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Objective: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive high-resolution imaging technique that permits characterization of microarchitectural features in real time. Previous ex vivo studies have shown that the technique is capable of distinguishing between parathyroid tissue, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes, and adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the practicality of OCT during open and minimally invasive parathyroid and thyroid surgery., Methods: During parathyroid and thyroid surgery, OCT images were generated from parathyroid glands, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes, and adipose tissue. The images were immediately assessed by the operating team using the previously defined criteria. Second, the OCT images were blinded with respect to their origin and analyzed by two investigators. Whenever possible the OCT findings were matched to the corresponding histology., Results: A total of 227 OCT images from 27 patients undergoing open or minimally invasive thyroid or parathyroid surgery were analyzed. Parathyroid glands were correctly identified in 69.2%, thyroid tissue in 74.5%, lymph nodes in 37.5%, and adipose tissue in 69.2%. 43 OCT images (18.9%) could not be allocated to one of the tissue types (Table 2). Sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing parathyroid tissue from the other entities were 69% (63 true positive, 13 false negative findings, 15 images where an allocation was not possible) and 66%, respectively (71 true negative, 9 false positive, 28 images where an assessment was not possible)., Conclusion: OCT is capable of distinguishing between parathyroid, thyroid, and adipose tissue. An accurate differentiation between parathyroid tissue and lymph nodes was not possible. The disappointing results compared to the previous ex vivo study are related to problems handling the endoscopic probe intraoperatively. However, further refinement of this new technology may lead to OCT systems with higher resolution and intraoperative probes that are easier to handle.

Background: Minimally invasive adrenalectomy has been adopted as the treatment of choice for benign adrenal tumors. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed over a 10-year period at a teaching hospital., Methods: All laparoscopic adrenalectomies carried out between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2010 were evaluated with respect to perioperative management, complications, conversion rate, learning curve, tumor size, and surgically relevant characteristics of different adrenal pathologies., Results: Over a period of 10 years, 215 laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomies were carried out for Conn's syndrome (n = 90), Cushing's syndrome (n = 72), pheochromocytoma (n = 30), metastatic disease (n = 8), incidentalomas (n = 10), and other rare adrenal pathologies (n = 5). Morbidity, mortality, and conversion rate were 7.0, 0.9, and 4.2 %, respectively. Patients with Cushing's disease and bilateral adrenalectomy showed a higher complication rate. In retrospect, the indication for a laparoscopic approach was at least questionable in five cases. During these 10 years, four surgeons unfamiliar with the technique received intensive training to a defined plan., Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy represents a safe operating technique associated with few complications and a low conversion rate. Patients with severe Cushing's disease are prone to complications and require intensive monitoring postoperatively. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is associated with a learning curve, and particular emphasis should be given to surgical training.

Background and Objective: The identification of parathyroid glands can be a major problem in parathyroid surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in distinguishing between parathyroid tissue, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes, and adipose tissue., Methods: Ex vivo OCT images as well as histological sections were generated from parathyroid glands, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes and fat in order to define significant morphologic differences between these entities. As a second step all OCT images were separately evaluated by two blinded investigators and later compared to the corresponding histology. Sensitivity and specificity of OCT in distinguishing between the different tissues were determined. To assess the interobserver agreement, κ coefficients were calculated from the ratings of each investigator for each OCT image seen., Results: A total of 320 OCT images from 32 patients undergoing thyroid surgery, parathyroidectomy or lymphadenectomy were compared with the corresponding histology. The sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing parathyroid tissue from the other entities was 84% (second investigator: 82%) and 94% (93%) respectively. Unweighted κ using four diagnostic categories was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99) showing substantial agreement between both investigators., Conclusion: OCT is highly sensitive in distinguishing between parathyroid tissue, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes and adipose tissue. These ex vivo results should be confirmed by using OCT imaging intraoperatively., (© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The availability of intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone monitoring allows the success of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy to be ensured during the operation. However, false-negative results leading to unnecessary explorations and difficulties in interpreting the data raise concern about the effectiveness of the method., Methods: Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and one unequivocally enlarged parathyroid gland on preoperative ultrasound or (99m)Tc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy underwent minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy according to the technique initially described by Miccoli. Intraoperatively, rapid electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to measure intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels before the operation, after complete mobilization of the adenoma (preexcision value), and 5, 10, and 15 min after the excision. The operation was considered successful when more than a 50% decrease in preexcision iPTH levels and subsequent attainment of the normal range within 15 min were observed., Results: Between November 1999 and November 2009, 235 (43%) of 546 patients with pHPT were eligible for a minimally invasive approach. Intraoperative iPTH monitoring showed 221 true-positive, 1 false-positive, 6 false-negative, and 7 true-negative results. This calculated to a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 88%., Conclusions: Despite the availability of high-resolution ultrasound and (99m)Tc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy, the presence of multiple glandular disease cannot be ruled out completely. Although the authors observed six false-negative results, they believe that intraoperative iPTH monitoring represents a valuable asset for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy because it identifies sporadic hyperplasia.

Introduction: In trauma patients, injury of solid abdominal organs secondary to blunt trauma is a major source of morbidity and mortality. Different diagnostic options such as FAST sonography or CT scan have been described., Methods: Our trauma registry was used to identify multiple injured patients with blunt abdominal trauma during 2001 to 2006. Patient demographics, diagnostic and operative findings, treatment, complications, length of stay and mortality were reviewed., Results: Of 438 multiple injured patients, 58 patients were diagnosed with blunt abdominal trauma. During examination, free fluid or organ injury could be seen in 72.4% during sonography and in 84.3% of the patients who received CT scan, giving a sensitivity of 92% for initial FAST Sonography. Nevertheless, CT scan showed a higher sensitivity in detecting bowel (84%) or mesenteric (75%) injuries, if compared to FAST. 30 (51.7%) of the 58 patients had to undergo laparotomy because of blunt abdominal trauma, giving a laparotomy rate of 6.8% because of blunt abdominal trauma in multiple injured patients., Conclusion: Sonography is the method of choice for initial screening and CT scan in detecting bowel or mesenteric injuries. A large intraperitoneal fluid accumulation during initial sonography in combination with unstable vital signs should lead to an immediate exploratory laparotomy.

Primary adrenal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PAL) is a rare neoplastic disease. Clinical symptoms are often related to the presence of lymphoma or adrenal insufficieny. Diagnostic strategies include endocrine evaluation, imaging studies and histopathological examination. In case of suspicious PAL, percutaneous CT or US-guided needle biopsy is recommended to rapidly establish diagnosis before starting chemotherapy. We report about an 84-year-old male who presented with significant weight loss and chronic lumbar pain. Abdominal CT scans revealed bilateral masses highly suggestive of malignancy. After open bilateral adrenalectomy with abdominal lymphadenectomy, histological examination showed bilateral PAL. Five months after surgery, the patient died due to progressive tumor disease.

Ischemic colitis results from insufficient blood supply to the large intestine and is often associated with hypercoagulable states. The condition comprises a wide range presenting with mild to fulminant forms. Diagnosis remains difficult because these patients may present with non-specific abdominal symptoms. We report a 51- year-old female patient with known Leiden factor V mutation as well as systemic lupus erythematous along with antiphospholipid syndrome suffering from recurrent ischemic colitis. At admission, the patient complained about abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding lasting for 24 hours. Laboratory tests showed an increased C-reactive protein (29.5 mg/dl), while the performed abdominal CT-scan revealed only a dilatation of the descending colon along with a thickening of the bowel wall. Laparotomy was performed showing an ischemic colon and massive peritonitis. Histological examination proved the suspected ischemic colitis. Consecutively, an anti-coagulation therapy with coumarin and aspirin 100 was initiated. Up to the time point of a follow up examination no further ischemic events had occurred. This case illustrates well the non-specific clinical presentation of ischemic colitis. A high index of suspicion, recognition of risk factors and a history of non-specific abdominal symptoms should alert the clinicians to the possibility of ischemic disease. Early diagnosis and initiation of anticoagulation therapy or surgical intervention in case of peritonitis are the major goals of therapy.

Gluteal compartment syndrome is an uncommon and rare disease. Most reasonable causes for the development of this disease are trauma, drug induced coma, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, sickle cell associated muscle infarction, incorrect positioning during surgical procedures and prolonged pressure in patients with altered consciousness levels. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, especially in postoperative patient where sedation or peridural anaesthesia can confound the neurological examination. Early signs include gluteal tenderness, decrease in vibratory sensation during clinical examination and increasing CK in laboratory findings. We present a case of a 52 year-old patient, who developed gluteal compartment syndrome after radical prostatectomy in lithotomic position. After operation, diuresis decreased [<50 ml/h] and CK [93927 U/l], LDH [1528 U/l], creatinin [1.5 mg/dl] and urea [20 mg/dl] increased in laboratory findings. Despite peridural anaesthesia, the patient complained about increasing pain in the gluteal region and both thighs. His thighs and the gluteal region were swollen. Passive stretch of the thighs caused enormous pain. The compartment pressure was 92 mmHg. Therefore, emergency fasciotomy was performed successfully. The gluteal compartment syndrome was most likely caused by elevated pressure on the gluteal muscle during operation. We suggest heightened awareness of positioning the patient on the operating table is important especially in obese patients with lengthy operating procedures.

Background: The objective of this matched control study in patients suffering from incisional hernia was to compare laparoscopic open repair (LHR) with open hernia repair (OHR) in terms of long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) according to the SF-36 Health Survey., Methods: Twenty-four consecutive patients (18 male, six female; mean age, 55 years) prospectively underwent LHR using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh. The second group, which was matched for age and gender, was subjected to OHR using large pore-sized, low-weight polypropylene meshes. Before and after surgery, HRQL was assessed by the SF-36 Health Survey, which measures eight different health-quality domains, and the SF-36 Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) score. The SF-36 values were compared to the scores of age-stratified German population controls., Results: The patients were reevaluated 16 months (range, 12-25) after LHR and 28 months (range, 18-52) after OHR, respectively. Before surgery, all of the eight health-quality domains as well as the PCS and MCS scores of both study groups were significantly lower than the corresponding scores of the age-stratified healthy German population. However, the OHR patients had significantly higher physical functioning and vitality scores than the LHR patients. After LHR and OHR, the scores for all eight SF-36 domains significantly increased but were still lower than those of the controls. The LHR patients were still worse than the norm population on both PCS and MCS scores, whereas OHR patients were worse only on PCS but not on MCS. In the long-term follow-up, none of the SF-36 Health Survey domains or the PCS and the MCS scores revealed significant differences between LHR and OHR patients., Conclusions: LHR was not different from OHR for selected indications that measure long-term outcome and HRQL. SF-36 appears to be an appropriate instrument to measure postoperative HRQL, showing responsiveness to changes in objective outcome measures.

Background: Intraabdominal adhesions represent nonspecific complications before or after laparoscopic or open incisional hernia repair. The objective of this matched control pilot study was to display long-term adhesions noninvasively by applying functional cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, as compared with applying high-resolution ultrasonography (US)., Methods: The study group, composed of 17 consecutive patients (12 men and 5 women; mean age, 52 years), underwent laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh. Their mean body mass index was 30 kg/m(2), and the size of the hernia was 95 cm(2). Another group, matched for age, gender, and type of hernia, was subjected to open abdominal wall repair using the preperitoneal sublay technique with a large-pore, low-weight polypropylene mesh. For cine MR imaging (1.5 T), section-by-section dynamic depiction of induced visceral slide throughout the entire abdomen was achieved by applying transverse or sagittal true fast imaging with steady-state precession sequences. The location and type of adhesions were compared with high-resolution ultrasonography using nine segments of the abdominal map., Results: The patients subjected to laparoscopic and open incisional hernia repair were examined 16 and 28 months after surgery. The findings showed functional cine MR imaging as superior to high-resolution ultrasonography for assessing the amount of intraabdominal adhesions (n = 53 vs n = 3; p < 0.01). Most frequently, adhesions were seen between small bowel loops and the abdominal wall (n = 22), followed by bowel-to-bowel adhesions (n = 19; p < 0.05). However, adhesions between small bowel loops and the abdominal wall occurred more frequently after open mesh repair (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between patient complaints and findings with cine MR imaging (p < 0.05). Maximum pain correlated significantly with the region of the most distinctive adhesions (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Functional cine MR imaging represents a reliable noninvasive technique for detecting long-term adhesions after open and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. The study results suggest that this approach has distinct advantages over high-resolution ultrasonography.

Background: The introduction of retromuscular, preperitoneal sublay technique using polypropylene (PP) meshes had significantly decreased the recurrence rates after open incisional hernia repair. Nevertheless, recent data of single institutions reported about non-acceptable high hernia recurrences. The objective of this study was to determine early complications and the long-term course of patients who underwent open sublay hernia repair using heavy-weight versus low-weight PP meshes., Methods: Between January 1996 and December 1997, all consecutive patients received large pore-sized, monofilament heavy-weight PP meshes (Prolene); from January 1998 to December 2001, only large pore-sized, low-weight PP meshes (Vypro) composed of multifilaments were used. The clinical course of all patients was registered during the hospital stay as well as 3 months and at least 12 months after surgery., Results: Sixty-nine patients (mean age 56 +/- 13 years) underwent sublay hernia repair with heavy-weight PP meshes, 106 patients (mean age 60 +/- 14 years) with low-weight PP meshes. No significant differences were determined concerning age, gender, BMI, ASA score, hernia size 25 - 99 cm(2) and number of primary midline incisions. In contrast, mean hernia size and number of hernia size > or = 100 cm(2) were significantly higher, whereas number of hernia size < 25 cm(2), ratio of recurrent hernia and length of hospital stay were lower in the low-weight PP mesh group. Minor complications (17%) appeared more frequently in the heavy-weight than in the low-weight PP mesh group (13%). One patient each with major bleeding required re-operation in both groups. One patient with lethal pulmonary embolism in the heavy-weight PP mesh group and one patient with unrecognised enterotomy and re-operation in the low-weight PP mesh group were registered. In the long-term run (mean follow-up 92 +/- 20 months), patients of the heavy-weight PP mesh group complained significantly more frequently about chronic pain and "stiff abdomen" than those of the low-weight PP mesh group (46 +/- 14 months). Two hernia recurrences occurred in each study group. Two of them were found after midline hernia repair at the edge of the mesh, the remainder were detected after lateral hernia repair., Conclusion: Large pore-sized low-weight PP meshes composed of multifilaments are clearly to be favoured over large pore-sized, monofilament heavy-weight PP meshes because of better abdominal wall compliance and less chronic pain. However, both types of meshes are convincing due to high tensile strength and low recurrence rates in the long-term run.

Pneumopericardium is the presence of air in the pericardial space. In adults, it may be seen in the context with severe blunt chest trauma, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, or other causes of pneumomediastinum. The diagnosis is made by computed tomography scan of the thorax and abdomen that allows the additional detection of concomitant injuries. Possible causes of the pneumopericardium such as tracheobronchial or oesophageal tears have to be excluded by bronchoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Usually, pneumopericardium is self-limiting requiring no specific therapy. However, a continuous monitoring of the electrocardiography and the blood pressure is necessary at an intermediate care unit. Tension pneumopericardium causing a life-threatening cardiac tamponade requires an immediate pericardial aspiration, the subsequent pericardial drainage via a pericardial window or emergent open subxyphoid approach to the pericardium.

Background: Minimally invasive techniques play an important role in adrenal gland surgery. The objective of this study was to compare laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy in the lateral position to the open posterior adrenalectomy with respect to the intraoperative and the short-term postoperative course., Methods: Forty laparoscopic adrenalectomies (LA) carried out between July 1998 and August 2001 were compared to 30 open posterior operations (PA) performed between July 1994 and June 1998. In all cases the indications for surgery was a benign lesion smaller than 8 cm., Results: Age, gender, tumor size, and distribution of the tumor histology were comparable in both groups (LA vs PA). In favor of LA, statistically significant differences (p <0.05) were observed regarding the intraoperative blood loss (260 vs 380 mL), the postoperative narcotic equivalents (2.9 vs 6.4 mg), the morbidity rate (13 vs 27%), and the length of hospital stay (7 vs 10 days). Average operating time was significantly longer for LA (135 vs 106 min). There were two conversions to open adrenalectomy due to diffuse bleeding. Following LA, we observed one major complication (postoperative bleeding from the spleen making a laparotomy necessary) and four minor complications (one small retroperitoneal hematoma, two subcostal nerve irritations, one pleural effusion). PA resulted in one major (wound infection) and seven minor complications (two subcutaneous hematomas, two nerve irritations, two pleural effusions, one dystelectasis)., Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy proved as a safe and reliable procedure, displaying all advantages of minimal access surgery. In our institution, it has become the standard technique employed for benign adrenal disease. However, the operation is technically demanding, and as adrenal surgery is rare, it should be restricted to centers with special interest in laparoscopic and endocrine surgery.

Background: The success of parathyroid surgery depends on the identification and removal of all hyperactive parathyroid tissue. At this writing, bilateral cervical exploration and identification of all parathyroid glands represent the operative standard for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). However, improved preoperative localization techniques and the availability of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring prepare the way for minimally invasive procedures., Methods: Patients with pHPT and one unequivocally enlarged parathyroid gland on preoperative ultrasound and 99mTc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy underwent minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy by an anterior approach. Intraoperatively, a rapid chemiluminescense immunoassay was used to measure intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels shortly before and then 5, 10, and 15 min after excision of the adenoma. The operation was considered successful when more than a 50% decrease in preexcision iPTH levels was observed after 5 min., Results: Between October 1999 and November 2001, 36 of 82 patients with pHPT were eligible for a minimally invasive approach. A conversion to open surgery became necessary in five patients because of technical problems. In three cases, intraoperative iPTH monitoring showed no sufficient decrease in iPTH values. In these cases, subsequent cervical exploration showed one double adenoma and two hyperplasias, respectively. In two patients we had difficulty interpreting intraoperative iPTH values, resulting in persistent pHPT., Conclusions: Despite the use of high-resolution ultrasound and 99mTc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy, the presence of multiple glandular disease cannot be ruled out completely. Intraoperative iPTH monitoring to ensure operative success is indispensible for a minimally invasive approach. Despite our problems with iPTH monitoring in two patients, we believe that in selected cases, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy represents an attractive alternative to conventional surgery.

Introduction: Chronic appendicitis is not generally accepted as an independent clinical entity. The diagnosis is often made only after histological analysis when the patient has undergone appendectomy in a case of persistent or recurrent pain. The objectives of this prospective study were to analyse the incidence of chronic appendicitis among our patients, to compare demographic and clinical data with histological results and to evaluate long-term follow-up after appendectomy., Methods: Between November 1995 and February 1998, 322 patients underwent appendectomy due to typical symptoms of appendicitis. All appendices were analysed macroscopically by the surgeon and histologically by two independent pathologists. Furthermore, demographic data, standard blood results, Alvarado score, body mass index, operation time, complications, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. In April 2001, a long-term follow-up survey evaluated the present complaints of all operated patients., Results: A total of 112 patients showed clinical signs of non-acute appendicitis. However, 26.8% of these appendices histologically revealed an acute inflammation. In the subgroup of histologically non-acute appendicitis, 4.9% of the appendices were inconspicuous, 42.0% chronically inflamed and 50.6% fibrotic. Compared to that, the macroscopic examination by the surgeon resulted in a 93.5% specificity and a 77.8% sensitivity. The preoperative period of pain was significantly longer (7 days) compared to patients with acute appendicitis (0.5 days). White blood count (8.700 versus 13.400) and preoperative Alvarado score (4 versus 7 points) were significantly lower, the hospital stay significantly shorter (3 versus 4 days). A specificity of 89.9% and a positive likelihood ratio of 4.64 were calculated for an optimal cut-off value of 7 days for preoperative pain. At a median of 50.2 months after the operation, 93.1% of the patients were asymptomatic, and five patients reported persistent pain in the right lower quadrant., Conclusions: Three quarter of all patients with pain in the right lower quadrant but no significant signs of inflammation showed the histological criteria for chronic appendicitis. However, histology revealed signs of an acute inflammation in 25% of patients. An optimal cut-off value of 7 days preoperative period of pain was able to suggest a histologically non-acute appendicitis with a high specificity and a high positive predictive value. More than 93% of these patients were asymptomatic in their long-term follow-up. Chronic appendicitis must be assumed in cases of recurrent or persistent pain longer than 7 days and an elective appendectomy has to be recommended.

Between August 1995 and May 2001 laparoscopic colostomy was successfully carried out in 23 patients with advanced ovarian cancer, inoperable carcinoma of the anorectum or rectovaginal fistulas. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and postoperative recovery was rapid with all patients having function of the colostomy within 24 hrs and regaining their preoperative state of mobility on the second postoperative day. The laparoscopic approach allows the careful selection of the colostomy site, easy mobilisation of the colon, causing only little disruption to the intestinal function hence improving postoperative recovery. From Authors' experience, laparoscopic colostomy is a simple and safe operation in most cases and can be used as the preferred technique of intestinal diversion.

Objective: The authors used new ultrasonically activated scissors and blades in open and laparoscopic liver resections to investigate their capabilities., Summary Background Data: Despite standardized techniques for liver resection, the surgical death rate ranges from 4% to 20%. Dissection of liver parenchyma may cause considerable blood loss. Further complications include liver failure, hematoma, infections, and bile leakage. The surgical technique is an important factor in preventing intraoperative and postoperative complications. Various techniques have been developed for safe and careful dissection of the liver parenchyma. In addition to blunt dissection using the "finger fracture" technique, various ultrasonic dissectors, water jet dissectors, laser systems, and specially prepared suction devices have been used, but none of these techniques can achieve complete hemostasis during dissection., Methods: The instrument was used in open and laparoscopic liver resections. It works by means of a longitudinally vibrating blade or scissors in tissue dissection, coagulation, and preparation. Denaturation of protein and coagulation of vessels up to 2 to 3 mm is possible as a result of the vibration. In this prospective study of a consecutively sampled case series of 41 patients, the author sought to gain experience in handling this instrument and in its capabilities, and they also measured the extent of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss., Results: The UltraCision was used for 64 open liver resections in 39 patients and for 2 laparoscopic liver resections in 2 patients. Blood loss in laparoscopic resections was less than 50 mL; in open resections it averaged 820 mL. Eleven patients (28%) needed blood transfusions. There were no biliary leakages or abscesses. One patient died after postoperative bleeding leading to fatal liver failure after 4 weeks. Handling of the instrument and cutting and coagulation quality were satisfactory., Conclusions: The advantages over other resection techniques are limited heat and smoke generation and the lack of current flow through the patient. The handling and coagulation and cutting quality of the UltraCision appeared satisfactory and safe. The new instrument can be recommended for laparoscopic and open resections of the liver.

Introduction: Carcinoid tumors are the most common neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical treatment and prognosis depend on the location of the tumor., Method: Between 01.01.1985 and 31.12.1999 25 patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract or their metastases were treated in our institution. The records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. Patients still alive were reexamined clinically., Results and Conclusions: The most frequent primary sites were the ileum and jejunum (36%), appendix (36%), stomach (12%), pancreas (8%), colon (4%) and bronchus with hepatic metastasis (4%). A malignant carcinoid syndrome was present in 8 patients. In patients with neuroendocrine tumors, curative, radical tumor removal should be attempted. Some patients with advanced disease needed some surgery for tumor debulking and resection of metastases. In non-resectable liver metastases hepatic arterial chemotherapy and chemoembolization after implantation of port catheters seem to be very beneficial therapeutic options. A fixed part of the therapeutic regime in progressive disease is adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and streptozotocin and symptomatic therapy with octreotide.

Background: The standard surgical procedure for parathyroidectomy consists of bilateral cervical exploration and the visualization of all four parathyroid glands. However, improved preoperative localization techniques and the availability of intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) monitoring now allow single adenomas to be treated with minimally invasive techniques., Methods: Patients with primary hyperthyroidism (pHPT), who were found to have one unequivocally enlarged parathyroid gland on preoperative ultrasound and 99mTc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy underwent minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy by an anterior approach. Intraoperatively, rapid electrochemiluminescense immunoassay was used to measure iPTH levels shortly before and 5, 10, and 15 mins after excision of the adenoma. The operation was considered successful when a >50% decrease in preexcision iPTH levels was observed after 5 min., Results: Between November 1999 and May 2000, 10 of 22 patients with pHPT were deemed eligible for the minimally invasive approach. In all cases, the adenoma was removed successfully. However, in two cases, intraoperative iPTH monitoring did not show a sufficient decrease in iPTH values. Subsequent cervical exploration revealed a double adenoma in one case and hyperplasia in the other., Conclusions: Even when high-resolution ultrasound and 99mTc-SestaMIBI scintigraphy are used, the presence of multiple glandular desease cannot be ruled out entirely. When the minimally invasive approach is contemplated, intraoperative iPTH monitoring is indispensible to ensure operative success. However, in selected cases, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy represents an excellent alternative to the conventional technique.

Introduction: Bile duct complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy occur twice to three times more frequently than after an open procedure. Four different types of lesions may be differentiated by the Siewert classification: postoperative bile fistulas (type I), late strictures (type II), tangential injuries of the bile duct (type III) and defect lesions (type IV). The diagnostic and therapeutic management is demonstrated in relation to our own experience and the literature., Methods: Eleven patients (median age 43.8 +/- 17.2) with bile duct complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were operatively treated between November 1993 and December 1998. Nine patients (four type-II lesions, five type-IV lesions) were referred from another hospital; 2 defect lesions out of 410 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (0.5%) were documented in our own patient group., Results: Four patients with late strictures were operatively treated with a hepaticocholedochostomy (n = 2) or hepaticojejunostomy (n = 2) after 14.3 +/- 8.4 months and were discharged from hospital after 10.6 +/- 3.8 days. In both cases with type-IV lesion and a short defect, an end-to-end anastomosis was successful (hospital stay 11.6 +/- 1.0 days). However, a retrocolic Roux-Y end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was performed in all cases with a larger defect (n = 5; hospital stay 14.8 +/- 2.0 days). The two defect lesions in our own group were detected by intraoperative cholangiography and immediately treated after conversion either with hepaticocholedochostomy or hepaticojejunostomy (hospital stay 11.2 +/- 0.6 days)., Conclusions: The incidence of bile duct complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy might be kept down by anatomic preparation, selective intraoperative cholangiography and early consideration of conversion to open procedure. The clinical course after biliary tract injury can be positively influenced only by a standard diagnostic and operative procedure and by an early transfer to a specialized center.

Aspergillus fumigatus is increasingly recognized as an important nosocomial pathogen in severely immunocompromised patients. Infection is difficult to diagnose antemortem and typically has a fatal outcome. Here we report the case of a cardiac transplant recipient with disseminated A. fumigatus infection which clinically presented as thyrotoxicosis due to massive involvement of the thyroid gland.

The blind insertion of the Veress needle and the first trocar may cause serious complications. Therefore, many surgeons perform a minilaparotomy to safely position the first trocar. However, especially in obese patients, the dissection may be difficult and time consuming. As an alternative, optical trocars can be safely positioned under direct visualization. We report on our experience with the Optiview trocar in 200 patients and describe our preferred insertion technique. In our opinion, optical trocars are safe and easy to handle, offering several advantages over the use of the Veress needle and the minilaparotomy.

Background: Management strategies for abdominal stab wounds (ASW) in initially asymptomatic patients range from mandatory explorative laparotomy (EL) to conservative approaches with observation alone. Emergency diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) may play a potential role between these two extremes-hence lowering the rate of unnecessary laparotomies and keeping the rate of missed injuries to a minimum., Patients and Methods: At our institution mandatory EL was carried out in every patient with ASW until 1992. In a retrospective study the charts of 43 patients with ASW were reviewed in terms of initial diagnostic procedures, intraabdominal injuries, and course and length of hospital stay. Between 5/1993 and 4/1995 DL was performed in a prospective study in 15 patients with suspected peritoneal penetration (PP) after ASW according to a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm., Results: In 17 patients (40%) EL showed no PP; 15 (35%) had significant intraabdominal injuries, while 11 patients with PP didn't have lacerations of intraabdominal organs, resulting in an overall rate of nontherapeutic laparotomy of 65%. Mortality was 6% (n = 3), average hospital stay 8 days. Primary DL could exclude PP in 10 out of 15 patients (66%). The remaining five patients (33%) showed PP: In two patients with ASW to the right upper quadrant, intraabdominal injuries could be excluded by DL, and in one patient a low-grade liver injury was treated laparoscopically, thus avoiding laparotomy in a total of 87% (n = 13). In two patients with PP laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy: no pathological finding in one case, splenectomy for spleen laceration in the second patient, resulting in a rate of nontherapeutic laparotomies of 7%. All patients in this series had an uneventful course; average hospital stay was 2.4 days., Conclusions: DL offers an important diagnostic tool in excluding peritoneal penetration in ASW, hence lowering the rate of unnecessary laparotomies. Given experience and skills, laparoscopy may be used therapeutically in selected cases of ASW.

Unlabelled: Incisional hernia repair with conventional techniques (simple closure, Mayo-technique) is associated with unacceptable recurrence rates of 30-50%. Therefore, surgical repair using different prosthetic biomaterials is becoming increasingly popular. Further to favourable results by French hernia surgeons, we studied the results of underlay prosthetic mesh repair using polypropylene mesh in complicated and recurrent incisional hernias., Method: After preparation and excision of the entire hernia sac, the posterior rectus sheath is freed from the muscle bellies on both sides. The peritoneum and posterior rectus sheaths are closed with a continuous looped polyglyconate suture. The prosthesis used for midline hernias is positioned on the posterior rectus sheath and extends far beyond the borders of the myoaponeurotic defect. The anterior rectus sheath is closed with a continuous suture. The prosthesis for lumbar and subcostal hernias is placed in a prepared space between the transverse and oblique muscles. Intraperitoneal placement of the mesh must be avoided., Results: Between January 1996 and August 1997 we performed a total of 33 incisional hernia repairs (14 primary hernias, 19 recurrent hernias) using this technique (16 women, 17 men, mean age 56.19 +/- 12.92 years). Local complications occurred in four patients (12%): superficial wound infection (n = 2), postoperative bleeding, requiring reoperation (n = 1), minor hemato-seroma (n = 1). One patient suddenly died on the 3rd post-operative day from severe pulmonary embolism (mortality 3%). Twenty-two patients with a minimum follow up to 6 months were re-examined clinically. The average follow-up time for this group was 9 months (range 6-17 months). To date no recurrent hernias have been observed. There were only minor complaints like "a feeling of tension" in the abdominal wall (n = 3) and slight pain under physical stress (n = 6)., Conclusions: The use of prosthetic mesh should be considered for repair of large or recurrent incisional hernias, especially in high-risk patients (obesity, obstructive lung disease) and complicated hernias. The aforementioned technique of underlay prosthetic repair using polypropylene mesh fixed onto the posterior rectus sheath allows for anatomical and consolidated reconstruction of the damaged abdominal wall with excellent results and low complication rates.

Between August 1995 and July 1997 laparoscopic colostomy was successfully carried out in 10 patients with advanced ovarian cancer, inoperable carcinoma of the rectum or rectovaginal fistulae. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and postoperative recovery was rapid with all patients having function of the colostomy within 24 h and regaining their preoperative state of mobility on the second postoperative day. The laparoscopic approach allows the careful selection of the colostomy site, easy mobilisation of the colon causing only little disruption to the intestinal function and hence, improving postoperative recovery. From our experience, laparoscopic colostomy is a simple and safe operation in most cases and can be used as the preferred technique of intestinal diversion. The technical features of laparoscopic colostomy are described.

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether early thoracic computed tomography (TCT) is superior to routine chest x-ray (CXR) in the diagnostic work-up of blunt thoracic trauma and whether the additional information influences subsequent therapeutic decisions on the early management of severely injured patients., Patients and Methods: In a prospective study of 103 consecutive patients with clinical or radiologic signs of chest trauma (94 multiple injured patients with chest trauma, nine patients with isolated chest trauma), an average Injury Severity Score of 30 and an average Abbreviated Injury Scale thorax score of 3, initial CXR and TCT were compared after initial assessment in our emergency department of a Level I trauma center., Results: In 67 patients (65%) TCT detected major chest trauma complications that have been missed on CXR (lung contusion (n = 33), pneumothorax (n = 27), residual pneumothorax after chest tube placement (n = 7), hemothorax (n = 21), displaced chest tube (n = 5), diaphragmatic rupture (n = 2), myocardial rupture (n = 1)). In 11 patients only minor additional pathologic findings (dystelectasis, small pleural effusion) were visualized on TCT, and in 14 patients CXR and TCT showed the same pathologic results. Eleven patients underwent both CXR and TCT without pathologic fundings. The TCT scan was significantly more effective than routine CXR in detecting lung contusions (p < 0.001), pneumothorax (p < 0.005), and hemothorax (p < 0.05). In 42 patients (41%) the additional TCT findings resulted in a change of therapy: chest tube placement, chest tube correction of pneumothoraces or large hemothoraces (n = 31), change in mode of ventilation and respiratory care (n = 14), influence on the management of fracture stabilization (n = 12), laparotomy in cases of diaphragmatic lacerations (n = 2), bronchoscopy for atelectasis (n = 2), exclusion of aortic rupture (n = 2), endotracheal intubation (n = 1), and pericardiocentesis (n = 1). To evaluate the efficacy of all those therapeutic changes after TCT the rates of respiratory failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and mortality in the subgroup of patients with Abbreviated Injury Scale thorax score of > 2 were compared with a historical control group, consisting of 84 patients with multiple trauma and with blunt chest trauma Abbreviated Injury Scale thorax score of > 2, prospectively studied between 1986 and 1992. Age (38 vs. 39 years), average Injury Severity Score (33 vs. 38), and the rate of respiratory failure (36 vs. 56%) were not statistically different between the two groups, but the rates of adult respiratory distress syndrome (8 vs. 20%; p < 0.05) and mortality (10 vs. 21%; p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in the TCT group., Conclusions: TCT is highly sensitive in detecting thoracic injuries after blunt chest trauma and is superior to routine CXR in visualzing lung contusions, pneumothorax, and hemothorax. Early TCT influences therapeutic management in a significant number of patients. We therefore recommend TCT in the initial diagnostic work-up of patients with multiple injuries and with suspected chest trauma because early and exact diagnosis of all thoracic injuries along with sufficient therapeutic consequences may reduce complications and improve outcome of severely injured patients with blunt chest trauma.

Transplantation of allogenic bone requires the thorough examination of donors as well as the careful processing and storage of samples in order to minimize potential infection. Other problems associated with allogenic transplants such as low osteoinductive properties and immunological reactions led to the development of partially demineralized bone matrix (PDBM). This highly osteogenic bone extract is largely free of antigens and easy to produce. However, in order to exclude the potential risk of infection, PDBM should be sterilized prior to implantation. It was the purpose of this study to investigate the influence of various sterilization techniques on the osteoinductive properties of PDBM. Seventy-six drill defects with a diameter of 0.6 cm in the tibia of 11 Merino sheep were filled with PDBM as well as autogenic or allogenic cancellous bone. Prior to implantation the PDBM was sterilized using autoclavation, gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide, or ethanol. Twelve empty drill holes served as controls. The extent of new bone formation was ascertained by histological, fluorescent-optical, and microradiographical examinations 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Furthermore, the amount of newly formed bone was measured quantitatively. Apart from autoclaved PDBM, all matrix grafts showed excellent new bone formation after sterilization, exceeding the results of allogenic cancellous bone.

Over a period of 14 months 16 patients with chronic abdominal pain were subjected to diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Selective criteria for this operation included previous surgery to the abdomen, clinical symptoms for more than six months and non-conclusive findings through other diagnostic procedures. Operations where an appendicectomy in addition to the adhesiolysis was carried out, were excluded from the study. All patients were requested to quantify their pain by way of a visual analogue scale preoperatively, two days postoperatively and 4 to 18 months postoperatively. At the time of the last evaluation nine (56%) out of 16 patients were without pain. Five patients (31%) reported significantly reduced symptoms, and in two cases (13%) the operation had no beneficial effect. 11 patients would recommend laparoscopic adhesiolysis, three felt indifferent and two would not recommend the procedure. In view of these results we would like to suggest that some patients with unexplained abdominal pain may benefit from laparoscopic adhesiolysis.

The problems arising from the transplantation of autogenic and allogenic bone have significantly limited the use of these methods. Hence, there is an ever increasing demand for suitable transplant materials that could be readily available to orthopaedic surgeons throughout the country. Although the advantages of demineralized bone matrix over allogenic cancellous bone have been shown in numerous experimental studies, its broad clinical application has so far been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the osteogenic properties of partially demineralized bone matrix in clinically relevant and realistic conditions. Tibial defects 5 cm in length in 24 merino sheep were bridged by way of medullary nailing and filled with various preparations of bone matrix. Cortical bone displaying poor vascularization and rotation instability of the osteosynthesis ensured extremely difficult testing conditions for the transplant. Postoperatively, the extent of new bone formation was evaluated by means of regular X-ray examinations over a period of 12-20 weeks. In addition, histological, fluorescent-optical and microradiographic examinations of the final specimen were carried out. Good new bone formation regularly followed the transplantation of partially demineralized bone matrix with a particle size of 750 microns. Complete bridging of the defect was achieved when small amounts of bone marrow were added. The use of bone matrix with a smaller or larger particle size did not influence the rate of new bone formation perceptibly.

In the first year after the introduction of the new technique a complication rate of 3.3% was calculated from the evaluation of 118 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The only severe complication noted was a perforation of the transverse colon following the insertion of a 10 mm port. Henceforth, open laparoscopy is performed in difficult cases. Hereby, to ensure a more secure sealing of the initial incision, an endotracheal tube can be used as the camera port. The conversion rate was found to be 9%, whereby in 50% of acute cholecystitis an open procedure had to be adopted. The use of a Nd-Yag-Laser in 24 cases proved to be of no apparent advantage. Intraoperative cholangiograms were carried out selectively to demonstrate the anatomical situation, or in cases where common bile duct stones were suspected. Within a year, it was possible to reduce the mean operating time from 130 min to 80 min. The postoperative stay was on average 3.7 days. From an economic point of view, the substantially shorter hospitalisation period outweighs the longer operating time. However, more stringent and precise standards with respect to an overall concept in diagnosing and treating common bile duct stones would be beneficial.

To minimize potential infection following the transplantation of allogeneic bone, extremely rigorous selection of donors and careful processing and storage of samples are required. Other major problems related to allogeneic transplants, such as reduced osteogenic properties and immunological reactions, led to the development of demineralized bone matrix (DBM). This osteoinductive bone extract is largely free of antigens and is easy to produce. However, to eliminate the potential risk of infection, DBM should be sterilized prior to implantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different sterilization techniques on the osteoinductive properties of DBM. A series of 76 cortical defects (drill holes) 0.6 cm in diameter in the tibiae of 11 Merino sheep were filled with DBM in addition to autogeneic and allogeneic cancellous bone. Prior to implantation DBM was sterilized by autoclaving, gamma irradiation, or application of ethylene oxide or ethyl alcohol. A further 12 drill holes were left empty as controls. The formation of new bone was examined 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively, using histological, fluorescent-optical and microradiographical techniques. The amount of newly formed bone was also quantified. Apart from autoclaved DBM all matrix grafts showed excellent new bone formation following sterilization, by far exceeding the formation with allogeneic cancellous bone.

The aim of this study was to measure new bone formation after implantation of hydroxylapatite ceramic materials compared with autogenous and allogenous cancellous bone implantations. Eight standardised bore holes, each 6 mm in diameter, were drilled in the left medial tibia of each of seven merino sheep. Seven of these holes were filled with hydroxylapatite ceramic materials: Bio-Oss, Pyrost, autogenous and deep frozen allogenous spongiosa in various sequences. The empty hole was used for comparison. Results were evaluated after fluorescent marking with calcein green 6 weeks postoperatively. The extent of new bone formation was determined by means of fluorescence microscopy, microradiography and histological sections and quantified by means of an automatic surface-measuring programme. Whilst implantation of autogenous spongiosa resulted in almost complete slicing of the defect, the holes filled with hydroxylapatite ceramic materials showed no significant difference from the empty defect. We conclude that this purely inorganic material cannot stimulate new bone formation.

Most closed fractures of the shaft of the femur and tibia can be treated successfully with internal fixation with medullary or interlocking nails. Unlike plate fixation, intramedullary nailing does not provide absolutely rigid fixation, so that some motion at the fracture site exists. The process of reaming causes circulatory disturbances in the inner two-thirds of the diaphyseal cortex. However, this does not impede the formation of external callus. The parts of bone that have sustained vascular damage by trauma or surgery are revascularized. Delay in the healing process due to disruption of the blood supply to fracture fragments is not known. The majority of patients are able to weight-bear a few days after surgery.