Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

V Schumpelick

Publications and source records attributed to V Schumpelick.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The rare epidemiologic coincidence of diverticular disease and advanced colonic neoplasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In Western industrialised countries the prevalence of neoplastic colonic lesions and diverticular disease markedly increases with age. In contrast, the coincident occurrence of both diseases seems to fall below their individual epidemiologic estimates. Because directly comparing data are rare, this retrospective study evaluates the coincidence of neoplastic lesions and diverticular disease. PATIENT AND METHODS: A total of 1,838 patients from 1986 to 2000 were admitted to the study. For 1,326 patients-56% male (n=741), 44% female (n=585), mean age 64 (+/-11.83 SD)-with a resection due to colonic cancer, the documented findings of colonoscopy, colonic contrast enema, and/or histopathology were analysed with regard to the prevalence of colonic diverticulosis. In 512 patients--51% male (n=263), 49% female (n=249), mean age 60 (+/-12.59 SD)--with a colonic resection due to diverticulitis, the synchronous or metachronous occurrence of neoplastic colonic lesions was recorded using the database of the Tumour Centre, Aachen. To compare the observed results with published epidemiology, statistical analysis included age-referred binomial tests and an age-stratified analysis (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test). Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated. P<0.05 was considered to indicate locally statistical significance. RESULTS: In the cancer group, we found a statistically significant reduced rate of diverticula in nearly all age categories and the age-stratified analyses (corresponding OR 0.30-0.51). Consistently, the diverticulitis group revealed a statistically significant decreased rate of advanced colonic neoplastic lesion in nearly all age categories and all age-stratified analyses (corresponding OR 0.13-0.43). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that patients with colonic neoplastic lesions or diverticular disease probably form heterogeneous groups. Because current results from molecular biology emphasize the impact of the extracellular matrix on the genesis of diverticulosis and colonic cancer, the observed heterogeneity could be an expression of a distinct composition of the local milieu.

Adult↗

Intraabdominal adhesion formation of polypropylene mesh. Influence of coverage of omentum and polyglactin.

BACKGROUND: Adhesions after intraabdominal surgical procedures are related to high morbidity and mortality. Biomaterials, particularly those made of polypropylene, in the intraabdominal position have to be considered as pathophysiological cofactor in a multifactorial process of adhesion formation. To investigate the adhesive potential induced by the biomaterial, an animal model was performed. In addition, the influence of coverage by omentum or a polyglactin barrier was investigated. METHODS: In, 18 Chinchilla rabbits the biomaterial was placed laparoscopically using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique. Using this model, a polypropylene-polyglactin mesh compound (PPMC) was used with three different implantation techniques: group 1, PPMC implantation without coverage (PPMC): group 2, PPMC implantation with additional omentum coverage (PPMC-O): and group 3, PPMC implantation with coverage of an absorbable polyglactin mesh (PPMC-V). The degree of adhesion formation was measured 90 days after implantation by computer-assisted planimetry. Morphometric examination followed the explantation analyzing the amount of foreign body response. RESULTS: We found a significant reduction of adhesion formation for the PPMC and PPMC-O groups compared to the PPMC-V group, in which dense adhesions were found. Morphometric investigations of the perifilamental granulomas of the pure (PPMC) group revealed a typical foreign body reaction with a mild to moderate fibrosis around all mesh fibers. However, tissue specimens of the PPMC-O and PPMC-V groups indicated a similar inflammatory reaction but significantly increased connective tissue formation around the polymer fibers compared to the pure PPMC group. CONCLUSION: The intraabdominal placement of a pure PPMC shows a neoperitonealization and perifilamental collagenous ingrowth with almost no adhesions. Coverage with omentum (PPMC-O) or polyglactin mesh (PPMC-V) resulted in a significant increase in inflammation and perifilamentary connective tissue formation.

Animals↗

Randomized clinical trial comparing lightweight composite mesh with polyester or polypropylene mesh for incisional hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Polymer mesh has been used to repair incisional hernias with lower recurrence rates than suture repair. A new generation of mesh has been developed with reduced polypropylene mass and increased pore size. The aim of this study was to compare standard mesh with new lightweight mesh in patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive lightweight composite mesh, or standard polyester or polypropylene mesh. Outcomes were evaluated at 21 days, 4, 12 and 24 months from patient responses to the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and daily activity questionnaires. Complications and recurrence rates were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were included in an intention-to-treat analysis (83 lightweight mesh, 82 standard mesh). Postoperative complication rates were similar. The overall hernia recurrence rate was 17 per cent with the lightweight mesh versus 7 per cent with the standard mesh (P = 0.052). There were no differences in SF-36 physical function scores or daily activities between 21 days and 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of the lightweight composite mesh for incisional hernia repair had similar outcomes to polypropylene or polyester mesh with the exception of a non-significant trend towards increased hernia recurrence. The latter may be related to technical factors with regard to the specific placement and fixation requirements of lightweight composite mesh.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Ropivacain after inguinal hernia surgery. A prospective, randomised, double-blinded, controlled study].

BACKGROUND: To optimise the satisfaction of patients after repair of primary inguinal hernias under local anaesthesia, we analysed the analgetic power of Ropivacain in the postoperative period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients underwent repair under local anaesthesia with the same volume of 0.75% Ropivacain or 1% Mepivacain in a randomised and blinded manner. Postoperative pain analysis was carried out in all patients. RESULTS: Subjective pain levels at rest and under stress as well as impairment by pain were found to be significantly lower in the Ropivacain group at the day of operation. Decrease in vital capacity and peak flow showed similar results. The postoperative amount of analgesics and time of mobilisation showed a positive influence by the use of Ropivacain. CONCLUSION: Ropivacain reduces postoperative pain levels after hernia repair. This leads to increased comfort for patients, without elevated perioperative risk.

Adult↗

[Incisional hernia].

With a long-term incidence of 10-20%, incisional hernias remain one of the most common surgical complications. Beside technical causes, wound-healing problems are increasingly being discussed. Conventional suture repair shows disappointing results and should be used only in selected cases. By the implantation of mesh prostheses, notable improvement could be achieved, with recurrence rates of <10%. Its main principle is retromuscular mesh reinforcement of the entire scar. Particularly in the neighbourhood of osseous structures, only retromuscular placement allows sufficient subduction of the mesh by healthy tissue of at least 5 cm in all directions. Preparation must take into account the special anatomic features of the abdominal wall, especially in the area of the Linea alba and Linea semilunaris.

Abdominal Wall↗

[Open colon surgery].

Open resection of the colon is one of the most frequent abdominal operations, which clearly indicates the great importance of colon carcinomas. The surgical aim is resection of the affected intestinal region and the according lymph drainage region. In this respect, the techniques employed are strictly standardized: right hemicolectomy for right colon carcinoma, transverse resection for right colon carcinoma, left hemicolectomy for descendent colon carcinoma, and sigmoid resection for sigmoid carcinoma. In case of benign underlying disease, the operational method depends largely on the extent to which the intestine is affected and can include anything from simple colotomy and polyp removal to colectomy for toxic megacolon. Elective colon surgery is usually primary, but in emergencies a protective stoma might be necessary. Standardized indication and operational techniques enable low perioperative mortality and complication rates that make open colon resection usually un-problematic even in very old patients.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

[Isolated edematous swelling of Bauhin's valve -- sonographically suspected diagnosis of a rare ileocoecal disease].

Isolated edematous swelling of Bauhin's valve is a rare finding in cases of non-specific abdominal complaints in the lower right abdominal quadrant. The differential diagnosis includes entities such as tumours, chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and ileocoecal intussusception as well as specific infections, all of which require individual therapy. Based on two current cases and a review of the literature, aetiology, clinical picture and diagnostic findings of isolated edema of the ileocoecal valve are described. The typical ultrasound findings are presented. Due to its potential of excluding other diseases, modern ultrasound offers promising results in the case of isolated edematous swelling of Bauhin's valve.

Adult↗

Titanium coating of a polypropylene mesh for hernia repair: effect on biocompatibilty.

Titanium and its alloys are used worldwide in surgery. The favorable characteristics that make this material desirable for implantation are corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Concerning hernia repair, a mesh modification has been developed using titanium layering of a polypropylene mesh implant, which is said to lead to an improved biocompatibility compared to commercially available mesh materials. To analyze the pure effect of titanium coating, two different mesh structures were studied using a standardized animal model. The titanium-coated monofilamentous, large porous, and lightweight mesh made of polypropylene and coated with titanium (PP+T) was compared to a pure polypropylene mesh manufactured with a similar structure and amount of material serving as a control (PP). In Sprague-Dawley rats, mesh samples were placed in a subcutaneuous position. Then 56, 84, and 182 days after mesh implantation, three animals from each group were sacrificed for morphological observations (amount of inflammatory and connective tissue formation, percentages of proliferating and apoptotic cells, percentage of macrophages). Both mesh modifications investigated showed an overall good biocompatibility. Macroscopic clinical observation after implantation of up to 182 days was uneventful. The tissue response to the PP as well as to the PP+T mesh was characterized by a moderate inflammatory tissue reaction limited to the perifilamentary region as is known for low weight, large porous, and monofilamentous mesh structures. No significant improvement of biocompatibility was found when analyzing the effect of titanium coating compared to the pure polypropylene mesh structure.

Animals↗

Technical consideration for subxiphoidal incisional hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The main principle of incisional hernia repair with mesh augmentation is a wide overlap of at least 5 cm in all directions. This is complicated when cartilaginous or osseous structures border the fascial defect, most notably at the xiphoid after sternotomy or in large proximal incisional hernias. METHOD: We performed an anatomic investigation of this "problematic" area with its different structures and layers that form the retroxiphoidal space. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The posterior lamina of the rectus sheath inserts on the posterior side of the xiphoid. This lamina inhibits a sufficient mesh placement. By sharp dissection dorsal the xiphoid process, the posterior lamina of the rectus sheath can be detached. This way the retroxiphoidal space can be opened. Further development of this space can be made by blunt dissection. In some cases, with retroxiphoidal scar formation after sternotomy, a sharp dissection might be necessary. This enables a combined retromuscular-retroxiphoid mesh augmentation repair with a sufficient underlay of at least 5 cm, according to the principles of sublay technique.

Cadaver↗

Impact of pressure and gas type on anastomotic wound healing in rats.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic techniques in the treatment of various bowel diseases have become more and more popular in today's clinical routine. However, knowledge about the impact of a carbon dioxide (CO(2)) pneumoperitoneum on the quality of healing of the intra-abdominal wound is rare. We therefore investigated the effects of pressure and gas type on anastomosis healing in a rat model. METHODS: Laparotomy and twofold ileo-ileal anastomosis was performed in 78 male Sprague Dawley rats. A CO(2) or a helium pneumoperitoneum of 3 mmHg (each, n=18) or of 6 mmHg (each, n=12) was maintained before and after ileo-ileostomy. Rats in the control group ( n=18) received no pneumoperitoneum. Animals were killed after 5 and 10 days. As indicator of bowel function, mean body weights were compared between the groups. One region of the anastomosis was subjected to computerised bursting-pressure measurements, while the second was explanted for subsequent histopathological examinations: collagen synthesis and degradation was determined by the ratio of collagen type I to type III and by the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-13. The extent of new mucosal layer formation was measured in haematoxylin and eosin (H and E)-stained sections. RESULTS: Alteration in mean body weight and the mean anastomosis bursting pressures did not differ between the groups. Likewise, histological examination revealed no statistically significant differences, either in the values for collagen I/III ratios or in the extent of mucosal proliferation. After 10 days, 6 mmHg helium pneumoperitoneum was associated with a more pronounced expression of MMP-13 than that of controls. CONCLUSIONS: A CO(2) pneumoperitoneum with pressures of 3 mmHg and 6 mmHg was found to have no significant impact upon the healing of anastomosis wounds in rats. Helium pneumoperitoneum offers no advantages over CO(2).

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Pitfalls in retromuscular mesh repair for incisional hernia: the importance of the "fatty triangle".

Open retromuscular mesh repair has become a standard procedure in incisional hernia repair. This technique led to a significant decrease of recurrences. Recurrences after this technique typically occur at the upper mesh border and are a result of the technical complexity of reaching the postulated underlay of 5 cm in the region of the linea alba. We performed an anatomical study in human corpses to investigate the abdominal wall with its different structures, with emphasis on the overlap of the mesh under the linea alba. The overlap can be achieved by incision of the posterior lamina of the rectus sheath, on both sides close to the linea alba. The incision opens the preperitoneal space and appears in the shape of a "fatty triangle". The anterior lamina of the rectus sheath above the hernia defect remains intact and facilitates a sufficient thrust bearing for a retromuscular mesh implantation. Knowledge of the anatomy and preparation of the "fatty triangle" enables a mesh positioning according to the principles of retromuscular mesh repair.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Results after endoscopic treatment of postoperative upper gastrointestinal fistulas and leaks using combined Vicryl plug and fibrin glue.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of clinically relevant anastomotic leaks after upper gastrointestinal surgery is approximately 4% to 20%, and the associated mortality is up to 80%. Depending on the clinical presentation, the treatment options include surgery, conservative treatment with or without external drainage or endoscopic treatment. METHODS: This report presents nine cases of anastomotic leaks or fistulae after surgery for upper gastrointestinal cancers that were treated by insertion of a Vicryl plug and sealing with fibrin glue. Under sedation, all nine patients underwent endoscopic lavage of the cavity at the site of anastomotic leakage. The entrance to the cavity then was filled with Vicryl mesh and sealed off with fibrin glue. After the procedure, the patients underwent endoscopy and a water-soluble contrast study for assessment of the result. RESULTS: Seven of the nine patients had complete healing of the anastomotic leak or fistula after one to two endoscopic treatments. In one case, the treatment failed immediately because of a large and direct tracheoesophageal fistula. Another patient experienced recurrent intrathoracic abscesses after initial technical success. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative upper gastrointestinal fistulas or anastomotic leaks can be managed successfully with little morbidity by means of endoscopic insertion of Vicryl mesh with fibrin glue, thereby avoiding repetitive major surgery and its associated risks.

Adult↗

The Pfannenstiel or so called "bikini cut": still effective more than 100 years after first description.

The original Pfannenstiel incision is discussed including the technique, history, current indications, advantages, and disadvantages. Excellent cosmetic results, principles of less traumatic surgery, and a rare incisional hernia complication rate of about 0-2%, as well as long-time use characterise this access path to the pelvic organs first described by the German gynaecologist in 1900. Complications of nerve damage, however, should be recognised, especially when extending the incision too far laterally.

Female↗

[Reconstructive surgery after anterior resection of the rectum].

Sphincter preservation is a goal in the treatment of rectal cancer and should be considered in all patients with intact analsphincter. For tumors of the upper rectum, this is easily achieved by end-to-end decendorectostomy. Total mesorectal excision is obligatory for tumors of the mid and lower third of the rectum. Reconstruction of intestinal continuity can be achieved by colonal anastomosis, if the oncologic situation allows a sphincter-preserving procedure. Creation of a colonic J-pouch can improve functional results. This leads to a reduction of stool frequency and urgency without negative effects on continence and complication rate. The functional effects are maximal during the initial months, but are still significant up to 9 years postoperatively. The pouch should not exceed a length of 6 cm in order to prevent evacuation disorders. The transverse coloplasty pouch may allow pouch reconstruction in patients in whom this is currently impossible, but long-term follow-up is not yet available.

Anal Canal↗

[Large solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura as incidental finding. 2 case reports of a rare tumor entity].

The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a very rare and usually benign neoplasm. This tumor is mostly located in the thoracic cavity, but it has also been reported in numerous sites including liver, skin, and meninges. Due to its rarity diagnosis is often difficult. Accordingly, histopathological differentiation is of major importance. Solitary fibrous tumors consistently express CD 34 and react negatively to epithelial markers. This absence of expression of epithelial markers, especially cytokeratin, is also useful to distinguish these rare entities from sarcomatous mesotheliomas. The treatment of choice for solitary fibrous tumors is extensive surgical resection. Up to now there is no evidence that radiation and chemotherapy are effective. The local recurrence or onset of metastases depends on histologic parameters. In cases of benign classification (60-80%), the recurrence rate was only 2% after surgical excision. One-half of the patients with malignant tumors can be cured; the rest develop recurrences and metastases more often. Especially in those cases, emphasis should be placed on continual follow-up examination. We report two cases of a 65- and a 75-year-old male patient with huge intrathoracic solitary fibrous subpleural tumors, discovered incidentally on routine chest X-ray.

Aged↗

[Surgery of inguinal hernia as ambulatory and brief inpatient surgery].

Ambulatory surgery of inguinal hernia is gaining in popularity. While in the USA, admitting patients for inguinal hernia surgery is an exception, fewer than 10% of all such operations in Germany are performed in a day-case surgical setting. One reason for the situation observed in Germany is still a lack of acceptance by the patients. A second reason is the general nature of our health system. Surgery of the inguinal hernia can adequately be done as a standardised ambulatory procedure. We prefer conventional repair under local anaesthesia. In qualified hands, vitally dangerous complications are minimal. Careful indication, standardisation of the procedure as well as good information for and guidance of the patients provide a basis for successful day-case surgery. Indications, limitations, and risks are presented and analysed from a clinical point of view.

Adult↗

[Foreign body-induced disruption of the gastrointestinal tract-anatomy of the ileocoecal opening].

INTRODUCTION: Over 75% of ingested foreign bodies pass the gastrointestinal tract without any complications. Blunt foreign bodies may lead to a disruption of the intestinal passage, mainly in the area of the ileocoecal opening. The size of the reported foreign bodies varies considerably. The aim of this study was the anatomic investigation to clarify the possible causes of obstruction and its influence on the diameter of the ileocoecal opening. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We investigate anatomically and describe the ileocoecal opening on the basis of 27 specimens. RESULTS: We found not a flap mechanism but a valve mechanism in the ileocoecal junction. The median diameter of the formalin-fixated specimens was 10.9 mm respectively 21.8 mm according to an assumed correction factor of 2. The cause for intestinal obstruction most probably is the ingestion of blunt, angular foreign bodies in the ostium ileale. CONCLUSION: The intraindividual differences as well as the considerable size of foreign bodies that pass the ileoceocal opening support the hypothesis, that the complications described are more a consequence of an ingestion of blunt, cornered foreign bodies in the ostium ileale independent ofn the size of the ileocoecal opening itself.

Cecum↗