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Biomedical subjects

F M Guttman

Publications and source records attributed to F M Guttman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hirschsprung's disease, imperforate anus, and Down's syndrome: a case report.

Patients with trisomy 21 have a higher incidence of several gastrointestinal anomalies. However, the coexistence of imperforate anus, Hirschsprung's disease, and trisomy 21 had not been reported previously. This report describes the case of an infant girl born with trisomy 21 and imperforate anus, without a fistula, who presented with bowel obstruction 3 months after anoplasty. The obstruction was attributable to Hirschsprung's disease. This was managed by a leveling colostomy in the descending colon, followed by an endorectal pull-through after 4 weeks. She has a normal stooling pattern 11 months after colostomy closure. Hirschsprung's disease should be suspected in infants with trisomy 21 who have constipation after repair of imperforate anus. The authors believe that the endorectal pull-through is the safest technique to use for Hirschsprung's disease after a previous anoplasty.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Recurrent intussusception: safe use of hydrostatic enema.

Recurrent intussusception (RI) occurs in 5% to 8% of patients with intussusception. The authors reviewed their 15-year experience to better define the management of RI. Among 258 patients, 28 (10.8%) had episodes of RI (37 episodes altogether). Twenty-two patients had a single recurrence, four had double recurrence, one had triple recurrence, and one had quadruple recurrence. RI and non-RI patients were compared with respect to symptoms. The incidence of vomiting and bloody stools was significantly lower in the RI group. Ten percent of RI patients had lead points. Thirty percent of RI episodes occurred within 24 hours, and 74% occurred within 6 months. The success rate of hydrostatic enema reduction for recurrent episodes was 62.8%, which is comparable to that for the initial episode (68.9%). Among patients with previous surgery, 36.3% of enemas were successful; after previous enema reduction, 75% were successful. There was no complication related to the enema. Enema reduction is safe and has a good success rate in cases of RI, even after previous surgical reduction.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

The anterior sagittal approach for high imperforate anus: a simplification of the Mollard approach.

High imperforate anus is a complex anomaly that requires a combination of careful preservation of native structures and precise anatomic reconstruction for optimal results. Previously the authors used an anterior perineal approach derived from the technique described by Mollard, with generally satisfactory results. The present report describes the authors' refinement of the technique to avoid skin perineal approach, via an anterior sagittal incision, usually is combined with a transverse suprapubic laparotomy. The technique includes division of the external sphincter and longitudinal muscle fibers anteriority, simple dilatation of the puborectalis, and division of the fistula close to the urethra, with preservation of the internal sphincter. The rectal pouch is brought down to the level of the puborectalis, without tapering, and the anoderm is brought up to the level of the rectal pouch to construct a shorter anal canal with a normal anorectal angle. This technique maximally preserves internal sphincter function, preserves specialized anoderm for the anal canal, and avoids extensive pelvic dissection and division of the levator sling. It also facilitates repair in the neonatal period, which may be optimal for long-term continence. The authors have used this technique in five patients, with good anatomic and short-term functional results. The authors believe that the technique provides optimal preservation of native tissues; only minimal destruction and dissection are required for reconstruction.

Anal Canal↗

Salvage of Soave-Boley endorectal pull-through by conversion to a classical Soave procedure.

The endorectal pull-through procedure described by Soave and subsequently modified by Boley to include primary coloanal anastomosis is one of the most commonly performed procedures for Hirschsprung's disease. The Boley modification carries a 5-10% risk of dehiscence of the colo-anal anastomosis. This is generally treated with proximal colonic diversion and delayed revision of the pull-through. We report the use of the original Soave procedure to treat this complication.

Anal Canal↗

Vascular complications after pediatric liver transplantation.

From February 1986 to July 1994, 81 hepatic transplantations were performed in 73 children, with an overall patient survival rate of 83%. Forty-two patients received whole-liver grafts (WLG) and 39 had reduced-size grafts (RSG). The mean patient weight was 19.7 kg, with 29 patients weighing less than 10 kg. Seventeen vascular complications (21%) occurred in 13 children: 8 (10%) had hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), 5 (6%) had portal vein thrombosis (PVT), 1 had both HAT and PVT (1%), and 3 (4%) had aortic conduit perforation (ACP). There was no significant difference in the incidence of HAT between RSG (5%) and WLG (14%) or between children weighing less than 10 kg (10%) and those weighing more than 10 kg (10%). The site of arterial reconstruction, end-to-end to the recipient common hepatic artery or end-to-side to the infrarenal aorta, had no significant effect on the occurrence of HAT (7% v 8%), but HAT occurred in 2 of 6 cases (33%) in which an aortic conduit was used. PVT documented in 5 cases (6%) was associated with technical complications (2), preduodenal portal vein (2), and a circulating cardiolipid antibody (1), and required thrombectomy, with no graft loss. Combined HAT and PVT was found in one patient 2 years postretransplantation for HAT. Although graft function is normal, portal hypertension persists. The aortic conduit, used in six patients, led to arterial perforation (3), HAT (2), and death (2). Of the 8 cases of HAT, 1 was diagnosed during autopsy and 7 occurred within 30 days and required retransplantation (6) or thrombectomy with rearterialization (1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Diaphragmatic pacing in children with congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to study congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome (CCAHS), to report the experience at our institution with this disorder, and to describe the surgical technique of diaphragmatic pacing. Three patients are in our diaphragmatic pacing program. They all have CCAHS, documented by means of lack of respiratory drive to hypercapnia and normal peripheral nerve and muscle studies. Two patients have associated Hirschsprung's disease. METHODS: The ages of patients at insertion of bilateral phrenic nerve pacemakers were 1, 2, and 5 years. A bilateral axillary thoracotomy in the third interspace was used in two patients, and anterior thoracotomy was used in one for insertion of electrodes on the phrenic nerves. Counterincisions in both flanks were used in all patients for insertion of the receivers in subcutaneous pockets. RESULTS: In all patients pacing was commenced within 1 week of the surgical procedure, because no primary pacemaker failures occurred. One patient has experienced no failure of the equipment and no infectious complications at 4 years. A second patient has had the pacemakers for 6 months without complications. The third patient underwent placement of bilateral pacemakers in 1984. In this patient a 10-year experience has resulted in subcutaneous implant failure on two separate occasions; also the presence of a staphylococcal empyema necessitated the temporary removal of one phrenic nerve electrode for 6 months, with successful reinsertion. All patients now receive mechanical assisted ventilation when sleeping and phrenic nerve pacing when awake. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric surgeons should be aware of CCAHS because it may be treated with surgically implanted electrodes that allow for pacing of the diaphragm. The technique has an acceptable complication rate, and it can greatly decrease the impact of the disease on the lifestyle and activity of the patient. CCAHS also may be associated with Hirschsprung's disease.

Artificial Organs↗

Reoperation for cysts of the thyroglossal duct.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the causes of recurrence of thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs). DESIGN: A case series. SETTING: A university-affiliated children's hospital. PATIENTS: Between 1974 and 1990, 121 children were treated for TDCs. They ranged in age from 1 month to 18 years. Of these 121 children, 23 had recurrent TDC. INTERVENTIONS: Simple aspiration of the cyst, incision and drainage, cystectomy without hyoidectomy and the Sistrunk operation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Initial procedures that led to recurrence and procedures that resulted in cure. RESULTS: Six children had recurrence of TDCs after simple cystectomy without hyoidectomy; all were cured by the Sistrunk operation. Fourteen children with infected cysts initially underwent a variety of procedures with recurrence and were eventually managed by the Sistrunk operation. TDCs recurred in eight of these. Three children without infected cysts had recurrence after the Sistrunk operation. Of 34 TDCs infected initially, 40% recurred, whereas of 87 TDCs that were not infected initially, only 8% recurred. CONCLUSION: Simple cystectomy without hyoidectomy and pre-existing infection are the main causes of recurrence of TDCs.

Adolescent↗

Small bowel transplantation. The effect of intraportal donor-specific transfusion 24 hours pretransplant and low-dose cyclosporine.

We tested the synergy of donor-specific transfusion (DST) and cyclosporine (CsA) in small bowel transplantation by comparing the systemic versus portal route of DST administration in a fully allogeneic rat model. The protocol is relevant to cadaveric transplantation by conditioning only 24 hr before allografting. A 1 ml intraportal DST day -1 and low-dose CsA significantly prolonged survival (MST 53.7 +/- 17.5 days) when compared with systemic DST day -1 and low-dose CsA (MST 18.4 +/- 5.6 days). This suggests that intraportal DST can be beneficial in cadaveric SBT, as only a 24-hr induction period is necessary. We speculate that antigen trapping in the liver and interaction of the DST with Kupffer cells is central to the portal DST effect.

Animals↗

Sequential sac ligation for giant omphalocele.

The authors describe a technique for the management of giant omphalocele in which the sac is not resected, but used to sequentially reduce the contents into the abdominal cavity. Three patients were treated in this fashion. Delayed primary fascial closure was achieved in two. The third patient did not have complete reduction after 3 weeks, and temporary placement of a silastic sheet was required. The sac remained intact in all three cases, and neither infection nor injury to the abdominal contents occurred. This technique has the advantages of maintaining an intact membrane and avoiding the initial operative placement of a prosthetic silo in these sometimes critically ill neonates.

Female↗

Aortoesophageal fistula: congenital and acquired causes.

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but frequently lethal cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a report of the authors' experience with four cases--two from congenital and two from acquired causes. A review of the pediatric cases reported in the literature is included. The mortality from AEF is high, and can be decreased in two ways. AEF can be prevented by avoiding prolonged nasogastric intubation in patients with known vascular rings, and by promptly removing esophageal foreign bodies and promptly treating periesophageal abscesses. Once an AEF occurs, it presents with typical large-herald upper gastrointestinal bleeding of bright red blood, and cardiovascular collapse. Recognition of this pattern, with vigorous resuscitation and aggressive surgical management, will improve the survival rate.

Aortic Diseases↗

Gastroesophageal reflux associated with large diaphragmatic hernias.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support has improved the outlook for some infants who have large diaphragmatic hernias (CDH). This has resulted in a subset of survivors of CDH with typically larger defects, more severe pulmonary hypoplasia, and more associated pathologies. This report describes the authors' experience with gastroesophageal reflux in patients with large diaphragmatic hernias who require ECMO. Contrary to previous reports, this reflux was severe and intractable. There appears to be a component of associated gastric dysmotility. In treating this reflux, medical therapy and anterior fundoplication were not successful, and Nissen fundoplication combined with pyloroplasty was required to control reflux and to allow gastric feeding. On the basis of the authors' experience, it is recommended that patients who have gastroesophageal reflux after CDH repair, for whom medical management has failed, be managed aggressively by surgery, with early Nissen fundoplication, and pyloroplasty and insertion of a gastric feeding tube.

Animals↗

Biliary tract complications in pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation.

Biliary tract complications are reported in 15% to 30% of orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs). Since 1986, 53 OLTs were done in 48 children with a mean age and weight of 5.3 years and 18.9 kg, respectively. Twenty-seven transplantations (51%) were reduced liver grafts (RLG) and 26 (49%) were whole liver grafts (WLG). Since 1988, 70% of transplantations have been RLG. Choledochocholedochostomy (mean weight, 25 kg) with a T-tube (CC) or choledochojejunostomy (CJ) (mean weight, 14.5 kg) were done in 24 (45%) and 29 (55%) cases, respectively. The overall mortality was 19% but none of the deaths were related to biliary problems. There were 13 biliary tract complications (24.5%) in 11 patients including 7 leaks, 5 obstructions, and 1 intrahepatic biloma. Leaks leading to bile peritonitis were managed with simple suture and drainage and were related to the T-tube (4), to the Roux-en-Y loop (2), and to the transection margin of a RLG (1). Obstruction was documented in 5 cases with none associated with hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). Stenosis after CC reconstruction (2) required conversion to CJ. Two patients had revision of CJ because of kinking of the common bile duct after a left lateral segment graft and an anastomotic stricture 46 months after OLT. The last patient developed a vanishing bile duct syndrome 4 months posttransplant and is awaiting retransplantation. One patient had multiple episodes of cholangitis after HAT and was retransplanted. Neither the type of grafts (RLG 25.9% v WLG 23.1%) nor the type of biliary reconstruction (CC 25% v CJ 24%) influenced the rate of biliary complications.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors↗

A new prognostic classification for esophageal atresia.

BACKGROUND: Waterston's risk categories have been extensively used in the past for the classification and management of neonates with esophageal atresia. Advances in neonatal care have affected the prognostic usefulness of the Waterston classification. The purpose of this study is to formulate a new classification of risk factors that would more accurately predict outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 95 consecutive cases of esophageal atresia and/or tracheoesophageal fistula treated at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Fifteen patients were in the Waterston class A, with a 6.7% mortality; 35 patients, in class B with a 5.7% mortality; and 45 patients, in class C with a 26.7% mortality. Logistic regression analysis of the influence of each risk factor (weight, pulmonary status, and severity of associated anomalies) on mortality was performed. RESULTS: Birth weight was not found to independently influence mortality. Only severe pulmonary dysfunction with preoperative ventilator dependence and severe associated anomalies had a prognostic influence. We therefore revised the classification to include only significant factors. The new high-risk class II consists of patients with either life-threatening anomalies or both major anomalies and ventilator dependence; the low-risk class I includes all other patients. These criteria radically changed the stratification of both the number of cases and the mortality among classes: the 82 patients in class I had a 7.3% mortality; the 13 patients in class II had a 69.2% mortality. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the validity of this new classification by showing displacement of individual variables by the revised classification but not by Waterston's. CONCLUSIONS: This new "Montreal classification" can simplify and improve the stratification of patients with esophageal atresia. It also reflects the more favorable outcome of low birth weight neonates.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Evaluation of UW solution for preservation of small intestinal transplants in the rat.

Simple cold preservation was evaluated in the rat model of small intestinal transplantation. Lewis rats received a syngeneic heterotopic graft of the jejunum either immediately (SI) or after preservation for 24 hr in Euro-Collins (SPE24), for 48 hr in EC (SPE48), for 24 hr in University Wisconsin solution (SPW24), or for 48 hr in UW (SPW48). The survival rates of SI, SPE24, SPE48, SPW24, and SPW48 were 100%, 78%, 0%, 100%, and 33%, respectively. Physiologic and pharmacologic properties of the grafts and native intestine were evaluated in vitro between 8 and 12 days after transplantation. Smooth muscle in all specimens contracted in response to cholinergic agonists, phenylephrine, and substance P, and was relaxed by isoproterenol. Excitatory innervation was present in 100%, 100%, 100%, and 67% of SI, SPE24, SPW24, and SPW48, respectively, while inhibitory innervation in each group was 50%, 29%, 60%, and 0%. Thus, smooth muscle function was preserved in all groups, but neural activity was impaired by some of the storage conditions. Preservation was best in SPW24, which had physiologic responses similar to those of SI. The rat jejunum can, therefore, be preserved in good condition for up to 24 hr before transplantation using simple cold storage in UW solution.

Acetylcholine↗