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Biomedical subjects

A Bergan

Publications and source records attributed to A Bergan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

An experimental study on effects of monopolar diathermy on the bile ducts.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of monopolar diathermy on the bile ducts in pigs. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University hospital, Norway. MATERIAL: 18 pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Laparotomy, application of diathermy at standard sites along the cystic duct, the bile ducts, and a cystic duct containing a metal clip, 3 to 12 times of 5 seconds' duration at each site. Temperature was subsequently recorded at standard measurement points on the bile ducts. Twelve pigs were killed after three weeks for assessment of the bile ducts at necropsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Increase in temperature in the bile duct walls and late changes in the bile ducts. RESULTS: Temperature increased by 4-6 degrees C during 6 of 330 diathermy applications along the cystic duct, by 4-18 degrees C in 8 of 126 applications along the common bile duct, and by 4-11 degrees C at the clip in 9 of 54 applications. There were no macroscopic or microscopic changes in the bile ducts. CONCLUSION: Monopolar diathermy induced unexpected distant increases in the temperature of the bile duct walls and at a clip on the cystic duct probably because diathermy current energy was distributed along channels of high current conductivity.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Follow up after potential curative surgery of colorectal cancer. Guidelines from the Norwegian Gastrointestinal Cancer Group].

In Norway, about 2,800 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year. Two-thirds of the patients undergo potentially curative surgery and almost half of them develop local or distant metastases. The follow-up of colorectal cancer patients involves four strategies: Educating the patients about the disease, symptoms of relapse, and risk of hereditariness; Early diagnosis of relapse, to make curative re-surgery possible; Diagnosis of metachronous/synchronous cancer(s); Recording the results of current surgical techniques. The Norwegian Gastrointestinal Cancer Group recommend a four-year follow-up programme (every third month for two years and then twice a year) of colorectal cancer patients. It is suggested that patients treated with low anterior resection are followed regularly by means of rectoscopy and local examination (digital or by ultrasound) undertaken by specialist (surgeon or gastroenterologist). The others should be followed up mainly by general practitioners. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-monitoring is suggested every third month for two years, and then every sixth month. Colonoscopy is recommended at one and four year follow-up. Patients with normal CEA levels prior to surgery should be evaluated by ultrasound of the liver every sixth month for four years.

Colonic Neoplasms↗
PubMed1997

[Hepatic vein thrombosis. Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties].

Budd Chiari syndrome (liver vein thrombosis) may be a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. On the basis of four different cases we review the major diagnostic and therapeutic principles involved. Imaging techniques are necessary in order to establish the diagnosis. Ultrasound examination with Duplex doppler is usually sufficient, but MR angiography is also useful. Treatment options are thrombolysis, surgery or liver transplantation. What treatment is selected will depend on the clinical situation and the prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Percutaneous technique for venovenous bypass including a heat exchanger is safe and reliable in liver transplantation.

We have introduced and evaluated several modifications of the conventional venovenous bypass (VVBP) in 29 adult patients undergoing liver transplantation (OLT). A percutaneous technique for insertion of a jugular venous return cannula and a femoral vein cannula was applied. The inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was used for splanchnic decompression, which facilitated dissection of the recipient liver and allowed portal anastomosis to be performed without disconnecting the portal bypass. A heat exchanger was introduced into the bypass circuit to prevent heat loss. The percutaneous technique prevented complications related to dissection in the axilla and groin. Hemodynamic characteristics corresponded to those found using the traditional technique. Complications related to the VVBP were seen in only one patient in whom the femoral catheter was accidentally introduced into the femoral artery. We conclude that percutaneous cannulas, use of the IMV for splanchnic decompression and the introduction of a heat exchanger offer significant benefits and that they are safe and reliable.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Ancient myth, modern reality: a brief history of transplantation.

From trephination to modern surgical procedures, transplantation is an exciting technology that has evolved over centuries. This article reviews the historical incidences of organ and tissue transplantation among humans and reflects on accomplishments made in general surgery that assisted transplant technology. Following a brief historical overview, the article focuses on modern transplanting issues including: development of immunosuppressive therapy, organ availability, qualifications for donors and recipients, organ procurement, and new transplant technology.

Brain Death↗
PubMed1996

Alterations in lymphocyte subsets in blood may predict resectability in carcinoma of cardia or oesophagus.

Impaired immune responses in patients with carcinoma of cardia or oesophagus have previously been reported. However, we do not know whether resectability correlates with specific immunological variables. Immunological assessment was performed in 35 such cancer patients including measurement of total T cells (CD3+) and T cell subsets (CD4+ and CD8+), NK cells (CD16+) and B cells (CD19+) in blood. In vitro lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) separated from peripheral blood were quantitated. The numbers in peripheral blood of both total T cells (CD3+) and B lymphocytes (CD19+) were significantly lower in the inoperable patients compared to resected patients (P < 0.01). The number of NK cells (CD16+) was, however, not significantly lower in the inoperable patients compared to the patients operated for cure. Lymphocyte responses to PHA in vitro were similar in resectable and non-resectable patients, but significantly lower in inoperable patients compared to the controls (P < 0.01). In conclusion, resectability in carcinoma of cardia or oesophagus is associated with changes in both T (CD3+) and B (CD19+) cell subsets.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

[Liver transplantation in Norway. Results after 10 years and 114 transplantations].

A total of 114 liver transplantations were performed in 106 patients in Norway during 1984-1994. Survival after one year was 65% and after three years 57%. The most frequent causes of death were infections and rejections. The survival rate improved considerably during the period, and after 1990 the 1 year survival was 70%. Approximately 2/3 of the patients return to work or education. Very few patients die later than 12 months after the transplantation. The most frequent indications were primary biliary cirrhosis, metabolic liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune cirrhosis and fulminant liver failure. The number of liver transplantations (approximately 4 per million inhabitants) is lower in Norway than in the other Nordic countries. The number should be increased to 7-8 per million inhabitants.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Activation of the plasma contact system and hemodynamic changes after graft revascularization in liver transplantation.

In this study, the relation between activation of the plasma contact system and hemodynamic changes during orthotopic liver transplantation was evaluated. Nineteen consecutive courses of OLT in 17 adult patients were investigated. Veno-venous bypass was used in all patients. Blood samples were drawn through all phases of the procedure, and analyzed for the following parameters using functional techniques (chromogenic peptide substrate assays): plasma kallikrein (KK), prekallikrein, functional plasma kallikrein inhibition, C1 inhibitor, and alpha 2-macroglobulin. Plasma high molecular weight kininogen (HK) degradation was evaluated using the immunoblotting technique. An abrupt rise in KK activities occurred within 1 min after portal reperfusion of the liver graft (7-16 U/L, P < 0.05). Simultaneously, proteolytic breakdown of HK was seen. The elevated KK activities were maintained the next 1 1/2 hr. Ten min after graft reperfusion, a significant increase in cardiac output compared with the anhepatic phase (7.2-12.4 L/min, P < 0.05) was found. At the same time, systemic vascular resistance fell significantly (817-408 dynes x sec/cm-5, P < 0.05). The increase in plasma KK activities accompanied by simultaneous degradation of HK seen immediately after reperfusion of the liver graft may be due to contact activation as recipient blood contacts with the underlying basement membrane of injured sinusoidal endothelium in the transplanted liver. We suggest that hemodynamic changes associated with the postreperfusion syndrome seen after revascularization of the liver in OLT could at least be caused in part by bradykinin release due to contact activation.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Interferon-alpha 2b, with or without prior hepatic artery embolization: clinical response and survival in mid-gut carcinoid patients. The Norwegian carcinoid study.

BACKGROUND: Mid-gut carcinoid tumours often present with liver metastases, and survival has then been less than 2 years in earlier reports. We have evaluated the effects of interferon therapy on clinical response and survival, with or without hepatic artery embolization in these patients. METHODS: In a prospective study 30 female and 12 male patients, aged 23 to 75 years, with mid-gut carcinoid tumours and liver metastases underwent surgery with removal of as much as possible of their primary tumour. If technically feasible, embolization of hepatic arteries was performed in the absence of contraindications. Seventeen patients were embolized, and all patients received interferon-alpha 2b treatment for 1 year. Response factors were computer tomography (CT) measurement of the largest liver metastasis and the 24-h urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). After 12 months patients with objective response or stable disease either continued or withdrew from interferon therapy. Survival was estimated when all patients had been observed for at least 36 months. RESULTS: Nine patients reduced the dose, and five withdrew from interferon treatment owing to side-effects the 1st year. Three patients died. Fifteen patients (39%) showed objective response 12 months after inclusion. Cumulative 5-year survival estimated from inclusion was 37.5% in all 42 patients but 71.4% in those who continued interferon therapy. The difference in survival between the interferon-treated and those who withdrew from interferon therapy at 12 months was significant when embolization was corrected for in a Cox model (p < 0.0125). The seemingly increased survival in embolized versus non-embolized patients did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Interferon induced an objective response in mid-gut carcinoid patients as judged by the 24-h urinary 5-HIAA excretion. Patients receiving continuous interferon therapy showed improved response and survival compared with patients who stopped the treatment. Regardless of medical therapy, more survivors and more responders, as evaluated from CT measurements, were found among the embolized patients than among the non-embolized. Embolization could, however, not be shown to have a significant effect on survival.

Carcinoid Tumor↗
PubMed1994

[Treatment of paracetamol poisoning. An indication for liver transplantation?].

Development of metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.30) or the combination of encephalopathy grade III-IV, coagulopathy (PT > 100s) and oliguric renal failure are associated with a poor prognosis in paracetamol-induced fulminant liver failure. It is important to administer N-acetylcysteine as soon as possible after the overdose, but N-acetyl-cysteine also seems to improve survival when given 36-80h following ingestion. Liver transplantation has been performed in some patients with paracetamol-induced fulminant liver failure, but convincing evidence that transplantation improves survival in this group of patients is still lacking. We discuss the difficulties met in deciding if and when to perform liver transplantation. Renal failure may develop some days after paracetamol poisoning, even in the absence of severe liver damage, and haemofiltration and haemodialysis may be necessary.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1994

The importance of anal endosonography in the evaluation of idiopathic fecal incontinence.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of anal endosonography in idiopathic incontinence. METHODS: In 29 patients and 26 normal controls, the relationship between sonography images and physiologic parameters was studied. RESULTS: External anal sphincter function, measured as fiber density by single-fiber electromyography (P = 0.0001) and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (P = 0.04), was significantly impaired in patients with idiopathic incontinence compared with controls. Both the external and internal and sphincter could be identified by anal endosonography, and the thickness directly measured. The thickness of the external anal sphincter was significantly negatively correlated to muscle fiber density (r = -0.65, P = 0.002) and to pudendal nerve distal conduction velocity (r = -0.74, P = 0.008). The thickness of the internal anal sphincter was significantly correlated to resting pressure (r = -0.67, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The ratio between the thickness of the external and internal sphincter muscles measured on the sonography screen was significantly reduced in patients with neurogenic incontinence compared with controls (P < 0.01).

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Liver transplantation].

Liver transplantation is performed in all the Nordic countries except Iceland. A Nordic action group with members from every centre draws up guidelines for organ exchange, treatment and research projects. The indications have been established, and results are steadily improving. The demand for organs is a manifest problem, particularly in acute cases where a new liver is required within a few days. After a successful transplantation, quality of life is comparable with that in the general population.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

Duplex Doppler sonography and angiography in the evaluation for liver transplantation.

Duplex Doppler sonography (DDS) and angiography were performed in a prospective study comprising 22 adult patients with hepatic failure. The ability of the 2 methods to visualize the different splanchnic vessels was compared, as well as any abnormality in the liver parenchyma and vessels. The purpose of the study was to decide if DDS could replace angiography in the pretransplantation work-up in these patients. The portal vein was correctly identified as open in 20 patients using DDS and in 21 patients at angiography. Portal vein thrombosis in one patient was correctly diagnosed by both methods. The identification of other vascular structures in the upper part of the abdomen, e.g., liver arteries and splenic vein, was demonstrated in 14 and 16 patients respectively at DDS. Hepatoma in one patient was correctly identified by both methods, as well as the presence of ascites. Splenic artery aneurysms were found in 4 patients at angiography, and in none of these was DDS able to show this abnormality. We conclude that abdominal angiography still seems superior to DDS in the evaluation of patients with hepatic failure prior to orthotopic liver transplantation, especially to demonstrate possible splenic artery aneurysms and detailed mapping of the hepatic arteries.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Cyclosporine A monitoring in patients with renal, cardiac, and liver transplants: a comparison between fluorescence polarization immunoassay and two different RIA methods.

In the present study a new method for selectively determining parent cyclosporine (CsA) in whole blood, a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA; TDx Abbott), was compared with a RIA method (Sandimmun, Sandoz Ltd, Basle, Switzerland). A total of 974 samples were collected during the first 3 post-operative months from 63 renal, cardiac, and liver transplant recipients. The CsA concentrations measured with FPIA ranged from 14% to 19% above RIA (specific) in the middle ranges. Regression equations in renal transplants: FPIA = 1.001 x RIA + 28; in heart transplants: FPIA = 1.08 x RIA + 27 and in liver transplants: FPIA = 1.13 x RIA + 13. Considering the improved precision of the new method (inter-assay CV with FPIA: 3.8-9.5%; with RIA: 18.6%), the slightly lower specificity will usually be of minor importance in the therapeutic range for whole blood CsA concentrations following organ transplantations. The FPIA measurements which deviated most from the regression line compared with RIA-specific CsA values, tended to coincide with high CsA concentrations or rather extreme RIA specific to RIA non-specific ratios. In addition to analytical imprecision with the RIA-specific method, lower specificity of the FPIA vs. some of the metabolites may explain these deviations. The majority of these observations occurred as isolated episodes with normal relationship between RIA specific and FPIA on preceding and following days. Accordingly large dosage adjustments should await verification in repeated samples. Following these precautions the FPIA method may prove useful and safe in the monitoring of cyclosporine treatment.

Cyclosporine↗