PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

I Kreel

Publications and source records attributed to I Kreel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Twelve-year experience with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in the repair of abdominal wall defects.

BACKGROUND: A prosthetic device must be used to repair ventral hernias in patients with insufficient tissue for a tension-free primary closure. Several prosthetic materials have been employed for this purpose, with varying results. We here review a long experience with the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) patches in the open repair of large abdominal wall defects. METHODS: Demographic, operative, follow-up, and histologic data were recorded and analyzed for all patients in a surgical practice who were treated for large abdominal wall defects with open repair using ePTFE patches between November 1983 and March 1996. RESULTS: Ventral hernia repairs using an ePTFE patch were performed in 98 patients. In 48 (49%), the patient had already undergone at least one previous ventral hernia repair. Of the 98 operations, 78 were full-thickness repairs, 11 were Rives-Stoppa procedures, and 9 were onlay operations. Complications included 5 seromas, 3 fistulas related to removal of a previously implanted prosthesis, and 9 infections. In addition, 10 patients developed recurrent hernias not related to explantation of the patch because of infection or fistula. In 3 patients, infections were treated successfully without removal of the patch. There were no complications related to adhesions, erosion of the patch into the viscera, or bowel obstruction. Histologic studies of longterm ePTFE implants showed excellent fibrous tissue ingrowth and minimal foreign body response. CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term clinical experience indicates that prosthetic patches of ePTFE are safe and effective when used in the repair of large abdominal wall defects that cannot be closed primarily. Operative complications were within acceptable limits, as was the reherniation rate.

Adult

Restorative proctocolectomy in patients older than fifty years.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to compare functional results, complications, preoperative durations of disease, and rates of dysplasia and neoplasia between older and younger chronic ulcerative colitis patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with mucosectomy. METHODS: A total of 392 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis underwent elective RPC with mucosection and handsewn ileoanal anastomosis. Pathologic reports were reviewed, with specific reference to findings of dysplasia or cancer. Functional results concerning the number of bowel movements per 24 hour period and the incidence of fecal soilage were obtained by direct or telephone patient interview. FINDINGS: Group I consisted of 326 patients aged 5 to 49 (mean, 30.9) years and 160 women. Group II comprised 66 patients aged 50 to 74 (mean, 56.9) years and 29 women. Duration of disease was significantly longer in the older group (6.2 vs. 15.6 years; P < 0.001). The older group had significantly higher rates of dysplasia (29/326 vs. 19/66; P < 0.0001) and malignancy (14/326 vs. 9/66; P = 0.003). Rates of complication, hospital days following RPC, and total hospital days for all causes were comparable between groups. Perfect day-time continence was observed in 81.6 percent of Group I and 80 percent of Group II patients (213/261 vs. 40/50; P = 0.79). Perfect continence during sleep was observed in 65.1 percent of Group I and 62 percent of Group II patients (170/261 vs. 31/50; P = 0.67). Mean number of bowel movements per 24 hour period for Group I was 6.3 +/- 0.2 and for Group II was 7.4 +/- 0.5. Mean difference, one movement per 24 hours, was not significant (95 percent confidence interval, -0.02 to 2.1; t = 1.95, P = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that patients older than 50 years are suitable candidates for RPC with mucosectomy. Functional results and complication rates are similar to those observed among younger patients. Patients older than 50 years have a significantly higher rate of concurrent dysplasia and malignant degeneration than younger patients, most probably because of a longer duration of disease. RPC with mucosal excision potentially lowers this risk by elimination of all colorectal mucosa.

Age Factors

Restorative proctocolectomy without diverting ileostomy.

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) by abdominal colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in the setting of chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has gained widespread popularity among surgeons and patients. Traditionally, temporary loop ileostomy has been established proximal to the ileal pouch in an effort to mitigate the effects of any suture line complications that may occur. This study compares functional results and complications encountered after RPC with mucosectomy with and without temporary ileostomy. METHODS: One hundred forty-three consecutive patients with either CUC or FAP underwent RPC including mucosectomy and ileal "J" reservoir. Proximal loop ileostomy was performed in 69 patients, and ileostomy was omitted in 74. Ileostomy was omitted if the patient was taking no immunosuppressives and less than 20 mg of prednisone daily in the month preceding surgery, the anastomosis was absolutely tension-free, and blood supply to the pouch was excellent. RESULTS: There were no perioperative deaths. There were two instances of pelvic abscess, one in the diverted group and one in the nondiverted group. Occurrence of IPAA suture line dehiscence was not significantly different between the two groups (ileostomy, 4/69 (6 percent), vs. no ileostomy, 6/74 (8 percent); P > 0.05). Comparison of 129 patients with colitis with and without diversion also failed to demonstrate a significant difference with regard to IPAA suture line dehiscence (ileostomy, 4/69 (6 percent) vs. 4/60 (7 percent); P > 0.05). Frequency of bowel movements and continence were the same in both groups and were comparable with results obtained without mucosectomy. Mean hospital stay at time of RPC for the nondiverted group was significantly longer (12 days vs. 10 days; P = 0.0004). Significantly fewer patients without an ileostomy were hospitalized for partial intestinal obstruction (ileostomy, 13/69 (19 percent), vs. no ileostomy, 3/74 (4 percent); P = 0.02), and significantly fewer required enterolysis (ileostomy, 7/69 (10 percent), vs. no ileostomy, 1/74 (1 percent); P = 0.04). On average, patients without an ileostomy spent significantly fewer total days in the hospital (17 vs. 24; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Restorative proctocolectomy with mucosectomy and without ileostomy is the procedure of choice for selected patients with FAP and CUC. Septic complications and functional results are similar to those seen in patients managed with a stoma. Anastomotic leakage, when it occurs, can be safely managed in most cases without surgery. RPC without ileostomy results in significantly fewer episodes of intestinal obstruction, fewer instances of re-exploration, and fewer total days in the hospital.

Abscess

Histopathological determinants of survival in resected cases of pancreas cancer.

We have examined the histopathological factors affecting the degree of local spread, regional lymph node (RLN) metastases, and overall survival (O.S.) in a group of 39 cases of resected carcinoma of the exocrine pancreas. Although the mean O.S. for the group was 14.3 months, resected patients without RLN involvement had a mean survival of 24 months. In contrast the mean O.S. rate was 8 months for patients with RLNs involved. Size, tumor location, and histological grade were compared to RLN involvement and O.S. The mean size of primary tumor did not differ significantly between patients with or without RLN's (r.1 versus 4.6 cms). However, 7 or 8 T1 tumors were < 4 cm and 35% of tumors < 4 cm were T1 lesions. In contrast, only 1 of 17 tumors (6%) > 4 cm was T1. Histological grade was correlated with nodal status and O.S. There was a significant difference between histological grade and the presence of metastatic lymph nodes (G1, 37% positive, G2-4.50% positive). Patients with well differentiated tumors had a mean survival of 21 months compared to a mean survival of 10 months for less differentiated tumors (p < 0.05). This difference was even more significant when stratified for nodal status. The patients with well differentiated tumors and no RLN involvement had a mean survival of 32.5 months compared to 8.6 months for well differentiated tumors with RLN involvement. In summary, we have shown that size, histological grade, and local spread predict for nodal status. However, specific patient subsets (G1, node negative) may exhibit an excellent survival when curative pancreas resection is successful.

Actuarial Analysis

Elevated CA19-9 in a case of Mirizzi's syndrome.

At levels greater than 1000 U/ml, the tumor-associated antigen CA19-9 has a specificity approaching 100% for malignant disease. A 67-yr-old woman with known cholelithiasis presented with painless jaundice and a CA19-9 of 1320 U/ml. The diagnosis of Mirizzi's syndrome was made at laparotomy, and the postoperative level fell rapidly to normal. Mirizzi's syndrome should be included among the few benign disorders which can yield such elevations in the CA19-9.

Aged

Repair of large abdominal wall defects with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Most abdominal wall incisional hernias can be repaired by primary closure. However, where the defect is large or there is tension on the closure, the use of a prosthetic material is indicated. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patches were used to repair incisional hernias in 28 patients between November 1983 and December 1986. Twelve of these patients (43%) had a prior failure of a primary repair. Reherniation occurred in three patients (10.7%). Wound infections developed in two patients (7.1%), both of whom had existing intestinal stomas, one with an intercurrent pelvic abscess. The prosthetic patch was removed in the patient with the abscess, but the infection was resolved in the other without sequelae. Septic complications did not occur after any operations performed in uncontaminated fields. None of the patients exhibited any undue discomfort, wound pain, erythema, or induration. Complications related to adhesions, erosion of the patch material into the viscera, bowel obstruction, or fistula formation did not occur. Based on this clinical experience, the authors believe that the PTFE patch appears to represent an advance in synthetic abdominal wall substitutes.

Adult

Proctectomy for inflammatory bowel disease.

Between July 1973 and October 1984, we performed proctectomy either as part of a primary proctocolectomy or as a secondary staged procedure in 388 patients with ulcerative colitis and in 39 patients with Crohn's disease. The proctectomies were performed using a two-team synchronous approach. An intersphincteric or perimuscular technique was employed. All perineal wounds were closed and drained by suction drainage and the pelvic peritoneum was closed in all cases. Two patients died in the early postoperative period, one from a pulmonary embolus and one from sepsis. Three patients had to be reexplored for postoperative hemorrhage, in all cases from a branch of the superior hemorrhoidal artery. Postoperative perineal hematoma developed in two patients and perineal abscess developed in four patients which necessitated opening of the perineal skin wound. Nonhealing of the perineal wound occurred in 3 of 388 patients with ulcerative colitis and in 5 of 39 patients with Crohn's disease. No perineal dehiscence or hernias were seen. Postoperatively, one man was permanently impotent and two had prolonged but temporary impotence. Three patients had retrograde ejaculation at last follow-up.

Abscess

Use of the long tube in the management of patients with small-intestinal obstruction due to adhesions.

A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients admitted to our hospital over a six-year period with a diagnosis of small-intestinal obstruction due to adhesions, to assess the efficacy of treatment with long-tube decompression. Of 127 episodes of obstruction, two thirds responded to nonoperative treatment. Factors that were associated with a greater likelihood of success with long-tube decompression included incomplete obstruction, recurrent obstruction, and passage of the tube beyond the pylorus. Clinical findings were relatively reliable as diagnostic indicators of strangulation. The overall mortality was 1.5%, with no deaths due to a delay in operative intervention. A trial of long-tube decompression is recommended in patients presenting with a diagnosis of small-intestinal obstruction due to adhesions in the absence of clinical evidence of strangulation.

Adolescent

Distribution of colorectal cancer in patients with and without ulcerative colitis.

A comparison of the anatomic distribution of colorectal cancer in patients with and without CUC is difficult because of the unequal number of patients in each group and the changing epidemiologic parameters of colorectal cancer in general. In the present study, the distribution of colorectal tumors in patients with and without CUC was compared over two different time periods at a single hospital. In the early time period (1960 to 1975), there was a significantly higher percentage of proximal tumors in the group with cancer and CUC compared to the group with cancer alone. In the most recent time period (1975 to 1981), there was no difference in distribution of colorectal cancer regardless of whether the patient had CUC or not. We believe that the increased percentage of proximal tumors in patients with colorectal cancers and no CUC that has occurred in recent years has led to the present findings of a similar distribution of tumors in patients with and without CUC.

Adenocarcinoma

Is routine postoperative nasogastric decompression really necessary?

Controversy exists regarding the need for nasogastric tube decompression and the incidence of complications resulting from its use following major intra-abdominal surgery. To determine the value of such tubes, 100 patients were managed after surgery with a nasogastric tube in situ until the passage of flatus per rectum (Group I). In a second group of 100 patients, no nasogastric tube was placed after surgery unless vomiting, gross distention, or overt obstruction occurred (Group II). In Group I, the nasogastric tube remained in place an average of 6 days and five patients required replacement of the tube after its initial removal. In Group II, nasogastric intubation was required at some point after surgery in six patients. No aspiration pneumonia, nasal septum necrosis, anastomotic leak, or wound dehiscence was seen in either group. There were three wound infections in Group I and two in Group II. The most obvious difference was the increased comfort and mobility of the group of patients treated without routine nasogastric decompression (Group II). Routine use of the nasogastric tube adjunct to patient care following gastrointestinal tract surgery may be safely eliminated.

Cholecystectomy

Mucosal proctectomy without reservoir.

Mucosal proctectomy with endorectal pull-through allows the removal of all colonic mucosa with preservation of continence. This operation was performed in 19 patients with familial polyposis coli and ulcerative colitis. A temporary loop ileostomy was used to defunctionalize the anastomosis. Intestinal continuity was restored in 17 of the 19 patients. Mean duration of follow-up was 29 months. All patients are continent, and the mean number of bowel movements per 24 hours is 6. Follow-up barium studies revealed a gradual dilatation of the terminal ileum within the rectal cuff which accounts for the decrease in the number of bowel movements. This operation eliminates the risk of carcinoma without compromising sphincter function.

Adolescent

Sexual dysfunction following proctocolectomy for benign disease of the colon and rectum.

Standard surgical therapy for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis is total extirpation of the colon and rectum. Since ulcerative colitis is primarily a disease of young adults affecting many people at the inception or height of their sexually active years, postoperative sexual dysfunction is an extremely disconcerting complication. Between July 1973 and May 1981, 291 proctectomies for benign disease of the colon and rectum were performed by the authors. This included 135 men and 156 women. Resection of the rectum was performed using an intrasphincteric technique with dissection kept extremely close to the wall of the rectosigmoid, rectum, and anus. Proctectomy was performed in this manner to prevent significant disruption of the nerves carrying stimuli to the genital organs. Of the 135 males undergoing a proctectomy, four (3%) had a permanent deficit in sexual function. Two men, aged 32 and 30, could sustain an erection but had retrograde ejaculation. Two patients, age 19 and 44, have remained impotent for 1 1/2 and two years, respectively. One hundred fifty-two of the 156 females are sexually active and only two (1.3%) have complained of any physical sexual dysfunction. Each had temporary dyspareunia lasting between nine months and one year after operation.

Adult

Nonoperative conversion of tube gastrostomy to feeding jejunostomy.

Although esophageal reflux of gastrostomy feeds is an uncommon problem, severe pulmonary complications can arise. If implementation in an upright position and use of continuous infusion does not prevent reflux, an alternative method of providing adequate nutrition must be used. This nonoperative technique of converting a tube gastrostomy to a feeding jejunostomy is simple to perform, atraumatic and extremely useful.

Enteral Nutrition

Ruptured hepatic abscess: a rare cause of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum.

A 68-yr-old woman who developed an acute abdomen with clinical and radiological evidence of pneumoperitoneum is is described. At surgery, multiple left lobe hepatic abscesses were identified. Perforation of one abscess was apparent. Bacteriological studies revealed Streptococcus faecalis and gas-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from the abscess cavities. Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured hepatic abscess has to our knowledge never been reported.

Aged

Experience with the flexible fiberoptic choledochoscope.

Despite significant effort on the part of surgeons, the incidence of retained calculi after common duct exploration still remains unacceptably high. It seems likely that the best way to reduce the incidence of retained calculi would be a more complete exploration of the common duct at the time of the initial operation. We report our experience with a flexible fiber optic endoscope used intraoperatively in 52 patients and postoperatively in one case to visualize the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. In addition to visualization of stones, the choledochoscope has a channel through which various instruments can be passed to facilitate stone removal. Flexible choledochoscopy has been performed 53 times in 52 patients between July 1978 and November 1980. In one patient, the choledochoscope was used to explore the bile ducts via the T-tube tract after operation. In 52 patients, the scope was used intraoperatively: a) two patients demonstrated bile duct tumors, b) in 14, stones were not found on exploration. Of these, one had stenosis at the papilla of Vater and one had external compression of the duct by a pancreatic pseudocyst. All of these findings were confirmed by choledochoscopy, c) in 26 patients choledochoscopy confirmed complete surgical removal of all stones, d) in six patients, multiple stones were removed using routine common duct exploration but additional stones were seen with the choledochoscope, e) in three patients no stones were retrieved on routine duct exploration but were seen using the choledochoscope. In groups (d) and (e) the scope facilitated removal of the remaining stones. In eight cases stones were either grasped or crushed using the accessories of the choledochoscope. In one patient calculi were missed both by routine surgical exploration and choledochoscopy. No septic complications were seen in any of these patients.

Endoscopes