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Biomedical subjects

G J Toogood

Publications and source records attributed to G J Toogood.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

C-reactive protein as a predictor of prognosis following curative resection for colorectal liver metastases.

There is increasing evidence that systemic inflammatory response has a positive correlation with a poorer outcome in patients undergoing resection for solid tumours. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), an outcome following curative resection for colorectal liver metastases. One hundred and seventy patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal liver metastases were included in the study. Laboratory measurements of haemoglobin, white cell, platelets, albumin and CRP were taken on the day before surgery. Elevated CRP (>10 mg l(-1)) was present in 54 (31.8%) patients. The median survival of patients with an elevated CRP was 19 months (95% CI 7.5-31.2 months) compared to 42.8 months (95% CI 33.2-52.5 months) for those with a normal CRP, P=0.004. Similarly, when assessing disease-free survival, patients with an elevated CRP had poorer disease-free survival (median of 11.8 months (95% CI 6.4-17.3) compared to median of 15.1 months (95% CI 11.1-19.1)), P=0.043. The result of the study showed that an elevated preoperative CRP is a predictor of poor outcome in patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal liver metastases.

Adult↗

Prognostic influence of multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to report the results of surgery for multiple colorectal liver metastases on patient outcome. METHODS: This was a review of 484 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal liver metastases between 1993 and 2003. The cohort was divided into 2 groups, those with 1-3 metastases and those with "multiple" metastases, namely 4 or more lesions. The later group was subdivided into those with less than 8 ("several") or 8 or more ("numerous") separate lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: the post-operative hospital stay was calculated and morbidity and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis the presence of multiple metastases was the only predictor for both poorer overall survival (p=0.007) and disease-free survival (p=0.031). However, when patients with multiple metastases are analysed in detail this survival disadvantage appears to be only present in patients with numerous (8 or more) lesions. CONCLUSION: Although patients with multiple metastases appear to have a poorer outcome, significant number of patients with multiple metastases survive to 5 years or more and should not be denied surgery. Patients with numerous (8 or more) metastases showed a poorer survival disadvantage. These patients need alternative treatment speculatives.

Adult↗

Resection margin in patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis: a critical appraisal of the 1cm rule.

AIM: We undertook this study to evaluate the influence of resection margin distance from metastases on survival and post-operative disease recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis. METHODS: Between January 1993 and December 2001, 293 consecutive patients underwent primary liver resection for colorectal metastasis. Clinical, pathological and outcome data were analysed using a prospectively collected database. Cases were stratified into those with involved and non-involved resection margins. Different non-involved margin widths were analysed against survival, recurrence rate and pattern (hepatic, extra hepatic) of recurrence. RESULTS: The 1, 3, 5 and 10 years actuarial survival rates were 82, 58, 44 and 36%, respectively. The median survival was 46 months. The histological liver resection margin involvement was a significant predictor of survival and disease free survival after surgery. One, two, five and 10 millimetres disease free resection margin widths were found not to be significant in influencing patients' survival or recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: A positive hepatic resection margin was associated with a higher incidence of post-operative recurrence and lower survival rate. The width of the resection margin did not influence the post-operative recurrence rate or pattern of recurrence. The '1 cm rule' should be abandoned.

Actuarial Analysis↗

In-contiguity and non-anatomical extension of right hepatic trisectionectomy for liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: In some patients undergoing right hepatic trisectionectomy for metastases, extension of the resection beyond the falciform ligament is necessary to achieve tumour clearance. The aim of the present study was to assess the early and long-term outcomes and hepatic function in patients who underwent extensive liver resection beyond right trisectionectomy. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who had extension of a right trisectionectomy, either in contiguity (IC) or in a non-anatomical (NA) fashion, for liver metastases were included in the study. In-hospital mortality, hepatic function and other morbidity were recorded. Survival outcomes were analysed for the subgroup of patients with colorectal liver metastases. The clinical risk score described by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was applied to all patients with colorectal liver metastases. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had IC resection, 15 NA resection, and seven had both IC and NA procedures. There was one in-hospital death. Hepatic dysfunction was seen in 25 patients and two developed liver failure. Disease-free actuarial 3-year survival was 42 per cent for patients with colorectal liver metastases. Survival was significantly better in patients with a clinical risk score of 3 or less. CONCLUSION: Extension of right trisectionectomy for liver metastases was associated with a low risk of death and hepatic failure.

Adult↗

Management of blunt liver trauma in a tertiary referral centre.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, several reports from North America have highlighted the success of conservative treatment in patients with blunt liver trauma. The aim of this study was to identify trends in the management of blunt liver trauma in a UK tertiary referral centre dealing with both adults and children over a 10-year period. METHODS: A retrospective case note review was performed on 71 consecutive patients (58 male patients) of median age 25 years admitted to the hepatobiliary unit over the 10-year period from 1992 to 2001 with blunt liver trauma. Data relating to referring source, severity of liver injury, initial and subsequent management and outcome were collected using a standard pro forma. RESULTS: Sixty-two of the 71 patients were referred from other surgical units. Of these, 14 had undergone laparotomy at the referring hospital, with ten having perihepatic packing; the other 48 were managed conservatively. Of the 62 patients transferred to the authors' unit, 12 required surgical intervention for the liver injury. The mean number of patients with blunt liver trauma increased between the first second 5-year periods, from 3.2 to 11.0 patients per year. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients requiring surgery for the liver injury in both the authors' unit (from seven of 16 patients in 1992-1996 to seven of 55 in 1997-2001; P = 0.017, chi(2) test) and referring hospitals (from six of 12 to eight of 50; P = 0.014, chi(2) test). The reduction in the mortality rate, from two (12.5 per cent) of 16 in the first period to four (7.3 per cent) of 55 in the second, was not significant (P = 0.880, chi(2) test). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a marked increase in the number of patients with blunt liver trauma referred to a regional hepatobiliary centre in recent years. It has confirmed that the majority of such patients can be treated successfully without surgery.

Adolescent↗

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is up-regulated in 85-90% of primary human colorectal cancers and is a putative target for the chemopreventative activity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, COX-2 expression by human colorectal cancer liver metastases has been poorly characterized. We studied a consecutive series of 38 patients who underwent liver resection for metastatic disease, for whom long-term (up to 57 months), prospective follow-up data were available. Semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry for COX-2 was performed on 54 metastases from 35 patients, for whom adequate histological material was available. Diffuse cytoplasmic staining for COX-2 protein was detected in cancer cells in 100% of metastases (COX-2 score 1, n = 25; score 2, n = 29). There was no relationship between metastasis size or differentiation grade and the level of COX-2 protein expression. There was no difference in colorectal cancer-free or overall survival between patients with high (score 2) and low (score 1) COX-2 scores (Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log rank test, both P = 0.97). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified age, incomplete resection and presence of extra-hepatic disease as independent predictors of disease-free and overall survival following surgery. COX-2 protein was also localized to a subset of stromal fibroblasts and mononuclear cells within metastases as well as hepatocytes from resection specimens. COX-2 protein was expressed by cancer cells in all human colorectal cancer liver metastases which were studied. Investigation of the effect of selective COX-2 inhibition on metastasis growth and metastasis cancer cell proliferation/apoptosis in vivo are warranted.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

Reconstruction for lower limb occlusive disease in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the acceptability of performing distal limb bypass for occlusive vascular disease in the over 75's. METHOD: Patients undergoing surgery between January 1988 and December 1996 were included. Data were obtained from a card system, operating ledgers, admission diaries and hospital notes. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were identified. There were 69 women and 97 men, 79 were aged 75-79 years, 81 were 80-89 years and six older than 90 years. A total of 171 procedures were performed: infrainguinal bypass in 131 (77%), aorto-femoral bifurcation grafts in 10 (6%) and extra-anatomic bypass in 30 (17%). This represents 28.1% of all reconstructions for occlusive disease during this time. Nine patients (5.4%) died within 30 days and one (0.6%) required a major amputation. During the follow-up period (median 12 months), 14 major and 10 minor amputations were required. Ten patients underwent a second successful reconstructive procedure. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction in this group of older patients can be carried out with acceptable 30-day mortality and limb salvage rates.

Aged↗

A modification of isolated Roux loop reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Different techniques of reconstruction following pancreaticoduodenectomy have been described. A new modification using an isolated Roux-en-Y loop is reported. METHODS: The isolated loop is taken up to bile duct rather than pancreas as previously described. RESULTS: Seventeen patients have undergone this procedure. Two pancreatic fistulae developed, both following postoperative abscess formation. There was no operative mortality. CONCLUSION: This reconstruction provides separation of biliary and pancreatic fluid but adds two further benefits: the wide jejunal lumen allows for an easier pancreaticojejunal anastomosis, particularly when operating on a soft pancreas, and separation of gastric and biliary anastomoses prevents the efflux of bile into stomach.

Aged↗

A prospective randomized trial of day-stay only versus overnight-stay laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed as day surgery has been established, cost and recovery time have not previously been evaluated in a prospective comparative fashion. METHODS: Patients were randomized to day stay only or overnight stay, and a nurse assessed the former postoperatively at home. All patients were reviewed weekly or as required if problems occurred. Costing comparisons were made between the two groups using Trendstar software. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients were evaluated after randomization (60 day-stay only patients and 71 overnight-stay patients). A total of 18.3% of the day-stay patients required in-hospital admission for nausea, vomiting, or pain, or after conversion to open operation; 18.3% of the overnight group required an extended length of stay for similar reasons. After discharge, two day-stay and three overnight-stay patients required readmission, only one had a significant complication. The mean times to return to normal activity averaged 1.8 weeks (SE: 0.1 weeks) and 1.9 weeks (SE: 0.1 weeks) for day-stay and overnight-stay groups, respectively (P = 0.63), and costs of $2732 (SE: $76) compared to $2835 (SE $110), respectively (P = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: In the present randomized controlled study, day-stay management did not compromise postoperative patient outcome. In the setting of a major teaching hospital there was no cost advantage when compared to overnight-stay management.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

Early experience with stenting for iliac occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience of iliac artery stenting for occlusive disease. DESIGN: Prospective study of 50 consecutive patients with iliac occlusive disease, November 1993-November 1996. The indications for stenting were complete iliac occlusion (37) restenosis (four), donor site inflow for bypass grafting (four) and difficult stenoses (> 90% and/or > 5 cm) (five). The majority of patients (41) presented with intermittent claudication. RESULTS: All 13 stenoses were successfully stented. One occluded but the rest remain patent. There were no other complications. By contrast, it was not possible to place a stent across 10 of the 37 complete iliac occlusions. In this group there were nine major complications, including five patients who required early embolectomy (four femoral, one brachial) and one patient who developed a false aneurysm at the site of the stent. The "intention to treat" primary cumulative patency for iliac occlusions was 65% at 2 years but after excluding technical failures was 88%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a sharp learning curve and significant complication rate associated with stenting complete occlusions. However, following successful stenting patency rates are around 90% for both iliac stenoses and occlusions.

Aged↗

Feasibility of pre-admission nurse clerking of patients with vascular disease.

A prospective study has been undertaken to determine the feasibility of nurse-led pre-admission clerking of patients with vascular disease. A total of 249 of 300 patients with planned admissions attended the clinic; 91% of patients with varicose veins, 83% of patients about to undergo endovascular procedures and 24% of patients awaiting arterial reconstruction were seen in the clinic. Patients with arterial disease were significantly more likely to rely on other people to bring them to the clinic than those with varicose veins. As a result of their age and frailty and their presenting symptoms, patients with arterial disease are less likely to benefit from a pre-admission clinic than patients with either varicose veins or general surgical disorders.

Adult↗