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K Gründel

Publications and source records attributed to K Gründel.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

[Can colorectal carcinomas be resected laparoscopically? Technically possible, long-term outcome is still uncertain].

DESIGN: The efficacy of laparoscopic resection of colorectal tumours was evaluated in a prospective observational study. PATIENTS: All patients with elective laparoscopic resection for colorectal tumours between 1995 and 1997 were included. MAIN RESULTS: Laparoscopic resections were accomplished in 70 patients with a mean age of 61.9 +/- 15.6 years--most of them (n = 45) left-sided. The operative time was 232 +/- 75 minutes and the estimated blood loss 235 +/- 123 ml. In six patients (8.6%) laparoscopic-assisted procedures were performed, and no patient had to be converted to a conventional midline incision. Intraoperative complications occurred in one patient, postoperative general complications in 2.9% and surgical complications in 5.7%. Clinically relevant anastomotic leaks were not recorded. No patient died postoperatively. Reconvalescence was short, first bowel movement was documented after 3.3 +/- 1.3 days. Postoperative hospital stay was 10.1 +/- 3.1 days. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection of colorectal tumours can be accomplished with a low complication rate with proper selection of patients and experience of the surgical team. However, the indication for laparoscopic resection must consider all aspects of an oncological treatment.

Adult↗

Pulmonary function following laparoscopic or conventional colorectal resection: a randomized controlled evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy causes a significant reduction of pulmonary function, and atelectasis and pneumonia occur after elective conventional colorectal resections. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hypothesis that pulmonary function is less restricted after laparoscopic than after conventional colorectal resection. DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. SETTING: The surgical department of an academic medical center. PATIENTS: Sixty patients underwent laparoscopic (n = 30) or conventional (n = 30) resection of colorectal tumors. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, localization or stage of tumor, or preoperative pulmonary function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow, mid-expiratory phase of forced expiratory flow, and oxygen saturation of arterial blood. RESULTS: The forced vital capacity (mean +/- SD values: conventional resection group, 1.73+/-0.60 L; laparoscopic surgery group, 2.59+/-1.11 L; P<.01) and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (conventional resection group, 1.19+/-0.51 L/s; laparoscopic surgery group, 1.80+/-0.80 L/s; P<.01) were more profoundly suppressed in the patients having conventional resection than in those having laparoscopic surgery. Similar results were found for the peak expiratory flow (conventional resection group, 2.51+/-1.37 L/s; laparoscopic resection group, 3.60+/-2.22 L/s; P<.05) and the midexpiratory phase of forced expiratory flow (conventional resection group, 1.87+/-1.12 L/s; laparoscopic surgery group, 2.67+/-1.76 L/s; P<.05). The oxygen saturation of arterial blood, measured while the patients were breathing room air, was lower after conventional than after laparoscopic resections (P<.01). The recovery of the forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second to 80% of the preoperative value took longer in patients having conventional resection than in those having laparoscopic resection (P<.01). Pneumonia developed in 2 patients having conventional resection, but no pulmonary infection occurred in the laparoscopic resection group (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary function is better preserved after laparoscopic than after conventional colorectal resection. Pulmonary complications may be reduced after laparoscopic resections because of the better postoperative pulmonary function.

Aged↗

[Effects of argon gas embolism during pneumoperitoneum].

In a porcine model, ten animals with a mean body weight of 18.9 (15-24) kg were exposed either to intravenous boli of 10, 20, and 30 ml argon (n = 5) or CO2 gas (n = 5). Gas embolism with argon led to increased pulmonary artery pressure (P > 0.001) and induced a decrease in end tidal CO2 (P < 0.001) and reduced cardiac output (P < 0.001) with a consecutive decrease in mean arterial pressure (P < 0.05). One animal died in cardiac shock after a 20 ml argon gas embolism and another after a 30 ml argon bolus. A third animal recovered after resuscitation with noradrenaline after a 30 ml argon bolus. Animals in the CO2 group receiving 10, 20, or 30 ml bolus neither required resuscitation nor died. Hemodynamic parameters were not affected by a 10 to 30 ml bolus of CO2 gas. Thus, gases with a low solubility in blood like argon should not be used during procedures with an increased risk of gas embolism.

Animals↗

Influence of acute hemorrhage and pneumoperitoneum on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters.

BACKGROUND: We examined the questions of whether resuscitated (compensated) acute hemorrhage enhances the negative effects of carbopneumoperitoneum on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters and whether pneumoperitoneum with helium has any advantages under these circumstances. Our investigation focused on the influence of acute hemorrhage with different gases on the cardiovascular and respiratory system as well as on hepatic and renal blood flow in a porcine model. METHODS: Cardiac and hemodynamic function were monitored via implantation of catheters in pulmonary artery, femoral vein, and artery. Renal and hepatic blood flow were recorded using a transonic volume flow meter placed at the renal and hepatic artery and portal vein. Twelve animals were randomly assigned to one insufflation gas (carbon dioxide [CO2] or helium [He]). Following baseline recordings, acute hemorrhage (20 ml/kg) was induced by continuous bleeding over 30 min. Animals then received a colloidal solution (20 ml/kg 6% hydroxyethylstarch solution) over 30 min. Pneumoperitoneum of 12 mmHg was established, and all parameters were measured after 30 min of adaptation. The major endpoints of the study were cardiac output (CO), arterial pressure (MAP), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and central venous pressure (CVP), as well as blood flow in hepatic and renal artery and portal vein. RESULTS: While CO and hemodynamic parameter as well as hepatic and renal blood flow were markedly reduced after hemorrhage, they returned nearly to their previous levels after resuscitation. Pneumoperitoneum with 12 mmHg did not further depress the cardiovascular system or reduce hepatic and renal blood flow. Pneumoperitoneum did not alter hepatic or renal blood flow. Pneumoperitoneum with helium did not substantially change the reaction of the cardiovascular system after resuscitated hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: If hemorrhage is compensated by proper resuscitation and hypovolemia is avoided, laparoscopic surgery with pneumoperitoneum of 12 mmHg appears to be not harmful. Using helium as the insufflating gas had no clear advantage over the carbon dioxide model.

Acute Disease↗

Influence of different trocar tips on abdominal wall penetration during laparoscopy.

Most trocars currently used to place a cannula through the abdominal wall have a conical or pyramidal tip. Because the risk of inadvertent injury along with removal of the cannula is probably related to (a) the force needed to traverse the abdominal wall, (b) the force needed to remove the trocar, and (c) the defect in the abdominal wall, the optimum configuration of the penetrating tip should be determined. The entry force needed to perforate the abdominal wall, the removal force necessary to remove the trocar, and the defect in the abdominal wall were measured in a porcine model under standardized conditions (general anesthesia, 12 mmHg pneumoperitoneum). Nineteen trocars (six disposable, seven reusable, six custom-made) have been tested. They were divided into six groups according to the shape of the tip (conical, pyramidal, or a combination). The entry force (F = 25.6, p < 0.0001) and the removal force (F = 5.1, p < 0.01) were related to the shape of the tip. Conical tips needed a higher force than purely pyramidal tips. The abdominal defect was also different between groups (F = 6.5, p < 0. 001). The trocar with a pyramidal shape caused a greater defect than conical tips. The defect in the abdominal wall was inversely related to the entry force (r = -0.55, p < 0.001) and to the removal force (r = -0.57, p < 0.001). There is not an optimum configuration of a simple push-through trocar with a low entry force and a high removal force. Some kind of a conical tip is recommended for insertion of trocars under direct view.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Effects of pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide, argon, or helium on hemodynamic and respiratory function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide, argon, and helium; different abdominal pressures (ie, 8, 12, and 16 mm Hg); and different positions (ie, head up, head down, supine) on hemodynamic and respiratory function in a porcine model. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. ANIMALS: Eighteen pigs weighing 25.5 +/- 6.9 kg (mean +/- SD). INTERVENTIONS: General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Implantation of pulmonal artery catheter and central venous line in jugular vein and catheters in femoral artery and vein. Carbon dioxide, argon, or helium was insufflated through a cannula in the left upper quadrant. The type of gas was randomly assigned to each animal. After recording baseline values at the beginning and at the end without pneumoperitoneum, each animal was placed in 1 of the 3 positions and under 1 of the 3 pressures kept by the insufflator. After 15 minutes of adaptation to the new circumstances, all factors were recorded. This procedure was repeated until all 9 combinations of pressures and positions were evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cardiac output; heart rate; stroke volume; right ventricular stroke work; pressures in the pulmonal artery, vena cava, and femoral artery and vein; systemic vascular resistance; respiratory pressure; tidal volume; pH; base excess; oxygen partial pressure; and carbon dioxide partial pressure. RESULTS: The type of gas did not affect cardiac output. Only carbon dioxide demonstrated negative effects on respiratory function. Argon markedly increased afterload. Carbon dioxide increased central venous and mean arterial pressure, which was only moderate using helium. A head-up position decreased cardiac output and central venous pressure and increased mean arterial and peripheral venous pressures, which were partly compensated in a head-down position. An intraperitoneal pressure of 16 mm Hg increased peripheral and central venous pressures, heart rate, and respiratory pressure, and decreased cardiac output, tidal volume, and pH. CONCLUSIONS: Helium may be an alternative gas to establish pneumoperitoneum because it does not have any effect on respiratory function and has only a moderate effect on hemodynamic function. Argon insufflation has some hemodynamic disadvantages. An intraperitoneal pressure greater than 12 mm Hg and a head-up position should be avoided because both have a markedly negative effect on respiratory and hemodynamic factors.

Animals↗

Improvements in mechanical bowel preparation for elective colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine whether a mechanical bowel preparation with 2 liters of polyethylene glycol solution combined with a laxative (Group A) increases the acceptability of bowel preparation and reduces discomfort compared with 4 liters of polyethylene glycol solution (Group B). METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing an elective colorectal resection were included in a prospective, randomized study. Acceptability (nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, discomfort from insertion of the nasogastric tube, and anal discomfort) was assessed using visual analog scales. Efficacy of bowel lavage was scored intraoperatively by a blinded surgeon. RESULTS: Overall acceptability was 5.1 +/- 2.8 in Group A patients and 5.6 +/- 2.6 in Group B patients (P = 0.5). The incidence and visual analog score for nausea, vomiting, anal discomfort, and cramps were not different between groups. Excellent efficacy of bowel preparation was shown in 94 percent of patients in Group A and 84 percent of patients in Group B (P = 0.5). The incidence of septic complications was 2 percent in Group A patients and 12 percent in Group B patients (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Because the acceptability of both cleansing regimens were not different, 2 liters of polyethylene glycol plus Prepacol should be preferred because the amount of fluid administered to clean the bowel is reduced and the nasogastric tube can always be avoided.

Aged↗

[Value of laparoscopic technique in primary colorectal carcinoma].

Patients who had undergone elective resection for primary colorectal cancer were included in a prospective study. The purpose of the study was to specify the current role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Therefore, the reasons for performing the resection conventionally were documented under the general guideline that all colorectal cancer should be resected laparoscopically. Of 111 patients treated in 1995, only 22 underwent a laparoscopic resection and 4 patients a laparoscopic-assisted resection. Age, sex and tumor stage were comparable between groups. Operative time was longer in the laparoscopy group; duration of postoperative ileus and postoperative hospital stay were shorter. The most frequent indications for using a conventional approach were rectal cancer (n = 29), adhesions (n = 15), randomly selected patients (n = 14) and advanced cancer (n = 12). Cardiovascular risk factors were not so important. Laparoscopic techniques were only applied in a minority of patients with colorectal cancer (24-37%). Laparoscopic sphincter-preserving surgery is currently not recommended for rectal cancer in the middle and lower rectum. General risk factors are rarely a contraindication for a laparoscopic approach.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic resection of high rectovaginal fistula with intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis and omentoplasty.

A 46-year-old Caucasian female underwent vaginal hysterectomy for myoma in another hospital and developed a high rectovaginal fistula 6 weeks later. A diverting-loop colostomy of the sigmoid colon was performed 2 months later. The patient was admitted to our service with persistent high rectovaginal fistula 6 months later. We resected the sigmoid colon and two-thirds of the rectum including the fistula tract using laparoscopic techniques. An intracorporeal anastomosis was accomplished using a double-stapling technique. An omental flap was mobilized and placed between the colorectal anastomosis and the vagina. Except for a subcutaneous wound infection at the former colostomy site, the postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged at the 7th postoperative day and remained free of symptoms. We conclude that laparoscopic resection of high rectovaginal fistula with primary intracorporeal anastomosis is feasible and should be considered in selected cases as an alternative "minimal-invasive" approach to this disease.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Does pneumoperitoneum with different gases, body positions, and intraperitoneal pressures influence renal and hepatic blood flow?

BACKGROUND: Because of the well-known negative effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on the hemodynamic and respiratory system, it was questionable how pneumoperitoneum may affect hepatic and renal blood flow. Therefore the influences of different gases, different intraperitoneal pressures, and different body positions on hepatic and renal blood flow were investigated in a porcine model. METHODS: Cardiac and hemodynamic function were monitored by means of implanted catheters in the pulmonary artery and the femoral vein and artery. Renal and hepatic blood flow were recorded with a transonic volume flow meter placed at the renal and hepatic arteries and the portal vein. Eighteen animals were randomly assigned to receive one of three insufflation gases (carbon dioxide [CO2], argon, or helium. After baseline recording, one of three intraperitoneal pressures (8, 12, or 16 mm Hg) and one of three body positions (supine head up, or head down) were randomly chosen. After an adaptation time of 15 minutes, all data were recorded for 15 minutes. This was repeated until all nine combinations had been investigated. The end points of the study were blood flow in the hepatic and renal arteries and the portal vein, cardial output, systemic vascular resistance, and central venous pressure. RESULTS: Total liver blood flow was reduced on relation to intraabdominal pressure, head-up position, and argon insufflation. Arterial hepatic blood flow was reduced by the head-up position and argon insufflation. Portal venous blood flow decreased with the pig in the head-up position, with increased intraabdominal pressure, and argon insufflation. Renal blood flow was reduced by the head-up position and increased pressure. There was no correlation (p < 0.6) between systemic hemodynamic parameters (cardiac output, central venous pressure, and systemic vascular resistance) and hepatic and renal blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: Head-up position and intraperitoneal pressure greater than 12 mm Hg should be avoided during laparoscopic surgery because they compromise hepatic and renal blood flow. Argon insufflation impairs liver blood flow. However, helium may be advantageous compared with CO2 insufflation.

Animals↗

[Progress in laparoscopic sigmoid resection in elective surgical therapy of sigmoid diverticulitis].

The full significance of laparoscopic technique in elective surgery of sigmoid diverticulitis has yet to be determined. However, it seems worthwhile to evaluate how minimally invasive surgery could be integrated into the surgical treatment of diverticulitis disease. Between January 1995 and August 1996, 26 patients with sigmoid diverticulitis underwent elective surgery. Following diagnostic laparoscopy, seven patients were treated with primary conventional resection, 15 patients with laparoscopic resection and four patients with laparoscopic-assisted surgery. One laparoscopic resection had to be converted to a median laparotomy. Postoperative complications (n = 2) only appeared in the group of conventional resections. Conventional resections required less time than laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted resections, but postoperatively, patients with laparoscopic resection were able to defecate sooner and required a shorter hospital stay. For 60% of the patients with diverticulitis disease of the colon, elective laparoscopic resection may prove to be the best alternative of surgical treatment. In selected patients it is a sound technique with a low complication rate. We recommend that all patients with diverticulitis disease requiring elective surgery undergo diagnostic laparoscopy to determine whether or not laparoscopic resection is a viable option.

Aged↗

[Effect of orthograde intestinal irrigation with Prepacol and polyethyleneglycol solution on duration of postoperative ileus after colorectal resections].

In a prospective randomized study in 100 patients undergoing conventional (n = 66) or laparoscopic (n = 34) colorectal resection, mechanical lavage with 2 l of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution (group A, n = 50) combined with a laxative was compared with lavage with 4 l of PEG alone (group B, n = 50). The influence of bowel preparation on postoperative ileus was investigated. The efficacy of bowel preparation was determined intraoperatively by a surgeon blind to the type of preparation. The time interval between the end of the operation an first flatus or bowel movement was recorded. The efficacy of preparation was no different between the groups (group A: 94%, group B: 84%; P = 0.5). The time lapse before first flatus (A: 3.1 +/- 1.2 days, B: 3.2 +/- 1.3 days; P = 0.6) or bowel movement (A: 3.9 +/- 1.3 days, B: 4.1 +/- 1.3 days; P = 0.5) also did not differ between the groups. The only factor found in multivariate analysis (age, sex, operation, duration and type of surgery, bowel preparation) to prolong the duration of postoperative ileus was the type of surgery. The first bowel movement occurred 3.2 +/- 1.1 days after conventional surgery and 4.3 +/- 1.2 days (P < 0.001) after laparoscopic surgery. The type of preoperative bowel preparation had no influence on the duration of postoperative ileus. The postoperative interval before the first bowel movement was shorter after laparoscopic surgery.

Aged↗