Biomedical subjects

A P Meagher

Publications and source records attributed to A P Meagher.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1993

Jejunal diverticulosis.

Jejunal diverticulosis is considered to be a generally asymptomatic condition in which the diverticula are pulsion mucosal herniations with walls lacking a muscle layer. These opinions in particular are examined in this review of 20 cases of jejunal diverticulosis treated during an 8 year period. The predominant complication in each case was inflammation or perforation (nine), diarrhoea or malabsorption (five), haemorrhage (three), chronic abdominal pain (two) and pseudo-obstruction (one). At least 10 patients had more than one complication, although this was often unrecognized. Ten patients complained of chronic abdominal pain, in eight of whom the cause was not diagnosed until other complications supervened. Unrecognized malabsorption may be common, as the mean serum albumin in 12 patients presenting acutely with inflammation, perforation or haemorrhage, was low (mean 32 g/L, normal 39-48 g/L). Histology sections were reviewed in the 12 cases that underwent resection, of whom 11 were suitable for classification. Four cases had narrow-mouthed pulsion diverticula with a thin or absent muscle coat, and had developed at the point of blood vessel penetration. Four cases had wide-mouthed diverticula in which the muscle layer was present, suggesting an abnormality of the intestinal wall. Two had features of both. In one case a Meckel's type diverticulum was located 10 cm from the duodenal-jejunal flexure. Seven had mucosal villous atrophy consistent with bacterial overgrowth. In conclusion, jejunal diverticulosis may be associated with complications more frequently than has been recognized and pathologically is a diverse condition.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Colonoscopy in patients with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Since 1982 it has been the second author's policy to advise all patients who have presented with a positive family history of bowel cancer and who are over the age of 30 years to undergo colonoscopy. In the period to August 1990, 600 such patients had at least one colonoscopy. Colorectal polyps or cancer were detected in 270 patients (45 percent). The incidence was essentially the same for the 171 patients with only second-degree relatives affected (43 percent), for the 194 patients with more than one affected relative (45 percent), and for the 429 patients with an affected first-degree relative (46 percent). Only the 55 patients with more than one affected first-degree relative had a higher incidence (67 percent). The incidence in the 136 totally asymptomatic patients was 36 percent but was 48 percent in the 464 with symptoms. In 37 patients carcinoma was diagnosed. Even in the 30- to 39-year age group there was a 29 percent incidence of polyps or carcinoma. Colonoscopic screening of patients with a family history of bowel cancer compares favorably with mass screening for breast cancer. It is currently advised that all patients over 30 years of age with a family history of colorectal cancer undergo colonoscopy on presentation and, if clear, every four years thereafter unless two first-degree relatives are affected, when it should be every two years.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Venous drainage of free flaps following radical neck dissection.

Large tissue defects may occur following head and neck surgery. When combined with ipsilateral radical neck dissection the venous drainage of a free flap used to cover the defect may be compromised. Twelve patients having radical neck dissections underwent on-table venography to study the pattern of venous drainage of these flaps. The predominant drainage pattern is initially in a cephalic direction, then across the midline and finally in a caudal direction on the contralateral side of the neck. Venous drainage to the contralateral side of the neck may be a determinant of flap survival. In order to facilitate venous drainage following free flap procedures, patients should be positioned so that the contralateral internal jugular vein is not compressed. Drains should be placed caudal to the microvascular anastomoses in order to minimize interference with the cephalic direction of venous drainage. Any patient having a radical neck dissection requiring a central venous catheter should have it placed ipsilateral to the neck dissection. Thrombosis around a contralaterally placed cannula may significantly increase head and neck venous pressure.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗

PubMed1991

Endoscopic management of gallstone pancreatitis.

The use of minimally invasive techniques of removing gallstones, and the gall-bladder, is an attractive option for patients who may be severely ill with pancreatitis. We describe here a patient with gallstone pancreatitis who was managed completely by endoscopic techniques consisting of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Physics and function of operating room suction.

A study was done to evaluate the performance of suction apparatus in the operating room. The investigation was prompted by perceived poor suction performance in a suite of new operating rooms built in accordance with Standards Australia (SA) specifications. SA performance tests were conducted on each of four suction outlets in nine operating rooms. All 36 outlets complied with SA standards for flow-rate (minimum 40 L/min) and occluded negative pressure (ONP; minimum -60 kPa). However, 24 collection units failed to comply with standards (ONP) of -40 kPa achieved in less than 4 s when a 4 L disposable suction apparatus was connected (mean time to ONP: 6.1 s, 95% confidence interval: 4.9, 7.3). When smaller capacity suction jars were substituted, more units met SA standards. The standards therefore need revision to include specification of the capacity of the collecting apparatus. Other factors that were found to degrade suction performance significantly were air leakage and defective shut-off valves. The physical principles involved in operating room suction are described. Surgeons and anaesthetists should understand these principles, and it is recommended that a simple pre-operative check of the suction apparatus should be carried out, as follows: (1) Turn the wall control knob fully on, and disconnect the suction apparatus. The gauge should register zero. (2) Connect the suction jars. If the indicated gauge pressure is in excess of -15 kPa, investigate the equipment for excessive resistance, particularly in the shut-off valve, which should be replaced with a new unit if necessary.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Australia↗

PubMed1988

Primary adrenal tumours--a ten-year experience.

The experience of 31 patients with primary adrenal tumours seen in one teaching hospital over a 10-year period is reviewed. There were 10 patients who had benign cortical adenomas; 11 had adrenal cortical carcinomas, and 10 had phaeochromocytomas, one of which was malignant. During the review period, a primary adrenal mass was discovered in 5% of 2951 autopsies performed in the study institution. The diagnosis and management of these uncommon tumours is reviewed.

Adenoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Twelve-year experience with the long intestinal tube.

A number of surgical methods, including use of the long intestinal tube, have been designed to decrease the incidence of recurrent small bowel obstruction. The aim of the present study was to review the indications, morbidity, and long-term results of the long intestinal tube at the Mayo Clinic. During the 12-year period 1981-1992, 47 patients had such tubes placed. The patients formed a complex surgical group: 46 patients had previously undergone at least one laparotomy (median 4, range 1-10); 41 patients had been hospitalized at least once for small bowel obstruction (median 3, range 1-15); and all 41 of these patients had undergone at least one previous laparotomy for obstruction (median 2, range 1-7). Eleven patients had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, and eight had a history of irradiation. In addition to dense adhesions in 46 patients, operative findings included large bowel tumors in six patients, intraperitoneal carcinomatosis in four, intraabdominal abscess in four, and small bowel stricture in three. Twenty patients required either a small bowel or large bowel resection, and three had a stoma fashioned. Only one case of morbidity (tube retraction) was related to tube placement. Among the 36 patients with complete follow-up, nine patients developed episodes of recurrent adhesional small bowel obstruction after a mean follow-up of 48 months, although only one required laparotomy. Of the remaining 11 patients it is known that two developed small bowel obstruction, one of whom required laparotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Gastric antral patch esophagoplasty for extensive corrosive stricture of the esophagus.

A case is reported of a patient with a 9-cm stricture of the esophagus caused by ingestion of sodium hydroxide, who was treated by gastric antral patch esophagoplasty. In this procedure, a full-thickness pedicled patch of gastric antrum, based on the left gastroepiploic artery, was used to enlarge the esophageal lumen, thus allowing preservation of esophageal continuity and utilization of a functioning lower esophageal sphincter. The patient ate normally after the operation, and radiological, manometric, and esophageal pH monitoring studies indicated satisfactory esophageal function. Gastric antral patch esophagoplasty avoids the complications associated with esophageal bypass or resection. Previous long-term results of this procedure in patients with reflux-induced esophageal stricture have been good, and the technique merits consideration in the treatment of severe corrosive strictures.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is closure of the peritoneal layer necessary in the repair of midline surgical abdominal wounds?

This study describes a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether suture of the peritoneal layer is necessary as a separate step in the closure of midline abdominal surgical wounds. Consecutive patients undergoing abdominal operation--elective and emergency surgery--through a midline abdominal wound were randomized to have the peritoneal layer closed with continuous catgut, or to have this step omitted. The linea alba was closed with interrupted stainless steel sutures, and the skin approximated with staples. Patients were evaluated for wound sepsis, wound dehiscence, and subsequent incisional hernia development. Postoperative pain was assessed by a self-administered visual analogue score, and by measuring narcotic requirements. There was no significant difference in narcotic requirements, pain scores, or wound complications between the 2 groups. Single-layer closure of the abdominal wall is quicker, less costly, and theoretically safer than layered closure, and it is recommended that separate suture of the peritoneum be abandoned.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Acute aortic occlusion presenting with lower limb paralysis.

In a two year period eight patients have presented with acute aortic occlusion and a poor outcome in seven. Initial failure to diagnose aortic occlusion, with a mean delay from presentation to diagnosis of 24 hours, was mainly responsible. All patients had varying degrees of paralysis on presentation which misled clinicians although other findings of acute ischaemia (pain, absent pulses, colour change and anaesthesia) were always present. Two patients were initially referred to a neurologist, another to a neurosurgeon, and the fourth to an orthopaedic surgeon. Even after diagnosis had been established, the need for urgent revascularization was not always recognized, the mean time from diagnosis to revascularization being 13 hours. Unnecessary aortography contributed to this delay in four patients. In two patients operative treatment was not undertaken while six were treated operatively by: aortic bifurcation graft (3), aortic thromboendarterectomy and femoropopliteal bypass (1), open aortic embolectomy (1) and bilateral femoral embolectomy (1). The causes of aortic occlusion were thrombosis of an atherosclerotic aorta (5), thrombosis of an aneurysm (2) and embolism (1). In the latter patient, the heparin induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (HITS) was primarily responsible. The outcomes in the eight patients were death (5), paraplegia (1), amputation (1), and uncomplicated recovery (1). The single patient who made an uncomplicated recovery had the shortest delay from presentation to revascularization of only 2 1/4 hours. Acute aortic occlusion rivals aortic rupture as a vascular emergency and demands immediate operative intervention.

Acute Disease↗