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Laparotomy in very small premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis or focal intestinal perforation: postoperative outcome.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laparotomy for peritonitis secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or focal intestinal perforation (FIP) has been supplanted by peritoneal drainage (PD) as the initial treatment in many institutions. Although proponents regard it as a safer alternative, early mortality is cited between 21% and 36%, with subsequent laparotomy required for worsening disease in 26% to 83% of patients. The current outcomes for initial laparotomy are analyzed and compared with those cited for PD. METHODS: A retrospective review of very small premature infants less than 1,500 g undergoing laparotomy for NEC or FIP between 1994 and 2000 was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-five neonates were identified with a median weight of 741 g (range, 460 g to 1,415 g) and a median age of 26 weeks (range, 23 to 33 weeks). Twelve patients had FIP and 23 had NEC including 5 with pan-intestinal necrosis (PIN). No deaths occurred during laparotomy or stoma closure. Seven (20%) patients died within the immediate 7-day postoperative period. Nine (26%) patients died in the 30-day postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: With current peri-operative management, mortality rates for initial laparotomy and PD are comparable. Assessing the extent of disease and removing necrotic bowel at initial laparotomy can hasten recovery and eventual discharge while enabling informed surgical decision making and advice to parents.

Cause of Death↗

The effect of laparotomy and laparoscopy on the establishment of spontaneous tumor metastases.

BACKGROUND: Surgical extirpation of solid tumors may be entirely possible, and the consequence of surgical excision is invariably the release of tumor cells into the systemic circulation. The aim of this study was to determine whether laparotomy affects the establishment of spontaneous pulmonary metastases after excision of the primary tumor in a murine flank tumor model and to determine possible underlying immune abnormalities. METHODS: An initial experiment was carried out to compare the development of gross spontaneous pulmonary metastases in the presence of a primary flank tumor and after excision of the tumor in C57/BL6 female mice. Another group of mice had flank tumors excised and were simultaneously randomized to undergo anesthetic only (control), laparoscopy, or laparotomy, after which the subsequent development of pulmonary metastases was determined. Finally, a third experiment entailed determination of natural killer cell (NK) cytotoxicity and the effect of splenic macrophages on NK cytotoxicity at days 1,7, and 14 after tumor excision. RESULTS: Excision of the primary tumor resulted in a significant increase in the number of pulmonary metastases in mice compared with mice that did not have tumors excised (P = .01). Both laparotomy and laparoscopy significantly increased the number of spontaneous pulmonary metastases after tumor excision compared with controls (P < or = .01), and there was also a significant difference between laparotomy and laparoscopy groups (P = .00). NK cytotoxicity was significantly suppressed at all time points after operation in the laparotomy group compared with both the laparoscopy group and the controls (P < or = .01). Suppression occurred after laparoscopy at 24 hours after the procedure compared with controls (P = .00); by day 7 this difference was not significant, but as day 14 there was again a significant suppression (P < or = .03). Splenic macrophages appeared to be a suppressor to natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) in the corresponding groups and at the corresponding time points. CONCLUSIONS: The differential establishment of spontaneous metastases after tumor excision and laparotomy and, to a lesser extent, laparoscopy results in lowered host antitumor surveillance and may be mediated at least in part by the generation of splenic suppressor cells in the early postoperative period, causing a more marked and prolonged effect after laparotomy than after laparoscopy.

Animals↗

Effect of laparotomy and laparoscopy on the establishment of lung metastasis in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is now applied to patients with gastrointestinal cancer. In animal studies, extraperitoneal tumor growth has been significantly less after laparoscopy than after laparotomy, but whether hematogenous metastasis occurs less frequently after laparoscopy is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency and growth of lung metastasis and serum levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in mice treated by laparotomy and in mice treated by laparoscopy. METHODS: We used 182 male BALB/c mice. Colon 26 cancer cells (5 x 10(4)) were injected into the tail vein, and the mice were assigned to a laparotomy group (3-cm laparotomy), a laparoscopy group (carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum at 6 to 8 mm Hg for 30 minutes), or a control group. Lung weight, number of lung metastases, and serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were measured and compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: The lung weight and number of metastases on the lung surface and cut section in the laparotomy group (0.44+/-0.21 g, 55.7+/-46.7, 23.0+/-19.0) were significantly larger than those in the laparoscopy group (0.32+/-0.15 g, 29.9+/- 25.5, 13.1+/-9.9) or the control group (0.28+/-0.13, 29.3+/-26.2, 11.1+/-11.1). Three hours after the procedures, the serum level of IL-6 was significantly higher in the laparotomy group (1353 +/- 790 pg/mL) than in the laparoscopy group (671+/-353 pg/mL) or the control group (333+/-341 pg/mL). The lung weight, number of lung metastases, and levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were not different between the laparoscopy and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that, although laparotomy accelerates tumor metastasis to the lung in this murine model, laparoscopy does not increase the frequency and growth of lung metastasis. The laparoscopic approach may suppress hematogenous metastasis to the lung because of decreased surgical stress and reduced cytokine response.

Animals↗

Impact of gas(less) laparoscopy and laparotomy on peritoneal tumor growth and abdominal wall metastases.

OBJECTIVE: A tumor model in the rat was used to study peritoneal tumor growth and abdominal wall metastases after carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum, gasless laparoscopy, and laparotomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The role of laparoscopic resection of cancer is under debate. Insufflation of the peritoneal cavity with CO2 is believed to be a causative factor in the development of abdominal wall metastases after laparoscopic resection of malignant tumors. METHODS: In the solid tumor model, a lump of 350-mg CC-531 tumor cells was placed intraperitoneally in rats having CO2 pneumoperitoneum (n = 8), gasless laparoscopy (n = 8), or conventional laparotomy (n = 8). After 20 minutes, the solid tumor was removed through a laparoscopic port or through the laparotomy. In the cell seeding model, 5 x 10(5) CC-531 cells were injected intraperitoneally before CO2 pneumoperitoneum (n = 12), gasless laparoscopy (n = 12), or laparotomy (n = 12). All operative procedures lasted 20 minutes. After 6 weeks, in the solid tumor model and after 4 weeks in the cell seeding model, tumor growth was scored semiquantitatively. All results were analyzed using the analysis of variance. RESULTS: In the solid tumor model, peritoneal tumor growth in the laparotomy group was greater than in the CO2 pneumoperitoneum group (p < 0.01). Peritoneal tumor growth in the CO2 group was greater than in the gasless group (p < 0.01). The size of abdominal wall metastases was greater at the port site of extraction of the tumor than at the other port sites (p < 0.001). In the cell seeding model, peritoneal tumor growth was greater after laparotomy in comparison to CO2 pneumoperitoneum (p < 0.02). Peritoneal tumor growth in the CO2 group was greater than in the gasless group (p < 0.01). The port site metastases in the CO2 group were greater than in the gasless group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The following conclusions can be made: 1) that direct contact between solid tumor and the port site enhances local tumor growth, 2) that laparoscopy is associated with less intraperitoneal tumor growth than laparotomy, and 3) that insufflation of CO2 promotes tumor growth at the peritoneum and is associated with greater abdominal wall metastases than gasless laparoscopy.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

The effect of laparotomy and external fixator stabilization on pelvic volume in an unstable pelvic injury.

OBJECTIVE: Determine if laparotomy further destabilizes an unstable pelvic injury and increases pelvic volume, and if reduction and stabilization restores pelvic volume and prevents volume changes secondary to laparotomy. DESIGN: Cadaveric pelvic fracture model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unilateral open-book pelvic ring injuries were created in five fresh cadaveric specimens by directly disrupting the pubic symphysis, left sacroliac joint, and sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments. Pelvic volume was determined using computerized axial tomography for the intact pelvis, disrupted pelvis with both a laparotomy incision opened and closed, and disrupted pelvis stabilized and reduced using an external fixator with the laparotomy incision opened. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The average volume increase in the entire pelvis (from the top of the iliac crests to the bottom of the ischial tuberosities) between a nonstabilized injury with the abdomen closed and then subsequently opened was 15 +/- 5% (423 cc). The average increase in entire pelvic volume between a stabilized and reduced pelvis and nonstabilized pelvis, both with the abdomen open, was 26 +/- 5% (692 cc). The public diastasis increased from 3.9 to 9.3 cm in a nonstabilized pelvis with the abdomen closed and then subsequently opened. Application of a single-pin anterior-frame external fixator reduced the pubic diastasis anatomically and reduced the average entire and true (from the pelvic brim to the ischeal tuberosities) pelvic volumes to within 3 +/- 4 and 8 +/- 6% of the initial volume, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the abdominal wall provides stability to an unstable pelvic ring injury via a tension band effect on the iliac wings. Our results demonstrate that a laparotomy further destabilized an open-book pelvic injury and subsequently increased pelvic volume and pubic diastasis. This could potentially increase blood loss from the pelvic injury and delay the tamponade effect of reduction and stabilization. A single-pin external fixator prevents the destabilizing effect of the laparotomy and effectively reduces pelvic volume. These data support reduction and temporary stabilization of unstable pelvic injuries before or concomitantly with laparotomy.

Aged↗

Staging laparotomy in Hodgkin's disease: a critical appraisal of its value.

Although staging laparotomy changes the stage of one third of patients with Hodgkin's disease, this change in stage does not establish that routine staging laparotomy is of clinical value. The value of laparotomy depends on the results of clinical decisions which are based on the information provided by laparotomy. Increased accuracy in staging may improve clinical results by eliminating undertreatment, with an increased risk of relapse, or overtreatment with an increased risk of morbidity--including second malignancies. In some clinical settings information provided by laparotomy may be clinically irrelevant. Since clinical studies have not established the optimal therapy for every stage of Hodgkin's disease, rigid guidelines for performing staging laporotomies cannot be established. However, staging laparotomy should be done only after consideration of how the information provided by laparotomy will affect clinical decisions. Recent evidence that the extent of abdominal nodal involvement has major prognostic implications may play a role in this decision-making process.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and inducible nitric oxide synthase correlates with the induction of IL-10 in septic rats undergoing laparotomy and laparoscopy.

Proinflammatory mediators are implicated in the mediation of host response to surgical stress. Greater inflammatory response has been reported after open surgery than after laparoscopic surgery in animal models. This study investigated the inflammatory response of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the anti-inflammatory response of interleukin (IL)-10 after laparotomy and laparoscopy in a rat endotoxic shock model. Rats received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneally and underwent laparotomy (n = 5), laparoscopy (n = 5), or no surgical intervention (n = 5). A control group received anesthesia only (n = 5). Serum TNF levels peaked at 2 hours after LPS injection and were significantly suppressed in animals undergoing laparotomy and laparoscopy ( < 0.05). Serum IL-10 levels were higher at 2 hours in the laparotomy and laparoscopy groups but were higher only in the laparotomy group at 4 hours after LPS injection ( < 0.05). Hepatic iNOS mRNA and protein were significantly inhibited at 4 and 8 hours in the laparotomy and laparoscopy groups in comparison with the animals receiving LPS only ( < 0.05). The induction of IL-10 correlated with the suppression of TNF and iNOS suggests that IL-10 may play a role in downregulating TNF and iNOS in septic rats undergoing laparotomy and laparoscopy.

Animals↗

Damage-control laparotomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article summarizes the current state of damage-control laparotomy as practiced in trauma surgery. Since the first description of deliberately abbreviated laparotomy 20 years ago, damage-control laparotomy has been widely applied. The purpose of this review is to discuss current concepts in damage-control laparotomy in trauma and general surgery patients. RECENT FINDINGS: The immediate, essential goals of control of surgical bleeding and containment of gastrointestinal soilage are achieved at a truncated laparotomy. Ongoing resuscitation of the injured patient with severe physiologic derangements is continued in the intensive care unit. Only when the lethal triad of hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, and coagulopathy is corrected does the patient subsequently undergo definitive surgery. Recent studies have better defined the subset of patients that benefit from such an approach. SUMMARY: Application of abbreviated laparotomy has been widely applied in the trauma population. Breaking the pathophysiologic cycle of hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis with this approach has improved survivorship in this critically injured group of patients. The extension of the abbreviated laparotomy concept has also been described in the general surgery population, and raises the possibility of extending this concept to broader surgical fields.

Acidosis↗

Second-look laparotomy in the management of fallopian tube carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of second-look laparotomy following platinum-based combination chemotherapy in patients with fallopian tube carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 21 patients with tubal carcinoma who underwent second-look laparotomy following cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based combination chemotherapy. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (62%) were found to be free of disease at second-look operation. Neither stage nor grade were predictive of findings at second-look procedure. The absence of gross residual disease following primary surgery was the only predictor of disease-free status at second-look laparotomy (p < 0.01). With a mean follow-up of 49 months among the survivors, four (31%) of the patients with negative second-look laparotomy have had a recurrence. The median survival following a positive second-look laparotomy was 18 months (range 5-42 months). CONCLUSION: Second-look laparotomy provides useful prognostic information in patients with tubal carcinoma. The high rate of recurrent disease after negative second-look laparotomy, and the lack of an effective second-line treatment in patients with persistent disease, represent major criticisms of this procedure.

Adult↗

Clinical staging versus laparotomy and combined modality with MOPP versus ABVD in early-stage Hodgkin's disease: the H6 twin randomized trials from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Lymphoma Cooperative Group.

PURPOSE: To compare (1) clinical staging and irradiation alone versus staging laparotomy and treatment adaptation in patients with a favorable prognosis (H6F); (2) two combined modalities in patients with an unfavorable prognosis (H6U). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The H6F trial (n = 262) consisted of randomization to clinical staging plus subtotal nodal irradiation (STNI) or to staging laparotomy plus treatment adaptation (adjuvant chemotherapy [CT] only in the 33% with negative laparotomy). The H6U trial (n = 316) consisted of no laparotomy, randomization to mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (MOPP) or doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD), and mantle irradiation. RESULTS: In the H6F trial, 6-year freedom from progression (FFP) rates (78% v 83%; P = .27) were similar in clinical and laparotomy stagings, respectively. Survival rates were 93% and 89%, due to laparotomy-related deaths. In the H6U trial, the ABVD arm had superior results (6-year FFP rate, 88% v 76%; P = .01), but they were not significant for survival (91% v 85%; P = .22). CT discontinuation due to hematologic intolerance occurred more often with MOPP (14.5% v 7.3%). Decrease of the pulmonary vital capacity ([VC] < 70% of the theoretic value) was observed more frequently after ABVD than after MOPP (12% v 2%; P = .08), with two lethal pulmonary insufficiencies occurring in the ABVD arm. No modification of the isotopic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) occurred. Gonadal toxicity was less in the ABVD arm. CONCLUSION: Early-stage patients benefit from treatment adaptation to initial characteristics in terms of tumor control and late toxicities. Staging laparotomy before STNI may be deleted even in favorable patients at no cost to survival or FFP. In unfavorable patients, ABVD achieved better results than MOPP, at lower hematologic and gonadal cost. Therefore, despite its pulmonary toxicity, ABVD is the best choice to design improved CT regimens associated with mantle irradiation.

Adolescent↗

Triple-contrast helical CT in penetrating torso trauma: a prospective study to determine peritoneal violation and the need for laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective study was performed to determine the usefulness of triple-contrast helical CT in predicting peritoneal violation and the need for laparotomy in the treatment of penetrating torso trauma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Triple-contrast helical CT scans were obtained in 104 hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating injuries to the torso (thoracoabdominal region including tangential wounds to the anterior abdomen, flank, back, and pelvis) over a 17-month period. The study group included 54 patients with gunshot wounds and 50 with stab wounds. No patient had a radiographic or clinical indication for immediate laparotomy. A positive finding on CT was defined as evidence of peritoneal violation or injury to the retroperitoneal colon, major vessel, or urinary tract. Patients with a positive CT, except patients with isolated liver injury or free fluid, underwent laparotomy. Patients with a negative finding on CT were initially observed. RESULTS: CT studies were positive in 35 (34%) of 104 patients and negative in 69 (66%) of 104 of patients. Laparotomy was performed in 21 (60%) of 35 patients with positive CT; 19 (86%) of 22 were therapeutic, two (9%) were nontherapeutic, and one (5%) was negative (no injury was found). Nine patients with isolated hepatic injuries were successfully treated without laparotomy. Among patients with a negative CT, 67 (97%) of 69 were treated nonoperatively with success. CT had 100% (19/19) sensitivity, 96% (69/72) specificity, 100% (69/69) negative predictive value, and 97% (101/104) accuracy in predicting the need for laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Triple-contrast helical CT can accurately predict the need for laparotomy and exclude peritoneal violation in penetrating torso trauma including tangential abdominal wounds.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Laparoscopic colectomy is superior to laparotomy for reduction of disability in patients with colorectal adenoma.

BACKGROUND: This study was to evaluate disability after laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colorectal adenomas as compared to disability after laparotomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal adenoma were compared to patients who underwent laparotomy for the same problem by the same surgeons during the same time period in Cleveland Clinic Florida. A standard questionnaire was used to assess disability which included the number of days to return to partial activity, full activity, and work. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients who underwent laparoscopy were compared with 31 patients who underwent laparotomy. There were no significant differences in age (70.4 vs 72.5 years) (p = 0.405) or gender (M:F 13:16 vs 20:11) (p = 0.126) between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. The operative time was longer for the laparoscopy group than the laparotomy group: 170 vs 131 minutes (p = 0.014). However, the duration of postoperative ileus, hospitalization, time until return to partial activity, time until return to full activity, and time off of work were significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group than in the laparotomy group: 3.3 vs 5.2 days, 6.2 vs 8.7 days, 2.3 vs 4.2 weeks, 4.4 vs 9.3 weeks, and 3.7 vs 7.3 weeks, respectively (p < 0.041 for all). Although the incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different (24% for laparoscopy vs 29% for laparotomy, p = 0.325), the incidence of postoperative prolonged ileus was statistically significantly lower in the laparoscopy group (3% vs 26%, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colectomy for patients with colorectal adenoma can reduce postoperative ileus, postoperative hospitalization, and disability in terms of a quicker return to partial activity, full activity, and employment. Laparoscopic colectomy should be considered for all patients who have colorectal adenomas which require resection.

Adenoma↗

[Transverse minilaparotomy as an access route in right colon disease: a valid alternative to midline laparotomy].

AIMS OF THE STUDY: 1. To evaluate the feasibility and appropriateness of transverse right minilaparotomy for right colectomy and lymphadenectomy. 2. To identify the clinical advantages, if any, of this access route compared to the more traditional midline incision. PATIENTS: 44 patients with right colon adenocarcinoma undergoing colonic resection via a transverse or midline laparotomy. METHODS: The transverse incision starts 1 cm above the umbilicus, running from the midline to the anterior axillary line. RESULTS: 17 (39%) transverse minilaparotomies and 27 (51%) midline laparotomies were performed, respectively. The mean operative time was 107 min for patients with the transverse incision and 157 min. for those with midline laparotomy. Twelve out of 17 patients (70%) with the transverse incision experienced no or only mild pain as against 11 out of 27 patients (41%) with midline laparotomy. Bowel function was slightly faster in the first group of patients, though the difference was not statistically significant. Forty-seven percent of patients with transverse minilaparotomy were discharged within 8 days postoperatively as against 4% with midline laparotomy (P = 0.001). No major complications occurred in the first group, while 2 patients (7%) operated on via the midline laparotomy experienced complications (haemorrhage, deep venous thrombosis). CONCLUSION: Although this is a preliminary study in only 44 patients, our results support the idea that transverse minilaparotomy is a less traumatic access route to the right colon, in addition to offering an adequate exposure of the operative field, faster postoperative recovery and a shorter hospital stay. We believe it to be a good alternative to midline laparotomy for right colon surgery.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Can laparoscopy be performed safely early after laparotomy?

Early subsequent laparotomy has high morbidity and mortality rates. The majority of these procedures, such as control of intraabdominal bleeding, management of intraabdominal sepsis, assessment of bowel viability, or anastomotic suture line, which are performed during early subsequent laparotomy, can be managed safely by laparoscopy, with resultant decreased mortality and morbidity rates. However, fear of dehiscence and ventral hernia prevents widespread use of laparoscopy. The aim of this experimental study was to compare the deleterious effects of subsequent laparotomy with laparoscopy in abdominal wounds during the early postceliotomy period. A 4-cm median laparotomy was performed in 120 Wistar-Albino rats that were classified into three groups. The control group (1) did not receive additional treatment. On the third postoperative day, early subsequent laparotomy and pneumoperitoneum were performed in group 2 and group 3 rats, respectively. Ten rats from each group were selected randomly and killed after 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Bursting pressure and tensile strength of the abdominal wound were assessed. Results of the study showed impaired abdominal wound healing in subsequent laparotomy group rats (group 2) (P < 0.05). Pneumoperitoneum did not cause statistical differences in wound healing parameters when compared with control group rats (P > 0.05). In conclusion, pneumoperitoneum does not affect abdominal wound healing adversely, but early subsequent laparotomy impairs wound healing severely. Laparoscopy would be an alternative to high-risk early subsequent relaparotomy.

Analysis of Variance↗

Laparoscopy versus laparotomy management of tubal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare laparoscopy versus laparotomy management of tubal pregnancy and the reproductive outcome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 81 patients admitted for management of tubal pregnancy was carried out at Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital from January 1998 until January 2000. The patients were divided according to surgical procedure performed into: Group I (33 patients) laparoscopy and group II (48 patients) laparotomy. We evaluated pre and postoperative serum b-human chorionic gonadotrophin levels, total operating time, total blood loss or blood transfusion or both, duration of hospital stay, recurrence rates of ectopic pregnancy and future fertility outcome for all patients. RESULTS: No differences were found between both groups in patient age, parity, size of adnexal mass, condition at the time of presentation, site of tubal pregnancy, previous history of ectopic, pre and postoperative serum b-human chorionic gonadotrophin and the total operating time. There were significant reductions of total blood loss, number of blood transfusion units, and duration of hospital stay, in the laparoscopic group compared to the laparotomy group. A total of 54 patients desired pregnancy, 23 patients in the laparoscopy and 31 patients in the laparotomy group. No significant differences were found in the fertility outcome between both groups. The rates of subsequent intrauterine pregnancy were 74% (17/23) in the laparoscopy group and 61%, (19/31) in the laparotomy group and the rates of subsequent ectopic pregnancy were 4% (1/23) in the laparoscopy group and 10% (3/31) in the laparotomy group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy in hemodynamically stable patients offers major economic benefits superior to laparotomy in terms of less need for blood transfusion, shorter duration of hospital stay and convalescence.

Adolescent↗

[Restaging laparotomy of presumed early ovarian cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value and complications of restaging laparotomy in women with presumed early ovarian cancer who have undergone inadequate initial staging procedures. METHODS: Between 1986 and 1996, 42 patients underwent restaging laparotomy in Cancer Hospital, Peking Union Medical College after receiving inadequate initial surgical procedure for presumed early ovarian cancer. Presumed stages from initial surgery include stage I a in 28 cases; I b in 1 case; I c in 12 cases; II a in 1 case. Histological distributions were as follows: epithelial cancer in 26 cases; malignant germ cell tumor in 9 cases; granulose cell tumor in 7 cases. RESULTS: Twelve patients (28.6%) had disease upstaged and eight (19.0%) had stage III disease confirmed by restaging laparotomy. Positive findings at restaging laparotomy were mainly in omentum (16.7%) and pericolic gutters (33.3%). Peritoneal cytology was positive in 25.0 percent of patients. Three and five year survival rates for 30 patients with negative findings were 96.7% and 86.7%, respectively. Complications of restaging laparotomy included hemorrhage blood loss (50-1,100 ml, average 280 ml) and lymphocyst (7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with presumed early ovarian cancer who had undergone inadequate staging procedures should undergo restaging laparotomy. Patients with negative findings have an excellent prognosis. Complications of restaging laparotomy were minor.

Adult↗

[Should routine exploratory laparotomy be performed in the presence of an abdominal wound? Discussion apropos of 176 cases].

Management of abdominal wounds is presently the subject of discussion between the partisans of routine laparotomy and those preferring "armed" surveillance. Results of study of a series of 176 abdominal wounds subjected to surgical dogma showed: that the diagnosis of non penetrating wounds (17.6%) was not always evident, due either to their anatomical localization (frontier region wounds) or to insufficient local exploration in urgent cases (6.6% of false-negatives), that the existence of serious clinical signs (50 cases) was always associated with one or more visceral lesions, requiring urgent laparotomy with a morbidity of 20% and a mortality of 8% (4 cases), that in the case of asymptomatic penetrating wounds (96 cases), routine laparotomy did nevertheless allow the diagnosis of visceral lesions in 50 cases (including 23 major lesions) but was of no utility in 46 cases (31.5% of blind laparotomies for the total series). The elevated proportion of useless laparotomies (30% in the literature), the result of a dogmatic attitude, or the risk of a delayed intervention (5 to 8%) in the series practising the selective method, led to a modification in the authors' attitude. The existence of serious signs should obviously result in a laparotomy. In their absence, and when confronted with a penetrating or doubtful (frontier region) wound, an exploratory celioscopy is proposed to ensure complete abdominal exploration, to confirm the presence or absence of penetration, to treat minimal lesions and to perform a classical laparotomy in case of evident necessity.

Abdominal Injuries↗

[Management of choledochal cyst: laparotomy or endoscopic].

The most generally accepted therapy of choledochal cyst is cystectomy and biliar derivation by laparotomy. Last years, endoscopic papilotomy by ERCP has been a valuable therapeutic alternative, no only a diagnostic method. In this study, we reviewed five pediatric patients operated in our Deparment in last five years for choledochal cyst. The initial therapy was laparotomy (n=4) and endoscopic papilotomy by ERCP (n=1) This one was made in other Hospital. Follow-up has been between one and five years. All patients are living. Four patients who were operated by laparotomy are asyntomatic. Patient who was treated by ERCP needed a new ERCP in first posoperative month. Five years ago, she had a seriuos acute pancreatitis and we decided laparotomy and biliar derivation. Since laparotomy, she had two new episodes of acute pancreatitis and she has needed a new endoscopic dilatation with ballon by ERCP. She has been asyntomatic for four months. In conclusion, we think laparotomy with biliar derivation is safer than ERCP in management of children with choledochal cyst. ERCP must be reserved to emergency situations before laparotomy or after postoperative complications, never as exclusive therapy.

Child, Preschool↗