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Therapeutic endoscopy: removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies in children.

Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies (FBs) is an important part of therapeutic endoscopy in children. The majority of FB ingestion occur in children under 5 years. Children most often ingest coins, pins, keys, round stones or marbles, nails, rings, batteries and toys, and coins are the most common in the pediatric series of 139 children, who underwent endoscopic removal in Seoul National University, Children's Hospital. The management of FBs in children depends on the type (sharp or dull, pointed or blunt, and toxic or nontoxic) and the-size, along with the location of FB in the gastrointestinal tract. The endoscopist should decide whether endoscopic intervention is necessary and how urgently it has to be done. Indications for removal of FBs from the gastrointestinal tract in children are 1) all esophageal FBs. 2) gastric and duodenal FBs if they are sharp or pointed, if more than 4 cm long or 2 cm wide in young infants and children, if containing toxic substances and if blunt objects after 2 weeks observation in the stomach or 1 week observation in the duodenum. All FBs impacted in the esophagus should be removed within 24 hours because of the risks of perforation and serious fistula formation. Disk batteries can cause corrosive injury to the esophagus within 4 hours, and should be removed as soon as possible. Coin retrieval can be done very securely by the W-shape FB grasping forcep without an endotracheal general anesthesia. Blunt FBs, such as marbles can be best removed with a stone retrieval basket, which can be made from a condom. Disk batteries can not be grasped with the FB forceps and snares, but very safely with the powerful magnet attached to the tip of the scope. Overtubes and protective rubber hoods are useful for removing sharp or pointed objects. It is important to test the available grasping accessories on a duplicate of the FB as a "dry run" to determine which accessories will grasp the FB securely.

Adolescent↗

Stapled versus sutured gastrointestinal anastomoses in the trauma patient: a multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Construction of gastrointestinal anastomoses utilizing stapling devices has become a familiar procedure. In elective surgery, studies have shown no significant differences in complications between stapled and sutured anastomoses. Controversy has recently arisen regarding the accurate incidence of complications associated with anastomoses in the trauma patient. The objective of this multi-institutional study was to determine whether the incidence of postoperative complications differs between stapled and sutured anastomoses following the emergent repair of traumatic bowel injuries. METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort design, all trauma registry records from five Level I trauma centers over a period of 4 years were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients with 289 anastomoses were identified. A surgical stapling device was used to create 175 separate anastomoses, while a hand-sutured method was employed in 114 anastomoses. A complication was defined as an anastomotic leak verified at reoperation, an intra-abdominal abscess, or an enterocutaneous fistula. The mean abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale score and Injury Severity Score were similar in the two cohort groups. Stapling and suturing techniques were evenly distributed in both small and large bowel repairs. Seven of the total 175 stapled anastomoses and none of the 114 hand-sewn anastomoses resulted in a clinically significant leak requiring reoperation (RR = undefined, 95% CI 1.08-infinity, p = 0.04). Each anastomotic leak occurred in a separate individual. Nineteen stapled anastomoses and four sutured anastomoses were associated with an intra-abdominal abscess (RR = 2.7, 95% CI 0.96-7.57, p = 0.04). Enterocutaneous fistula formation was not statistically associated with either type of anastomoses (stapled cohort = 3 of 175 and sutured cohort = 2 of 114). Overall, 22 (13%) stapled anastomoses and 6 (5%) sutured anastomoses were associated with an intra-abdominal complication (RR = 2.08, 95% CI 0.89-4.86, p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Anastomotic leaks and intra-abdominal abscesses appear to be more likely with stapled bowel repairs compared with sutured anastomoses in the injured patient. Caution should be exercised in deciding to staple a bowel anastomosis in the trauma patient.

Adolescent↗

Low-dose dopamine hastens onset of gut ischemia in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock.

Gut metabolism may become anaerobic before the whole body during progressive phlebotomy in dogs. Because dopamine has selective mesenteric vasodilator effects, we asked whether dopamine could delay onset of bowel ischemia during hemorrhagic shock. We studied whole body and gut O2 consumption (VO2) and O2 delivery (QO2) using progressive phlebotomy in anesthetized pigs. Nine pigs received a dopamine infusion of 2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, whereas a control group of seven pigs received equivalent saline infusion. Onset of ischemia in whole body and gut was determined as critical O2 delivery (QO2c), the intersection point of biphasic regression on plots of VO2-QO2 relationships. Blood flow and O2 extraction were measured as mechanisms of gut ischemia for entire in situ small and large gut using a superior mesenteric venous fistula. Dopamine hastened onset of gut ischemia relative to onset of whole body ischemia (gut critical point in terms of whole body QO2 9.9 +/- 2.1 ml O2.kg-1.min-1, whole body QO2c 7.8 +/- 0.7 ml O2.kg-1.min-1, P less than 0.01). In contrast, onset of gut ischemia in control animals occurred at same time as onset of whole body ischemia (gut critical point in terms of whole body QO2 7.4 +/- 2.3 ml O2.kg-1.min-1, whole body QO2c 7.1 +/- 2.7 ml O2.kg-1.min-1, P = not significant). Hastening of onset of gut ischemia in dopamine-treated animals was associated with decreased ability of gut to extract O2. Low-dose dopamine was not protective against gut ischemia during shock but rather caused earlier onset of gut ischemia during hemorrhagic shock.

Animals↗

Clinical application of clip-assisted endoscopic method for nasoenteric feeding in patients with gastroparesis and gastroesophageal wounds.

AIM: To report the clinical experiences in the application of clip-assisted endoscopic method for nasoenteric feeding in patients with gastroparesis and patients with gastroesophageal wounds, and to compare the efficacy of nasoenteric feeding in these two indications. METHODS: From April 2002 to January 2004, 21 consecutive patients with gastroparesis or gastroesophageal wounds were enrolled and received nasoenteric feeding for nutritional support. A clip-assisted method was used to place the nasoenteric tubes. Outcomes in the two groups were compared with respect to the successful rate of enteral feeding, percentage of recommended energy intake (REI), and complication rates. RESULTS: The gastroparesis group included 13 patients with major burns (n = 7), trauma (n = 2), congestive heart failure (n = 2) and post-surgery gastric stasis syndrome (n = 2). The esophageogastric wound group included eight patients with tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 2) and wound leakage following gastric surgery (n = 6). Two study groups were similar in feeding successful rates (84.6% vs 75.0%). There were also no differences in the percentage of REI between groups (79.4% vs 78.6%). Additionally, no complications occurred in any of the study groups. CONCLUSION: Nasoenteric feeding is a useful method to provide nutritional support to most of the patients with gastroparesis who cannot tolerate nasogastric tube feeding and to the cases who need bypass feeding for esophageogastric wounds.

Adult↗

Surgical approaches to improving intestinal function in the short-bowel syndrome.

HYPOTHESIS: Nontransplantation surgical approaches to improve intestinal function in patients with the short-bowel syndrome have a satisfactory outcome in selected patients. PATIENTS: Ninety adult (aged >18 years) patients with intestinal remnants shorter than 180 cm were evaluated between 1980 and 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical improvement (reduction in parenteral nutrition, resolution of anatomical problems, decreased symptoms, or improved oral intake) and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. RESULTS: There were 17 deaths within 30 days after resection. Thirty-seven (51%) of the surviving 73 patients underwent 43 procedures to improve intestinal function. Fourteen procedures (33%) were intended to expand intestinal surface area by restoring intestinal continuity (n = 10), recruiting additional length (n = 3), or longitudinal lengthening (n = 1). Twenty-six procedures (60%) aimed to alter intestinal function, either by relieving obstruction (n = 10), repairing fistulas (n = 8), slowing transit (n = 4), eliminating diseased bowel (n = 3), or improving motility (n = 1). Three patients had stomas created to improve oral intake and relieve perianal symptoms. Postoperatively, 2 anastomoses leaked, 2 fistulas recurred, and there was 1 death (mortality, 2%). Thirty-seven procedures (86%) resulted in clinical improvement. Eleven (46%) of the 24 patients receiving parenteral nutrition were able to discontinue it and 5 patients were able to reduce the amount of parenteral nutrition received. Twelve procedures that increased surface area (86%) and 22 procedures that addressed functional problems (85%) resulted in clinical improvement. Success was lowest (50%) in patients having procedures to prolong transit time. CONCLUSIONS: Various nontransplantation surgical procedures have a role in improving intestinal function in short-bowel syndrome. These procedures usually result in clinical improvement in properly selected patients. Success is lowest for procedures designed to prolong intestinal transit time; thus, these procedures should be used only in carefully selected patients.

Adolescent↗

Enzymic degradation of a beta-lactam antibiotic, ampicillin, in the gut: a novel treatment modality.

Antibiotics can cause severe alterations in the gut microflora and promote diarrhoea and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. The present study investigated the potency of targeted recombinant beta-lactamase (TRBL) to degrade a beta-lactam antibiotic in the jejunum of fistula-operated beagles. We used different peroral doses of purified beta-lactamase (PenP) of Bacillus licheniformis in enteric-coated pellets together with intravenous ampicillin. Serum and jejunal samples were collected for ampicillin and beta-lactamase analysis. A dose-response effect of TRBL on ampicillin concentrations in the jejunal samples could be observed. The highest doses applied decreased the jejunal ampicillin concentrations to undetectable levels. In the serum samples, the ampicillin concentrations were not affected by the beta-lactamase dose used. Our results indicate that it may be possible to evolve a targeted treatment to degrade beta-lactam antibiotics intestinally and, thus, decrease antibiotic-induced adverse effects on the gut microflora.

Ampicillin↗

Thiamin balance in the gastrointestinal tract of sheep.

Six 5- to 6-month-old sheep fitted with rumen fistulas and reentrant cannulas in the duodenum and in the ileum were adapted to two dies low in thiamin and containing different percentages of urea nitrogen. The sheep were subjected to seven thiamin balance experiments, with continuous feeding and total collection of duodenal and ideal contents and feces for periods of 6 day each. Thiamin and dry matter were determined in aliquots of collected digesta and feces. Daily thiamin intake was always less than .3 mg, but average daily flow of thiamin into the duodenum was between 1.53 and 3.46 milligrams. Microbial net synthesis of thiamin in the forestomach system was between 1.44 and 3.23 mg/day, so 90 to 96% of thiamin entering the duodenum was of microbial origin. Disappearance of thiamin from the small intestines approximately equaled thiamin net synthesis in the forestomachs, indicating high absorption of microbially produced thiamin. In five experiments, thiamin balance in the large intestines was positive, but no measurements were made of thiamin breakdown within, and absorption from, the large intestines.

Animals↗

Treatment of anorectal anomalies by anterior perineal anorectoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was as an introduction of a technical modification to the anterior perineal approach for the treatment of anorectal anomalies (AA) and analysis of its long-term results. METHODS: Forty-three children with AA underwent a modified anterior perineal anorectoplasty (APA), which involved the following technical guidelines: construction of a rectoanal muscular conduit through the levator ani muscle and the external anal sphincter, which were sutured to each other; preservation of the rectal end of the fistula; and invagination of the perineal skin through the neoanus. Fecal continence was assessed on average 7 years postreconstruction by Kelly's score. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients (19 boys) with high AA, results were good, fair and poor in, respectively, 50%, 30%, and 20% of them. Results were good and fair in, respectively, 79% and 21% of the 14 patients (all girls) with intermediate AA. All 9 patients (7 boys) with low AA had good results. The differences among groups were statistically significant (P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: This modified APA allows for the surgeon to securely identify, preserve, and reconstruct all anatomic structures that are relevant for fecal continence. The long-term results of this initial series suggest that this modified APA is a valuable alternative for the treatment of AA.

Anal Canal↗

Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. A clinical and physiologic appraisal.

Since 1978, 252 patients from different centers in the world have undergone pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Fifty-five per cent of the patients had malignant tumors in the region of the head of the pancreas. The overall operative mortality rate was 2.8%. Anastomotic leakage and fistulae occurred in 19% of the patients. Pancreatic, biliary, and enteric fistulae represented 11%, 4%, and 4%, respectively. Peptic ulcers were subsequently diagnosed in seven patients (3%), two of whom required vagotomy and antrectomy. Delayed recovery of gastric function was the most common complication of this operation, with an overall incidence of 30%. Although the cause of this gastric dysfunction is unknown, its transient nature in most patients makes expectant therapy with gastric tube drainage the best remedy when the problem is encountered. Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy decreased the incidence of postgastric surgery syndromes that are commonly associated with the standard Whipple operation. The existing data support the continued use of the operation and the need for future laboratory and clinical investigation of its physiologic impact.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Cholinergic role on release and action of motilin.

In conscious dogs with gastric fistula and platinum electrodes on the antrum, duodenum and jejunum, IV atropine 100 micrograms/kg/hr and hexamethonium 10 mg/kg/hr, blocked cyclic increases in fasting plasma motilin concentration (PMC) and spontaneous migrating myoelectric complexes (MMCs) of both antrum and duodenum. The two drugs also blocked occurrence of premature MMCs produced by synthetic porcine motilin. In anesthetized dogs, electrical stimulation of cervical vagi with stimulation parameters: 9 V, 10 c/s, 5 msec, caused a significant increase in both portal and femoral venous PMC which was blocked by atropine. Fractionations of vagus nerve extracts by gel filtration using Sephadex G-50 superfine column revealed most of motilin-like immunoreactivity (MLI) with the same mobility as pure porcine motilin. Studies suggest that cholinergic influence plays a significant role on release of motilin.

Animals↗

Endoscopic cystenterostomy of nonbulging pancreatic fluid collections.

BACKGROUND: A prerequisite for endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections without EUS is the presence of a visible bulge in the GI wall. Our experience with endoscopic cystostomy of nonbulging pancreatic fluid collections is described. METHODS: Thirty-three patients underwent 34 endoscopic attempts at transmural drainage of nonbulging pancreatic fluid collections over a 2-year period. The etiology of the nonbulging pancreatic fluid collections was chronic pancreatitis in 26 cases and acute pancreatitis in 7. Indications for drainage included one or more of the following: abdominal pain, infection, biliary obstruction, and external fistula. The diameter of the collections ranged from 20 to 160 mm (median 52 mm). RESULTS: Thirty-two of 34 drainage attempts were successful (94%). Eighteen cystostomies were performed under fluoroscopy alone and 14 by EUS together with fluoroscopy. Procedure-related complications occurred with 3 of 34 attempts (8%). Surgery was not required for treatment of the complications and there were no deaths from the procedure. Follow-up was available for 31 patients (median 21 months, range 9 to 40 months). One nonbulging pancreatic fluid collections recurred 7 months after drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cystenterostomy of nonbulging pancreatic collections is feasible, and the results of the procedure are similar to those of cystenterostomy for bulging collections.

Acute Disease↗

The bacterial flora of neonates with congenital abnormalities of the gastro-intestinal tract.

The development of the bacterial flora of neonates with congenital abnormalities of the gastro-intestinal tract was studied in 31 infants during the first 10 days of life. Specimens were collected from the umbilicus, mouth and gastro-intestinal tract on the pre-operative day, at operation and on post-operative days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10. Bacteria were isolated semi-quantitatively on a variety of plain and selective media and identified by conventional methods.Staphylococcus albus was the predominant species isolated from the umbilicus; it was recovered from 24 of the 31 babies. The viridans group of streptococci and Streptococcus salivarius were the commonest species isolated from the mouth; there were no differences between the babies with different abnormalities and treatment with antibiotics had no effect on the bacterial flora. Ten babies were colonized by each species on the pre-operative day, and 25 and 19 respectively by the tenth post-operative day. Anaerobic gram-positive cocci were the predominant oral anaerobes. Bacteria were not isolated from the rectal swabs of babies with tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) or small bowel atresia on the pre-operative days. Post-operatively the predominant faecal isolates from babies with TOF were Str. faecalis, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens. About 80% of the babies with small bowel atresia were colonized by Str. faecalis and Bacteroides vulgatus, 60% each by E. coli, Klebsiella aerogenes and Str. faecium. The five babies with necrotizing enterocolitis were colonized by Str. faecalis, E. coli, Cl. perfringens and Cl. difficile; Bacteroides spp. were not recovered from any of them. The commonest facultative species recovered from babies with large bowel obstruction were Str. faecalis and E. coli. B. vulgatus, Cl. perfringens and Bifidobacterium spp. were the commonest anaerobes and anaerobes outnumbered aerobes. No significant isolates were recovered from the wound swabs and none of the babies developed post-surgical sepsis.

Bacteria↗

[Morbi-mortality after Hartmann procedure for peritonitis complicating sigmoid diverticulitis. A retrospective analysis of 85 cases].

INTRODUCTION: Hartmann's procedure (HP) is a simple operation, which can be performed by all the surgeons. However, it remains criticized (high morbimortality, low rate of intestinal continuity restoration). The aim of this study was to analyse natural history of HP and intestinal continuity restoration for sigmoid diverticulitis, and to assess risk factors for mortality, morbidity and absence of intestinal continuity restoration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In three centers, from 1992 to 2002, 85 patients underwent HP. A retrospective analysis was performed on mortality, early and late morbidity of HP and intestinal continuity restoration. RESULTS: 22% of patients (mean age, 68 years) presented comorbidity, 17% of them, an altered immunity, and 3 or 4 Hinchey score for 64%. ASA score was > or =3 in 49% of the cases. Mean AFC and Mannheim scores were 2 and 21 respectively. Mortality rate was 14% and in-hospital morbidity, 50%. Main complications were: cardiorespiratory (18%), wound abcess (14%) and stomal (6%). No rectal stump fistula was noted. Mean hospital stay was 19+/-13 days. Late morbidity rate was 29%, mainly due to stomal complications (12%) and small bowel obstruction (7%). Intestinal continuity restoration was done in 77% of the cases, followed by only 1 fistula. Mortality rate for intestinal continuity restoration was 0% and morbidity was 13%. Mean hospital stay was 10+/-3 days. Age >75 years, ASA score > or =3 and comorbidity were risk factors for morbidity and mortality and for absence of intestinal continuity restoration. CONCLUSIONS: HP is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rates. Intestinal continuity restoration rate was high in this series. HP is a simple operation in high-risk patients with advanced peritonitis. This study allows to precise natural history of HP. Knowledge of this history is crucial for choosing the best operation (between HP and anastomosis) for patient with peritonitis complications sigmoid diverticuitis.

Adult↗

Early perioperative results and surgical recurrence after strictureplasty and miniresection for complicated Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Strictureplasty (SP) or miniresective 'bowel-sparing' techniques (MR) can prevent the risk of intestinal stomia and short bowel syndrome in patients affected by Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to analyze the perioperative morbidity and mortality in 104 of 138 consecutive patients treated for CD complications using bowel-sparing techniques. We also considered the factors that may be related to the risk of perioperative complications and the long-term outcome. METHODS: One hundred and four patients were treated with SP and/or MR and then included in a prospectively maintained database. The factors claimed to influence perioperative complications were analyzed using Fisher's exact test for categorical observations and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. A multivariate analysis, using logistic regression, and a long-term time-to-event analysis using the Kaplan-Meier function, were also performed. RESULTS: Perioperative mortality was nil. In relation to the 6 postoperative complications (5.8%), 4 patients underwent minimal bowel resection (MR), 1 a MR with SP, and 1 SP alone. Three of these patients (2.9%) needed reoperation for septic complications, and 3 (2.9%) were treated as outpatients for enterocutaneous fistulas. A correlation (p < 0.05) was found between low serum hemoglobin levels and postoperative complications at univariate and multivariate analyses. The 5-year surgical recurrence-free rate was 75% overall, 73% for patients treated with SP, 78% with MR, and 77% with MR + SP. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications are not related to conservative or miniresective surgery even when active disease is present at the resection margins or the site of SP. The higher risk reported for patients with low serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels suggests that surgeons should consider using preoperative iron and vitamin support, parenteral nutrition and erythropoietin therapy, when necessary, in those cases. Our postoperative morbidity, mortality and long-term surgical recurrence rate results support the efficacy and safety of SP and MR surgery in the treatment of complicated CD.

Adult↗

Intestinal anastomosis by use of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring: is it safe and efficacious in emergency operations as well?

PURPOSE: Although sutureless anastomosis by use of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring is now accepted as an alternative to conventional manual sutured or stapled methods in elective enterocolic surgery, its applicability to emergency enterocolic surgery has not yet been established. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the biofragmentable anastomotic ring anastomosis in emergency enterocolic surgery could be performed as safely as in elective surgery or as emergency handsewn anastomosis. METHODS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sutureless bowel anastomosis by use of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring in emergency enterocolic surgery, a prospective, randomized study was undertaken to compare the biofragmentable anastomotic ring with conventional handsewn anastomotic technique. One hundred nineteen patients who required emergency laparotomy were randomly assigned to two groups: 56 patients (47 percent) underwent 58 biofragmentable anastomotic ring anastomoses, and 63 patients (53 percent) underwent 65 sutured anastomoses. In addition, the safety and efficacy of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring in emergency surgery were compared with those of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring in 86 elective biofragmentable anastomotic ring anastomoses performed in 84 patients during the same period of time. RESULTS: Specific intraoperative complications related to use of biofragmentable anastomotic rings occurred in six patients (10.7 percent), and another new biofragmentable anastomotic ring anastomosis was constructed in one patient. These reflected learning-curve errors, but they did not adversely affect the outcome. No statistical differences were observed among the groups with respect to wound complications, postoperative bleeding, intra-abdominal abscess, intestinal obstruction, or postoperative death. As for anastomotic leakage, six patients, two in each group, had complications of anastomotic failure, wherein four colonic fistulas required a diversion and two enteric fistulas closed spontaneously. Although there were no statistically significant differences in incidence of leaks among groups (P = 0.4522), two fistulas in colocolic anastomoses, one in the suture group and the other in the biofragmentable anastomotic ring group, manifested the risk of primary anastomosis in emergency colon resection. Seven patients, three in the elective biofragmentable anastomotic ring group and two each in the emergency suture and biofragmentable anastomotic ring groups, died after the operation, but no deaths were directly attributed to the anastomotic technique used. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the biofragmentable anastomotic ring is a safe and reliable alternative to conventional handsewn anastomosis in emergency enterocolic surgery, where the rapidity and security of anastomosis may be critical. Consideration, however, should be given to emergency primary colocolic or colorectal anastomosis, because of a high risk of anastomotic failure, although there are too few cases for a definite conclusion.

Adolescent↗

Emerging indications for octreotide therapy, Part 1.

Possible new indications for the use of octreotide are discussed. In October 1988, octreotide received FDA-approved labeling for use in the management of carcinoid syndrome and vipomas. Since that time, research results and clinical experience have accumulated that suggest a potentially much broader therapeutic role for octreotide. Reports continue to be published on the use of octreotide for treating pituitary tumors, gastroenteropancreatic tumors, diabetes mellitus, AIDS-associated diarrhea, autonomic neuropathy, pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocysts and ascites, complications of pancreatic surgery and transplantation, ileostomy-associated diarrhea, enterocutaneous fistulas, pancreatic fistulas, dumping syndrome, short bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Other emerging indications for the use of octreotide include psoriasis, hypercalcemia, cancer-related pain, polycystic ovary syndrome, and certain cancers. In children, octreotide has been studied for use in treating hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy. Along with the common adverse effects of octreotide, such as pain at the injection site and nausea, less frequent effects, such as cholelithiasis, gallbladder hypercontractility, and gastritis have now been described. Much of what has been learned is based on small uncontrolled studies and case reports, since the rarity of many of the conditions for which octreotide has shown promise has tended to preclude larger studies. As clinical experience with octreotide accumulates and better-designed trials are completed where possible, a broader therapeutic role for octreotide is likely to be recognized.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Rectal prolapse following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Rectal prolapse is a known postoperative problem in children with anorectal malformations. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of significant rectal prolapse (>5 mm), to objectively quantify its predisposing factors, and to offer recommendations as to its prevention and surgical treatment. METHODS: The authors reviewed their series of 1619 patients with anorectal malformations; 1169 underwent primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) at their institution between 1980 and 2002, and complete records were available for 833. The series was analyzed for incidence of prolapse, type of anorectal malformation, status of the sacrum, muscle quality, associated vertebral and spinal anomalies, and postoperative constipation. A specific technique for prolapse repair was used. RESULTS: Of 833 patients, 45 developed significant rectal prolapse (3.8%). The mean age at the time of PSARP was 0.73 years (range, 0.19-5 years). The average time to recognition of prolapse following PSARP was 13.1 months. Of these 45 patients, 32 required surgical repair and of those, 3 required a second surgical repair. The incidence of prolapse varied by complexity of anorectal defect: cloaca (6.2%), rectobladder neck fistula (6.8%), rectourethral fistula (5.4%), rectovestibular fistula (1.2%), rectal atresia (0%), and rectoperineal fistula (0%). There was a significantly increased incidence of prolapse in patients with a low muscle quality score and in patients with vertebral anomalies (20% vs 3.2%). The presence of a tethered cord and an abnormal sacral ratio did not correlate with an increased incidence of prolapse. Twenty-two patients developed prolapse following colostomy closure, and of these, 12 (55%) suffered from constipation. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of significant rectal prolapse following PSARP is low. Prevention of prolapse with the PSARP technique may be because of key technical steps. Patients with higher anorectal malformations, poorer muscle quality, and vertebral anomalies had a greater risk of developing postoperative rectal prolapse. The presence of tethered cord and quality of the sacrum were not predictive of postoperative prolapse. Constipation seems to be a factor in the development of prolapse.

Anal Canal↗

Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with external pancreatic remnant drainage.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the mainstay of surgical treatment for various benign and malignant diseases of the head of the pancreas and the periampullar region. The incidence of postoperative morbidity remains significantly high. Various modifications have been advocated for the restoration of the digestive continuity and drainage of bile and pancreatic ducts in order to diminish this high morbidity rate. METHODS: A new modification with the combination of an end-to-end duodenojejunal anastomosis and creation of an external pancreatic fistula following pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is described. Our initial experience with this modification in seven patients is reported and its advantages are discussed. RESULTS: There was no mortality, while morbidity was 29%, including postoperative pneumonia and psychosis in one patient, and intra-abdominal abscess in another patient. No significantly delayed gastric emptying was observed and no patient developed diabetes, anastomotic ulcer or reflux cholangitis postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The reported technique seems to be a safe modification of restoration after pancreaticoduodenectomy, with maintenance of anatomical gastrointestinal continuity, avoidance of complications from anastomosis with the pancreatic remnant, as well as maintenance of endocrine pancreatic function. However, long-term follow-up and larger comparative studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this modification on morbidity and mortality, including long-term nutritional complications.

Adenocarcinoma↗