BILATERAL ADDUCTOR VOCAL CORD PALSY: COMPLICATION OF PROLONGED INTRAOPERATIVE HYPOTENSION AFTER ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION

Endotracheal intubation for general anesthesia is usually a safe procedure. However, postoperative sore throat and mild hoarseness may occur due to laryngeal edema but bilateral vocal cord paralysis as a result of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is a rare complication. We report a case of bilateral adductor vocal cord palsy following general anesthesia for abdominal surgery. Clinical presentation was hoarseness, aspiration pneumonia and hypoxemia requiring ventilatory support. Neuropraxia of recurrent laryngeal nerve due to prolong intra-operative hypotension, even with normal endotracheal tube cuff pressure was the likely mechanism.

The Impact of Confluence Types of the Right Gastroepiploic Vein on No. 6 Lymphadenectomy During Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy

This study investigated anatomical variations in the confluence types of the right gastroepiploic vein (RGEV) to improve knowledge regarding no. 6 lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic gastrectomy.The RGEV drainage patterns of 144 patients who were diagnosed with gastric cancer and underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy at our department from July 2010 to June 2011 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed, and we compared the impact of different drainage patterns on no. 6 lymphadenectomy.The RGEV confluence types were classified into 6 categories in this study. Types I, II, and III, which were observed in 53 (36.8%), 27 (18.8%), and 21 (14.6%) cases, respectively, were the most frequently found during gastrectomy. All 3 of these types included a gastropancreatic trunk and were defined as the gastropancreatic group (GP group). In addition, 15 cases (10.4%) were categorized as type IV, 19 (13.2%) were categorized as type V, and 9 (6.3%) were categorized as type VI. These 3 types, which could form a gastrocolic trunk, were defined as the gastrocolic group (GC group). No significant differences were found with respect to the clinicopathological characteristics, postoperative morbidity, perioperative mortality, and 3-year overall survival rates after surgery between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). However, the mean no. 6 lymph node (No. 6 LN) dissection time, the mean blood loss due to No. 6 LN dissection and the rate of infrapyloric vascular injury were significantly increased in the GC group compared with the GP group (all P < 0.05).The RGEV exhibits 6 types of drainage patterns, and the division points of this vein during laparoscopic gastrectomy depend on the different drainage patterns. For types IV, V, and VI, the surgeon should carefully vascularize and divide the RGEV above its confluences during surgery.

[PECULIARITIES OF METHOD AND RESULTS OF PLASTY, USING INTESTINAL SEGMENT, FOR IATROGENIC INJURY OF URETER]

Basing on analysis of the examination and treatment results in 53 patients, suffering iatrogenic injury of ureter (IIU), the indications for ureteric reconstruction using intestinal segment were the ureter long irreversible changes, while renal function preserved. A segmental ureteric plasty was done in 8 (15.1%) patients, a subtotal one--in 16 (30.2%), total--in 14 (26.4%), and bilateral--in 15 (28.3%). With the objective to prevent the bladder-intestinal reflux occurrence a distal part of the intestinal transplant was modeled. In 35 (66%) patients 2 - 3 cm of distal part of intestinal mucosa were turned out with the wrap formation. In 18 (34%) patients the creation of antireflux wrap was added by its modeling in a kind of intraileal plasty with formation of two separate channels in the intestinal-bladder anastomosis region. While performance of intraileal plasty of the bladder-intestinal reflux have occurred in 2 (11.1%) patients, and after procedure with the wrap formation--in 13 (37.1%).

Retrospective review of predisposing factors for intraoperative pressure ulcer development

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the comorbidities and surgical factors involved in the genesis of intraoperative pressure ulcers.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Anesthesiology department of a university medical center.

MEASUREMENTS

The charts of 222 patients with varying illness, who underwent an operation of at least two hours' duration, were analyzed retrospectively. Data on surgery type, case length, comorbidities, intraoperative surgical position, and area of ulceration were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS

Risk factors for intraoperative pressure ulcer development include surgical times of 4 hours or longer; comorbidities affecting tissue perfusion (namely, diabetes, hypertension, and nonspecific cardiac issues); supine placement during surgery; and abdominal, noncardiac thoracic, and orthopedic operations. Regions of the body most at risk for ulceration include the coccygeal/sacral region, the buttocks, genitalia, and heels.

CONCLUSIONS

Pressure ulcers are a costly, debilitating, and avoidable complication of surgery.

Dural involvement in skull base tumors--accuracy of preoperative radiological evaluation and intraoperative assessment

BACKGROUND

Dural involvement is an important consideration in assessment of cranial base tumors dictating resectability and prognosis. Preoperative as well as intraoperative clues are valuable but not always correct. We evaluated a consecutive series of craniofacial resections at our center to correlate radiologically suspected dural involvement vis-à-vis intraoperative assessment and eventual pathology.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of cases of skull base tumors where potential dural involvement was considered. We recorded the preoperative radiological impression (contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging) regarding dural involvement (normal, extradural, intradural, parenchymal disease), intraoperative impression (normal, adherent, subdural, parenchymal disease), and final histology (normal, reactive, tumor). We also recorded instances where the dura was resected and/or inadvertently breached and the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven cases were evaluated. Transcranial approaches were performed in 68 cases. Nineteen percent (24 cases) were endoscopic procedures. Dural resection was performed in 38 cases (30 being proven pathologically). The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak was 4.7%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of magnetic resonance assessment were 34.5%, 97.9%, 83.3%, and 83.2%, respectively, providing an overall accuracy of 84%, and those for intraoperative dural adherence were 84.6%, 85.6%, 44%, 97.6%, and 85.5.%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, although a good modality for imaging the disease extent, may not always identify the extent of dural involvement. Intraoperative assessment therefore becomes very important especially when it is unequivocally normal. Both should be used to ensure accurate treatment strategies and tailor the need for dural resection.

[Immediate results of complex treatment of resectable rectal neoplasms of distal localization]

The impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on immediate results of treatment of resectable cancer recti, using large-fractionized radiation in combination with endolymphatic chemotherapy, was estimated. Using the method proposed 64 patients were treated (the main group). In control groups there were included 63 patients, to whom a course of a large-fractionized radiation on background of intravenous chemotherapy was applied, and in 91 patients a large-fractionized radiation only was used. The intraoperative complications rate in the main and control groups have had constituted, accordingly, 16, 6.3 and 3.3%. Postoperative complications have had occurred in 12.5% of patients in the main group, and in 15.9% and 14.3% - in the control groups. The abscesses formation was noted in a small pelvis cavity in 4.7% patients of the main, and in 4.8 and 4.4% - in the control groups. Necrosis of the descended gut was revealed in 10 (4.6%).

[Areas of risk for ureteral lesion during radical hysterectomy]

INTRODUCTION

The close interrelations of the pelvic ureter with surrounding structures and organs are a prerequisite for complications during surgical interventions in the lesser pelvis.

OBJECTIVE

Exploration and visualization of the areas of risk for lesion of pelvic ureter during minimally invasive radical hysterectomy.

RESULTS

Based on our observations and the available literature, we identified the following areas and steps of the radical hysterectomy as risky: at the entrance in the lesser pelvis, upon ligation of the infundibulopelvic ligament; incision of the back leaf of broad ligament of the uterus; dissection of the pararectal space; ligation of the uterine artery; dissection of the fourth space and transection of the vesicouterine ligaments; transection of the sacrouterine ligaments; incision of the anterior vaginal wall. We registered one uretero-vaginal fistula in a total of 133 patients on the eighth postoperative day. The lesion was identified in area of the distal portion of ureter.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about the ureter location, its interrelations with surrounding structures, and its blood supply, combined with capable surgical techniques, would contribute to reduction of the incidence of complications.

[Intraoperative complications of surgical treatment of cervical cancer stages I and II in FIGO]

With this study are presented the types of intraoperative complications and their frequency in radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection (pelvic and paraaortic) as surgical treatment of 294 patients with invasive cervical cancer FIGO stages I and II.

Metastatic undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma causing intraoperative stroke

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma was historically the most commonly diagnosed soft tissue sarcoma of adults. In 2002, the World Health Organization declassified malignant fibrous histiocytoma as a formal diagnostic entity. They recommended renaming the disease "Pleomorphic Undifferentiated Sarcoma". Current thoughts about the origin of this tumor are being debated. We report a case of a dedifferentiated liposarcoma that metastasized to the lung within one year. The histologic morphology of the metastasis was more aggressive than the primary lesion, and was consistent with a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma. Following surgical resection of the metastatic pulmonary lesion, the patient never fully regained consciousness. He expired the day following his surgery. At autopsy, the patient was found to have died from a massive hemorrhagic stroke involving almost the entire left cerebrum. Tumor emboli from the pulmonary metastasis were seen in the left middle cerebral artery, causing the cerebral infarct. The embolic lesion was consistent with a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma. This case illustrates the evolution that soft tissue sarcomas can undergo as they metastasize and become increasingly undifferentiated, and confirms the surgical risk of resecting such lesions.

Pathophysiology of coronary thrombus formation and adverse consequences of thrombus during PCI

Atherosclerosis is a systemic vascular pathology that is preceded by endothelial dysfunction. Vascular inflammation "fuels" atherosclerosis and creates the milieu for episodes of intravascular thromboses. Thrombotic events in the coronary vasculature may lead to asymptomatic progression of atherosclerosis or could manifest as acute coronary syndromes or even sudden cardiac death. Thrombus encountered in the setting of acute coronary syndromes has been correlated with acute complications during percutaneous coronary interventions such as no-reflow, acute coronary occlusion and long term complications such as stent thrombus. This article reviews the pathophysiology of coronary thrombogenesis and explores the complications associated with thrombus during coronary interventions.

[Endoscopic transpapillary methods of choledocholithiasis treatment, caused by presence of multiple calculi]

The results of endoscopic transpapillary surgical interventions in 115 patients, suffering choledocholithiasis, caused by the multiple calculi presence, were analyzed. The patients were divided on four groups, depending on the treatment provided. In 78 patients (first group) endoscopic papillosphincterotomy with mechanical lithoextraction in conjunction with spasmolytic and infusion therapy were performed. In 16 patients (second group) endoscopic papillosphincterotomy with mechanical lithotripsy and partial lithoextraction, endobiliary stenting with further spasmolytic and infusion therapy were performed. In 11 patients (the third group) endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, mechanical lithotripsy with a partial lithoextraction and nasobiliary drainage were used. In 10 patients (the fourth group) endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, mechanical lithotripsy, nasobiliary drainage and endobiliary stenting were applied. The best results were achieved in the first group: the smallest duration of the operation--(32.2 +/- 12.6) min, the smallest stationary state duration--(3.3 +/- 1.2) days, the lowest rate of intraoperative complications--2.6%.

Intraoperative ultrasound in malformations of cortical development

PURPOSE

Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are a common cause of medically refractory focal epilepsy. However, the intraoperative definition of MCD can be challenging. In this study we assess the feasibility of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) for the intraoperative localization of MCD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five epilepsy patients with at least one suspected lesion of MCD were operated with the aid of IOUS. IOUS was compared to preoperative MRI and histopathology.

RESULTS

In three cases of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIB and one case of periventricular heterotopia, the lesions could be delineated well on IOUS and the configuration of the lesion corresponded to the appearance on MRI. However, only one of two FCD type I lesions could be detected on IOUS.

CONCLUSION

IOUS can be helpful in defining FCD IIB as well as periventricular heterotopia intraoperatively, but this seems to be more difficult in FCD type I.

Integrity of gut mucosa during anaesthesia in major abdominal surgery

The aim of the study was to examine a perfusion and integrity of small bowel in 60 subsequent patients during the major open abdominal surgery which lasted from 2 to 7 hours. Two samples of the intestinal mucosa were removed: at the beginning, and at the end of the surgical procedure in general anaesthesia. A mucosal injury was classified into 4 grades. pH, PCO2 and lactate level were measured in the blood samples from the arterial and mesenteric vein in one hour time intervals. The changes of intestinal mucosa were found in 31 patients (51.7%): in 19 patients (31.7%) grade 1 changes were recorded, in 10 patients (16.7%) grade 2, and in 2 patients (3.3%) grade 3. Grade 4 lesions were not recorded. There was a statistically significant correlation between grades of the mucosal damage and the surgery duration (p = 0.001). Analysis during the one hour intervals showed that there was no exact time point when the significant aggravation of the pathohistological changes in intestinal mucosa occurred. However, when patients were allocated into two subgroups with surgical procedures lasting less than 4 hours and more than 4 hours, there was a statistically significant difference in the grades of mucosal damage between subgroups (p < 0.05). More biopsies without pathohistological changes were observed in the patients whose procedure duration was < 4 hours. A significantly higher lactate concentrations in arterial and mesenteric venous blood were observed in the patients with pathohistological changes at 6 hours time point as compared to 2 hour time point in the patients without pathohistological changes (p < 0.05). During the open abdominal surgery in general anaesthesia, the length of the procedure influences the grade of the intestinal mucosa injury. Deterioration of the pathohistological findings in the intestinal mucosa correlates with high lactate blood level, suggesting that the cause of these changes may result from tissue hypoxia.

[Administration of dalteparin in reconstructive vascular surgery]

The article contains a review of the literature regarding the use of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) exemplified by dalteparin in the hitherto insufficiently explored area of their implementation, i. e., during the intraoperative period in patients suff ering from atherothrombosis. Presented herein is analysis of alterations in the parameters of the plasmatic and thrombocytic links of haemostatis during intraoperative administration of various molecular-weight fractions of heparin. The obtained findings make it possible to conclude that LMWHs do off er certain advantages when used during surgical interventions in patients with atherosclerotic lesions of the arterial bed.

[Topographically oriented mobilization of the thyroid]

The analysis of clinical experience of the operative treatment of 600 patients with a thyroid pathology has allowed to develop technics of allocation of a return laryngeal nerve depending on the type of an anatomic structure of a gland. It gave the opportunities for the extrafascial removal of a share of a thyroid gland, the more accurate visualization and preservation of the parathyroid glands, located near the nerve and safe central lymphadenectomy.

[Surgical hospital endotoxicosis as a problem of clinical gastroenterology]

The original conception of "surgecal endotoxicosis" is presentation in the artical.

MATERIALS AND RESEARCH METHODS

2064 of a patients and results of 320 autopsies was divided into 4 groups in depending with bowel dysfunctions. There is the new classification of surgecal endotoxicosis in this article. Also the authors propose some technologies of detoxication.

Transarterial coil embolization of a carotid-cavernous fistula which occurred during stent angioplasty

Intracranial endovascular procedures are less invasive and relatively safe; however, these procedures do carry a risk of complications, such as thromboembolization, arterial injury, and vessel occlusion. We present a case of carotid-cavernous fistula development secondary to injury of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) during stent angioplasty and its treatment by transarterial coil embolization. Probable causes of this complication and its treatment method are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case.

Application of a novel bone osteotomy plate leads to reduction in heat-induced bone tissue necrosis in sheep

Previous studies have shown substantial effect thermal damage can have on new bone formation following osteotomy. In this study we evaluated the extent of thermal damage which occurs in four different methods of osteotomy and the effects it can have on bone healing. We further wanted to test whether a special osteotomy plate we constructed can lead to diminished heat generation during osteotomy and enhanced bone healing. The four methods evaluated included osteotomy performed by chisel, a newly constructed osteotomy plate, Gigly and oscillating saw. Twelve adult sheep underwent osteotomy performed on both tibiae. Bone fragments were stabilized using a fixation plate. Callus size was assessed using standard radiographs. Densitometry and histological evaluation were performed at 8 weeks following osteotomy. Temperature measurements were performed both in vivo during the operation, and ex vivo on explanted tibiae. The defects healed without complications and showed typical course of secondary fracture healing with callus ingrowth into the osteotomy gap. Radiographic examination of bone healing showed a tendency towards more callus formation in bones osteotomized using Gigly and oscillating saw, but this difference lacked significance. Use of Gigly and oscillating saw elicited much higher temperatures at the bone cortex surface, which subsequently lead to slightly impaired bone healing according to histological analysis. BMD was equal among all bones. In conclusion, the time required for complete healing of the defect differed depended greatly on the instruments used. The newly constructed osteotomy plate showed best results based on histological findings of capillary and osteoblast density.

Complications during and after surgery of the lower cervical spine by isolated anterior approach with CSLP implant

BACKGROUND

The merits of different operative approaches in the management of spinal injury is debated. The aim of this study was to assess, retrospectively, the outcome of treatment of injuries of the lower cervical spine by an anterior approach, in terms of fusion rate and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1995 and 2004, 270 patients with an injury of the lower cervical spine were operated on by an anterior approach in our hospital. There were 67 females and 203 males. Using the Aebi and Nazarian classification, 22% of patients had a type A injury, 23% of patients had a type B injury and 55% of patients had a type C injury. All had an anterior approach with monocortical stabilisation using a cervical spine locking plate [Synthes].

RESULTS

Radiological evidence of fusion was found in all but one patient at 6 months. Complications occurred in a small proportion of the series. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was noted in seven patients, an abscess in the wound in one patient, a haematoma requiring re-operation for evacuation in two patients. The cervical locking plate broke in one patient and this patient went on to develop a pseudoarthrosis from failure to fuse. In another patient there was release of the plate osteosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the injured lower cervical spine by an anterior operation and plate fixation was successful in achieving bone fusion in almost every patient and was followed by a complication in only a small proportion of our series. Similar results in other reports indicate that this approach is a safe and effective procedure.

[Association between wound size after open cholecystectomy with severity of iatrogenic biliary tract lesions]

BACKGROUND

Transoperative biliary tract injury during open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a catastrophic event associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to determine if wound size during open cholecystectomy is associated with more complex biliary tract injuries.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study performed between March 2006 and February 2007. Sixty-six patients with biliary tract injuries after open cholecystectomy were included. Wound size was analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty six patients were included, 70% were female with a median age of 44. Seventy four percent were treated for acute cholecystitis. Most participants were overweight or had various degrees of obesity. Biliary tract injuries were not recognized during the primary surgical procedure in 76% of cases. All patients with severe biliary tract injuries (Strasberg E-3 and E-4) had a wound size less than 10 cm in length. Wound size was associated with unrecognized injuries (p=0.000), as well as with injury severity (p=0.000). We were notable to demonstrate a statistically significant association between biliary tract injuries and elective or emergency surgical procedures and midline or subcostal surgical incision for cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that minor surgical access during open cholecystectomy may constitute a risk factor since smaller incisions were associated with more severe biliary tract injuries and an inability to observe this damage during the surgical procedure. We suggest to adhere strictly to the guidelines of an adequate surgical exposure during open cholecystectomy to prevent biliary tract injuries.

Vertebral artery anomaly with entry at C4--avoiding a surgical pitfall: a case report

We present a case of an unusual course of the vertebral artery (VA) with intra-foraminal entrance at C4. A patient with traumatic fracture of C3 and C4 with dislocation C3/C4, spinal cord compression and ensuing quadriplegia presented with unilateral entrance of the VA at C4 detected on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient was surgically decompressed and stabilized by an anterior-posterior approach without intra-operative complications. Apart from anatomical findings no clinical case of entrance of the VA at C4 had been described in recent clinical literature. A physiologic high entrance of the VA is very rare but must be diagnosed preoperatively to avoid potential life threatening complications.