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Biomedical subjects

I Charuzi

Publications and source records attributed to I Charuzi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Seroma after laparoscopic repair of hernia with PTFE patch: is it really a complication?

We evaluated the true incidence of seroma formation after laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch. In a prospective study, 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia with PTFE were evaluated clinically and with ultrasound examination for seroma formation up to the 90th postoperative day. Seroma was diagnosed clinically in only 35% of cases, while ultrasound examination revealed the presence of seroma in 100% of patients. Ultrasound examination is a reliable tool for diagnosis of early or delayed postoperative seroma formation following laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia with Gore-Tex Dualmesh.

Adult↗

Use of adjustable silicone gastric banding for revision of failed gastric bariatric operations.

BACKGROUND: Revision of gastric bariatric operations is sometimes technically difficult and may fail to achieve prolonged weight reduction. The use of the adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) offers a new approach for these revisions. METHODS: ASGB was performed as a revisional procedure on 37 patients whose initial bariatric operations were as follows: silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (21), gastric bypass (12), horizontal gastroplasty (3) and vertical banded gastroplasty (1). RESULTS: The length of the procedure varied from 55 to 145 minutes (mean 83 minutes). Intraoperative complications included two fundic tears which were sutured without any postoperative sequelae. Five patients needed reoperation during the first postoperative year due to gastric volvulus (1), tubing tear (1) and development of postoperative ventral hernia (3). BMI fell from 44.8+/-SD 8.07 to 33.4+/-6.9 kg/m2 for patients operated with BMI higher than 35 kg/m2 and from 29.2+/-3.32 to 25.4+/-2.8 kg/m2 for patients operated with BMI lower than 35 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: ASBG can be performed with revisions with an acceptable complication rate and postoperative weight reduction.

Adolescent↗

Pseudomembranous colitis: report of a severe case with unusual clinical signs in a young nurse.

We describe the case of a young and otherwise healthy nurse who developed pseudomembranous colitis ten days after receiving oral clindamycin for dental infection. Her clinical course was particularly stormy and was characterized by severe diarrhea and vomiting, profuse ascites, pleural effusion, abdominal tenderness, peritoneal irritation, and systemic toxicity. The Clostridium difficile assay was negative on two occasions. Features compatible with pseudomembranous colitis were seen at sigmoidoscopy, and the diagnosis was confirmed by biopsies.

Adult↗

The role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of missed diaphragmatic rupture.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic rupture is one of the most commonly missed injuries in trauma cases. Traditionally, laparotomy or thoracotomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. METHODS: During the last 2 years, we treated three patients laparoscopically to address neglected diaphragmatic ruptures that caused herniation of the intraabdominal contents. RESULTS: In all three cases, laparoscopy succeeded in identifying the diaphragmatic defect, so that the herniated viscera could be released and the defect repaired primarily or with a prosthesis. The intraoperative and the postoperative courses were uneventful; there were no significant complications. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy has an important role in the surgical treatment of missed diaphragmatic ruptures.

Aged↗

Sarcoidosis and giant midesophageal diverticulum.

Traction diverticula of the midesophagus result from granulomatous inflammation of mediastinal lymph nodes. Tuberculosis and histoplasmosis are known etiologies of this condition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a traction diverticulum caused by sarcoidosis.

Diverticulum, Esophageal↗

Silastic ring vertical gastroplasty by minilaparotomy.

BACKGROUND: The incision length has significant influence on the postoperative course after silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG). METHODS: A technique is described in which SRVG can be performed through a minilaparotomy incision. RESULTS: 110 patients were operated with this technique during 1996. No remarkable intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. Postoperative weight loss has been satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of SRVG through a minilaparotomy is feasible. The technique is recommended for surgeons familiar with the operation through the formal incision.

Adult↗

[Laparoscopic treatment of small bowel obstruction caused by adhesions].

We describe our experience in 14 patients operated on for small bowel obstruction, who underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. In 13 (93%) the obstruction was relieved and only 1 case required conversion to open operation. Bowel activity usually resumed within 24-48 hours, and there were no remarkable intraoperative and postoperative complications. During follow-up none developed recurrent obstruction. Our experience demonstrates that laparoscopic adhesiolysis is a valid therapeutic option. Additional experience is needed to determine which types of cases are suitable for the procedure.

Female↗

[Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia--experience in 54 consecutive cases].

We describe our experience in 54 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of 86 inguinal hernias. Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia is technically feasible, does not prolong the length of the procedure nor of hospitalization and is not accompanied by increased morbidity. Although there is not yet general agreement, in our experience and that of others, it appears that laparoscopic repair will be the preferred approach to the treatment of inguinal hernia.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic repair of postoperation ventral hernia. Early postoperation results.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic repair is a new alternative approach to postoperation ventral hernia (POVH). Whether this procedure is accompanied with acceptable operation risk and recurrence rate is not yet established. METHODS: During 1996, we performed laparoscopic repair of POVH in 53 patients. Twenty-nine (55%) of these patients had a history of at least one failed hernia repair. The size of the abdominal wall defect varied from 4 x 5 cm to 15 x 20 cm (median, 13 x 9 cm). All operations were performed with the patient under general anesthesia. In all cases, the Gore-Tex(R) Dual Mesh (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) was used in sizes varying from 5 x 7 cm to 20 x 30 cm (median, 15 x 12 cm). RESULTS: No deaths occurred as a result of the operations. Intraoperative small bowel injury occurred in two patients (3.6%), which necessitated conversion to laparotomy and performance of small bowel resection in one case and simple suture in the other. Small bowel obstruction developed during the immediate postoperation period in two patients (3.6%). In one of these patients, laparoscopic lysis of adhesions had to be performed. Graft infection with subsequent graft removal occurred in one patient (1.8%), and abdominal wall hematoma developed in another patient (1.8%). Length of hospital stay varied from 2 to 8 days (median, 3.3 days). Follow-up period ranged from 10 to 22 months (median, 17 months). During this period, recurrence of hernia occurred only in one patient in which the mesh had been removed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of POVH is technically feasible. According to our experience, it is the preferred method for patients who have had an earlier failed open repair and patients in whom it is the first repair. Cases with a high likelihood for small bowel injury must be recognized and converted to routine open repair.

Adult↗

Obstructive sleep apnea in the obese.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome occurs in 4% to 9% of middle-aged men and in 1% to 2% of middle-aged women. The incidence of OSA among morbidly obese patients is 12- to 30-fold higher. The pathophysiology of OSA is complex and incompletely understood. The important clinical symptoms of OSA include snoring, daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, morning fatigue, and headaches. The diagnosis is made by polysomnography. The possible sequelae of OSA are hypertension, left and right ventricular hypertrophy, sudden cardiovascular death, and increased risk for brain infarction. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) appears to be the recommended treatment for OSA. Morbidly obese patients may also benefit from weight reduction gastric surgery.

Humans↗

Nutrient Intake following Vertical Banded Gastroplasty or Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: This study explored eating habits, nutrient intake, and blood vitamin and mineral levels to determine whether severely obese subjects (BMI 40-50kg m(2)) post-vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) or gastric bypass Roux-en-Y (GBR) are at risk of developing compounded under-nutrition. METHODS: A dietary follow-up of 36 VBG and. 19 GBR was maintained for 18 months via 7-day food intake diaries and 24-h recalls. Food intake was analyzed for energy and nutrient composition and for its relative amount to recommended dietary allowances (RDA). RESULTS: Weight loss was greatest during the first 6 months, continued at a slower rate for the next 6 months, nearly ceasing thereafter. The results following GBR were not substantially different from those following VBG 18 months postoperatively. The median weight loss at 1 year postoperatively was 48, 46, 48 and 36 kg; expressed as residual excess body weight: 0.2, 16, 13 and 22% for GBR Men, Women, VBG Men, Women, respectively. According to the classification proposed by Reinhold, all subjects achieved excellent treatment outcomes 18 months postoperatively. Despite the relatively low reported energy intake (2050% below RDA), no correlation was found between rate of weight loss and energy intake at 6 months postoperatively. The intake of most vitamins and minerals was below 50% of RDA during the 18 months follow-up. The increase in energy intake did not improve the level of the nonenergy-contributing nutrients. Compliance to multivitamin and mineral supplement intake deteriorated with time. CONCLUSION: The low to within-normal range of blood vitamin and mineral levels 12 months postoperatively suggests the slow development of subclinical nutritional deficiency which could jeopardize the subjects' long-term health status.

Journal Article↗

Weight Loss and Food Intake 18 Months following Vertical Banded Gastroplasty or Gastric Bypass for Severe Obesity.

BACKGROUND: vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric bypass Roux-en-Y (GBP) are adjunctive to lifelong commitment to energy restricted diet in the attempt by the severely obese to lose weight and maintain weight loss. METHODS: the outcome of 48 subjects (36 VBG and 12 GBP) is presented. RESULTS: 18 months nutritional counseling and follow-up indicated VBG and GBP to be equally effective in maintaining appreciable weight loss. Achievement of 'functional weight', such as minimum 50% loss of excess body weight for at least 12 months Post-operatively occurred in the majority of patients. Excess weight loss by GBP and VBG was 77% and 54% respectively during the first 6 months, with 7-15% additional loss during the next 12 months. BMI decreased from an average 43 to 27 kg m(2) after 12 months. During the first 3 months, energy intake was approximately 2930 kJ, increasing to;4605 kJ at 6 months, to; 5860 kJ at 12 months and then stabilizing. Intake of;50% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for most vitamins and minerals was reached. Hemoglobin, iron, folic acid and thiamin values were in the normal range for the entire 18 months follow-up, while serum vitamin B12 levels decreased to deficiency levels during the same period. The pre-operative moderately elevated triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels returned to normal range, thereby alleviating the need for medication and reducing the risk of obesity-related morbidity. Most subjects were quickly satiated with small amounts of solid foods and did not report hunger feelings for the first 6 months post-operatively. The main significant changes in food preferences in the first 6 months were the decrease in starch-based products and the increase in semi-solid milk products and eggs. CONCLUSION: taken together these observations suggest that the subjects should be strongly advised to partake in structured counseling for an extended period of time.

Journal Article↗

Glucose utilization in morbidly obese subjects before and after weight loss by gastric bypass operation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of weight reduction induced by gastric bypass operation (GBO), on the peripheral resistance to insulin in extremely obese subjects. DESIGN: A three-stage euglycemic clamp was applied to assess the metabolic clearance rate of glucose (g-MCR) in lean controls and in obese subjects, prior to and 6-12 months post operation. SUBJECTS: Six obese subjects (four obese normoglycemics-ON and two obese non-insulin dependent diabetics-OD) before and after GBO and six healthy, lean controls (LC) were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index after GBO, metabolic clearance rate of glucose under increasing insulin concentrations. RESULTS: GBO resulted in a significant change in body mass index from a pre-operation value (mean +/- s.d.) of 45.0 +/- 8.5 to 30.4 +/- 5.9 kg m-2 and remained significantly greater than controls (23.3 +/- 2.3 kg m-2). Glucose MCR increased from a mean baseline value of 3.0 +/- 1.6 to 6.7 +/- 3.9 ml kg-1 min-1 at post GBO (P) (P < 0.02). Similar effects were obtained under the two higher insulin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: GBO resulted in a massive reduction in BMI, that still remained above normal controls. This could explain the effect of weight reduction to decrease, but not completely reverse, peripheral resistance to insulin associated with obesity.

Adolescent↗

[Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery in children and adolescents].

Initial experience with laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery in children during the year Sept. 1992-Sept. 1993 is presented. The 36 procedures included 20 appendectomies, 3 cholecystectomies, 10 upper thoracic sympathectomies, 1 bilateral oophorectomy and 2 diagnostic laparoscopies. Indications were appendicitis, symptomatic gallstones, idiopathic primary palmar hyperhidrosis, and gonadal dysgenesis (xo/xy mosaicism) in a 13-year-old girl. 2 diagnostic laparoscopies were performed for chronic abdominal pain and for a possible retroperitoneal lesion, respectively. All procedures were successfully managed without complications. In 2 cases of acute appendicitis it was necessary to change to the open conventional technique because of technical difficulties. Duration of hospitalization for cholecystectomy and sympathectomy was significantly shorter than with the conventional surgical approach and convalescence was excellent, with less postoperative pain. As for the surgical approach in acute appendicitis, we cannot as yet decide whether or not laparoscopy is superior to the conventional technique.

Abdominal Pain↗

[Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy].

After gaining experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy and other laparoscopic procedures, we decided to perform laparoscopic-assisted colectomy. During July 1992 to February 1993 we performed 14 such procedures. Ages ranged from 46-83 years (mean, 68). In all cases the indication for surgery was neoplasm of the colon. 8 of the tumors were located in the right colon and 6 in the sigmoid. Procedures performed were laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy with a biofragmentable anastomotic ring or laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy with end-to-end anastomosis. In 1 operation we combined laparoscopic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Operation time varied from 90-130 min (mean, 100 min). In our opinion the procedure is as radical as standard laparotomy with the number of lymph nodes per specimen ranging from 4-10 (mean, 7); the surgical margins were free of tumor in all cases. There was less pain in the postoperative period than with the standard procedure and the average time from operation to discharge was 7 days (range, 5-9). Complications included 1 fatality due to postoperative myocardial infarction, and 1 case of duodenal perforation which was sutured during the operation. We conclude that laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy and laparoscopic sigmoidectomy are feasible for carcinoma, and that recovery is quicker and with less pain. However, we need a larger series and long-term follow-up to conclude whether the laparoscopic assisted technic is an adequate operation in cases of cancer.

Aged↗

Superoxide production by neutrophils from trauma patients: regulation of NADPH oxidase activity.

The production of free oxygen radicals by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was studied in 25 patients after blunt trauma. Superoxide generation significantly increased immediately after trauma and returned to normal soon after the event. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: those who developed sepsis and those who did not develop infectious complications. Superoxide production by intact PMNs following stimulation by three different stimulants was initially not different in trauma patients who developed sepsis. Follow-up showed an increase in superoxide production when infection complicated the course of trauma patients. Further studies were performed in a cell-free system containing cell membranes and cytosol from patients or healthy controls. No difference in the production of superoxide was found when membranes from trauma patients or controls were mixed with cytosols from controls. When cytosols from patients were mixed with membranes from controls, a significant increase in superoxide production was observed in the group that developed sepsis. Immunoblotting analysis of two protein components of the cytosolic portion of the NADPH oxidase, p47 and p67, were done. The increase in quantity of p47 correlated with the increase in superoxide production during sepsis, and thus may be the major contributor to the high activity.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for empyema of gallbladder during pregnancy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has gained great popularity during the last few years. This procedure has advantages over the traditional open operation, thus making it the standard method for removal of the gallbladder at present. Only a few cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy have been reported. On the other hand, some authors classify pregnancy as one of the contraindications for this procedure.

Acute Disease↗

[Experience with biofragmentable anastomotic rings].

During 1991-92 we performed 50 bowel anastomoses using the biofragmentable anastomotic ring (BAR). The indications were malignancy (35 cases), Crohn's disease (3), dolichosigma (4), diverticulitis (2), gastric outlet obstruction (2), and 1 each for abdominal trauma, postoperative stricture, and stricture caused by ischemic colitis. The average age was 61; 28 were women and 22 men. The anastomoses were between colon and rectum (21 cases), ileum and colon (18), colon and colon (8), stomach and jejunum (2) and ileum and ileum (1). First stools were passed after an average of 4.7 +/- 2.5 (SD) days and a low-residue diet was well-tolerated after an average of 7 +/- 3.9 days. There were complications in 12 (24%). In 3 others leaks necessitated reoperation. Incomplete small bowel obstruction developed in 6, 4-18 days after operation and lasted 3-11 days. In 2 a perianastomotic inflammation appeared 1-3 weeks after operation and was treated successfully with IV antibiotics and bowel rest. In 1 case a stricture appeared 3 months after surgery and was treated successfully with balloon dilatation. No complications were seen after anastomosing bowel segments proximal to the ileocecal valve. The average time for expelling the BAR in 19 of the 45 patients was 2.5 +/- 0.6 weeks, assessed by weekly X-raying of the abdomen. Although the group of patients was small, our impression is that the method of anastomosis is easy to learn, easy to perform and relatively safe.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗