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Biomedical subjects

S Nitecki

Publications and source records attributed to S Nitecki.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Lower limb ischaemia in primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) is an autoimmune disorder manifested by recurrent thrombosis in the venous and arterial system. We report a group of seven patients with lower limb ischaemia associated with PAPS. Four were male patients and three were females, with a mean age of 37 years. All had a previous deep vein thrombosis and the majority, five out of seven, had a prior cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Prolonged activated thromboplastin time was demonstrated in all our patients and PAPS was established by positive thromboplastin titration index, circulating anticoagulant index and increased anticardiolipin levels. Symptoms included claudication in three, rest pain in four and gangrene in five patients. Angiography demonstrated thrombosis of various segments of the arterial tree including: aorta, iliac, femoral and popliteal arteries. Two patients were treated conservatively and one by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the distal aorta. A total of eleven vascular surgical procedures were performed in four patients resulting in early postoperative thrombosis (2h-30 days) in 10 cases. Only one graft remained patent, when full heparinisation (1000 units/h) was used perioperatively. We conclude that PAPS patients are at high risk for graft thrombosis and should only be operated upon on full anticoagulation, starting at operation and proceeding indefinitely.

Adolescent↗

[Rectus sheath hematoma].

Rupture of the epigastric artery with hematoma formation in the rectus sheath is an uncommon condition which can mimic serious intraabdominal disorders. Treatment is primarily conservative, but misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary surgery. However, the correct clinical diagnosis should be suggested by the presence of paroxysmal cough, anticoagulant therapy, or trauma, the precipitating factors found in most cases. Ultrasonography and CT scan are excellent diagnostic modalities in this condition. 3 unoperated cases in which the correct diagnosis was made are presented. Despite its benign nature this condition may be fatal. Awareness and vigorous supportive therapy are therefore recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Aged↗

[Trash foot following abdominal aortic surgery].

Peripheral embolism from dislodgement of intraarterial debris can convert successful surgery of the abdominal aorta into tragedy. An embolic shower from such surgery, often containing cholesterol, can result in forefoot or toe ischemia referred to as "trash foot." The incidence of this early complication is reported as 7-29%, but is believed to be even higher. Prevention and treatment includes heparin, embolectomy, lumbar sympathectomy, aspirin, rheomacrodex and prostaglandins. 3 such patients, 2 men aged 62 and 69, respectively, and a woman of 72, are reported. In 2 of the cases below-knee amputation was required, while the third patient died.

Aged↗

Late presentation of Bochdalek hernia: our experience and review of the literature.

During the last 18 years, 81 patients were diagnosed in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rambam Medical Center, as having congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 11 of whom (13.5%) presented after the first 24 h of life. In this retrospective study we describe our experience with late presentation (beyond 8 weeks after birth) of Bochdalek hernia in 5 of the 11 patients, and we review the literature.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Seatbelt injury to the common iliac artery: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Blunt trauma to the common iliac artery is rather rare. Moreover, seatbelt injuries to the common iliac artery have not yet been reported. This article presents two cases of seatbelt injury involving the common iliac artery. A deceleration-type mechanism is suggested as the primary cause of injury, resulting in the production of an intimal flap. The diagnosis of such an injury is based on clinical suspicion, a change of pulse, or lower limb ischemia. On arteriotomy the damage is greater than seen on external examination. Once diagnosed prompt treatment should follow to prevent loss of life or limb. The signs, symptoms, and modalities of treatment are reported, as well as a review of the literature.

Adult↗

Appendiceal calculi and fecaliths as indications for appendectomy.

This study was done to determine the association between appendiceal fecaliths or appendiceal calculi and the presence of acute appendicitis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients from 1977 through 1986 who underwent appendectomy for a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis (group 1, 2,331 patients) or who underwent appendectomy either incidentally or during colectomy for nonappendiceal pathologic factors (group 2, 1,066 patients). Fecaliths were six times more common than calculi, but calculi were more often associated with perforated appendicitis or periappendiceal abscess (45 per cent) than were fecaliths (19 per cent). Appendiceal fecaliths and calculi appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of acute appendicitis and are associated with complicated appendicitis (perforation and abscess). Appendectomy should be considered for patients in whom an appendiceal calculus is recognized incidentally.

Acute Disease↗

Cancer of the prostate: is there a need for aggressive treatment?

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate constitutes 18% of all cancers in men, and is a major cause of neoplastic death second only to carcinoma of lungs and large bowel. In spite of the high incidence of the disease, there is still disagreement as to the right treatment. In our study we reviewed 101 patients in stages T0b, T1 + T2, T3 (N0M0) who were treated by nonradical prostatectomy and no other treatment. The follow-up of these patients was 58 months. The actuarial 5- and 10-year survival according to stage was respectively: 91.30 and 64.62% in stage T0b; 60.61 and 34.11% in stage T1 + T2, and 41.67% in stage T3. Survival rates resembled those quoted in the literature. Our results justify a less aggressive approach to carcinoma of the prostate.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Dacron graft aneurysm treated by endovascular stent-graft.

A 72-year old man who underwent aorto-bifemoral bypass with insertion of a Dacron graft 18 years previously presented with an aneurysm in the left limb of his graft. Angiography also demonstrated a bilateral occlusion of the popliteal arteries. Computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed and showed a localized dilation of 3 cm in the left limb of the graft, which had a diameter of 14 mm throughout. In view of the technical difficulties of a surgical procedure, an endovascular stent was considered. Through a left femoral arteriotomy, a stent graft was inserted and deployed in the left limb of the graft. This resulted in total exclusion of the Dacron graft aneurysm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a procedure.

Aged↗

Near-total completion gastrectomy for severe postvagotomy gastric stasis: analysis of early and long-term results in 62 patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate results of completion gastrectomy for severe postgastrectomy gastric stasis. A total of 51 women and 11 men underwent completion gastrectomy for gastric stasis between 1985 and 1996; follow-up was complete in 98% at 5.4 +/- 5 years. All patients had modified Visick scores preoperatively of grade III (37%) or IV (63%). Presentation included combinations of nausea, vomiting, postprandial pain, chronic abdominal pain, and chronic narcotic use. All had undergone prior vagotomy and had a median of four previous gastric operations. Hospital mortality was zero. Complications occurred in 25 patients (40%) and included the following: narcotic withdrawal syndrome (18%), ileus (10%), wound infection (5%), intestinal obstruction (2%), and anastomotic leak (5%). All or most symptoms were relieved in 43% (Visick grade I or II), but 57% of the patients remained in Visick grade III or IV. Nausea, vomiting, and postprandial pain were reduced from 93% to 50%, 79% to 30%, and 58% to 30%, respectively (P<0.05), but chronic pain, diarrhea, and dumping syndrome were not significantly affected. Univariate analysis revealed no preoperative characteristic to be predictive of good outcome. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the combination of nausea, need for total parenteral nutrition, and retained food in the stomach predicted a poor outcome (P<0.05). Completion gastrectomy is successful in 43% of patients. The combination of nausea, need for total parenteral nutrition, and retained food at endoscopy are negative prognostic factors.

Adult↗