[Molecular biological sepsis diagnostic using multiplex PCR in surgical intensive care as suitable alternative to conventional microbial culture - a representative overview]

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis causes a substantial rate of morbidity and mortality in intensive care patients, which is, in particular, triggered by an inadequate antimicrobial treatment from the beginning. Conventional microbiological standard procedures cannot provide valuable information on bacterial or fungal species of sepsis-relevant microbes within the first hours of a developing sepsis. However, multiplex PCR (PCR-M) focussing on the spectrum of the most relevant sepsis-associated microbes can considerably shorten the time period; the analytical tests have been standardised and, subsequently, inaugurated into clinical practice; they also have thus been available since 2005. Interestingly, in the surgical field an appropriate summary and concluding recommendation have been lacking so far. AIM, MATERIAL AND METHODS: A compact short overview based on a characteristic selection of relevant references from the literature is given on the commercially available sepsis-associated multiplex-PCR methods, reflecting critically the time point of inauguration, clinical value and future perspectives including our own experiences from clinical practice and medical studies.

RESULTS

Multiplex PCR in adult sepsis patients yielded in a range from 13.7 to 39.9 % of positive findings, whereas conventional blood cultures only range from 8 to 29.9 %. From 8 to 16.9 % of all investigations performed prompted us to a change of the antimicrobial treatment by using a positive PCR-M finding. A prospective study (end-point, reduction of sepsis-associated mortality) has not yet been initiated. Positive PCR-M findings correlate with an increased morbidity and mortality as well as clinical and laboratory sepsis parameters. Recent studies have aimed for a comparison of PCR-M on sepsis-associated microbes with regard to specificity and sensitivity with the current "gold standard", conventional blood culture. A few studies wrongly claimed to compare the methods because of the difference in the procedures; in addition, blood culture as gold standard has been increasingly considered as very problematic from a methodological point of view. Recent publications on multiplex-PCR studies in frequently heterogenic groups of patients have been mostly performed with the Lightcycler-Septifast® test (LC-SF) with great success. The procedure has provided evidence of an improved detection rate of sepsis-associated microbes, favourable concordance of positive PCR-M findings with clinical and laboratory sepsis parameters and substantial time-saving in the microbiological analysis of the specific microbial species, which is simultaneously associated with an earlier initiation of an adequate antimicrobial treatment regimen.

CONCLUSION

The available study data suggest that systrematic investigations on the molecular biological procedures should be rather related to a different standard based on the LC-SF. Positive PCR-M findings have been accepted as a sepsis marker in the mean time.

Interventional ultrasound-guided procedures in pancreatic pseudocysts, abscesses and infected necroses - treatment algorithm in a large single-center study

Through a time period of 5 years, all consecutive patients were documented in this prospective single centre observational clinical study to investigate feasibility and outcome of ultrasound(US)- and EUS-guided drainage of symptomatic non-infected pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses as well as the endoscopic debridement of infected necroses.

RESULTS

From 03 / 23 / 2002 to 12 / 31 / 2008, 147 patients (females:males = 49:98 [1:2.0]) with pseudocysts (n = 32), abscesses (n = 81) and necroses (n = 34) were enrolled in the study. Technical success rate in US-guided external and in EUS-guided transmural drainage was 100 % and 97.0 %, respectively, whereas that of transpapillary (ERP-guided) drainage was 92.1 %. While the complication rate in external drainage was 3.7 %, this rate in transmural and transpapillary drainage was 9.6 % and 0, respectively. Late complications (> 24 h) were observed in 6.4 % of patients after transpapillary drainage (external drainage, 5.6 %; transmural drainage, 19.1 %). Complications in 5 cases (bleeding, n = 3; perforation, n = 1; dislocation of the prosthesis with perforation of the terminal ileum, n = 1) needed to be approached surgically. After a mean follow-up period of 20.7 months, 20.9 months, and 19.4 months, the definitive therapeutic success rate was 96.2 % in average for the three diagnoses such as pseudocyst (96.9 %), abscess (97.5 %), and necrosis (94.1 %), respectively (recurrency rate, 15.4 % in average; overall mortality, 0.7 % but no intervention-related death).

CONCLUSION

US- and endoscopy-based management of pancreatic lesions as reported is suitable and favorable also in daily clinical routine since it is a safe and efficacious approach in experienced hands.

[Chronically progressive occlusive disease of intestinal arteries - short overview from a vascular surgical perspective]

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischaemia is quite rare among the cardiovascular diseases. However, it is increasingly diagnosed. The aim of this selective but representative short overview is to assess the impact of intestinal ischaemia in vascular and visceral medicine from a vascularsurgical perspective.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search and selection in relevant online services of the medical scientific literature was performed, in particular, of the last decade on the competent management of intestinal ischaemia combined with the clinical expertise obtained in daily vascular surgical practice including didactically prepared demonstrable cases / case reports related to typical / specific clinical problems and situations.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Although the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is most frequently responsible for the clinical presentation, usually 2 or 3  major arterial trunks are involved for a relevant clinical symptomatology. These disorders of the intestinal circulation are most frequently caused by progressive atherosclerotic occlusive disease. In chronic progressive disease, the visceral arteries show the ability to enlarge typical collateral circulation pathways, which may not always lead to a complete compensation. With a degree of stenosis of more than 70 %, mesenteric ischaemic pain and physical prostration are the major clinical findings. Intestinal infarction with a mortality rate of 60-80 % is the endpoint of the chronically progressive intestinal ischaemia. There-fore, an urgent medical treatment is highly required. CT angiography is the diagnostic procedure of choice in patients with suspected chronic intestinal ischaemia. Mesenteric angiography is subject to specific questions and / or to endovascular arteriographic treatment. Duplex scanning has been advocated as a non-invasive method of pre- and post-interventional screening. Treatment is indicated in symptomatic intestinal vascular disease. Due to the high morbidity of the majority of patients and the enormous invasivity associated with conventional surgery, arteriographic intervention is the treatment of choice, even though quality improvement is required. Surgical reconstructions are highly standardised and should be associated with perioperative mortality less than 3 %. We recommended the reconstruction of 2  vessels, for which antegrade supracoeliacal revascularisation techniques are favourable. In (threatening) septic conditions, autologous reconstructions are required. Intestinal infarction is the most serious complication of all visceral revascularisations. In recurrent occlusions of visceral arteries, it is recommended to favour and finally use a different therapeutic modality. Post-therapeutic care includes second-look operation as well as clinical examination and diagnostic imaging. Antithrombotic therapy should be initiated. The further screening of patients after intestinal revascularisation should be performed by duplex scanning.

CONCLUSION

Chronically progressive occlusive disease of intestinal arteries is considered as a complex disease with challenging diagnostic and therapeutic management, in which an interdisciplinary, partly finding- and stage-dependent (also with regard to the frequency and recurrency of the specific local finding) sequential therapeutic approach (e. g., endovascular vs. open procedure; interventionalist / endovascular specialist / vascular surgeon) becomes more and more relevant requiring a competent center of vascular medicine.

[Spectrum of microbial colonisation and resistance of a surgical ICU in a systematic comparison of the 10-year time period 1996-2005 using routine microbiological testing]

INTRODUCTION

Knowledge on potentially pathogenic microbes including characteristics of their antibiotic resistance in septic patients as well as on the ward- and department-specific microbial spectrum can be considered essential for an efficient initiation of an adequate antimicrobial treatment, which turns out to become pivotal for patient outcome. Permanent changes in microbial patterns and antibiotic resistance can only be identified by a continuous investigation of various microbiological specimens.

AIM

Based on the retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data on microbiological investigations of the surgical ICU in 1996, 2002, 2004 and 2005, the short- and long-term changes by trend of microbial spectrum and antibiotic resistance following reorganisation and restructuring of the University Hospital from the more traditional pavillon-based system to a multidisciplinary complex building in 2003 were investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twice a week, routine microbiological testing of blood and urinary cultures as well as swabs from wound areas and endotracheal swabs were initiated in septic patients (suspect, manifestation) or in case of their clinical impairment. The microbial spectrum was sub-divided according to Gram-staining (Gram-positive/ -negative), various species and fungi with descriptive absolute and relative data values. -Various groups and time periods were statistically compared using χ² test as appropriate. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In total (n (Total) = 4 899), microbiological testing resulted in the detection of microbes in 699 and 833 blood and urinary cultures (14.3 % and 17 %, respectively) as well as 1 232 wound swabs (25.1 %) together with 2 135 samples from the endotracheal sites (43.6 %). During the short- (2002 vs. 2004) and long-term analyses (1996 vs. 2005), the proportion of Gram-positive microbes increased. Al-though Gram-positive bacteria can be considered the most frequent microbes for bacteriemia, there was a shift onto urinary and wound infections as well as pneumonias through the observation period. Despite the decreasing incidence of Enterococcus and the consistent proportion of MRSA, the increase of resistant Enterococcus strains (0 % vs. 43.2 %; P < 0.05) is critical. However, in the Gram-negative microbial spectrum there was an increase of the bacteraemia rate but a fall of the detection rate in wound and endotracheal swabs. In parallel, an increase of the detection rate of E. coli in blood (6.5 % vs. 45.5 %; P < 0.05) and endotracheal swabs (9.2 % vs. 16.2 %; P < 0.05) is associated with an increase of multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae strains (0 % vs. 30.7 %; P < 0.05). The portion of multiresistant strains of Pseudomonas with 31 % stayed the same through the 10-year time period. While Candida-based colonisation showed a decreased incidence (25 % vs. 15 %; P < 0.05) during the whole investigation period, there was a relative rise in the frequency of candidemia.

CONCLUSION

ICU relocation from the pavillon-based system to a new complex clinic building was not associated with any significant alteration of the microbial spectrum on the surgical ICU. Increasing incidences of resistant Enterococcus and Gram-negative problematic microbes may indicate a general spread of multi-resistant microbes under the steady selecting pressure of a not always adequately initiated antibiotic / antimicrobial therapeutic regimen and underline the required but specific and selected microbiological screening.

[Temporary abdominal closure and early and late pathophysiological consequences of treating an open abdomen]

BACKGROUND

The open abdomen (OA) is a severe disease pattern accompanied by high morbidity and mortality. It is either result of a surgical dis-ease or approach. The aim of this review article is to provide a systematic overview on the options of a temporary closure of the abdominal wall including early and late consequences in the treatment of an open abdomen based on the current medical literature.

METHODS

Topic-related, selective, PubMed-based literature search of the last decade including historically relevant references combined with own clinical experiences.

RESULTS

The initial course is marked by problems in intensive care. The most frequent causes of -death are ventilatory problems, acute renal fail-ure, persisting infections and sepsis as well as multiorgan failure. Intensive care duration ranges from 13 to 65 days. Perioperative mortality is account-ed for 10-52 %. Specific complications can be seen in surviving patients such as enteroatmospheric fistula (1.3-41 %), ventral hernia (32-100 %), intraabdominal abscess formation (2.1-21 %), intestinal adhesions and digestion disturbances, neurological und psychological problems (approximately 20 %) as well as heterotopic ossification (17-25 %).

DISCUSSION

Application of a temporary abdominal closure aims to avoid those complications. Furthermore, time and effort for care and treatment are recommended to be reduced as patients comfort should be improved, simultaneously. Primary fascial closure is of utmost importance to reach this goal. Procedures with highest fascial closure rate (Wittmann patch, STAR, 75-93 %; dynamic retention sutures, 61-91 %; V.A.C., 69-84 %) have lowest mortality.

CONCLUSION

Type and severity of the various early and late consequences in the treatment of an open abdomen are substantially determined by the complication-inducing causes and the basic disease as well as by the options of an efficient, even in some cases temporary closure of the abdominal wall.

W/Si Schottky Diodes: Effect of Metal Deposition Conditions on the Barrier Height

The Schottky barrier heights (ΦB) for W/Si Schottky diodes have been determined from I–V measurements. The effects of the sputter deposition conditions of the W-films were studied. X-ray diffraction was used to examine the structure and the lattice parameters of the W-films while the stress was determined by using a profilometer from the measurement of the curvature of the substrate after metallization. The resistivity is determined by using a four-point probe. A compressive-to-tensile stress transition is associated with the transformation of the ±—W-phase into the (β—W-phase as the working gas pressure is increased. These effects, which are frequently observed, coïncide with a significant increase of the W-film resistivity and a change (△ΦB≈50 meV) in the Schottky barrier height on n-type. On the other hand, the barrier height on the p-type remains constant under all the experimental conditions investigated. These results are discussed in terms of effects of strain and structure of W-films on the work function of the W, as well as in terms of modification of the pinning position of the Fermi level or else change in the value of the Richardson constant.

[Hartmann's procedure for perforated diverticulitis and malignant left-sided colorectal obstruction and perforation]

BACKGROUND

This review comments on the question whether laparoscopic techniques and interventional strategies have in the last ten years changed the emergency management of perforated diverticulitis and malignant colorectal obstruction or perforation with regard to the broad spectrum of indications for Hartmann's procedure (HP).

PERFORATED DIVERTICULITIS

Colon resection with primary anastomosis and defunctioning stoma is the optimal strategy for patients with perforated diverticulitis. HP should be considered for older patients with multiple comorbidities, realising that restoration of bowel continuity is no longer an issue. Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage is an alter-native to HP in Hinchey-III diverticulitis with promising results in experienced centers which should be further evaluated. OBSTRUCTIVE / PERFORATED LEFT-SIDED COLORECTAL CANCER: In perforated left-sided colorectal cancer HP may be generously indicated. In malignant obstruction, however, a temporary colostomy or -colonic stenting in case of appropriate expertise has been suggested as preoperative treatment -before elective surgery, allowing higher rates of RPA.

CONCLUSION

HP remains relevant, especially in high-risk patients and after hours and during the weekend, when the most experienced surgeon is not always available. However, subspecialised colorectal surgeons obtain with single-stage resection in this situation at least comparable results with respect to morbidity and mortality, but better patient quality of life.

[Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in gastric carcinoma--an overview]

Despite recent developments in therapy for gastric cancer, the prognosis of this disease remains poor in advanced stages. In many cases even curatively treated patients without any residual tumour develop metachronous metastases. As in other solid tumours, adjuvant therapies can reduce the metastatic risk, which implies that some of these patients harbour isolated tumour cells or micrometastases (minimal residual disease, MRD) that are undetectable by radiological imaging and conventional histopathology but can still be the cause of tumour recurrence. Therefore, reliable methods for diagnosing MRD would be desirable for individually tailoring therapy for these patients. Unfortunately, testing methods for MRD and interpretation of their results are not standardised and studies published on this topic are difficult to interpret due to methodological differences and small sample sizes. As of now, testing for MRD has not become relevant in clinical routine for any of the anatomic compartments lymph nodes, peritoneal lavage fluid, peripheral blood, and bone marrow in the Western hemisphere. Most reliable data on MRD in gastric cancer patients have been reported for peritoneal lavage fluid. In some centres in Japan, this test is routinely being used for making therapeutic decisions, e. g., on the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. MRD in resected lymph nodes will be further evaluated in the context of the sentinel lymph node concept and possibly be employed for designing individualised therapy for patients in early disease stages who are not routinely candidates for multimodal treatment. As for tumour cells in peripheral blood and in bone marrow, studies suggest that these cells are only able to form metastases in the presence of certain molecular factors. Therefore, rather than simply confirming the existence of isolated tumour cells in blood or bone marrow, future studies should concentrate on defining their molecular characteristics and the conditions required for their metastatic potential. This may gain relevance in diagnostics and prognostic evaluation of individual patients as well as in the development of targeted therapies directly interfering with the metastatic process.

[Palliative treatment in gastroenterology at the border to (abdominal) surgery]

BACKGROUND

In the management of gastrointestinal tumour lesions, palliative treatment has attained an increasing role. As also in curative treatment, an interdisciplinary cooperation between gastroenterologists and surgeons has to be aimed for.

AIM

The aim of this study is to illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of frequently occurring diseases in palliative medicine from a gastroenterological point of view.

METHODS

Complementary short overviews on clinical experience and selectively searched references from the current scientific literature were evaluated.

RESULTS

The symptomatic complex is very heterogeneous and requires an adequate approach taking into account the differential diagnosis. The palliative gastroenterological approach is characterised by the competent care on ascites, management of "malignant intestinal obstruction and obstipation" (MIO) as well as appropriate nutrition and analgetic therapy. The surgical approach is indicated after sequential exhaustion of medical, interventional endoscopic and (eventually) image-guided radiological measures; it comprises creation of a peritoneovenous shunt (ascites), bypass procedures (gastroenteral, biliodigestive, enteroenteral) as well as, in extraordinary cases, resection in addition to the implantation of an i. v. port-a-cath or surgical revision of a PEG / stent complication; in particular, in case of recurrent and massive haemorrhage and perforation (absolute indication), surgery becomes necessary.

DISCUSSION

A lack of appropriate studies, absence of adequate study results including the difficult initiation of medical studies with palliative intention aggravate a competent evidence-based approach. Therefore, the management is considerably affected by clinical experience.

CONCLUSION

Efficacious care in palliative visceral medicine requires relevant clinical expertise and interdisciplinary action because of the occurrence of clinical cases in gastroenterology at the border to surgery.

[Therapeutic options for haemangiomas of infancy]

The necessity of haemangioma treatment in infants has been controversially discussed for years. One reason is the favoured clinical observation of a potential spontaneous involution without any therapeutic approach or medical treatment, thus avoiding their specific risks. On the other hand, there are several reports on serious cases with -rapidly growing haemangiomas including severe consequences. There are potential complications such as loss of visus in cases of periorbital manifestation. A basic problem is the lack of a unique systematic classification, on the basis of which -diagnostic measures, therapeutic indications and modes could be compared. Such a classification would be much more competent including a sufficient comparison of treatment results. The basic aim in management is to achieve control of the haemangioma growth and induction of its sub-sequent involution back to only a cosmetic detraction. Each threatening functional loss can be classified as an urgent indication for treatment. There is a need to consider the treatment options and their values; in particular, cryotherapy or laser therapy in localised manifestations are mostly -favoured because of the convincing evidence from available data. In the case of a more disseminated haemangioma manifestation, the initiation of propranol medication is possible, a novel drug for this indication. However, there are no follow-up data on the mid-term or long-term outcome available at this time. Further studies on the subject are therefore required.

[Knowledge about HBV, prevention behaviour and treatment adherence of patients with chronic hepatitis B in a large referral centre in Germany]

BACKGROUND

The incidence of chronic hepatitis B in Germany is approximately 0.5 %. Data regarding knowledge about HBV, prevention behaviour and treatment adherence in patients with chronic HBV are scarce.

METHODS

In this prospective study 201 consecutive patients with CHB infection were studied from a large urban academic outpatient clinic at the University Medical Centre in Hamburg. Patients were interviewed with a questionnaire that contained 47 questions covering social demographic dates, knowledge about HBV, treatment adherence and prevention. The success rate of interviews was 100 % with free translation service offered.

RESULTS

20.4 % of the CHB patients were born in Germany, but the majority of the patients were immigrants (80.6 %). 51 % of the patients had a good, 34 % a moderate and 15 % a poor knowledge about HBV. 89 % of the patients knew that HBV can be transmitted through blood contacts, but 34 % believed that inadequate hygienic conditions and 24 % that food products may transmit the virus. 96 % of the patients had knowledge about the existence of an HBV vaccine. Furthermore, 82 % considered a vaccination of all persons in the household important. Despite the knowledge of the existence and importance of a vaccine, only 61,7 % of the 300 affected children/siblings of HBV-positive family members were vaccinated. However, the child vaccination rate was significantly higher among patients with knowledge about the protective effect of the vaccine (p < 0.001), the free of charge vaccination program for children up to 18 years (p < 0.001) and higher school education (p < 0.001). Migrants with poor German language skills had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.001) and showed lower vaccination rates (p = 0.016) compared to immigrants with good German language skills. 43 % of all patients were treated with nucleot(s)ide analogues with a median treatment duration of 2 - 5 years. 65 % of these patients declared to never have missed a dose and 27 % missed less than one dose per month. 90 % of the patients tolerated the antiviral drugs very well and between patients with or without side effects there was no significant difference in quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Chronic hepatitis B in Germany is characterised by awareness problems and language barriers. More attention is needed for HBV-infected immigrants in the form of multilingual information about CHB and awareness campaigns.

[A rare aneurysm of the popliteal vein]

BACKGROUND

A popliteal venous aneurysm is rare but needs to be considered a silent threat due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.

CASE REPORT AND METHOD

Using the report of an exemplary case, the diagnostic and therapeutic management including outcome is described. In particular, the favourable, case-adapted surgical approach of aneurysma resection and direct suture of the vascular wall because of the extraordinary aneurysma of the right popliteal vein is emphasised.

RESULTS AND CLINICAL COURSE

A 50-year-old woman underwent duplex ultrasonography because of pain in the right popliteal fossa, which revealed an aneurysm of the popliteal vein. The diagnosis was confirmed by phlebography. During the surgical approach, the popliteal vein was explored and the aneurysm subsequently excised. The defect in the wall of the popliteal vein was directly sutured avoiding a stenotic segment of the vein. The postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperatively, oral anticoagulation with coumarins was initiated for 6 months; follow-up investigations using duplex ultrasonography at 6 and 12 months showed a patent popliteal vein with no thrombotic changes.

CONCLUSION

According to the recommendations from the international literature, surgical approach using venorrhaphy or resection is absolutely indicated to prevent pulmonary embolism, especially in the mostly younger patients.

Comparison of the effects of two resistance training regimens on muscular and bone responses in premenopausal women

SUMMARY

A 28-week resistance training with linear periodization was compared with an undulating model in 27 premenopausal women. In both groups, bone mineral density (BMD) was not changed but muscle strength increased, and there were changes in anthropometrical and muscle damage parameters, indicating that in this population, these models are similar concerning these variables.

INTRODUCTION

This study seeks to compare the effects of resistance training with undulating versus linear periodization on BMD, muscle strength, anthropometrical variables, and muscle damage parameters in premenopausal women.

METHODS

Twenty-seven females (39.6 +/- 0.41 years, mean +/- standard error), without osteopenia or osteoporosis and without calcium supplementation, were randomly assigned either to a linear periodization group (LPG, n = 14) or to an undulating periodization group (UPG, n = 13). The subjects were trained three times a week for 28 weeks. Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs were measured through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximal and submaximal dynamic muscle strengths were measured through the 1-RM and 20-RM tests, respectively. Anthropometrical (body mass, skinfolds, and perimeters) and muscle damage parameters were assessed through serum creatine kinase (CK) and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

RESULTS

BMD remained unchanged in both groups, despite significant increases in maximal (LPG, 37-73%; UPG, 40-70%) and submaximal (LPG, 82-114%; UPG, 70-102%) muscle strength. The perimeter of the distal thigh was increased (about 1.7 cm) in both groups. CK and DOMS were greater in the first mesocycle than in the subsequent ones. After the 1st training session in each mesocycle, 24 and 48 h CK was increased as compared to pretraining values.

CONCLUSIONS

The resistance training of 28 weeks increased muscle strength in both training groups with no difference in BMD or in the occurrence of muscle damage.

[Surgical management of retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcomas--an overview]

INTRODUCTION

Retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcomas (RSTS) represent a rare and heterogeneous class of diseases for which the clinical management is still largely non-standardised. Based on a selective review of recent publications, it was the purpose of the present review article to summarize the current concepts of disease classification, diagnostics and surgical as well as multimodal therapy for these tumors.

METHOD

A clinically based empirical review derived from a literature search focusing on publications from the past 5  years was carried out.

RESULTS

Due to the paucity of randomised-controlled trials, therapy for RSTS is largely based on personal experience, retrospectively gathered data and historical controls. Pre-therapeutic planning requires precise information on the localisation, extension, and texture of the tumor through cross-sectional imaging (CT, MRI) as well as histological diagnosis through percutaneous or open biopsy. Complete tumor resection is crucial. Recent studies have confirmed the importance of microscopically negative resection margins which has subsequently led to a trend towards more radical resection. Chemotherapy does not play a role in the adjuvant setting except in clinical trials; however, radiotherapy has been controversely debated in adjuvant RSTS therapy. Efforts to limit radiation toxicity include modern techniques as well as a strategy of using pre-resection radiotherapy instead of postoperative radiation. Surgery is also the treatment of choice for locally recurrent RSTS and pulmonary metastases. The prognosis of RSTS depends on the quality of surgical care and several disease-specific factors (histological type, grading).

CONCLUSION

The clinical management of RSTS is complex and can only partly be considered as evidence-based. Due to the required level of experience in the treatment of these tumor lesions and the involvement of several subspecialties, pre-therapeutic planning, treatment and follow-up should be limited to high-volume surgical centres. In order to achieve microscopically negative resection margins, multivisceral resections are a valuable option after thorough consideration of the risks and benefits. Adjuvant radiotherapy needs to be decided upon on an individual basis, taking into account patient- and tumor-specific factors as well as resection status.

[The acute (surgical) abdomen - epidemiology, diagnosis and general principles of management]

AIM

This review comments on epidemiology, diagnosis and general principles of surgical management in patients with acute abdomen. DEFINITION AND EPIDEMIOLOGY: The most common cause of acute abdominal pain is non-specific abdominal pain (24 - 44.3 % of the study populations), followed by acute appendicitis (15.9 - 28.1 %), acute biliary disease (2.9 - 9.7 %) and bowel obstruction or diverticulitits in elderly patients. Acute appendicitis represents the cause of surgical intervention in two-thirds of the children with acute abdomen.

DIAGNOSIS

A standardised physical examination combined with ultrasonography (US) represents the initial investigation in patients with acute abdominal pain. Due to the risk associated with radiation and due to the costs, a selective use of CT imaging is recommended. The work-flow given in this paper restricts the use of CT imaging to less than 50 % of patients with acute abdominal pain. Diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered in patients without a specific diagnosis after appropriate imaging and as an alternative to active clinical observation which is the current practice in patients with non-specific abdominal pain.

MANAGEMENT

Acute small bowel obstruction has previously been considered as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic management, but it has been shown in the meantime that laparoscopic treatment is an elegant tool for the management of simple band small bowel obstruction. Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy is recommended in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute abdomen or sepsis of unknown origin, in suspicion of acute cholecystitis, diffuse gut hypoperfusion and mesenteric ischaemia or in refractory lactic acidosis, especially after cardiac surgery. Early administration of analgesia to patients with acute abdominal pain in the emergency department will reduce the patient's discomfort without impairing clinically important diagnostic accuracy and is recommended on the basis of some prospective randomised trials. However, the impact on diagnostic accuracy depends on dosage, kind of application and cause of acute abdominal pain. A practice of judicious provision of analgesia therefore appears safe. There are significant differences between the knowledge of the current literature and the routine practice of providing analgesia as a survey has shown demonstrating that less than 50 % of paediatric emergency physicians and paediatric surgeons are usually willing to provide analgesia before definitive diagnosis.

Laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma: a prospective comparative analysis

AIM

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is still not a widely accepted option for the treatment of invasive gastric cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the results of LG for gastric adenocarcinoma in two French surgical departments.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2007, 51 patients underwent LG for gastric cancer. The results were compared to those of 79 patients who had open gastrectomy (OG) during the same study period.

RESULTS

Mean age was 61 years (31-81) and 66 years (27-88) in the LG group and in the OG group, respectively. The sex ratio was 21 women to 30 men and 25 women for 54 men in the LG group and the OG group, respectively. The mean operative duration was 260 minutes (90-420) and 200 (120-360) the LG group and the OG group, respectively (P=0.11). Estimated operative blood loss was 150 ml (50-870) and 240 (120-955) in the LG group and the OG group, respectively (P=0.07). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 19 (8-51) in the LG group and 22 (3-101) in the OG group, respectively (P=0.76). The overall mortality rate was 0% and 2.5% in the LG group and the OG group, respectively (P=0.49). The overall abdominal morbidity rate was 12% and 16.4% in the LG group and the OG group, respectively (P=0.42). The mean duration of hospital stay was 8.0 days (5-23) and 11.5 days (5-31) in the LG group and the OG group, respectively (P=0.023). Survival analysis at 1, 2, and 3 years showed no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

LG for cancer is feasible and safe in patients with invasive gastric cancer. However, randomized controlled trials are necessary to accurately define the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Value of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of neoplastic tumor(-like) pancreatic lesions in daily clinical practice

PURPOSE

To investigate the value of EUS-guided FNA in the diagnosis of solid and cystic pancreatic tumor(-like) lesions as well as metastatic tumor growth within peripancreatic lymph nodes and its impact on therapeutic decision-making. The results of the cytologic and pathohistological investigation were compared with i) each other and ii) the detection rates of various imaging procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Overall, 153 patients (mean age, 56.9 years) underwent EUS-guided FNA from I/ 2000 - III/ 2003.

RESULTS

Comparing various imaging procedures such as CT scan (80 %), MRI (57.1 %) and abdominal US (88.8 %), EUS achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy: 100 %. For EUS-based T-staging in 26 patients with malignant tumor lesions undergoing surgical intervention, there was a sensitivity of 73.3 % (specificity, 85.9 %; PPV, 69.2 %; NPV, 84.4 %), while the parameters for N-staging (n = 25) were: sensitivity, 61.5 %; specificity, 75 %; NPV, 64.3 %; PPV, 72.7 %. While the sensitivity of EUS-guided FNA in the group of patients who underwent surgical intervention (n = 55) was 81.4 % (specificity, 75 %; PPV, 92.1 %; NPV, 52.9 %), the parameters were as follows in the subgroup of individuals with chronic pancreatitis (n = 30): sensitivity in detecting a malignant pancreatic tumor lesion, 50 %; specificity, 91.7 %; PPV, 60 %; NPV, 88 %. Based on preoperative characteristics such as suspected diagnosis, TNM stage and tumor entity, a surgical intervention could be avoided in 29 / 153 patients (19 %).

CONCLUSION

EUS-guided FNA allows more precise diagnosis clarification (malignant tumor growth and tumor entity) in solid and cystic pancreatic tumor(-like) lesions, which may assist in early and sufficient therapeutic decision-making.