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Biomedical subjects

Matthew S Metcalfe

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew S Metcalfe.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Relaxation of the criteria for day surgery laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: For day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy programmes, studies suggest that overnight admission may be predicted by the following factors: gall bladder wall thickness, patient age over 55 years and previous sphincterotomy. This study investigated the effect of relaxing selection for a day surgery laparoscopic cholecystectomy programme, by removing these factors from the exclusion criteria. METHODS: Between September 2002 and April 2003, patients for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were considered for day surgery subject to standard criteria. For the initial part of the programme, patients were additionally excluded according to the risk factors mentioned above. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent intended day case procedures. The first 16 were selected according to the more rigorous criteria. The latter 17 were significantly older, with a significantly higher incidence of gall bladder wall thickening. There were seven admissions, three in the former part of the study and four in the latter. CONCLUSION: The exclusion criteria described are not necessary for a good same-day discharge rate.

Adult↗

Hepatectomy for metastatic noncolorectal gastrointestinal, breast and testicular tumours.

BACKGROUND: The indications for hepatectomy for colorectal or neuroendocrine metastases are becoming clear with increasing experience reported. For other primary diseases, however, the overall number of cases is relatively small, and it is more difficult to derive clear guidelines. This paper reviews the reported experience of hepatectomy for metastases from non-colorectal gastrointestinal primary cancers, breast cancer and testicular teratoma. The aim is to determine for each whether and under what circumstances hepatectomy is indicated. METHODS: A Medline search was used to identify papers reporting hepatectomy for metastases from non-colorectal gastrointestinal carcinomas, breast carcinomas and testicular teratomas. The data collected included the primary disease, the number of cases reported, the survival post-hepatectomy and any prognostic factors associated with outcome. RESULTS: Of the gastrointestinal malignancies, hepatectomy for gastric metastases yields a 5-year survival, roughly half that reported for colorectal disease, and further elucidation of prognostic factors would be desirable. Results were poor for other gastrointestinal malignancies. Good results were reported for breast and testicular teratoma. CONCLUSION: Of the non-colorectal gastrointestinal primaries, at present only hepatectomy for gastric metastases can be cautiously recommended. For nongastrointestinal primaries, hepatic metastases probably represent widespread dissemination even if occult, and therefore, hepatectomy may only be of use when effective adjuvant treatments are available.

Adult↗

How much liver resection is too much?

BACKGROUND: Hepatic failure occurring after liver resection carries a poor prognosis and is a complication dreaded by surgeons. Inadequate reserve in the remaining parenchyma leads to a steady decrease in liver function, inability to regenerate, and progression to liver failure. For this reason, many methods to quantify functional hepatic reserve have been developed. METHODS: This article reviews the main methods used in the assessment of hepatic reserve in patients undergoing hepatectomy and their use in operative decision making. RESULTS: A range of methods to categorically quantify the functional reserve of the liver have been developed, ranging from scoring systems (such as the Child-Pugh classification) to tests assessing complex hepatic metabolic pathways to radiological methods to assess functional reserve. However, no one method has or is ever likely to emerge as a single measure with which to dictate safe limits of resectability. CONCLUSIONS: In the future, the role of residual liver function assessment may be of most benefit in the routine stratification of risk, thus enabling both patient consent to be obtained and surgical procedure to be performed, with full information and facts regarding operative risks. However, there is no one single test that remains conclusively superior.

Female↗

A comparison of renal preservation by cold storage and machine perfusion using a porcine autotransplant model.

BACKGROUND: Pulsatile machine perfusion offers theoretical advantages as a method of preserving kidneys before transplantation. This may be particularly the case for organs taken from non-heart-beating donors (NHBD), but there is still a lack of data to support this view. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of static cold storage in ice (CS) and hypothermic pulsatile machine perfusion (MP) as methods of renal transplant preservation. METHODS: Groups of large white pigs (n=5) underwent left nephrectomy after warm ischemic times (WIT) of 0 or 30 min. Kidneys were preserved by CS or by cold (3degrees-8degreesC) MP for 24 hr. The left kidney was then autotransplanted into the right iliac fossa and an immediate right nephrectomy was performed. Renal function was assessed daily for 14 days. RESULTS: Fourteen-day animal survival rates for 0 and 30 min WIT were four of five and one of five after both CS and MP. In the zero WIT groups, there was improved recovery of renal function after MP (area under the creatinine curve, 4,722+/-2,496 [MP] vs. 8,849+/-2,379 [CS]; P<0.05). MP did not improve renal function after 30 min of WIT (mean daily area under the creatinine curve, 1,077+/-145 [MP] vs. 1,049+/-265 [CS]). CONCLUSIONS: In this model, MP improved 24-hr preservation of kidneys not subjected to warm ischemia (heart-beating donor model), but there was no evidence that MP was a better method of preservation than CS for kidneys exposed to 30 min of WIT (NHBD model).

Animals↗

The clinical risk score: emerging as a reliable preoperative prognostic index in hepatectomy for colorectal metastases.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the clinical risk score (CRS), a prognostic tool developed by Fong et al, when translated to another center. DESIGN: This study assesses 5 independent preoperative prognostic criteria, nodal status of the primary lesion, disease-free interval, number of hepatic metastases, size of the largest metastasis, and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level, to determine a preoperative CRS for each patient included in the study. SETTING: The hepatobiliary unit of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia. PATIENTS: Medical records of patients admitted to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital undergoing potentially curative hepatic resection for colorectal metastases during the period of July 1993 to April 2003 were included in the study. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcome measure of the study was survival. The calculated CRS was analyzed with respect to patient postoperative survival. RESULTS: During the 10-year period, 77 patients underwent hepatic resection. Overall survival rates for 1, 3, and 5 years were found to be 80.9%, 57.5%, and 42.3%, respectively. One- and 5-year survival rates for CRSs of 0 and 1 were found to be 93.8% and 72.5%, respectively; for scores of 2 and 3, 76.6% and 31.2%, respectively;and for scores of 4 and 5, 75% and 0%, respectively. No patient with a CRS greater than 3 survived more than 2 years. CONCLUSION: This study validates the CRS, finding it to be highly predictive of patient outcome and survival.

Adult↗

Artificial liver support: potential to retard regeneration?

HYPOTHESIS: The concept of an "artificial liver" has been in development for over 40 years. Such devices aim to temporarily assume metabolic and excretory functions of the liver, with removal of potentially hepatotoxic substances, thereby clinically stabilizing patients and preventing deterioration while awaiting transplantation. If sufficient numbers of viable hepatocytes remain, regeneration and subsequent recovery of innate liver function may occur. However, these devices have not yet become part of routine clinical use. Much less is known regarding the effect such devices have, if any, on circulating cytokines and growth factors and the subsequent effects on the regenerating liver. If these devices remove or reduce factors known to promote regeneration, is the rate of regeneration retarded? Conversely, does the incorporation of hepatocytes into bioartificial support systems confer an advantage through the production of growth-promoting factors from these cultured hepatocytes?Data Sources, Extraction, and STUDY SELECTION: Data were obtained using PubMed search for reports involving liver support, extracorporeal circuits, dialysis, growth factors, and cytokines. Those reports specifically looking at the effect of artificial liver support on cytokines and growth factors are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of information on the key events and substances involved in hepatic regeneration. In addition, there is a potential impact of liver support devices on the regeneration of substances associated with hepatic regeneration. Further study is needed.

Growth Substances↗

Choice of surveillance after hepatectomy for colorectal metastases.

HYPOTHESIS: By review of a reported series, is outcome related to surveillance after hepatectomy? DESIGN: We reviewed English-language literature indexed on MEDLINE from January 1, 1990, through December 31, 2002. Indexing terms were combinations of hepatectomy, colorectal metastases, and recurrence with prognostic, repeat, follow-up, or surveillance. STUDY SELECTION: Studies containing any of the following data fields were included: recurrence after hepatectomy, rates of repeat hepatectomy, 5-year survival (overall or disease free) after hepatectomy (initial or repeat), posthepatectomy surveillance protocol, and detection of recurrence by surveillance modality. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were taken directly from a small number of articles and pooled across studies for analysis. We highlighted difficulties in assessing data quality and validity as a caveat to the interpretation of the results. RESULTS: The rate of recurrence after hepatectomy was 58%, and the rate of hepatic recurrence was 30%. Repeat hepatectomy was performed in 9.6% of cases. Five-year survivals after initial and repeat hepatectomy were 29% and 38%, respectively. Many studies did not report their surveillance protocols. For those that did, computed tomography or ultrasonography with carcinoembryonic antigen measurement most commonly formed the basis of surveillance. No data related surveillance techniques to the outcomes of recurrence detection, repeat hepatectomy, or survival. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirmed the value of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent disease, but uncovered no direct evidence supporting any surveillance modalities. Further studies are clearly needed, and approaches to these are discussed.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗

Is laparoscopic intraoperative cholangiogram a matter of routine?

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy reveals the anatomy of the biliary tree and any stones contained within it. The use of intraoperative cholangiography may be routine for all laparoscopic cholecystectomy. An alternative approach is a selective policy, performing intraoperative cholangiography only for those cases in which choledocholithiasis is suspected on clinical grounds, or those for which the anatomy appears unclear at operation. The literature pertaining to both approaches is reviewed, to delineate their respective merits. METHODS: Relevant articles in English were identified from the Medline database, and reviewed. RESULTS: The literature reviewed consisted of retrospective analyses. Overall the incidence of unsuspected retained stones was 4%, but only 15% of these would go on to cause clinical problems. The incidence of complete transection of the common bile duct was rare for both routine and selective intraoperative cholangiography policies, and did not differ between them. Rates of minor bile duct injury did not differ between groups, but was more likely to be recognized in the routine group than the selective (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Routine intraoperative cholangiography yields very little useful clinical information over and above that which is obtained with selective policies. Large numbers of unnecessary intraoperative cholangiography are performed under routine intraoperative cholangiography policy, and therefore a selective policy is advocated.

Bile Ducts↗

Subtotal hepatectomy: a porcine model for the study of liver regeneration.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to devise a simple, reproducible method of subtotal hepatectomy in a large animal model. Such an experimental model could be useful in the investigation of liver regeneration and liver insufficiency after partial hepatectomy. Equally, this technique could be used for assessing the effect of artificial liver support systems on both liver function and regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty pigs were subjected to either 70-80% liver resection (n = 11), or 85-90% liver resection (n = 9), using a simplified technique. RESULTS: Most tolerated the procedure well and showed restoration of full liver volume within 3 weeks. Three animals in the 90% resection group died with significantly raised levels of International Normalized Ratio (INR) and ammonia. CONCLUSIONS: These two techniques have been shown to be easily reproducible and well tolerated by the animals and allow easy assessment of liver function and regeneration in the postoperative period. The deaths in the 90% resection group supports the hypothesis that 90% partial hepatectomy represents a model of critical residual liver parenchyma.

Animals↗

Ite Boerema--surgeon and engineer with a double-Dutch legacy to medical technology.

Ite Boerema, 1902-1978: a Dutchman with a brilliant academic surgical career, and war hero, decorated for resistance to the Germans in World War II. As a man who regarded surgery as "engineering in medicine," we still feel his legacy in medical technology today, specifically with regard to his work on esophageal anastomoses and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This biography places his major contributions to medicine in context of the man himself and of contemporary medicine.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

A psychometric evaluation of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the psychometric properties of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and determine the suitability of the instrument for use with this clinical group. DESIGN: Between-subjects and cross-sectional design. The independent variable was type of treatment for ESRD. The dependent variables were HADS total (all items) and HADS anxiety and depression subscale scores. METHODS: Group differences in HADS scores were determined using between-subjects one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the HADS to determine its psychometric properties in 160 patients with ESRD. Seven models were tested to determine model fit to the data. RESULTS: None of the seven models tested proved to be an adequate fit to the data. Treatment modality was found to have a significant impact on HADS-assessed levels of anxiety and depression. CONCLSIONS: The clinical utility of the HADS in the assessment of anxiety and depression in ESRD patients may be enhanced by using the HADS total (all items) score as an index of psychological distress. Further research is required to establish the appropriateness of using the HADS to screen ESRD patients.

Anxiety↗

Management dilemmas with choledochal cysts.

CONTEXT: Choledochal cysts are rare and of unknown cause. Their presentation is protean, with the classical triad of pain, jaundice, and mass rarely seen. The potential complications are serious, including pancreatitis, cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To present the current experience and evidence relating to all aspects of choledochal cysts to derive appropriate management recommendations. METHODS: Review of relevant literature in the English language indexed on MEDLINE. RESULTS: The elaboration of the classification of choledochal cysts. We describe the modes of presentation and optimal investigation and summarize the current theories on etiology and malignant transformation. The results of different management strategies are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Choledochal cysts are often detected during the investigation of nonspecific symptoms, or even incidentally detected. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality for the diagnosis and characterization of these cysts. Complete excision and hepaticojejenostomy is the management of choice.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

The value of laparoscopic staging for patients with colorectal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Resection offers the only chance of cure for hepatic colorectal metastases. However, preoperative staging does not always reliably detect unresectable disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the role that laparoscopy with ultrasound may have in detecting unresectable disease, thus sparing patients from unnecessary laparotomy with the associated morbidity and cost. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients considered for liver resection of colorectal metastases during a 3-year period was performed, analyzing factors likely to predict resectable disease, rates of resectability, and success of laparoscopic staging at detecting unresectable disease. RESULTS: Of 73 patients with resectable disease on computed tomography, 24 were deemed to need laparoscopy, and 49 proceeded directly to laparotomy. Those first undergoing laparoscopy had shorter disease-free intervals between diagnosis of colorectal cancer and detection of hepatic recurrence and greater numbers of hepatic metastases. Twelve of the 24 patients who underwent laparoscopy had unresectable disease, and 8 of these were detected at laparoscopy. Forty-six of the 49 patients proceeding to laparotomy directly had resectable disease. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic staging of hepatic colorectal metastatic disease detects most unresectable disease, preventing unnecessary laparotomy. The likelihood of disease being unresectable is in part predicted by the disease-free interval and the number of hepatic metastases.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗