Injection of methylene blue solution into the inferior mesenteric artery of resected rectal specimens for rectal cancer as a method for increasing the lymph node harvest

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the injection of methylene blue solution into the inferior mesenteric artery could improve the lymph node harvest in rectal specimens of rectal cancer patients treated with rectal resection with total mesorectal excision.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 20 randomly selected fresh rectal specimens from patients with stages I-III rectal cancer treated at the Surgery Clinic at the Institute of Oncology of Vilnius University during the period from February 2008 to December 2010, and 20 specimens were selected under the same conditions to serve as the control group. The patients underwent conventional rectal resection with total mesorectal excision and coloanal anastomosis for low rectal cancer performed by the same surgeon, did not receive preoperative radiotherapy and had no distant metastases. After the removal of the specimen, 30 ml of 0.5% methylene blue solution was injected into the inferior mesenteric artery of the specimens in the study group (methylene blue group). The specimens from both the methylene blue and control groups were examined using the standards established by the Lithuanian National Centre of Pathology. The pathologist was not required to make any special macroscopic preparations. A retrospective analysis of clinical and histopathological records was performed.

RESULTS

Comparison of the mean lymph node harvest showed a significant difference between methylene blue and control groups with average lymph node numbers per specimen of 18 ± 5 and 14 ± 6, respectively (p = 0.025). The specimens from 12 of the 20 patients in the methylene blue group and the specimens from 7 of the 20 patients from the control group had positive nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Injecting methylene blue solution into the inferior mesenteric artery is an efficient and simple method for improving the lymph node harvest in the histopathological examination of rectal specimens of rectal cancer patients treated with rectal resection with total mesorectal excision.

Spontaneous isolated inferior mesenteric artery dissection

This report presents a case of a spontaneous isolated inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) dissection. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report in the literature. A fifty-eight-year-old female who suffered from acute left lower abdominal pain was admitted. CT scan and digital subtraction angiography indicated dilation in the proximal part of the IMA and occlusion in its distal part. Signs of peri-artery exudation also seen in the CT scan. Laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of IMA dissection and secondary thrombosis in its branches. After thrombectomy and intimal flap resection, the artery was successfully reconstructed with an autogenous vein patch. Isolated IMA dissection should be considered as one of the differentiation for patients with acute abdomen. Dilation, occlusion of the artery, and signs of peri-artery edema were important clues to suspect the IMA dissection. High resolution spiral CT, which may sometimes reveal the signs such as double lumen and intimal flap, helped to establish the diagnosis of such lesion.

[Integrity evaluation of resected mesentery specimen after total mesorectal excision by methylene blue perfusion via superior rectal artery]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the integrity of the resected mesentery specimen after total mesorectal excision (TME) for low rectal cancer using methylene blue perfusion via the superior rectal artery.

METHODS

Twenty patients with low rectal cancer were randomly divided into the methylene blue group (n=10) and the control group (n=10). All the patients received TME and macroscopic examination of the mesorectal surface was performed to evaluate the quality of the surgical specimen. The methylene blue was injected into the specimen postoperatively via superior rectal artery.

RESULTS

The mesorectal surface of all the specimens was intact on macroscopic examination. However, after methylene blue perfusion, 2 specimens were found to be incomplete. The number of lymph nodes in the methylene blue group were significantly larger (17.3+/-2.4 vs 12.4+/-5.4, P=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Integrity evaluation of TME specimen is necessary. Methylene blue perfusion is a convenient and effective method to identify subtle incompleteness of specimen and can improve the detection of lymph node.

Massive hemoperitoneum caused by rupture of an aneurysm of the marginal artery of Drummond

Aneurysms of visceral arteries are uncommon and their rupture is rare. We report a case of an aneurysm of the marginal artery of Drummond, which was complicated by rupture leading to massive hemoperitoneum. A selective superior mesenteric arteriogram suggested the possibility of segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) as a possible etiology and this was confirmed by histological examination. This is the first report of symptomatic SAM of the marginal artery of Drummond to date. This case demonstrates that the marginal artery of Drummond should be considered during the angiographic explorations for the source of hemoperitoneum. Management options are discussed.

A Rare Case of Thromboembolism in a 21-year Old Female with Elevated Factor VIII

In this article we present the history of a previously healthy female adolescent, who was seen at our hospital with abdominal pain. This was the result of a large floating thrombus in the aorta. Widespread embolism occurred, which lead to the loss of a limb and a left hemicolectomy. Although our patient is a smoker, used oral contraceptives and was found to have a heterozygote mutation at the factor V Leiden gene, the most important factor contributing to her thrombophilia is thought to be her significantly elevated factor VIII. We stress an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach in young patients with unknown embolism in order to avoid the grave consequences of delay.

Reteplase provocative visceral arteriography

GOALS

To present the results of a new protocol for provocative visceral arteriography.

BACKGROUND

Acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage (LGIB) usually stops spontaneously. In the absence of an identifiable source, if bleeding is recurrent, provocative visceral arteriography has been advocated for diagnosis. Prior studies using Streptokinase, Urokinase, or tissue plasminogen activator have reported a 33% to 37.5% rate of identifying the site of hemorrhage.

STUDY

We report a retrospective analysis of 9 patients in whom provocative visceral arteriography was performed using a new protocol with Reteplase as the fibrinolytic agent. All patients had recurrent, massive LGIB without definable source. Initial arteriography did not elicit a site of bleeding. Five units of Reteplase were administered over 1 minute into the inferior mesenteric artery, the superior mesenteric artery or both vessels sequentially. Arteriography was repeated after 5 to 10 minutes.

RESULTS

Colonic hemorrhage was induced in 89% of patients. There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Reteplase may prove safe and effective as a provocative agent, stimulating bleeding to allow localization, in patients with occult, recurrent, massive LGIB.

Inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm combined with renal artery stenosis in a patient with neurofibromatosis

A case is reported of an inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm that starts approximately 1 cm from its origin and ends at the proximal portion of the bifurcation of the sigmoidal and left colic arteries accompanied with complete absence of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric arteries. Additionally, left renal artery stenosis existed. The diagnosis was made by digital subtraction arteriography and confirmed by magnetic resonance arteriogram. Disease involving the inferior mesenteric artery is extremely uncommon. This may be the first reported case of neurofibromatosis in combination with renal artery stenosis and inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm associated with celiac and superior mesenteric artery occlusion and treated surgically.

Visceral Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Visceral artery aneurysms are rare vascular malformations and the literature lacks satisfactory general information about the pathology. The aim of this study was to review our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of visceral artery aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data on 10 patients who were diagnosed with visceral artery aneurysms at our institution between June 2002 and September 2005. All available clinical, pathologic, and postoperative data were reviewed and analyzed for postoperative outcome.

RESULTS

Four splenic artery aneurysms, 2 hepatic artery aneurysms, 5 renal artery aneurysms, 1 superior mesenteric artery aneurysm, and 1 inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm (13 total visceral artery aneurysms) were diagnosed in 10 patients. All the patients were treated except 1 patient with bilateral renal artery aneurysms. One patient required emergent surgical treatment due to splenic artery aneurysm rupture. Only 1 patient underwent endovascular treatment (ie, coil embolization for a superior mesenteric artery aneurysm); otherwise all the patients were treated surgically on an elective basis. Surgical treatment modalities included ligation with exclusion in 4 patients (2 splenic artery aneurysms, 1 renal artery aneurysm, 1 hepatic artery aneurysm) and resection with revascularization in 4 patients (1 splenic artery aneurysm, 2 renal artery aneurysms, 1 hepatic artery aneurysm, 1 inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm). Histopathologic examination of the vascular materials revealed major atherosclerotic changes except one that showed inflammatory vasculitic changes. One patient required bleeding revision, and mortality did not occur in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Visceral artery aneurysms are rare and potentially life-threatening vascular disorders. The number of cases diagnosed every year increases because of advanced radiologic diagnostic methods and screening programs. Careful consideration and early management of these malformations can be life saving.

[Transcatheter embolization of an inferior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula with frequent mucous diarrhea]

We report a case of inferior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula without portal hypertension or mesenteric ischemia. A 64-year-old man had developed frequent mucous diarrhea during the previous month. Colonoscopy showed highly edematous mucosa of the rectum. Barium enema demonstrated localized stricture of the same part but no evidence of malignancy. Finally we established a diagnosis by 3D-CT and selective abdominal angiography. Transcatheter arterial embolization was successfully performed. After that, his symptoms gradually improved as all abnormal findings on colonoscopy, barium enema and abdominal CT disappeared.

IMA Clipping for a Type II Endoleak

We describe herein a combined laparoscopic and endovascular approach to treat a type II endoleak due to retrograde flow in the patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). A 61-year-old gentleman presented with enlarging aneurysm sac confirmed on computed tomography scan evaluation after elective endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. A combined laparoscopic and endovascular approach was used. After distal IMA was identified and marked with a clip laparoscopically, on-table angiography showed a proximal left colic branch and persistent flow in the IMA. Therefore, further laparoscopic exploration was performed by dissection along the distal branch. The origin of IMA was then located and subsequently sealed with 2 surgical clips. The completion angiography confirmed the proper position of the surgical clips and absence of endoleak. Our case demonstrated useful role of endovascular techniques in identifying the origin of IMA during laparoscopic approach for treating type II endoleak.

Type 2 Endoleaks after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent Grafting with Systematic Mesenteric and Lumbar Coil Embolization

We evaluated the results of our policy of systematic coil embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and/or lumbar arteries (LAs) prior to endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR). We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing EVAR over a 4-year period at one hospital. Results were analyzed using uni- and multivariate analyses. Fifty-five male patients with an average age of 71 years were evaluated. Follow-up averaged 15 +/- 13 months. The IMA was either coiled or occluded in 30 cases. One or more LAs were coiled in 29 patients. An average of 1.3 LAs per patients were coiled (range 0-6). There were no immediate or late complications from coiling. At last follow-up, 14 AAAs showed no change in diameter, one increased by 2 mm, and the remainder (n = 40) decreased by 7.5 +/- 6 mm in maximal diameter. Only five (9%) type 2 endoleaks were detected during follow-up. Three were associated with AAA size increase. Four of the five were treated with additional coiling, with good results. By logistic regression, neither endoleak occurrence nor AAA shrinkage correlated with LA or IMA coiling. However, by multivariate analysis, completeness of lumbar coiling correlated negatively with aneurysm shrinkage (p = 0.04) and IMA coiling correlated positively with aneurysm shrinkage (p = 0.04). Coil embolization of the IMA and/or LAs prior to EVAR can be safely accomplished in a large number of cases and is associated with a low incidence of type 2 endoleaks. We cannot at present demonstrate a benefit to LA embolization in terms of endoleak prevention or AAA shrinkage. However, IMA embolization may be of benefit in terms of AAA shrinkage.

[Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm combined with inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm and occlusion of celiac and superior mesenteric arteries]

A 56-year-old man with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm combined with inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm and occlusion of celiac and superior mesenteric arteries is presented. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and aortography revealed thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm of 6 cm in diameter, accompanied by inferior mesenteric aneurysm of 3 cm in diameter. Severe calcification of the abdominal aorta and occlusion of the celiac and the superior mesenteric arteries were also noted, whose territories were perfused by collateral circulation of the inferior mesenteric artery. At the operation, orifice of the left renal artery was stenosed by severe calcification, which was resected. Because of severe adhesion around the origins of celiac and superior mesenteric arteries, they were left unrevascularized. The thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was replaced with an Dacron tube graft, whose side branch was anastomosed to the inferior mesenteric artery after resection of its aneurysm. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no symptoms of intestinal ischemia were noted. As blood supply to the abdominal viscera mostly depends on the inferior mesenteric artery, careful follow-up is necessary.

Laparoscopic lymph node dissection around the inferior mesenteric artery for cancer in the lower sigmoid colon and rectum: is D3 lymph node dissection with preservation of the left colic artery feasible?

BACKGROUND

When we perform laparoscopic lymph node dissection around the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), we preserve the left colic artery (LCA) to maintain the blood supply to the proximal sigmoid colon. In this study, we present our laparoscopic D2 and D3 lymph node (LN) dissection technique and evaluate its applicability and safety.

METHODS

We performed LN dissection on 23 rectal and lower sigmoid colon cancer cases from April 2002 to December 2004. For D3 LN dissection, the incision to the mesosigmoid extends to just before the root of the IMA, which is exposed with an ultrasonic cutting and coagulating surgical device to avoid bleeding. Then, the arterial wall is exposed with a dissecting electrocautery spatula down to the LCA, at least 2 cm of which is exposed. Adipose tissue surrounding the IMA and inferior mesenteric vein is dissected. For D2 LN dissection, we partially expose the IMA to confirm the location of the LCA.

RESULTS

The mean times taken for D2 and D3 LN dissections were 36.2 and 68.2 min, respectively. Both procedures took longer in male patients. There was a trend for the procedure overall to take less time in female patients. However, D2 dissection took significantly longer in male than female patients (p < 0.05). In women, D3 dissection took significantly longer than D2 (p < 0.05), but this trend was not seen in men. Increased experience among surgeons with this procedure was associated with significantly faster LN dissections in men (p < 0.05), but not in women (p = 0.493). Pearson product moment analysis identified a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the time taken for D2 LN dissection (r = 0.765), but not D3 LN dissection (r = 0.158). There was no treatment-related morbidity with this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

This method was safe and feasible for all patients in this series, but takes longer to perform in male patients.

Mesenteric stenting for chronic mesenteric ischemia

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric stenting has not been widely adopted for the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). The recent availability of embolic protection and low-profile devices with the theoretical ability to decrease perioperative bowel necrosis, led us to begin using mesenteric stenting for patients with CMI. We review our initial experience to examine short-term outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who were treated by vascular surgeons with mesenteric stenting for CMI. Patients with acute mesenteric ischemia were excluded. We evaluated perioperative morbidity and mortality, restenosis, recurrent symptoms, and reintervention. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to assess events during follow-up. We also compared these outcomes with a historical control group of patients treated with open surgical revascularization.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients underwent mesenteric stenting over the past 3 years. Mean age was 73, and 64% were women. There was no perioperative or 30-day mortality or major morbidity. Early restenosis and recurrent symptoms occurred in 10% and 9% of patients at 6 months. At a mean follow-up of 13 months, 53% of patients underwent reintervention. However, 93% were symptom-free at their last follow-up. Compared with open surgery, stent patients had lower perioperative major morbidity (30% vs 0%, P < .01) and shorter hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (median 10 days vs 2 days, and 3 days vs 0 days, respectively, P < .01 for both). However, stent patients were seven times as likely to develop restenosis (P < .01), four times more likely to develop recurrent symptoms (P < .01), and 15 times more likely to undergo reintervention (P < .01). There was one death 13 months after stenting due to mesenteric infarction in a patient lost to follow-up. One patient was successfully converted to open surgery after a second restenosis. He had regained 20 pounds and was determined to be a better operative candidate than at his initial presentation. There was no perioperative or 30-day mortality or major morbidity with reintervention after mesenteric stenting.

CONCLUSION

Mesenteric stenting for CMI can be performed with low perioperative risk. However, stenting is associated with early restenosis and recurrent symptoms requiring secondary procedures. Patients with severe nutritional depletion or high surgical risk may benefit from mesenteric stenting for CMI, but close follow-up is required. Later open surgery can be performed for restenosis if nutritional status and surgical risk are improved, or repeat angioplasty and stenting can be effectively performed if operative risk remains high.

Inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm: case report and literature review

A 70 year old man presented with retrosternal and epigastric pain. He was in shock. The diagnosis on admission was acute myocardial infarction. CT scan of the abdomen showed coeliac and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion. In addition there appeared to be large collateral from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) with a retroperitoneal collection. He underwent emergency laparotomy and a ruptured IMA aneurysm was detected. The aneurysm was excised and the IMA was ligated. He developed progressive multi-system organ failure post operatively. We discuss the aetiology, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of IMA aneurysms.

Ischemic enterocolitis examined by colonoscopy and selective angiography

AIM: To study the value of colonoscopy and selective angiography in diagnosing ischemic enterocolitis.

METHODS: Among the 16 cases under study, 10 cases had hypertension and a history of coronary artery disease (one was hospitalized for sub-ventricular-wall infarction). The blood pressure of 10 of the 16 cases ranged from 13.9-23.8 to 13.3-14.6 kPa (170-180/100-110 mmHg). Two cases had chronic auricular fibrillation, and in four cases, a cardiogram showed left-front branch conduction block. Sixteen patients were examined by colonoscopy. Among them, 14 cases had a long course of angiocardiac disease, and were further examined by selective mesenteric inferior angiography.

RESULTS: The colonoscopy revealed local mucous hyperemia edema and blood on contact. Lesions were found in the sigmoid colon in four cases, in the descending colon in eight cases and in splenic flexure in four cases, which suggests that the lesion always appeared in the left part of colon. There were different degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration, submucous bleeding, edema, fibro-embolism and hemosiderosis by biopsy in the 16 patients whose membranes affect part of the enteral wall. Of the 14 patients examined by mesenteric inferior angiography, 3 cases showed mesenteric amphraxis inferior and formation of collateral circulation. There were different degrees of stenosis in the other 11 subjects’ mesenteric inferior cavities which grew slim and their branches were stenotic, so the radiographic image was not complete and the ends of some branches even cannot be seen.

CONCLUSION: The colonoscopy and the selective mesenteric inferior angiography are both helpful in the diagnosis of ischemic enterocolitis.

[Pelvic and para-aortic lymphatic involvement in tubal carcinoma: topography and surgical implications]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the topography of pelvic and para-aortic node involvement in Fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC). This will help us to recommend appropriate surgical treatment options to the related patients.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A retrospective study was performed on 19 women with PFTC who underwent a systematic bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

The overall frequency of lymph node involvement was 47% (9/19). The frequency of pelvic and para-aortic metastases was 21% (4/19) and 42% (8/19) respectively. The frequency of lymph node metastases according to the stage of the disease (stage I, II and III) was : 29% (2/7), 50% (1/2) and 60% (6/10) respectively. The left para-aortic chain above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery was the site most frequently involved (75%) when para-aortic nodes were involved.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

In patients with primary tubal carcinoma, the left para-aortic chain above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery is the most frequently involved. A complete lymphadenectomy (including all pelvic and para-aortic chains up to the level of the left renal vein) should be performed in patients with primary tubal carcinoma, even in patients with stage I disease.

Frequency and Significance of Lumbar and Inferior Mesenteric Artery Perfusion After Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

PURPOSE

To evaluate the frequency and influence of perfused side branches (lumbar arteries [LA] and inferior mesenteric artery trunks) on development of type II endoleaks (EL-II) and on volume changes of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) after endovascular repair.

METHODS

Of 114 patients undergoing EVR of AAA, 89 patients (83 men; mean age 72+/-7.5 years, range 51-88) with >6 months' follow-up and no type I endoleaks were retrospectively analyzed to determine any relationships between retrograde perfusion, endoleaks, and sac volume. Data were derived from computed tomographic angiographic (CTA) scans taken before and after intervention, at discharge, and at 1, 3, 6, and semi-annually thereafter in follow-up. Two groups were identified and compared based on their status at 6 months post EVR: without perfused side branches (group 1) and with perfused collaterals (group 2); group 2 was further divided according to the absence (2a) or presence (2b) of endoleak.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 24 months (range 6-36). Based on a total of 582 CTAs analyzed, 17 (19%) patients developed type II endoleaks (EL-II) during follow-up. There was a significant difference in the number of perfused LAs prior to EVR between groups 1 (n=44) and the 45 patients with postprocedural patent collateral arteries in group 2 (p<0.05); there was no significant difference between groups 2a and 2b (p=0.88) relative to the number of pre-existing patent collaterals. The number of pLAs preoperatively and the rate of type II endoleak were significantly correlated (p<0.05). No type II endoleak was seen in patients without perfused side branches (p=0.01). No significant differences in mean volumes were found between groups 1 and 2a (no EL-II), but significant differences between groups 1 and 2b were seen in later follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

A larger number of patent LAs before EVR was associated with a significantly higher rate of type II endoleak. Patent collateral vessels were common after aneurysm repair, but the frequency decreased during follow-up. Persistent side branch perfusion was associated with increased type II endoleak after endovascular AAA repair. Significant differences in volume changes in later follow-up were seen between patients with or without type II endoleak.

Inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm in Behçet syndrome

We present a case report of an aneurysm of the inferior mesenteric artery, associated with occlusion of the celiac, superior mesenteric, and left renal arteries and severe stenosis in the right renal artery, in a 48-year-old patient with Behçet syndrome. The meandering inferior mesenteric artery, with an aneurysm 28 mm in greatest dimension, was the blood supply source for the intraperitoneal viscera. Aneurysm resection and reimplantation of the inferior mesenteric artery, and right renal artery bypass grafting with saphenous vein was performed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm caused by Behçet syndrome.