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Biomedical subjects

A Emmermann

Publications and source records attributed to A Emmermann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Nissen vs Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Nissen fundoplication (360 degrees ) is the standard operation for the surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To avoid postoperative dysphagia, it has been proposed that antireflux surgery be tailored according to the degree of preexisting esophageal motility. Postoperative dysphagia is thought to occur more commonly in patients with esophageal dysmotility and the Toupet procedure (270 degrees ) has been recommended for these patients. We performed a randomized trial to evaluate this tailored concept and to compare the two operative techniques in terms of reflux control and complication rate (dysphagia). Our objective was to determine the impact of preoperative esophageal motility on the clinical and objective outcome, following Toupet vs Nissen fundoplication and to evaluate the success rate of these procedures. METHODS: From May 1999 until May 2000, 200 patients with GERD were included in a prospective randomized study. After preoperative examinations (clinical interview, endoscopy, 24-h pH study and esophageal manometry), 100 patients underwent either a laparoscopic Nissen (50 with and 50 without motility disorders), or a Toupet procedure (50 with and 50 without motility disorders). Postoperative follow-up after 4 months included clinical interview, endoscopy, 24-h pH study and esophageal manometry. RESULTS: Interviews showed that 88% (Nissen) and 90% (Toupet) of the patients, respectively, were satisfied with the operative result. Dysphagia was more frequent following a Nissen fundoplication than after a Toupet (30 vs 11, p <0.001) and did not correlate with preoperative motility. In terms of reflux control, the Toupet proved to be as effective as the Nissen procedure. CONCLUSION: Tailoring antireflux surgery to esophageal motility is not indicated, since motility disorders are not correlated with postoperative dysphagia. The Toupet procedure is the better operation because it has a lower rate of dysphagia and is as effective as the Nissen fundoplication in controlling reflux.

Adult↗

Esophageal motility in reflux disease before and after fundoplication: a prospective, randomized, clinical, and manometric study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine whether esophageal dysmotility affects symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or clinical outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication and whether esophagus motor function changes postoperatively. METHODS: Two hundred patients with a history of long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease were investigated by clinical assessment, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring between May 1999 and May 2000. Patients were stratified according to presence or absence of esophageal dysmotility (each n = 100) and randomized to either 360 degrees (Nissen) or 270 degrees (Toupet) fundoplication. At a 4-month postoperative follow-up, preoperative tests were repeated. RESULTS: Preoperative esophageal dysmotility was associated with more severe reflux symptoms, more frequent resistance to medical treatment (64% vs. 49%; P < 0.05), and greater decrease in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (9.5 +/- 5.3 vs. 12.4 +/- 6.7 mm Hg; P < 0.0005) compared with normal motility. Postoperatively, clinical outcome and reflux recurrence (21% vs. 14%) were similar. Esophageal motility remained unchanged in 85% of patients and changed from pathologic to normal in 20 (10 Nissen/10 Toupet) and vice versa in 9 (8 Nissen/1 Toupet) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal dysmotility (1) reflects more severe disease; (2) does not affect postoperative clinical outcome; (3) is not corrected by fundoplication, independent of the surgical procedure performed; (4) may occur as a result of fundoplication; and (5) requires no tailoring of surgical management.

Adult↗

[Laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenia].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Splenectomy is of great benefit for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP), when medical therapy has failed. It was the aim of this retrospective study to evaluate the results of laparoscopic splenectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with ITP, who had a laparoscopic splenectomy between 1992 and 1999, were included in this study. RESULTS: 53 patients with an average age of 41.8 years had a laparoscopic splenectomy: 48 of these operations were finished laparoscopically, while conversion to the open technique was necessary in five patients. The mean operation time was 95 minutes. In the last 38 cases it was 76 minutes. There were no deaths and no reoperations were necessary. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3.9 days. After a mean follow-up of 24 (1-75) months thrombocytopenia recurred in eight patients, of whom five received medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Splenectomy can be easily performed laparoscopically in patients with ITP and has a low morbidity. The results of therapy of ITP are good. Because of the quick convalescence the patients' comfort is better than with the conventional operation.

Adolescent↗

[Parathyroid gland carcinoma with postoperative encephalopathy].

We present a 78-year-old patient who suffered from symptomatic transitory psychotic syndrome after laparotomy. Persisting somnolence appeared with cardiopulmonary decompensation and gastrointestinal atony. Due to prolonged hypercalcemia primary hyperparathyreoidism was diagnosed. Resection of a large carcinoma of the parathyroids led to continuous clinical improvement.

Adenoma↗

Gastric tonometry accurately predicts mortality in experimental peritonitis in both laparoscopic and conventional surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Tonometry is widely used in the diagnosis of sepsis and splanchnic ischemia. This study was devised to analyze the predictive value of gastric tonometry for outcome of experimental viscus perforation-induced peritonitis. The impact of conventional and laparoscopic intervention on tonometric measurements was the main scope. METHODS: This randomized controlled intervention trial was performed in a University experimental laboratory, using 24 female Duroc pigs. Pigs were subjected to gastric perforation followed by a 12 h interval of peritonitis, and then to either laparoscopic or conventional surgical repair of the defect with peritoneal lavage. Gastric tonometry and cardiocirculatory monitoring were performed. RESULTS: Septic shock associated with peritonitis and subsequent lethal outcome was accurately predicted with gastric tonometry. Changes of gastric mucosal pH correlated significantly with decreases of MAP (r2=0.880; P<0.001) and SVR (r2=0.678; P<0.001), increase of QT (r2=0.486; P=0.013), and mortality (r=0.752; P<0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in laparoscopically treated animals compared to those subjected to the open procedure (78% vs 22%; P<0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric tonometry accurately predicted mortality in experimental peritonitis. The decline of gastric mucosal pH in the laparoscopic group was more than double that of to conventionally treated animals. This finding not only reflected the increase of systemic CO2 due to higher absorption during CO2-pneumoperitoneum, but probably also indicated a more severe form of splanchnic ischemia during laparoscopic surgery. Even though tonometry can be used to accurately predict mortality and separate the high risk group, extreme caution should be applied under conditions associated with severe peritonitis.

Animals↗

A pneumoperitoneum perpetuates severe damage to the ultrastructural integrity of parietal peritoneum in gastric perforation-induced peritonitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Minimal invasive surgery is increasingly used in conditions complicated by peritonitis-e.g., peptic ulcer perforation. This study was devised to assess the effect of a pneumoperitoneum (PP) on the ultrastructural integrity of parietal peritoneum in perforation-induced peritonitis. METHODS: Anesthetized rats were subjected either to standardized gastrotomy simulating gastric perforation (groups Ia-d; IIa-d) or to sham perforation (groups IIIa-d, IVa-d). In group I (a-d) and III (a-d), CO2 was insufflated 12 h after gastrotomy for 60 min (Pia 4 mmHg). Glutaraldehyde was administered intraperitoneally at the end of the PP period while the abdominal wall was still extended (group index a), as well as 30 sec (b), 2 h (c), and 12 h (d) after desufflation. Specimens were taken from the parietal peritoneum of the left diaphragm for scanning electronic-microscopic (SEM) analysis. In groups II (a-d) and IV (a-d), simple puncture of the abdominal cavity was performed, and specimens were taken at corresponding times. RESULTS: In group Ia (gastric perforation with PP), distortion of the mesothelial cell layer with concomittant opening of stomata to the submesothelial tissue was already observed in specimens harvested while the abdominal wall was still extended. Concomitantly, scarce microvilli, which appeared coarse and thickened, were lying flat on top of the mesothelial cells. After desufflation (groups Ib-c), a rapid process of mesothelial disintegration with disruption from the submesothelial layer and vanishing of microvilli occurred. At 12 h after PP (group Id), complete deterioration of mesothelial cell integrity was observed. In groups IIa-c (gastric perforation without PP), microvilli appeared shrunk and coarse, while integrity of the mesothelial cell layer remained intact up to 2 h after the abdominal puncture. At 12 h after abdominal puncture (group IId), the microvilli had nearly completely vanished and the mesothelium was breaking apart into multiple soils. CONCLUSIONS: In SEM analysis of parietal peritoneum, premature distortion, and disintegration of the mesothelial cell layer was observed in animals exposed to increased abdominal pressure in addition to gastric perforation-induced peritonitis.

Animals↗

[Laparoscopic 2/3 resection of the stomach with intracorporal Roux-en-Y anastomosis].

In a patient with recurrent ulcer disease under medication, which was complicated by episodes of bleeding, a laparoscopic partial gastric resection with intracorporal Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed. The operation was completed within 3 h with blood loss < 10 ml. The postoperative hospital stay of 6 days was uncomplicated as was the further follow-up (2 months so far). This operation and the study of results published in the literature showed us that a gastric resection can certainly be performed laparoscopically in the appropriate patient.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗

Laparoscopic vs open repair of gastric perforation and abdominal lavage of associated peritonitis in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is increasingly used in conditions complicated by peritonitis, e.g., peptic ulcer perforation. Of some theoretical concern is the capnoperitoneum, which may aggravate peritonitis and induce septic shock due to increased intraabdominal pressure and distension of the peritoneum. This animal study was devised to analyze the effectiveness of laparoscopic versus traditional open repair of gastric perforation and abdominal lavage for associated peritonitis. METHODS: To simulate gastric perforation, female Duroc pigs were subjects to standardized gastrotomy. Either 6 or 12 h after gastric perforation, the animals underwent either traditional open or laparoscopic repair of the gastric defect and peritoneal lavage. The subjects were divided into the following four groups: peritonitis for 6 h and open surgery (group I) or laparoscopic surgery (group II); peritonitis for 12 h and open surgery (group III) or laparoscopic surgery (group IV). After an observation period of 6 days, the surviving animals were killed. The main outcome criteria were survival, perioperative changes of hemodynamics suggestive for septic shock, bacteremia, and endotoxemia. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between group I and II. Mortality was 22% in group III, as compared to 78% in group IV (p = 0.045). In group IV, the incidence of perioperative bacteremia and plasma endotoxin concentrations were significantly higher than in group III. Concomitantly, decreased mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance, and increased cardiac output suggested a higher incidence of septic shock in group IV. CONCLUSION: Critical appraisal of laparoscopic surgery is warranted in conditions associated with severe, longstanding peritonitis.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic treatment of nonparasitic cysts of the liver with omental transposition flap.

BACKGROUND: Between 1991 and November 1994, 18 patients with large, solitary, nonparasitic liver cysts underwent laparoscopic deroofing; the last 13 of them also received an omental transposition flap in addition. METHODS: Using three to four trocars, the cystic contents were first aspirated, and the cyst derooted widely using diathermia. An omental transposition flap was fashioned and stapled into the cyst cavity itself. RESULTS: Postoperative complications included one case of pulmonary atelectasis. Another patient developed a subhepatic bile collection which was aspirated percutaneously. On average, patients were discharged on the 4th (2-14) postoperative day. Follow-up was performed with abdominal ultrasound for 2-43 months (mean 19 months). There were two early cyst recurrences, both in cases without an omental transposition flap (overall recurrence rate, 11%; in patients with omental flap, 0). CONCLUSIONS: Deroofing in combination with an omental transposition flap is a safe and effective therapy for symptomatic solitary liver cysts and can be performed using minimal-access surgical techniques.

Adult↗

[Therapy splitting: are intra-operative cholangiography and surgical bile duct revision still indicated?].

The role of therapeutic splitting in cases of cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis has to be reviewed since laparoscopic bile duct exploration might be an alternative. To assess the need of the new approach we evaluated our results of the therapeutic splitting. Between 1988-1992 a cholecystectomy was performed in 577 cases either as an open (n = 274) or laparoscopic (n = 277) procedure. Pre- or postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERC/P) was performed if the clinical presentation, laboratory findings or ultrasound showed signs of choledocholithiasis. In the laparoscopic cases no intraoperative cholangiography was carried out. The patient follow-up was evaluated by a questionnaire. 128 patients were suggested to have a common bile duct (CBD) stone and had a preoperative ERC/P. In 68 cases stones were extracted. After cholecystectomy 19 ERC/P's were performed. In 4 patients residual stones after preoperative ERC/P were detected. So far occult stones were found in 5 cases. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed additionally in the patients with open cholecystectomy n = 207¿, of whom two demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic clearance of the common bile duct was achieved in all patients. Minor complications occurred after ERC/P in 1.5%. Within a median follow-up time of 48 months patients with endoscopic papillotomy did not develop further CBD stones or a cholangitis. The therapeutical splitting facilitates in all patients with cholecysto- or choledocholithiasis a successful clearance of the CBD. Intraoperative cholangiography is not necessary according to our experience. With an experienced endoscopic team the therapeutic splitting should be the preferred treatment modality compared to the laparoscopic bile duct exploration, which will probably lead to a high complication rate if performed outside specialized centers.

Adolescent↗

[Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy in achalasia].

Surgical therapy of choice for achalasia is cardiomyotomy. Alternative procedure is the endoscopic pneumatic dilatation. Compared with the conventional operation, the laparoscopic approach promised to have advantages concerning postoperative convalescence. Between May 94 and October 95 four patients with achalasia underwent a laparoscopic cardiomyotomy. In all patients endoscopic therapy was tried. With the minimal invasive approach a myotomy of the esophagus was only shortly extended on the stomach. All patients had an endoscopic control of extension of the myotomy and intact mucosa during the operation. An antireflux procedure was not performed. Operation time came to 60 to 130 minutes. All patients immediately could swallow without problems and were discharged between day 2 and 8 postoperatively. During the follow-up (up to 18 months) all patients were free of dysphagia and regurgitation. The dynamic x-ray of the esophagus showed a free passage into the stomach. Only one patient claimed mild symptoms of reflux. Cardiomyotomy can very well be performed laparoscopically, leads to good functional results and shows the expected advantages for patients concerning postoperative convalescence. The need for an antireflux procedure is discussed controversially in the literature. It might be unnecessary if the myotomy is only shortly extended to the stomach.

Adolescent↗

Effect of a pneumoperitoneum on the extent and severity of peritonitis induced by gastric ulcer perforation in the rat.

Laparoscopic surgical repair of perforated gastroduodenal ulcer is technically feasible. To study the effect of a pneumoperitoneum on the extent and severity of peritonitis this animal study was devised. In rats gastric ulceration was induced by instillation of ethanol (50%, 2 ml) and followed by gastrotomy to simulate perforation. Animals were randomly allocated to pneumoperitoneum (PP) and control groups. In PP groups CO2 was insufflated intraperitoneally 6, 9, 12, and 24 h after gastrotomy. In controls the abdomen was only punctured. Animals were sacrificed 5 h after the end of PP or abdominal puncture. Blood cultures and intraabdominal swabs were assessed. A peritonitis severity score (PSS) based on histologies from peritoneum, liver, left kidney, spleen, and first jejunal loop was estimated. Six and 9 h after gastrotomy no significant differences between the PP and control groups were observed; 12 h after gastrotomy cultures of blood samples and abdominal swabs were positive in 67% and 75% in the PP group compared to 42% (P < 0.05), and 42% (P < 0.05) in controls. The mean PSS was 20.8 (standard deviation [SD] 2.2) in the PP group compared to 11.3 (1.5) (P < 0.01) in controls; 24 h after gastrotomy cultures of blood samples and abdominal swabs were positive in 83% and 100% in the PP group compared to 42% (P < 0.05) and 50% (P < 0.01) in controls. The mean PSS was 22.1 (1.5) in the PP group compared to 11.8 (2.4) (P < 0.01) in the controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

[Incomplete ileus of carcinoid tumor of the small intestine--limits of laparoscopic surgical technique].

A patient with small bowel obstruction is presented. Separating adhesions at the terminal ileum laparoscopically a carcinoid tumour at Bauhin's valve was overlooked. Two weeks later the patient was resubmitted because of obstructive problems and the tumour was diagnosed at a conventional laparotomy. Basing on this case problems of laparoscopic treatment of bowel obstruction are discussed in general, and in special the decreased tactile abilities of the surgeon are mentioned.

Carcinoid Tumor↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy. Technique and results in a series of 27 cases.

Between early 1992 and December 1994, laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 27 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP), hairy-cell leucemia, HIV, or Hodgkin's disease. In all cases medical treatment, especially cortisone therapy, failed. In Hodgkin's disease the splenectomy was combined with liver biopsies and dissection of parailiacal, paraaortic, and mesenteric lymph nodes for abdominal staging. The operation was performed using four trocars; the splenic vessels were divided by a linear stapler. In general the spleen was removed in a bag through a slightly enlarged trocar incision or after morcellation. Three patients needed a small laparotomy for the removal (laparoscopic assisted). In a recent case of Hodgkin's disease the intact spleen was removed via posterior colpotomy. In 22 of 27 cases (81%) the operation was finished laparoscopically. Five times a conversion to conventional laparotomy was necessary because of bleeding of enlarged lymph nodes at the hilum. Wound infections occurred in two cases. In one patient with ITP the platelet count did not improve and continuous blood loss led to relaparotomy at the 1st postoperative day. No surgical bleeding was found. All patients tolerated a fluid diet at the 1st postoperative day and hospitalization time was 4.4 days (range 3-14). Regarding the low complication rate and the advantages of a smaller abdominal trauma in the postoperative period, the laparoscopic approach for elective splenectomy and laparoscopic abdominal staging has a substantial benefit for the patients.

Adolescent↗

[Colpotomy for specimen removal in laparoscopic surgery].

The removal of the specimen is one of the major problems in laparoscopic colon surgery. In two female patients we have found a solution in the colpotomy. It is easy to perform and hardly recognized by the patient. Other large specimen as a kidney or spleen can also be removed this way. An elongation of an incision in the abdominal wall can be avoided. The pneumoperitoneum is preserved by a special clamp for the extraction via colpotomy. The removal of a specimen via colpotomy is a conclusive step towards, minimal invasive surgery'.

Adult↗