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Biomedical subjects

W Lindemann

Publications and source records attributed to W Lindemann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Stomach carcinoma as a surgical emergency].

Perforated or bleeding gastric cancer is a life threatening situation that occurs in less than 10% of all patients with gastric cancer in the Western world. Three quarters of these complicated gastric carcinomas show advanced stages (UICC stages III and IV). Diagnosis is made intraoperatively only in the majority of patients. Emergency gastrectomy is superior to any type of local excision and/or local repair regarding surgical mortality and long-term survival and should be the intervention of choice. Stage-related long term survival of patients with emergency gastrectomy is comparable to that of electively resected patients. Minimalism and nihilism are therefore not appropriate in the treatment of complicated gastric cancer and are often deleterious. Subtotal gastrectomy without D2 lymphadenectomy is regarded as the adeqauate procedure in most cases.

Emergencies↗

[Laparoscopy-assisted colorectal resections: morbidity, conversions, outcomes of a decade].

BACKGROUND: After one decade of laparoscopic resections of the colon and rectum the parameters morbidity, conversion and complications were analyzed. The analysis of the literature comprises the results of operations performed for benign and malignant indications. METHODS: The analysis is based on the medline research of the past ten years. Publications in German language not listed were added. Results of multicenter studies were included if differentiation by indication and dignity could be achieved. Surveys of different operations of the colon and rectum not differentiated by the parameters to be analyzed were excluded. Publications of the early beginning of laparoscopic surgery were included even if not more than 10 cases were presented but the parameters described in detail. RESULTS: ADENOMAS OF THE COLON: The morbidity ranges from 0-17.4%, the conversion rate is 17.4 and 18.4% in 23 respectively 38 patients. SIGMOID DIVERTICULITIS: Mortality 0-1.8%. The morbidity was 16% in the early series and was later below 10% (8.7 and 7.3%). In the beginning the conversion rate was over 10% (12.0-38.9%) with one exception (0%). It dropped below 10% (4.6-9.2%) and was 0% in a recent study of 64 patients. The reasons for conversion are: inflammatory mass, fistula; perforation and obesity. Intraoperative complications are rare. The rate of postoperative complications did not change within 10 years (9.7 to 25.0% against 7.3 to 17.0%). CROHN'S DISEASE: The morbidity is around 10% (10.6-14.0%) and is lower in series with exclusively ileocoecal resections. The conversion rate is low or zero in ileocoecal resections and raises with the degree of inflammation and the spectrum of procedures. COLON CANCER: Mortality: 0-1.9%. The morbidity ranges from 6.8 to 30% and is especially high after conversions (up to 50%). The conversion rate reflects with the range of 4.2 to 21.0% in the beginning and 1.6 to 23.5% later the experience of the individual surgeon. RECTAL CANCER: Even in large series (n = 157) the mortality of laparoscopic rectal resections is zero. The conversion rate is 0-7.6%; the morbidity 11.5 to 26.4%. REVERSAL OF HARTMANN PROCEDURE: The number of cases is low, the conversion rate is around 20%. The morbidity ranges from 14.3-41.1% with one exception (0%). RECTOPEXY: Four different techniques are applied laparoscopically. The morbidity ranges from 0 to 16%. The conversion rate is 0-2.6%, except one (16.0%). CONCLUSION: After one decade of laparoscopic colorectal surgery there are advantages for benign indications (adenomas, Crohn's disease, rectopexy) when compared with open surgery. Disadvantages arise from conversions. Experience of the surgeon is a strong parameter for a successful outcome. Results of ongoing studies are awaited for malignant indications.

Adenoma↗

Granulocyte elastase and systemic cytokine response after laparoscopic-assisted and open resections in Crohn's disease.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess whether systemic proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein), or granulocyte elastase are valuable indicators for determining the degree of surgical trauma after open vs. laparoscopic-assisted resections in Crohn's disease. METHOD: Eleven patients in each group (open and laparoscopic-assisted surgery) were matched for indication, surgical procedure, and Crohn's disease activity index. Serum IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum C-reactive protein was determined by immunoturbidimetric assay. Plasma granulocyte elastase was determined by immunoactivation immunoassay. Blood was sampled preoperatively, six hours after the operation, and at postoperative Days 1 to 5. RESULTS: IL-4 was not detectable in any sample analyzed. Serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels peaked postoperatively in both groups without significant differences between laparoscopic-assisted (185.6 +/-54.1 pg/ml and 112.1 +/- 19.4 pg/ml, respectively; mean +/-standard error of the mean) and open surgery (431.1 +/-240.4 pg/ml and 196.7 +/- 56.5 pg/ml, respectively). Serum C-reactive protein levels also rose postoperatively, with a peak on the second day, but showed similar values after laparoscopic-assisted (107.1 +/- 12.1 mg/l) and open (128.3 +/- 17.5 mg/l) surgery. Plasma granulocyte elastase levels peaked on the first and second postoperative day and were found elevated almost throughout the five-day observation period. Comparison between the groups revealed significantly (P < 0.02) lower values after laparoscopic-assisted (Day 1, 46.5 +/- 8.9 microg/l; Day 2, 41.9 +/- 5.9 microg/l) when compared with open surgery (Day 1, 89.7 +/- 13.8 microg/l; Day 2, 91.4 +/- 14). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 and IL-10 may not be ideal measures for evaluation of the degree of tissue trauma in laparoscopic-assisted and open resections in Crohn's disease, probably because of interference with disease-specific cytokine interactions. In contrast, granulocyte elastase has to be considered a strong marker discriminating the different severity of surgical trauma induced by laparoscopic-assisted vs. open resection in Crohn's disease.

Adult↗

Effectiveness of a hands-on training course for laparoscopic spine surgery in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Although it is widely proposed that surgeons, before introducing a novel laparoscopic technique in man, should practice in an appropriate animal model for acquisition of the necessary technical skills, the effectiveness of those hands-on training courses are rarely documented. METHODS: In 1995 we have organized eight hands-on training courses for laparoscopic anterior interbody spine fusion in an in vivo porcine model. A total of 72 colleagues from 50 different centers of 12 countries participated, including orthopedic, trauma, visceral, neuro-, and vascular surgeons. Quality and effectiveness of the course were evaluated by a questionnaire after a 1.5- to 2.5-year period. RESULTS: During this time, 42.2% of the participating centers had applied the new technique successfully in man. Centers which participated in the course with a team that included a skilled laparoscopic surgeon and an orthopedic or trauma surgeon introduced the technique more frequently to clinical practice (57.9%) than those represented by only one participant (30. 8%). Moreover, there was a tendency toward a more frequent introduction of the technique to clinical practice in centers associated with university hospitals (57.1% vs. 29.2%), indicating the requirement of a particular infrastructure for this complex interdisciplinary procedure. Almost all participants (98.3%) agreed that for novel surgical techniques requiring advanced technical skills, there should first be training in a large animal model before the technique is applied in man. CONCLUSIONS: Complex laparoscopic procedures (i.e., laparoscopic spine surgery) can be successfully learned by in vivo hands-on training courses. We propose that for refinements and modifications of the technique (e.g. , the lumboscopic approach), there should also first be training in a large animal model before these are applied in man.

Animals↗

[Symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm and left-sided infrarenal vena cava].

Coincidence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and abnormalities of the inferior vena cava is a rare condition but has significance for surgical therapy. By the preoperative use of various imaging techniques and adapted surgical procedure the risk of the operation is decreasing to a minimal level. A case of symptomatic abdominal aneurysm and left-sided infrarenal vena cava is presented and the importance of preoperative examinations and operative strategy is discussed.

Aged↗

[Thoracic actinomycosis--a case report].

BACKGROUND: Actinomycosis is caused by a variety of gram-positive anaerobic or microaerophilic rods belonging to the genus Actinomyces or Propionibacterium. The production of suppurative abscesses or granulomas that eventually develop draining sinuses are hallmarks of the disease. We describe the case of a 55 year old smoker who presented himself 4 months ago with right thoracic pain and an unproductive cough. He developed a warm, red mass in the lower part of the right thorax. We performed an ultrasound guided needle aspiration and the pathologic examination revealed typical sulfur granules and masses of neutrophils in the aspirate. After surgical resection of the abscess and under high-dose therapy with penicillin G the further course of disease was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, thoracic actinomycosis should always taken into account in the differential diagnosis of chronic inflammatory processes that involve the pulmonary parenchyma or pleural space.

Actinomycosis↗

[Surgical treatment of Crohn disease based on the inflammatory pattern].

286 patients with Crohn's disease were classified on the basis of the inflammatory pattern at their first operation as type 1 (Ileitis: n = 116), type 2a (segmental colitis: n = 60), and type 2b (total colitis: n = 108); 2 patients remained unclassified. At the same age at operation of 31.9 +/- 10.7 yrs symptoms were known in type 1 for 3.4 +/- 3.9 yrs, but for 7.5 +/- 5.7 yrs in type 2b. Main indication in type 1 was stenosis (56.9%), whereas in type 2b intractabilitiy (68.5%) predominated. Type 2a was intermediate concerning duration of symptoms and relationship of indications including fistulas. Standard-procedures were ileocecal resection (92.2%) in type 1, and colectomy (90.7%) in type 2b. In type 2a ileocolic resections and partial colectomies were mostly done. During the following 3.9 +/- 3.8 yrs reoperation rate due to disease progression was 13.6% in type 1, 25.5% in type 2a and 18.5% in type 2b. The cumulative risk of ileal resection at ten years due to new inflammation was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the case of ileocolic/ileorectal anastomosis than of ileostomy (38% vs. 11%). In contrast, cumulative probability of a colorectal resection was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in type 2 (16%) when compared to type 1 (1.5%). Primary ileal loss was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in type 1 (37 +/- 23 cm) compared with type 2a (25 +/- 28 cm) and type 2b (17 +/- 21 cm). Loss of continence occurred in 0%, 3.3% and 53.7% respectively. With reoperations additional loss of ileum decreased in all types, whereas in type 2 loss of anorectal function increased. Including reoperations the rate of major complications was 9.8% and lethality was 0.8% (3/386). Resections in Crohn's disease are unavoidable due to shrinking therapeutical alternatives in the course of the disease. Owing to limited resections, loss of bowel may not exceed ileum in type 1, whereas the same resectional policy cannot avoid the total loss of the colorectum eventually in type 2. Both limited surgery and repeated resections help to maintain function as long as possible. Due to the high safety-standard the number of operations does not impair the success of the surgical concept.

Adolescent↗

[Laparoscopically assisted surgery in Crohn disease].

UNLABELLED: From Jan. 1993 to Apr. 1997 intestinal resections in Crohn's disease have been performed in 275 patients. 89 patients have been operated on laparoscopic assisted. The following parameters were analyzed: previous laparotomies, extent of resection, steroid medication, conversionrate, complications, operative time and postoperative stay. Endpoints were: conversionrate, complications, reconvalescence and overall satisfaction with the laparoscopic technique. RESULTS: The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 16 years (x = 6). 47 patients were under steroid medication at the time of surgery. 30 patients had undergone previous laparotomies. In 10 patients the operation had to be converted into open surgery. The following procedures have been performed: ileocaecal resections (45), anastomotic resections (14), small bowel resections (4), hemicolectomies (12), colectomies (9), loopileostomies (4), adhesiolysis (1). Minor complications occurred in 6.7% of patients, major complications in 5.6%. Operative time ranged from 70 to 420 minutes (x = 173.7). The postoperative hospital stay was 13.3 days in the average. CONCLUSION: The morbidity of 12.3% is not higher than in open surgery. When complications do not occur the patients benefit from early convalescence, better cosmetics and shorter hospital stay.

Adolescent↗

[Laparoscopically-assisted proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch in ulcerative colitis].

Laparoscopic assisted proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch is a technical alternative to the conventional open procedure. The aim of this technique are better cosmetics. Mobilisation of the colon is achieved laparoscopically. Rectal resection, J-pouch creation, and pouchanal anastomosis are performed via a Pfannenstiel incision. Laparoscopic assisted proctocolectomy has been performed in five selected patients, three female and two male aged 17 to 36 years. Operative time ranged from 305 to 420 minutes. Intra- and postoperative complications were not encountered. Postoperative hospital stay ranged from 13 to 16 days. On a scale from 1 to 10 the average quality of life was graded 9 and the overall satisfaction level with the results of surgery scored 10. Function was identical to open surgery in not selected patients.

Adolescent↗

[Laparoscopic 2-level fusion of the lumbar spine with Bagby and Kuslich implants].

In a 50-year-old female patient, presenting with permanent low lumbar back pain and intermittent neurological alterations due to degenerative disc disease L4-5 and L5-/S1 we demonstrate that two-level anterior interbody fusion can be performed via laparoscopic transabdominal instrumentation using BAK interbody implants. Intervertebral disc space L5-/S1 was stabilized approaching the spine caudally of the aortic bifurcation, while disc space L4-L5 required an approach from the left lateral aspect, mobilizing the aorta and vena cava to the right. The postoperative course was without complications and allowed discharge from the hospital on day 8. X-ray control 4 months later demonstrated restoration of adequate disc space at L4-L5 and L5-/S1 and appropriate positioning of the implants.

Female↗

[Laparoscopic resections in colon carcinoma].

Since 1992 laparoscopic-assisted resections have been performed in 43 patients with tumors of the right or left colon. Excluding one patient with anastomotic leak there were no harvest complications. After a mean follow-up of 25 months 26/39 patients are living without tumor progress or recurrence, none of the 39 patients have abdominal wall metastases as yet; nine patients died due to tumor progress.

Adult↗

[Laparoscopic resections in Crohn disease].

39 patients with Crohn's disease underwent laparoscopic bowel resections during January 1993 to May 1995 (16 female, 23 male, with an average age of 33 years). The duration of the disease ranged from one to 18 years. 21 of the 39 patients were under steroid therapy at the time of operation. Seven patients have had ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease. The operative technique is laparoscopically assisted. We performed: small bowel resections (8), ileocaecal resections (16), hemicolectomies (11), subtotal colectomies (2), colectomies (2). Operative time ranged from 90 to 280 min for ileocaecal resections and from 330 to 420 min for colectomies. Intraoperative complications were not encountered. Postoperatively one patient developed a subhepatic abscess which was drained under sonographic guidance on day 6. One patient was reoperated for a different disease on postoperative day 2. Two patients had fever till day 9 and 13 without clinical relevance. Two patients had delayed incision site healing. Postoperative clinical stay was 11 days. The main benefit for the patients was early mobilisation due to reduced pain. Patients experienced the small abdominal incision as a ray of hope in their chronic disease.

Adolescent↗

[Intersphincteric rectum resection with colosphincter pouch].

In rectal cancer the emphasis has moved towards sphincter saving resection. Tumor site and penetration depth decide the operative technique in low rectal cancer. 1) Resection at the upper confinement of the anal canal. 2) Intersphincteric resection at the level of the dentate line. Reconstruction is achieved by a colonic J-pouch. From 1991 to 1994 we operated on 35 patients with an average age of 58.1 years. An intersphincteric resection was performed in 11 patients whose tumor was situated between 0 and 2 cm upwards the dentate line. 24 cancers were situated between 2 and 6 cm of the dentate line and were resected at the upper confinement of the anal canal with a linear stapler. Tumor penetration depth was determined endosonographically (ES). Four patients had tumor stage ES T1, 13 ES T2 and 18 ES T3. A J-pouch of 7-9 cm size was sutured (11) or stapled (24) to the anal canal. In 10 patients who underwent intersphincteric resection the pre- and post-operative anal pressures were determined. We did not encounter major complications. In three patients a leakage at the colonal anastomosis postponed closure of the diverting colostomy. We had no anastomotic recurrence but one pelvic side recurrence. Four patients developed liver metastases; in one case resectable. Postoperative anal sphincter pressure was reduced in all cases but clinically relevant only in one. This patient has frequent major soiling, three patients have occasional minor leak. Two patients are incontinent of gas, 26 are perfect continent. One patient has bowel movements every two days, 15 one per day, 12 two per day and 3 three per day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

[A hemolytic crisis with liver failure as the first manifestation of Wilson's disease].

An 18-year-old woman developed an acute haemolytic anaemia, acute transient renal failure and progressive hepatic failure. Coeruloplasmin and serum copper concentration were normal; a Kayser-Fleischer ring and any neurological symptoms were absent initially. Liver biopsy was contraindicated because of increased bleeding tendency. Wilson's disease was diagnosed only after the acute renal failure had regressed, on the basis of the urinary copper excretion (2890 micrograms/d, rising to 7330 micrograms/d after D-penicillamine administration). Progressive liver failure required transplantation. After it the patient quickly recovered and is now, two years later, free of disease. -This case demonstrates that Wilson's disease may be difficult to diagnose at the time of initial acute manifestation. But it can be recognized early from the pathognomonic low alkaline phosphatase and by calculation of free serum copper.

Acute Disease↗