UNLABELLED: Morbidity and mortality after reversal of Hartmann's procedure following perforated sigmoid diverticulitis are high and the rate of intestinal restoration is low. AIM: To investigate whether laparoscopically assisted reversal of Hartmann's procedure is technically feasible and whether the laparoscopic procedure offers any benefit to the patient. METHOD: Nineteen patients were investigated. The postoperative course was followed prospectively. All patients were reinvestigated 9 months after surgery. RESULTS: Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure was attempted in 19 patients. One patient did not want the laparoscopic technique. In two cases (11 %) conversion to the conventional technique was necessary; thus, 16 patients were operated laparoscopically. Median operative time was 114 (65-180) min. With the exception of three wound infections no immediate postoperative complications were noticed. Patients' convalescence was fast. First evacuation took place 3.3 (3-5) days after surgery, complete oral nutrition 3.6 (3-5) days after surgery. Duration of postoperative hospitalisation was 7.5 (5-12) days. One patient developed later a clinically significant anastomotic stricture which needed endoscopic dilatation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopically assisted Hartmann's reversal is technically demanding but feasible. Postoperative morbidity is low, duration of hospitalisation short, convalescence fast. Thus, good arguments exist for performing reversal of Hartmann's procedures laparoscopically.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Endoscopic surgery: what has passed the test?

The use of endoscopic surgery has increased in gastrointestinal surgery since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It was the aim of this study to investigate the impact of endoscopic procedures in 1998. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, fundoplication, repair of perforated peptic ulcer, gastric banding procedure, sigmoid resection for diverticulitis, and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were investigated using techniques of technology assessment. Feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness were used to evaluate the different types of operation. The statements were graded by three categories of evidence. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and fundoplication have passed the test. Laparoscopic repair of perforated duodenal ulcer, gastric banding for morbid obesity, and sigmoid resection for diverticulitis are feasible and efficient but not effective today. Laparoscopy-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has been shown to be feasible but is not yet efficient and effective.

Endoscopes↗

PubMed1999

Combined abdominal wall paresis and incisional hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A case of combined abdominal wall paresis and incisional hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reported. The paresis possibly occurred by a lesion of the N. intercostalis when extending the incision for stone extraction. Possibly the paresis was a predisposing factor for the development of an incisional hernia. The causes of abdominal wall paresis are explored with a review of the literature. In spite of minimal trauma to the anterior abdominal wall in laparoscopic procedures, the risk of iatrogenic lesions remains.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed1999

Diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease: results of a consensus development conference. The Scientific Committee of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: With the aim of resolving the current controversy over the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease, this consensus development conference set out to summarize the actual state of the art. METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of international experts (n = 16) was selected to take part in the consensus process. Prior to the conference, all experts were asked to answer a series of questions on diverticular disease. The consensus statement compiled out of these evaluations was modified during a joint meeting of the panel members, then presented for discussion in a public session, and finally revised by the expert panel. The finalized statement was mailed to all panel members for approval (Delphi method). RESULTS: Asymptomatic diverticulosis, diverticular disease (with actual or recurrent symptoms), and complicated diverticular disease were defined separately. No agreement was reached on whether barium enema or colonoscopy is the better choice as an initial diagnostic tool in uncomplicated cases. In complicated cases, computed tomography is recommended for diagnosis. After two attacks of diverticular disease, elective resection should be considered. For patients in whom a concomitant carcinoma cannot be excluded and those with chronic complications (fistula, stenosis, or bleeding) surgery is also indicated. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy is recommended only for uncomplicated and, after percutaneous drainage of abscesses, Hinchey stage I and II cases. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery has already begun to influence the management of diverticular disease, but the randomized controlled trials needed to support therapy decisions are largely missing.

Diverticulitis↗

PubMed1999

Laparoscopic resection of sigmoid diverticulitis. Results of a multicenter study. Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group.

BACKGROUND: In the large bowel, resection of the sigmoid colon is the most commonly performed laparoscopic intervention because large bowel lesions often are located in this part of the bowel and the procedure technically is the most favorable one. A number of publications involving case series or the results of highly experienced individual surgeons already have confirmed the feasibility of laparoscopic resection in cases of diverticulitis. The aim of the present prospective multicentric investigation was to check the results obtained by a large number of surgeons performing laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon for diverticulitis in various stages of severity. RESULTS: Between January 8, 1995 and January 1, 1998, the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group recruited 1,118 patients to the prospective multicenter study. Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, which accounted for 304 cases, was the most common indication for laparoscopic intervention. In most of these patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery (81.9%), the diverticulitis manifested as acute phlegmonous peridiverticulitis, recurrent attacks of inflammation, or stenosis. Complicated forms of diverticulitis in Hinchey stages I to IV and late complications of chronic diverticular disease with fistula formation and bleeding accounted for only 18.1% of the cases. For the overall group, the conversion rate was 7.2%. Patients with less severe diverticulitis (i.e., those presenting with peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation) had a conversion rate of 4.8% and the rate for complicated cases was 18.2%. Regarding laparoscopically completed interventions, 3 of 282 patients died (1.1%). In the group of patients with peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation the overall complication rate was 14.8%. The group with perforated diverticulitis in Hinchey stages I to IV or those with fistula and bleeding, the corresponding rate was 28.9%, and after conversion it was 31.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colorectal interventions in sigmoid diverticulitis are, for the most part, carried out as elective procedures for peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation. The conversion, complication, and mortality rates associated with these interventions are acceptable. Laparoscopic procedures in Hinchey stages I to IV sigmoid diverticulitis and in the presence of fistula and bleeding are more likely to be associated with complications, and should be carried out only by highly experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Diverticulitis, Colonic↗

PubMed1999

Safety and efficacy of dynamic muscle plasty for anal incontinence: lessons from a prospective, multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dynamic muscle plasty has been advocated as therapy for refractory fecal incontinence and for anorectal reconstruction to avoid colostomy after abdominoperineal resection. This study evaluates the results of a multicenter experience with dynamic muscle plasty in the treatment of fecal incontinence and total anal reconstruction. METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine patients were enrolled at 12 centers between June 1992 and November 1994 and followed up through June 1996. Intramuscular leads and neurostimulators were implanted to stimulate transposed gracilis or gluteus muscle. Success was defined as 70% reduction in solid stool incontinence for patients with baseline incontinence and zero incontinence to solid stool for patients with baseline stomas and for patients undergoing total anal reconstruction. RESULTS: Overall, 85 of 128 graciloplasty patients (66%) achieved and maintained a successful outcome over the follow-up period. By etiology, these proportions were 71%, 50%, and 66% for patients with acquired fecal incontinence, congenital incontinence, and total anal reconstruction, respectively. One third of graciloplasty patients experienced a major wound complication, with therapy failing in 41%. Experienced centers had better outcomes and lower complication rates than inexperienced centers. Of the 11 gluteoplasty patients, 5 (45%) achieved and maintained a successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic graciloplasty may be an effective procedure for patients with refractory, end-stage fecal incontinence as well as for patients who require anorectal excision for low-lying malignancy. However, the procedure has significant morbidity that can lead to functional failure. Outcome after dynamic graciloplasty appears to correlate with surgical experience. In contrast to graciloplasty, the use of dynamic gluteoplasty should be limited to investigational purposes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Reactive or infectious arthritis.

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Arthritis, Infectious↗

PubMed1999

Mechanical behaviour of plant tissues: composite materials or structures?

The mechanical characteristics of the strengthening tissue of young axes of Aristolochia macrophylla were studied in successive loading-unloading cycles in tension. Elastic, viscoelastic and plastic deformations could be distinguished. After the first cycle, the material was in a state different from its original state, to which it returned only partially and/or slowly. Internal 'microstructural' prestresses are considered as an explanation for the mechanical behaviour seen in Aristolochia macrophylla and several other plants.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1998

[Child welfare. Concentration on education, research and service].

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Child↗

PubMed1998

Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in peripheral blood leukocytes of reactive arthritis patients by polymerase chain reaction.

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Adult↗

PubMed1998

Prospective multicenter study of the quality of oncologic resections in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer. The Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer is currently under discussion. Results of large, randomized studies will not be available for a number of years yet. This study analyses the results of such resections in consecutive patients operated on by unselected surgeons. METHODS: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was initiated on August 1, 1995, in the German-speaking countries of Europe. One year after initiation of the study, findings are presented with respect to the quality of oncologic resections. RESULTS: Of 500 operations, 231 (46 percent) were performed for cancer, 167 (33 percent) with a curative intent. The most common curative resections were as follows: 63 anterior rectum resections (38 percent), 51 sigmoid resections (30 percent), and 27 abdominoperineal resections (16 percent). Segmental resections were performed in 20 patients (12 percent). Intraoperative tumor spillage was reported in 2 percent. Mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 13 (confidence interval, 5-95 percent; range, 11.5-14.6) and positive lymph nodes harvested was 2.2 (confidence interval, 5-95 percent; range, 0.9-3.4). Significant differences were noted between participating centers in terms of number of lymph nodes resected (P < 0.0001). Distal and proximal resection margins were tumor-free in every case. Lateral margins were tumor free when examined. In the case of 63 curative anterior resections, the mean distal resection margin was 39 (confidence interval, 5-95 percent; range, 33-45) mm, and in 8 of these resections, it was less than 20 min. Mean blood loss was 344 (confidence interval, 5-95 percent; 292-396) ml, and 21 percent of patients received blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: These data document that the average quality of laparoscopic colorectal procedures for cancer is satisfactory but differs among surgeons.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Laparoscopic colorectal resection for diverticulitis.

This study evaluated outcome in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. A total of 29 consecutive patients were treated surgically for colonic diverticulitis; in 27 of these laparoscopy was performed. The review of medical records from a control group of 34 patients undergoing open resection were used for comparison. The conversion rate was 7.5%. Using the laparoscopic technique the duration of surgery was longer (165 vs. 121 min, P < 0.05), blood loss less (182 vs. 352 ml, P < 0.05), and subsequent blood transfusion less (0 vs. 61%). The incidence of complications following laparoscopic resection was lower (two anastomotic leakages, two wound infections) than in the conventional group. Convalescence in the laparoscopic group was more rapid and hospital stay shorter (7.9 vs. 14.3 days, P < 0.05). In the laparoscopic group patients expressed less pain at rest and in motion. The cost of the laparoscopically assisted procedure was less than that of conventional resection (7185 vs. 8975 DM). In this series laparoscopically assisted sigmoid resection for diverticulitis proved safe. Recovery was faster, hospital stay was shorter, and patients expressed less pain than in conventional open surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Viability and gene expression in Chlamydia trachomatis during persistent infection of cultured human monocytes.

The principal host cell for persistently infecting synovial Chlamydia trachomatis is the macrophage. During infection of human monocytes/macrophages in culture this bacterium displays aberrant morphology and produces no new elementary bodies, reflecting the situation in synovium. Here we investigate the metabolic status of C. trachomatis (serovar K) during an extended infection of human peripheral monocytes in vitro. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays, we have shown that primary transcripts from the chlamydial rRNA operons are present throughout a 10-day course of infection. Other assays targeting mRNAs from chlamydial genes encoding r-proteins S5 and L5, the glycyl-tRNA synthetase, the 60-kDa cysteine-rich outer membrane protein, and the KDO transferase indicate that these messengers are also present throughout the entire 10-day period. The gene encoding the 57-kDa heat-shock protein (hsp60) is expressed by the bacterium throughout the 10-day infection of cultured monocytes, but transcript levels from the gene encoding the major outer membrane protein (omp1) appear to be attenuated. Western analyses targeting these latter proteins confirm the presence of the hsp60 gene product, and the virtual absence of major outer membrane protein, in chlamydia-infected cultured human monocytes. Thus, during extended infection of human monocytes in vitro, chlamydia are non-productive but transcriptionally active; the pattern of transcriptional activity reflects that known for persistent C. trachomatis infection in vivo in synovial tissue.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗