Primary repair of intraoperative disruption of the medical collateral ligament during total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative disruption of the medial collateral ligament during total knee arthroplasty is an uncommon complication that is frequently treated by implanting a prosthesis with varus-valgus constraint. To our knowledge, no data have been published on primary repair or reattachment of the medial collateral ligament and implantation of a minimally constrained posterior-stabilized or cruciate-retaining prosthesis. This retrospective study evaluates the hypothesis that satisfactory clinical results, at a minimum of two years, can be achieved with immediate repair or reattachment of the medial collateral ligament and without a constrained total knee prosthesis.

METHODS

Of 600 knees treated with primary total knee arthroplasty, sixteen (in fourteen patients) sustained either a midsubstance disruption of the medial collateral ligament or an avulsion of the ligament from bone during the procedure. Preoperatively, all patients had either neutral or varus alignment and an intact medial collateral ligament. Midsubstance tears were treated with direct primary repair, and avulsions of the ligament off the tibia or femur were treated with suture-anchor reattachment to bone. All patients wore a hinged knee brace, with no limit to the range of motion, for six weeks postoperatively. Clinical and radiographic data were gathered prospectively as part of a database that was ongoing throughout the period of study; the cohort of patients was assembled retrospectively by searching that database.

RESULTS

No patients were lost to follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up was forty-five months (range, twenty-four to ninety-five months). The Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores increased from a mean of 47 points (poor) preoperatively to a mean of 93 points (excellent) at the time of final follow-up. On physical examination, no patient had a Hospital for Special Surgery score in the fair or poor range and all patients had regained normal stability in the coronal plane both at full extension and at 30 degrees of flexion. No patient required knee-bracing beyond the initial six-week postoperative period. The range of motion at the time of final follow-up averaged 108 degrees (range, 85 degrees to 125 degrees ), although one knee required manipulation under anesthesia to obtain a satisfactory range of motion. No arthroplasties required revision. Radiographic examination demonstrated appropriate limb alignment in all patients at the time of final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative disruption of the medial collateral ligament can be treated with primary repair or reattachment of the ligament to bone and postoperative bracing with good results; this avoids the potential disadvantages associated with the use of varus-valgus constrained implants.

Replacement of the left common iliac vein with a custom-made bovine pericardium tubular graft

To date, venous reconstruction has not been as successful as arterial reconstruction. Prosthetic materials used as venous substitutes produce much lower patency rates with a higher incidence of early thrombosis than those used as arterial substitutes. We describe the case of a 38-year-old obese woman in whom we encountered an unexpected tear of the common iliac vein intraoperatively, during an anterior approach to the lumbar spine. Because of limited options, we replaced the vein with an interposition tubulargraft that was custom-made from bovine pericardium. Two years later, the patient remained asymptomatic with a patent graft. To our knowledge, there has been no other reported case in the world medical literature of replacement of medium-sized veins by this technique.

Totally laparoscopic abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) resection is a major surgical procedure performed frequently. As a minimal access procedure, laparoscopy has been shown in the field of general surgery to improve a patient's postoperative well-being and to shorten hospital stay. The same benefits could be expected from a laparoscopic approach for AAA repair. We report what we believe to be the first totally laparoscopic AAA repair performed according to the principles of endoaneurysmorrhaphy.

Delayed recognition of inadvertent gut injury during laparoscopy

Bowel injuries, which may occur as a result of the insertion of an insufflation needle or trocar, are a rare complication of laparoscopy. They are generally recognized either immediately or a few days after the operation. We present a case of laparoscopic perforation of the small intestine in a patient who had undergone previous pelvic surgery for an ovarian carcinoma. On ultrasound (US), the patient had multiple hepatic lesions resembling hepatic metastases. To confirm the diagnosis, laparoscopy with guided liver biopsy was performed on the grounds that this procedure is regarded as more appropriate than CT- or US-guided hepatic biopsy. Veress needle and trocar insertion were performed at a proper distance from the abdominal scar. However, the abdominal cavity was not visible after the trocar's insertion due to the unexpected presence of adhesions. This precluded the continuation of the procedure. In the following days, the patient experienced only mild abdominal discomfort. However, 2 weeks after laparoscopy, the patient presented signs of peritoneal reaction and underwent laparotomy. Adhesion-fixing jejunal loops to the anterior abdominal wall were discovered at the site of the trocar puncture. Moreover, two hiatuses of these loops were observed and sutured. The follow-up was uneventful. As this case illustrates, laparoscopic bowel injuries remain an unpredictable event. Recognition of this complication may occur several days after the procedure, as the tamponating effect of adhesions on the jejunal hiatus delays the involvement of the peritoneum.

[Intraoperative magnetic resonance tomography. Experiences with its use in neurosurgery]

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging using a 0.2 Tesla, open-configured scanner was applied in a total of 243 patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, clinical application, and indications of this method. No adverse effects of the intraoperative imaging could be observed. The extent of tumor resection could be evaluated in the majority of cases. Resection control in glioma, ventricular tumor, pituitary tumor, and epilepsy surgery were the main indications for the intraoperative application. Especially when combined with functional neuronavigation, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging allowed more radical resectioning with lower morbidity. Second looks to complete tumor removal during the same surgical procedure were possible to determine tumor remnants. Brain shift, which reduces the accuracy of neuronavigational systems, could be compensated for by intraoperative updates.

Hydrodissection after nucleus fracture

We introduce a technique of hydrodissection that reduces capsular bag distension and thus lowers the risk of capsular block syndrome. In 100 consecutive cases in which this method was used for cataract surgery, no complications occurred. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity was better than 20/40 in 96% of patients.

Complications of interval laparoscopic tubal sterilization: findings from the United States Collaborative Review of Sterilization

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk of intraoperative or postoperative complications for interval laparoscopic tubal sterilizations.

METHODS

We used a prospective, multicenter cohort study of 9475 women who had interval laparoscopic tubal sterilization to calculate the rates of intraoperative or postoperative complications. The relative safety of various methods was assessed by calculating overall complication rates for each major method of tubal occlusion. Method-related complication rates also were calculated and included only complications attributable to a method of occlusion. We used logistic regression to identify independent predictors of one or more complications.

RESULTS

When we used a more restrictive definition of unintended major surgery, the overall rate of complications went from 1.6 to 0.9 per 100 procedures. There was one life-threatening event and there were no deaths. Complications rates for each of the four major methods of tubal occlusion ranged from 1.17 to 1.95, with no significant differences between them. When complication rates were calculated, the spring clip method had the lowest method-related complication rate (0.47 per 100 procedures), although it was not significantly different from the others. In adjusted analysis, diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3, 8.8), general anesthesia (OR 3.2; CI 1.6, 6.6), previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (OR 2.0; CI 1.4, 2.9), and obesity (OR 1.7; CI 1.2, 2.6) were independent predictors of one or more complications.

CONCLUSION

Interval laparoscopic sterilization generally is a safe procedure; serious morbidity is rare.

Injury to the major airways during subtotal esophagectomy: incidence, management, and sequelae

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to gain insight into the incidence and sequelae of injury to the major airways during subtotal esophagectomy.

METHODS

We performed an analysis of 383 consecutive patients undergoing this procedure between 1993 and 1999. Indications were adenocarcinoma (220), squamous cell carcinoma (121), and other (42). Transhiatal resection was done in 269 (70%) patients and transthoracic resection in 114 (30%).

RESULTS

There were 4 men and 2 women (median age 57 years; range 45 to 68 years) with injury to the major airways, recognized during surgery in 5 patients and on the first postoperative day in the other. Five lesions occurred during transhiatal resection (5 of 269 = 1.8%) and 1 during transthoracic resection (1 of 114 = 0.8%; P =.67). The injury occurred proximal to the carina in 5 patients and in the left main bronchus in the other. All injuries could be closed primarily. The defect was covered with pericardium in 1 patient and with pleura in 2 patients. In all cases the gastric tube was placed over the defect. Pulmonary complications developed in 4 patients. Patients with tracheal injury required artificial ventilation for a longer period (median 6 days vs 1 day; P =.02) and stayed longer in the intensive care unit (median 11 vs 3 days; P <.01) than patients without such injury, although hospital time was not significantly prolonged (median 23 vs 16 days; P =.09). There was no associated mortality.

CONCLUSION

Tracheobronchial injury is a rare complication of subtotal esophagectomy. It can be managed effectively by primary closure and apposition of vital tissue (gastric tube) to the defect. It is associated with pulmonary complications, leading to prolonged assisted ventilation and stay in the intensive care unit, but mortality is rare.

Atherosclerotic disruption of the aortic arch during coronary artery bypass operation

A 70-year-old-man presented with a symptomatic three vessel coronary artery disease and was scheduled for myocardial revascularization. During extracorporeal circulation an intrathoracal bleeding occurred and aortic rupture was suspected. An iatrogenic plaque rupture in the concavity of the aortic arch was found due to cannulation attempts. The aortic arch was grafted in the so-called elephant trunk technique. Thereafter bypass grafts were anastomosed to the stenosed coronary arteries. The patient was discharged from hospital after 2 weeks in good condition.

[A successful repair of intraoperative retrograde type A aortic dissection in a patient with aortic regurgitation and ascending aortic aneurysm]

The patient was a 67-year-old male with aortic regurgitation and ascending aortic aneurysm. We noticed the type A retrograde aortic dissection occurring from the cannulation site through the right femoral artery. We discontinued cardio-pulmonary bypass immediately, and established selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) eleven minutes after retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). We underwent simultaneous aortic valve replacement and ascending and arch graft replacement with an aid of SCP combined with RCP and systemic low flow perfusion. Postoperative course was satisfactory, although patient had a transient neurologic deficit. Intraoperative aortic dissection is a rare but potentially fatal complication. RCP may be a simple and useful method in emergency operation for intraoperative retrograde type A aortic dissection to avoid serious cerebral damage.

Anterior dural laceration caused by thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures

A retrospective review of the records of 60 patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures was undertaken to document the incidence and evaluate the sequelae of dural injuries found during anterior procedures. In the entire series, six (10%) patients each had a preexisting vertically oriented dural tear. All patients with anterior dural lacerations were male and had associated neurologic deficits. In all six patients, preoperative computed tomography showed an asymmetrically retropulsed bone fragment. Dural tears were repaired primarily. A postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak developed into the chest cavity of one patient, who was treated successfully with subarachnoid drainage. In patients with anterior dural laceration, primary repair is warranted and can be performed more easily after intraoperative correction of kyphosis. Subarachnoid drainage may be effective in cases of continued postoperative anterior cerebrospinal fluid leakage before repeated operation is considered.

Iatrogenic urological trauma: a 10-year experience from Port Harcourt

A retrospective study was done to define the clinical characteristics and outcome of treatment of iatrogenic urological injuries in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Consecutive cases of iatrogenic urological injuries treated by consultant surgeons based in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital over a period of 10 years were reviewed. A total of 37 injuries occurred in 34 patients. The ages ranged from two weeks to 74 years with a mean of 30 years. The distribution of these injuries by sex was 23 males and 14 females. The operations in which the injuries occurred were: hysterectomy 12 cases (32%), hernia repairs 8 cases (22%) and male circumcision 6 cases (16%). The organs injured were ureter 13 times (35%), the bladder 12 times (32%) and the glans penis and distal urethra 12 times (32%). The surgeons responsible were mainly as follows: Gynecologist/Obstetrician 14 (38%), General Practitioner 9 (24%), Nurses 4 (11%), Non-medical persons 4 (11%), Not disclosed 3 (8%). The outcome of treatment was satisfactory in 33 (90%). There were two deaths. Strategies to prevent these injuries include adequate surgical training and meticulous surgical techniques.

Graft patency verification in coronary artery bypass grafting: principles and clinical applications of transit time flow measurement

The increasing popularity of beating-heart coronary surgery has raised concerns and doubts about the quality of the coronary anastomoses performed. Intraoperative graft patency verification methods are not commonly used after coronary surgery and, most of the cardiac surgeons, rely on the simple clinical signs (electrocardiogram tracings and hemodynamic stability) to make a diagnosis of coronary graft occlusion. New transit time ultrasound based methods for graft-patency verification have been adopted in many centers during beating-heart and traditional bypass grafting. Although the results are very encouraging, correct interpretation of the flow findings may prove difficult if specific rules are not properly followed. Flow curves, pulsatility index, and flow values should always be considered simultaneously before revising a coronary graft. Measurements should also be always performed with and without a proximal coronary snare. This article summarizes the main features of flowmetry and provides some technical pitfalls and suggestions to achieve an adequate intraoperative flow measurement adopting the transit time method.

[Intraoperative lesions of the maxillary artery and its immediate treatment. Presentation of a clinical case]

The authors discuss the possible vascular lesions that may occur during mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomies with particular regard to the maxillary artery. A case of surgical lesion of the maxillary artery is presented and its course and anastomoses are analyzed. The ligation of the external carotid artery and its principal branches is the treatment of choice in case of maxillary artery lesion which is a life threatening event and needs immediate intervention.

[Procedure for lens loss into the vitreous body during cataract operation]

Complications during cataract surgery such as dropped nucleus or lens fragment dislocation into the vitreous cavity may become sight threatening. The recommendations regarding possible therapeutic approaches are inconsistent. Several factors like uveitis and/or an increased intraocular pressure play a major role in the decision on the further surgical procedure. Recent publications recommend an early pars plana approach in order to avoid any traction at the peripheral retina during manipulations via a limbal approach.

Successful sealing of perforation of saphenous vein graft by coronary stent

Coronary artery perforation is a rare occurrence during angioplasty and could lead to major complications requiring emergency surgical intervention. We describe a case of perforation of a saphenous vein graft during stenting. The perforation was successfully sealed by a second coronary stent.

Laparoscopic repair of ureteral transection

Injury to the ureter is a possible complication of laparoscopic surgery. Traditionally, it is repaired by laparotomy. During laparoscopic surgery for bilateral ovarian remnants in a 29-year-old woman, the left ureter was transected. The ureter was repaired by primary end-to-end anastomosis by laparoscopy. The patient recovered uneventfully, and postoperative intravenous puelogram confirmed the repair to be intact.

Anomalous bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We report a patient in whom the common hepatic duct drained into the gall bladder body and the cystic duct continued as the bile duct into the duodenum. The anomalous duct was inadvertently injured during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The injury was repaired and end-to-end anastomosis of the hepatic and cystic ducts was done through a subcostal incision.

Portoenterostomy: an old treatment for a new disease

HYPOTHESIS

Portoenterostomy may be an effective treatment for patients sustaining a thermal injury to the hepatic duct confluence during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

A tertiary care referral hospital.

PATIENTS

A consecutive series of 5 female patients referred and treated between November 13, 1991, and December 17, 1998. Ages ranged from 29 to 65 years. In addition to the ductal injuries at or above the hepatic duct confluence, 3 patients also had a major hepatic vascular injury. The patients were available for follow-up for 7 to 91 months postoperatively.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent a portoenterostomy (Kasai procedure) with suturing of a Roux limb to the hepatic tissue surrounding the transected hepatic ducts. Transhepatic stents were inserted either preoperatively or postoperatively for rising liver enzyme levels in 4 patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Symptoms and results of liver function tests.

RESULTS

Stents remained in place for 9 to 25 months in 4 patients. All 5 patients were symptom free and functioning normally; 3 had normal liver functions; 2 had mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase levels only.

CONCLUSION

Portoenterostomy, usually in combination with postoperative stenting, may be an option to consider in life-threatening injuries involving the hepatic duct bifurcation in which standard biliary reconstruction techniques are not feasible.

[The treatment of severe complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

The treatment of 24 cases of severe complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in 1993-1998 is reported. Among them, 16 cases were from the other hospitals. The patients included 14 cases of bile duct injury, 3 cases of bile leak, 1 case of duodenal injury, 5 cases intraoperative hemorrhages, 1 case mediastinal emphysema. The data showed that bile duct injury was the most severe complication of LC. It is suggested that in order to prevent the complications a training of operators on adaptive exercise and standard intraoperative procedure should be undertaken. The diagnosis and treatment of severe complications are discussed and some useful advice is given in this paper.