classified as recurrent or refractory. Patients considered refractory to surgery did not achieve a platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL without medical therapy. Patients with recurrent ITP initially achieved a platelet count greater than 100 x 10(3)/microL, but thrombocytopenia subsequently recurred. RESULTS: Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for 13 preoperative variables to identify factors predictive of success following LS. At a mean follow up of 22 months, 43 patients (64%) had a successful response to LS, 14 (21%) were refractory, and 10 (15%) developed recurrent ITP. By univariate analysis, patients responding to laparoscopic splenectomy were younger (P =.005) and had a higher preoperative platelet count (P =.005). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P =.005) and a higher preoperative platelet count (P =.007) again predicted a successful response to LS. CONCLUSIONS: A successful response to LS for ITP is expected in patients younger than 50 years and in those with preoperative platelet counts greater than 70 x 10(3)/microL. These factors can be incorporated into an equation that yields a splenectomy prediction score, which predicts the success of LS for ITP.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case series and review of the literature.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) complicated by autoimmune hemolytic anemia. A series of nine such patients who underwent this procedure at our institution between August 1997 and September 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven of 9 patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for CLL and autoimmune hemolytic anemia achieved a complete response. One patient who initially responded relapsed 12 weeks postoperatively. Therefore, six of 9 patients showed sustained responses with a mean follow-up of 2 years, consistent with other published series. Two patients had no response, one of whom died within 3 weeks of surgery from transformed Hodgkin's disease. The only other postoperative complication occurred in a patient who developed pneumonia. We conclude that laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia in patients with CLL who fail medical therapy.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic revision of gastric pacing wires.

Currently, electrical stimulation is utilized to treat morbid obesity, gastroparesis, and diaphragmatic paralysis. Although this technology is in its infancy, numerous case reports and small series appear throughout the literature. Furthermore, electrical stimulation is not relegated to only academic centers and tertiary referral centers. As these technologies continue to evolve and alter the treatment of several different pathophysiologic processes, the general surgeon needs to understand the technical aspects of these devices and their potential complications. This paper presents the management of a gastroparetic patient with chronic abdominal pain following the successful placement of gastric pacing wires. A 45-year-old female with idiopathic gastroparesis underwent laparoscopic placement of gastric pacing wires without complications. Four months postoperatively, she presented with chronic left upper quadrant abdominal pain. Her nausea and vomiting had dissipated and she was tolerating a regular diet. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) was normal except for the presence of a generator and pacing wires. Ultimately, she required a diagnostic laparoscopy and an upper endoscopy. The upper endoscopy was normal. The diagnostic laparoscopy showed a wide adhesive band from the seromuscular tunnel of the pacing wires to the abdominal wall in the left upper quadrant. The band was lysed and an omental patch was sutured over the insertion site of the wires. On postoperative day 1, the patient was pain-free and discharged home on a regular diet. This case presents an unusual complication of electrical pacing wires. This patient experienced somatic pain due to an adhesive band from her pacing wires to the abdominal wall. Based on the findings of this case, an omental patch was placed on top of the seromuscular electrode tunnel in order to prevent adhesions and potentially persistent abdominal wall pain.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a cost analysis of three approaches.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the current standard for treatment of benign adrenal disease and is performed more often now in the setting of malignant disease. Three surgical approaches, the lateral transperitoneal technique, the lateral retroperitoneal technique, and the posterior technique are utilized commonly. While advantages of each approach are advocated, a cost analysis is not available. This article analyzes the operating costs of the three approaches. The operative costs of 51 unilateral LA at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1998 to 2002 were analyzed for comparison. Patients were grouped according to one of the three laparoscopic approaches--transperitoneal (group A), lateral retroperitoneal (group B), and posterior (group C). For each group, n=17. Perioperative characteristics and operative cost were analyzed. The groups were compared using single factor ANOVA analysis. Significance was assigned for P<0.05. The average costs of unilateral LA were $2,885, $3,219, and $2,850 for groups A, B, and C, respectively (P=0.20). Differences were not statistically significant. Six bilateral procedures were performed. There were no significant differences for these six cases. However, the cohort was too small for an appropriate power analysis. LA is commonly performed utilizing one of three surgical approaches. Our data demonstrates no significant difference in operative cost between the respective techniques. Operative costs should not be a factor in choosing a laparoscopic approach for unilateral adrenal disease.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗

Laparoscopic revision of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are the most common treatment modality for hydrocephalus. Distal catheter malfunction represents a surgical emergency and a significant cause of procedural morbidity. We report the case of a patient with acute abdominal pain following VP shunt insertion. On examination she had a tender, irreducible bulge at the abdominal laparotomy site. Exploratory laparoscopy of the abdomen yielded no abdominal wall abnormalities. At the same time, the distal catheter was noted to be absent. The abdominal bulge was incised along the laparotomy scar and clear cerebrospinal fluid was encountered. The incision was explored and the distal catheter was coiled and knotted within the preperitoneal space. The catheter was laparoscopically returned to the peritoneal cavity. This case exemplifies the utility of laparoscopy for VP shunt revision and we present a review of laparoscopic shunt revision.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗

Management of splenic abscess in a critically ill patient.

Because of the increased number of immunocompromised patients within the general population, the incidence of splenic abscesses has increased over the last decade. This cohort of immune-deficient patients with splenic abscesses engenders a distinct evolution in the pathogenesis and microbiology of the disease process. Moreover, the morbidity and mortality rates for splenic abscesses are increased in this unique population. Clinically, these patients do not have a characteristic presentation. Diagnostically, computed tomography of the abdomen is the test of choice. Antibiotics and splenectomy remain the standard of care in most clinical settings. However, percutaneous drainage is reported with solitary and unilocular abscesses and in poor operative candidates. An unusual case of a patient with a splenic abscess awaiting heart transplantation is presented. This patient was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. The literature regarding the presentation, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of splenic abscesses is reviewed as well.

Abscess↗

Small bowel obstruction after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Despite the proliferation of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP), postoperative bowel obstructions still occur from mesocolonic constrictions, internal hernias, and anastomotic strictures. Obstructed patients do not present with a characteristic history and physical. Therefore, radiographic studies including upper gastrointestinal films and computed tomography are essential for diagnosing these unique obstructive etiologies after LRYGBP. METHODS: From February 2000 to December 2000, 115 patients underwent standard LRYGBP at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Retrocolic anastomoses were performed on all patients. Defects at the mesocolon and mesomesentery were closed with interrupted, nonabsorbable sutures. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal study on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: Six patients developed small bowel obstructions postoperatively. Five of these patients required reexploration. The obstructive etiologies were two mesocolonic constrictions, three internal herniations, and one massive clot at the gastrojejunostomy. Repair of the mesocolonic constrictions involved incising the transverse mesocolon vertically to create a larger window for the Roux limb. Internal herniations were reduced, and defects were reclosed with nonabsorbable sutures. The patient with an obstructive clot was treated endoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these 6 patients, we have altered our technique to antecolic placement of the Roux limb. This technique requires division of the omentum and additional mobilization of the Roux limb mesentery in order to decrease tension at the gastrojejunostomy. Since initiating these changes and closing all iatrogenic defects, we have not experienced further early small bowel obstructions.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic small bowel resection of metastatic pulmonary carcinosarcoma.

Carcinosarcoma of the lung is a rare malignancy consisting of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Although metastatic disease is common, metastatic disease to the small intestine is rare and has been reported only once in the literature. An unusual case of pulmonary carcinosarcoma with metastasis to the small bowel is presented. At the time of laparoscopic exploration, a 4 x 4 cm mass was seen in the jejunum involving the adjacent mesentery. The affected small bowel and mesentery were resected laparoscopically and bowel continuity was restored through an entirely intracorporeal technique. Laparoscopic small bowel resection can be performed safely in the setting of malignant disease and imparts many of the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Carcinosarcoma↗

Isolated trans-hiatal colonic herniation.

Isolated herniation of the colon through congenital or traumatic diaphragmatic defects are well documented. However, trans-hiatal herniation of the colon in the absence of an intrathoracic stomach has been reported only once. A 67-year-old man presented with intragastric abdominal pain and a chest x-ray film documenting a posterior mediastinal air-fluid level. Computed tomography showed gastrointestinal contents within the thorax. The findings on an upper gastrointestinal film with small bowel follow-through were normal. Finally, a barium enema identified transverse colon within the thoracic cavity. At laparoscopy, the entire transverse colon was reduced with the hernia sac. The crural defect was repaired, and a Toupet fundoplication was performed. A gastropexy was also added. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2 able to tolerate a regular diet, and he has been asymptomatic for 5 months. This defect most likely represents a congenital deformity of the diaphragm with intact posterior gastric attachments, including the posterior phrenoesophageal ligament. An intact gastric mesentery enabled isolated colonic herniation with retention of the stomach its normal anatomic position. An antireflux procedure was performed in addition to the crural repair because of the circumferential dissection of the esophagus. This article is the second report of an isolated trans-hiatal herniation of the colon and the first report of laparoscopic repair of this entity.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy for Evans syndrome.

Evans syndrome is a rare, chronic, sometimes fatal immunologic disorder defined as Coombs' positive hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia without an underlying etiology. This syndrome has a variable clinical course, and the benefit of splenectomy is unknown. This report reviews the clinical outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy for Evans syndrome. A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia and concomitant immune thrombocytopenic purpura at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from August 1995 through August 2001. Data were collected in a prospective database and included demographic characteristics of the patients, surgical indications, operative details, and postoperative follow-up information. Five patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for Evans syndrome. At mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 1-31) after laparoscopic splenectomy, two patients had normal platelet counts (>100,000/microL) and required no further medical therapy. Two patients did not respond to laparoscopic splenectomy and are still undergoing medical therapy. One patient initially responded to laparoscopic splenectomy but became thrombocytopenic at 18 months and required further medical therapy. After 2 months of further medical treatment, this patient is currently (at month 10) in remission. Laparoscopic splenectomy for Evans syndrome is safe and technically feasible. The clinical outcome of splenectomy for patients with Evans syndrome is unpredictable. This select cohort of patients requires extensive long-term follow-up to determine the merits of splenectomy.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic resection of focal nodular hyperplasia.

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a benign liver lesion incidentally discovered with increasing frequency because of the proliferation of imaging studies. Radiographic characterization can diagnose this pathologic lesion and nonoperative therapy is the standard of care. However, if radiographic studies and fine needle biopsy are inconclusive, operative intervention may be required. Depending on the anatomic location of the lesion, biopsy and/or resection can be performed laparoscopically. A patient with biliary dyskinesia and focal nodular hyperplasia is presented. She underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with excision of the FNH. This paper reviews the case as well as the diagnosis and treatment of FNH.

Adult↗

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy vs conventional laparoscopic splenectomy in cases of splenomegaly.

HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the procedure of choice for elective splenectomy. Splenomegaly may preclude safe mobilization and hilar control using conventional laparoscopic techniques. Hand-assisted LS (HALS) may offer the same benefits of minimally invasive surgery for splenomegaly while allowing safe manipulation and splenic dissection. DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients with splenomegaly undergoing conventional LS or HALS was performed. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Hand-assisted LS was performed at the start of the operation for patients with splenomegaly; splenomegaly was determined by palpation of the splenic tip extending to the midline or the iliac crest, or by a craniocaudal splenic length of greater than 22 cm. Splenomegaly was defined as a splenic weight of greater than 700 g after morcellation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographic characteristics, operative indications, splenic weight after morcellation, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with splenomegaly were identified: 31 underwent standard LS and 14 underwent HALS. The HALS group had significantly larger spleens than the conventional LS group (mean weight, 1516 vs 1031 g; P =.02). Mean operative time (177 vs 186 minutes; P =.89), estimated blood loss (602 vs 376 mL; P =.17), and length of hospital stay (5.4 vs 4.2 days; P =.24) and complication rates (5 [36%] of 14 vs 5 [16%] of 31; P =.70) were similar between the HALS and the standard LS groups. No perioperative mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted LS is a safe and efficacious procedure for these extremely difficult cases. Hand-assisted LS provides the benefits of a minimally invasive approach in cases of splenomegaly.

Adult↗

Predictive factors for conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has replaced open cholecystectomy for the treatment of gallbladder disease. However, certain cases still require conversion to open procedures. Identifying these patients at risk for conversion remains difficult. This study identifies risk factors that may predict conversion from a laparoscopic to an open procedure. METHODS: From January 1996 to January 2000, a total of 1,347 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF). A retrospective analysis of 34 parameters including patient demographics, clinical history, laboratory data, ultrasound results, and intraoperative details was performed. Stepwise, multivariate logistic regression was used to determine those variables predicting conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. RESULTS: Seventy-one (5.3%) laparoscopic cholecystectomies required conversion. Multivariate analysis revealed that for all cases, a white blood cell count >9 (2.9 greater odds ratio [OR] of conversion P = 0.006) and a gallbladder wall thickness >0.4 cm (7.2 OR, P <0.001) predicted conversion to open cholecystectomy. However, when patients with acute cholecystitis were evaluated only a body mass index >30 kg/m(2) (5.6 OR, P = 0.02) predicted conversion. For patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy, a body mass index >40 kg/m(2) (33.1 OR, P = 0.01) and a wall thickness >0.4 cm (24.7 OR, P <0.004) predicted conversion. Finally, an ASA >2 (5.3 OR, P = 0.01) predicted conversion in patients undergoing nonelective cholecystectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients with acute cholecystitis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy have an increased chance of conversion. Likewise, patients with multiple comorbid diseases undergoing nonelective laparoscopic cholecystectomy are more likely to require conversion. Finally, in an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, morbidly obese patients with chronic cholecystitis and a thickened gallbladder wall are more likely to require conversion. These factors can help counsel patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with regards to the probability of conversion to an open procedure.

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic↗

Small intestinal submucosa as a bioscaffold for biliary tract regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) biograft is used as a bioscaffold for regeneration of a variety of tissues. To date, SIS has not been used as a biliary tract graft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using SIS as a scaffold for bile duct tissue regeneration in a canine model. METHODS: Fifteen, 25- to 35-kg mongrel dogs underwent midline laparotomy and exposure of the common bile duct. Nine dogs had a longitudinal choledochotomy and a 2- x 1-cm elliptical patch of 4-ply SIS placed using 6-0 polypropylene suture. Six dogs had the anterior two thirds of the bile duct resected and a 2- to 3-cm tubularized 4-ply SIS interposition graft placed. Dogs were killed at intervals ranging from 2 weeks to 5 months. Before killing, liver function tests (alkaline phosphatase [U/L] and total bilirubin [mg/dL]) were evaluated, cholangiograms were performed, and the bile duct was examined histologically. RESULTS: Fourteen out of 15 dogs survived and were healthy at the time of killing. The one failure was a result of a bile leak in a patched animal. The SIS showed signs of incorporation with infiltration of native fibroblasts, blood vessels, and biliary mucosa within 2 weeks. Within 3 months the SIS graft was replaced with native collagen covered with a biliary epithelium. No changes occurred at 5-month follow-up. One animal with an interposition graft developed a stricture at the proximal anastomosis within 2 months. In the remaining dogs, liver enzymes were normal, and the caliber of the common bile duct remained normal. CONCLUSIONS: SIS can be used for regeneration of bile duct tissue in a canine model. In 13 of 15 dogs SIS resulted in regeneration of canine common bile duct when used as a patch or as an interposition graft. The potential for the use of SIS as a patch for biliary stricturoplasty, or as an interposition graft for repair of complex biliary injuries is encouraging.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗