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T Defechereux

Publications and source records attributed to T Defechereux.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Discordance between actual and radiologically estimated size of an incidentaloma. Delay in questions regarding operative decision-making criteria].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The accurate assessment of tumour size is an important consideration during preoperative evaluation of adrenal tumors, particularly incidentaloma; however the "size criteria" is still a controversial topic in some respects: size is a bad indicator of malignancy, there is still a confusion in the "grey zone" for tumors between 3 and 6 cm, and no universal consensus on the exact cut-off value for resection has been agreed. Nowadays it is clearly accepted that the "size criteria" alone is extremely limited in the assessment of adrenal tumor, moreover some studies suggested the relative inaccuracy of conventional CT in evaluating the size: radiological examination underestimated consistently adrenal tumor size. The aim of this study was to confirm those suggested data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study compared the radiological estimated size and the histological size of 26 incidentaloma operated on with a laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: Our data confirm the inaccuracy of CT and MRI in predicting the size of incidentaloma particularly for tumor measuring less than 3 cm. CT and MRI significantly underestimated size of adrenal tumors, 108% for MRI and 101% for CT-scan. CONCLUSION: The decision to operate, even with the advent and safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, cannot only rely on the "size criteria". Radiologists have to perform multiple 1 mm cuts until the very superior and inferior tip of this tumor in order to provide a better estimation of the size.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Right hepatic lobectomy as a liver graft-saving procedure.

Retransplantation is common after liver transplantation (LT). However, in the present era of organ shortages, every attempt to save the liver graft should be performed before considering retransplantation. We report our experience with right hepatic lobectomy (RHL) for liver graft salvage. In a retrospective series of 180 adult LTs, 4 patients underwent RHL (Couinaud's segments V, VI, VII, VIII) in the post-LT period. In all cases, the procedure was performed without Pringle's maneuver or mobilization of the left liver lobe to preserve its vascularization. Three liver graft recipients developed intrahepatic biliary strictures, mainly localized to the right lobe of the graft, and RHL was performed 14, 75, and 78 months after LT. These patients were alive at last follow-up without further episodes of cholangitis or retransplantation (mean follow-up, 38 months). The fourth patient developed early post-LT right liver necrosis with a functioning hepatic artery and underwent right lobectomy 48 hours after LT. He later developed cholangitis secondary to late hepatic artery thrombosis, requiring retransplantation after 18 months. We conclude that RHL can be considered a graft-saving option in selected liver transplant recipients with localized biliary strictures, with excellent patient and graft survival.

Bile Ducts↗

[Update on pancreatic transplantation].

Pancreas transplantation significantly improves the quality of life as well as the survival of the diabetic patient. It is also associated with stabilization and reversal of secondary diabetic complications. Improvements in organ preservation, surgical techniques and immunosuppression have achieved one-year graft survival of more than 90% for combined kidney-pancreas transplant and 80% for isolated pancreas transplantation. Recipient evaluation must weigh the benefits of the procedure with the risk associated with surgery and chronic immunosuppression. Combined kidney-pancreas transplantation appears today as the best treatment for the diabetic patient with end stage renal disease. Isolated pancreas transplantation is reserved to non-uremic patients with severe diabetic complications or with brittle glycaemic control and severe impairment of quality of life.

Humans↗

[Acute cardiac failure revealing a paraganglioma].

Therapy of cardiomyopathy is usually symptomatic. So, the etiology is often only superficially investigated. However, because of their curability, rare causes must be sought for. We report a case of acute cardiac failure in a young female patient with severe hypertension of recent onset. Urinary catecholamines analysis and medical imaging demonstrated a paraaortic paraganglioma. After coelioscopic resection, cardiac function recovered.

Acute Disease↗

Complications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy: results of 169 consecutive procedures.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the gold standard for adrenalectomy. Review of the literature indicates that the rate of intra- and postoperative complications is not negligible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications observed in a series of 169 consecutive LAs performed at a same center for a variety of endocrine disorders. Between June 1994 and December 1998 a series of 169 LAs were performed in 159 patients: 149 unilateral LAs and 10 bilateral LAs. There were 98 women and 61 men with a mean age of 49. 7 years (range 22-76 years). There were patients with 61 Conn syndrome, 41 with Cushing syndrome, 1 androgen-producing tumor, 29 pheochromocytomas, and 37 nonfunctioning tumors. Mean tumor size was 32 mm (range 7-110 mm). LA was performed by a transperitoneal flank approach in the lateral decubitus position. Mean operating time was 129 minutes (range 48-300 minutes) for unilateral LA and 228 minutes (range 175-275 minutes) for bilateral LA. There was no mortality. Twelve patients had a significant complication (7.5%): three peritoneal hematomas requiring (in two cases) laparotomy and (in one case) transfusion; one parietal hematoma; three intraoperative bleeding episodes without need for transfusion; one partial infarction of the spleen; one pneumothorax; one capsular effraction of the tumor; and two deep venous thromboses. Eight tumors were malignant at final histology (4.7%), of which four were completely removed laparoscopically. Conversion to open surgery was required in eight cases (5%): for malignancy in four cases, difficulty of dissection in three cases, and pneumothorax in one case. With a mean follow-up of 26.58 months (range 6-60 months) all patients are disease-free. We conclude that LA is a safe procedure. With increasing experience the morbidity becomes minor. To avoid complications LA should be converted to open surgery if local invasion is suspected or if there is difficulty with the dissection.

Adrenal Glands↗

Iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis: causal circumstances, pathophysiology, and principles of treatment-review of the literature.

Thyrotoxicosis is the clinical syndrome that results when tissues are exposed to high levels of circulating thyroid hormones. In most instances thyrotoxicosis is due to hyperthyroidism, a term reserved for disorders characterized by overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Nevertheless, thyrotoxicosis may also result from a variety of conditions other than thyroid hyperfunction. The present report focuses on the etiologies, pathophysiology, and treatment of iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis. Iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis may be caused by (1) subacute thyroiditis (a result of lymphocytic infiltration, cellular injury, trauma, irradiation) with release of preformed hormones into circulation; (2) excessive ingestion of thyroid hormones ("thyrotoxicosis factitia"); (3) iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (radiologic contrast agents, topical antiseptics, other medications). Among these causes of iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis, that induced by the iodine overload and cytotoxicity associated with amiodarone represents a significant challenge. Successful management of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis requires close cooperation between endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons. Surgical treatment may have a leading yet often underestimated role in view of the potential life-threatening severity of this disease, whereas others kinds of iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis are usually treated conservatively.

Amiodarone↗

[Evaluation of the Ultracision ultrasonic dissector in thyroid surgery. Prospective randomized study].

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and cost of the ultrasonic hook in thyroid surgery, in comparison with conventional hemostasis. METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive euthyroid patients with multinodular goiter undergoing total thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to either group I, Ultracision or group II, conventional hemostasis. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative biochemical, clinical, surgical and economic variables were compared in each group. RESULTS: Use of the ultrasonic hook resulted in a significant reduction in operating time (70.7 +/- 18.3 versus 96.5 +/- 28.9 minutes), blood loss (74.5 +/- 50.9 g versus 134.6 +/- 108.42 g), and postoperative analgesic consumption (paracetamol (mg): 700 +/- 722 versus 1888 +/- 978), and may also reduce the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism (5.8% versus 23.5%). The ultrasonic hook was no more expensive than conventional hemostasis, as long as a minimum of 15 patients shared the initial unit cost of the device. CONCLUSION: Although the use of the ultrasonic dissector does not allow a major cost-saving in total thyroidectomy, the essential advantages were a significant reduction of intraoperative blood loss, length of operating time and postoperative analgesic consumption.

Adult↗

[[Hypnosedation, a new method of anesthesia for cervical endocrine surgery. Prospective randomized study].

UNLABELLED: Retrospective studies have confirmed the feasibility and safety of thyroid and parathyroid procedures performed under hypnoanesthesia (hypnosis, local anesthesia and minimal conscious sedation) as sole method of anesthesia. This very effective technique seems to provide physiological, psychological and economic benefits for the patient. STUDY AIM: To assess, by means of a prospective randomized study, the advantages of hypnosedation as an alternative to general anesthesia in terms of clinical and laboratory parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients operated under hypnoanesthesia were compared to 20 patients operated under conventional anesthesia. The two groups were compared in terms of inflammatory, neuroendocrine, hemodynamic and immunologic parameters and postoperative course (pain, fatigue, muscle strength and stress). RESULTS: No clinical or demographic differences were observed between the two groups. Operative times, bleeding, weight of specimens, and surgical comfort were similar. Significant differences in terms of inflammatory response and hemodynamic parameters were observed in favor of hypnoanesthesia. Neuroendocrine and immunological parameters were similar. Patients of the hypnoanesthesia group had significantly less postoperative pain. Postoperative fatigue syndrome and convalescence were significantly improved in these patients. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that, in our hands, hypnosedation presents real advantages over general anesthesia, in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Adult↗

[Supernumerary ectopic hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland: a potential pitfall in surgery for sporadic primary hyperthyroidism].

STUDY AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to report a series of nine patients with a sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism, operated on for an ectopic supernumerary hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1973 to 1998, among a total of 1,307 patients operated on for a primary hyperparathyroidism, 9 (0.69%) had an ectopic supernumerary hyperfunctioning gland. There were six women and three men (mean age: 63 years) with a sporadic hyperparathyroidism. Initial cervicotomy was performed in our institution in 6 cases. The nine patients underwent 19 operations including one through sternotomy. The ectopic parathyroid gland was localized in the eight patients who had preoperative localization studies. RESULTS: The supernumerary gland was located in the anterior mediastinum (n = 6), in the carotid sheath (n = 2) and within the vagus nerve (n = 1). In three patients, it was found during the initial cervicotomy. In the 6 other patients, it was found in the course of a reoperation. With a mean follow-up of five years, all the patients were biochemically cured. One patient had a permanent recurrent nerve palsy and a definitive hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: The low incidence of an ectopic supernumerary hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland in sporadic hyperparathyroidism does not justify the routine use of preoperative localization studies and intra-operative quick parathormon assay. During an initial conventional cervicotomy the search for a 5th gland is highly recommended when 4 normal glands have been found in the neck. This research should also be performed in case of multi-glandular disease.

Aged↗

[Intravagal parathyroid ectopia].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The presence of an ectopic parathyroid gland is the commonest cause of persistent hyperparathyroidism (HPT). High cervical ectopic glands represent 0.21 to 9% of these cases. Only 3 cases of high intravagal sites have been described. The authors report two new cases of persistent HPT caused by an intravagal parathyroid gland. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In a series of 1,712 cases of HPT operated over the last 25 years (1,307 primary HPT and 405 secondary or tertiary HPT), two cases (0.12%) of persistent HPT were caused by a high intravagal parathyroid gland. One case corresponded to primary HPT and the other case corresponded to tertiary HPT. One patient underwent three operations and the other patient underwent four operations. CONCLUSION: Intravagal thyroid tissue may cause HPT. This very rare site must be considered among the other high cervical ectopic sites in the pre- and intraoperative assessment of hyperparathyroidism, particularly in cases of persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism.

Choristoma↗

Minimally invasive videoscopic parathyroidectomy by lateral approach.

METHODS: A videoscopic parathyroidectomy was performed in 22 patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). No patient had undergone previous neck surgery, presented with goiter or had a history of familial PHPT. Ultrasonography and Sestamibi scanning were performed preoperatively. Rapid intact parathormone assay was used during surgery. Through a 15-mm transversal skin incision on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), the fascia connecting the lateral portion of the strap muscles and the thyroid lobe with the carotid sheath was gently divided, far enough to visualize the prevertebral fascia. Once enough space was created, three trocars were inserted: a 12-mm trocar through the incision and two 2.5-mm trocars on the line of the anterior border of the SCM, above and below the first trocar. Carbon dioxide was insufflated to 8 mmHg. Unilateral video-assisted parathyroid exploration was then carried out using a 10-mm O(o) endoscope. Once the adenoma had been identified, the trocars were removed. Then, directly through the skin incision, the thyroid lobe was retracted medially and the adenoma was extracted after clipping its pedicle. Among the 23 enlarged glands, 20 (80%) were correctly identified by endoscopic exploration: mean weight 843 mg (100 mg to 5 g). The exploration was unilateral in 17 patients but bilateral in 5. Mean time of unilateral endoscopic exploration was 84 min (40-130 min). Morbidity was represented by two superficial hematomas. All 22 patients were biochemically cured, follow-up ranging from 3 months to 14 months. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study demonstrates that minimally invasive videoscopic parathyroidectomy by lateral approach is a feasible surgical procedure.

Adenoma↗

Should laparoscopic approach be proposed for large and/or potentially malignant adrenal tumors?

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is safe and effective for small, benign, functioning tumors. Whether it should be performed for other adrenal tumors is questionable. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the complications and results of 150 consecutive LAs performed either for small benign tumors or for large and/or potentially malignant tumors. METHODS: Between June 1994 and August 1998, we performed 150 LAs in 142 patients. We used a transperitoneal flank approach in the lateral decubitus position. Initially, our indications for LA were limited to small (<4 cm) benign tumors (group I, n=102): 56 aldosteronomas, 33 Cushing's syndrome, 11 pheochromocytomas and 2 nonfunctional tumors. Progressively, based on increasing experience, LA was also proposed for tumors larger than 4 cm or potentially malignant (group II, n=48): 5 Cushing's syndrome, 1 androgen-producing tumor, 14 pheochromocytomas and 28 nonfunctional tumors. Preoperative demonstration of invasive extra-adrenal carcinoma remained an absolute contraindication for LA. RESULTS: Mean tumor size was 21.1 mm in group I and 51.6 mm in group II. All tumors in group I were benign. Six of the 48 tumors in group II were malignant (12.5%). The rate of complication was, respectively, 7.8% and 8.3% in groups I and II. The rate of conversion was, respectively, 4.9% and 6.2% in groups I and II. Mean operative time was 131 min in group I and 129 min in group II. The endocrinopathy was cured in all patients. To date, no recurrences have been observed. CONCLUSIONS: LA can be proposed for large (<12 cm) or potentially malignant adrenal tumors provided preoperative investigations have not demonstrated invasive carcinoma. An open procedure should be performed instead if local invasion is observed at the start of the operation.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Hypnoanesthesia for endocrine cervical surgery: a statement of practice.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of endocrine cervical surgery under hypnoanesthesia as a valuable, safe, efficient, and economic alternative to general anesthesia. METHODS: Between April 1994 and June 1997, 197 thyroidectomies and 21 cervical explorations for hyperparathyroidism were performed under hypnoanesthesia (HYP) using Erikson's method. Operative data and postoperative course of this initial series were compared to a contemporary population of patients (n = 119) clinically similar except that they declined HYP or were judged unsuitable for it, and who were therefore operated on under general anesthesia (GA). RESULTS: The surgeons all reported better operating conditions for cervicotomy using HYP. Conversion from hypnosis to GA was needed in two cases (1%). All patients having HYP reported a pleasant experience and, keeping in mind that the GA group is not a randomly assigned control group, both had significantly less postoperative pain and analgesic use. Hospital stay was also significantly shorter, providing a substantial reduction in the costs of medical care. The postoperative convalescence was significantly improved after HYP and a full return to social or professional activity was significantly quicker. CONCLUSION: From this study, we conclude that HYP is an effective technique for providing relief of intraoperative and postoperative pain in endocrine cervical surgery. The technique results in high patient satisfaction and better surgical convalescence. This technique can therefore be used in most well-chosen patients and reduces the socioeconomic impact of hospitalization.

Adult↗

Bilateral neck exploration under hypnosedation: a new standard of care in primary hyperparathyroidism?

OBJECTIVE: The authors review their experience with initial bilateral neck exploration under local anesthesia and hypnosedation for primary hyperparathyroidism. Efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of this new approach are examined. BACKGROUND: Standard bilateral parathyroid exploration under general anesthesia is associated with significant risk, especially in an elderly population. Image-guided unilateral approaches, although theoretically less invasive, expose patients to the potential risk of missing multiple adenomas or asymmetric hyperplasia. Initial bilateral neck exploration under hypnosedation may maximize the strengths of both approaches while minimizing their weaknesses. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 121 initial cervicotomies for primary hyperparathyroidism performed between 1995 and 1997, 31 patients were selected on the basis of their own request to undergo a conventional bilateral neck exploration under local anesthesia and hypnosedation. Neither preoperative testing of hypnotic susceptibility nor expensive localization studies were done. A hypnotic state (immobility, subjective well-being, and increased pain thresholds) was induced within 10 minutes; restoration of a fully conscious state was obtained within several seconds. Patient comfort and quiet surgical conditions were ensured by local anesthesia of the collar incision and minimal intravenous sedation titrated throughout surgery. Both peri- and postoperative records were examined to assess the safety and efficacy of this new approach. RESULTS: No conversion to general anesthesia was needed. No complications were observed. All the patients were cured with a mean follow-up of 18 +/- 12 months. Mean operating time was <1 hour. Four glands were identified in 84% of cases, three glands in 9.7%. Adenomas were found in 26 cases; among these, 6 were ectopic. Hyperplasia, requiring subtotal parathyroidectomy and transcervical thymectomy, was found in five cases (16.1%), all of which had gone undetected by localization studies when requested by the referring physicians. Concomitant thyroid lobectomy was performed in four cases. Patient comfort and recovery and surgical conditions were evaluated on visual analog scales as excellent. Postoperative analgesic consumption was minimal. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.5 +/- 0.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Initial bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism can be performed safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively under hypnosedation, which may therefore be proposed as a new standard of care.

Adult↗

[Endoscopic parathyroidectomy via a lateral neck incision].

A new approach to endoscopic parathyroidectomy is proposed. Via a 15 mm transverse incision on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), the fascia connecting the lateral portion of the strap muscles and the thyroid lobe to the carotid sheath is divided at the level of the prevertebral fascia. Once enough space has been created, three trocars are inserted: a 12 mm trocar through the incision and two 2.5 mm trocars above and below the first trocar. Carbon dioxide is insufflated at a pressure of 8 mmHg. Unilateral endoscopic parathyroid exploration is then performed with a 10 mm-0 degree endoscopic camera. Once the adenoma has been identified and, if possible the ipsilateral parathyroid gland, the 3 trocars are removed and the adenoma is extracted from the neck after clipping its pedicle directly through the 15 mm incision. Twenty patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism were operated. The adenoma was localized pre-operatively in 14 patients. Intra-operative quick parathyroid hormone assay was used. Exploration was unilateral in 15 patients--Conversion to transverse cervicotomy was performed in 5 cases. In the 50 explored parathyroid areas, 34 glands (68%) were identified by video surgery: 18 of the 21 enlarged glands (86%) and 16 of the 29 normal glands (55%). Mean operating time was 88 minutes (40'-130'). Morbidity consisted of 2 superficial hematomas in the SCM. With a follow-up ranging from 6 to 15 months, all 20 patients are biochemically cured. This study demonstrates that endoscopic parathyroid exploration can be performed via a lateral incision.

Adult↗

Hypnosis with conscious sedation instead of general anaesthesia? Applications in cervical endocrine surgery.

Between April 1994 and June 1997, 197 thyroidectomies and 21 cervical explorations for hyperparathyroidism were performed under hypnosedation (HYP) and compared to the operative data and postoperative courses of a closely-matched population (n = 121) of patients operated on under general anaesthesia (GA). Conversion from hypnosis to GA was needed in two cases (1%). All surgeons reported better operating conditions for cervicotomy using HYP. All patients having HYP reported a very pleasant experience and had significantly less postoperative pain while analgesic use was significantly reduced in this group. Hospital stay was also significantly shorter, providing a substantial reduction of the medical care costs. The postoperative convalescence was significantly improved after HYP and full return to social or professional activity was significantly shortened. We conclude that HYP is a very efficient technique providing physiological, psychological and economic benefits to the patient.

Acetaminophen↗