Biomedical subjects

J D Spitz

Publications and source records attributed to J D Spitz.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Staging of pancreatic and ampullary cancers for resectability using laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Cancers of the pancreas and periampullary region are rarely curable. We set out to determine the efficacy of laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound in the staging of pancreatic and ampullary malignancies for resectability. METHODS: Between January 1994 and September 1999, we retrospectively reviewed the laparoscopic staging (LS) of tumors already deemed resectable by standard radiologic criteria in 27 patients using laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS). Patients found to be resectable by LS evaluation underwent laparotomy (LA). We then compared the results of the LS and LA findings. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients evaluated, 17 were men and 10 were women. Their mean age was 66 years. Preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans were done in all 27 patients (100%), and transabdominal and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was done in 21 (78%). By LS, seven patients (26%) were found to have unresectable disease. Two patients with mesenteric tumor infiltration (one with peritoneal implants, and one with a visible liver metastasis) were judged to be unresectable by laparoscopy alone. LUS revealed that one patient had portal vein (PV) occlusion and two had metastases to the lymph nodes or liver that were not revealed by preoperative studies or laparoscopy alone. Among 20 patients (74%) deemed resectable by LS, two (10%) were found to be unresectable at LA, one due to PV involvement and the other due to local tumor extension with superior mesenteric lymph node metastasis. Eighteen of those in whom resection was attempted (90%) were resectable, with no unexpected findings of distant lymph node or hepatic metastasis. Pathology examination showed that eight had regional metastases (44%). The sensitivity of LS in determining unresectability was 77% (seven true positives and two false negatives). The negative predictive value (reflecting resectability) was 90%. Laparoscopy alone had a sensitivity of 44%, with a negative predictive value of 78%. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of LS was 100%, reflecting no false positive examinations. CONCLUSIONS: LS can effectively stage most patients and reliably predict which of them will benefit from LA. Intervention for unresectable patients can then be limited to laparoscopic or endoscopic bypass. The main limitation is that LS may underestimate PV and regional lymph node involvement.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Endoscopic palliation for pancreatic cancer with expandable metal stents.

Pancreatic cancer is generally not amenable to curative resection. Consequently, therapeutic efforts for these patients are most commonly directed at palliation of symptoms. Historically, surgery has been considered the most effective method of providing relief for biliary and/or enteric obstruction. However, less invasive methods have become available that can provide effective relief of jaundice and duodenal obstruction. Surgeons should still play an integral role in the management of these patients. We present a case report in which self-expanding metallic stents were used to relieve obstruction of the bile duct and duodenum in a patient with unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Choledochostomy↗

PubMed2000

Ultrasound-guided laparoscopic resection of pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Pancreatic islet cell tumors represent a diverse group of neuroendocrine lesions. These tumors may be singular or multiple, benign or malignant, sporadic, or part of the constellation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Tumors such as insulinomas and gastrinomas produce gastrointestinal peptides that lead to diagnosis. Nonfunctioning lesions may be found incidentally or by screening patients at high risk for such tumors. Successful management of patients with pancreatic islet cell tumors relies on accurate localization and sound operative technique. With proper preoperative localization, advanced laparoscopic methods can be used to manage patients with these pancreatic neoplasms. Preoperative localization of pancreatic islet cell tumors was difficult in the past. Standard imaging and localizing modalities, such as computed tomography scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, transabdominal sonography, and portal venous sampling, yield only 24% to 75% accuracy. Consequently, many biochemically suspected lesions cannot be imaged with current techniques. Decreased tactile sensation of laparoscopy adds complexity to intraoperative identification. Endoscopic sonography and laparoscopic sonography provide accurate preoperative and intraoperative localization to enhance laparoscopic and open resection. The authors treated two patients with islet cell neoplasms using endoscopic sonography to preoperatively visualize the tumors and laparoscopic sonography to guide laparoscopic enucleation. Their approach and difficulties are discussed.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

PubMed2000

Sutureless laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy using reusable instruments: two hundred three repairs without recurrence.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair has several distinct advantages over the anterior repair and the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal method. Laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair allows detection and repair of occult contralateral defects with minimal risk of intraabdominal injury or adhesion formation and is associated with less pain and a quicker recovery. However, there are disadvantages. Circumferential mobilization of the spermatic cord and the use of staples to secure the mesh have been associated with injury to the spermatic cord and nerves. The cost of the laparoscopic approach is higher than that of open herniorrhaphy. Additionally, it is more difficult to do because there is a poor understanding of the preperitoneal fascial anatomy. A method of totally extraperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy emphasizing anatomic dissection and landmarks is described. The authors use only reusable instruments, no balloon dissector, and no fixation of the mesh. The wide dissection of the myopectineal orifice allows placement of a large mesh and utilizes intraabdominal pressure alone to secure the mesh on the posterior aspect of the abdominal wall, as described by Stoppa et al. (1). Operative costs are minimized. From experience with 203 sutureless extraperitoneal repairs, a low incidence of complications and no recurrences are demonstrated. It is extrapolated that the cost of this laparoscopic repair will approximate more closely that of open anterior herniorrhaphy.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The use of intraoperative ultrasound in laparoscopic adrenal surgery: the Saint Vincent experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been shown to be a safe and effective therapy for benign adrenal lesions. We review our experience with this procedure, including the use of laparoscopic ultrasound. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with 36 patients who underwent resection of 42 adrenal glands. Data gathered included preoperative evaluation and diagnosis, operative time, blood loss, complications, and follow-up status. Laparoscopic ultrasound was used to guide dissection and characterize a variety of adrenal lesions. RESULTS: Thirty-five of 36 patients underwent successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy. There was one conversion to the open procedure in a patient with bilateral adrenal metastases from an endometrial cancer. For the bilateral laparoscopic procedure, the operative time averaged 262 mins, blood loss was 160 cc, and hospital stay was 3.0 days. For unilateral cases, operative time averaged 193 min, blood loss was 108 cc, and hospitalization was 1.1 days. Six patients experienced perioperative complications, most of which were minor and transient. Laparoscopic ultrasound was useful to define anatomy and to identify the adrenal vein, especially on the left side. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the procedure of choice for benign adrenal disease. Laparoscopic ultrasound is useful to localize and aid in the dissection of the left adrenal vein.

Adrenal Glands↗