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J Weerts

Publications and source records attributed to J Weerts.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Laparoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus: long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is considered the main etiologic process in the metaplastic development of Barrett's esophagus (BE). The most serious complication of BE is the possible dysplastic evolution to esophageal carcinoma. Many treatments have been described to prevent the progression of BE. The outcomes of these interventions are controversial. The aim of this study was to assess whether laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD had an impact on the development of BE. METHODS: Prospective data were collected from patients who were treated with a laparoscopic fundoplication for BE. Data was collected and analyzed for a variety of clinical and pathologic outcomes. RESULTS: Laparoscopic fundoplications were completed between 1993 and 2001, with a total sample size of 92 (mean age 53 +/- 11.8 years). Each patient was diagnosed with GERD associated with BE confirmed by both endoscopy and biopsy. A laparoscopic fundoplication was performed in all patients (360 degree fundoplication in 81 patients and partial fundoplication in 11 patients). There was no postoperative mortality or major complications from the procedure. The mean postoperative stay was 3 +/- 1 days. Seventy patients (76% of the overall sample size) were followed up for a mean 4.2 +/- 2.6 years. Of the patients available for follow-up, 33% (n = 23) had a complete regression of their BE; 21% (n = 15) had a decrease in the degree of metaplasia/dysplasia; 39% (n = 27) had no significant change; and 7% (n = 5) experienced a progression of the BE. Five patients required further procedures for three reasons: (1) GERD recurrence (n = 2), (2) progression of BE (n = 2), and (3) intrathoracic migration (n = 1). No patients developed high-grade dysplasia or esophageal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that laparoscopic fundoplication offers a safe and effective long-term treatment for BE. The procedure also demonstrated regression of BE in more than 50% of the sample size.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Clinical results of laparoscopic fundoplication at ten years after surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LAS) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to be efficient at short- and midterm follow-up evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results for LAS 10 years after surgery. METHODS: The 100 consecutive patients who underwent LAS by a single surgeon in 1993 were entered into a prospective database. Nissen fundoplication was performed for 68 patients, and partial posterior fundoplication (modified Toupet procedure) was performed for 32 patients. Evaluations of the outcome were made 5 and 10 years after surgery. A structured symptom questionnaire and upper gastrointestinal barium series were used at 5 years. The same questionnaire and an added quality-of-life questionnaire (the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI]) were used at 10 years. RESULTS: Seven patients died of unrelated causes during the 10-year period. Four patients underwent revision surgery: one patient for persistent dysphagia and three patients for recurrent reflux symptoms. Three patients were lost to any follow-up study. At 5 years, 93% of the patients were free of significant reflux symptoms. At 10 years, 89.5% of the patients still were free of significant reflux (93.3% after Nissen, 81.8% after Toupet). Major side effects (flatulence and abdominal distension) were related to "wind" problems. The GIQLI scores at 10 years were significantly better than the preoperative scores of the patients under medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Elimination of GERD symptoms improved quality of life and eliminated the need for daily acid suppression in most patients. These results, apparent 5 years after the operation, still were valid at 10 years.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

[Chronotherapy combining 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and carboplatin as first line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer. A phase 2 study].

Seventy-two patients suffering from a metastatic colorectal cancer received, as first line treatment, a combination chronotherapy with 5-FU and folinic acid (infused from 10 pm to 10 am with a peak at 4 am, respectively at doses of 700 and 300 mg/m2 per day) and carboplatin (infused at the dose of 40 mg/m2 per day from 10 am to 10 pm with a peak at 4 pm). The courses of four days were repeated every two weeks. A major tumoral response was observed in 60% cases (68% in those not previously treated with adjuvant chemotherapy). The median times to progression and overall survival established at 11 and 27 months. The clinical (grades 3-4 in maximum 5% cases) and hematological (grades 3-4 in maximum 10-29% cases) toxicities were quite limited. Our observations suggest the interest to incorporate carboplatin in the combined infusional treatment of colorectal cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts.

BACKGROUND: A multicentric study was performed to evaluate the clinical results after laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts (PP). METHODS: We collected the data of 17 patients presenting with PP and operated on by laparoscopy between 1996 and 2001. There were nine men and eight women with a median age of 42 years (range 30-72). In 15 patients the PP developed after acute pancreatitis and the median delay between the acute onset and surgery was 7 months (range: 2-24). In two patients the PP was associated with chronic pancreatitis. All the patients had a single PP with a median diameter of 9 cm (range: 5-20). RESULTS: According to the location of the PP, a cystogastrostomy was performed in 10 patients and a cystojejunostomy in seven patients. The median operative time was 100 min (range: 80-300). Laparoscopic PP surgery was completed successfully in 16 patients and the median size of the cystoenterostomy was 3 cm (range: 2-5). Necrotic debris was present within the PP in 11 patients. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range: 4-24). No mortality and no immediate morbidity were recorded. However, two patients were readmitted within the first 3 postoperative weeks because of secondary PP infection. The first patient had an early closure of cystogastrostomy and was treated by endoscopic placement of a stent. The second represented with a right retrocolic abscess after cystojejunostomy and was treated by percutaneous drainage. One patient was lost for follow-up 2 months after surgery. The others had regular clinical and radiological controls. With a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 6-36), no recurrence of PP was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic treatment of PP was associated with a low postoperative complication rate and an effective permanent result. That approach avoided some difficulties, particularly bleeding that is classically linked with endoscopic internal drainage.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Laparoscopic liver resection of benign liver tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection for benign liver tumors in a multicenter setting. BACKGROUND: Despite restrictive, tailored indications for resection in benign liver tumors, an increasing number of articles have been published concerning laparoscopic liver resection of these tumors. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 18 surgical centres in Europe regarding their experience with laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors. Detailed standardized questionnaires were used that focused on patient's characteristics, clinical data, type and characteristics of the tumor, technical details of the operation, and early and late clinical outcome. RESULTS: From March 1992 to September 2000, 87 patients suffering from benign liver tumor were included in this study: 48 patients with focal nodular hyperplasia (55%), 17 patients with liver cell adenoma (21%), 13 patients with hemangioma (15%), 3 patients with hamartoma (3%), 3 patients with hydatid liver cysts (3%), 2 patients with adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) (2%), and 1 patient with liver cystadenoma (1%). The mean size of the tumor was 6 cm, and 95% of the tumors were located in the left liver lobe or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Liver procedures included 38 wedge resections, 25 segmentectomies, 21 bisegmentectomies (including 20 left lateral segmentectomies), and 3 major hepatectomies. There were 9 conversions to an open approach (10%) due to bleeding in 45% of the patients. Five patients (6%) received autologous blood transfusion. There was no postoperative mortality, and the postoperative complication rate was low (5%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-13 days). At a mean follow-up of 13 months (median, 10 months; range, 2-58 months), all patients are alive without disease recurrence, except for the 2 patients with APLD. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors is feasible and safe for selected patients with small tumors located in the left lateral segments or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Despite the use of a laparoscopic approach, selective indications for resection of benign liver tumors should remain unchanged. When performed by expert liver and laparoscopic surgeons in selected patients and tumors, laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumor is a promising technique.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB): how to use it.

BACKGROUND: The authors have been using the new saline-filled BioEnterics intragastric balloon (BIB) since 1995. METHODS: By now, more than 650 BIBs have been implanted on our Unit. RESULTS: Because of close collaboration between the engineers and the users, and after several modifications, an easy-to-use balloon is available. In addition, we have developed 3 instruments which provide easy and quick removal of the BIB. CONCLUSION: The device, supported by a competent motivated team, is another modality available for weight loss.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed2001

[Anatomic-clinical presentation. Testicular teratocarcinoma with thoracic-abdominal adenopathy].

This case report of a young man with a testicular germ cell-teratoma tumor illustrates the necessity of a multidisciplinary sequential approach to ensure chance of cure. The outcome of patients with advanced germ cell tumor depends on the optimal clinical management. Residual masses are frequent, and their histology can be different than the initial one (i.e., only residual mature teratoma cells or necrosis-fibrosis). Therefore a second surgery on residual masses with curative intent, may be important to optimalize the treatment and follow up.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2001

[Value of MRCP for detection of choledocholithiasis in symptomatic patients: one-year experience with a standardized high resolution breath-hold technique].

In our institution, MRCP is actually replacing diagnostic ERCP. This study is addressing its accuracy in the diagnosis of symptomatic choledocholithiasis. 137 MRCP were performed in patients with upper abdominal pain and biological anomalies (n = 48), pain with cholelithiasis at sonography (n = 69) or non-alcoholic acute pancreatitis (n = 20) on a 1.5 T system with high gradients using a standardized combination of breath-hold HASTE and RARE sequences. We included in our study 74 patients who underwent as second test ERCP (n = 36), peroperative cholangiography (n = 13), or extensive follow-up with laboratory tests and/or sonography (n = 25). All examinations were judged as diagnostic, discrepancies between direct cholangiography and MRCP being noted in 4 patients (5.4%). Lithiasis was misinterpreted on MRCP as bubbles in 2 patients after sphincterotomy or surgery. We had two false positive diagnoses on MRCP: in one patient peroperative cholangiography was negative and in the other one ERCP was negative. With a sensitivity and PPV of 92%, a specificity and NPV of 96% MRCP in our experience is shown as an accurate diagnostic tool for the detection of stone in the common bile duct replacing ERCP.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Chronopharmacologic approach to the administration of anticancer agents in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pilot experience].

The authors first analyzed the potential interest of the delivery of anticancer agents according to chronobiological concepts for human pancreatic cancer. They report their experience on 41 patients treated in adjuvant (12 cases) or palliative (29 cases) situations. The excellent therapeutic index observed warrants further evaluations of this concept in randomized trials.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1999

Continuous delivery of venous 5-fluorouracil and arterial 5-fluorodeoxyuridine for hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer: feasibility and tolerance in a randomized phase II trial comparing flat versus chronomodulated infusion.

High-dose chemotherapy combining regional hepatic artery infusion (HAI) of fluorodeoxyuridine (HAI FUDR) and systemic venous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (i.v. 5-FU) was delivered against liver metastases from colorectal cancer. The hypothesis that chronomodulation of delivery rate along the 24 h time scale would improve the tolerable doses of both drugs was tested. Combined HAI FUDR (80 mg/m2/day) and i.v. 5-FU (1200 mg/m2/day) were administered for five consecutive days every 3 weeks, either as a constant rate infusion (schedule A, 27 patients) or as chronotherapy (schedule B, 29 patients). This latter regimen consisted of a sinusoidal modulation of the delivery rate over the 24 h scale with a maximum at 16:00 for FUDR and 4:00 for 5-FU. Intrapatient dose escalation up to the individual maximum tolerated doses (MTD) was planned for both drugs in the absence of any previous grade 3 or 4 toxicity. All patients had metastatic colorectal cancer, with adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy given to six patients (22%) on schedule A and 12 patients on schedule B (41%). Severe stomatitis occurred in 71% of the patients and was dose limiting. No hepatic toxicity was encountered. Dose reductions of 5-FU and/or FUDR were required for 17 of 27 patients on schedule A (63%) as compared to 11 of 29 patients on schedule B (38%), following reaching the individual MTD (p<0.05). Over the first six cycles, patients on schedule B received higher doses (mg/m2/cycle; FUDR: 522 +/- 85 versus 499 +/- 50, p=0.004 and 5-FU: 5393 +/- 962 versus 5136 +/- 963, p=0.009) and higher dose intensities (mg/m2/week; FUDR: 164 +/- 46 versus 151 +/- 52, p=0.018 and 5-FU: 1652 +/- 478 versus 1553 +/- 535, p<0.041) of both drugs than patients on schedule A. As a result the number of courses with doses of 5-FU above 1200 mg/m2/day and/or FUDR above 110 mg/m2/day was larger in group B than in group A (5-FU, A: 67 of 268, 25% versus B: 133 of 321, 41% and FUDR, A: 86 of 268, 32% versus B: 155 of 321, 48%; p<0.001). Objective responses were observed in 13 patients on schedule A (48%) and 11 patients on schedule B (38%). The results support the need for further exploration of chronotherapy of colorectal cancer liver metastases with combined arterial and venous fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Sagittal MR of multiple sclerosis in the spinal cord: fast versus conventional spin-echo imaging.

PURPOSE: We compared conventional spin-echo (CSE) with fast spin-echo (FSE) dual-echo MR images to determine which of these sequences was better able to depict spinal cord abnormalities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: CSE and FSE dual-echo MR images were obtained in 37 patients with MS and in six healthy control subjects, all of whom were examined on a 1.0-T MR unit with a phased-array coil and cardiac triggering. Two blinded interpreters graded the MR studies, first separately and then by consensus. Images were scored for presence of artifacts, number of focal lesions, and presence of a diffuse increase in signal intensity. RESULTS: No abnormalities were seen in the volunteers. The CSE sequences were significantly less hindered by MR imaging artifacts than were the FSE sequences. Interobserver agreement was slightly higher for the CSE than the FSE sequences. After reaching a consensus, the observers found that both CSE and FSE techniques enabled detection of approximately the same number of focal lesions; however, in three patients, small single lesions seen on the CSE images were missed on the FSE images. Also, depiction of a diffuse increase in signal intensity was better on the CSE images. As a result, more patients had abnormal findings on the CSE sequences than on the FSE sequences (35 versus 31). CONCLUSION: Cardiac-triggered dual-echo FSE sequences are almost as good as CSE sequences for depicting spinal MS lesions. Therefore, in cases of established spinal MS, FSE techniques may be as effective as CSE techniques. Because sensitivity for subtle abnormalities is lower with FSE imaging, CSE remains the preferred technique for patients with suspected MS of the spinal cord.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Gastric endoluminal treatment of Dieulafoy's ulcer.

Dieulafoy's ulcer, accounting for approximately 5% of upper GI bleeding, is best managed by therapeutic endoscopy. Some patients, however, require surgical treatment. Presented here is a case in which the lesion was treated by combined endoscopy and endogastric surgery. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first published report of such management. This relatively new technique may be offered in suitable cases but should be attempted only by well-trained laparoscopic surgeons.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: characteristics and effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine.

Although pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less intense than after open cholecystectomy, some patients still experience considerable discomfort. Furthermore, the characteristics of postlaparoscopy pain differ considerably from those seen after laparotomy. Therefore, we investigated the time course of different pain components after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the effects of intraperitoneal bupivacaine on these different components. Forty ASA physical status grade I-II patients were randomly assigned to receive either 80 mL of bupivacaine 0.125% with epinephrine 1/200,000 (n = 20) or the same volume of saline (n = 20) instilled under the right hemidiaphragm at the end of surgery. Intensity of total pain, visceral pain, parietal pain, and shoulder pain was assessed 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Analgesic consumption was also recorded. Patient data were similar in the two groups. In the saline group, visceral pain was significantly more intense than parietal pain at each time point; visceral and parietal pain were greater than shoulder pain during the first 8 h postoperatively. Intraperitoneal bupivacaine did not significantly affect any of the different components of postoperative pain. Analgesic consumption was similar in the two groups. This study demonstrates that visceral pain accounts for most of the pain experienced after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraperitoneal bupivacaine is not effective for treating any type of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1995

[Laparoscopic surgery of gastroesophageal reflux].

Complete fundoplication according to Nissen's technique and partial posterior hemifundoplication (Toupet's and Lind's techniques) are effective treatments for gastrooesophageal reflux. Their application in open surgery has already been largely assessed. Since 1991, these operations have been performed by laparoscopic surgery. In this study, the course of 368 patients treated via a laparoscopic approach was evaluated. For 363 patients (98.6%), the operation was completed under laparoscopic control with no operative mortality. The operative morbidity was 4%. Two patients (0.5%) had to be reoperated 6 and 8 months after the initial operation for persistent dysphagia. In september 1993, 126 patients with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months (median: 16.2 months) accepted a follow-up assessment. Visick I and II score were observed for 90.4% of patients. These short-term results are encouraging and suggest that the results obtained are comparable to those of conventional surgery, with a lower morbidity and a reduced hospital stay. Precise selection of patients and surgical techniques is essential.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[An unusual case of clear-cell carcinoma of the pancreas].

This case of clear-cell carcinoma of the pancreas was a rare for three reasons: a) discovery: the investigation was indicated after sudden digestive hemorrhage revealed by melena and anaemia; b) morphology: the tumour began in the head with a spheric tumoural bud and a pediculated extension into the duodenum; c) pathology a clear-cell tumour similar to the type seen in renal localizations. Only one other case of such a primitive tumour was found reported in the literature.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗