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A randomised trial comparing endometrial resection and abdominal hysterectomy for the treatment of menorrhagia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the advantages and disadvantages of endometrial resection and abdominal hysterectomy for the surgical treatment of women with menorrhagia. DESIGN: Randomised study of two treatment groups with a minimum follow up of nine months. SETTING: Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. SUBJECTS: 51 of 78 menorrhagic women without pelvic pathology who were on the waiting list for abdominal hysterectomy. TREATMENT: Endometrial resection or abdominal hysterectomy (according to randomisation). Endometrial resections were performed by an experienced hysteroscopic surgeon; hysterectomies were performed by two other gynaecological surgeons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of operating time, hospitalisation, recovery; cost of surgery; short term results of endometrial resection. RESULTS: Operating time was shorter for endometrial resection (median 30 (range 20-47) minutes) than for hysterectomy (50 (39-74) minutes). The hospital stay for endometrial resection (median 1 (range 1-3) days) was less than for hysterectomy (7 (5-12) days). Recovery after endometrial resection (median 16 (range 5-62) days) was shorter than after hysterectomy (58 (11-125) days). The cost was 407 pounds for endometrial resection and 1270 pounds for abdominal hysterectomy. Four women (16%) who did not have an acceptable improvement in symptoms after endometrial resection had repeat resections. No woman has required hysterectomy during a mean follow up of one year. CONCLUSION: For women with menorrhagia who have no pelvic pathology endometrial resection is a useful alternative to abdominal hysterectomy, with many short term benefits. Larger numbers and a longer follow up are needed to estimate the incidence of complications and the long term efficacy of endometrial resection.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic versus open bowel resection for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic bowel resection is an alternative to open surgery for patients with Crohn's disease requiring surgical resection. The present report describes a seven-year experience with the laparoscopic treatment of Crohn's disease compared with the open technique in a tertiary Canadian centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 61 consecutive patients undergoing elective resection for Crohn's disease was carried out between October 1992 and June 1999. This analysis included 32 laparoscopic resections (mean age 33 years) and 29 open resections (mean age 42 years). Patient demographics were compared, as well as short and long term outcomes after surgery (mean follow-up 39 months). RESULTS: Patients in the laparoscopic group were younger and had fewer previous bowel surgeries than patients who had open resections. Indications for surgery and operative times were similar between the groups. Patients who underwent laparoscopic resections required fewer doses of narcotic analgesics. The resumption of bowel function after surgery, and tolerance of a clear liquid and solid diet was quicker in the laparoscopic group. Patients who underwent laparoscopic resections had significantly shorter hospital stays than those who underwent open resections. Fifteen patients (48.4%) in the laparoscopic group experienced recurrence of disease compared with 13 patients (44.8%) in the open group. In both groups, the most common site of recurrence was at the anastomosis. The disease-free interval was the same length for both groups (23.9+/-17.3 months for the laparoscopic resection patients compared with 23.9+/-20.2 months for the open resection patients; P=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection for Crohn's disease can be performed safely and effectively. Quicker resumption of oral feeds, less postoperative pain and earlier discharge from hospital are advantages of the laparoscopic method. No differences in the recurrence rate or the disease-free interval were noted.

Adolescent↗

Management of cancer of the ampulla of Vater: does local resection play a role?

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcome of patients with ampullary carcinoma is significantly more favorable than for patients with pancreatic head carcinoma. The Whipple procedure is the operation of choice for both diagnoses. Still local resection is recommended in selected cases. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of local resection of cancer of the ampulla of Vater by comparison with pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHOD: 92 patients with cancer of the ampulla of Vater treated between 1975 and 1999 with local resection (n = 10), pancreatic resection (n = 49) or laparotomy and no resection (n = 33) were studied retrospectively. The main outcome measures were postoperative morbidity and mortality, surgical radicality and long-term survival. RESULTS: The postoperative complication rate was significantly lower after local resection (p = 0.036) whereas mortality did not differ between the 2 resection groups. UICC stages were less advanced in the local resection group (p < 0.04). Still, the frequency of positive resection margins and RO resections was the same in both groups, as was long-term survival. Local recurrence was diagnosed in 8/10 (80%) patients after local and in 11/49 (22%) patients after pancreatic resection (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred operation for cancer of the ampulla of Vater in patients who are fit for the procedure. Local resection plays a limited role in carefully selected patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Extended resections of ductal pancreatic cancer--impact on operative risk and prognosis.

114 patients received a standard and 75 patients an extended resection of ductal pancreatic carcinoma at the Hanover Medical School, Germany, from 1971 until 1993. Standard pancreatic resections were combined with vascular resection and reconstruction in 46 and additional organ resections in 45 cases. Vascular resections affected the mesentericoportal vein in 37, the common hepatic in 10 and the superior mesenteric artery in 7 cases. Pancreas resections were combined with total gastrectomy in 23, partial colectomy in 17, hemihepatectomy in 14, adrenalectomy in 8 and nephrectomy in 5 patients. Curative resections could be accomplished in 86% of patients without and 81% with extended resections. Additional vascular resections neither increased the operative risk nor deteriorated the long-term prognosis after resection. Additional organ resections, however, significantly increased the risk of lethality and impaired the long-term prognosis. Especially resections of synchronous hepatic metastases and colectomies were associated with a poor survival probability.

Carcinoma↗

Harry M. Vars award. The effect of a pectin-supplemented elemental diet on intestinal adaptation to massive small bowel resection.

The effect of a pectin-supplemented elemental diet on intestinal adaptation to massive small bowel resection in the rat was investigated in this study. Sixty adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent placement of a feeding gastrostomy and swivel apparatus. Control animals (N = 16) were then returned to their cages while the remaining animals underwent an 80% small bowel resection and anastomosis (resected, N = 44). Postoperatively, animals were randomly assigned to receive either a fat- and fiber-free elemental diet (no pectin) or the same diet supplemented with 2% pectin (pectin). After 8 days of full strength diet, samples of jejunum, ileum, and colon were obtained for analysis. The weights per unit length of the ileum and colon were significantly greater in the resected pectin group than either the resected no pectin or pectin control groups. Mucosal parameters (unit weight, DNA, RNA, and protein content) were significantly increased in the jejunum and ileum of both the resected pectin and resected no pectin groups relative to their respective control groups. However, jejunal and ileal mucosal parameters were significantly greater (1.3- to 2-fold) for the resected pectin group than for the resected no pectin group. All the mucosal parameters of the colons were significantly greater for the pectin resected group than for the pectin control group, while only colonic mucosal RNA was significantly greater for the no pectin resected group than for the no pectin control group. These data indicate that the addition of pectin to an elemental diet significantly enhanced intestinal adaptation to massive small bowel resection in the rat.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) is the second most common primary liver cancer, representing 10% of all primary liver malignancies. Despite the increase in its incidence, this tumor remains extremely rare in Western countries and few reports detailing experience with surgical resection have been published. The aim of this study was to analyze the experience with resection of IHCC in our center. METHODS: From 1987 to 2003 we observed 35 patients with IHCC; 15 of them (42.8%) were submitted to hepatic resection. IHCCs accounted for 13% of all liver resections for primary liver tumors carried out at our center during this period. According to the classification of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan, the tumors were classified as "mass-forming" in 14 cases and as "periductal" in one case. Major resections were performed in ten cases and minor resections in five cases. In the patient with a periductal tumor a major resection was performed along with excision of the main biliary confluence. In 14 cases (93.3%) tumor-free resection margins were obtained. RESULTS: The intraoperative mortality was nil and the postoperative mortality 6.6%. The postoperative morbidity rate was 21.4%. The mean overall survival was 38.4 months, with 86% and 49% one- and three-year survival rates, respectively. Patients with mass-forming tumors and curative resections (R0) (mean survival 40.8 months; one- and three-year survival rates 92.3% and 52.7%), and those with TNM stage I-II tumors (mean survival 43.7 months; one- and three-year survival rates 100% and 66.7%) had a longer survival. The patient with the periductal tumor and R1 resection died after seven months. CONCLUSIONS: These results support a surgical approach based on accurate selection of patients with IHCC and aimed at radical resection whenever possible. The good survival rates observed in R0 resections emphasize the role of radical surgery as the only chance of cure for patients with this tumor.

Aged↗

Effect of the extent of surgical resection on survival and quality of life in patients with supratentorial glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas.

Thirty-one patients operated upon for supratentorial glioblastomas or anaplastic astrocytomas were studied to evaluate the effect of the extent of surgical resection on the length and quality of survival. The median age was 50 years and the median preoperative Karnofsky rate was 80. Twenty-one patients (68%) had glioblastoma multiforme, and 10 patients (32%) had anaplastic astrocytoma. Early postoperative enhanced computed tomography was used to determine the extent of tumor resection. Gross total tumor resection was accomplished in 19 patients (61%), and subtotal resection was performed in 12 patients (39%). The two groups were comparable regarding age, sex, pathological condition, preoperative Karnofsky rating, tumor location, postoperative radiation therapy, and postoperative chemotherapy (P greater than 0.05). The gross total resection group lived longer than the subtotal resection group by life table analysis (P less than 0.001; median survival of 90 and 43 weeks, respectively). Postoperatively, the mean functional ability measured by the Karnofsky rating was significantly increased in the gross total resection group (P = 0.006), but not in the subtotal resection group (P greater than 0.05). The difference in degree of change between preoperative and postoperative Karnofsky rating in the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.002). The gross total resection group spent significantly more time after the operation in an independent status (Karnofsky rating greater than or equal to 80) compared to the subtotal resection group (P = 0.007; median time of 185 and 12.5 weeks, respectively). Gross total resection of supratentorial glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas is feasible and is directly associated with longer and better survival when compared to subtotal resection.

Adult↗

Results of surgical resection for progression of brain metastases previously treated by gamma knife radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine treatment outcome after surgical resection for progressive brain metastases after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) and to explore the role of dynamic contrast agent-enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton spectroscopic MRI studies (MRS/P) in predicting pathological findings. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2002, 32 patients underwent surgical resection for suspected progression of brain metastases from a cohort of 245 patients with brain metastases treated with GKR. Postradiosurgery MRI surveillance was performed at 6 and 12 weeks, and then every 12 weeks after GKR. In some cases, additional MRI scanning with spectroscopy or perfusion (MRS/P) was used to aid differentiation of radiation change from tumor progression. The decision to perform neurosurgical resection was based on MRI or clinical evidence of lesion progression among patients with a Karnofsky performance score of 60 or more and absent or stable systemic disease. RESULTS: Thirteen percent (32 out of 245) of patients and 6% (38 out of 611) of lesions required surgical resection after GKR. The median time from GKR to surgical resection was 8.6 months (range, 1.7-27.1 mo). The 6-, 12-, and 24-month actuarial survival from time of GKR was 97, 78, and 47% for the resected patients and 65, 40, and 19% for the nonresected patients (P < 0.0001). The two-year survival rate of patients requiring two resections after GKR was 100% compared with 39% for patients undergoing one resection (P = 0.02). The median survival of resected patients was 27.2 months (range, 7.0-72.5 mo) from the diagnosis of brain metastases, 19.9 months (range, 5.0-60.7 mo) from GKR, and 8.9 months (range, 0.2-53.1 mo) from surgical resection. Tumor was found in 90% of resected specimens and necrosis alone in 10%. MRS/P studies were performed in 15 resected patients. Overall, MRS/P predicted tumor in 11 lesions, confirmed pathologically in nine lesions, and necrosis alone was found in two. The MRS/P predicted necrosis alone in three, whereas pathology revealed viable tumor in two and necrosis in one lesion. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention of progressive brain metastases after GKR in selected patients leads to a meaningful improvement in survival rates. Further studies are necessary to determine the role of MRS/P in the postradiosurgery surveillance of brain metastases.

Adult↗

Partial posteromedial olecranon resection: a kinematic study.

BACKGROUND: The posteromedial aspect of the olecranon process is a site of impingement and subsequent osteophyte development in throwing athletes. Treatment with débridement, with resection of osteophytes and varying amounts of normal olecranon bone, is common. We found no reports in the literature concerning the effects of resecting different amounts of normal bone from the posteromedial aspect of the olecranon. We hypothesized that excessive resection would increasingly alter elbow kinematics and that an optimum amount of olecranon resection could be identified. METHODS: We investigated the kinematic effects of increasing valgus and varus torques and posteromedial olecranon resections, in twelve cadaveric elbows, with use of an electromagnetic tracking device. Two valgus and two varus torques were applied, and three sequential resections were performed in 3-mm steps from 0 mm to 9 mm. Statistical analyses included paired t tests, 95% confidence intervals, a one-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures, and a post hoc test when significance was established. RESULTS: Sequential partial resection of the posteromedial aspect of the olecranon resulted in stepwise increases in valgus angulation with valgus torque. Clear differences were seen at each level of resection. A pattern of increased valgus angulation also was seen in association with increased valgus torque. Increased valgus torque resulted in a trend toward increased axial internal rotation of the ulna, whereas increased osseous resection resulted in a decrease in the absolute degree of internal rotation or, in some specimens, increased external rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Although no single critical amount of olecranon resection was identified, valgus angulation of the elbow increased in association with all resections, with a marked increase occurring in association with a 9-mm resection. Our findings challenge the rationale of removing any amount of normal olecranon bone in throwing athletes as doing so may increase strain on the medial collateral ligament. The implications for the professional throwing athlete are important, and we recommend that bone removal from the olecranon be limited to osteophytes, without the removal of normal bone.

Aged↗

Evaluation of factors predicting accurate resection of high-grade gliomas by using frameless image-guided stereotactic guidance.

OBJECT: Frameless image-guided stereotaxy is often used in the resection of high-grade gliomas. The authors of several studies, however, have suggested that brain shift may occur intraoperatively and result in inaccurate resection. To determine the usefulness of frameless stereotactic image-guided surgery of high-grade gliomas, the authors correlated factors predictive of brain shift, such as tumor size, periventricular location, and patient age (as an indicator of brain atrophy) with the extent of resection. METHODS: Inclusion criteria included the following: 1) stereotactic volumetric craniotomy for resection of tumor; 2) histologically proven high-grade glioma; 3) preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstration of an enhancing portion of tumor; 4) postoperative MR imaging within 48 hours to assess the extent of resection; and 5) preoperative intention to perform gross-total resection of the enhancing tumor. Fifty-four patients met these criteria between September 1997 and November 2002. Accurate resection was considered to be indicated by a lack of nodular enhancement on postoperative Gd-enhanced MR images obtained within 48 hours of surgery. Frameless stereotactic image-guided surgery resulted in the successful resection of 46 (85%) of 54 high-grade gliomas. Accurate resection was significantly more likely with tumors less than 30 ml in volume than with those greater than 30 ml (93 and 58%, respectively [p < 0.05]). In addition, small periventricular tumors were associated with significant less successful resection compared with nonperiventricular tumor (77 and 96%, respectively [p = 0.5]). Patient age did not affect the likelihood of successful resection. CONCLUSIONS: Frameless image-guided stereotactic techniques can be reliably used for accurate resection of high-grade gliomas when the tumor is less than 30 ml in volume and not adjacent to the ventricular system. In cases involving tumors larger in volume or located near the ventricles, intraoperative ultrasonography or MR imaging updates should be considered.

Adult↗

Surgical resection of intrinsic insular tumors: complication avoidance.

OBJECT: Surgical resection of tumors located in the insular region is challenging for neurosurgeons, and few have published their surgical results. The authors report their experience with intrinsic tumors of the insula, with an emphasis on an objective determination of the extent of resection and neurological complications and on an analysis of the anatomical characteristics that can lead to suboptimal outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-two patients who underwent surgical resection of intrinsic insular tumors were retrospectively identified. Eight tumors (36%) were purely insular, eight (36%) extended into the temporal pole, and six (27%) extended into the frontal operculum. A transsylvian surgical approach, combined with a frontal opercular resection or temporal lobectomy when necessary, was used in all cases. Five of 13 patients with tumors located in the dominant hemisphere underwent craniotomies while awake. The extent of tumor resection was determined using volumetric analyses. In 10 patients, more than 90% of the tumor was resected; in six patients, 75 to 90% was resected; and in six patients, less than 75% was resected. No patient died within 30 days after surgery. During the immediate postoperative period, the neurological conditions of 14 patients (64%) either improved or were unchanged, and in eight patients (36%) they worsened. Deficits included either motor or speech dysfunction. At the 3-month follow-up examination, only two patients (9%) displayed permanent deficits. Speech and motor dysfunction appeared to result most often from excessive opercular retraction and manipulation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), interruption of the lateral lenticulostriate arteries (LLAs), interruption of the long perforating vessels of the second segment of the MCA (M2), or violation of the corona radiata at the superior aspect of the tumor. Specific methods used to avoid complications included widely splitting the sylvian fissure and identifying the bases of the periinsular sulci to define the superior and inferior resection planes, identifying early the most lateral LLA to define the medial resection plane, dissecting the MCA before tumor resection, removing the tumor subpially with preservation of all large perforating arteries arising from posterior M2 branches, and performing craniotomy with brain stimulation while the patient was awake. CONCLUSIONS: A good understanding of the surgical anatomy and an awareness of potential pitfalls can help reduce neurological complications and maximize surgical resection of insular tumors.

Adult↗

Improving the lung cancer resection rate in the US Department of Veterans Affairs Health System.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is surgical resection; however, most patients are ineligible because of advanced disease. Although resection rates of 25% have been reported nationally, rates in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system appear lower, perhaps because of limited access to specialized care. We hypothesized that, since the introduction of a specialized Lung Mass Clinic in 1999, the resection rate at the Birmingham VA Medical Center would be comparable with US benchmarks. We also sought to identify the medical and nonmedical factors that influenced the use of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of all veterans seen in the Lung Mass Clinic from 1999 to 2003 and identified patients with NSCLC. Demographics, comorbidities, diagnostic methods, times to diagnosis/resection, and postoperative survival were recorded. Reasons for non-resection were documented and tabulated, and differences between the resected and nonresected subgroups were examined. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six patients with NSCLC were identified, and 31 (20%) underwent resection. There were no differences in age, ethnicity, or sex between those undergoing resection and those denied surgery. Patients who underwent resection were less likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and had better pulmonary function. Eighty-four percent of those who did not undergo resection had advanced disease, poor pulmonary function, or had refused therapy. Although the median time to resection was longer than expected (104 days), overall survival was comparable with other reports (65% at 3 years). CONCLUSION: Since the inception of the Lung Mass Clinic, the resection rate at Birmingham VA Medical Center has improved. The primary limitation to resection was late presentation and not preoperative delays.

Aged↗

Study on endoscopic esophageal mucosal resection with ligating device. II--Experimental study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study reports on animal experiments regarding the safety of endoscopic esophageal mucosal resection with a ligating device (EEMRL), as well as the amount of mucosa which can be removed by this technique, the depth of resection and the feasibility of piecemeal resection. METHODOLOGY: Three experiments were performed in six mongrel dogs under general anesthesia. RESULTS: When EEMRL was done without submucosal injection of saline, resection reached the muscular layer and caused esophageal perforation. The average dimensions of the mucosal pieces resected using 8-, 10-, and 12-mm devices was 13 x 10 mm, 18 x 15 mm, and 22 x 18 mm, respectively. Resection reached the mid-plane of the submucosa and the depth was almost uniform. After piecemeal resection, there was no macroscopically visible mucosa at the resection site and each mucosal piece was resected along the mid-plane of the submucosa. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental study indicated that submucosal injection of saline is essential to prevent esophageal perforation. It also showed that EEMRL allows resection up to the mid-plane of the submucosa, that the 12-mm device allows en bloc resection of lesions < or = 15 mm in diameter and that EEMRL is suitable for piecemeal resection.

Animals↗

[Combined portal vein and liver resection for biliary cancer].

Portal vein resection has become common in hepatobiliary resection for biliary cancer with curative intent. When cancer invasion of the portal vein is very limited, wedge resection followed by transverse closure is indicated. Longitudinal closure is contraindicated, as this procedure causes stenosis of the portal vein. In the case of right hepatectomy, segmental resection is feasible before liver transection. Reconstruction is completed with end-to-end anastomosis, in which an intraluminal technique is used for posterior anastomosis and an over-and-over suture for anterior anastomosis. More than 5-cm resection of the portal vein often requires reconstruction with an autovein graft. In the case of left hepatectomy, portal vein resection after liver transection is preferable. The resection and reconstruction method should be determined based on both the extent of cancer invasion of the right portal vein and the length of the right portal trunk. So far, we have aggressively carried out combined portal vein and liver resection in 106 patients with advanced biliary cancer (62 cholangiocarcinoma and 44 gallbladder carcinoma). Twenty-nine patients underwent wedge resections and 77 segmental resections (66 end-to-end anastomosis and 11 autovein grafting using an external iliac vein). In patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 58), 3- and 5-year survival rates were 23% and 8%, respectively. Three patients survived for more than 5 years after resection. In contrast, the prognosis of patients with gallbladder cancer (n = 44) was dismal. All of the patients died within 3 years after surgery, although they survived statistically longer than unresected patients. These data suggest that portal vein resection has survival benefit for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. However, the indications for this procedure in gallbladder cancer should be reevaluated.

Biliary Tract Neoplasms↗

Resectable gastric cancer: operative mortality and survival analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the survival outcome and determined the prognostic factors for gastric cancer patients who underwent gastric resection in the past 6 years. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2000, a total of 1,322 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastric resection in our hospital comprised the study subjects. Their mean age was 61.1 (range, 14-92) years. There were 865 male and 457 female patients. Total gastrectomy was performed in 389 (29.4%) and distal gastrectomy in 933 patients. Curative resection was performed in 961, and palliative resection in 361 patients. A D2 or greater lymphadenectomy was required for curative resection. Patients received postoperative chemotherapy if they underwent palliative resection. RESULTS: Early or pT1 gastric cancer accounted for 17.7% and lymph node metastasis for 62.1% of all resected cases. The overall operative mortality and morbidity rates were 3.3% and 18.0%, respectively. The operative mortality for palliative total gastrectomy was particularly high (8.5%). The overall cumulative 5-year survival rate of all resected patients was 45.6%, and it was 57.0% after curative resection. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis, serosal invasion, peritoneal seeding, positive resection margin, liver metastasis, old age, tumor size, and lymphatic invasion were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: The most important prognostic factors for survival were lymph node metastasis, serosal invasion, peritoneal seeding, positive resection margin, liver metastasis, old age, tumor size, and lymphatic invasion. The operative mortality and survival outcome of our gastric cancer patients after gastric resection compared favorably with those of other series in other countries.

Adolescent↗

[Laparoscopic resection of the liver].

BACKGROUND: Liver resection performed by open surgery is standard treatment in selected patients with liver tumours. Recently, laparoscopic resection of the liver has been reported to be safe, with possible advantages to the patients such as reduced discomfort and shorter hospital stay. In this report we describe our preliminary experience with laparoscopic liver resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 32 liver resections were performed in 19 patients during 23 procedures; i.e., four patients had repeated resections. Indications were colorectal metastases (15 patients), focal nodular hyperplasia (two patients), liver cyst (one patient) and metastasis from malignant melanoma (one patient). Three left lobectomies were done, the other resections were partial resections. RESULTS: Median duration of surgery was 187 minutes. Perioperative bleeding was median 650 ml. Tumour tissue was found in the resection margin in one patient and in three patients the resection margin was shorter than 1 mm. No procedures were converted to open resection. Median postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 days. Need of opioids were median 1 day. There was no 30 day mortality. INTERPRETATION: Laparoscopic liver resection is safe in selected patients, but randomized trials between open and laparoscopic resections are necessary.

Adult↗

Clinical significance of combined pancreas and portal vein resection in surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma for which the resectability and prognosis are still poor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of portal vein resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODOLOGY: Between August 1983 and December 2000, 69 patients with pancreatic ductal cell carcinoma underwent resection in our department; 22 of the 69 had combined resection of the pancreas and portal vein. When the pancreas could not be separated from the portal vein, the vein was judged to be invaded by cancer and resected. RESULTS: The mortality rate for portal vein resection was 4.5%, which was similar to that in 47 patients with no resection of the portal vein (2.1%). Postoperative histologic analysis showed that 8 (37%) of the patients who underwent portal vein resection did not have cancer invasion to the portal vein, and 3 of them remain disease free to date. The 3-year survival rate of patients undergoing portal vein resection was 21.3%, and that of patients without portal vein resection was 20.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of the portal vein in cases of pancreatic ductal cell carcinoma has no adverse affect on long-term survival for selected patients.

Adult↗

[Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus: prognostic comparison between transthoracic esophageal resection with expanded 2-field lymph node dissection and trans-hiatal esophageal dissection with abdominal lymph node excision].

A retrospective analysis should compare the two operative approaches, transhiatal or transthoracic resection in patients suffering from adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Between 1985 and 2002 123 cases were presented with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, treated in 65% by transhiatal resection including abdominal lymph node dissection and in 35% by the transthoracic approach with standardized extended mediastinal and abdominal lymph node dissection. Hospital mortality was 14% (6/43) after transthoracic resection and 3.8% (3/80) after transhiatal resection (ns). Die number of removed and examined abdominal lymph nodes following transhiatal resection was 14.1 (mean) versus 12.3 (mean) after transthoracic resection (ns). Die number of removed and examined mediastinal lymph nodes by transhiatal resection was 6.3 (mean) versus 19.7(mean) after transthoracic resection (p < 0.001). The median survival after transthoracic approach was 19 months versus 20 months after transhiatal approach (ns). Median survival of curatively resected patients (R0) were in both operative procedures similar (21 months). A more differentiated analysis referred to the UICC stages also demonstrated no differences in the survival between transthoracic and transhiatal resection. With respect to less mortality and less morbidity after transhiatal resection and because of the not detectable prognostic advantage of the transthoracic resection we suggest the transhiatal approach as the treatment of choice in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Abdomen↗