Biomedical subjects

E Eyskens

Publications and source records attributed to E Eyskens.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Isolated lung perfusion with melphalan prolongs survival in a rat model of metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Survival after isolated lung perfusion (ILuP) with melphalan was tested in a model of unilateral pulmonary adenocarcinoma. METHODS: On day 0, rats were randomized into four groups: Group 1 (n = 9) received tumor cells intravenously for induction of bilateral lung metastases, whereas groups 2-4 (n = 21) underwent a 10-min occlusion of the right pulmonary artery during tumor cell injection for induction of unilateral left lung metastases. On day 7, groups 1 and 2 received no treatment. Group 3 underwent left ILuP with melphalan (2.0 mg/kg) while group 4 received melphalan intravenously (0.5 mg/kg). The end point of the study was death from metastatic disease. RESULTS: Median survival of ILuP-treated animals (81 +/- 12 days) was significantly longer compared to group 1 (18 +/- 1 days; p = 0.0001), group 2 (28 +/- 3 days; p = 0.0002) and group 4 (37 +/- 6; p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: ILuP with melphalan prolongs survival in the treatment of experimental metastatic pulmonary carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

Effects of suramin on anastomotic colon tumors in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: The development of antiangiogenic drugs offers new promise in the treatment of malignancy. Suramin has been reported to inhibit tumor growth by blocking angiogenesis and has been used in clinical trials. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of suramin on colonic anastomotic tumors in the rat. METHODS: (a) Colonic anastomotic tumor was induced in 120 WAG/RIJ rats. Half of the animals were given 100 mg/kg of suramin intraperitoneally at the time of tumor induction. Rats were sacrificed after 2, 4 and 8 weeks; tumor take and tumor weight were evaluated. (b) The number of red blood cell clusters per x 400 field was counted in each tumor. (c) A lymphocyte transformation test was performed in four groups of animals, 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after tumor implantation and/or suramin administration. RESULTS: (a) A significant enhancement of tumor growth was observed in the suramin-treated animals. (b) This was accompanied by a significant increase in functional blood vessels. (c) Suramin-treated rats had markedly decreased lymphocyte stimulation, pointing to a possible immunosuppressive effect. CONCLUSIONS: The growth of an anastomotic colon tumor is rather enhanced by a single intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg suramin in the rat, possibly by an unexpected immunosuppressive effect.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

Intussusception in infants: an emergency in diagnosis and treatment.

Intussusception is an important cause of intestinal obstruction and bowel necrosis in infants under 2 years. Most frequently the ileocaecal junction is involved. Various aetiologic factors, such as Meckel's diverticulum and lymphoid hyperplasia have been identified. Hydrostatic reduction of the intussusception should be attempted, but delay in diagnosis frequently leads to surgical intervention, because of failing reduction. We report a case of a 4-month-old boy whose ileocaecal junction was intussuscepted into the rectum, and therefore could be palpated by rectal examination. Unsuccessful hydrostatic reduction and bowel necrosis because of delay in diagnosis, made surgical intervention necessary. A terminal ileostomy was performed. A second case report considers a 10-month-old boy whose ileocaecal junction was intussuscepted into the colon sigmoideum. Because there was no delay in diagnosis, this intussusception could be reduced hydrostatically. The procedure however was difficult because of a dolichosigmoideum. Recent literature is also reviewed.

Abdomen, Acute↗

PubMed1999

Frantz's tumour of the pancreas presenting as a post-traumatic pancreatic pseudocyst.

A case of a solid, pseudopapillary and cystic tumour of the pancreas in a 13-year-old girl was presented. Shortly after a blunt abdominal trauma, an abdominal mass became manifest. Clinical features and radiological findings suggested a traumatic pseudocyst of the pancreas. Laparotomy and pathology revealed a Frantz's tumour, which was totally resected. Twelve months after surgery the patient is asymptomatic and CT-scan shows no signs of recurrence or metastasis. To our knowledge, no such acute presentation has ever been described in the literature since the first clinical report of this tumour in 1959.

Abdominal Injuries↗

PubMed1998

Repeat mediastinoscopy in the staging of lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Despite technical difficulties due to mediastinal fibrosis, repeat mediastinoscopy can be a valuable tool in the restaging of lung cancer. It provides essential pathological information on mediastinal invasion when selecting patients for surgical resection after induction chemotherapy in stage IIIa disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility, sensitivity and accuracy of repeat mediastinoscopy. METHODS: From 1994 to 1997 we performed a repeat mediastinoscopy in 15 patients (13 men, two women) with bronchogenic carcinoma. Their age ranged from 49 to 75 years. (mean 64.7). Seven patients had induction chemotherapy for a non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma with positive N2 nodes on mediastinoscopy. Four patients had a second primary contralateral lung cancer, one had a locoregional recurrence of bronchogenic carcinoma. The other three had a first mediastinoscopy for other reasons than lung cancer, repeat mediastinoscopy being performed for staging of malignant disease. RESULTS: In all 15 patients it was possible to perform a complete repeat mediastinoscopy. In one patient repeat mediastinoscopy turned out to be false negative, so, in our series, sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity 100% and accuracy 93.7%. CONCLUSION: Previous mediastinoscopy is no contraindication for a repeat one. Repeat mediastinoscopy offers valuable pathological information in restaging of lung cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Comparison between plain and gentamicin containing collagen sponges in infected peritoneal cavity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the usefulness of gentamicin-containing sponges in the infected peritoneal cavity in rats. DESIGN: Controlled study. MATERIAL: 83 Male Wistar rats, 36 of which were treated by plain sponge, 36 by gentamicin-impregnated sponge, and 11 acted as controls. INTERVENTIONS: A standard model of intraperitoneal infection was developed by making a 1 cm long incision in the caecum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative mortality, macroscopic and microscopic features of infection, and bacterial concentrations in the abdomen on days 3, 6, and 9. RESULTS: In the respective groups 2, 3 and 2 animals died during operation and 4/34 (11%), 3/33 (9%); and 0/9 died before day 3. There were appreciable reductions in the number of animals with features of infection after 3 days but these were not significant at 6 or 9 days. CONCLUSION: Gentamicin-containing collagen sponges placed on a septic focus in the abdomen reduce local infection for at least 3 days.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Chylothorax complicating left lower sleeve lobectomy.

Postoperative chylothorax is an infrequent but potential life-threatening complication and has most often been described following oesophageal resection. Its incidence after pulmonary resection is low, but has increased to 0.3-0.5%, probably due to more extensive types of resections and radical lymph node dissections. We report a case of chylothorax after a left sleeve lobectomy for a primary bronchogenic carcinoma, that was treated conservatively with chest tube drainage and a diet of medium chain triglycerides. Five additional case reports in English and French literature confirmed chylothorax after bronchoplastic procedures to be extremely rare. More frequent use of bronchial sleeve resection as alternative to pneumonectomy to save functional lung tissue, can increase the incidence of chylothorax after bronchoplastic procedures.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Lung volume reduction surgery as an emergency and life-saving procedure.

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is emerging as a promising and unique therapeutic option for rigorously selected patients with severe debilitating emphysema. A 51 yr old man with generalized emphysema developed bilateral pneumothoraces during his first holiday abroad. Due to respiratory insufficiency, intubation and mechanical ventilation were necessary. In total, six chest tubes were inserted but massive air leak persisted and his respiratory condition deteriorated due to bronchopneumonia and sepsis. The patient was transferred to Belgium. As a last resort, bilateral LVRS was performed through a median sternotomy. The most diseased areas of the upper lobes containing the air leak were resected bilaterally and a pleurectomy was associated. Three months after operation, there was a remarkable improvement in spirometric values with an increase in forced expiratory volume in one second of almost 100%. The results were sustained after a follow-up of 18 months. In this dramatic case, lung volume reduction surgery proved to be effective, and was even a life saving procedure.

Chest Tubes↗

PubMed1997

Surgical treatment of iatrogenic tracheal lacerations.

Traumatic and iatrogenic injuries of the trachea are uncommon. These injuries which are usually managed by surgery are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. In case of suspected lacerations, bronchoscopy remains the diagnostic procedure of choice. We present two unusual iatrogenic tracheal lacerations due to endotracheal stenting and intubation which were managed by primary suture with coverage of the suture line.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The influence of a pneumoperitoneum on the peritoneal implantation of free intraperitoneal colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: In order to test the influence of a pneumoperitoneum on the peritoneal implantation of free intraperitoneal colon cancer cells, 40 male syngeneic WAG rats were at random divided into four groups. METHODS: Group 1 (n = 10) animals underwent a midline laparotomy and 10(4) CC531 colon cancer cells were injected intraperitoneally (IP); in group 2 (n = 10) 10(4) CC531 cells were injected IP without further manipulation; in group 3 (n = 10) a pneumoperitoneum up to 10 mmHg was created after the IP injection of the same amount of CC531 cells. The pneumoperitoneum was maintained for 15 min. Finally in group 4 (n = 10) after the IP injection of 10(4) CC531 cells and after the creation of a pneumoperitoneum, two 14-G IV catheters simulating trocars were introduced in each flank. A follow-up period of 8 weeks was used. Tumor implantation was scored according to the peritoneal cancer index of Eggermont and the index of Chauffert. RESULTS: Tumor nodules were found varying from 60% in groups 1-3 to 50% in group 4. There was no statistical difference between the implantation rate in the four groups. A port-site recurrence was seen in group 4; all the other tumor implants were located in the mesenterium, omentum, internal genitals, or parietal peritoneum. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a pneumoperitoneum does not enhance the implantation of free intraperitoneal malignant colon cancer cells in the rat, but the presence of a "port" may lead to abdominal-wall metastases.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1996

Oesophagopleural fistula--a rare sequel of pneumonectomy.

Postpneumonectomy oesophagopleural fistula (OPF) is a devastating situation occurring in 0.2-1.0% of the patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Distinction is made between OPF appearing after pneumonectomy for chronic inflammation and suppuration, and OPF after pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Early and late fistulas (the former appearing within three months of the operation) are found in both groups. We report a case of OPF occurring almost five years after pneumonectomy for malignant lymphoma of the lung. Common signs of OPF are postpneumonectomy empyema and presence of previously ingested food particles in the empyema cavity. Treatment is extremely difficult and prolonged, and often not successful. Amelioration of the nutritional status, drainage of the postpneumonectomy space and closure of the fistula by injecting a sclerosing substance should be attempted. If this fails, the fistula should be closed by direct suture reinforced by a muscular or omental flap.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Role of thoracoscopy (VATS) in pleural and pulmonary pathology.

Although thoracoscopy is not a new procedure, there was a real revival after the introduction of laparoscopy. VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) has potential advantages of reduced pain due to smaller incisions and a shorter hospital stay. Main disadvantages are expensive equipment and a probably less adequate operation, especially for therapy of malignant disorders where long-term results are not known. VATS is very useful for investigation of pleural effusion and malignancy. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a very good indication for thoracoscopic treatment, as well as lung biopsy and diagnostic resection of lung metastases. Therapeutic metastasectomy, however, should not be performed by VATS. Regarding bronchogenic carcinoma, VATS is indicated for staging of lung cancer, facilitating sampling of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes, investigation of pleural effusion, possible pleural dissemination and suspicion of intrapulmonary metastases. Wedge excision of solitary pulmonary nodules by VATS readily reveals the exact diagnosis, but its role in therapy of lung cancer is very limited at the present time.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1995

Laparoscopic resection of an adenoma of the urachus in combination with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

In a 40-year-old male patient with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis, ultrasound examination disclosed a large cystic mass on the dome of the bladder. Laparoscopic resection of this mass was carried out in combination with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Histology disclosed an urachal adenoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. We conclude that urachal adenomas can be managed safely by laparoscopic means.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1995

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Conservative approach in non surgical pneumoperitoneum: a case report and literature review.

An observation on Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis (PCI) in a 66-year-old man is reported. His general condition allowed a thorough clinical and laboratory investigation which resulted in the diagnosis of the disease and the avoidance of an unnecessary laparotomy. PCI is a relatively rare condition characterized by multiple intramural pockets of gas involving any portion of the gastro intestinal tract. Various theories reflect either a mechanical or a bacterial etiology. Most of the patients are asymptomatic although some experience gastrointestinal complaints. The majority of patients require no treatment.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease of the thymus gland.

An asymptomatic anterior mediastinal mass in a 22-year-old man proved to be nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease of the thymus gland. Complete excision was possible via a left posterolateral thoracotomy. Postoperative chemotherapy was given. Follow-up after 1 year showed no residual disease. Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease is an uncommon tumor of the thymus gland and should be incorporated in the differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal tumors. Multimodality treatment is advocated.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Management of digestive fistulas.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin was assessed in reducing output and promoting spontaneous closure of postoperative digestive fistulas. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 23 patients, closure was achieved in 83% of patients after a mean fistula duration of 11.0 +/- 7.9 days and a mean of 13.2 +/- 7.0 days of drug treatment, and without mortality. RESULTS: A marked first-day effect (output drop > 50%) was noted in 60% of patients and had a good prognosis. Infection of the fistula markedly prolonged fistula closure time, but did not affect total outcome. CONCLUSION: Somatostatin has been shown to be very useful in the conservative treatment of digestive fistulas because of its ability to reduce output significantly and to accelerate spontaneous closure.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

[Viscerosynthesis: the realization of an old dream. A look at the 150-year development of surgical suture techniques].

In analogy with osteosynthesis in bone surgery, viscerosynthesis has been introduced as a term for intestinal tissue fixation by staplers. As a result of continuous research, the development of mechanical suture instruments started early in the 19th century. At that time the base of manual suture technique was described by A. Lembert (1826), which is still applicable today. Simultaneously F. Denans introduced a device for intestinal anastomosis. An impressive variety of instruments was developed since then, which resulted in 1893 in the construction of the successful J. Murphy anastomotic button. Derived from it several more elaborate instruments were constructed until recently for oesophageal and rectal anastomoses as well. Entirely new of conception was the stapler apparatus by H. Hültl in 1906, succeeded shortly after by von Petz' stapler clamp. Inspired by them the Russians developed since World War II a tremendous instrumentarium. From 1959 the Americans took over and delivered highly specialized and technologically outstanding stapler instruments which currently dominate the market. Referring to the preceding generations of surgeons, one might say that with the advent of those instruments an old dream has been realized.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1990

Abdominal cystic lymphangioma. A case report and a review of the literature.

Authors report a case of cystic lymphangioma of the mesenterium. The embryology and the histology are important to explain the radiological findings. To make the differential diagnosis with other cystic abdominal tumors it is very important to compare the radiological findings with other clinical symptoms.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗