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Effect of esophageal variceal band ligation on hemorrhoids, anorectal varices, and portal hypertensive colopathy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Although it is known that obliteration of esophageal varices following endoscopic variceal band ligation results in an increase in the incidence of portal hypertensive gastropathy, the effect of variceal ligation on hemorrhoids, anorectal/colonic varices and portal hypertensive colopathy is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endoscopic variceal band ligation on hemorrhoids, anorectal/colonic varices and portal hypertensive colopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 consecutive patients with cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension were prospectively studied. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and full-length colonoscopy were carried out before the patients underwent endoscopic variceal band ligation for esophageal varices and after obliteration of the varices following band ligation. RESULTS: Obliteration of esophageal varices by endoscopic variceal band ligation did not affect the incidence of hemorrhoids (37 % before and after), anorectal varices (40 % before and after), and portal hypertensive colopathy (57 % before and after). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that esophageal variceal band ligation does not affect the incidence of hemorrhoids, anorectal varices or portal hypertensive colopathy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Adolescent↗

[Formation of portal venous collaterals after ligation of the portal vein for induction of liver regeneration].

PURPOSE: Unilateral occlusion of the portal vein induces contralateral lobar hypertrophy - in contrast to complete portal vein occlusion which will result in a cavernous transformation. The impact of the formation of collaterals in partial portal vein occlusion is not sufficiently known. The lobar-hypertrophy- phenomenon is in clinical use for several years to induce iatrogenic liver growth to enable extended resections. After portal vein ligation in patients prior to extended hepatic resections, we noticed a perfusion of the formerly occluded side on CT. Using the well-established mini pig model, we were interested whether portal collaterals are formed as cause of the reperfusion. Ex-situ angiograms of the liver were used for the depiction of collaterals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a median laparotomy as access for preparation of the hepatoduodenal ligament, a proximal left portal vein ligation was performed in eight mini pigs under general anesthesia. The total arrest of the portal blood flow (except in segments VI and VII) was documented by duplex ultrasound. After 4 weeks, all pigs were sacrificed and the weight of the ligated liver segments and non-ligated liver segments was measured and compared to a sham group (n = 5). After insertion of a guiding sheath, an ex-situ DSA of the portal vein was acquired. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, the liver weight increased by 60 % (23 - 99 %, std. dev. 30 %) in segments VI and VII. Atrophy of the ligated segments was signified by a weight loss of 10 % (standard deviation 15 %). The ex-situ angiograms revealed a uniform pattern of collaterals with subsequent complete total recanalization of the formerly occluded portal vein distal from the ligation. The collaterals reduced the portal venous flow rate. CONCLUSION: After portal vein ligation, uniform collateralization results in recanalization of the occluded portal vein. The extent of the collaterals exceeds the known cavernous transformation. The increase in liver volume is not restrained by the formation of collaterals.

Aged↗

Treatment of bleeding colonic diverticula by endoscopic band ligation: an in-vivo and ex-vivo pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Angiographic and surgical therapy are standards of care for persistent diverticular bleeding. Colonoscopic intervention using epinephrine injection, multipolar electrocautery, and placement of an Endoclip has not gained widespread acceptance due to concerns about complications,and the widespread management of severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding by surgeons and interventional radiologists. The utility of colonoscopic band ligation for control of diverticular bleeding was evaluated both in vivo and ex vivo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Endoscopic band ligation of diverticula was performed on surgical resection specimens and in patients with actively bleeding colonic diverticula. RESULTS: In the in-vivo study, active diverticular bleeding was completely controlled in four patients by endoscopic band ligation. In two cases, a visible vessel was seen on the everted and banded diverticulum. Procedure time ranged from 45 to 140 min. The total lengths of hospital stays for the four patients were 2, 6, 14, and 35 days. The long hospital stays (> 7 days)were associated with non-gastrointestinal co-morbidity. There were no acute complications of band ligation. No rebleeding or need for surgery occurred during a follow-up period of 12 months in any of the patients. In the ex-vivo study, 11 diverticula were successfully everted and banded in five of nine surgical specimens (one right colon and four left colons). Mucosa was identified in all of the "banded" segments. Ten of 11 ligated diverticula revealed evidence of blood vessels or submucosal tissue. The presence of subserosal fat was suggested in three of the 11 "banded" segments, and none of the ex-vivo ligated diverticula contained muscularis propria or serosal involvement. There was no evidence of perforation. CONCLUSIONS: Both in-vivo and ex-vivo data suggest that endoscopic band ligation may be a safe and effective therapy for actively bleeding colonic diverticula.

Aged↗

The Saeed Six-Shooter: a prospective study of a new endoscopic multiple rubber-band ligator for the treatment of varices.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Rubber-band ligation is superior to sclerotherapy, and is considered to be the endoscopic treatment of choice for bleeding varices. The single-shot mechanism of the ligation device generally used is inherently inefficient, and makes the procedure tedious. It also requires overtube placement, associated with discomfort and complications. This study describes the Saeed Six-Shooter, a multiple ligation device. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutive patients with variceal bleeding were prospectively studied. After initial endoscopic ligation, subsequent sessions were every 7-10 days. The parameters studied were the ease of use, the ability to control active bleeding and eradicate varices, survival, and complications. RESULTS: Active bleeding was controlled in all seven (100%) patients. Esophageal varices were eradicated in 70% (3.2 +/- 1.2 sessions), and gastric varices in 88% of patients (2 +/- 1.2 sessions). Five patients re-bled, two from esophageal varices, two from gastric varices, and one from treatment-induced ulcer. There were four deaths, none due to exsanguination. A single complication, esophageal stricture, resolved with balloon dilation. Intubation was no more difficult with the endoscope loaded with the Six-Shooter than with the endoscope alone (P > 0.3). Six ligations were performed in 39% of cases within 60 seconds, and in 74% of cases within 90 seconds. For gastric varices, the device was effectively used with the endoscope retroflexed. CONCLUSIONS: The Saeed Six-Shooter is a safe and efficient instrument for the endoscopic ligation of varices, and has overcome the limitations of the single-shot ligator.

Adult↗

A randomized, controlled trial of very early prophylactic ligation of the ductus arteriosus in babies who weighed 1000 g or less at birth.

We speculated that prophylactic ligation of the ductus arteriosus would reduce mortality and morbidity in very-low-birth-weight infants. To test this hypothesis, we randomly assigned 84 babies who weighed 1000 g or less at birth and required supplemental oxygen either to receive standard treatment (n = 44) or to undergo prophylactic surgical ligation of the ductus arteriosus on the day of birth (n = 40). The ductus was ligated in babies in the control group only if the shunt was hemodynamically important. All the babies were followed for one year. The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis was reduced in the group that underwent prophylactic ligation (3 of 40 [8 percent]) as compared with the control group (13 of 44 [30 percent]; P = 0.002). The frequency of death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and intraventricular hemorrhage was similar in both groups. Because early enteral feeding may have increased the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, we analyzed separately the babies who were fed early. Among the infants who were fed within 14 days of birth, those who underwent prophylactic ligation had a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (1 of 11 [9 percent]) than those who did not (13 of 24 [54 percent]; P = 0.001). Within the control group, the infants who were fed within 14 days of birth and whose ductus was ligated for medical reasons within 5 days of birth had a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (2 of 10 [20 percent]) than those whose ductus was ligated later or not at all (11 of 14 [79 percent]; P = 0.004). We conclude that early surgical closure of the ductus arteriosus reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in infants of very low birth weight who require supplemental oxygen.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia↗

Endoscopic sclerotherapy as compared with endoscopic ligation for bleeding esophageal varices.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sclerotherapy is an accepted treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, but it is associated with substantial local and systemic complications. Endoscopic ligation, a new form of endoscopic treatment for bleeding varices, may be safer. We compared the effectiveness and safety of the two techniques. METHODS: In this randomized trial we compared endoscopic sclerotherapy and endoscopic ligation in 129 patients with cirrhosis who had proved bleeding from esophageal varices. Sixty-five patients were treated with sclerotherapy, and 64 with ligation. Initial treatment for acute bleeding was followed by elective retreatment to eradicate varices. The patients were followed for a mean of 10 months, during which we determined the incidence of complications and recurrences of bleeding, the number of treatments needed to eradicate varices, and survival. RESULTS: Active bleeding at the first treatment was controlled by sclerotherapy in 10 of 13 patients (77 percent) and by ligation in 12 of 14 patients (86 percent). Slightly more sclerotherapy-treated patients had recurrent hemorrhage during the study (48 percent vs. 36 percent for the ligation-treated patients, P = 0.072). The eradication of varices required a lower mean (+/- SD) number of treatments with ligation (4 +/- 2 vs. 5 +/- 2, P = 0.056) than with sclerotherapy. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the sclerotherapy group (45 percent vs. 28 percent, P = 0.041), as was the rate of complications (22 percent vs. 2 percent, P less than 0.001). The complications of sclerotherapy were predominantly esophageal strictures, pneumonias, and other infections. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cirrhosis who have bleeding esophageal varices have fewer treatment-related complications and better survival rates when they are treated by esophageal ligation than when they are treated by sclerotherapy.

Esophageal and Gastric Varices↗

Endoscopic ligation compared with combined treatment with nadolol and isosorbide mononitrate to prevent recurrent variceal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: After an episode of acute bleeding from esophageal varices, patients are at high risk for recurrent bleeding and death. We compared two treatments to prevent recurrent bleeding--endoscopic ligation and combined medical therapy with nadolol and isosorbide mononitrate. METHODS: We randomly assigned 144 patients with cirrhosis who were hospitalized with esophageal variceal bleeding to receive treatment with endoscopic ligation (72 patients) or the combined medical therapy (72 patients). Sessions of ligation were repeated every two to three weeks until the varices were eradicated. The initial dose of nadolol was 80 mg orally once daily, with adjustment according to the resting heart rate; isosorbide mononitrate was given in increasing doses, beginning at 20 mg once a day at bed time and rising over the course of one week to 40 mg orally twice a day, unless side effects occurred. The primary end points were recurrent bleeding, complications, and death. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 21 months. A total of 35 patients in the ligation group and 24 in the medication group had recurrent bleeding. The probability of recurrence was lower in the medication group, both for all episodes related to portal hypertension (P=0.04) and for recurrent variceal bleeding (P=0.04). There were major complications in nine patients treated with ligation (seven had bleeding esophageal ulcers and two had aspiration pneumonia) and two treated with medication (both had bradycardia and dyspnea) (P=0.05). Thirty patients in the ligation group died, as did 23 patients in the medication group (P=0.52). The probability of recurrent bleeding was lower for patients with a hemodynamic response to therapy, defined as a decrease in the hepatic venous pressure gradient of more than 20 percent from the base-line value or to less than 12 mm Hg (18 percent, vs. 54 percent in patients with no hemodynamic response at one year; P<0.001), and the probability of survival was higher (94 percent vs. 78 percent at one year, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy with nadolol and isosorbide mononitrate is more effective than endoscopic ligation for the prevention of recurrent bleeding and is associated with a lower rate of major complications. A hemodynamic response to treatment is associated with a better long-term prognosis.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Usefulness of endoscopic band ligation for bleeding small bowel vascular lesions.

BACKGROUND: The optimal therapy for bleeding small bowel vascular lesions is controversial. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation in this clinical condition. METHODS: Fourteen patients bleeding from angiodysplasia and 4 bleeding from Dieulafoy's lesions located in the small bowel were included in this pilot study. Endoscopic band ligation was performed by using less than 200 mBar negative pressure in suctioning the target lesion into the ligation cap just before band release. Mean follow-up was 18 months (range 6-31 months). OBSERVATIONS: Endoscopic band ligation achieved hemostasis in a single session in all patients. No adverse events occurred except for mild abdominal pain in two patients. Mortality was null, and no patient required further blood transfusion during the 40 days after endoscopic band ligation. No patient with Dieulafoy's lesion had further bleeding, whereas bleeding recurred in 6 of 14 (43%) patients with angiodysplasia during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic band ligation is safe and effective for treatment of acutely bleeding small bowel vascular lesions. Although endoscopic band ligation is definitive therapy for Dieulafoy's lesion, long-term efficacy in the treatment of GI bleeding from angiodysplasia is limited.

Aged↗

Effect of esophageal ligation on amniotic fluid volume and urinary flow rate in fetal sheep.

OBJECTIVE: Although the fetus normally swallows large volumes of amniotic fluid each day, it is unclear whether amniotic fluid volume increases after fetal esophageal obstruction or whether fetal urine production changes. Our objective was to determine the effects of fetal esophageal ligation on amniotic fluid volume and urinary flow rate over time. STUDY DESIGN: Seven late-gestation fetal sheep underwent esophageal ligation, and 7 served as time control animals. The urachus was ligated to eliminate urine flow to the allantoic cavity. On days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 after surgery, we measured the composition of amniotic fluid, fetal urine, and fetal and maternal blood, as well as amniotic fluid volume and fetal urinary flow rate. A 3-factor analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid volume did not change with time in the control group, averaging 876 +/- 142 mL (mean +/- SEM), and it decreased in the esophageal ligation group (P =.020), averaging 309 +/- 75 mL on day 9. Fetal urinary flow rate was lower (P =.0063) in the esophageal ligation group (431 +/- 27 mL/d) than in the control group (631 +/- 54 mL/d). There were no differences in fetal or maternal blood compositions between the two groups. Amniotic fluid sodium and chloride increased in the ligated animals. CONCLUSION: Polyhydramnios did not occur after esophageal ligation, even though the fetuses excreted approximately 4000 mL of urine over the 9-day study period. This suggests that intramembranous absorption is substantially increased. With only small changes in amniotic solute concentrations, intramembranous solute absorption must occur simultaneously with water, suggesting a near-zero reflection coefficient for solutes. We speculate that fetal urine, lung secretions, or both contain a factor that increases intramembranous permeability.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Experimental pyelonephritis. I. Effect of ureteral ligation on the course of bacterial infection in the kidney of the rat.

A study has been made of the effect of ureteral ligation on the susceptibility of the kidney to pyogenic infection. In most experiments a strain of E. coli was employed as the test organism, being injected intravenously in varying quantity either before or after ureteral ligation. A few experiments were also carried out with S. marcescens. Preliminary observations were made on the distribution and persistence of E. coli following its inoculation into the blood stream of normal rats. Rapid reduction in number of bacteria in the circulation occurred during the first 30 minutes, but bacteriemia persisted at a comparatively low level for at least 48 hours. Large proportions of the inoculated bacteria were arrested and apparently destroyed in the liver, spleen, and lungs. Comparatively small numbers were deposited in the kidneys; nevertheless, these continued to be demonstrable during the 1st week, without notable tendency to increase or decrease, then disappeared during the 2nd week. There was no acceleration in rate of disposal of the bacteria in the kidney when a second injection was made 1 week after the first. In rats with one ureter ligated the number of bacteria lodging in the kidneys after intravenous inoculation did not differ from that found in normal animals. It appears, therefore, that the increased susceptibility of the obstructed kidney to infection via the blood stream is not attributable to an increased trapping of circulating bacteria. 4 to 6 hours after the intravenous injection, however, an increased number of bacteria could be demonstrated in the obstructed kidney, apparently due to local multiplication, and by the end of 24 hours purulent infection was usually obvious. A comparatively large number of bacteria was required to cause infection, even in the kidney with obstruction. This appeared to be related to the small proportion of the intravenous inoculum which lodged in the kidney initially. Although bacteria could be demonstrated in the normal kidney for a week or more following intravenous injection it was not possible to induce active infection with equal regularity by ligating the ureter throughout this time. During the first 3 days the majority of obstructed kidneys developed infection, but after 5 or more days this occurred in only a small proportion of animals so treated. The reason for the difference, in relation to interval between intravenous injection and time of ligation, is not apparent. When the ureter was ligated but no intravenous injection of bacteria was given, staphylococcal infection developed in the obstructed kidney within 2 weeks in about one-third of the animals. Reasons are given for the belief that this was blood-borne infection, and not the result of contamination at the time of operation. Staphylococci were not recovered from the normal rat kidney. These "spontaneous" staphylococcal infections seldom developed when E. coli was injected intravenously at the time of ureteral ligation.

Animals↗

Intrathecal adenosine following spinal nerve ligation in rat: short residence time in cerebrospinal fluid and no change in A(1) receptor binding.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal adenosine produces a remarkably prolonged effect to relieve mechanical hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury in animals. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether this reflected an alteration in kinetics of adenosine in cerebrospinal fluid or in the number of spinal A1 adenosine receptors after nerve injury. METHODS: Male rats were anesthetized, and the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves were ligated. Two weeks later, a lumbar intrathecal catheter and intrathecal space microdialysis catheter were inserted. Adenosine, 20 microg, was injected intrathecally in these and in normal rats, and microdialysates of the intrathecal space were obtained. Radioligand binding studies of adenosine A1 receptors were determined in spinal cord tissue from other normal and spinal nerve-ligated rats. RESULTS: Adenosine disappeared from rat cerebrospinal fluid within 30 min after intrathecal injection, with no difference between normal and spinal nerve-ligated animals. A1 adenosine receptor binding sites in the spinal cord were increased after spinal nerve ligation. This increase disappeared when adenosine deaminase was added to the membrane homogenates, suggestive of decreased endogenous adenosine in the membranes of nerve-ligated animals. CONCLUSION: These data show that prolonged alleviation of hypersensitivity observed with intrathecal adenosine in this animal model of neuropathic pain is not due to prolonged residence in cerebrospinal fluid, although pharmacokinetics in tissues are unknown. Similarly, there is no evidence for up-regulation in spinal A1 adenosine receptors after spinal nerve ligation, and the adenosine deaminase experiment is consistent with a depletion of adenosine in spinal cord tissue after spinal nerve ligation.

Adenosine↗

Venous injuries of the lower extremities and pelvis: repair versus ligation.

Many surgeons advocate repair of venous injuries to prevent the sequelae of venous ligation. Since 1986, we have treated 74 patients with 79 venous injuries of the lower extremity or pelvis. There were 68 men and six women with a mean age of 29.2 years (range, 16-62 years). The mechanisms of injury were gunshot wounds in 61 patients, stab wounds in 11 patients, and shotgun wounds and blunt trauma in one patient each. Forty-eight injuries were treated by ligation; 31 injuries were treated by repair. Repairs included two interposition grafts, eight end-to-end repairs, 16 venorrhaphies, and five vein patches. In addition, we developed a venous injury staging system (VIS), which ranged from grade I (less than 50% laceration) to grade IV (complete interruption with soft-tissue injury). Patient age, mechanism, location of injury, associated injuries, and incidence of arterial injury were not different between the patients treated by ligation and those treated by repair. Patients treated with venous ligation had a greater VIS (mean, 3.45 vs. 2.0), a greater incidence of shock (71% vs. 39%), and higher transfusion requirements (9.23 vs. 4.82 units). Postoperative morbidity rates were identical, however. There was no increase in the need for fasciotomy in patients treated with venous ligation. Eighty-six percent of the patients treated by ligation were totally free of edema at discharge. The others had only mild edema that did not interfere with daily activities at discharge and follow-up. Ligation is a safe alternative to repair in patients with injuries to the lower extremities or pelvis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Outcomes of varicocele ligation done for pain.

PURPOSE: Surgical ligation is an option in the management of patients with painful varicocele. Little objective data exist addressing the effectiveness of this treatment. We reviewed records from 58 patients who underwent varicocele ligation at our institution from January 1985 to May 1996 to establish success of surgical ligation of the painful varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ICD-9 billing codes were used to identify all patients who had undergone varicocele ligation for pain since 1985. We documented patient age, grade and location of varicocele, duration and quality of pain, response to conservative therapy and surgical approach to ligation. Telephone interviews and chart reviews were conducted to determine resolution of pain, complications of the procedure and if the patient would choose surgery again. RESULTS: We obtained followup on 35 of the 58 painful varicocele patients (60%). Average patient age was 25.7 years (range 15 to 65). The varicocele was on the left side in 30 men and bilateral in 5. Of the patients 31 described the pain as a dull throbbing ache, 2 as sharp and 2 as a pulling sensation. Initial conservative therapy failed in all 35 men. Varicocele was grade III in 18 cases, grade II in 16 and grade I in 1. The inguinal or subinguinal approach was used in 24 patients, high ligation in 10 and laparoscopic repair in 1. In 30 patients there was (86%) complete resolution of pain postoperatively and 1 had partial resolution. Only 4 patients (11%) had persistent or worse symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review supports the conclusion that varicocele ligation is an effective treatment for painful varicocele in properly selected patients.

Adolescent↗

Prevention of early postoperative hypotony by partial ligation of silicone tube in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of the partial ligation of a silicone tube of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation to prevent early postoperative hypotony. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Korean patients were divided into two groups. Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation was performed with or without partial ligation in 16 eyes. The incidence of complications and the success rate in each group were compared. RESULTS: In the partial-ligation group, 10 patients (62.5%) had successful intraocular pressure control (> 5 to < 22 mm Hg) without any additional antiglaucoma medications, whereas intraocular pressure in 12 patients (75.0%) was controlled with or without additional antiglaucoma medications. In the nonligation group, nine patients (56.3%) had successful intraocular pressure control without any additional medications, whereas intraocular pressure in 12 patients (75.0%) was controlled with or without additional antiglaucoma medications. Early postoperative hypotony occurred in 1 of 16 (6.3%) patients with partial ligation and 4 of 16 (25%) patients without ligation. CONCLUSION: The partial ligation of a tube in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation suggested a lower rate of hypotony and surgical complications. There was no significant difference in final success rate between the partial ligation and nonligation groups.

Glaucoma↗

Primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotics unable to take beta-blockers: a randomized trial of ligation.

AIM: To compare endoscopic banding ligation vs. no treatment in cirrhotics with intolerance or contraindications to beta-blockers for prevention of first bleeding in portal hypertension. METHODS: A sample size of 214 was planned with all sizes of varices. However, the trial was stopped due to increased bleeding in 52 patients in the ligation group. The baseline severity liver disease and endoscopic features were similar. Ligation group: 25 (M/F = 21/4, mean age: 60 +/- 9.37 years); 27 not-treated group: 27 (M/F = 17/10, mean age: 63 +/- 10.27). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 19.5 +/- 13.3 months: five bled in the ligation group (20%), three from varices (two after banding at 11 and 17 days; one during the procedure), and two from gastropathy; two bled in the not-treated group (7%- two both varices) (P = 0.24). There were seven deaths in the ligation group and 11 in the not-treated group (P = 0.39). CONCLUSION: Sixty per cent of the bleeding in the banding group was probably iatrogenic, requiring the study to be stopped. Endoscopic banding ligation was no better than no treatment. This study suggests that ligation may be harmful when used as primary prophylaxis, similar to prophylactic sclerotherapy in the past.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Complete ligation of extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in nonencephalopathic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lack of encephalopathy as a positive prognostic factor for complete ligation of extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of case records. ANIMALS: Dogs with extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts treated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, from 1985 to 1996. METHODS: The ability to completely ligate the shunting vessel in 12 nonencephalopathic dogs was compared with that in 44 encephalopathic dogs with similar shunts. RESULTS: Clinical signs in the 12 nonencephalopathic dogs were related to ammonium biurate urolithiasis. All 12 dogs had single extrahepatic shunting vessels. The rate of complete ligation in the nonencephalopathic dogs was 92%, whereas the rate of complete ligation in the 44 encephalopathic dogs with single extrahepatic shunts was 59%. The ability to completely ligate the shunt in nonencephalopathic dogs was significantly better (P = .04) than in the encephalopathic dogs. CONCLUSION: Lack of encephalopathy is a positive prognostic factor for complete ligation of single extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In most affected dogs, extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts in nonencephalopathic dogs can be completely ligated.

Animals↗

Pinhole castration: a novel minimally invasive technique for in situ spermatic cord ligation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a minimally invasive technique for castration of bull calves by in situ ligation of the spermatic cord. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Male calves (n=6) aged, 48-56 days. METHODS: Calves were blocked by weight and then separated into 3 groups: (1) bilateral spermatic cord ligation; (2) unilateral-1 spermatic cord ligated; and (3) control-neither spermatic cord ligated. After local anesthesia, in situ spermatic cord ligation was achieved by restraining the cord laterally within the scrotal sac and passing suture through a hypodermic needle inserted caudal to cranial at the neck of the scrotum and adjacent the medial margin of the restrained spermatic cord. The needle was removed leaving the suture in place and the spermatic cord repositioned medially, then the needle was reinserted through the original holes and the suture passed back through the needle, which was withdrawn. The suture ends were tied ligating the spermatic cord, leaving the knot subcutaneously. Calves were monitored and testes removed after 30 days for gross and histologic examination. RESULTS: Castration was accomplished without postoperative complications. Spermatic cord ligation resulted in testis atrophy, and histologically, complete ischemic necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This novel minimally invasive technique is a simple, alternative method for castration of bull calves. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method of castration is simply performed, without obvious skin wounds, and no postoperative care needed. The technique should be readily adaptable to other species.

Animals↗

The use of transesophageal echocardiography to evaluate the effectiveness of patent ductus arteriosus ligation.

The ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a comparatively easy operation, but some complications are possible. The most common complication is incomplete ligation of the PDA; others include inadvertent ligation of the descending aorta or left pulmonary artery, transient rise in systemic blood pressure and increased left ventricular afterload, and acute right heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension. The completeness of the PDA ligation is usually determined only by the operating physician's experience, including the use of an esophageal stethoscope or a finger on the lesion to feel for vibration. These methods sometimes fail to detect an incomplete ligation. With transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), we have monitored the entire course of the PDA ligation directly without interrupting the surgical procedure, and precisely determined the completeness of the ligation. We also expect that TEE will enable us to avoid other complications as well.

Adolescent↗