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Biomedical subjects

N Hölbling

Publications and source records attributed to N Hölbling.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Aetiology and surgical management of toxic megacolon.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the surgical management and outcome of toxic megacolon and to update the aetiology of toxic megacolon. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review of three academic colorectal surgery units was undertaken. Over a period of 20 years, 70 patients with surgically managed toxic megacolon were identified: 32 men and 38 women, median age 63 years (range, 23-87 years). RESULTS: In 33 (48%) patients the main cause of toxic megacolon was inflammatory bowel disease. Thirty-seven (52%) patients had toxic megacolon of different aetiology. Sixty-three patients underwent colonic resection: 49 (70%) subtotal colectomies and 14 (20%) total colectomies, including 4 (6%) proctocolectomies. Seven (10%) patients had decompression (n=3) or faecal diversion (n=4) only. Forty-four of the resected patients underwent a Hartmann's procedure and an ileostomy; 13 (19%) patients had primary anastomoses, 11 (16%) ileorectal anastomoses (IRA) and 2 (3%) patients had ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Twenty-six (37%) patients subsequently had continuity restored. Total surgical complication rate was 19% (n=13), 8% (n=4) in patients treated with subtotal colectomy, 21% (n=3) in patients treated with total proctocolectomy and 86% (n=6) in patients treated with either decompression or diversion. The total mortality rate was 16% (n=11). CONCLUSIONS: Toxic colitis complicated by toxic megacolon can occur after various diseases of the colon and remains a life-threatening disorder associated with a significant risk of postoperative complications. Subtotal colectomy with ileostomy remains the procedure of choice. Surgical colonic decompression with faecal diversion alone is associated with a high rate of complications.

Adult↗

MR imaging for the preoperative planning of sphincter-saving surgery for tumors of the lower third of the rectum: use of intravenous and endorectal contrast materials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a flexible surface coil in predicting the resectability of tumors in the lower rectum and the feasibility of sphincteral salvage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 61 patients with histologically proved primary adenocarcinoma of the lower or middle third of the rectum (<12 cm from the pectinate line) were examined at double-contrast-material-enhanced MR imaging with a circular polarized flexible surface coil. RESULTS: Assessment of anal sphincteral infiltration at MR imaging was excellent, with a specificity of 98% and a sensitivity of 100%. In the determination of tumor infiltration into adjacent organs (T4), the specificity was 100%, and the sensitivity was 90%, with surgical and histologic findings as the standards. While MR imaging showed negative nodes in 40 patients (stage N0 at MR imaging), histologic examination showed negative nodes in 27 patients and positive nodes in 34. At MR imaging, sensitivity was 68%, and specificity was 24%. CONCLUSION: While preoperative staging at MR imaging according to the TNM system still has limited value and accuracy, MR imaging provides the surgeon with valuable information regarding the presence of sphincteral invasion and the surrounding structures in patients with cancers in the lower third of the rectum.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Quality of life after surgery for rectal cancer: do we still need a permanent colostomy?

INTRODUCTION: A permanent colostomy is a serious limitation of the quality of life. Besides cure of cancer, preservation of sphincter function is an important goal of surgery for rectal cancer. METHODS: In a prospective study a concept offering every patient with rectal cancer either sphincter salvage or a "neosphincter" was investigated, and the impact of this strategy on oncologic results, sphincter function, and quality of life was analyzed. RESULTS: From 1992 to 1997, 276 patients were accepted for the study. Two hundred sixty-one patients had elective surgery, and 15 patients had emergency surgery for their rectal tumors. The postoperative mortality rate was 4 percent. A radical resection (R0) was possible in 197 patients (75 percent). Anterior resection was the most common procedure (n = 87), and intersphincteric resection with coloanal anastomosis was the preferred method for low tumors (n = 65). Abdominoperineal resection was necessary in 15 cases. Thirteen patients had an immediate restoration of sphincter function by means of a dynamic graciloplasty, and 2 patients needed emergency abdominoperineal resection for bleeding. The follow-up was relatively short (median, 36.4 months) at the time of data analysis and showed a local recurrence rate of 8 percent. Although postoperative continence according to the Williams score revealed satisfactory results, subjective quality of life and the scale for specific symptoms showed a significantly worse outcome in patients with ultralow (coloanal) anastomoses compared with those with anterior resection. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that for elective curative surgery of rectal cancer, a permanent colostomy is not necessary provided all presently available techniques of sphincter salvage and restoration are applied. However, the patient has to be informed about possible side effects associated with surgical procedures such as coloanal anastomosis or neosphincter reconstruction, to avoid severe psychological difficulties.

Aged↗

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy--a meta-analysis of 23,700 cases and status of a personal patient sample].

Meta-analysis of 23,700 laparoscopic cholecystectomies of 27 authors shows an intraoperative complication rate of 1.35% and a postoperative complication rate of 3%, including injuries of the bile duct in 0.48% and of the intestine in 0.19%. A second operation was necessary in 1.26%. In 0.43% retained common bile duct stones were observed. The conversion rate was 4.1% and the mortality rate was 0.08%. Our own experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a standard procedure on 455 out of 574 unselected patients (50 acute, 405 elective) resulted in 9 (2.2%) intraoperative and 5 (1.2%) postoperative complications. In 4 cases (0.9%) the complications necessitated a second operation. The conversion rate was 11.6% and the mortality rate was zero. It is concluded that the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy appear equivalent the "gold standard" of open cholecystectomy up to certain pathomorphological limits. Using an exact preoperative diagnostic regimen (sonography, cholangiography, ERCP if indicated) the place of routine intraoperative cholaniography is discussed critically.

Acute Disease↗

[Ultrasound image of the gallbladder fossa after cholecystectomy in the immediate postoperative period].

70 patients clinically classified as n.a.d. were sonographically examined for evaluation of the gallbladder fossa within two weeks after cholecystectomy. Four marked signs were noted. In 35 patients (50%) we found homogeneous echogenic formations of triangular, band-like, or oval shape in the bed of the gallbladder. In 25 cases (35.7%) inhomogeneous structures were seen. In 6 cases (8.5%) cystic structures resembling the normal gallbladder were seen which were interpreted as representing seromas or liquified haematomas. In 4 patients (5.7%) the bed of the gallbladder was entirely normal. Whether the gallbladder bed was closed by sutures or not, had no statistically significant effect on ultrasound appearance.

Cholecystectomy↗

Gastrin- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells of the antral mucosa in patients with duodenal or gastric ulcers. An immunocytochemical study.

Gastrin- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells in biopsies taken from the prepyloric portion of the antrum from 15 patients with duodenal ulcer, 16 patients with gastric ulcer, and a control group of 19 patients without histopathological alterations of the antral mucosa were studied using peroxidase anti-peroxidase and immunogold-silver staining methods in combination with morphometry. Numerical densities and sizes (immunoreactive areas) of the cells demonstrated were measured and compared between all three groups. Gastrin- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were located most frequently in the lower midzone of the gastric crypts. None of the parameters measured showed a correlation with age or sex. The group with duodenal ulcer tended to exhibit gastrin- and somatostatin-cell-hyperplasia whereas the size of both cell types remained unchanged. In comparison with the control group, the numerical density of gastrin-immunoreactive cells was significantly increased in gastric ulcer patients, whereas the numerical density of somatostatin-immunoreactive cells was decreased in this group. Immunoreactive areas of both cell types were significantly increased in patients with gastric ulcer.

Adult↗

[Value of a new simple mechanical large intestine preparation in comparison with PEG lavage].

UNLABELLED: The subjective incommodation of the patient by the well established methods of colonic cleansing for operation or endoscopic examination gave a reason to evaluate the efficacy of a new mechanical method in a prospective randomized study. 60 patients were divided in two groups: Colonic preparation was performed by YAL-irrigation in group 1, by oral lavage with PEG (polyethylene glycol electrolyte) in group 2. We found no fecal residue in 29.6% of the YAL group compared to 22.2% in the PEG group, a small amount of liquid stool in 29.6% (YAL) compared to 48.1% (PEG), a large amount of liquid stool in 25.9% of both groups and a solid stool in 14.8% (YAL) compared to 3.7% (PEG). The examination of the mucosal surface was hindered by solid or large amounts of liquid stool in 14.8% of group 1 and in 11.1% in the PEG group, particularly localized in the right hemicolon. In group 1, a significantly better valuation in subjective patient tolerance was found: 18.9% (YAL) compared to 77.8% (PEG) (p less than 0,0001) showed symptoms of patient discomfort. IN CONCLUSION: The simple mechanical preparation with YAL has been shown not to be as safe as with the PEG lavage. However, the YAL method seems to be a useful alternative in patients with suspected stenosis, tendency for vomiting as well as for examination or operation of the left hemicolon.

Colon↗

Phospholipase-A1 and -A2 in experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.

Using a standardized model of bile-induced acute pancreatitis, the reaction of phospholipase-A1 activity was investigated in parallel to that of phospholipase-A2, as well as their relationship to the pathomorphological spread of pancreatitis. While the measurement of the total free fatty acids (FFA) in serum as metabolites of phospholipase-A activity indicated variable reactions with the average remaining the same (0.186 +/- 0.15 to 0.192 +/- 0.153 mEq/l), phospholipase-A2 exhibited a highly significant increase from 9.6 +/- 2.2 to 18.2 +/- 5.4 nmol/ml/min (P less than 0.01). It was demonstrated that in parallel phospholipase-A1 also showed a highly significant increase from 2.5 +/- 1.2 to 6.7 +/- 3.1 nmol/ml/min (P less than 0.01). In relation to the pathomorphological score, both phospholipases showed a small increase at a low score (edema to focal necrosis), whereas in groups with a larger spread of the pancreatitis, score 5 or 6 (extended necrosis to retroperitoneal necrosis), the increase was substantially clearer. As a result of these findings, we conclude that phospholipase-A1 could possibly be used as phospholipase-A2 as an indicator of the severity of acute pancreatitis and that it should be taken into consideration in the very promising therapy with phospholipase-A-antagonists.

Acute Disease↗

[The effect of p-bromophenacylbromide, a phospholipase A inhibitor, in experimental acute pancreatitis in rats].

In this study the effect of p-bromophenacylbromide (p-BPAB), an inhibitor of phospholipase A, was studied in acute pancreatitis in an experimental rat model. Acute pancreatitis was produced by instillation of 0.4 ml bile into the pancreatic duct. p-BPAB was injected i.p. in a dosage of 0.25 micrograms/g b.wt. 30 min before, 30 min after, or 4h after the onset of pancreatitis. Prophylactic and early administration of p-BPAB inhibited severe morphological changes, such as necrosis and hemorrhages. Moreover, during administration of the inhibitor, decreased plasma concentrations of serum lipase and amylase (P less than 0.001) were monitored and compared with untreated animals. These therapeutic effects of p-BPAB were not seen in rats in which the inhibitor was injected 4 h after the onset of pancreatitis. As a result the phospholipase inhibitor, p-BPAB, reduces the clinical and morphological manifestations of acute pancreatitis. The effect of p-BPAB is dependent on the time of administration.

Acetophenones↗

[The value of poly-C-specific serum ribonuclease and CEA in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma (author's transl)].

The possible role of poly(C)RNase serum activity and CEA serum level for early detection and differentiation of pancreatic carcinoma and its specificity and valuability were critically analyzed: Serum RNase (median, min-max) with polycytidin as substrate was determined in 13 "normal" patients (14.6 E/ml, 4.3--29.8 E/ml), 16 patients with pancreatic cancer (T3 or metastases) (17.6 E/ml, 6--49-9 E/ml), 15 patients with chronic pancreatitis (9.5 E/ml, 4.9--26.5 E/ml), 7 patients with acute pancreatitis (14.2 E/ml, 5.5--67.3 ng/ml), and 13 patients with other types of malignomas (15 E/ml, 4.3--42.5 E/ml). Serum CEA level was evaluated in 18 "normal" patients (1.15 ng/ml, 0--4.3 ng/ml), 12 patients with pancreatic carcinoma (T3 or metastases) (6.5 mg/ml, 2--456.5 ng/ml), 13 patients with chronic pancreatitis (2.3 ng/ml, 0--8.5 ng/ml), 8 patients with acute pancreatitis (2.7 ng/ml, 0.1--4.6 ng/ml) and 5 patients without operative verification of suspected pancreatic carcinoma (0.9 ng/ml, 0--1.7 ng/ml). The serum RNase activity in pancreatic cancer patients did not show any significant increase in comparison to the other groups, and these patients could not be distinguished from those with the other diseases when excluding other factors influencing serum RNase level such as: Renal insufficiency, nutrition, age, sex. Their CEA level was significantly higher in comparison to the other groups (p less than 0.05). Using 2.5 ng/ml as the limit, the sensitivity was found to be 80% (10/12 of pancreatic carcinomas positive) and the specificity being 70.5% (31/44 of other groups without malignant diseases negative). The presented study and data in the literature show that poly (C) RNase measurement is not useful in early detection of pancreatic carcinoma, but the CEA test could be helpful in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic diseases due to its specificity (70.5%) and seems to be valuable in detection of residual and in monitoring for recurrent pancreatic carcinoma in view of its sensitivity and correlation with the stage of cancer.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗

The effect of SST, glucagon, calcitonin and PGE1 on exocrine pancreatic secretion in the unrestrained dog in long-term experiments.

Using a new model of a reversible pancreatic fistula which allows the long-term-investigation under nearly physiological conditions on the unrestrained dog, we tested the effect of somatostatin (50 micrograms), calcitonin (4 micrograms), glucagon (1 microgram), and prostaglandin E1 (150 micrograms) on the exocrine pancreatic function in 45 experiments over a period of 13 h: SST inhibits the basal as well as the secretin or CCK-stimulated secretion: calcitonin shows inhibition of the stimulated secretion only; glucagon blocks the secretin-stimulated pancreatic function; and PGE1 reduces the bicarbonate concentration and trypsin output in secretin stimulation, but in one of the two series it stimulates the basal secretion.

Animals↗

[Reduced levels of free amino acids in plasma and muscle tissue of patients with acute hemorrhagic necrotising pancreatitis (author's transl)].

Levels of free amino acids were analysed in plasma and muscle tissue of nine patients with acute hemorrhagic necrotising pancreatitis and compared with date from healthy volunteers. In the patient group the concentrations of threonine, serine, glutamine (p less than 0.001) and tyrosine (p less than 0.01) in plasma were found to be significantly lower than in the volunteers group, while increased plasma levels were found for 3-met-histidine (p less than 0.05). In muscle tissue the cytoplasmatic levels of glutamate, glutamine and histidine (p less than 0.001) and also of lysine, ornithine and arginine (p less than 0.,01) showed decreased concentrations. However tyrosine and phenylalanine had increased intracellular concentrations (p less than 0.05). It is concluded that (1) the patients in this study had a severely disturbed amino acid metabolism with extremely reduced levels of free glutamine in muscle tissue and (2) that the disturbed amino acid metabolism results from an acute catabolic situation of the patients, in which the reduced levels of free amino acids may indicate an impaired nutritional state.

Acute Disease↗

[Significance of double-contrast arthrographic for the assessment of a meniscus lesion (author's transl)].

On-target and hence successful treatment can be effected only if the diagnosis of a lesion of the meniscus is established beyond doubt. In the present study the authors tested retrospectively the significance of arthrography for the assessment of a meniscus lesion, basing their evaluation on the surgical findings, and examined the diagnostic problems involved in internal lesions of the knee, following knee surgery. The study utilized the results of 279 cases of double-contrast arthrography; 76 of these patients were operated upon. Complete agreement between arthrography and surgical findings was obtained in 73.5% of the patients. This figure increases to 81.5% when we disregard insignificant diagnostic factors. No complications were seen in any of the outpatient examinations.

Cartilage, Articular↗

[Exploration of pancreaticojejunal anastomosis by postoperative endoscopic pancreaticography (author's transl)].

Endoscopic pancreaticography (EP) was performed in 9 patients after pancreaticojejunal anastomosis had been established surgically; in 2 of these patients EP was not successful. The anastomosis could be demonstrated in 5 cases to be functioning 1-6 years after operation; in 3 cases the duct system was found to be dilatated, in 2 cases diameters were normal. EP and clinical symptoms correlated well in 4 of 5 cases.

Humans↗