Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R Gürlich.
The authors describe in their paper one of the less frequent ileus acute abdominal events in adult age--invagination. At the same time they comment also on the rare cause of invagination, a leiomyosarcoma of the small intestine. In the discussion they mention the relationship of this tumour to gastrointestinal stromal tumours.
A total of 1511 patients were operated on at the 1st Department of Surgery Charles University in Prague during 1996 through 2000. Of this number, 81.3% underwent surgery for primary and 18.7% for recurrent inguinal hernia. Among the patients with recurrences, 81% had the first, 15% patients the second, and 4% at least the third episode of recurrent hernia. A total of 604 patients were operated on during 1999-2000, when a plug system (Bard Mesh Perfix Plug) was introduced into surgery protocols. Of this number, 113 patients had a recurrent hernia with an identical ratio of recurrences. The following plastic surgery interventions were carried out during the latter period: McVay-Lotheissen (54.2%), TAPP (26.5%), PHS (13.2%), Plug (3.3%), and Lichtenstein (2.6%). The following interventions were used when operating recurrences: McVay-Lotheissen (20.3%), TAPP (31%), PHS (21.2%), Plug (16.8%), and Lichtenstein (9.7%). During the 1-24-month follow-up period, recurrences occurred 1x after the TAPP procedure, 1x after McVay-Lotheissen, and 1x after the Lichtenstein procedure (95% and 88% patients who underwent plug and Lichtenstein procedures, respectively, were included in the follow-up). Comparison of plug vs. TAPP in patients with recurrent hernia (Plug/TAPP): mean age of patients: 62/45 years, length of operation: 66/48 minutes, overall post-operative morbidity: 9.4%/3.6%, hospitalization: 4.3/1.8 days, return to the working process 28 days (range 9-38 days) vs. 7.2 days (range 2-15 days). Both procedures can be considered safe and reliable interventions for treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia. They meet the requirements for elastic strength (more the plug procedure), closure, and bridging of defects even in several layers. The plug system can be implanted under local anaesthesia, it is capable of bridging large defects in a firm and elastic manner, and appears to be a very suitable solution for large defects in patients with advanced biological age. In these indications, the plug system brings many benefits but also the risk of more open access and greater "quantity" of materials. TAPP appears to be more suitable in younger patients with recurrences and large defects. We evaluate favourably in particular, all aspects of the postoperative period. An experienced team of surgeons is needed to achieve good results in both procedures.
The authors present an account on their own experience with laparoscopic splenectomy which is used at the First Surgical Clinic, First Medical Faculty and General Faculty Hospital in Prague since 1996. In 1996 to 2002 the authors performed at the Surgical Clinic a total of 66 splenectomies. This number included on account of injury of the spleen, tumour or cyst 12 splenectomies by the open route. The remaining ones were indicated for haematological reasons in collaboration with the haematological department of the First Medical Clinic of the First Medical Faculty and General Faculty Hospital in Prague and the Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Prague. 23 splenectomies for haematological reasons were made by the classical open route. In 31 patients the splenectomy was performed by the laparoscopic route. In all haematological reasons were involved. In the group operated at the First Surgical Clinic LSE was indicated because of ITP 15x, for spherocytosis 8x, for haemolytic anaemia 7x, for eliptocytosis 1x. In eight patients at the same time laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. In the group subjected to classical splenectomy infection in the surgical wound was recorded in 11%, re-operations on account of a suppurative complications in the abdominal cavity were made in 13% and on account of haemorrhage in 11%. In the group of laparoscopic splenectomies the authors did not record infection at the site of the inserted trocars, there were no suppurative complications in the abdominal cavity. In four laparoscopic operations the authors converted the operation on account of haemorrhage four times (11%), once on account of major adiposity of the omentum, in five postoperative revision on account of haemorrhage was necessary (16%), incl. one case of profuse haemorrhage. Therefore the authors sought a way how to prevent haemorrhage. Based on their own experience they recommend to apply clamps to the trunk of the lienal artery. The time of operation was reduced by the application of clamps to the lienal artery to 60-80 mins. and the peroperative blood losses dropped to 20-30 ml. The morbidity declined and the patients are discharged into domiciliary care on the 4th day after operation, to be on the safe side. No late complications of the operation were recorded.
We had operated 72 patients for hepatic metastatic malignancies from 1991 to 2000. In 66 cases were colorectal metastases. Extend of operations were from no anatomical resections, segmentectomies to hemihepatectomies. Operating lethality was 5.5% and long time survival only 10%. In the same period we took arterial port for 22 patients for regional chemotherapy. Response rate was 20% patients. The first experience with radiofrequency ablation (we had 12 ablation procedure) show, that minimal invasive treatment (RFA) is good procedure for high-risk patients. If the patient is able to hepatic resection it will be still standard for treatment.
The First Surgical Clinic of the First Medical Faculty of Charles University and General Faculty Hospital in Prague made operations of the pancreas ever since 1971. In the work sooner or later all approaches to surgical treatment pancreatitis were reflected. The authors present a brief review of results and their own experience since 1994 when duodenum-sparing operations were introduced. Indications for surgical treatment were based on the diagnosis by US, CT and ERCP, in exceptional case MR, after evaluation by a pancreatologist, roentgenologist and surgeon. The group of patients with chronic pancreatitis was extended by 21 patients from a group operated because of preoperative suspicion of a malignant pancreatic tumour not confirmed during and after surgery. In those Whipple's operation was preformed. The same operation was performed in three patients with chronic pancreatitis with serious changes in the area of the head of the pancreas. In 123 patients a drainage and duodenum sparing operation was preformed, of these in 57 according to Beger, 19 according to Frey, 37 Partington-Rochelle's procedure. The authors record two sepsis postoperative complications after the classical Beger operation and the hospital stay was on average by five days shorter as compared with the classical method of Whipple. When evaluating postoperative complaints and problems (pain, malnutrition, physical constitution and social position) the authors recorded equally favourable results as after non-complicated duodenopancreatectomy. They varied, depending on the patients co-operation round 84-87% while authors consider Beger's operation logical because of the removal of the main tissue mass of the head of the pancreas, responsible for pain, complications caused by fibrosis in the area round the bile duct and duodenum, responsible for the deteriation of the compartment syndrome in the left half of the gland. Its result is destruction of the remainder of exocrine and endocrine tissue. Of 187 operated patients one patient with decompensated diabetes died postoperatively. Based on their own experience the authors do not consider repeated re-operations an absolute contraindication of Beger's operation when conditions permit. A problem is, in their opinion, fibrosis in the vicinity of the pancreas and portal overpressure.
Conventional surgical techniques play an important role in rectal cancer. Dehiscence of the anastomosis after low anterior resection of the rectum is a serious complication. The incidence of dehiscences can be reduced when known principles of preoperative care are respected but in particular by correct surgical technique. In 92 patients operated for rectal cancer at First Surgical Clinic of Charles University we had six patients (6.5%) with dehiscences of anastomosis. The serious character of this surgical complication can be reduced by a primary derivative stomy. Authors recommend implementing a preventive ileostomy in low resection of the rectum in high-risk patients.
Percutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) is a non-invasive measuring method of gastric myoelectrical activity. We measured myoelectrical activity patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (16 patients), after laparotomic cholecystectomy (9 patients) and after gastric bandage (14 patients). We used a Microdigitrapper (Medtronic) and data were analysed with a spectral analysis and Fournier's transformation. We measured 24 hours and 5 hours before operation procedure and 24 and 48 hours after operation. After operative procedure we compared results with healthy voluntaries. Bradygastria was found in most frequent cases in early postoperative period. Physiologic conditions were renewed in laparoscopic operative procedure in first day, after laparotomic operation in second day after operation.
UNLABELLED: The common basis of systemic inflammatory response to surgical trauma is the activation of cytokine cascade, accompanied by the release of soluble cytokine receptors. The main cytokine axis stimulates the release of acute phase proteins (APP) form liver, modulates metabolic pathways and hormonal responses. The aim of this study was to assess characteristic changes in levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in early post-op stages after a major intraabdominal surgery and to compare the results with dynamic changes in APP levels. The results will form a basis of evaluation of diagnostic value of certain cytokines and APP in post-operative complications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects fell into three categories: 1--patients after colonic resection for colorectal carcinoma I. and II. grade (N = 20), 2--patients after hemipancreatoduodenectomia (N = 17) and 3--control group of 18 healthy subjects. The levels of following parameters were measured between from one day before to three days after surgery: tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, soluble IL-2 receptors, C reactive protein (CRP) and alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT). RESULTS: Measured parameters exhibited different dynamic changes in reaction to surgical trauma, according to their roles in immune reaction. Main pro-inflammatory cytokines culminated within 24 hours from the onset of surgery, marked elevations were noted in IL-1ra and the soluble IL-2 receptor. Both measured APP were rising until he 72nd hour post surgery, and their rise was markedly delayed compared to cytokines. The extent of immune reaction as measured by the amplitude of changes in both types of surgery was similar in most measured parameters, apart from marked difference in IL-2R. We also noted significant correlation of plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-1ra. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical trauma as any other significant painful stimulus activates the pro-inflammatory cytokine axis with secondary response of APP. The release or pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 is synchronized with the release of antagonistic mediators (i.e. IL-1ra, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-6 soluble receptors), who precede the acceleration of APP production and thus modulate its extent. The evaluation of relationships between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors with regard to prognosis is confounded by unclear interpretation of their changes. The maximum effect of cytokines takes place at local autocrine and paracrine level and systemic levels do not reflect this. This is how we explain minimal changes in plasma levels of IL-1 beta and IL-2, despite their key role as initiators of cytokine cascade. In order to increase their diagnostic value the use a series of measurements is advocated in combination with other clinical and laboratory parameters of inflammation, such as the levels of acute phase proteins.
UNLABELLED: The dynamic changes in levels of procalcitonin (PCT), as well as other cytokines and acute phase proteins (APP) in post-operative stages reflect the systemic immune response, integrating perioperative infectious and non-infectious stimuli. This study evaluates PCT in context of 16 other inflammatory parameters in patients with different types of infectious post-operative complications. It analyses the specificity and sensitivity of PCT, cytokines and APP and their relationships during systemic inflammatory response. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study involved the following groups of patients: those with confirmed bacterial sepsis, fulfilling the SIRS criteria (N = 28), those with limited infectious site at the wound (N = 16), those with post-operative pneumonia (N = 15) and a control group of N = 25. In 24-hour interval we assessed plasma levels of: PCT, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, sIL-2R and a spectrum of APP. RESULTS: PCT in patients with wound infection (1.4 +/- 0.31 ng/ml) and in those with pneumonia (0.7 +/- 0.30 ng/ml) does not rise above levels expected in uncomplicated post-op course (1.7 +/- 0.04 ng/ml), but it differs significantly in comparison to healthy controls (0.2 +/- 0.07 ng/ml). Initial levels of PCT as well as their maximum levels were significantly different in septic patients compared to other groups (p < 0.001). According to specificity and sensitivity tests PCT is the most significant marker for diagnosis of sepsis as opposed to uncomplicated post-operative course (AUC 0.91, CI 0.82-1.0). CONCLUSION: Individual inflammatory parameters vary in sensitivity and specificity to causative stimulus. PCT when compared to major cytokines and APP reacts sensitively mainly to systemic stimuli accompanying bacterial infection, notably endotoxin. It is characterized by markedly lower sensitivity to non-bacterial stimuli (trauma of surgery) or localized bacterial inflammations. It is this behaviour that makes it a useful diagnostic tool in post-op courses. Unlike other parameters, PCT allows with sufficient sensitivity and specificity single-test diagnosis of initial sepsis.
BACKGROUND: Leptin is a hormone that regulates food intake; its concentrations are elevated in the majority of obese individuals. During inflammation, plasma leptin is usually increased and may contribute to the anorexia and cachexia of infection. The purpose of this study was to characterize the dynamics of circulating leptin in the early postoperative period in relation to the acute phase response in extremely obese patients undergoing laparoscopic non-adjustable gastric banding (LNAGB). We compared plasma leptin changes with 4 proinflammatory cytokines and BMI. METHODS: The prospective study was performed on 18 patients with 3rd degree obesity. Plasma concentration of leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1, soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), and IL-6 were estimated before operation and 24, 48, and 72 h after NALGB. RESULTS: We demonstrate statistically significant elevation of plasma leptin concentration (32.2 +/- 10.2 micrograms/l) 24 h after operation compared with preoperative status (18.4 +/- 5.2 micrograms/l, p < 0.05). There was diminished correlation of plasma leptin and BMI in this period. Leptin levels +48 and +72 h after banding quickly returned to preoperative levels. The regression coefficient was the highest for leptin and TNF-alpha 24 h after surgery (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), and for leptin and IL-6 24 h after surgery (r = 0.29, p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between leptin and IL-1 and between leptin and sIL-2R respectively. CONCLUSIONS: During the non-infectious stress response (as with abdominal surgery), leptin shows itself as an acute phase reactant. Proinflammatory cytokines can be the main regulatory factors of leptin in this period. Significant correlation between leptin and TNF-alpha (similarly demonstrated by other authors in models of bacterial inflammation) indicates that TNF-alpha can be a crucial regulator of leptin generation in the early postoperative period.
The advantages of miniinvasive surgical techniques were proved in a number of surgical operations. In the submitted article the authors evaluate five years' experience with laparoscopic implantation of Tenckhoff's catheter for peritoneal dialysis. The authors implanted in 1995-1999 catheters by the laparoscopic route in 34 patients. The most frequent complication was early leak of the dialysate along the catheter (41%). After modification of the surgical technique early leak was observed in 11% of the patients. Escape of the catheter from the lesser pelvis was observed in 14.8% patients. The authors did not observe early infection of the tunnel along the catheter. It may be concluded that the laparoscopic technique of implantation of a peritoneal catheter was not associated with a higher incidence of complications than the laparotomy. The advantage of laparoscopic operation is earlier mobilisation and shorter hospitalization of the patient. Another advantage of this technique, tested by the authors, is the possibility of exact diagnosis possibly with an immediate single-stage plastic operation of hernias in the abdominal region.
UNLABELLED: In addition to its basic role as regulator of the amount of body fat and food intake leptin plays a part also as an acute phase reactant. A rise of the leptin level during this period may be associated with anorexia and cachexia in relation to general inflammatory manifestations. The objective of the present study was to characterize the dynamics of the leptin concentration in patients after intraabdominal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study was implemented in a group of 16 men subjected to planned surgery--resection of colorectal carcinoma. The plasma leptin concentration (RIA), TNF alpha, IL-beta. IL-6, sIL-2R (ELISA), CRP, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and ceruloplasmin (nephelometry) were assessed before surgery and then +24, +48 and +72 hours after the beginning of the operation and compared with concentrations in healthy subjects. RESULTS: Plasma leptin concentrations culminate +24 hours after surgery and in this stage they do not correlate with the BMI. Within 48 hours the concentration reaches rapidly normal levels. TNF alpha, IL-6 and sIL-2R reach maximal levels 24-48 hours after the onset of surgery with a subsequent slow decline. All acute phase proteins (APP) have prolonged dynamics with an elevation within +72 hours. A significant correlation was proved between the leptin concentration and TNF alpha 24 hours after surgery (r = 0.43, p < 0.05) and between leptin and IL-6 24 hours after surgery (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The dynamics of the plasma leptin concentration during the postoperative period differ from the typical development of early indicators of the systemic inflammatory response--cytokines as well as from the dynamics of APP. Leptin elevation during this period may contribute to anorexia of patients after major surgery. However, rapid normalization of the level within 48 hours after surgery indicates however that leptin is involved also in other, so far unspecified factors with an anorectic action.
Leptin, 16 kDa protein and the product of the Ob gene was discovered six years ago and characterized as a fat cell hormone which maintains via specific receptors in the hypothalamus by a feedback mechanism the energy balance and body weight. Research conducted during the last three years detected further properties of this protein which include it, in addition to its basic role in mammalian metabolism, also among acute phase reactants. Leptin is as to its structure, pattern of the receptor and the postreceptor transduction mechanism close to the group of cytokines of interleukin 6, in particular the granulocytic colony stimulating factor. During infectious and non-infectious inflammatory reactions leptin synthesis is stimulated by a combination of inflammation promoting cytokines. The mechanism of induction is not known so far but the majority of investigations proves an indirect stimulating effect of the tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 1, depending on non-specified cytokines of the second stage. Investigations of cell lines and animal experiments provided evidence of some local and systemic effects of leptin which may play a physiological part in the acute phase reaction. Leptin mediates at least partly the anorectic effect of the tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 1 during inflammation. Synergically with bacterial antigens it activates macrophages, enhances their phagocytic capacity and stimulates secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors from macrophages. Leptin stimulates neovascularization, it has a stimulating effect on precursors of white blood cells and potentiates the effect of erythropoietin on red blood cells. It is obviously an essential factor for T-lymphocyte proliferation and development. The authors discuss also the role of leptin in the modulation of the hypothalamo-pituito-adrenal stress axis. Leptin is a factor of the inflammatory mediator network, probably essential for an adequate course of the inflammatory defence reaction.
The authors discuss the development of bariatric surgery in Europe and the USA from its beginnings at the onset of the fifties. More detailed attention is paid in particular to the development of the method of gastric bandings and the role at the First Surgical Department in this field in "classical" as well as miniinvasive surgery. Results of gastric banding are summarized in 683 patients operated since 1983, in particular the numbers of early and late complications after laparotomies and laparoscopic operations, similarly as complications which are directly associated with gastric banding itself. In the conclusion it is stated that the First Surgical Department of the General Faculty Hospital and First Medical Faculty Charles University in Prague belong as regards their results in surgical treatment of obese subjects and the position in the field of bariatric surgery on an international scale to the foremost departments in this field worldwide.
Correct staging of adenocarcinoma of the rectum is mandatory before any therapeutic choice is made. Important features are infiltration of the perirectal fatty tissue (T3 and T4) and the presence of locoregional lymphatic spread. Computed tomography with rectal air insufflation (CT) was compared with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in 212 patients. Results of the preoperative examinations were compared with histological findings. The CT examination in evaluation of perirectal spread had an accuracy rate of 76%, sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 62%, the corresponding figures for TRUS were 83%, 91% and 66%. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of CT for nodal involvement were 51%, 57% and 50% and of TRUS 60%, 68% and 59%. These findings confirm that TRUS is more accurate than CT in local tumour staging (T) and in detecting nodal spread (A).
Percutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) is a method which makes non-invasive follow-up of the myoelectric gastric activity possible. The authors present the results of assessment of the myoelectric gastric activity during the perioperative period in patients undergoing, at the First Surgical Clinic General Faculty Hospital, laparoscopic non-adjustable gastric banding. The data were recorded using a Microdigittrapper and evaluated using spectral analysis and Fourier's transformation. The authors mention also briefly conditions which must be met to ensure the study, and the physiological and pathophysiological background of the method. In 14 patients the ECG record was made 24 hours prior to surgery and then 5 hours, 24 and 48 hours after surgery on fasting and after a fluid bolus. The assembled results of the dynamics of perioperative changes on the EGG were compared with results obtained in a group of healthy volunteers. The most frequent finding during the early postoperative period was bradygastria, the return to preoperative values occurred on average 48 hours after surgery. Percutaneous electrogastrography is a non-invasive method which can provide the surgeon during the early postoperative period with information on myoelectric gastric activity.
Leptin, an adipocyte-derived signaling factor, is a member of the IL-6 cytokine family. However there is no direct evidence of leptin stimulation of the acute phase protein (APP) synthesis which is typical for all other IL-6-like factors. The purpose of this study was to characterize the dynamics of circulating leptin in relation to ten APPs. We used postoperative septic patients as a model of cytokine network hyperstimulation and intensive APP reaction. The prospective study was performed on 22 patients with proven postoperative intraabdominal sepsis after large abdominal surgery. Plasma levels of leptin, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-6 (ELISA analysis) and ten APPs (nephelometric analysis) were estimated. We have demonstrated a statistically significant elevation of plasma leptin concentrations in the septic group compared with healthy subjects (p<0.001). The correlation of plasma leptin and BMI during postoperative sepsis was diminished. The regression coefficient was the highest for leptin and CRP (r=0.48, p<0.05), and for leptin and alpha-1-antitrypsin (r=0.46, p<0.05) in the septic group. There was significant correlation between TNF-alpha and leptin (r=0.47, p<0.05) and between IL-6 and leptin (r=0.45, p<0.05) in septic patients. No significant correlation was found between leptin and "negative" APP and between leptin and IL-1beta. Leptin has thus been shown as an acute phase reactant with a potential hematopoietic, immunomodulatory and hepatocyte stimulating activity during the infectious and non-infectious stress response. The significant correlation between leptin and CRP and leptin and alpha-1-antitrypsin indicates that leptin can participate in APP synthesis regulation during a systemic inflammatory response.
UNLABELLED: Leptin is a hormone and acute phase reactant with multiple effects during both rest and inflammatory period. Effects of leptin in acute phase response cover a modulation of hypothalamo-pituitoadrenal (HPA) axis, too. In our study we evaluate the dynamics of leptin and glucocorticoid acute changes in model situations of infectious and non-infectious inflammatory reaction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was realized on a group of patients 1--after operation of carcinoma coli (16 persons), 2--after laparoscopic non-adjustable gastric banding (13 persons), and patients 3--with development of postoperative intraabdominal sepsis (22 persons). Plasma levels of leptin, ACTH, cortisol, TNF-alpha, IL-6, C reactive protein (CRP), and alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) were measured from -7 to +3 day related to surgery or 2nd day after a day when signs of sepsis were occurred. RESULTS: All tested parameters responded to surgical trauma with elevation 12 h after operation except leptin that elevated +24 h after surgery. Maximal levels of measured parameters were found 12 h after surgery (for cortisol), 24 h after surgery (for leptin, TNF-alpha, IL-6), or 36 h after operation (for CRP and AAT). Maximal levels of cortisol after a resection of coli or maximal levels of leptin after laparoscopic gastric banding fall to septic range. Other parameters in uncomplicated postoperative period significantly differed from septic levels on p < 0.01. There wasn't found statistically significant correlation between leptin and cortisol or between leptin and ACTH in all groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The elevation of leptin in postoperative period and during sepsis reflects a different regulation of this protein in rest period and during systemic inflammatory response. The inhibitory effect of leptin to HPA axis during stress response was documented in vitro, however, its physiological importance is not clear, yet. Our study didn't prove a statistically significant relation between plasma cortisol and leptin. The different dynamics of leptin and cortisol after surgical trauma shows that both factors have own specific regulation.