Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P W Plaisier

Publications and source records attributed to P W Plaisier.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Patent processus vaginalis in the adult as a risk factor for the occurrence of indirect inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernias are a common entity with nearly 31,000 repairs annually in The Netherlands and over 800,000 in the USA. The aim of the present study is to determine whether a laparoscopically diagnosed patent processus vaginalis (PPV) is a risk factor for the development of groin hernia. METHODS: The study population was originally composed of 599 consecutive cases (189 male, 32%) of laparoscopic transperitoneal surgery for different indications performed in 4 teaching hospitals in The Netherlands between November 1998 and February 2002. During laparoscopy, the deep inguinal ring was inspected bilaterally. The PPV group was compared with the obliterative processus vaginalis (OPV) group. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 5.5 years, the studied population consisted of 337 cases (94 male, 28%). In this study 12% of the studied population appeared to have PPV in adult life. The percentage PPV of our study group is much higher than the percentage of hernia repairs performed in the Dutch population. A greater proportion (12%) of hernia repairs in the PPV group was found as compared with the OPV group (3%). The chance of developing an inguinal hernia within 5.3 years is four times higher in the group with PPV. No significant correlation between age and the prevalence of PPV was observed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that PPV is an etiologic factor and a risk factor for acquiring an indirect inguinal hernia in adults.

Adolescent↗

Poor results after surgery for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is suggested to be less aggressive than other types of lung cancer. To assess the option of treatment modification, actual outcome data were studied and compared with results for other types of lung cancer. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent resection for stage I lung cancer in our hospital. For 18 BAC cases, histological specimens were re-evaluated and in three cases diagnosis was revised. RESULTS: In the period 1989 through 2000, 15 patients with BAC and 260 patients with other tumour types underwent surgery in our hospital. Five-year survival rates were 24 and 53%, respectively, (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Given the poor results after standard surgery, parenchyma-sparing operations do not seem justified in patients with invasive BAC.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Carcinoma of the sigmoid presenting as a right inguinal hernia.

We present the case of a 44-year-old man who presented with nausea, vomiting and acute pain in the right groin. On physical examination an irreducible mass was palpated in the right inguinal region. Ultrasound suggested an inguinal hernia sac with bowel contents. Subsequent right inguinal exploration revealed only unspecified necrotizing tissue, but no hernia sac or bowel contents were identified. Two days later laparotomy was required since the inguinal wound produced faecal discharge. The sigmoid appeared to be necrotic and perforated, and was subsequently resected. Histology revealed a perforated adenocarcinoma without lymph node involvement. Incarcerated inguinal hernias containing an adenocarcinoma of the colon are rare, but should be considered in patients presenting with an irreducible palpable mass in the inguinal region. Moreover, a carcinoma of the sigmoid may invade the right inguinal region. An intestinal perforation to skin-level in this population is even rarer and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Prolonged skin staining after intradermal use of patent blue in sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer.

AIMS: To investigate the duration of staining of the skin after intradermal injection of patent blue during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer. METHODS: The clinical data of 33 consecutive patients who underwent a SLNB in combination with breast conserving therapy (BCT) in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Also, patients were interviewed at intervals of 3 months until the blue staining of their skin had disappeared. RESULTS: At mean follow-up of 18 months (range: 12-28) patent blue was visible at the site of injection after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in 70, 64, 44 and 41% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the intradermal injection technique of patent blue during sentinel lymph node biopsy in BCT may result in remarkably long discolouring of the skin at the site of injection.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Bilateral axillary metastases of occult breast carcinoma: report of a case with a review of the literature.

The case of a 47-year-old premenopausal woman is presented in whom axillary lymph node metastases occurred on both sides 3 years apart although no primary tumor was detectable in either breast is presented. An overview of the literature on this rare entity is given. Patients with occult breast carcinoma with axillary lymph node metastases should have a complete physical examination, radiologic analysis (mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI of both breasts) and screening for disseminated disease. If there is no evidence of a primary tumor and metastases other than in the axilla, an axillary dissection should be carried out. In addition, the patient should be offered the choice of irradiation of the breast or mastectomy. Postoperatively, patients should receive appropriate systemic therapy tailored to their age, menopausal status, and receptor status.

Axilla↗

[Two patients with a non-palpable, subcutaneously implanted contraceptive].

Two women, 33 and 31 years of age, were referred to a surgeon for the removal of a previously implanted hormonal contraceptive after the general practitioner had attempted this without success. However, no foreign body could be detected in either patient by surgery, echography and MRI and by X-ray, echography and MRI, respectively. They were then referred to a gynaecologist. In the first patient, a low level of etonogestrel confirmed that there was no contraceptive in her body. Subcutaneous contraceptives are sometimes implanted incorrectly. If the rod is not palpable at the site of insertion, then the etonogestrel level should be determined first of all. If the hormone level indicates that a rod is indeed present, then echography or MRI may be considered to localise it before resorting to surgical exploration. Many problems can be prevented by proper implantation.

Adult↗

[Symptoms of cholelithiasis following cholecystectomy; possibly a second gallbladder].

Three patients with cholelithiasis were found to possess a duplicate gallbladder. A 48-year-old woman continued to have symptoms one year after cholecystectomy, a 69-year-old woman had symptoms even though her gallbladder had been removed 40 years before, and in a 29-year-old woman a second gallbladder was found during cholecystectomy. In all three patients, the second gallbladder was removed as well, after which they recovered. The differential diagnosis of persistent symptoms following cholecystectomy should also consider the possible presence of an accessory gallbladder.

Adult↗

The etiology of indirect inguinal hernias: congenital and/or acquired?

The development of indirect inguinal hernias in infants is caused by a patent processus vaginalis (PPV). Consequently, this type of hernia is cured by simple herniotomy. In adults, however, herniotomy alone is accompanied by a high recurrence rate. This indicates that additional factors play a part in the development of indirect inguinal hernias in adults. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of the development of an indirect hernia in adult life. Also, the prevalence of a PPV without clinical evidence of a hernia was determined and related to age. From November 1998 until February 2002, 599 patients from four different teaching hospitals, who underwent abdominal laparoscopy for various pathologies, were included. During laparoscopy, the deep inguinal ring was bilaterally inspected. Patients undergoing laparoscopy for inguinal hernia repair were excluded. Mean age was 45 years (range 8-89 years). Thirty-two percent (189/599) were male. Twelve percent (71/599) had PPV, all without clinical symptoms. Fifty-five percent (39/71) with PPV were male (P<0.0001). Fifty-nine percent (42/71) with PPV were right-sided, 29% (21/71) with PPV were left sided, and 12% (8/71) were bilateral (P=0.01). The prevalence of PPV in patients under 20 years was 22%. Of those between 20 and 30 years of age, 6% had PPV. Of those between 30 and 50 years, 24 patients (11%) had PPV. Of patients over 50 years, 33 (14%) had PPV. No significant differences between ages were observed. It is concluded that asymptomatic patent processus vaginalis frequently exists in adult life. The prevalence of PPV does not increase significantly with age. Assuming that indirect hernias start with asymptomatic peritoneal protrusion that can be observed laparoscopically, the incidence of PPV, like the incidence of adult indirect hernias, should increase in case of acquired etiology. Such an increase of incidence with age was not confirmed by our results. It is concluded that the etiology of indirect inguinal hernia in adults, as in infants, is congenital.

Adolescent↗

Cervical mediastinoscopy in The Netherlands: past or present? A retrospective analysis of 218 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Cervical mediastinoscopy (CM) has been considered the gold standard for the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes in the staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for many years. Recent publications on the value of PET scanning might reduce the use of CM in the near future. The aim of this study was to analyse the data of our CM procedures for their reliability and contribution in the assessment of mediastinal lymph nodes. METHODS: In the period 1995-1999, 219 patients underwent CM. Data were available on 218 procedures and were analysed retrospectively. CM was performed in 162 men and 56 women with a median age of 56 years [range 29 to 80 years]. RESULTS: Median hospitalisation time was three days. There was no mortality and morbidity was 6%. In 96% of procedures representative lymphoid tissue was obtained. In 24%, biopsies contained malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: CM is a relatively safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield. As long as PET scanning remains available at a limited level, CM remains the gold standard in The Netherlands for patients with apparently operable NSCLC.

Adult↗

Thoracoscopic repair of a Bochdalek hernia in an adult.

Bochdalek hernia is a rare congenital diaphragmatic hernia in adults. In most cases, there are no symptoms. Rarely, it requires surgical intervention. In cases with pain or visceral strangulation, laparatomy or laparoscopy are both possible. We present the case of an adult with a Bochdalek hernia. He was operated on via a thoracoscopic approach and had an uneventful recovery. We recommend the thoracoscopic approach as an alternative to open or laparoscopic approach in cases of noncomplicated Bochdalek's hernia.

Adult↗

Absence of apolipoprotein E4 genotype, good gallbladder motility and presence of solitary stones delay rather than prevent gallstone recurrence after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with adjuvant bile salt dissolution therapy may be successful in selected gallstone patients, but the considerable risk of recurrence is a major drawback. Apolipoprotein E4 genotype and impaired gallbladder motility have been identified as major risk factors for recurrence during short-term follow up. We have now examined their relevance during long-term follow up. METHODS: Eighty-four cholesterol gallstone patients (55 solitary and 29 multiple (two to ten) stones) were followed prospectively up to 10 years after complete stone disappearance. Various potential risk factors for recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: Gallstone recurrence was found in up to 80% of patients at 10 years follow-up. Absence of the apolipoprotein epsilon4 allele, initial solitary stones, good gallbladder emptying (i.e. minimal postprandial volume < or = 6 ml) and 2-year postdissolution ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis (in ten patients) all delayed but did not prevent recurrence. In contrast, regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was identified as an independent protective factor, with greatly decreased recurrence (at 10 years: 58 vs 93% in non-NSAID users, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Non-apolipoprotein E4 genotype, presence of solitary stones and good gallbladder emptying delay rather than prevent recurrence after initially successful ESWL. Regular use of NSAIDs may prevent recurrence.

Adult↗

Splenic abscess after lithotripsy of pancreatic duct stones.

We describe a case of splenic abscess following lithotripsy of pancreatic stones, for which emergency splenectomy eventually had to be performed. It is important to be aware of this complication, because splenic abscess is still a life-threatening entity.

Abscess↗

Successful laparoscopic removal of a migrated Angelchik prosthesis.

Implantation of an Angelchik prosthesis has been considered a quick and safe procedure for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Since its introduction in 1979 more than 25,000 have been inserted worldwide. However, the use of this device has been largely abandoned because of frequent complications and high costs. One of the more serious complications is migration of the prosthesis, which usually requires open correction. We recently operated on a 49-year-old man with a migrated Angelchik prosthesis. The device, placed 17 years earlier, had now migrated to the free abdominal cavity causing recurrent urinary tract infections and fecal incontinence. The prosthesis was removed laparoscopically via three ports in a simple procedure without any blood loss. Recovery was uneventful. At this writing, complaints have resolved, and reflux is being controlled medically. This case supports the suggestion that Angelchik prosthesis-related problems may be solved laparoscopically, even if the device was inserted via an open procedure.

Adult↗