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A Sauvanet

Publications and source records attributed to A Sauvanet.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Esophageal-pulmonary fistula in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus].

Acquired eso-respiratory fistulae are usually consecutive to an eso-tracheal or an eso-bronchial fistula. Esophago-pulmonary fistulae have been rarely described. We report a case of esophago-pulmonary fistula in a patient with esophageal carcinoma. Our patient presented progressive necrotizing pneumonia. CT scan of the thorax demonstrated necrosis of the esophagal wall and communication between the esophagus and the lung parenchyma. Furthermore, the biochemical analysis of the lung abcess fluid revealed a high level of amylase. Outcome was poor despite drainage of the lung abcess and insertion of an esophageal stent. Based on this case, we reviewed the cases of esophago-pulmonary fistulae described in the literature.

Amylases↗

Auxiliary liver transplantation: how to improve regeneration of the native liver by surgery.

The technical factors which could influence regeneration of the native liver (NL) in auxiliary liver transplantation (ALT) for fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) are not well known. We studied NL regeneration according to the location of graft anastomosis in the recipient's portal system (superior mesenteric vein versus portal vein), and graft weight (50% reduced-size versus full-size graft) in a rat model of ALT with 80% reduction of the NL, and graft arterialization. NL regeneration was significantly more obvious when the graft was anastomosed on the recipient's superior mesenteric vein, thus establishing venous flow to the NL from the pancreas, the spleen, and the stomach, and when a full-size graft was used. The influence of portal venous flow on NL regeneration, assessed by 3H[-thymidine incorporation, was measurable as early as day 2. Both technical variables in combination resulted in significantly greater regeneration (ratio weight of NL/body weight at day 30: 2.32 +/- 0.68% versus 1.21 +/- 0.63% respectively, P = 0.02). Early preservation of portal flow to the NL is advisable to maximize NL regeneration in ALT. In any case, this regeneration is not impeded by the use of large auxiliary grafts.

Animals↗

Resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a Western experience.

We analyzed the results of an aggressive surgical approach to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Between 1990 and 1997, 30 of 42 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma underwent resection with curative intent. Mean tumor size was 10 +/- 5 cm, and the tumors were classified as TNM type III, IVa, and IVb in 63%, 34%, and 3% of the patients, respectively. All patients underwent hepaticoduodenal lymphadenectomy. Fifteen patients received adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy. The overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 86%, 63%, and 22%, respectively, and the median survival time was 28 months. Tumor recurrence was the main cause of death. Three patients survived for more than 5 years, including 2 patients with no evidence of recurrence. Factors influencing survival were: presence of satellite nodules (P = 0.007) and lymph node invasion (P = 0.05). The width of the resection margin and the use of an adjuvant therapy had no impact on survival. Complete surgical resection may offer a chance for long-term survival in selected patients and may improve the quality of life of patients with more advanced disease.

Adult↗

[Gastric stromal tumors. Results of a multicenter study. French Associations of Surgery Research].

AIM OF THE STUDY: Gastric stromal tumours are not perfectly known. The aim of this retrospective multicenter study (29 centers) was to improve knowledge of these tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1986 to 1994, 159 patients were operated on for leiomyomas (50), leiomyosarcomas (24), malignant/benign schwann cell tumours (10/29), automatic nerve tumours (4), leiomyoblastomas (28), spindle cell tumours (14). The mean duration of follow-up was 5 years. Presenting symptoms, diagnostic procedures, operative and pathological findings, evolution (recurrence, death) were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal bleeding and epigastric pain were the most common presenting symptoms (54% and 50% of patients, respectively). Endosonography was the most sensitive examination (97%). Malignant tumours size was greater than benign tumours size (12.6 cm versus 5.2 cm). Extension to contiguous organs or metastases were frequent (33% and 26% of patients, respectively). In 16 patients, pathological examination could not differentiate between malignant and benign tumour. Seven patients who had been operated on for a benign tumour (6%) developed a local (n = 4) or a metastatic (n = 3) recurrence. The 5-year survival rate was 40% for leiomyosarcomas, 28% for schwannosarcomas and 90% for malignant leiomyoblastomas. CONCLUSION: The main feature of stromal gastric tumours is the frequent difficulty to differentiate between malignant and benign tumours. The prognosis of malignant tumours depends on pathological types. The prognosis of benign tumours is uncertain since recurrences may develop.

Adult↗

Is surgery for large hepatocellular carcinoma justified?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Most hepatocellular carcinomas are still discovered at an advanced stage and are left untreated as large hepatocellular carcinomas are contraindications to liver transplantation and percutaneous ethanol injection and are usually considered as poor indications for liver resection. The aim of this study was to reassess the results of surgery in these patients. METHODS: Between 1984 and 1996, 256 patients underwent resection of biopsy-proven, non-fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. Of these, 121 had a tumour diameter of less than 5 cm (small hepatocellular carcinomas) and 94 a tumour diameter of more than 8 cm (large hepatocellular carcinomas). The short- and long-term outcome of patients with small and large hepatocellular carcinomas were compared. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate following resection of small and large hepatocellular carcinomas was comparable (11.5 vs. 10.6%), even after stratifying for the presence and severity of an underlying liver disease. In patients with a chronic liver disease, large hepatocellular carcinomas were associated with a greater risk of death and recurrence during the first 2 operative years. In the long term, however (3-5 years), survival and disease-free survival following resection of small and large hepatocellular carcinomas were comparable (34 vs. 31% and 25 vs. 21% at 5 years). Similarly, treatment of and survival after the onset of recurrence were not influenced by the size of the initial tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with large hepatocellular carcinomas should not be abandoned and should be considered for liver resection as this treatment may be associated with an in-hospital mortality rate and a long-term survival comparable to that observed after resection of small hepatocellular carcinomas.

Adult↗

Is there a role of preservation of the spleen in distal pancreatectomy?

BACKGROUND: The spleen may be preserved during distal pancreatectomy (DP) for benign disease. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the postoperative course of DP with or without splenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: From June 1992 to June 1997, 40 adult patients without chronic pancreatitis underwent elective DP for benign lesions. Fifteen underwent spleen-preserving DP (Conservative Group) and 25 DP with splenectomy (Splenectomy Group). In spleen-preserving DP, we attempted to preserve the splenic artery and vein. RESULTS: Spleen-preserving DP was successfully performed in all 15 cases. Patient groups were comparable for clinical features, indication for DP, and surgical procedure. There were no postoperative deaths. The overall incidence of pancreatic fistula was 23%, but was significantly higher in the Conservative Group (40%) than in the Splenectomy Group (12%; p < 0.05). Subphrenic abscesses were more frequently observed in the Conservative Group than in the Splenectomy Group (p < 0.05). The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 19 days (range 6 to 46 days) in the Conservative Group and 12.5 days (range 7 to 45 days) in the Splenectomy Group (p < 0.05). At the end of mean followup of 30 months (range 8 to 40 months), no severe postsplenectomy sepsis was observed in the Splenectomy Group. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, DP with splenectomy has a lower morbidity rate and we consider it to be the best procedure for benign pancreatic disease.

Adult↗

Risk of major liver resection in patients with underlying chronic liver disease: a reappraisal.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relation of patient age, status of liver parenchyma, presence of markers of active hepatitis, and blood loss to subsequent death and complications in patients undergoing a similar major hepatectomy for the same disease using a standardized technique. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Major liver resection carries a high risk of postoperative liver failure in patients with chronic liver disease. However, this underlying liver disease may comprise a wide range of pathologic changes that have, in the past, not been well defined. METHODS: The nontumorous liver of 55 patients undergoing a right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma was classified according to a semiquantitative grading of fibrosis. The authors analyzed the influence of this pathologic feature and of other preoperative variables on the risk of postoperative death and complications. RESULTS: Serum bilirubin and prothrombin time increased on postoperative day 1, and their speed of recovery was influenced by the severity of fibrosis. Incidence of death from liver failure was 32% in patients with grade 4 fibrosis (cirrhosis) and 0% in patients with grade 0 to 3 fibrosis. The preoperative serum aspartate transaminase (ASAT) level ranged from 68 to 207 IU/l in patients with cirrhosis who died, compared with 20 to 62 in patients with cirrhosis who survived. CONCLUSION: A major liver resection such as a right hepatectomy may be safely performed in patients with underlying liver disease, provided no additional risk factors are present. Patients with a preoperative increase in ASAT should undergo a liver biopsy to rule out the presence of grade 4 fibrosis, which should contraindicate this resection.

Aged↗

Continuous versus intermittent portal triad clamping for liver resection: a controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The authors compared the intra- and postoperative course of patients undergoing liver resections under continuous pedicular clamping (CPC) or intermittent pedicular clamping (IPC). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Reduced blood loss during liver resection is achieved by pedicular clamping. There is controversy about the benefits of IPC over CPC in humans in terms of hepatocellular injury and blood loss control in normal and abnormal liver parenchyma. METHODS: Eighty-six patients undergoing liver resections were included in a prospective randomized study comparing the intra- and postoperative course under CPC (n = 42) or IPC (n = 44) with periods of 15 minutes of clamping and 5 minutes of unclamping. The data were further analyzed according to the presence (steatosis >20% and chronic liver disease) or absence of abnormal liver parenchyma. RESULTS: The two groups of patients were similar in terms of age, sex, nature of the liver tumors, results of preoperative assessment, proportion of patients undergoing major or minor hepatectomy, and nature of nontumorous liver parenchyma. Intraoperative blood loss during liver transsection was significantly higher in the IPC group. In the CPC group, postoperative liver enzymes and serum bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with abnormal liver parenchyma. Major postoperative deterioration of liver function occurred in four patients with abnormal liver parenchyma, with two postoperative deaths. All of them were in the CPC group. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical controlled study clearly demonstrated the better parenchymal tolerance to IPC over CPC, especially in patients with abnormal liver parenchyma.

Alanine Transaminase↗

[Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas: diagnosis, treatment and prognosis].

Intraductal papillary and mucinous tumors of the pancreas (IPMT) have been recently well defined histologically. Recent reports have described their diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The malignant potential of these lesions warrants their surgical resection. The main difficulty of their management is the pre-operative assessment of ductal extension and grade of dysplasia. Despite the use of various imaging modalities (ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasonography, CT scan, retrograde pancreatography, pancreatic MRI), examination of the pancreatic margin on frozen section remains mandatory to ensure complete resection of epithelial lesions. This usually requires partial pancreatic resection. The long-term outcome is favourable for lesions with no invasive component. Recurrence in case of invasive malignant transformation appear to be more frequent than previously reported.

Adult↗

[Prevention of pancreatic fistula after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy].

A pancreatic fistula occurs in about 10% of cases after Whipple's procedure. This complication is associated with a mortality rate ranging from 7% to 30%. The main predisposing factor of pancreatic fistula is a soft pancreatic parenchyma. Several procedures have been proposed to decrease the rate of this complication. Occlusion of the residual stump is infrequently used and does not clearly reduce the rate of this complication. Pancreaticojejunostomy is the technique most frequently used. No alternative technique is clearly superior to pancreaticojejunostomy. Pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy have equivalent early results. Superiority of transient intubation of the Wirsung duct and mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis is not demonstrated. Among the 7 controlled randomized studies which tested somatostatin or its analogs, many have methodological insufficiencies which prevent definite conclusions. Meanwhile, most studies suggest that these drugs decrease the rate of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Further evaluation in high-risk patients (soft pancreatic parenchyma) is advisable.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Output of chyle as an indicator of treatment for chylothorax complicating oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: The management of chylothorax complicating oesophagectomy remains controversial. Even if medical management alone can be successful, some authors advocate early reoperation. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the clinical variables associated with a high probability of full recovery with medical treatment. METHODS: Among 850 Lewis procedures performed for oesophageal carcinoma, 23 patients (2.7 per cent) developed postoperative chylothorax despite systematic preventive ligation of the main thoracic duct. Patients who responded to conservative management were compared with those requiring reoperation for preoperative radiotherapy, unilateral versus bilateral pleural effusion, delay of occurrence of the chylothorax, and ratio of mean chylous output to body-weight 1 and 5 days after its onset. RESULTS: Conservative management was successful in 14 patients with a mean(s.d.) delay of 12(5) (range 7-21) days and there were no hospital deaths. Reoperation was necessary in nine patients; there were two postoperative deaths and no recurrence of the chylothorax. The only significant difference between reoperated and medically treated patients was the mean(s.d.) chylous output at day 5: 23.5(16.6) versus 6.7(5.5) ml per kg body-weight (P< 0.001). At this time, the output was less than 10 ml/kg in 12 of 14 patients in whom medical treatment was successful (sensitivity 86 per cent), and equal to or greater than this cut-off value in all the patients who underwent reoperation (specificity 100 per cent). CONCLUSION: The ratio of chylous output to body-weight on the fifth day after the onset of a chylothorax complicating oesophagectomy seems to reliably predict the success of continuing medical treatment.

Adult↗

Diagnosis and conservative management of intrathoracic leakage after oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although intrathoracic leakage is a major complication of oesophagectomy, precise data concerning diagnostic features and results of conservative treatment are lacking. METHODS: From 1986 to 1994, 409 oesophagectomies with stapled oesophagogastrostomy were performed, including 358 Lewis-Tanner and 51 Sweet procedures. A water-soluble contrast swallow was routinely performed on day 7 or later, before oral intake was begun. All patients except one received conservative non-surgical treatment, including nutritional support and perianastomotic drainage. RESULTS: Leaks were diagnosed in 38 patients (9.3 per cent). The leakage rate was 7.8 per cent after the Lewis-Tanner procedure and 20 per cent after the Sweet procedure (P < 0.01). Eleven patients had no symptoms. Seven of the 27 patients with symptoms had a contrast swallow that was normal, and subsequently developed a confirmed fistula after the onset of oral intake. Five patients had to undergo reoperation. All asymptomatic patients and 18 symptomatic patients recovered. Nine patients died, mainly from multiple organ failure, including three who had reoperation for resection of the gastroplasty. CONCLUSION: The potential presence of clinically silent fistula and the deleterious role of oral intake still justify routine detection of leakage after oesophageal resection. Conservative treatment results in survival with preservation of the gastroplasty in most patients, unless multiple organ failure occurs.

Adult↗

Splenic complications in chronic pancreatitis: prevalence and risk factors in a medical-surgical series of 500 patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence, course, treatment, outcome and risk factors of splenic complications in chronic pancreatitis are poorly documented. METHODS: Patients with splenic complications in a medical-surgical series of 500 consecutive patients with proven chronic pancreatitis prospectively followed up for a mean of 7.0 years were compared with patients without splenic complications. RESULTS: Eleven men (2.2 per cent) with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (median duration 2 (range 0-5) years) had a splenic complication: intrasplenic pseudocyst (n=5), subcapsular haematoma (n=2) or splenic rupture (n=4). All patients except one underwent splenectomy, five of whom also underwent distal pancreatectomy. There were no deaths. Patients with splenic complications had pancreatic tail necrosis (six of 11 versus 17.4 per cent; P=0.007), distal pseudocyst (six of 11 versus 11.7 per cent; P=0.0009) or splenic vein occlusion (seven of 11 versus 10.8 per cent; P< 0.0001) more frequently than those without. In the 22 patients with distal pseudocyst and splenic vein occlusion, the prevalence of splenic complications was 18 per cent (odds ratio 15.0 (95 per cent confidence interval 4.0-55.7). CONCLUSION: Splenic complications occur early in the course of chronic pancreatitis, are rare and are favoured by splenic vein occlusion and pseudocyst or necrosis of the pancreatic tail. Surgical treatment is usually required.

Adult↗

Calcitonin-secreting tumors of the pancreas: about six cases.

Calcitonin release has rarely been reported in patients (pts) with neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors (NPT). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of calcitonin-secreting tumors (CST) of the pancreas. Serum calcitonin determination was part of the prospective evaluation of 66 pts with NPT referred to our institution over a 3-year period. Six pts (9%) had elevated calcitonin levels [at least twice the limit of the normal value (N)]. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography scan, and endoscopic ultrasound were performed to identify the primary tumor(s) and metastases. Immunostaining using anticalcitonin and other antibodies was performed on the surgical resection specimen (four pts) or biopsy of liver metastases (two pts). Three of the six pts (four males, two females; median age, 51.5 years) had diarrhea. Serum calcitonin levels (median, range) were 17.5 N (6N-40N). Slight elevations in serum somatostatin (1.2N-2.3N) were associated in three pts. Pancreatic tumors were single in five of six pts and evenly distributed in the head and in the tail. Five pts had metastases, mainly in the liver. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type I was present in one pt. Immunostaining using calcitonin and somatostatin antibodies was positive in four pts each, respectively, and areas that were positive for one peptide were negative for the other. Diarrhea disappeared in the two pts who responded to treatment of the tumor(s). Three of the four pts with liver metastases died from tumor progression after 2, 10, and 24 months, respectively. CST of the pancreas are often malignant and can be considered as functional in half of the cases, irrespective of the serum calcitonin levels. Somatostatin secretion is often associated. Although rare, calcitonin secretion should be investigated in NPT pts presenting with diarrhea that cannot be explained by an increase in other hormone levels or in patients with nonfunctioning NPT.

Adult↗