Does the presence of a mesh have an effect on the testicular blood flow after surgical repair of indirect inguinal hernia?

PURPOSE

Modern treatment of inguinal hernias includes prosthetic mesh repairs. However, direct contact of the mesh to the vessels in the inguinal canal and perimesh fibrosis may have a negative impact on testicular flow. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of mesh implantation/perimesh fibrosis on testicular flow after repair of indirect inguinal hernias (IIHs).

METHOD

Forty-eight male patients with unilateral IIH were included. Both testicular parenchyma were assessed using gray-scale sonography, and color/spectral Doppler sonography was performed to evaluate testicular arterial impedance, perfusion, and venous flow. Measurements were made bilaterally at the level of the inguinal canal 1 day before and at the end of the 2nd month after the operation.

RESULTS

There was no difference in testicular and echotexture perfusion between the hernia and the control sides pre- and postoperatively. No venous thrombosis was found. In all groups, resistance index and pulsatility index, measured at 4 levels, were highest in the proximal inguinal canal and lowest at the extratesticular-intrascrotal level (p < 0.05). For all Doppler parameters there was no significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements on both the hernia and the control sides.

CONCLUSION

Mesh implantation/perimesh fibrosis does not adversely affect ipsilateral testicular flow. Mesh application is still a safe procedure in male patients in whom testicular function is important.

Leg ulceration in chronic venous insufficiency caused by an absent inferior vena cava

We report here the case of a 55-year-old Japanese man with a one-year history of multiple ulcers on the left crural region. He had had pronounced varicose veins on both legs and the abdominal region for 35 years. Computed tomography images of the thoracic and abdominal regions showed the absence of an inferior vena cava, with pronounced dilatation of paravertebral venous plexus, cutaneous and azygous veins. Conservative topical treatments led to complete healing of the ulcers in one month. An absent inferior vena cava is an uncommon abnormality, often complicated by cardiac and other visceral malformations. It is a rare cause of chronic leg ulcers.

[Sequence of venous blood flow alterations in patients after recently endured acute thrombosis of lower-limb deep veins based on the findings of ultrasonographic duplex scanning]

This study was undertaken to investigate the sequence of alterations in the venous blood flow to have occurred within the time frame of one year after sustained acute thrombosis of the lower-limb deep veins, which was carried out using the standard technique of ultrasonographic duplex scanning. A total of thirty-two 24-to-62-year-old patients presenting with newly onset acute phlebothrombosis were followed up. All the patients were sequentially examined at 2 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs of the disease. Amongst the parameters to determine were the patency of the deep veins and the condition of the valvular apparatus of the deep, superficial and communicant veins. According to the obtained findings, it was as early as at the first stage of the phlebohaemodynamic alterations after the endured thrombosis, i. e., during the acute period of the disease, that seven (21.9%) patients were found to have developed valvular insufficiency of the communicant veins of the cms, manifesting itself in the formation of a horizontal veno-venous reflux, and 6 months later, these events were observed to have occurred in all the patients examined (100%). Afterwards, the second stage of the phlebohaemodynamic alterations was, simultaneously with the process of recanalization of the thrombotic masses in the deep veins, specifically characterized by the formation of valvular insufficiency of the latter, manifesting itself in the form of the development of a deep vertical veno-venous reflux, which was revealed at month six after the onset of the disease in 56.3% of the examined subjects, to be then observed after 12 months in 93.8% of the patients involved. Recanalization of thrombotic masses was noted to commence 3 months after the onset of thrombosis in twelve (37.5%) patients, and after 12 months it was seen to ensue in all the patients (100%), eventually ending in complete restoration of the patency of the affected veins (to have occurred in 25% of the cases). Of special interest was the finding that insufficiency of the ostial valve of the great saphenous vein, manifesting itself by a superficial vertical veno-venous reflux, was revealed only in two (6.25%) patients examined 12 months after the onset of the disease, which may be regarded as the third stage of the phlebohaemodynamic alterations. That low prevalence and no evidence of varicose transformation of superficial veins appear to suggest an important part they play in compensation of the venous outflow from the extremity affected.

Internal jugular vein valve incompetence in COPD and primary pulmonary hypertension

PURPOSE

Under physiologic conditions, intact internal jugular vein valves (IJVVs) efficiently prevent retrograde venous flow during intrathoracic pressure increase. Chronically elevated central venous pressure found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) might lead to IJVV incompetence (IJVVI). The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of IJVVI in patients with COPD and PPH using duplex sonography (DUS).

METHOD

We included 30 COPD patients, 5 PPH patients, and 100 healthy controls in the study. IJVVI was diagnosed if retrograde jugular blood flow was seen on DUS during a Valsalva maneuver. Retrograde venous flow intensity was evaluated and graded according to extent and duration of reflux.

RESULTS

IJVVI was found in 18 (60%) COPD patients and in all 5 (100%) PPH patients, which was significantly different from the controls (27%; p < 0.005). The intensity of venous retrograde flow correlated with the pulmonary artery pressure.

CONCLUSION

Compared with healthy controls, COPDand PPH patients demonstrated a significantlygreater prevalence of IJVVI, which seems to be caused by the elevated central venous pressure. These patients may be at higher risk to develop central nervous system diseases related to cerebral outflow obstruction.

Hyperemic maximal venous outflow unmasks symptomatic lower extremity venous obstruction

Venous obstruction is an underappreciated and often unrecognized component of the pathophysiology of symptomatic chronic venous disease (CVD). Moreover, standard methods used to detect venous obstruction, such as maximal venous outflow, are inadequate as they typically test patients at rest and in the supine position when the pathophysiology of CVD is defined in the upright patient performing exercise. This report describes a patient with incapacitating venous claudication in whom standard noninvasive venous function tests were normal and whose phlebography was interpreted as showing no evidence of venous obstruction. A postocclusive reactive hyperemic technique was used to unmask significant outflow obstruction, leading to operative correction and subsequent symptom resolution.

[Clinico-histopathological correlations of venous wall modifications in chronic venous insufficiency]

The interest manifested for the conjunctive tissue pathology leaded to the study of the structural disorder that appears in the varicose veins walls. The study is a prospective one initiated in March 2007 made on 11 patients with varicose disease hospitalized at Cluj-Napoca within Surgery Clinic no. II. The purpose of this study is to point out the histopathological modifications in the varicose venous wall (great saphenous vein cross, communicating veins, perforating veins), as well as the correlation of histopathological results with the evolutive stage of chronic vein insufficiency (CEAP classification) and with the clinical score at these patients. The histopathological (HP) results for 2 of the patients revealed hypertrophy of the media, intimal hyperplasia (stage II) corresponding to a CEAP 3. Six patients were integrated in HP stage III due to the partial intimal fibrosis corresponding to a CEAP 6 for one case, CEAP 4 one case, CEAP 3 four cases. One patient had HP stage I with CEAP 3 and two patients had HP stage IV corresponding to CEAP 5, respectively CEAP 6.

Photocopy machines and occupational antiphospholipid syndrome

Two patients who worked for several years in the operation and maintenance of photocopy machines developed an autoimmune disease. In both, early manifestations were thromboembolic phenomena associated with anticardiolipin antibodies. Joint and kidney involvement emerged later, with the appearance of other autoantibodies. These two patients were occupationally exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, ozone emission, and possibly some oxides of heavy metals. To our knowledge this is the first report of occupational autoimmune disease in photocopy machine workers, and the first description of antiphospholipid syndrome as an occupational disease. The possible cause-effect inter-relationship between their occupational exposure and autoimmune disease is discussed.

[Phlebopathies: aetiology and therapeutic management]

Phlebopathy is an ambiguously interpreted term. In the Russian literature, it implies functional disorders of the venous system, albeit not seriously jeopardizing, however substantially decreasing quality of life. Phlebopathies may be induced by different causes, not infrequently common with the risk factors of chronic venous insufficiency. The present work deals with the classification, pathogenesis and epidemiology of phlebopathies, as well as the results of the original studies on management of hormone-induces phlebopathy. Hormone-induced phlebopathy - symptoms of phlebopathy or chronic venous insufficiency induced by long-term intake of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). To optimize treatment of the pathology concerned, we examined three groups of female patients (112 women) suffering from hormone-induced phlebopathy of the lower limbs. In Group One patients, COCs were discontinued with no administration of venotonic agents. Group Two patients along with withdrawal of COCs were given Antistax, as well as elastic compression. Group Three patients continued receiving COCs accompanied by simultaneous treatment with Antistax. During the study, we determined the malleolar volume, also assessing the degree of subjective symptoms, and quality of life. It was shown that withdrawal of COCs alone was not sufficient to stop symptoms of phlebopathy. Antistax efficiently stops the majority of these clinical manifestations, even on the background of intake of contraceptives. The maximal effect was observed in discontinuation of the COCs, intake of Antistax and prescription of elastic compression.

Surgical management of multiple posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas of femoral vessels

Presented herein are two case reports concerning surgical management of posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas of femoral vessels. Case 1. A 45-year-old female patient attended with a history of a shotgun injury wound of her left femur and crus sustained when a girl of eight. She sought medical attention for a progressively deteriorating condition, accompanied by pain, and breathlessness dyspnea at rest. Detected were multiple fistulas between the deep femoral artery and superficial femoral artery and femoral vein. Management consisted in separation of the arteriovenous fistulas, followed by prosthetic repair of the deep femoral artery. Case 2. A 32-year-old male patient after an accidentally inflicted shotgun injury of the his left femur underwent within a time period of 3 year three vascular operations including ligation of the deep femoral artery and femoral vein followed by having later on developed secondary lymphedema of his left lower limb and pronounced manifested chronic venous insufficiency. Management included dissociation of the numerous arteriovenous fistulas between the branches of the deep femoral artery and the common femoral artery, as well as between the superficial femoral artery and femoral vein.

Splenic artery aneurysm—a rare cause for extrahepatic portal venous obstruction: A case report

Splenic artery aneurysm is a rare yet very important clinical entity because of its potential for rupture with fatal consequences. Most of the splenic artery aneurysms are found in the middle and distal third of the splenic artery and are usually small (< or = 2 cm) at the time of diagnosis. We describe a rare case of large (5x4 cm) juxta-ostial splenic artery aneurysm causing compression of the splenoportal confluence and adjoining proximal portal vein in a 40-year-old woman.

Endovenous laser ablation for saphenous vein insufficiency: immediate and short-term results of our first 60 procedures

PURPOSE

To present the immediate and short-term results of our first 60 endovenous laser (EVL) ablation procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2005 and December 2006, 60 EVL ablations were performed in 36 symptomatic patients (26 females, 10 males; mean age +/- SD, 46 +/- 14 years). The incompetent veins included the great saphenous vein (GSV) (n = 52), small saphenous vein (n = 6), and major branches of the GSV (n = 2). In all cases incompetent veins were punctured under ultrasound (US) guidance and the laser fiber was placed into these veins through a vascular sheath or with the help of a catheter. After tumescent anesthesia was administered, the veins were ablated with laser by delivering 50-100 joules/cm energy to the vein wall. Following EVL ablations, 29 patients also underwent foam sclerotherapy to treat the remaining varicosities. After the EVL ablation +/- sclerotherapy, patients were followed- up with Doppler US at 1 week, and then 3, 6, and 12 months post procedure.

RESULTS

In all patients EVL ablation was technically successful. Complications were minor and included transient visual disturbance due to foam sclerotherapy (n = 1), bruising/ ecchymoses (n = 24), postoperative pain (n = 16), and superficial thrombophlebitis (n = 6). All patients returned to normal activity within 2 days. During the 7 +/- 5 months (mean +/- SD) of follow-up, recurrent reflux was seen in only one patient, in both GSVs, which was successfully treated with foam sclerotherapy.

CONCLUSION

EVL ablation is a safe and effective method for the management of saphenous vein insufficiency.

[The effect of standing in the workplace and the development of chronic venous insufficiency]

In the paper published by Shemesh et al. in this issue of Harefuah the authors present a theory according to which mechanical hydrostatic pressure generated by long periods of standing at the workplace is a major etiologic factor in the development of chronic venous insufficiency of the superficial venous system in the legs. Despite their opening remarks, concerning the complexity and controversiality of the etiology of this condition, the authors recommend that doctors and health authorities will take this "fact" into consideration when discussing working conditions and pass appropriate regulations ensuring enforcement. Unfortunately, there is insufficient evidence to support this conclusion. Both varicose veins and working while standing are very common, so it is not surprising to find a high percentage of varicose veins amongst those who work standing up. This, however, does not mean they are directly related. Ambulatory venous pressure while sitting is about 60-80 mm of water, as opposed to 20 mm while walking, and the number is only slightly higher (about 100) while standing. If venous pressure alone was the cause of CVI, we should have found relatively high incidence of CVI amongst workers in sitting positions. Yet, this is not the case. In the normal anatomy, venous valves are absent from the heart to the mid external iliac vein in the majority of the population, leading to high hydrostatic pressure on the first valves in the groin area. Recent work by J. Bergan and his group demonstrated (in laboratory animals) that increased venous pressure will lead to the disappearance of the valve leaflets. This can explain the high frequency of venous reflux amongst young people (13%) and the even higher frequency (35%) found amongst the elderly population. However, despite the high frequency of venous reflux and high venous pressure that are recorded, the majority of patients are asymptomatic. Today it is widely agreed that hydrostatic pressure alone is not enough to create CVI. Muscle pump failure and venous outflow obstruction, are as important contributors as the increased venous pressure. Moreover, new works by Zamboni and his group demonstrate that complicated inflammatory mechanisms play a major role in the etiology of varicose veins. The attempt to blame working conditions (i.e. standing) as an important and significant factor in the development of this complex disease process is far from established. Given the high economic costs (workers' compensations, creating new work environments etc.) that the writers' recommendation will inflict if implemented, one should exercise extreme caution in the interpretation of Dr Shemesh's work.

[Possible ramifications of prolonged standing at the workplace and its association with the development of chronic venous insufficiency]

The issue of working conditions and their health ramifications have recently been raised on the public agenda in Israel with special emphasis on occupations requiring prolonged standing. This review article discusses the physiological and medical aspects of prolonged standing in the workplace. Searching the literature, 19 studies were found which specifically examined the effect of prolonged standing versus prolonged sitting at work. Most of these studies suggested that prolonged standing may result in the development and aggravation of chronic venous insufficiency. The association between prolonged standing and venous insufficiency was found to be more pronounced in women than in men.

Late incidence of chronic venous insufficiency after deep vein harvest

BACKGROUND

The deep veins (DV) of the thigh have proven to be versatile autogenous conduits for arterial reconstruction. Harvesting DV poses a theoretical risk of compromising venous outflow of the limb, which could predispose to chronic venous morbidity. The purpose of this study was to define the late incidence of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and to characterize the long-term alterations in venous physiology after DV harvest.

METHODS

Since 1991, 269 patients have undergone arterial reconstructions using DV at our facility. Patients with DV harvest at least 43 months prior to the study (n = 151) were eligible for inclusion. Eighty-nine patients were excluded (deceased = 70; lost to follow-up = 19). Forty-six patients who declined formal testing were queried by phone for signs and symptoms of CVI. The current study presents a case-control series of 16 patients (27 limbs) after DV harvest and six age- and gender-matched control patients (12 limbs) who underwent examination and venous testing.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 70.1 +/- 5.6 months, 23 of 27 limbs (85.2%) had no significant CVI (CEAP C(0) to C(2)). Four limbs (14.8%) had significant venous morbidity (C(3) to C(6)), including edema alone (C(3); n = 2 limbs), edema with skin changes (C(4); n = 1 limb), and a healed venous ulceration (C(5); n = 1 limb). APG testing confirmed relative venous outflow obstruction after DV harvest (mean outflow fraction: harvested limbs = 38.4 +/- 3.9% vs control limbs = 51.7 +/- 4.3%; P = .04). Despite the relative outflow obstruction, the mean VFI was not significantly different between harvested and control limbs (harvested limbs = 1.08 +/- 0.15% vs control limbs = 0.77 +/- 0.16%; P = .19). DV harvest resulted in no significant changes in calf ejection fraction (harvested limbs = 67.4 +/- 6.4% vs control limbs = 86.8 +/- 9.5%; P = .09) or residual volume fraction measured (harvested limbs = 32.3 +/- 6.4% vs control limbs = 47.7 +/- 11.6%; P = .22). Of the 46 patients interviewed by phone, five (10.9%) reported bilateral amputations, seven (15.2%) reported chronic edema in their harvested limbs (C(3)), and 34 (73.9%) reported no signs of CVI in their harvested limbs (C(0)).

CONCLUSIONS

Deep vein harvest produces few symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, and venous ulceration is infrequent. Despite relative venous outflow obstruction, noninvasive indices of chronic venous insufficiency on APG are often normal, suggesting that the risk of developing venous ulceration is low in the majority of patients after DV harvest.

Postthrombotic or non-postthrombotic severe venous insufficiency: impact of removal of superficial venous reflux with or without subcutaneous fasciotomy

BACKGROUND

Severe chronic venous insufficiency is often associated with therapy-resistant or recurrent venous leg ulcers, either as a result of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)- (postthrombotic syndrome [PTS]) or superficial venous insufficiency (SVI). Frequently present dermatoliposclerosis affects the skin as well as the subcutaneous and subfascial structures, which may impact tissue pressures and compromise skin perfusion. This study was undertaken to measure tissue pressures in PTS and SVI limbs and to evaluate the impact of removal of superficial venous reflux with or without concomitant subcutaneous fasciotomy.

MATERIAL

In eight patients with recurrent, therapy-resistant venous leg ulcers, due to PTS (11 limbs, 12 ulcers) and 14 patients with severe SVI (14 limbs, 14 ulcers), subcutaneous fasciotomy was performed in addition to removal of superficial reflux. They were compared with eight patients with PTS (11 limbs, 11 ulcers) and 10 patients with SVI (13 limbs, 13 ulcers) who did not have fasciotomy in addition to removal of their superficial venous reflux. Intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) tissue pressures and transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO(2)) were measured prior to, immediately after, and 3 months following the surgical intervention. Healing of ulcer (spontaneous or by skin grafting) at 3 months was also observed.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences between the groups regarding gender and age distribution or ulcer age at the time of surgery. All patients had in addition to surgery compression stockings class II (30 mm Hg). The i.m. tissue pressure was higher in patients with PTS compared with SVI patients, while s.c. tissue pressure and TcPO(2) did not differ between the groups. When fasciotomy was performed, i.m. and s.c. tissue pressures decreased and TcPO(2) increased significantly. Without fasciotomy, only s.c. tissue pressure decreased first at 3 months postoperatively. In the SVI-group, i.m tissue pressure was significantly decreased at 3 months in the group without fasciotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency with therapy-resistant or recurrent ulcer disease due to deep and superficial insufficiency have higher i.m. tissue pressures than patients with only superficial venous reflux, even though both groups have higher i.m. and s.c. tissue pressures compared with normal values. Eradication of all superficial reflux lowers s.c. tissue pressure, while additional fasciotomy lowers both i.m. and s.c. tissue pressures and increases TcPO(2), which seems to promote ulcer healing.

A case of pulmonary vein obstruction: evaluation using newer echocardiographic imaging techniques

A 59-year-old woman was admitted in our hospital due to persistent cough and dyspnea. Transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated a cardiac mass (29 x 34 mm) that extended from the right upper pulmonary vein into the left atrium causing the partial obstruction of the right lower vein as indicated by the increased Doppler velocities. Contrast echocardiography confirmed the presence of microcirculation within the mass. During transesophageal (TEE) echocardiographic study, color Doppler imaging and power Doppler imaging (Angio((R)) Vivid 7, GE Medical System, Horten, Norway) demonstrated the presence of vascular flow within the mass. A chest magnetic resonance tomography showed a pulmonary mass of 30 x 25 x 28 mm infiltrating the pulmonary veins. After surgery, biopsy confirmed a high grade mucoepidermoid lung cancer with few large arterioles. The new echocardiographic techniques can reliably differentiate a cardiac tumor from a cardiac thrombus.

A descriptive study of skin temperature, tissue perfusion, and tissue oxygen in patients with chronic venous disease

Chronic inflammation and microcirculatory disturbances of the skin have been implicated as causative factors of complications associated with chronic venous disease (CVD). The purpose of this study is to describe the mean differences between and correlations among three measures of microcirculation: skin temperature (Tsk), tissue perfusion/blood flow (BF), and tissue oxygen (tcPO(2)) of CVD-inflamed skin compared to normal controls. In a convenience sample of 55 patients with CVD (n = 31) and without CVD (n = 24), Tsk was measured with an infrared thermometer, BF with a laser Doppler flowmeter, and tcPO( 2) with a transcutaneous oximeter across three measurements periods 1 week apart (Times 1, 2, and 3) at the medial aspect of both lower legs. Tsk was higher (1.2 degrees C) across all measurement periods (p < .05), BF was higher at Times 1 and 3 (p = .002 and .012, respectively), and tcPO(2) was lower at Times 1 and 3 (p = .013 and .050, respectively) in the CVD group as compared to the non-CVD group. BF and Tsk were positively correlated at Times 1 and 2 (r = .516, p < .005; r = 0.278, p = .04) but not at Time 3 (r = 0.235, p > .05). No consistently significant correlations were found between tcPO(2) and BF or tcPO(2) and Tsk (p > .05). Tsk and BF were higher in the skin of lower legs affected by CVD than in those not affected. Pathological processes in the skin produce heat detectable by an infrared thermometer. Measurement and monitoring of Tsk can augment clinical findings and guide treatment when localized inflammation is suspected. Future studies of Tsk should be directed toward the usefulness of infrared technology to develop a CVD leg ulcer prediction model.

Chronic venous disorders: Correlation between visible signs, symptoms, and presence of functional disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of chronic venous disorders (CVD) in different demographic groups in Italy and to provide correlations between patterns of valve incompetence and clinical feature of disease severity.

METHODS

Advertisements in television and newspapers in 53 Italian cities were used to solicit 16,251 subjects (13,826 women, mean age 50.4 years; 2,425 men, mean age 59.1 years). They underwent a clinical examination of the lower limbs, including presence and severity of visible signs (CEAP classification), and assessment of functional disease by color-coded duplex ultrasound imaging.

RESULTS

Varicose veins and telangiectases were the most common objective signs in both men and women. Older people were more severely affected. Telangiectases were more frequent in women, and men had a higher incidence of trunk varices, trophic changes, and venous reflux. Frequency of both visible and functional venous disease increased with family history and body mass index. Presence of reflux correlated positively with increasing CEAP grade of visible disease (Pfor trend < .0001 for all superficial venous segments). A large number of subjects, especially women, complained of subjective symptoms in the legs, and the presence of symptoms correlated almost always positively with both worsening of visible findings (P for trend < .001) and presence of hemodynamic change in both genders.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of reflux increased with the severity of visible signs of disease as described by the CEAP classification. In men, the occurrence of subjective symptoms was mostly correlated with functional disorders.

To evaluate the differences of risk factors in patients with lower extremity venous disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is a difference between risk factors in patients diagnosed to have clinically documented lower extremity venous disease after confirming the diagnosis radiologically by ultrasonographic and venographic evaluation.

METHODS

This study was performed from January 2002 to January 2005 in Bursa, the fourth biggest city of Turkey, situated in the west of the country in the Marmara Region. The study center is a private imaging center working in conjunction with the Department of Health, which performs diagnostic, and therapeutic vascular protocols in the region. Five hundred and fifty-three cases with clinically and radiologically documented diagnoses were evaluated with Multi-Variate Statistical Package 3.13 for the presence of pre-defined clusters of 14 different variables. Other statistical analyses were performed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 13.0.

RESULTS

Three different clusters were defined. The variables used to define the clusters were: age, gender, educational level, presence of smoking, amount of smoking (pack/per year), disease symptoms, presence of heart disease, and radiologically documented diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins are venous system diseases that are most commonly present in association with more than one concomitant risk factor.

Sonographic evaluation of venous obstruction in liver transplants

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to identify specific Doppler criteria for portal vein and outflow vein (hepatic veins and inferior vena cava) obstruction in liver transplants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of Doppler sonographic studies and angiograms in 94 liver transplant cases (72 whole liver, 22 lobar) with suspected vascular obstruction. The angiograms were classified as normal, occluded, or stenosed on the basis of appearance and elevated pressure gradient. Sonography was correlated with angiography. The following Doppler parameters were evaluated: for the portal vein, peak anastomotic velocity and anastomotic-to-preanastomotic velocity ratio; and for the outflow veins, venous pulsatility index. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed and optimum thresholds for stenosis were defined.

RESULTS

There were 16 cases of portal vein obstruction (11 stenosis, five occlusion) and 35 cases of outflow vein obstruction (34 stenoses, one occlusion). Mean peak anastomotic velocity in normal portal veins was 58 cm/s, whereas mean peak anastomotic velocity in stenosed veins was 155 cm/s (p = 0.0007). Peak anastomotic velocity threshold of > 125 cm/s was 73% sensitive and 95% specific for stenosis. Mean anastomotic-to-preanastomotic velocity ratio in normal portal veins was 1.5, and mean anastomotic-to-preanastomotic velocity ratio in stenosed veins was 4.69 (p = 0.001). A 3:1 ratio was 73% sensitive and 100% specific for stenosis. Mean venous pulsatility index for normal outflow veins was 0.75, and mean venous pulsatility index in stenosed veins was 0.39. A venous pulsatility index of < 0.45 was 95.7% specific for stenosis. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.83 for peak anastomotic velocity, 0.86 for anastomotic-to-preanastomotic velocity ratio, and 0.84 for venous pulsatility index, indicating good correlation.

CONCLUSION

Peak anastomotic velocity, anastomotic-to-preanastomotic velocity ratio, and venous pulsatility index are useful parameters for diagnosing venous stenosis in liver transplants.

Monitoring the Changes in Intraparenchymatous Venous Pressure to Ascertain Flap Viability

BACKGROUND

Disruption of venous outflow can lead to tissue necrosis. Thrombosis of a venous channel at the coaptation site in instances of free tissue transfer could cause death of the transplanted tissues. Although various techniques have been used to monitor the viability of transferred tissues, there has been no technique designed specifically to check the flow within and the patency of the venous channel. The authors have devised an approach with which to monitor the changes in venous pressure in a composite tissue transferred by means of microsurgical technique for bodily reconstruction.

METHODS

The status of the venous system in various composite tissue grafts was monitored at the time of surgery or for 3 days after the completion of surgery by placing a small-caliber catheter in the vein within the transferred tissue. A total of 52 patients participated in the study.

RESULTS

The venous pressure noted in grafts with a patent venous channel remained constant within a range between 0 and 35 mmHg. Venous insufficiency was detected in three of the 52 cases, with unmistakable findings of an elevated venous pressure of over 50 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of measuring the venous pressure by means of an indwelling venous catheter to monitor changes was found to accurately assess the patency of the venous channel and, by inference, the viability of the transferred tissue. No morbidity was associated with the technique.