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Biomedical subjects

H A Gaissert

Publications and source records attributed to H A Gaissert.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Acute lung injury after pulmonary resection.

Primary Acute Lung Injury (ALI) after lung resection (or "post-pneumonectomy pulmonary edema") is a rare form of acute respiratory failure characterized by dyspnea, hypoxemia, diffuse infiltrates on chest radiogram, and rapid evolution often unresponsive to therapy. ALI occurs almost exclusively following pneumonectomy, within 3 days from surgery and without a preceding cause. Factors implicated in its pathogenesis may include excessive fluid administration, alveolar injury during one-lung ventilation, pulmonary hypertension, and impaired lymph drainage. There is no specific therapy. Suggested measures in the perioperative care include the meticulous maintenance of physiological stability, judicious fluid restriction, and the limitation of ventilatory volumes and pressures.

Humans↗

Surgical management of necrotizing Candida esophagitis.

Invasive esophageal candidiasis produced transmural necrosis leading to perforation in 2 patients aged 10 and 27 years. Both patients survived after esophageal resection and complete diversion. One patient with acute leukemia and neutropenia experienced systemic candidiasis, which resolved after esophagectomy. Esophagectomy and diversion for yeast-induced necrosis may lead to complete recovery and resolution of disseminated candidiasis when combined with systemic antifungal therapy.

Adult↗

Survival and function after sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer.

Between 1962 and 1991, 72 patients (mean age 63.4 years) underwent sleeve lobectomy for primary lung cancer. Thirty-seven patients had adequate lung function and 35 were deemed unsuitable for pneumonectomy on the basis of inadequate pulmonary reserve (n = 31) or cardiac risk factors (n = 4). Squamous cell carcinomas (68%) and adenocarcinomas (26%) predominated. Upper lobectomy was performed in 48 patients, lower and middle lobectomy in 13, and right upper and middle bilobectomy in 11. Hospital mortality was 4% (3/72) and compares with a hospital mortality of 9% in 56 consecutive pneumonectomies between 1986 and 1990. Major complications occurred in 11% (bronchopleural fistula 1, persistent atelectasis 4, pneumonia 4). Adjusted actuarial survival after sleeve lobectomy at 1 and 5 years was 84% and 42%, compared with 76% and 44% after pneumonectomy. Five-year survival after lower and middle lobectomy in 13 patients (52%) was similar to that after upper lobectomy (46%), suggesting that in carefully selected patients the concept of sleeve lobectomy can be applied to all pulmonary lobes. N1 disease and compromised lung function were associated with lower survival (N1 38% vs N0 57%; compromised 20% vs adequate 55%). Comparison of preoperative and postoperative lung function and quantitative ventilation-perfusion isotope studies substantiated the preservation of pulmonary function in this group of patients. Sleeve lobectomy is the procedure of choice for anatomically suitable carcinomas or when reduced pulmonary reserve precludes extensive resection.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Comparison of early functional results after volume reduction or lung transplantation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral lung volume reduction is designed to improve pulmonary function in selected patients with severe emphysema by improving diaphragmatic and chest wall mechanics. Early results of lung volume reduction suggest significant improvement to selected patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, some of whom might otherwise be considered for lung transplantation. The purpose of this review was to compare intermediate results of volume reduction with single and bilateral lung transplantation. METHODS: Functional performance and survival after volume reduction were compared with single and bilateral sequential lung transplantation. After evaluation, patients were enrolled in a supervised intensive preoperative and postoperative program of pulmonary rehabilitation. Functional assessment, including pulmonary function tests, room air arterial blood gas analysis, and 6-minute walk distance, was obtained before the operation and 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent volume reduction (mean age 57 years), 39 patients single lung transplantation (55 years), and 27 patients bilateral lung transplantation (49 years). Early mortality was 0, 1 of 39, and 2 of 25 and mortality at 12 months was 1 of 33, 4 of 39, and 4 of 25 in the volume reduction, single, and bilateral lung transplantation groups, respectively. At 6 months, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was improved by 79% (volume reduction), by 231% (single lung transplantation), and by 498% (bilateral lung transplantation) over preoperative values. Exercise endurance as measured by 6-minute walk distance increased by 28% (volume reduction), by 47% (single lung transplantation), and by 79% (bilateral lung transplantation) from baseline. At 6 months, all patients having single or bilateral lung transplantation and 26 of 33 patients having volume replacement were free of supplemental oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: Although single and bilateral lung transplantation result in superior lung function, volume reduction achieves satisfactory improvement of disabling symptoms early after operation while avoiding immunosuppression and transplant-specific complications. Our experience suggests that (1) volume reduction is a suitable alternative in selected patients eligible for transplantation; (2) volume reduction provides an earlier option for treatment in patients who may require transplantation at some future date; (3) volume reduction is the only surgical treatment available to the many patients who are not current or future transplant candidates. Conversely, in patients not suitable for volume reduction, transplantation remains the only choice for surgical therapy.

Female↗

[Lung volume reduction surgery in advanced emphysema--results of the Washington University, St. Louis].

The aim of lung volume reduction surgery is to alleviate the symptoms of severe emphysema and to improve the life quality of the patient. The appropriate candidates (approximately 20% of all emphysematic patients examined in our clinic) had considerable dyspnea, an increased lung capacity, and a heterogenous dissemination of the emphysema with regional destruction of the parenchyma, hyperinflation and poor perfusion. After preoperative physiotherapie with a specified rehabilitation aim, a resection of 20 to 30% of the total lung volume was performed via sternotomy. From January 1993 to February 1996, 150 patients underwent bilateral lung volume reduction (age range = 36 to 77 years). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was preoperatively 25% of the predicted value, the total lung capacity (TLC) 142% and the residual volume (RV) 283%, 94% of these patients necessitated oxygen supply at rest or during exercise. The 90-day mortality was 4%. All patients except 1 were extubated immediately after operation. The median hospital stay was 10 days in the first 100 patients and 7 days in the last 50. An increase of the FEV1 by 51% and a decrease of the RV by 28% was observed 6 months after operation. The mean PaO2 was improved by 8 mm Hg while the percentage of oxygen dependent patients went down from 50 to 16%. In addition a raise of the perseverance capacity, a clear decrease of dyspnea and an improvement of the life quality were achieved. These results persist after 1 (n = 56) and 2 (n = 20) years after operation. Lung volume reduction leads to an improvement of the lung function, symptoms and the quality of life, which is superior to that achieved by maximal clinical intervention.

Adult↗

[Bilateral volume reduction for surgical treatment of advanced lung emphysema].

Lung volume reduction (LVR) for advanced emphysema improves lung function and restores respiratory excursion of chest wall and diaphragm. Between January 1993 and February 1996, bilateral LVR via sternotomy was performed in 150 patients with an early mortality (< 60 days) of 2% (3/150). In 90 patients, FEV1 rose from 0.7 (24% pred.) preoperatively to 1.1 L (37% pred.) at 6 months (57% increase; p < 0.001). In the same interval, O2 requirements decreased during exercise from 95 to 46% of patients and from 50 to 16% of patients on continuous O2. After 1 (n = 54) and 2 (n = 15) years, the improvements in FEV1, pO2, 6-min walking distance, and dyspnea, and the reduction of TLC and RV remained stable. In selected patients, bilateral LVR results in marked improvement of emphysema-related disability and offers excellent palliation.

Carbon Dioxide↗

[Resection and reconstruction of the carina in children and adolescents].

While resection of tracheobronchial segments has become a standard operation in adults, lesions of the carina in children are rare and their treatment is technically more demanding. Since 1980, 8 patients aged 8 to 19 years underwent surgical reconstruction of the carina. The indications were tumors in 5 and non-neoplastic lesions in 3. In 3 patients with tumor (2) and advanced histoplasmosis (1), resection of the carina was combined with parenchymal resection. The principles of operative repair include complete resection, with frozen section confirmation in tumors, particular emphasis on adequate mobilization of the airway in children to reduce anastomotic tension, and use of anesthetic techniques that facilitate early extubation. One patient (12.5%) died after complex airway reconstruction for extensive mediastinal fibrosis. Residual malacia in a patient with postpneumonectomy syndrome required successful re-resection. Seven patients remain free of anastomotic stricture and tumor recurrence during a mean follow-up of 62 months (range 5 to 132 months), with expected preservation of lung function. Late bronchoscopy in 5 patients 6 months to 11 years after operation demonstrated growth of the luminal diameter and patent anastomoses. Carinal reconstruction in children is occasionally required, succeeds in general, and does not result in late problems at the anastomosis.

Adolescent↗

Tracheobronchial sleeve resection in children and adolescents.

Bronchoplastic techniques preserving lung parenchyma allow resection and reconstruction of the major bronchi and carina and are widely used in adults. The smaller and more delicate airways of children make such operations more demanding, but successful outcome can still be achieved with particular attention to technique. The authors treated 12 patients age 8 to 19 years (mean, 13.8 years) over a 12-year period. Ten patients had tumors of the airway: carcinoid (4), mucoepidermoid (2), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (1), adenocarcinoma (1), granular cell (1), and invasive fibrous tumor (1); and 2 had nonneoplastic strictures. Previous operative treatment included incomplete local excision in 2 and laser ablation in 1. Carinal resection and reconstruction was performed in 6 patients, main-stem bronchial resection in 3, and sleeve lobectomy in 3. There was one death after a complex airway reconstruction for extensive mediastinal fibrosis involving the airway. Postoperative morbidity consisted of prolonged atelectasis in 3 patients. Residual malacia in 1 patient with postpneumonectomy syndrome required further tracheobronchial resection. Follow-up is complete (mean, 64 months; range, 7 to 130). There has been no anastomotic stenosis or tumor recurrence. Preservation of lung function is expected in all patients. In 7 patients, bronchoscopy 4 months to 11 years postoperatively confirmed anastomotic patency and growth. The understanding of bronchoplastic techniques and precise attention to technical detail should allow these procedures to be successfully performed in pediatric patients.

Adolescent↗

Temporary and permanent restoration of airway continuity with the tracheal T-tube.

The advantages of the tracheal T-tube compared with a regular tracheostomy tube are a physiologic direction of air flow, preservation of laryngeal phonation, and superior patient acceptance. Between 1968 and 1991, 140 patients aged 7 months to 95 years underwent placement of T-, TY- (n = 7), or a modified extended T-tube (n = 4). Primary diagnosis was postintubation stenosis in 86 patients, burn injury in 13 patients, malignant airway tumors in 12 patients, and various disorders in 29 patients. Stenting with a silicone rubber tube was temporary in 31 patients and 14 underwent later operative reconstruction. Definitive permanent insertion was performed in 49 patients. A modified tube was used in 4 patients with left main bronchial stenosis with effective long-term palliation in 3. Postoperative airway obstruction prompted placement in 32 patients. Positioning of the T-tube above the vocal cords in 12 patients for subglottic stenosis was effective in 10. The T-tube was not tolerated in 28 patients (20%) because of obstruction of the upper limb or aspiration. Five of 10 patients under the age of 10 years had airway obstruction necessitating tube removal. Long-term intubation in 112 patients exceeded 1 year in 49 patients and 5 years in 12 patients. Only 5 patients required tube removal for obstructive problems more than 2 months after placement. The tracheal T-tube restores airway patency reliably with excellent long-term results and represents the preferred management of chronic airway obstruction not amenable to surgical reconstruction.

Adolescent↗

Upper airway compromise after inhalation injury. Complex strictures of the larynx and trachea and their management.

OBJECTIVE: Strictures of the upper airway caused by burns have features distinct from other benign stenoses. The authors reviewed their experience with burn-related stenoses to define the principles of treatment. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The combined effects of inhaled gases and heat in burn victims produce an intense, often transmural, inflammation of the airway, further complicated by intubation. The incidence of laryngotracheal strictures in survivors of inhalation injury is high, but the reported experience with their treatment is limited and often unduly separated into injuries of larynx and trachea. METHODS: Presentation, treatment, and long-term follow-up are reviewed in 9 women and 9 men age 9 to 63 years, who were evaluated over a 22 year period for chronic airway compromise after inhalation injury. There were 18 tracheal stenoses, 14 subglottic strictures, and 2 main bronchial stenoses. Laryngotracheal strictures stenosis. T-tubes were placed in 15 patients, in low subglottic or tracheal stenosis below the vocal cords, in high subglottic stenosis through the vocal cords, and as a stent after resection of subglottic stenosis. RESULTS: There were two deaths during follow-up, one from respiratory failure and one from an unrelated cause. Two patients underwent evaluation only. Early in this series, one tracheal and one laryngotracheal resection resulted in prompt restenosis. Of the remaining 14 patients, 9 are without airway support from 2 to 20 years later. Four have permanent tracheal tubes. One patient required tracheostomy 8 years after successful subglottic reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Strictures of the upper airway related to inhalation injury are associated with prolonged inflammation and involve larynx and trachea in a majority of patients. These complex injuries respond to prolonged tracheal stenting (mean, 28 months) and resection or stenting of subglottic stenoses with recovery of a functional airway and voice in most patients. Early tracheal resection should be avoided.

Adolescent↗

Short-segment intestinal interposition of the distal esophagus.

Esophageal replacement remains a challenge. Colon and jejunum provide alternative conduits to replace the lower esophagus when stomach is not suitable. Between 1971 and 1991, 41 patients underwent short-segment interposition of the esophagus with jejunum or colon. Indications were failed antireflux procedures (n = 21), nondilatable stricture (n = 9), achalasia (n = 2), moniliasis (n = 2), Barrett's esophagus with carcinoma in situ (n = 2), hemorrhagic esophagitis after esophagogastrectomy (n = 1), motility disorder (n = 1), instrumental perforation (n = 1), carcinoma (n = 1), and leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). Thirty-one patients (75.6%) had prior surgical procedures. Interposition with colon was performed in 22 patients and with jejunum in 19. Major complications occurred in 45% after colon interposition (10/22) and hospital mortality was 4.5% (1/22). Major complications after jejunal interposition occurred in 31% (6/19) and hospital mortality was 10.5% (2/19). A contained anastomotic leak occurred in 1 patient, perforation of a colon segment in 1, and jejunal graft necrosis in a third. Late functional results in 34 patients with a mean follow-up of 87 months were excellent or good in 26, fair in 5, and poor in 1. Colon interposition failed to improve symptoms in 2 patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders. Six patients underwent manometry and barium food provocation study. Two colon segments and 3 jejunal interpositions were hypoperistaltic or aperistaltic according to manometry. There was 1 case of aperistaltic jejunum with a distended afferent loop. When stomach is not available, successful palliation of swallowing can be accomplished with either jejunum or colon. Surgeons involved in the management of esophageal disease should be familiar with the technical details of both procedures.

Adult↗

N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl] formamide-induced bladder cancer in mice: augmentation by sutures through the bladder wall.

The augmenting effect of chronic inflammation on bladder cancer was studied in female Swiss mice treated with N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl] formamide (FANFT), 0.15% by weight of diet for 20 weeks. To produce chronic inflammation one silk suture and one catgut suture were placed through the bladder wall of 63 mice to receive FANFT and 18 to receive normal diet. In remaining mice (no. = 62) the bladder was simply touched without suture insertion. Thirty-two animals treated with FANFT and 33 treated with FANFT + sutures also received supplements to their drinking water throughout the experiment of the sulfhydryl-reducing agent N-acetylcysteine (500 mg./kg. body weight/day). Seven weeks following FANFT treatment, bladder cancers developed in 12% of mice with sutures and FANFT and in 19% of those with sutures, FANFT, and N-acetylcysteine. No cancers developed in mice receiving FANFT alone or FANFT with N-acetylcysteine and none in mice treated with sutures only. Placement of silk sutures through the bladder wall of mice augments FANFT-induced bladder cancer. N-acetylcysteine at these doses does not influence the incidence.

Acetylcysteine↗

Augmentation of chemically induced pancreatic and bronchial cancers by epidermal growth factor.

The incidence of Syrian golden hamsters with pancreatic cancer induced by subcutaneous injections of N-nitroso-bis(2-oxopropyl)amine for 19 weeks (each 10 mg/kg) increased from 44% to 75% (p=0.016) when epidermal growth factor was also administered from week 5 through week 8 (5 mug energy three days for injections). Epidermal growth factor increased pancreatic weight and body weight. The incidence of animals with bronchial cancer doubled. Epidermal growth factor could be a cocarcinogen as a result of its mitogenic activity.

Animals↗

Pancreatic cancer in the Syrian hamster induced by N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)-amine: cocarcinogenic effect of epidermal growth factor.

Because epidermal growth factor (EGF) is rapidly bound and internalized into rat pancreas, stimulates uptake of tritiated thymidine, and increases pancreatic weight, a cocarcinogenic effect on pancreatic cancer seemed likely. Pancreatic adenocarcinomas were induced in 70 female Syrian hamsters by 19 weekly s.c. injections of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) (10 mg/kg). From Wk 5 through Wk 8 of BOP injections, additional s.c. injections of EGF (5 micrograms every 3 days for 10 injections) were given to 45 animals, while 25 received saline solution. An additional group of 10 received EGF alone, and another 10 animals received saline solution alone (controls). Eleven wk later, the mean body weight of EGF-treated animals increased by 29% as compared with that of controls, and their mean pancreatic weight relative to body weight increased by 44% as compared with controls. The mean body weight of EGF + BOP-treated animals increased by 10%, and their pancreatic weight relative to body weight increased by 22% as compared with that of animals treated with BOP alone. The incidence of pancreatic cancer in the EGF + BOP-treated animals was 75% versus 44% in those treated with BOP alone (P = 0.016). No tumors developed in either animals treated with EGF alone or control animals. EGF augments pancreatic carcinogenesis induced by BOP. The incidence of bronchial carcinomas doubles.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Augmentation of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer by experimental colitis in mice: role of dietary vitamin E.

Because ulcerative colitis predisposes to colonic cancer, for determination of the effect of colitis on experimental colon carcinogenesis, rectal instillations of peptides that attract and activate neutrophils were used to induce colitis in CD-1 (ICR) BR mice receiving 20 weekly injections of the carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine [(DMH) CAS: 540-73-8]. From week 4 through week 15 of DMH injections, twice-weekly enemas of formyl-norleucyl-leucyl-phenylalanine were given to DMH-treated mice. The effect of the antioxidant vitamin E in the diet (1,750 IU/kg diet) was studied in another group of mice treated with DMH and having colitis. Four weeks after DMH was discontinued, cancer occurred in 9 of 28 (32%) animals with DMH plus control enemas, in 22 of 29 (76%) animals with DMH plus colitis (P = .001), and in 16 of 28 (57%) animals with DMH plus colitis plus supplemental vitamin E (P = .11 compared with the group with DMH and colitis). Colitis enhances DMH-induced colonic carcinogenesis.

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine↗