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Biomedical subjects

G M Fried

Publications and source records attributed to G M Fried.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Postcholecystectomy biliary leaks in the laparoscopic era: risk factors, presentation, and management. McGill Gallstone Treatment Group.

BACKGROUND: The management of bile leaks has evolved in the laparoscopic era. This study characterizes risk factors for their developmental and their clinical course and management. METHODS: Data on a cohort of patients who developed bile leaks after cholecystectomy in the laparoscopic era were gathered prospectively and retrospectively from an ongoing surgical database and following a review of hospital charts. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (mean age 56 +/- 17.1 years, 72% women) were included over a 5-year study period. The incidence of leaks was 1.1% among patients entered in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy database. Intraoperative complications were encountered in 36%. Rates of intraoperative complication and conversion to open surgery were greater among patients who developed leaks (5.2% vs 0.6% and 33% vs 6.3%, respectively, p < 0.00001). Patients presented 5.3 +/- 4.2 days following surgery with abdominal pain (89%), fever (74%), and tenderness (81%). Ultrasound diagnosed a suspected leak in 73%, which ERCP showed as originating from the cystic duct stump in 77%. Biliary obstruction was noted in 20 (31%) patients (14 with stones). Treatments included percutaneous (13%), endoscopic (28%), primary or secondary operative procedures (14%), or a combination thereof (45%). CONCLUSION: A complication at laparoscopic cholecystectomy increases the likelihood of a subsequent bile leak. Most patients present early with a patent cystic duct stump in the absence of biliary obstruction. Endoscopic therapy is successful in the majority of cases, but otherwise percutaneous or operative procedures may be needed.

Adolescent↗

Costs and effectiveness of extracorporeal gallbladder stone shock wave lithotripsy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A randomized clinical trial. McGill Gallstone Treatment Group.

Thirty-five patients were randomized to extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and 25 to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Stone disappearance occurred in only 12 of 32 ESWL patients [38% (95% CI: 21-56%)] during a 15-month follow-up. Greater incremental gains in quality of life after 6 months were observed among LC patients (p < .01). Total duration of disability was 6.8 +/- 8.5 days for ESWL, and 22.7 +/- 16.6 days for LC (p < .01). Nine (28%) patients crossed over electively to the LC group, but only 44% of these underwent LC within the next 3 years. ESWL cost Can $58.9/ day of disability saved. ESWL is limited by its selective applicability and modest stone disappearance rate. Its cost-effectiveness is largely dependent on patient acceptance of recurrent episodes of biliary colic due to the persistence of stone fragments.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of adhesion formation and tensile strength after three laparoscopic herniorrhaphy techniques.

Several techniques for laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy have been described in the literature: laparoscopic extraperitoneal mesh repair (EXTRA), transabdominal preperitoneal mesh repair (TAPP), and intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (IPOM). To evaluate the incidence of adhesion formation and the tensile properties of these techniques, young male pigs underwent mesh placement using the above techniques. The animals had follow-up for 6 weeks, and no trocar site adhesions were observed. No intraperitoneal adhesions resulted in the group that underwent EXTRA technique. One case of filmy omental adhesions was observed with the TAPP technique, and two cases of adhesions were associated with the IPOM technique, one minimal and one case of dense adhesions to the bladder. The tensile strength of mesh incorporation into abdominal fascia was compared for the three techniques and measured using a tensiometer. The IPOM technique resulted in the weakest tensile strength of 0.53 +/- 0.01 kg (mean +/- SEM), whereas both the EXTRA and TAPP were comparable and significantly stronger (p < 0.05), with tensiometric values of 0.69 +/- 0.03 and 0.60 +/- 0.02 kg, respectively. We concluded that IPOM, although technically the easiest procedure to perform, is associated with the highest risk of adhesion formation and the lowest tensile strength. In comparison, the EXTRA and the TAPP techniques had the advantages of better tissue incorporation and tensile strength. Adhesion formation was not observed with the EXTRA technique, in which the peritoneum was not violated, and was uncommon and minimal with the TAPP technique.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Biomechanical and clinical performance of a new synthetic monofilament absorbable suture.

The clinical and mechanical performance of a new, monofilament, synthetic absorbable suture (Biosyn) was evaluated and compared to that of a braided synthetic absorbable suture (Vicryl). The monofilament synthetic absorbable suture was significantly stronger than the braided synthetic absorbable suture over the 4 weeks of implantation. In addition, the monofilament suture potentiated less bacterial infection than did the braided suture. The handling characteristics of the monofilament suture were superior to the braided suture because the monofilament suture required fewer throws to achieve knot security, encountered lower drag forces in fascia and colon, and had a greater double-wrapped first-throw knot security. Evaluated independently in clinical settings, the monofilament sutures were found to have excellent strength, first-throw hold, knot security, passage through tissue, knot repositioning, and ease of handling.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Acute cholecystitis and cholangitis caused by Echinococcus granulosus.

We report for the first time in the recent North American literature, the case of a patient with rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst into the gallbladder, with subsequent obstruction of the cystic duct by a daughter cyst acting as a ball-valve and causing acute acalculous cholecystitis.

Acute Disease↗

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: laparoscopic features.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts in the submucosa or subserosa of the gastrointestinal tract. PCI has been described by various radiographic methods but its laparoscopic features have not been previously described. We report a case of a 77-yr-old male with marked ascites and radiographic evidence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis of the ileum who underwent a laparoscopy to determine the cause of his ascites. The characteristic laparoscopic features of PCI are described, and its radiographic features are reviewed.

Aged↗

Bilirubin conjugate changes in the bile of gallbladders containing gallstones.

Gallbladder bile was obtained at laparoscopic cholecystectomy from 31 patients with gallstones, and duodenal aspirates from 18 normal controls. Bile pigments (9 conjugates and unconjugated bilirubin) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The average proportional composition of the bile pigments from the patients with gallstones was characteristically different from the controls. Whereas the average values for the principal conjugates in the controls were bilirubin diglucuronide 83.4%, bilirubin monoglucuronide 10.1%, bilirubin monoglucuronide monoglucoside 4.5%, and bilirubin monoglucuronide monoxyloside 1.0%, the corresponding values in the biles from the patients with gallstones were 66.3%, 20.6%, 6.5%, and 2.8%, respectively. Values from the more minor conjugates and unconjugated bilirubin were less than 2% in either data set. In samples obtained in 9 of the gallstone patients early and late in the procedure, no significant change was found. Over the spectrum of findings in the gallstone patients, as the proportion of bilirubin diglucuronide became smaller, that of bilirubin monoglucuronide increased substantially, whereas those of bilirubin monoglucuronide monoglucoside and bilirubin monoglucuronide monoxyloside increased to a small extent. The findings suggest that bilirubin diglucuronide hydrolysis occurs in the gallbladder bile of gallstone patients, with the production of bilirubin monoglucuronide, and that if further hydrolysis of bilirubin monoglucuronide occurs with the formation of unconjugated bilirubin, the latter does not ordinarily increase because it is being absorbed. Stasis with increased gallbladder residence time was likely present in some of the patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bile↗

Factors determining conversion to laparotomy in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been performed increasingly in an outpatient setting. Conversion from LC to open cholecystectomy (OC) is sometimes required. To predict conversion to OC, a single institutional study of 1,676 consecutive patients in whom LC was attempted was performed. Factors evaluated were age, sex, history of acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or jaundice, previous abdominal surgery, abnormalities of liver function tests, thickened gallbladder wall identified by preoperative ultrasound, obesity or morbid obesity, and cumulative institutional experience in LC. Conversion to OC was required in 90 of 1,676 (5.4%) patients. Significant preoperative predictors of conversion were acute cholecystitis, increasing age, male sex, obesity, and thickened gallbladder wall found by ultrasound. Nonobese women younger than age 65 years with symptoms of biliary colic and normal gallbladder wall thickness found by preoperative ultrasound required conversion only 1.9% of the time. These predictors may be useful in planning a program of ambulatory or short stay surgical units for patients undergoing LC and for comparing data between series.

Age Factors↗

Useful predictors of bile duct stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. McGill Gallstone Treatment Group.

OBJECTIVE: The authors determined the most useful predictors of common bile duct (CBD) stones as diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Prospective and retrospective collection of historical, biochemical and ultrasonographic data was used. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to determine optimal biochemical cut-off values. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression with generation of the best model identifying independent predictors of CBD stones also was employed. Prospective validation of the model was performed on an independent group of patients. RESULTS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies were performed before LC in 106 patients, and after LC in 33. Only four of ten clinical variables evaluated independently predicted the presence of CBD stones. The optimal model predicted a 94% probability of CBD stones in a patient older than 55 years of age who presented with an elevated bilirubin (over 30 mumol/L) and positive ultrasound findings (a dilated CBD, and a CBD stone seen on ultrasound). This model was validated prospectively in a subsequent series of 49 patients in which the probability of CBD stone was only 8% when all four predictors were absent. CONCLUSIONS: The identified independent clinical predictors of a CBD stone helps select a population of symptomatic gallstone bearers who benefit most from cholangiographic assessment.

Adolescent↗

Minimally invasive surgery in the elderly patient.

Minimal access surgery has been rapidly growing. It is essential that it be carefully evaluated and that quality assurance programs be developed. Indications for surgery should not be changed just because less invasive surgical techniques are available. Conversion to an open procedure may be required in any patient, and the risk in gallstone patients is higher in the elderly. The benefits of laparoscopic methods applied to the management of symptomatic gallstone disease in the older patient population appear clear. Similar evaluation is appropriate for each new procedure performed using new techniques.

Aged↗

Cholecystectomy without operative cholangiography. Implications for common bile duct injury and retained common bile duct stones.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) while minimizing the use of operative cholangiography. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There has been a long-standing debate between routine and selective operative cholangiography that has resurfaced with LC. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on the first 1300 patients undergoing LC at McGill University. Preoperative indications for ERCP were recorded, radiologic findings were standardized, and technical points for a safe LC were emphasized. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients underwent 127 preoperative ERCPs. Fifty patients were found to have choledocholithiasis (3.8%), and clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy was achieved in 45 patients. The other five patients underwent open cholecystectomy with common duct exploration. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was attempted in only 54 patients (4.2%), 6 of whom demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Forty-nine postoperative ERCPs were performed in 33 patients and stones were detected in 17 (1.3%), with a median follow-up time of 22 months. Endoscopic duct clearance was successful in all of these. The incidence of CBD injury was 0.38%, and a policy of routine operative cholangiography might only have led to earlier recognition of duct injury in one case. The rate of complication for all ERCPs was 9% and the associated median duration of the hospital stay was 4 days. The median duration of the hospital stay after open CBD exploration was 13 days. CONCLUSIONS: LC can be performed safely without routine IOC. The selective use of preoperative and postoperative ERCP will clear the CBD of stones in 92.5% of patients.

Adolescent↗

Risks of blind versus open approach to celiotomy for laparoscopic surgery.

Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy had celiotomy either by a blind (Veress needle) approach (n = 781) or by fascial and peritoneal incision with insertion of a 10-mm sheath under direct vision (n = 247). The blind approach was associated with three small bowel injuries and one tear of the left common iliac artery. No intestinal or vascular injuries occurred in the open insertion group. The difference was not statistically significant. The mean duration of surgery was 81.4 +/- 1.3 min in the blind group compared with 72.6 +/- 2.0 min in the open group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative stay or in return to normal activity between the two groups. It is recommended that blind access to the peritoneal cavity for laparoscopy be abandoned in favor of an open approach because the blind approach confers no advantages and places the patient at risk for unrecognized visceral or vascular injury even though these injuries may not occur at a statistically significant frequency.

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic↗

Role of the teaching hospital in the development of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy program.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced at McGill University-affiliated hospitals in a planned manner to evaluate the safety and results of this new procedure while training attending and resident surgeons. Laparoscopy was performed with the intent of carrying out cholecystectomy in 500 consecutive patients (70% female, 30% male), whose age averaged 48 years (range from 7 to 93 years). Thirty-seven percent had undergone intra-abdominal surgery previously, and 9.1% had had acute cholecystitis. There were two common-bile-duct injuries and one major small-bowel injury. The procedure had to be converted to open cholecystectomy in 25 (5%) patients. There were no deaths. The mean duration of surgery was 88 minutes. Fifty-five percent of patients were discharged home in 24 hours or less after surgery, and 75% were back to normal activity within 1 week of discharge. Fourteen attending staff and 8 senior residents achieved competence to carry out laparoscopic cholecystectomy independently.

Adolescent↗

Early gastric cancer: is it a distinct clinical entity?

Of 199 patients with gastric cancer seen at The Montreal General Hospital between 1970 and 1981, 104 were considered to have had a curative resection, and 26 of these were early gastric cancers (EGC). The authors compared early gastric cancers with advanced, but resectable, gastric cancers to determine whether EGC is a distinct entity or a stage in the progressive evolution of gastric cancer. They found that depth of invasion was the primary determinant of outcome, but that there was no discrete cut-off point between the depth of invasion associated with early and with advanced gastric cancers. The pathological features normally associated with a favourable prognosis in gastric cancer, such as absence of lymph-node metastases, an expanding growth pattern, intestinal metaplasia, and well-differentiated histologic features correlated highly with depth of invasion but did not appear to change abruptly between EGC and advanced resectable lesions. The authors conclude that EGC is not a distinct pathological or clinical entity but a stage in the progressive growth of gastric cancer.

Adult↗

Nifedipine inhibits cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder contraction.

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker which results in relaxation of smooth muscle. Although it has been utilized clinically to treat cardiovascular disease, and more recently spastic disorders of the esophagus and colon, its effects on gallbladder contractility have not been clearly defined. We tested the effects of nifedipine on gallbladder contraction stimulated by cholecystokinin (CCK) in a conscious guinea pig model and in healthy human volunteers. Gallbladder contraction was measured in response to repeated injections of CCK before and after intravenous nifedipine given to groups of five guinea pigs in a dose of 100, 200, or 300 micrograms. Nifedipine virtually abolished spontaneous interdigestive gallbladder contractile activity and decreased resting gallbladder tone. The mean amplitude of gallbladder contraction in response to CCK was decreased by 45, 73, and 67% (P less than 0.01), in response to the nifedipine doses of 100, 200, and 300 micrograms, respectively. The integrated gallbladder contractile response and the rate of rise of gallbladder pressure in response to CCK were also significantly decreased by nifedipine. In nine healthy human volunteers, gallbladder emptying was measured by radionuclide cholescintigraphy in response to CCK infusion; on another day the study was repeated after oral administration of 10 mg nifedipine. Ejection fraction was significantly decreased by nifedipine from 72 +/- 5 to 51 +/- 5% (P less than 0.001). These data demonstrate that nifedipine is a potent inhibitor of gallbladder contractility in guinea pigs and man. This may provide the basis for the use of nifedipine clinically in the treatment of biliary colic and also raises questions about the potential effect of long-term nifedipine use on gallstone formation and cholecystitis.

Adult↗