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Biomedical subjects

H Pichlmaier

Publications and source records attributed to H Pichlmaier.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Anastomotic tissue oxygen tension during esophagectomy in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Submucosal tissue oxygen tension (PtO2) was measured in 20 patients with cervical esophagogastrostomy after resection of esophageal carcinoma, using a Clark-type oxygen electrode. The mean gastric baseline PtO2 was 54.6 +/- 10.7 mm Hg. Following ligature of the vasa brevia and the left gastroepiploic artery PtO2 decreased to 45.8 +/- 9.9 mm Hg, ligature of the left gastric artery caused a decrease to 34.2 +/- 9.7 mm Hg and resection of the lesser curvature and pulling up of gastric tube led to 25.5 +/- 9.0 mm Hg. Clinical value and practicability of intraoperative PtO2 measurements could be proven.

Adult↗

Gasless videoendoscopic implantation of an aortobifemoral vascular prosthesis via a transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal approach: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To report progress in the development of a new minimally invasive surgical technique for aortobifemoral grafting utilizing gasless videoendoscopy. METHODS: In an experimental study, aortobifemoral Dacron vascular prostheses were implanted in 20 human cadavers using videoendoscopic techniques in both transperitoneal and extraperitoneal approaches. Rather than inducing pneumoperitoneum, the abdominal wall was elevated with an electrically powered lifting system. RESULTS: Each approach was utilized in 10 cadavers for implantation of 20 aortobifemoral grafts under endoscopic guidance in a gasless field. Average operative time for transperitoneal approach was 3.8 hours (range 3.0 to 5.5), slightly less than the average 4.1 hours (range 3.0 to 6.0) for the extraperitoneal access. Both access routes provided adequate visualization of the operative field. CONCLUSIONS: Advantages of gasless endoscopy include the use of conventional instruments and the potential benefits associated with a minimally invasive approach. Optical magnification facilitates suturing of the femoral anastomosis, improves examination of the vascular walls, and allows a more accurate suturing technique.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

[The beginnings of reconstructive vascular surgery in Austria].

Hans von Haberer (1875-1958) gained wide experience in the reconstructive surgery of traumatic aneurysms during the 1st world war at the Surgical Department of the University of Innsbruck. In the period 1914-1918 he operated on altogether 201 vascular aneurysms, mainly using a direct circular vascular suture. In 1914 von Haberer described the first reconstruction of a carotid aneurysm. On the basis of the detailed case notes and operation reports written by Hans von Haberer between 1904 und 1949 on approximately 16000 cases and from the contemporary literature, we describe his experiences in vascular surgery at the Surgical Department of the University of Innsbruck between 1914 and 1918.

Austria↗

[The value of systematized follow-up studies after resection of a stomach carcinoma].

A retrospective study of the possible value of standardized follow-up examinations was undertaken in a group of 251 patients (163 men, 88 women; mean age at diagnosis 58 [33-78] years) who had undergone putatively curative gastric resection for adenocarcinoma between 1.1. 1978 and 31. 12. 1987 and had survived at least 3 months after the operation. 113 patients (45%) regularly had follow-up examinations according to a standardized diagnostic protocol, 67 (27%) only irregularly, while 71 (28%) had none. Follow-up examination revealed tumour recurrence in 53 patients (30%), which in 18 (34%) was still asymptomatic. In one of these patients resection of the recurrence was again undertaken with curative intent, a palliative operation was performed in five, chemotherapy in seven, three received radiotherapy and 37 were treated purely symptomatically. The results do not indicate that the survival rate was improved by the standardized follow-up protocol and it is concluded that symptom-oriented and individualized follow-up examination without standardized protocol is sufficient in this type of case, except for scientific purposes.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Importance of lectins for the prevention of bacterial infections and cancer metastases.

Adhesion of bacteria and of metastasizing tumour cells have much in common, especially the participation of lectins in this process. In the future it might be possible to inhibit the metastatic process and bacterial adhesion by blocking with lectins specific for appropriate (oligo) saccharides or glycoconjugates. Initial clinical trials are very promising.

Animals↗

Isolated hyperthermic perfusion with mitoxantrone of melphalan in malignant melanoma of the limb.

BACKGROUND: Melphalan administered by isolated hyperthermic perfusion of the affected limb is an accepted treatment for malignant melanoma of the extremities. In contrast, pharmacologic and phase I studies suggest that, because of its high uptake, mitoxantrone may give even better local control, but data on survival, onset of metastases, and local and systemic toxicities have not yet been reported. METHODS: A matched-pairs comparison was performed to examine differences in the tolerability and effectiveness of isolated hyperthermic extremity perfusion with mitoxantrone (n = 44) and melphalan (n = 44) in high risk and locoregionally (P < 0.41) metastatic malignant melanoma. Criteria evaluated were local and systemic complications, and recurrence-free and overall survival. RESULTS: Local complications, such as delayed wound healing, were more frequent in the mitoxantrone (27.9%) than in the melphalan group (9.8%) (P < 0.05). Systemic toxicity, in particular bone marrow toxicity, was also more severe with mitoxantrone (78.6% versus 15.4%, P < 0.001). Hepatotoxic effects were more frequent among patients in the melphalan group who were older and has lower tissue perfusion temperatures (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in overall or recurrence-free survival (P < 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Local and systemic toxicity seem to be higher with mitoxantrone. Survival rates were similar with both drugs. The data obtained suggest a randomized phase II study with an appropriate number of patients.

Adult↗

Middle and lower third rectum carcinoma: sphincter saving or abdominoperineal resection?

Sphincter saving resections (SSR) are performed with increasing frequency in carcinoma of the lower and middle third of the rectum. In this retrospective study local and distant recurrence and survival were compared to abdominoperineal resection (APR). In 71 women and 71 men (mean age: 64 years) with a primary adenocarcinoma between 5 and 10 cm from the anal verge 89 SSR, and 53 APR, were performed (Dukes stages--SSR--A 19%; B 30.3%; C 50.7% vs APR--A 15%; B 45.3%; C 39.6%). Patients have been followed up for a minimum of 24 months (mean time 62 months). There were no differences in intraluminal diameters of the tumours in each operative procedure. The distal tumour-free distance was more than 6 cm in 52% after APR (SSR: 10%) and less than 3 cm in 43% after SSR. Survival was not different between procedures in Dukes stages A and B. A survival advantage for patients with Dukes C carcinoma after APR did not reach statistical significance. No differences in distant spread were found for SSR (Dukes stage A 0%; B 7%; C 18%) and APR (Dukes stage A 0%; B 8%; C 14%) for local recurrence in Dukes stages A and B after SSR (A and B 0%) and APR (A 0%; B 8%) whereas a significant increase in local recurrence rate was seen in Dukes stage C after SSR (24% vs, APR 5%). Although a further resection could be performed in almost all of these patients a negative effect of local recurrence on survival occurred (25.4 months with and 80 months without local recurrence). While SSR seems to be favourable in Dukes stages A and B, APR should be considered in carcinoma of the lower and middle third of the rectum with lymphatic spread. Effective preoperative staging determines selection of the appropriate operation.

Abdomen↗

Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. Three cases and summary of published reports.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with three cases of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava, and summarise current methods of diagnosis and treatment. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: University hospital, Germany. SUBJECTS: 3 Patients with histologically confirmed leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. INTERVENTIONS: Resection, with or without vascular reconstruction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Case 1 was diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging, the tumour was resected, and the vena cava replaced with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft. She made an uncomplicated recovery and was well and free of symptoms 10 months later. Case 2 was diagnosed at operation (the differential diagnosis on computed tomography was a retroperitoneal tumour), the tumour was resected, and the defect oversewn. She made an uneventful recovery and was well and free of symptoms 14 months later. Case 3 was diagnosed at operation (a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer had been made preoperatively), the tumour was resected, and the defect oversewn. She was well and free of symptoms 10 months after operation. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to computed tomography in the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. The treatment of choice is resection; small defects can be closed by suture or PTFE patch, and large defects by PTFE prostheses. Reported resectability is 40% to 60%, but the prognosis is poor; the local recurrence rate is about 36%, most patients are dead within 2.5 years, and the 5-year survival is 30%. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy will give some degree of palliation, but do not affect the outcome.

Aged↗

[Should a pyloroplasty be carried out in stomach transposition after subtotal esophagectomy with esophago-gastric anastomosis at the neck? A prospective randomized study].

The effects of pyloroplasty following subtotal oesophagectomy and gastric substitution with cervical oesophago-gastric anastomosis were studied in a prospective randomized trial. 52 patients received extramucosal pyloroplasty and were compared to a control group of 55 patients, in whom no drainage procedure was performed. 6 patients died postoperatively. One of these patients died following the insufficiency of pyloroplasty. The other causes of death were not related to the performance or non-performance of pyloroplasty. Regarding to patients subjective self-assessment of abdominal discomfort and radiologic emptying of the gastric tube no statistical significant differences between both groups were noted 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Two patients with pyloroplasty, but no patient of the control group, suffered 12 months postoperatively from severe vomiting due to fibrotic stricture of the pylorus. The results of this study suggest, that usually no pyloroplasty should be performed following subtotal oesophagectomy and interposition of a gastric tube with oesophagogastric anastomosis in the neck.

Adult↗

[Ileocecal tuberculosis as rare differential diagnosis of lower abdominal tumor].

Tuberculosis is extremely rare in Germany today. Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis has proved to be particularly difficult and a correct diagnosis can take months. The danger of fatality is high. In the case of a 29 year old male paraplegic patient suffering from enteral tuberculosis, diagnosis was possible only after several weeks of onward observation, extreme physical degeneration and finally, a laparotomy.

Adult↗

Randomised trial of monoclonal antibody for adjuvant therapy of resected Dukes' C colorectal carcinoma. German Cancer Aid 17-1A Study Group.

Over the past decade various clinical trials have used monoclonal antibodies as therapeutic agents against solid tumours. No consistent pattern of response or improved survival has yet emerged although antigenic heterogeneity and insufficient accessibility of cells in advanced tumours have been offered as explanations for these failures. We designed a study in which a monoclonal antibody was used to target minimal residual disease in an early stage of tumour cell dissemination in patients with colorectal cancer. Only patients in Dukes' stage C who had undergone curative surgery and were free of manifest residual tumour were admitted. 189 patients with colorectal cancer of stage Dukes' C were randomly assigned to an observation regimen or to postoperative treatment with 500 mg of 17-1A antibody, followed by four 100 mg infusions each month. A balance of risk factors in the two groups was achieved by dynamic randomisation procedure. After a median follow-up of 5 years, antibody treatment reduced the overall death rate by 30% (Cox's proportional hazard, p = 0.04, log-rank p = 0.05) and decreased the recurrence rate by 27% (p = 0.03, p = 0.05). The effect of antibody was most pronounced in patients who had distant metastasis as first sign of a relapse (p = 0.0014, p = 0.002), an effect that was not seen for local relapses (p = 0.74, p = 0.67). Toxic effects of 17-1A antibody were infrequent, consisting mainly of mild constitutional and gastrointestinal symptoms. During 371 infusions four anaphylactic reactions were seen, all controllable by intravenous steroids and none necessitated admission to hospital. Adjuvant therapy with 17-1A antibody extends life and prolongs remission in patients with colorectal cancer of Dukes' stage C.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Prospective randomized study of preoperative bowel cleansing for patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Three different methods of preoperative bowel preparation were tested in a prospective randomized trial examining efficacy and morbidity. In all, 163 patients were treated by gut irrigation with Ringer's lactate, Prepacol or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Fluid retention, cleansing effect, postoperative complications and subjective acceptance were documented. Relevant weight gain and decrease in haematocrit indicating fluid retention were seen only after the use of Ringer's lactate. There were no significant differences in bowel cleansing. In the Prepacol group the postoperative complication rate was significantly increased. Prepacol was tolerated best, with few side-effects. PEG was better tolerated than Ringer's lactate, but vomiting occurred in 2 and 21 per cent of patients respectively. PEG is most suitable for bowel preparation in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Adult↗

In vitro and in vivo viability assessment of unpurified pancreatic islet tissue.

The viability of porcine collagenase-prepared islet preparations (n = 16) was classified by 31P-NMR spectroscopy, staining by neutral red and trypan blue, and in vitro insulin secretion following glucose challenge. Vital islets exhibited a phosphate diester/phosphate monoester (PDE/PME) ratio of 0.5-0.9, a staining score of 18-30 and an insulin secretion responding well to glucose challenge. Damaged islets performed at a PDE/PME of 0.2-0.49 and a staining score of 9-17 and necrotic islets had 0.0-0.49 and a staining score of 9-17 and necrotic islets had 0.0-0.19 and 0-8, respectively. The islets of the latter two groups did not adequately respond to glucose. The in vivo function following autotransplantation of these islets into the spleen was investigated in five recipients of more than 3000/kg vital islets of which 4 expressed daily normoglycemia (< 200 mg%), normalized intravenous glucose tolerance (K = -2.21), and a prolonged survival (mean +/- SD) of 167 +/- 12 days compared to five recipients of > 3000/kg damaged islets (K = -0.814) (P = 0.0017) and a survival of 86 +/- 21 days (P = 0.0096). It is suggested that 31P-NMR spectroscopy is a valuable and practical method to predict islet graft viability prior to transplantation in order to assure good graft function in the recipient.

Animals↗

[The effectiveness of standardized follow-up studies after resection of non-small cell bronchial carcinoma].

The outcomes of 190 patients in whom a non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma had been resected with curative intent in the Department of Surgery, University of Cologne, between 1. 1. 1977 and 31. 12. 1987 were analysed retrospectively. Sixty-seven (35%) of these patients underwent regular, 64 (34%) irregular, and 59 (31%) no standardized follow-up programmes. During follow-up procedures tumour recurrences were detected in 33 patients (25%). Thirteen (39%) of these recurrences were completely asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Three recurrences (9%) were resected with curative intent, but the patients died between 14 and 17 months later due to recurrent disease. Seven recurrences (21%) were treated by radiotherapy, three (9%) by chemotherapy, and 20 patients (61%) received no oncologic therapy. The survival rates after diagnosis of recurrence were not affected by the type of treatment or by the presence of clinical symptoms. There is no evidence that long-term results following resection of non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma can be improved by regular and standardized follow-up programmes. The observed incidence of postoperative pulmonary disorders and the patients' self-assessment underline the necessity for postoperative care after resection of bronchogenic carcinoma. Apart from clinical studies, follow-up should primarily focus on individual symptoms and should no longer include standardized investigations in asymptomatic patients except occasional X-ray checks of the thorax.

Adult↗

[Preliminary experiences with thoracoscopic operations].

During the period March 3, 1992 to September 30, 1993 36 video-assisted thoracoscopic operations were performed at the Surgical Department of the University of Cologne. In 12 cases wedge resection of peripheral pulmonary nodules were carried out. Two of the patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy of the left lower lobe due to peripheral primary bronchogenic carcinoma. In 6 cases biopsy of the lung or pleura was undertaken. Further indications were partial pleurectomy and resection of blebs (n = 12). Pleural effusion was drained under thoracoscopic vision twice. No intraoperative complications occurred. Two patients proceeded to thoracotomy after persistence of pneumothorax following thoracoscopic pleurectomy. The postoperative course of the remaining patients was uneventful and was especially characterized by the reduction in pain and disability. In accordance to the experience of other authors we believe that thoracoscopic surgery is a method with a promising future. Further investigations have to evaluate indications, different techniques, and long term results.

Adolescent↗

Islet isolation and autotransplantation in pigs.

Despite recent considerable progress in the isolation and purification of porcine pancreatic islets the final proof of functional integrity has not yet been performed. In the present study the feasibility, technical problems and posttransplant metabolic function of islet transplantation in the pig were investigated. Intraductal collagenase perfusion technique for islet preparation was used in 27 landrace pigs and eight minipigs followed by intraportal or intrasplenic transplantation of the islets. Islet purification was performed by dextran gradient in six preparations. Islet quantification, portal vein pressure measurements, intra- and postoperative complications and postoperative graft function were monitored. Between 1.73 x 10(5) and 11.4 x 10(5) islet containing fragments (8.23 x 10(3)-54.28 x 10(3) islet containing fragments/kg recipient body weight) were transplanted. Portal vein thrombosis occurred in 4 animals with significantly elevated portal pressure (p = 0.0001). 11 of 27 landrace pigs died due to postoperative complications. None of the minipigs was lost due to perioperative mortality (p = 0.031). Four of eight landrace pigs with intrasplenic grafts (50%) were normoglycemic and two of eight landrace pigs with intrahepatic transplants (25%) were normoglycemic. In minipigs two out of four (50%) with intrasplenic transplants and two of four (50%) with intraportal transplants were normoglycemic. The results in glucose metabolism as measured with intravenous glucose tolerance tests and calculated by K-values were statistically significantly different between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animals (landrace pigs p = 0.0002 and minipigs p = 0.0005). Longevity was prolonged in normoglycemic animals as compared to hyperglycemic and apancreatic animals. It is concluded that successful islet isolation and transplantation is feasible in the landrace pig and the minipig while the landrace pig appears to be more susceptable to perioperative mortality.

Animals↗

[Place of surgical treatment of lung metastases].

From 1.1.1980 to 31.12.1992, ninety-four of our patients underwent surgical removal of pulmonary metastases. The classification of the primary tumours found cas as follows: sarcoma 24.5% (n = 23), renal carcinoma 22.3% (n = 21), malignant melanoma 19.1% (n = 19), colon carcinoma 15.9% (n = 15) and ovarian and testicular tumours with 10.6% (n = 10). Three cases presented metastases from a carcinoma of the floor of the outh. The remaining cases were secondaries from bronchial, oesophageal and larynx carcinoma and from a malignant thymoma. In 71 cases, the tumour was removed using an atypical resection technique, and in 22 cases by carrying out a lobectomy. In one case an "extended lobectomy" was performed. Hospital mortality was 1.1%. Survival rate was 60% at 1 year and 40% at 3 years. 38.3% of the patients lived for five years or more.

Carcinoma↗