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P Reissman

Publications and source records attributed to P Reissman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Anal melanoma in the era of sentinel lymph node mapping: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Melanoma of the anal canal is a rare malignancy that often has an atypical presentation. Locoregional metastases, which are often present at the initial presentation, may occur in both groin and pelvic lymph nodes, but the utility of lymph node dissection remains unknown. We explored the possibility of applying the technique of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping to anal melanoma. SLN mapping was performed in 2 patients with anal melanoma. Radioactive tracer and blue dye were injected around the lesions. The SLN was identified pre-operatively by lymphoscintigraphy, and at surgery with a hand-held gamma detector and by visualization of the dye. The SLN was identified in both patients, only in the groin in one and only in the presacral region in the other. One patient had a wide local excision of the anal lesion with house flap anoplasty, while the other had abdominoperineal resection with total mesorectal excision. There were no SLN metastases in either patient. The technique of SLN mapping and biopsy is easily adapted to surgery for malignant melanoma of the anus. SLN mapping and biopsy could aid in planning surgical strategy, but definitive conclusions may only be reached after more experience has been acquired.

Anus Neoplasms↗

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: ascending the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Soon after its introduction, laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) became the procedure of choice in the surgical management of most adrenal tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome and learning curve of the first 100 cases operated by the same surgical team. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive LAs was performed. The parameters studied were indication for surgery, side and length of operation, intra- and postoperative complications, size of tumor, conversion to open surgery, final diagnosis, and length of stay. RESULTS: Between 1996 and 2002, 100 LAs were performed in 90 patients. The procedures included 45 left, 35 right, and 10 bilateral resections for pheochromocytoma (29), Cushings syndrome (27), Conns syndrome (16), nonfunctioning adenoma (13), and others (5). Mean tumor size was 4.16 cm (range, 0.3-11). Overall major morbidity occurred in eight patients (9%); there was one mortality due to cerebrovascular accident in an elderly patient. Five cases (5%) were converted to open surgery. The mean length of stay for the whole group was 4.7 days (range, 2-25). In order to assess the learning curve, procedures were divided into three, equal consecutive groups (n = 33, 33, and 34). Intraoperative complications in the intermediate and late groups were significantly less compared to those in the early group (2/33, 2/34, and 7/33, respectively; (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mean operating time was significantly reduced between the early (169 min) and both intermediate (116 min) and late (127 min) groups (p < 0.005). The conversion rate was reduced between the three groups (3/33, 2/33, and 0/34), but this was not significant (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: As expected, the outcome of LA is associated with a steep learning curve. According to this study, it seems that performance of approximately 30 cases by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon is required to master the procedure.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients 80 years old or older. METHODS: All consecutive patients 80 years old or older who underwent LC for symptomatic gallstone disease were evaluated. Data analysis included patients' age, gender, indication for surgery, comorbid condition, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP), intraoperative cholangiogram, operative time, conversion to open surgery, morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. RESULTS: In this study, 67 patients (31 men and 36 women) with a mean age of 84 years (range, 80-90 years) were evaluated. Of these 67 patients, 38 (57%) underwent surgery for complicated diseases including acute cholecystitis in 15 patients (22%), gallstone pancreatitis in 17 patients (25%), cholangitis in 3 patients (4.5%), and obstructive jaundice in 3 patients (4.5%). A total of 38 patients (57%) had a preoperative ASA of 3 or 4; 23 (34%) had a preoperative ERCP; and 6 (9%) had intraoperative cholangiogram. The mean operative time was 94 +/- 20 min. Five patients (7.4%) underwent conversion to open surgery because of unclear anatomy. Complications occurred in 12 patients (18%) including pulmonary edema in 3 patients, myocardial infarction in 1 patient, atelectasis in 2 patients, common bile duct injury in 1 patient, urinary tract infection in 2 patients, wound infection in 2 patients, and intraabdominal infected hematoma in 1 patient. The mean length of stay was 5.3 days. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In octogenarians LC is safe and associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it should be considered for this age group. The relatively high incidence of complicated gallstone disease in this age group may be decreased if surgery is offered to them at earlier stage of the disease, leading to further decrease in perioperative morbidity.

Aged↗

Electrolyte profiles within the ileoanal pouch: measurement by an in vivo equilibrium dialysis technique.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an ileoanal pouch have high rates of fluid and electrolyte loss. These improve with pouch adaptation. There is limited information concerning secretion and absorption in the stable ileoanal pouch. A new method to measure and characterize electrolytes in the ileoanal pouch is described. METHODS: Following an in vitro study, nine patients with a stable ileoanal pouch had consecutive placement of dialysis bags consisting of a semi-permeable membrane containing 5 ml of 10% dextran in normal saline into the ileoanal pouch. These were left in place for 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. After determining that 60 min was the optimal timing for measurement of electrolyte concentrations, 12 normal volunteers underwent a similar in vivo dialysis study with dialysis bags withdrawn at 60 min. Sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium concentrations in the dialysis bags were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In the in vitro and in vivo studies, the measured electrolytes reached equilibrium within 60 min. Statistically significant differences between sodium concentrations (160.9 +/- 30.2 vs. 116.8 +/- 13.8 mmol/l, respectively) and phosphorus concentrations (6.8 +/- 5.2 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.7 mg/dl, respectively) at 60 min in ileoanal pouch patients and volunteers were found (p<0.001). There were no statistical differences in the other measured electrolytes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: An in vivo dialysis technique is described for measuring electrolyte concentrations within the ileoanal pouch. Differences in sodium and phosphate concentrations may reflect incomplete adaptation of the ileoanal pouch, and are a potential explanation for increased stool frequency in these patients.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic vs open adrenalectomy for benign adrenal neoplasm.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) performed for benign adrenal neoplasm to the open procedure in a similar group of patients. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent LA between June 1996 and February 1999 were evaluated. Data analysis included patient's age and gender, indication for surgery, histological diagnosis, size of specimen, comorbid conditions, length of stay and ileus, postoperative narcotic consumption, and time to return to normal activity. The results were compared retrospectively to a well-matched group of patients who underwent an open adrenalectomy (OA). RESULTS: Twenty-eight LA were performed in 24 patients for the following disorders: adrenocortical adenoma, 16 (four Cushing's syndrome, 12 Conn's syndrome); pheochromocytoma, 10; and nonfunctioning tumor, two. These cases were compared with a well-matched group of 28 patients who underwent OA in the same department. There were two conversions to open surgery (7%) in the laparoscopic group and no deaths in either group. Of all the evaluated parameters, the following statistically significant differences between the two groups were noted: The mean operative time was longer in the LA group (188 vs 139 min, p < 0.001.); however, this became insignificant in the last 10 cases of LA, when the mean length of surgery was reduced to 130 min. The overall morbidity was lower in the LA group (16% vs 39%, p = 0.05), as was the mean time to tolerate a regular diet (2 vs 3.9 days), mean meperidine consumption (mg) (109 vs 209), mean length of stay (4 vs 7.5 days), and mean time to return to normal activity (2.2 vs 5.2 weeks), (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: LA for benign adrenal disorders is a safe procedure that is associated with significantly lower morbidity, shorter ileus and hospitalization, reduced postoperative pain, and a faster return to normal activity than the open procedure.

Adenoma↗

Is laparoscopic appendectomy safe in pregnant women?

BACKGROUND: Because of limited laboratory and clinical data, no accepted guidelines concerning the safety of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in pregnancy have been established yet. In this prospective study, we evaluated the safety and outcome of LA in pregnant women as compared with the same control group of pregnant women who underwent open appendectomy (OA) during the same period. METHODS: During the years 1996 to 1999, 11 consecutive pregnant women (mean age, 27 years; range 21-39 years; gestation age range, 7-34 weeks) who underwent LA were prospectively evaluated and compared with a matched group of 11 women (mean age, 30 years; range 18-42 years; gestation age range, 11-37 weeks) who underwent OA. The following parameters were analyzed: obstetric and gynecologic risk factors, length of procedure, perioperative complications, length of stay, and outcome of pregnancy. Both groups were well matched in age and risk factors for pregnancy loss. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the length of procedure (60 vs. 46 min) and the complications rate (one in each group) between the LA and OA groups, respectively. There was no conversion in the LA group. The length of postoperative stay was shorter in the LA group (3.6 vs 5.2 days; p = 0.05). There was no fetal loss or other adverse outcome of pregnancy in either group, and all the women in both groups had normal full-term delivery. The infants' development was normal in both groups for a mean follow-up period of 30 months. CONCLUSIONS: According to this relatively small-scale study laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnant women may be as safe as open appendectomy. This procedure is technically feasible in all trimesters of pregnancy and associated with the same known benefits of laparoscopic surgery that nonpregnant patients experience.

Adolescent↗

Penetrating neck trauma: hidden injuries-oesophagospinal traumatic fistula.

Injuries to the eosophagus are notoriously difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. Patients with such injuries usually will not have pre-operative signs and symptoms to suggest the presence of this type of injury. These injuries require a high index of suspicion, appreciation of the presence of injuries to adjacent structures, and an understanding that the clinical and radiological findings may evolve over a period of time. We describe a child with a rare presentation of an acute traumatic esophageal spinal fistula due to a bullet wound. This complicated injury required a variety of diagnostic modalities, including contrast radiography, multiple computerised tomography (CT) scans and operative assessments to make the definitive diagnosis.

Child↗

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy].

Constant advances and increasing experience in laparoscopic surgery renders it applicable for adrenal surgery. The wide exposure required for open adrenal surgery makes this minimally invasive procedure an attractive and advantageous alternative. Between 1996-1999, we performed 35 laparoscopic adrenalectomies in 30 patients 20-72-years old. Indications included: Conn's syndrome--14, pheochromocytoma--11, Cushing's syndrome--6, nonfunctioning adenoma--3, and metastatic sarcoma--1. 5 underwent bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. In 3 (8.5%) the procedures were converted to open operations. Overall morbidity was 13% and there was no mortality. Mean operative time was 188 minutes, but only 130 in our last 10 cases. Mean hospital stay was 4 days and they returned to normal activity an average of 2 weeks later. According to our study and previous reports, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible and safe and it may soon become the procedure of choice for adrenal tumors.

Adenoma↗

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: what does affect the outcome? A retrospective multifactorial regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between various factors and the postoperative outcome has not been thoroughly studied in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this retrospective study was to determine which factors significantly affect patients outcome after LC. METHODS: The medical and operative records of all consecutive patients who underwent LC at our institution from 1991 to 1996 were reviewed. The effect of age, medical and surgical history, duration of procedure, and setup (urgent or elective) on the postoperative complication rate and on the length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS) were analyzed using multiple linear regression and logistic regression analysis. Overall, 601 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: The factors that significantly prolonged LOS were age (p = 0.0145), acute cholecystitis (p = 0.0006), history of ischemic heart disease (p = 0.0332), and duration of procedure (p < 0.0001). A significantly higher postoperative morbidity rate was noted in patients who had a procedure longer then 2 h than in patients whose surgery required less the 2 h (13.6% vs 3.6%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Similarly, higher morbidity was noted in elderly patients than in younger patients (16% vs 6.1%; p = 0.0005). Other factors that significantly increased postoperative morbidity included acute cholecystitis (p = 0.023), a history of cholangitis (p = 0.018), and diabetes (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, advanced age, longer duration of procedure, and acute cholecystitis significantly increase both the postoperative morbidity and the LOS. History of ischemic heart disease significantly increases LOS, but does not increase morbidity after LC.

Adolescent↗

The use of rectal ultrasound for the correct diagnosis and treatment of rectal villous tumors.

BACKGROUND: One of the difficulties associated with surgery for rectal villous tumors (RVT) is the finding of invasive adenocarcinoma after transanal excision (TAE) and the possible need for more radical procedures or adjuvant therapy. Improved preoperative evaluation may eliminate this dilemma. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in establishing the correct diagnosis of RVT. METHODS: All patients with biopsy proven RVT, who were referred for TAE, underwent preoperative TRUS in addition to the routine evaluation. If invasion beyond the submucosa was suspected by TRUS, multiple biopsies were taken before any surgical intervention in order to exclude invasive cancer. If no invasion was noted, biopsies were avoided and a TAE was performed. The final pathology results were compared with both the preoperative diagnosis and TRUS results. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (19 female, 16 male; mean age 67.5 years, range 36 to 88) were studied. The mean distance of the distal extent of the lesion above the anal verge was 5.8 cm (1.5 to 6). In 27 patients, the tumor was limited to the submucosa (uT0, uT1) on TRUS and, therefore, TAE was performed. In 26 of 27 patients (96%), pathology examination confirmed the presence of RVT without evidence of malignancy. One patient was found to have invasion of the muscularis propria and required postoperative radiation therapy. In 8 patients (23%), TRUS showed extension beyond the submucosa; 3 of these patients had uT2 lesions, 4 had uT3 tumors, and 1 had perirectal nodes. These 8 patients underwent repeated biopsies with the finding of invasive adenocarcinoma in 7. Two patients underwent abdominoperineal resection, 3 had a low anterior resection, and 3 had a TAE. Final pathology confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of invasive adenocarcinoma in 7 patients. In the 1 patient with a uT2 lesion and negative biopsies, the final diagnosis was RVT with no evidence of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative TRUS provides an accurate diagnosis of RVT. In conjunction with TRUS-directed biopsies, directed management of these tumors could be achieved.

Adenoma, Villous↗

Combined endoscopic and surgical management of Mirizzi syndrome.

Mirizzi syndrome is a form of obstructive jaundice caused by a stone impacted in the gallbladder neck or the cystic duct that impinges on the common hepatic duct with or without a cholecystocholedochal fistula. This syndrome is a rare complication of cholelithiasis that accounts for 0.1% of all patients with gallstone disease. Preoperative recognition is necessary to prevent injury to the common duct during surgery. We present a patient with a preoperative diagnosis of type I Mirizzi syndrome that was confirmed and drained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), followed by subtotal cholecystectomy. A review of the literature covering its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment is also presented.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗

Primary presacral adenocarcinoma. Report of a case.

A rare of a patient who presented with a presacral tumor is described. The tumor, after complete resection, was shown to be a primary adenocarcinoma. After potential sources such as gastrointestinal, pancreas, or prostate were eliminated, the diagnosis of primary presacral adenocarcinoma was made. Possible origins of this unusual tumor are discussed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Prevention of intestinal adhesions after laparotomy in a rat model--a randomized prospective study.

We prospectively studied the effect of a foam composite containing glycerin, propylene glycol, polyol, stearine, stearate and silicone oil, which is known to form a temporary barrier layer when applied to epithelial surface, on adhesion prevention in rats. The small intestine abrasion model was used for creation of adhesions. Sixty male Sabra rats of a mean weight of 295 +/- 23 g were randomly assigned into four groups: group 1 (n = 20) underwent laparotomy and abrasion; group 2 (n = 20) underwent laparotomy, abrasion and intraperitoneal instillation of the foam composite; group 3 (n = 10) underwent laparotomy with abrasion and a second laparotomy with adhesiolysis 2 weeks later; and group 4 (n = 10), was treated in the same way as group 3 but during the second laparotomy the foam composite was instilled intraperitoneally. All animals were relaparotomized 2 weeks (groups 1 and 2) and 4 weeks (groups 3 and 4) after the initial laparotomy for adhesion scoring performed by a blinded independent investigator using the standard 0-3 adhesion grading score. Representative specimens of small intestine and liver from animals in groups 2 and 4 were analyzed. A significantly lower mean adhesion score was noted in group 2 (1.15 +/- 0.3) compared with that of group 1 (2.65 +/- 0.1) or group 3 (2.60 +/- 0.1) (P < 0.01). Group 4 had a significantly lower score (1.4 +/- 0.3) than group 3 or group 1 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean adhesion score between groups 1 and 3. Histological examination revealed no evidence of residual foam composite or adverse reaction to its use in the intestine and liver. The foam composite tested may reduce the severity of intestinal adhesions after laparotomy and may also reduce the severity of recurrent adhesions after adhesiolysis. Intraperitoneal use of this composite is safe in rats. The exact mechanism of action is unclear but may be related to the formation of a temporary microlayer that coats the injured surface of the intestine and facilitates healing without adhesion formation. Further investigation is needed to evaluate its full potential.

Animals↗

Splenic hematoma. A rare complication of colonoscopy.

An extremely rare yet potentially fatal complication of colonoscopy is reported. A 52-year-old female developed a splenic subcapsular hematoma following routine colonoscopy. Conservative treatment was successful. In the English literature, only 14 similar cases have been reported. Treatment of a splenic flexure lesion, previous surgery with splenocolic adhesions, and inflammatory bowel disease increase the risk of such a complication. Increased awareness by surgeons and gastroenterologists should lead to prompt treatment and favorable outcome.

Colonoscopy↗

Small-bowel pandiverticulosis--a potential source of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Report of a case and review of the literature.

Acquired diverticulae of the jejunum and ileum are uncommon and usually asymptomatic in most patients. Rarely they may cause intestinal obstruction, acute peritonitis due to perforation, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage. In most cases only a few diverticulae are present, and owing to their location diagnosis is often delayed. We herein report an unusual case of extensive panjejunoileal diverticulosis that induced recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Although rare, this disorder should be considered in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Aged↗

Placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter with routine omentectomy--does it prevent obstruction of the catheter?

OBJECTIVE: To find out if routine omentectomy reduced the incidence of obstruction and other complications of catheters inserted for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Israel. SUBJECTS: 60 patients with end stage renal failure who needed catheters for CAPD. INTERVENTION: Routine omentectomy during insertion of the catheter, usually under local anaesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short and long term morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: No patient died as a result of the procedure. The catheter obstructed in only one patient (2%) during a mean follow-up period of 28 months (range 2-108), and 90% of the catheters survived one year. CONCLUSIONS: Routine omentectomy during insertion of a catheter for CAPD under local anaesthesia is safe and the incidence of obstruction is low. Prospective randomised studies are needed before it can be recommended as the procedure of choice.

Adolescent↗